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Loneliness and depression among the elderly in an agricultural settlement: mediating effects of social support

Wan Mohd Azam WM, Din NC, Ahmad M, Ghazali SE, Ibrahim N, Said Z, et al.

Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2013 Apr;5 Suppl 1:134-9.
PMID: 23857850 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12061

INTRODUCTION: Loneliness has long been known to have strong association with depression. The relationship between loneliness and depression, however, has been associated with other risk factors including social support. The aim of this paper is to describe the role of social support in the association between loneliness and depression.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined the mediating effects of social support among 161 community-based elderly in agricultural settlement of a rural area in Sungai Tengi, Malaysia. Subjects were investigated with De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale and Medical Outcome Survey Social Support Survey. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, linear and hierarchical regression.
RESULTS: Results indicated that social support partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and depression.
DISCUSSION: This suggests that social support affects the linear association between loneliness and depression in the elderly.
KEYWORDS: depression; elderly; loneliness; rural community; social support
Study site; FELDA Sungai Tengi, Selangor, Malaysia
Device, Questionnaire & Scale: De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale; Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15): Medical Outcome Survey Social Support Survey
Removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution using treated oil palm fibre

Isa MH, Ibrahim N, Aziz HA, Adlan MN, Sabiani NH, Zinatizadeh AA, et al.

J Hazard Mater, 2008 Apr 1;152(2):662-8.
PMID: 17714862

This study proposed an oil palm by-product as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] from aqueous solution. Adsorption of Cr (VI) by sulphuric acid and heat-treated oil palm fibre was conducted using batch tests. The influence of pH, contact time, initial chromium concentration and adsorbent dosage on the removal of Cr (VI) from the solutions was investigated. The optimum initial pH for maximum uptake of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution was found to be 1.5. The removal efficiency was found to correlate with the initial Cr (VI) concentration, adsorbent dosage as well as the contact time between Cr (VI) and the adsorbent. The adsorption kinetics tested with pseudo first order and pseudo second order models yielded high R(2) values from 0.9254 to 0.9870 and from 0.9936 to 0.9998, respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference between the R(2) values of the two models at 99% confidence level. The Freundlich isotherm (R(2)=0.8778) described Cr (VI) adsorption slightly better than the Langmuir isotherm (R(2)=0.8715). Difficulty in desorption of Cr (VI) suggests the suitability of treated oil palm fibre as a single-use adsorbent for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solution.
Levels of metallic elements and their potential relationships to cognitive function among elderly from Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) settlement in Selangor Malaysia

Ghazali AR, Kamarulzaman F, Normah CD, Ahmad M, Ghazali SE, Ibrahim N, et al.

Biol Trace Elem Res, 2013 Jun;153(1-3):16-21.
PMID: 23475372 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-013-9642-7

Exposure to toxic metals and excessive amount of trace elements is a risk factor of cognitive decline. Continuous monitoring of these elements by the use of metabolically inactive tissues such as fingernails may help in taking preventive measures to delay the cognitive decline process. In this study, the cognitive function of 54 elderlies (60-72 years old) from FELDA Sungai Tengi, Selangor, was evaluated using the Malay version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in fingernail were detected using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Results showed that (92.6 %) our population was cognitively impaired based on the MoCA with mean score of 18.07 ± 5.11. The mean level of elements in fingernails for As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn were 16.68 ± 3.52, 4.26 ± 0.91, 4.81 ± 1.16, 1.00 ± 0.23, 1.83 ± 0.47, and 40.86 ± 10.81 μg/g, respectively. Significant inverse correlations were observed between MoCA with age (r = -0.543, p
Being Bullied Is Associated With Depression Among Malaysian Adolescents: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia

Abd Razak MA, Ahmad NA, Abd Aziz FA, Jamaluddin R, Sidik SM, Awaluddin SM, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 11;31(8_suppl):30S-37S.
PMID: 31402682 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519867796

Limited evidence on the association of being bullied with depression among adolescents was found in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the association of being bullied and depression among Malaysian school-going adolescents. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017, a cross-sectional study conducted from March to May 2017, was analyzed using descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis. A validated tool, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 was used to categorize those with moderate or higher levels of depressive symptoms as having depression. A total of 27 399 school-going adolescents participated and 18.3% were found depressed. Adolescents of Indian ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.02, P < .001), those with parents living apart (aOR = 1.41, P < .001), and those who were being bullied (aOR = 2.98, P < .001) were more likely to have depression. This study demonstrated the association between being bullied and having depression. Comprehensive preventive strategies should be implemented taking into consideration the findings from this study.
Fulltext The role of social support and spiritual wellbeing in predicting suicidal ideation among marginalized adolescents in Malaysia

Ibrahim N, Che Din N, Ahmad M, Amit N, Ghazali SE, Wahab S, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2019 Jun 13;19(Suppl 4):553.
PMID: 31196009 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6861-7

BACKGROUND: The high number of adolescents and young adults harbouring suicidal ideation, as reported by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, is alarming. This cross-sectional study aims to examine the association between social support and spiritual wellbeing in predicting suicidal ideation among Malaysian adolescents.
METHODS: A total of 176 adolescents in selected urban areas in the states of Wilayah Persekutuan and Selangor were selected. The Suicide Ideation Scale (SIS) was used to measure the level of severity or tendency of suicidal ideation. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to measure the perceived social support received by the respondent while the Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (SWBS) was used to measure the religious wellbeing (RWB), the existential wellbeing (EWB) and the overall score of spiritual wellbeing (SWB).
RESULTS: The study found that both RWB and EWB showed significant negative correlation with suicidal ideation. Similarly, support from family and friends also showed a negative correlation with suicidal ideation. Further analysis using multiple regressions showed that RWB and SWB, and family support predict suicidal ideation in adolescents.
CONCLUSION: Spiritual wellbeing in combination with family support plays a major role in predicting suicidal ideation. Therefore, intervention for encompassing spirituality and family support may contribute to a more positive outcome in suicidal adolescents.
Fulltext Self-Fluxing Mechanism in Geopolymerization for Low-Sintering Temperature of Ceramic

Jamil NH, Abdullah MMAB, Pa FC, Mohamad H, Ibrahim WMAW, Amonpattaratkit P, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Mar 10;14(6).
PMID: 33801862 DOI: 10.3390/ma14061325

Kaolin, theoretically known as having low reactivity during geopolymerization, was used as a source of aluminosilicate materials in this study. Due to this concern, it is challenging to directly produce kaolin geopolymers without pre-treatment. The addition of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) accelerated the geopolymerization process. Kaolin-GGBS geopolymer ceramic was prepared at a low sintering temperature due to the reaction of the chemical composition during the initial stage of geopolymerization. The objective of this work was to study the influence of the chemical composition towards sintering temperature of sintered kaolin-GGBS geopolymer. Kaolin-GGBS geopolymer was prepared with a ratio of solid to liquid 2:1 and cured at 60 °C for 14 days. The cured geopolymer was sintered at different temperatures: 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 °C. Sintering at 900 °C resulted in the highest compressive strength due to the formation of densified microstructure, while higher sintering temperature led to the formation of interconnected pores. The difference in the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra was related to the phases obtained from the X-ray diffraction analysis, such as akermanite and anothite. Thermal analysis indicated the stability of sintered kaolin-GGBS geopolymer when exposed to 1100 °C, proving that kaolin can be directly used without heat treatment in geopolymers. The geopolymerization process facilitates the stability of cured samples when directly sintered, as well as plays a significant role as a self-fluxing agent to reduce the sintering temperature when producing sintered kaolin-GGBS geopolymers.
Fulltext Gene expression patterns distinguish breast carcinomas from normal breast tissues: the Malaysian context

Pau Ni IB, Zakaria Z, Muhammad R, Abdullah N, Ibrahim N, Aina Emran N, et al.

Pathol Res Pract, 2010 Apr 15;206(4):223-8.
PMID: 20097481 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2009.11.006

Genomic and transcriptomic alterations that affect cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and invasion, commonly occur in breast oncogenesis. Epidemiological evidence has proven that the risk of breast cancer predisposition varies among different ethnicities. This study aims to identify the transcriptome changes that commonly occur during the transition of normal breast epithelium to carcinoma in three local ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians). The gene expression patterns of 43 breast carcinomas with 43 patient-matched normal breast tissues were investigated using Affymetrix U133A GeneChip (containing 22,283 probe sets targeting approximately 18,400 different transcripts) and analyzed with GeneSpring GX10. Our findings revealed a total of 33 significantly differentially expressed genes, which showed>2-fold change at a 99.9% confidence interval level (p<0.001). The significantly differentially expressed genes included CD24, CD36, CD9, TACSTD1, TACSTD2, HBB, LEP, LPL, AKR1C1, AKR1C2 and AKR1C3. Our results indicate that the vast majority of gene expression changes, from normal breast epithelial to carcinoma, found in our three major ethnic populations are similar to those in the Caucasian population. Further study of the differentially expressed genes identified in our present study is needed to search for potential breast tumor biomarkers. This will eventually help to improve the therapeutic and treatment strategies for breast cancer patients in the future.
The relations of internet and smartphone addictions to depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality among public university students in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Wan Ismail WS, Sim ST, Tan KA, Bahar N, Ibrahim N, Mahadevan R, et al.

Perspect Psychiatr Care, 2020 Oct;56(4):949-955.
PMID: 32363648 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12517

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study examined the cyber-psychological correlates of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality among public university students in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling methods from three public universities in the study location. Participants completed measures of internet and smartphone addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality, along with sociodemographic items.
FINDINGS: At bivariate level, both internet and smartphone addictions were found to have significant positive correlations with depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality. At multivariate level, only internet addiction emerged as a consistent significant predictor for depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The present findings have implications for mental health professionals to routinely screen for psychological disturbance in young adults who have potential risks for internet addiction.
Fulltext Randomized Controlled Trials of a Psychosocial Intervention for Improving the Cognitive Function among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Mohd Safien A, Ibrahim N, Subramaniam P, Shahar S, Din NC, Ismail A, et al.

Gerontol Geriatr Med, 2021 08 11;7:23337214211025167.
PMID: 34395815 DOI: 10.1177/23337214211025167

Aim: The goal is to explore available evidence and provide greater clarity to what is described as psychosocial intervention to improve cognitive function among older population with MCI as well as identifying areas for future research. Methods: An electronic literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, Ebscohost, Medline, Scopus, and gray resource was conducted to find articles published in English language between 2010 and September 2020. This review focused on research undertaken using randomized clinical trials study design. We extracted information regarding the publication date, geographical location, study setting, intervention mechanism, type of cognitive measurement used, and outcome of the studies. References of this literature were also reviewed to ensure comprehensive search. Result: Out of 240 potential records found, a total of 27 articles were identified following the first round of screening and deletion of duplicates. Full-text article reviews and analysis in the second round of screening narrowed the selection down to four articles. Another three relevant articles obtained from references were also included making a total of seven articles in the final analysis. Findings: Psychosocial intervention strategies for improvement of cognitive function, done in various setting all over the globe, covered a range of approaches including art therapy, visual art therapy, therapeutic writing therapy, reminiscence activity, and cognitive behavioral approach. Most were conducted in weekly basis within 1-to-2-hour duration of session. Cognitive function of older adult in psychosocial intervention group was significantly improved in two studies. Three studies showed no significant improvement at all in the cognitive function, and another one reported success in improving cognitive function over time in the intervention group than in control group. One study did not describe the interaction effect. Different types of cognitive measurement also were used to quantify different domains of cognitive function in the reviewed studies. Conclusion: The idea of using psychosocial intervention for improving cognitive function has begun to increasingly accepted recently. Findings from the limited studies are encouraging, although the outcome of the cognitive function was mixed. Large-scale and longer duration of psychosocial intervention with bigger sample size is warranted for future studies.
Optic Canal Analysis in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: Volumetric and Surface Area Validation Study Using Different Measurement Modalities

Hariri F, Zainudin NAA, Anuar AMS, Ibrahim N, Abdullah NA, Aziz IA, et al.

J Craniofac Surg, 2020 11 7;32(1):355-359.
PMID: 33156163 DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006981

BACKGROUND: In syndromic craniosynostosis (SC), unlike persistent corneal irritation due to severe exophthalmos and increased intracranial pressure, optic canal (OC) stenosis has been scarcely reported to cause visual impairment. This study aimed to validate the OC volumetric and surface area measurement among SC patients.
METHODS: Sixteen computed tomography scan of SC patients (8 months-6 years old) were imported to Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) and Materialise 3-matics software. Three-dimensional (3D) OC models were fabricated, and linear measurements were obtained. Mathematical formulas were used for calculation of OC volume and surface area from the 3D model. The same measurements were obtained from the software and used as ground truth. Data normality was investigated before statistical analyses were performed. Wilcoxon test was used to validate differences of OC volume and surface area between 3D model and software.
RESULTS: The mean values for OC surface area for 3D model and MIMICS software were 103.19 mm2 and 31.27 mm2, respectively, whereas the mean for OC volume for 3D model and MIMICS software were 184.37 mm2 and 147.07 mm2, respectively. Significant difference was found between OC volume (P = 0.0681) and surface area (P = 0.0002) between 3D model and software.
CONCLUSION: Optic canal in SC is not a perfect conical frustum thus making 3D model measurement and mathematical formula for surface area and volume estimation not ideal. Computer software remains the best modality to gauge dimensional parameter and is useful to elucidates the relationship of OC and eye function as well as aiding intervention in SC patients.
Fulltext Are Malaysian Youths Overdependent on the Internet?: A Narrative Review

Nik Jaafar NR, Bahar N, Ibrahim N, Baharudin A, Wan Ismail WS, Sim ST, et al.

Front Psychiatry, 2021;12:710790.
PMID: 34484002 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.710790

Overdependence on the internet is a grave concern that has enveloped Malaysian youths which could lead to a variety of sequelae. This narrative review aims to determine the definition of internet overdependence and its associated factors, as well as the potential preventive and treatment strategies for internet overdependence. From the literature, internet overdependence is regarded as a 3-factor model encompassing salience, self-control failure, and serious consequences. Sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity, as well as psychosocial factors such as depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, were found to be associated with internet overdependence among Malaysian youths. A multimodal treatment approach is recommended by the implementation of various types of treatments, integrating disciplines such as pharmacology, psychotherapy, and family counseling. Despite various terminologies being used and unclear conceptualization of its nomenclature, overdependence on the internet is prevalent among youths in Malaysia. Future research should go toward establishing a clear definition of its terminology and attaining more robust evidence on treatment strategies.
Fulltext Aberrant Neurogliovascular Unit Dynamics in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Rheological Clue to Vascular Parkinsonism

Che Mohd Nassir CMN, Damodaran T, Yusof SR, Norazit A, Chilla G, Huen I, et al.

Pharmaceutics, 2021 Aug 05;13(8).
PMID: 34452169 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081207

The distinctive anatomical assemble and functionally discrete multicellular cerebrovasculature dynamics confer varying rheological and blood-brain barrier permeabilities to preserve the integrity of cerebral white matter and its neural microenvironment. This homeostasis intricately involves the glymphatic system that manages the flow of interstitial solutes, metabolic waste, and clearance through the venous circulation. As a physiologically integrated neurogliovascular unit (NGVU) serving a particularly vulnerable cerebral white matter (from hypoxia, metabolic insults, infection, and inflammation), a likely insidious process over a lifetime could inflict microenvironment damages that may lead to pathological conditions. Two such conditions, cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and vascular parkinsonism (VaP), with poorly understood pathomechanisms, are frequently linked to this brain-wide NGVU. VaP is widely regarded as an atypical parkinsonism, described by cardinal motor manifestations and the presence of cerebrovascular disease, particularly white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in the basal ganglia and subcortical region. WMHs, in turn, are a recognised imaging spectrum of CSVD manifestations, and in relation to disrupted NGVU, also include enlarged perivascular spaces. Here, in this narrative review, we present and discuss on recent findings that argue for plausible clues between CSVD and VaP by focusing on aberrant multicellular dynamics of a unique integrated NGVU-a crossroad of the immune-vascular-nervous system-which may also extend fresher insights into the elusive interplay between cerebral microvasculature and neurodegeneration, and the potential therapeutic targets.
Fulltext Geometric morphometric analysis of malocclusion on lateral cephalograms in Malaysian population

Woon CK, Jamal NAA, Noor MNIM, Abdullah SM, Mohamed Ibrahim N, Norman NH, et al.

Anat Cell Biol, 2019 12;52(4):397-405.
PMID: 31949978 DOI: 10.5115/acb.19.118

Geometric morphometrics is a new approach for shape identification in diagnosis of malocclusion. Lateral cephalogram is an X-ray that taken for diagnosing malocclusion in dental setting. The aim of this study was to determine the differences of craniofacial shape in malocclusion by application of two-dimensional geometric morphometrics and to compile the database of malocclusion in adult Malaysian population. Lateral cephalogram radiographs of 381 adults Malaysia (age 18-45) were retrieved retrospectively and assigned to three groups according to their occlusion: class I, class II, and class III. The geometric morphometric shape study incorporated nine landmarks and was analyzed in details using tpsUtil p software. Geometric morphometric analysis such was done using MorphoJ software. The results of the principal component's analysis (PCA) yielded 14 main components responsible for 100% of the variation exhibited by the malocclusion with three highly significant PCA. The highest Mahalanobis distances were exhibited by the malocclusion class II and III population. The Procrustes ANOVA showed that the shape effect was highly significant (P<0.01). The discriminant function analysis showed the high percentage of 80% discriminate among the malocclusions after cross-validation. There are significant differences for ANB angle (A point-Nasion-B point) in all malocclusion groups. Class II has the widest ANB angle while class III has the most acute ANB angle. Skeletal shape was clearly associated with dental malocclusion and showed considerable variation. Geometric morphometrics is an alternative research tool and can be used for diagnosing individual classification of malocclusion.
Fulltext Family support and self-motivation influence dietary compliance and glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients

Nik Mohd Fakhruddin NNI, Khor JH, Suhaimi NFS, Zulkepli NYF, Roslan R, Wong ES, et al.

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2016;14(2):39-47.
MyJurnal

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease due to reduced insulin sensitivity and secretion in the body which associated with obesity and hypertension. This study aimed to determine the influence of family support and self-motivation towards dietary compliance and glycaemic control among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) outpatients. This cross-sectional study involved 35 subjects selected from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) in Cheras and Ampangan Health Clinic in Seremban. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood glucose have been obtained. Face-to-face interview session was done to obtain socio-demographic and diet intake. Further, dietary compliance, social support and self-motivation were assessed using Summary Diabetes Self Care Activities (SDSCA), Diabetes Social Support Questionnaire Family version (DSSQ-Fa) and Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ), respectively. Only 8.6% of subjects complied with dietary counselling. Fasting blood glucose for both men (7.93 ± 1.99 mmol/L) and women (8.77 ± 3.08 mmol/L) were higher than normal range. Self-motivation (r = 0.358, p < 0.05) and family support (r = 0.460, p < 0.01) significantly correlated with dietary compliance. Self-motivation and family support are important factors which can increase compliance towards dietary counseling. Further investigation should be carried out to determine factors that may influence dietary compliance and family support towards achieving desirable glycaemic control among T2DM patients.
Study site: Klinik Warga UKMMC, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur; Klinik Kesihatan Ampangan, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Enhancing the three-dimensional visualization of a foreign object using Mimics software

Asif MK, Nambiar P, Khan IM, Aziz ZABCA, Noor NSBM, Shanmuhasuntharam P, et al.

Radiol Case Rep, 2019 Dec;14(12):1545-1549.
PMID: 31719943 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2019.10.001

A patient was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging Division and the attending dental specialist suspected a foreign object at the anterior region of the maxilla. The region was scanned using Kodak 9000 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) extraoral imaging system (Carestream Health, Inc.) to determine the type and morphometric characteristic of foreign object. The CBCT images failed to determine the identity and nature of the foreign object. CBCT images were then exported to the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (Mimics) software to evaluate whether this software can help in enhancing the visualization of the foreign object in the maxillofacial region. The findings showed that there was an improved visualization of the foreign body and the type of the object could be determined with certainty. The object was identified as an endodontic file and was clearly visible when visualized as a reconstructed 3D model in Mimics software. Although the identification of abnormalities has been dramatically improved using 3D scans, the visualization can be further enhanced using image processing software like Mimics.
Fulltext Osteoprotective Effects in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Rat Model: Oral Tocotrienol vs. Intraosseous Injection of Tocotrienol-Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Combination

Ibrahim N', Mohd Noor H', Shuid AN, Mohamad S, Abdul Malik MM, Jayusman PA, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:706747.
PMID: 34867320 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.706747

Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, is associated with compromised bone strength and increased risk of fracture. Previous studies have shown that oxidative stress contributes to the progression of osteoporosis. Specifically, for postmenopausal osteoporosis, the reduction in estrogen levels leads to increased oxidative stress in bone remodeling. Tocotrienol, a member of vitamin E that exhibits antioxidant activities, has shown potential as an agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. Most studies on the osteoprotective effects of tocotrienols had used the oral form of tocotrienols, despite their low bioavailability due the lack of transfer proteins and high metabolism in the liver. Several bone studies have utilized tocotrienol combined with a nanocarrier to produce a controlled release of tocotrienol particles into the system. However, the potential of delivering tocotrienol-nanocarrier combination through the intraosseous route has never been explored. In this study, tocotrienol was combined with a nanocarrier, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and injected intraosseously into the bones of ovariectomized rats to produce targeted and controlled delivery of tocotrienol into the bone microenvironment. This new form of tocotrienol delivery was compared with the conventional oral delivery in terms of their effects on bone parameters. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. The first group was sham operated, while other groups were ovariectomized (OVX). Following 2 months, the right tibiae of all the rats were drilled at the metaphysis region to provide access for intraosseous injection. The estrogen group (OVX + ESTO) and tocotrienol group (OVX + TTO) were given daily oral gavages of Premarin (64.5 mg/kg) and annatto-tocotrienol (60 mg/kg), respectively. The locally administered tocotrienol group (OVX + TTL) was given a single intraosseous injection of tocotrienol-PLGA combination. After 8 weeks of treatment, both OVX + TTO and OVX + TTL groups have significantly lower bone markers and higher bone mineral content than the OVX group. In terms of bone microarchitecture, both groups demonstrated significantly higher trabecular separation and connectivity density than the OVX group (p < 0.05). Both groups also showed improvement in bone strength by the significantly higher stress, strain, stiffness, and Young's modulus parameters. In conclusion, daily oral tocotrienol and one-time intraosseous injection of tocotrienol-PLGA combination were equally effective in offering protection against ovariectomy-induced bone changes.
Optic canal characteristics in pediatric syndromic craniosynostosis

Hariri F, Farhana NA, Abdullah NA, Ibrahim N, Ramli NM, Mohd Abdullah AA, et al.

J Craniomaxillofac Surg, 2021 Dec;49(12):1175-1181.
PMID: 34247917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2021.06.017

The aim of this study was to compare optic canal parameters of syndromic craniosynostosis patients with those of normal patients to visit the possibility of optic nerve impingement as a cause of visual impairment. Computed tomography scan images were processed using the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System (MIMICS) Research 21.0 software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). Eleven optic canal parameters were measured: 1) height of optic canal on the cranial side, 2) height of optic canal on the orbital side 3) length of the medial wall of the optic canal, 4) length of the lateral canal wall of the optic canal, 5) diameter of the optic canal at five points (Q1-Q4 and mid canal), and 6) area and perimeter of optic canal. These measurements were obtained for both the right and left optic canals. The study sample comprised four Crouzon syndrome, five Apert syndrome, and three Pfeiffer syndrome patients. The age of these syndromic craniosynostosis patients ranged from 2 to 63 months. The height of the optic canal on the orbital side (p = 0.041), diameter of the mid canal (p = 0.040), and diameter between the mid-canal and the cranial opening (Q3) (p = 0.079) for syndromic craniosynostosis patients were statistically narrower compared with those of normal patients when a significance level of 0.1 was considered. Scatter plots for the ages of patients versus the above parameters gave three separated clusters that suggested the arresting of optic canal development with age. The findings from this study demonstrated a narrowing of the optic canal in syndromic craniosynostosis patients, and indicate that optic canal anatomical characteristics may have an association with visual impairment among pediatric syndromic craniosynostosis patients.
BsmI-ApaI-TaqI TAC (BAt) Haplotype of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Is Associated with Increased Risk of Major Depressive Disorder

Lye MS, Tor YS, Tey YY, Shahabudin A, Loh SP, Ibrahim N, et al.

J Mol Neurosci, 2021 May;71(5):981-990.
PMID: 33034825 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01719-0

Heritability of major depressive disorder (MDD) is between 36 and 44%, suggesting that up to nearly half of the phenotypic variability is attributable to genes. A number of genetic polymorphisms have been shown to predispose certain individuals to depression. Of particular interest are the polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. Although the VDR gene has been well characterized and a vast number of polymorphisms have been identified, the association between BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232) and TaqI (rs731236) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), together with their haplotypes, and MDD risk have yet to be established. We conducted a matched case-control study with a total of 600 participants comprising 300 major depressive disorder (MDD) cases and 300 controls matched by age, gender and ethnicity in a 1:1 ratio, in four public hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Three adjacent SNPs of the VDR gene-BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232) and TaqI (rs731236)-were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained from conditional logistic regression using Stata 16. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype association with MDD were analyzed using the online SNPStats program. None of the genotypes of the three SNPs was significantly associated with risk of developing MDD after adjusting for confounding factors. However, the TAC (BAt) haplotype was associated with increased odds of MDD (adjusted OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.30-3.61, p = 0.003) using CCT (baT) as reference haplotype. The findings suggest that the BsmI-ApaI-TaqI TAC (BAt) haplotype of the VDR gene increases susceptibility to MDD.
Fulltext Recent Updates on Treatment of Ocular Microbial Infections by Stem Cell Therapy: A Review

Teh SW, Mok PL, Abd Rashid M, Bastion MC, Ibrahim N, Higuchi A, et al.

Int J Mol Sci, 2018 Feb 13;19(2).
PMID: 29438279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020558

Ocular microbial infection has emerged as a major public health crisis during the past two decades. A variety of causative agents can cause ocular microbial infections; which are characterized by persistent and destructive inflammation of the ocular tissue; progressive visual disturbance; and may result in loss of visual function in patients if early and effective treatments are not received. The conventional therapeutic approaches to treat vision impairment and blindness resulting from microbial infections involve antimicrobial therapy to eliminate the offending pathogens or in severe cases; by surgical methods and retinal prosthesis replacing of the infected area. In cases where there is concurrent inflammation, once infection is controlled, anti-inflammatory agents are indicated to reduce ocular damage from inflammation which ensues. Despite advances in medical research; progress in the control of ocular microbial infections remains slow. The varying level of ocular tissue recovery in individuals and the incomplete visual functional restoration indicate the chief limitations of current strategies. The development of a more extensive therapy is needed to help in healing to regain vision in patients. Stem cells are multipotent stromal cells that can give rise to a vast variety of cell types following proper differentiation protocol. Stem cell therapy shows promise in reducing inflammation and repairing tissue damage on the eye caused by microbial infections by its ability to modulate immune response and promote tissue regeneration. This article reviews a selected list of common infectious agents affecting the eye; which include fungi; viruses; parasites and bacteria with the aim of discussing the current antimicrobial treatments and the associated therapeutic challenges. We also provide recent updates of the advances in stem cells studies on sepsis therapy as a suggestion of optimum treatment regime for ocular microbial infections.
Fulltext Self-Learning about Herbal and Dietary Supplements: Perspectives Using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Abd Wahab MS, Wan Ismail WNS, Ali AA, Ibrahim N, Othman N, Mohd Nor Hazalin NA, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 01;19(17).
PMID: 36078618 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710901

Background: Self-learning (SL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative to acquire knowledge with or without the help of others. Knowledge about herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is important for pharmacists. Unfortunately, there is limited coverage of topics relating to HDS in the pharmacy curricula. The present focus group study applies the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore pharmacy students' practices and beliefs regarding SL about HDS (SL-HDS). Methods: Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted between April and May 2019 among a sample of undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university (n = 20). Four FGI sessions were conducted, each lasting about 60 to 75 min, and all the sessions were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Beliefs about SL-HDS were categorised into 12 domains based on the TDF. Students showed positive attitudes towards SL-HDS and agreed that their involvement in SL-HDS was instrumental in improving their knowledge about various aspects of HDS including indications, adverse effects, and HDS-drug interactions. Various facilitators and barriers influencing students' participation in SL-HDS were uncovered (e.g., access to the internet, time, availability of reference resources). The students demanded to be equipped with critical appraisal skills, as they had limited confidence in assessing literature or information about HDS. Conclusion: This study revealed that the students saw the benefits of SL-HDS. They also perceived that engaging in SL-HDS is compatible with the role of pharmacy students. The findings showed students' readiness and willingness to conduct SL-HDS.

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