Displaying publications 921 - 940 of 1243 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Vertical distributions of radionuclides along the tourist-attractive Marayon Tong Hill in the Bandarban district of Bangladesh
    Siraz MMM, Roy D, Dewan MJ, Alam MS, A M J, Rashid MB, et al.
    Environ Monit Assess, 2023 Feb 10;195(3):382.
    PMID: 36759352 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-10921-7
    This is the first attempt in the world to depict the vertical distribution of radionuclides in the soil samples along several heights (900 feet, 1550 feet, and 1650 feet) of Marayon Tong hill in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bandarban by HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K were found to be 37.15 ± 3.76 Bqkg-1, 19.69 ± 2.15 Bqkg-1, and 347.82 ± 24.50 Bqkg-1, respectively, where in most cases, 232Th exceeded the world average value of 30 Bqkg-1. According to soil characterization, soils ranged from slightly acidic to moderately acidic, with low soluble salts. The radium equivalent activity, outdoor and indoor absorbed dose rate, external and internal hazard indices, external and internal effective dose rates, gamma level index, and excess lifetime cancer risk were evaluated and found to be below the recommended or world average values; but a measurable activity of 137Cs was found at soils collected from ground level and at an altitude of 1550 feet, which possibly arises from the nuclear fallout. The evaluation of cumulative radiation doses to the inhabitants via periodic measurement is recommended due to the elevated levels of 232Th.This pioneering work in mapping the vertical distribution of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) can be an essential factual baseline data for the scientific community that may be used to evaluate the variation in NORMs in the future, especially after the commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh in 2024.
  2. Fulltext RSK1 vs. RSK2 Inhibitory Activity of the Marine β-Carboline Alkaloid Manzamine A: A Biochemical, Cervical Cancer Protein Expression, and Computational Study
    Mayer AMS, Hall ML, Lach J, Clifford J, Chandrasena K, Canton C, et al.
    Mar Drugs, 2021 Sep 07;19(9).
    PMID: 34564169 DOI: 10.3390/md19090506
    Manzamines are complex polycyclic marine-derived β-carboline alkaloids with reported anticancer, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, neuritogenic, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis suppression bioactivities, putatively associated with inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3, cyclin-dependent kinase 5, SIX1, and vacuolar ATPases. We hypothesized that additional, yet undiscovered molecular targets might be associated with Manzamine A's (MZA) reported pharmacological properties. We report here, for the first time, that MZA selectively inhibited a 90 kDa ribosomal protein kinase S6 (RSK1) when screened against a panel of 30 protein kinases, while in vitro RSK kinase assays demonstrated a 10-fold selectivity in the potency of MZA against RSK1 versus RSK2. The effect of MZA on inhibiting cellular RSK1 and RSK2 protein expression was validated in SiHa and CaSki human cervical carcinoma cell lines. MZA's differential binding and selectivity toward the two isoforms was also supported by computational docking experiments. Specifically, the RSK1-MZA (N- and C-termini) complexes appear to have stronger interactions and preferable energetics contrary to the RSK2-MZA ones. In addition, our computational strategy suggests that MZA binds to the N-terminal kinase domain of RSK1 rather than the C-terminal domain. RSK is a vertebrate family of cytosolic serine-threonine kinases that act downstream of the ras-ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2) pathway, which phosphorylates substrates shown to regulate several cellular processes, including growth, survival, and proliferation. Consequently, our findings have led us to hypothesize that MZA and the currently known manzamine-type alkaloids isolated from several sponge genera may have novel pharmacological properties with unique molecular targets, and MZA provides a new tool for chemical-biology studies involving RSK1.
  3. Fulltext Toxicological studies of Orthosiphon stamineus (Misai Kucing) standardized ethanol extract in combination with gemcitabine in athymic nude mice model
    Yehya AHS, Asif M, Kaur G, Hassan LEA, Al-Suede FSR, Abdul Majid AMS, et al.
    J Adv Res, 2019 Jan;15:59-68.
    PMID: 30581613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2018.05.006
    Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate among cancers due to its aggressive biology and lack of effective treatment. Gemcitabine, the first line anticancer drug has reduced efficacy due to acquired resistance. The current study evaluates the toxicological effects of Orthosiphon stamineus (O.s) and its marker compound (rosmarinic acid) in combination with gemcitabine. O.s (200 or 400 mg/kg/day) and rosmarinic acid (32 mg/kg/day) were administered orally and gemcitabine (10 mg/kg/3 days) intraperitoneally either alone or in combination treatment for fourteen days. Parameters including blood serum biochemistry, hematology, myeloid-erythroid ratio, incident of lethality, and histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, and spleen tissues were studied. Neither, individual drugs/extract nor chemo-herbal combinations at tested doses induced any toxicity and damage to organs in nude mice when compared to control group. Toxicological data obtained from this study will help to select the best doses of chemo-herbal combination for future pancreatic xenograft tumor studies.
  4. Allele-specific PCR for a cost-effective & time-efficient diagnostic screening of spinal muscular atrophy
    Marini M, Sasongko TH, Watihayati MS, Atif AB, Hayati F, Gunadi, et al.
    Indian J Med Res, 2012;135:31-5.
    PMID: 22382180
    Genetic diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is complicated by the presence of SMN2 gene as majority of SMA patients show absence or deletion of SMN1 gene. PCR may amplify both the genes non selectively in presence of high amount of DNA. We evaluated whether allele-specific PCR for diagnostic screening of SMA is reliable in the presence of high amount of genomic DNA, which is commonly used when performing diagnostic screening using restriction enzymes.
  5. A pioneering study of the radiological mapping in the world's largest mangrove forest (the Sundarbans) and implications for the public and environment
    Al Mahmud J, Siraz MMM, Alam MS, Dewan MJ, Rashid MB, Khandaker MU, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 May;202:116349.
    PMID: 38604081 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116349
    Coastal Mangroves are facing growing threats due to the harmful consequences of human activities. This first-ever detailed study of natural radioactivity in soil samples collected from seven tourist destinations within the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, was conducted using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. Although the activity levels of 226Ra (11 ± 1-44 ± 4 Bq/kg) and 232Th (13 ± 1-68 ± 6 Bq/kg) generally align with global averages, the concentration of 40K (250 ± 20-630 ± 55 Bq/kg) was observed to surpass the worldwide average primarily due to factors like salinity intrusion, fertilizer application, agricultural runoff, which suggests the potential existence of potassium-rich mineral resources near the study sites. The assessment of the hazard parameters indicates that the majority of these parameters are within the recommended limits. The soil samples do not pose a significant radiological risk to the nearby population. The results of this study can establish important radiological baseline data before the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins operating in Bangladesh.
  6. Evaluation of radioactivity in soil and rock samples from an undiscovered sea beach in the southeastern coastline of Bangladesh and associated health risk
    Siraz MMM, Kamal MH, Khan ZH, Alam MS, Al Mahmud J, Rashid MB, et al.
    Environ Monit Assess, 2023 Aug 10;195(9):1028.
    PMID: 37558890 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11636-5
    This study marks the first-ever assessment of radiological hazards linked to the sands and rocks of Patuartek Sea Beach, situated along one of the world's longest sea beaches in Cox' Bazar of Bangladesh. Through the utilization of an HPGe detector, a comprehensive analysis of the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K was conducted, and their activity ranged from 7 to 23 Bq/kg, 9-58 Bq/kg, and 172-340 Bq/kg, respectively, in soils, and 19-24 Bq/kg, 27-39 Bq/kg, and 340-410 Bq/kg, respectively, in rocks. Some sand samples exhibited elevated levels of 232Th, while the rock samples displayed higher levels of 40 K compared to the global average. The radiological hazard parameters were assessed, and no values surpassed the recommended limits set by several international organizations. Hence, the sands and rocks of Patuartek sea beach pose no significant radiological risk to the residents or tourists. The findings of this study provide crucial insights for the development of a radiological baseline map in the country, which is important due to the commissioning of the country's first nuclear power plant Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The data may also stimulate interest in the rare-earth minerals present in the area, which is important for the electronics industry, thorium-based nuclear fuel cycles.
  7. Water and sediment toxicity and hazard assessment of DCOIT towards neotropical marine organisms
    Campos BG, Moreira LB, G F E P, Cruz ACF, Perina FC, Abreu F, et al.
    Environ Pollut, 2023 Aug 01;330:121797.
    PMID: 37169238 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121797
    DCOIT is an effective antifouling biocide, which presence in the environment and toxicity towards non-target species has been generating great concern. This study evaluated the waterborne toxicity of DCOIT on marine invertebrates (i.e., survival of brine shrimp Artemia sp., larval development of the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter and the mussel Perna perna), as well as DCOIT-spiked-sediment toxicity on the fecundity rate of the copepod Nitrocra sp. And the mortality of the amphipod Tiburonella viscana. The data outcomes were used to calculate environmental hazards and risks, which were compared to their corresponding values obtained from temperate regions. Waterborne toxicity can be summarized as follows: Artemia sp. (LC50-48h = 163 (135-169) μg/L), E. lucunter (EC50-36h = 33.9 (17-65) μg/L), and P. perna (EC50-48h = 8.3 (7-9) μg/L). For whole-sediment toxicity, metrics were calculated for T. viscana (LC50-10d = 0.5 (0.1-2.6) μg/g) and Nitrocra sp, (EC50-10d = 200 (10-480) μg/kg). The DCOIT hazard was assessed for both tropical and non-tropical pelagic organisms. The predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for tropical species (0.19 μg/L) was 1.7-fold lower than that for non-tropical organisms (0.34 μg/L). In whole-sediment exposures, DCOIT presented a PNEC of 0.97 μg/kg, and the risk quotients (RQs) were >1 for areas with constant input of DCOIT such as ports ship/boatyards, marinas, and maritime traffic zones of Korea, Japan, Spain, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brazil. The presented data are important for supporting the establishment of policies and regulations for booster biocides worldwide.
  8. Fulltext A study on measuring the 222Rn in the Buriganga River and tap water of the megacity Dhaka
    Alam MS, Siraz MMM, A M J, Das SC, Bradley DA, Khandaker MU, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(5):e0286267.
    PMID: 37220107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286267
    Radon (222Rn), an inert gas, is considered a silent killer due to its carcinogenic characteristics. Dhaka city is situated on the banks of the Buriganga River, which is regarded as the lifeline of Dhaka city because it serves as a significant source of the city's water supply for domestic and industrial purposes. Thirty water samples (10 tap water from Dhaka city and 20 surface samples from the Buriganga River) were collected and analyzed using a RAD H2O accessory for 222Rn concentration. The average 222Rn concentration in tap and river water was 1.54 ± 0.38 Bq/L and 0.68 ± 0.29 Bq/L, respectively. All the values were found below the maximum contamination limit (MCL) of 11.1 Bq/L set by the USEPA, the WHO-recommended safe limit of 100 Bq/L, and the UNSCEAR suggested range of 4-40 Bq/L. The mean values of the total annual effective doses due to inhalation and ingestion were calculated to be 9.77 μSv/y and 4.29 μSv/y for tap water and river water, respectively. Although all these values were well below the permissible limit of 100 μSv/y proposed by WHO, they cannot be neglected because of the hazardous nature of 222Rn, especially considering their entry to the human body via inhalation and ingestion pathways. The obtained data may serve as a reference for future 222Rn-related works.
  9. Fulltext N'-[(1E)-(5-Nitro-furan-2-yl)methyl-idene]thio-phene-2-carbohydrazide: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
    Cardoso LN, Nogueira TC, Wardell JL, Wardell SM, de Souza MV, Jotani MM, et al.
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2016 Jul 01;72(Pt 7):1025-31.
    PMID: 27555956 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989016009968
    In the title carbohydrazide, C10H7N3O4S, the dihedral angle between the terminal five-membered rings is 27.4 (2)°, with these lying to the same side of the plane through the central CN2C(=O) atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0403 Å), leading to a curved mol-ecule. The conformation about the C=N imine bond [1.281 (5) Å] is E, and the carbonyl O and amide H atoms are anti. In the crystal, N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds lead to supra-molecular chains, generated by a 41 screw-axis along the c direction. A three-dimensional architecture is consolidated by thienyl-C-H⋯O(nitro) and furanyl-C-H⋯O(nitro) inter-actions, as well as π-π inter-actions between the thienyl and furanyl rings [inter-centroid distance = 3.515 (2) Å]. These, and other, weak inter-molecular inter-actions, e.g. nitro-N-O⋯π(thien-yl), have been investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis, which confirms the dominance of the conventional N-H⋯O hydrogen bonding to the overall mol-ecular packing.
  10. Fulltext Larvicidal and anti-termite activities of microbial biosurfactant produced by Enterobacter cloacae SJ2 isolated from marine sponge Clathria sp
    Harikrishnan S, Sudarshan S, Sivasubramani K, Nandini MS, Narenkumar J, Ramachandran V, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Sep 13;13(1):15153.
    PMID: 37704703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42475-6
    The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has resulted in a number of issues, including a rise in insecticide-resistant organisms, environmental degradation, and a hazard to human health. As a result, new microbial derived insecticides that are safe for human health and the environment are urgently needed. In this study, rhamnolipid biosurfactants produced from Enterobacter cloacae SJ2 was used to evaluate the toxicity towards mosquito larvae (Culex quinquefasciatus) and termites (Odontotermes obesus). Results showed dose dependent mortality rate was observed between the treatments. The 48 h LC50 (median lethal concentration) values of the biosurfactant were determined for termite and mosquito larvae following the non-linear regression curve fit method. Results showed larvicidal activity and anti-termite activity of biosurfactants with 48 h LC50 value (95% confidence interval) of 26.49 mg/L (25.40 to 27.57) and 33.43 mg/L (31.09 to 35.68), respectively. According to a histopathological investigation, the biosurfactant treatment caused substantial tissue damage in cellular organelles of larvae and termites. The findings of this study suggest that the microbial biosurfactant produced by E. cloacae SJ2 is an excellent and potentially effective agent for controlling Cx. quinquefasciatus and O. obesus.
  11. Fulltext Micro energy harvesting for IoT platform: Review analysis toward future research opportunities
    Sarker MR, Riaz A, Lipu MSH, Md Saad MH, Ahmad MN, Kadir RA, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27778.
    PMID: 38509887 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27778
    Micro-energy harvesting (MEH) is a technology of renewable power generation which is a key technology for hosting the future low-powered electronic devices for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and, the Internet of Things (IoT). Recent technological advancements have given rise to several resources and technologies that are boosting particular facets of society. Many researchers are now interested in studying MEH systems for ultra-low power IoT sensors and WSNs. A comprehensive study of IoT will help to manage a single MEH as a power source for multiple WSNs. The popular database from Scopus was used in this study to perform a review analysis of the MEH system for ultra-low power IoT sensors. All relevant and important literature studies published in this field were statistically analysed using a review analysis method by VOSviewer software, and research gaps, challenges and recommendations of this field were investigated. The findings of the study indicate that there has been an increasing number of literature studies published on the subject of MEH systems for IoT platforms throughout time, particularly from 2013 to 2023. The results demonstrate that 67% of manuscripts highlight problem-solving, modelling and technical overview, simulation, experimental setup and prototype. In observation, 27% of papers are based on bibliometric analysis, systematic review, survey, review and based on case study, and 2% of conference manuscripts are based on modelling, simulation, and review analysis. The top-cited articles are published in 5 different countries and 9 publishers including IEEE 51%, Elsevier 16%, MDPI 10% and others. In addition, several MEH system-related problems and challenges are noted to identify current limitations and research gaps, including technical, modelling, economic, power quality, and environmental concerns. Also, the study offers guidelines and recommendations for the improvement of future MEH technology to increase its energy efficiency, topologies, design, operational performance, and capabilities. This study's detailed information, perceptive analysis, and critical argument are expected to improve MEH research's viable future.
  12. Fulltext Melastoma malabathricum (L.) Smith Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Properties: A Review
    Joffry SM, Yob NJ, Rofiee MS, Affandi MM, Suhaili Z, Othman F, et al.
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012;2012:258434.
    PMID: 22242040 DOI: 10.1155/2012/258434
    Melastoma malabathricum L. (Melastomataceae) is one of the 22 species found in the Southeast Asian region, including Malaysia. Considered as native to tropical and temperate Asia and the Pacific Islands, this commonly found small shrub has gained herbal status in the Malay folklore belief as well as the Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian folk medicines. Ethnopharmacologically, the leaves, shoots, barks, seeds, and roots of M. malabathricum have been used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, cuts and wounds, toothache, and stomachache. Scientific findings also revealed the wide pharmacological actions of various parts of M. malabthricum, such as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidiarrheal, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities. Various types of phytochemical constituents have also been isolated and identifed from different parts of M. malabathricum. Thus, the aim of the present review is to present comprehensive information on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of M. malabathricum.
  13. Therapeutic efficacy of adjunctive photodynamic therapy in the treatment of denture stomatitis
    Al-Ghamdi ARS, Khanam HK, Qamar Z, Abdul NS, Reddy N, Vempalli S, et al.
    Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther, 2023 Jun;42:103326.
    PMID: 36773753 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103326
    BACKGROUND: The present report assessed the efficacy of curcumin-mediated photodynamic therapy (CUR-mediated PDT) as an adjunct to antifungal gel treatment by evaluating the salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) levels together with Candida species counts in denture stomatitis (DS) patients.

    METHODS: In total, 50 DS subjects were randomly categorized into 2 groups: Group-1: subjects who received the antifungal gel treatment and Group-2: participants who received CUR-mediated PDT. The Sabourad Dextrose Agar and CHROMAgar were utilized for evaluating Candida species counts, while the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was employed to estimate the salivary levels of IL-6 and MMP-8. All clinical evaluations were performed at the baseline, 1 month, and 2 months.

    RESULTS: In total, group-2 subjects showed a significant decrease in Candida albicans (C. albicans) counts on both follow-ups (i.e., 1-month and 2-month) than group-1 participants. C. krusei count also reduced in group-2 subejcts than group-1 participants at the 2nd follow-up as compared to the baseline, nevertheless, a slight increase in C. krusei count was noticed in group-2 subjects at the 2nd follow-up than the 1st follow-up. The salivary IL-6 and MMP-8 levels in both groups reduced significantly at both follow-ups than the baseline. According to the stepwise logistic regression analysis, no statistically significant correlation was observed between Candida species count and other parameters such as age and gender of the patient, duration of DS, and frequency of treatment(s).

    CONCLUSION: CUR-mediated PDT is an efficaciousness therapeutic modality for alleviating Candida species counts on the surface of denture and the palatal mucosa, as well as improving the salivary IL-6 and MMP-8 levels in DS patients.

  14. Risk of colorectal cancer due to Streptococcus gallolyticus: a systematic review
    Mohammad Aidid E, Shalihin MSE, Md Nor A, Hamzah HA, Ab Hamid NF, Saipol Bahri NAN, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 May;78(3):404-410.
    PMID: 37271851
    INTRODUCTION: World Health Organization (2019) has declared colorectal cancer (CRC) as the second most common cancer in females and third in males, where the incidence seems to rise year by year. One of the very few potential pathogens specifically associated with malignant colonic diseases is Streptococcus gallolyticus (Sg). Sg is a part of the intestinal flora which formerly known as biotype I of Streptococcus bovis, belongs to Group D streptococci. Owing to only a few researches done in determining evidence to support Sg as a determinant of CRC, a systematic review is constructed.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full-text articles on case-control and cohort studies published from 1st January 2010 to 1st October 2020 were searched using Google Scholar, PubMed and JSTOR. People of all age groups and Sg bacteraemia or colonisation were the type of participant and exposure used for the search strategy, respectively. Data collection was done by three reviewers and checked by two reviewers for discrepancies. All the papers were critically appraised using the STROBE statement. Qualitative synthesis was done by descriptive comparison, distribution of Sg according to stage comparison, method used for Sg detection comparison and risk of bias comparison.

    RESULT: Seven out of 11 articles that fulfil the eligibility criteria were selected. Four papers have low overall risk of bias due to low confounding or selection bias. Sg is found to be a risk factor for CRC from three papers studied, whereas the other four papers did not include the strength of association. Only two papers studied the association between the distribution of Sg and stages of CRC, where the results were contradictory from each other, making it to be inconclusive. The most common method used for Sg detection is a culturing technique, followed by molecular and biochemical techniques.

    CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence to prove the association between Sg bacteraemia as the risk factor for CRC as well as the association between the Sg distribution and stages of CRC. Culturing technique is the most common method used for the detection of bacteria, but it requires subsequent investigations to confirm the presence of Sg. Thus, it is recommended that more studies need to be done using strong statistical analysis to control for most of the confounders with comprehensive explanation and use of more methods in the detection of Sg.

  15. Advanced functional materials based on nanocellulose/Mxene: A review
    Al-Fakih GOA, Ilyas RA, Atiqah A, Atikah MSN, Saidur R, Dufresne A, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Sep 03.
    PMID: 39256123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135207
    The escalating need for a sustainable future has driven the advancement of renewable functional materials. Nanocellulose, derived from the abundant natural biopolymer cellulose, demonstrates noteworthy characteristics, including high surface area, crystallinity, mechanical strength, and modifiable chemistry. When combined with two-dimensional (2D) graphitic materials, nanocellulose can generate sophisticated hybrid materials with diverse applications as building blocks, carriers, scaffolds, and reinforcing constituents. This review highlights the progress of research on advanced functional materials based on the integration of nanocellulose, a versatile biopolymer with tailorable properties, and MXenes, a new class of 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides known for their excellent conductivity, mechanical strength, and large surface area. By addressing the challenges and envisioning future prospects, this review underscores the burgeoning opportunities inherent in MXene/nanocellulose composites, heralding a sustainable frontier in the field of materials science.
  16. Calcitriol attenuates inflammatory response in the lung of diabetes mellitus rat model
    Arfian N, Nugraha GC, Kencana SMS, Alexandra G, Eliyani ND, Dewi KC, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Aug;79(Suppl 4):72-76.
    PMID: 39215419
    INTRODUCTION: Inflammation caused by diabetes can damage multiple organs, including the lungs. Vitamin D (VD) has been shown to potentially reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. VD might play a role in diabetes' inflammatory response. This study aims to elucidate the evidence regarding the lung as the target organ for DM and the possible role of VD in preventing pulmonary damage progression in the diabetes rat model.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats (3-monthold, 200 to 300 gm) were randomly divided into six groups, namely control (C), 4 weeks diabetes mellitus (DM1), 8 weeks DM (DM2) and three DM1 groups (VD1, VD2, and VD3) who received Vitamin D doses of 0.125, 0.25 and 0.50 μg/kg BW, respectively. After 4 weeks, daily VD was administered intraperitoneally for 30 days. Lung tissues were taken for IL- 6, MCP-1, NFKB and CD68 mRNA expression analysis and paraffin embedding. Immunohistochemical staining against CD68 and MCP-1 was conducted. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: DM2 group represented significantly higher IL6, MCP1, NFKB and CD68 mRNA expression than Control group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, VD2 and VD3 groups revealed significantly lower mRNA expression of IL-6, MCP1, NFKB and CD68 than DM2 (p < 0.05). Immunostaining revealed the spreading of MCP1 protein expression in lung tissue along with macrophage infiltration in the DM2 group, which was reduced in the VD2 and the VD3 groups.

    CONCLUSION: VD shows a protective effect on diabetesinduced lung damage by regulating inflammation factors.

  17. Fulltext Blood pressure control among diabetic hypertensives under cardiology follow-up at a regional hospital in rural Malaysia
    Azarisman SM, Aszrin A, Marzuki AO, Fatnoon NN, Hilmi A, Hadzri MH, et al.
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2010 Jul;41(4):973-81.
    PMID: 21073073
    Three hundred thirty-one consecutive patients presenting with hypertension to the outpatient medical clinic of Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital, Kuantan, Malaysia were screened and 150 patients with concurrent diabetes were enrolled into a cross-sectional study. The majority of patients were male (60.6%) with a mean age of 60.0 +/- 11.0 years. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 140.9 +/- 20.1 mmHg and the mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 81.7 +/- 9.8 mmHg. Only 38.0% (57/150) of patients had blood pressures within recommended guidelines (130/80 mmHg). The mean blood pressure in this group was 123.7 +/- 8.5/76.4 +/- 5.6 mmHg. The majority of patients were on either 2 (41.3%) or 3 (31.3%) anti-hypertensives. Females had a significantly higher SBP 145.4 +/- 22.7 vs. 138.0 +/- 17.8 mmHg in males (p = 0.026). The level of blood pressure control in diabetics was unsatisfactory, especially in females and the elderly. A reassessment of priorities in the management of patients with concurrent hypertension and diabetes is therefore, urgently needed.

    Study site: outpatient medical clinic of Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital,
  18. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among migrant workers from different Asian countries working in Malaysia
    Chan BT, Amal RN, Hayati MI, Kino H, Anisah N, Norhayati M, et al.
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2008 Jan;39(1):9-13.
    PMID: 18567437
    A serologic study of Toxoplasma antibodies among 501 foreign migrant workers in Malaysia was conducted in a plantation and detention camp. The highest prevalence rate of 46.2% was among Nepalese workers. Statistical analysis indicated the IgG positivity rate among local residents was significantly higher than the migrants studied (p < 0.05). The IgM positivity rate showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference in the prevalence rate was noted between the migrants and the local workers when grouped by agricultural and non-agricultural occupations (p > 0.05). The continuous introduction of these infections may influence the epidemiology and further compromise efforts in control and prevention. It is therefore important to monitor of non-notifiable diseases.
  19. Fulltext Parasitic infections among Orang Asli (aborigine) in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
    Hakim SL, Gan CC, Malkit K, Azian MN, Chong CK, Shaari N, et al.
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2007 May;38(3):415-9.
    PMID: 17877212
    In April 2004, an outbreak of acute diarrheal illness occurred among the Orang Asli (aborigine) in the Cameron Highlands, Pahang State, Peninsular Malaysia, where rotavirus was later implicated as the cause. In the course of the epidemic investigation, stool samples were collected and examined for infectious agents including parasites. Soil transmitted helminthes (STH), namely Ascaris lumbricoides (25.7%), Trichuris trichiura (31.1%) and hookworm (8.1%), and intestinal protozoa, which included Giardia lamblia (17.6%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (9.4%), Blastocystis hominis (8.1%) and Cryptosporidium parvum (2.7%), were detected. Forty-four (59.5%) were infected with at least one parasite, 24 (32.4%), 12 (16.2%) and 8 (10.8%) had single, double and triple parasitic infections, respectively. STH were prevalent with infections occurring as early as in infancy. Giardia lamblia, though the most commonly found parasite in samples from symptomatic subjects, was within the normally reported rate of giardiasis among the various communities in Malaysia, and was an unlikely cause of the outbreak. However, heavy pre-existing parasitic infections could have contributed to the severity of the rotavirus diarrheal outbreak.
  20. An unceasing problem: soil-transmitted helminthiases in rural Malaysian communities
    Al-Mekhlafi MS, Atiya AS, Lim YA, Mahdy AK, Ariffin WA, Abdullah HC, et al.
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2007 Nov;38(6):998-1007.
    PMID: 18613540
    Despite great development in socioeconomic status throughout 50 years of independence, Malaysia is still plagued with soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH). STH continue to have a significant impact on public health particularly in rural communities. In order to determine the prevalence of STH among rural Orang Asli children and to investigate the possible risk factors affecting the pattern of this prevalence, fecal samples were collected from 292 Orang Asli primary schoolchildren (145 males and 147 females) age 7-12 years, from Pos Betau, Kuala Lipis, Pahang. The samples were examined by Kato-Katz and Harada Mori techniques. Socioeconomic data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. The overall prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm infections were 67.8, 95.5 and 13.4%, respectively. Twenty-nine point eight percent of the children had heavy trichuriasis, while 22.3% had heavy ascariasis. Sixty-seven point seven percent of the children had mixed infections. Age > 10 years (p = 0.016), no toilet in the house (p = 0.012), working mother (p = 0.040), low household income (p = 0.033), and large family size (p = 0.028) were identified as risk factors for ascariasis. Logistic regression confirmed low income, no toilet in the house and working mother as significant risk factors for ascariasis. The prevalence of STH is still very high in rural Malaysian communities. STH may also contribute to other health problems such as micronutrient deficiencies, protein-energy malnutrition and poor educational achievement. Public health personnel need to reassess current control measures and identify innovative and integrated ways in order to reduce STH significantly in rural communities.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links