Search

In both Islamic and conventional finance, SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) are a crucial part of securitisation. In an Islamic mode of securitisation, the SPV is accountable to facilitate the management of Sukuk, holding the title of the underlying asset, serving as a bankruptcy remote, and facilitating the cash flow for the investors. While Sukuk agreements are primarily regulated by English law, Sukuk's Shari’ah framework and underlying contract are governed under the jurisdiction of the local laws where Sukuk assets are located. Given this background, the study aims to examine the enforceability of foreign judgements and SPV framework of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and UAE, and afterward qualitatively analyse to determine the best practices from jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Malaysia, the Cayman Islands, and Turkey which can be incorporated in the selected jurisdictions. In this essence, secondary data is obtained from multiple resources such as Sukuk laws and regulations as well as articles, books, websites, and academic writings. These materials are then compared and analysed using the content analysis method. Thus, the regulations with respect to SPV incorporation and enforceability of foreign judgment will be examined as the analysis of these aspects will assist the Islamic finance community to reform their SPV framework in ways that explicitly and efficiently ensure transparency and inclusively disclose the scope of the role and status of all parties involved in an SPV formation.

Introduction: Investigation of urine proteome in patients with acute melioidosis may reveal potential disease markers, from either bacterial or human proteins. We used an in-solution gel-free method instead of 2-DE to detect human and Burkholderia pseudomallei proteins in urine of patients with acute melioidosis. Here, we propose a simpler, economical method for preparing urine samples directly from melioidosis patients, for in-solution proteomic analysis using LCMS-QTOF MS/MS or MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Material and Methods: We adapted an acetone-TCA based protein precipitation method with LCMS-QTOF MS to detect the B. pseudomallei proteins directly from urine of acute melioidosis patients (culture positive and negative). This process involves protein precipitation, desalting, trypsin digestion, and optimization for the mass spectrometry. Results: A total of 3,866 human peptides were detected across 11 urine samples from clinically suspected acute melioidosis patients. Among them were three Burkholderia specific proteins detected in 75% of culture positive samples. Large amounts of acute phase proteins, cell mediated immunity proteins, complement pathway proteins and inflammatory mediators were seen upon gene ontology (GO) annotation and GO enrichment analysis. Conclusions: This simple in-solution sample preparation method can be replicated easily for LCMS/MS-QTOF and MALDI-TOF proteomic analyses, avoiding tedious optimization steps in 2-DE. This method is cost effective and can be done in centres without specialized 2-DE or MS equipment and elutes can be easily transported for analysis and bioinformatics. This is the first study to analyse urine samples directly for B. pseudomallei proteins. Discovery of the entire proteome as a whole is important in leading to biomarker discovery.

INTRODUCTION: In the current climate of urgency in identifying biomarkers for the development of rapid diagnostic kits, the use of urine samples to diagnose acute melioidosis was evaluated, comparing urine samples from Burkholderia pseudomallei culture-positive and culture-negative patients, and comparing pneumonic and septicemic melioidosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven urine samples from clinically suspected melioidosis patients from a tertiary referral center, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang was used. An in-solution method for the detection of bacterial proteins using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight (LCMS QTOF) was used. RESULTS: Three bacterial proteins were consistently detected among all the culture[1]positive and PCR-positive cases tested, namely SDR family NAD(P)-dependent oxidoreductase protein (32kDa), 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase Burkholderia sp. (32kDa), and NAD(P)-dependent dehydrogenase (short-subunit alcohol dehydrogenase family) Burkholderia sp. (33kDa). CONCLUSIONS: Short-chain dehydrogenase (SDO) proteins could potentially be a urine biomarker candidate as these have shown to aid in the ability of Burkholderia spp. to invade host cells as this action is important for the initial intracellular survival of the organism.

INTRODUCTION: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of maternally-acquired invasive infections in neonates. Nowadays maternal immunization is of utmost demand for prevention of these infections. We undertook capsular serotyping and virulence factor genes identification for local GBS isolates as a pilot study, to identify potential candidates to propagate vaccine development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive lab -based study to determine GBS serotypes and presence of genes coding virulence factors bca and rib in isolates obtained from symptomatic pregnant women in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Sixty-two GBS isolates from high vaginal swabs were collected. Latex agglutination test was performed to determine GBS serotypes. Real-time PCR was done to determine the presence of virulence genes. RESULTS: Of the 62 GBS isolates, 77.4% were serologically typeable, and 22.6% were non -typeable. Serotypes Ia and Ib (16.1% each) were the most common capsular types, followed by II, V, and VII (9.7% each), III (8.1%), VI (6.5%), and VIII (1.6 %). Furthermore, 67.7% of the isolates harboured the rib gene while 98.4% possessed the bca gene. CONCLUSION: The five known prevalent serotypes worldwide, do not match the CPS distribution in symptomatic pregnant women in Kuantan. However, the frequency of virulence genes rib and bca is high among our isolates, which if confirmed by further bigger and wider studies makes the proteinaceous vaccine, N-terminal domains of Rib and AlpC a suitable candidate for GBS prevention in this geographical area.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is globally a major public health threat. Resistance to methicillin originates from a modified protein (PBP2a) encoded by the mecA gene. The PVL gene as an important virulence factor increases the pathogenicity of MRSA. Epidemiology and characteristics of MRSA differ in different geographical regions. This study was conducted to characterize and determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of MRSA strains isolated from patients in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang, Malaysia and to detect the presence of the mecA and PVL genes in the isolates. Materials and methods: In this study a total of 36 isolates of MRSA have been collected during a period of three months (1stFebruary –30thApril 2018). The susceptibility pattern of the isolates to ten different commonly used antibiotics were determined and the target genes were addressed by real-time PCR experiment. Results: Based on the identifying criteria, 44.4% of the isolates were CA-MRSA, and 55.5% were HA-MRSA. Resistance to oxacillin, cefoxitin and penicillin was 100%, gentamicin 88.8%, erythromycin 33.3%, tetracycline 77.7%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 61.1%, clindamycin 13.8%, chloramphenicol 11.1%, but no resistant strain of vancomycin was detected. Most of the isolates were resistant to more than three groups of antibiotics. Realtime PCR revealed that all the isolates were mecA positive and 4 isolates were PVL-positive. PVL-positive strains were CA-MRSA and susceptible to clindamycin. Conclusion: The study confirms multi-drug resistant MRSA in the study area, and shows that resistance to methicillin is mecA mediated. PVL carrier strains were present and related to CA-MRSA strains of the isolates.

Introduction The Eurycoma longifolia (EL) root aqueous extract has long been used as an enhancer of male sexual performance. However, data from previous studies in both human males and experimental male animals on the testosterone level in those given the EL extract orally were at best insufficiently conclusive. Materials and Method Sixty-four healthy adult male Sprague Dawley rats were acclimatized, and randomized into six test groups and one control group. All rats where given either the aqueous EL extract or distilled water via metal gavage needle. The first three test groups received the low (50mg/kg bw), medium (100mg/ kg bw) and high (200mg/kg bw) doses respectively of the EL daily for 15 days only. The second three test groups continued receiving the same daily treatment doses for 30 days. The controls were given distilled water only. At the end of each of the study period, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture and the rats were euthanized. The testicles were obtained, weighed, and processed for histological examination. Results The sera testosterone levels were higher in animals which received the medium and high doses for both treatment duration. Rats which received medium and high oral doses of EL showed an increase of spermatogenesis and mature spermatozoa. Conclusion The optimal enhancing effect on sera testosterone levels and testicular spermatogenesis of EL treatment in adult male rats was observed with the medium dose of 100mg/kg bw given once daily for both 15 and 30 days.

Introduction: Exact causal mechanism of schizophrenia is still unknown; however, genetic and environmental factors are implicated in disease aetiology. The aim of the study is to determine the association of infectious agents cytomegalovirus and T.gondii along with immune cytokines IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-γ with schizophrenia. Methods: Ninety subjects participated in the study, 45 were patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, and the other 45 were a healthy control group. Qualitative and quantitative enzyme immunoassays were used for detection of antibodies and quantitation of cytokines respectively in subjects’ sera. Results: Both patients and control groups had similar CMV seroprevalence of 93.3% (42/45). Prevalence of anti T. gondii IgG antibodies were 53.3% and 64.4% among schizophrenic patients and controls respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed between patients and controls (p > 0.05). A significant difference (p0.05) was found between the median IQR serum Interleukin-6 levels of patients (4.3 pg/mL) and controls (3.1 pg/mL). There was a significant difference (p< 0.001) in median IQR serum IFN – γ levels between patients (0.8 pg/mL) and the control group (4.9 pg/mL). Conclusions: No significant differences between schizophrenic patients and healthy controls with regard to previous infections with cytomegalovirus or T.gondii were observed. While significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN – γ among controls than patients might be an indication of weaker than normal immune responses in schizophrenic patients.

Introduction: Quinolone resistance and extended spectrum beta lactamase production has increased in E.coli and considered a serious problem worldwide. It is worth to monitor resistance mechanism in E.coli to provide guidance for optimizing antimicrobial treatments,control and spread of resistance. The objective of this study was to molecularly characterize gyrA, parC genes and plasmid mediated qepA efflux pump gene, in QR-ESBL E. coli isolates obtained from patients in HTAA, Kuantan. The antibiotic susceptibility profile was also studied. Materials and Method: 32 QR-ESBL and six quinolone-susceptible E. coli isolates from September 30 November,2018) included in the study. The isolates were reconfirmed with known phenotypic tests and antibiotic susceptibility test was performed. PCR and DNA sequencing were performed for the identification of mutations in quinolone resistance determining region. Result: Resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, nalidixic acid was (100%) followed by cefotaxime (96.9%), ciprofloxacin (78.1%) trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (75%), ceftazidime (56.3%), cefepime (43.8%) and gentamycin (25%). None of the isolates was resistant to piperacillin-tazobactam, amikacin, imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, and colistin. PCR successfully amplified the gyrA and parC genes, however, qepA gene was not detected by PCR in the isolates. Majority of the isolates had point mutation in (QRDR) of GyrA at codons 83 and 87 and in ParC at codons 80 and 84. Two isolates had mutations outside of QRDR at codons 144 and 167 in ParC. Strong positive correlation was found between MIC levels of ciprofloxacin and the number of resistance mutations. Sequencing of 6 (QS-ESBL) E. coli revealed absence of resistance mutations. Conclusion: Quinolone resistance in the isolates was mainly due to mutations in gyrA, ParC genes. Acquisition of multidrug resistance genes through innate gene mutations and mobile genetic elements contribute to the emergence of (MDR). This study reinforces the importance of being vigilant in utilizing molecular techniques to monitor for emergence of resistance genes in different locations.

Introduction: Among chronic hepatitis C patients, the viral agent is well known to replicate in the hepatocytes and extrahepatic cells. Previous studies have demonstrated a new form of hepatitis C called 'Occult HCV Infection' (OCI). It is defined as the presence of HCV RNA in the hepatocytes but undetectable HCV RNA in the serum or plasma. The exact natural history, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical importance of OCI are unknown. Several studies have been carried out worldwide, but none from Malaysia. This study investigated OCI among local patients undergoing routine hemodialysis at a referral hospital in Pahang, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Blood was collected from both anti-HCV positive (n=10) and anti-HCV negative (n=18) patients. Inclusion criteria for the seronegative patients included elevated liver enzymes. Results: 10 chronic hepatitis C patients were recruited in this study. All had viral RNA detected in both serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Viral quasispecies was common in this group of patients. Meanwhile, out of 18 seronegative patients, 3 patients (16%) showed active viral replication in PBMC. Conclusion: This study proved the existence of OCI in local haemodialysis setting. Further investigation is needed to get the actual prevalence of OCI.

Introduction: Quorum sensing controls a wide spectrum of processes and phenotypic behaviours including biofilm formation that helps in the survival and virulence of bacteria in hosts. Thus, anti-quorum sensing is suggested to combat bacterial infections. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm forming and anti-quorum sensing activities which may contribute to the anti-bacterial effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus and Andrographis paniculata leaves and stems. Materials and method: General biofilm assay protocol with modification was used for the biofilm assay to test the effect of different concentration (2 mg/ml and 3 mg/ml) of extracts on the biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Optical density of crystal violet/acetic acid solution was measured at 595 nm and the percentage of biofilm inhibition was calculated. In quorum quenching assay, visualization of reporter strain AI1-QQ.1 growth will be used for the detection of bio-molecules interfering with acyl homoserine lactone (AHL). Results: Extracts with the highest ability to inhibit biofilm formation were ethanol extract of O.stamineus stem and A.paniculata leaves with 77.84% at extracts concentration of 3 mg/ml. Aqueous extract of O.stamineus leaves showed the least potential with 13.41% inhibition. However, aqueous extract of A.paniculata showed zero inhibition at 3 mg/ml and two extracts (aqueous extract of O.stamineus and A.paniculata leaves) gave negative value at concentration of 3 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml, respectively. Quorum quenching assay has yet to be done. Conclusion: It could be concluded that most of the extracts possess anti-biofilm property.

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping is very important for the clinical management of HCVinfected patients. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypes of HCV-infected patients and to identify their risk factors and comorbidities. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, cross sectional study in which forty (40) HCV-infected patients attending Gastroenterology Clinic, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) Kuantan Pahang were recruited for the study, from January to July 2014. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 5’UTR and NS5B region were performed to identify the viral genotypes. Results: Of the 40 samples, 31 (77.5%) isolates were successfully classified into their genotypes and subtypes; 3a (57.5%), 1a (12.5%), 3b (2.5%) and 1b (2.5%). No genotype 2, 4, 5 and 6 were found in this study. However, there was one mixed-genotype (3a/1a) HCV infection. Risk factors and co-morbidities found in this study include IVDUs, haemodialysis, blood transfusion, surgery and co-infection with HIV. Conclusion: Genotype 3 followed by genotype 1 were the common HCV genotypes found in this study population. Furthermore, the highest risk factors and co-morbidities were IVDUs and co-infection with HIV.

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been classified into seven genotypes with more than 80 subtypes isolated worldwide. HCV genotypes are an important parameter in determining the right antiviral dosage, duration and monitoring the response of that treatment. The main aim of this study was to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes, their association with demographic variables and to investigate the presence of uncommon mixed-genotype infection case. Methods: This cross sectional study was performed in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang from January to July 2014. The sera samples from 40 HCV seropositive patients were analyzed using reversetranscription PCR (RT-PCR) and direct DNA sequencing assays. Results: More than half of study patients were from male patients (32/40; 80%), below the age of 45 (27/40; 67.5%) and Malays (34/40; 77.5%). Thirty one out 40 (77.5%) samples were successfully sequenced for genotyping with genotype 3 (24/31; 77.4%) predominate the study, followed by genotype 1 (6/31; 19.3%). There is no significant association established between the demographic factors and HCV genotypes. Majority of the HCV RNA positive samples were identified as mono genotype HCV infection. There was one isolate with mixed-genotype infection. Conclusions: The findings of the study showed that genotype 3 and 1 are still the commonest genotypes found among the study population. No association can be established from HCV genotypes and basic demographic factors. The finding of mixed HCV genotype infection from this study requires further investigation to evaluate the clinical role of this type of infection in treatment outcome.

Introduction: HCV infection is frequent in patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis, with prevalence between 8 and 10%. Hepatitis C has an adverse effect on both patient and graft survival in those who get renal transplants. There are relatively scarce reports on the natural fluctuation in viral load level in patients on chronic haemodialysis. Materials and Methods: This is a longitudinal short-term three months study, where 27 chronic haemodialysis patients infected with known HCV genotypes were recruited from seven haemodialysis centres in Pahang. Serum samples were collected monthly, both pre- and post-haemodialysis sessions, over a period of three months. Viral RNA was extracted from serum using QIAamp Viral RNA Extraction kit (Qiagen). The HCV viral load was measured using one-step reverse transcriptase qPCR (Applied Biosystems) targeting the 5`HCV non-coding region (5’UTR). The serum α-IFN level was measured using commercial ELISA kit (Amersham, UK). Six biochemical liver function tests (AST, ALP, TP, albumin, ALT and TB) were also done for all pre-haemodialysis samples. Results: All patients showed persistent low level viral load that varied significantly over the study period (p = 0.001). HCV genotype 1 viral load was significantly higher than that of genotype 3. Conclusion: No apparent correlation could be recognized between the viral loads and the corresponding interferon-alpha levels which were detectable in only a few patients during the period of study.