Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 160 in total

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  1. In vitro antimicrobial activities, molecular docking and density functional theory (DFT) evaluation of natural product-based vanillin derivatives featuring halogenated azo dyes
    Ngaini Z, Hissam MA, Mortadza NA, Abd Halim AN, Daud AI
    Nat Prod Res, 2023 Sep 26.
    PMID: 37752781 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2262713
    Chemical modification of active scaffolds from natural products has gained interest in pharmaceutical industries. Nevertheless, the metabolites extraction is time-consuming while the lead is frequently mismatched with the receptor. Here, the diazo coupling approach was introduced to generate a series of vanillin derivatives featuring halogenated azo dyes (1a-h). The vanillin derivatives showed effective inhibition of S. aureus (7-9 mm) and E. coli (7-8 mm) compared to the parent vanillin, while 1b had the highest inhibition zone (9 mm) against S. aureus comparable to the reference ampicillin. The presence of N = N, C = O, -OH, -OCH3 and halogens established strategic binding interactions with the receptor. The potential vanillin-azo as an antimicrobial drug was supported by in silico docking with penicillin-binding proteins and DFT (using Gaussian 09) with binding affinity -7.5 kcal/mol and energy gap (Egap) 3.77 eV, respectively. This study represents a significant advancement in drug discovery for effective antibiotics with excellent properties.
  2. Waste management practices in developing countries: a socio-economic perspective
    Jagun ZT, Daud D, Ajayi OM, Samsudin S, Jubril AJ, Rahman MSA
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Nov;30(55):116644-116655.
    PMID: 35867301 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21990-5
    Growing populations, expanding economies, industrialisation, and urbanisation pose a problem for waste management in developing countries. Their waste management methods, on the other hand, are not as efficient as they could be. Most developing countries' current waste management practices do not fully conform to developed countries' best practices for meeting socioeconomic goals. As a result, the importance of waste management in developing countries has grown in recent years. In order to highlight the socioeconomic perspectives of waste management practices, the present study examines the existing literature, policies, information, and records on waste management in developing nations. The findings indicate that essential socioeconomic factors such as finances, population density, per capita income, education level, policies, and technology have a significant impact on waste management, which encompasses waste generation, collection, composition, and disposal/treatment. Nonetheless, waste management has a number of economic benefits, including financial stability, job creation, and community cohesion. This study will inspire further research on the need for developing nations to consider the socioeconomic benefits of proper waste management and to develop a policy plan to achieve these benefits.
  3. Fulltext Examining the associations between control (primary and secondary) appraisals and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in Malaysian and Australian trauma survivors
    Reyneke T, Lee B, Li H, Haque S, Abdullah SZ, Tan BKW, et al.
    Front Psychol, 2023;14:1017566.
    PMID: 38144986 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1017566
    BACKGROUND: Little research has considered the influence of culture on control appraisals in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate whether cultural group moderated the relationship between control (primary and secondary) appraisals and PTSD symptoms in trauma survivors from Western (Australian) and Asian (Malaysian) cultural contexts.

    METHODS: Trauma survivors (107 Australian with European cultural heritage; 121 Malaysian with Malay, Indian or Chinese cultural heritage) completed an online survey assessing PTSD symptoms and appraisals of control.

    RESULTS: Cultural group moderated the association between primary control and PTSD symptoms; the positive association was significant for the Australian group but not the Malaysian group. While cultural group did not moderate the association between secondary control and PTSD symptoms, there was an indirect pathway between secondary control appraisals and PTSD symptoms through interdependent self-construal for both cultural groups.

    CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that cultural group and self-construal influence the associations between different types of control appraisals and PTSD. Further research exploring the role of culture and different appraisal types in PTSD is needed.

  4. The effect of ammonia concentration on the treatment of bio electrochemical leachate using MFCs technology
    Ishaq A, Said MIM, Azman SB, Abdulwahab MF, Houmsi MR, Jagun ZT
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Dec 28.
    PMID: 38151563 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31472-x
    Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have garnered attention in bio-electrochemical leachate treatment systems. The most common forms of inorganic ammonia nitrogen are ammonium ([Formula: see text]) and free ammonia. Anaerobic digestion can be inhibited in both direct (changes in environmental conditions, such as fluctuations in temperature or pH, can indirectly hinder microbial activity and the efficiency of the digestion process) and indirect (inadequate nutrient levels, or other conditions that indirectly compromise the microbial community's ability to carry out anaerobic digestion effectively) ways by both kinds. The performance of a double-chamber MFC system-composed of an anodic chamber, a cathode chamber with fixed biofilm carriers (carbon felt material), and a Nafion 117 exchange membrane is examined in this work to determine the impact of ammonium nitrogen ([Formula: see text]) inhibition. MFCs may hold up to 100 mL of fluid. Therefore, the bacteria involved were analysed using 16S rRNA. At room temperature, with a concentration of 800 mg L-1 of ammonium nitrogen and 13,225 mg L-1 of chemical oxygen demand (COD), the study produced a considerable power density of 234 mWm-3. It was found that [Formula: see text] concentrations above 800 mg L-1 have an inhibitory influence on power output and treatment effectiveness. Multiple routes removed the most nitrogen ([Formula: see text]-N: 87.11 ± 0.7%, NO2 -N: 93.17 ± 0.2% and TN: 75.24 ± 0.3%). Results from sequencing indicate that the anode is home to a rich microbial community, with anammox (6%), denitrifying (6.4%), and electrogenic bacteria (18.2%) making up the bulk of the population. Microbial fuel cells can efficiently and cost-effectively execute anammox, a green nitrogen removal process, in landfill leachate.
  5. Fulltext IoMT amid COVID-19 pandemic: Application, architecture, technology, and security
    Mohd Aman AH, Hassan WH, Sameen S, Attarbashi ZS, Alizadeh M, Latiff LA
    J Netw Comput Appl, 2021 Jan 15;174:102886.
    PMID: 34173428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnca.2020.102886
    In many countries, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has been deployed in tandem with other strategies to curb the spread of COVID-19, improve the safety of front-line personnel, increase efficacy by lessening the severity of the disease on human lives, and decrease mortality rates. Significant inroads have been achieved in terms of applications and technology, as well as security which have also been magnified through the rapid and widespread adoption of IoMT across the globe. A number of on-going researches show the adoption of secure IoMT applications is possible by incorporating security measures with the technology. Furthermore, the development of new IoMT technologies merge with Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Blockchain offers more viable solutions. Hence, this paper highlights the IoMT architecture, applications, technologies, and security developments that have been made with respect to IoMT in combating COVID-19. Additionally, this paper provides useful insights into specific IoMT architecture models, emerging IoMT applications, IoMT security measurements, and technology direction that apply to many IoMT systems within the medical environment to combat COVID-19.
  6. Fulltext Corrigendum to "Evaluation of Some Mechanical Properties of a Maxillofacial Silicon Elastomer Reinforced with Polyester Powder"
    Haider YM, Abdullah ZS, Fatalla AA, Jani GH, Mokhtar N
    Int J Dent, 2020;2020:7187159.
    PMID: 33057460 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7187159
    [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/2948457.].
  7. Fulltext Optimizing total ammonia-nitrogen concentration for enhanced microbial fuel cell performance in landfill leachate treatment: a bibliometric analysis and future directions
    Ishaq A, Said MIM, Azman SB, Abdulwahab MF, Jagun ZT
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Aug;30(36):86498-86519.
    PMID: 37454007 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28580-z
    Untreated landfill leachate can harm the environment and human health due to its organic debris, heavy metals, and nitrogen molecules like ammonia. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as a promising technology for treating landfill leachate and generating energy. However, high concentrations of total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN), which includes both ammonia and the ammonium ion, can impede MFC performance. Therefore, maintaining an adequate TAN concentration is crucial, as both excess and insufficient levels can reduce power generation. To evaluate the worldwide research on MFCs using landfill leachate as a substrate, bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess publication output, author-country co-authorship, and author keyword co-occurrence. Scopus and Web of Science retrieved 98 journal articles on this topic during 2011-2022; 18 were specifically evaluated and analysed for MFC ammonia inhibition. The results showed that research on MFC using landfill leachate as a substrate began in 2011, and the number of related papers has consistently increased every 2 years, totaling 4060 references. China, India, and the USA accounted for approximately 60% of all global publications, while the remaining 40% was contributed by 70 other countries/territories. Chongqing University emerged as one of the top contributors among this subject's ten most productive universities. Most studies found that maintaining TAN concentrations in the 400-800 mg L-1 in MFC operation produced good power density, pollution elimination, and microbial acclimatization. However, the database has few articles on MFC and landfill leachate; MFC ammonia inhibition remains the main factor impacting system performance. This bibliographic analysis provides excellent references and future research directions, highlighting the current limitations of MFC research in this area.
  8. Fulltext Utilization of microbial fuel cells as a dual approach for landfill leachate treatment and power production: a review
    Ishaq A, Said MIM, Azman SB, Dandajeh AA, Lemar GS, Jagun ZT
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Jun;31(29):41683-41733.
    PMID: 38012494 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30841-w
    Landfill leachate, which is a complicated organic sewage water, presents substantial dangers to human health and the environment if not properly handled. Electrochemical technology has arisen as a promising strategy for effectively mitigating contaminants in landfill leachate. In this comprehensive review, we explore various theoretical and practical aspects of methods for treating landfill leachate. This exploration includes examining their performance, mechanisms, applications, associated challenges, existing issues, and potential strategies for enhancement, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness. In addition, this critique provides a comparative investigation between these treatment approaches and the utilization of diverse kinds of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in terms of their effectiveness in treating landfill leachate and generating power. The examination of these technologies also extends to their use in diverse global contexts, providing insights into operational parameters and regional variations. This extensive assessment serves the primary goal of assisting researchers in understanding the optimal methods for treating landfill leachate and comparing them to different types of MFCs. It offers a valuable resource for the large-scale design and implementation of processes that ensure both the safe treatment of landfill leachate and the generation of electricity. The review not only provides an overview of the current state of landfill leachate treatment but also identifies key challenges and sets the stage for future research directions, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and effective solutions in the management of this critical environmental issue.
  9. Deciphering groundwater pollution in the Lower Anayari Catchment: insights from using δ2H, δ18O, PMF, and APCS-MLR receptor model
    Abdul-Wahab D, Asare EA, Wahi R, Ngaini Z, Klutse NAB, Asamoah A
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(18):27099-27116.
    PMID: 38503949 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32942-6
    This research provides a comprehensive analysis of groundwater pollution in the Lower Anayari Catchment (LAC) through δ2H and δ18O isotopic analysis, along with positive matrix factorization (PMF) and PCS-MLR receptor models. Forty groundwater samples were collected from hand-dug wells and equipped boreholes across the LAC. Flame photometry for Na+ and K+, complexometric titration for Ca2+, ion chromatography for Cl-, F-, NO3-, SO42-, and PO43-, and atomic absorption spectrometry for Mg2+, Fe, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni were analytical techniques/instruments employed. In regard to cations, Na+ has the highest average concentration of 63.0 mg/L, while Mg2+ has the lowest at 2.58 mg/L. Concerning the anions and nutrients, Cl- has the highest mean concentration of 18.7 mg/L, and Fl- has the lowest at 0.50 mg/L. Metalloids were detected in trace amount with Fe displaying the highest mean concentration of 0.077 mg/L whereas Cd and As recorded lowest (0.001 mg/L). The average values for groundwater δ18O and δ2H were - 3.64‰ and - 20.7‰, respectively; the average values for rainwater isotopic composition were - 3.41‰ for δ18O and - 17.4‰ for δ2H. It is believed that natural geological features, particularly biotite granitoid and volcanic flow/subvolcanic rocks from the Birimian Supergroup, significantly influence groundwater mineralisation. Additionally, the impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality, with urban development and agricultural practices, may be attributed to increasing levels of certain contaminants such as Fe, Ni, NO3-, and PO43-. This research contributes to the broader field of hydrological study and provides practical implications for managing and conserving water resources in similar contexts. The innovative combination of isotopic and statistical analyses sets a new standard for future studies in groundwater quality assessment, emphasising the need for comprehensive approaches that consider both geological characteristics and human impacts for sustainable water resource management.
  10. Fulltext Boundary values of Hankel and Toeplitz determinants for q -convex functions
    Hadi SH, Shaba TG, Madhi ZS, Darus M, Lupaş AA, Tchier F
    MethodsX, 2024 Dec;13:102842.
    PMID: 39071992 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102842
    The study of holomorphic functions has been recently extended through the application of diverse techniques, among which quantum calculus stands out due to its wide-ranging applications across various scientific disciplines. In this context, we introduce a novel q-differential operator defined via the generalized binomial series, which leads to the derivation of new classes of quantum-convex (q-convex) functions. Several specific instances within these classes were explored in detail. Consequently, the boundary values of the Hankel determinants associated with these functions were analyzed. All graphical representations and computational analyses were performed using Mathematica 12.0.•These classes are defined by utilizing a new q-differential operator.•The coefficient values | a i | ( i = 2 , 3 , 4 ) are investigated.•Toeplitz determinants, such as the second T 2 ( 2 ) and the third T 3 ( 1 ) order inequalities, are calculated.
  11. Fulltext Does menthol-brand cigarette initiate early smoking? Evidence from a cross sectional study in Sarawak, Malaysia
    Rahman MM, Arif MT, Razak MF, Suhaili MR, Tambi Z, Akoi C, et al.
    Iran J Public Health, 2014 Mar;43(3):385-6.
    PMID: 25988103
  12. Fulltext Achievement of LDL Cholesterol Goal and Adherence to Statin by Diabetes Patients in Kelantan
    Yudin ZM, Yaacob LH, Hassan NB, Ismail SB, Draman N, Yusoff SSM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 May;24(3):44-50.
    PMID: 28814932 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2016.24.3.6
    BACKGROUND: Statins are a class of potent drugs that can be used to reduce cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, their effectiveness is limited if adherence to treatment is poor. The objectives of the study are to estimate the proportion of diabetic patient who has achieved LDL-C goal and to determine the association of LDL-C achievement with socio demographic factors and statin therapy adherence.

    METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 234 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and dyslipidaemia attending an outpatient clinic in a hospital in Kelantan. Interviews and self-administered questionnaires were used to determine their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Adherence to therapy was assessed using the Medication Compliance Questionnaire (MCQ). The associations between the achievement of LDL targets and sociodemographic/clinical factors, including adherence, were analysed with simple logistic regression.

    RESULTS: About 37.6% of patients achieved their LDL-C target. The percentage of patients who adhered to statin use was 98.3%, and 20.5% of these patients reported full adherence. There was no significant association between achievement of LDL-C targets with adherence or any other sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender and educational or economic status (all P-value < 0.05).

    CONCLUSION: Despite a high level of adherence, the majority of patients failed to achieve LDL-C targets. More concerted efforts are needed to improve this.

    Study site: primary
    care clinic in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia,
  13. Synthesis and applications of ionic liquids for chromatographic analysis
    Waheed A, Akram S, Butt FW, Liaqat Z, Siddique M, Anwar F, et al.
    J Chromatogr A, 2024 Nov 08;1739:465503.
    PMID: 39566285 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465503
    Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as more desirable liquids than conventional solvents for chemistry, material science, engineering and environmental science. The scientific literature reveals an exponential increase in the number of research projects aimed at exploring the chromatographic features of ionic liquids. The review provides sound scientific data to examine the structural characteristics of ionic liquids that make them ideal for use in chromatography. This contribution is distinctive since it integrates the synthesis, benefits, drawbacks, and possible uses of ionic liquids in several chromatographic separation processes. Keeping the cation the same, the introduction of different anions is also possible, and this strategy leads to the synthesis of a series of different ionic liquids with varying properties. A detailed probe is given on the influence of ionic liquid structure and properties on their chromatographic behavior, both as stationary phase and mobile phase and/or mobile phase additives. Ionic liquid based immobilized stationary phases and their analyte retention mechanisms (hydrogen bonding, electrostatic forces of attraction, π-π stacking, ion exchange, and hydrophilic interactions, etc.) are critically discussed. Finally, a thorough analysis of the literature suggests that IL-based stationary phases may undergo multi-mode and more flexible retention mechanisms. Their dual polarity can facilitate interaction with both polar and non-polar compounds. Similarly, using IL as a mobile phase can offer more pragmatic and sustainable options for enantiomer separation.
  14. Fulltext The impact of PEG-induced drought stress on seed germination and seedling growth of different bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes
    Mahpara S, Zainab A, Ullah R, Kausar S, Bilal M, Latif MI, et al.
    PLoS One, 2022;17(2):e0262937.
    PMID: 35148345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262937
    Wheat is an important crop, used as staple food in numerous countries around the world. However, wheat productivity is low in the developing world due to several biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly drought stress. Non-availability of drought-tolerant wheat genotypes at different growth stages is the major constraint in improving wheat productivity in the developing world. Therefore, screening/developing drought-tolerant genotypes at different growth stages could improve the productivity of wheat. This study assessed seed germination and seedling growth of eight wheat genotypes under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced stress. Two PEG-induced osmotic potentials (i.e., -0.6 and -1.2 MPa) were included in the study along with control (0 MPa). Wheat genotypes included in the study were 'KLR-16', 'B6', 'J10', '716', 'A12', 'Seher', 'KTDH-16', and 'J4'. Data relating to seed germination percentage, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight of roots and shoot, root/shoot length ratio and chlorophyll content were recorded. The studied parameters were significantly altered by individual and interactive effects of genotypes and PEG-induced osmotic potentials. Seed germination and growth parameters were reduced by osmotic potentials; however, huge differences were noted among genotypes. A reduction of 32.83 to 53.50% was recorded in seed germination, 24.611 to 47.75% in root length, 37.83 to 53.72% in shoot length, and 53.35 to 65.16% in root fresh weight. The genotypes, 'J4', 'KLR-16' and 'KTDH-16', particularly 'J4' better tolerated increasing osmotic potentials compared to the rest of the genotypes included in the study. Principal component analysis segregated these genotypes from the rest of the genotypes included in the study indicated that these can be used in the future studies to improve the drought tolerance of wheat crop. The genotype 'J4' can be used as a breeding material to develop drought resistant wheat genotypes.
  15. Computer-aided drug discovery of c-Abl kinase inhibitors from plant compounds against chronic myeloid leukemia
    Alshehri MM, Kumar N, Kuthi NA, Olaide Z, Alshammari MK, Bello RO, et al.
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024 Mar 22.
    PMID: 38517058 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2329297
    Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the neoplastic transformation of hematopoietic stem cells, driven by the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome resulting from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. This Ph chromosome harbors the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) and the Abelson (ABL) oncogene (BCR-ABL1) which have a constitutive tyrosine kinase activity. However, the tyrosine kinase activity of BCR-ABL1 have been identified as a key player in CML initiation and maintenance through c-Abl kinase. Despite advancements in tyrosine kinase inhibitors, challenges such as efficacy, safety concerns, and recurring drug resistance persist. This study aims to discover potential c-Abl kinase inhibitors from plant compounds with anti-leukemic properties, employing drug-likeness assessment, molecular docking, in silico pharmacokinetics (ADMET) screening, density function theory (DFT), and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). Out of 58 screened compounds for drug-likeness, 44 were docked against c-Abl kinase. The top hit compound (isovitexin) and nilotinib (control drug) were subjected to rigorous analyses, including ADMET profiling, DFT evaluation, and MDS for 100 ns. Isovitexin demonstrated a notable binding affinity (-15.492 kcal/mol), closely comparable to nilotinib (-16.826 kcal/mol), showcasing a similar binding pose and superior structural stability and reactivity. While these findings suggest isovitexin as a potential c-Abl kinase inhibitor, further validation through urgent in vitro and in vivo experiments is imperative. This research holds promise for providing an alternative avenue to address existing CML treatment and management challenges.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
  16. Fulltext Development of a hydrogen gas sensor using a double SAW resonator system at room temperature
    Yunusa Z, Hamidon MN, Ismail A, Mohd Isa M, Yaacob MH, Rahmanian S, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2015;15(3):4749-65.
    PMID: 25730480 DOI: 10.3390/s150304749
    A double SAW resonator system was developed as a novel method for gas sensing applications. The proposed system was investigated for hydrogen sensing. Commercial Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) resonators with resonance frequencies of 433.92 MHz and 433.42 MHz were employed in the double SAW resonator system configuration. The advantages of using this configuration include its ability for remote measurements, and insensitivity to vibrations and other external disturbances. The sensitive layer is composed of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polyaniline nanofibers which were deposited on pre-patterned platinum metal electrodes fabricated on a piezoelectric substrate. This was mounted into the DSAWR circuit and connected in parallel. The sensor response was measured as the difference between the resonance frequencies of the SAW resonators, which is a measure of the gas concentration. The sensor showed good response towards hydrogen with a minimum detection limit of 1%.
  17. Fulltext The impact of a disease management program (COACH) on the attainment of better cardiovascular risk control in dyslipidaemic patients at primary care centres (The DISSEMINATE Study): a randomised controlled trial
    Selvaraj FJ, Mohamed M, Omar K, Nanthan S, Kusiar Z, Subramaniam SY, et al.
    BMC Fam Pract, 2012;13:97.
    PMID: 23046818 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-13-97
    BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of Counselling and Advisory Care for Health (COACH) programme in managing dyslipidaemia among primary care practices in Malaysia. This open-label, parallel, randomised controlled trial compared the COACH programme delivered by primary care physicians alone (PCP arm) and primary care physicians assisted by nurse educators (PCP-NE arm).
    METHODS: This was a multi-centre, open label, randomised trial of a disease management programme (COACH) among dyslipidaemic patients in 21 Malaysia primary care practices. The participating centres enrolled 297 treatment naïve subjects who had the primary diagnosis of dyslipidaemia; 149 were randomised to the COACH programme delivered by primary care physicians assisted by nurse educators (PCP-NE) and 148 to care provided by primary care physicians (PCP) alone. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean percentage change from baseline LDL-C at week 24 between the 2 study arms. Secondary endpoints included mean percentage change from baseline of lipid profile (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, TC: HDL ratio), Framingham Cardiovascular Health Risk Score and absolute risk change from baseline in blood pressure parameters at week 24. The study also assessed the sustainability of programme efficacy at week 36.
    RESULTS: Both study arms demonstrated improvement in LDL-C from baseline. The least squares (LS) mean change from baseline LDL-C were -30.09% and -27.54% for PCP-NE and PCP respectively. The difference in mean change between groups was 2.55% (p=0.288), with a greater change seen in the PCP-NE arm. Similar observations were made between the study groups in relation to total cholesterol change at week 24. Significant difference in percentage change from baseline of HDL-C were observed between the PCP-NE and PCP groups, 3.01%, 95% CI 0.12-5.90, p=0.041, at week 24. There was no significant difference in lipid outcomes between 2 study groups at week 36 (12 weeks after the programme had ended).
    CONCLUSION: Patients who received coaching and advice from primary care physicians (with or without the assistance by nurse educators) showed improvement in LDL-cholesterol. Disease management services delivered by PCP-NE demonstrated a trend towards add-on improvements in cholesterol control compared to care delivered by physicians alone; however, the improvements were not maintained when the services were withdrawn.
    TRIAL REGISTRATION:
    National Medical Research Registration (NMRR) Number: NMRR-08-287-1442Trial Registration Number (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier): NCT00708370.
  18. Indole acrylonitriles as potential anti-hyperglycemic agents: Synthesis, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and molecular docking studies
    Solangi M, Kanwal, Mohammed Khan K, Saleem F, Hameed S, Iqbal J, et al.
    Bioorg Med Chem, 2020 Nov 01;28(21):115605.
    PMID: 33065441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115605
    One of the most prevailing metabolic disorder diabetes mellitus has become the global health issue that has to be addressed and cured. Different marketed drugs have been made available for the treatment of diabetes but there is still a need of introducing new therapeutic agents that are economical and have lesser or no side effects. The current study deals with the synthesis of indole acrylonitriles (3-23) and the evaluation of these compounds for their potential for α-glucosidase inhibition. The structures of these synthetic molecules were deduced by using different spectroscopic techniques. Acarbose (IC50 = 2.91 ± 0.02 μM) was used as standard in this study and the synthetic molecules (3-23) have shown promising α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 4, 8, 10, 11, 14, 18, and 21 displayed superior inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme in the range of (IC50 = 0.53 ± 0.01-1.36 ± 0.04 μM) as compared to the standard acarbose. Compound 10 (IC50 = 0.53 ± 0.01 μM) was the most effective inhibitor of this library and displayed many folds enhanced activity in contrast to the standard. Molecular docking of synthetic compounds was performed to verify the binding interactions of ligand with the active site of enzyme. This study had identified a number of potential α-glucosidase inhibitors that can be used for further research to identify a potent therapeutic agent against diabetes.
  19. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of thiourea derivatives bearing Salix sp. constituent against HK-1 cell lines
    Nordin NA, Lawai V, Ngaini Z, Abd Halim AN, Hwang SS, Linton RE, et al.
    Nat Prod Res, 2020 Jun;34(11):1505-1514.
    PMID: 30507306 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1517120
    In searching for drugs from natural product scaffolds has gained interest among researchers. In this study, a series of twelve halogenated thiourea (ATX 1-12)via chemical modification of aspirin (a natural product derivative) and evaluated for cytotoxic activity against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines, HK-1 via MTS-based colorimetric assay. The cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that halogens at meta position of ATX showed promising activity against HK-1 cells (IC50 value ≤15 µM) in comparison to cisplatin, a positive cytotoxic drug (IC50 value =8.9 ± 1.9 µM). ATX 11, bearing iodine at meta position, showed robust cytotoxicity against HK-1 cells with an IC50 value of 4.7 ± 0.7 µM. Molecular docking interactions between ATX 11 and cyclooxygenase-2 demonstrated a robust binding affinity value of -8.1 kcal/mol as compared to aspirin's binding affinity value of -6.4 kcal/mol. The findings represent a promising lead molecule from natural product with excellent cytotoxic activity against NPC cell lines.
  20. Fulltext Effectiveness of pictorial health warning on cigarette packages: a cross-sectional study in Sarawak, Malaysia
    Rahman MM, Arif MT, Abd Razak MF, Suhaili MR, Tambi Z, Akoi C, et al.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2015;10(3):19-26.
    PMID: 27570604 MyJurnal
    Introduction: Specific health warning placed on the tobacco product packages is considered as an effective and low-cost method for increasing the knowledge and awareness among the community. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the perception of pictorial health warnings (PHWs) against smoking among the adult rural population of Sarawak.
    Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 10 villages in Kota Samarahan and Kuching Division by face to face interview using modified Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. Nonprobability sampling method was adopted to select the villages. All the households of the selected villages were visited and an adult member was selected randomly from each house irrespective of the sex. After missing value imputation, 1000 data were analysed using statistical software IBM SPSS 20.0 version.
    Results: Analysis showed that 28.8% of the respondents were current smokers, 7.8% were past smokers and the rest were non-smokers. Six items of pictorial health warnings were evaluated with five point Likert’s scales for attractiveness, fearfulness and adequacy of the information. Analysis revealed that the majority of the respondents had perceived awareness on PHWs, but the smokers believed that this was not adequate to make them quit smoking. Only one-fifth (19.7%) of them reported that current pictorial health warnings were sufficient to motivate people to quit smoking.
    Conclusion: Though the PHWs on cigarette packages are appealing, it is not sufficient as a reason to stop smoking. Thus, an approach using an integrated anti-tobacco public health programme should be focused into the specific targeted community
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