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Fulltext Vitex Rotundifolia Fractions Induced Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer T-47D Cell Line via Activation of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathway

Chaudhry GE, Jan R, Naveed Zafar M, Mohammad H, Muhammad TST

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2019 Dec 01;20(12):3555-3562.
PMID: 31870094 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.12.3555

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and mechanism of cell death induced by the extract and fractions of Vitex rotundifolia (leaves) in breast cancer cell line, T-47D.
METHODS: The cytotoxicity activity was measured using MTS assay. The mode of cell death was analysed by early (phosphatidylserine externalization) and late apoptosis (DNA fragmentation). The caspases 8, 9, 3/7 and apoptotic proteins bax, bcl-2 study were done by western blot and ELISA method.
RESULTS: The methanol extract was found to inhibit 50% growth of T-47D cells at the concentration of 79.43µg/ml respectively after 72hr. From seven fractions, fraction F1, F2 and F3 produced cytotoxicity effects in T-47D cell line with IC50 (72hr) < 30µg/ml. The results obtained by Annexin V/PI apoptosis detection assay and TUNEL assay suggest that active fractions of Vitex rotundifolia induced early and late apoptosis (DNA fragmentation) in T-47D cell line. Moreover, western blot analysis and Caspase GloTM luminescent assay demonstrated that fractions F2 and F3 triggered apoptotic cell death via activation of caspases -8, -9 and -3/7 and up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein. Furthermore, chemical profiling confirms the presence of potential metabolites (vitexicarpin) in fractions of Vitex rotundifolia.
CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study suggests the remarkable potential of active metabolites in fractions of Vitex rotundifolia as future cancer therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Fulltext Image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using 640-slice scanner: qualitative and quantitative assessments of coronary arteries visibility

Shahril Shamsul, Akmal Sabarudin, Hamzaini Abdul Hamid, Norzailin Abu Bakar, Oteh Maskon, Muhammad Khalis Abdul Karim

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2020;18(2):49-57.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) using 640-slice scanner. Advancement of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technology with higher spatial, temporal resolution, and increasing detector array have improved the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of CCTA. A total of 25 patients (12 men and 13 women) underwent CCTA examination was chosen and data was acquired by 640-slice scanner. All 16 segments of coronary arteries were evaluated by two reviewers using a 4-likert scale for qualitative assessment. In quantitative assessment, the evaluation of 4 main coronary arteries were analysed in terms of signal intensity (SI), image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). All 25 patients with a mean age of 52.88 ± 14.75 years old and body mass index (BMI) of 24.24 ± 3.28 kg/m2 were analysed. In qualitative assessment, from the total of 400 segments, 379 segments (95%) had diagnostic value while 21 segments did not have diagnostic value, which means 5% artefact was detected. In quantitative assessment, there was no statistical differences in gender, race, and BMI (p>0.05). Overall evaluation showed that higher SI at the left main artery (LM) at 393.7 ± 47.19. Image noise was higher at right coronary artery (RCA) at 39.01 ± 13.97. SNR and CNR showed higher at left anterior descending (LAD) with 12.73 ± 5.17 and LM 9.14 ± 4.2, respectively. In conclusion, this study indicates that 640-slice MDCT has higher diagnostic value in CCTA examination with 95% vessel visibility with 5% artefact detection.
Synthesis of some new N-(alkyl/aralkyl)-N-(4-methoxyphenethyl) benzene sulfonamides as antibacterial agents against Escherichia

Abbasi MA, Fatima Z, Rehman AU, Siddiqui SZ, Ali Shah SA, Shahid M, et al.

Pak J Pharm Sci, 2019 Sep;32(5):1957-1964.
PMID: 31813858

The present study comprises the synthesis of a new series of benzenesulfonamides derived from N-sulfonation of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-ethanamine (1). The synthesis was initiated by the reaction of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-ethanamine (1) with benzenesulfonyl chloride (2), to yield N-(4-methoxyphenethyl)benzenesulfonamide (3). This parent molecule 3 was subsequently treated with various alkyl/aralkyl halides (4a-j) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and in the presence of a weak base lithium hydride (LiH) to obtain various N-(alkyl/aralkyl)-N-(4-methoxyphenethyl) benzenesulfonamides (5a-j). The characterization of these derivatives was carried out by spectroscopic techniques like IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. Elemental analysis also supported this data. The biofilm inhibitory action of all the synthesized compounds was carried out on Escherichia coli and some of the compounds were identified to be very suitable inhibitors of this bacterial strain. Furthermore, the molecules were also tested for their cytotoxicity behavior to assess their utility as less cytotoxic therapeutic agents.
Fulltext Angiotensin Receptor Blockers for Erectile Dysfunction in Hypertensive Men: A Brief Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Ismail SB, Noor NM, Hussain NHN, Sulaiman Z, Shamsudin MA, Irfan M

Am J Mens Health, 2019 12 5;13(6):1557988319892735.
PMID: 31795911 DOI: 10.1177/1557988319892735

Erectile dysfunction is common in adult men, particularly those with hypertension and diabetes. The present study determines the effectiveness of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs on erectile function in hypertensive male adults. For this purpose, CENTRAL and MEDLINE and reference lists of the articles were searched. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected that compared ARBs with conventional therapy or no treatment in men of any ethnicity who were presented with hypertension and/or diabetes. A total four trials that had 2,809 men were included. Three trials reported adequate random sequence allocation, two reported adequate blinding. Attrition bias is low in one of the included studies. All three studies are of low risk of selective reporting bias. There was an improvement in sexual activity with ARBs (valsartan) (mean difference (MD): 0.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.66 to 0.76, I2 statistic = 0%). However, the erectile functions did not increase significantly in ARBs (losartan or telmisartan) treated men as compared to control or placebo (n = 203 vs n = 232; MD: 1.36; 95% CI: -0.97 to -3.69; I2 statistic = 80%). These results suggested that ARBs significantly improved sexual activity among hypertensive men. However, the erectile function was not significantly improved in ARBs treated men as compared to the control or placebo-treated. There were limited studies available. Hence, additional studies are needed to support findings from this review. ARBs should be considered when prescribing antihypertensive drugs to men.
Fulltext The physical and morphological properties of kenaf fibres/ epoxy in coating treatment process

Muhammad Mustakim Mohd Ghaztar, Nik Noor Idayu Nik Ibrahim, Sarani Zakaria, Ahmad Zafir Romli

Scientific Research Journal, 2019;16(2):43-58.
MyJurnal

Natural fibre is known useful in many applications however, the existing fibre treatment method able to reduce its overall properties. In this study, a new, simple and cost-effective fibre coating treatment method was developed which was able to improve the physical and morphological properties that open a new path for natural based materials to be used in a more robust application. The physical and morphological properties of various coated kenaf fibres were analysed to comprehend the cutting behaviour of coated fibres after subjected to the pulverisation process. The kenaf fibres were individually immersed in 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6 epoxy to acetone coating solutions prior cured, and pulverised consecutively using 5 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.25 mm mesh sizes aperture. The morphological characteristic was analysed using polarised optical and scanning electron microscope. The result showed that 1:6 coating ratio solution able to effectively coat the fibres’ aspect ratio that forming individual coated fibre which in long length pulverised fibres. Moreover, the low viscous 1:6 solution able to penetrate inside fibre structure that supported by density and fibre crosssection analysis compare to the other solutions. In future, this analysis is crucial to give insight on the coated fibres behaviour after subjected to the mechanical means of cutting process that later relates to the reinforcing mechanism in the composite samples.
Fulltext The use of collagen biomaterial in oral cancer: a systematic review

Muhammad Lutfi Mohamed Halim, Nora Azirah Mohd Zayi, Mohd Yusof Mohamad, Mohd Hafiz Arzmi

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(108):33-33.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Oral cancer is the sixth most common malignancy in the world. It is a major concern in Southeast Asia primarily due to betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In Malaysia, oral cancer related cases accounts for 1.55% of the cause of deaths. Despite recent advances in cancer diagnoses and therapies, the survival rate of oral cancer patients only reached 50% in the last few decades. Tissue engineering (TE) principles may pro-vide new technology platforms to study mechanisms of angiogenesis and tumour cell growth as well as potentially tumour cell spreading in cancer research. The use of biomaterial, appropriate cell source and proper signalling mol-ecules are vital components of TE. Collagen biomaterial are widely used scaffold or membrane in oral application. Nevertheless, no review has been performed on the its usage for the study of oral cancer. This study aimed to sys-tematically review the use of collagen scaffold in oral cancer application. Methods: Research articles were searched using Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The keywords were limited to “collagen membrane OR collagen scaffold” AND “oral cancer”. Results: Initial search yielded 61 papers (Scopus:37, Pubmed: 12, WOS: 12). Further scrutinization of the papers based on the inclusion criteria resulted total of 3 papers. Two of the papers used collagen membrane for regeneration of oral mucosal defect and increment of alveolar ridge height post-surgery. The remaining paper utilize collagen biomaterial as scaffold for the culture of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) cells. All papers reported significant role of collagen biomaterial in terms of tissue formation, healing scaffold and cellular proliferation. Conclusion: Collagen utilization as biomaterial offers potential use for regeneration of oral related structures as well providing useful model for therapeutics anti-cancer research.
Fulltext Antibacterial activity of Spilanthes acmella flower extracts (SAFE) against Streptococcus mutans

Siti Aisyah Abd Ghafar, Muhammad Fikhry Mohd Salehuddin,, Nur Syamimi Syuhada Che Awang, Rohazila Mohamad Hanafiah

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(108):42-42.
MyJurnal

Introduction:Spilanthes acmella, also known as “subang nenek’, has been used traditionally in Malaysia to treat toothache. A previous study has shown Spilanthes acmella leaves extracts (SALE) inhibit Streptococcus mutans growth. Streptococcus mutans is commonly found in the human oral cavity and is the main contributor to tooth de-cay. There is no study on the antibacterial effects of Spilanthes acmella flower extracts (SAFE) against Streptococcus mutans reported to date. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate antibacterial properties of SAFE against S. mutans. Methods:S. mutans was subcultured in Muller Hinton (MH) broth and agar. Sequential extractions of S. acmella flowers were conducted using four different solvents with increasing polarity, [n- hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), acetone, methanol (MeoH)] and tested with different concentrations against S. mutans via the disc diffusion assay, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Sodium fluoride (NaF) was used as a positive control while DMSO was used as a negative control. Results: The disc diffusion assay shows SAFE inhibited Streptococcus mutans growth. SAFE-DCM shows the greatest inhibition properties (12.33±2.30 mm) followed by SAFE-n-hexane (11.33±0.57 mm). Meanwhile, SAFE-Meoh and SAFE-acetone show no inhibition zone (6.00±0.001 mm). MIC value for SAFE-DCM and SAFE-n-hexane is 12.5 mg/mL respectively. Whereas, MBC value SAFE-DCM and SAFE-n-hexane is 50.0 mg/mL respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded SAFE-DCM and SAFE-n-hexane possesses bactericidal properties against Streptococcus mutans.
Fulltext Trends of prevalence of anaemia among adolescents in a middle-income country: a cohort study

Vanitha Krishnan, Hazreen Abdul Majid, Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(104):105-105.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Anaemia is a significant public health problem among adolescents globally but there is limited data in many countries, including Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the 5-years incidence of anemia among Malaysian adolescents by gender, ethnicity, locality of schools, Body Mass Index, stature and diet intake. Methods: A secondary analysis of existing data from MyHeART study was conducted within a closed cohort of 528 adolescents (aged 13 years) attended 15 public secondary schools from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Perak. The adolescents who were followed up at 15 and 17 years old had completed haemoglobin assessment, anthropometric measurements and -days diet history. The data was cleaned and missingness was handled accordingly with multiple imputation. SPSS Software version 21 was used to analyse the data, with Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) showing the effect of time on the trajectory of prevalence of anaemia over the 5 years. Results: The prevalence or incidence? of anaemia in 2012, 2014 and 2016 was 7.9% (95%CI: 5.0-12.3), 13.9% (95%CI: 10.0-19.0) and 15.8% (95%CI:11.3-21.7). In females, anaemia increased from 11.1% (95%CI:6.7-18.7) to 15.7% (11.4-21.3) and 23.1%(95%CI: 16.8-31.0); the change was significant from 13 to 15 years old. Similar trend was noticed in those who are stunted, overweight/obese, in both urban/rural schools and didn’t meet their daily recommended nutrient intake for total calorie, protein and iron. Conclusion: Anaemia is increasing in trend among the adolescents over the years and deems attention from the relevant stakeholders to create a robust anemia prevention program.
Fulltext Anti-Obesity Attributes; UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-Based Metabolite Profiling and Molecular Docking Insights of Taraxacum officinale

Aabideen ZU, Mumtaz MW, Akhtar MT, Mukhtar H, Raza SA, Touqeer T, et al.

Molecules, 2020 Oct 26;25(21).
PMID: 33114490 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214935

The naturopathic treatment of obesity is a matter of keen interest to develop efficient natural pharmacological routes for disease management with low or negligible toxicity and side effects. For this purpose, optimized ultrasonicated hydroethanolic extracts of Taraxacum officinale were evaluated for antiobesity attributes. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method was adopted to evaluate antioxidant potential. Porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay was conducted to assess the in vitro antiobesity property. Ultra-high performance chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer was utilized to profile the secondary metabolites in the most potent extract. The 60% ethanolic extract exhibited highest extract yield (25.05 ± 0.07%), total phenolic contents (123.42 ± 0.007 mg GAE/g DE), total flavonoid contents (55.81 ± 0.004 RE/g DE), DPPH-radical-scavenging activity (IC50 = 81.05 ± 0.96 µg/mL) and pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties (IC50 = 146.49 ± 4.24 µg/mL). The targeted metabolite fingerprinting highlighted the presence of high-value secondary metabolites. Molecular-binding energies computed by docking tool revealed the possible contribution towards pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties of secondary metabolites including myricetin, isomangiferin, icariside B4, kaempferol and luteolin derivatives when compared to the standard drug orlistat. In vivo investigations revealed a positive impact on the lipid profile and obesity biomarkers of obese mice. The study presents Taraxacum officinale as a potent source of functional bioactive ingredients to impart new insights into the existing pool of knowledge of naturopathic approaches towards obesity management.
Fulltext The effect of long working hours among medical doctors in northwest Malaysia: the interplay between personality big five inventory and fatigue

Karniza Khalid, Thyagarajan, Dandaithapani, Muhammad Zul Azri Mohammad Yusof, Ruzita Jamaluddin

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2019;16(2):1-9.
MyJurnal

Medical professionals work in a constantly stressful environment. The nature of the profession requires routine extended working hours, but little is known about the effect of long working hours on selective physiological measures. A cross-sectional feasibility study was conducted from 1 October 2017 until 30 April 2018 on medical doctors in a tertiary health centre in northwest Malaysia. There was a total of 55 study participants recruited. The overall systolic blood pressure (SBP) was highest after working 24-hour stretch (p=0.006) and the overall diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were highest after working for 33 hours in a single stretch, at the end of on call rotation (p
Fulltext Evaluation of root debridement skill in periodontology module

Erni Noor, Al-Bayaty, Fouad Hussain, Muhammad Qadri Bin Mohd Shukri, Mohamad Syahir Bin Zulkiflee

Compendium of Oral Science, 2019;6(1):15-25.
MyJurnal

Objective: To evaluate the root debridement skill in periodontology pre-clinical module among dental students and to estimate the effectiveness of conducting periodontology pre-clinical module before entering clinical module. Materials and Method: : A total of 47 pre-clinical dental students (Year 2) were included in this study. Single rooted extracted teeth were collected, mounted on acrylic resin and set into the level of 1/3 of the root length. Each of them were instructed to prepare a mounted teeth and to perform root debridement procedure on the labial surface of the tooth only within 10 minutes using Gracey curette #5/6. The similar samples were distributed back to the same students (which were already in clinical year (year 4) to repeat the same procedure on the lingual surface of the same tooth. Root surface roughness was evaluated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and profilometer for both labial and lingual surfaces. Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney U test and T-test. Significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was assumed for all analysis. Results: SEM photomicrographs of root surfaces with magnifications of 100x and 800x revealed that there were incomplete removal of the dental calculus in both surfaces and significant roughness root surfaces noted. Conclusion: : No significant differences noted between the students’ root debridement skill in the pre-clinical and also clinical year. Objectives of the current module were fulfilled but in order to meet the highest standard, current module need to be improved in the future.
Synthesis, β-glucuronidase inhibition and molecular docking studies of cyano-substituted bisindole hydrazone hybrids

Abid O, Imran S, Taha M, Ismail NH, Jamil W, Kashif SM, et al.

Mol Divers, 2021 May;25(2):995-1009.
PMID: 32301032 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-020-10084-4

The β-glucuronidase, a lysosomal enzyme, catalyzes the cleavage of glucuronosyl-O-bonds. Its inhibitors play a significant role in different medicinal therapies as they cause a decrease in carcinogen-induced colonic tumors by reducing the level of toxic substances present in the intestine. Among those inhibitors, bisindole derivatives had displayed promising β-glucuronidase inhibition activity. In the current study, hydrazone derivatives of bisindolymethane (1-30) were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. Twenty-eight analogs demonstrated better activity (IC50 = 0.50-46.5 µM) than standard D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50 = 48.4 ± 1.25 µM). Compounds with hydroxyl group like 6 (0.60 ± 0.01 µM), 20 (1.50 ± 0.10 µM) and 25 (0.50 ± 0.01 µM) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity, followed by analogs with fluorine 21 (3.50 ± 0.10 µM) and chlorine 23 (8.20 ± 0.20 µM) substituents. The presence of hydroxyl group at the aromatic side chain was observed as the main contributing factor in the inhibitory potential. From the docking studies, it was predicted that the active compounds can fit properly in the binding groove of the β-glucuronidase and displayed significant binding interactions with essential residues.
Fulltext Water quality characteristic of the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) lake undergoing remediation by the constructed wetlands: a baseline study

Aliyu, Aliyu Danjuma, Go, Rusea, Hishamuddin Omar, Syazrin Syima Sharifuddin, Azroie Muhammad, Bashirah Fazli

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(2):565-587.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to determine the baseline water quality characteristics of a contaminated NAHRIM lake undergoing remediation by the constructed wetlands, based on the physico-chemical and biological parameters. The sampling was conducted for six months (May-October) in 2016 from 5 stations of the lake and analysed using APHA standard methods for water and wastewater analysis, while Malaysian water quality index (WQI) was used to calculate quality of the lake. The results showed that, the Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, NO3-N, NO2-N, PO4, Temperature, Turbidity, TDS, TSS, and Zn were under class I, while pH, B and COD were categorized under class II. NH3-N, BOD, Fe, Escherichia coli, Total coliform and Mn were categorized as class III. Moreover, Al was not given any classification under NWQS but their concentration did not exceed EPA guidelines. Furthermore, as compared to the water samples from the constructed wetlands that reported a class III WQI, the lake was observed to show an overall class II WQI. This is suggestive of the retaining and remedial role of the constructed wetlands being the first point of contact for the contaminants going to the lake. Thus the lake is suitable for recreational activities.
Fulltext Antioxidant property of beetroot juice stimulates erythrocyte antioxidant enzymatic activity under oxidative stress stimulation

AL – Lamki, Khulood Nabhan Mohamed, Muhammad Danial Che Ramli, Khun, Yap Michelle Khai, Yusoff, Maryam Jamielah

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):20-30.
MyJurnal

Many studies have shown that fruits and vegetables containing antioxidant compounds are beneficial to health. Many studies started to highlight the potential of beetroot; which is rich with betalain pigments, as the new alternative antioxidant supplementation due to its high capacity of free radical scavenging activity. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from sunlight can penetrate more than just skin tissues, thereby disturbing the balance of erythrocytes antioxidant enzymes level, particularly glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in Sprague Dawley rats (SD) supplemented with beetroot juice at different concentrations upon UV-induced oxidative stress. The total betalain content that was measured spectrophotometrically showed that 500 mg/kg of beet root juice contained approximately ten fold-higher levels of betalain pigment, compared to 250 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. DPPH test performed on different concentrations of beet root juices showed that the antioxidant activity of beetroot juice increases in concentration-dependent manner, only 500 mg/kg non-diluted beetroot juice exhibited 100% free radical scavenging activity. The erythrocytes suspension of SD rats treated with different concentrations of beetroot juices were assayed for GPx and SOD activity which showed an increase of the activity of these enzymes in concentration-dependent manner, especially in non-diluted preparation. We found that non- diluted (500 mg/kg concentration) beetroot juices exhibited highest antioxidant activity which offer significant protection against oxidative stress by elevating the activity of GPx and SOD enzymes in scavenging free radicals.
Fulltext Peripheral visual attention superiority in athletes and non-athletes

Muhammad Aiman Ramlan, Mohammad Fitri Fahmi Mohd Arif, Mohd Zulfaezal Che, Azemin Norsham Ahmad

Journal of Optometry, Eye and Health Research, 2019;1(1):7-12.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to compare the size of visual field in horizontal and vertical, peripheral retinal sensitivity at mid- and far-peripheral temporal viewing using different sizes of stimuli between football athletes and age-gender matched non-athlete subjects. Methods: The participants comprised 9 experienced male football (23.44 ± 2.74 years) players and the control group comprised 9 age-matched male non-athletes (23.33 ± 2.96 years). The parameters were measured using Oculus Twinfield automated perimeter. Horizontal and vertical size of visual field was measured using manual kinetic strategy. The mid-peripheral (60deg) and far-peripheral (90deg) temporal retinal sensitivity in different sizes of stimuli were measured using manual static strategy. The measurement of each test was repeated three times, and then the most reliable value was taken from the three readings. Results: The results from athletes and non-athletes did not differ in regards to peripheral visual attention in all measured parameters (p>0.05). However, athletes group showed slightly better results than non-athletes group. Conclusions: Improved visual performance in selected parameters among athlete group in this study supports previous studies with hypothesis of visual skill in athletes is better compared to non-athletes.
The applicability of using a protease extracted from cashew fruits (Anacardium occidentale), as possible meat tenderizer: An experimental design approach

Ahmad MN, Shuhaimen MS, Normaya E, Omar MN, Iqbal A, Ku Bulat KH

J Texture Stud, 2020 10;51(5):810-829.
PMID: 32401337 DOI: 10.1111/jtxs.12529

Meat tenderness is one of the most important organoleptic properties in determining consumer acceptance in meat product marketability. Therefore, an effective meat tenderization method is sought after by exploring plant-derived proteolytic enzymes as meat tenderizer. In this study, a novel protease from Cashew was identified as a new alternative halal meat tenderizer. The extraction of cashew protease was optimized using response surface methodology (R2 = 0.9803) by varying pH, CaCl2 concentration, mixing time, and mass. pH 6.34, 7.92 mM CaCl2 concentration, 5.51 min mixing time, and 19.24 g sample mass were the optimal extraction conditions. There was no significant difference (n = 3; p
Fulltext Radiation dose comparison in CT thorax, CT abdomen and CT thorax-abdomen-pelvis (TAP) using 640-and 160-slice computed tomography (CT) scanners

Gan, Ying Shen, Akmal Sabarudin, Hamzaini Abdul Hamid, Mazli Mohd Zain, Muhammad Khalis Abdul Karim

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2020;18(1):29-36.
MyJurnal

This study was carried out to compare the effective dose, size specific dose estimation (SSDE) and scan length between genders and between CT scanner with different slice number. A total of 245 set data of radiation dose and scan length for CT scanning procedure involving thorax, abdomen and pelvis regions were obtained retrospectively for comparisons. 111 patients (60 males and 51 females) were scanned using 160-slices CT scanner while 134 patients (71 males and 63 females) were scanned using 640-slices CT scanner. Generally, there were no significant differences in the radiation dose and scan length among genders. However, differences for SSDE in CT thorax and CT thorax-abdomen-pelvis (TAP) protocols exist whereby in CT thorax protocol, 640-slices CT scanner had a significantly higher value of SSDE (9.06±2.67 mGy) than that in 160-slices CT scanner (7.82±1.33 mGy). Similarly to the CT TAP protocol, whereby 640-slices CT scanner had a significantly lower value in SSDE (9.17±1.59 mGy) than that in 160-slices CT scanner (10.76±3.72 mGy). In conclusion, there was no significant difference in the radiation dose and scan length between genders but significant difference was only observed in SSDE due to the presence of body size variation among the study population especially in different CT scanners.
Fulltext Wilfull ommission of epf contribution by employers in Malaysia

Saslina Kamaruddin, Nadia Nabila Mohd Saufi, Muhammad Asrul Shah Bin Asman Shah, Nazsyaqeeqa Binti Mohamad Nasrudin

Journal of Management & Science, 2019;17(1):106-111.
MyJurnal

The Malaysian Employees Provident Fund (EPF) known as Kumpulan Simpanan Wang Pekerja (KWSP) is a social security institution for an employee in Malaysia and was created as a compulsory national saving plan in 1951. This institution is formed under the Laws of Malaysia which is the Employee Provident Fund Act 1991 (Act 452). KWSP provide retirement benefits by reliably managing their savings. The retirement age for Malaysian between 55 until 60 years old, then they will enjoy the benefit that is given by KWSP during retirement day. The problem occurs when there are certain employers did not perform their legal obligation to employees. The main objective of this paper is to analyses the general rules and laws regarding the duty of the employer to contribute to EPF, the punishment for any failure to perform such obligations. Also, the paper seeks to examine the reason behind such adherence to duty to contribute. This paper is mainly written to suggest ways to overcome problem regarding failure to contribute in EPF by the employer in Malaysia as compared to that in Japan. This research is adopted doctrinal legal analysis in which the primary source will be the Employee Provident Act 1991. On the secondary sources, the articles and journal wrote by local and international writers was referred. The authors contend that the Malaysian government has already enacted laws on the issues. However, the enforcement by the supervisory body is somehow weak based on the increase in the number of reported cases in the area.
Fulltext Prevalence and determinants of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) disability among communitydwelling elderly in a semi-urban setting in Peninsular Malaysia

Muhammad Faizal bin Murat, Zuriati binti Ibrahim, Siti Nur ‘Asyura binti Adznam, Chan, Yoke Mun

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):13-25.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The ability to perform daily living activities among the elderly is
important, as physical disability may lead to dependency and various public
health implications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of instrumental
activities of daily living (IADL) disability and its association with socio-demographic
characteristics, dietary intake, social participation, perceived-health-status and risk
of falls. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among communitybased elderly in the Gombak District of Selangor. 258 respondents aged 60-88
years old (mean age 66±6.5 years) were recruited through multi-stage proportional
sampling. Most of the respondents (88.4%) aged 60-74 years and 11.6% were ≥75
years. IADL disability was determined using an eight-item IADL scale. The presence
of IADL disability was defined as needing help in at least one or more of eight-IADL
activities. Dietary intake and fall risk were assessed using diet history questionnaire
(DHQ) and 21-item fall risk index (FRI-21), respectively. Results: The prevalence
of IADL disability among the respondents was 58.1%. A binary logistic regression
analyses showed that the following factors predicted IADL disability: advanced age
(≥75 years, OR=6.4; 95% CI: 1.3, 30.8), being unmarried (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 5.9),
unemployed/retired (OR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.3), and at risk of falls (OR=2.5; 95%
CI: 1.3, 6.1). Conclusion: Predictors such as marriage and employment highlight
the importance of social support among elderly. In practical terms, this means that it
is incumbent upon caregivers, family members, and the community to provide both
physical and emotional support if the functional status of the elderly is to be improved.
Fulltext Difficult retrieval of glass bottle in the rectum: how the story end?

Fitreena Anis Amran, Mohamad Faiz Hafizi Mansor, Muhammad Syafiq Abdul Razak, Mohd Fahmey Sabudin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(109):207-209.
MyJurnal

Rectal foreign body is not an uncommon encounter in current medical practice. It reported occurs due to sexual erot- icism, sexually abuse, assault or involuntary insertion. This condition possesses significant challenge among general surgeons on handling these cases. Diagnosis usually made by history taking, physical and radiological examination. We presented a case of a 43years old mentally challenge gentleman with retained rectal foreign body of three-week duration whom presented with non-specific abdominal pain, abdominal mass and loose stool. Due to low suspicion of rectal foreign body, the management flow skid from the norm. Attempt of removing rectal foreign body by various method was unsuccessful and his had to undergone exploratory laparotomy. Hence, propose flow of management in rectal foreign body is also included in this report.

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