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Transcriptome-wide study in the green microalga Messastrum gracile SE-MC4 identifies prominent roles of photosynthetic integral membrane protein genes during exponential growth stage

Wan Afifudeen CL, Aziz A, Wong LL, Takahashi K, Toda T, Abd Wahid ME, et al.

Phytochemistry, 2021 Dec;192:112936.
PMID: 34509143 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112936

The non-model microalga Messastrum gracile SE-MC4 is a potential species for biodiesel production. However, low biomass productivity hinders it from passing the life cycle assessment for biodiesel production. Therefore, the current study was aimed at uncovering the differences in the transcriptome profiles of the microalgae at early exponential and early stationary growth phases and dissecting the roles of specific differential expressed genes (DEGs) involved in cell division during M. gracile cultivation. The transcriptome analysis revealed that the photosynthetic integral membrane protein genes such as photosynthetic antenna protein were severely down-regulated during the stationary growth phase. In addition, the signaling pathways involving transcription, glyoxylate metabolism and carbon metabolism were also down-regulated during stationary growth phase. Current findings suggested that the coordination between photosynthetic integral membrane protein genes, signaling through transcription and carbon metabolism classified as prominent strategies during exponential growth stage. These findings can be applied in genetic improvement of M. gracile for biodiesel application.
Fulltext Correlation Study Between Clinical Special Tests for Myelopathy and Static MRI Parameters in Patients of Malaysian Population Treated for Cervical Dysfunction

Zakaria Mohamad Z, Sharifudin MA, Din H, Abd Aziz A, Karupiah RK

Cureus, 2021 Oct;13(10):e18826.
PMID: 34804683 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18826

INTRODUCTION: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the imaging modality of choice, but its findings are not completely specific for clinically significant CSM. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the pathoanatomy of CSM in patients and analyze the correlations between clinical key symptoms, myelopathic signs, and MRI findings.
METHODS: Patients with CSM aged 30 to 80 years old with no previous cervical spine disease or injuries were recruited. Clinical parameters include myelopathic hand signs and other clinical-specific tests. The MRI findings were analyzed for level of compression, underlying degenerative pathology, and parameters for cord compression.
RESULTS: Thirty patients were recruited. The most common myelopathic signs observed were positive Hoffmann's sign and the presence of reverse brachioradialis reflex. All patients had either degenerative or prolapse disc changes on MRI. There was a positive correlation between the clinical key features with MRI parameters for canal and cord diameter. The transverse cord diameter, cord compression ratio, and approximate cord area were the only independent variables related to almost all the positive clinical specific tests. All three have a moderate to strong correlation with the clinical findings.
CONCLUSION: The MRI parameters such as canal and cord size of the cervical spine are an objective reﬂection of compression on the spinal cord. Correlations observed indicate cord compression that plays a major role in the pathophysiology of CSM. These measurements are sensitive indicators of canal stenosis and play a signiﬁcant role in predicting the severity and outcome of CSM.
Fulltext Transcriptomics de novo sequencing data of Messastrum gracile SE-MC4 under exponential and stationary growth stages

Afifudeen CLW, Loh SH, Wong LL, Aziz A, Takahashi K, Wahid MEA, et al.

Data Brief, 2021 Dec;39:107607.
PMID: 34869809 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107607

Messastrum gracile SE-MC4 is a non-model microalga exhibiting superior oil-accumulating abilities. However, biomass production in M. gracile SE-MC4 is limited due to low cell proliferation especially after prolonged cultivation under oil-inducing culture conditions. Present data consist of next generation RNA sequencing data of M. gracile SE-MC4 under exponential and stationary growth stages. RNA of six samples were extracted and sequenced with insert size of 100 bp paired-end strategy using BGISEQ-500 platform to produce a total of 59.64 Gb data with 314 million reads. Sequences were filtered and de novo assembled to form 53,307 number of gene sequences. Sequencing data were deposited in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and can be accessed via BioProject ID PRJNA552165. This information can be used to enhance biomass production in M. gracile SE-MC4 and other microalgae aimed towards improving biodiesel development.
Fulltext Synchronous Occurrence of Bilateral Malignant Otitis Externa: Report of a Rare Case

Lamry NA, Misron K, Tengku Kamalden TMI, Aziz A, Salim R

Korean J Fam Med, 2021 Nov;42(6):483-486.
PMID: 32456405 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.20.0071

Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease of the ear and temporal bone. Bilateral simultaneous MOE is extremely rare. Due to bilaterally symmetrical facial nerve palsy, it can easily be missed at the initial presentation, causing delay in management. Here, we report a case of bilateral MOE managed aggressively with regular ear toileting, ear packing with a ribbon gauze soaked with topical antimicrobials, and long-term intravenous and oral antibiotics. The patient showed good improvement in pain control, facial nerve status, and ear findings.
Lichenoid uvula mass as a rare cause of hot potato voice and progressive dysphagia

Kandiah R, Aziz A, Nik Min NFA, Rahim MR, Zawawi N, Sayuti KA, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2021 Dec;43(3):457-461.
PMID: 34958068

Lichenoid uvula mass is an unusual entity and the clinicopathologic entities are important for the diagnosis. In this case report, we report an elderly lady presented with dysphagia and "hot potato voice" due to a lichenoid uvula mass. Apart from muffled voice, the other associated symptoms are dysphagia, sore throat, globus pharyngeus and snoring. She was a non-smoker, and not on any medications except for hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Apart from the enlarged uvula, other parts of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx were normal. She has no other signs such as cutaneous lesions. The mass was excised under general anaesthesia followed by resolution of symptoms. Awareness of this entity, the clinical and histopathological features should be highlighted to differentiate it from other diagnosis.
Fulltext Adherence to National Antimicrobial Guidelines in Hospitalized Geriatric Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational study in a Malaysian Hospital

Shakeel S, Muneswarao J, Abdul Aziz A, Yeong Le H, Abd Halim FS, Rehman AU, et al.

Antibiotics (Basel), 2021 Dec 04;10(12).
PMID: 34943702 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121490

The evaluation of disease progression and onsite therapeutic care choices for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients is vital for their well-being and the optimum utilization of healthcare resources. The current study was conducted to assess physicians' adherence to clinical practice standards and antibiotic prescribing behavior for the treatment of CAP in older people. A prospective study that included 121 consecutive patients admitted for CAP was conducted at Kulim Hospital, Kedah, from March 2020 to August 2020. Medical records including demographic data, comorbidity, physical examination, laboratory or radiologic findings, and drugs used for the treatment of CAP were accessed from bed head tickets (BHT). The mean age for patients was 73.5 ± 6.2 years, 73 (60.3%) and 48 (39.6%) were males and females, respectively. Amoxicillin/clavulanate (19.8%) was the most prescribed antibiotic for non-severe pneumonia followed by ampicillin sodium/sulbactam sodium (6.6%), while in patients with severe CAP beta-lactam + beta lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) with a combination of macrolide were the most common antibiotics prescribed either in patients with (21.4%) or without co-morbidities (8.2%). The average length of stay in the hospital with severe pneumonia was 6-7 days for 23.9% of patients and < 5 days for 21.4% of patients. The duration of intravenous antibiotics in patients with severe pneumonia was 6-7 days for 32.2% of patients. The present findings revealed the adherence of antibiotic prescribing practices to the Malaysian National Antimicrobial Guideline 2019 for CAP therapy among geriatric patients and adherence to the CAP criteria for hospital admissions.
Enhanced microbial degradation of PET and PS microplastics under natural conditions in mangrove environment

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.
Fulltext Analyses of antioxidant status and nucleotide alterations in genes encoding antioxidant enzymes in patients with benign and malignant thyroid disorders

Ramli NSF, Mat Junit S, Leong NK, Razali N, Jayapalan JJ, Abdul Aziz A

PeerJ, 2017;5:e3365.
PMID: 28584708 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3365

BACKGROUND: Synthesis of thyroid hormones and regulation of their metabolism involve free radicals that may affect redox balance in the body. Thyroid disorders causing variations in the levels of thyroid hormones may alter cellular oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to measure the antioxidant activities and biomarkers of oxidative stress in serum and red blood cells (RBC) of patients with benign and malignant thyroid disorders and to investigate if changes in the antioxidant activities in these patients were linked to alterations in genes encoding the antioxidant enzymes.
METHODS: Forty-one patients with thyroid disorders from University of Malaya Medical Centre were recruited. They were categorised into four groups: multinodular goitre (MNG) (n = 18), follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) (n = 7), papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) (n = 10), and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) (n = 6). Serum and RBC of patients were analysed for antioxidant activities, antioxidant enzymes, and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Alterations in genes encoding the antioxidant enzymes were analysed using whole exome sequencing and PCR-DNA sequencing.
RESULTS: Patients with thyroid disorders had significantly higher serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities compared to control, but had lower activities in RBC. There were no significant changes in serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Meanwhile, GPx activity in RBC was reduced in PTC and FTC, compared to control and the respective benign groups. Antioxidant activities in serum were decreased in the thyroid disorder groups when compared to the control group. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated in the serum of FTA group when compared to controls, while in the RBC, only the MNG and PTC groups showed higher MDA equivalents than control. Serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in PTC group of both serum and RBC were significantly higher than control group. Whole exome sequencing has resulted in identification of 49 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MNG and PTC patients and their genotypic and allelic frequencies were calculated. Analyses of the relationship between serum enzyme activities and the total SNPs identified in both groups revealed no correlation.
DISCUSSION: Different forms of thyroid disorders influence the levels of antioxidant status in the serum and RBC of these patients, implying varying capability of preventing oxidative stress. A more comprehensive study with a larger target population should be done in order to further evaluate the relationships between antioxidant enzymes gene polymorphisms and thyroid disorders, as well as strengthening the minor evidences provided in literatures.
Amalgamation of N-graphene quantum dots with nanocubic like TiO2: an insight study of sunlight sensitive photocatalysis

Lim PF, Leong KH, Sim LC, Abd Aziz A, Saravanan P

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Feb;26(4):3455-3464.
PMID: 30515688 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3821-1

In this work, a sunlight-sensitive photocatalyst of nanocubic-like titanium dioxide (TiO2) and N-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) is developed through a simple hydrothermal and physical mixing method. The successful amalgamation composite photocatalyst characteristics were comprehensively scrutinized through various physical and chemical analyses. A complete removal of bisphenol A (BPA) is attained by a synthesized composite after 30 min of sunlight irradiation as compared to pure TiO2. This clearly proved the unique contribution of N-GQDs that enhanced the ability of light harvesting especially under visible light and near-infrared region. This superior characteristic enables it to maximize the absorbance in the entire solar spectrum. However, the increase of N-GQDs weight percentage has created massive oxygen vacancies that suppress the generation of active radicals. This resulted in a longer duration for a complete removal of BPA as compared to lower weight percentage of N-GQDs. Hence, this finding can offer a new insight in developing effective sunlight-sensitive photocatalysts for various complex organic pollutants degradation.
Characterization of the root and canal anatomy of maxillary premolar teeth in an Iraqi subpopulation: a cone beam computed tomography study

Aljawhar AM, Ibrahim N, Abdul Aziz A, Ahmed HMA, Azami NH

Odontology, 2023 Nov 13.
PMID: 37957521 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-023-00870-5

This study aims to evaluate the number of roots and root canal morphology types of maxillary premolars in relation to a patient's gender and age in an Iraqi population using two classification systems. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 1116 maxillary premolars from 385 patients were evaluated for the number of roots and root canal morphology types according to Vertucci's classification and Ahmed et al. classification systems. Differences in the number of roots and root canal morphology types with regard to tooth type, patients' gender and age groups were evaluated and the degree of bilateral symmetry was determined. Chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. About 51.1% of the 1st premolars were double rooted. The majority (87.9%) of the 2nd premolars were single rooted. The three-rooted form presented in only 1.2% and 0.7% of the 1st and 2nd premolars, respectively. Vertucci Type IV (Ahmed et al. code 2MaxP B1P1) and Vertucci Type I (Ahmed et al. code 1MaxP1) were the most common canal morphology types in the 1st and 2nd premolars, respectively. Females showed a lower number of roots and a higher prevalence of Vertucci Type I configuration (P
Fulltext Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl.: An updated review of pharmacological effects, toxicity studies, and separation techniques

Ahmad R, Khairul Nizam Mazlan M, Firdaus Abdul Aziz A, Mohd Gazzali A, Amir Rawa MS, Wahab HA

Saudi Pharm J, 2023 Jun;31(6):874-888.
PMID: 37234341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.04.006

Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl. is geographically distributed around Papua Island, Indonesia. Traditionally, P. macrocarpa is exercised to reduce pain, stomachache, diarrhea, tumor problems, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. A growing interest in the medicinal values of P. macrocarpa especially in Asia reflects the usage of diverse extraction techniques, particularly modern approaches. In this review article, the extraction methods and solvents relevant to P. macrocarpa were discussed, with the extent of its pharmacological activities. Recent bibliographic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Elsevier between 2010 and 2022 were assessed. Based on the findings, the pharmacological studies of P. macrocarpa are still pertinent to its traditional uses but primarily emphasise anti-proliferative activity especially colon and breast cancer cells with low toxicity and fruit as the most studied plant part. The utilization of modern separation techniques has predominantly been aimed at extracting mangiferin and phenolic-rich compounds and evaluating their antioxidant capacity. However, the isolation of bioactive compounds remains a challenge, leading to the extensive utilization of the extracts in in vivo studies. This review endeavors to highlight modern extraction methods that could potentially be used as a point of reference in the future for exploring novel bioactive compounds and drug discovery on a multi-scale extraction level.
Efficacy and bone-contact biocompatibility of glass ionomer cement as a biomaterial for bone regeneration: A systematic review

Tuygunov N, Zakaria MN, Yahya NA, Abdul Aziz A, Cahyanto A

J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2023 Oct;146:106099.
PMID: 37660446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106099

Bone regeneration is a rapidly growing field that seeks to develop new biomaterials to regenerate bone defects. Conventional bone graft materials have limitations, such as limited availability, complication, and rejection. Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a biomaterial with the potential for bone regeneration due to its bone-contact biocompatibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. GIC is a two-component material that adheres to the bone and releases ions that promote bone growth and mineralization. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and registered in the PROSPERO database to determine the evidence regarding the efficacy and bone-contact biocompatibility of GIC as bone cement. Out of 3715 initial results, thirteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Two tools were employed in evaluating the Risk of Bias (RoB): the QUIN tool for assessing in vitro studies and SYRCLE for in vivo. The results indicate that GIC has demonstrated the ability to adhere to bone and promote bone growth. Establishing a chemical bond occurs at the interface between the GIC and the mineral phase of bone. This interaction allows the GIC to exhibit osteoconductive properties and promote the growth of bone tissue. GIC's bone-contact biocompatibility, ease of preparation, and cost-effectiveness make it a promising alternative to conventional bone grafts. However, further research is required to fully evaluate the potential application of GIC in bone regeneration. The findings hold implications for advancing material development in identifying the optimal composition and fabrication of GIC as a bone repair material.
Fulltext Exercise and pre-habilitation with high whey-protein-based meal replacement therapy promote weight loss and preserve muscle mass before bariatric surgery

Ho C, Samwil SNM, Kahairudin Z, Jamhuri N, Abd Aziz A

Asian J Surg, 2023 Sep;46(9):3716-3721.
PMID: 36931924 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2023.03.026

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is considered as an effective therapy for those with morbid obesity. Preoperative weight loss with a very low-calorie diet is commonly used to ease the bariatric surgery. Pre-habilitation increases functional and physiological capacity. The study demonstrated the changes of body composition and functional status following short term pre-habilitation before bariatric surgery.
METHOD: This prospective study targeted those admitted for bariatric surgery. Participants underwent the biweekly pre-habilitation program included an individualized high whey-based protein very low-calorie (VLCHP) enteral regime (600-900 kcal/day) and moderate intensive exercise before bariatric surgery. Body composition and waist circumference were assessed after fortnight. Participants were segregated into morbid obese (MOG) (BMI <49 kg/m2) and super morbid obese group (SMOG) (BMI ≥50 kg/m2) for analysis.
RESULT: Majority of participants were female (71%) with median age 36.0 years old (MOG) and 34.3 years old (SMOG) respectively. SMOG achieved significant greater loss in weight (-7.4 kg vs -4.0 kg), fat percentage (-4.4% vs -1.7%) and fat mass (-9.9 kg vs -3.8 kg); but MOG had a significant increment in muscle mass (3.2 kg vs 2.8 kg) as compared to SOG (p
A mutation panel comprising BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, and NRASQ61H replicated retrospective histopathological examination findings in differentiating benign goitre from malignant papillary thyroid cancer in a cohort of Malaysian patients

Eng ZH, Ahmad Jefry MM, Ng KL, Abdul Aziz A, Mat Junit S

Malays J Pathol, 2023 Dec;45(3):375-390.
PMID: 38155379

Thyroid malignancy status is usually confirmed through histopathological examination (HPE) following thyroidectomy. In Malaysia, the application of molecular markers in pre-operative diagnosis of thyroid cancer remains unexplored. In this study, BRAF and NRAS gene mutation panel was assessed, and the results were compared with retrospective HPE findings. Malaysian patients with benign goitre (BTG: n=33) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC: n=25; PTCa: n=20, PTCb: n=5) were recruited at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre from September 2019 to December 2022. PCR-direct DNA sequencing of BRAFV600, NRASG12, NRASG13, and NRASQ61 was conducted on DNA extracted from the patients' thyroid tissue specimens following thyroidectomy and HPE. BRAFV600E and NRASQ61R mutations showed absolute PTC-specificity with PTC-sensitivity of 32% and 28%, respectively. NRASQ61H demonstrated lower PTC-specificity (94%) but higher PTC-sensitivity (72%) compared to the BRAFV600E and NRASQ61R mutations. Although the NRASG12 and NRASG13 variants were absent in this study, a novel NRASV14D mutation was detected in a PTCa patient. Unlike PTCb, coexistence of BRAFV600E and NRASQ61 variants was commonly observed among the PTCa patients. Notably, all PTCb patients had NRASQ61H mutation with one patient carried both the NRASQ61H and BRAFV600E mutations. Association analysis revealed potential link between gender, BRAFV600E mutation and lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, mutation panel comprising BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, and NRASQ61H did not discriminate the two PTC subtypes but replicated the retrospective HPE findings in differentiating BTG from PTC. The application of this mutation panel in pre-operative diagnosis of thyroid nodules requires further validation in a larger sample size, preferably incorporating fineneedle aspirate biopsies.
Development, validation, and evaluation of allergic rhinitis symptoms and impact assessment (ARSIA) questionnaire

Mohamed Rouse MH, Aziz A, Abdullah B, Abdul Kadir A, Wan Mohammad WMZ, Abd Mutalib NS

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Dec;78(7):857-864.
PMID: 38159918

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. It is among the most common diseases globally and usually persists throughout life. Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) is a wellestablished guideline applicable to AR and was updated regularly since 2001, aiming to improve the care for AR patients. We proposed a new questionnaire that addresses the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms, specifically nasal symptoms, and its impact on quality of life in terms of specific vital activities such as sleeping, working, school performance, leisure, or sport, based on the ARIA guideline. The objective was to develop, validate and evaluate Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Impact Assessment (ARSIA) questionnaire among allergic rhinitis patients in Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim, Sungai Petani (HSAH), and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study to develop, validate and evaluate the ARSIA questionnaire based on ARIA guidelines. The sample will be obtained from the list of patients under follow-up in the ORL clinic HSAH and HUSM with ages of 18 to 60 years, patients clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, and with positive skin prick test.
RESULTS: A total of 150 patients with a positive skin prick test participated in this study. In the 'nasal symptom' and 'impact on daily activities' domains, calculated Cronbach's alpha shows a value of 0.878 and 0.811 respectively. The inter-item correlation was calculated to analyse internal consistency reliability. Items B3 and B4 were dropped from the questionnaire as both showed a low correlation with other items. New Cronbach's alpha for the daily activities domain was 0.830, which showed better internal consistency reliability. All of the items were analysed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Clinician diagnosis from the proforma was used as a comparison to the participant's responses. In the analysis, a cut-off points of 12 was used to classify the patient's nasal symptoms into intermittent or persistent, with a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 86%, PPV of 95%, and NPV of 51%. Whereas, a cut-off point of 15 was used to classify the rhinitis impact on daily activities into mild or moderate/severe, with a sensitivity of 58%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, and NPV of 42%. The only item in the 'control' domain has been dropped out following a consensus of experts and judgement as it has not been used in the clinician diagnosis and thus, is unable to test for sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.
CONCLUSION: This newly developed, validated, and evaluated questionnaire is a good tool for the evaluation of allergic rhinitis symptoms and their impact on daily activities. It is important to understand that AR symptoms could have a significant impact on daily activities. Although further study and testing are needed, it provides an initial means for evaluating the patient condition and control level, as well as patients' perception of their rhinitis control.
Fulltext Association of prosocial behavior with ever smoking and alcohol drinking among school-going adolescents

Mat Hassan N, Abdul Aziz A, Husain R, Daud N, Juhari SN

Heliyon, 2020 Jul;6(7):e04530.
PMID: 32743106 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04530

BACKGROUND: Smoking and consuming alcohol remain hazardous acts to health, which are important to prevent in adolescents. Prosocial behavior has increasingly being noticed to be related with substance use. This study investigated the association between the trying of smoking and alcohol with prosocial behavior among school-going adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 732 school adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years from 12 secondary schools in Terengganu. Cluster sampling was applied. A validated questionnaire adopted from Global Health School Survey (GSHS) was used and prosocial behavior was assessed using the validated Malay self-rated version of Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS ver25, using multiple logistic regressions for both dependent variables of ever smoking and ever alcohol drinking.
RESULTS: Ever smoking was significantly inversely associated with prosocial behavior (p = 0.010, OR: 0.84, CI: 0.74, 0.96); together with other significantly associated factors; namely older age, male gender, poorer family income, and smoking in immediate family members. However, there was no association of the between prosocial behavior with ever alcohol drinking (p = 0.628).
CONCLUSION: Prosocial behavior is negatively associated with the trying of smoking in adolescents. Future longitudinal study should be done to investigate the effects of promoting prosocial behavior among adolescents towards the hazardous act.
Fulltext Protective effects of the extracts of Barringtonia racemosa shoots against oxidative damage in HepG2 cells

Kong KW, Mat-Junit S, Aminudin N, Hassan FA, Ismail A, Abdul Aziz A

PeerJ, 2016;4:e1628.
PMID: 26839752 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1628

Barringtonia racemosa is a tropical plant with medicinal values. In this study, the ability of the water extracts of the leaf (BLE) and stem (BSE) from the shoots to protect HepG2 cells against oxidative damage was studied. Five major polyphenolic compounds consisting of gallic acid, ellagic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercetin and kaempferol were identified using HPLC-DAD and ESI-MS. Cell viability assay revealed that BLE and BSE were non-cytotoxic (cell viabilities >80%) at concentration less than 250 µg/ml and 500 µg/ml, respectively. BLE and BSE improved cellular antioxidant status measured by FRAP assay and protected HepG2 cells against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. The extracts also inhibited lipid peroxidation in HepG2 cells as well as the production of reactive oxygen species. BLE and BSE could also suppress the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase during oxidative stress. The shoots of B. racemosa can be an alternative bioactive ingredient in the prevention of oxidative damage.
A Rare Case of Monostotic Spinal Fibrous Dysplasia Mimicking Solitary Metastatic Lesion of Thyroid Carcinoma

Sharifudin MA, Zakaria Z, Awang MS, Mohamed Amin MA, Abd Aziz A

Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Jan;23(1):82-6.
PMID: 27540330 MyJurnal

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the vertebra is a rare entity. A case of a 53-year-old lady who presented with an 8 months history of pain in the thoracic spine region with paraparesis is discussed. She had a history of papillary thyroid carcinoma and had undergone total thyroidectomy one year prior to her current problem. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed isolated osteolytic lesion over the posterior element of the T12 vertebra with narrowing of the spinal canal causing compression of the cord. The diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia was made histologically. Fibrous dysplasia rarely occurs in axial bones compared with peripheral bones. This case illustrates that osteolytic lesion of the vertebrae should be evaluated with detailed radiological and histopathological examination before an empirical diagnosis of spinal metastasis is made in an adult with a background history of primary malignancy well-known to spread to the bone.
Fulltext Atypical Clival Chordoma in an Adolescent without Imaging Evidence of Bone Involvement

Hashim H, Rosman AK, Abdul Aziz A, Roqiah AK, Bakar NS

Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):78-82.
PMID: 25977639

Clival chordoma is a rare primary bone tumour that arises from the remnant of the notochord and typically occurs in older adults. Upon imaging, the tumour can be seen arising from the clivus and causes clival destruction. This usually provides insight for a diagnosis. Here we present a case of a non-enhancing, pre-pontine mass that was hypointense on T1W and hyperintense on T2W in an adolescent. No clival bone erosion was observed. Based on the age group, imaging findings, and lack of clival erosion, a provisional diagnosis of epidermoid cyst was made and the tumour was resected. This patient was eventually diagnosed with a clival chordoma based on histopathological examination.
Fulltext The National Mental Health Registry (NMHR)

Aziz AA, Salina AA, Abdul Kadir AB, Badiah Y, Cheah YC, Nor Hayati A, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Sep;63 Suppl C:15-7.
PMID: 19227671

The National Mental Health Registry (NMHR) collects information about patients with mental disorder in Malaysia. This information allows us to estimate the incidence of selected mental disorders, and to evaluate risk factors and treatment in the country. The National Mental Health Registry (NMHR) presented its first report in 2004, a year after its establishment. The report focused on schizophrenia as a pioneer project for the National Mental Health Registry. The development of the registry has progressed with data collected from government-based facilities, the academia and the private sector. The 2003-2005 report was recently published and distributed. Since then the registry has progressed to include suicides and other mental illnesses such as depression. The NMHR Report 2003-2005 provides detailed information about the profile of persons with Schizophrenia who presented for the first time to various psychiatry and mental health providers throughout Malaysia. More detailed description regarding pharmacotherapy is reported and few cross tabulations done in an effort to provide better understanding and more clinically meaningful reports.

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