Displaying publications 3401 - 3420 of 10026 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Seroprevalence of dengue among healthy adults in a rural community in Southern Malaysia: a pilot study
    Dhanoa A, Hassan SS, Jahan NK, Reidpath DD, Fatt QK, Ahmad MP, et al.
    Infect Dis Poverty, 2018 Jan 16;7(1):1.
    PMID: 29335021 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-017-0384-1
    BACKGROUND: The frequency and magnitude of dengue epidemics continue to increase exponentially in Malaysia, with a shift in the age range predominance toward adults and an expansion to rural areas. Despite this, information pertaining to the extent of transmission of dengue virus (DENV) in the rural community is lacking. This community-based pilot study was conducted to establish DENV seroprevalence amongst healthy adults in a rural district in Southern Malaysia, and to identify influencing factors.

    METHODS: In this study undertaken between April and May 2015, a total of 277 adult participants were recruited from households across three localities in the Sungai Segamat subdistrict in Segamat district. Sera were tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Panbio® Dengue Indirect IgG ELISA/high-titer capture) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) (Panbio®) antibodies. The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was conducted on random samples of IgG-positive sera for further confirmation. Medical history and a recall of previous history of dengue were collected through interviews, whereas sociodemographic information was obtained from an existing database.

    RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence for DENV infection was 86.6% (240/277) (95% CI: 83-91%). Serological evidence of recent infection (IgM/high-titer capture IgG) was noted in 11.2% (31/277) of participants, whereas there was evidence of past infection in 75.5% (209/277) of participants (indirect IgG minus recent infections). The PRNT assay showed that the detected antibodies were indeed specific to DENV. The multivariate analysis showed that the older age group was significantly associated with past DENV infections. Seropositivity increased with age; 48.5% in the age group of <25 years to more than 85% in age group of >45 years (P 

  2. Fulltext Preparation, Characterization, and Radiolabeling of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-Pamidronic Acid: A Potential PET Bone Imaging Agent
    Ashhar Z, Yusof NA, Ahmad Saad FF, Mohd Nor SM, Mohammad F, Bahrin Wan Kamal WH, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Jun 09;25(11).
    PMID: 32526838 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112668
    Early diagnosis of bone metastases is crucial to prevent skeletal-related events, and for that, the non-invasive techniques to diagnose bone metastases that make use of image-guided radiopharmaceuticals are being employed as an alternative to traditional biopsies. Hence, in the present work, we tested the efficacy of a gallium-68 (68Ga)-based compound as a radiopharmaceutical agent towards the bone imaging in positron emitting tomography (PET). For that, we prepared, thoroughly characterized, and radiolabeled [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-pamidronic acid radiopharmaceutical, a 68Ga precursor for PET bone cancer imaging applications. The preparation of NODAGA-pamidronic acid was performed via the N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester strategy and was characterized using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MSn). The unreacted NODAGA chelator was separated using the ion-suppression reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method, and the freeze-dried NODAGA-pamidronic acid was radiolabeled with 68Ga. The radiolabeling condition was found to be most optimum at a pH ranging from 4 to 4.5 and a temperature of above 60 °C. From previous work, we found that the pamidronic acid itself has a good bone binding affinity. Moreover, from the analysis of the results, the ionic structure of radiolabeled [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-pamidronic acid has the ability to improve the blood clearance and may exert good renal excretion, enhance the bone-to-background ratio, and consequently the final image quality. This was reflected by both the in vitro bone binding assay and in vivo animal biodistribution presented in this research.
  3. Fulltext Assessment of Potential Risk Factors and Skin Ultrasound Presentation Associated with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema in Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors
    Yusof KM, Avery-Kiejda KA, Ahmad Suhaimi S, Ahmad Zamri N, Rusli MEF, Mahmud R, et al.
    Diagnostics (Basel), 2021 Jul 21;11(8).
    PMID: 34441238 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081303
    Breast cancer has been reported to have the highest survival rate among various cancers. However, breast cancer survivors face several challenges following breast cancer treatment including breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), sexual dysfunction, and psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors of BCRL in long term breast cancer survivors. A total of 160 female breast cancer subjects were recruited on a voluntary basis and arm lymphedema was assessed through self-reporting of diagnosis, arm circumference measurement, and ultrasound examination. A total of 33/160 or 20.5% of the women developed BCRL with significantly higher scores for upper extremity disability (37.14 ± 18.90 vs. 20.08 ± 15.29, p < 0.001) and a lower score for quality of life (103.91 ± 21.80 vs. 115.49 ± 16.80, p = 0.009) as compared to non-lymphedema cases. Univariate analysis revealed that multiple surgeries (OR = 5.70, 95% CI: 1.21-26.8, p < 0.001), axillary lymph nodes excision (>10) (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 0.94-8.11, p = 0.047), being overweight (≥25 kg/m2) (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.04 - 6.38, p = 0.036), received fewer post-surgery rehabilitation treatment (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.05-5.39, p = 0.036) and hypertension (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.01-5.62, p = 0.043) were associated with an increased risk of BCRL. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis showed that multiple surgeries remained significant and elevated the likelihood of BCRL (OR = 5.83, 95% CI: 1.14-29.78, p = 0.034). Arm swelling was more prominent in the forearm area demonstrated by the highest difference of arm circumference measurement when compared to the upper arm (2.07 ± 2.48 vs. 1.34 ± 1.91 cm, p < 0.001). The total of skinfold thickness of the affected forearm was also significantly higher than the unaffected arms (p < 0.05) as evidenced by the ultrasound examination. The continuous search for risk factors in specific populations may facilitate the development of a standardized method to reduce the occurrence of BCRL and provide better management for breast cancer patients.
  4. Fulltext Development and validation of a cognitive, affective and behaviour questionnaire on pet-associated zoonotic diseases (CAB-ZDQ)
    Yong TSM, Panting AJ, Juatan N, Perialathan K, Ahmad M, Ahmad Sanusi NH, et al.
    Vet Med Sci, 2021 Sep;7(5):1558-1563.
    PMID: 34137200 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.547
    BACKGROUND: Zoonoses among household pets are recognized as disease and infections transmitted between animals and humans. World Health Organization-estimated zoonotic diseases have contributed about one billion cases of illness and millions of mortalities every year. Despite the emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease, most pet owners are unaware of the risks posed by their pets. As there are a lack of studies assessing infections at home, this study aimed to develop and validate a cognitive, affective and behaviour questionnaire (CAB-ZDQ) to assess household pets' zoonotic diseases.

    METHODS: This paper covers detailed explanation on the various developmental and validation process stages of the CAB zoonotic disease questionnaire development. The development phase comprised thorough literature search, focus group discussion, expert panel assessment and review. The validation process included pre-test and pilot testing, data analysis of results, analysis of internal consistency and the development of the final version of the questionnaire. Participants selected represented main ethnicities, gender, levels of education and population type (urban/rural) in the Klang Valley area.

    RESULTS: The items in the questionnaire has undergone various changes in structurally and linguistically. The final refined CAB questionnaire consists of 14 items cognitive (no items removed at pilot phase), nine items affective (one item removed at pilot phase) and five items behaviour (no items removed from pre-test phase), respectively. Reliability analysis revealed Cronbach's alpha values were 0.700 (cognitive) and 0.606 (affective) which indicated good internal consistency after item reduction.

    CONCLUSIONS: The developed questionnaire has proved its feasibility in assessing the Malaysian general population cognitive, affective and behavior regarding the household pets' zoonotic diseases.

  5. Portable electrochemical immunosensor for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis secreted protein CFP10-ESAT6 in clinical sputum samples
    Mohd Azmi UZ, Yusof NA, Abdullah J, Alang Ahmad SA, Mohd Faudzi FN, Ahmad Raston NH, et al.
    Mikrochim Acta, 2021 01 06;188(1):20.
    PMID: 33404779 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-020-04669-x
    An early detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is very important to reduce the number of fatal cases and allow for fast recovery. However, the interpretation of the result from smear microscopy requires skilled personnel due to the propensity of the method to produce false-negative results. In this work, a portable, rapid, and simple sandwich-type immunosensor reader has been developed that is able to detect the presence of M. tuberculosis in sputum samples. By using sandwich-type immunosensor, an anti-CFP10-ESAT6 antibody was immobilized onto the graphene/polyaniline (GP/PANI)-modified gold screen-printed electrode. After incubation with the target CFP10-ESAT6 antigen, the iron/gold magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4/Au MNPs) conjugated with anti-CFP10-ESAT6 antibody were used to complete the sandwich format. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique was used to detect the CFP10-ESAT6 antigen at the potential range of 0.0-1.0 V. The detection time is less than 2 h. Under optimal condition, CFP10-ESAT6 antigen was detected in a linear range from 10 to 500 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection at 1.5 ng mL-1. The method developed from this process was then integrated into a portable reader. The performance of the sensor was investigated and compared with the standard methods (culture and smear microscopy). It provides a good correlation (100% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity) with both methods of detection for M. tuberculosis in sputum samples henceforth, demonstrating the potential of the device as a more practical screening tool.Graphical abstract.
  6. Fulltext Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Decorated with Carbon Quantum Dots and Triangular Ag Nanoparticles for Chlorophyll Detection
    Nazri NAA, Azeman NH, Bakar MHA, Mobarak NN, Luo Y, Arsad N, et al.
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2021 Dec 23;12(1).
    PMID: 35009983 DOI: 10.3390/nano12010035
    This paper demonstrates carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with triangular silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as the sensing materials of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensors for chlorophyll detection. The CQDs and AgNPs were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal process and a direct chemical reduction process, respectively. FTIR analysis shows that a CQD consists of NH2, OH, and COOH functional groups. The appearance of C=O and NH2 at 399.5 eV and 529.6 eV in XPS analysis indicates that functional groups are available for adsorption sites for chlorophyll interaction. A AgNP-CQD composite was coated on the glass slide surface using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) as a coupling agent and acted as the active sensing layer for chlorophyll detection. In LSPR sensing, the linear response detection for AgNP-CQD demonstrates R2 = 0.9581 and a sensitivity of 0.80 nm ppm-1, with a detection limit of 4.71 ppm ranging from 0.2 to 10.0 ppm. Meanwhile, a AgNP shows a linear response of R2 = 0.1541 and a sensitivity of 0.25 nm ppm-1, with the detection limit of 52.76 ppm upon exposure to chlorophyll. Based on these results, the AgNP-CQD composite shows a better linearity response and a higher sensitivity than bare AgNPs when exposed to chlorophyll, highlighting the potential of AgNP-CQD as a sensing material in this study.
  7. Biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) microplastics by floc-forming bacteria, Bacillus cereus strain SHBF2, isolated from a commercial aquafarm
    Hossain S, Shukri ZNA, Waiho K, Ibrahim YS, Kamaruzzan AS, Rahim AIA, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr 22.
    PMID: 38644425 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33337-3
    The ubiquitous proximity of the commonly used microplastic (MP) particles particularly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) poses a serious threat to the environment and human health globally. Biological treatment as an environment-friendly approach to counter MP pollution has recent interest when the bio-agent has beneficial functions in their ecosystem. This study aimed to utilize beneficial floc-forming bacteria Bacillus cereus SHBF2 isolated from an aquaculture farm in reducing the MP particles (PE, PP, and PS) from their environment. The bacteria were inoculated for 60 days in a medium containing MP particle as a sole carbon source. On different days of incubation (DOI), the bacterial growth analysis was monitored and the MP particles were harvested to examine their weight loss, surface changes, and alterations in chemical properties. After 60 DOI, the highest weight loss was recorded for PE, 6.87 ± 0.92%, which was further evaluated to daily reduction rate (k), 0.00118 day-1, and half-life (t1/2), 605.08 ± 138.52 days. The OD value (1.74 ± 0.008 Abs.) indicated the higher efficiency of bacteria for PP utilization, and so for the colony formation per define volume (1.04 × 1011 CFU/mL). Biofilm formation, erosions, cracks, and fragments were evident during the observation of the tested MPs using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The formation of carbonyl and alcohol group due to the oxidation and hydrolysis by SHBF2 strain were confirmed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, the alterations of pH and CO2 evolution from each of the MP type ensures the bacterial activity and mineralization of the MP particles. The findings of this study have confirmed and indicated a higher degree of biodegradation for all of the selected MP particles. B. cereus SHBF2, the floc-forming bacteria used in aquaculture, has demonstrated a great potential for use as an efficient MP-degrading bacterium in the biofloc farming system in the near future to guarantee a sustainable green aquaculture production.
  8. Fulltext Novel GIS Based Machine Learning Algorithms for Shallow Landslide Susceptibility Mapping
    Shirzadi A, Soliamani K, Habibnejhad M, Kavian A, Chapi K, Shahabi H, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2018 Nov 05;18(11).
    PMID: 30400627 DOI: 10.3390/s18113777
    The main objective of this research was to introduce a novel machine learning algorithm of alternating decision tree (ADTree) based on the multiboost (MB), bagging (BA), rotation forest (RF) and random subspace (RS) ensemble algorithms under two scenarios of different sample sizes and raster resolutions for spatial prediction of shallow landslides around Bijar City, Kurdistan Province, Iran. The evaluation of modeling process was checked by some statistical measures and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results show that, for combination of sample sizes of 60%/40% and 70%/30% with a raster resolution of 10 m, the RS model, while, for 80%/20% and 90%/10% with a raster resolution of 20 m, the MB model obtained a high goodness-of-fit and prediction accuracy. The RS-ADTree and MB-ADTree ensemble models outperformed the ADTree model in two scenarios. Overall, MB-ADTree in sample size of 80%/20% with a resolution of 20 m (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.942) and sample size of 60%/40% with a resolution of 10 m (AUC = 0.845) had the highest and lowest prediction accuracy, respectively. The findings confirm that the newly proposed models are very promising alternative tools to assist planners and decision makers in the task of managing landslide prone areas.
  9. Fulltext Prevalence of recent occupational injury and its associated factors among food industry workers in Selangor
    Dapari R, Mahfot MH, Chiu Yan Yee F, Ahmad ANI, Magayndran K, Ahmad Zamzuri M'I, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(11):e0293987.
    PMID: 37943862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293987
    INTRODUCTION: Malaysia's gross domestic product is heavily influenced by the food and beverage sector and the contribution of the industry to the national economy is expected to increase in the coming years. Thus, the need for employees in the food industry will continue to rise as this sector grows. Nevertheless, employees in the food industry are exposed to various occupational hazards that can lead to occupational injuries, mainly related to kitchen work. Given the increasing number of employees in the food industry and the rising trend of occupational injuries, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of recent occupational injuries and their associated factors and predictors among food industry workers.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among food industry workers in Selangor, Malaysia. The respondents were sampled using a multistage random sampling method. Data were collected via online self-administered questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models in the SPSS software, version 25.

    RESULTS: A total of 250 responses were received from 342 samples, with an overall response rate of 73.0%. The prevalence of recent occupational injuries among food industry workers was 44.8%. Statistically, significant associations were present between occupational injuries and alcohol consumption (p = 0.001), poor knowledge (p = 0.031), poor compliance (p = 0.021), poor safety management (p = 0.021), poor safety training (p = 0.002), poor safety culture (p = 0.003), physical exposure (p < 0.001), and ergonomic exposure (p = 0.009). The predictors for recent occupational injuries among food industry workers were Malay (adjusted Odds Ratio; aOR = 2.60, p = 0.027, 95% Confidence Interval; CI = 1.116, 6.035), alcohol consumption (aOR = 5.31, p = 0.001, 95% CI = 2.042, 13.779), poor knowledge (aOR = 1.98, p = 0.032, 95% CI = 1.059, 3.691), poor safety culture (aOR = 2.44, p = 0.002, 95% CI = 1.372, 4.342), and exposure to physical hazards (aOR = 8.88, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 3.031, 26.014).

    CONCLUSION: This study has found a high prevalence of occupational injuries among food industry workers, thereby highlighting the importance of addressing alcohol consumption, improving worker knowledge, enhancing work safety culture, and better control measures on exposure to physical hazards, especially among Malay workers. By prioritising these factors, employers can create safer work environments and minimise the risk of occupational injuries.

  10. Heavy metals in offal and canned food sold in the Malaysian market
    Anual ZF, Ahmad NI, Anak Robun C, Ahmad Suhaimi LR, Surawi NH, Sudin K, et al.
    Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2023 Oct 26.
    PMID: 37883683 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2023.2272726
    Food contaminated with heavy metals poses a serious threat to consumers. This study aims to assess levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in offals of chicken, cattle, and pig as well as tin (Sn) in canned food. A total of 378 offal samples was collected from wet markets, while 218 canned food samples were purchased locally. Samples were digested using a microwave before analysis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb was determined, highest in cattle lung (0.11 ± 0.20 mg/kg) followed by cattle spleen (0.09 ± 0.14 mg/kg), and cattle tripe (0.09 ± 0.12 mg/kg). For Cd, the highest concentrations were in cattle liver (0.13 ± 0.12 mg/kg), pig liver (0.08 ± 0.05 mg/kg), and chicken liver (0.03 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Significant variations of Sn levels existed in different canned food categories with 3.21% samples (n = 7) exceeded the maximum level of 250 mg/kg set by Codex Alimentarius. All offal samples were below the Malaysian regulatory limits, indicating their safety for human consumption. However, Sn levels varied significantly among canned food categories, with the highest levels found in canned pineapple chunks in syrup, mixed pineapple cubes in syrup, pineapple slices and longan. Samples exceeding the maximum level set by Codex Alimentarius may pose a risk to consumers.
  11. Fulltext Comprehensive literature review of monkeypox
    Hatmal MM, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Olaimat AN, Ahmad S, Hasan H, Ahmad Suhaimi NA, et al.
    Emerg Microbes Infect, 2022 Dec;11(1):2600-2631.
    PMID: 36263798 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2132882
    The current outbreak of monkeypox (MPX) infection has emerged as a global matter of concern in the last few months. MPX is a zoonosis caused by the MPX virus (MPXV), which is one of the Orthopoxvirus species. Thus, it is similar to smallpox caused by the variola virus, and smallpox vaccines and drugs have been shown to be protective against MPX. Although MPX is not a new disease and is rarely fatal, the current multi-country MPX outbreak is unusual because it is occurring in countries that are not endemic for MPXV. In this work, we reviewed the extensive literature available on MPXV to summarize the available data on the major biological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of the virus and the important scientific findings. This review may be helpful in raising awareness of MPXV transmission, symptoms and signs, prevention and protective measures. It may also be of interest as a basis for performance of studies to further understand MPXV, with the goal of combating the current outbreak and boosting healthcare services and hygiene practices.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02977715..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03745131..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00728689..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02080767..
  12. Porous NiTi Dental Implant Fabricated by a Metal Injection Molding: An in Vivo Biocompatibility Evaluation in an Animal Model
    Mustafa NWNA, Ahmad R, Ahmad Khushaini MA, Kamar Affendi NH, Ab Ghani SM, Tan SK, et al.
    ACS Biomater Sci Eng, 2024 Jan 08;10(1):405-419.
    PMID: 38040671 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01551
    This study assessed the corrosion resistance, intracutaneous reactivity, acute systemic toxicity, and in situ tissue effect of the implantation of porous NiTi fabricated by metal injection molding in animal models. For the intracutaneous reactivity study, five intracutaneous injections were administered per site with and without the tested extract in polar and nonpolar solutions. The extract was also delivered via intravenous and intraperitoneal routes for acute systemic toxicity. TiAl6 V4 (control) and porous NiTi were implanted in rabbit femora for a period of 13 weeks to evaluate the in situ tissue response. Corrosion was evaluated through open and cyclic polarization in PBS, while biocompatibility was investigated by assessing the general conditions, skin irritation score (edema and erythema), and histopathology. No active dissolution or hysteresis loop was observed in the corrosion study. None of the animals exhibited death, moribundity, impending death, severe pain, self-mutilation, or overgrooming. No edema was observed at injection sites. Only the positive control showed an erythematous reaction at 24, 48, and 72 h observations (p < 0.001). Porous NiTi showed a low in situ biological response for inflammation, neovascularization, and fibrosis in comparison to the control implant (p = 0.247, 0.005, and 0.011, respectively). Porous NiTi also demonstrated high pitting corrosion resistance while causing no acute hypersensitivity or acute systemic toxicity. The study concludes that porous NiTi implants were unlikely to cause local sensitization, acute systemic toxicity, or chronic inflammatory reactions in an animal model. Porous NiTi also exhibited osseointegration equivalent to Ti6AI4 V of known biocompatibility.
  13. Gait analysis of national athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction following three stages of rehabilitation program: Symmetrical perspective
    Hadizadeh M, Amri S, Mohafez H, Roohi SA, Mokhtar AH
    Gait Posture, 2016 07;48:152-158.
    PMID: 27318454 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.05.002
    This study aimed to objectively evaluate changes in gait kinematics, kinetics and symmetry among anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed athletes during rehabilitation. Twenty-two national athletes with ACL reconstruction and 15 healthy athletes were recruited for the study. Gait data were collected between the weeks 4-5, 8-9, and 12-13 post-operation using three-dimensional motion analysis system. Five separate components, including knee range of motion (ROM), vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), their symmetries and knee extension moment were evaluated. One way and repeated measure multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to analyze the knee ROMs. The VGRF and extension moment were tested using repeated measure ANOVA and independent sample t-test. Findings indicated significant alterations in all measured components between patients' Test 1 and control group. Repeated measure analysis revealed significant effect for time in components of knee angular and VGRF (P<0.001), their symmetry index (P=0.03) and knee extension moment (P=0.045). Univariate outcomes demonstrated significant improvement in the injured limb's stance and swing (P<0.001), and single-stance (P=0.005) ROMs over time. Symmetry indexes of stance and swing ROM, and VGRF reduced significantly by 26.3% (P=0.001), 17.9% (P<0.001), and 31.9% (P=0.03) respectively. After three months, symmetry indexes of single-stance ROM and VGRF along with operated knee extension moment were the only variables which showed significant differences with control group. The rehabilitation program allowed national athletes to restore the operated limb's gait parameters except knee extension moment by 12-13 weeks post-reconstruction; however, more time is required to normalize single-stance ROM and VGRF asymmetries.
  14. Fulltext The Relationship Between Tear Ferning Patterns and Non-invasive Tear Break-up Time in Normal Asian Population
    Sharanjeet-Kaur, Ho CY, Mutalib HA, Ghazali AR
    J Optom, 2016 Jul-Sep;9(3):175-81.
    PMID: 26652245 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2015.10.004
    PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between tear ferning patterns (TFP) and non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) in normal Asian subjects.

    METHODS: One hundred and forty-five adults with no ocular surface disorders were recruited. TFP and NIBUT were determined. Tears were collected using a capillary tube and allowed to air dry at room temperature for 10min. TFP was later observed using a light microscope and classified according to Rolando's classification. Measurement for NIBUT was obtained using a Tearscope with the slit lamp magnification.

    RESULTS: It was found that there is no significant difference between gender in TFP (Z=-1.77, P>.05) and NIBUT (Z=-1.475, P>.05). There is also no significant difference between Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other races in TFP, (H(3)=4.85, P>.05) and NIBUT (H(3)=2.18, P>.05). However, there is a significant difference between age groups of 20-29, 30-39, 40-49,and 50-60 years old in both TFP (H(3)=28.25, P
  15. Fulltext The Prophylactic Effect of Probiotic Enterococcus lactis IW5 against Different Human Cancer Cells
    Nami Y, Haghshenas B, Haghshenas M, Abdullah N, Yari Khosroushahi A
    Front Microbiol, 2015;6:1317.
    PMID: 26635778 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01317
    Enterococcus lactis IW5 was obtained from human gut and the potential probiotic characteristics of this organism were then evaluated. Results showed that this strain was highly resistant to low pH and high bile salt and adhered strongly to Caco-2 human epithelial colorectal cell lines. The supernatant of E. lactis IW5 strongly inhibited the growth of several pathogenic bacteria and decreased the viability of different cancer cells, such as HeLa, MCF-7, AGS, HT-29, and Caco-2. Conversely, E. lactis IW5 did not inhibit the viability of normal FHs-74 cells. This strain did not generate toxic enzymes, including β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase and was highly susceptible to ampicillin, gentamycin, penicillin, vancomycin, clindamycin, sulfamethoxazol, and chloramphenicol but resistant to erythromycin and tetracyclin. This study provided evidence for the effect of E. lactis IW5 on cancer cells. Therefore, E. lactis IW5, as a bioactive therapeutics, should be subjected to other relevant tests to verify the therapeutic suitability of this strain for clinical applications.
  16. Modeling air quality in main cities of Peninsular Malaysia by using a generalized Pareto model
    Masseran N, Razali AM, Ibrahim K, Latif MT
    Environ Monit Assess, 2016 Jan;188(1):65.
    PMID: 26718946 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-5070-9
    The air pollution index (API) is an important figure used for measuring the quality of air in the environment. The API is determined based on the highest average value of individual indices for all the variables which include sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and suspended particulate matter (PM10) at a particular hour. API values that exceed the limit of 100 units indicate an unhealthy status for the exposed environment. This study investigates the risk of occurrences of API values greater than 100 units for eight urban areas in Peninsular Malaysia for the period of January 2004 to December 2014. An extreme value model, known as the generalized Pareto distribution (GPD), has been fitted to the API values found. Based on the fitted model, return period for describing the occurrences of API exceeding 100 in the different cities has been computed as the indicator of risk. The results obtained indicated that most of the urban areas considered have a very small risk of occurrence of the unhealthy events, except for Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Klang. However, among these three cities, it is found that Klang has the highest risk. Based on all the results obtained, the air quality standard in urban areas of Peninsular Malaysia falls within healthy limits to human beings.
  17. Transcriptome analysis of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection
    Mehrbod P, Harun MS, Shuid AN, Omar AR
    Methods Mol Biol, 2015;1282:241-50.
    PMID: 25720485 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2438-7_20
    Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a lethal systemic disease caused by FIP virus (FIPV). There are no effective vaccines or treatment available, and the virus virulence determinants and pathogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we describe the sequencing of RNA extracted from Crandell Rees Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells infected with FIPV using the Illumina next-generation sequencing approach. Bioinformatics analysis, based on Felis catus 2X annotated shotgun reference genome, using CLC bio Genome Workbench is used to map both control and infected cells. Kal's Z test statistical analysis is used to analyze the differentially expressed genes from the infected CRFK cells. In addition, RT-qPCR analysis is used for further transcriptional profiling of selected genes in infected CRFK cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from healthy and FIP-diagnosed cats.
  18. A unilateral optic perineuritis in a teenager - A case report
    Ameilia A, Shatriah I, Wan-Hitam WH, Yunus R
    Brain Dev, 2015 Jun;37(6):635-7.
    PMID: 25457086 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2014.09.011
    Optic perineuritis is an uncommon inflammatory disorder that involves optic nerve sheath. Numerous case reports have been published on optic perineuritis in adults, the majority of whom had bilateral presentation. There are limited data on optic perineuritis occurring in pediatric patients. We report a teenager who presented with a unilateral sign that mimicked the presentation of optic neuritis. The orbit and brain magnetic resonance imaging confirmed features of unilateral optic perineuritis. She was treated with a high dose of corticosteroids for 2weeks, and her final visual outcome was satisfactory. No signs of relapse were noted during follow-up visits.
  19. Mercury contamination in the estuaries and coastal sediments of the Strait of Malacca
    Looi LJ, Aris AZ, Yusoff FM, Hashim Z
    Environ Monit Assess, 2015 Jan;187(1):4099.
    PMID: 25380712 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-4099-5
    Sediment is a great indicator for assessing coastal mercury contamination. This work profiled the magnitude of mercury pollution in the tropical estuaries and coastal sediments of the Strait of Malacca. Mercury was extracted through the ultrasound-assisted mercury extraction method and analyzed using the flow injection mercury system. The mean concentration of mercury in the sediment samples was 61.43 ± 23.25 μg/kg, ranging from 16.55 ± 0.61 to 114.02 ± 1.54 μg/kg. Geoaccumulation index revealed that a total of 13% of sampling sites were moderately enriched with mercury. The northern part of the Strait of Malacca had the highest mean mercury (Hg) concentration (76.36 ± 27.25 μg/kg), followed by the southern (64.59 ± 16.09 μg/kg) and central (39.33 ± 12.91 μg/kg) parts. Sediment mercury concentration in the current study was lower than other regions like Japan, China, Indian, east Mediterranean, and Taiwan. When compared to the Canadian interim marine and freshwater sediment, China's soil interim environmental guidelines, mercury contamination in the Strait of Malacca was found to be below these permissible limits. Sediment organic matter content was found to have significant correlation with sediment mercury concentration. This study could provide the latest benchmark of mercury pollution and prove beneficial to future pollution studies in relation to monitoring works in tropical estuaries and coastal sediments.
  20. Fulltext Budget impact analysis of peritoneal dialysis versus. Conventional in-center hemodialysis in malaysia
    Bavanandan S, Ahmad G, Teo AH, Chen L, Liu FX
    Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A811.
    PMID: 27203070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.555
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links