MyMedR

Displaying publications 261 - 280 of 446 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi cutF is upregulated during environmental stress

Lau KL, Ong EB, Zainudin ZF, Samian MR, Ismail A, Najimudin N

J Gen Appl Microbiol, 2013;59(3):239-44.
PMID: 23863294
Molecular sex identification of painted storks (Mycteria leucocephala): using FTA cards, horizontal PAGE and quick silver staining

Yee EY, Zainuddin ZZ, Ismail A, Yap CK, Tan SG

J Genet, 2013 Apr;92(1):e15-8.
PMID: 23628715
Dietary cocoa inhibits colitis associated cancer: a crucial involvement of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway

Saadatdoust Z, Pandurangan AK, Ananda Sadagopan SK, Mohd Esa N, Ismail A, Mustafa MR

J Nutr Biochem, 2015 Dec;26(12):1547-58.
PMID: 26355019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.07.024

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for developing ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC). The interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 signaling regulates survival and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells and play an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC. Cocoa is enriched with polyphenols that known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Here, we explored the antitumor effects and mechanisms of cocoa diet on colitis-associated cancer (CAC) using the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium model, with a particular focus on whether cocoa exerts its anticancer effect through the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. We found that cocoa significantly decreased the tumor incidence and size in CAC-induced mice. In addition to inhibiting proliferation of tumor epithelial cells, cocoa suppressed colonic IL-6 expression and subsequently activation of STAT3. Thus, our findings demonstrated that cocoa diet suppresses CAC tumorigenesis, and its antitumor effect is partly mediated by limiting IL-6/STAT3 activation. In addition, cocoa induces apoptosis by increased the expressions of Bax and caspase 3 and decreased Bcl-xl. Thus, we conclude that cocoa may be a potential agent in the prevention and treatment of CAC.
Fulltext Species composition and invasion risks of alien ornamental freshwater fishes from pet stores in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Saba AO, Ismail A, Zulkifli SZ, Halim MRA, Wahid NAA, Amal MNA

Sci Rep, 2020 10 14;10(1):17205.
PMID: 33057156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74168-9

The ornamental fish trade has been considered as one of the most important routes of invasive alien fish introduction into native freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, the species composition and invasion risks of fish species from 60 freshwater fish pet stores in Klang Valley, Malaysia were studied. A checklist of taxa belonging to 18 orders, 53 families, and 251 species of alien fishes was documented. Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST) showed that seven (30.43%), eight (34.78%) and eight (34.78%) species were considered to be high, medium and low invasion risks, respectively. After the calibration of the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK) v2 using the Receiver Operating Characteristics, a threshold value of 17 for distinguishing between invasive and non-invasive fishes was identified. As a result, nine species (39.13%) were of high invasion risk. In this study, we found that non-native fishes dominated (85.66%) the freshwater ornamental trade in Klang Valley, while FISK is a more robust tool in assessing the risk of invasion, and for the most part, its outcome was commensurate with FIST. This study, for the first time, revealed the number of high-risk ornamental fish species that give an awareness of possible future invasion if unmonitored in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Fulltext Reproductive Toxicity of 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) on Javanese Medaka (Oryziasjavanicus, Bleeker 1854)

Ibrahim MA, Zulkifli SZ, Azmai MNA, Mohamat-Yusuff F, Ismail A

Animals (Basel), 2021 Mar 12;11(3).
PMID: 33809309 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030798

Compound 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) is a metabolite of several urea herbicides and intermediate chemical of several industrial products. Moreover, 3,4-DCA has been frequently detected in aquatic ecosystems around the world. This aniline is more toxic than the parent chemicals, and it affects non-target organisms. This study evaluated a 21-day reproductive response of an emerging aquatic vertebrate model, Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus), exposed to 3,4-DCA. Fecundity and gonads histopathology were observed. The spawning rate and fertilisation reduced significantly in the highest exposed-group (250 µg/L). Gonadosomatic index (GSI) was significantly low in females exposed to 250 µg/L. No substantial structural alteration of male gonads. However, oocyte development and ovarian cell structure were disrupted in 250 µg/L exposed females. The gonadal developmental was not affected in the males; however, a significant reduction in the developmental of female gonads was observed at 250 µg/L. These results show that 3,4-DCA interfere with the reproduction of Javanese medaka through fecundity and alteration of gonadal tissues.
Fulltext Survey on Heavy Metals Contamination and Health Risk Assessment in Commercially Valuable Asian Swamp Eel, Monopterus albus from Kelantan, Malaysia

Sow AY, Ismail A, Zulkifli SZ, Amal MN, Hambali KA

Sci Rep, 2019 04 23;9(1):6391.
PMID: 31015502 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42753-2

This work investigates the metals concentration in the tissues of Asian swamp eel, Monopterus albus. Five selected tissues, including liver, gill, bone, skin, and muscle were examined for the concentration of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni. The concentrations of Cd and Pb were found high in the muscle tissues of the eels. Additionally, high amounts of Zn and Cu metals were observed in the liver, whereas the Cd, Pb, and Ni metals were highly detected in gill. The accumulation of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni in both skin and bone of the eel seems to vary between seasons. Low levels of Zn, Cu, and Ni were identified in the muscle tissues of the eels. This study revealed that the concentration of Cd and Pb in the muscle tissues of Asian swamp eels exceeded the permissible limits by the US EPA, suggesting the consumption of the muscle may be hazardous and can severely affect one's health.
Cytotoxic constituent of Melicope latifolia (DC.) T. G. Hartley

Lim PC, Ali Z, Khan IA, Khan SI, Kassim NK, Awang K, et al.

Nat Prod Res, 2021 Feb 12.
PMID: 33576269 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1885031

An undescribed conjugated sesquiterpene, amelicarin (1), together with nine known compounds (2-10) were isolated for the first time from Melicope latifolia. Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric methods. The conjugated sesquiterpene possesses a unique 6/6/9/4-ring fused tetracyclic skeleton. The proposed biosynthesis pathway of 1 consist of three reactions steps: (1) polyketide formation, (2) cyclisation and (3) addition to form the conjugated sesquiterpenoid as final metabolite. Out of the ten isolated metabolites, amelicarin (1) showed activity against 4 cancerous cell lines namely SK-MEL skin cancer, KB oral cancer, BT-549 breast cancer, and SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer with IC50 values between 15 and 25 µg/mL.
Fulltext Effects of Cocoa Polyphenols and Dark Chocolate on Obese Adults: A Scoping Review

Halib H, Ismail A, Mohd Yusof BN, Osakabe N, Mat Daud ZA

Nutrients, 2020 Nov 30;12(12).
PMID: 33266002 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123695

Obesity remains a major public health problem due to its increasing prevalence. Natural products have become common as adjunct therapeutic agents for treating obesity and preventing metabolic diseases. Cocoa and its products are commonly consumed worldwide. Dark chocolate, a rich source of polyphenols, has received attention lately for its beneficial role in the management of obesity; however, conflicting results are still being reported. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature on the relationship and effects of cocoa and dark chocolate intake among obese adults. We searched multiple databases for research investigating the consumption of cocoa and/or dark chocolate in managing obesity among adults. This review includes epidemiological and human studies that were published in English over the last 10 years. Our review of the current literature indicates that epidemiological and human trials with obese adults have shown inconsistent results, which may be due to the different populations of subjects, and different types of cocoa products and doses used for intervention. Studies among obese adults are mainly focusing on obese individuals with comorbidities, as such more studies are needed to elucidate the role of cocoa polyphenols in weight control and preventing the risk of chronic diseases among obese individuals without comorbidities as well as healthy individuals. Careful adjustment of confounding factors would be required. The effects of cocoa and dark chocolate intake on obese adults were discussed, and further research is warranted to identify the gaps.
Fulltext Economic contribution and attitude towards alien freshwater ornamental fishes of pet store owners in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Saba AO, Ismail A, Zulkifli SZ, Shohaimi S, Azmai MNA

PeerJ, 2021;9:e10643.
PMID: 33520451 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10643

Malaysia is one of the top ten countries in the world that produce freshwater ornamental fishes. This industry can offer better livelihood opportunities to many poor households. However, most of the produced ornamental fishes are alien to Malaysia. In this study, we explore the contribution of alien freshwater fishes to the income of ornamental fish store owners and their attitude towards alien freshwater fishes within Klang Valley, Malaysia. Using a structured questionnaire, we surveyed 70 pet stores out of which 54 (81.42%) store owners responded. Most of the pet store owners were male (72%), Chinese (83%), and the highest educational level was at the secondary level (79%). Most of the pet store owners reported a monthly income of RM 2001-RM 5000 (78%) and were married (73%). Using Chi-square (χ2) test, significant relationships (p < 0.05) existed between the attitude of store owners towards alien ornamental fish species versus educational level (χ2 = 16.424, p = 0.007) and contribution of alien ornamental fishes to the pet store owners' income (χ2 = 27.266, p = 0.003). Fish sales as the main income source also related significantly with the impact of fish selling business on income level (χ2 = 10.448, p = 0.007). This study showed that the ornamental fish sales contributed over half of the income (51-100%) from the businesses of store owners. Almost half of the respondents (42%) reported that alien ornamental fish was the highest contributor to their income from the ornamental fish sale. While the mismanagement of alien ornamental fishes could give various negative ecological impacts, the socio-economic benefits of these fishes cannot be denied.
Fulltext Effect of therapeutic lifestyle changes on insulin sensitivity of non-obese hyperlipidemic subjects: preliminary report

Al-Mahmood AK, Ismail AA, Rashid FA, Azwany YN, Singh R, Gill G

J Atheroscler Thromb, 2007 Jun;14(3):122-7.
PMID: 17587763 DOI: 10.5551/jat.14.122

AIM: To determine the effects of lipid lowering by TLC on insulin sensitivity and secretory status of non-obese normoglycemic hyperlipidemic subjects.
METHODS: An intervention study was undertaken on 16 non-obese normoglycemic hyperlipidemic subjects. They underwent 6 months of a TLC regimen. Their insulin sensitivity and lipid status were assessed at baseline and after six months. A control group containing 16 age, sex and body mass index (BMI) matched normolipidemic subjects was also enrolled to compare the change in lipid levels and insulin sensitivity in the hyperlipidemic subjects.
RESULTS: The intervention showed significant reductions in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR reduced from 3.8 to 1.4, p<0.001) and improvement of insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S increased from 50.1% to 121.2%, p=0.004) in hyperlipidemic subjects with associated reductions in lipid levels.
CONCLUSION: Lipid lowering in non-obese hyperlipidemic subjects may be associated with improvement of insulin sensitivity.
Study site: Staff of university and offices, Kelantan, Malaysia
Identification of hybrids of painted and milky storks using FTA card-collected blood, molecular markers, and morphologies

Yee EY, Zainuddin ZZ, Ismail A, Yap CK, Tan SG

Biochem Genet, 2013 Oct;51(9-10):789-99.
PMID: 23846110 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-013-9607-8

Suspicious hybrids of painted storks and milky storks were found in a Malaysian zoo. Blood of these birds was sampled on FTA cards for DNA fingerprinting. Of 44 optimized primers, 6 produced diagnostic markers that could identify hybrids. The markers were based on simple, direct PCR-generated multilocus banding patterns that provided two sets of genetic data, one for each of the two stork species and another for the hybrids. It also revealed that large DNA fragments (3,000 bp) could be amplified from blood collected on FTA cards. When the results of each individual bird's DNA fingerprint were compared with plumage characters, the hybrids were found to express a range of intermediate phenotypic traits of the pure breeds with no dominant plumage characteristic from either parental species.
Enhanced secretion of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) by Lactococcus lactis using heterologous signal peptides and optimization of cultivation conditions

Mahmud H, Ismail A, Abdul Rahim R, Low KO, Md Illias R

J Biotechnol, 2019 Apr 20;296:22-31.
PMID: 30878516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.02.013

In previous studies of Lactococcus lactis, the levels of proteins secreted using heterologous signal peptides were observed to be lower than those obtained using the signal peptide from Usp45, the major secreted lactococcal protein. In this study, G1 (the native signal peptide of CGTase) and the signal peptide M5 (mutant of the G1 signal peptide) were introduced into L. lactis to investigate the effect of signal peptides on lactococcal protein secretion to improve secretion efficiency. The effectiveness of these signal peptides were compared to the Usp45 signal peptide. The highest secretion levels were obtained using the G1 signal peptide. Sequence analysis of signal peptide amino acids revealed that a basic N-terminal signal peptide is not absolutely required for efficient protein export in L. lactis. Moreover, the introduction of a helix-breaking residue in the H-region of the M5 signal peptide caused a reduction in the signal peptide hydrophobicity and decreased protein secretion. In addition, the optimization of cultivation conditions for recombinant G1-CGTase production via response surface methodology (RSM) showed that CGTase activity increased approximately 2.92-fold from 5.01 to 16.89 U/ml compared to the unoptimized conditions.
The Missing Uterus, the Missed Diagnosis, and the Missing Care. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome in the Lives of Women in Malaysia

Hatim H, Zainuddin AA, Anizah A, Kalok A, Daud TIM, Ismail A, et al.

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 2021 Apr;34(2):161-167.
PMID: 33189898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2020.11.009

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of the diagnosis of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome on affected Malaysian women.
DESIGN: Qualitative study with a quantitative component.
SETTING: Pediatric and adolescent gynecology unit at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia.
PARTICIPANTS: Twelve women with MRKH.
INTERVENTIONS: Face-to-face interview and short questionnaire.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thematic analysis was used to understand participants' experiences.
RESULTS: There were 7 themes identified: (1) delayed diagnoses; (2) doctors' roles and attitudes; (3) gender identity; (4) family and society's response; (5) reaction toward infertility; (6) managing sexual intimacy; and (7) coping mechanisms. Several participants consulted their physicians regarding their primary amenorrhea at an opportunistic setting. When they were referred to the gynecologists, they were dismayed at the lack of information given. The term, "MRKH" plays an important role to ease information-seeking. Participants felt that the doctors were insensitive toward them. Mental illness is a significant complication of MRKH. All participants acknowledged that infertility was the hardest part of the condition. The importance of blood lineage affects their outlook on childbearing options. Some were afraid of sexual intimacy and worried that they would not be able to satisfy their partners. Participants gained support and bonded with their counterparts in the MRKH support group.
CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach including medical, psychological, and social support is essential for the management of MRKH. Adequate information and sexual education plays the utmost importance in preventing social-related complications of MRKH.
Fulltext Potential application of biomass derived graphene for COVID-19 pandemic

Arifin NFT, Yusof N, Nordin NAHM, Jaafar J, Ismail AF, Aziz F, et al.

Mater Today Proc, 2021;46:1959-1962.
PMID: 33680866 DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.02.379

Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, intense research has been carried out to find the effective vaccine. However, this issue remains as a global challenge. Graphene has captured various attention due to promising antimicrobial and antiviral applications, hydrophobic characteristic and superior electrical conductivity. Recently, biomass derived graphene also promises great opportunity to combat the spread COVID-19. In this paper, we demonstrated the ability and role of biomass derived graphene as superhydrophobic coating, biosensors and disinfectant in the fight against COVID-19.
Fulltext Older age and diclofenac are associated with increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in gout patients

Wan Ghazali WS, Wan Zainudin WMKB, Yahya NK, Mohamed Ismail A, Wong KK

PeerJ, 2021;9:e11468.
PMID: 34055491 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11468

Background: Gouty arthritis is a disease of global burden in which defective metabolism of uric acid causes arthritis. Gouty arthritis or medications used for its treatment may lead to uric acid-associated complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and renal impairment.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study with retrospective record review, 403 established gouty arthritis patients were recruited to determine the incidence of UGIB and associated factors among gout patients who were on regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Results: The mean age of the 403 gouty arthritis patients was 55.7 years old and the majority (n = 359/403; 89.1%) were male. The incidence of UGIB among gouty arthritis patients who were on NSAIDs was 7.2% (n = 29/403). Older age (p < 0.001), diclofenac medication (p = 0.003), pantoprazole medication (p = 0.003), end-stage renal failure (ESRF) (p = 0.007), smoking (p = 0.035), hypertension (p = 0.042) and creatinine (p = 0.045) were significant risk factors for UGIB among the gouty arthritis patients in univariable analysis. Older age (p = 0.001) and diclofenac medication (p < 0.001) remained significant risk factors for UGIB among the gouty arthritis patients in multivariable analysis.
Conclusions: Age and diclofenac were significantly associated with UGIB among patients with gouty arthritis on regular NSAIDs, indicating that these factors increased the risks of developing UGIB in gout patients. Hence, these high-risk groups of gouty arthritis patients should be routinely monitored to avoid the potential onset of UGIB. Our data also suggest that diclofenac should be prescribed for the shortest duration possible to minimize the risk of developing UGIB in gout patients.
A review on polyamide thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes: History, applications, challenges and approaches

Lau WJ, Gray S, Matsuura T, Emadzadeh D, Chen JP, Ismail AF

Water Res, 2015 Sep 1;80:306-24.
PMID: 26011136 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.04.037

This review focuses on the development of polyamide (PA) thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for various aqueous media-based separation processes such as nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and forward osmosis since the concept of TFN was introduced in year 2007. Although the total number of published TFN articles falls far short of the articles of the well-known thin film composite (TFC) membranes, its growth rate is significant, particularly since 2012. Generally, by incorporating an appropriate amount of nanofiller into a thin selective PA layer of a composite membrane, one could produce TFN membranes with enhanced separation characteristics as compared to the conventional TFC membrane. For certain cases, the resulting TFN membranes demonstrate not only excellent antifouling resistance and/or greater antibacterial effect, but also possibly overcome the trade-off effect between water permeability and solute selectivity. Furthermore, this review attempts to give the readers insights into the difficulties of incorporating inorganic nanomaterials into the organic PA layer whose thickness usually falls in a range of several-hundred nanometers. It is also intended to show new possible approaches to overcome these challenges in TFN membrane fabrication.
Phenolic profiling and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of Lepisanthes fruticosa (Roxb) Leenh fruit extracts

Salahuddin MAH, Ismail A, Kassim NK, Hamid M, Ali MSM

Food Chem, 2020 Nov 30;331:127240.
PMID: 32585546 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127240

The present study focused on the phytochemical profiling along with evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of various crudes and fractions obtained from Lepisanthes fruticosa (Roxb) Leenh fruit. Ethanolic seed crude extract exhibited the strongest radical scavenging, β-carotene bleaching activity, α-glucosidase inhibition and the highest total phenolic content (TPC). Column chromatography afforded various fractions with fraction M4 being the most potent due to the strongest radical scavenging, β-carotene bleaching, α-glucosidase inhibition and greatest amount of TPC. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of ethanolic seed crude extract and fraction M4 showed the presence of various phytochemicals with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, which include mostly flavonoids and tannins. The results may suggest that the ethanolic crude seed extract and its fraction could be an excellent source of bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant and antidiabetic potential.
Fulltext Possible Hepatoprotective Effect of Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Vitamin E in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children and Adolescents

Al-Baiaty FDR, Ismail A, Abdul Latiff Z, Muhammad Nawawi KN, Raja Ali RA, Mokhtar NM

Front Pediatr, 2021;9:667247.
PMID: 34307250 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.667247

Obesity has become a worldwide health concern among the pediatric population. The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is growing rapidly, alongside the high prevalence of obesity. NAFLD refers to a multifactorial disorder that includes simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or devoid of fibrosis. NAFLD is regarded as a systemic disorder that influences glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism with hepatic manifestations. A sedentary lifestyle and poor choice of food remain the major contributors to the disease. Prompt and timely diagnosis of NAFLD among overweight children is crucial to prevent the progression of the condition. Yet, there has been no approved pharmacological treatment for NAFLD in adults or children. As indicated by clinical evidence, lifestyle modification plays a vital role as a primary form of therapy for managing and treating NAFLD. Emphasis is on the significance of caloric restriction, particularly macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, and proteins) in altering the disease consequences. A growing number of studies are now focusing on establishing a link between vitamins and NAFLD. Different types of vitamin supplements have been shown to be effective in treating NAFLD. In this review, we elaborate on the potential role of vitamin E with a high content of tocotrienol as a therapeutic alternative in treating NAFLD in obese children.
Fulltext Currents Nutritional Practices of Nutritionists in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Public Health Centres in Padang, Indonesia

Puri IY, Mohd Yusof BN, Abu Zaid Z, Ismail A, Haron H, Lipoeto NI

Nutrients, 2021 Jun 08;13(6).
PMID: 34201355 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061975

(1) Background: The interest in nutrition practices and education is slowly gaining traction among Indonesian nutritionists. However, there is a lack of local studies that evaluate nutritional practices, especially in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the nutritional practices among nutritionists and the adequacy of the current practices in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients at the Public Health Clinic in Padang (PHC), Indonesia. (2) Methods: An online survey form was distributed to all the nutritionists (n = 50) involved in the management of T2DM patients in their daily practices at the PHC. Socio-demographic characteristics, the current practice of T2DM, the need for DM nutrition education, and an evaluation questionnaire on the Indonesian Non-Communicable Diseases guideline and the Public Health Centre guideline were captured in the survey. (3) Result: A total of 48 completed survey forms were received, providing a response rate of 96% from the recruited nutritionists. One-third (37.5%) of the respondents counselled between one and ten patients per day. Nearly half (41.7%) conducted a monthly follow-up session for the patients at their respective PHC in the previous three months. Each nutritionist educated five to ten T2DM patients. The most common nutrition education topics delivered included appropriate menus (89.6%) as well as the etiology and symptoms of T2DM (85.5%). Almost all the nutritionists (93.8%) used leaflets and about 35.4% used poster education. Around 70.8% of counseling sessions lasted 30 min and two-thirds (66.7%) of the sessions included nutrition education. Based on the results, about half (52.1%) of them claimed that T2DM patients were reluctant to attend individual nutrition education. One-fifth of them (20.8%) claimed that it was because the T2DM patients were not interested in the tool kits and materials used. (4) Conclusions: T2DM patients are reluctant to attend individual nutrition education due to uninteresting tool kits and materials.
Fulltext Lead Concentration in Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) Hair in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

Hassim NA, Hambali K, Idris NSU, Amir A, Ismail A, Zulkifli SZ, et al.

Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Jul;29(2):175-186.
PMID: 30112148 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.2.12

Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) has the potential to be a good biological indicator for toxic exposure because they have an almost similar physiology and behaviour to humans. The objective of this study is to determine the concentration of lead (Pb) in hair samples of long-tailed macaques which were found in and out of the Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP) area. The hypothesis is long-tailed macaques that live in the anthropogenic area (outside KSNP) may be exposed to high levels of lead compared to long-tailed macaques living in the forest area (inside KSNP). Analysis of hair samples were carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study found that the average mean of lead concentration in the anthropogenic area is 6.31 μg/g while for the forest area it is 3.16 μg/g. Lead concentration in the two areas are statistically insignificant. Nevertheless, lead concentration in the anthropogenic area recorded a slightly higher mean concentration than in the forest area. Even so, results of this study indicate that long-tailed macaques in Kuala Selangor are not exposed to high levels of lead. This study is the first in Malaysia to utilise long-tailed macaques as a biological indicator for testing the concentration of toxic substances in the environment. This study is still in its early stages; thus, future research requires improvements.

Filters

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

External Links