Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 167 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Ting CF, Harun S, Daud KM, Sulaiman S, Nor Muhammad NA
    Prog Biophys Mol Biol, 2024 Apr 09.
    PMID: 38604435 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.04.002
    Gene regulatory network (GRN) comprises complicated yet intertwined gene-regulator relationships. Understanding the GRN dynamics will unravel the complexity behind the observed gene expressions. Insect gene regulation is often complicated due to their complex life cycles and diverse ecological adaptations. The main interest of this review is to have an update on the current mathematical modelling methods of GRNs to explain insect science. Several popular GRN architecture models are discussed, together with examples of applications in insect science. In the last part of this review, each model is compared from different aspects, including network scalability, computation complexity, robustness to noise and biological relevancy.
  2. Amir D, Nasaruddin RR, Yousefi M, Mastuli MS, Sulaiman S, Alam MZ, et al.
    Discov Nano, 2024 Feb 22;19(1):32.
    PMID: 38386194 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-03974-1
    Activated carbon (AC) is the most common and economically viable adsorbent for eliminating toxic organic pollutants, particularly dyes, from wastewater. Its widespread adoption is due to the simplicity and affordable production of AC, wherein low-cost agricultural wastes, such as durian skin can be used. Converting durian skin into AC presents a promising solution for its solid waste management. However, inherent drawbacks such as its non-selectivity, relatively short lifespan and laborious replacement and recovery processes diminish the overall efficacy of AC as an adsorbent. To address these challenges, the immobilisation of metal nanocatalysts such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is one of the emerging solutions. AgNPs can facilitate the regeneration of the adsorption sites of AC by catalysing the conversion of the adsorbed dyes into harmless and simpler molecules. Nevertheless, the immobilisation of AgNPs on AC surface can be challenging as the pore size formation of AC is hard to control and the nanomaterials can easily leach out from the AC surface. Hence, in this study, we synthesised AC from durian skin (DS) and immobilised AgNPs on the AC-DS surface. Then, we used methylene blue (MB) removal for studying the adsorption capability and recyclability of the AC-DS. In the synthesis of AC-DS, the influences of reaction temperature, activating agent, and acid-washing to its capability in adsorptive removal of  MB in solution were first determined. It was found that 400 °C, KOH activating agent, and the presence of acid-washing (50% of HNO3) resulted in AC-DS with the highest percentage of MB removal (91.49 ± 2.86%). Then, the overall results from three recyclability experiments demonstrate that AC-DS with immobilised AgNPs exhibited higher MB removal after several cycles (up to 6 cycles) as compared to AC-DS alone, proving the benefit of AgNPs for the recyclability of AC-DS. We also found that AgNPs/Citrate@AC-DS exhibited better adsorption capability and recyclability as compared to AgNPs/PVP@AC-DS indicating significant influences of type of stabilisers in this study. This study also demonstrates that the presence of more oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups) after acid-washing on AC-DS and in citrate molecules, has greater influence to the performance of AC-DS and AgNPs/Citrate@AC-DS in the removal of MB as compared to the influences of their BET surface area and pore structure. The findings in this study have the potential to promote and serve as a guideline for harnessing the advantages of nanomaterials, such as AgNPs, to enhance the properties of AC for environmental applications.
  3. Gan F, Sooriappragasarao M, Sulaiman S, Razali N, Hong JGS, Tan PC
    Sleep, 2023 Dec 11;46(12).
    PMID: 37478474 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad196
    STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate at-home use of eye-mask and earplugs (EMEP) versus sleep hygiene advice leaflet (AL) on actigraphy-derived night sleep duration in sleep-deprived pregnant women.

    METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the antenatal clinic of University Malaya Medical Centre from June 2021 to June 2022. Women at 34-36 weeks gestation with self-reported night sleep duration ≤6 hours were recruited. Participants wore an actigraphy device at night for seven consecutive nights (Observation/Baseline week). Only women whose actigraphy-derived night sleep duration was confirmed to be ≤360 minutes were randomized to use EMEP or AL. Actigraphy was continued for another week (Intervention week). Primary outcome was change in actigraphy-derived night sleep duration from observation to intervention week across trial arms. Secondary outcomes include participants' sleep quality, labor, and neonatal outcome. Comparisons were by Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test.

    RESULTS: A total of 210 women were randomized: 105 each to EMEP and AL. The increase in night sleep duration over baseline was significantly longer with both EMEP (mean ± SD) 23 ± 41 minutes, p 

  4. Chan YT, Cheok YY, Cheong HC, Tan GMY, Seow SR, Tang TF, et al.
    Immunol Cell Biol, 2023 Apr;101(4):305-320.
    PMID: 36658328 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12621
    Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection remains a major health issue as it causes severe complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in females as a result of infection-associated chronic inflammation. Podoplanin, a transmembrane receptor, has been previously reported on inflammatory macrophages. Thus, strategies that specifically target podoplanin might be able to reduce local inflammation. This study investigated the expression level and function of podoplanin in a C. trachomatis infection model. C57BL/6 mice infected with the mouse pathogen Chlamydia muridarum were examined intermittently from days 1 to 60 using flow cytometry analysis. Percentages of conventional macrophages (CD11b+ CD11c- F4/80+ ) versus inflammatory macrophages (CD11b+ CD11c+ F4/80+ ), and the expression of podoplanin in these cells were investigated. Subsequently, a podoplanin-knockout RAW264.7 cell was used to evaluate the function of podoplanin in C. trachomatis infection. Our findings demonstrated an increased CD11b+ cell volume in the spleen at day 9 after the infection, with augmented podoplanin expression, especially among the inflammatory macrophages. A large number of podoplanin-expressing macrophages were detected in the genital tract of C. muridarum-infected mice. Furthermore, analysis of the C. trachomatis-infected patients demonstrated a higher percentage of podoplanin-expressing monocytes than that in the noninfected controls. Using an in vitro infection in a transwell migration assay, we identified that macrophages deficient in podoplanin displayed defective migratory function toward C. trachomatis-infected HeLa 229 cells. Lastly, using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry method, we identified two potential podoplanin interacting proteins, namely, Cofilin 1 and Talin 1 actin-binding proteins. The present study reports a role of podoplanin in directing macrophage migration to the chlamydial infection site. Our results suggest a potential for reducing inflammation in individuals with chronic chlamydial infections by targeting podoplanin.
  5. Cheong HC, Cheok YY, Chan YT, Tang TF, Sulaiman S, Looi CY, et al.
    BMC Microbiol, 2023 Mar 04;23(1):58.
    PMID: 36870960 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02802-3
    BACKGROUND: Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common bacterial sexual transmitted disease that causes severe complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility in females. The Pgp3 protein encoded by C. trachomatis plasmid has been speculated to be an important player in chlamydial pathogenesis. However, the precise function of this protein is unknown and thus remains to be thoroughly investigated.

    METHODS: In this study, we synthesized Pgp3 protein for in vitro stimulation in the Hela cervical carcinoma cells.

    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We showed that Pgp3 induced prominent expression of host inflammatory cytokine genes including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), implying a possible role of Pgp3 in modulating the inflammatory reaction in the host.

  6. Sulaiman S, Sivaranjani S, Razali N, Lim BK, Hamdan M, Tan PC
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2023 Mar;160(3):814-822.
    PMID: 35869955 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14364
    OBJECTIVE: To compare Foley catheter and controlled-release dinoprostone vaginal insert on induction-to-delivery interval and maternal satisfaction in women with one previous cesarean delivery.

    METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from December 12, 2018, to May 28, 2019. A total of 78 term women scheduled for labor induction with one previous cesarean delivery who had ripe cervixes, singleton gestation, cephalic presentation, intact membranes, and reassuring cardiotocogram were randomized to Foley catheter or dinoprostone insert. The primary outcome was induction-to-delivery interval (in hours) and the secondary outcomes included maternal satisfaction on birth experience (assessed by 100-mm visual analog scale).

    RESULTS: Induction-to-delivery intervals were as follows: median 33.5 h (interquartile range [IQR], 26.1-36.2 h) versus 23.5 h (IQR, 12.7-34.5 h) (P = 0.004), and maternal satisfaction on birth process 100-mm visual analog scale was 80 mm (IQR, 64-88 mm) versus 82 mm (IQR, 67-88 mm) (P = 0.919) for the Foley and controlled-release dinoprostone arms, respectively. Cesarean delivery rates were 23 of 39 (59%) versus 20 of 39 (51%) (relative risk, 1.15 [95% confidence interval, 0.77-1.72]) (P = 0.496) and trial device insertion to removal time mean ± standard deviation was 20.1 ± 7.1 h versus 14.2 ± 7.3 h (P = 0.001) for Foley versus controlled-release dinoprostone, respectively.

    CONCLUSION: In term women after one previous cesarean delivery with unripe cervixes, controlled-release dinoprostone vaginal insert compared with Foley catheter shortens the induction-to-delivery interval but maternal satisfaction was not significantly increased.

    CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with ISRCTN on November 30, 2018, with trial identification number: ISRCTN16957529 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN16957529). The first participant was recruited on December 12, 2018.

  7. Saw SN, Lim MC, Liew CN, Ahmad Kamar A, Sulaiman S, Saaid R, et al.
    Front Surg, 2023;10:1123948.
    PMID: 37114151 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1123948
    OBJECTIVE: To construct a national fetal growth chart using retrospective data and compared its diagnostic accuracy in predicting SGA at birth with existing international growth charts.

    METHOD: This is a retrospective study where datasets from May 2011 to Apr 2020 were extracted to construct the fetal growth chart using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma method. SGA is defined as birth weight <10th centile. The local growth chart's diagnostic accuracy in detecting SGA at birth was evaluated using datasets from May 2020 to Apr 2021 and was compared with the WHO, Hadlock, and INTERGROWTH-21st charts. Balanced accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were reported.

    RESULTS: A total of 68,897 scans were collected and five biometric growth charts were constructed. Our national growth chart achieved an accuracy of 69% and a sensitivity of 42% in identifying SGA at birth. The WHO chart showed similar diagnostic performance as our national growth chart, followed by the Hadlock (67% accuracy and 38% sensitivity) and INTERGROWTH-21st (57% accuracy and 19% sensitivity). The specificities for all charts were 95-96%. All growth charts showed higher accuracy in the third trimester, with an improvement of 8-16%, as compared to that in the second trimester.

    CONCLUSION: Using the Hadlock and INTERGROWTH-21st chart in the Malaysian population may results in misdiagnose of SGA. Our population local chart has slightly higher accuracy in predicting preterm SGA in the second trimester which can enable earlier intervention for babies who are detected as SGA. All growth charts' diagnostic accuracies were poor in the second trimester, suggesting the need of improvising alternative techniques for early detection of SGA to improve fetus outcomes.

  8. Cheong HC, Cheok YY, Chan YT, Sulaiman S, Looi CY, Alshanon AF, et al.
    Viral Immunol, 2022 Nov;35(9):586-596.
    PMID: 36301533 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2022.0082
    Infection caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV) can lead to serious neurological complications such as microcephaly in neonates. At present, no approved ZIKV vaccine is available, but few vaccine candidates are undergoing clinical trial. One major challenge faced is antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) reaction that may provoke severe outcome in subsequent infection by ZIKV or other flaviviruses. Thus, more efforts should be dedicated to understanding ADE in designing a safe and effective vaccine to minimize the consequence of the potentially fatal infection's complications and to tackle potential ZIKV reemergence. This review discusses different types of ZIKV vaccine candidates that are currently underway in various stages of preclinical and clinical evaluations.
  9. Sulaiman S, Rani RA, Mohamad Yahaya NH, Tabata Y, Hiraoka Y, Seet WT, et al.
    Tissue Eng Part C Methods, 2022 10;28(10):557-569.
    PMID: 35615885 DOI: 10.1089/ten.TEC.2022.0073
    The use of gelatin microspheres (GMs) as a cell carrier has been extensively researched. One of its limitations is that it dissolves rapidly in aqueous settings, precluding its use for long-term cell propagation. This circumstance necessitates the use of crosslinking agents to circumvent the constraint. Thus, this study examines two different methods of crosslinking and their effect on the microsphere's physicochemical and cartilage tissue regeneration capacity. Crosslinking was accomplished by physical (dehydrothermal [DHT]) and natural (genipin) crosslinking of the three-dimensional (3D) GM. We begin by comparing the microstructures of the scaffolds and their long-term resistance to degradation under physiological conditions (in an isotonic solution, at 37°C, pH = 7.4). Infrared spectroscopy indicated that the gelatin structure was preserved after the crosslinking treatments. The crosslinked GM demonstrated good cell adhesion, viability, proliferation, and widespread 3D scaffold colonization when seeded with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, the crosslinked microspheres enhanced chondrogenesis, as demonstrated by the data. It was discovered that crosslinked GM increased the expression of cartilage-related genes and the biosynthesis of a glycosaminoglycan-positive matrix as compared with non-crosslinked GM. In comparison, DHT-crosslinked results were significantly enhanced. To summarize, DHT treatment was found to be a superior approach for crosslinking the GM to promote better cartilage tissue regeneration.
  10. Sulaiman S, Izman S, Uday MB, Omar MF
    RSC Adv, 2022 Feb 10;12(9):5428-5438.
    PMID: 35425550 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra06133j
    Thermoelectric materials have recently attracted a lot of attention due to their ability to convert waste heat into electricity. Based on the extensive research in this area, the nanostructuring approach has been viewed as an effective strategy for increasing thermoelectric performance. This approach focuses on the formation and growth of the superfine, pure and uniform grain size. Since the grain size has a strong influence on the thermal conductivity, this can be reduced by increasing the phonon scattering at grain boundaries and refining the grain sizes. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the mechanism of reduction in thermal conductivity in small-grain zinc oxide (ZnO) and the optimization techniques for obtaining ZnO nanoparticles with desirably low thermal conductivity and excellent thermoelectric performance.
  11. Rahman N, Mahmood K, Kamilah H, Sulaiman S, Ibrahim M, Ariffin F
    J Food Sci Technol, 2022 Feb;59(2):542-551.
    PMID: 35153307 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-021-05038-z
    Myristicin, a potential toxicant, is a major ester present in the pericarp of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and alcohol acyltransferase (AAT) is responsible for its generation. The objective of the study was firstly to estimate the effect of blanching and pickling process on the inactivation of AAT and production of myristicin in nutmeg pericarp. Secondly, the effect of pickling process on the physical, microbial, antioxidant and sensory properties of nutmeg was evaluated. The nutmeg fruit pericarp was water-blanched for 0, 3, 5, 7 and 9 min. The increased blanching time significantly (p 
  12. Lim BK, Zakaria R, Hong JGS, Omar SZ, Sulaiman S, Tan PC
    J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 2022 Jan 23.
    PMID: 35068018 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15157
    AIM: To explore digital insertion in dorsal recumbent position of 16F, 22F, or 28F catheter bores on insertion failure, duration, and pain in unripe cervix labor induction.

    METHODS: A randomized trial was performed in a University hospital in Malaysia. Term women scheduled for labor induction, Bishop score ≤ 5, singleton, cephalic presentation, intact membrane, and reassuring pre-induction fetal heart rate tracing were recruited. Women with known gross fetal anomaly, allergy to latex and inability to consent or language difficulty were excluded. Participants were randomized to 16F, 22F, or 28F Foley catheter. Primary outcome was insertion failure and main secondary outcomes were insertion duration and pain (assessed by a Visual Numerical Rating Scale [VNRS] 0-10, higher score more pain). Analysis is done by analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis, and chi square test across the three arms and by t test and Mann-Whitney U test for pair wise comparisons.

    RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven participants' data were analyzed. The insertion failure 7/43(16%) versus 4/42(10%) versus 5/42(12%), p = 0.64, insertion duration median [IQR] 2.8 [1.8-4.8] versus 2.8 [1.7-3.7] versus 2.8 [1.7-4.3] min, p = 0.68 and insertion pain VNRS mean {SD} 4.2 {2.5} versus 3.4 {2.3} versus 3.6 {2.2}, p = 0.26, insertion to delivery interval 26.0 {9.7} versus 25.6 {9.1} versus 22.8 {7.4} h, p = 0.45, and spontaneous vaginal delivery 20/43 (45%) versus 23/42(55%) versus 25/42(60%), p = 0.48 for 16F versus 22F versus 28F arms, respectively. Pairwise comparisons were not different.

    CONCLUSION: Foley catheter 16F versus 22F versus 28F resulted in similar digital insertion performance in the dorsal recumbent position for unripe cervix labor induction.

    CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN21224268.

  13. Al Mazrooei AK, Hatem Almaki S, Gunda M, Alnoor A, Manji Sulaiman S
    Int Rev Educ, 2022;68(6):811-841.
    PMID: 36778602 DOI: 10.1007/s11159-023-09986-w
    Emergency remote teaching (ERT) has potential for transforming future instruction and learning across the K-12 educational domain. The study presented here evaluated empirical evidence from peer-reviewed literature pertaining to the challenges and opportunities experienced by teachers and students during the implementation of ERT prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To locate relevant reports and research, the authors explored three databases: Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus. Based upon predefined selection criteria, they selected 51 studies for thematic and content analysis. Next, they developed a taxonomy which comprised three categories: (1) K-12 education responses to ERT; (2) educational inequality; and (3) learning outcomes. Using this taxonomy, the authors conducted a deep analysis and critical review to highlight multiple challenges and critical gaps in the literature surrounding ERT in K-12 education settings. Their review reveals innovative strategies for overcoming obstacles to technological readiness, online learning adaptation and teachers' and students' physical and mental health. This knowledge will be valuable to policymakers, researchers, practitioners and educational institutions in reducing the adverse effects of catastrophic situations on childhood education in the future.
  14. Goh YP, Tan PC, Hong JGS, Sulaiman S, Omar SZ
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2021 Dec;155(3):532-538.
    PMID: 33484158 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13613
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combined effect of massage and warm compress to the perineum (MassComp) compared with standard "hands-off" in the second stage of labor.

    METHODS: A randomized trial was conducted in a University hospital in Malaysia. Nulliparous women at term who were about to start pushing were randomized to massage during pushing and warm compress to the perineum in between pushes or to standard "hands-off" care. Primary outcome was suturing for perineal injury (episiotomy or tear).

    RESULTS: A total of 156 participants were analyzed based on intention to treat. Perineal repair rates were 53/79 (67%) for MassComp versus 70/77 (91%) for control (relative risk [RR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.98, number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome [NNTb ] 5, 95% CI 2.83-8.62, P 

  15. Mat-Sharani S, Sulaiman S, Yusof NY
    Data Brief, 2021 Dec;39:107640.
    PMID: 34901351 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107640
    Escherichia coli strain INF32/16/A is a gram-negative bacteria which is an extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). ESBL is an enzyme that is produced by bacteria to become resistant to existing antibiotic such as extended-spectrum penicillin, cephalosporins, and have been threatening the ability to treat an infection. Therefore, genome analysis will provide an insight of how this bacteria able to evolve and the information obtained will able to facilitate in designing new antibiotics. The genome of E. coli strain was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq and raw genome sequence have been submitted into NCBI SRA database (SRR15334628) under Bioproject accession number PRJNA726861.
  16. Sulaiman S, Azis RS, Ismail I, Man HC, Yusof KFM, Abba MU, et al.
    Nanoscale Res Lett, 2021 Nov 27;16(1):168.
    PMID: 34837537 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-021-03622-y
    In this study, magnetite nano-adsorbent (MNA) was extracted from mill scale waste products, synthesized and applied to eliminate Cu2+ from an aqueous solution. Mill scale waste product was ground using conventional milling and impacted using high-energy ball milling (HEBM) for varying 3, 5, and 7 milling hours. In this regard, the prepared MNA was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and zeta potential. The resultant MNA-7 h milling time displayed a crystalline structure with irregular shapes of 11.23 nm, specific surface area of 5.98 m2g-1, saturation magnetization, Ms of 8.35 emug-1, and isoelectric point charge at pH 5.4. The optimum adsorption capacity, qe of 4.42 mg.g-1 for the removal of Cu2+ ions was attained at 120 min of contact time. The experimental data were best fitted to the Temkin isotherm model. A comparison between experimental kinetic studies and the theoretical aspects showed that the pseudo-second-order matched the experimental trends with a correlation coefficient of (R2 > 0.99). Besides, regeneration efficiency of 70.87% was achieved after three cycles of reusability studies. The MNA offers a practical, efficient, low-cost approach to reutilize mill scale waste products and provide ultra-fast separation to remove Cu2+ from water.
  17. Zaharim WN, Ahmad SNA, Sulaiman S, Rozak H, Hasan Baseri DF, Mohamad Rosli NA, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2021 Nov 09;6(44):29641-29650.
    PMID: 34778635 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03956
    Density functional theory method at the B3LYP/6-31G level was used to determine the structure of 12mer single-strand guanine oligomers. The length and width of the optimized structure are 38.7 and 18.2 Å, respectively, and the observed high-resolution transmission electron microscopy image of the 12mer single-strand guanine sample shows similar oligomer dimensions with the calculated ones. Both HOMO and LUMO are significantly delocalized, and the calculated HOMO-LUMO gap is 3.31 eV. A total of 96 muonium trapping sites at C2, C4, C5, C6, C8, N3, N7, and O6 were investigated. All 12 C8 sites have lower energy than the other 84 sites and are clustered in the energy-muon hyperfine coupling constant scatter plot. The calculated muon hyperfine coupling constant at C8 sites range from 384.6 to 481.1 MHz, and the corresponding estimated ALC-μSR resonance for |ΔM| = 1 range from 1.419 to 1.775 T.
  18. Alyan E, Combe T, Awang Rambli DR, Sulaiman S, Merienne F, Muhaiyuddin NDM
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Oct 29;18(21).
    PMID: 34769937 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111420
    The authors of this paper sought to investigate the impact of virtual forest therapy based on realistic versus dreamlike environments on reducing stress levels. Today, people are facing an increase in stress levels in everyday life, which may be due to personal life, work environment, or urban area expansion. Previous studies have reported that urban environments demand more attention and mental workload than natural environments. However, evidence for the effects of natural environments as virtual forest therapy on stress levels has not yet been fully explored. In this study, a total of 20 healthy participants completed a letter-detection test to increase their stress level and were then randomly assigned to two different virtual environments representing realistic and dreamlike graphics. The participants' stress levels were assessed using two physiological methods that measured heart rate and skin conductance levels and one psychological method through the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. These indicators were analyzed using a sample t-test and a one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that virtual forest environments could have positive stress-relieving effects. However, realistic graphics were more efficient in reducing stress. These findings contribute to growing forest therapy concepts and provide new directions for future forest therapy research.
  19. Subramaniam T, Shaiful Hadi N, Sulaiman S, Fauzi MB, Hj Idrus RB, Chowdhury SR, et al.
    Burns, 2021 Aug 20.
    PMID: 34893370 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2021.08.012
    Skin substitutes are designed dressings intended to promote wound closure. In previous in vitro and in vivo studies on small animal, an acellular skin patch made of collagen hydrogel with dermal fibroblast conditioned medium (Col-DFCM), a collagen sponge scaffold with freshly harvested skin cells (OTC), and a platelet-rich-plasma gel with freshly harvested skin cells (PRP) have been developed and tested for immediate treatment of full-thickness wound. However, to determine the safety and efficacy of these skin patches for clinical applications, further study in a large animal model is needed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of Col-DFCM, OTC and PRP in treating full-thickness wound in an ovine model via histological analysis and immunohistochemistry staining were performed, with the untreated (NT) group serving as the control. Gross examination was conducted on day 7, 14 and 21 to determine the wound closure rate. The findings of percentage of wound size reduction showed that the wound healed fastest in the presence of Col-DFCM (91.34 ± 23.35%) followed by OTC (84.49 ± 23.13%), PRP (77.73 ± 20.9%) and NT group (73.94 ± 23.71%). Histological evaluation with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H & E) and Masson's trichrome staining was used to study the structure of the wound area. The results showed that OTC treated wound was more mature as indicated by the presence of a thinner epidermis followed by the Col-DFCM, PRP and NT group. Immunohistochemistry analysis also confirmed the integrity and maturity of the regenerated skin, with positive expression of cytokeratin 10 (CK10) and involucrin in the epidermal layer. In conclusion, Col-DFCM, OTC and PRP treatments promote healing of full-thickness wound and have the potential to be used clinically for rapid treatment of full-thickness wound.
  20. Sukarna N, Tan PC, Hong JGS, Sulaiman S, Omar SZ
    Arch Gynecol Obstet, 2021 08;304(2):345-353.
    PMID: 33452923 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05950-3
    PURPOSE: To compare 3 consecutive days of hyperglycemic response following antenatal dexamethasone regimens of 12-mg or 6-mg doses 12 hourly in diet-controlled gestational diabetes.

    METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in a university hospital in Malaysia. Women with lifestyle-controlled gestational diabetes scheduled to receive clinically indicated antenatal corticosteroids (dexamethasone) were randomized to 12-mg 12 hourly for one day (2 × 12-mg) or 6-mg 12-hourly for two days (4 × 6-mg). 6-point (pre and 2-h postprandial) daily self-monitoring of capillary blood sugar profile for up to 3 consecutive days was started after the first dexamethasone injection. Hyperglycemia is defined as blood glucose pre-meal ≥ 5.3 or 2 h postprandial ≥ 6.7 mmol/L. The primary outcome was a number of hyperglycemic episodes in Day-1 (first 6 BSP points). A sample size of 30 per group (N = 60) was planned.

    RESULTS: Median [interquartile range] hyperglycemic episodes 4 [2.5-5] vs. 4 [3-5] p = 0.3 in the first day, 3 [2-4] vs. 1 [0-3] p = 0.01 on the second day, 0 [0-1] vs. 0 [0-1] p = 0.6 on the third day and over the entire 3 trial days 7 [6-9] vs. 6 [4-8] p = 0.17 for 6-mg vs. 12-mg arms, respectively. 2/30 (7%) in each arm received an anti-glycemic agent during the 3-day trial period (capillary glucose exceeded 11 mmol/L). Mean birth weight (2.89 vs. 2.49 kg p 

Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links