Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 176 in total

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  1. Fulltext Evolutionary and genomic analysis of the caleosin/peroxygenase (CLO/PXG) gene/protein families in the Viridiplantae
    Rahman F, Hassan M, Rosli R, Almousally I, Hanano A, Murphy DJ
    PLoS One, 2018;13(5):e0196669.
    PMID: 29771926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196669
    Bioinformatics analyses of caleosin/peroxygenases (CLO/PXG) demonstrated that these genes are present in the vast majority of Viridiplantae taxa for which sequence data are available. Functionally active CLO/PXG proteins with roles in abiotic stress tolerance and lipid droplet storage are present in some Trebouxiophycean and Chlorophycean green algae but are absent from the small number of sequenced Prasinophyceaen genomes. CLO/PXG-like genes are expressed during dehydration stress in Charophyte algae, a sister clade of the land plants (Embryophyta). CLO/PXG-like sequences are also present in all of the >300 sequenced Embryophyte genomes, where some species contain as many as 10-12 genes that have arisen via selective gene duplication. Angiosperm genomes harbour at least one copy each of two distinct CLO/PX isoforms, termed H (high) and L (low), where H-forms contain an additional C-terminal motif of about 30-50 residues that is absent from L-forms. In contrast, species in other Viridiplantae taxa, including green algae, non-vascular plants, ferns and gymnosperms, contain only one (or occasionally both) of these isoforms per genome. Transcriptome and biochemical data show that CLO/PXG-like genes have complex patterns of developmental and tissue-specific expression. CLO/PXG proteins can associate with cytosolic lipid droplets and/or bilayer membranes. Many of the analysed isoforms also have peroxygenase activity and are involved in oxylipin metabolism. The distribution of CLO/PXG-like genes is consistent with an origin >1 billion years ago in at least two of the earliest diverging groups of the Viridiplantae, namely the Chlorophyta and the Streptophyta, after the Viridiplantae had already diverged from other Archaeplastidal groups such as the Rhodophyta and Glaucophyta. While algal CLO/PXGs have roles in lipid packaging and stress responses, the Embryophyte proteins have a much wider spectrum of roles and may have been instrumental in the colonisation of terrestrial habitats and the subsequent diversification as the major land flora.
  2. Exploration of synthetic multifunctional amides as new therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease through enzyme inhibition, chemoinformatic properties, molecular docking and dynamic simulation insights
    Hassan M, Abbasi MA, Aziz-Ur-Rehman, Siddiqui SZ, Hussain G, Shah SAA, et al.
    J Theor Biol, 2018 12 07;458:169-183.
    PMID: 30243565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.09.018
    A new series of multifunctional amides has been synthesized having moderate enzyme inhibitory potentials and mild cytotoxicity. 2-Furyl(1-piperazinyl)methanone (1) was coupled with 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (2) to form {4-[(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-1-piperazinyl}(2-furyl)methanone (3). Different elecrophiles were synthesized by the reaction of various un/substituted anilines (4a-o) with 2-bromoacetylbromide (5), 2‑bromo‑N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides (6a-o). Further, equimolar ratios of 3 and 6a-o were allowed to react in the presence of K2CO3 in acetonitrile to form desired multifunctional amides (7a-o). The structural confirmation of all the synthesized compounds was carried out by their EI-MS, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral data. Enzyme inhibition activity was performed against acetyl and butyrylcholinestrase enzymes, whereby 7e showed very good activity having IC50 value of 5.54 ± 0.03 and 9.15 ± 0.01 μM, respectively, relative to eserine, a reference standard. Hemolytic activity of the molecules was checked to asertain their cytotoxicity towards red blood cell membrance and it was observed that most of the compounds were not toxic up to certain range. Moreover, chemoinformatic protepties and docking simulation results also showed the significance of 7e as compared to other compounds. Based on in vitro and in silico analysis 7e could be used as a template for the development of new drugs against Alzheimer's disease.
  3. Exploring measurement tools to optimise hospital physician distribution
    Suan NAM, Soelar SA, Rani RA, Anuar NA, Aziz KAA, Chan HK, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(2):222-233.
    PMID: 38553930
    INTRODUCTION: Equitable healthcare delivery is essential and requires resources to be distributed, which include assets and healthcare workers. To date, there is no gold standard for measuring the correct number of physicians to meet healthcare needs. This rapid review aims to explore measurement tools employed to optimise the distribution of hospital physicians, with a focus on ensuring fair resource allocation for equitable healthcare delivery.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, Emerald Insight and grey literature sources. The key terms used in the search include 'distribution', 'method', and 'physician', focusing on research articles published in English from 2002 to 2022 that described methods or tools to measure hospital-based physicians' distribution. Relevant articles were selected through a two-level screening process and critically appraised. The primary outcome is the measurement tools used to assess the distribution of hospital-based physicians. Study characteristics, tool advantages and limitations were also extracted. The extracted data were synthesised narratively.

    RESULTS: Out of 7,199 identified articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Among the selected articles, 12 were from Asia and one from Africa. The review identified eight measurement tools: Gini coefficients and Lorenz curve, Robin Hood index, Theil index, concentration index, Workload Indicator of Staffing Need method, spatial autocorrelation analysis, mixed integer linear programming model and cohortcomponent model. These tools rely on fundamental data concerning population and physician numbers to generate outputs. Additionally, five studies employed a combination of these tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of physician distribution dynamics.

    CONCLUSION: Measurement tools can be used to assess physician distribution according to population needs. Nevertheless, each tool has its own merits and limitations, underscoring the importance of employing a combination of tools. The choice of measuring tool should be tailored to the specific context and research objectives.

  4. Exploring nanocellulose frontiers: A comprehensive review of its extraction, properties, and pioneering applications in the automotive and biomedical industries
    Yusuf J, Sapuan SM, Ansari MA, Siddiqui VU, Jamal T, Ilyas RA, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Jan;255:128121.
    PMID: 37984579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128121
    Material is an inseparable entity for humans to serve different purposes. However, synthetic polymers represent a major category of anthropogenic pollutants with detrimental impacts on natural ecosystems. This escalating environmental issue is characterized by the accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic materials, which pose serious threats to the health of our planet's ecosystem. Cellulose is becoming a focal point for many researchers due to its high availability. It has been used to serve various purposes. Recent scientific advancements have unveiled innovative prospects for the utilization of nanocellulose within the area of advanced science. This comprehensive review investigates deeply into the field of nanocellulose, explaining the methodologies employed in separating nanocellulose from cellulose. It also explains upon two intricately examined applications that emphasize the pivotal role of nanocellulose in nanocomposites. The initial instance pertains to the automotive sector, encompassing cutting-edge applications in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, while the second exemplifies the use of nanocellulose in the field of biomedical applications like otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, and wound dressing. This review aims to provide comprehensive information starting from the definitions, identifying the sources of the nanocellulose and its extraction, and ending with the recent applications in the emerging field such as energy storage and biomedical applications.
  5. Fulltext Familial antithrombin III deficiency in a Malay patient with massive thrombosis
    Wan Ab Rahman WS, Abdullah WZ, Hassan MN, Hussin A, Zulkafli Z, Haron J
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):197-200.
    PMID: 28866705 MyJurnal
    Patients with low antithrombin III (AT III) has increased risk for arteriovenous thromboembolic (TE) disease. We report a 28-year-old Malay lady who presented with spontaneous right calf pain and swelling of one week duration. She was on oral contraceptive pills and had a history of travelling for a long distance prior to the presentation. Her brother who was diagnosed with AT III deficiency had arterial thrombosis at a young age. She was diagnosed as having right popliteal vein thrombosis by ultrasound and treated with subcutaneous fondaparinux. While on treatment, she developed massive bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Thrombophilia study showed reduced AT III activity (38μl/dl) and normal results for protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance and lupus anticoagulant assays. This patient has heterozygous AT III deficiency added with significant acquired factors responsible for the TE events. Those with AT III deficiency may have resistance to heparin therapy and require higher doses of heparin.
  6. Feasibility study on the utilization of rubber latex effluent for producing bacterial biopolymers
    Tang SN, Fakhru'l-Razi A, Hassan MA, Karim MI
    Artif Cells Blood Substit Immobil Biotechnol, 1999 Sep-Nov;27(5-6):411-6.
    PMID: 10595441
    Rubber latex effluent is a polluting source that has a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). It is estimated that about 100 million liters of effluent are discharged daily from rubber processing factories. Utilization of this effluent such as the use of a coupled system not only can reduce the cost of treatment but also yield a fermentation feedstock for the production of bioplastic. This study initially was carried out to increase the production of organic acids by anaerobic treatment of rubber latex effluent. It was found that through anaerobic treatment the concentration of organic acids did not increase. Consequently, separation of organic acids from rubber latex effluent by anion exchange resin was examined as a preliminary study of recovering acetic and propionic acids. However, the suspended solids (SS) content in the raw effluent was rather high which partially blocked the ion-exchange columns. Lime was used to remove the SS in the rubber latex effluent. After the lime precipitation process, organic acids were found to adsorb strongly onto the anion exchange resin. Less adsorption of organic acids onto the resin was observed before the lime precipitation. This was probably due to more sites being occupied by colloidal particles on the resin thus inhibiting the adsorption of organic acids. The initial concentration of organic acids in the raw effluent was 3.9 g/L. After ion exchange, the concentration of the organic acids increased to 27 g/L, which could be utilized for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). For PHA accumulation stage, concentrated rubber latex effluent obtained from ion exchange resins and synthetic acetic acid were used as the carbon source. Quantitative analyses from fed batch culture via HPLC showed that the accumulation of PHA in Alcaligenes eutrophus was maximum with a concentration of 1.182 g/L when cultivated on synthetic acetic acid, corresponding to a yield of 87% based on its cell dry weight. The dry cell weight increased from 0.71 to 1.67 g/L. On the other hand, using concentrated rubber latex effluent containing acetic and propionic acids resulted in reduced PHA content by dry weight (14%) but the dry cell weight increased from 0.49 to 1.30 g/L. The results clearly indicated that the cells grow well in rubber latex effluent but no PHA was accumulated. This could be due to the high concentration of propionic acid in culture broth or other factors such as heavy metals. Thus further work is required before rubber latex effluent can be utilized as a substrate for PHA production industrially.
  7. Fulltext Future malaria spatial pattern based on the potential global warming impact in South and Southeast Asia
    Khormi HM, Kumar L
    Geospat Health, 2016 11 21;11(3):416.
    PMID: 27903054 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2016.416
    We used the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate-H climate model with the A2 Special Report on Emissions Scenarios for the years 2050 and 2100 and CLIMEX software for projections to illustrate the potential impact of climate change on the spatial distributions of malaria in China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, and The Philippines based on climate variables such as temperature, moisture, heat, cold and dryness. The model was calibrated using data from several knowledge domains, including geographical distribution records. The areas in which malaria has currently been detected are consistent with those showing high values of the ecoclimatic index in the CLIMEX model. The match between prediction and reality was found to be high. More than 90% of the observed malaria distribution points were associated with the currently known suitable climate conditions. Climate suitability for malaria is projected to decrease in India, southern Myanmar, southern Thailand, eastern Borneo, and the region bordering Cambodia, Malaysia and the Indonesian islands, while it is expected to increase in southern and south-eastern China and Taiwan. The climatic models for Anopheles mosquitoes presented here should be useful for malaria control, monitoring, and management, particularly considering these future climate scenarios.
  8. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Sarawak Borneo: Prevalence, risk factors, and farming practices
    Harizt AM, Malahubban M, Syed-Hussain SS, Ramanoon SZ, Sadiq MB, Sarbini SR, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Sep 01;38(3):318-326.
    PMID: 34508339 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.3.072
    The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in buffaloes from various areas of Sarawak, and to assess current management practices of GI parasites among farmers. Faecal samples were collected from 15 farms and 129 animals, as well as data on farm and animal-based characteristics. A total of 129 faecal samples were examined for GI parasites using a modified McMaster and sedimentation. Association between potential risk factors and the prevalence of GI parasites was investigated using Chi-square statistic. The prevalence of Paramphistomum sp., strongyles, and coccidia were 75.2% (95% CI±7.5), 52.7% (95% CI±8.6) and 48.1% (95% CI±8.6), respectively. Farms which had a grazing area less than 50 acres in size had significantly higher prevalence of strongyles (70.5%, χ2 = 8.34, P = 0.004) and paramphistomes (88.6%, χ2 = 6.46, P = 0.01) relative to farms with a larger grazing area (43.5% and 68.2%, respectively). Prevalence of strongyles was lower in farms that did not implement a cut- and-carry system (45.6%, χ2 = 4.17, P = 0.04) in comparison to those that did (64%). The prevalence of paramphistomes was higher on farms with more than 40 animals (80.6%, χ2 = 3.18, P = 0.05) relative to farms with fewer animals. The majority of farmers surveyed (67.9%) showed awareness of GI parasite infection and reported that they recognized the associated symptoms. Most farmers practised deworming, and ivermectin was the most commonly used anthelminthic (60.4%); only 1.9% of farmers used albendazole. Overall this study revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites in buffalo in Sarawak. Although farmers report they are aware of parasitic diseases, further education is still required. This could include how they can successfully implement on-farm changes to reduce the prevalence of GI parasites in their herds.
  9. Gonadal transcriptomic analysis of the mud crab Scylla olivacea infected with rhizocephalan parasite Sacculina beauforti
    Waiho K, Fazhan H, Zhang Y, Afiqah-Aleng N, Moh JHZ, Ikhwanuddin M, et al.
    Genomics, 2020 09;112(5):2959-2969.
    PMID: 32437851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.05.007
    Infection by the rhizocephalan parasite Sacculina beauforti can have detrimental effects on mud crab Scylla olivacea. However, the molecular changes that occur during rhizocephalan infection are poorly understood. Due to the disruption in the reproductive system after infection, the gonadal transcriptomic profiles of non-infected and infected Scylla olivacea were compared. A total of 686 and 843 unigenes were differentially expressed between non-infected and infected males, and females, respectively. The number of DEGs increased after infection. By comparing shared DEGs of non-infected and infected individuals, potential immune- and reproduction-related of host, and immune- and metabolism-related genes of parasite are highlighted. The only shared KEGG pathway between non-infected and infected individuals was the ribosome pathway. In summary, findings in this study provide new insights into the host-parasite relationship of rhizocephalan parasites and their crustacean hosts.
  10. Hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in rodents and shrews of Bangladesh
    Islam S, Rahman MK, Ferdous J, Rahman M, Akter S, Faraque MO, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):842-851.
    PMID: 33612737 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.842
    Hemoprotozoans are important pathogens of animals and humans, among which some species have zoonotic significance. The prevalence of different hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in larger mammals have been reported from different regions of the world. But, very few studies have been conducted to estimate the prevalence of hemoprotozoa in rodents and shrews of South-East Asia. The study assessed the prevalence of hemoprotozoa and Anaplasma spp. in rodents and shrews of Bangladesh. Blood samples (n=451) were collected from rodents and shrews between June 2011 and June 2013 and July-December 2015 from 4 land gradients of Bangladesh. Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed that 13% of animals were harboring hemoprotozoa (4.7% Babesia spp., 0.67% Plasmodium spp.), and Anaplasma spp. (7.5%). The study may serve as a guide for future hemoparasitic research of rodents and shrews.
  11. Fulltext Histopathological Alterations in Gills, Liver and Kidney of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) Exposed to Melaleuca cajuputi Extract
    Hassan M, Melad AAN, Zakariah MI, Yusoff NAH
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2023 Jun;34(2):177-196.
    PMID: 38144386 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2023.34.2.9
    This study evaluated the histopathological changes in the gill, liver and kidney of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) intoxicated with a sub-lethal dose of Melaleuca cajuputi leaves extract (MCLE) for 96 h. The acute toxicity test has been determined previously with a value of 96-h LC50 = 127 mg/L, hence the selection of sub-lethal ranges from 60 mg/L to 160 mg/L of MCLE. Degenerative alterations were prominent in all tested organs, particularly after exposure to a high concentration of MCLE. Gill exhibited haemorrhage, epithelial lifting, lamellar disorganisation, and necrosis after exposure to a high MCLE concentration. Alterations in the liver include congestion, hydropic degeneration, and vacuolation, whereas lesions in the kidney were pyknosis, vacuolation, hydropic degeneration, and tubular necrosis. The obtained data showed that the organs experienced severe changes proportional to the increase in MCLE concentration. In addition, fish exposed to higher concentrations than the LC50 value experienced irreversible lesions. The present study suggests that the use of MCLE below the LC50 is recommended to avoid severe alterations to organs, particularly in African catfish. This study demonstrated that the use of MCLE above the LC50 promotes severe damage to the gills, liver and kidney of African catfish. However, further investigations are needed to define the causing-mechanisms underlying these effects.
  12. Histopathological diagnoses in soft tissue tumours: an experience from a tertiary centre in Malaysia
    Jalaludin ND, Mohd Dusa N, Hassan MR, Abd Shukor N
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Dec;39(3):209-216.
    PMID: 29279582 MyJurnal
    Soft tissue tumours are a group of remarkably diverse neoplasms that frequently pose significant diagnostic challenges to general pathologists. This study aimed to compare the agreement of histopathological diagnoses between general pathologists from various referral institutes and the referred soft tissue pathologist in a tertiary centre. The common discrepancies and their causes are also presented here. A retrospective study was conducted on 243 cases of potential soft tissue tumours referred to Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia over a period of 5 years. Reports by the referring pathologists and the soft tissue pathologist were compared based on tumour classification and tumour behaviour. Overall, there was moderate agreement in soft tissue tumour diagnoses in both tumour classification (weighted κ = 0.423) and tumour behavior (weighted κ = 0.548). The highest agreement of tumour classification was seen in the adipocytic tumours (21/28 cases), Ewing sarcoma (5/7 cases) and smooth-muscle tumours (3/5 cases). The highest rates of discrepancies were the so-called fibrohistiocytic tumours (7/11 cases), vascular tumours (9/15 cases) and undifferentiated/ unclassified sarcomas (19/32 cases). Full agreement for tumour behaviour was seen in 178 cases and there were 21 cases of zero agreement. Liposarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma and benign fibrous histiocytoma were the most frequent benign/malignant diagnostic discrepancies. The most common causes of discrepancy were wrong morphological interpretation followed by insufficient immunohistochemical stains performed. In conclusion, review of diagnosis by a pathologist specialized in soft tissue improves the quality of diagnosis in these heterogenous and rare tumours. A good panel of immunohistochemical stains with additional molecular study is crucial in the general hospital laboratories practice.
  13. Histopathology and cytopathology of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in cultured Penaeus monodon from peninsular Malaysia with emphasis on pathogenesis and the mechanism of white spot formation
    Wang YG, Hassan MD, Shariff M, Zamri SM, Chen X
    Dis Aquat Organ, 1999 Dec 22;39(1):1-11.
    PMID: 11407399
    Since 1994, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has been detected in cultured shrimp Penaeus monodon in Peninsular Malaysia. The gross signs, target organs and histo-cytopathology for the viral infection were studied and it was found to infect most organs and tissues including oocytes, but not hepatopancreatocytes and epithelial cells of the midgut, which were regarded as refractory tissues. Based on a time-sequence of ultrastructural cytopathology, 4 cytopathic profiles and 6 phases of viral morphogenesis were described. The virions were elliptical to short rods with trilamilar envelopes that measured 305 +/- 30 x 127 +/- 11 nm. Viral nucleosomes were often present singly in infected nuclei and were associated with the early stages of viral replication. The structure of WSSV pathognomonic white, cuticular lesions was examined at the microscopic and ultrastructural levels and the mechanism of their formation appeared to be related to the disruption of exudate transfer from epithelial cells to the cuticle via cuticular pore canals.
  14. Fulltext Hybrid PSO-FLC for dynamic global peak extraction of the partially shaded photovoltaic system
    Farh HMH, Eltamaly AM, Othman MF
    PLoS One, 2018;13(11):e0206171.
    PMID: 30388119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206171
    Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is widely used in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. Nevertheless, this technique suffers from two main problems in the case of partial shading conditions (PSCs). The first problem is that PSO is a time invariant optimization technique that cannot follow the dynamic global peak (GP) under time variant shading patterns (SPs) and sticks to the first GP that occurs at the beginning. This problem can be solved by dispersing the PSO particles using two new techniques introduced in this paper. The two new proposed PSO re-initialization techniques are to disperse the particles upon the SP changes and the other one is upon a predefined time (PDT). The second problem is regarding the high oscillations around steady state, which can be solved by using fuzzy logic controller (FLC) to fine-tune the output power and voltage from the PV system. The new contribution of this paper is the hybrid PSO-FLC with two PSO particles dispersing techniques that is able to solve the two previous mentioned problems effectively and improve the performance of the PV system in both normal and PSCs. A detailed list of comparisons between hybrid PSO-FLC and original PSO using the two proposed methodologies are achieved. The results prove the superior performance of hybrid PSO-FLC compared to PSO in terms of efficiency, accuracy, oscillations reduction around steady state and soft tuning of the GP tracked.
  15. Fulltext IL-4 enhances IL-10 production in Th1 cells: implications for Th1 and Th2 regulation
    Mitchell RE, Hassan M, Burton BR, Britton G, Hill EV, Verhagen J, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2017 Sep 12;7(1):11315.
    PMID: 28900244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11803-y
    IL-10 is an immunomodulatory cytokine with a critical role in limiting inflammation in immune-mediated pathologies. The mechanisms leading to IL-10 expression by CD4(+) T cells are being elucidated, with several cytokines implicated. We explored the effect of IL-4 on the natural phenomenon of IL-10 production by a chronically stimulated antigen-specific population of differentiated Th1 cells. In vitro, IL-4 blockade inhibited while addition of exogenous IL-4 to Th1 cultures enhanced IL-10 production. In the in vivo setting of peptide immunotherapy leading to a chronically stimulated Th1 phenotype, lack of IL-4Rα inhibited the induction of IL-10. Exploring the interplay of Th1 and Th2 cells through co-culture, Th2-derived IL-4 promoted IL-10 expression by Th1 cultures, reducing their pathogenicity in vivo. Co-culture led to upregulated c-Maf expression with no decrease in the proportion of T-bet(+) cells in these cultures. Addition of IL-4 also reduced the encephalitogenic capacity of Th1 cultures. These data demonstrate that IL-4 contributes to IL-10 production and that Th2 cells modulate Th1 cultures towards a self-regulatory phenotype, contributing to the cross-regulation of Th1 and Th2 cells. These findings are important in the context of Th1 driven diseases since they reveal how the Th1 phenotype and function can be modulated by IL-4.
  16. Fulltext Immunochemical faecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review
    Syful Azlie MF, Hassan MR, Junainah S, Rugayah B
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Feb;70(1):24-30.
    PMID: 26032525 MyJurnal
    A systematic review on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Immunochemical faecal occult IFOBT for CRC screening was carried out. A total of 450 relevant titles were identified, 41 abstracts were screened and 18 articles were included in the results. There was fair level of retrievable evidence to suggest that the sensitivity and specificity of IFOBT varies with the cut-off point of haemoglobin, whereas the diagnostic accuracy performance was influenced by high temperature and haemoglobin stability. A screening programme using IFOBT can be effective for prevention of advanced CRC and reduced mortality. There was also evidence to suggest that IFOBT is cost-effective in comparison with no screening, whereby a two-day faecal collection method was found to be costeffective as a means of screening for CRC. Based on the review, quantitative IFOBT method can be used in Malaysia as a screening test for CRC. The use of fully automated IFOBT assay would be highly desirable.
  17. Immunomodulatory effect of Noni fruit and its isolates: insights into cell-mediated immune response and inhibition of LPS-induced THP-1 macrophage inflammation
    Ezzat MI, Hassan M, Abdelhalim MA, El-Desoky AM, Mohamed SO, Ezzat SM
    Food Funct, 2021 Mar 18.
    PMID: 33734250 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo03402a
    Morinda citrifolia L. is a plant of the family Rubiaceae and is known as Indian mulberry or Noni in India. It is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia and has been used over the years as a food supplement and medicinal plant. Noni fruits are reported to possess anticancer, fungicidal, antiviral and antiarthritic effects. The objective of our study is the screening of the immunomodulatory activity of the total extract, fractions, and isolated compounds of Noni fruits to identify their bioactive compounds. To achieve our goal, an ethanol extract (EE) was prepared from Noni fruits. Fractionation and purification of the EE were accomplished. The cell-mediated immune (CMI) response in prednisolone-induced immunosuppression rats was evaluated. The toxicity of the EE, fractions and isolated compounds on the differentiated THP-1 macrophage was assessed using the MTT viability assay. Moreover, the inflammation-related immune responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced THP-1 macrophage activation were evaluated. Fractionation of the EE gave three fractions, dichloromethane (DCMF), water (WF) and methanol (MF). Purification of DCMF yielded stigmast-7-ene-3-ol (M1), 28-hydroxy-3β-acetoxy-9-dehydrogramisterol (M2), 3β-acetoxy-taraxast-20(30)-ene-21-ol (M3), 22-dehydroclerosterol (M4) and 22-dehydroclerosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (M5), while purification of MF yielded quercetin (M6), hesperidin (M7), naringin (M9) and gallic acid (M8). The results revealed that DCMF elicited an increase in paw edema to the extent of 35.8%. All the tested samples had no cytotoxic effect on THP-1 macrophages. Co-treatment of the LPS-induced macrophages with DCMF, M2, M3, and M6 decreased the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6/IL-10. The expression of iNOS, COX-2, and NF-κB decreased to 0.14 ± 0.02, 0.15 ± 0.02, and 0.17 ± 0.03, respectively, after co-treatment with LPS and DCMF. M2 attenuated the expression of iNOS and NF-κB to 0.18 ± 0.03 and 0.17 ± 0.03, respectively. Additionally, M3 attenuated the expression of iNOS to 0.18 ± 0.03, and after co-treatment with M6 and LPS, the expression of COX-2 and NF-κB was down-regulated to 0.2 ± 0.03. Our study proves the immunomodulatory effect of Noni fruits and specifies for the first time the compounds responsible for their activity.
  18. Improved Aedes/dengue field surveillance using Gravid Oviposition Sticky trap and dengue NS1 tests: Epidemiological, entomological outcomes and community acceptance
    Liew JWK, Selvarajoo S, Phang WK, Mah Hassan M, Redzuan MS, Selva Kumar S, et al.
    Acta Trop, 2021 Apr;216:105829.
    PMID: 33465350 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105829
    The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and outcomes of using Gravid Oviposition Sticky (GOS) trap and dengue NS1 antigen tests for indoor and outdoor dengue/Aedes surveillance in the field. A one-year community-based study was carried out at Sungai Buloh Hospital Quarters, Selangor, Malaysia. GOS traps were first placed outdoors in three apartment blocks (Anggerik, Bunga Raya and Mawar). Beginning 29th week of the study, indoor traps were set in two apartment units on every floor in Anggerik. All female Aedes mosquitoes caught were tested for the presence of dengue NS1 antigen. Dengue seroprevalence and knowledge, attitude and practices on dengue prevention of the community and their reception to the surveillance approach were also assessed. Dengue-positive mosquitoes were detected at least 1 week before a dengue onset. More mosquitoes were caught indoors than outdoors in block Anggerik, but the total number of mosquitoes caught in all 3 blocks were similar. There was a significant difference in distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus between the 3 blocks. 66.1% and 3.4% of the community were positive for dengue IgG and IgM, respectively. Most respondents think that this surveillance method is Good (89%) and support its use nationwide. Dengue case ratio in the study apartment blocks decreased from year 2018 to 2019. This study demonstrated the practicality of performing proactive dengue/Aedes surveillance inside apartment units using the GOS traps. This surveillance method can be performed with immediate result output in the field.
  19. Incidence of pain after biomechanical preparation: a review of 302 cases treated by dental students
    Mohd Sulong MZ, Abu-Hassan MI, Abdul Razak AA, Embong A
    Singapore Dent J, 1996 Jul;21(1):31-5.
    PMID: 10597181
    Records of 302 root-filled teeth treated by dental undergraduates were reviewed by four lecturers in the Department of Conservative Dentistry, University of Malaya. Preoperative and operative factors were evaluated for their association with postoperative pain experience of patients during the visit immediately after completion of biomechanical preparation. Eighty four percent of patients did not experience any pain after biomechanical preparation whilst the remaining 16 percent only complained of slight or moderate pain. The incidence of pain after biomechanical preparation is not high even when performed by inexperienced undergraduates. Teeth with a pre-existing painful condition had a higher chances of postoperative of pain. The incidence of postoperative pain was halved when teeth were associated with a sinus tract.
  20. Interleukin-28 Polymorphism: Ethnic variations and the response to chronic hepatitis C treatment in Malaysia
    Hoe CH, Suan MAM, Hoe CH, Tang TH, Kiew KK, Hassan MRA, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 08;73(4):260.
    PMID: 30121693
    No abstract provided.
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