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Apoptosis changes and SA-beta galactosidase expression in stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model of human skin fibroblasts

Abdul Rahim N, Makpol S, Chua KH, Yusof YA, Top GM, Ngah WZ

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:71-2.
PMID: 19024989

Stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model is in vitro model of cellular aging. In this study, apoptosis was evaluated in SIPS model and in replicative senescent fibroblasts. We also compared the activity of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta gal) as a biomarker of cellular aging. Our results suggested that SIPS model and senescent fibroblasts might share similar mechanism of aging and apoptosis pathway.
Spectral amplitude coding OCDMA using and subtraction technique

Hasoon FN, Aljunid SA, Samad MD, Abdullah MK, Shaari S

Appl Opt, 2008 Mar 20;47(9):1263-8.
PMID: 18709073

An optical decoding technique is proposed for a spectral-amplitude-coding-optical code division multiple access, namely, the AND subtraction technique. The theory is being elaborated and experimental results have been done by comparing a double-weight code against the existing code, Hadamard. We have proved that the and subtraction technique gives better bit error rate performance than the conventional complementary subtraction technique against the received power level.
Growth strategies differentiate the spatial patterns of 11 dipterocarp species coexisting in a Malaysian tropical rain forest

Suzuki RO, Numata S, Okuda T, Nur Supardi MN, Kachi N

J Plant Res, 2009 Jan;122(1):81-93.
PMID: 19037582 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-008-0198-0

We examined relationships between mortality rate, relative growth rate (RGR), and spatial patterns of three growth stages (small, medium, and large trees) for 11 dipterocarp species in the Pasoh 50-ha plot. Mortality rates for these species tended to be positively correlated with RGRs, although the correlation was significant only at the small-tree stage. Seven species with high growth and mortality rates exhibited peaks in spatial aggregation at small distances (<100 m) in small trees, but this aggregation disappeared in medium and large trees. In contrast, the other four species with low growth and mortality rates aggregated at large distances (>200 m) throughout the three growth stages in all but one species. Negative associations between different growth stages were observed only for the high-mortality species, suggesting density-dependent mortality. The high-mortality species showed habitat associations with topography, soil type, and the forest regeneration phase after gap formation, whereas the three low-mortality species only had associations with the forest regeneration phase. A randomization procedure revealed that these habitat associations explained little of their spatial aggregation. Our results suggest that the growth strategy has a large effect on the structuring of the spatial distribution of tree species through mortality processes.
Production of bacterial endoglucanase from pretreated oil palm empty fruit bunch by bacillus pumilus EB3

Ariffin H, Hassan MA, Shah UK, Abdullah N, Ghazali FM, Shirai Y

J Biosci Bioeng, 2008 Sep;106(3):231-6.
PMID: 18929997 DOI: 10.1263/jbb.106.231

In this study, endoglucanase was produced from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) by a locally isolated aerobic bacterium, Bacillus pumilus EB3. The effects of the fermentation parameters such as initial pH, temperature, and nitrogen source on the endoglucanase production were studied using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the carbon source. Endoglucanase from B. pumilus EB3 was maximally secreted at 37 degrees C, initial pH 7.0 with 10 g/l of CMC as carbon source, and 2 g/l of yeast extract as organic nitrogen source. The activity recorded during the fermentation was 0.076 U/ml. The productivity of the enzyme increased twofold when 2 g/l of yeast extract was used as the organic nitrogen supplement as compared to the non-supplemented medium. An interesting finding from this study is that pretreated OPEFB medium showed comparable results to CMC medium in terms of enzyme production with an activity of 0.063 U/ml. As OPEFB is an abundant solid waste at palm oil mills, it has the potential of acting as a substrate in cellulase production.
Expression of p53, bcl-2 and Ki-67 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Looi ML, Dali AZ, Ali SA, Ngah WZ, Yusof YA

Anal. Quant. Cytol. Histol., 2008 Apr;30(2):63-70.
PMID: 18561741

To assess the expression of p53, bcl-2 and Ki-67 in the progression of cervical neoplasia.
Laparoscopic appendicectomy: the ideal procedure for laparoscopic skill training for surgical registrars

Tata MD, Singh R, Bakar AA, Selvindoss P, P K, Gurunathan R

Asian J Surg, 2008 Apr;31(2):55-8.
PMID: 18490215

OBJECTIVE: Appendicectomy is a very common surgical procedure performed by registrars. It is mainly carried out by surgical registrars as an open procedure in many government hospitals. We aimed to evaluate laparoscopic appendicectomy as a laparoscopic training skill in a clinical setting for our registrars.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all attempted laparoscopic appendicectomies over 12 months by experienced surgeons and registrars was done. Factors evaluated were operating time, conversion rate, postoperative hospital stay, morbidity and mortality.
RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in operating time for surgeons and registrars (mean, 53 minutes vs. 60 minutes), conversion rate (10% vs. 11%). Mean hospital stay for patients operated on by surgeons was 3.1 days and 3.2 days for registrars. Morbidity was equal with both surgeons and registrars.
CONCLUSION: We conclude that laparoscopic appendicectomy is a safe laparoscopic training tool for registrars with basic laparoscopic knowledge who have had a proper apprenticeship, and can be done in a clinical setting.
Genetic differentiation of the Fejervarya limnocharis complex from Bangladesh and other Asian countries elucidated by allozyme analyses

Islam MM, Khan MM, Tjong DH, Alam MS, Sumida M

Zoolog Sci, 2008 Mar;25(3):261-72.
PMID: 18393563 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.25.261

The present study was conducted to elucidate the genetic divergence and the phylogenetic relationships in the F. limnocharis complex from Bangladesh and other Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan by allozyme analyses. We used a total of 95 frogs of the F. limnocharis complex from these countries and F. cancrivora from the Philippines as an outgroup. Based on body size, the F. limnocharis complex from Bangladesh was divided into three distinct groups: large, medium and small types. Allozyme analyses were carried out with 28 loci encoding 20 enzymes and two blood proteins by horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis. When genetic distance was calculated, distinct divergence was found among the three types: mean genetic distance was 0.782 between the small and medium types, 1.458 between the large and medium types, and 1.520 between the large and small types. Phylogenetic trees based on genetic distance showed that all populations of Bangladesh small type strongly formed a cluster and were found to be most closely related to the Sri Lanka population; that all populations of Bangladesh large type formed a very strong cluster and were grouped with several populations from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and Taiwan; and that the medium type was segregated from all other groups. This may imply that each of the three types is a different species, and that the medium type is possibly an undescribed taxon.
Influence of sympathetic and AT-receptor blockade on angiotensin II and adrenergic agonist-induced renal vasoconstrictions in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abdulla MH, Sattar MA, Khan MA, Abdullah NA, Johns EJ

Acta Physiol (Oxf), 2009 Mar;195(3):397-404.
PMID: 19183357 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2008.01895.x

This study investigated the influence of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor and adrenergic blockade on the renal vasoconstrictions caused by Ang II and adrenergic agonists in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
Screening for gap junction protein beta-2 gene mutations in Malays with autosomal recessive, non-syndromic hearing loss, using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography

Aishah ZS, Khairi MD, Normastura AR, Zafarina Z, Zilfalil BA

J Laryngol Otol, 2008 Dec;122(12):1284-8.
PMID: 18353197 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215108002041

To determine the frequency and type of gap junction protein beta-2 gene mutations in Malay patients with autosomal recessive, non-syndromic hearing loss.
Effect of acute unilateral renal denervation on renal hemodynamics in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abdulla MH, Sattar MA, Salman IM, Abdullah NA, Ameer OZ, Khan MA, et al.

Auton Autacoid Pharmacol, 2008 Apr-Jul;28(2-3):87-94.
PMID: 18598290 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-8673.2008.00421.x

1 This study was undertaken to characterize the renal responses to acute unilateral renal denervation in anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by examining the effect of acute unilateral renal denervation on the renal hemodynamic responses to a set of vasoactive agents and renal nerve stimulation. 2 Twenty-four male SHR rats underwent acute unilateral renal denervation and the denervation was confirmed by significant drop (P < 0.05) in renal vasoconstrictor response to renal nerve stimulation along with marked diuresis and natriuresis following denervation. After 7 days treatment with losartan, the overnight fasted rats were anaesthetized (sodium pentobarbitone, 60 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and renal vasoconstrictor experiments were performed. The changes in the renal vasoconstrictor responses were determined in terms of reductions in renal blood flow caused by renal nerve stimulation or intrarenal administration of noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine and angiotensin II. 3 The data showed that there was significantly (all P < 0.05) increased renal vascular responsiveness to the vasoactive agents in denervated rats compared to those with intact renal nerves. In losartan-treated denervated SHR rats, there were significant (all P < 0.05) reductions in the renal vasoconstrictor responses to neural stimuli and vasoactive agents as compared with that of untreated denervated SHR rats. 4 The data obtained in denervated rats suggested an enhanced sensitivity of the alpha(1)-adrenoceptors to adrenergic agonists and possible increase of AT(1) receptors functionality in the renal vasculature of these rats. These data also suggested a possible interaction between sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system in terms of a crosstalk relationship between renal AT(1) and alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes.
Clonidine and a novel clonidine analog AL-12 cause sympathoinhibition in spontaneously hypertensive and diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats

Lazahari MI, Sattar MA, Abdullah NA, Khan MA, Johns EJ

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 2008 Apr;30(3):193-9.
PMID: 18597003 DOI: 10.1358/mf.2008.30.3.1166221

This study examined the sympathoinhibitory effects of clonidine and a novel clonidine analog, AL-12, in rat models of genetic hypertension and a combined state of genetic hypertension and diabetes. Rats in the treatment groups were given either clonidine or AL-12 while the respective control groups received either saline or Tween 80 for 6 days. Physiological data were collected during this period, which was followed by acute studies on day 7 when bolus administrations (i.v.) of graded doses of noradrenaline, phenylephrine and methoxamine were carried out. It was observed that in AL-12-treated nondiabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the pressure responses to all adrenergic agonists were greater (p < 0.05) in the treated group, while in the diabetic SHR rats a larger pressure response was observed only to noradrenaline (p < 0.05). In nondiabetic SHR rats treated with clonidine, a greater (p < 0.05) pressure response was observed only in the case of phenylephrine. In the diabetic SHR rats treated with clonidine, the pressure responses to the adrenergic agonists were similar (p > 0.05) in the treated and its control animals except that methoxamine caused a greater (p < 0.05) pressure response in the control group. The data obtained suggest that clonidine and AL-12 act possibly via vascular alpha1 and alpha2 adrenoceptors present at both pre- and postsynaptic locations.
Permeability of atenolol and propranolol in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide in rat single-pass intestinal perfusion assay with liquid chromatography/UV detection

Venkatesh G, Ramanathan S, Nair NK, Mansor SM, Sattar MA, Khan MA, et al.

Biomed Chromatogr, 2007 May;21(5):484-90.
PMID: 17294505

A simple and sensitive RP-HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of atenolol and propranolol and subsequently applied to investigate the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide in rat in situ intestinal permeability studies. Atenolol (400 microm) and propranolol (100 microm) were perfused in the small intestine of anaesthetized (pentobarbitone sodium 60 mg/kg, i.p.) male Sprague-Dawley rats either in the presence (1, 3 and 5%) or in the absence of dimethyl sulfoxide. There was no significant alteration (p > 0.05) in the permeability of atenolol and propranolol, which indicated there was no effect of various concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (1-5%) on the membrane integrity of the rat intestinal tissues. The analytical method was validated on a C(4) column with a mobile phase comprising ammonium acetate buffer (pH 3.5, 0.02 m) and acetonitrile in the ratio of 30:70 (v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The validated method was found to be accurate and precise and stability studies were carried out at different storage conditions and both analytes were found to be stable. These findings are applicable for determining the absorbability of water-insoluble drugs and new chemical entities for the purpose of classifying them in the biopharmaceutical classification system.
Optical fibre chemical sensor for trace vanadium(V) determination based on newly synthesized palm based fatty hydroxamic acid immobilized in polyvinyl chloride membrane

Isha A, Yusof NA, Ahmad M, Suhendra D, Yunus WM, Zainal Z

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc, 2007 Aug;67(5):1398-402.
PMID: 17141557

Fatty hydroxamic acid (FHA) immobilized in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been studied as a sensor element of an optical fibre chemical sensor for V(V). By using this instrument, V(V) in solution has been determined in the log concentration range of 0-2.5 (i.e. 1.0-300 mg/L). The detection limit was 1.0 mg/L. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of the method for the reproducibility study at V(V) concentration of 200 mg/L and 300 mg/L were calculated to be 2.9% and 2.0%, respectively. Interference from foreign ions was also studied at 1:1 mole ratio of V(V):foreign ions. It was found that, Fe(III) ion interfered most in the determination of vanadium(V). Excellent agreement with ICP-AES method was achieved when the proposed method was applied towards determination of V(V).
Polymorphism studies of four miniSTR loci for three ethnic populations in Singapore

Yong RY, Gan LS, Coble MD, Yap EP

Leg Med (Tokyo), 2007 Sep;9(5):278-81.
PMID: 17467323

MiniSTR loci has demonstrated to be an effective approach to recover genetic information from degraded sample, due to the improved PCR efficiency of their reduced PCR amplicon sizes. This study constructed a partial miniSGM panel and investigated the performance of four miniSTR loci, D2S1338, D16S539, D18S51 and FGA, in three ethnic populations residing in Singapore. The suitability of the miniSTR primers for Singapore populations was assessed for loci D16S539, D18S51 and FGA.
Fulltext Congenital deafness: high prevalence of a V37I mutation in the GJB2 gene among deaf school children in Alor Setar

Ruszymah BHI, Wahida IF, Zakinah Y, Zahari Z, Norazlinda MD, Saim L, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Aug;60(3):269-74.
PMID: 16379178

Twenty percent of all childhood deafness is due to mutations in the GJB2 gene (Connexin 26). The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and spectrum of GJB2 mutations in childhood deafness in Malaysia. We analyzed the GJB2 gene in 51 deaf students from Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Alor Setar, Kedah. Bidirectional sequencing indicates that 25% of our childhood deafness has mutation in their GJB2 gene. Sixty two percent of these children demonstrate V37I missense mutation. Interestingly, V37I mutation in the GJB2 gene have been reported as polymorphism in Western countries, however in our country it behaved as a potentially disease-causing missense mutation, causing childhood deafness as it was not found in the normal control.
Fulltext Natural weathering studies of oil palm trunk lumber (OPTL) green polymer composites enhanced with oil palm shell (OPS) nanoparticles

Islam MN, Dungani R, Abdul Khalil H, Alwani MS, Nadirah WW, Fizree HM

Springerplus, 2013;2:592.
PMID: 25674417 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-592

In this study, a green composite was produced from Oil Palm Trunk Lumber (OPTL) by impregnating oil palm shell (OPS) nanoparticles with formaldehyde resin. The changes of physical, mechanical and morphological properties of the OPS nanoparticles impregnated OPTL as a result of natural weathering was investigated. The OPS fibres were ground with a ball-mill for producing nanoparticles before being mixed with the phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin at a concentration of 1, 3, 5 and 10% w/w basis and impregnated into the OPTL by vacuum-pressure method. The treated OPTL samples were exposed to natural weathering for the period of 6 and 12 months in West Java, Indonesia according to ASTM D1435-99 standard. Physical and mechanical tests were done for analyzing the changes in phenol formaldehyde-nanoparticles impregnated (PF-NPI) OPTL. FT-IR and SEM studies were done to analyze the morphological changes. The results showed that both exposure time of weathering and concentration of PF-NPI had significant impact on physical and mechanical properties of OPTL. The longer exposure of samples to weathering condition reduced the wave numbers during FT-IR test. However, all these physical, mechanical and morphological changes were significant when compared with the untreated samples or only PF impregnated samples. Thus, it can be concluded that PF-NP impregnation into OPTL improved the resistance against natural weathering and would pave the ground for improved products from OPTL for outdoor conditions.
Fulltext Illness perception among hypertensive patients in primary care centre UKMMC

Norfazilah A, Samuel A, Law PT, Ainaa AA, Nurul Ain Z, Syahnaz MH, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2013;8(3):19-25.
PMID: 25893053 MyJurnal

Hypertension is one of the chronic diseases with a rising trend globally, including Malaysia. Patients' own perception of their illness is a strong factor that determines their health-seeking behaviour. The objective of this study was to evaluate the illness perception of hypertensive patients and the associated factors.
Nanosecond soliton pulse generation by mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser using single-walled carbon-nanotube-based saturable absorber

Ismail MA, Harun SW, Zulkepely NR, Nor RM, Ahmad F, Ahmad H

Appl Opt, 2012 Dec 20;51(36):8621-4.
PMID: 23262603 DOI: 10.1364/AO.51.008621

We demonstrate a simple and low cost mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) operating in the nanosecond region using a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based saturable absorber (SA). A droplet of SWCNT solution is applied on the end of a fiber ferrule, which is then mated to another clean connector ferrule to construct an SA. Then the SA is integrated into a ring EDFL cavity for nanosecond pulse generation. The EDFL operates at around 1570.4 nm, with a soliton-like spectrum with small Kelly sidebands, which confirms the attainment of the anomalous dispersion. It produces a soliton pulse train with a 332 ns width, repetition rate of 909.1 kHz, an average output power of 0.31 mW, and energy of 0.34 nJ at the maximum pump power of 130.8 mW.
Fulltext Copper nanoparticles mediated by chitosan: synthesis and characterization via chemical methods

Usman MS, Ibrahim NA, Shameli K, Zainuddin N, Yunus WM

Molecules, 2012 Dec 14;17(12):14928-36.
PMID: 23242252 DOI: 10.3390/molecules171214928

Herein we report a synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in chitosan (Cts) media via a chemical reaction method. The nanoparticles were synthesized in an aqueous solution in the presence of Cts as stabilizer and CuSO(4)·5H(2)O precursor. The synthesis proceeded with addition of NaOH as pH moderator, ascorbic acid as antioxidant and hydrazine( )as the reducing agent. The characterization of the prepared NPs was done using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed a 593 nm copper band. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images were also observed, and found to be in agreement with the UV-Vis result, confirming the formation of metallic Cu-NPs. The mean size of the Cu-NPs was estimated to be in the range of 35-75 nm using X-ray diffraction. XRD was also used in analysis of the crystal structure of the NPs. The interaction between the chitosan and the synthesized NPs was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, which showed the capping of the NPs by Cts.
Fulltext Pharmaceutical care issues identified by pharmacists in patients with diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidaemia in primary care settings

Chua SS, Kok LC, Yusof FA, Tang GH, Lee SW, Efendie B, et al.

BMC Health Serv Res, 2012;12:388.
PMID: 23145922 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-12-388

BACKGROUND: The roles of pharmacists have evolved from product oriented, dispensing of medications to more patient-focused services such as the provision of pharmaceutical care. Such pharmacy service is also becoming more widely practised in Malaysia but is not well documented. Therefore, this study is warranted to fill this information gap by identifying the types of pharmaceutical care issues (PCIs) encountered by primary care patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension or hyperlipidaemia in Malaysia.
METHODS: This study was part of a large controlled trial that evaluated the outcomes of multiprofessional collaboration which involved medical general practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians and nurses in managing diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia in primary care settings. A total of 477 patients were recruited by 44 general practitioners in the Klang Valley. These patients were counselled by the various healthcare professionals and followed-up for 6 months.
RESULTS: Of the 477 participants, 53.7% had at least one PCI, with a total of 706 PCIs. These included drug-use problems (33.3%), insufficient awareness and knowledge about disease condition and medication (20.4%), adverse drug reactions (15.6%), therapeutic failure (13.9%), drug-choice problems (9.5%) and dosing problems (3.4%). Non-adherence to medications topped the list of drug-use problems, followed by incorrect administration of medications. More than half of the PCIs (52%) were classified as probably clinically insignificant, 38.9% with minimal clinical significance, 8.9% as definitely clinically significant and could cause patient harm while one issue (0.2%) was classified as life threatening. The main causes of PCIs were deterioration of disease state which led to failure of therapy, and also presentation of new symptoms or indications. Of the 338 PCIs where changes were recommended by the pharmacist, 87.3% were carried out as recommended.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the importance of pharmacists working in collaboration with other healthcare providers especially the medical doctors in identifying and resolving pharmaceutical care issues to provide optimal care for patients with chronic diseases.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00490672.
Study name: Cardiovascular Risk Factors Intervention Strategies (CORFIS) trial

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