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Fulltext Necrotizing Pneumonia Due To Rhodococcus Hoagii In A Patient With Advanced Retroviral Disease

Gan YL, Chang CY, Yusoff YK, Radhakrishnan AP

J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad, 2022;34(4):877-879.
PMID: 36566419 DOI: 10.55519/JAMC-04-10234

Rhodococcus hoagii is a well-known zoonotic disease, especially in foals. Its occurrence in humans is uncommon and usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. We present a case of Rhodococcus hoagii infection resulting in necrotizing pneumonia in a patient with advanced retroviral disease who had defaulted treatment. Effective treatment of Rhodococcus hoagii infection requires a combination of antibiotics. We also highlighted the importance of effective communication between clinicians and microbiologists so that prompt treatment can be initiated to improve patient outcomes.
Fulltext Characteristics of mentoring programmes in the early phase of medical training at the Universiti Sains, Malaysia

Mat Nor ZM, Yusoff SBM, Abdul Rahim FA

J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2017 Aug;12(4):343-348.
PMID: 31435261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.01.003

OBJECTIVE: Mentoring programmes are important elements of the personal and professional development of medical students. Mentors must focus on the real issues that students face during the mentoring process. This study explores the need for mentoring programmes for first-year medical students at the Universiti Sains, Malaysia (USM).
METHODS: A qualitative case study was conducted with medical students who were in the early phases of their training. Purposive sampling was employed to select the study participants. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and they were later analysed using NVivo 10 software and employing open coding, axial coding and selective coding techniques. Nine medical students participated in the study. To ensure trustworthiness of the data, member checks, an audit trail, the Cohen kappa index, and peer checking were utilized.
RESULTS: Based on thematic analysis, four themes and seven categories were identified. Themes include soft skills, an academic overview, social skills and motivation from mentors. Categories include time management, study skills, communication skills, social adjustment, social activities, moral support and personal support.
CONCLUSION: Results indicate that mentoring is essential to medical students in developing their identity and professional maturity. The effectiveness of the mentoring programme is supported by several factors that, as a whole, lead to the development of a professional graduate.
Design and validation of a bi-axial loading bioreactor for mechanical stimulation of engineered cartilage

Yusoff N, Abu Osman NA, Pingguan-Murphy B

Med Eng Phys, 2011 Jul;33(6):782-8.
PMID: 21356602 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2011.01.013

A mechanical-conditioning bioreactor has been developed to provide bi-axial loading to three-dimensional (3D) tissue constructs within a highly controlled environment. The computer-controlled bioreactor is capable of applying axial compressive and shear deformations, individually or simultaneously at various regimes of strain and frequency. The reliability and reproducibility of the system were verified through validation of the spatial and temporal accuracy of platen movement, which was maintained over the operating length of the system. In the presence of actual specimens, the system was verified to be able to deliver precise bi-axial load to the specimens, in which the deformation of every specimen was observed to be relatively homogeneous. The primary use of the bioreactor is in the culture of chondrocytes seeded within an agarose hydrogel while subjected to physiological compressive and shear deformation. The system has been designed specifically to permit the repeatable quantification and characterisation of the biosynthetic activity of cells in response to a wide range of short and long term multi-dimensional loading regimes.
Fulltext Mobile learning: research context, methodologies and future works towards middle-aged adults - a systematic literature review

Mohtar S, Jomhari N, Mustafa MB, Yusoff ZM

Multimed Tools Appl, 2023;82(7):11117-11143.
PMID: 36035325 DOI: 10.1007/s11042-022-13698-y

Over the past several years, mobile learning concepts have changed the way people perceived on mobile devices and technology in the learning environment. In earlier days, mobile devices were used mainly for communication purposes. Later, with many new advanced features of mobile devices, they have opened the opportunity for individuals to use them as mediated technology in learning. The traditional way of teaching and learning has shifted into a new learning dimension, where an individual can execute learning and teaching everywhere and anytime. Mobile learning has encouraged lifelong learning, in which everyone can have the opportunity to use mobile learning applications to gain knowledge. However, many of the previous studies on mobile learning have focused on the young and older adults, and less intention on middle-aged adults. In this research, it is targeted for the middle-aged adults which are described as those who are between the ages of 40 to 60. Middle-aged adults typically lead very active lives while at the same time are also very engaged in self-development programs aimed at enhancing their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. In this paper, we investigate the methodology used by researchers based on the research context namely, acceptance, adoption, effectiveness, impact, intention of use, readiness, and usability of mobile learning. The research context was coded to the identified methodologies found in the literature. This will help one to understand how mobile learning can be effectively implemented for middle-aged adults in future work. A systematic review was performed using EBSCO Discovery Service, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, IEEE and ACM databases to identify articles related to mobile learning adoption. A total of 65 journal articles were selected from the years 2016 to 2021 based on Kitchenham systematic review methodology. The result shows there is a need to strengthen research in the field of mobile learning with middle-aged adults.
Fulltext Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation and Identification of Antidiabetic Compound of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.)'s Leaf Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model

Widyawati T, Yusoff NA, Bello I, Asmawi MZ, Ahmad M

Molecules, 2022 Oct 12;27(20).
PMID: 36296407 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206814

(1) Background: An earlier study on the hypoglycemic activity of S. polyanthum (Wight.) leaf methanol extract identified squalene as the major chemical compound. The present study was conducted to assess the hypoglycemic effect of fractions and subfractions of the methanol extract of S. polyanthum compared to the squalene using a bioassay-guided in vivo study. (2) Methods: The methanol extract was fractionated using the liquid−liquid fractionation method. Streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rat was used to study the hypoglycemic effect. (3) Results: The findings showed that chloroform fraction significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose levels of diabetic rats as compared to the control. Further fractionation of chloroform fraction yielded subfraction-1 and -2, whereby subfraction-1 exhibited a higher blood-glucose-lowering effect. The lipid profile test showed that the total cholesterol level of subfraction-1 and squalene-treated groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). An immunohistochemistry study revealed that none of the treatments regenerated pancreatic β-cells. Gas chromatography−mass spectrophotometer analysis identified the presence of squalene in the active methanol extract, chloroform fraction, and subfraction-1. In silico analysis revealed a higher affinity of squalene against protein receptors that control lipid metabolism than metformin. (4) Conclusions: Data obtained from the present work suggested the crude methanol extract exerted the highest hypoglycemic effect compared to fraction, subfraction, and squalene, confirming synergistic effect may be responsible for the hypoglycemic activity of S. polyanthum.
Gene frequencies of human platelet alloantigens in Kelantan, Malaysia

Bhaskar S, Abdullah JM, Yusoff NM, Prasad A

Singapore Med J, 2007 Jun;48(6):598-9.
PMID: 17538770
Fulltext The oncolytic activity of Newcastle disease virus in clear cell renal carcinoma cells in normoxic and hypoxic conditions: the interplay between von Hippel-Lindau and interferon-β signaling

Ch'ng WC, Stanbridge EJ, Yusoff K, Shafee N

J Interferon Cytokine Res, 2013 Jul;33(7):346-54.
PMID: 23506478 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2012.0095

Viral-mediated oncolysis is a promising cancer therapeutic approach offering an increased efficacy with less toxicity than the current therapies. The complexity of solid tumor microenvironments includes regions of hypoxia. In these regions, the transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), is active and regulates expression of many genes that contribute to aggressive malignancy, radio-, and chemo-resistance. To investigate the oncolytic efficacy of a highly virulent (velogenic) Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in the presence or absence of HIF-2α, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines with defective or reconstituted wild-type (wt) von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) activity were used. We show that these RCC cells responded to NDV by producing only interferon (IFN)-β, but not IFN-α, and are associated with increased STAT1 phosphorylation. Restoration of wt VHL expression enhanced NDV-induced IFN-β production, leading to prolonged STAT1 phosphorylation and increased cell death. Hypoxia augmented NDV oncolytic activity regardless of the cells' HIF-2α levels. These results highlight the potential of oncolytic NDV as a potent therapeutic agent in the killing of hypoxic cancer cells.
Molecular characterization and phylogeny of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) from imported beef meat in Malaysia

Abuelhassan NN, Mutalib SA, Gimba FI, Yusoff WM

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 Sep;23(17):17553-62.
PMID: 27234829 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6954-0

This study aimed at determining the presence and characterization of Escherichia coli and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) from imported frozen beef meats. Seventy-four (74) frozen imported beef meat samples from two countries, India (42 samples) and Australia (32 samples), were collected and tested for E. coli. These samples were purchased from the frozen meat sections of five different supermarkets in different locations in Selangor, Malaysia, from April 2012 to October 2014. A total of 222 E. coli strains were isolated from the meat samples; 126 strains were isolated from country A (India), and 96 E. coli strains were from country of origin B (Australia), respectively. A total of 70 E. coli strains were identified and characterized. All E. coli strains were isolated into Fluorocult medium and identified using API 20E kit. All selected E. coli strains were characterized for Shiga toxin genes (stx1 and stx2). All biochemically identified E. coli in this study were further subjected to molecular detection through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and characterization using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Of the 70 E. coli strains, 11 strains were positive for both Shiga toxin genes (stx1 and stx2) and 11 (11/70) strains were positive for stx1 gene, while 25 (25/70) strains were positive for stx2 gene. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene of all the E. coli isolates in this study was successfully sequenced and analyzed, and based on sequence data obtained, a phylogenetic tree of the 16S rRNA gene was performed using Clustal W programme in MEGA 6.06 software. Phylogenetic tree showed that the E. coli isolates in our study cluster with the strain of E. coli isolated in other countries, which further confirm that the isolates of E. coli in this study are similar to those obtained in other studies. As a result, all the strains obtained in this study proved to be a strain of pathogenic E. coli, which may cause a serious outbreak of food-borne disease. The isolation of pathogenic E. coli strains from the imported meat samples calls for prudent management of imported meats by the relevant authorities.
Immobilization of Pb, Cd, and Zn in a contaminated soil using eggshell and banana stem amendments: metal leachability and a sequential extraction study

Ashrafi M, Mohamad S, Yusoff I, Shahul Hamid F

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2015 Jan;22(1):223-30.
PMID: 25060308 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3299-4

Heavy-metal-contaminated soil is one of the major environmental pollution issues all over the world. In this study, two low-cost amendments, inorganic eggshell and organic banana stem, were applied to slightly alkaline soil for the purpose of in situ immobilization of Pb, Cd, and Zn. The artificially metal-contaminated soil was treated with 5% eggshell or 10% banana stem. To simulate the rainfall conditions, a metal leaching experiment for a period of 12 weeks was designed, and the total concentrations of the metals in the leachates were determined every 2 weeks. The results from the metal leaching analysis revealed that eggshell amendment generally reduced the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn in the leachates, whereas banana stem amendment was effective only on the reduction of Cd concentration in the leachates. A sequential extraction analysis was carried out at the end of the experiment to find out the speciation of the heavy metals in the amended soils. Eggshell amendment notably decreased mobility of Pb, Cd, and Zn in the soil by transforming their readily available forms to less accessible fractions. Banana stem amendment also reduced exchangeable form of Cd and increased its residual form in the soil.
Study of contaminant transport at an open-tipping waste disposal site

Ashraf MA, Yusoff I, Yusof M, Alias Y

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2013 Jul;20(7):4689-710.
PMID: 23292199 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-1423-x

Field and laboratory studies were conducted to estimate concentration of potential contaminants from landfill in the underlying groundwater, leachate, and surface water. Samples collected in the vicinity of the landfill were analyzed for physiochemical parameters, organic contaminants, and toxic heavy metals. Water quality results obtained were compared from published data and reports. The results indicate serious groundwater and surface water contamination in and around the waste disposal site. Analysis of the organic samples revealed that the site contains polychlorinated biphenyls and other organo-chlorine chemicals, principally chloro-benzenes. Although the amount of PCB concentration discovered was not extreme, their presence indicates a potentially serious environmental threat. Elevated concentrations of lead, copper, nickel, manganese, cadmium, and cobalt at the downgradient indicate that the contamination plume migrated further from the site, and the distribution of metals and metals containing wastes in the site is nonhomogeneous. These results clearly indicate that materials are poorly contained and are at risk of entering the environment. Therefore, full characterization of the dump contents and the integrity of the site are necessary to evaluate the scope of the problem and to identify suitable remediation options.
Establishment of suitable separation distance by using different methods for malodor mitigation from palm oil mill

Yaacof N, Qamaruz Zaman N, Yusup Y, Yusoff S

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Aug;26(23):24286-24299.
PMID: 31214886 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05517-z

Malaysia is the second-largest producer and exporter of palm oil amounting to 39% of world palm oil production and 44% of world exports (MPOB, 2014). An enormous amount of palm oil mill effluent is released during palm oil milling, and the effluent causes a major odor problem. Many methods, such as biofiltering, can be adopted to manage the malodor. However, these methods are expensive and require high maintenance. The separation distance method can be used as an alternative due to its low cost and effectiveness. This research was conducted to verify the performance of three different methods, namely, in-field monitoring by using an olfactometer, CALPUFF model, and Gaussian plume model. Given that no research has compared the three methods, this study examined the effectiveness of the methods and determined which among them is suitable for use in Malaysia. The appropriate separation distances were 1.3 km for in-field monitoring, 1.2 km for the CALPUFF model, and 0.5 for the Gaussian plume model. These different values of separation distance were due to the various approaches involved in each method. This research determined an appropriate means to establish a proper separation distance for reducing odor nuisance in areas around palm oil mills.
A novel peptide inhibits the influenza virus replication by preventing the viral attachment to the host cells

Rajik M, Omar AR, Ideris A, Hassan SS, Yusoff K

Int J Biol Sci, 2009 Aug 08;5(6):543-8.
PMID: 19680476

Avian influenza viruses (AIV), the causative agent of avian flu or bird flu, cause widespread morbidity and mortality in poultry. The symptoms of the disease range from mild flu like symptoms to death. These viruses possess two important surface glycoproteins, namely hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) against which neutralizing antibodies are produced. Due to the highly mutative nature of the genes which encode these proteins, the viruses often confer resistance to the current anti-viral drugs making the prevention and treatment of infection challenging. In our laboratory, we have recently identified a novel anti-viral peptide (P1) against the AIV H9N2 from a phage displayed peptide library. This peptide inhibits the replication of the virus in ovo and in vitro by its binding to the HA glycoprotein. In the current study, we demonstrate that the peptide inhibits the virus replication by preventing the attachment to the host cell but it does not have any effect on the viral fusion. The reduction in the viral nucleoprotein (NP) expression inside the host cell has also been observed during the peptide (P1) treatment. This novel peptide may have the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for the treatment and control of avian influenza virus H9N2 infections.
Fulltext Methadone Maintenance Treatment for Opioid Dependents: a Retrospective Study

Khalid K, Ooi YT, Abdul Rashid Q, Mohammad Yusoff MZA, Jamaluddin R

East Asian Arch Psychiatry, 2022 Sep;32(3):47-50.
PMID: 36172721 DOI: 10.12809/eaap2214

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of continued illicit drug use among people enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), the association between hepatitis C status and methadone dosage, and the predictors for illicit drug abstinence during MMT.
METHODS: Clinical records of active opioid dependents who underwent MMT between 1 January 2007 and 31 March 2021 in Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Perlis, Malaysia were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included baseline demographics, history of illicit drug use, temporal trend in methadone dosage modulation, and co-use of illicit drugs during the MMT.
RESULTS: A total of 87 patients (mean age, 43.9 ± 8.33 years) were included. Their mean duration of involvement in MMT was 7.8 ± 3.69 years. The most commonly used drug was heroin (88.5%), followed by kratom (51.7%). Between 2019 and 2021, 61 (70.1%) patients had ceased abusing opioid, but 51 (58.6%) patients continued using any of the illicit drugs. Methamphetamine and amphetamine co-use was most common (n = 12, 37.5%). Hepatitis C status was not associated with the current methadone dose (U = 539.5, p = 0.186) or the highest dose required (t = -0.291, df = 74, p = 0.772). No predictor for illicit drug abstinence during MMT was identified. Methadone dose positively correlated with frequency of defaulting treatments (r = 0.22, p = 0.042).
CONCLUSION: Among our patients, MMT for opioid dependents cannot sufficiently curb illicit drug use, and there is a shift toward stimulants abuse.
Fulltext Rutin extraction from female Carica papaya Linn. using ultrasound and microwave-assisted extractive methods: Optimization and extraction efficiencies

Chew SK, Teoh WH, Hong SL, Yusoff R

Heliyon, 2023 Oct;9(10):e20260.
PMID: 37810831 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20260

Green extractive methods accompanied by resource conservation through process optimization are important in working towards sustainable processes. In the present paper, rutin was extracted from the leaf of female Carica papaya Linn using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), sequential microwave ultrasound-assisted extraction (MUAE), and sequential ultrasound microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE) methods. Subsequently, the effect of extraction parameters on rutin yield were analyzed and compared. In addition, the extraction efficiency and energy consumption of the extraction processes were measured and discussed. In the present study, solid-liquid (S/L) ratio was determined to be the most significant extraction variable. Under optimized conditions, MUAE and UMAE were determined to yield the highest amount of rutin extracted at 18.46 ± 0.64 mg/g and 18.43 ± 0.81 mg/g, respectively. However, MUAE was determined to be the least resource efficient method as it consumed the highest amount of energy due to its relatively long extraction time. UAE was determined to be the most efficient in resource utilization as it required the least amount of energy for every mg/g of yield extracted, while the yield obtained was, nonetheless, comparatively high. The optimal condition obtained for UAE was 20 min of ultrasonic extraction time (TU), 20 % of ethanol mixture concentration (C), 710 μm of particle size (S), and 1:650 wt/wt of solid-liquid (S/L) ratio (R).
Fulltext Tai Chi Exercise for Mental and Physical Well-Being in Patients with Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sani NA, Yusoff SSM, Norhayati MN, Zainudin AM

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 Feb 05;20(4).
PMID: 36833525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042828

Tai Chi is a mindfulness-body practice that has physiological and psychosocial benefits and can be integrated into the prevention and rehabilitation of various medical conditions; however, the effectiveness of Tai Chi in the treatment of depression remains unclear. This review aimed to determine the effects of Tai Chi exercise on mental and physical well-being in patients with depressive symptoms. We searched databases for English language publications that appeared during January 2000-2022. The included trials were RCTs that involved people with depression with no other medical conditions, and included both adolescent and adult samples. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model and the heterogeneity was estimated using I2 statistics. The quality of each trial was assessed according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The eight trials were divided into two comparisons: (1) a combination of Tai Chi and antidepressants versus standard antidepressants; (2) Tai Chi versus no intervention. The Tai Chi intervention showed improvements in mental and physical well-being as evidenced by the reductions in depression and anxiety and improved quality of life (QOL) of the patients with depressive symptoms. Further well-controlled RCTs are recommended with a precision trial design and larger sample sizes.
Fulltext Popliteus Tendon Injury: A Rare Cause of Acute Locked Knee

Wong KC, Mohamad N, Md Yusoff BAH

Cureus, 2023 May;15(5):e38655.
PMID: 37288232 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38655

The acute locked knee is a common presentation of meniscal tears or other intra-articular injuries. However, a popliteus tendon tear, an uncommon cause of acute locked knee, is often overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old male who experienced an acute locked knee following a sports injury. An arthroscopic examination revealed an intrasubstance tear in the popliteus tendon and a complete anterior cruciate ligament tear, while the menisci remained intact. Due to the extension lag caused by the popliteus tendon tear, the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was postponed. The patient then underwent a course of physiotherapy before the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and eventually achieved full knee extension after six weeks. Further surgical intervention was then performed to address the ligament injury. Our case highlights the importance of considering a popliteus tendon tear as a possible cause of an acute locked knee. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes for patients with an acute locked knee and concomitant ligamentous injury.
Development of semi-quantitative urinary sodium test strip

Lai JS, Tan CK, Yusoff K, Cheah SC

Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2023 Apr;70(2):603-612.
PMID: 35830743 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2383

Excessive salt consumption has been associated with greater risk of hypertension. Therefore, monitoring of dietary sodium consumption should be prioritized. As sodium is mainly excreted through urine, 24-h urine sample can be used to estimate individual sodium intake. Thus, a simple and inexpensive semi-quantitative urinary sodium detection test strip was developed based on the enzymatic reaction between β-galactosidase and chlorophenol red-β-d-galactopyranoside. When tested, color formation was distinguished at 0 M (chartreuse yellow), 0.05 M (sunflower), 0.1-0.15 M (mango tango), and 0.2-0.25 M (persimmon) sodium. Analysis from ImageJ showed a linear result (r2 > 0.9), low SD, and significant increase in magenta difference (p 2 days in adverse storage conditions (laboratory conditions, ∼80% relative humidity, 40°C, and direct light exposure) when stored in test strip bottles, and even shorter when exposed to the environment. The presence of urinary potassium, urea, and glucose did not affect test strip performance. Test strip produced comparable results to flame photometry with <15% variation when tested on overnight, random spot, and 24-h urine samples. Overall, the developed test strip can be used to enzymatically semi-quantify 0.05-0.25 M sodium.
Linking Benzene, in Utero Carcinogenicity and Fetal Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niches: A Mechanistic Review

Yusoff NA, Abd Hamid Z, Budin SB, Taib IS

Int J Mol Sci, 2023 Mar 28;24(7).
PMID: 37047305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076335

Previous research reported that prolonged benzene exposure during in utero fetal development causes greater fetal abnormalities than in adult-stage exposure. This phenomenon increases the risk for disease development at the fetal stage, particularly carcinogenesis, which is mainly associated with hematological malignancies. Benzene has been reported to potentially act via multiple modes of action that target the hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) niche, a complex microenvironment in which HSCs and multilineage hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) reside. Oxidative stress, chromosomal aberration and epigenetic modification are among the known mechanisms mediating benzene-induced genetic and epigenetic modification in fetal stem cells leading to in utero carcinogenesis. Hence, it is crucial to monitor exposure to carcinogenic benzene via environmental, occupational or lifestyle factors among pregnant women. Benzene is a well-known cause of adult leukemia. However, proof of benzene involvement with childhood leukemia remains scarce despite previously reported research linking incidences of hematological disorders and maternal benzene exposure. Furthermore, accumulating evidence has shown that maternal benzene exposure is able to alter the developmental and functional properties of HSPCs, leading to hematological disorders in fetus and children. Since HSPCs are parental blood cells that regulate hematopoiesis during the fetal and adult stages, benzene exposure that targets HSPCs may induce damage to the population and trigger the development of hematological diseases. Therefore, the mechanism of in utero carcinogenicity by benzene in targeting fetal HSPCs is the primary focus of this review.
Leptin and calorie intake among different nicotine dependent groups

Suhaimi MZ, Sanip Z, Jan HJ, Yusoff HM

Ann Saudi Med, 2016;36(6):404-408.
PMID: 27920412

BACKGROUND: Exposure to nicotine via tobacco smoking may influence leptin release and decrease food intake among smokers. However, the effect of nicotine exposure on leptin and food intake among different nicotine dependent groups is unclear.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to measure leptin and calorie intake among different nicotine dependent groups.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SETTING: Research department in school of medical sciences.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Subjects were selected by purposive (non-probability) sampling and categorized as having low, moderate and high nicotine dependency based on the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score. Diet was recorded by interview. Anthropometry, blood pressure, body composition, lipid profile, and physical activity level were measured accordingly. Fasting serum leptin was measured using a commercial ELISA kit.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Nicotine dependency, 24-hour diet, clinical anthropometric and clinical measurements.
RESULTS: In 107 Malay male smokers leptin concentration was inversely correlated with nicotine dependence. However, body weight, smoking period, blood pressure, body composition, lipid profile and physical activity level were not significantly different among low, moderately and highly dependent smoking groups. Leptin concentration and total calorie intake were also not significantly different among these groups.
CONCLUSION: Leptin concentration was inversely correlated with nicotine dependence, but leptin concentration and total calorie intake status were not significantly different among our different nicotine dependency subjects.
LIMITATIONS: Purposive sampling for subject recruitment and inaccurate information in the self-administered questionnaire.
Fulltext Facilitating Exercise Engagement among Community Dwelling Stroke Survivors: Is a once Per Week Group Session Sufficient?

Mohd Nordin NA, Yusoff NAH, Ajit Singh DK

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 11 27;16(23).
PMID: 31783575 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234746

Although exercise is proven as an effective strategy to combat post-stroke complications and the risk of stroke recurrence, many stroke survivors fail to engage in this activity following rehabilitation. In this study, we assessed the feasibility and usefulness of a low-frequency group exercise to determine its suitability as an approach to facilitate exercise engagement among stroke survivors. Forty-one stroke survivors, mean (SD) age 59.34 (10.02) years, mean time post-stroke 17.13 (17.58) months, completed a 90 minute, once per week, group exercise supervised by therapists for 12 weeks. The exercise outcomes were measured using standardized clinical tests. We observed improvement in the group's physical performance; balance score by 3 units (Z = -3.88, p < 0.001), speed of repetitive sit to stand by 3.4 s (Z = -4.69, p < 0.001), and walking speed by 8.22 m/min (Z = -3.25, p < 0.001). Scores of seven out of 14 Berg's balance scale items increased significantly, indicating better balance ability among the survivors. In conclusion, a 12-week, once per week group exercise session seems feasible and sufficient to improve the physical performance of community dwelling stroke survivors. This exercise arrangement may be offered to stroke survivors to facilitate exercise practice following rehabilitation.

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