Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 106 in total

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  1. Che Salmah MR, Al-Shami SA, Abu Hassan A, Madrus MR, Nurul Huda A
    Int J Biometeorol, 2014 Jul;58(5):679-90.
    PMID: 23483291 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0648-9
    The diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrate shredders were investigated in 52 forested streams (local scale) from nine catchments (regional scale) covering a large area of peninsular Malaysia. A total of 10,642 individuals of aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected, of which 18.22% were shredders. Biodiversity of shredders was described by alpha (αaverage), beta (β) and gamma diversity (γ) measures. We found high diversity and abundance of shredders in all catchments, represented by 1,939 individuals (range 6-115 and average per site of 37.29±3.48 SE) from 31 taxa with 2-13 taxa per site (αaverage=6.98±0.33 SE) and 10-15 taxa per catchment (γ=13.33±0.55 SE). At the local scale, water temperature, stream width, depth and altitude were correlated significantly with diversity (Adj-R2=0.205). Meanwhile, dissolved oxygen, stream velocity, water temperature, stream width and altitude were correlated to shredder abundance (Adj-R2=0.242). At regional scale, however, water temperature was correlated negatively with β and γ diversity (r2=0.161 and 0.237, respectively) as well as abundance of shredders (r2=0.235). Canopy cover was correlated positively with β diversity (r2=0.378) and abundance (r2=0.266), meanwhile altitude was correlated positively with β (quadratic: r2=0.175), γ diversity (quadratic: r2=0.848) as well as abundance (quadratic: r2=0.299). The present study is considered as the first report describing the biodiversity and abundance of shredders in forested headwater streams across a large spatial scale in peninsular Malaysia. We concluded that water temperature has a negative effect while altitude showed a positive relationship with diversity and abundance of shredders. However, it was difficult to detect an influence of canopy cover on shredder diversity.
  2. Teoh CS, Aizul MHI, Wan Fatimah Suriyani WM, Ang SH, Nurul Huda MZ, Nor Azlini MI, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Apr;68(2):157-60.
    PMID: 23629564 MyJurnal
    The potential harms of herbs to the pregnant mothers and their foetuses as well as the effect of herbs taken by nursing mothers on their babies remain largely unknown. Common perception is that herbal medicines ingestion during pregnancy and confinement period is a common practice among multi-racial Malaysian mothers. The purpose of this study was to explore the usage of herbal medicines during pregnancy and post-partum period among mothers who gave birth at a tertiary hospital in a metropolitan city of Malaysia. This cross sectional study was conducted between October and December 2010. The subjects were interviewed twice after giving birth: before hospital discharge and 6 to 8 weeks later. A total of 323 mothers were recruited for this study. The prevalence of herbs ingestion during pregnancy was 13.9%, with half of the users consuming it during the first trimester. A total of 163 (52.9%) mothers ingested herbs during the post-partum period. Significantly more Chinese (p=0.01) and Malay (p=0.04) mothers ingested herbs during pregnancy and post-partum period, respectively. Infants of mothers who ingested herbs had a higher rate of neonatal jaundice compared to infants of mothers who did not ingest herbs during the post-partum period (P=0.001).
  3. Amirah Amalina binti Ahmad Tarmizi, Mohamad Kamal Harun, Saifollah Abdullah, Hadariah Bahron, Muhd Zu Azhan Yahya, Sabrina M. Yahaya, et al.
    MyJurnal
    This study investigates the effect of oxalic acid at different concentrations as doping agent on
    the electrical properties of polyaniline (PANI). The polymerization of aniline to produce
    PANI was carried out in media containing oxalic acid at 0.08 M, 0.09 M, 0.1 M, 0.2 M and
    0.3 M in the presence of ammonium persulphate as oxidizing agent. The successful formation
    of PANI doped with oxalic acid was confirmed by FTIR and the morphology studied using
    XRD. An impedance investigation on the series of PANI formed revealed that doping in 0.1M
    oxalic acid produced PANI of the highest conductivity of 2.52 x 10-6
    Scm-1.
  4. Khairatul Ayyun Mohd Ramli, Siti Nur Balqis Shamsuri, Nur Najihah Mohd Raslam, Nurul Huda Nabilah Halim, Nursyafiqah Samad, Mohamad Saifullah Sulaiman, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Antibacterial products contain active ingredients that are used to prevent bacterial growth and contamination. Previous studies suggest that antibacterial products are no more effective at removing s kin pathogen compared to plain soap. It is essential to collect the data regarding the effectiveness of antibacterial products with the purpose of continuous surveillance in the detection of emerging resistance pattern. Method: In vitro antimicrobial activity of six products were established on four species of bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa that represent the bacterial pathogen commonly found on human skin and the surrounding environment. These pathogens are also implicated as the causative organisms for skin infections. Results: Product that contains triclosan has the highest bactericidal effect as it is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria. Body washes without any antibacterial agent also exhibit bactericidal activity but at higher concentrations. Gram-positive bacteria showed more sensitivity compared to gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: Antibacterial and non-antibacterial products have bactericidal effects at different concentration. Different active ingredients showed different antibacterial effects on tested bacteria. Extend usage of antibacterial products pose adverse effects on skin normal flora and can lead to antimicrobial resistance.
  5. Musa NH, Mani V, Lim SM, Vidyadaran S, Abdul Majeed AB, Ramasamy K
    J Dairy Res, 2017 Nov;84(4):488-495.
    PMID: 29154736 DOI: 10.1017/S0022029917000620
    Nutritional interventions are now recommended as strategies to delay Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effect (anti-inflammation) of lactic acid bacteria (either Lactobacillus fermentum LAB9 or L. casei LABPC) fermented cow's milk (CM) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglial BV2 cells in vitro. The ability of CM-LAB in attenuating memory deficit in LPS-induced mice was also investigated. ICR mice were orally administered with CM-LAB for 28 d before induction of neuroinflammation by LPS. Learning and memory behaviour were assessed using the Morris Water Maze Test. Brain tissues were homogenised for measurement of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidative, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA)) and nitrosative stress (NO) parameters. Serum was collected for cytokine analysis. CM-LAB9 and CM-LABPC significantly (P < 0·05) decreased NO level but did not affect CD40 expression in vitro. CM-LAB attenuated LPS-induced memory deficit in mice. This was accompanied by significant (P < 0·05) increment of antioxidants (SOD, GSH, GPx) and reduction of MDA, AChE and also pro-inflammatory cytokines. Unfermented cow's milk (UCM) yielded greater cytokine lowering effect than CM-LAB. The present findings suggest that attenuation of LPS-induced neuroinflamation and memory deficit by CM-LAB could be mediated via anti-inflammation through inhibition of AChE and antioxidative activities.
  6. Ariffin EY, Lee YH, Futra D, Tan LL, Karim NHA, Ibrahim NNN, et al.
    Anal Bioanal Chem, 2018 Mar;410(9):2363-2375.
    PMID: 29504083 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-0893-1
    A novel electrochemical DNA biosensor for ultrasensitive and selective quantitation of Escherichia coli DNA based on aminated hollow silica spheres (HSiSs) has been successfully developed. The HSiSs were synthesized with facile sonication and heating techniques. The HSiSs have an inner and an outer surface for DNA immobilization sites after they have been functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. From field emission scanning electron microscopy images, the presence of pores was confirmed in the functionalized HSiSs. Furthermore, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis indicated that the HSiSs have four times more surface area than silica spheres that have no pores. These aminated HSiSs were deposited onto a screen-printed carbon paste electrode containing a layer of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to form a AuNP/HSiS hybrid sensor membrane matrix. Aminated DNA probes were grafted onto the AuNP/HSiS-modified screen-printed electrode via imine covalent bonds with use of glutaraldehyde cross-linker. The DNA hybridization reaction was studied by differential pulse voltammetry using an anthraquinone redox intercalator as the electroactive DNA hybridization label. The DNA biosensor demonstrated a linear response over a wide target sequence concentration range of 1.0×10-12-1.0×10-2 μM, with a low detection limit of 8.17×10-14 μM (R2 = 0.99). The improved performance of the DNA biosensor appeared to be due to the hollow structure and rough surface morphology of the hollow silica particles, which greatly increased the total binding surface area for high DNA loading capacity. The HSiSs also facilitated molecule diffusion through the silica hollow structure, and substantially improved the overall DNA hybridization assay. Graphical abstract Step-by-step DNA biosensor fabrication based on aminated hollow silica spheres.
  7. Tumin M, Tafran K, Mohd Satar NH, Peng NK, Manikam R, Yoong TL, et al.
    Exp Clin Transplant, 2019 02;17(1):1-5.
    PMID: 29766774 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2017.0214
    OBJECTIVES: This paper explores health care professionals' potential attitude toward organ donation if the presumed consent system were to be implemented in Malaysia, as well as factors associated with this attitude.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used self-administered questionnaires to investigate the attitude of 382 health care professionals from the University of Malaya Medical Center between January and February 2014. The responses were analyzed using logistic regression.

    RESULTS: Of the 382 respondents, 175 (45.8%) stated that they would officially object to organ donation if the presumed consent system were to be implemented, whereas the remaining 207 (54.2%) stated that they would not object. The logistic regression showed that health care professionals from the Malay ethnic group were more likely to object than those from Chinese (adjusted odds ratio of 0.342; P = .001) and Indian and other (adjusted odds ratio of 0.341; P = .003) ethnic groups. Health care professionals earning 3000 Malaysian Ringgit or below were more likely to object than those earning above 3000 Malaysian Ringgit (adjusted odds ratio of 1.919; P = .006). Moreover, respondents who were initially unwilling to donate organs, regardless of the donation system, were more likely to object under the presumed consent system than those who were initially willing to donate (adjusted odds ratio of 2.765; P < .001).

    CONCLUSIONS: Health care professionals in Malaysia have a relatively negative attitude toward the presumed consent system, which does not encourage the implementation of this system in the country at present. To pave the way for a successful implementation of the presumed consent system, efforts should be initiated to enhance the attitude of health care professionals toward this system. In particular, these efforts should at most target the health care professionals who are Malay, earn a low income, and have a negative default attitude toward deceased donation.

  8. Ghazali WAHW, Abidin NHZ, Muda AM, Hamid HA
    Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther, 2018;7(1):22-26.
    PMID: 30254930 DOI: 10.4103/GMIT.GMIT_7_17
    STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of interstitial ectopic pregnancy and to compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic cornuotomy (LC) and laparotomy (open) cornuotomy (OC) of cornual ectopic pregnancy and to analyze its associated factors.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving cases of interstitial ectopic in Hospital Putrajaya, Putrajaya, Malaysia, over a 10-year period (2005-2014). Data on sociodemographic, clinical profile, perioperative, and postoperative were obtained from the electronic medical records.

    MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: The prevalence of cornual pregnancy was 4.0% (n = 14) out of total 347 cases of all ectopic pregnancies in Putrajaya Hospital. The mean ± standard deviation age of patient in the LC group and OC group was 29.3 ± 5.9 years and 31.4 ± 7.3 years, respectively. The duration of hospitalization and mean operating time were both significantly shorter in the LC group than in the OC group (1.43 ± 0.54 versus 2.57 ± 0.79 and 61.4 ± 15.7 min versus 97.1 ± 38.2 min, respectively, P < 0.05).There were no statistically significant differences between both groups for the estimated blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion, complications, and future fertility.

    CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cornual resection (cornuotomy) is a safe and less invasive procedure with a comparable complication rate. It has shown that it is feasibility and should be considered as initial treatment in managing those cases in trained hand surgeons.

  9. Mohd Nor NH, Othman F, Mohd Tohit ER, Md Noor S, Razali R, Ahmad Hassali H, et al.
    PMID: 31001352 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3245836
    Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The pathogenesis is mainly due to atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and platelet thrombus formation. The main risk factors for coronary artery disease include obesity, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure. As a part of disease management, treatment options using anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs can be applied with addition to lipid-lowering medication. However, medicinal plants comprising antiatherothrombotic effects can be used as options to combat the disease rather than drug therapies with lesser adverse effects. Therefore, the haematological effect of Berberis vulgaris L., Teucrium polium L., and Orthosiphon stamineus Benth extracts was studied using in vitro model to prevent and to treat coronary atherothrombotic disease. The aqueous, methanol, and polysaccharide extracts of B. vulgaris, T. polium, and O. stamineus, respectively, were studied for their anticoagulant and antiplatelet effect on human whole blood. Extracts were subjected to the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test for anticoagulant activity. The antiplatelet activity was investigated using an electrical impedance method. B. vulgaris aqueous extract (BVAE), B. vulgaris polysaccharide extract (BVPE), T. polium aqueous extract (TPAE), and T. polium polysaccharide extract (TPPE) significantly prolonged the coagulation time in a concentration-dependent manner (p<0.05). The administration of BVAE demonstrated the most effective antiplatelet activity against platelet aggregation caused by arachidonic acid (AA) and collagen. These antiplatelet activities may correspond to the presence of higher total phenolic compound, which thus inhibit the platelet aggregation activity. In conclusion, these findings provide strong evidence on the antiatherothrombotic effect of BVAE and TPAE.
  10. Sahudin MA, Su'ait MS, Tan LL, Lee YH, Abd Karim NH
    Anal Bioanal Chem, 2019 Sep;411(24):6449-6461.
    PMID: 31392436 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-02025-4
    Biogenic amines have attracted interest among researchers because of their importance as biomarkers in determining the quality of food freshness in the food industry. A rapid and simple technique that is able to detect biogenic amines is needed. In this work, a new optical sensing material for one of the biogenic amines, histamine, based on a new zinc(II) salphen complex was developed. The binding of zinc(II) complexes without an electron-withdrawing group (complex 1) and with electron-withdrawing groups (F, complex 2; Cl, complex 3) to histamine resulted in enhancement of fluorescence. All complexes exhibited high affinity for histamine [binding constant of (7.14 ± 0.80) × 104, (3.33 ± 0.03) × 105, and (2.35 ± 0.14) × 105 M-1, respectively]. Complex 2 was chosen as the sensing material for further development of an optical sensor for biogenic amines in the following step since it displayed enhanced optical properties in comparison with complexes 1 and 3. The optical sensor for biogenic amines used silica microparticles as the immobilisation support and histamine as the analyte. The optical sensor had a limit of detection for histamine of 4.4 × 10-12 M, with a linear working range between 1.0 × 10-11 and 1.0 × 10-6 M (R2 = 0.9844). The sensor showed good reproducibility, with a low relative standard deviation (5.5 %). In addition, the sensor exhibited good selectivity towards histamine and cadaverine over other amines, such as 1,2-phenylenediamine, triethylamine, and trimethylamine. Recovery and real sample studies suggested that complex 2 could be a promising biogenic amine optical sensing material that can be applied in the food industry, especially in controlling the safety of food for it to remain fresh and healthy for consumption.
  11. Taib M, Tan LL, Abd Karim NH, Ta GC, Heng LY, Khalid B
    Talanta, 2020 Jan 15;207:120321.
    PMID: 31594568 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120321
    An optical aptasensor-based sensing platform for rapid insulin detection was fabricated. Aminated porous silica microparticles (PSiMPs) were synthesized via a facile mini-emulsion method to provide large surface area for covalent immobilization of insulin-binding DNA aptamer (IGA3) by glutaraldehyde cross-linking protocol. A Nickel-salphen type complex with piperidine side chain [Ni(II)-SP] was synthesized with a simple one-pot reaction, and functionalized as an optical label due to strong π-π interaction between aromatic carbons of G-quadruplex DNA aptamer and planar aromatic groups of Ni(II)-SP to form the immobilized IGA3-Ni(II)-SP complex, i.e. the dye-labeled aptamer, thereby bringing yellow colouration to the immobilized G-quartet plane. Optical characterization of aptasensor towards insulin binding was carried out with a fiber optic reflectance spectrophotometer. The maximum reflectance intensity of the immobilized IGA3-Ni(II)-SP complex at 656 nm decreased upon binding with insulin as aptasensor changed to brownish orange colouration in the background. This allows optical detection of insulin as the colour change of aptasensor is dependent on the insulin concentration. The linear detection range of the aptasensor is obtained from 10 to 50 μIU mL-1 (R2 = 0.9757), which conformed to the normal fasting insulin levels in human with a limit of detection (LOD) at 3.71 μIU mL-1. The aptasensor showed fast response time of 40 min and long shelf life stability of >3 weeks. Insulin detection using healthy human serums with informed consent provided by participants suggests the DNA aptamer biosensor was in good agreement with ELISA standard method using BIOMATIK Human INS (Insulin) ELISA Kit.
  12. Ansarudin F, Abd Rahman T, Yamada Y, Rahman NHA, Kamardin K
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Oct 16;20(20).
    PMID: 33081110 DOI: 10.3390/s20205849
    In the 5G mobile system, new features such as millimetre wave operation, small cell size and multi beam are requested at base stations. At millimetre wave, the base station antennas become very small in size, which is about 30 cm; thus, dielectric lens antennas that have excellent multi beam radiation pattern performance are suitable candidates. For base station application, the lens antennas with small thickness and small curvature are requested for light weight and ease of installation. In this paper, a new lens shaping method for thin and small lens curvature is proposed. In order to develop the thin lens antenna, comparisons of antenna structures with conventional aperture distribution lens and Abbe's sine lens are made. Moreover, multi beam radiation pattern of three types of lenses are compared. As a result, the thin and small curvature of the proposed lens and an excellent multi beam radiation pattern are ensured.
  13. Hamid SA, Rahman NHA, Yamada Y, Hung PV, Quoc DN
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Oct 07;20(19).
    PMID: 33036419 DOI: 10.3390/s20195703
    Narrow beam width, higher gain and multibeam characteristics are demanded in 5G technology. Array antennas that are utilized in the existing mobile base stations have many drawbacks when operating at upper 5G frequency bands. For example, due to the high frequency operation, the antenna elements become smaller and thus, in order to provide higher gain, more antenna elements and arrays are required, which will cause the feeding network design to be more complex. The lens antenna is one of the potential candidates to replace the current structure in mobile base station. Therefore, a negative refractive index shaped lens is proposed to provide high gain and narrow beamwidth using energy conservation and Abbe's sine principle. The aim of this study is to investigate the multibeam characteristics of a negative refractive index shaped lens in mobile base station applications. In this paper, the feed positions for the multibeam are selected on the circle from the center of the lens and the accuracy of the feed position is validated through Electromagnetic (EM) simulation. Based on the analysis performed in this study, a negative refractive index shaped lens with a smaller radius and slender lens than the conventional lens is designed, with the additional capability of performing wide-angle beam scanning.
  14. Yuhana Ariffin E, Heng LY, Tan LL, Abd Karim NH, Hasbullah SA
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Feb 26;20(5).
    PMID: 32111092 DOI: 10.3390/s20051279
    A novel label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor was constructed for the determination of Escherichia coli bacteria in environmental water samples. The aminated DNA probe was immobilized onto hollow silica microspheres (HSMs) functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and deposited onto a screen-printed electrode (SPE) carbon paste with supported gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The biosensor was optimized for higher specificity and sensitivity. The label-free E. coli DNA biosensor exhibited a dynamic linear response range of 1 × 10-10 µM to 1 × 10-5 µM (R2 = 0.982), with a limit of detection at 1.95 × 10-15 µM, without a redox mediator. The sensitivity of the developed DNA biosensor was comparable to the non-complementary and single-base mismatched DNA. The DNA biosensor demonstrated a stable response up to 21 days of storage at 4 ℃ and pH 7. The DNA biosensor response was regenerable over three successive regeneration and rehybridization cycles.
  15. Mudri NH, Abdullah LC, Aung MM, Salleh MZ, Awang Biak DR, Rayung M
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Jul 03;12(7).
    PMID: 32635384 DOI: 10.3390/polym12071494
    Crude jatropha oil (JO) was modified to form jatropha oil-based polyol (JOL) via two steps in a chemical reaction known as epoxidation and hydroxylation. JOL was then reacted with isocyanates to produce JO-based polyurethane resin. In this study, two types of isocyanates, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) were introduced to produce JPUA-TDI and JPUA-IPDI respectively. 2,4-TDI is categorised as an aromatic isocyanate whilst IPDI is known as a cycloaliphatic isocyanate. Both JPUA-TDI and JPUA-IPDI were then end-capped by the acrylate functional group of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The effects of that isocyanate structure were investigated for their physico, chemical and thermal properties. The changes of the functional groups during each synthesis step were monitored by FTIR analysis. The appearance of urethane peaks was observed at 1532 cm-1, 1718 cm-1 and 3369 cm-1 while acrylate peaks were detected at 815 cm-1 and 1663 cm-1 indicating that JPUA was successfully synthesised. It was found that the molar mass of JPUA-TDI was doubled compared to JPUA-IPDI. Each resin showed a similar degradation pattern analysed by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). For the mechanical properties, the JPUA-IPDI-based coating formulation exhibited a higher hardness value but poor adhesion compared to the JPUA-TDI-based coating formulation. Both types of jatropha-based polyurethane acrylate may potentially be used in an ultraviolet (UV) curing system specifically for clear coat surface applications to replace dependency on petroleum-based chemicals.
  16. Othman NE, Zaki SA, Rijal HB, Ahmad NH, Razak AA
    Int J Biometeorol, 2021 Apr;65(4):453-477.
    PMID: 33416948 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-02035-3
    Difficulties in controlling the effects of outdoor thermal environment on the human body are attracting considerable research attention. This study investigated the outdoor thermal comfort of urban pedestrians by assessing their perceptions of the tropical, micrometeorological, and physical conditions via a questionnaire survey. Evaluation of the outdoor thermal comfort involved pedestrians performing various physical activities (sitting, walking, and standing) in outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces where the data collection of air temperature, globe temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, metabolic activity, and clothing insulation data was done simultaneously. A total of 1011 participants were interviewed, and the micrometeorological data were recorded under outdoor and semi-outdoor conditions at two Malaysian university campuses. The neutral temperatures obtained which were 28.1 °C and 30.8 °C were within the biothermal acceptable ranges of 24-34 °C and 26-33 °C of the PET thermal sensation ranges for the outdoor and semi-outdoor conditions, respectively. Additionally, the participants' thermal sensation and preference votes were highly correlated with the PET and strongly related to air and mean radiant temperatures. The findings demonstrated the influence of individuals' thermal adaptation on the outdoor thermal comfort levels. This knowledge could be useful in the planning and designing of outdoor environments in hot and humid regions to create better thermal environments.
  17. Mahdi O, Baharuldin MTH, Nor NHM, Chiroma SM, Jagadeesan S, Moklas MAM
    PMID: 33504317 DOI: 10.2174/1871524921666210127110028
    BACKGROUND: Cannabis and its extracts are now being explored due to their huge health benefits. Although, the effect they elicit, whether on humans or rodents, may vary based on the age of the animal/subject and or the time in which the extract is administered. However, several debates exist concerning the various medical applications of these compounds. Nonetheless, their applicability as therapeutics should not be clouded based on their perceived negative biological actions.

    METHODS: Articles from reliable databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Ovid were searched. Specific search methods were employed using multiple keywords: ''Medicinal Cannabis; endocannabinoid system; cannabinoids receptors; cannabinoids and cognition; brain disorders; neurodegenerative diseases''. For the inclusion/exclusion criteria, only relevant articles related to medicinal Cannabis and its various compounds were considered.

    RESULTS: The current review highlights the role, effects, and involvement of Cannabis, cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids in preventing selected neurodegenerative diseases and possible amelioration of cognitive impairments. Furthermore, it also focuses on Cannabis utilization in many disease conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease among others.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the usage of Cannabis should be further explored as accumulating evidence suggests that it could be effective and somewhat safe, especially when adhered to the recommended dosage. Furthermore, in-depth studies should be conducted in order to unravel the specific mechanism underpinning the involvement of cannabinoids at the cellular level and their therapeutic applications.

  18. Shafiee NH, Razalli NH, Mokhtar NM, Tan E, Ali RAR
    Intest Res, 2022 Jan;20(1):124-133.
    PMID: 33472341 DOI: 10.5217/ir.2020.00050
    BACKGROUND/AIMS: Substantial proportions of patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) linked their symptoms with particular intake of foods. However, there is lack of current data regarding the intake among IBS-C patients before any dietary interventions. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the dietary adequacy among IBS-C against the standard recommended nutrient intake (RNI) and healthy controls.

    METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted involving IBS-C patients and healthy control subjects. A validated 126-food items frequency questionnaire was administered to all the subjects to assess their dietary intake, guided by dietitians. The calculated nutrients intake for IBS-C patients was then compared against the standard RNI and healthy controls.

    RESULTS: A total of 306 subjects were recruited, among which 218 were diagnosed with IBS-C and 88 were included as healthy controls. IBS-C patients had significantly lower intake of wholegrain products, fried foods, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables compared to healthy controls. The daily intake of energy, certain macronutrients, and micronutrients among IBS-C patients was significantly lower than the healthy subjects. Less than 5% of IBS-C patients and healthy subjects achieved the standard recommendation for dietary fiber. Also, various vitamin intake (B1, B2, B6, folate, B12, E, K, and potassium) among IBS-C patients did not meet the standard RNI.

    CONCLUSIONS: Dietary intakes of IBS-C patients did not meet the recommended intake for Malaysian and showed the nutritional inadequacies compared to the control subjects. Our study highlighted the importance of dietary evaluation prior to planning strategies for dietary intervention targeting IBS-C patients.

  19. Mudri NH, Abdullah LC, Aung MM, Biak DRA, Tajau R
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 28;13(15).
    PMID: 34372093 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152490
    Jatropha oil-based polyol (JOL) was prepared from crude Jatropha oil via an epoxidation and hydroxylation reaction. During the isocyanation step, two different types of diisocyanates; 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), were introduced to produce Jatropha oil-based polyurethane acrylates (JPUA). The products were named JPUA-TDI and JPUA-IPDI, respectively. The success of the stepwise reactions of the resins was confirmed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to support the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis that was reported in the previous study. For JPUA-TDI, the presence of a signal at 7.94 ppm evidenced the possible side reactions between urethane linkages with secondary amine that resulted in an aryl-urea group (Ar-NH-COO-). Meanwhile, the peak of 2.89 ppm was assigned to the α-position of methylene to the carbamate (-CH2NHCOO) group in the JPUA-IPDI. From the rheological study, JO and JPUA-IPDI in pure form were classified as Newtonian fluids, while JPUA-TDI showed non-Newtonian behaviour with pseudoplastic or shear thinning behaviour at room temperature. At elevated temperatures, the JO, JPUA-IPDI mixture and JPUA-TDI mixture exhibited reductions in viscosity and shear stress as the shear rate increased. The JO and JPUA-IPDI mixture maintained Newtonian fluid behaviour at all temperature ranges. Meanwhile, the JPUA-TDI mixture showed shear thickening at 25 °C and shear thinning at 40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C. The master curve graph based on the shear rate for the JO, JPUA-TDI mixture and JPUA-IPDI mixture at 25 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C was developed as a fluid behaviour reference for future storage and processing conditions during the encapsulation process. The encapsulation process can be conducted to fabricate a self-healing coating based on a microcapsule triggered either by air or ultra-violet (UV) radiation.
  20. Miyazono K, Yamashita R, Miyamoto H, Ishak NHA, Tadokoro K, Shimizu Y, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2021 Sep;170:112631.
    PMID: 34175698 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112631
    Floating plastic debris was investigated in the transition region in the North Pacific between 141°E and 165°W to understand its transportation process from Asian coast to central subtropical Pacific. Distribution was influenced primarily by the current system and the generation process of the high concentration area differed between the western and eastern areas. West of 180°, debris largely accumulated around nearshore convergent area and was transported by eddies and quasi-stationary jet from south to the subarctic region. The average was 15% higher than that previously reported in 1989, suggesting an increase in plastic debris in 30 years. East of 180°, debris concentrated in the calm water downstream of the Kuroshio Extension Bifurcation with considerably high concentration (505,032 ± 991,989 pieces km-2), due to the accumulation of small transparent film caused by calm weather conditions, suggesting a further investigation on small plastic (<1 mm) in the subsurface depth in the subtropical North Pacific.
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