MyMedR

Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 330 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Effect of Na3FeF6 catalyst on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2

Sulaiman NN, Mustafa NS, Ismail M

Dalton Trans, 2016 Apr 19;45(16):7085-93.
PMID: 27005483 DOI: 10.1039/c6dt00068a

The effects of Na3FeF6 catalyst on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2 have been studied for the first time. The results showed that for the MgH2 sample doped with 10 wt% Na3FeF6, the onset dehydrogenation temperature decreased to 255 °C, which was 100 °C and 162 °C lower than those of the as-milled and as-received MgH2 sample, respectively. The re/dehydrogenation kinetics were also significantly enhanced compared to the un-doped MgH2. The absorption kinetics showed that the as-milled MgH2 only absorbed 3.0 wt% of hydrogen at 320 °C in 2 min of rehydrogenation, but about 3.6 wt% of hydrogen was absorbed within the same period of time after 10 wt% Na3FeF6 was added to MgH2. The desorption kinetics showed that the MgH2 + 10 wt% Na3FeF6 sample could desorb about 3.8 wt% of hydrogen in 10 min at 320 °C. In contrast, the un-doped MgH2 sample desorbed only 0.2 wt% of hydrogen in the same period of time. The activation energy for the decomposition of the as-milled MgH2 was 167.0 kJ mol(-1), and this value decreased to 75.0 kJ mol(-1) after the addition of 10 wt% Na3FeF6 (a reduction by about 92.0 kJ mol(-1)). It is believed that the in situ formation of the active species of NaMgF3, NaF and Fe during the heating process could enhance the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2, due to the catalytic effects of these new species.
Fulltext Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolate Spoligotype SIT745/EAI1-MYS

Suraiya S, Semail N, Ismail MF, Abdullah JM

Genome Announc, 2016;4(3).
PMID: 27198011 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00323-16

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is known to cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. This organism showed special phylogeographical specificity. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of M. tuberculosis clinical isolate spoligotype SIT745/EAI1-MYS, which was isolated from a Malaysian tuberculosis patient.
Fulltext An ultra-low power wireless sensor network for bicycle torque performance measurements

Gharghan SK, Nordin R, Ismail M

Sensors (Basel), 2015;15(5):11741-68.
PMID: 26007728 DOI: 10.3390/s150511741

In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient transmission technique known as the sleep/wake algorithm for a bicycle torque sensor node. This paper aims to highlight the trade-off between energy efficiency and the communication range between the cyclist and coach. Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment utilised the Zigbee protocol (XBee S2), and the second experiment used the Advanced and Adaptive Network Technology (ANT) protocol based on the Nordic nRF24L01 radio transceiver chip. The current consumption of ANT was measured, simulated and compared with a torque sensor node that uses the XBee S2 protocol. In addition, an analytical model was derived to correlate the sensor node average current consumption with a crank arm cadence. The sensor node achieved 98% power savings for ANT relative to ZigBee when they were compared alone, and the power savings amounted to 30% when all components of the sensor node are considered. The achievable communication range was 65 and 50 m for ZigBee and ANT, respectively, during measurement on an outdoor cycling track (i.e., velodrome). The conclusions indicate that the ANT protocol is more suitable for use in a torque sensor node when power consumption is a crucial demand, whereas the ZigBee protocol is more convenient in ensuring data communication between cyclist and coach.
Cyprinid fishes of the genus Neolissochilus in Peninsular Malaysia

Khaironizam MZ, Akaria-Ismail M, Armbruster JW

Zootaxa, 2015;3962(1):139-57.
PMID: 26249381 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3962.1.7

Meristic, morphometric and distributional patterns of cyprinid fishes of the genus Neolissochilus found in Peninsular Malaysia are presented. Based on the current concept of Neolissochilus, only two species are present: N. soroides and N. hendersoni. Neolissochilus hendersoni differs from N. soroides by having lower scale and gill raker counts. Neolissochilus soroides has three mouth types (normal with a rounded snout, snout with a truncate edge, and lobe with a comparatively thick lower lip). A PCA of log-transformed measurements did not reveal significant differences between N. hendersoni and N. soroides, or between any of the morphotypes of N. soroides; however, a CVA of log-transformed measurements successfully classified 87.1% of all specimens. Removing body size by running a CVA on all of the principal components except PC1 (which was correlated with length) only slightly decreased the successful classification rate to 86.1%. Differences in morphometrics were as great between the three morphotypes of N. soroides as between any of the morphotypes and N. hendersoni suggesting that the morphotypes should be examined in greater detail with genetic tools. The PCA of morphometrics revealed separate clouds for N. hendersoni and N. soroides, but no differences between the N. soroides morphotypes. This study revealed that N. hendersoni is recorded for the first time in the mainland area of Peninsular Malaysia. Other nominal species of Neolissochilus reported to occur in the river systems of Peninsular Malaysia are discussed. Lissochilus tweediei Herre in Herre & Myers 1937 and Tor soro Bishop 1973 are synonyms of Neolissochilus soroides.
Fulltext Patient attendance at a major accident and emergency department: are public emergency services being abused?

Azhar AA, Ismail MS, Ham FL

Med J Malaysia, 2000 Jun;55(2):164-8.
PMID: 19839143

A total of 37,152 patients attended the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) from 1st January to 31st December 1998. Attendance during early hours (midnight to 0659 hrs.) constituted only 10.4% (3853 cases) whereas that for three other time periods of 0700-1159 hrs., 1200-1759 hrs., and 1800-2359 hrs. was 29.4% (10,927 cases), 30.8% (11,448 cases), and 29.4% (10,924 cases) respectively. Two hundred and fifty-one patients were direct admissions from other hospitals into our hospital wards and they attended the A&E department for registration purposes only. Of the remaining 36,901 that were triaged, 196 (0.5%) were resuscitation cases [Triage 1], 3648 (9.9%) were emergency cases [Triage 21, 18,935 (51.3%) were urgent cases [Triage 3], and 14,122 (38.3%) were non-urgent cases [Triage 4]. Despite fluctuations in monthly patient attendance, the proportions of patients according to time of attendance, age group, gender and triage categories remained similar throughout. As majority of patients attended during convenient hours (89.6% from 0700-2359 hrs.) and a high proportion of patients (38.3%) belonged to the non-urgent Triage category, we feel that public emergency services are possibly being abused.
Fulltext Nanoemulsification of Rice Bran Wax Policosanol Enhances Its Cardio-protective Effects via Modulation of Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor gamma in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Ishaka A, Imam MU, Ismail M

J Oleo Sci, 2020;69(10):1287-1295.
PMID: 33028753 DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess20098

Policosanol, a mixture of long-chain alcohols found in animal and plant waxes, has several biological effects including lipid-lowering that have been extensively studied. However, its bioavailability is low. To investigate the effect of nanoemulsified rice bran wax policosanol (NPOL) on plasma homocysteine, heart and liver histology in hyperlipidemic rats, high-fat diet containing 2.5% cholesterol was used to induce hyperlipidemia in Sprague Dawley rats. The hyperlipidemic rats were treated with NPOL and rice bran wax policosanol (POL) in comparison with normal diet (ND), high-cholesterol diet (HCD) and simvastatin-treated rats. Plasma homocysteine, heart and liver histology, and hepatic mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) were evaluated. The NPOL group, similar to the simvastatin group, showed reduced plasma homocysteine, preserved heart and liver histology, and down-regulated hepatic PPARG mRNA in comparison to the control group, and was better than the POL group. The results suggest that the modest effect of NPOL on homocysteine and preservation of heart and liver histology could be through the regulation of PPARG expression on a background of increased assimilation of rice bran wax policosanol.
Fulltext Association of energy intake and macronutrient composition with overweight and obesity in malay women from klang valley

Lee CL, Norimah AK, Ismail MN

Malays J Nutr, 2010 Aug;16(2):251-60.
PMID: 22691930 MyJurnal

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between energy intake and macronutrient composition of the diet with overweight and obesity among Malaysian women. One hundred and fifteen adult Malay women aged 20 to 59 years (mean age 37.2±7.6 years) were interviewed. Dietary intake was assessed using the food history method. Body weight status was assessed using weight, height, waist circumference and fat percentage measurements. When energy intake was assessed for accuracy, only 41% of the subjects (n=47) were normal energy reporters. Among the normal energy reporters, 55% were of normal weight whereas 32% and 13% were overweight and obese. Mean energy intake for normal weight, overweight and obese subjects was 1685±199 kcal/day, 1810±166 kcal/day and 2119±222 kcal/day, respectively. Energy intake increased with body mass index (BMI) category. Among the overweight and obese, energy intake was respectively higher by 125 kcal/day and 434 kcal/day as compared to their normal weight counterparts (p< 0.001). There was also a significant, moderate and positive correlation between energy intake and BMI (r=0.635), waist circumference (r=0.545), and body fat percentage (r=0.534). When macronutrient composition of diet was analysed (% energy and g/1000 kcal), there was no significant difference in carbohydrate, protein or fat intake between the obese, overweight and normal weight subjects. There was also no significant correlation between macronutrient composition of the diet and body weight status. Based on these findings, we conclude that the subjects' body weight status is likely to be influenced by energy intake rather than the macronutrient composition of the diet.
Fulltext Metabolic Syndrome Based on IDF Criteria in a Sample of Normal Weight and Obese School Children

Quah YV, Poh BK, Ismail MN

Malays J Nutr, 2010 Aug;16(2):207-17.
PMID: 22691926 MyJurnal

Metabolic syndrome was once reported only in adults but is now occurring more frequently in children. This study compared the incidence of metabolic syndrome and its components among normal and obese children using the 2007 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) pediatric definition for metabolic syndrome. Subjects comprised 78 school children aged 8-10 years, with 34 obese and 44 normal weight children. Body weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were measured and body mass index was calculated. Clinical profiles measured included fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was defined using the 2007 IDF pediatric criteria. Obese subjects had a significantly (p< 0.001) higher mean BMI (26.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2) compared to normal weight subjects (15.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2). Only one obese subject (1.3% of subjects) had metabolic syndrome based on the IDF definition, but all obese subjects had at least one component of metabolic syndrome. In comparison, no normal weight subjects had metabolic syndrome and only 9.1% of normal weight subjects had at least one component of metabolic syndrome. The most common component was central obesity, observed in 43.6% of subjects having WC equal to or greater than the 90th percentile. In concurrence with central obesity as the core feature of the IDF criteria, WC showed the strongest correlation with indicators of obesity such as BMI (r=0.938, p< 0.001), fat mass (r=0.912, p< 0.001) and fat-free mass (r=0.863, p< 0.001). We conclude that the problem of metabolic syndrome is more prominent among obese children, although the incidence of MS as defined by the 2007 pediatric IDF criteria, is low in this population (1.3%).
Fulltext Prevalence of obesity and chronic energy deficiency (CED) in adult Malaysians

Ismail MN, Zawiah H, Chee S, Ng K

Malays J Nutr, 1995 Mar;1(1):1-9.
PMID: 22692009 MyJurnal

Anthropometry is the single most portable, easily applied, inexpensive and non-invasive method of assessing body composition. It reflects both health and nutrition and predicts performance, health and survival. The use of body mass index (BMI) as a measure of obesity has been widespread and has recently been promoted for assessment of chronic energy deficiency (CED) in adults. This report provides BMI values of 2636 adult males and 2111 adult females from the three main ethnic groups residing in urban areas and BMI of adult Malay and Dayak (380 males and 496 females) residing in rural areas in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The percent prevalence of obesity and CED in males for the three ethnic groups were apparently quite similar. However, in the females, CED were higher in the Malays and Chinese while overweight problems were more serious in the Indians. Among the Malays, prevalence of CED for males and females were 7% and 11% in urban areas and 11% and 14% in rural areas, respectively. In the males, it is interesting to note that there is a two-fold difference between urban and rural, while a high prevalence of overweight women (20%) even in the rural areas should be viewed as a potential health problem of the future.
Fulltext Predictive equations for the estimation of basal metabolic rate in Malaysia adolescents

Poh BK, Ismail M, Zawiah H, Henry C

Malays J Nutr, 1999 Dec;5(1):1-14.
PMID: 22692353

A longitudinal study was conducted to relate basal metabolic rate (BMR) with growth during adolescence. Subjects comprise 70 boys and 69 girls aged between ten and thirteen years at the time of recruitment. Parameters studied include anthropometric measurements and BMR, which was measured by indirect calorimetry using the Deltatrac metabolic monitor. Measurements were carried out serially once every six months, with a total of 713 BMR data points collected over three years. Mean BMR of boys aged 11, 12, 13 and 14 years were 4.96 ± 0.63 MJ/day, 5.28 ± 0.71 MJ/day, 5.73 ± 0.68 MJ/day and 5.92 ± 0.63 MJ/day, respectively; while mean BMR of girls in the 10, 11, 12 and 13 year age groups were 4.96 ± 0.63 MJ/day, 4.85 ± 0.63 MJ/day, 5.05 ± 0.55 MJ/day and 4.94 ± 0.51 MJ/day, respectively. Comparison of measured BMR with BMR values predicted from the FAO/WHO/UNU (1985) equations shows that the predictive equations overestimated the BMR of Malaysian boys by 3% and that of girls by 5%. The Henry and Rees (1991) equations for populations in the tropics underestimated BMR of boys and girls by 1% and 2%, respectively. Linear regression equations to predict BMR based on body weight were derived according to sex and age groups. It is recommended that these predictive equations be used for the estimation of BMR of Malaysian adolescents.
A prospective study of the acceptability of Today vaginal contraceptive sponge among Malaysian women

Ismail MT, Halim AJ, Arshat H

Malays J Reprod Health, 1987 Jun;5(1):17-21.
PMID: 12269177
Filshie clip sterilization -- single puncture laparoscopic approach (a preliminary report)

Ismail MT, Arshat H, Halim AJ

Malays J Reprod Health, 1988 Dec;6(2):90-6.
PMID: 12342172

PIP: In 1986, single puncture laparoscopic application of the Filshie clip was introduced into Malaysia's National Population and Family Development Board's female sterilization program for an evaluation. A total of 42 female sterilizations were performed by this method between June 1986 and December 1986. Laparoscopy was performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. In 37 cases, the sterilization was interval. Filshie clips were successfully applied to the fallopian tubes of 40 women; in the remaining 2 cases, the latching mechanism jammed and Falope rings were used instead. The average time from application of 1st clip to skin closure was 10 minutes. During clip application, technical problems (faulty applicator, clip fell into the pelvic cavity, failure of latching mechanism) were encountered in 4 cases and surgical difficulties (poor visualization, hydrosalpinx, and tubal adhesions) occurred in 10 cases. In general, complications were minimal: 1 patient developed cynosis after anesyhesia (Pethidine) injection, the omentum was torn during introduction of the trocar in another, and a 3rd patient developed thrombophlebitis at the intravenous site. Only 1 pregnancy was recorded during the follow-up period; this occurred 15 months postoperatively and was intrauterine. Given the facts that this procedure is easy to learn, fast and simple, associated with no more complications than other laparoscopic procedures, and is cosmetically more acceptable to women, its more widespread application is recommended.
Fulltext Predictive equation for estimating the basal metabolic rate of Malaysian Armed Forces naval trainees

Razalee S, Poh BK, Ismail MN

Singapore Med J, 2010 Aug;51(8):635-40.
PMID: 20848060

INTRODUCTION: The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is essential in deriving estimates of energy requirements for a population. The aim of this study was to measure the BMR in order to derive a predictive equation for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) naval trainees.
METHODS: A total of 79 naval trainees aged 18 to 25 years from a training centre (Group A) and on board a ship (Group B) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements included height and weight. Body fat and free fat mass were measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. BMR was measured by indirect calorimetry with a canopy system.
RESULTS: The mean height, weight and body fat for Group A was 1.67 +/- 0.04 m, 61.0 +/- 3.9 kg and 12.7 percent +/- 2.5 percent, respectively, and 1.67 +/- 0.05 m, 62.3 +/- 6.2 kg and 14.0 percent +/- 3.5 percent, respectively, for Group B. The mean BMR for Group A (6.28 +/- 0.40 MJ/ day) did not differ significantly (p is more than 0.05) from that of Group B (6.16 +/- 0.67 MJ / day). The Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University and the Henry and Rees equations overestimated the measured BMR by 9 percent (p is less than 0.001) and 0.5 percent (p is more than 0.05), respectively, while the Ismail et al equation underestimated the measured BMR by 5.6 percent (p is less than 0.001). A predictive equation, BMR = 3.316 + 0.047 (weight in kg) expressed in MJ /day with weight as the only independent variable, was derived using regression analysis.
CONCLUSION: We recommend that this predictive equation be used to estimate the energy requirements of MAF naval trainees.
Fulltext A Wireless Sensor Network with Soft Computing Localization Techniques for Track Cycling Applications

Gharghan SK, Nordin R, Ismail M

Sensors (Basel), 2016 Aug 06;16(8).
PMID: 27509495 DOI: 10.3390/s16081043

In this paper, we propose two soft computing localization techniques for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The two techniques, Neural Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), focus on a range-based localization method which relies on the measurement of the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) from the three ZigBee anchor nodes distributed throughout the track cycling field. The soft computing techniques aim to estimate the distance between bicycles moving on the cycle track for outdoor and indoor velodromes. In the first approach the ANFIS was considered, whereas in the second approach the ANN was hybridized individually with three optimization algorithms, namely Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), and Backtracking Search Algorithm (BSA). The results revealed that the hybrid GSA-ANN outperforms the other methods adopted in this paper in terms of accuracy localization and distance estimation accuracy. The hybrid GSA-ANN achieves a mean absolute distance estimation error of 0.02 m and 0.2 m for outdoor and indoor velodromes, respectively.
Fulltext In vitro bioaccessibility and antioxidant properties of edible bird's nest following simulated human gastro-intestinal digestion

Yida Z, Imam MU, Ismail M

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2014;14:468.
PMID: 25475744 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-468

Edible birds' nest (EBN) is reported to be antioxidant-rich. However, the fate of its antioxidants after oral consumption is not yet reported. To explore this, we hypothesized that EBN antioxidants are released from their matrix when subjected to in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
Fulltext Can Tumour Volume Percentage in Radical Prostatectomy Predict Cancer Biochemical Recurrence? Determining a Cut-off Point and Composite Risk Factors Approach

Alenezi A, Ismail M, Eden C

Res Rep Urol, 2021;13:445-455.
PMID: 34235101 DOI: 10.2147/RRU.S313455

BACKGROUND: Incidence of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy is relatively high and overall survival can be poor. Debate exists whether tumour volume predicts BCR and when treatments should be administered. In this study, we aimed to i) assess the impact of tumour volume percentage (TVP) as a predictor for BCR, ii) determine TVP cut-off point for BCR and iii) evaluate single and composite predictors of BCR.
METHODS: From March 2000 to December 2013, 1777 patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. None received neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. One hundred and forty-six patients experienced BCR (range 3 months-10 years). Using D'Amico classification, 146 matched controls without BCR were compared. Liu cut-point analysis was used to identify TVP with optimal sensitivity and specificity. Single and composite BCR risk predictors were analyzed using Cox hazards regression in cases and controls.
RESULTS: Median TVP was 10% (range 1-90%). Most of BCR peaked after 3 years of follow-up. TVP ≥8% was an independent predictor of BCR with HR 1.6 (p= 0.001, 95% CI= 1.11-2.48). TVP of 8% was associated with the highest accuracy: sensitivity 74% and specificity 53% (ROC curve= 0.7). At TVP ≥8%, pathological stage pT3 was associated with 1.7-fold higher risk of BCR compared to T2. Lymph node invasion was associated with 1.4-fold higher risk of BCR compared to no invasion. Combining TVP ≥8%, pT3 and lymph node invasion, HR jumped to 3.73 (p< 0.001, 95% CI= 2.27-6.14), whereas combining TVP ≥8%, positive surgical margin and lymph node invasion, HR was 2.68 (p= 001, 95% CI= 1.50-4.77).
CONCLUSION: TVP can be used as an independent predictor of BCR after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. TVP cut-point of ≥8% allows the best discrimination. TVP should be considered in combination with other clinico-pathological factors to improve prediction of long-term oncological outcomes and to stratify BCR risk.
Nigella sativa thymoquinone-rich fraction greatly improves plasma antioxidant capacity and expression of antioxidant genes in hypercholesterolemic rats

Ismail M, Al-Naqeep G, Chan KW

Free Radic Biol Med, 2010 Mar 01;48(5):664-72.
PMID: 20005291 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2009.12.002

The antioxidant activities of the thymoquinone-rich fraction (TQRF) extracted from Nigella sativa and its bioactive compound, thymoquinone (TQ), in rats with induced hypercholesterolemia were investigated. Rats were fed a semipurified diet supplemented with 1% (w/w) cholesterol and were treated with TQRF and TQ at dosages ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 g/kg and 20 to 100 mg/kg body wt, respectively, for 8 weeks. The hydroxyl radical (OH(.))-scavenging activity of plasma samples collected from experimental rats was measured by electron spin resonance. The GenomeLab Genetic Analysis System was used to study the molecular mechanism that mediates the antioxidative properties of TQRF and TQ. Plasma total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in the TQRF- and TQ-treated rats compared to untreated rats. Feeding rats a 1% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in plasma antioxidant capacity, as measured by the capacity to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. However, rats treated with TQRF and TQ at various doses showed significant inhibitory activity toward the formation of OH(.) compared to untreated rats. Upon examination of liver RNA expression levels, treatment with TQRF and TQ caused the up-regulation of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX) genes compared to untreated rats (P<0.05). In support of this, liver antioxidant enzyme levels, including SOD1 and GPX, were also apparently increased in the TQRF- and TQ-treated rats compared to untreated rats (P<0.05). In conclusion, TQRF and TQ effectively improved the plasma and liver antioxidant capacity and enhanced the expression of liver antioxidant genes of hypercholesterolemic rats.
Identification of competencies for Malaysian occupational safety and health professionals

Daud R, Ismail M, Omar Z

Ind Health, 2010;48(6):824-34.
PMID: 20616464

Competencies of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals have become a concern due to the significance of safety management in the field of safety engineering. The purpose of this article is to identify competencies needed by OSH professionals. These competencies are required by professionals in administrating and enforcing legislations related to OSH in Malaysia. This study used Delphi technique in three rounds of data collection. The benefits of this research approach are the use of experts in gaining opinions without time and geographical restraints. The results show 25 generic competencies with combinations of cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies and 33 functional or specific competencies including knowledge and skills needed by OSH professionals. Both generic and functional competencies are also divided into threshold and differentiating competencies that would be used to differentiate average and excellent performance of OSH professionals.
Isolation of Bifidobacteria infantis and its antagonistic activity against ETEC 0157 and Salmonella typhimurium S-285 in weaning foods

Yusof RM, Haque F, Ismail M, Hassan Z

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2000 Jun;9(2):130-5.
PMID: 24394399

Probiotic organism Bifidobacteria was isolated from the faeces of breast-fed infants at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Trypticase phytone peptone yeast extract agar (TPY) was used as a selective media for the isolation. Morphological examination of the isolates indicated that Bifidobacteria was Gram-positive rods in nature, curved with characteristics of V and Y shapes. The organisms were non-catalase producing, non-nitrate reducing, non-motile, had an absence of indole and were unable to liquify gelatin. The ratios of acetic and lactic acids were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using carbohydrate fermentation profile test API-CH-50 kits, 20 Bifidobacteria strains had been identified: they were the species of Bifidobacteria infantis and two different sub-species, mainly infantis and lacentis. Based on a wide zone of inhibition, three suitable strains of B. infantis, Bifi-11, Bifi-19 and Bifi-20, were tested in weaning foods for antimicrobial activity towards two human pathogens: E. coli-0157 (World Health Organization) and Salmonella typhimurium S-285. The pH, titratable acidity of weaning foods and total colony count for Bifidobacteria, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and S. typhimurium were recorded at 3-h intervals for 30 h. It was found that after 9 h of incubation of weaning foods, the pH declined to < 3.6 from pH 6.0, whereas titratable acidity increased from 0.026 to 0.08%. It was indicated that Bifidobacteria inhibited E. coli better than did S typhimurium due to low pH. After 24 h of incubation, approximately 98% of E. coli was inhibited by Bifidobacteria. It is suggested that the inhibitory effect of Bifidobacteria strains in weaning foods towards the growth of enteropathogenic E. coli and S. typhimurium was solely due to low pH and the production of volatile acid components by the organism.
Role of Individual, Family, and Peers in Sexual Initiation Among Late Adolescents Attending Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia

Abdul Samad S, Hairi NN, Ismail M

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2016 05;28(4):313-24.
PMID: 27122624 DOI: 10.1177/1010539516645158

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with sexual initiation among the late adolescents in 6 institutions of higher learning in Malaysia. A total of 1572 students completed self-administered questionnaires between April and September 2013. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression analyses stratified by gender were employed to identify the correlates of sexual initiation. The analyses were further adjusted by sampling weights. The overall prevalence of sexual initiation was 9.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.3-11.6), 18.1% (95% CI = 15.1-21.5) among males, and 4.1% (95% CI = 2.9-5.9) among females. The risk factors identified in this study supported the influence of the individual, family, and peer factors in the social-ecological model on adolescents' behaviors. The findings suggest the need for risk-reduction strategies aimed at the individual, family, and peer levels as well as the importance of gender-specific focus in assuring better outcomes.

Filters

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

External Links