Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 27 in total

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  1. Jalil AA, Panjang NF, Akhbar S, Sundang M, Tajuddin N, Triwahyono S
    J Hazard Mater, 2007 Sep 5;148(1-2):1-5.
    PMID: 17669589
    Electrochemical dechlorination of chlorobenzene in organic solutions was studied. Electrolysis of chlorobenzene in acetonitrile solution in a one-compartment cell fitted with a platinum cathode and a zinc anode at 60mA/cm(2) and 0 degrees C was found to be the optimum conditions, which gave complete dechlorination of chlorobenzene. However, similar result could not be achieved when applying these conditions to 1,3-dichlorobenzene and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. We found that the use of naphthalene which reacted as a mediator in the appropriate system could accelerate the reduction and gave complete dechlorination of those chlorobenzenes. Moreover, in the presence of naphthalene the reaction time could be shortened by half compared to dechlorination in the absence of naphthalene.
  2. Nakyinsige K, Fatimah AB, Aghwan ZA, Zulkifli I, Goh YM, Sazili AQ
    Asian-Australas J Anim Sci, 2014 Mar;27(3):406-13.
    PMID: 25049968 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2013.13437
    A study was conducted to compare the effect of halal slaughter without stunning and gas stun killing followed by bleeding on residual blood content and storage stability of rabbit meat. Eighty male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups of 40 animals each and subjected to either halal slaughter without stunning (HS) or gas stun-kill (GK). The volume of blood lost during exsanguination was measured. Residual blood was further quantified by determination of haemoglobin content in Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle. Storage stability of the meat was evaluated by microbiological analysis and measuring lipid oxidation in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). HS resulted in significantly higher blood loss than GK. HS had significantly lower residual haemoglobin in LL muscle compared to GK. Slaughter method had no effect on rabbit meat lipid oxidation at 0, 1, and 3 d postmortem. However, at 5 and 8 days of storage at 4°C, significant differences (p<0.05) were found, with meat from the GK group exhibiting significantly higher levels of MDA than that from HS. At day 3, greater growth of Pseudomonas aeroginosa and E. coli were observed in the GK group (p<0.05) with B. thermosphacta and total aerobic counts remained unaffected by slaughter method. At days 5 and 7 postmortem, bacterial counts for all tested microbes were affected by slaughter method, with GK exhibiting significantly higher growth than HS. It can be concluded that slaughter method can affect keeping quality of rabbit meat, and HS may be a favourable option compared to GK due to high bleed out.
  3. Tajabadi N, Baradaran A, Ebrahimpour A, Rahim RA, Bakar FA, Manap MY, et al.
    Microb Biotechnol, 2015 Jul;8(4):623-32.
    PMID: 25757029 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12254
    Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important bioactive compound biosynthesized by microorganisms through decarboxylation of glutamate by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). In this study, a full-length GAD gene was obtained by cloning the template deoxyribonucleic acid to pTZ57R/T vector. The open reading frame of the GAD gene showed the cloned gene was composed of 1410 nucleotides and encoded a 469 amino acids protein. To improve the GABA-production, the GAD gene was cloned into pMG36e-LbGAD, and then expressed in Lactobacillus plantarum Taj-Apis362 cells. The overexpression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and GAD activity, showing a 53 KDa protein with the enzyme activity increased by sevenfold compared with the original GAD activity. The optimal fermentation conditions for GABA production established using response surface methodology were at glutamic acid concentration of 497.973 mM, temperature 36°C, pH 5.31 and time 60 h. Under the conditions, maximum GABA concentration obtained (11.09 mM) was comparable with the predicted value by the model at 11.23 mM. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful cloning (clone-back) and overexpression of the LbGAD gene from L. plantarum to L. plantarum cells. The recombinant Lactobacillus could be used as a starter culture for direct incorporation into a food system during fermentation for production of GABA-rich products.
  4. Rizal S, H P S AK, Oyekanmi AA, Gideon ON, Abdullah CK, Yahya EB, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Mar 24;13(7).
    PMID: 33805242 DOI: 10.3390/polym13071006
    The exponential increase in textile cotton wastes generation and the ineffective processing mechanism to mitigate its environmental impact by developing functional materials with unique properties for geotechnical applications, wastewater, packaging, and biomedical engineering have become emerging global concerns among researchers. A comprehensive study of a processed cotton fibres isolation technique and their applications are highlighted in this review. Surface modification of cotton wastes fibre increases the adsorption of dyes and heavy metals removal from wastewater. Cotton wastes fibres have demonstrated high adsorption capacity for the removal of recalcitrant pollutants in wastewater. Cotton wastes fibres have found remarkable application in slope amendments, reinforcement of expansive soils and building materials, and a proven source for isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Several research work on the use of cotton waste for functional application rather than disposal has been done. However, no review study has discussed the potentials of cotton wastes from source (Micro-Nano) to application. This review critically analyses novel isolation techniques of CNC from cotton wastes with an in-depth study of a parameter variation effect on their yield. Different pretreatment techniques and efficiency were discussed. From the analysis, chemical pretreatment is considered the most efficient extraction of CNCs from cotton wastes. The pretreatment strategies can suffer variation in process conditions, resulting in distortion in the extracted cellulose's crystallinity. Acid hydrolysis using sulfuric acid is the most used extraction process for cotton wastes-based CNC. A combined pretreatment process, such as sonication and hydrolysis, increases the crystallinity of cotton-based CNCs. The improvement of the reinforced matrix interface of textile fibres is required for improved packaging and biomedical applications for the sustainability of cotton-based CNCs.
  5. Fatimah AB, Aziz N A, Amaramalar SN, Aznida FAA, Hamid MZA, Norlaila M
    Medicine & Health, 2010;5(1):34-40.
    MyJurnal
    Peripheral neuropathy is highly associated with foot complications among diabetics. This
    study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the development of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients and their association with degree of severity of peripheral neuropathy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in follow-up clinics at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Malaysia involving 72 diabetic patients and 19 controls. Exclusion criteria were those with amputated limbs, gross foot deformity and existing peripheral neuropathy. Controls were non diabetics who walked normally, had no history of foot problem and attended the clinic as subjects’ companion. Quantitative assessment of neuropathy was done using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) were used to quantify severity of diabetic neuropathy. Spearman’s Rank test and Mann-Whitney test were used to determine correlation between variables and their differences. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors associated with peripheral neuropathy. The mean HbA1c among diabetics was 8.6% + 4.1, and mean NDS was 7.0 + 6.0. A total of 79.1% demonstrated various level of neuropathy with presence of callus was associated with higher NDS scores. Older age (P=0.02), body weight (P=0.03), HbA1c (P=0.005) and duration of diabetes (P <0.005) showed positive correlation with NDS. Proper foot care program for diabetics should include recognition of the callus, with special emphasis given to those with heavier weight and increasing age.
    Key words: diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, Neuropathy Disability Score
    (NDS), Semmes Weinstein monofilament (SWMF), callus

    Study site: follow-up clinics at the Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)
  6. Sangeetha-Shyam, Fatimah A, Rohana AG, Norasyikin AW, Karuthan C, Nik SS, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2013 Apr;19(1):9-23.
    PMID: 24800381 MyJurnal
    Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases risks for type 2
    diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Low glycaemic index (GI) diets improve
    cardio-metabolic outcomes in insulin-resistant individuals. We examined the
    feasibility of lowering GI through GI-based-education among Asian post-GDM
    women. Methods: A 3-month investigation was carried out on 60 Malaysian
    women with a mean age of 31.0±4.5 years and a history of GDM. Subjects were
    randomised into two groups: LGIE and CHDR. The CHDR group received
    conventional healthy dietary recommendations only. The LGIE group received
    GI based-education in addition to conventional healthy dietary recommendations.
    At baseline and after 3-months, dietary intake of energy and macronutrient
    intakes including GI diet and glycaemic load was assessed using 3-day food
    records. Diabetes-Diet and GI-concept scores and physical activity levels were
    assessed using a questionnaire. Adherence to dietary instructions was measured
    at the end of 3 months. Results: At the end of 3 months, the LGIE group had
    significant reductions in energy intake (241.7±522.4Kcal, P=0.037, ES=0.463), total
    carbohydrate (48.7±83.5g, P=0.010, ES=0.583), GI (3.9±7.1, P=0.017, ES=0.549) and
    GL (39.0±55.3, P=0.003, ES=0.705) and significant increases in protein (3.7±5.4g,
    0.003, ES=0.685) and diet fibre (4.6±7.3g, P=0.06). The CHDR group had a significant
    reduction in fat only (5.7±9.4g, P=0.006, ES=0.606). There was a 30% increase in
    GI-concept scores in the LGIE group (p< 0.001). Changes in GI-concept scores
    correlated significantly to the reduction in dietary GI (r = -0.642, P=0.045). Dietary
    adherence was comparable in both groups. Conclusion: GI-education improves
    GI-concept knowledge and helps lower dietary glycaemic index among women
    with a history of GDM.
    Keywords: Diet, gestational diabetes mellitus, glycaemic index, glycaemic load,
    prevention, type 2 diabetes
  7. Wan Hasrulnizzam, W.M., Fatimah, A., Seri Rahayu, K., Ruzy Haryati, H., Noor Amira, M.R.
    MyJurnal
    Research on environmental ergonomics of train/commuter is very limited. Thus, this study was conducted with aims
    to determine the environmental ergonomic of public transport, whether it is in accordance to indoor air quality
    standard inside women coach cabin train during operations. Although the number of passengers is increasing, some
    claimed that the indoor air quality for the Malaysian commuter train is uncertain, especially at peak times.
    Unsatisfactory feedback from some respondents—especially female passengers—will affect other passengers to
    remain loyal to use this facility as one of the main transportation to reduce the traffic congestion that will be faced
    if using private vehicles. The study conducted during peak hours on the weekends and the trip took exactly two hours
    and covered 18 main stations. The measurement devices placed at the centre of the cabin Komuter using Air Quality
    Meter (AIRFLOW Instrument Model TA465). The main parameters measured were temperature, humidity, and carbon
    dioxide (CO2). This study also counts the number of passengers riding the train. The results showed that the indoor
    air quality (AIQ) level of the morning hour will affect passengers’ health more compared to the evening hour (this is
    due to the CO2 level that has exceeded the safety standard). Morning hour gave higher reading of CO2 (43.8%) and
    relative humidity (17%) compared to evening hour. Evening hours also showed greater temperature at 3%. The
    findings can give awareness to the train company to improve the IAQ by installing a suitable ventilation system and
    can give comfort to the passengers when travelling using Malaysian commuter train.
  8. Huda-Faujan N, Abdulamir AS, Fatimah AB, Anas OM, Shuhaimi M, Yazid AM, et al.
    Open Biochem J, 2010;4:53-8.
    PMID: 20563285 DOI: 10.2174/1874091X01004010053
    The aim of this study was to determine the changes of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in faeces of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients compared to healthy subjects. SCFAs such as pyruvic, lactic, formic, acetic, propionic, isobutyric and butyric acids were analyzed by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This study showed that the level of acetic, 162.0 micromol/g wet faeces, butyric, 86.9 micromol/g wet faeces, and propionic acids, 65.6 micromol/g wet faeces, decreased remarkably in IBD faecal samples when compared with that of healthy individuals, 209.7, 176.0, and 93.3 micromol/g wet faeces respectively. On the contrary, lactic and pyruvic acids showed higher levels in faecal samples of IBD than in healthy subjects. In the context of butyric acid level, this study also found that the molar ratio of butyric acid was higher than propionic acid in both faecal samples. This might be due to the high intake of starch from rice among Malaysian population. It was concluded that the level of SCFAs differ remarkably between faecal samples in healthy subjects and that in IBD patients providing evidence that SCFAs more likely play an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD.
  9. Ruzita AT, Osman A, Fatimah A, Khalid BA
    Med J Malaysia, 1996 Mar;51(1):48-51.
    PMID: 10967979
    Sixty three and fifty nine non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients in rural (land resettlement scheme) and urban areas respectively were studied to determine factors associated with diabetic control. The anthropometric and metabolic data (HbA1 and fructosamine levels) were analysed. After adjusting for gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and food intake, the fructosamine level which correlates with short term diabetic control, was significantly lower among patients in urban areas compared to patients in rural areas (p < 0.05). However, for longer term diabetic control (HbA1 level) the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The socio-economic status, level of education, BMI and types of food did not correlate with diabetic control in either group of patients. More diabetes education is needed together with socio-economic development and changes in lifestyles to enhance compliance towards health and dietary regimens and to achieve better metabolic control.
  10. Mazlyn MM, Nagarajah LH, Fatimah A, Norimah AK, Goh KL
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2013 Jul;28(7):1141-7.
    PMID: 23432408 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12168
    Evidence suggests that probiotics reduce certain constipation-related symptoms. Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota has never been tested as treatment for functional constipation in otherwise-healthy subjects. To evaluate the efficacy of this probiotic among adults with functional constipation was aimed.
  11. Mazlyn MM, Nagarajah LH, Fatimah A, Norimah AK, Goh KL
    Malays J Nutr, 2013 Apr;19(1):53-64.
    PMID: 24800384 MyJurnal
    Diet and lifestyle modification is commonly used in constipation management. As there is a dearth of studies on this topic in Malaysia, we aim to elucidate the relations between stool patterns, dietary intake and physical activity levels among adults with functional constipation.
  12. Norhayati M, Noorhayati MI, Mohammod CG, Oothuman P, Azizi O, Fatimah A, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1997 Dec;6(4):260-4.
    PMID: 24394786
    The aims of this study were to investigate the nutritional status of children aged 1-7 years in Malaysian rural communities and to identify its risk factors. In all, 221 children were assessed using anthropometric measurements, dietary questionnaires and other tools. Weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height were analysed. Based on the NCHS standards, the overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 46.2%, 18.1% and 30.3% respectively. Almost one-third of the 1-2 years old groups were malnourished. Univariate analysis identified household income £ MR750.00 as a significant risk factor of stunting and wasting.
  13. Yamin, S., Shuhaimi, M., Arbakariya, A., Khalilah, A. K., Anas, O., Yazid, A. M., et al.
    MyJurnal
    The use of component from Ganoderma lucidum as prebiotic source is interesting as the G. lucidum itself was known for more than a decade in the traditional Chinese medicine. In this work, Ganoderma lucidum crude polysaccharides (GLCP) and Polysaccharide-fraction number 2 (PF-2) were used as carbon sources in the fermentation with Bifidobacterium sp. The results showed the potential of prebiotic effect of the G. lucidum extract in batch-culture fermentation based on increment in the growth of bacteria used (0.4 – 1.5 log10 CFU/mL) after 18h fermentation. Fermentation was further done using faecal materials as bacterial inocula and bacterial growth changes were examined using real-time PCR. The results showed the ability of GLCP and PF-2 to support the growth of Bifidobacterium genus with 0.3 and 0.7 log10 cells/ml increased, respectively. Interestingly, Lactobacillus which is known as beneficial bacterial genus also showed growth increment with 0.7 and 1 log10 cells/ml increased. The competition for carbon sources thus inhibits the growth of potentially harmful genus, Salmonella (0.3 and 0.5 log10 cells/ml) in comparison to the control.
  14. Zalilah MS, Mirnalini K, Safiah MY, Tahir A, Siti Haslinda MD, Siti Rohana D, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2008 Mar;14(1):41-55.
    PMID: 22691763 MyJurnal
    Meal and snack patterns are associated with energy and nutrient intakes and consequently health and nutritional status. The aim of this paper is to describe the percentage of daily energy intake from meals and afternoon snack among Malaysian adults. The study included a representative sample of adults aged 18-59 years (n=7349) from a nationwide Food Consumption Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health. Information on dietary intake was obtained using a one day 24-hour diet recall (24-HDR). Dietary data on 6886 adults were analysed using Nutritionist ProTM and statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 13.0. The median percentage of daily energy intake is reported only for adults consuming meals and afternoon tea and by socio-demographic characteristics as well as body mass index (BMI) status. More than 80% of Malaysian adults consumed morning meals, lunch and dinner and 54% reported having afternoon tea. The median percentage of energy intake from morning meals, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea was 29.9%, 30.5%, 32.4% and 17%, respectively. There were variations in the median percentage of energy from meals and snacks according to the socio-demographic variables and BMI status. It is important to understand the eating patterns of Malaysians as the information can assist in efforts to address obesity and diet-related chronic diseases among adults.
    Study name: Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS-2003)
  15. Nakyinsige K, Sazili AQ, Aghwan ZA, Zulkifli I, Goh YM, Fatimah AB
    Asian-Australas J Anim Sci, 2013 Jun;26(6):874-8.
    PMID: 25049862 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2012.12652
    Unlike Europe (particularly, Italy and Spain), where a number of studies have been conducted on the stressful effects of transport on rabbit welfare, few studies have been conducted on transportation of rabbits under hot, humid tropical conditions experienced in countries like Malaysia. We studied the effects of transportation in hot humid tropical conditions of Malaysia on physiometabolic changes in New Zealand white rabbits. Eighty experimental animals were divided into two groups of 40 bucks each and transported for either 3 or 1 h. Transportation caused a significant upsurge of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities (p<0.001) though did not significantly affect lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (p = 0.0706). Both transportation periods caused elevation in plasma glucose levels, lactic acidosis and dehydration as evidenced through elevated packed cell volume and plasma protein concentration. It was concluded that regardless of the duration, transport of rabbits under hot humid tropical conditions, resulted in heat distress since the rabbits showed hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia, lactacidemia, lymphocytopenia, dehydration and increase in blood enzyme activities.
  16. Raftari M, Jalilian FA, Abdulamir AS, Son R, Sekawi Z, Fatimah AB
    Open Microbiol J, 2009 Aug 04;3:121-7.
    PMID: 19696918 DOI: 10.2174/1874285800903010121
    Appropriate and safe antibacterial agents able to decontaminate meat surfaces have long been big concern of meat industry. In an attempt to manage beef carcass contamination, spray wash treatments utilizing three concentrations (1, 1.5 and 2%) of acetic, lactic, propionic and formic acids were performed to evaluate their efficacy in reducing numbers of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus on meat tissues. The procured beef pieces of freshly slaughtered animals were decontaminated with hot water and then inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus individually which then were spray washed with organic acids separately. The total plate count of the treated samples showed that the populations of bacteria decreased after being exposed to organic acids. Spray wash of formic acid resulted in the highest reduction of both bacterial species on meat surface. Significantly, higher log reductions were obtained for S. aureus than E. coli O157:H7. It was concluded that organic acids are highly effective in decontaminating meat surfaces and organic acids are shown to be safe, simple, efficient, and cheap modality of meat decontamination which can be highly recommended for industrial scales.
  17. Norhayati M, Noor Hayati MI, Oothuman P, Fatmah MS, Zainudin B, Fatimah A
    Med J Malaysia, 1995 Dec;50(4):382-90.
    PMID: 8668061
    A dietary survey was carried out in 216 children (109 males, 107 females) aged 1-7 years, living in rural villages in Selangor, Malaysia to assess their nutrient intake and to determine the association between nutrient consumption and socio-economic background. All the children studied had inadequate intakes of energy, iron and niacin according to Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). Children aged of 4-9 years showed inadequate intake of calcium, thiamine and riboflavin. However, the intake of protein, vitamin A and ascorbic acid were above the recommended value. The mean percentage requirements of protein, iron and niacin were significantly higher in children from small families compared with children from large families. However the employment status of mothers had a significantly effect on the mean percentage requirements of niacin. The results indicate that education level of the mothers, is strongly associated with the mean percentage nutrient requirements of children and we strongly feel that this is a strategy to be adopted for improvement in nutrition of children.
  18. Noor AM, Muthupalaniappen L, Shamsul AS, Hizlinda T, Khairani O, Fatimah A
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Apr;18(1):47-55.
    PMID: 23713229 MyJurnal
    Body weight of children is affected by many factors including food habits which are influenced by their parents. Studies in the West have shown that parents tend to control child feeding in response to their child's weight status. The aim of this study was to assess Malaysian parental concerns about child weight and the control they exert on child feeding.
  19. Suzana S, Azhar Y, Fatimah A
    Malays J Nutr, 2004 Sep;10(2):173-82.
    PMID: 22691738 MyJurnal
    A case control study to determine the association of dietary fibre and cancer among Malaysians. It was conducted among 100 newly-diagnosed cancer patients admitted to the Radiotherapy and Oncology Ward, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. A total of 100 controls matched with the cases for age, sex and ethnic origin were selected from the Outpatient Health Clinic in Sentul. The subjects were interviewed to obtain information on their habitual dietary intakes and lifestyles. Family history of cancer, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption were found to be significant risk factors for cancer (p<0.05 for all parameters). The mean intake of total energy was higher among men with nasopharyngeal cancer and women with gastrointestinal cancer as compared to their controls (p<0.05 for both parameters). The percentage of energy contribution from fat was higher among cases (35%) than controls (32.1%). The mean dietary fibre intake among cases (10.86 ± 8.90 g/d) was apparently lower than the controls (13.22 ± 5.99 g/d), with significant differences noted for breast cancer and also nasopharyngeal cancer. Women with low fibre intake (<10g/d) had a 2.2 times higher risk of getting breast cancer. There is a need to educate the public to adhere to a wholesome diet, in particular to increase the consumption of high-fibre food for disease prevention.

    Study site: Radiotherapy and Oncology Ward, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Outpatient Health Clinic in Sentu
  20. Suzana S, Cham BG, Ahmad Rohi G, Mohd Rizal R, Fairulnizal MN, Normah H, et al.
    Singapore Med J, 2009 Mar;50(3):265-9.
    PMID: 19352569
    The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between selenium status and intake among breast cancer patients from the Klang Valley.
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