Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 254 in total

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  1. Nasir MF, Zali MA, Juahir H, Hussain H, Zain SM, Ramli N
    Iranian J Environ Health Sci Eng, 2012 Dec 10;9(1):18.
    PMID: 23369363 DOI: 10.1186/1735-2746-9-18
    Recent techniques in the management of surface river water have been expanding the demand on the method that can provide more representative of multivariate data set. A proper technique of the architecture of artificial neural network (ANN) model and multiple linear regression (MLR) provides an advance tool for surface water modeling and forecasting. The development of receptor model was applied in order to determine the major sources of pollutants at Kuantan River Basin, Malaysia. Thirteen water quality parameters were used in principal component analysis (PCA) and new variables of fertilizer waste, surface runoff, anthropogenic input, chemical and mineral changes and erosion are successfully developed for modeling purposes. Two models were compared in terms of efficiency and goodness-of-fit for water quality index (WQI) prediction. The results show that APCS-ANN model gives better performance with high R2 value (0.9680) and small root mean square error (RMSE) value (2.6409) compared to APCS-MLR model. Meanwhile from the sensitivity analysis, fertilizer waste acts as the dominant pollutant contributor (59.82%) to the basin studied followed by anthropogenic input (22.48%), surface runoff (13.42%), erosion (2.33%) and lastly chemical and mineral changes (1.95%). Thus, this study concluded that receptor modeling of APCS-ANN can be used to solve various constraints in environmental problem that exist between water distribution variables toward appropriate water quality management.
  2. Nor MH, Mubarak MF, Elmi HSh, Ibrahim N, Wahab MF, Ibrahim Z
    Bioresour Technol, 2015 Aug;190:458-65.
    PMID: 25799955 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.02.103
    A double-chambered membrane microbial fuel cell (MFC) was constructed to investigate the potential use of natural microflora anaerobic palm oil mill effluent (POME) sludge and pure culture bacteria isolated from anaerobic POME sludge as inoculum for electricity generation. Sterilized final discharge POME was used as the substrate with no addition of nutrients. MFC operation using natural microflora anaerobic POME sludge showed a maximum power density and current density of 85.11mW/m(2) and 91.12mA/m(2) respectively. Bacterial identification using 16S rRNA analysis of the pure culture isolated from the biofilm on the anode MFC was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain ZH1. The electricity generated in MFC using P. aeruginosa strain ZH1 showed maximum power density and current density of 451.26mW/m(2) and 654.90mA/m(2) respectively which were five times higher in power density and seven times higher in current density compared to that of MFC using anaerobic POME sludge.
  3. Abu Bakar MF, Kamerkar U, Abdul Rahman SN, Muhd Sakaff MKL, Othman AS
    Data Brief, 2020 Oct;32:106188.
    PMID: 32904357 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106188
    Hevea brasiliensis is exploited for its latex production, and it is the only viable source of natural rubber worldwide. The demand for natural rubber remains high due its high-quality properties, which synthetic rubber cannot compete with. In this paper, we present transcriptomic data and analysis of three H. brasiliensis clones using tissue from latex and bark tissues collected from 10-year-old plant. The combined, assembled transcripts were mapped onto an H. brasiliensis draft genome. Gene ontology analysis showed that the most abundant transcripts related to molecular functions, followed by biological processes and cellular components. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were also identified, and these can be useful for selection of parental and new clones in a breeding program. Data generated by RNA sequencing were deposited in the NCBI public repository under accession number PRJNA629890.
  4. Zuber SH, Hashikin NAA, Mohd Yusof MF, Aziz MZA, Hashim R
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2021 Apr;170:109601.
    PMID: 33515930 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109601
    Experimental particleboards are made from Rhizophora spp. wood trunk with three different percentages of lignin and soy flour (0%, 6% and 12%) as adhesives. The objective was to investigate the equivalence of Rhizophora spp. particleboard as phantom material with human soft tissue using Computed Tomography (CT) number. The linear and mass attenuation coefficient of Rhizophora spp. particleboard at low energy range was also explored using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) configuration technique. Further characterization of the particleboard was performed to determine the effective atomic number, Zeff using Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) method. Adhesive-bonded Rhizophora spp. particleboard showed close similarities with water, based on the average CT numbers, electron density calibration curve and the analysis of CT density profile, compared to the binderless particleboard. The effective atomic number obtained from the study indicated that the attenuation properties of all the particleboards at different percentages of adhesives were almost similar to water. The mass attenuation coefficient calculated from XRF configuration technique showed good agreement with water from XCOM database, suggesting its potential as phantom material for radiation study.
  5. Azmi FP, Rahman NAA, Mazlan L, Basiron N, Imran FH
    Case Rep Surg, 2020;2020:1798543.
    PMID: 33381344 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1798543
    Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the perianal region is an oncologic rarity posing a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for treating oncologists. This is due to the low number of reported cases, compounded by the lack of definitive therapeutic guidelines. It accounts for 2% to 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies and is historically known to arise from chronic anal fistulas and ischiorectal or perianal abscesses. We hereby report an interesting case of perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma in a 66-year-old male initially treated for a horseshoe abscess with complex fistulae. He presented with a 6-month history of a discharging growth in perianal region and painful defecation associated with occasional blood mixed stools. An incisional biopsy from the ulcer revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a localized perianal growth which involves the internal and external sphincter as well as suspicious involvement in the posterior aspect of the levator ani/puborectalis sling, which was further confirmed with colonoscopy (see figures). With no preset treatment protocol for this rare entity, he was managed with an abdominoperineal resection (APR) and vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (VRAM) tissue reconstruction. He had a turbulent postoperative period including intestinal obstruction secondary to internal herniation of bowel resulting in flap failure. The subsequent perineal wound was managed conservatively with advanced wound care and has since completely healed.
  6. Ogiri IA, Sidique SF, Talib MA, Abdul-Rahim AS, Radam A
    Waste Manag Res, 2019 Jul;37(7):755-762.
    PMID: 30967098 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X19842328
    To encourage recycling in Malaysian households, a waste separation at source programme was implemented that made it mandatory for households to sort their waste into different categories before leaving it out for collection. Penalties designed to act as a deterrent are imposed on households that fail to sort their waste appropriately. But does this deterrence motivate compliance with the programme directives? This study employs the deterrence theory to investigate if deterrence alone is sufficient to motivate households to actively participate in recycling. A total of 866 questionnaires were administered in person in households in Putrajaya and Melaka. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results of the structural model reveal that just 25% of the variance in compliance is explained by the severity of the sanction, and the perceived certainty of penalty imposed. Perceived severity of sanction (β = 0.149, p = 0.012) and perceived certainty of sanction (β = 0.383, p = 0.000) were found to contribute significantly to compliance behaviour to the programme directives. However, deterrence alone cannot motivate household participation in waste separation at source because it only explains 25% of compliance behaviour. The present study provides information that could allow policymakers to understand recycling habits better and implement more effective compliance strategies.
  7. Teoh WK, Md Muslim NZ, Ismail ML, Chang KH, Abdullah AFL
    Anal Methods, 2021 04 07;13(13):1601-1611.
    PMID: 33730137 DOI: 10.1039/d1ay00075f
    Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, practicing personal hygiene such as frequent hand sanitising has become a norm. The making of effective hand sanitiser products should follow the recommended formulations, but the high demand worldwide for such affordable products could have made them a candidate for counterfeiting, thus deserving forensic determination and profiling for source determination or supply chain tracing. In this study, determination and discrimination of hand sanitisers was carried out by employing attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. Fifty commercially available hand sanitisers were obtained from the market and analysed. ATR-FTIR profiles of each sanitiser were compared and decomposed by principal component analysis (PCA) followed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Physical observation enabled the discrimination of seven samples based on their respective colours, the presence of beads and their colours, and the physical forms of formulations. Subsequently, eight distinct patterns were observed through visual comparison of ATR-FTIR profiles of the remaining 43 samples. An initial unsupervised exploratory PCA model indicated the separation of two main groups with ATR-FTIR profiles similar to those of ethanol and isopropanol, respectively. The PCA score-LDA model provided good predictions, with a 100% correct classification into eight different groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a quick determination and discrimination of hand sanitiser samples, allowing screening for any restricted components and sample-to-sample comparison.
  8. Jumaidin R, Diah NA, Ilyas RA, Alamjuri RH, Yusof FAM
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Apr 28;13(9).
    PMID: 33924842 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091420
    Increasing environmental concerns have led to greater attention to the development of biodegradable materials. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of banana leaf fibre (BLF) on the thermal and mechanical properties of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS). The biocomposites were prepared by incorporating 10 to 50 wt.% BLF into the TPCS matrix. The samples were characterised for their thermal and mechanical properties. The results showed that there were significant increments in the tensile and flexural properties of the materials, with the highest strength and modulus values obtained at 40 wt.% BLF content. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the addition of BLF had increased the thermal stability of the material, indicated by higher-onset decomposition temperature and ash content. Morphological studies through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited a homogenous distribution of fibres and matrix with good adhesion, which is crucial in improving the mechanical properties of biocomposites. This was also attributed to the strong interaction of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between TPCS and fibre, proven by the FT-IR test that observed the presence of O-H bonding in the biocomposite.
  9. Syafruddin SE, Nazarie WFWM, Moidu NA, Soon BH, Mohtar MA
    BMC Cancer, 2021 Jul 23;21(1):850.
    PMID: 34301218 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08591-0
    BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly lethal, stage IV brain tumour with a prevalence of approximately 2 per 10,000 people globally. The cell surface proteins or surfaceome serve as information gateway in many oncogenic signalling pathways and are important in modulating cancer phenotypes. Dysregulation in surfaceome expression and activity have been shown to promote tumorigenesis. The expression of GBM surfaceome is a case in point; OMICS screening in a cell-based system identified that this sub-proteome is largely perturbed in GBM. Additionally, since these cell surface proteins have 'direct' access to drugs, they are appealing targets for cancer therapy. However, a comprehensive GBM surfaceome landscape has not been fully defined yet. Thus, this study aimed to define GBM-associated surfaceome genes and identify key cell-surface genes that could potentially be developed as novel GBM biomarkers for therapeutic purposes.

    METHODS: We integrated the RNA-Seq data from TCGA GBM (n = 166) and GTEx normal brain cortex (n = 408) databases to identify the significantly dysregulated surfaceome in GBM. This was followed by an integrative analysis that combines transcriptomics, proteomics and protein-protein interaction network data to prioritize the high-confidence GBM surfaceome signature.

    RESULTS: Of the 2381 significantly dysregulated genes in GBM, 395 genes were classified as surfaceome. Via the integrative analysis, we identified 6 high-confidence GBM molecular signature, HLA-DRA, CD44, SLC1A5, EGFR, ITGB2, PTPRJ, which were significantly upregulated in GBM. The expression of these genes was validated in an independent transcriptomics database, which confirmed their upregulated expression in GBM. Importantly, high expression of CD44, PTPRJ and HLA-DRA is significantly associated with poor disease-free survival. Last, using the Drugbank database, we identified several clinically-approved drugs targeting the GBM molecular signature suggesting potential drug repurposing.

    CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we identified and highlighted the key GBM surface-enriched repertoires that could be biologically relevant in supporting GBM pathogenesis. These genes could be further interrogated experimentally in future studies that could lead to efficient diagnostic/prognostic markers or potential treatment options for GBM.

  10. Yazit NAA, Juliana N, Das S, Teng NIMF, Fahmy NM, Azmani S, et al.
    Mini Rev Med Chem, 2020;20(17):1781-1790.
    PMID: 32564754 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200621182717
    Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) refers to the condition of neurocognitive decline following surgery in a cognitive and sensory manner. There are several risk factors, which may be life-threatening for this condition. Neuropsychological assessment of this condition is very important. In the present review, we discuss the association of apolipoprotein epsilon 4 (APOE ε4) and few miRNAs with POCD, and highlight the clinical importance for prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of POCD. Microarray is a genome analysis that can be used to determine DNA abnormalities. This current technique is rapid, efficient and high-throughout. Microarray techniques are widely used to diagnose diseases, particularly in genetic disorder, chromosomal abnormalities, mutations, infectious diseases and disease-relevant biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are widely found distributed in eukaryotes. Few miRNAs influence the nervous system development, and nerve damage repair. Microarray approach can be utilized to understand the miRNAs involved and their pathways in POCD development, unleashing their potential to be considered as a diagnostic marker for POCD. This paper summarizes and identifies the studies that use microarray based approaches for POCD analysis. Since the application of microarray in POCD is expanding, there is a need to review the current knowledge of this approach.
  11. Zuber SH, Hashikin NAA, Yusof MFM, Aziz MZA, Hashim R
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jun 04;13(11).
    PMID: 34199810 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111868
    Rhizophora spp. particleboard with the incorporation of lignin and soy flour as binders were fabricated and the influence of different percentages of lignin and soy flour (0%, 6% and 12%) on the physico-mechanical properties of the particleboard were studied. The samples were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and internal bonding. The results stipulated that the addition of binders in the fabrication of the particleboard did not change the functional groups according to the FTIR spectrum. For XRD, addition of binders did not reveal any major transformation within the composites. SEM and EDX analyses for all percentages of binders added showed no apparent disparity; however, it is important to note that the incorporation of binders allows better bonding between the molecules. In XRF analysis, lower percentage of chlorine in the adhesive-bonded samples may be advantageous in maintaining the natural properties of the particleboard. In internal bonding, increased internal bond strength in samples with binders may indicate better structural integrity and physico-mechanical strength. In conclusion, the incorporation of lignin and soy flour as binders may potentially strengthen and fortify the particleboard, thus, can be a reliable phantom in radiation dosimetry applications.
  12. Syafruddin SE, Mohtar MA, Wan Mohamad Nazarie WF, Low TY
    Biomolecules, 2020 09 28;10(10).
    PMID: 32998281 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101378
    The Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) family of proteins control several key biological processes that include proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation. Dysregulation of KLF functions have been shown to disrupt cellular homeostasis and contribute to disease development. KLF6 is a relevant example; a range of functional and expression assays suggested that the dysregulation of KLF6 contributes to the onset of cancer, inflammation-associated diseases as well as cardiovascular diseases. KLF6 expression is either suppressed or elevated depending on the disease, and this is largely due to alternative splicing events producing KLF6 isoforms with specialised functions. Hence, the aim of this review is to discuss the known aspects of KLF6 biology that covers the gene and protein architecture, gene regulation, post-translational modifications and functions of KLF6 in health and diseases. We put special emphasis on the equivocal roles of its full-length and spliced variants. We also deliberate on the therapeutic strategies of KLF6 and its associated signalling pathways. Finally, we provide compelling basic and clinical questions to enhance the knowledge and research on elucidating the roles of KLF6 in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
  13. Muhammad FF, Yahya MY, Ketuly KA, Muhammad AJ, Sulaiman K
    PMID: 27372510 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2016.06.031
    In this work the optical response, spectroscopic behaviour, and optoelectronic properties of solution and solid state composite systems based on α,ω-dihexylsexithiophene/tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate) gallium (DH6T/Gaq3) are studied upon the incorporation of different molar percentages of Gaq3. UV-vis, PL, FTIR spectrophotometers and SEM technique were utilized to perform the investigations. The results showed a reduced energy band (Eg) (from 2.33eV to 1.83eV) and a broadened absorption spectrum for the blend system when 29.8% molar of Gaq3 was incorporated. These were attributed to the enhanced intermolecular interactions that are brought about by the increased strength of π-π overlap between the molecular moieties. A mathematical formula was developed to interpret the non-monotonic change occurred in Eg, while numerical calculations have been made to assign the type and nature of the electronic transitions governing the spectroscopic behaviour of the system. The results were elaborated and comprehensively discussed in terms of the exciton generation, energy band theory, molecular interactions, and spatial geometry.
  14. Ismail MS, Syafiq MR, Siti-Zahrah A, Fahmi S, Shahidan H, Hanan Y, et al.
    Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2017 Jan;60:21-24.
    PMID: 27864157 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.11.040
    A tilapia farm experiencing endemic streptococcosis was selected to study the effect of vaccination with a feed-based vaccine on naturally ocurring streptococcosis. A total of 9000 red tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus of 100 ± 20 g were divided into 9 cages. Fish of Group 1 in cages 1, 2 and 3 were not vaccinated. Group 2 in cages 4, 5 and 6 were vaccinated on days 0 and 14 (single booster) while Group 3 in cages 7, 8 and 9 were vaccinated on days 0, 14 and 42 (double booster). Vaccination was done by oral administration of the feed-based bacterin vaccine at 4% bodyweight. Samples of serum for antibody study and the brain, eyes and kidney for bacterial isolation were collected at 14-day intervals. The study was carried out during the critical months between April and June. Following vaccination and booster, there was significant (p 
  15. Shadan AF, Mahat NA, Wan Ibrahim WA, Ariffin Z, Ismail D
    J Forensic Sci, 2018 Jan;63(1):80-85.
    PMID: 28383137 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13512
    As consumption of stingless bee honey has been gaining popularity in many countries including Malaysia, ability to identify accurately its geographical origin proves pertinent for investigating fraudulent activities for consumer protection. Because a chemical signature can be location-specific, multi-element distribution patterns may prove useful for provenancing such product. Using the inductively coupled-plasma optical emission spectrometer as well as principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), the distributions of multi-elements in stingless bee honey collected at four different geographical locations (North, West, East, and South) in Johor, Malaysia, were investigated. While cross-validation using PCA demonstrated 87.0% correct classification rate, the same was improved (96.2%) with the use of LDA, indicating that discrimination was possible for the different geographical regions. Therefore, utilization of multi-element analysis coupled with chemometrics techniques for assigning the provenance of stingless bee honeys for forensic applications is supported.
  16. Rahman MR, Hamdan S, Lai JCH, Jawaid M, Yusof FABM
    Heliyon, 2017 Jul;3(7):e00342.
    PMID: 28725868 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00342
    In this study, the physical, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of furfuryl alcohol/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate/halloysite nanoclay wood polymer nanocomposites (FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs) were investigated. FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs were prepared via an impregnation method and the properties of the nanocomposites were characterized through the weight percent gain, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), three-point flexural test, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and moisture absorption test. The weight percent gain in the 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC was the highest compared with the raw wood (RW) and other WPNCs. The FT-IR results confirmed that polymerization took place in the nanocomposites, especially 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC, which had a reduced amount of hydroxyl groups. The SEM results revealed that the 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC had the smoothest and most uniform surface among all of the nanocomposites. The 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC showed the highest flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. The results revealed that the storage modulus and loss modulus of the FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs were higher and the tan δ of FA-co-EHMA-HNC WNPCs was lower compared with the RW. The FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNCs exhibited the higher thermal stability in the TGA and DSC analysis. The 50:50 FA-co-EHMA-HNC WPNC exhibited remarkably lower moisture absorption compared with the RW. Overall, this study proved that the ratio 50:50 FA-co-EHMA ratio was the most suitable for introduction in the in the RW.
  17. Abdullah A, Ramly R, Mohammad Ridzwan MS, Sudirwan F, Abas A, Ahmad K, et al.
    J Fish Dis, 2018 Sep;41(9):1459-1462.
    PMID: 30027657 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12843
  18. Abdul Rahman SN, Bakar MFA, Singham GV, Othman AS
    3 Biotech, 2019 Nov;9(11):388.
    PMID: 31656726 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1921-3
    In this study, RNA sequencing of several Hevea brasiliensis clones grown in Malaysia with different annual rubber production yields and disease resistance was performed on the Illumina platform. A total of 29,862,548 reads were generated, resulting in 101,269 assembled transcripts that were used as the reference transcripts. A similarity search against the non-redundant (nr) protein databases presented 83,771 (83%) positive BLASTx hits. The transcriptome was annotated using gene ontology (GO), the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and the Pfam database. A search for putative molecular markers was performed to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Overall, 3,210,629 SNPs were detected and a total of 1314 SNPs associated with the genes involved in MVA and MEP pathways were identified. A total of 176 SNP primer pairs were designed from sequences that were related to the MVA and MEP pathways. The transcriptome of RRIM 3001 and RRIM 712 were subjected to pairwise comparison and the results revealed that there were 1262 significantly differentially expressed genes unique to RRIM 3001, 1499 significantly differentially expressed genes unique to RRIM 712 and several genes related to the MVA and MEP pathways such as AACT, HMGS, PMK, MVD, DXS and HDS were included. The results will facilitate the characterization of H. brasiliensis transcriptomes and the development of a new set of molecular markers in the form of SNPs from transcriptome assembly for the genotype identification of various rubber varieties with superior traits in Malaysia.
  19. Suhaimi SH, Hasham R, Hafiz Idris MK, Ismail HF, Mohd Ariffin NH, Abdul Majid FA
    Molecules, 2019 Nov 18;24(22).
    PMID: 31752230 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24224183
    Primarily, optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions of Orthospihon stamineus was evaluated and verified using a central composite design (CCD) based on three factors including extraction time (minutes), ultrasound amplitude (A), and solvent concentration (%). The response surface methodology (RSM) was performed to develop an extraction method with maximum yield and high rosmarinic acid content. The optimal UAE conditions were as follows: extraction time 21 min, ultrasound amplitudes 62 A, and solvent composition 70% ethanol in water. The crude extract was further fractionated using solid-phase extraction (SPE), where six sequential fractions that varied in polarity (0-100% Acetonitrile in water) were obtained. Next, the six fractions were evaluated for their antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. This study found that Fraction 2 (F2) contained the highest rosmarinic acid content and showed the strongest antioxidant activity. Additionally, F2 showed an anti-proliferative effect against prostate cancer (DU145) with no harmful effect on normal cells.
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