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Fulltext A Rare Manifestation of Cervical Yolk Sac Tumor in an Unfortunate Infant

Saniasiaya J, Hamid SSA, Mohamad H, Wahab WNNWA, Zawawi N

Turk Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2019 Sep;57(3):157-160.
PMID: 31620699 DOI: 10.5152/tao.2019.3900

Paediatric germ cell tumor is composed of various neoplasms which exhibit capricious clinical presentation and histological features depending on the age and the area of presentation. Yolk sac tumor is an extremely rare malignant tumor of embryonic origin which usually arises from the gonads. Its manifestation in the head and neck region is extremely rare. Here, we report a rare case of the malignant transformation of mature teratoma into yolk sac tumor of the neck in an infant. Diagnosis was confirmed following histopathological examination of the neck mass along with marked increase of the serum alpha-fetoprotein. The child unfortunately succumbed prior to chemotherapy. We highlight the challenge we faced in diagnosing and managing this rare entity. We would also like to recommend serial monitoring of serum alpha-fetoprotein in all patients with mature teratoma to detect malignant transformation early.
A pilot study of toxicological safety evaluation in acute and subacute (28-day) oral assessments of kenaf seed beverage in rats

Syamimi Zaini N, Karim R, Abdull Razis AF, Saulol Hamid NF, Zawawi N

Food Res Int, 2022 Dec;162(Pt A):111988.
PMID: 36461229 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111988

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed is a non-conventional edible oilseed that can be valorized into various food products. There is a recent discovery of kenaf seed beverage (KSB) potential as a novel plant-based beverage. KSB had less crude protein than soybean (SB)but more carbohydrate, magnesium, and phosphorus contents.Levels of crude fat, phytates, oxalates, total saponins, and lipid peroxidability in KSB were lower than SB. Sugar content between KSB and SB were comparable, while antioxidant properties of KSB were superior. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) analysis detected gluconic acid, citric acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid in both KSB and SB. Considering its novelty, acute and subacute oral toxicity assessments in male Sprague Dawley rats were conducted. The acute toxicity assessment was performed at a single dose of 9.2 ml/kg body weight of KSB. In the following subacute toxicity assessment, different groups of rats consumed different doses of KSB (3.1, 6.1, and 9.2 ml/kg body weight) daily for 28 days. Rats presented normal behavioral and physiological states in both toxicity studies. Growth, food and water intakes, organ weight, and hematological parameters were unaffected. No mortality was reported. Several alterations in serum biochemical parameters were within the normal range, and unassociated with histopathological changes. The oral lethal dose (LD50) and the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of KSB in rats was greater than 9.2 ml/kg (=1533 mg/kg) body weight. Interestingly, KSB exhibited comparable effects with soybean beverage (SB) on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides which worth further research Follow-up toxicity assessments in animals and human trials are also recommended to ascertain its long term safety.
Fulltext Antiviral activity of fermented foods and their probiotics bacteria towards respiratory and alimentary tracts viruses

Muhialdin BJ, Zawawi N, Abdull Razis AF, Bakar J, Zarei M

Food Control, 2021 Sep;127:108140.
PMID: 33867696 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108140

The recent COVID-19, a viral outbreak calls for a high demand for non-conventional antiviral agents that can reduce the risk of infections and promote fast recovery. Fermented foods and their probiotics bacteria have recently received increasing interest due to the reported potential of high antiviral activity. Several probiotics strains demonstrated broad range of antiviral activities and different mechanisms of action. This article will review the diversity, health benefits, interaction with immune system and antiviral activity of fermented foods and their probiotics bacteria. In addition, the mechanisms of action will be reviewed to determine the broad range potential antiviral activity against the respiratory and alimentary tracts viruses. The probiotics bacteria and bioactive compounds in fermented foods demonstrated antiviral activities against respiratory and alimentary tracts viruses. The mechanism of action was reported to be due to the stimulation of the immune system function via enhancing natural killers cell toxicity, enhance the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing the cytotoxic of T lymphocytes (CD3+, CD16+, CD56+). However, further studies are highly recommended to determine the potential antiviral activity for traditional fermented foods.
Fulltext Application of Heating on the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Malaysian and Australian Stingless Bee Honey

Mat Ramlan NAF, Md Zin AS, Safari NF, Chan KW, Zawawi N

Antibiotics (Basel), 2021 Nov 08;10(11).
PMID: 34827303 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111365

In the honey industry, heat treatments are usually applied to maintain honey's quality and shelf life. Heat treatment is used to avoid crystallisation and allow the easy use of honey, but treatment with heat might affect the antioxidant and antibacterial activities, which are the immediate health effects of honey. This study will determine the effect of heat treatment on Malaysian and Australian stingless bee honey (SBH) produced by the common bee species in both countries. Eighteen honey samples were subjected to heat at 45 °C, 55 °C and 65 °C for one hour and subsequently analysed for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results show that all samples had high TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities before the treatment. The heat treatments did not affect (p < 0.05) the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities in most samples, but did inhibit the antibacterial activities consistently in most of the samples, regardless of the bee species and country of origin. This study also confirms a strong correlation between TPC and TFC with FRAP activities for the non-heated and heated honey samples (p < 0.05). Other heat-sensitive bioactive compounds in SBH should be measured to control the antibacterial properties present.
Fulltext Application of seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) in Malaysian food products

Mohammad, S. M., Mohd Razali, S. F., Mohamad Rozaiman, N. H. N., Laizani, A. N., Zawawi, N.

International Food Research Journal, 2019;26(6):1677-1687.
MyJurnal

Kappaphycus alvarezii is a species of red algae, and one of the most important carrageenan
sources for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. It is commercially cultivated in the
eastern part of Malaysia. Although K. alvarezii is rich in nutrients, it is limited in its integration
into Malaysian food products. Therefore, the present work was conducted to investigate the
quality characteristics, sensorial attributes, and antioxidant activity of K. alvarezii in Malaysian
food products. Seaweed puree (SP) from K. alvarezii at 10%, 20% and 30% concentrations were
prepared in the formulations of fish sausages, flat rice noodles and yellow alkaline noodles.
Proximate analysis, physicochemical analysis, microbial count, total phenolic content (TPC),
sensory evaluation, and consumer acceptance survey of the formulated food were conducted.
The incorporation of K. alvarezii significantly increased the fibre, moisture, and ash content in
formulated foods. In addition, the TPC content of K. alvarezii food also significantly increased
up to 42 mg GAE/100 g. The presence of SP in food at higher concentration decreased the
microbial counts. Sensory analysis confirmed that only fish sausages added with SP was
overall acceptable as compared to control. Based on customer survey, functional foods that are
“research proven” were the most preferred. In conclusion, K. alvarezii has the potential to be
incorporated in Malaysian food products and developed as functional food.
Bioactive oligostilbenoids from Shorea maxwelliana King and their chemotaxonomic significance

Zawawi NK, Ahmat N, Mazatulikhma MZ, Shafiq RM, Wahid NH, Sufian AS

Nat Prod Res, 2013;27(17):1589-93.
PMID: 23035830 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2012.730047

Phytochemical investigation on the stem bark of Shorea maxwelliana yielded five oligostilbenoids identified as α-viniferin (1), maximol A (2), vaticanol A (3), suffruticosol A (4) and vaticanol G (5). Chemotaxonomy of isolated compounds was discussed briefly. Major compounds were tested for neurotoxic and cytotoxic activities. Neurotoxicity for all tested compounds did not pose any toxic effect against cultured cell (cell viability range ±100-94%). Compounds 2-5 possessed active cyctotoxic activity against HL60 cell line with IC50 values range of 2.7-78 µg mL(-1).
Carcinosarcoma of the Mediastinum: A Rare Cause of Vocal Cord Palsy and Progressive Dysphagia

Kanesan N, Mohamad I, Mohamad Umbaik NA, Zawawi N

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(2):166-169.
PMID: 32733767 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.82956

Carcinosarcoma is a rare type of malignant tumour that possess both the elements of carcinoma and sarcoma. They may occur in various locations such as the uterus, breast, thyroid, lung and gastrointestinal system. However, very few primary mediastinal carcinosarcomas have been reported. We are presenting a case of a 75-year-old male who presented with progressive dysphagia and hoarseness for 3 weeks. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck showed features of enlarged mediastinal necrotic nodes and the biopsy of this mass showed morphology and immunohistochemical profile that are consistent with carcinosarcoma. However, the patient succumbed to his illness soon after diagnosis.
Fulltext Catalyst-Free Crosslinking Modification of Nata-de-Coco-Based Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibres Using Citric Acid for Biomedical Applications

Salihu R, Ansari MNM, Abd Razak SI, Ahmad Zawawi N, Shahir S, Sani MH, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Aug 31;13(17).
PMID: 34503006 DOI: 10.3390/polym13172966

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has gained attention among researchers in materials science and bio-medicine due to its fascinating properties. However, BC's fibre collapse phenomenon (i.e., its inability to reabsorb water after dehydration) is one of the drawbacks that limit its potential. To overcome this, a catalyst-free thermal crosslinking reaction was employed to modify BC using citric acid (CA) without compromising its biocompatibility. FTIR, XRD, SEM/EDX, TGA, and tensile analysis were carried out to evaluate the properties of the modified BC (MBC). The results confirm the fibre crosslinking phenomenon and the improvement of some properties that could be advantageous for various applications. The modified nanofibre displayed an improved crystallinity and thermal stability with increased water absorption/swelling and tensile modulus. The MBC reported here can be used for wound dressings and tissue scaffolding.
Comparison of partial least squares and random forests for evaluating relationship between phenolics and bioactivities of Neptunia oleracea

Lee SY, Mediani A, Maulidiani M, Khatib A, Ismail IS, Zawawi N, et al.

J Sci Food Agric, 2018 Jan;98(1):240-252.
PMID: 28580581 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8462

BACKGROUND: Neptunia oleracea is a plant consumed as a vegetable and which has been used as a folk remedy for several diseases. Herein, two regression models (partial least squares, PLS; and random forest, RF) in a metabolomics approach were compared and applied to the evaluation of the relationship between phenolics and bioactivities of N. oleracea. In addition, the effects of different extraction conditions on the phenolic constituents were assessed by pattern recognition analysis.
RESULTS: Comparison of the PLS and RF showed that RF exhibited poorer generalization and hence poorer predictive performance. Both the regression coefficient of PLS and the variable importance of RF revealed that quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, caffeic acid and vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside were significant towards the tested bioactivities. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) results showed that sonication and absolute ethanol are the preferable extraction method and ethanol ratio, respectively, to produce N. oleracea extracts with high phenolic levels and therefore high DPPH scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.
CONCLUSION: Both PLS and RF are useful regression models in metabolomics studies. This work provides insight into the performance of different multivariate data analysis tools and the effects of different extraction conditions on the extraction of desired phenolics from plants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fulltext Compositional analyses of white, brown and germinated forms of popular Malaysian rice to offer insight into the growing diet-related diseases

Abubakar B, Yakasai HM, Zawawi N, Ismail M

J Food Drug Anal, 2018 04;26(2):706-715.
PMID: 29567241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2017.06.010

Diet-related metabolic diseases, and especially obesity, are metabolic disorders with multifactorial aetiologies. Diet has been a cornerstone in both the aetiology and management of this metabolic disorders. Rice, a staple food for over half of the world's population, could be exploited as part of the solution to check this menace which has been skyrocketing in the last decade. The present study investigated nine forms of rice from three widely grown Malaysian rice cultivars for in vitro and in vivo (glycaemic index and load) properties that could translate clinically into a lower predisposition to diet-related diseases. The germinated brown forms of MRQ 74 and MR 84 rice cultivars had high amylose content percentages (25.7% and 25.0%), high relative percentage antioxidant scavenging abilities of 85.0% and 91.7%, relatively low glycaemic indices (67.6 and 64.3) and glycaemic load (32.3 and 30.1) values, and modest glucose uptake capabilities of 33.69% and 31.25%, respectively. The results show that all things being equal, rice cultivars that are germinated and high in amylose content when compared to their white and low amylose counterparts could translate into a lower predisposition to diet-related diseases from the dietary point of view in individuals who consume this cereal as a staple food.
Fulltext Development of Biodegradable Bio-Based Composite for Bone Tissue Engineering: Synthesis, Characterization and In Vitro Biocompatible Evaluation

Khan MUA, Razak SIA, Ansari MNM, Zulkifli RM, Ahmad Zawawi N, Arshad M

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Oct 20;13(21).
PMID: 34771168 DOI: 10.3390/polym13213611

Several significant advancements in the field of bone regenerative medicine have been made in recent years. However, therapeutic options, such as bone grafts, have several drawbacks. There is a need to develop an adequate bone substitute. As a result, significant bone defects/injuries pose a severe challenge for orthopaedic and reconstructive bone tissue. We synthesized polymeric composite material from arabinoxylan (ARX), β-glucan (BG), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), graphene oxide (GO), acrylic acid (AAc) through free radical polymerization and porous scaffold fabricated using the freeze-drying technique. These fabricated porous scaffolds were then coated with chitosan solution to enhance their biological activities. The complex structure of BG, nHAp, GO was studied through various characterization and biological assays. The structural, morphological, wetting and mechanical analyses were determined using FT-IR, XRD, XPS, SEM/EXD, water contact angle and UTM. The swelling (aqueous and PBS media) and degradation (PBS media) observed their behavior in contact with body fluid. The biological activities were conducted against mouse pre-osteoblast cell lines. The result found that BGH3 has desirable morphological, structural with optimum swelling, degradation, and mechanical behavior. It was also found to be cytocompatible against MC3T3-E1 cell lines. The obtained results confirmed that the fabricated polymeric scaffolds would be a potential bone substitute to regenerate defective bone with different loading bearing applications for bone tissue engineering.
Fulltext Dietary Fiber: Fractionation, Characterization and Potential Sources from Defatted Oilseeds

Nevara GA, Muhammad SKS, Zawawi N, Mustapha NA, Karim R

Foods, 2021 Apr 02;10(4).
PMID: 33918108 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040754

Dietary fiber (DF) has wide applications, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its health-promoting effects and potential techno-functional properties in developing functional food products. There is a growing interest in studies related to DF; nevertheless, there is less focus on the fractionation and characterization of DF. The characteristics of DF fractions explain their functionality in food products and provide clues to their physiological effects in food and pharmaceutical industrial applications. The review focuses on a brief introduction to DF and methods for its fractionation. It discusses the characterization of DF in terms of structural, physicochemical and rheological properties. The potential sources of DF from selected defatted oilseeds for future studies are highlighted.
Fulltext Effects of phenolic-rich extracts of Clinacanthus nutans on high fat and high cholesterol diet-induced insulin resistance

Sarega N, Imam MU, Esa NM, Zawawi N, Ismail M

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2016;16:88.
PMID: 26924713 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1049-5

Clinacanthus nutans is used traditionally in many parts of Asia to improve well-being, but there are limited studies on its efficacy. We explored the potential use of C. nutans for prevention of high fat and high cholesterol diet-(HFHC-) induced insulin resistance in rats.
Fulltext Establishing Relationship between Vitamins, Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activities in Various Honey Types

Zawawi N, Chong PJ, Mohd Tom NN, Saiful Anuar NS, Mohammad SM, Ismail N, et al.

Molecules, 2021 Jul 21;26(15).
PMID: 34361551 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154399

Honey is a well-known natural sweetener and is rich in natural antioxidants that prevent the occurrence of oxidative stress, which is responsible for many human diseases. Some of the biochemical compounds in honey that contribute to this property are vitamins and phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. However, the extent to which these molecules contribute towards the antioxidant capacity in vitro is inconsistently reported, especially with the different analytical methods used, as well as other extrinsic factors that influence these molecules' availability. Therefore, by reviewing recently published works correlating the vitamin, total phenolic, and flavonoid content in honey with its antioxidant activities in vitro, this paper will establish a relationship between these parameters. Based on the literature, vitamins do not contribute to honey's antioxidant capacity; however, the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids has an impact on honey's antioxidant activity.
Fractionation and physicochemical characterization of dietary fiber of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed

Nevara GA, Muhammad SKS, Zawawi N, Mustapha NA, Karim R

J Sci Food Agric, 2024 Apr;104(6):3216-3227.
PMID: 38072678 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13208

BACKGROUND: Kenaf seeds are underutilized kenaf plant by-products, containing essential nutrients including dietary fiber (DF), which can be potentially utilized as food ingredients. The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of kenaf seed fiber fractions extracted from kenaf seed.
RESULTS: Defatted kenaf seed powder yielded four DF fractions: alkali-soluble hemicellulose (146.4 g kg-1 ), calcium-bound pectin (10.3 g kg-1 ) and acid-soluble pectin (25.4 g kg-1 ) made up the soluble fibre fraction, whereas cellulose (202.2 g kg-1 ) comprised the insoluble fraction. All fractions were evaluated for their physicochemical properties. The DF fractions contained glucose, mannose, xylose and arabinose, and a small amount of uronic acid (1.2-2.7 g kg-1 ). The isolated pectin fractions had a low degree of esterification (14-30%). All the isolated DF fractions had high average molecular weights ranging from 0.3 to 4.3 × 106 g mol-1 . X-ray diffractogram analysis revealed that the fractions consisted mainly of an amorphous structure with a relative crystallinity ranging from 31.6% to 44.1%. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum of kenaf seed and its DF fractions showed typical absorption of polysaccharides, with the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, acetyl and methyl groups. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the raw material with the rigid structure resulted in soluble and insoluble DF fractions with more fragile and fibrous appearances, respectively. The soluble DF demonstrated greater flowability and compressibility than the insoluble fractions.
CONCLUSION: These findings provide novel information on the DF fractions of kenaf seeds, which could be used as a potential new DF for the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fulltext Giant solitary juvenile polyp: from obstructed defecation syndrome to incontinence

Teoh ZH, Soh JY, Mohamad N, Zawawi N, Zakaria AD, Zakaria Z, et al.

Ann Coloproctol, 2022 Nov 25.
PMID: 36424815 DOI: 10.3393/ac.2022.00549.0078

Juvenile polyps (JPs) are the most common polyps in pediatric patients. We present the case of an 18-year-old male patient with a giant solitary JP resembling solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS). The presenting history was rectal bleeding and symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome. Colonoscopy revealed a polypoidal mass at the anorectal junction, with biopsy-confirmed SRUS. The symptoms worsened, and a protruding mass from the anus caused fecal incontinence. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a huge pedunculated mass occupying the low rectum with local compression of the urinary bladder. Transanal excision of the anal tumor was performed due to bleeding. A histopathological examination showed a JP with high-grade dysplasia. A histological examination to differentiate JPs and SRUS could be challenging based on a superficial forceps biopsy. Therefore, an excision biopsy is usually warranted with the understanding that adenomatous or malignant transformation is found in 5.6% to 12% of all JPs.
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Seed and its Potential Food Applications: A Review

Giwa Ibrahim S, Karim R, Saari N, Wan Abdullah WZ, Zawawi N, Ab Razak AF, et al.

J Food Sci, 2019 Aug;84(8):2015-2023.
PMID: 31364175 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14714

Kenaf belongs to the family Malvaceae noted for their economic and horticultural importance. Kenaf seed is a valuable component of kenaf plant. For several years, it has been primarily used as a cordage crop and secondarily as a livestock feed. The potential for using kenaf seeds as a source of food-based products has not been fully exploited. Consumers are becoming more interested in naturally healthy plant-based food products. Kenaf seed, the future crop with a rich source of essential nutrients and an excellent source of phytocompounds, might serve suitable roles in the production of value-added plant-based foods. At present kenaf seed and its value-added components have not been effectively utilized for both their nutritional and functional properties as either ingredient or major constituent of food products. This review focuses on the possible food applications of kenaf seed and its value-added components based on their nutritional composition and functional properties available in literature, with the purpose of providing an overview on the possible food applications of this underutilized seed. The review focuses on a brief introduction on kenaf plant, nutritional function, lipids and proteins composition and food applications of the seed. The review elaborately discusses the seed in terms of; bioactive components, antioxidants enrichment of wheat bread, antimicrobial agents, as edible flour, as edible oil and a source of protein in food system. The review closes with discussion on other possible food applications of kenaf seed. The need for food scientists and technologists to exploit this natural agricultural product as a value-added food ingredient is of great significance and is emphasized.
Fulltext Kimura Disease: A differential diagnosis in a nephrotic child

Aziz A, Mohamad I, Zawawi N

Malays Fam Physician, 2018;13(2):32-35.
PMID: 30302182

Kimura disease presents as benign lesion and is commonly present among the Asian population. It is a disease with a favourable prognosis and a peak age of onset in the third decade. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that involves the lymph nodes and subcutaneous tissues of the head and neck region. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy with multiple Kimura lymphadenopathies involving the left posterior auricular region as well as the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck.
Fulltext Kimura disease: a differential diagnosis in a nephrotic child

Aziz, A., Mohamad, I., Zawawi, N.

Malaysian Family Physician, 2018;13(2):32-35.
MyJurnal

Kimura disease presents as benign lesion and is commonly present among the Asian population. It
is a disease with a favourable prognosis and a peak age of onset in the third decade. It is a chronic
inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that involves the lymph nodes and subcutaneous
tissues of the head and neck region. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy with multiple Kimura
lymphadenopathies involving the left posterior auricular region as well as the anterior and posterior
triangles of the neck.
Lichenoid uvula mass as a rare cause of hot potato voice and progressive dysphagia

Kandiah R, Aziz A, Nik Min NFA, Rahim MR, Zawawi N, Sayuti KA, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2021 Dec;43(3):457-461.
PMID: 34958068

Lichenoid uvula mass is an unusual entity and the clinicopathologic entities are important for the diagnosis. In this case report, we report an elderly lady presented with dysphagia and "hot potato voice" due to a lichenoid uvula mass. Apart from muffled voice, the other associated symptoms are dysphagia, sore throat, globus pharyngeus and snoring. She was a non-smoker, and not on any medications except for hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Apart from the enlarged uvula, other parts of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx were normal. She has no other signs such as cutaneous lesions. The mass was excised under general anaesthesia followed by resolution of symptoms. Awareness of this entity, the clinical and histopathological features should be highlighted to differentiate it from other diagnosis.

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