Browse publications by year: 2017

Fulltext Accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in solitary or dominant nodular goitre: a single centre study

Rohaizak, M., Aman Fuad, Y., Naqiyah, I., Saladina, J.J., Shahrun Niza, A.S.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(2):85-88.
MyJurnal

Background: Thyroid swelling or goitre is a common condition, either asymptomatic or symptomatic. The
diagnosis is usually established by ultrasound or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a gold standard.
The sensitivity of the test is inversely related to increasing size of the nodule. The objective of this study is
to evaluate the accuracy of FNAC especially in cases of large goitre.

Material and methods: This is a
retrospective study on patients who underwent thyroidectomy between January 2000 to December 2007 for
solitary or dominant nodular goitre. The analysis was made only on those patients with complete data on
FNAC and histology.

Result: There were 235 patients, but only 161 patients were analysed after excluding
the suspicious and inadequate sample. The patients’ mean age was 42.1 year old (21 to 60). The size of the
thyroid nodule ranged from 2.1 to 5.0 cm (mean = 3.9 cm). The overall sensitivity was 67.4% and the overall
accuracy was 86.3%. The accuracy of FNAC according to the sizes above and below the value were as
follows; 2 cm (72.2% vs. 88.1%); 3 cm (88.0% vs. 87.4%) ; 4 cm (86.6% vs. 84.4%) ; 5 cm (87.3% vs. 78.8%).
This was most obvious in the sensitivity of the FNA which also showed reducing trend as the nodules
increased in size.

Conclusion: FNAC is an essential diagnostic tool in the management of nodular goitre.
Our study showed that the accuracy of FNAC decreased as the size of the nodule getting bigger. Cautious
approach should be taken in the management of large goitre and decision should not be based only on the
result of FNAC.

MeSH terms: Cytodiagnosis; Goiter, Nodular; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Thyroidectomy; Ultrasonography; Thyroid Nodule; Biopsy, Fine-Needle
Fulltext Neonatal clavicle fracture: a review of fourteen cases in east coast Peninsular Malaysia

Awang, M.S., Abdul Razak, A.H., Che Ahmad, A., Mohd Rus, R.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(2):79-83.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to identify the incidence of clavicle fractures in newborn
associated with fetal, maternal and process of deliveries in Kuantan General Hospital from June 2012 until
January 2014. This study is to determine epidemiological data of clavicle fractures, maternal and baby risk
factors associated with clavicle fractures of newborn and its’ outcome.

Methods: This is a prospective
study. 13 patients were identified to fulfill the inclusion criteria of the study. The data of
sociodemographic, associated fetal and maternal risk factors and the outcomes were recorded using
proforma. The statistical data analysis was done using SPSS 12.0.

Results: Out of 20,257 live births at our
centre during the study period, 13 infants were diagnosed to have clavicle fractures, giving an incidence of
0.64 per 1000 live births. There were 5 (38.5%) left, 7 (53.8%) right and one (7.7%) bilateral fracture. All
fractures located at the mid shaft of the clavicle and none have associated brachial plexus injuries. All
infants were delivered through vaginal delivery (61.5%); five through assisted delivery (instrumental); 2
(15.4%) forcep and 3 (23.1%) vacuum. Two of the babies developed shoulder dystocia. The average birth
weight was 3371 grams (SD 0.269) and mean gestational age was 38.7 weeks (SD 1.16). Five of the mothers
(38.5%) were primigravida and eight (61.5%) were multigravida in which,7 (53.8%)were healthy without
other co-morbidty, 5 (38.5%) having gestational diabetis and one (7.7%) hypertension. The average maternal
weight was 62.0 kg and height 1.58 metres with average BMI of 24.16 (3.29SD). All eventually had a
complete recovery at 6 weeks with clinical and radiological evident of fracture union.

Conclusions: In
conclusion, all patients with clavicle fractures were found following vaginal delivery. There were no
associations between neonatal clavicle fractures with maternal or baby risk factors. All fractures healed
without any complications.

MeSH terms: Brachial Plexus; Clavicle; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Dystocia; Female; Gestational Age; Hospitals, General; Humans; Hypertension; Infant, Newborn; Mothers; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Radiography; Risk Factors; Shoulder; Surgical Instruments; Vacuum; Body Mass Index; Incidence; Parturition; Delivery, Obstetric; Live Birth
Fulltext Pyrethroid resistance status of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linneaus) from dengue endemic areas in Peninsular Malaysia

Rosilawati, R., Lee, H.L., Nazni, W.A., Nurulhusna, A.H., Roziah, A., Khairul Asuad, M., et al.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(2):73-78.
MyJurnal

Vector control is still the principal method to control dengue and chemical insecticides, especially the
pyrethroids such as permethrin are the forerunners of mosquito control agent. Intensive and extensive use
of pyrethroids often result in resistance, thereby hampering control efforts. The present study was
conducted to evaluate the susceptible status of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue against
permethrin. A nationwide mosquito sampling via ovitrapping was conducted in 12 dengue hotspots across 5
states in Peninsular Malaysia. Field collected Aedes eggs were hatched and reared until L3 larval and further
identified it species. Adult F0 Aedes aegypti were reared until F1 progeny and the female were used in
adult assay, performed according to World Health Organization (WHO) protocol as to determine the
resistance level. The laboratory strain maintained for more than 1000 generations that were susceptible to
permethrin served as the control strain. Evaluation of resistance ratio was assessed by comparing the
knockdown rate with laboratory susceptible strain. In this present study, 70% ofAe. aegypti population from
dengue hotspots was highly resistance to permethrin. The study clearly demonstrated that widespread of
permethrin resistant Ae. aegypti in Malaysian mosquito’s population, indicating the need of implementing
an efficient pyrethroid resistance management.

MeSH terms: Aedes; Animals; Biological Assay; Dengue; Disease Vectors; Female; Insecticides; Larva; Malaysia; Mosquito Control; Pyrethrins; World Health Organization; Permethrin
Fulltext Ultra-morphological changes of Trichophyton rubrum treated with hydroxychavicol

Ridzuan, P.M., Nasir Mohamad, Salwani Ismail, Nor Iza A. Rahman, Sanusi, N.A., Rabiatul Adawiyah Umar, et al.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(2):65-71.
MyJurnal

Trichophyton rubrum is a common pathogenic fungal species that is responsible for causing infection on
human skin, hair and nail. The antifungal-resistant strains complicate the treatment regime.
Hydroxychavicol (HC) is one of the main compounds from Piper betel leaf that have antifungal potential and
its mechanism of action has not been studied yet. The objective of this preliminary study to determine the
antifungal properties of HC against T. rubrum using transmission electron microscope (TEM) on gross and
ultrastructure of T. rubrum hypha. T. rubrum was treated with HC and miconazole (MI) at concentrations of
1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/mL for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days continuously. Generally, fungi structures became more
severely damaged at increasing treatment duration. Microscopically, the fungi’s cell wall treated with HC
showed a rough surface, shrinkage and demolition similar to the MI treated group. The fungi organelles were
also demolished and disorganized. This study revealed that HC has the ability to inhibit T. rubrum growth
and has potential to be an antifungal agent for skin infections.

MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents; Cell Wall; Eugenol; Hair; Humans; Miconazole; Nails; Trichophyton; Organelles; Hyphae; Piper; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
Fulltext The dimensions of auditory hallucination in schizophrenia: association with depressive symptoms and quality of life

Janaki, V., Suzaily, W., Abdul Hamid, A.R., Hazli, Z., Azmawati, M.N.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(2):55-64.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Auditory hallucination (AH) is often unexplored in depth in clinical practice. This study sought
to ascertain the relationship between AH, depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) and its association
with socio-demographic and clinical variables.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study done in a
psychiatry unit involving 60 schizophrenic patients between 18 to 60 years old. Psychotic Symptom Rating
Scale – Auditory Hallucination subscale (PSYRATS-AH), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS)
and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were used as instruments.

Results: Alcohol intake was found to be significantly associated with the severity of AH. A significant
moderate positive correlation was found between AH total score and CDSS (r=0.53, p

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Hallucinations; Humans; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychiatry; Psychotic Disorders; Quality of Life; Schizophrenia
Fulltext Morphometric and morphological study of mental foramen in the Malaysian population: anatomy and forensic implications

Aspalilah Alias, AbdelNasser Ibrahim, Siti Noorain Abu Bakar, Mohamed Swarhib Shafie, Faridah Mohd Nor, Srijit Das

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(2):47-53.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The mental foramen is present on either side of the body of the mandible bone. This foramen
transmits mental vessels and nerves. In forensic anthropology, mental foramen may be important for
differentiating sex, estimating age and identifying various races based on morphology. The main aim of the
present study was to determine the position, shape and diameter of the mental foramen according to sex,
age and race by postmortem computed tomography in the Malaysian population.

Materials and Methods: A total of 79 dentulous patients (48 males, 31 females) from 3 age groups (18-30 years, 31– 50 years, 51-74
years) were selected for this study, and ten parameters were observed for each mandible. The parameters
were divided into two morphological and eight morphometric parameters. The morphometric parameters
were measured by using Osirix MD Software 3D Volume Rendering.

Results: Results showed that mandibular
body length and height were significantly greater in males than in females by independent t-test. (p< 0.05).
However, the mandibular body height was found to decrease significantly with age in both sexes by one-way
Anova. It was observed that the shape of mental foramen was 45.6% oval and 54.4% rounded. About 44.3% of
them were in line with the longitudinal axis of the second premolar tooth.

Conclusion: It was concluded that
mental foramen may be used for identification purposes, particularly for sex, age and race determination.

MeSH terms: Bicuspid; Body Height; Female; Humans; Male; Mandible; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Software; Tomography; RNA-Binding Proteins; Forensic Anthropology
Fulltext A pilot study of enhance recovery after surgery (ERAS) for liver resection

Jarmin, R., Othman, H., Zuhdi, Z., Mohamad, I.S., Ahmad, A.W., Ariffin, A.C.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(2):41-45.
MyJurnal

Background: Morbidity post hepatectomy still remain persistent throughout decades compared to other
surgery. Modern approach have been introduced to improve safety and reduce morbidity whilst at the same
time enhance patient recovery. Thus, enhanced recovery after surgery or fast track recovery program for
liver resection was initiated.

Objective: The aim of this study was to achieve discharge by postoperative
day 3 for minor resection and day 5 for major resection.

Design and Setting: This is a prospective study
conducted in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) from September 2014 till April 2015.

Material
and Methods: All patients undergoing open liver resection were included in the study. They were then
managed post operatively according to ERAS protocol that was drawn up based on previous studies. Patient’s
demographics data, intra operative parameters, postoperative complications and adherence to
postoperative recovery protocol were recorded.

Results: Seventeen patients (7 major and 10 minor
resection) were recruited. The mean length of hospital stay for minor resection was 5.9 and major resection
was 9.6 .With regards to the targets, 4 out of 10 (40%)patients in minor resection group and 4 out 7 (57.1%)
in the major group were discharged on time. 9 patients had postoperative complications with no mortality
recorded. In terms of the ERAS protocol targets, the PCA morphine discontinuation target was achieved in
15 patients (88.3%) ,nasogastric tube removal (13 patients -76.5%) , urinary cathether removal (6 patients -
35.3%), abdominal drains removal (9 patients-52.9%) and resumption of full diet was achieved by 82.4% (14
patients).

Conclusion: From these overall achievement, most of our targets have been met and this shows
that our ERAS protocol is safe to be applied to patient undergoing hepatectomy.

Limitations: Some patients
had achieved their target but not discharged for unknown reason.

MeSH terms: Diet; Hepatectomy; Humans; Length of Stay; Liver; Malaysia; Morbidity; Morphine; Patient Discharge; Postoperative Complications; Postoperative Period; Prospective Studies
Fulltext Morphology of maxillary first molars analyzed by cone-beam computed tomography among Malaysian: variations in the number of roots and canals and the incidence of fusion

Aws Hashim Al-Kadhim, Normaliza AB Malik, Azlan Jaafar, Zainul Ahmad Rajion

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(2):33-39.
MyJurnal

Introduction: A few studies investigated the numerous potential endodontic uses of CBCT, including the
examination of root canal morphology and presumed that CBCT was effective for the initial identification of
such morphology; moreover CBCT is a reliable method for the detection of the MB2 canal when compared
with the gold standard of physical sectioning of the specimen. The aim of this study was to identify the root
and canal morphology of the maxillary first molars among Malaysians analysed by cone-beam computed
tomography (CBCT) images.

Materials and Methods: Maxillary first (n = 421) molars from Malaysian patients
(n = 241) of Malay, Chinese and Indians inceptions were examined by two Endodontists using in vivo CBCT
methods. The number and configuration of roots, the number of root canals, and the canal configuration
according to Vertucci’s classification were determined.

Results: Single roots were not found in maxillary
first molars. The incidence of fused roots was 1.995% in the first molars between mesiobuccal and
distobuccal roots. In (421) 3-rooted maxillary first molars, additional canals were found in 45.6% of the
mesiobuccal (MB) roots and 0% of the distobuccal (DB) roots. Bilateral symmetry of the MB roots was found
in 82.36% of the first molar. Only one tooth was found to have pulp stone inside the pulp chamber.

Conclusions: The root and canal configuration of a Malaysian population showed different features from
those of other populations. CBCT scans can enhance the understanding of root canal anatomy, with the
potential of improving the outcome of endodontic treatment.

MeSH terms: Dental Pulp Calcification; Dental Pulp Cavity; Humans; Malaysia; Maxilla; Molar; Tomography; Tooth; Tooth Root; Incidence; Endodontists
Fulltext DNA Methylation of IGSF4 gene as an Epigenetic Modifier in HbE/β-Thalassaemia

Haiyuni Mohd Yassim, Wan Zaidah Abdullah, Muhammad Farid Johan

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):17-19.
MyJurnal

The large clinical spectrum of Haemoglobin E (HbE)/β-thalassaemia leads to identification of modifiers that cause the complexity1. IGSF4, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily 4 is known as a thalassaemia-related gene that plays an important role in globin synthesis. Methylation of IGSF4 was reported to interrupt the process of globin synthesis through its interaction with other genes in the regulation network of globin expression2. Specific cells isolation is needed in order to study the methylation profile as the interaction between various haematopoietic cells including nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in whole blood could impact the methylation results3. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the pattern of DNA methylation at the promoter region of IGSF4 gene that may involve in the alteration of globin synthesis in HbE/β-thalassaemia patients.
Fulltext Isolation of peripheral blood nucleated red blood cells from β-Thalassaemia patients using CD71 magnetic activated cell sorting

Haiyuni Mohd Yassim, Ali, Heba, Rosline Hassan, Wan Zaidah Abdullah, Muhammad Farid Johan

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):14-16.
MyJurnal

The molecular biology knowledge in β-thalassaemia is limited due to the involvement of various erythropoeitic processes where the genetic information is lack due to nucleus ejection throughout the maturation of red blood cell activities concurrence with the accumulation of haemoglobin. Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) are typically found in peripheral blood (PB) of β-thalassaemia transfusion dependent patients and abundant in post splenectomy (Fig. 1A) [1]. The presence of NRBCs will provide further understanding on the molecular aspect of ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassaemia patients. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to isolate the NRBCs using CD71 magnetic beads from PB of β-thalassaemia patients and to compare the quantity of NRBCs enriched between non-splenectomised transfusion dependent and post-splenectomised transfusion dependent β-thalassaemia patients.
Fulltext Four nucleotide deletions of exon 47 in Dystrophin gene: a case report of a Kelantanese Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patient

Fatimah Azman, Rose Adzrianee Adnan, Norhafizah Che Abdul Razak, Nazihah Mohd Yunus, Sarina Sulong, Rozita Abdullah, et al.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):11-13.
MyJurnal

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that result in progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is classified as dystrophinopathy and is an X-linked recessive disease. It is caused by alterations in the dystrophin gene at Xp21.2 encoding 79 exons [1]. It is characterised by progressive muscle wasting that begins at 3 to 5 years, delay in motor development and eventually wheelchair confinement followed by premature death at about 30 years from cardiac or respiratory complications [2]. Genetic etiology of cases of DMD in Malaysia are still scarcely reported. Here, we report the genetic cause in the case of an 11-year-old Kelantanese Malay boy who has progressive muscle weakness since 5 years old. He has difficulty in getting up from sitting and supine position also in climbing up stairs until 1st floor. He has a strong family history of DMD and musculoskeletal problems. His younger brother was diagnosed with DMD by molecular analysis and his maternal uncle died at the age of 16 with musculoskeletal problems but was never investigated. Physical examination revealed no dysmorphic features, positive Gower sign with absent tounge fasciculation. On neurological examination, tendon reflexes and muscle tone for limbs were normal. Muscle power for bilateral upper limbs were normal, however, bilateral lower limbs showed slight reduction in muscle power with calf hypertrophy.

MeSH terms: Atrophy; Exons; Fasciculation; Humans; Hypertrophy; Malaysia; Male; Muscle Tonus; Muscular Atrophy, Spinal; Reflex, Stretch; Tendons; Wheelchairs; Dystrophin; Supine Position; Muscle Weakness; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Lower Extremity; Siblings; Mortality, Premature
Educational Intervention for Clinical Judgment Skills

Foo ML, Tang LY, Vimala R, Chui PL, Chong MC

J Contin Educ Nurs, 2017 Aug 01;48(8):347-352.
PMID: 28759691 DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20170712-05

BACKGROUND: Because nurses need to handle a broad range of issues related to patients' health status, it is necessary to make reliable and sound clinical judgments for professional accountability and the patients' safety.
METHOD: A quasi-experimental pre- and posttest design with a control group was used to study the effectiveness of an educational intervention on the clinical judgment skills of 80 RNs from two district hospitals. The change in clinical judgment skills during a 6-week period was evaluated using a complex case-based scenario after the completion of the educational intervention.
RESULTS: The mean scores of clinical judgment skills of the experimental group had significantly improved from 24.15 ± 6.92 to 47.38 ± 7.20. (p < .001). However, only a slight change was seen in mean scores for the control group (23.80 ± 5.77 to 26.50 ± 6.53).
CONCLUSION: The educational intervention was effective postintervention. Continuing nursing education using a traditional and case-based method is recommended to improve clinical judgment skills in clinical settings. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(8):347-352.

MeSH terms: Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical data*; Education, Nursing, Continuing/methods*; Educational Measurement/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Humans; Judgment*; Malaysia; Male; Nursing Staff, Hospital/education*; Nursing Staff, Hospital/statistics & numerical data*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Nursing Education Research
Two replacement names of the genus group of Micronoctuini and a new species of the genus Tentaxus Han & Kononenko from Sabah, East Malaysia (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypenodinae). Taxonomic study of Micronoctuini. Contribution I

Han HL, Kononenko VS

Zootaxa, 2017 Dec 05;4362(2):259-266.
PMID: 29245428 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4362.2.5

Two replacement names of the genus group in Micronoctuini (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypenodinae), Tentaxus nom. nov. pro Tentax Fibiger 2011 (unavailable name) and Flaxus nom. nov. pro Flax Fibiger 2011 (unavailable name) are proposed; 43 new conbinations (comb. nov.) are stated. A new species T. zhangweiweii Han & Kononenko, sp. nov. is described from Borneo (Sabah, East Malaysia).

MeSH terms: Animals; Borneo; Lepidoptera*; Malaysia
Taxonomic review of the plant bug subfamily Isometopinae for Taiwan and Japanese Southwest Islands, with descriptions of new taxa (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Isometopinae)

Yasunaga T, Yamada K, Tsai JF

Zootaxa, 2017 Dec 19;4365(4):421-439.
PMID: 29686197 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4365.4.3

The fauna of plant bug subfamily Isometopinae in Taiwan and Japanese Southwest (Nansei) Islands is reviewed. Twenty-five species are recognized, including two new species of Myiomma Puton, M. austroccidens sp. nov. and M. kentingense sp. nov., which are herein diagnosed and described. In addition, Isometopus yehi Lin, 2004 is synonymized with I. bipunctatus Lin; Isometopidea yangi Lin is transferred to Kohnometopus; and a substitute name, Alcecoris linyangorum, is proposed for A. formosanus (Lin Yang) (= a junior secondary homonym of Alcecoris formosanus Lin). An annotated checklist, with updated distributional record and biological information, is provided for all treated taxa. A new tribe Sophianini is proposed for two genera, Alcecoris and Sophianus, characterized principally by the conspicuously modified antennal structures. An additional new species, Alcecoris cochlearatus sp. nov., found during examination of related Oriental specimens, is described from the Malay Peninsula.

MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures; Malaysia; Organ Size; Taiwan; Heteroptera*; Islands; Animal Distribution
Fulltext Kinetic performance of Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates (CLEA)-Amylase from Zophobas Morio

Easa M.N., Yusof, F., Abd. Halim, A.

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
MyJurnal

Many studies have been done on various species of insects to investigate their potential use in industries. This is because insects have high protein content which could be further manipulated. Due to its eating habit, Zophobas morio larvae, also known as super mealworm has been shown to have high amylase activity. In this study, amylase from super mealworm has been immobilized via Cross-Linked Enzyme Aggregates (CLEA) technique and its kinetic performance, evaluated. CLEA is one of the best immobilization method with respect to enzyme stability and reusability. Kinetic performance of both free and CLEA-amylase were evaluated based on the Michaelis-Menten model. Results obtained based on Hanes-Woolf, LineweaverBurk, Eadie-Hofstee and Hyperbolic Regression plots showed that the kinetic parameters, Vmax and KM, changed upon immobilization. For CLEA-amylase, Hanes-Woolf plot showed the bestfitted model based on R2 with Vmax= 1.068 mM/min and KM= 0.182 mM, however, LineweaverBurk plot was used to obtain the kinetic parameters for free amylase, with Vmax and KM of 17.230 mM/min and 2.470 mM, respectively. Thus it is observed that upon immobilization, Vmax for amylase dropped appreciably, however, much lower substrate concentration is needed to saturate the enzymatic sites to reach its maximum catalytic efficiency. The result from this study might open the new path in discovering the potential use of insects in industrial applications, for example, making use of the recovered enzymes in the detergent industry.

MeSH terms: Amylases; Animals; Catalysis; Detergents; Enzyme Stability; Feeding Behavior; Kinetics; Larva; Tenebrio
Fulltext Gelatin-polysaccharide based materials: A review of processing and properties

Asiyanbi, T.T., Bio-Sawe, W., Idris, M.A., Hammed, A.M.

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
MyJurnal

The advent of green technology has flourished biomolecule applications in medical, pharmaceutical and food products. Unlike synthetic materials, gelatin-polysaccharide matrixes are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Gelatin-polysaccharide complexes are currently being utilized for the development of nano- and micro-particles, hydrogel, aerogel and films. Gelatin-polysaccharide based materials have offered improved characteristics depending on the type and concentration of polysaccharide and crosslinking agent. Gelatin-polysaccharide based materials function as bioactive compounds entrapment and encapsulation and anti-bacteria. This review provides concise information on the theory and technological applications of gelatin-polysaccharides based materials.

MeSH terms: Bacteria; Food; Gelatin; Mass Media; Polysaccharides
Fulltext Nutritional perspectives of early Muslims’ eating habits

Ahmed I. A., Idris M.A., Asiyanbi-Hammed T.T., Mikail M. A., Hammed A.

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
MyJurnal

In recent time, there has been a great influx of numerous processed foods into the market. The utilization of improved technologies in food ecosphere has not only led to the emergence of complex foods but has also raised concerns about their nutritional, safety and halal status among consumers. Consumers are confused whether to reject or adopt the proceesed foods and have become divided into various groups based on their eating habits. In order to ameliorate their concerns, consumers seek the adoption of knowledge-based eating habits. This review provides details on the nutritional perspectives of eating habits by early Muslims. Islam, as a complete way of life, entails well-defined eating habits as a comprehensive guide for mankind.

MeSH terms: Confusion; Feeding Behavior; Islam; Fast Foods
Fulltext Comparative study on spoilage and pathogenic bacteria in selected commercial marine and freshwater fishes

Jalal, K.C.A., Akbar John, B., Nurul Lyana, M.S., Faizul, H.N., Noor Isma Yanti, M., Mahbuba Bulbul

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
MyJurnal

Microorganisms are the major cause of spoilage of most seafood products. Fishes are more perishable than other protein foods and thus more prone to bacterial contamination. Based on above perspectives, a bacterial invasion in commercially important fresh and spoiled marine (Lates calcarifer, Lutjanus sanguineus) and freshwater fish (Pangasius pangasius) were analyzed using API 20E kit. Out of 25 isolates obtained from fresh water fish, only 6 isolates were characterized as Gram-positive bacteria and the rest were Gram negative strains (19 isolates). The most dominant genera were Vibrio, Enterobacter, Serratia, and Aeromonas. All these bacteria were found in both fresh fish and spoiled fish sample while Erwinia spp. and Kluyvera spp. were identified only in fresh fish samples. Out of four (4) strains of Staphylococcus spp., S. xylosus was detected exclusively from spoiled fish. The higher number of bacterial micro flora in the spoiled fish gut indirectly indicated increased microbial degradation in the fish gut during spoilage process. Notably, almost all the isolates were lactose degraders, positive oxidizers and carbohydrate fermenters. Vibrio fluvialis, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Brucella sp. and Ochrabactrum anthropi were the human pathogenic bacteria found in marine fish Lates calcarifer (Sea perch). While Vibrio fluvialis, Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris were detected in Lutjanus sanguineus (Red snapper). The study portrays that the existing postharvest handling techniques could be a vital factor for degrading hygienic conditions of fish in local fish markets. Nevertheless, a long term monitoring is an urgently needed for sustaining the quality flesh of fish towards the betterment of the consumer’s health.
Fulltext Protease purification from Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens B7 using Aqueous Two-Phase System (ATPS)

Abd Samad, N.S., Amid, A., Jimat, D.N., Shukor, N.A.

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
MyJurnal

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B7 was isolated from the fermented fish sauce and identified as protease producer. Generally, in downstream processing, purification of enzymes consumes higher cost regarding reagents and equipment used. Moreover, harsh purification methods used might cause denaturation of the enzymes. Therefore, there is a high demand for efficient and lowcost extraction and purification methods. Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is an alternative method that should be considered as it is simple, rapid separation yet cause little denaturation. Protease produced by B. amyloliquefaciens B7 was partitioned using two different ATPS, which were PEG/potassium phosphate and PEG/sodium citrate. Results showed the highest enzyme activity was found in interface phase with the ATPS system of 27% (w/w) PEG1500/ 34% (w/w) sodium citrate. Later, the ATPS conditions (pH, temperature, the concentration of selected salt and PEG) were optimized by using response surface methodology. The optimum conditions for ATPS purification were observed in ATPS conditions at pH 7 and 35°C with the enzyme activity of 0.20± 0.01 U/ml.
Fulltext Globin gene defects in normal and borderline haemoglobin A2 levels: An IMR experience

Durar Aqilah Zamri, Lailatul Hadziyah Mohd Pauzy, Ezalia Esa, Yuslina Mat Yusoff, Nur Aisyah Aziz, Syahzuwan Hassan, et al.

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):6-7.
MyJurnal

The most common inherited monogenic disorders in the world are the haemoglobinopathies and thalassaemia. Thalassaemia is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders of haemoglobin synthesis, characterised by a reduction in the production of one or more of the subunits of haemoglobin chains [1]. Haemoglobin A2 (HbA2) level is an important parameter in thalassaemia diagnosis. High HbA2 level (≥4.0) detected in Hb analysis, points to the diagnosis of beta thalassaemia and other haemoglobinopathies. However, in some cases, the HbA2 levels are apparently normal or borderline high despite abnormal haematological profile. In these cases, further testing is required to confirm the diagnosis. The aim of this study is to examine any abnormality at molecular level in cases of Hb analysis results with normal or borderline high HbA2 level.

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