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Functionality among stroke survivors with upper limb impairment attending community-based rehabilitation

Omar NH, Mohd Nordin NA, Chai SC, Abdul Aziz AF

Med J Malaysia, 2020 03;75(2):146-151.
PMID: 32281596

INTRODUCTION: There is scarcity of research information on upper limb (UL) functionality among Malaysian post-stroke population despite the increasing number of stroke survivors. This study intends to evaluate functionality among stroke survivors residing in the community, with a specific focus on the UL.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 65 stroke survivors with UL dysfunction (mean (SD) age = 64.83 (8.05) years, mean (SD) post-stroke duration 41.62 (35.24) months) who attended community-based rehabilitation program. Upper limb functionality was assessed using the UL items of Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQOL), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale and the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). The stroke survivors' performance in completing JTHFT using their affected dominant hand was compared with standard norms.
RESULTS: The three most affected UL daily living tasks were writing (64.7%, n=42), opening a jar (63.1%, n=41) and putting on socks (58.5%, n=38). As for IADL, the mean (SD) score of Lawton scale was 3.26 (2.41), with more than 50% unable to handle finance, do the laundry and prepare meals for themselves. Performances of stroke survivors were much slower than normal population in all tasks of JTHFT (p<0.05), with largest speed difference demonstrated for 'stacking objects' task (mean difference 43.24 secs (p=0.003) and 24.57 (p<0.001) in males and females, respectively.
CONCLUSION: UL functions are significantly impaired among stroke survivors despite undergoing rehabilitation. Rehabilitation professionals should prioritize highly problematic tasks when retraining UL for greater post-stroke functionality.
Impact of individual and environmental factors on academic performance of pregnant adolescent

Otegbayo BE, Omar N, Danaee M, Mohajer S, Aghamohamadi N

BMC Womens Health, 2023 Jul 21;23(1):383.
PMID: 37480050 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02520-y

BACKGROUND: Teenage pregnancies continue to disrupt teenage girls' academic development. As a result, teenage mothers are at risk of unemployment, maternal death, and poverty. Previous research, however, has shown that both individual and environmental factors can have a significant impact on the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy. However, there has been little rigorous research on the impact of these factors on pregnant students' academic performance.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between environmental (neighbourhood) and individuals (sexual attitudes, peer attachment) factors. It also examined the influence of individual factors on the academic performance of pregnant teens.
METHODS: The study included a cross-sectional study of 400 pregnant adolescent students aged 15-19 years. The target groups were drawn from three major cities in Nigeria. Respondents were identified through targeted snowballing. Pregnant participants were a combination of married and unmarried girls attending school from home. Data were collected using a structured and self-completed questionnaire. Thus, frequency, mean and standard deviation were used for descriptive analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to show the relationship between variables.
RESULTS: The study found that neighbourhood (r=-.125, p = .12) had a negative and significant relationship with peer attachment. However, there was no significant evidence of a relationship between sexual attitudes and neighbourhood (r=-.040, p = .422). There was, however, a significant relationship between sexual attitudes and academic performance (r = .236, p = .000). There was also a relationship between peer attachment and academic performance (r=-.401, p =
Review of MR spectroscopy analysis and artificial intelligence applications for the detection of cerebral inflammation and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease

Seriramulu VP, Suppiah S, Lee HH, Jang JH, Omar NF, Mohan SN, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jan;79(1):102-110.
PMID: 38287765

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has an emerging role as a neuroimaging tool for the detection of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To date, MRS has been established as one of the diagnostic tools for various diseases such as breast cancer and fatty liver, as well as brain tumours. However, its utility in neurodegenerative diseases is still in the experimental stages. The potential role of the modality has not been fully explored, as there is diverse information regarding the aberrations in the brain metabolites caused by normal ageing versus neurodegenerative disorders.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was carried out to gather eligible studies from the following widely sourced electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar using the combination of the following keywords: AD, MRS, brain metabolites, deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI); having the aim of taking the readers through the advancements in the usage of MRS analysis and related AI applications for the detection of AD.
RESULTS: We elaborate on the MRS data acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Recommendation is made for MRS parameters that can obtain the best quality spectrum for fingerprinting the brain metabolomics composition in AD. Furthermore, we summarise ML and DL techniques that have been utilised to estimate the uncertainty in the machine-predicted metabolite content, as well as streamline the process of displaying results of metabolites derangement that occurs as part of ageing.
CONCLUSION: MRS has a role as a non-invasive tool for the detection of brain metabolite biomarkers that indicate brain metabolic health, which can be integral in the management of AD.
Fulltext Malay sentiment analysis based on combined classification approaches and Senti-lexicon algorithm

Al-Saffar A, Awang S, Tao H, Omar N, Al-Saiagh W, Al-Bared M

PLoS One, 2018;13(4):e0194852.
PMID: 29684036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194852

Sentiment analysis techniques are increasingly exploited to categorize the opinion text to one or more predefined sentiment classes for the creation and automated maintenance of review-aggregation websites. In this paper, a Malay sentiment analysis classification model is proposed to improve classification performances based on the semantic orientation and machine learning approaches. First, a total of 2,478 Malay sentiment-lexicon phrases and words are assigned with a synonym and stored with the help of more than one Malay native speaker, and the polarity is manually allotted with a score. In addition, the supervised machine learning approaches and lexicon knowledge method are combined for Malay sentiment classification with evaluating thirteen features. Finally, three individual classifiers and a combined classifier are used to evaluate the classification accuracy. In experimental results, a wide-range of comparative experiments is conducted on a Malay Reviews Corpus (MRC), and it demonstrates that the feature extraction improves the performance of Malay sentiment analysis based on the combined classification. However, the results depend on three factors, the features, the number of features and the classification approach.
Fulltext A normalization model for repeated letters in social media hate speech text based on rules and spelling correction

Mansur Z, Omar N, Tiun S, Alshari EM

PLoS One, 2024;19(3):e0299652.
PMID: 38512966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299652

As social media booms, abusive online practices such as hate speech have unfortunately increased as well. As letters are often repeated in words used to construct social media messages, these types of words should be eliminated or reduced in number to enhance the efficacy of hate speech detection. Although multiple models have attempted to normalize out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words with repeated letters, they often fail to determine whether the in-vocabulary (IV) replacement words are correct or incorrect. Therefore, this study developed an improved model for normalizing OOV words with repeated letters by replacing them with correct in-vocabulary (IV) replacement words. The improved normalization model is an unsupervised method that does not require the use of a special dictionary or annotated data. It combines rule-based patterns of words with repeated letters and the SymSpell spelling correction algorithm to remove repeated letters within the words by multiple rules regarding the position of repeated letters in a word, be it at the beginning, middle, or end of the word and the repetition pattern. Two hate speech datasets were then used to assess performance. The proposed normalization model was able to decrease the percentage of OOV words to 8%. Its F1 score was also 9% and 13% higher than the models proposed by two extant studies. Therefore, the proposed normalization model performed better than the benchmark studies in replacing OOV words with the correct IV replacement and improved the performance of the detection model. As such, suitable rule-based patterns can be combined with spelling correction to develop a text normalization model to correctly replace words with repeated letters, which would, in turn, improve hate speech detection in texts.
The effects of pedometer-based exercise on central and peripheral vascular functions among young sedentary men with CVD risk factors

Omar N, Yeoh BS, Chellappan K, Chui SZ, Salamt N, Aminuddin A

Front Physiol, 2023;14:1062751.
PMID: 37057183 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1062751

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia and worldwide. This is mainly due to an increase in the prevalence of CVD risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and obesity. Increased physical activity has been recommended as a modality to improve CVD risk. Pulse wave velocity (PWVCF), augmentation index (AI), and finger photoplethysmography fitness (PPGF) index have been introduced to assess the vascular functions related to CVD risk factors. The effects of long-term exercise on PPGF index are not established. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 young men who were sedentary with two or more cardiovascular risk factors were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (n = 34; no change in walking) and pedometer group (PG) (n = 36; minimum target: 8,000 steps/day). PWVCF and AI were measured via the Vicorder system. The PPGF index was obtained via the finger photoplethysmography method. All parameters were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Results: After intervention, the PG had significant increased step count from 4,996 ± 805 to 10,128 ± 511 steps/day (p < 0.001). The PG showed significant improvement in anthropometric variables, lipid, PWVCF, AI, and PPGF index (time and group effect p < 0.001). No changes were observed in CG. Conclusion: This signifies that pedometer-based walking program is beneficial in improving markers of vascular functions among young working sedentary men with CVD risk factors. Pedometer-based exercise should be encouraged to improve cardiovascular health.
Fulltext Bioavailability of heavy metal in rice using in vitro digestion model

Omar, N. A., Praveena, S. M., Hashim, Z., Aris, A. Z.

International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(6):2979-2985.
MyJurnal

Rice is a carbohydrate, one of the plant-based foods that can accumulate heavy metal from soil and the irrigation water. Since total heavy metal always overestimates the amount of heavy metal available in rice, bioavailability of heavy metal is always preferred. Many studies have been done and found that in vitro methods offer an appealing alternative to human and animal studies. They can be simple, rapid, low in cost and may provide insights which not achievable in the in vivo studies. In vitro digestion model for rice may differ from other in vitro digestion models applied in soil or other type of foods studies. This review aims to provide an overview of in vitro digestion model used to determine bioavailability of heavy metal in rice, summarize health risk assessment application of heavy metal in rice studies and highlight the importance of health risk assessment to be included in the studies. Future exploration of in vitro digestion model and health risk assessment application on the bioavailability of heavy metal in rice was also suggested.
The thermoluminescence glow curve and the deconvoluted glow peak characteristics of erbium doped silica fiber exposed to 70-130 kVp x-rays

Alawiah A, Bauk S, Marashdeh MW, Nazura MZ, Abdul-Rashid HA, Yusoff Z, et al.

Appl Radiat Isot, 2015 Oct;104:197-202.
PMID: 26188687 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.07.011

In regard to thermoluminescence (TL) applied to dosimetry, in recent times a number of researchers have explored the role of optical fibers for radiation detection and measurement. Many of the studies have focused on the specific dopant concentration, the type of dopant and the fiber core diameter, all key dependencies in producing significant increase in the sensitivity of such fibers. At doses of less than 1 Gy none of these investigations have addressed the relationship between dose response and TL glow peak behavior of erbium (Er)-doped silica cylindrical fibers (CF). For x-rays obtained at accelerating potentials from 70 to 130 kVp, delivering doses of between 0.1 and 0.7 Gy, present study explores the issue of dose response, special attention being paid to determination of the kinetic parameters and dosimetric peak properties of Er-doped CF. The effect of dose response on the kinetic parameters of the glow peak has been compared against other fiber types, revealing previously misunderstood connections between kinetic parameters and radiation dose. Within the investigated dose range there was an absence of supralinearity of response of the Er-doped silica CF, instead sub-linear response being observed. Detailed examination of glow peak response and kinetic parameters has thus been shown to shed new light of the rarely acknowledged issue of the limitation of TL kinetic model and sub-linear dose response of Er-doped silica CF.
Fulltext The effects of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban on neural differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Omar N, Lokanathan Y, Mohd Razi ZR, Bt Haji Idrus R

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2019 Jul 08;19(1):167.
PMID: 31286956 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2581-x

BACKGROUND: Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, known as Indian Pennywort, is a tropical medicinal plant from Apiaceae family native to Southeast Asian countries. It has been widely used as a nerve tonic in Ayuverdic medicine since ancient times. However, whether it can substitute for neurotrophic factors to induce human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSCs) differentiation into the neural lineage remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a raw extract of C. asiatica (L.) (RECA) on the neural differentiation of hMSCs in vitro.
METHODS: The hMSCs derived from human Wharton's jelly umbilical cord (hWJMSCs; n = 6) were treated with RECA at different concentrations; 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 2000 and 2400 μg/ml. The cytotoxicity of RECA was evaluated via the MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and cell proliferation assays. The hWJMSCs were then induced to neural lineage for 9 days either with RECA alone or RECA in combination with neurotrophic factors (NF). Cell morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope, while the expression of the neural markers S100β, p75 NGFR, MBP, GFAP and MOG was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. The cell cycle profile of differentiated and undifferentiated hWJMSCs was investigated through cell cycle analysis.
RESULTS: RECA exerted effects on both proliferation and neural differentiation of hWJMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. RECA reduced the proliferation of hWJMSCs and was cytotoxic to cells above 1600 μg/ml, with IC50 value, 1875 ± 55.67 μg/ml. In parallel with the reduction in cell viability, cell enlargement was also observed at the end of the induction. Cells treated with RECA alone had more obvious protein expression of the neural markers compared to the other groups. Meanwhile, gene expression of the aforementioned markers was detected at low levels across the experimental groups. The supplementation of hWJMSCs with RECA did not change the normal life cycle of the cells.
CONCLUSIONS: Although RECA reduced the proliferation of hWJMSCs, a low dose of RECA (400 μg/ml), alone or in combination of neurotrophic factors (NF + RECA 400 μg/ml), has the potential to differentiate hWJMSCs into Schwann cells and other neural lineage cells.
Amelioration of inflammation in young men with cardiovascular risks participating pedometer-based walking programme

Omar NO, Ahmad RA, Mohd Shah MS, Aminuddin AA, Chellappan KC

Med J Malaysia, 2021 05;76(3):375-381.
PMID: 34031337

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events. The lack of exercise among Malaysians and the increasing cardiovascular diseases among young men are of concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reducing of inflammation by measuring C-Reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 young men (20 - 40 years) who were sedentary, achieving less than 5,000 steps/day in casual walking with 2 or more cardiovascular risk factors were recruited in Institute of Vocational Skills for Youth (IKBN Hulu Langat). Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (n=34; no change in walking) and pedometer group (PG) (n=36; minimum target: 8,000 steps/day). All parameter was measured at baseline, at 6 weeks and after 12 weeks.
RESULTS: At post intervention, the CG step counts were similar (4983 ± 366vs 5697 ± 407steps/day). The PG significant increased step count from 4996 ± 805 to 10,128 ±511 steps/day (p<0.001). The PG showed significant improvement in anthropometric variables and lipid (time and group effect p<0.001). After intervention, CRP, IL-6 and TNF- α were significantly reduced for time and group effect (p<0.001). However, no changes were seen in CG.
CONCLUSION: The pedometer-based walking programme improved health status in terms of improving inflammation and arterial stiffness.
Fulltext The Influence of Ficus deltoidea in Preserving Alveolar Bone in Ovariectomized Rats

Omar NI, Baharin B, Lau SF, Ibrahim N, Mohd N, Ahmad Fauzi A, et al.

Vet Med Int, 2020;2020:8862489.
PMID: 33456747 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8862489

Ficus deltoidea has been shown to possess antioxidant properties that could prevent the development of chronic inflammatory bone diseases. In this study, the efficacy of F. deltoidea in preventing alveolar bone resorption in osteoporotic rats induced by ovariectomy (OVX) was investigated. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6) consisting of sham-operated (SO), ovariectomized control (OVXN), ovariectomized treated with estrogen (OVXP), and ovariectomized treated with F. deltoidea extract (OVXF). At the beginning of the study, two nonovariectomized, healthy rats were sacrificed to serve as baseline (BL). Treatment of the rats commenced two weeks after ovariectomy-the OVXP rats that served as positive control received Premarin® (64.5 μg/kg body weight), while OVXF rats were given F. deltoidea (800 mg/kg body weight); both agents were administered orally for two months. The negative control group of rats (OVXN) and the SO group received deionized water, also administered via oral gavage. At necropsy, morphometric assessment of the interradicular bone of the first molar was carried out using a micro-CT scanner, while quantification of osteoclasts and osteoblasts was performed histologically. The results showed that no statistically significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05) for bone morphometric assessment. However, trabecular thickness in the OVXF group was similar to BL, while trabecular separation and alveolar bone loss height were lower than those of the OVXN group. Histologically, the OVXF group demonstrated a significantly lower number of osteoclasts and a higher number of osteoblasts compared with OVXN (p=0.008 and p=0.019, respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, F. deltoidea has the capacity to prevent alveolar bone loss in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats by potentially preserving trabecular bone microarchitecture and to decrease osteoclast and increase osteoblast cell count.
Fulltext Relationships between severity of steatosis with glycemic control and carotid intima-media thickness among diabetic patients with ischemic heart disease

Omar N, Koshy M, Hanafiah M, Hatta SFWM, Shah FZM, Johari B, et al.

J Res Med Sci, 2020;25:64.
PMID: 33088301 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.JRMS_560_17

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the major diseases plaguing worldwide. Several studies reported its association with ischemic heart disease (IHD). This study aims to determine the relationships between severity of steatosis with glycemic control and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) among a high-risk population of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with proven IHD.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients aged between 18 and 65 years diagnosed with T2DM with IHD (n = 150). Ultrasonography of the abdomen to determine NAFLD severity category and CIMT measurements was performed by two independent radiologists. NAFLD was graded according to the severity of steatosis (NAFLD-3, NAFLD-2, NAFLD-1, and NAFLD-0). Comparison between different stages of NAFLD (NAFLD-3, NAFLD-2, NAFLD-1, and NAFLD-0) was analyzed using Chi-square and analysis of variance tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.
Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 71% (n = 107). NAFLD-1 was detected in 39% of the patients, 32% had NAFLD-2, no patients with NAFLD-3, and 29% had non-NAFLD. There were no patients with NAFLD-2 having higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration was highest within the NAFLD-2. NAFLD-2 showed higher mean CIMT. Every 1% rise in HbA1c for patients with NAFLD significantly increases the CIMT by 0.03 mm (95% CI: 0.009, 0.052, P = 0.006).
Conclusion: These findings suggest additional atherosclerotic risks within the NAFLD-2 group with significantly higher HbA1c and CIMT compared to the NAFLD-1 and NAFLD-0 groups. It is, therefore, vital to incorporate stricter glycemic control among patients with T2DM and IHD with moderate NAFLD as part of atherosclerotic risk management strategy.
Fulltext Comparison of Structured Nutrition Therapy for Ramadan with Standard Care in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Mohd Yusof BN, Wan Zukiman WZHH, Abu Zaid Z, Omar N, Mukhtar F, Yahya NF, et al.

Nutrients, 2020 Mar 19;12(3).
PMID: 32204476 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030813

(1) Background: Structured nutrition therapy (NT) is essential for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the optimal delivery during Ramadan fasting remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of structured NT program versus standard care in patients with T2D during Ramadan. (2) Methods: The present study was an 8-week, parallel, non-randomized study with patients' preference design involving 64 patients with T2D. The participants were asked to choose their preferred group, i.e., structured NT (Structured Ramadan NT, sRNT) or standard care (SC). The participants in the sRNT group received a Ramadan-focused nutrition plan, including a diabetes-specific formula throughout the study, whereas the patients in the SC group received standard nutrition care. Study outcomes included clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL). Data was analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and linear mixed-effects model. (3) Results: More than half of the participants (n = 38, 63%) chose sRNT as their preferred group. Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. After 8-weeks of the respective intervention, participants in the sRNT group had lower levels of fasting plasma glucose (-0.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L vs. 0.2 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p < 0.05), triglycerides (-0.21 ± 0.08 mmol/L vs. 0.20 ± 0.17 mmol/L, p < 0.05), and self-monitoring glucose at pre-dawn (6.9 mmol/L vs. 7.8 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and pre-bedtime (7.6 mmol/L vs. 8.6 mmol/L, p < 0.05) than participants in the SC group. Although not different between groups, HbA1c levels decreased significantly in the sRNT (-0.72 ± 0.16%, p < 0.001) but not in the SC group (-0.35 ± 0.24%, p = 0.155). QoL and satisfaction scores improved significantly in sRNT group, but not in SC group. (4) Conclusions: The structured NT regimen for Ramadan is a feasible and beneficial program for T2D patients observing Ramadan fasting as it showed an improvement in clinical outcomes and QoL.
Changes in dietary intake improve glycemic control following a structured nutrition therapy during Ramadan in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Mohd Yusof BN, Hasbullah FY, Mohd Shahar AS, Omar N, Abu Zaid Z, Mukhtar F, et al.

Clin Nutr ESPEN, 2021 12;46:314-324.
PMID: 34857213 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.09.738

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is unknown whether dietary modifications during Ramadan could influence glycemic control in diabetes. This study assessed dietary intake following structured Ramadan nutrition therapy and determined the association between changes in dietary intake and glycemic control parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes.
METHODS: This was an 8-week, parallel-group, non-randomised study of 60 type 2 diabetes patients who opted for structured Ramadan Nutrition Therapy (sRNT; n = 38) or standard care (SC; n = 22) group. The sRNT group received a structured Ramadan Nutrition Plan incorporated with diabetes-specific formula throughout the study, while SC received standard nutrition care. The 3-day food records assessed dietary intake at three-time points.
RESULTS: At baseline, dietary characteristics were comparable; both groups had macronutrient intakes within the recommended range, but inadequate intakes of fiber and 11 essential micronutrients. After 8 weeks, the sRNT group significantly reduced intakes of carbohydrate, dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, and increased percentage of total energy intake from protein, fiber, pyridoxine, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and chromium compared with the SC group. In the sRNT group, compliance to diabetes-specific formula predicted changes in HbA1c (p = 0.024), while fiber intake predicted fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.035), after adjusting for age, sex, weight changes and other dietary variables.
CONCLUSION: Intakes of certain nutrients improved significantly in sRNT group after 8 weeks of receiving a structured Ramadan Nutrition Plan compared to the standard care. The structured Ramadan Nutrition Plan with the incorporation of diabetes-specific formula significantly improved glycemic control and dietary adequacy during Ramadan fasting.
Health Risk Assessment using in vitro digestion model in assessing bioavailability of heavy metal in rice: A preliminary study

Omar NA, Praveena SM, Aris AZ, Hashim Z

Food Chem, 2015 Dec 1;188:46-50.
PMID: 26041162 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.04.087

Little is known about the bioavailability of heavy metal contamination and its health risks after rice ingestion. This study aimed to determine bioavailability of heavy metal (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Al, Fe, Zn and Pb) concentrations in cooked rice and human Health Risk Assessment (HRA). The results found Zn was the highest (4.3±0.1 mg/kg), whereas As showed the lowest (0.015±0.001 mg/kg) bioavailability of heavy metal concentration in 22 varieties of cooked rice. For single heavy metal exposure, no potential of non carcinogenic health risks was found, while carcinogenic health risks were found only for As. Combined heavy metal exposures found that total Hazard Quotient (HQtotal) values for adult were higher than the acceptable range (HQTotal<1), whereas total Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCRTotal) values were higher than the acceptable range (LCRTotal values >1×10(-4)) for both adult and children. This study is done to understand that the inclusion of bioavailability heavy metal into HRA produces a more realistic estimation of human heavy metal exposure.
Homologous recombination repair gene mutations in Malaysian prostate cancer patients

Saeidi H, Raju CS, Ismail P, Raub SHA, Omar N, Hisyam Bakrin I

Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand), 2022 Aug 31;68(8):22-26.
PMID: 36800845 DOI: 10.14715/cmb/2022.68.8.4

Genetic alterations in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer development, and patients harboring these mutations can benefit from targeted therapy. The main aim of this study is to identify genetic alterations in HRR genes as a potential target for targeted treatment. In this study, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) is used to analyze mutations in the protein-coding regions of the 27 genes involved in HRR and mutations in hotspots of 5 cancer-associated genes in four FFPE samples and three blood samples from prostate cancer patients. We identified two mutations in TP53 and KRAS. We also identified four conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity variants in BRCA2, STK11 genes and one variant of uncertain significance in the RAD51B gene. In addition, we detected one drug response variant in TP53, and two novel variants in CDK12 and ATM. Our results revealed some actionable pathogenic and potential pathogenic variants that may be associated with response to the Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor treatment. More studies in a larger cohort are needed to evaluate and determine the association of HRR mutations with prostate cancer.
Fulltext Recent Updates in Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Potential of Centella asiatica

Lokanathan Y, Omar N, Ahmad Puzi NN, Saim A, Hj Idrus R

Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Jan;23(1):4-14.
PMID: 27540320 MyJurnal

Centella asiatica, locally well known in Malaysia as pegaga, is a traditional herb that has been used widely in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and in the traditional medicine of other Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia. Although consumption of the plant is indicated for various illnesses, its potential neuroprotective properties have been well studied and documented. In addition to past studies, recent studies also discovered and/or reconfirmed that C. asiatica acts as an antioxidant, reducing the effect of oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. At the in vitro level, C. asiatica promotes dendrite arborisation and elongation, and also protects the neurons from apoptosis. In vivo studies have shown that the whole extract and also individual compounds of C. asiatica have a protective effect against various neurological diseases. Most of the in vivo studies on neuroprotective effects have focused on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, learning and memory enhancement, neurotoxicity and other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and epilepsy. Recent studies have embarked on finding the molecular mechanism of neuroprotection by C. asiatica extract. However, the capability of C. asiatica in enhancing neuroregeneration has not been studied much and is limited to the regeneration of crushed sciatic nerves and protection from neuronal injury in hypoxia conditions. More studies are still needed to identify the compounds and the mechanism of action of C. asiatica that are particularly involved in neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. Furthermore, the extraction method, biochemical profile and dosage information of the C. asiatica extract need to be standardised to enhance the economic value of this traditional herb and to accelerate the entry of C. asiatica extracts into modern medicine.
Fulltext COVID-19 Disruptions in Health Professional Education: Use of Cognitive Load Theory on Students' Comprehension, Cognitive Load, Engagement, and Motivation

Hadie SNH, Tan VPS, Omar N, Nik Mohd Alwi NA, Lim HL, Ku Marsilla KI

Front Med (Lausanne), 2021;8:739238.
PMID: 34671622 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.739238

This study explored the impact of online lectures that were developed using principles of cognitive load theory (CLT) and cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) on health profession students' lecture comprehension, cognitive load, cognitive engagement, and intrinsic motivation in learning. A total of 215 first-year undergraduate students in medical, dentistry, and nutrition programs participated in this pre-post quasi experimental study. The students attended a typical face-to-face lecture on Day-1 of the intervention, followed by a CLT-based online lecture 8 weeks thereafter. Their comprehension of the lecture topics was measured through pre- and post-lecture assessments, and their cognitive load, cognitive engagement, and motivation were measured immediately after each lecture session. The analysis revealed that the CLT-based online lectures promoted the students' comprehension of the lecture content (p < 0.001), self-perceived learning (p < 0.001), engagement toward the learning material, and motivation to learn (p = 0.025). It was also effective at reducing the students' intrinsic and extraneous cognitive loads (p < 0.001). Hence, designing online lectures using CLT and CTML principles could be an effective method to promote students' knowledge and comprehension, cognitive engagement, and learning motivation. However, further research is needed to investigate the applicability and impact of CLT-based online lectures in non-health profession disciplines.
Fulltext Clinicopathologic and Molecular Characteristics of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor Compared With Those of Leiomyoma and Leiomyosarcoma

Wah NW, Mok Y, Omar N, Chang KTE, Tay TKY, Hue SS, et al.

Mod Pathol, 2023 Jun;36(6):100127.
PMID: 36965331 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100127

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMTs) are rare smooth muscle neoplasms exclusively associated with immunosuppression, such as in patients with HIV/AIDS, posttransplant, and congenital immunodeficiency. However, the genomic landscape of EBV-SMTs is poorly understood. Leiomyosarcomas harbor genomic instability and multiple recurrent DNA copy number alterations, whereas leiomyomas lack such changes. Thus, this study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by characterizing copy number alterations in EBV-SMTs and correlating this information with clinicopathologic characteristics. Our study investigated and compared the pathologic characteristics and copy number profiles of 9 EBV-SMTs (from 7 post-transplant and AIDS patients), 6 leiomyomas, and 7 leiomyosarcomas, using chromosomal microarray platforms. Our results showed a lower copy number alteration burden in EBV-SMTs and leiomyoma than in leiomyosarcoma. This contrast in the molecular profile between EBV-SMTs and leiomyosarcoma is concordant with the different clinical behaviors and pathologic characteristics exhibited by these tumors. Despite having an overall copy number alteration profile closer to leiomyoma, recurrent copy number gain of oncogenes, such as RUNX1, CCND2, and ETS2, was found in EBV-SMTs. Epigenetic alterations may play an important role in tumorigenesis as recurrent copy number gains were found in histone deacetylases. A gene enrichment analysis also demonstrated enrichment of genes involved in the host response to viral infection, suggesting that the tumor immune microenvironment may play an important role in EBV-SMT tumorigenesis.
A Clinicopathology Review and Update of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Mesenchymal Tumors

Lee OZJ, Omar N, Tay JK, Lee VKM

Cancers (Basel), 2023 Nov 24;15(23).
PMID: 38067267 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235563

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with various tumor types, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma and lymphoproliferative disorders. While much is known about EBV-related epithelial and lymphoid tumors, there is a paucity of knowledge concerning EBV-associated mesenchymal tumors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of EBV-associated mesenchymal tumors, encompassing their clinical features, pathological characteristics, pathophysiology, prognostic factors, and current treatment approaches. Through an extensive literature search using the PubMed database, we were able to identify three distinct EBV-associated mesenchymal tumors: EBV-associated smooth muscle tumors, inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell sarcomas, and EBV-associated osteosarcomas. Although this review extensively explored the different aspects of these mesenchymal tumors, our comprehension of the underlying pathophysiology in this context is still incomplete. Therefore, we hope that this review paper will not only serve as a valuable repository of information but also serve as a catalyst for prospective in vitro and in vivo research studies to bridge the existing knowledge gap surrounding pathophysiology, ultimately making an important contribution to shaping future therapeutic approaches.

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