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Fulltext Effectiveness of posthemodialysis administration of pregabalin (75 mg) in treatment resistance uremia pruritus

Khan TM, Aziz A, Suleiman AK

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2016 3 10;8(1):74-6.
PMID: 26957874 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.171736

Uremic pruritus (UP) is one of the complications faced by majority of the patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Due to complex pathophysiology of UP, most of the anti-inflammatory and tropical lubricants often not provide a long lasting control over pruritus. Recently the uses of certain anti-epileptics are found to demonstrate promising relief to UP. To test the effect of 75 mg pregabalin in patients with treatment resistance pruritus. Data was prospectively collected from a patient with ESRD and suffering from treatment resistance pruritus. Intensity of pruritus was recorded using 5D-itching scale (5D-IS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Pre and post assessment was done for this patient, on initial assess the parathyroid hormone level of the patient was 70.5 pg/ml with a serum phosphate level of 2.61 mmol/L. Upon initial assess the VAS score was 8 and 5D-IS score was twenty. After the duration of four weeks of pregabalin 75 mg post hemodialysis, 5D-IS score reduced to 8 and VAS score move down to 3. Pregabalin 75 mg post hemodialysis was found to reduce the intensity of UP. Pregabalin 75 mg post hemodialysis can be another option to treat UP.
Effects of Excess and Limited Phosphate on Biomass, Lipid and Fatty Acid Contents and the Expression of Four Fatty Acid Desaturase Genes in the Tropical Selenastraceaen Messastrum gracile SE-MC4

Anne-Marie K, Yee W, Loh SH, Aziz A, Cha TS

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2020 Apr;190(4):1438-1456.
PMID: 31782088 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-019-03182-z

In this study, the effects of limited and excess phosphate on biomass content, oil content, fatty acid profile and the expression of three fatty acid desaturases in Messastrum gracile SE-MC4 were determined. It was found that total biomass (0.67-0.83 g L-1), oil content (30.99-38.08%) and the duration for cells to reach stationary phase (25-27 days) were not considerably affected by phosphate limitation. However, excess phosphate slightly reduced total biomass and oil content to 0.50 g L-1 and 25.36% respectively. The dominant fatty acids in M. gracile, pamitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1) which constitute more than 81% of the total fatty acids remained relatively high and constant across all phosphate concentrations. Reduction of phosphate concentration to 25% and below significantly increased total MUFA, whereas increasing phosphate concentration to ≥ 50% and ≥ 100% significantly increased total SFA and PUFA content respectively. The expression of omega-3 fatty acid desaturase (ω-3 FADi1, ω-3 FADi2) and omega-6 fatty acid desaturase (ω-6 FAD) was increased under phosphate limitation, especially at ≤ 12.5% phosphate, whereas levels of streoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD) transcripts were relatively unchanged across all phosphate concentrations. The first isoform of ω-3 FAD (ω-3 FADi) displayed a binary upregulation under limited (≤ 12.5%) and excess (200%) phosphate. The expression of ω-6 FAD, ω-3 FAD and SAD were inconsistent with the accumulation of oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3), suggesting that these genes may be regulated indirectly by phosphate availability via post-transcriptional or post-translational mechanisms.
Fulltext Effects of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract on abundance of HepG2 cell lysate proteins and their possible consequential impact on metabolism and inflammation

Chong UR, Abdul-Rahman PS, Abdul-Aziz A, Hashim OH, Mat-Junit S

Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:459017.
PMID: 24455694 DOI: 10.1155/2013/459017

The fruit pulp extract of Tamarindus indica has been reported for its antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. In this study, the methanol extract of T. indica fruit pulp was investigated for its effects on the abundance of HepG2 cell lysate proteins. Cell lysate was extracted from HepG2 cells grown in the absence and presence of the methanol extract of T. indica fruit pulp. Approximately 2500 spots were resolved using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the abundance of 20 cellular proteins was found to be significantly reduced. Among the proteins of reduced abundance, fourteen, including six proteins involved in metabolism (including ethanolamine phosphate cytidylyltransferase), four mitochondrial proteins (including prohibitin and respiratory chain proteins), and four proteins involved in translation and splicing, were positively identified by mass spectrometry and database search. The identified HepG2 altered abundance proteins, when taken together and analyzed by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) software, are suggestive of the effects of T. indica fruit pulp extract on metabolism and inflammation, which are modulated by LXR/RXR. In conclusion, the methanol fruit pulp extract of T. indica was shown to cause reduced abundance of HepG2 mitochondrial, metabolic, and regulatory proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, protein synthesis, and cellular metabolism.
Fulltext Effects of mobile health interventions on health-related outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lee JJN, Abdul Aziz A, Chan ST, Raja Abdul Sahrizan RSFB, Ooi AYY, Teh YT, et al.

J Diabetes, 2023 Jan;15(1):47-57.
PMID: 36649940 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13346

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic condition that is associated with multiple comorbidities. Apart from pharmacological approaches, patient self-management remains the gold standard of care for diabetes. Improving patients' self-management among the elderly with mobile health (mHealth) interventions is critical, especially in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the extent of mHealth efficacy in managing T2DM in the older population remains unknown. Hence, the present review examined the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on cardiometabolic outcomes in older adults with T2DM.
METHODS: A systematic search from the inception till May 31, 2021, in the MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases was conducted, and 16 randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis.
RESULTS: The results showed significant benefits on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (mean difference -0.24%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.44, -0.05; p = 0.01), postprandial blood glucose (-2.91 mmol/L; 95% CI: -4.78, -1.03; p = 0.002), and triglycerides (-0.09 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.17, -0.02; p = 0.010), but not on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.06 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.14, 0.02; p = 0.170), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.05 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.13; p = 0.220), and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure -0.82 mm Hg; 95% CI: -4.65, 3.00; p = 0.670; diastolic blood pressure -1.71 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.71, 0.29; p = 0.090).
CONCLUSIONS: Among older adults with T2DM, mHealth interventions were associated with improved cardiometabolic outcomes versus usual care. Its efficacy can be improved in the future as the current stage of mHealth development is at its infancy. Addressing barriers such as technological frustrations may help strategize approaches to further increase the uptake and efficacy of mHealth interventions among older adults with T2DM.
Efficacy and bone-contact biocompatibility of glass ionomer cement as a biomaterial for bone regeneration: A systematic review

Tuygunov N, Zakaria MN, Yahya NA, Abdul Aziz A, Cahyanto A

J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2023 Oct;146:106099.
PMID: 37660446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106099

Bone regeneration is a rapidly growing field that seeks to develop new biomaterials to regenerate bone defects. Conventional bone graft materials have limitations, such as limited availability, complication, and rejection. Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a biomaterial with the potential for bone regeneration due to its bone-contact biocompatibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. GIC is a two-component material that adheres to the bone and releases ions that promote bone growth and mineralization. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and registered in the PROSPERO database to determine the evidence regarding the efficacy and bone-contact biocompatibility of GIC as bone cement. Out of 3715 initial results, thirteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Two tools were employed in evaluating the Risk of Bias (RoB): the QUIN tool for assessing in vitro studies and SYRCLE for in vivo. The results indicate that GIC has demonstrated the ability to adhere to bone and promote bone growth. Establishing a chemical bond occurs at the interface between the GIC and the mineral phase of bone. This interaction allows the GIC to exhibit osteoconductive properties and promote the growth of bone tissue. GIC's bone-contact biocompatibility, ease of preparation, and cost-effectiveness make it a promising alternative to conventional bone grafts. However, further research is required to fully evaluate the potential application of GIC in bone regeneration. The findings hold implications for advancing material development in identifying the optimal composition and fabrication of GIC as a bone repair material.
Encapsulation efficacy of natural and synthetic photosensitizers by silica nanoparticles for photodynamic applications

Makhadmeh GN, Abdul Aziz A, Abdul Razak K, Abu Noqta O

IET Nanobiotechnol, 2015 Dec;9(6):381-5.
PMID: 26647815 DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2015.0003

This study analysed the physical effects of Cichorium Pumilum (CP), as a natural photosensitizer (PS), and Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), as a synthetic PS, encapsulated with silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in photodynamic therapy. The optimum concentrations of CP and PpIX, needed to destroy Red Blood Cells (RBC), were determined and the efficacy of encapsulated CP and PpIX were compared with naked CP and PpIX was verified. The results confirmed the applicability of CP and PpIX encapsulated in SiNPs on RBCs, and established a relationship between the encapsulated CP and PpIX concentration and the time required to rupture 50% of the RBCs (t50). The CP and PpIX encapsulated in SiNPs exhibited higher efficacy compared with that of naked CP and PpIX, respectively, and CP had less efficacy compared with PpIX.
Engineered Dutasteride-Lipid Based Nanoparticle (DST-LNP) System Using Oleic and Stearic Acid for Topical Delivery

Noor NM, Umar S, Abdul-Aziz A, Sheikh K, Somavarapu S

Bioengineering (Basel), 2022 Jan 01;9(1).
PMID: 35049720 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9010011

Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a common condition that has a negative impact on the psycho-social health of many men. This study aims to engineer an alcohol-free formulation to cater for individuals who may have had allergic reactions to alcohol-based preparations. A lipid-based nanoparticle system composed of stearic and oleic acid (solid and liquid lipid) was used to deliver dutasteride (DST) for topical application. Two compositions, with oleic acid (Formulation A) and without (Formulation B), were compared to analyse the role of oleic acid as a potential active ingredient in addition to DST. DST-loaded LNP were prepared using the emulsification-ultrasonication method. All of the prepared formulations were spherical in shape in the nanometric size range (150-300 nm), with entrapment efficiencies of >75%. X-ray diffractograms revealed that DST exists in an amorphous form within the NLP matrices. The drug release behaviour from both LNP preparations displayed slow release of DST. Permeation studies through pig ear skin demonstrated that DST-LNP with oleic acid produced significantly lower permeation into the dermis compared to the formulation without oleic acid. These results suggest that the proposed formulation presents several characteristics which are novel, indicating its suitability for the dermal delivery of anti-androgenic molecules.
Fulltext Enhanced fatty acid methyl esters recovery through a simple and rapid direct transesterification of freshly harvested biomass of Chlorella vulgaris and Messastrum gracile

Loh SH, Chen MK, Fauzi NS, Aziz A, Cha TS

Sci Rep, 2021 Feb 01;11(1):2720.
PMID: 33526809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81609-6

Conventional microalgae oil extraction applies physicochemical destruction of dry cell biomass prior to transesterification process to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). This report presents a simple and rapid direct transesterification (DT) method for FAMEs production and fatty acid profiling of microalgae using freshly harvested biomass. Results revealed that the FAMEs recovered from Chlorella vulgaris were 50.1 and 68.3 mg with conventional oil-extraction-transesterification (OET) and DT method, respectively. While for Messastrum gracile, the FAMEs recovered, were 49.9 and 76.3 mg, respectively with OET and DT methods. This demonstrated that the DT method increased FAMEs recovery by 36.4% and 53.0% from C. vulgaris and M. gracile, respectively, as compared to OET method. Additionally, the DT method recovered a significantly higher amount of palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids from both species, which indicated the important role of these fatty acids in the membranes of cells and organelles. The DT method performed very well using a small volume (5 mL) of fresh biomass coupled with a shorter reaction time (~ 15 min), thus making real-time monitoring of FAMEs and fatty acid accumulation in microalgae culture feasible.
Enhanced magnetic separation and photocatalytic activity of nitrogen doped titania photocatalyst supported on strontium ferrite

Abd Aziz A, Yong KS, Ibrahim S, Pichiah S

J Hazard Mater, 2012 Jan 15;199-200:143-50.
PMID: 22100220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.10.069

An enhanced ferromagnetic property, visible light active TiO(2) photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by supporting strontium ferrite (SrFe(12)O(19)) onto TiO(2) doped with nitrogen (N) and compared with N-doped TiO(2). The synthesized catalysts were further characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), BET surface area analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) and visible light spectroscopy analysis for their respective properties. The XRD and EDS revealed the structural and inorganic composition of N-TiO(2) supported on SrFe(12)O(19). The supported N-TiO(2) exhibited a strong ferromagnetic property with tremendous stability against magnetic property losses. It also resulted in reduced band gap (2.8 eV) and better visible light absorption between 400 and 800 nm compared to N-doped TiO(2). The photocatalytic activity was investigated with a recalcitrant phenolic compound namely 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) as a model pollutant under direct bright and diffuse sunlight exposure. A complete degradation of 2,4-DCP was achieved with an initial concentration of 50mg/L for both photocatalysts in 180 min and 270 min respectively under bright sunlight. Similarly the diffuse sunlight study resulted in complete degradation for supported N-TiO(2) and >85% degradation N-TiO(2), respectively. Finally the supported photocatalyst was separated under permanent magnetic field with a mass recovery ≈ 98% for further reuse.
Enhanced microbial degradation of PET and PS microplastics under natural conditions in mangrove environment

Auta HS, Abioye OP, Aransiola SA, Bala JD, Chukwuemeka VI, Hassan A, et al.

J Environ Manage, 2022 Feb 15;304:114273.
PMID: 34902688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114273

In-situ bioremediation of mangrove soil contaminated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics was investigated using indigenous microbial consortium with adequate capacity to degrade the plastics. Eight (8) bacteria were isolated from plastic/microplastic-inundated mangrove soil and screened for the ability to degrade PET and PS microplastics. Optical density at 600 nm and colony forming unit counts were measured to evaluate the growth response of the microbes in the presence of PS and PET microplastics at different times of exposure. Structural and surface changes that occurred post biodegradation on the microplastics were determined through EDS and SEM analysis. The obtained results demonstrated the elongation and disappearance of peaks, suggesting that the microbial consortium could modify both types of microplastics. The overall results of the microplastic degradation showed varied degrees of weight loss after 90 experimental days, with the treated plot recorded 18% weight loss. The augmented soil was increased in the concentrations of Si S, and Fe and decreased in the concentrations of C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Cl, and K after bioremediation.
Fulltext Evaluation of Anti-proliferative Effects of Barringtonia racemosa and Gallic Acid on Caco-2 Cells

Ho IYM, Abdul Aziz A, Mat Junit S

Sci Rep, 2020 06 19;10(1):9987.
PMID: 32561807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66913-x

Barringtonia racemosa leaf water extract (BLE) had been shown to have high gallic acid (GA) content and BLE has been postulated to have anti-proliferative effects towards colorectal cancer. This study aims to further investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative effect of BLE in Caco-2 cells and to determine if GA is responsible for the observed effects. Both BLE and GA inhibited Caco-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cells exposed to IC50 concentration of BLE and GA showed reduced antioxidant activities. GA-treated Caco-2 cells experienced higher oxidative stress compared to cells treated with BLE. Both BLE and GA significantly up-regulated the expression of SLC2A1. BLE but not GA, significantly down-regulated the expression of ADH4. Meanwhile, GA but not BLE, significantly up-regulated AKRIB10 and GLO1 but significantly down-regulated HAGH. Alterations in gene expression were coupled with changes in extracellular glucose and pyruvate levels. While BLE decreased intracellular pyruvate, GA did the opposite. Both intracellular and extracellular D-lactate were not affected by either BLE or GA. GA showed more pronounced effects on apoptosis while BLE irreversibly reduced cell percentage in the G0/G1 phase. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the multiple-actions of BLE against Caco-2 cells, potentially involving various polyphenolic compounds, including GA.
Fulltext Evaluation on physico-chemical properties of pink guava puree residue as bioresource

Mhd Abd Kader, K. A., Ab. Aziz, N., Aziz, A., Talib, A. T., Ahmad, N. H., Tan, C. P., et al.

International Food Research Journal, 2016;23(101):125-131.
MyJurnal

Pink Guava Puree (PGP) factory produces tons of residues from its unit operation [refiner (R),
siever (S), and decanter (D)]. These residues represent a waste of nutrients and can contribute
to environmental problem. However, it can benefit related industries if the properties of the
residues are known. Thus, this research aims to determine the compositions of the residues
from PGP processing factory in order to evaluate possible value-added by-product and energy
sources. The residues from each unit operation were being tested for proximate composition,
dietary fibre components, pH value, emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsifying stability (ES),
carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and sugar analysis. The sugar content was analysed using High
Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-RI detector). Results showed that the residues
have good composition of carbohydrate (11.82–12.18%), and thus potential as carbon source
and can be a good substrate for fermentation. These residues may also benefit the food industry
as a good source of dietary fibre (18.63–29.86%). The pH value for these PGP residues is 4;
thus they were considered as acidic food by-product. The low pH value also contributed to the
low EA and ES value other than the low content of protein in the sample. C/N ratio for PGP
residue from R (46:1) is the lowest compared to the C/N ratio from S (84:1) and D (115:1). The
amount of sugars detected in the PGP residues in descending order were fructose > glucose >
sucrose.
Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (Exit) of Gigantic Intrapartum Lymphangioma and Its Management Dilemma - A Case Report

Lo RH, Mohd NKN, Abdullah K, Aziz A, Mohamad I

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(2):161-165.
PMID: 32733766 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.06992

With the advancement of radiological investigation, intrapartum detection of fetal abnormalities is now precisely performed. Lymphangiomas are now diagnosed even before patient is born. The swelling may be gigantic and potentially life-threatening during the delivery. Nowadays, it is still a great challenge to doctors as how to deliver the baby together with the big neck mass. We present a case of huge intrapartum neck lymphangioma, for which we performed ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure, followed by excision of the lesion later. The challenges on managing both mother and infant will be discussed.
Fulltext Exercise and pre-habilitation with high whey-protein-based meal replacement therapy promote weight loss and preserve muscle mass before bariatric surgery

Ho C, Samwil SNM, Kahairudin Z, Jamhuri N, Abd Aziz A

Asian J Surg, 2023 Sep;46(9):3716-3721.
PMID: 36931924 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.03.026

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is considered as an effective therapy for those with morbid obesity. Preoperative weight loss with a very low-calorie diet is commonly used to ease the bariatric surgery. Pre-habilitation increases functional and physiological capacity. The study demonstrated the changes of body composition and functional status following short term pre-habilitation before bariatric surgery.
METHOD: This prospective study targeted those admitted for bariatric surgery. Participants underwent the biweekly pre-habilitation program included an individualized high whey-based protein very low-calorie (VLCHP) enteral regime (600-900 kcal/day) and moderate intensive exercise before bariatric surgery. Body composition and waist circumference were assessed after fortnight. Participants were segregated into morbid obese (MOG) (BMI <49 kg/m2) and super morbid obese group (SMOG) (BMI ≥50 kg/m2) for analysis.
RESULT: Majority of participants were female (71%) with median age 36.0 years old (MOG) and 34.3 years old (SMOG) respectively. SMOG achieved significant greater loss in weight (-7.4 kg vs -4.0 kg), fat percentage (-4.4% vs -1.7%) and fat mass (-9.9 kg vs -3.8 kg); but MOG had a significant increment in muscle mass (3.2 kg vs 2.8 kg) as compared to SOG (p
Exogenous Abscisic Acid Supplementation at Early Stationary Growth Phase Triggers Changes in the Regulation of Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Chlorella vulgaris UMT-M1

Norlina R, Norashikin MN, Loh SH, Aziz A, Cha TS

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2020 Aug;191(4):1653-1669.
PMID: 32198601 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-020-03312-y

Abscisic acid (ABA) has been known to exist in a microalgal system and serves as one of the chemical stimuli in various biological pathways. Nonetheless, the involvement of ABA in fatty acid biosynthesis, particularly at the transcription level in microalgae is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous ABA on growth, total oil content, fatty acid composition, and the expression level of beta ketoacyl-ACP synthase I (KAS I) and omega-3 fatty acid desaturase (ω-3 FAD) genes in Chlorella vulgaris UMT-M1. ABA was applied to early stationary C. vulgaris cultures at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 80 μM for 48 h. The results showed that ABA significantly increased biomass production and total oil content. The increment of palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids was coupled by decrement in linoleic (C18:2) and α-linolenic (C18:3n3) acids. Both KAS I and ω-3 FAD gene expression were downregulated, which was negatively correlated to saturated fatty acid (SFAs), but positively correlated to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) accumulations. Further analysis of both KAS I and ω-3 FAD promoters revealed the presence of multiple ABA-responsive elements (ABREs) in addition to other phytohormone-responsive elements. However, the role of these phytohormone-responsive elements in regulating KAS I and ω-3 FAD gene expression still remains elusive. This revelation might suggest that phytohormone-responsive gene regulation in C. vulgaris and microalgae as a whole might diverge from higher plants which deserve further scientific research to elucidate its functional roles.
Fulltext Familial pattern of large vestibular aqueduct syndrome in a Chinese family

Hazmi M, Ab Aziz A, Asma A

EXCLI J, 2013;12:118-21.
PMID: 27034633

Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome (LVAS) is the most common radiographic malformation in children with early onset of hearing loss. Usually its occurrence is non-familial, however intriguingly a portion of patients with LVAS is found to have evidence of genetic predisposition. We described cases of LVAS in two siblings of a Chinese family. The elder sister first presented with reduced hearing since childhood and her brother has a similar complaint upon further questioning. Their hearing test showed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and computed tomography (CT) of temporal bone showed enlarged vestibular aqueduct in both patients. We described an approach to diagnosis of LVAS and highlight the importance of hearing assessment in genetic link hearing loss.
Fulltext Fibre optic sensors for selected wastewater characteristics

Chong SS, Aziz AR, Harun SW

Sensors (Basel), 2013 Jul 05;13(7):8640-68.
PMID: 23881131 DOI: 10.3390/s130708640

Demand for online and real-time measurements techniques to meet environmental regulation and treatment compliance are increasing. However the conventional techniques, which involve scheduled sampling and chemical analysis can be expensive and time consuming. Therefore cheaper and faster alternatives to monitor wastewater characteristics are required as alternatives to conventional methods. This paper reviews existing conventional techniques and optical and fibre optic sensors to determine selected wastewater characteristics which are colour, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). The review confirms that with appropriate configuration, calibration and fibre features the parameters can be determined with accuracy comparable to conventional method. With more research in this area, the potential for using FOS for online and real-time measurement of more wastewater parameters for various types of industrial effluent are promising.
Flexural Properties of Contemporary Bioactive Restorative Materials: Effect of Environmental pH

Ong J, Yap AU, Abdul Aziz A, Yahya NA

Oper Dent, 2023 Jan 01;48(1):90-97.
PMID: 36445974 DOI: 10.2341/21-202-L

This study investigated the effects of environmental pH on the flexural properties of ion-releasing restorative materials (IRMs), including giomer (Beautifil-Bulk Restorative - BB), alkasite (Cention N - CN), bioactive composite (Activa - AB) and resin-modified glass ionomer (Riva Light Cure -RV) restoratives. A bio-inert resin-based composite (Filtek Bulk-fill Posterior - FB) served as the control. Stainless steel molds were used to fabricate 40 beam-shaped specimens (12mm × 2mm × 2mm) for each material. The specimens were finished, measured, and randomly distributed into four groups (n=10) and immersed in aqueous solutions of pH 3.0, pH 5.0, pH 6.8, and pH 10.0 at 37°C for 28 days. Specimens were then subjected to a uniaxial three-point bending flexural test with a load cell of 5 KN and a fixed deformation rate of 0.5 mm/min until fracture occurred. Flexural modulus and strength were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance/Dunnet T3's test (p=0.05). Mean flexural modulus varied from (2.40±0.41 to 9.65±1.21 GPa), while mean flexural strength ranged from (21.56±2.78 to 163.86±13.13 MPa). Significant differences in flexural properties were observed among the various pH values and materials. All materials immersed in artificial saliva (pH 6.8) presented the highest flexural properties, except AB. The flexural strength of AB was significantly better when exposed to acidic environments. FB had better flexural properties than IRMs after exposure to a range of environmental pH values.
Functionality among stroke survivors with upper limb impairment attending community-based rehabilitation

Omar NH, Mohd Nordin NA, Chai SC, Abdul Aziz AF

Med J Malaysia, 2020 03;75(2):146-151.
PMID: 32281596

INTRODUCTION: There is scarcity of research information on upper limb (UL) functionality among Malaysian post-stroke population despite the increasing number of stroke survivors. This study intends to evaluate functionality among stroke survivors residing in the community, with a specific focus on the UL.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 65 stroke survivors with UL dysfunction (mean (SD) age = 64.83 (8.05) years, mean (SD) post-stroke duration 41.62 (35.24) months) who attended community-based rehabilitation program. Upper limb functionality was assessed using the UL items of Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQOL), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale and the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). The stroke survivors' performance in completing JTHFT using their affected dominant hand was compared with standard norms.
RESULTS: The three most affected UL daily living tasks were writing (64.7%, n=42), opening a jar (63.1%, n=41) and putting on socks (58.5%, n=38). As for IADL, the mean (SD) score of Lawton scale was 3.26 (2.41), with more than 50% unable to handle finance, do the laundry and prepare meals for themselves. Performances of stroke survivors were much slower than normal population in all tasks of JTHFT (p<0.05), with largest speed difference demonstrated for 'stacking objects' task (mean difference 43.24 secs (p=0.003) and 24.57 (p<0.001) in males and females, respectively.
CONCLUSION: UL functions are significantly impaired among stroke survivors despite undergoing rehabilitation. Rehabilitation professionals should prioritize highly problematic tasks when retraining UL for greater post-stroke functionality.
Gibberellin Promotes Cell Growth and Induces Changes in Fatty Acid Biosynthesis and Upregulates Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Genes in Chlorella vulgaris UMT-M1

Jusoh M, Loh SH, Aziz A, Cha TS

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2019 Jun;188(2):450-459.
PMID: 30536033 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-018-02937-4

Microalgae lipids and oils are potential candidates for renewable biofuels and nutritional inventions. Recent studies from our lab have shown that two plant hormones, auxin and jasmonic acid, influence microalgae growth and fatty acid accumulation. Therefore, in this study, a high oil-producing strain Chlorella vulgaris UMT-M1 was selected for hormonal study using gibberellin (GA). Exogenous GA3 was applied to early stationary culture of C. vulgaris UMT-M1. Results showed that GA3 gradually increases the cell density of C. vulgaris to up to 42% on days after treatment (DAT)-8 and also capable of delaying the algal senescence. However, the increment in cell density did not enhance the total oil production albeit transient modification of fatty acid compositions was observed for saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. This illustrates that GA3 only promotes cell division and growth but not the oil accumulation. In addition, application of GA3 in culture medium was shown to promote transient increment of palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids from DAT-4 to DAT-6 and these changes are correlated with the expression of β-ketoacyl ACP synthase I (KAS I) gene.

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