Browse publications by year: 2019

  1. Ch'ng LZ, Barakatun-Nisak MY, Wan Zukiman WZH, Abas F, Wahab NA
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2019 05 29;13(4):2339-2345.
    PMID: 31405640 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.05.026
    Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) plays an essential role in overall glycemic management. Less focus is given on managing postmeal hyperglycemia despite the facts that, it is a common feature of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The purpose of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature on the nutritional approaches to improve postmeal hyperglycemia in patients with T2D. We searched multiple databases for the studies examining the nutritional approaches to manage postmeal glucose in patients with T2D. We included studies that involve human trials that were published in English for the past 10 years. Our review of the current literature indicates that the postmeal hyperglycemia can be improved with four nutritional approaches. These approaches include (i) utilizing the appropriate amount and selecting the right type of carbohydrates, (ii) using specific types of dietary protein, (iii) manipulating the meal timing and orders and (iv) others (promoting postmeal physical activity, incorporating diabetes-specific formula and certain functional foods). The potential mechanisms underlying these approaches are discussed and the identified gaps warranted further research. This array of nutritional strategies provide a set of options for healthcare professionals to facilitate patients with T2D in achieving the optimal level of postmeal glucose.
    MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Proteins; Glucose; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Exercise; Postprandial Period; Nutrition Therapy; Functional Food; Meals
  2. Nga VT, Dung VNT, Chu DT, Tien NLB, Van Thanh V, Ngoc VTN, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2019 07 08;13(4):2495-2501.
    PMID: 31405667 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.014
    Childhood obesity prevalence is shooting up at a phenomenal rate worldwide, leading to long-term devastating consequences. A great number of studies have investigated factors contributing to the increase in BMI of children and adolescents. School-based, home-based and clinic-based solutions have been suggested as possible viable strategies, among which school-based interventions is believed to produce a noticeable effect on a massive scale. However, the question of whether school interventions, especially school education exert significant impact on childhood obesity or not, is left with mixing results. This article aims to holistically review the relationship between school education and childhood obesity. Various factors are covered, including health education, nutrition education, school nutrition, physical education, teachers' awareness, teaching practice and school stress, In all, school education is not the answer to childhood obesity but just part of it. More attempts from other stakeholders (parents, community, policy makers, researchers, etc.) should be made in order to solve this complicated puzzle.
    MeSH terms: Child; Health Education/methods*; Humans; Schools/statistics & numerical data*; Pediatric Obesity/prevention & control*; Pediatric Obesity/psychology*
  3. Hammad MA, Abdo MS, Mashaly AM, Syed Sulaiman SA, Alghamdi S, Mangi AA, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2019 07 08;13(4):2557-2564.
    PMID: 31405676 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.005
    Statins have impacts on the metabolism of glucose that might influence the progress of diabetes in non-diabetics or affect glycemic control in patients with existing diabetes. Experimental proof has been contradictory about whether some statins display beneficial properties while others indicate harmful impressions. Some systematic reviews of statins had stated conflicting findings on the concern of glucose metabolism. The current study investigates the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses to combine their results and give a clear situation regarding the influence of statins therapy on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This study has valuable strength points; long follow-up period and big sample size.
    MeSH terms: Blood Glucose/metabolism*; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/metabolism*; Humans; Prognosis; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*; Secondary Prevention; Observational Studies as Topic
  4. Balasubramaniam S, Lim SL, Goh LH, Subramaniam S, Tangiisuran B
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2019 07 09;13(4):2585-2591.
    PMID: 31405680 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2019.07.011
    BACKGROUND: Illness perceptions (IP) involve coping strategies and behavioural responses that can influence glycaemic control. Despite the importance of good glycaemic control, the majority of patients in Asia are not achieving glycaemic targets. An evaluation of IP in association with glycaemic control, medication adherence and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM) was carried out in an outpatient setting in Malaysia METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire in a purposive sample of 384 T2DM patients.

    RESULTS: There were 55.7% females, median age was 58.2 years and median duration of diabetes was 13 years. The majority (79.4%) of patients had poor diabetes control (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%) and 39.6% of patients had low medication adherence. Patients with good glycaemic control had a higher Timeline Acute/Chronic and Emotional Representations score, hence they held the correct belief that diabetes is chronic and experienced negative emotions. Highly adherent patients had a higher Illness Coherence (χ2 = 21.385, p 

    MeSH terms: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hyperglycemia/epidemiology; Hyperglycemia/prevention & control; Hyperglycemia/psychology*; Hypoglycemia/epidemiology; Hypoglycemia/prevention & control; Hypoglycemia/psychology*; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use*; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Education as Topic; Perception; Prognosis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Biomarkers/analysis; Prevalence; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/prevention & control; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/psychology*; Medication Adherence/psychology; Medication Adherence/statistics & numerical data*
  5. Collin P, Hervé A, Walch G, Boileau P, Muniandy M, Chelli M
    J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 2019 Oct;28(10):2023-2030.
    PMID: 31405717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.03.002
    BACKGROUND: Results of anatomic shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis with severe glenoid retroversion are unpredictable with a high rate of glenoid loosening. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been suggested as an alternative, with good early results. We sought to confirm this at longer follow-up (minimum 5 years). The study hypothesis was that early results would endure over time.

    METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all RSAs performed in 7 centers from 1998 to 2010. The inclusion criteria were primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with B1, B2, B3, or C glenoid. Forty-nine shoulders in 45 patients fulfilled the criteria. Bone grafting was performed in 16 cases. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Constant score (CS) and shoulder range of motion.

    RESULTS: The mean total CS increased from 30 preoperatively to 68 points (P < .001) with significant improvements in all the subsections of the CS and range of motion. Scapular notching was observed in 20 shoulders (43%), grade 1 in 5 (11%), grade 2 in 7 (15%), grade 3 in 5 (11%), and grade 4 in 3 (6%). The glenoid bone graft healed in all the shoulders. Partial inferior lysis of the bone graft was present in 8 cases (50%). Scapular notching and glenoid bone graft resorption had no influence on the CS (P = .147 and P = .798).

    CONCLUSION: RSA for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis in patients with posterior glenoid deficiency and humeral subluxation without rotator cuff insufficiency resulted in excellent clinical outcomes at a minimum of 5 years of follow-up.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Osteoarthritis/complications; Osteoarthritis/surgery*; Retrospective Studies; Shoulder Dislocation/complications; Shoulder Dislocation/surgery*; Shoulder Joint/physiopathology; Shoulder Joint/surgery*; Bone Transplantation; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome; Glenoid Cavity/pathology; Glenoid Cavity/surgery*; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Shoulder/adverse effects; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Shoulder/methods*
  6. Sajab MS, Mohan D, Santanaraj J, Chia CH, Kaco H, Harun S, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 08 12;9(1):11703.
    PMID: 31406228 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48274-2
    The recognition of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) in the past years as a high prospect material has been prominent, but the impractical cellulose extraction method from biomass remained as a technological barrier for industrial practice. In this study, the telescopic approach on the fractionation of lignin and cellulose was performed by organosolv extraction and catalytic oxidation from oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers. The integration of these techniques managed to synthesize CNF in a short time. Aside from the size, the zeta potential of CNF was measured at -41.9 mV, which allow higher stability of the cellulose in water suspension. The stability of CNF facilitated a better dispersion of Fe(0) nanoparticles with the average diameter size of 52.3-73.24 nm through the formulation of CNF/Fe(0). The total uptake capacity of CNF towards 5-fluorouracil was calculated at 0.123 mg/g. While the synergistic reactions of adsorption-oxidation were significantly improved the removal efficacy three to four times greater even at a high concentration of 5-fluorouracil. Alternatively, the sludge generation after the oxidation reaction was completely managed by the encapsulation of Fe(0) nanoparticles in regenerated cellulose.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Cellulose; Family Characteristics; Fluorouracil; Fruit; Lignin; Sewage; Suspensions; Water; Biomass; Nanoparticles
  7. Darling ES, McClanahan TR, Maina J, Gurney GG, Graham NAJ, Januchowski-Hartley F, et al.
    Nat Ecol Evol, 2019 Sep;3(9):1341-1350.
    PMID: 31406279 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0953-8
    Without drastic efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate globalized stressors, tropical coral reefs are in jeopardy. Strategic conservation and management requires identification of the environmental and socioeconomic factors driving the persistence of scleractinian coral assemblages-the foundation species of coral reef ecosystems. Here, we compiled coral abundance data from 2,584 Indo-Pacific reefs to evaluate the influence of 21 climate, social and environmental drivers on the ecology of reef coral assemblages. Higher abundances of framework-building corals were typically associated with: weaker thermal disturbances and longer intervals for potential recovery; slower human population growth; reduced access by human settlements and markets; and less nearby agriculture. We therefore propose a framework of three management strategies (protect, recover or transform) by considering: (1) if reefs were above or below a proposed threshold of >10% cover of the coral taxa important for structural complexity and carbonate production; and (2) reef exposure to severe thermal stress during the 2014-2017 global coral bleaching event. Our findings can guide urgent management efforts for coral reefs, by identifying key threats across multiple scales and strategic policy priorities that might sustain a network of functioning reefs in the Indo-Pacific to avoid ecosystem collapse.
    MeSH terms: Agriculture; Animals; Carbon; Carbonates; Climate; Ecology; Population Growth; Socioeconomic Factors; Ecosystem; Anthozoa; Coral Reefs
  8. Malik HAM, Abid F, Mahmood N, Wahiddin MR, Malik A
    Healthc Inform Res, 2019 Jul;25(3):182-192.
    PMID: 31406610 DOI: 10.4258/hir.2019.25.3.182
    Objectives: Dengue epidemic is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that has gained considerable attention due to its injurious effects. The focus of this study is to statically analyze the nature of the dengue epidemic network in terms of whether it follows the features of a scale-free network or a random network.

    Methods: A multifarious network of Aedes aegypti is addressed keeping the viewpoint of a complex system and modelled as a network. The dengue network has been transformed into a one-mode network from a two-mode network by utilizing projection methods. Furthermore, three network features have been analyzed, the power-law, clustering coefficient, and network visualization. In addition, five methods have been applied to calculate the global clustering coefficient.

    Results: It has been observed that dengue epidemic follows a power-law, with the value of its exponent γ = -2.1. The value of the clustering coefficient is high for dengue cases, as weight of links. The minimum method showed the highest value among the methods used to calculate the coefficient. Network visualization showed the main areas. Moreover, the dengue situation did not remain the same throughout the observed period.

    Conclusions: The results showed that the network topology exhibits the features of a scale-free network instead of a random network. Focal hubs are highlighted and the critical period is found. Outcomes are important for the researchers, health officials, and policy makers who deal with arbovirus epidemic diseases. Zika virus and Chikungunya virus can also be modelled and analyzed in this manner.

    MeSH terms: Zika Virus; Aedes; Animals; Arboviruses; Attention; Chikungunya virus; Dengue; Togaviridae Infections; Cluster Analysis; Epidemics
  9. Musa H, Kasim FH, Gunny AAN, Gopinath SCB, Ahmad MA
    3 Biotech, 2019 Aug;9(8):314.
    PMID: 31406636 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1845-y
    Initially, a new moderate halophilic strain was locally isolated from seawater. The partial 16S rRNA sequence analysis positioned the organism in Marinobacter genus and was named 'Marinobacter litoralis SW-45'. This study further demonstrates successful utilization of the halophilic M. litoralis SW-45 lipase (MLL) for butyl ester synthesis from crude palm fruit oil (CPO) and kernel oil (CPKO) in heptane and solvent-free system, respectively, using hydroesterification. Hydrolysis and esterification of enzymatic [Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL)] hydrolysis of CPO and CPKO to free fatty acids (FFA) followed by MLL-catalytic esterification of the concentrated FFAs with butanol (acyl acceptor) to synthesize butyl esters were performed. A one-factor-at-a-time technique (OFAT) was used to study the influence of physicochemical factors on the esterification reaction. Under optimal esterification conditions of 40 and 45 °C, 150 and 230 rpm, 50% (v/v) biocatalyst concentration, 1:1 and 5:1 butanol:FFA, 9% and 15% (w/v) NaCl, 60 and 15 min reaction time for CPO- and CPKO-derived FFA esterification system, maximum ester conversion of 62.2% and 69.1%, respectively, was attained. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis confirmed the products formed as butyl esters. These results showed halophilic lipase has promising potential to be used for biosynthesis of butyl esters in oleochemical industry.
    MeSH terms: Butanols; Esterification; Esters; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Fruit; Hydrolysis; Lipase; Petroleum; Reaction Time; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Seawater; Sodium Chloride; 1-Butanol; Marinobacter
  10. Yong WK, Sim KS, Poong SW, Wei D, Phang SM, Lim PE
    3 Biotech, 2019 Aug;9(8):315.
    PMID: 31406637 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1848-8
    An ecologically important tropical freshwater microalga, Scenedesmus quadricauda, was exposed to Ni toxicity under two temperature regimes, 25 and 35 °C to investigate the interactive effects of warming and different Ni concentrations (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 ppm). The stress responses were assessed from the growth, photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and metabolomics aspects to understand the effects at both the physiological and biochemical levels. The results showed that the cell densities of the cultures were higher at 35 °C compared to 25 °C, but decreased with increasing Ni concentrations at 35 °C. In terms of photosynthetic efficiency, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of S. quadricauda remained consistent across different conditions. Nickel concentration at 10.0 ppm affected the maximum rate of relative electron transport (rETRm) and saturation irradiance for electron transport (Ek) in photosynthesis. At 25 °C, the increase of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values in cells exposed to 10.0 ppm Ni might indicate the onset of thermal dissipation process as a self-protection mechanism against Ni toxicity. The combination of warming and Ni toxicity induced a strong oxidative stress response in the cells. The ROS level increased significantly by 40% after exposure to 10.0 ppm of Ni at 35 °C. The amount of Ni accumulated in the biomass was higher at 25 °C compared to 35 °C. Based on the metabolic profile, temperature contributed the most significant differentiation among the samples compared to Ni treatment and the interaction between the two factors. Amino acids, sugars and organic acids were significantly regulated by the combined factors to restore homeostasis. The most affected pathways include sulphur, amino acids, and nitrogen metabolisms. Overall, the results suggest that the inhibitory effect of Ni was lower at 35 °C compared to 25 °C probably due to lower metal uptake and primary metabolism restructuring. The ability of S. quadricauda to accumulate substantial amount of Ni and thrive at 35 °C suggests the potential use of this strain for phycoremediation and outdoor wastewater treatment.
    MeSH terms: Acids; Amino Acids; Electron Transport; Nickel; Photosynthesis; Temperature; Reactive Oxygen Species; Biomass; Scenedesmus; Photosystem II Protein Complex; Metabolomics; Metabolome; Microalgae; Waste Water
  11. Albani A, Ibrahim MZ, Yong KH
    Data Brief, 2019 Aug;25:104306.
    PMID: 31406911 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104306
    The measurement of this data aims to evaluate the wind shear variability at three selected sites in Malaysia. The sites are Kudat in Sabah, Kijal in Terengganu and Langkawi in Kedah. Both sites in Kudat and Kijal is located in coastal areas with few buildings or trees, while the site in Langkawi is a coastal area with many buildings or trees. The variables were measured using the sensors that mounted on the wind mast with the maximum height from 55 m to 70 m from ground level. The variables measured were wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and pressure, while the wind shear data were directly generated using the power law equation. The averaged wind shear based on measured multiple height wind speed at selected sites is larger than the 1/7 law (0.143). Also, the value of wind shear was higher in order Langkawi > Kudat > Kijal. Ultimately, the wind shear data are essential and can be reused in the wind energy potential study, especially for data extrapolation to desired wind turbine hub height.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Pressure; Rotation; Temperature; Trees; Wind; Physical Phenomena
  12. Goh KL
    JGH Open, 2019 Aug;3(4):273.
    PMID: 31406917 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12237
  13. Nagendrababu V, Murray PE, Kishen A, Nekoofar MH, de Figueiredo JAP, Dummer PMH
    Int Endod J, 2019 Sep;52(9):1253-1254.
    PMID: 31407362 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13137
    MeSH terms: Education, Dental, Graduate; Endodontics*
  14. Al'Abri AM, Abdul Halim SN, Abu Bakar NK, Saharin SM, Sherino B, Rashidi Nodeh H, et al.
    J Environ Sci Health B, 2019;54(12):930-941.
    PMID: 31407615 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2019.1652072
    This article demonstrates the first application of a copper-based porous coordination polymer (BTCA-P-Cu-CP) as a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modifier for the detection of malathion. The electrochemical behavior of BTCA-P-Cu-CP/CPE was explored using cyclic voltammetry (CV) while chrono-amperometry methods were applied for the analytical evaluation of the sensor performance. Under optimized conditions, the developed sensor exhibited high reproducibility, stability, and wide dynamic range (0.6-24 nM) with the limits of detection and sensitivity equal to 0.17 nM and 5.7 µAnMcm-1, respectively, based on inhibition signal measurement. Furthermore, the presence of common coexisting interfering species showed a minor change in signals (<4.4%). The developed sensor has been applied in the determination of malathion in spiked vegetable extracts. It exhibited promising results in term of fast and sensitive determination of malathion in real samples at trace level with recoveries of 91.0 to 104.4%. (RSDs < 5%, n = 3). A comparison of the two studied techniques showed that the HPLC technique is unable to detect malathion when the concentration is lower than 1.8 µM while 0.006 µM is detected with appropriate RSDs 0.2-5.2% (n = 3) by amperometric method. Due to the high sensitivity and selectivity, this new electrochemical sensor will be useful for monitoring trace malathion in real samples.
    MeSH terms: Carbon; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Copper; Electrodes; Malathion; Polymers; Vegetables; Reproducibility of Results; Porosity; Limit of Detection
  15. Fathordoobady, F., Manap, M.Y., Selamat, J., Singh, A.P.
    MyJurnal
    In the present work, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2 as solvent and EtOH/water (v/v) as co-solvent was optimised by applying 23 factorial experimental design for the extraction of betacyanins from red pitaya fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel. Three independent variables of pressure (20-30 MPa), temperature (40-60°C) and co-solvent concentration (10-20%) were chosen for response variables. With the 2 mL/min flow rate of CO2, the dynamic time of extraction was found to be 90 min. The linear effects of main factors and interactions were evaluated. The calculated response surface model for the pressure/temperature was found to be significant for all the dependent variables. At optimal condition of SFE, the response variables were assessed as maximum extraction yield of 4.09 ± 0.69%, total betacyanins content of 25.49 ± 1.54 mg/100 mL, redness (a*) of 58.18 ± 0.82, and IC50 (antioxidant activity) of 1.34 ± 0.12 mg/mL for the experimental peel extracts. The optimal levels of independent variables were validated for the experimental responses as predicted by the mathematical model. The reliability of this method was confirmed as there was no significant difference between experimental and predicted values. The HPLC-MS profile of betacyanins extract comprised of both acylated and non-acylated betacyanins constituents.
    MeSH terms: Ethanol; Carbon Dioxide; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Fruit; Models, Theoretical; Pressure; Research Design; Solvents; Temperature; Water; Reproducibility of Results; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid; Cactaceae; Betacyanins
  16. Yue, C.S., Ng, Q.N., Lim, A.K., Lam, M. H., Chee, K.N.
    MyJurnal
    In the present work, the biogenic amines tryptamine (TRP), putrescine (PUT), histamine (HIS), tyramine (TYR) and spermidine (SPD) were determined in 32 various types of tofu that were obtained from different states in Malaysia. Three main types of tofu; soft tofu, firm tofu and processed tofu, were analysed in the present work. The biogenic amine contents in the respective types of tofu were analysed by a reversed-phase HPLC with a DAD detector after the aqueous extraction and derivatisation with dansyl chloride. The LOD values ranged from 0.019 mg/L for PUT to 0.028 mg/L for TYR. While, the LOQ values ranged from 0.063 mg/L (PUT) to 0.096 mg/L (TYR). The recovery values for all the five amines ranged from 80.3% to 120.5% with RSD ≤ 3.1%. The total levels of biogenic amines found varied, ranging from 1.5 mg/kg to 687.9 mg/kg, with mean values (p < 0.05) in descending order of 44.6, 12.6, 9.1, 4.8 and 4.7 mg/kg for PUT, TYR, SPD, HIS and TRP, respectively. PUT and TRP were the most prevailing biogenic amines and they were found respectively in 90.62% of the tofu analysed. Significant positive correlations (r = 0.266 to 0.874, p < 0.05) were found between some individual biogenic amines and protein content in all the three types of tofu. However, negative correlations (r = -0.246 to -0.832, p < 0.05) were observed between biogenic amines and moisture content, and between biogenic amines and water activity in all the three types of tofu. Significant and strong correlations (r = 0.525 to 0.999, p < 0.05) were found between most of the individual biogenic amines and the total biogenic amines. Those tofu exceeding the legal limits may affect the health of sensitive individuals.
    MeSH terms: Biogenic Amines; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dansyl Compounds; Histamine; Malaysia; Putrescine; Spermidine; Tryptamines; Tyramine; Water; Soy Foods
  17. Sanwiriya, P., Suleiman, N.
    MyJurnal
    The present work was aimed to investigate the effect of drying methods (oven drying, foam mat drying) and temperatures (40°C, 60°C) on the nutritional characteristics of red- and yellow-watermelon rinds. It was found that foam mat drying produced the best results for preserving the most nutrients as compared to the conventional oven drying for both red- and yellow watermelon rinds. Temperature is a significant parameter that affects the nutritional characteristics of watermelon rinds powder for both methods. Finding suggests that foam mat drying at 40°C was the best method for producing watermelon rinds powder as it requires shorter treatment time and gave the best retention of protein and carbohydrate.
    MeSH terms: Carbohydrates; Desiccation; Drug Compounding; Food; Powders; Temperature; Citrullus
  18. Rosli, N.A., Azilan, N A., Mahyudin, N.A., Mahmud Ab Rashid, N.K., Meon, F.N.S., Ismail, Z., et al.
    MyJurnal
    Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) are known to possess good antimicrobial properties. In the present work, spice-infused frozen parathas were formulated to investigate the effect of fennel and coriander on microbial (aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast and mould, and Bacillus cereus) reduction and sensory acceptability of frozen paratha throughout the storage at -18°C. The present work was also aimed at determining the relationship between spice concentrations and storage durations on microbiological quality of the samples. Fennel and coriander seed powder were used at concentrations of 2, 4 and 6% of wheat flour (w/w). The microbiological analysis was performed by total plate count, yeast and mould count, and Bacillus cereus count after 9, 12 and 15 weeks of storage. Sensory evaluation was conducted using hedonic scales at the end of storage durations. Results showed that spice infusion in frozen paratha significantly delayed the growth of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and moulds, and Bacillus cereus during storage. The lowest log count was demonstrated by coriander at 6% in total plate count (3.85, 3.90 and 3.91 log10 CFU/g), and yeast and mould count (2.54, 2.59 and 2.60 log10 CFU/g) after 9, 12 and 15 weeks, respectively. Bacillus cereus was not detected throughout the storage durations. Fennel exhibited minimum activity against Bacillus cereus with no significant difference on log count reduction when compared with control. Coriander showed the highest decrease in both total plate count and Bacillus cereus count during the storage duration. Sensory evaluation result indicated that control sample exhibited the highest preference over all attributes when compared with fennel and coriander. Coriander-infused paratha was slightly darker in colour due to high concentration of 6%. Fennel yielded the lowest score in terms of taste among all samples. Fennel and coriander showed no significant difference for sensory acceptability. Overall, all frozen parathas were in good quality after 15 weeks of frozen storage. It can thus be concluded that fennel and coriander can be used as potential natural preservatives to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in paratha during frozen storage. Nevertheless, the optimum spice concentration should be determined to minimise the effects on the sensory attributes.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacillus cereus; Color; Flour; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Seeds; Taste; Triticum; Yeast, Dried; Spices; Coriandrum; Foeniculum
  19. Fazly Ann, Z., Rukayadi, Y.
    MyJurnal
    Piper cubeba L. is traditionally recognised as flavouring ingredient in various types of foods and has been used to marinate meat. Scientifically, it has been reported to possess various valuable nutritional and pharmacological properties including antimicrobial potential. The aim of the present work was to determine the antibacterial activity of ethanolic P. cubeba L. extract against Escherichia coli and its effect on the microbiological quality of raw chicken meat during storage. Disc diffusion assay was done and resulted in 8.40 ± 0.10 mm of inhibition zone. The bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of the extract were determined at 0.63 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 1.25 ± 0.00 mg/mL of concentration by MIC and MBC methods, respectively. The killing time was recorded at 2 × MIC (1.25 mg/mL) for 4 h. The application of the extract on chicken meat samples showed reduction in TPC and E. coli count with the observed optimum condition at 5.00% concentration stored at -18°C for 14 days based on the consistent reduction. Sensory attributes acceptability evaluation by 9-point hedonic scale showed acceptable score for colour, odour, texture and overall acceptability of the treated raw chicken meat samples. The findings implies that P. cubeba L. can be listed as one of the alternatives to reduce the bacterial load of raw chicken meat prior to cooking which is very important in ensuring food safety as well as reducing the occurrence of foodborne poisoning associated with chicken meat.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chickens; Color; Cooking; Escherichia coli; Flavoring Agents; Meat; Piper; Bacterial Load; Food Safety
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