1.The Evolving Biochemical Profile: From Low FT4/Low TSH to Isolated Hypothyroxinemia in Pregnancy
Wei Ton Wong ; Muhammad Amir Arif Mohammad Nizam ; Amila Syahida Rusli
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):115-116
Introduction:
Isolated hypothyroxinemia (IH) in pregnancy, characterized
by low free thyroxine 4 (FT4) with normal thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH), has a reported prevalence of
1.3–8%. We present a diagnostically challenging case that
initially mimicked central hypothyroidism before evolving
into classic IH.
Case:
A 37-year-old G4P3 female at 22 + 3 weeks gestation
with β-thalassemia trait presented with palpitations and
tachycardia (150–184 bpm). A bedside echocardiogram
showed volume depletion. Her heart rate improved to 108–
116 bpm following a 1.5 L normal saline bolus. Incidentally,
thyroid function tests (TFTs) revealed both low FT4 6.04
pmol/L (7.86–14.41) and low TSH 0.009 mIU/L (0.38–5.33).
Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody was markedly elevated
at 360 IU/mL (<35). At 24 + 4 weeks, TFTs showed persistently low FT4 (5.84
pmol/L) and TSH (0.022 mIU/L). Differential diagnoses
included central hypothyroidism or assay interference.
Tests were repeated using different platforms. Both the
Beckman system (FT4: 5.73 pmol/L, TSH: 0.086 mIU/L)
and Roche system (FT4: 8.83 pmol/L [12.0–22.0], TSH: 0.11
mIU/L [0.27–4.20]) confirmed low values, ruling out assay
interference. Following endocrinology consultation and
given her asymptomatic status, IH was considered most
likely, and a plan for close monitoring was initiated.
Serial follow-up demonstrated biochemical evolution. By
31 + 6 weeks, TFTs showed a low TSH (0.753 mIU/L) with
an FT4 level (5.86 pmol/L) within the normal reference
range, a pattern typical of IH in pregnancy. Repeat TFTs
6 weeks postpartum showed both TSH and FT4 within
normal range.
Conclusion
This case illustrates a rare and unexpected biochemical
progression of IH in pregnancy, initially presenting with
a pattern indistinguishable from central hypothyroidism.
It underscores that in an asymptomatic, fertile patient, IH
can manifest with an atypical pattern early in gestation. The
findings suggest that vigilant serial monitoring, rather than
immediate extensive pituitary workup, may be a prudent
initial approach in such scenarios, as the biochemical
profile can normalize toward the classic IH pattern as
pregnancy advances.
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Thyrotropin
2.Understanding Mechanisms of Sinomenine in Morphine Addiction Treatment Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Approaches
Muhammad Arif Imran Mohd Ali1 ; Aida Azlina Ali1 ; Sandra Maniam2 ; Muhammad Harith Zulkifli1
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2025;21(No. 1):141-150
Introduction: Sinomenine, derived from Sinomenium acutum, has been reported as a potential treatment for morphine addiction but its mechanisms are poorly understood. Hence this study was conducted to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying sinomenine effects on morphine addiction. Materials and methods: Potential protein
targets for sinomenine were predicted using SwissTarget Prediction and PharmMapper while morphine addiction targets were collected from DisGeNet and GeneCards databases. Protein-protein interaction was examined using GeneMANIA web server while Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway
analysis were conducted using ShinyGO online tool. Topological network analysis was performed using Cytoscape
to measure the degree centrality, betweenness centrality and closeness centrality values while molecular docking
analysis was done using AutoDock Vina to determine the binding energies and interactions. Results: A total of 15
sinomenine targets were identified to be involved. Among the identified targets, 37.94% shared protein domains and
19.64% displayed physical interactions. Relevant biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components
and signalling pathways were identified involving G-protein coupled opioid receptor signalling pathways and activities, integral component of presynaptic membrane and mitophagy. Molecular docking suggested that the substituted
aromatic ring of sinomenine plays important roles in the binding to the protein targets. The top five most significant
protein targets were identified based on the binding energies and degree centrality values, namely OPRD1, OPRK1,
NOS1, OPRM1 and SRC. Conclusion: Sinomenine interacted with various protein targets and pathways which can
potentially treat morphine addiction mainly via opioid receptors and their signalling pathways
3.Cassia Angustifolia Primed ASCs Accelerate Burn Wound Healing by Modulation of Inflammatory Response
Saba TASNEEM ; Hafiz GHUFRAN ; Maryam AZAM ; Amna ARIF ; Musab Bin UMAIR ; Muhammad Amin YOUSAF ; Khurrum SHAHZAD ; Azra MEHMOOD ; Kausar MALIK ; Sheikh RIAZUDDIN
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2024;21(1):137-157
Background:
Thermal traumas impose a huge burden on healthcare systems. This merits the need for advanced but cost-effective remedies with clinical prospects. In this context, we prepared a regenerative 3D-construct comprising of Cassia angustifolia extract (SM) primed adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) laden amniotic membrane for faster burn wound repair.
Methods:
ASCs were preconditioned with SM (30 µg/ml for 24 h), and subsequently exposed to in-vitro thermal injury (51 °C,10 min). In-vivo thermal injury was induced by placing pre-heated copper-disc (2 cm diameter) on dorsum of the Wistar rats. ASCs (2.0 × 105) pre-treated with SM (SM-ASCs), cultured on stromal side of amniotic membrane (AM) were transplanted in rat heat-injury model. Non-transplanted heat-injured rats and non-heat-injured rats were kept as controls.
Results:
The significantly upregulated expression of IGF1, SDF1A, TGFβ1, VEGF, GSS, GSR, IL4, BCL2 genes and downregulation of BAX, IL6, TNFα, and NFkB1 in SM-ASCs in in-vitro and in-vivo settings confirmed its potential in promoting cell-proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, antioxidant, cell-survival, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activity. Moreover, SM-ASCs induced early wound closure, better architecture, normal epidermal thickness, orderly-arranged collagen fibers, and well-developed skin appendages in healed rat-skin transplanted with AM+SM-ASCs, additionally confirmed by increased expression of structural genes (Krt1, Krt8, Krt19, Desmin, Vimentin, α-Sma) in comparison to untreated-ASCs laden-AM transplanted in heat injured rats.
Conclusion
SM priming effectively enabled ASCs to counter thermal injury by significantly enhancing cell survival and reducing inflammation upon transplantation. This study provides bases for development of effective combinational therapies (natural scaffold, medicine, and stem cells) with clinical prospects for treating burn wounds.
4.A Review of Open Defecation (OD) In Indonesia and The Control with Logic Model
Amalia Fitri Kartika Sari ; R. Azizah ; Juliana Jalaludin ; Isnaini Rahmawati ; Lilis Sulistyorini ; Ririh Yudhastuti ; Arif Sumantri ; Siti N. A. Jauharoh ; Oryza Filial Zulkarnain ; Muhammad Addin Rizaldi
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.2):157-165
In 2015, Indonesia was ranked as the second-highest, with a percentage of 12.9%. Open Defecation Free (ODF) in
Indonesia is still a problem, 33 out of 34 provinces in Indonesia are still not 100% verified as ODF. The purpose
of this study is to make a management control of OD behaviour in Indonesia. This study’s literature was collected
using Google Scholar and Pubmed search engines by entering keywords open defecation Indonesia, and buang air
besar sembarangan. From review of published literature, it is found that several factors cause people to practice OD,
namely environmental, socio-cultural, and economic factors. These factors become the basis for making OD model
control with a logic model. The program was made with a button-up approach carried out through several activities,
namely approaches to community leaders, youth, and local communities, monitoring potential areas for OD practice
and cross-sector coordination, and making regional regulations.
5.UPDATE ON RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR COVID-19
Jia Hui Tan ; Muhammad Luqman Arif Mohd Yusri ; Moong Yan Leong ; Yee Ling Lau
Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre 2021;24(SPECIAL ISSUE):16-21
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To date, the disease has spread globally and caused 4 million deaths worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 spreads rapidly, leading to significant impacts on healthcare systems, social disruption and economic loss. To date, real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction remains the gold standard for diagnosis. However, it is costly and time consuming which result in delayed treatment and isolation of infected individuals. Hence, reliable and rapid diagnostic method is required for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. There have been a number of COVID-19 rapid diagnostic tests developed and evaluated widely for COVID-19 diagnosis, but a number of concerns related
to these products have arisen. In this review, we provide an update on the available COVID-19 rapid diagnostic tests and discuss the feasibility and acceptability of these rapid tests for COVID-19 diagnosis. Continuous global improvement in diagnostic test is crucial for rapid detection of the infection to optimize patient management and prevent the spread of disease.
Rapid Diagnostic Test
6.Management of Organochlorine Exposure to Health Risks in Asia – A Review
Muhammad Azmi Maruf ; R. Azizah ; Lilis Sulistyorini ; Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria ; Najihah Hanisah Marmaya ; Aditya S. Pawitra ; Arif Sumantri ; Siti N. A. Jauharoh
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.4):332-340
Organochlorine organic pesticides used on a large scale still pose a great health hazard to humans and animals.
Organochlorine pesticides contribute to reduced disease, higher yields and increased production. This research was
to review various articles on management of organochlorine exposure and health risks. This research used multiple
search engines (Scholar, PubMed). A few significant keywords were chosen to discover considers that fit this theme.
Organochlorine as Persistent Organic Pollutants are difficult to remove from the environment. There are several
health-causing effects of organochlorine most of which are chronic diseases (i.e., pulmonary function, cancer, reproductive issue). Organochlorine control in the environment is needed to reduce health effects, especially in farming
communities, personal protective equipment including masks and gloves is also necessary. Local government may
also promote and doing a prevention program from the danger of the use of pesticides in agriculture.
7.Effectiveness of Mavrilimumab in Viral Infections Including SARS-CoV-2Infection - A Brief Review
Kinal BHATT ; Radhika GARIMELLA ; Rahima TAUGIR ; Isha MEHTA ; Muhammad JAMAL ; Rupalakshmi VIJAYAN ; Rita OFFOR ; Kanayo NWANKWO ; Uroosa ARIF ; Khurram WAHEED ; Priyanka KUMARI ; Maulik LATHIYA ; George MICHEL ; Naushira PANDYA ; John HALPERN ; Hassan NASIR ; Marcos A. SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ
Infection and Chemotherapy 2021;53(1):1-12
Hyperinflammation and cytokine storm has been noted as a poor prognostic factor in patients with severe pneumonia related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In COVID-19, pathogenic myeloid cell overactivation is found to be a vital mediator of damage to tissues, hypercoagulability, and the cytokine storm. These cytokines unselectively infiltrate various tissues, such as the lungs and heart, and nervous system. This cytokine storm can hence cause multi-organ dysfunction and life-threatening complications. Mavrilimumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that may be helpful in some cases with COVID-19. During an inflammation, Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) release is crucial to driving both innate and adaptive immune responses. The GM-CSF immune response is triggered when an antigen attaches to the host cell and induces the signaling pathway. Mavrilimumab antagonizes the action of GM-CSF and decreases the hyperinflammation associated with pneumonia in COVID-19, therefore strengthening the rationale that mavrilimumab when added to the standard protocol of treatment could improve the clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, specifically those patients with pneumonia. With this review paper, we aim to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of mavrilimumab on cytokine storms in patients with COVID-19 by reviewing published clinical trials and emphasize the importance of extensive future trials.
8.Effectiveness of Mavrilimumab in Viral Infections Including SARS-CoV-2Infection - A Brief Review
Kinal BHATT ; Radhika GARIMELLA ; Rahima TAUGIR ; Isha MEHTA ; Muhammad JAMAL ; Rupalakshmi VIJAYAN ; Rita OFFOR ; Kanayo NWANKWO ; Uroosa ARIF ; Khurram WAHEED ; Priyanka KUMARI ; Maulik LATHIYA ; George MICHEL ; Naushira PANDYA ; John HALPERN ; Hassan NASIR ; Marcos A. SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ
Infection and Chemotherapy 2021;53(1):1-12
Hyperinflammation and cytokine storm has been noted as a poor prognostic factor in patients with severe pneumonia related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In COVID-19, pathogenic myeloid cell overactivation is found to be a vital mediator of damage to tissues, hypercoagulability, and the cytokine storm. These cytokines unselectively infiltrate various tissues, such as the lungs and heart, and nervous system. This cytokine storm can hence cause multi-organ dysfunction and life-threatening complications. Mavrilimumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that may be helpful in some cases with COVID-19. During an inflammation, Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) release is crucial to driving both innate and adaptive immune responses. The GM-CSF immune response is triggered when an antigen attaches to the host cell and induces the signaling pathway. Mavrilimumab antagonizes the action of GM-CSF and decreases the hyperinflammation associated with pneumonia in COVID-19, therefore strengthening the rationale that mavrilimumab when added to the standard protocol of treatment could improve the clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, specifically those patients with pneumonia. With this review paper, we aim to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of mavrilimumab on cytokine storms in patients with COVID-19 by reviewing published clinical trials and emphasize the importance of extensive future trials.
9.Workstation With Ergonomic Features For Universiti Kuala Lumpur Midi Classroom
M.S. Shukri ; Z.A. Muhammad Akif ; J. Arif Affendi
Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine 2020;20(Special 1):72-76
This paper presents a design process of workstation with ergonomic features for University Kuala Lumpur MIDI Classroom. The workstation is expected to support body posture, with the aim to increase comfortability of a user usage for long periods in a class. Besides that, the workstation will ensure a conducive and responsive learning environment. Discomfort and an improper position can negatively affect overall health and productivity. A new design of workstation, which allows user to sit in ideal sitting position suggested by ergonomist and easy transition from one teaching mode to the next. The researcher has designed and developed a new workstation which has ideal ergonomic sitting working position and capable accommodate 50th percentile human size. These positions were used to evaluate the comfort of the workstation. Subjective evaluations, including comparison of the prototype and standard workstation setup, were carried out using human subjects and ergonomic principles. Result showed that the new workstation is much more comfortable, supporting the body in a balanced way. Users have the freedom to stretch and relax in different working positions before they feel any noticeable discomfort. As a result, it lets user sit for a longer period without strain, thus resulting in higher productivity and concentration in classroom.
10.Establishing cleft services in developing countries: Complications of cleft lip and palate surgery in rural areas of Indonesia
Muhammad RUSLIN ; Lawrence DOM ; Andi TAJRIN ; Andi Sitti HAJRAH YUSUF ; Syafri Kamsul ARIF ; Andi Husni TANRA ; Keng Liang OU ; Tymour FOROUZANFAR ; Sri Astuti THAMRIN
Archives of Plastic Surgery 2019;46(6):511-517
BACKGROUND:
Cleft treatment is frequently performed in Indonesia, mostly in charity missions, but without a postoperative protocol it is difficult to establish the risks and complications of cleft treatment. The present study was designed to give an overview of current cleft lip and palate treatment strategies in Indonesia and to assess the complication rates during and after surgery.
METHODS:
This prospective study evaluated anesthetic, intraoperative surgical, and short-term postoperative complications in patients undergoing primary, secondary, or corrective surgery for cleft lip and palate deformities. The population consisted of 98 non-syndromic cleft patients. The main anesthetic complication that occurred during general anesthesia was high blood pressure, whereas the main intraoperative surgical complication was excessive bleeding and the main early postoperative complication was extremely poor wound hygiene.
RESULTS:
In this study, there were no cases of perioperative or postoperative mortality. However, in 23 (23.4%) of the 98 operations performed, at least one perioperative complication related to anesthesia occurred. The intraoperative and early postoperative complications following cleft lip and/or palate were assessed. There was a significant difference in the complication rate between procedure types (χ²=0.02; P<0.05). However, no relationship was found between perioperative complications related to anesthesia and the occurrence of postoperative complications (χ²=1.00; P>0.05). Nonetheless, a significant difference was found between procedure types regarding perioperative complications and the occurrence of postoperative complications (χ²=0.031; P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Further evaluation of these outcomes would help direct patient management toward decreasing the complication rate.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail