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Fulltext Impact of hydrogen concentrations on the impedance spectroscopic behavior of Pd-sensitized ZnO nanorods

Kashif M, Ali ME, Ali SM, Hashim U, Hamid SB

Nanoscale Res Lett, 2013;8(1):68.
PMID: 23399029 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-8-68

ZnO nanorods were synthesized using a low-cost sol-gel spin coating technique. The synthesized nanorods were consisted of hexagonal phase having c-axis orientation. SEM images reflected perpendicular ZnO nanorods forming bridging network in some areas. The impact of different hydrogen concentrations on the Pd-sensitized ZnO nanorods was investigated using an impedance spectroscopy (IS). The grain boundary resistance (Rgb) significantly contributed to the sensing properties of hydrogen gas. The boundary resistance was decreased from 11.95 to 3.765 kΩ when the hydrogen concentration was increased from 40 to 360 ppm. IS gain curve showed a gain of 6.5 for 360 ppm of hydrogen at room temperature. Nyquist plot showed reduction in real part of impedance at low frequencies on exposure to different concentrations of hydrogen. Circuit equivalency was investigated by placing capacitors and resistors to identify the conduction mechanism according to complex impedance Nyquist plot. Variations in nanorod resistance and capacitance in response to the introduction of various concentrations of hydrogen gas were obtained from the alternating current impedance spectra.
Bacteria in expressed breastmilk from mothers of premature infants and maternal hygienic status

Dahaban NM, Romli MF, Roslan NR, Kong SS, Cheah FC

Breastfeed Med, 2013 Aug;8(4):422-3.
PMID: 23398139 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2012.0109
Polymer dual ring resonators for label-free optical biosensing using microfluidics

Salleh MH, Glidle A, Sorel M, Reboud J, Cooper JM

Chem Commun (Camb), 2013 Apr 18;49(30):3095-7.
PMID: 23396529 DOI: 10.1039/c3cc38228a

We demonstrate a polymer resonator microfluidic biosensor that overcomes the complex manufacturing procedures required to fabricate traditional devices. In this new format, we show that a gapless light coupling photonic configuration, fabricated in SU8 polymer, can achieve high sensitivity, label-free chemical sensing in solution and high sensitivity biological sensing, at visible wavelengths.
Fulltext Potential of silver against human colon cancer: (synthesis, characterization and crystal structures of xylyl (Ortho, meta, &Para) linked bis-benzimidazolium salts and Ag(I)-NHC complexes: In vitro anticancer studies)

Iqbal MA, Haque RA, Nasri SF, Majid AA, Ahamed MB, Farsi E, et al.

Chem Cent J, 2013;7(1):27.
PMID: 23391345 DOI: 10.1186/1752-153X-7-27

Since the first successful synthesis of Ag(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complex in 1993, this class of compounds has been extensively used for transmetallation reactions where the direct synthesis using other metal ions was either difficult or impossible. Initially, silver(I)-NHC complexes were tested for their catalytic potential but could not get fame because of lower potential compare to other competent compounds in this field; however, these compounds proved to have vital antimicrobial activities. These encouraging biomedical applications further convinced researchers to test these compounds against cancer. The current work has been carried out with this aim.
Highly stable graphene-assisted tunable dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser

Ahmad H, Latif AA, Abdul Khudus MI, Zulkifli AZ, Zulkifli MZ, Thambiratnam K, et al.

Appl Opt, 2013 Feb 1;52(4):818-23.
PMID: 23385923 DOI: 10.1364/AO.52.000818

A highly stable tunable dual-wavelength fiber laser (TDWFL) using graphene as a means to generate a highly stable output is proposed and generated. The TDWFL comprises a 1 m long, highly doped erbium-doped fiber (EDF) acting as the linear gain medium, with a 24-channel arrayed waveguide grating acting as a wavelength slicer as well as a tuning mechanism to generate different wavelength pairs. The tuned wavelength pairs can range from 0.8 to 18.2 nm. A few layers of graphene are incorporated into the laser cavity to induce the four-wave-mixing effect, which stabilizes the dual-wavelength output by suppressing the mode competition that arises as a result of homogenous broadening in the EDF.
Fulltext Methadone dose at the time of release from prison significantly influences retention in treatment: implications from a pilot study of HIV-infected prisoners transitioning to the community in Malaysia

Wickersham JA, Zahari MM, Azar MM, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL

Drug Alcohol Depend, 2013 Sep 01;132(1-2):378-82.
PMID: 23414931 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.01.005

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of methadone dose on post-release retention in treatment among HIV-infected prisoners initiating methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) within prison.
METHODS: Thirty HIV-infected prisoners meeting DSM-IV pre-incarceration criteria for opioid dependence were enrolled in a prison-based, pre-release MMT program in Klang Valley, Malaysia; 3 died before release from prison leaving 27 evaluable participants. Beginning 4 months before release, standardized methadone initiation and dose escalation procedures began with 5mg daily for the first week and 5mg/daily increases weekly until 80 mg/day or craving was satisfied. Participants were followed for 12 months post-release at a MMT clinic within 25 kilometers of the prison. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the impact of methadone dose on post-release retention in treatment.
FINDINGS: Methadone dose ≥80 mg/day at the time of release was significantly associated with retention in treatment. After 12 months of release, only 21.4% of participants on <80 mg were retained at 12 months compared to 61.5% of those on ≥80 mg (Log Rank χ(2)=(1,26) 7.6, p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Higher doses of MMT at time of release are associated with greater retention on MMT after release to the community. Important attention should be given to monitoring and optimizing MMT doses to address cravings and side effects prior to community re-entry from prisons.
Disease related knowledge and quality of life: a descriptive study focusing on hypertensive population in Pakistan

Saleem F, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Atif M, Ul Haq N, Aljadhey H

South Med Rev, 2012 Jul;5(1):47-52.
PMID: 23093899

This study aims to evaluate association between Health related quality of lifeand disease state knowledge among hypertensive population of Pakistan.
Fulltext Glycemic control among pregnant diabetic women on insulin who fasted during ramadan

Ismail NA, Olaide Raji H, Abd Wahab N, Mustafa N, Kamaruddin NA, Abdul Jamil M

Iran J Med Sci, 2011 Dec;36(4):254-9.
PMID: 23115409

BACKGROUND: Ramadan fasting for pregnant women with diabetes remains controversial and underreported. The objective of this study was to determine the glycemic control in pregnant diabetic women on insulin who fasted during Ramadan.
METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out over a period of three years including pregnant diabetic women, who were on short-acting, intermediate-acting, or a combination of them, and opted to carry out Ramadan fasting. Glycemic control was assessed before, middle and after Ramadan fasting.
RESULTS: Thirty seven women opted to fast with 24 (64.9%) of them had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 83.8% of them required combined insulin (short- acting, intermediate-acting) therapy. The age of the participants was 32.13±4.68 years, and the age of their pregnancies was 25.60±7.12 weeks when the study was performed. The median number of days fasted was 25 days, and most of the women were able to fast for more than 15 days. There was no difference between glycemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus women prior to fasting. In the middle of Ramadan, serum fructosamine decreased in both groups. However, only serum HbA1c reduced in gestational diabetes mellitus after Ramadan.
CONCLUSION: the findings indicate that pregnant diabetic women on insulin were able to fast during Ramadan and that their glycemic control was improved during fasting period. They may also suggest that instead of absolute ban on fasting for pregnant diabetic women more practical approach and close consultation with health care providers might be more helpful.
KEYWORDS: Fasting; diabetes; gestational diabetes; insulin; pregnancy
Assessment of general public perceptions toward traditional medicines used for aphrodisiac purpose in state of Penang, Malaysia

Hassali MA, Saleem F, Shafie AA, Al-Qazaz HK, Farooqui M, Aljadhey H, et al.

Complement Ther Clin Pract, 2012 Nov;18(4):257-60.
PMID: 23059442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.06.001

The study aims to evaluate general public perceptions regarding the use of Traditional and Complementary Medicines (TCM) for aphrodisiac purposes. A questionnaire based, cross-sectional study was undertaken. Respondents were selected in the state of Penang, Malaysia. A total of 392 respondents were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Chi Square/Fischer Exact tests were used where appropriate. Out of 392 respondents, 150 (38.26%) reported using specific Traditional medicines for aphrodisiac purposes. Most respondents (46.94%) agreed that aphrodisiac medicines were easily available t. Moreover, 40.31% of the respondents reported that traditional aphrodisiac medicines were cheaper than modern (prescription) medicines. This study highlights limited public knowledge regarding the use of traditional aphrodisiac medicine. Healthcare professionals should be aware of informal TCM usage when prescribing allopathic medicines.
Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) disclosure to the health care providers: a qualitative insight from Malaysian cancer patients

Farooqui M, Hassali MA, Abdul Shatar AK, Shafie AA, Farooqui MA, Saleem F, et al.

Complement Ther Clin Pract, 2012 Nov;18(4):252-6.
PMID: 23059441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.06.005

This study sought to evaluate Malaysian oncology patients CAM disclosure to the health care providers. Patients were interviewed across three major Malaysian ethnic groups, Malay, Chinese and Indian. Thematic content analysis identified three themes: reasons of CAM disclosure, reasons of CAM non-disclosure and preference of CAM discussion to health care providers. Patients agreed that CAM disclosure is important to avoid any interaction with the conventional medicines. Perceived lack of physicians' knowledge & interest in CAM, fear of termination of therapy by the physicians upon CAM disclosure, and perceived simplicity of some of the CAM therapies were among the reasons of non-disclosure. Given the option of oncologists, pharmacists or nurses, patients described oncologists as the most suitable person to discuss or disclose CAM use due to confidence in their clinical skills. Understanding the underlying beliefs of patients' reluctance to disclose CAM to health care providers is important especially when they are on an ongoing treatment for cancer.
Fulltext Quantitative determination of fatty acids in marine fish and shellfish from warm water of Straits of Malacca for nutraceutical purposes

Abd Aziz N, Azlan A, Ismail A, Mohd Alinafiah S, Razman MR

Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:284329.
PMID: 23509703 DOI: 10.1155/2013/284329

This study was conducted to quantitatively determine the fatty acid contents of 20 species of marine fish and four species of shellfish from Straits of Malacca. Most samples contained fairly high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 n3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n3). Longtail shad, yellowstripe scad, and moonfish contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively. Meanwhile, fringescale sardinella, malabar red snapper, black pomfret, Japanese threadfin bream, giant seaperch, and sixbar grouper showed considerably high content (537.2-944.1 mg/100 g wet sample) of desirable omega-3 fatty acids. The polyunsaturated-fatty-acids/saturated-fatty-acids (P/S) ratios for most samples were higher than that of Menhaden oil (P/S = 0.58), a recommended PUFA supplement which may help to lower blood pressure. Yellowstripe scad (highest DHA, ω - 3/ω - 6 = 6.4, P/S = 1.7), moonfish (highest ALA, ω - 3/ω - 6 = 1.9, P/S = 1.0), and longtail shad (highest EPA, ω - 3/ω - 6 = 0.8, P/S = 0.4) were the samples with an outstandingly desirable overall composition of fatty acids. Overall, the marine fish and shellfish from the area contained good composition of fatty acids which offer health benefits and may be used for nutraceutical purposes in the future.
Genetic variation, heritability, divergence and biomass accumulation of rice genotypes resistant to bacterial blight revealed by quantitative traits and ISSR markers

Mazid MS, Rafii MY, Hanafi MM, Rahim HA, Latif MA

Physiol Plant, 2013 Nov;149(3):432-47.
PMID: 23521023 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.12054

A field experiment was carried out in order to evaluate genetic diversity of 41 rice genotypes using physiological traits and molecular markers. All the genotypes unveiled variations for crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), yield per hill (Yhill(-1)), total dry matter (TDM), harvest index (HI), photosynthetic rate (PR), leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b at maximum tillering stage. The CGR values varied from 0.23 to 0.76 gm cm(-2) day(-1). The Yhill(-1) ranged from 15.91 to 92.26 g, while TDM value was in the range of 7.49 to 20.45 g hill(-1). PR was found to vary from 9.40 to 22.34 µmol m(-2) s(-1). PR expressed positive relation with Yhill(-1). Significant positive relation was found between CGR and TDM (r = 0.61**), NAR and CGR (r = 0.62**) and between TDM and NAR (r = 0.31**). High heritability was found in RGR and Yhill(-1). Cluster analysis based on the traits grouped 41 rice genotypes into seven clusters. A total of 310 polymorphic loci were detected across the 20 inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. The UPGMA dendrogram grouped 41 rice genotypes into 11 clusters including several sub-clusters. The Mantel test revealed positive correlation between quantitative traits and molecular markers (r = 0.41). On the basis of quantitative traits and molecular marker analyses parental genotypes, IRBB54 with MR84, IRBB60 with MR84, Purbachi with MR263, IRBB65 with BR29, IRBB65 with Pulut Siding and MRQ74 with Purbachi could be hybridized for future breeding program.
Fulltext Methodology of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), Malaysia, 2011

Omar A, Yusoff MF, Hiong TG, Aris T, Morton J, Pujari S

Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(2):297-305.
PMID: 26451348 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Malaysia participated in the second phase of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2011. GATS, a new component of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System, is a nationally representative household survey of adults 15 years old or above. The objectives of GATS Malaysia were to (i) systematically monitor tobacco use among adults and track key indicators of tobacco control and (ii) track the implementation of some of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC)-recommended demand related policies.
METHODS: GATS Malaysia 2011 was a nationwide cross-sectional survey using multistage stratified sampling to select 5112 nationally representative households. One individual aged 15 years or older was randomly chosen from each selected household and interviewed using handheld device. GATS Core Questionnaire with optional questions was pre-tested and uploaded into handheld devices after repeated quality control processes. Data collectors were trained through a centralized training. Manuals and picture book were prepared to aid in the training of data collectors and during data collection. Field-level data were aggregated on a daily basis and analysed twice a week. Quality controls were instituted to ensure collection of high quality data. Sample weighting and analysis were conducted with the assistance of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
RESULTS: GATS Malaysia received a total response rate of 85.3% from 5112 adults surveyed. Majority of the respondents were 25-44 years old and Malays.
CONCLUSIONS: The robust methodology used in the GATS Malaysia provides national estimates for tobacco used classified by socio-demographic characteristics and reliable data on various dimensions of tobacco control.
Study name: Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS-2011)
Synthesis of 2-methoxybenzoylhydrazone and evaluation of their antileishmanial activity

Taha M, Baharudin MS, Ismail NH, Khan KM, Jaafar FM, Samreen, et al.

Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2013 Jun 1;23(11):3463-6.
PMID: 23608761 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.03.051

Compounds 1-25 showed varying degree of antileishmanial activities with IC50 values ranging between 1.95 and 88.56 μM. Compounds 2, 10, and 11 (IC50=3.29±0.07 μM, 1.95±0.04 μM, and 2.49±0.03 μM, respectively) were found to be more active than standard pentamidine (IC50=5.09±0.04 μM). Compounds 7 (IC50=7.64±0.1 μM), 8 (IC50=13.17±0.46 μM), 18 (IC50=13.15±0.02 μM), and 24 (IC50=15.65±0.41 μM) exhibited good activities. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 19 were found to be moderately active. Compounds 13, 14, 16, 17, 20-25 showed weak activities with IC50 values ranging between 57 and 88 μM.
Three-dimensional morphometric study of the trapezium shape of the trochlea tali

Daud R, Abdul Kadir MR, Izman S, Md Saad AP, Lee MH, Che Ahmad A

J Foot Ankle Surg, 2013 Jul-Aug;52(4):426-31.
PMID: 23623302 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2013.03.007

The trapezium shape of the talar dome limits the use of 2-dimensional plain radiography for morphometric assessment because only 2 of the 4 required parameters can be measured. We used computed tomography data to measure the 4 morphologic parameters of the trochlea tali: anterior width, posterior width, trochlea tali length, and angle of trapezium shape. A total of 99 subjects underwent computed tomography scanning, and the left and right talus bones were both virtually modeled in 3 dimensions. The 4 morphologic parameters were measured 3 times each to obtain the intraclass correlation, and analysis of variance was used to check for any significant differences between the repeated measurements. The average intraclass correlation coefficient for the measurements for 2 to 3 trials was 0.94 ± 0.04. Statistical analyses were performed on the data from all 198 talus bones using SAS software, comparing male and female and left and right bones. All 4 morphometric values were greater in the male group. No significant differences were found between the left and right talus bones. A strong positive correlation was observed between the trochlea tali length and the anterior width. The angle of trapezium shape showed no correlation with the other 3 parameters. The measurements were compared with the dimensions of the current talar components of 4 total ankle arthroplasty implants. However, most of them did not perfectly match the trapezium shape of the talus from our population. We successfully analyzed the trapezium shape of the trochlea tali using reliable virtual 3-dimensional measurements. Compared with other published reports, our study showed a relatively smaller dimension of the trochlea tali than the European counterparts.
Fulltext Emergence of chikungunya seropositivity in healthy Malaysian adults residing in outbreak-free locations: chikungunya seroprevalence results from the Malaysian Cohort

Azami NA, Salleh SA, Shah SA, Neoh HM, Othman Z, Zakaria SZ, et al.

BMC Infect Dis, 2013;13:67.
PMID: 23379541 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-67

In 1998, Malaysia experienced its first chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreak in the suburban areas followed by another two in 2006 (rural areas) and 2008 (urban areas), respectively. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of documented data regarding the magnitude of CHIKV exposure in the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of chikungunya virus infection in healthy Malaysian adults residing in outbreak-free locations.
Fulltext A qualitative exploration of Malaysian cancer patients' perceptions of cancer screening

Farooqui M, Hassali MA, Knight A, Shafie AA, Farooqui MA, Saleem F, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2013;13:48.
PMID: 23331785 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-48

Despite the existence of different screening methods, the response to cancer screening is poor among Malaysians. The current study aims to examine cancer patients' perceptions of cancer screening and early diagnosis.
Fulltext Towards an effective control programme of soil-transmitted helminth infections among Orang Asli in rural Malaysia. Part 2: Knowledge, attitude, and practices

Nasr NA, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ahmed A, Roslan MA, Bulgiba A

Parasit Vectors, 2013;6:28.
PMID: 23356968 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-28

In the first part of this study, we investigated the prevalence and associated key factors of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among Orang Asli children in rural Malaysia; an alarming high prevalence and five key factors significantly associated with infections were reported. Part 2 of this study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on STH infections among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia.
Fulltext Towards an effective control programme of soil-transmitted helminth infections among Orang Asli in rural Malaysia. Part 1: prevalence and associated key factors

Nasr NA, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ahmed A, Roslan MA, Bulgiba A

Parasit Vectors, 2013;6:27.
PMID: 23356952 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-27

Despite the continuous efforts to improve the quality of life of Orang Asli (Aborigines) communities, these communities are still plagued with a wide range of health problems including parasitic infections. The first part of this study aimed at determining the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and identifying their associated factors among rural Orang Asli children.
In situ derivatization hollow fibre liquid-phase microextraction for the determination of biogenic amines in food samples

Saaid M, Saad B, Ali AS, Saleh MI, Basheer C, Lee HK

J Chromatogr A, 2009 Jul 3;1216(27):5165-70.
PMID: 19481215 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.04.091

Hollow fibre liquid-phase microextraction with in situ derivatization using dansyl chloride has been successfully developed for the high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) determination of the biogenic amines (tryptamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine) in food samples. Parameters affecting the performance of the in situ derivatization process such as type of extraction solvent, temperature, extraction time, stirring speed and salt addition were studied and optimized. Under the optimized conditions (extraction solvent, dihexyl ether; acceptor phase, 0.1M HCl; extraction time, 30 min; extraction temperature, 26 degrees C; without addition of salt), enrichment factors varying from 47 to 456 were achieved. Good linearity of the analytes was obtained over a concentration range of 0.1-5 microg mL(-1) (with correlation coefficients of 0.9901-0.9974). The limits of detection and quantification based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3-10, ranged from 0.0075 to 0.030 microg mL(-1) and 0.03 to 0.10 microg mL(-1), respectively. The relative standard deviations based on the peak areas for six replicate analysis of water spiked with 0.5 microg mL(-1) of each biogenic amine were lower than 7.5%. The method was successfully applied to shrimp sauce and tomato ketchup samples, offering an interesting alternative to liquid-liquid extraction and solid phase extraction for the analysis of biogenic amines in food samples.

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