Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) is a well- known plant used to improve brain and memory functions in traditional
medicine. Scientifically it was proven to show neurogenic effect on neural cell lines and in rat’s hippocampus. Its effect
on spinal cord (SC) neurons, however, have not been studied. Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of raw
extract of CA (RECA) on neurite outgrowths in an organotypic model of SC injury (OMSCI). OMSCI was prepared using SC
slices obtained from postnatal-day 8 rat pups. Spinal cord tissues were embedded in gelatine gel and sliced to produce
300 µm thick slices. These slices were 100% viable for 8 days in culture. RECA, in concentrations of 0-800 µg/mL was
added to the OMSCI media for 7 days, followed by immunostaining for TUJ-1 and GFAP. The investigated parameters
were mean neurite count, mean neurite length, mean longest neurite and growth ratio. The tested RECA concentrations
showed no cytotoxicity. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests showed no significant difference between groups in all the tested
parameters. This may be due to low content of neurotrophic bioactive compounds content in the extract, which probably
due to differences in geographical location, extraction method and absence of neurotrophic factors in the media. In
conclusion, the tested RECA concentration were found to be safe; but without notable neurotrophic effects on the spinal
cord organotypic model as demonstrated in this study.
Increased the consumption of polyunsaturated (PUFA) and omega-3 fatty acid may be one of the strategies to prevent
morbidity and mortality among elderly. This study aimed to identify the plasma fatty acid profile and intake among
older adults who aged successfully (SA) as compared to the usual agers (UA). This cross-sectional comparative study
was conducted among 48 SA (mean age 66.4+4.7 years old) and 42 UA (mean age 68.4+4.8 years old). The plasma fatty
acid profile was determined using gas chromatography. Fatty acid intake was measured by using the validated Fatty
Acid Omega-3 intake food frequency questionnaire. The percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in blood plasma of
UA (men 62.2+6.4%, women 62.9+7.0%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to SA (men 53.7+15.8%, women
57.1+9.5%). On the other hand, the percentage of monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids were the opposites. Fatty acids intake among SA was higher compared to UA. SFA (SA=5.0+2.5%,
UA=4.6+2.9%) and total omega-3 (SA=0.5+0.4%, UA=0.4+0.3%) intakes met the recommended nutrient intake (RNI).
However, mean intakes of MUFA (SA=5.3+2.4%, UA=4.7+2.7%) and linoleic acid (LA) (SA=0.5+0.7%, UA=0.3+0.5%)
were below than the RNI. Percentages of subjects who did not meet the RNI for omega-3 and MUFA were 44.2% and 97.7%
for SA and 47.4% and 95% for UA, respectively. SA had a higher level of plasma PUFA and MUFA, but lower in SFA when
compared to UA. MUFA and LA were more likely to be inadequate in the diet of older adults, particularly the UA.
Belinjau (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed flour was evaluated for nutritional composition, antioxidant activity and functional properties. Seed flour was found to be rich in protein (19.0g/100g), crude fibre (8.66g/100g), carbohydrates (64.1%), total dietary fibre (14.5%) and encompassed adequate amounts of essential amino acids, fatty acids and minerals. Antioxidant compounds such as total phenols (15.1 and 12.6mgGAE/100g), tannins (35.6 and 16.1mgCE/100g) and flavonoids (709 and 81.6mgCEQ/100g) were higher in ethanolic extracts over aqueous extracts, respectively. Inhibition of DPPH was high in ethanol extracts (48.9%) compared to aqueous extracts (19.7%), whereas aqueous extracts showed a higher FRAP value compared to ethanol extracts (0.98 and 0.61mmolFe(II)/100g, respectively). Results on functional properties revealed acceptable water and oil absorption capacities (5.51 and 1.98g/g, respectively), emulsion capacity and stability (15.3% and 6.90%, respectively), and foaming capacity (5.78%). FTIR spectral analysis showed seed flour to encompass major functional groups such as: amines, amides, amino acids, polysaccharides, carboxylic acids, esters and lipids. As belinjau seed flour possesses a rich nutraceutical value, it has high potential to be used as a basic raw material to develop new low cost nutritious functional foods.
Two hundred and seventeen diabetic patients attending the eye clinic were examined to determine the prevalence of retinal changes, and the association between diabetic retinopathy and risk factors. A detailed fundus examination was done, after dilating the pupils, using 90 D lens and slitlamp biomicroscope. Diabetic retinopathy was detected in 112 patients (51.6%). Background retinopathy was seen in 40 out of 217 (18.4%), pre-proliferative retinopathy in 11 (5.1%), proliferative retinopathy in 61 (28.1%) and maculopathy in 58 (26.7%) patients. Factors significantly associated with occurrence of retinopathy were duration of diabetes, presence of hypertension and presence of systemic complications (diabetic foot ulcer, lower limb amputation, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy).
Study site: Eye clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
One of the major concerns in any pharmacological treatment is the patients' adherence to medication. However, different types of ocular dosage forms might result in different response and compliance from the patients. This study investigated and compared public willingness on different types of dosage forms available for ocular treatment. The study also evaluated their willingness on new approach for the treatment based on their knowledge, attitude, and perception. This study was conducted between October and December 2017 through a set of questionnaires applied to 90 respondents between the age of 18 and 60 years who lived in Muar and Kuantan, Malaysia. The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0 including inferential and descriptive statistics. There was no significant difference in the knowledge level between all age groups towards different types of dosage forms available; eye drops (P = 0.09), eye ointment (P = 0.252), medicated contact lens (P = 0.05), ocular mini-tablets (P = 0.06), and ocular inserts (P = 0.075). There is a variation of results among the public towards different types of dosage forms with their willingness to try conventional and novel approach. Eye drops show the highest willingness followed by eye ointment (less willingness). However, most of them showed no willingness towards medicated contact lens, ocular mini-tablets, and ocular insert. This research hopes to provide an overview on the development process of new formulation and dosage forms based on the patients' willingness level in an attempt to increase patient compliance.
A biosensor formed by a combination of silicon (Si) micropore and graphene nanohole technology is expected to act as a promising device structure to interrogate single molecule biopolymers, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This paper reports a novel technique of using a focused ion beam (FIB) as a tool for direct fabrication of both conical-shaped micropore in Si3N4/Si and a nanohole in graphene to act as a fluidic channel and sensing membrane, respectively. The thinning of thick Si substrate down to 50 µm has been performed prior to a multi-step milling of the conical-shaped micropore with final pore size of 3 µm. A transfer of graphene onto the fabricated conical-shaped micropore with little or no defect was successfully achieved using a newly developed all-dry transfer method. A circular shape graphene nanohole with diameter of about 30 nm was successfully obtained at beam exposure time of 0.1 s. This study opens a breakthrough in fabricating an integrated graphene nanohole and conical-shaped Si micropore structure for biosensor applications.
Integrated microfluidic biosensors enable powerful microscale analyses in biology, physics, and chemistry. However, conventional methods for fabrication of biosensors are dependent on cleanroom-based approaches requiring facilities that are expensive and are limited in access. This is especially prohibitive toward researchers in low- and middle-income countries. In this topical review, we introduce a selection of state-of-the-art, low-cost prototyping approaches of microfluidics devices and miniature sensor electronics for the fabrication of sensor devices, with focus on electrochemical biosensors. Approaches explored include xurography, cleanroom-free soft lithography, paper analytical devices, screen-printing, inkjet printing, and direct ink writing. Also reviewed are selected surface modification strategies for bio-conjugates, as well as examples of applications of low-cost microfabrication in biosensors. We also highlight several factors for consideration when selecting microfabrication methods appropriate for a project. Finally, we share our outlook on the impact of these low-cost prototyping strategies on research and development. Our goal for this review is to provide a starting point for researchers seeking to explore microfluidics and biosensors with lower entry barriers and smaller starting investment, especially ones from low resource settings.
Conductive materials are potential candidates for developing bone tissue engineering scaffolds as they are nontoxic and can enhance bone tissue regeneration. Their bioactivity can be enhanced by depositing biomineralization in simulated body fluid (SBF). In the current study, a composite electrospun membrane made up of poly(lactic) acid, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), and hydroxyapatite was fabricated using an electrospinning method. The fabricated membranes were dip-coated with a conductive polymer solution, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(4-styrenesulfonate), to induce conductivity. Characterization of the membranes based on characteristics such as morphology, chemical bonding, and wettability was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. From the results, biomineralization of both coated and noncoated composite membranes was observed on the surface of nanofibers after 21 days in SBF. The membranes provide a superhydrophilic surface as shown by the contact angle. In conclusion, this biomimetic electrospun composite membrane could be used to further support cell growth for bone tissue engineering application.
Inflammation or inflamm-aging is a chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to numerous types of degenerative diseases among the elderly and might be impeded by introducing an anti-inflammatory agent like Moringa oleifera Lam (moringa) and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger). Therefore, this paper aims to review the role of moringa and ginger in suppressing inflamm-aging to prevent degenerative diseases. Various peer-reviewed publications were searched and downloaded using the reputed search engine "Pubmed" and "Google Scholar". These materials were reviewed and tabulated. A comparison between these previous findings was made based on the mechanism of action of moringa and ginger against degenerative diseases, focusing on their anti-inflammatory properties. Many studies have reported the efficacy of moringa and ginger in type 2 diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and kidney disease by reducing inflammatory cytokines activities, mainly of TNF-α and IL-6. They also enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. The anti-inflammatory activities can be seen by inhibiting NF-κβ activity. Thus, the anti-inflammatory potential of moringa and ginger in various types of degenerative diseases due to inflamm-aging has been shown in many recent types of research.
Currently, the age of the population is increasing as a result of increased life expectancy. Ageing is defined as the progressive loss of physiological integrity, which can be characterized by functional impairment and high vulnerability to various types of diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and atherosclerosis. Numerous studies have reported that the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation contributes to the development of these diseases. In general, oxidative stress could induce proinflammatory cytokines and reduce cellular antioxidant capacity. Increased oxidative stress levels beyond the production of antioxidant agents cause oxidative damage to biological molecules, including DNA, protein, and carbohydrates, which affects normal cell signalling, cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis and leads to disease pathogenesis. Since oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to these diseases, ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the potential herbs that can be used to reduce the level of oxidative stress and inflammation. Ginger consists of two major active components, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, which are essential for preventing oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, this paper will review the effects of ginger on ageing and degenerative diseases, including AD, PD, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and osteoarthritis.
Electrospinning has been acknowledged as an efficient technique for the fabrication of continuous nanofibers from polymeric based materials such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose acetate (CA), chitin nanocrystals and others. These nanofibers exhibit chemical and mechanical stability, high porosity, functionality, high surface area and one-dimensional orientation which make it extremely beneficial in industrial application. In recent years, research on chitin - a biopolymer derived from crustacean and fungal cell wall - had gained interest due to its unique structural arrangement, excellent physical and chemical properties, in which make it biodegradable, non-toxic and biocompatible. Chitin has been widely utilized in various applications such as wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering, membranes, food packaging and others. However, chitin is insoluble in most solvents due to its highly crystalline structure. An appropriate solvent system is required for dissolving chitin to maximize its application and produce a fine and smooth electrospun nanofiber. This review focuses on the preparation of chitin polymer solution through dissolution process using different types of solvent system for electrospinning process. The effect of processing parameters also discussed by highlighting some representative examples. Finally, the perspectives are presented regarding the current application of electrospun chitin nanofibers in selected fields.
Conservation of plant species plays a vital role in preventing the loss of valuable plant resources. The success of conservation depends on the correct identification and characterization of plant species. Bamboo is one of the most important plants with multiple uses that have contributed to the economy and socio-economy of many people in rural areas. It is under the subfamily of Bambusoideae that includes both woody and herbaceous bamboo. Conventionally, like other plants, bamboo has been classified dependently based on morphological characteristics. However, morphological identification leads to difficulties and misclassification of bamboo species due to their infrequent flowering behaviour and peculiar reproductive biology. Since then, molecular markers have been introduced to overcome the problems associated with bamboo taxonomy and phylogeny. This paper provides an overview of the diverse, predominantly molecular techniques used to assess and determine the genetic diversity of bamboo species.
Background: This paper aims to report a rare case of congenital giant cell fibroma (GCF). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of GCF in new-born. Case Report: A healthy one-month-old baby boy was referred to Department of Paediatric Dentistry for management of swelling on the upper left alveolar region which presented since birth. Clinical examination demonstrated a well define firm swelling over the upper left alveolar ridge, otherwise the swelling was asymptomatic. Patient was monitored periodically. At 1 year and 9 months of age, there were episodes of ulcerations and bleeding from the lesion as a result of trauma from eruption of opposing teeth. Surgical excision of the lesion was carried out under general anaesthesia. The histopathological examination (HPE) report interpreted the lesion as GCF. Conclusion: GCF is rare fibrous lesion that could be diagnosed only on HPE. Although it is an uncommon congenital lesion, GCF should be considered as one of differential diagnosis of swelling over the gingiva.
Mild steel plays an essential part in many construction industries due to its low cost and excellent mechanical properties. However, the use of strong acid in pickling, construction, and oil refining processes adds to a serious corrosion problem for mild steel. Two Cu(II) dithiocarbamate (DTC) complexes were successfully synthesised, namely Cu(II) ethyl-benzyl DTC (Cu[EtBenzdtc]2) and Cu(II) butyl-methyl DTC (Cu[BuMedtc]2) complexes, by a condensation reaction and subsequently used to scrutinise the corrosion resistance activity towards mild steel in acidic media. The proposed structures of complexes were characterised by using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies. The melting point for Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 was found around 362–375°C, and 389–392°C for Cu[BuMedtc]2. The percentages of Cu(II) found in Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 and Cu[BuMedtc]2 were 7.6% and 7.5%, respectively. Both complexes were non-electrolyte based on the molar conductivity analysis. Their corrosion inhibition performances were tested by using a weight loss measurement. Cu[BuMedtc]2 showed a good result as a corrosion inhibitor compared to Cu[EtBenzdtc]2. The complexes showed good effectiveness in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) compared to hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Furthermore, Cu[BuMedtc]2 showed a good result as a corrosion inhibitor compared to Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 with the highest percentage of corrosion inhibition recorded at 91.8%. Meanwhile, the highest percentage of corrosion inhibition shown by Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 was only 86.9%. The lowest corrosion rate shown for Cu[BuMedtc]2 was 8.1944×10-4 cm-1 h-1. Meanwhile, the Cu[EtBenzdtc]2 showed the lowest corrosion rate only at 1.3194×10-3 cm-1 h-1. This implies that Cu[BuMedtc]2 showed lower corrosion rate but higher inhibition efficiency compared to Cu[EtBenzdtc]2.
As a biological universal, it is easy to overlook the degree to which culture and religion shape how people sleep, and how quality sleep is conceptualized. In the Western world, sleep hygiene tips are important for an individual to get “a good night’s sleep”. Meanwhile, sleep is also important from an Islamic perspective, which, the Quranand Hadithdiscuss on its types, importance and quality practices. In modern sciences, sleep deprivation is regarded as a significant health issue, however from an Islamic point of view, long sleep hours alone do not determine the efficiency of sleep, but rather it depends on various other factors and follows the sleeping etiquettes of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This narrative review was conducted to highlight sleep from Islamic perspectives in relation to modern sciences. Selected articles discussing sleep from Islamic perspectives and modern sciences were reviewed and summarized. These articles were retrieved from searches of computerized databases and search engines using keywords “Sleep from Islamic perspective”, “Sleep in modern science”, “Sleep hygiene”, “Western world and sleep”, “Sleep deprivation” and “Quality sleep”. A number of six studies were selected (n=6). Analyses found that a productive Muslim sleep routine is divided into three parts; one-third, respectively, for Allah, ourselves and sleep. Sleep hygiene was emphasized and discussed from the Islamic perspectives and the relation with modern sciences: performing ablution and supplicate before sleep, could prepare the body for a deep sleep; dusting the bed before sleep, would get rid of insects that lead to scabies; turning-off lights before sleep to maintain dark environment, could prevent disruption to normal circadian rhythms; early bedtime and early wake-up time, would ensure adequate sleep thus lower the risk of getting chronic diseases; washing the hands after waking-up would get rid of germs accumulated during sleep; and, lying down on the right side is to prevent snoring and to avoid the heart under pressure of the right lung (if lying on the left side). People should not abandon sleep as an important requirement. What has been described in the Quranand Hadith are corresponded with sleep hygiene as identified by modern sleep scientists. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed the importance of sleep for good health, and in the Quran,sleep is described as a blessing from Allah and stressed the importance of the alteration of night and day.
As age advances most of body system will follow a process of deterioration too and the same goes for reproductive health. There is a gap between the prevalence of reproductive health disorders and rates of treatment. This gap among middle aged and older men is still wide compared to other chronic disease. In Islam, seeking medical treatment for the cure of diseases is part of the Prophet’s tradition and the Prophet (PBUH.) said in the Hadith the following: “For every disease there is a medicine, and if that medicine is applied to the disease, he will recover by Allah’s Leave.” Therefore the aim of this study is to identify a health seeking behaviour among men in for men’s health (MH) disorders in Kuantan. A cross sectional study was conducted among 157 respondents from four governments agencies and the data was collected using self-administered questionnaire modified from a valid and reliable measure. The results showed that 68.2% of the respondents (n=107) have high attitude in seeking for health regarding men’s health while for the rest of the respondents (n=50, 31.8%) have low attitude in seeking for MH. Men from the Service factor are perceived the highest compared the other two factors which are cultural and economic factors. This study showed that MH that includes reproductive disorders has always been taken lightly by the community itself. A Lack of awareness regarding ME issue causes men to ignore the importance of health screening. This should be improved in order to produce a healthy community for better Ummahsince good heredity begins with good ME.
Clean water is very important for health and well-being of humans and ecosystem. However, over the year, a billion tons of industrial waste, fertilizers and chemical waste were dumped untreated into water bodies, such as rivers, lake and oceans contributing towards water pollution, then threatening human health and ecosystem. Hence, the need for clean water has urged scientists to research and find solutions for improving water quality. Application of nanoparticles in wastewater treatment improves the environmental quality by elimination of harmful pollutants in wastewater. Magnetite is one of the nanoparticles used in wastewater treatment because of its specific large surface area, high reactivity in adsorption and recoverable from treated water via magnetic separation technology. Preparation method of magnetite nanoparticles is the important key to its adsorption efficiency.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is regarded as multifactorial in origin
and this may influence the diagnosis and treatment plan. Early detection of TMD with suitable
management may provide good response. This study was to relate demographic factors, signs and
symptoms, diagnosis, stage of detection and treatment modalities on review outcome. (Copied from article).
Edible bird’s nest (EBN) originates from South East Asia and has become the most popular food delicacy among Chinese people. The price for raw and clean EBN are around RM 4,000 and RM 8,000 per kg, respectively. Due to the high market value of EBN and low maintenance cost, people ventures and invest in bird’s nest industry. The nesting house resembles the cave is built to attract swiftlets to roost and nest in it in order to meet the world’s growing demand. Out of the blue, in 2011, the EBN’s price falls half from its original price from RM 4,000 to RM 2,000. Nitrate found in raw or unclean EBN is one of the reason price plunges and the public also worried about counterfeit EBN that made from unclear substances. Thus, this review paper aims to highlight the nutritional properties in EBN that give medicinal benefits to consumers and the adulterant in EBN to increase the property contents with the dangerous mechanism by some irresponsible producers to obtain better profit which can threatening public’s health. In relation, these matters may influence consumer’s perception on EBN contents that could harm this industry. For that reason, scientific studies determined ways of handling EBN from scratch and distinguished the adulterant in EBN to reduce consumer anxiety was also discussed. Strict standard operation procedure enforces by the Malaysian Ministry of Health to farmers and producers are required, so that Malaysia EBN would appeal to the China market. Latter it can yield a good result and the price of EBN will slowly increase.
Text localisation determines the location of the text in an image. This process
is performed prior to text recognition. Localising text on shop signage is
a challenging task since the images of the shop signage consist of complex
background, and the text occurs in various font types, sizes, and colours.
Two popular texture features that have been applied to localise text in
scene images are a histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) and speeded up
robust features (SURF). A comparative study is conducted in this paper
to determine which is better with support vector machine (SVM) classifier.
The performance of SVM is influenced by its kernel function and another
comparative study is conducted to identify the best kernel function. The
experiments have been conducted using primary data collected by the
authors. Results indicate that HOG with quadratic kernel function localises
text for shop signage better than SURF.