Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 142 in total

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  1. Fulltext A simple, portable, electrochemical biosensor to screen shellfish for Vibrio parahaemolyticus
    Nordin N, Yusof NA, Abdullah J, Radu S, Hushiarian R
    AMB Express, 2017 Dec;7(1):41.
    PMID: 28205102 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-017-0339-8
    An earlier electrochemical mechanism of DNA detection was adapted and specified for the detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in real samples. The reader, based on a screen printed carbon electrode, was modified with polylactide-stabilized gold nanoparticles and methylene blue was employed as the redox indicator. Detection was assessed using a microprocessor to measure current response under controlled potential. The fabricated sensor was able to specifically distinguish complementary, non-complementary and mismatched oligonucleotides. DNA was measured in the range of 2.0 × 10(-8)-2.0 × 10(-13) M with a detection limit of 2.16 pM. The relative standard deviation for 6 replications of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurement of 0.2 µM complementary DNA was 4.33%. Additionally, cross-reactivity studies against various other food-borne pathogens showed a reliably sensitive detection of the target pathogen. Successful identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (spiked and unspiked) in fresh cockles, combined with its simplicity and portability demonstrate the potential of the device as a practical screening tool.
  2. Sensitive detection of multiple pathogens using a single DNA probe
    Nordin N, Yusof NA, Abdullah J, Radu S, Hushiarian R
    Biosens Bioelectron, 2016 Dec 15;86:398-405.
    PMID: 27414245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.06.077
    A simple but promising electrochemical DNA nanosensor was designed, constructed and applied to differentiate a few food-borne pathogens. The DNA probe was initially designed to have a complementary region in Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) genome and to make different hybridization patterns with other selected pathogens. The sensor was based on a screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with polylactide-stabilized gold nanoparticles (PLA-AuNPs) and methylene blue (MB) was employed as the redox indicator binding better to single-stranded DNA. The immobilization and hybridization events were assessed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The fabricated biosensor was able to specifically distinguish complementary, non-complementary and mismatched oligonucleotides. DNA was measured in the range of 2.0×10(-9)-2.0×10(-13)M with a detection limit of 5.3×10(-12)M. The relative standard deviation for 6 replications of DPV measurement of 0.2µM complementary DNA was 4.88%. The fabricated DNA biosensor was considered stable and portable as indicated by a recovery of more than 80% after a storage period of 6 months at 4-45°C. Cross-reactivity studies against various food-borne pathogens showed a reliably sensitive detection of VP.
  3. Fulltext Detection of Quinoline in G. boninense-Infected Plants Using Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Field Study
    Akanbi FS, Yusof NA, Abdullah J, Sulaiman Y, Hushiarian R
    Sensors (Basel), 2017 Jul 01;17(7).
    PMID: 28671561 DOI: 10.3390/s17071538
    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and chitosan nanoparticles (CTSNPs) were anchored on a screen-printed electrode to fabricate a multi-walled structure for the detection of quinoline. The surface morphology of the nanocomposites and the modified electrode was examined by an ultra-high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of specific functional groups on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes MWCNTs. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to monitor the layer-by-layer assembly of ultra-thin films of nanocomposites on the surface of the electrode and other electrochemical characterizations. Under optimized conditions, the novel sensor displayed outstanding electrochemical reactivity towards the electro-oxidation of quinoline. The linear range was fixed between 0.0004 and 1.0 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.75 nM. The fabricated electrode exhibited high stability with excellent sensitivity and selectivity, specifically attributable to the salient characteristics of AuNPs, CTSNPs, and MWCNTs and the synergistic inter-relationship between them. The newly developed electrode was tested in the field. The Ipa increased with an increase in the amount of quinoline solution added, and the peak potential deviated minimally, depicting the real capability of the newly fabricated electrode.
  4. Intracranial Volume Post Cranial Expansion Surgery Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Scan Imaging in Children With Craniosynostosis
    Sulong S, Alias A, Johanabas F, Yap Abdullah J, Idris B
    J Craniofac Surg, 2019 8 14;31(1):46-50.
    PMID: 31403510 DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005810
    BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect that causes ≥1 suture to fuse prematurely. Cranial expansion surgery which consists of cranial vault reshaping with or without fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) is done to correct the skull to a more normal shape of the head as well as to increase the intracranial volume (ICV). Therefore, it is important to evaluate the changes of ICV after the surgery and the effect of surgery both clinically and radiologically.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the ICV in primary craniosynostosis patients after the cranial vault reshaping with or without FOA and to compare between syndromic and nonsyndromic synostosis group, to determine factors that associated with significant changes in the ICV postoperative, and to evaluate the resolution of copper beaten sign and improvement in neurodevelopmental delay after the surgery.

    METHODS: This is a prospective observational study of all primary craniosynostosis patients who underwent operation cranial vault reshaping with or without FOA in Hospital Kuala Lumpur from January 2017 until Jun 2018. The ICV preoperative and postoperative was measured using the 3D computed tomography (CT) imaging and analyzed. The demographic data, clinical and radiological findings were identified and analyzed.

    RESULTS: A total of 14 cases (6 males and 8 females) with 28 3D CT scans were identified. The mean age of patients was 23 months. Seven patients were having syndromic synostosis (4 Crouzon syndromes and 3 Apert syndromes) and 7 nonsyndromic synostosis. The mean preoperative ICV was 880 mL (range, 641-1234 mL), whereas the mean postoperative ICV was 1081 mL (range, 811-1385 mL). The difference was 201 mL which was statistically significant (P  1.0). However, there was 100% (n = 13) improvement of this copper beaten sign. However, the neurodevelopmental delay showed no improvement which was statistically not significant (P > 1.0).

    CONCLUSION: Surgery in craniosynostosis patient increases the ICV besides it improves the shape of the head. From this study, the syndromic synostosis had better increment of ICV compared to nonsyndromic synostosis.

  5. Analysis of brain tumours suitable for curability via gene therapy in North East Malaysia
    Abdullah J, Isa MN
    Stereotact Funct Neurosurg, 1999;73(1-4):19-22.
    PMID: 10853092
    Two hundred primary brain tumours in both adults and children from the year 1990 to 1998 presenting for treatment to the Neurosurgical Division of the Hospital of the University of Sciences Malaysia were studied retrospectively. Volumes of tumours were taken from CT scans with contrast using two formulas and divided into 4 groups: (1) less than 20 cm(3), (2) 20-50 cm(3), (3) 50-100 cm(3) (4) larger than 100 cm(3). The majority of the brain tumours were in the volume range of 50-100 cm(3), and are thus potentially curable with retroviral gene therapy.
  6. Association of p53 tumor suppressor gene with paraclinical and clinical modalities of gliomas patients in Malaysia
    Yusoff AA, Abdullah J, Abdullah MR, Mohd Ariff AR, Isa MN
    Acta Neurochir (Wien), 2004 Jun;146(6):595-601.
    PMID: 15168228
    Alteration of the tumor suppressor gene p53 is considered to be a critical step in the development of human cancer. Changes in this gene have been detected in a wide range of human tumours, including gliomas. In glioma, the presence of p53 gene alterations has been associated with worse prognosis.
  7. Biosensor based on glutamate dehydrogenase immobilized in chitosan for the determination of ammonium in water samples
    Azmi NE, Ahmad M, Abdullah J, Sidek H, Heng LY, Karuppiah N
    Anal Biochem, 2009 May 1;388(1):28-32.
    PMID: 19454217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2009.02.005
    An optical biosensor based on glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) immobilized in a chitosan film for the determination of ammonium in water samples is described. The biosensor film was deposited on a glass slide via a spin-coating method. The ammonium was measured based on beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidation in the presence of alpha-ketoglutaric acid at a wavelength of 340 nm. The biosensor showed optimum activity at pH 8. The optimum chitosan concentrations and enzyme loading were found to be at 2% (w/v) and 0.08 mg, respectively. Optimum concentrations of NADH and alpha-ketoglutaric acid both were obtained at 0.15 mM. A linear response of the biosensor was obtained in the ammonium concentration range of 0.005 to 0.5 mM with a detection limit of 0.005 mM. The reproducibility of the biosensor was good, with an observed relative standard deviation of 5.9% (n=8). The biosensor was found to be stable for at least 1 month when stored dry at 4 degrees C.
  8. Calcium lignosulfonate improves proliferation of recalcitrant indica rice callus via modulation of auxin biosynthesis and enhancement of nutrient absorption
    Wan Abdullah WMAN, Tan NP, Low LY, Loh JY, Wee CY, Md Taib AZ, et al.
    Plant Physiol Biochem, 2021 Apr;161:131-142.
    PMID: 33581621 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.01.046
    Lignosulfonate (LS) is a commonly used to promote plant growth. However, the underlying growth promoting responses of LS in plant remain unknown. Therefore, this study was undertaken to elucidate the underlying growth promoting mechanisms of LS, specifically calcium lignosulfonate (CaLS). Addition of 100 mg/L CaLS in phytohormone-free media enhanced recalcitrant indica rice cv. MR219 callus proliferation rate and adventitious root formation. Both, auxin related genes (OsNIT1, OsTAA1 and OsYUC1) and tryptophan biosynthesis proteins were upregulated in CaLS-treated calli which corroborated with increased of endogenous auxin content. Moreover, increment of OsWOX11 gene on CaLS-treated calli implying that the raised of endogenous auxin was utilized as a cue to enhance adventitious root development. Besides, CaLS-treated calli showed higher nutrient ions content with major increment in calcium and potassium ions. Consistently, increased of potassium protein kinases genes (OsAKT1, OsHAK5, OsCBL, OsCIPK23 and OsCamk1) were also recorded. In CaLS treated calli, the significant increase of calcium ion was observed starting from week one while potassium ion only recorded significant increase on week two onwards, suggesting that increment of potassium ion might be dependent on the calcium ion content in the plant cell. Additionally, reduced callus blackening was also coherent with downregulation of ROS scavenging protein and reduced H2O2 content in CaLS-treated calli suggesting the role of CaLS in mediating cellular homeostasis via prevention of oxidative burst in the cell. Taken together, CaLS successfully improved MR219 callus proliferation and root formation by increasing endogenous auxin synthesis, enhancing nutrients uptake and regulating cellular homeostasis.
  9. Fulltext Pluronic F-68 Improves Callus Proliferation of Recalcitrant Rice Cultivar via Enhanced Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism and Nutrients Uptake
    Kok AD, Mohd Yusoff NF, Sekeli R, Wee CY, Lamasudin DU, Ong-Abdullah J, et al.
    Front Plant Sci, 2021;12:667434.
    PMID: 34149763 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.667434
    Pluronic F-68 (PF-68) is a non-ionic surfactant used in plant tissue culture as a growth additive. Despite its usage as a plant growth enhancer, the mechanism underlying the growth-promoting effects of PF-68 remains largely unknown. Hence, this study was undertaken to elucidate the growth-promoting mechanism of PF-68 using recalcitrant MR 219 callus as a model. Supplementation of 0.04% PF-68 (optimum concentration) was shown to enhance callus proliferation. The treated callus recorded enhanced sugar content, protein content, and glutamate synthase activity as exemplified in the comparative proteome analysis, showing protein abundance involved in carbohydrate metabolism (alpha amylase), protein biosynthesis (ribosomal proteins), and nitrogen metabolism (glutamate synthase), which are crucial to plant growth and development. Moreover, an increase in nutrients uptake was also noted with potassium topping the list, suggesting a vital role of K in governing plant growth. In contrast, 0.10% PF-68 (high concentration) induced stress response in the callus, revealing an increment in phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, malondialdehyde content, and peroxidase activity, which were consistent with high abundance of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, and peroxiredoxin proteins detected and concomitant with a reduced level of esterase activity. The data highlighted that incorporation of PF-68 at optimum concentration improved callus proliferation of recalcitrant MR 219 through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and nutrient uptake. However, growth-promoting effects of PF-68 are concentration dependent.
  10. Fulltext Sodium lignosulfonate improves shoot growth of Oryza sativa via enhancement of photosynthetic activity and reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species
    Kok AD, Wan Abdullah WMAN, Tang CN, Low LY, Yuswan MH, Ong-Abdullah J, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 06 24;11(1):13226.
    PMID: 34168171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92401-x
    Lignosulfonate (LS) is a by-product obtained during sulfite pulping process and is commonly used as a growth enhancer in plant growth. However, the underlying growth promoting mechanism of LS on shoot growth remains largely unknown. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the potential application of eco-friendly ion-chelated LS complex [sodium LS (NaLS) and calcium LS (CaLS)] to enhance recalcitrant indica rice MR 219 shoot growth and to elucidate its underlying growth promoting mechanisms. In this study, the shoot apex of MR 219 rice was grown on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different ion chelated LS complex (NaLS and CaLS) at 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/L The NaLS was shown to be a better shoot growth enhancer as compared to CaLS, with optimum concentration of 300 mg/L. Subsequent comparative proteomic analysis revealed an increase of photosynthesis-related proteins [photosystem II (PSII) CP43 reaction center protein, photosystem I (PSI) iron-sulfur center, PSII CP47 reaction center protein, PSII protein D1], ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), carbohydrate metabolism-related proteins (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 3, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase) and stress regulator proteins (peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase A4, delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase 1) abundance in NaLS-treated rice as compared to the control (MSO). Consistent with proteins detected, a significant increase in biochemical analyses involved in photosynthetic activities, carbohydrate metabolism and protein biosynthesis such as total chlorophyll, rubisco activity, total sugar and total protein contents were observed in NaLS-treated rice. This implies that NaLS plays a role in empowering photosynthesis activities that led to plant growth enhancement. In addition, the increased in abundance of stress regulator proteins were consistent with low levels of peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde content and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity observed in NaLS-treated rice. These results suggest that NaLS plays a role in modulating cellular homeostasis to provide a conducive cellular environment for plant growth. Taken together, NaLS improved shoot growth of recalcitrant MR 219 rice by upregulation of photosynthetic activities and reduction of ROS accumulation leading to better plant growth.
  11. Fulltext Vacuolar Processing Enzymes Modulating Susceptibility Response to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 Infections in Banana
    Wan Abdullah WMAN, Saidi NB, Yusof MT, Wee CY, Loh HS, Ong-Abdullah J, et al.
    Front Plant Sci, 2021;12:769855.
    PMID: 35095950 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.769855
    Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (FocTR4) is a destructive necrotrophic fungal pathogen afflicting global banana production. Infection process involves the activation of programmed cell death (PCD). In this study, seven Musa acuminata vacuolar processing enzyme (MaVPE1-MaVPE7) genes associated with PCD were successfully identified. Phylogenetic analysis and tissue-specific expression categorized these MaVPEs into the seed and vegetative types. FocTR4 infection induced the majority of MaVPE expressions in the susceptible cultivar "Berangan" as compared to the resistant cultivar "Jari Buaya." Consistently, upon FocTR4 infection, high caspase-1 activity was detected in the susceptible cultivar, while low level of caspase-1 activity was recorded in the resistant cultivar. Furthermore, inhibition of MaVPE activities via caspase-1 inhibitor in the susceptible cultivar reduced tonoplast rupture, decreased lesion formation, and enhanced stress tolerance against FocTR4 infection. Additionally, the Arabidopsis VPE-null mutant exhibited higher tolerance to FocTR4 infection, indicated by reduced sporulation rate, low levels of H2O2 content, and high levels of cell viability. Comparative proteomic profiling analysis revealed increase in the abundance of cysteine proteinase in the inoculated susceptible cultivar, as opposed to cysteine proteinase inhibitors in the resistant cultivar. In conclusion, the increase in vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE)-mediated PCD played a crucial role in modulating susceptibility response during compatible interaction, which facilitated FocTR4 colonization in the host.
  12. Fulltext λ-Carrageenan promotes plant growth in banana via enhancement of cellular metabolism, nutrient uptake, and cellular homeostasis
    Thye KL, Wan Abdullah WMAN, Balia Yusof ZN, Wee CY, Ong-Abdullah J, Loh JY, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2022 Nov 16;12(1):19639.
    PMID: 36385165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21909-7
    Banana (Musa acuminata) is an important fruit crop and source of income for various countries, including Malaysia. To date, current agrochemical practice has become a disputable issue due to its detrimental effect on the environment. λ-carrageenan, a natural polysaccharide extracted from edible red seaweed, has been claimed to be a potential plant growth stimulator. Hence, the present study investigates the effects of λ-carrageenan on plant growth using Musa acuminata cv. Berangan (AAA). Vegetative growth such as plant height, root length, pseudostem diameter, and fresh weight was improved significantly in λ-carrageenan-treated banana plants at an optimum concentration of 750 ppm. Enhancement of root structure was also observed in optimum λ-carrageenan treatment, facilitating nutrients uptake in banana plants. Further biochemical assays and gene expression analysis revealed that the increment in growth performance was consistent with the increase of chlorophyll content, protein content, and phenolic content, suggesting that λ-carrageenan increases photosynthesis rate, protein biosynthesis, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis which eventually stimulate growth. Besides, λ-carrageenan at optimum concentration also increased catalase and peroxidase activities, which led to a significant reduction in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, maintaining cellular homeostasis in banana plants. Altogether, λ-carrageenan at optimum concentration improves the growth of banana plants via inducing metabolic processes, enhancing nutrient uptake, and regulation of cell homeostasis. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of λ-carrageenan on banana plants under field conditions.
  13. Fulltext Promoter Cis-Element Analyses Reveal the Function of αVPE in Drought Stress Response of Arabidopsis
    Tang CN, Wan Abdullah WMAN, Wee CY, Balia Yusof ZN, Yap WS, Cheng WH, et al.
    Biology (Basel), 2023 Mar 10;12(3).
    PMID: 36979122 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030430
    Vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE) is a cysteine protease responsible for vacuolar proteins' maturation and regulation of programmed cell death (PCD). Four isoforms of Arabidopsis thaliana VPEs were identified previously, but only the functions of βVPE, γVPE, and δVPE were determined. The specific function of a gene is linked to the cis-acting elements in the promoter region. A promoter analysis found repetitive drought-related cis-elements in αVPE, which highlight its potential involvement in drought regulation in A. thaliana. The further co-expression network portraying genes interacting with αVPE substantiated its drought-regulation-related function. Expression of αVPE was upregulated after drought treatment in A. thaliana. To confirm the role of αVPE, a loss of function study revealed that αVPE knockout mutants remained green compared with WT after drought treatment. The mutants had reduced proline activity, decreased sucrose content, and lower MDA content, but increased photosynthetic pigments, indicating that αVPE negatively regulates drought tolerance in A. thaliana. Taken together, our findings serve as important evidence of the involvement of αVPE in modulating drought tolerance in A. thaliana.
  14. Fulltext Calcium lignosulfonate modulates physiological and biochemical responses to enhance shoot multiplication in Vanilla planifolia Andrews
    Thye KL, Wan Abdullah WMAN, Ong-Abdullah J, Lamasudin DU, Wee CY, Mohd Yusoff MHY, et al.
    Physiol Mol Biol Plants, 2023 Mar;29(3):377-392.
    PMID: 37033764 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-023-01293-w
    Utilisation of calcium lignosulfonate (CaLS) in Vanilla planifolia has been reported to improve shoot multiplication. However, mechanisms responsible for such observation remain unknown. Here, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms of CaLS in promoting shoot multiplication of V. planifolia via comparative proteomics, biochemical assays, and nutrient analysis. The proteome profile of CaLS-treated plants showed enhancement of several important cellular metabolisms such as photosynthesis, protein synthesis, Krebs cycle, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and carbohydrate synthesis. Further biochemical analysis recorded that CaLS increased Rubisco activity, hexokinase activity, isocitrate dehydrogenase activity, total carbohydrate content, glutamate synthase activity and total protein content in plant shoot, suggesting the role of CaLS in enhancing shoot growth via upregulation of cellular metabolism. Subsequent nutrient analysis showed that CaLS treatment elevated the contents of several nutrient ions especially calcium and sodium ions. In addition, our study also revealed that CaLS successfully maintained the cellular homeostasis level through the regulation of signalling molecules such as reactive oxygen species and calcium ions. These results demonstrated that the CaLS treatment can enhance shoot multiplication in V. planifolia Andrews by stimulating nutrient uptake, inducing cell metabolism, and regulating cell homeostasis.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01293-w.

  15. Fulltext Growth promoting effects of Pluronic F-68 on callus proliferation of recalcitrant rice cultivar
    Kok AD, Wan Abdullah WMAN, Tan NP, Ong-Abdullah J, Sekeli R, Wee CY, et al.
    3 Biotech, 2020 Mar;10(3):116.
    PMID: 32117677 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-2118-5
    This study was undertaken to evaluate growth-promoting effects of Pluronic F-68 (PF-68) on recalcitrant MR 219 rice callus. Our study shows that calli grown on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.04% PF-68 significantly increased callus proliferation by 58.80% (fresh weight) and 23.98% (dry weight) while root formation from callus was enhanced by 28.57%. Enhanced callus proliferation was supported by biochemical analysis, whereby highest amount of soluble sugar (1.77 mg/mL) and protein (0.17 mg/mL) contents were recorded in calli grown on 0.04% PF-68. Furthermore, enhanced expression of sucrose synthase (2.65-folds) and NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (1.86-folds) genes in calli grown on 0.04% PF-68 also correlates with enhanced callus proliferation. In contrast, high concentration of PF-68 (0.10%) recorded highest amount of phenolic (0.74 mg/mL), flavonoid (0.08 mg/mL), and hydrogen peroxide content (0.06 mg/mL) as compared to other treatment groups indicates activation of plant defence mechanism towards stress. Similarly, high expression of 4-coumarate:CoA ligase 3 (1.28-folds), chalcone-flavonone isomerase (1.65-folds) and ascorbate peroxidase (1.61-folds) genes were observed in calli grown on 0.10% PF-68 further supports increasing stress caused by the high concentration of PF-68. Taken together, our study revealed that optimum concentration of PF-68 could improve recalcitrant rice callus proliferation via enhanced sugar metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis which are crucial towards plant growth and development. However, at high concentration, PF-68 induces stress in plant which enhance the production of secondary metabolite to maintain cellular homeostasis.
  16. Fulltext Training simulated patients: evaluation of a training approach using self-assessment and peer/tutor feedback to improve performance
    Perera J, Perera J, Abdullah J, Lee N
    BMC Med Educ, 2009;9:37.
    PMID: 19563621 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-9-37
    BACKGROUND: Most medical schools use simulated patients (SPs) for teaching. In this context the authenticity of role play and quality of feedback provided by SPs is of paramount importance. The available literature on SP training mostly addresses instructor led training where the SPs are given direction on their roles. This study focuses on the use of peer and self evaluation as a tool to train SPs.
    METHODS: SPs at the medical school participated in a staff development and training programme which included a) self-assessment of their performance while observing video-tapes of their role play using a structured guide and b) peer group assessment of their performance under tutor guidance. The pre and post training performance in relation to authenticity of role play and quality of feedback was blindly assessed by students and tutors using a validated instrument and the scores were compared. A focus group discussion and a questionnaire assessed acceptability of the training programme by the SPs.
    RESULTS: The post-training performance assessment scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the pre-training scores. The degree of improvement in the quality of feedback provided to students was more when compared to the improvement of role play. The acceptability of the training by the SPs was very satisfactory scoring an average of 7.6 out of 10. The majority of the SPs requested the new method of training to be included in their current training programme as a regular feature.
    CONCLUSION: Use of structured self-reflective and peer-interactive, practice based methods of SP training is recommended to improve SP performance. More studies on these methods of training may further refine SP training and lead to improvement of SP performance which in turn may positively impact medical education.
  17. Fulltext Third ventricular cavernous angioma
    Zakaria MA, Abdullah JM, George JP, Mutum SS, Lee NN
    Med J Malaysia, 2006 Jun;61(2):229-32.
    PMID: 16898318 MyJurnal
    Third ventricular cavernous angiomas are rare vascular malformations of the brain. We report an eight-year old boy with a rare third ventricular cavernous angioma that hemorrhaged presenting with symptoms of acute hydrocephalus. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a heterogenous ill-defined, solid and cystic intraventricular mass in the third ventricle which was mildly enhanced with contrast and there was associated hydrocephalus. The mass was removed with success and follow up after two years revealed no neurological abnormalities.
  18. Fulltext An Overview of the Potential Therapeutic Applications of Essential Oils
    Aljaafari MN, AlAli AO, Baqais L, Alqubaisy M, AlAli M, Molouki A, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 Jan 26;26(3).
    PMID: 33530290 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030628
    The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has urged researchers to explore therapeutic alternatives, one of which includes the use of natural plant products such as essential oils (EO). In fact, EO obtained from clove, oregano, thymus, cinnamon bark, rosemary, eucalyptus, and lavender have been shown to present significant inhibitory effects on bacteria, fungi, and viruses; many studies have been done to measure EO efficacy against microorganisms. The strategy of combinatory effects via conventional and non-conventional methods revealed that the combined effects of EO-EO or EO-antibiotic exhibit enhanced efficacy. This paper aims to review the antimicrobial effects of EO, modes of EO action (membrane disruption, efflux inhibition, increase membrane permeability, and decrease in intracellular ATP), and their compounds' potential as effective agents against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is hoped that the integration of EO applications in this work can be used to consider EO for future clinical applications.
  19. Fulltext Recurrent paediatric supratentorial extraventricular ependymoma associated with genetic mutation at exon 4 of p53 gene
    Ghani AR, Abdullah JM, Ghazali M, Ahmad F, Ahmad KA, Madhavan M
    Singapore Med J, 2008 Jul;49(7):e192-4.
    PMID: 18695856
    Recurrent supratentorial extraventricular ependymoma in a four-year-old Malay boy treated twice surgically in combination with cranial radiotherapy is reported. He presented with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure and a history of focal seizure. Computed tomography of the brain showed a left supratentorial extraventricular cystic lesion causing a mass effect. The tumour histology was ependymoma (WHO grade II). The clinical course, radiological characteristics and management of this tumour are discussed. Molecular genetic analysis of p53 and p27 genes revealed substitution of nucleotide G to C at location nucleotide 12139, exon 4 of gene p53. No alteration was detected at exon 5-6 and 8 of p53 gene and exon 1 and 2 of p27 gene.
  20. Fulltext Sensitive Detection of Dengue Virus Type 2 E-Proteins Signals Using Self-Assembled Monolayers/Reduced Graphene Oxide-PAMAM Dendrimer Thin Film-SPR Optical Sensor
    Omar NAS, Fen YW, Abdullah J, Mustapha Kamil Y, Daniyal WMEMM, Sadrolhosseini AR, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 02 11;10(1):2374.
    PMID: 32047209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59388-3
    In this work, sensitive detection of dengue virus type 2 E-proteins (DENV-2 E-proteins) was performed in the range of 0.08 pM to 0.5 pM. The successful DENV detection at very low concentration is a matter of concern for targeting the early detection after the onset of dengue symptoms. Here, we developed a SPR sensor based on self-assembled monolayer/reduced graphene oxide-polyamidoamine dendrimer (SAM/NH2rGO/PAMAM) thin film to detect DENV-2 E-proteins. Surface characterizations involving X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the incorporation of NH2rGO-PAMAM nanoparticles in the prepared sensor films. The specificity, sensitivity, binding affinity, and selectivity of the SPR sensor were then evaluated. Results indicated that the variation of the sensing layer due to different spin speed, time incubation, and concentration provided a better interaction between the analyte and sensing layer. The linear dependence of the SPR sensor showed good linearity (R2 = 0.92) with the lowest detection of 0.08 pM DENV-2 E-proteins. By using the Langmuir model, the equilibrium association constant was obtained at very high value of 6.6844 TM-1 (R2 = 0.99). High selectivity of the SPR sensor towards DENV-2 E-proteins was achieved in the presence of other competitors.
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