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  1. Zakaria ZA, Abdul Rahim MH, Roosli RAJ, Mohd Sani MH, Omar MH, Mohd Tohid SF, et al.
    Pain Res Manag, 2018;2018:9536406.
    PMID: 29686743 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9536406
    Methanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves (MECN) has been proven to possess antinociceptive activity that works via the opioid and NO-dependent/cGMP-independent pathways. In the present study, we aimed to further determine the possible mechanisms of antinociception of MECN using various nociceptive assays. The antinociceptive activity of MECN was (i) tested against capsaicin-, glutamate-, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, bradykinin-induced nociception model; (ii) prechallenged against selective antagonist of opioid receptor subtypes (β-funaltrexamine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine); (iii) prechallenged against antagonist of nonopioid systems, namely, α2-noradrenergic (yohimbine), β-adrenergic (pindolol), adenosinergic (caffeine), dopaminergic (haloperidol), and cholinergic (atropine) receptors; (iv) prechallenged with inhibitors of various potassium channels (glibenclamide, apamin, charybdotoxin, and tetraethylammonium chloride). The results demonstrated that the orally administered MECN (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the nociceptive effect of all models in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the antinociceptive activity of 500 mg/kg MECN was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited by (i) antagonists of μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors; (ii) antagonists of α2-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and (iii) blockers of different K+ channels (voltage-activated-, Ca2+-activated, and ATP-sensitive-K+ channels, resp.). In conclusion, MECN-induced antinociception involves modulation of protein kinase C-, bradykinin-, TRVP1 receptors-, and glutamatergic-signaling pathways; opioidergic, α2-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and nonopioidergic receptors as well as the opening of various K+ channels. The antinociceptive activity could be associated with the presence of several flavonoid-based bioactive compounds and their synergistic action with nonvolatile bioactive compounds.
  2. Zakaria ZA, Abdul Rahim MH, Mohd Sani MH, Omar MH, Ching SM, Abdul Kadir A, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2019 Apr 02;19(1):79.
    PMID: 30940120 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2486-8
    BACKGROUND: Methanol extract (MECN) of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves (family Acanthaceae) demonstrated peripherally and centrally mediated antinociceptive activity via the modulation of opioid/NO-mediated, but cGMP-independent pathway. In the present study, MECN was sequentially partitioned to obtain petroleum ether extract of C. nutans (PECN), which was subjected to antinociceptive study with aims of establishing its antinociceptive potential and determining the role of opioid receptors and L-arginine/nitric oxide/cyclic-guanosine monophosphate (L-arg/NO/cGMP) pathway in the observed antinociceptive activity.

    METHODS: The antinociceptive potential of orally administered PECN (100, 250, 500 mg/kg) was studied using the abdominal constriction-, hot plate- and formalin-induced paw licking-test in mice (n = 6). The effect of PECN on locomotor activity was also evaluated using the rota rod assay. The role of opioid receptors was determined by pre-challenging 500 mg/kg PECN (p.o.) with antagonist of opioid receptor subtypes, namely β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA; 10 mg/kg; a μ-opioid antagonist), naltrindole (NALT; 1 mg/kg; a δ-opioid antagonist) or nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI; 1 mg/kg; a κ-opioid antagonist) followed by subjection to the abdominal constriction test. In addition, the role of L-arg/NO/cGMP pathway was determined by prechallenging 500 mg/kg PECN (p.o.) with L-arg (20 mg/kg; a NO precursor), 1H-[1, 2, 4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 2 mg/kg; a specific soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), or the combinations thereof (L-arg + ODQ) for 5 mins before subjection to the abdominal constriction test. PECN was also subjected to phytoconstituents analyses.

    RESULTS: PECN significantly (p  0.05) affect the locomotor activity of treated mice. The antinociceptive activity of PECN was significantly (p  0.05) affected by ODQ. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of at least cinnamic acid in PECN.

    CONCLUSION: PECN exerted antinocicpetive activity at peripheral and central levels possibly via the activation of non-selective opioid receptors and modulation of the NO-mediated/cGMP-independent pathway partly via the synergistic action of phenolic compounds.

  3. Zakaria ZA, Sahmat A, Hizami Azmi A, Zainol ASN, Omar MH, Balan T, et al.
    Pharm Biol, 2023 Dec;61(1):1152-1161.
    PMID: 37559390 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2241510
    CONTEXT: Bauhinia purpurea L. (Fabaceae) is used in the Ayurvedic system to treat various oxidative-related ailments (e.g., wounds, ulcers etc.). Therefore, it is believed that the plant also has the potential to alleviate oxidative-related liver damage.

    OBJECTIVE: This study elucidates the hepatoprotective activity of chloroform extract of B. purpurea leaves (CEBP) in paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver injury (PILI) rats.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) were pre-treated once daily (p.o.) with CEBP (50-500 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days before being administered (p.o.) a hepatotoxic agent, 3 g/kg PCM. Liver enzyme levels were determined from the collected blood, while the collected liver was used to determine the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and for histopathological examination. CEBP was also subjected to radical scavenging assays and phytochemical analysis.

    RESULTS: CEBP significantly (p 

  4. Zaid SNA, Abdul Kadir A, Mohd Noor N, Ahmad B, Yusoff MSB, Ramli AS, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0302237.
    PMID: 38630657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302237
    INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers play a crucial role in supporting COVID-19 vaccination as they are the most trusted source of information to the public population. Assessing the healthcare workers' hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination is pertinent, however, there are limited validated tools to measure their hesitancy on COVID-19 vaccines. This study aims to adapt and validate the first COVID-19 hesitancy scale among healthcare workers in Malaysia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study adapted and translated the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) developed by the WHO SAGE Working Group. The scale underwent a sequential validation process, including back-back translation, content, face, and construct validity for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The reliability was tested using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE)).

    RESULTS: The data for EFA and CFA were completed by a separate sample of 125 and 300 HCWs, respectively. The EFA analysis of the C19-VHS-M scale was unidimensional with 10 items. A further CFA analysis revealed a uniform set of nine items with acceptable goodness fit indices (comparative fit index = 0.997, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.995, incremental fit index = 0.997, chi-squared/degree of freedom = 1.352, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.034). The Cronbach's alpha, CR and AVE results were 0.953, 0.95 and 0.70, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire was valid and reliable for use in the Malay language.

  5. Soo May L, Sanip Z, Ahmed Shokri A, Abdul Kadir A, Md Lazin MR
    Complement Ther Clin Pract, 2018 Aug;32:181-186.
    PMID: 30057048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.06.012
    BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a common problem affecting the joints in the elderly, caused disability and consequently decrease the quality of life. The conservative treatment includes the usage of analgesia, but the use of herbal medicine is growing. Momordica charantia or bitter melon has been widely described to have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its effect on reducing pain in primary knee osteoarthritis is not well studied. We aim to determine the effects of Momordica charantia in reducing pain among primary knee osteoarthritis patients.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight and thirty-seven primary knee osteoarthritis patients underwent 3 months of Momordica charantia and placebo supplementation respectively. Three 500 mg per capsule of Momordica charantia were taken thrice daily. Rescue analgesia was allowed as needed. Pain and symptoms throughout the Momordica charantia supplementation period were assessed using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and EQ-5D-3L Health questionnaire, while rescue analgesia intake throughout the period of supplementation was measured using analgesic score.
    RESULTS: After 3 months supplementation period, body weight, body mass index, and fasting blood glucose reduced significantly in the Momordica charantia group. There were also significant improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales and EQ-5D-3L dimension score, and reduction in analgesic score. The placebo group had also shown significant improvements in certain Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales and EQ-5D-3L dimension score, but with increased of the analgesic score.
    CONCLUSION: Momordica charantia supplementation offers a safe alternative to reducing pain and improving symptoms among the primary knee osteoarthritis patients while reducing the need for analgesia consumption. These beneficial effects can be seen as early as 3 months of supplementation.
    Study site: Orthopaedic clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
  6. Shujaa Edin HY, Al-Haj NA, Rasedee A, Banu Alitheen N, Abdul Kadir A, Wun How C, et al.
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2021 Sep;28(9):5214-5220.
    PMID: 34466099 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.05.043
    Erythropoietin (EPO) is widely used to treat anemia in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancers. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of rHuEPO on the response of spheroid breast cancer, MCF-7, cells to tamoxifen treatment. The MCF-7 spheroids were treated with 10 mg/mL tamoxifen in combination with either 0, 10, 100 or 200 IU/mL rHuEPO for 24, 48 or 72 h. The viability of the MCF-7 cells was determined using the annexin-V, cell cycle, caspases activation and acridine orange/propidium iodide staining. rHuEPO-tamoxifen combination significantly (p greater than 0.05) increased the number of spheroid MCF-7 cells entering early apoptotic phase after 12 h and late apoptotic phase after 24 h of treatment; primarily the result of the antiproliferative effect tamoxifen. Tamoxifen alone significantly (p 
  7. Sainuddin SS, Norhayati MN, Abdul Kadir A, Zakaria R
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Sep;78(5):675-686.
    PMID: 37775497
    INTRODUCTION: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental and emotional condition that can affect women during their first postnatal year and concern globally. This study aimed to determine the overall prevalence and determinants of postpartum depression (PPD) in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of observational studies conducted in ASEAN countries between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 was performed in the Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The quality of studies was evaluated based on The Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. The analysis was performed with Review Manager software version 5.4. Metaanalysis of the estimates from primary studies was conducted by adjusting for possible publication bias and heterogeneity.

    RESULTS: Twenty-five studies including 19924 postnatal mothers were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of PPD is 22.32% (95% CI: 18.48, 26.17). Thailand has the highest prevalence of PPD with a pooled prevalence of 74.1% (95% CI: 64.79, 83.41). The prevalence of PPD was highest when the assessment for PPD was conducted up to 6 weeks postpartum with a pooled prevalence of 25.24% (95% CI: 14.08, 36.41). The identified determinants of PPD were unplanned pregnancy, term pregnancy, lack of family support and physical violence. There were limited studies done and high heterogeneity in terms of quality, methodology, culture, screening method and time of PPD measurement.

    CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in five postpartum women in ASEAN countries had PPD. The risk factor that lowers the risk of PPD is unplanned and term pregnancies, while women with a lack of family support and experienced physical violence increase the risk of PPD. Robust prevalence studies are needed to assess the magnitude of this problem in ASEAN countries.

  8. Nordin ML, Abdul Kadir A, Zakaria ZA, Abdullah R, Abdullah MNH
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2018 Mar 12;18(1):87.
    PMID: 29530022 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2153-5
    BACKGROUND: Ardisia crispa Thunb. D.C is used mostly in some parts of the Asian region by traditional practitioners to treat certain diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation including cancer and rheumatism. In Malaysia, it is popularly known as 'Mata Ayam' and local traditional practitioners believed that the root of the plant is therapeutically beneficial.

    METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of hydromethanolic extract of A. crispa and its solvents partitions (ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts) against breast cancer cells were evaluated by using MTT assay. The cells were treated with concentration of extracts ranging from 15.63 μg/mL- 1000 μg/mL for 72 h. The quantification of phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were carried out to determine the relationship between of phytochemical compounds responsible for cytotoxic and antioxidative activities. The antioxidant capacity was measured by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assay and expressed as milligram (mg) Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity per 1 g (g) of tested extract.

    RESULTS: The hydromethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts showed moderate cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 with IC50 values of 57.35 ± 19.33 μg/mL, and 54.98 ± 14.10 μg/mL, respectively but aqueous extract was inactive against MCF-7. For MDA-MB-231, hydromethanolic, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts exhibited weak cytotoxic effects against MDA-MB-231 with IC50 values more than 100 μg/mL. The plant revealed high total phenolic content, total flavonoid and antioxidant capacity.

    CONCLUSION: The response of different type of breast cancer cell lines towards A. crispa extract and its partitions varied. Accordingly, hydromethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts appear to be more cytotoxic to oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer than oestrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancer. However, aqueous extract appears to have poor activity to both types of breast cancer. Besides that, hydromethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts exhibit higher TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity compared to aqueous extract. Synergistic effect of anticancer and antioxidant bioactives compounds of A. crispa plausibly contributed to the cytotoxic effects of the extract.

  9. Nordin ML, Abdul Kadir A, Zakaria ZA, Othman F, Abdullah R, Abdullah MN
    PMID: 28400849 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9368079
    This study was conducted to investigate the cytotoxicity and apoptosis effect of A. crispa extract and its solvent partition (ethyl acetate and aqueous extract) against Mus musculus mammary carcinoma cell line (4T1). The normal mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3) was used as comparison for selective cytotoxicity properties. The cytotoxicity evaluation was assessed using MTT assay. AO/PI dual fluorescent staining assay and Annexin V-FITC were used for apoptosis analysis. Results showed that 80% methanol extract from leaves showed most promising antimammary cancer agent with IC50 value of 42.26 ± 1.82 μg/mL and selective index (SI) value of 10.22. Ethyl acetate was cytotoxic for both cancer and normal cell while aqueous extract exhibited poor cytotoxic effect. 4T1 cells labelled with AO/PI and Annexin V-FITC and treated with 80% methanol extract demonstrated that the extract induces apoptosis to 4T1 mammary cancer cells. In conclusion, 80% methanol extract of A. crispa was selectively cytotoxic towards 4T1 cells but less cytotoxic towards NIH3T3 cells and induced the cancerous cells into apoptotic stage as early as 6 hours.
  10. Nguyen DDN, Zain SM, Kamarulzaman MH, Low TY, Chilian WM, Pan Y, et al.
    Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 2021 10 01;321(4):H770-H783.
    PMID: 34506226 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00058.2021
    Vascular aging is highly associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although the senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been well established as a major contributor to vascular aging, intracellular and exosomal microRNA (miRNA) signaling pathways in senescent VSMCs have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify the differential expression of intracellular and exosomal miRNA in human VSMCs (hVSMCs) during replicative senescence. To achieve this aim, intracellular and exosomal miRNAs were isolated from hVSMCs and subsequently subjected to whole genome small RNA next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics analyses, and qPCR validation. Three significant findings were obtained. First, senescent hVSMC-derived exosomes tended to cluster together during replicative senescence and the molecular weight of the exosomal protein tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG-101) increased relative to the intracellular TSG-101, suggesting potential posttranslational modifications of exosomal TSG-101. Second, there was a significant decrease in both intracellular and exosomal hsa-miR-155-5p expression [n = 3, false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05], potentially being a cell type-specific biomarker of hVSMCs during replicative senescence. Importantly, hsa-miR-155-5p was found to associate with cell-cycle arrest and elevated oxidative stress. Lastly, miRNAs from the intracellular pool, that is, hsa-miR-664a-3p, hsa-miR-664a-5p, hsa-miR-664b-3p, hsa-miR-4485-3p, hsa-miR-10527-5p, and hsa-miR-12136, and that from the exosomal pool, that is, hsa-miR-7704, were upregulated in hVSMCs during replicative senescence (n = 3, FDR < 0.05). Interestingly, these novel upregulated miRNAs were not functionally well annotated in hVSMCs to date. In conclusion, hVSMC-specific miRNA expression profiles during replicative senescence potentially provide valuable insights into the signaling pathways leading to vascular aging.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study on intracellular and exosomal miRNA profiling on human vascular smooth muscle cells during replicative senescence. Specific dysregulated sets of miRNAs were identified from human vascular smooth muscle cells. Hsa-miR-155-5p was significantly downregulated in both intracellular and exosomal hVSMCs, suggesting its crucial role in cellular senescence. Hsa-miR-155-5p might be the mediator in linking cellular senescence to vascular aging and atherosclerosis.
  11. Mohd Shukri MF, Norhayati MN, Badrin S, Abdul Kadir A
    PeerJ, 2022;10:e13992.
    PMID: 36132218 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13992
    BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder in reproductive age women and is characterized by hyperandrogenic anovulation and oligo-amenorrhea, which leads to infertility. Anovulation in PCOS is associated with low follicle-stimulating hormone levels and the arrest of antral follicle development in the final stages of maturation. L-carnitine (LC) plays a role in fatty acid metabolism, which is found to be lacking in PCOS patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of LC supplementation for patients with PCOS.

    METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO), and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for all randomized control trials, comparing LC alone or in combination with other standard treatments for the treatment of PCOS from inception till June 2021. We independently screened titles and abstracts to identify available trials, and complete texts of the trials were checked for eligibility. Data on the methods, interventions, outcomes, and risk of bias from the included trials were independently extracted by the authors. The estimation of risk ratios and mean differences with a 95 percent confidence interval (CI) was performed using a random-effects model.

    RESULTS: Nine studies with 995 participants were included in this review. Five comparison groups were involved. In one comparison group, LC reduced the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mean differences (MD) -5.10, 95% CI [-6.25 to -3.95]; P = 0.00001), serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (MD -25.00, 95% CI [-27.93 to -22.07]; P = 0.00001), serum total cholesterol (MD -21.00, 95% CI [-24.14 to -17.86]; P = 0.00001), and serum triglyceride (TG) (MD -9.00, 95% CI [-11.46 to -6.54]; P = 0.00001) with moderate certainty of evidence. Another comparison group demonstrated that LC lowers the LDL (MD -12.00, 95% CI [-15.80 to -8.20]; P = 0.00001), serum total cholesterol (MD -24.00, 95% CI [-27.61 to -20.39]; P = 0.00001), and serum TG (MD -19.00, 95% CI [-22.79 to -15.21]; P = 0.00001) with moderate certainty of evidence.

    CONCLUSION: There was low to moderate certainty of evidence that LC improves Body Mass Index (BMI) and serum LDL, TG, and total cholesterol levels in women with PCOS.

  12. Mohamed Rouse MH, Aziz A, Abdullah B, Abdul Kadir A, Wan Mohammad WMZ, Abd Mutalib NS
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Dec;78(7):857-864.
    PMID: 38159918
    INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. It is among the most common diseases globally and usually persists throughout life. Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) is a wellestablished guideline applicable to AR and was updated regularly since 2001, aiming to improve the care for AR patients. We proposed a new questionnaire that addresses the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms, specifically nasal symptoms, and its impact on quality of life in terms of specific vital activities such as sleeping, working, school performance, leisure, or sport, based on the ARIA guideline. The objective was to develop, validate and evaluate Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Impact Assessment (ARSIA) questionnaire among allergic rhinitis patients in Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim, Sungai Petani (HSAH), and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study to develop, validate and evaluate the ARSIA questionnaire based on ARIA guidelines. The sample will be obtained from the list of patients under follow-up in the ORL clinic HSAH and HUSM with ages of 18 to 60 years, patients clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, and with positive skin prick test.

    RESULTS: A total of 150 patients with a positive skin prick test participated in this study. In the 'nasal symptom' and 'impact on daily activities' domains, calculated Cronbach's alpha shows a value of 0.878 and 0.811 respectively. The inter-item correlation was calculated to analyse internal consistency reliability. Items B3 and B4 were dropped from the questionnaire as both showed a low correlation with other items. New Cronbach's alpha for the daily activities domain was 0.830, which showed better internal consistency reliability. All of the items were analysed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Clinician diagnosis from the proforma was used as a comparison to the participant's responses. In the analysis, a cut-off points of 12 was used to classify the patient's nasal symptoms into intermittent or persistent, with a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 86%, PPV of 95%, and NPV of 51%. Whereas, a cut-off point of 15 was used to classify the rhinitis impact on daily activities into mild or moderate/severe, with a sensitivity of 58%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, and NPV of 42%. The only item in the 'control' domain has been dropped out following a consensus of experts and judgement as it has not been used in the clinician diagnosis and thus, is unable to test for sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.

    CONCLUSION: This newly developed, validated, and evaluated questionnaire is a good tool for the evaluation of allergic rhinitis symptoms and their impact on daily activities. It is important to understand that AR symptoms could have a significant impact on daily activities. Although further study and testing are needed, it provides an initial means for evaluating the patient condition and control level, as well as patients' perception of their rhinitis control.

  13. Mohajerani A, Hui SQ, Mirzababaei M, Arulrajah A, Horpibulsuk S, Abdul Kadir A, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2019 Aug 07;12(16).
    PMID: 31394815 DOI: 10.3390/ma12162513
    Fibres have been used in construction materials for a very long time. Through previous research and investigations, the use of natural and synthetic fibres have shown promising results, as their presence has demonstrated significant benefits in terms of the overall physical and mechanical properties of the composite material. When comparing fibre reinforcement to traditional reinforcement, the ratio of fibre required is significantly less, making fibre reinforcement both energy and economically efficient. More recently, waste fibres have been studied for their potential as reinforcement in construction materials. The build-up of waste materials all around the world is a known issue, as landfill space is limited, and the incineration process requires considerable energy and produces unwanted emissions. The utilisation of waste fibres in construction materials can alleviate these issues and promote environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions that work in the industry. This study reviews the types, properties, and applications of different fibres used in a wide range of materials in the construction industry, including concrete, asphalt concrete, soil, earth materials, blocks and bricks, composites, and other applications.
  14. Mohajerani A, Burnett L, Smith JV, Kurmus H, Milas J, Arulrajah A, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2019 Sep 20;12(19).
    PMID: 31547011 DOI: 10.3390/ma12193052
    Nanoparticles are defined as ultrafine particles sized between 1 and 100 nanometres in diameter. In recent decades, there has been wide scientific research on the various uses of nanoparticles in construction, electronics, manufacturing, cosmetics, and medicine. The advantages of using nanoparticles in construction are immense, promising extraordinary physical and chemical properties for modified construction materials. Among the many different types of nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, carbon nanotubes, silica, copper, clay, and aluminium oxide are the most widely used nanoparticles in the construction sector. The promise of nanoparticles as observed in construction is reflected in other adoptive industries, driving the growth in demand and production quantity at an exorbitant rate. The objective of this study was to analyse the use of nanoparticles within the construction industry to exemplify the benefits of nanoparticle applications and to address the short-term and long-term effects of nanoparticles on the environment and human health within the microcosm of industry so that the findings may be generalised. The benefits of nanoparticle utilisation are demonstrated through specific applications in common materials, particularly in normal concrete, asphalt concrete, bricks, timber, and steel. In addition, the paper addresses the potential benefits and safety barriers for using nanomaterials, with consideration given to key areas of knowledge associated with exposure to nanoparticles that may have implications for health and environmental safety. The field of nanotechnology is considered rather young compared to established industries, thus limiting the time for research and risk analysis. Nevertheless, it is pertinent that research and regulation precede the widespread adoption of potentially harmful particles to mitigate undue risk.
  15. Kasim R, Draman N, Abdul Kadir A, Muhamad R
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Pregnancy is common among women in the reproductive age and is associated with several risks. Preconception care has thus been introduced to promote health before conception and to improve pregnancy-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding preconception care among women attending antenatal care appointments. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from April to December 2012 at Klinik Kesihatan Bachok. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to 135 respondents from 18 to 45 years of age. The questionnaire consisted of four domains, assessing socio-demographic data and knowledge, attitudes and practice of preconception care. Results: The mean (SD) knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 11.37 (3.94), 15.39 (2.12) and 10.13 (2.30), respectively. In total, 98.5% of the respondents had good attitudes, 45.2% had good practices, and 51.9% had good knowledge of preconception care. Conclusion: Women in Bachok have fair knowledge of and good attitude towards preconception care. However, they have poor preconception care practices.
  16. Idris SB, Abdul Kadir A, Abdullah JFF, Ramanoon SZ, Basit MA, Abubakar MZZA
    Front Vet Sci, 2020;7:270.
    PMID: 32613011 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00270
    The development and utilization of nano-antibiotics is currently gaining attention as a possible solution to antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the pharmacokinetics of free oxytetracycline (OTC) and oxytetracycline loaded cockle shell calcium carbonate-based nanoparticle (OTC-CNP) after a single dose of intraperitoneal (IP) administration in BALB/c mice. A total of 100 female BALB/c mice divided into two groups of equal number (n = 50) were administered with 10 mg/kg OTC and OTC-CNP, respectively. Blood samples were collected before and post-administration from both groups at time 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min and 1, 2, 6, 24, and 48 h, and OTC plasma concentration was quantified using a validated HPLC-UV method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using a non-compartment model. The Cmax values of OTC in OTC-CNP and free OTC treated group were 64.99 and 23.53 μg/ml, respectively. OTC was detected up to 24 h in the OTC-CNP group as against 1 h in the free OTC group following intraperitoneal administration. In the OTC-CNP group, the plasma elimination rate of OTC was slower while the half-life, the area under the curve, and the volume of the distribution were increased. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic profile of OTC in the OTC-CNP group differs significantly from that of free OTC. However, further studies are necessary to determine the antibacterial efficacy of OTC-CNP for the treatment of bacterial diseases.
  17. Hassan II, Nik Hussain NH, Sulaiman Z, Abdul Kadir A, Mat Nor MZ
    Enferm Clin, 2020 03;30 Suppl 2:190-193.
    PMID: 32204142 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.07.075
    OBJECTIVE: This study explores how menopausal women perceived supports provided by their husbands.

    METHODOLOGY: Total of 13 menopausal women recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball techniques from two sources, tertiary hospital and local communities in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. The in-depth semi-structured interview guided was used to explore how they perceived supports provided by their husbands. The data were then analysed using a thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: Five (5) themes have emerged which comprises of emotional, instrumental, appraisal, guidance, and sexual supports. One of which was a new theme (sexual intimacy support) that had not been existed previously in other literature reviews.

    CONCLUSION: Majority of menopausal women perceived the supports provided by their husband were negative, rather than positive supports that they had hoped. These findings suggest that an education program tool for husbands as a support person is much needed to ensure women walk through the menopause phase in a more meaningful life.

  18. Hashim S, Alajerami YS, Ramli AT, Ghoshal SK, Saleh MA, Abdul Kadir AB, et al.
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2014 Sep;91:126-30.
    PMID: 24929526 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.05.023
    Lithium potassium borate (LKB) glasses co-doped with TiO2 and MgO were prepared using the melt quenching technique. The glasses were cut into transparent chips and exposed to gamma rays of (60)Co to study their thermoluminescence (TL) properties. The TL glow curve of the Ti-doped material featured a single prominent peak at 230 °C. Additional incorporation of MgO as a co-activator enhanced the TL intensity threefold. LKB:Ti,Mg is a low-Z material (Z(eff)=8.89) with slow signal fading. Its radiation sensitivity is 12 times lower that the sensitivity of TLD-100. The dose response is linear at doses up to 10(3) Gy. The trap parameters, such as the kinetics order, activation energy, and frequency factor, which are related to the glow peak, were determined using TolAnal software.
  19. Darwish M, Aris A, Puteh MH, Jusoh MNH, Abdul Kadir A
    J Environ Manage, 2017 Dec 01;203(Pt 2):861-866.
    PMID: 26935149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.02.033
    Struvite precipitation has been widely applied for the removal of ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) from wastewater. Due to the high cost of phosphorus (P) reagents, the current research trend was directed to find alternative sources of P, in order to maintain a sustainable NH4-N removal process. The current study investigated waste bones ashes as alternative sources of P. Different types of bones' ashes were characterized, in which the ash produced from waste fish bones was the highest in P content (17%wt.). The optimization of the factors affecting P extraction from ash by acidic leaching showed that applying 2M H2SO4 and 1.25 kg H2SO4/kg ash achieved the highest P recovery (95%). Thereafter, the recovered P was successfully used in struvite precipitation, which achieved more than 90% NH4-N removal and high purity struvite.
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