Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 177 in total

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  1. Aanniz T, Bouyahya A, Balahbib A, El Kadri K, Khalid A, Makeen HA, et al.
    Chem Biol Interact, 2024 Apr 01;392:110907.
    PMID: 38395253 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110907
    The regulation of gene expression is fundamental to health and life and is essentially carried out at the promoter region of the DNA of each gene. Depending on the molecular context, this region may be accessible or non-accessible (possibility of integration of RNA polymerase or not at this region). Among enzymes that control this process, DNA methyltransferase enzymes (DNMTs), are responsible for DNA demethylation at the CpG islands, particularly at the promoter regions, to regulate transcription. The aberrant activity of these enzymes, i.e. their abnormal expression or activity, can result in the repression or overactivation of gene expression. Consequently, this can generate cellular dysregulation leading to instability and tumor development. Several reports highlighted the involvement of DNMTs in human cancers. The inhibition or activation of DNMTs is a promising therapeutic approach in many human cancers. In the present work, we provide a comprehensive and critical summary of natural bioactive molecules as primary inhibitors of DNMTs in human cancers. The active compounds hold the potential to be developed as anti-cancer epidrugs targeting DNMTs.
  2. Othman Z, Zakaria R, Hussain NHN, Hassan A, Shafin N, Al-Rahbi B, et al.
    Med Sci (Basel), 2015 Apr 09;3(2):3-15.
    PMID: 29083387 DOI: 10.3390/medsci3020003
    The composition and physicochemical properties of honey are variable depending on its floral source and often named according to the geographical location. The potential medicinal benefits of Tualang honey, a multifloral jungle honey found in Malaysia, have recently been attracting attention because of its reported beneficial effects in various diseases. This paper reviews the effects of honey, particularly Tualang honey, on learning and memory. Information regarding the effects of Tualang honey on learning and memory in human as well as animal models is gleaned to hypothesize its underlying mechanisms. These studies show that Tualang honey improves morphology of memory-related brain areas, reduces brain oxidative stress, increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and acetylcholine (ACh) concentrations, and reduces acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain homogenates. Its anti-inflammatory roles in reducing inflammatory trigger and microglial activation have yet to be investigated. It is hypothesized that the improvement in learning and memory following Tualang honey supplementation is due to the significant improvement in brain morphology and enhancement of brain cholinergic system secondary to reduction in brain oxidative damage and/or upregulation of BDNF concentration. Further studies are imperative to elucidate the molecular mechanism of actions.
  3. Hassan A, Latif MT, Soo CI, Faisal AH, Roslina AM, Andrea YLB, et al.
    Lung Cancer, 2017 11;113:1-3.
    PMID: 29110834 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2017.08.025
    There have been few but timely studies examining the role of air pollution in lung cancer and survival. The Southeast Asia haze is a geopolitical problem that has occurred annually since 1997 in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. To date, there has been no study examining the impact of the annual haze in the presentation of lung cancer. Data on all lung cancers and respiratory admissions to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) from 1st January 2010 to 31th October 2015 were retrospectively collected and categorized as presentation during the haze and non-haze periods defined by the Department of Environment Malaysia. We report a lung cancer incidence rate per week of 4.5 cases during the haze compared to 1.8 cases during the non-haze period (p<0.01). The median survival for subjects presenting during the haze was 5.2 months compared to 8.1 months for the non-haze period (p<0.05). The majority of subjects diagnosed during the haze period initially presented with acute symptoms. Although this study could not suggest a cause and effect relationship of the annual haze with the incidence of lung cancer, this is the first study reporting a local air pollution-related modifiable determinant contributing to the increase in presentation of lung cancer in Southeast Asia.
  4. Okomoda TV, Koh ICC, Hassan A, Amornsakun T, Shahreza SM
    Sci Rep, 2018 02 28;8(1):3827.
    PMID: 29491444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22149-4
    Twenty-five traditional and thirty-four geometric morphometric comparisons were carried out on pure and reciprocal crosses of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Thirty fish samples each of the C. gariepinus (CH), P. hypophthalmus (PH), Pangapinus (♀PH × ♂CG) and the two distinct morphotypes of the Clariothalmus (♀CG × ♂PH) (Clarias-like and Panga-like) between the ages of four and six months were used for this study. Phenotypically, the Clarias-like Clariothalmus and the Pangapinus progenies were indistinguishable from their maternal parents while the Panga-like Clariothalmus was a phenotypic intermediary of the putative parents but looks more closely to the paternal parent. Hence, both univariate proportion and multivariate analysis of the collected data successfully separated the different fishes into three multivariate spaces. The analysis of the dendrogram with complete linkage and Euclidean distance further showed the close relationship of the isolated Panga-like Clariothalmus progenies to the paternal parent, however, Clarias-like Clariothalmus and the Pangapinus were completely intermingled with their maternal parents. The most important index of discrimination of these fishes into different multivariate spaces was the fin characteristic which showed 100% exclusive ranges for the individual groups in many cases.
  5. Okomoda VT, Koh ICC, Hassan A, Amornsakun T, Moh JHZ, Shahreza SM
    PeerJ, 2018;6:e5712.
    PMID: 30416879 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5712
    To obtain well spread chromosomes, the cytogenetic protocol for Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and Clarias gariepinus were optimized. This includes, the colchicine concentration (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%)/exposure duration (1, 3, and 5 h), hypotonic solution (distilled water or 0.075M KCl solution)/exposure duration (30 min, 1, and 2 h), the time of cell suspension preparation (at hypotonic treatment or before slide preparation) and chromosome aging period (0, 3, and 7 days in Carnoy's fixative). In addition, the type (i.e., fin, gill or kidney) and the amount of tissue (10, 50, 100 or 150 mg) were also investigated. Regardless of the species, the result obtained showed that well-spread chromosomes could be obtained using the following optimized protocol: Juveniles are injected with 0.05% colchicine (at one ml kg-1) and allowed to swim for 3 h. Then, 50 mg of gill tissue is made into cell suspension in 0.075M KCl for 1 h. The cell suspension is treated in Carnoy's fixative (changed three times at 20 min interval) and then aged for 3 days. Finally, chromosome slides are made and stained with 10% Giemsa for 1 h.
  6. Rizwan M, Yahya R, Hassan A, Yar M, Azzahari AD, Selvanathan V, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2017 06 14;9(6).
    PMID: 30970902 DOI: 10.3390/polym9060225
    The authors wish to make a change to their published paper [1]. [...].
  7. Rizwan M, Yahya R, Hassan A, Yar M, Abd Halim AA, Rageh Al-Maleki A, et al.
    J Mater Sci Mater Med, 2019 Jun 11;30(6):72.
    PMID: 31187295 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-019-6273-3
    The success of wound healing depends upon the proper growth of vascular system in time in the damaged tissues. Poor blood supply to wounded tissues or tissue engineered grafts leads to the failure of wound healing or rejection of grafts. In present paper, we report the synthesis of novel organosoluble and pro-angiogenic chitosan derivative (CSD) by the reaction of chitosan with 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid and triethylorthoformate (TEOF). The synthesized material was characterized by FTIR and 13C-NMR to confirm the incorporated functional groups and new covalent connectivities. Biodegradability of the synthesized chitosan derivative was tested in the presence of lysozyme and was found to be comparable with CS. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis effect of new derivative was determined against gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells and was found to be non-toxic. The CSD was found to be soluble in majority of organic solvents. It was blended with polycaprolactone (PCL) to form composite scaffolds. From an ex ovo CAM assay, it was noted that CSD stimulated the angiogenesis.
  8. Sattar MU, Palaniappan S, Lokman A, Hassan A, Shah N, Riaz Z
    Pak J Med Sci, 2019;35(3):852-857.
    PMID: 31258607 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.35.3.44
    Objectives: To determine the need of contemporary immersive approaches (Virtual Reality) in teaching and training at medical sector. The main objective of this study was to explore the effects of text, video and immersive technologies learning methodologies for participants' learning in public and private medical colleges and universities of Pakistan.

    Methods: In this quantitative research 87 medical students of 4th year from three public and five private medical colleges and universities participated. A laparoscopy operation was selected in consultation with senior medical consultants for this experiment. The experimental material was arranged in virtual reality, video and text based learning. At completion of each of which, participants completed a questionnaire about learning motivation and learning competency through the different mediums.

    Results: Statistical t-test was selected for the analysis of this study. By comparing the mean values of virtual reality, video, and text based learning methodologies in medical academics; result of virtual reality is at top of others. All performed model are statistically significant (P=0.000) and results can be applied at all population.

    Conclusion: Through this research, we contribute to medical students learning methodologies. In medical studies, both theoretical and practical expertise has a vital role, while repetition of hands-on practice can improve young doctors' professional competency. Virtual reality was found best for medical students in both learning motivation and learning competency. Medical students and educationist may select virtual reality as new learning methodology for curriculum learning.

  9. Saud MRM, Salahuddin Z, Hassan A, Yunus MRM, Mohamad I, Zulkifli MM
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Apr;13(2):201-204.
    PMID: 31435324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.10.002
    Giant cell tumours are benign lesions that are uncommonly found in the larynx. Patients with these tumours may present with dysphagia, hoarseness and anterior neck swelling. Giant cell tumours are extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported. We present a case of an elderly woman who presented with severe dysphagia and a mass at the base of her tongue. The mass was found to be a laryngeal giant cell tumour and was successfully treated with chemotherapy.
  10. Hadie SNH, Abdul Manan Sulong H, Hassan A, Mohd Ismail ZI, Talip S, Abdul Rahim AF
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Apr;13(2):162-172.
    PMID: 31435319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.11.001
    OBJECTIVE: There is a need to create a standard interactive anatomy lecture that can engage students in their learning process. This study investigated the impact of a new lecturing guideline, the Cognitive Load Theory-based Lecture Model (CLT-bLM), on students' cognitive engagement and motivation.

    METHODS: A randomised controlled trial involving 197 participants from three institutions was conducted. The control group attended a freestyle lecture on the gross anatomy of the heart, delivered by a qualified anatomist from each institution. The intervention group attended a CLT-bLM-based lecture on a similar topic, delivered by the same lecturer, three weeks thereafter. The lecturers had attended a CLT-bLM workshop that allowed them to prepare for the CLT-bLM-based lecture over the course of three weeks. The students' ratings on their cognitive engagement and internal motivation were evaluated immediately after the lecture using a validated Learners' Engagement and Motivation Questionnaire. The differences between variables were analysed and the results were triangulated with the focus group discussion findings that explored students' experience while attending the lecture.

    RESULTS: The intervention group has a significantly higher level of cognitive engagement than the control group; however, no significant difference in internal motivation score was found. In addition, the intervention group reported having a good learning experience from the lectures.

    CONCLUSION: The guideline successfully stimulated students' cognitive engagement and learning experience, which indicates a successful stimulation of students' germane resources. Stimulation of these cognitive resources is essential for successful cognitive processing, especially when learning a difficult subject such as anatomy.

  11. Xue Mei L, Mohammadi Nafchi A, Ghasemipour F, Mat Easa A, Jafarzadeh S, Al-Hassan AA
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Dec 01;164:4603-4612.
    PMID: 32941902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.082
    The development of intelligent packaging based on natural and biodegradable resources is getting more attention by researchers in recent years. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a pH-sensitive films based on sago starch and incorporated with anthocyanin from torch ginger. The pH-sensitive films were fabricated by casting method with incorporation of different torch ginger extract (TGE) concentration. The surface morphology, physicochemical, barrier, and mechanical properties as well as the pH-sensitivity of films were investigated. The film with the highest concentration of TGE showed the lowest tensile strength (4.26 N/m2), toughness (2.54 MJ/m3), Young's modulus (73.96 MPa) and water vapour permeability (2.6 × 10-4 g·m/day·kPa·m2). However, its elongation at break (85.14%), moisture content (0.27%) and water solubility (37.92%) were the highest compared to other films. pH sensitivity analysis showed that the films containing TGE extract, changes in colour by changing the pH. The colour of films changed from pink to slightly green as the pH increased from pH 4 to 9. Thus, the developed pH-sensitive film with torch ginger extract has potential as intelligent packaging for detection of food freshness or spoilage to ensure their quality and safe consumption.
  12. Abu Hassan A, Rahman WA, Salmah MR, Rashid MZ, Jaal Z, Adanan CR, et al.
    J Vector Ecol, 1997 Dec;22(2):109-14.
    PMID: 9491360
    Using cow-baited net traps in the coastal and hilly areas of northern peninsular Malaysia, 21 species of Anopheles mosquitoes were found. The distribution of common Anopheles is presented. The composition of the anopheline mosquito fauna was more diversified in the coastal areas than in the hilly areas. The displacement of Anopheles sundaicus by Anopheles subpictus and the disappearance of Anopheles hackeri in the coastal area were noted.
  13. Hassan AA, Rahman WA, Rashid MZ, Shahrem MR, Adanan CR
    J Vector Ecol, 2001 Jun;26(1):70-5.
    PMID: 11469187
    Nine species of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected biting humans indoors and outdoors in a malaria endemic village in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Outdoor biting was higher than that observed indoors. Biting of An. maculatus was observed throughout the night. Peak indoor biting occurred at 2130 h while outdoor biting was higher after midnight. Outdoor biting of Anopheles barbirostris and An. sinensis was observed throughout the night with several peaks after the second half of the night. Outdoor biting activities of An. kochi and An. philippinensis were primarily active after dusk and steadily declined after 2130 h.
  14. Saizul Z, Siti-Azrin AH, Zakaria AD, Hassan A, Abdul Rahman WFW, Jalil NAC
    Oman Med J, 2021 Jul;36(4):e284.
    PMID: 34367685 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2021.83
    Objectives: We sought to determine the immunohistochemistry expression of mismatch repair (MMR) and BRAF V600E proteins in sporadic young-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) and their association with clinicopathological features in the Kelantan population.

    Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of sporadic young-onset CRC over 11 years from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2017 in Kelantan. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies for MMR (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) and BRAF V600E. These expressions were correlated with clinicopathological parameters.

    Results: Our patient sample included 31 patients with a mean age of 31.5 years. More than half (61.3%) of the patients were women. The majority presented with abdominal pain (41.9%), and 71.0% had a tumor located on the right side of the colon, with 83.9% being moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The majority of patients presented at stage IV (54.8%). The most frequent pattern was all MMR protein expressions, which constituted patients in the microsatellite stable group (64.5%). Nine (29.0%) were microsatellite instability (MSI-high), and two (6.5%) were MSI-low. Positive BRAF V600E expression was observed in 83.9% of patients. Only histopathological subtypes revealed a significant association with BRAF V600E positive expression (p = 0.015).

    Conclusions: The majority of sporadic young-onset CRC presented with abdominal pain and advanced cancer stage. Most were microsatellite stable, and most cases showed positive expressions in all MMR markers and BRAF V600E by immunohistochemistry method. This finding will pave the way for further research on this disease.

  15. Abu Bakar YI, Hassan A, Yusoff MSB, Kasim F, Abdul Manan Sulong H, Hadie SNH
    Anat Sci Educ, 2022 Jan;15(1):166-177.
    PMID: 33650315 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2067
    To become skilled physicians, medical students must master surface anatomy. However, the study of surface anatomy is less emphasized in medical and allied health science curricula, and the time devoted to direct engagement with the human body is limited. This scoping review was designed to answer one research question: "What are the elements and strategies that are effective in teaching surface anatomy?" The review was performed using a five-stage scoping review framework, including research question identification, relevant study identification, study selection, data charting, and result collating and reporting. Three databases were searched using two search terms combined with a Boolean operator: "teaching" and "surface anatomy." The initial pool of 3,294 sources was assessed for duplication, and study eligibility was evaluated using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were abstracted from 26 original articles by one researcher and verified by two other researchers. A thematic analysis was performed, and several elements of effective teaching strategies for surface anatomy were identified, namely contextualized teaching, embracing experiential learning, and learning facilitation. This review revealed that a multimodal approach was most commonly used in surface anatomy instruction. Hence, future research should explore the effectiveness of multimodal teaching strategies that adopt the three aforementioned primary elements of effective teaching in an authentic learning environment. It is pertinent to clarify the effectiveness of these teaching strategies by evaluating their impact on student learning, organizational changes, and benefits to other stakeholders.
  16. Ab Gani NH, Ibrahim M, Wan Hitam WH, Masnon NA, Hassan A
    Cureus, 2021 Mar 18;13(3):e13969.
    PMID: 33884230 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13969
    End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with a number of serious complications, including increased cardiovascular disease, anaemia and metabolic bone disease. Optic atrophy secondary to chronic anaemia in ESRD is rare. We report a case of bilateral optic atrophy in a young patient with chronic anaemia secondary to ESRD. A 23-year-old lady with ESRD, presented with progressive blurring of vision in her left eye for a period of six months. Visual acuity in the left eye was counting finger and the right eye was 6/6. Left optic nerve functions were significantly reduced. Bilateral anterior segments and intraocular pressure were normal. Funduscopy showed bilateral pale disc with arteriolar attenuation. The infective, autoimmune and demyelinating screening were negative. Serial full blood count indicated low haemoglobin and haematocrit value. The full blood picture revealed normocytic normochromic anaemia. Neuroimaging was normal. The patient was diagnosed as having bilateral optic atrophy secondary to chronic anaemia due to ESRD. Chronic anaemia is a potential cause of optic atrophy in a young patient with chronic disease. Management of anaemia in such cases is crucial to prevent irreversible complications including optic atrophy and blindness.
  17. 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.
  18. Chew KS, Wong SSL, Hassan AK, Po KE, Zulkhairi N, Yusman NAL
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 Nov;76(6):814-819.
    PMID: 34806666
    INTRODUCTION: Although menstruation is a physiological process, it is shrouded with socio-cultural and religious beliefs. Healthcare providers should be aware that these influences may affect how women perceive their menstrual disorders. The primary objective of this study was to develop a validated questionnaire measuring the sociocultural and religious beliefs during menstruation.

    METHODS: In the first stage, a preliminary list of items measuring socio-cultural and religious beliefs during menstruation was generated. In the second stage, exploratory factor analysis was performed. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis using reflective measurement model and structural equation modelling was performed using partial least squares. The practices of these beliefs were included as mediating effect. Biological symptoms of menstruation were added in as another factor.

    RESULTS: A total of 400 female students from the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia were recruited. A preliminary list of 22 items was first generated. From the confirmatory factor analysis, two factors were iteratively removed due to poor factor loadings. Four factors were retained, i.e., i) "religious beliefs"; ii) "unpleasant (or dirty) nature of menstruation"; iii) "personal restrictions (dietary and behavior)"; and iv) "restrictions of interactions with male gender". In structural equation modelling, only 2 factors, i.e., the practices of "personal restrictions (dietary and behavioural)" and "restriction of interactions with males" had significant negative impact on quality of life.

    CONCLUSION: Menstruation should not be viewed purely from a biological lens as there are layers of sociocultural and religious beliefs surrounding it.

  19. Azlim NA, Mohammadi Nafchi A, Oladzadabbasabadi N, Ariffin F, Ghalambor P, Jafarzadeh S, et al.
    Food Sci Nutr, 2022 Feb;10(2):597-608.
    PMID: 35154695 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2680
    A novel intelligent pH-sensing indicator based on gelatin film and anthocyanin extracted from dragon fruit skin (Hylocereus polyrhizus) (DFSE) as a natural dye was developed to monitor food freshness by the casting method. Anthocyanin content of DFSE was 15.66 ± 1.59 mg/L. Dragon fruit bovine gelatin films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moisture content, mechanical properties, water solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), light transmittance, color, and pH-sensing evaluations were evaluated for potential application. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the extracted anthocyanin could interact with the other film components through hydrogen bonds. When the extract was added, films showed a smooth and clear surface as observed by SEM. The addition of anthocyanin increased the moisture content, thickness, and water solubility of the films, but decreased the WVP and light transmittance of films. Also, the incorporation of 15% v/v DFSE decreased the tensile strength from 17.04 to 12.91 MPa, increasing the elongation at break from 91.19% to 107.86%. The films showed higher ΔE with increasing DFSE content, which indicated that the film had good color variability. A significant difference in the color of the films was observed with exposure to different pH buffer solutions. The findings demonstrated that gelatin film incorporated with DFSE could be used as a visual indicator of pH variations to monitor the freshness of foods during storage time.
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