Browse publications by year: 2017

  1. Fulltext Bioprocessing of seaweed into protein enriched feedstock: Process optimization and validation in reactor
    Jamal, P., Olorunnisola, K.S., Jaswir, I., Tijani, I.D.R., Ansari, A.H.
    International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Solid state bioconversion (SSB) of Ulva seaweed for protein enrichment was conducted over 7-days using Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium). One-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) optimization of process parameters revealed 70% for moisture content, 9% for inoculum size and 7% for minerals. Optimum substrate depth in 1 kg reactor was 12 mm and the protein increased from 88.51 mg/g to 107.89 mg/g. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed modifications in the polysaccharide resulting from SSB. Soluble and reducing sugars concentrations improved by 168.88% (from 33.74±0.51 mg/g to 90.72±1.38 mg/g) and 198.95% (from 0.13±0.05 mg/g to 0.40±0.01 mg/g), while total carbohydrate reduced to 107.15±1.21 mg/g from initial concentration of 109.39±1.33 mg/g.
  2. Fulltext Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) leaves from different locations
    Aburigal, Y.A.A., Mirghani, M.E.S., Elmogtaba, E.Y., Sirible, A.A.M., Hamza, N.B., Hussein, I.H.
    International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    The present study was carried out to determine the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Ocimum basilicum collected from different regions of the world. The accession V1 is from Sudan, V2 from Iraq, V3 from Germany, V4 from Thailand, V5 from Russia and V6 from Maldives. The extracts from six basil accessions were analysed for their DPPH free radical scavenging activity and their total phenolic content (TPC). The results suggest that the highest antioxidant activity was found in V6 (from Maldives) and the lowest antioxidant activity was found in V4 (from Thailand). The highest amount of phenolic content was found in V6 (from Maldives) and the lowest phenolic content was found inV4 (from Thailand). This study shows that basil is a good source of free-radical scavenging compounds that have their traditional medicinal applications.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants; Free Radicals; Germany; Indian Ocean Islands; Iraq; Phenols; Russia; Sudan; Thailand; Ocimum basilicum
  3. Fulltext Effect of solvent types on phenolics content and antioxidant activities of Acacia Polyacantha gum
    Mirghani, M.E.S., Mohammedelnour, Ahmed A., Kabbashi, Nasser A., Alam, Md Z., Musa, Khalid H., Abdullah, Aminah.
    International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Acacia polyacantha gum (APG) is a dried exudate which obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia polyacantha trees. APG is rich in soluble dietary fibers as well as organic compounds. In this study quantitation of the levels of total phenolics content (TPC) and antioxidant activities were conducted using ABTS and CUPRAC assays for APG extraction using pure solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone) and their aqueous mixtures at 50% and 100%. The antioxidant levels were evaluated by 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) radical cation deculturization and cupric iron reducing capacity in the presence of neocuproine (CUPRAC) for the evaluation of reducing power, and (TPC) was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The solvent Methanol (50%) gave the best extraction ratio for APG presented by highest (TPC 60.78 mg GAE/100g of DW, CUPRAC 34.65 mg TE/100g DW, and, ABTS about 37.65 mg TE/100g DW respectively), followed by ethanol 50% extract. On the other hand, pure methanol showed the lowest TPC 5.33 mg GAE/100g of DW, ABTS 10.9 mg TE/100g DW, and CUPRAC 7.80 mg TE/100g DW, values respectively. Therefore, the variation in the antioxidant capacity of extracts was possibly due to the difference of polarity, immiscibility and the nature of the APG compounds extracted using various solvents. The higher content of antioxidant activity in APG shall be useful to human health if it is properly utilized.
  4. Fulltext Optimum media compositions for bioprotein production by mixed culture of Phanerochaete Chrysosporium and Candida Utilis using palm kernel cake and seaweed as substrates
    Ilias, N.N., Jamal, P., Sulaiman, S., Jaswir, I., Ansari, A.H., Azmi, A.S., et al.
    International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Bioprotein is one of the useful products obtained from biotechnology invention. It is a promising replacement for the commercial fish feed supplement. In this study, the enrichment of the bioprotein content after solid state fermentation using palm kernel cake and seaweed by the white rot fungus: Phanerochaete chrysoporium and yeast: Candida utilis was carried out. The growth media components were selected from 11 types of media using Plackett-Burman design (hereinafter PBD) and were optimized by one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method with bioprotein concentration (mg/g) as the response. From the screening result using PBD, three media components, namely K2HPO4, CuSO4.5H2O and MnSO4.H2O were selected for further optimization using OFAT method because of their positive contributions to the response. The final results showed that 5.0 g/L K2HPO4, 3.0 g/L CuSO4.5H2O and 0.1 g/L MnSO4.H2O were there to be the optimum media constituents with 9.0 g/L, MgSO4.7H2O, 0.1 g/L, CaCl2.H2O, 3.0 g/L FeSO4.7H2O and 3.0 g/L peptone as fixed compositions. At this optimum concentration, the protein increment of 11% was observed as compared to the results determined in the screening using PBD. The study revealed the benefits of using mixed cultures in improving the protein concentrations which can be used as nutritious fish feed.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Biotechnology; Candida; Fermentation; Peptones; Phosphates; Seaweed; Yeast, Dried; Yeasts; Potassium Compounds; Phanerochaete; Inventions
  5. Fulltext An alternative method for rapid detection of alpha thalassaemia variants in Malaysia using droplet digital PCR
    Lee, Tze Yan, George, Elizabeth, Mei, I Lai, Ramachandran, Vasudevan, Tan, Jin Ai Mary Anne, Lai, Kuan Teh, et al.
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):54-56.
    MyJurnal
    Globally, α-thalassaemia is a highly prevalent disease. In Malaysia, this disorder is a well-known public health problem [1]. The three most common deletional α-thalassaemia found in this region include --SEA deletion, -α3.7 and -α4.2 deletions [2]. The prevalence rate of triplication alpha cases such as αααanti3.7 and αααanti4.2 is unknown in Malaysia although it plays a pivotal role in exacerbating the clinical phenotypes in beta thalassaemia carriers [3]. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to design an assay for the detection of triplications and common deletional alpha thalassaemia using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Copy number changes were analysed using Quanta-SoftTM software version 1.6.6 after performing ddPCR. Sensitivity and validation analysis were also performed on the DNA samples. The changes in copy number changes (common deletions, duplications and triplications) in the alpha globin gene has been quantitatively detected using ddPCR. For the samples validation as determined by ddPCR, the mean copy number values for αα/αα are 2.0275±0.0177 (HS-40), 1.8175±0.0389 (HBA2), 2.0450±0.0848 (HB 3.7), 2.0050±0.0000 (HBA1). For -α3.7 /--SEA, the mean copy number values are 2.0225±0.2180 (HS-40), 0.9325±0.1213 (HBA2), 0 (HB 3.7), 0.9984±0.1333 (HBA1). As for –α4.2 /--SEA, the mean copy number values are 1.9350 (HS-40), 0 (HBA2), 0.7945 (HB 3.7), 0.8480 (HBA1). The mean copy number values for --SEA/αα samples are 1.9067±0.1327 (HS-40), 0.8164±0.0364 (HBA2), 0.8920±0.0434 (HB 3.7), 0.9148±0.0338 (HBA1) respectively. This study has found that the use of ddPCR is convenient as it allows direct quantification without the requirement of a calibration curve unlike qPCR [4]. Secondly, this study also showed that ddPCR is accurate and precise in the detection of alpha thalassaemia deletions and triplications based on the gene dosages using absolute quantification. In addition, the non-requirement of post-PCR work has minimised the risk of PCR carryover contamination. Thirdly, ddPCR saves time with less turnaround time and minimise the labour work required as compared to techniques such as MLPA which requires DNA denaturation and hybridisation reaction on day 1 while ligation and PCR reaction on day 2. Fourthly, this study found that the detection of α-thalassaemia using ddPCR is sensitive. DNA samples with low concentration as low as 1 ng were able to be detected for α-thalassaemia using ddPCR. The ability to detect minute amount of DNA concentration is crucial particularly in the diagnosing of the lethal HbH hydrops foetalis during the neonatal stage in α-thalassaemia. In conclusion, this is an alternative method (ddPCR) that can be employed for rapid detection of alpha thalassaemia variants in Malaysia.
  6. Fulltext The Haemoglobin G Makassar (Codon 6 GAG>GCG) cases in Malaysia: molecular identification and characterization
    Khor, Sok Fang, Ezalia Esa, Nur Aisyah Aziz, Faidatul Syazlin Abdul Hamid, Yuslina Mat Yusoff, Zubaidah Zakaria
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):52-53.
    MyJurnal
    The aims of this study are to identify and characterize the Haemoglobin G Makassar. Haemoglobin G Makassar was identified in Makassar, Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia in 1969 and has been reported in a family of Thai origin in 2002. Haemoglobin G Makassar was found to share identical properties with haemoglobin S in routine haemoglobin separation by cation-exchange HPLC. It is therefore, patients with Haemoglobin G Makassar and Haemoglobin S may sometimes be mistakenly identified for each other.

    There were four cases identified from year 2015 to 2016 in Peninsular Malaysia by Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Medical Research. All patients were asymptomatic with mild hypochromic microcytic anaemia. All patients were analysis with Haemoglobin S trait. Analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis showed that these patients had 39.9 to 44.0% of haemoglobin variant in zone S. Alpha and Beta globin gene analysis were performed on these samples.

    DNA sequence analysis, revealed a single nucleotide substitution GAG to GCG at codon 6 of the beta-globin gene (Glu>Ala), indicating of Haemoglobin G Makassar for all the patients (Fig. 1). All patients were positive with Haemoglobin S trait. Multiple Amplification Refractory Mutation System (MARMS) PCR for Haemoglobin S was negative in all cases. However alpha-globin gene analysis showed that two of them had single alpha deletion (α3.7). The mean reading for HGB is 11.95 g/dL, for MCV is 72.1 fL and for MCH is 23.65 pg which all are lower than normal peoples.

    The screening method may mistakenly identify Haemoglobin G Makassar as Haemoglobin S. Therefore identification and characterization of Haemoglobin G Makassar by several molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis are necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis.
  7. Fulltext Hb E syndrome with co-inheritance of Hb H-Constant Spring and compound beta thalassaemia: a diagnostic challenge
    Wan Zuhairah Wan Embong, Rosnah Bahar, Wan Zaidah Abdullah, Marini Ramli, Noor Haslina Mohd Noor, Shafini Mohamed Yusoff
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):49-51.
    MyJurnal
    An 11- month-old girl with accidental findings of pale and hepatosplenomegaly. She was the last child of three siblings from a non-consanguineous marriage. The father and the mother were Hb E trait and Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS) trait respectively. Clinically the child was small for age with frontal bossing and hepatosplenomegaly. Sytemic examination was unremarkable. Her full blood picture showed moderate hypochromic microcytic anaemia with marked anisopoikilocytosis (Hb of 7.1g/dl, MCV of 44.6 fl, with MCH of 13.8 pg and RDW-CV of 24.0%). Quantitation of haemoglobin by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and gel electrophoresis report showed that the patient has compound heterozygous E/ß+ thalassaemia with Hb H-CS. She had increased of Hb A2/E (28.9%), and Hb F (11.2%) with presence of pre-run peak and a tiny peak at C window. Gel Electrophoresis by using agarose gel at alkaline pH discovered prominent A2 band and fast band to the left of Hb A band. H inclusions were positive. Further confirmation of diagnosis was done by molecular study. Alpha molecular study using Multiplex GAP PCR showed heterozygous --/SEA deletion (Fig. 1), while beta molecular study using Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation Systems (ARMS) revealed Cd 26 (G-A) and CAP +1 (A-C) mutations [Fig. 2]

    Hemoglobin (Hb) E is common in Southeast Asia [1]. HbE disorders may be found heterozygous (AE) which usually asymptomatic, homozygous (EE) and compound heterozygous state with widely variable clinical features, ranging from transfusion dependence to a complete absence of symptoms [2]. Considering her history, clinical findings and investigations, the most likely diagnosis in our case is Compound heterozygous E/ß+ thalassaemia with Hb H-CS. She had moderate hypochromic microcytic anaemia, raised Hb A2/E and Hb F with presence of pre-run peak and a tiny peak at C window support the diagnosis. Unfortunately, we’re unable to confirm the presence of Hb CS in view of no modalities available in our setting. However, with the family history of mother with Hb CS trait, the presence of Hb CS in this patient cannot be denied as a factor contributing to Hb H disease. Previous study reported Hemoglobin Constant Spring is often missed by routine laboratory testing, especially in subjects with co-inheritance of β-thalassaemia or β-variants. Hb CS detection clearly seen in capillary electrophoresis compared to HPLC [3]. As in this case only a very tiny peak of Hb CS noted on the HPLC. The molecular analysis for detection of Hb CS should be performed as for confirmation test. Hb H-CS has a severe phenotype than a deletional Hb H disease [4]. The diagnosis was confirmed by molecular analysis. Hence, genetic testing and family study are of particular importance to establish the exact genetic defect causing the abnormal Hb in this patient.

    In view of thalassaemia is common in our region, it is important to identify complete genotyping to provide proper management, make clinical predictions and improve genetic counseling.
  8. Fulltext Hematological parameter evaluation in different types of deletional alpha-thalassemia in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
    Samilawati Mohd Arifin, Marini Ramli, Rosnah Bahar
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):47-48.
    MyJurnal
    Alpha thalassemia is a common genetic disorder with more than 20% of the world population to be a carrier of some form of α–thalassemia, as estimated by The World Health Organization [1]. It has heterogeneity in its presentation and inheritance and characterised according to their deficient or absent in alpha globin chain involved [2]. The affected individuals may be asymptomatic with hypochromic microcytic anemia or in silent alpha thalassemia may have no clinical signs with normal to mild haematological changes [3]. Current voluntary thalassemia screening programme in Malaysia is mainly based on MCH level of less than 27 before molecular study for alpha thalassemia is done if Hb analysis showed normal results, to exclude alpha thalassemia. Accurate characterization of hematologic parameters is important for selection of appropriate molecular test to determine the carrier genotype, as the test is expensive, time-consuming and not always available. This study was aimed to evaluate the correlation of hematological parameters (Hb, RBC, MCV, MCH, RDW and platelet) with various types of deletional alpha-thalassemia among patients in HUSM.
  9. Fulltext Co-inheritance of Southeast Asian ovalocytosis and Hb e: does it affect the red blood cells indices?
    Riahi, Shahrzard, Mei, I Lai, George, Elizabeth, Ida Marhainis Isahak, Faridah Idris, Sabariah Md Noor
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):44-46.
    MyJurnal
    Complete blood count (CBC) is used broadly to screen individual's general health status. Some inherited red blood cell (RBC) disorders influence the RBC parameters. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) are amongst the important RBC parameters used in thalassaemia-haemoglobinopathy screening [1-2]. Globin chain disorders and Southeast Asian Ovalocytosis (SAO) are common RBC disorders in Southeast Asian countries [3]. We evaluated the RBC parameters in patients with Hb E and those with SAO co-inheritance.

    A total of 33 from 1500 Malay patient’s samples that were sent for thalassaemia-haemoglobinopathies screening in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) were identified and consented (30 cases with Hb E and 3 cases with co-inheritance of Hb E and SAO). The inclusion criteria were Malay patients with MCV and MCH levels less than 78 fL and 27 pg respectively with presence of oval and stomatocytic RBCs in the peripheral blood film. DNA extraction was performed in samples suspected of having co-inheritance of SAO and Hb E. Primers 198 and 199 (AIT biotech Pte Ltd. Singapore) were designed for SAO detection [4], [5]. Hb E mutation was detected using ARMS PCR [6].

    SAO was characterised by presence of an in frame 27bp deletion in exon 11 of the band 3 gene. A band of 175bp was observed in normal subjects and two bands, 175bp and 148bp were observed in heterozygous SAO subjects (Fig. 1).
  10. Fulltext Detection ofXMN1-Gγ polymorphism among patients with Hbe/βeta thalassaemia in North East Malaysia
    Rose Adzrianee Adnan, Nor Sarifah Hanafi, Zilfalil Alwi, Sarina Sulong
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):42-43.
    MyJurnal
    The incidence of HbE/beta (HbE/β) thalassaemia is increasing in Asian countries, including Malaysia. HbE/β thalassaemia is widely acknowledged to have a diverse phenotypic spectrum despite having the same primary genetic background [1,2,3]. Thus, there are HbE/β thalassaemia patients who receive unnecessary treatments which leads to side effects [4], reduced quality of life and wasting health care resources. Ideally, the treatment and management of thalassaemia patients are individually tailored in order to minimise side effects and optimise health care costs. Genetic variants have been widely acknowledged to influence the variability of human phenotypes. Presence of unique genetic modifiers are believed to cause the diversity in HbE/β thalassaemia severity. Milder disease course has been found to be highly associated with Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism (rs7482144), a SNP at HBG2 promoter [1,5,6,7]. So far, there is no association study between Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism and HbE/beta thalassaemia disease severity in Malaysia. This study aims to optimise PCR-RFLP technique for detection of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism, to determine the frequency of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism in HbE/β thalassaemia patients and finding its association with the severity of HbE/β thalassaemia patients. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed using archived genomic DNAs from 58 subjects with their respective research pro formas. Selected datas were extracted from the pro formas in order to classify patients into 3 disease severity groups using the scoring system by Sripichai et al., (2008) based on 6 parameters. The archived genomic DNAs were genotyped employing Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The genotypes were categorised into homozygous variant, heterozygous and homozygous wild type. The genotypes detected were then validated using DNA sequencing analysis. Appropriate statistical analysis was used to determine the association of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism with the clinical severity of HbE/β thalassaemia. This study had successfully optimised the PCR-RFLP technique for detection of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism. Out of 58 subjects, the Xmn1-Gγ polymorphisms were detected in 40 subjects (69%) with the majority being heterozygous (CT) (n=38, 66%) and there were only 2 (3%) homozygous variant (TT) subjects. Homozygous wild type (CC) were detected in 18 (31%) subjects. There were no significant association of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism with the severity of HbE/β thalassaemia patients with p-value of 0.65 for genotype and 0.58 for allele, respectively. In conclusion, this study showed no significant association of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism with milder disease severity of HbE/β thalassaemia patients. This can be a true finding for the patients in North East Malaysia or due to small sample size. Thus we recommend to have a larger study in order to validate the association of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism with HbE/β thalassaemia severity. In addition, there may be other genetic factors that interact with Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism as it was not possible to consistently predict phenotype and severity from the presence of Xmn1-Gγ polymorphism alone.
  11. Fulltext Von Willebrand factor profiles of the different ABO blood groups among Malay population
    Rohaida Abd Rahman, Faridah Afandi, Tun Maizura Mohd Fathullah, Rafeezul Mohamed
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):40-41.
    MyJurnal
    The National Blood Center, Kuala Lumpur interprets laboratory results for the von Willebrand factor (vWF) profile based on guidelines provided by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which were established based on the Caucasian population [1-2]. The vWF profiles among the Malay population has not yet been established.

    The goals of this study were to determine the vWF profiles of the different ABO blood types among Malays and to evaluate their association with demographic characteristics and smoking habits.

    One hundred and forty Malay donors participated in this study. Factor VIII (FVIII), vWF antigen, and ristocetin cofactor (RiCof) levels and collagen binding activity (CBA) were measured by coagulometric clot detection, latex agglutination, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
    MeSH terms: Agglutination; Blood Coagulation Tests; Collagen; Demography; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Factor VIII; Goals; Latex; Malaysia; Smoking; United States; von Willebrand Factor; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (U.S.)
  12. Fulltext Prognostic predictors of early mortality from exsanguination in adult trauma: a Malaysian trauma center experience
    Huei TJ, Mohamad Y, Lip HTC, Md Noh N, Imran Alwi R
    Trauma Surg Acute Care Open, 2017;2(1):e000070.
    PMID: 29766083 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2016-000070
    Background: Trauma mortality due to exsanguination is the second most common cause of death. The objective of this study is to investigate the predictors for early death from exsanguination.

    Methods: A prognostic study was done to identify predictors of early mortality due to exsanguination. Data were extracted from our Trauma Surgery Registry database of Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. All patients who were treated from May 1, 2011 to April 31, 2014 by the trauma team were included. Adult trauma patients included from the Trauma Surgery Registry were divided into two groups for analysis: early death from exsanguination and death from non-exsanguination/survivors. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to look for significant predictors of death from exsanguination. Variables analyzed were demography, mechanism of injury, organ injury scale, physiological parameters (systolic blood pressure (SBP), respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), New Injury Severity Score (NISS), Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and cause of death.

    Results: A total of 2208 patients with an average age of 36 (±16) years were included. Blunt trauma was the majority with 90.5%, followed by penetrating injuries (9.2%). The overall mortality is 239 out of 2208 (10.8%). Seventy-eight patients (32.6%) died due to central nervous system injury, 69 due to sepsis (28.9%) and 58 due to exsanguination (24.3%). After multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.026 (1.009 to 1.044), p=0.002), SBP (OR 0.985 (0.975 to 0.995), p=0.003) and temperature (OR 0.203 (0.076 to 0.543), p=0.001) were found to be the significant physiological parameters. Intra-abdominal injury and NISS were significant anatomic mortality predictors from exsanguination (p<0.001). Patients with intra-abdominal injury had four times higher risk of mortality from exsanguination (OR 3.948 (2.331 to 6.686), p<0.001).

    Discussion: In a Malaysian trauma center, age, SBP, core body temperature, intra-abdominal injury and NISS were significant predictors of early death from exsanguination.

    Level of evidence: II.

  13. Fulltext Evaluation of heterozygous Hb E and its interaction with deletional alpha thalassaemia in Kelantan
    Nur Hidayah Muhamad Yasin, Majdan Ramli, Ilunihayati Ibrahim, Rosnah Bahar, Noraesah Mahmud, Siti Shahrum Muhamed Said, et al.
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):35-37.
    MyJurnal
    Haemoglobin E (Hb E) is a variant of structurally abnormal haemoglobin that can be found very commonly in the Asian countries particularly the Southeast Asian [1]. [H1] Alpha thalassaemia is a red cell disorder which is caused by deletion or mutation of one or more of the four alpha globin genes leading to absence or decrease in production of alpha globin peptides [2]. This disorder is far more common in South East Asian regions and in Malaysia itself, and the gene frequency is about 4.1% [2]. The interactions of Hb E and alpha thalassaemia are evident in Kelantan which is bordered by southern Thailand. Using capillary electrophoresis (CE), a reduction of Hb E level is noticed as compared to Hb E heterozygotes. DNA analysis should be done to determine the presence of concurrent alpha thalassaemia variant. This study was done to evaluate haematological parameters using automated blood counters, morphology of red cells, Hb separation and quantitation of Hb fractions using CE and molecular analysis for alpha thalassemia. The study also aimed to discover cut off point of Hb E level in heterozygous Hb E patients with concurrent deletional alpha thalassaemia by CE.
    MeSH terms: DNA; Gene Frequency; Hemoglobin E; Hemoglobins, Abnormal; Heterozygote; Humans; Malaysia; Mutation; Peptides; Thailand; alpha-Thalassemia; Sequence Deletion; Electrophoresis, Capillary; alpha-Globins
  14. Fulltext A pilot study on the willingness of premarital Malays on premarital thalassaemia screening
    Nor Ezzati Nor Albashri, Noor Fadzilah Zulkifli, Asral Wirda Ahmad Asnawi, Zetty Nadia Mohd Zain, Rashidah Mohamed, Sathar, Jameela, et al.
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):33-34.
    MyJurnal
    Thalassaemia is one of the most common autosomal recessive blood disorders in the world and its carrier status is prevalent in nearly 15% of Malaysian population. The global and economic burden for lifelong care of those affected increases every year. Currently, there is no policy on thalassaemia-carrier screening for couples prior to marriage besides HIV/AIDS screening in Malaysia. Other countries such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have established a policy for thalassaemia prevention by conducting premarital thalassaemia screening. Zero thalassaemia cases in new-born child in Cyprus have proven that thalassaemia can be prevented. This study aimed to investigate the willingness of premarital Malays on premarital thalassaemia screening.

    A set of questionnaire was distributed to 57 persons at premarital course sites and wedding fairs and expositions held in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Components in the questionnaire included: 1) demographic 2) knowledge about thalassaemia, signs and screening method 3) attitudes towards thalassaemia premarital screening 4) practices of premarital thalassaemia screening. Analysis for the questionnaire was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0.
    MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Attitude; Bahrain; Child; Cyprus; Humans; Iran; Iraq; Malaysia; Marriage; Mass Screening; Saudi Arabia; Thalassemia; Turkey; Prevalence
  15. Fulltext Genetic variants in HBS1L-MYB rs9399137 and rs11759553 associated with elevated HbF levels among Filipino β°-deletion carriers
    Lai, Kuan Teh, Koh, Sam Yu, Shi, Min Chua, George, Elizabeth, Mei, I Lai, Wong, Lily
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):28-29.
    MyJurnal
    In Malaysia, Sabah population constitutes the most number of β-thalassaemia cases ranging from asymptomatic to transfusion dependent. Filipino β°-deletion has been reported as the predominant mutation in Sabah [1]. Despite having the same primary mutation, co-inheritance of genetic variants at HbF quantitative trait loci of HBS1L-MYB intergenic region may cause variability in clinical features by affecting the haemoglobin (Hb) subtypes level, especially HbF. Study suggested that MYB would activate γ-globin repressor gene directly and subsequently initiate the molecular HbF repression mechanisms. Polymorphisms within HBS1L-MYB intergenic region would inhibit binding of transcription factor on MYB and leading to elevation of HbF levels [2]. This can act as an ameliorating factor in the clinical presentation of β-thalassaemia patients [3]. This study aimed to elucidate the association of Hb subtypes levels with three HBS1L-MYB variants among 134 Filipino β°-deletion carriers. PCR-RFLP analysis was done for HBSIL-MYB rs4895441 (A→G) while tetra-primers ARMS PCR analysis was done for HBSIL-MYB rs9399137 (T→C) and rs11759553 (A→T) (Fig.1).
  16. Fulltext Haemolytic Disease of Foetus and Newborn and Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction Due to Kidd antibody in Hospital Umum Sarawak, Malaysia
    Irni Mohd Yasin, Narazah Mohd Yusoff, Afifah Hassan, Muhammad Masrin Md. Zahrin
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):26-27.
    MyJurnal
    Haemolytic Disease of Foetus and Newborn (HDFN) and Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction (HTR) may occur due to antibodies against Kidd antigen. In Malaysia, the prevalence of RBC alloimmunization due to Kidd antibody for cases of HDFN and HTR have been reported [1-2] however there is insufficient data in Hospital Umum Sarawak (HUS).The aim of this study is to determine whether Kidd alloimmunization causes HDFN and HTR. Indirectly categorize Kidd phenotype blood in regular blood donors.
    MeSH terms: Antibodies; Blood Donors; Erythroblastosis, Fetal; Fetus; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia; Phenotype; Prevalence; Transfusion Reaction
  17. Fulltext Case series of homozygous and compound heterozygosity of Hb malay, the diagnostic features and transfusion requirements
    Hanizah Salwa Amran, Nurimatussolehah Sarijan, Sathar, Jameela Sathar, Sabariah Md Noor
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):23-25.
    MyJurnal
    Hb Malay was first described in 1989 following an investigation of anaemia in a 22-year-old Malay gentleman who was homozygous for this  chain variant. This Hb variant is caused by AAC  AGC mutation at codon 19 of the  globin gene resulting in the substitution of serine for asparagine [1]. The mutation creates cryptic RNA splice site in exon 1 of the -globin gene leading to an abnormal RNA processing. Thus, this mutation not only produces variant haemoglobin but also a mild + thalassemia phenotype [2].
  18. Fulltext Azacytidine enhances sensitivity response to imatinib in BCR/ABL positive CML cell line
    Hamid Ali Nagi Al-Jamal, Wan Rohani Wan Taib, Siti Asmaa Mat Jusoh, Aziee Sudin, Muhammad Farid Johan
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):20-22.
    MyJurnal
    Azacytidine (5-Aza) is a chemotherapeutic drug that has been known to restore the expression of Tumour suppressor genes by de-methylation and shown clinical efficacy inMyelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) [1-3]. Currently, 5-Aza is being used in UK for the treatment of some adults with MDS, chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) and acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) [4]. Majority of CML patients treated with imatinib, a BCR/ABL inhibitor would develop resistance under prolonged therapy. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic transcription factor that is constitutively activated in various human cancers including hematological malignancies. Activation of STAT3 represents an important mechanism of imatinib resistant [5]. Methylation of SHP-1is involved in the constitutive activation of STAT3 [6], and a low level of SHP-1is not sufficient to inhibit activated STAT3 [7]. Epigenetic silencing of SHP-1also plays a role in the development of resistance to imatinib in BCR/ABL positive CML cells.
    MeSH terms: Imatinib Mesylate; Adult; Azacitidine; Humans; Methylation; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl; STAT3 Transcription Factor
  19. Incidence and risk factors of symptomatic dry eye disease in Asian Malays from the Singapore Malay Eye Study
    Man REK, Veerappan AR, Tan SP, Fenwick EK, Sabanayagam C, Chua J, et al.
    Ocul Surf, 2017 Oct;15(4):742-748.
    PMID: 28442380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2017.04.004
    PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of symptomatic dry eye disease (SDED) and associated risk factors in a well-characterized cohort of ethnic Malays in Singapore.

    METHODS: We included 1682 participants (mean age [SD]: 57 [10]years; 55.4% female) without SDED from the Singapore Malay Eye Study (SiMES), a population-based longitudinal study with baseline examination (SiMES-1) conducted between 2004 and 2006, and follow-up examination (SiMES-2) conducted between 2010 and 2013. SDED was considered to be present if a participant answered "often" or "all the time" to any of the six questions from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study dry eye questionnaire. Age-standardized incidence of SDED was calculated as the crude 6-year cumulative incidence standardized to Singapore's population census. Gender-stratified multivariable log-binomial regression models were utilized to determine the independent risk factors of incident SDED.

    RESULTS: At the 6-year follow-up, 86 of 1682 participants had developed SDED, which was equivalent to an age-standardized 6-year incidence of 5.1% (95% CI 4.1-6.4%). There were no differences in the incidence of SDED between men and women (P = 0.9). Multivariable models revealed that presence of glaucoma and poorer self-rated health were independently associated with incident SDED in men (P = 0.003 and 0.03, respectively), while contact lens wear (P = 0.002), history of thyroid disease (P = 0.03), and having had cataract surgery (P = 0.02) were predictive of incident SDED in women.

    CONCLUSION: One in twenty adult Malays developed SDED over a 6-year period. Risk factors for incident SDED were different between men and women. Future studies and public health interventions should consider this gender-specific difference in risk factors.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Singapore; Dry Eye Syndromes/epidemiology*; Incidence; Prevalence
  20. Fulltext Effect of pink guava oil-palm stearin blends and lard on dough properties and cookies quality
    Noor Raihana, A.R., Marikkar, J.M.N., Jaswir, I., Nurrulhidayah, A.F., Miskandar, M.S.
    International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    A study was carried out to compare the cookie dough properties and cookie quality made out
    of pink guava oil-palm stearin blends and lard (LD). Since LD is prohibited under religious
    restrictions, plant shortenings were prepared by mixing pink guava seed oil with palm stearin
    (PGO/PS) in different ratios: PGO-1, 40:60; PGO-2, 45:55; PGO-3, 50:50; PGO-4; 55:45 as
    replacement. The effect of these formulated plant-based shortenings and LD shortening were
    compared on dough rheological properties and cookie quality. Rheology and hardness of the
    cookie dough were evaluated using Texture Analyser (TA). Cookie hardness was evaluated
    with TA while cookie surface colors were measured using the CIE L*a*b* colorimetric system.
    Among the samples, cookies made out of PGO-2 with the ratio 45:55 (PGO:PS) performed the
    best substitute for LD to be used as shortening in cookies. PGO-2 also displayed the closest
    similarity to LD in cookies for hardness, size and thickness, cracking size as well as colour.
    As PGO-2 was a shortening formulated with plant-based ingredients, it could comply with the
    halal and toyyiban requirements.
    MeSH terms: Color; Colorimetry; Dietary Fats; Hardness; Rheology; Seeds; Triglycerides; Psidium
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