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  1. Zainulabid UA, Kamarudin N, Zulkifly AH, Gan HM, Tay DD, Siew SW, et al.
    Microbiol Resour Announc, 2021 Aug 05;10(31):e0065721.
    PMID: 34351228 DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00657-21
    Here, we report the nearly complete genome sequences of nine severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with the D614G mutation. These viruses were detected from various infected individuals with different levels of severity from Pahang, Malaysia. In addition, this study described the presence of lineage B.1.351 as a type of variant of concern (VOC) and lineages B.1.466.2 and B.1.524 as local variants.
  2. Afzal K, Uzair M, Chaudhary BA, Ahmad A, Afzal S, Saadullah M
    Acta Pol Pharm, 2015 Sep-Oct;72(5):821-7.
    PMID: 26665388
    Ruellia is a genus of flowering plants commonly known as Ruellias or Wild Petunias which belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It contains about 250 genera and 2500 species. Most of these are shrubs, or twining vines; some are epiphytes. Only a few species are distributed in temperate regions. They are distributed in Indonesia and Malaysia, Africa, Brazil, Central America and Pakistan. Some of these are used as medicinal plants. Many species of the genus has antinociceptive, antioxidant, analgesic, antispasmolytic, antiulcer, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. The phytochemicals constituents: glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids and triterpenoids are present. The genus has been traditionally claimed to be used for the treatment of flu, asthma, fever, bronchitis, high blood pressure, eczema, and diabetes. The objective of this review article is to summarize all the pharmacological and phytochemical evaluations or investigations to find area of gap and endorse this genus a step towards commercial drug. Hence, further work required is to isolate and characterize the active compounds responsible for these activities in this plant and bring this genus plants to commercial health market to serve community with their potential benefits.
  3. Ahmad-Sohdi NA, Seman-Kamarulzaman AF, Mohamed-Hussein ZA, Hassan M
    PLoS One, 2015;10(11):e0143310.
    PMID: 26600471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143310
    Juvenile hormones have attracted attention as safe and selective targets for the design and development of environmentally friendly and biorational insecticides. In the juvenile hormone III biosynthetic pathway, the enzyme farnesol dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of farnesol to farnesal. In this study, farnesol dehydrogenase was extracted from Polygonum minus leaves and purified 204-fold to apparent homogeneity by ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-Toyopearl, SP-Toyopearl, and Super-Q Toyopearl, followed by three successive purifications by gel filtration chromatography on a TSK-gel GS3000SW. The enzyme is a heterodimer comprised of subunits with molecular masses of 65 kDa and 70 kDa. The optimum temperature and pH were 35°C and pH 9.5, respectively. Activity was inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents, metal-chelating agents and heavy metal ions. The enzyme utilized both NAD+ and NADP+ as coenzymes with Km values of 0.74 mM and 40 mM, respectively. Trans, trans-farnesol was the preferred substrate for the P. minus farnesol dehydrogenase. Geometrical isomers of trans, trans-farnesol, cis, trans-farnesol and cis, cis-farnesol were also oxidized by the enzyme with lower activity. The Km values for trans, trans-farnesol, cis, trans-farnesol and cis, cis-farnesol appeared to be 0.17 mM, 0.33 mM and 0.42 mM, respectively. The amino acid sequences of 4 tryptic peptides of the enzyme were analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS spectrometry, and showed no significant similarity to those of previously reported farnesol dehydrogenases. These results suggest that the purified enzyme is a novel NAD(P)+-dependent farnesol dehydrogenase. The purification and characterization established in the current study will serve as a basis to provide new information for recombinant production of the enzyme. Therefore, recombinant farnesol dehydrogenase may provide a useful molecular tool in manipulating juvenile hormone biosynthesis to generate transgenic plants for pest control.
  4. Bhagavathula AS, Bandari DK, Elnour AA, Ahmad A, Khan MU, Baraka M, et al.
    Springerplus, 2015;4:769.
    PMID: 26688783 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1541-2
    We intended to assess knowledge, attitude, perception, misconception and views (KAP-MV) of family members of PLWHA. A cross-sectional retrospective study conducted in Anti-retroviral centre of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial-MGM hospital, Warangal, Telangana, South-India from July to September 2014. A questionnaire containing 41 items was distributed among adult family members accompanying patients living with HIV/AIDS-PLWHA. Level of KAP-MV was categorized into poor (0-28), average (29-55) and good (56-82). Analysis was performed by Pearson's Chi square, analysis of variance and Spearman's correlation test on 41 variables using SPSS version 21 and p 
  5. Rosli AN, Ahmad MR, Alias Y, Zain SM, Lee VS, Woi PM
    J Mol Model, 2014 Dec;20(12):2533.
    PMID: 25433601 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-014-2533-9
    Design of neutral receptor molecules (ionophores) for beryllium(II) using unsaturated carbonitrile models has been carried out via density functional theory, G3, and G4 calculations. The first part of this work focuses on gas phase binding energies between beryllium(II) and 2-cyano butadiene (2-CN BD), 3-cyano propene (3-CN P), and simpler models with two separate fragments; acrylonitrile and ethylene. Interactions between beryllium(II) and cyano nitrogen and terminal olefin in the models have been examined in terms of geometrical changes, distribution of charge over the entire π-system, and rehybridization of vinyl carbon orbitals. NMR shieldings and vibrational frequencies probed charge centers and strength of interactions. The six-membered cyclic complexes have planar structures with the rehybridized carbon slightly out of plane (16° in 2-CN BD). G3 results show that in 2-CN BD complex participation of vinyl carbon further stabilizes the cyclic adduct by 16.3 kcal mol(-1), whereas, in simpler models, interaction between beryllium(II) and acetonitrile is favorable by 46.4 kcal mol(-1) compared with that of ethylene. The terminal vinyl carbon in 2-CN BD rehybridizes to sp (3) with an increase of 7 % of s character to allow interaction with beryllium(II). G4 calculations show that the Be(II) and 2-CN BD complex is more strongly bound than those with Mg(II) and Ca(II) by 98.5 and 139.2 kcal mol(-1) (-1), respectively. QST2 method shows that the cyclic and acyclic forms of Be(II)-2-CN BD complexes are separated by 12.3 kcal mol(-1) barrier height. Overlap population analysis reveals that Ca(II) can be discriminated based on its tendency to form ionic interaction with the receptor models.
  6. Sultana SR, Ali A, Ahmad A, Mubeen M, Zia-Ul-Haq M, Ahmad S, et al.
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:725326.
    PMID: 25045744 DOI: 10.1155/2014/725326
    For estimation of grain yield in wheat, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is considered as a potential screening tool. Field experiments were conducted to scrutinize the response of NDVI to yield behavior of different wheat cultivars and nitrogen fertilization at agronomic research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) during the two years 2008-09 and 2009-10. For recording the value of NDVI, Green seeker (Handheld-505) was used. Split plot design was used as experimental model in, keeping four nitrogen rates (N1 = 0 kg ha(-1), N2 = 55 kg ha(-1), N3 = 110 kg ha(-1), and N4 = 220 kg ha(-1)) in main plots and ten wheat cultivars (Bakkhar-2001, Chakwal-50, Chakwal-97, Faisalabad-2008, GA-2002, Inqlab-91, Lasani-2008, Miraj-2008, Sahar-2006, and Shafaq-2006) in subplots with four replications. Impact of nitrogen and difference between cultivars were forecasted through NDVI. The results suggested that nitrogen treatment N4 (220 kg ha(-1)) and cultivar Faisalabad-2008 gave maximum NDVI value (0.85) at grain filling stage among all treatments. The correlation among NDVI at booting, grain filling, and maturity stages with grain yield was positive (R(2) = 0.90; R(2) = 0.90; R(2) = 0.95), respectively. So, booting, grain filling, and maturity can be good depictive stages during mid and later growth stages of wheat crop under agroclimatic conditions of Faisalabad and under similar other wheat growing environments in the country.
  7. Woi PM, Bakar MA, Rosli AN, Lee VS, Ahmad MR, Zain S, et al.
    J Mol Model, 2014 May;20(5):2219.
    PMID: 24770548 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-014-2219-3
    DFT and G4 results reveal that cations display the following trends in imparting its positive charge to acrylonitrile; H⁺ > Li⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ for group I and Be²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ for group II. Solvation by water molecules and interaction with cation make the cyano bond more polarized and exhibits ketene-imine character. Bond order in nitrile-cation complexes has been predicted based on the s character of the covalent bond orbitals. Mulliken, CHELPG, and NPA charges are in good agreement in predicting positive charge buildup and GIAO nuclear deshileding on C1. G4 enthalpies show that Mg²⁺ is more strongly bound to acrylonitrile than to acetonitrile by 3 kcal mol⁻¹, and the proton affinity of the former is higher by 0.8 kcal mol⁻¹. G4 enthalpies of reductions support prior experimental observation that metalated conjugated nitriles show enhanced reactivity toward weak nucleophiles to afford Michael addition products.
  8. Hani AF, Kumar D, Malik AS, Ahmad RM, Razak R, Kiflie A
    Rheumatol Int, 2015 Jan;35(1):1-16.
    PMID: 24879325 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-014-3052-9
    Early detection of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is of great interest to orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, radiologists, and researchers because it would allow physicians to provide patients with treatments and advice to slow the onset or progression of the disease. Early detection can be achieved by identifying early changes in selected features of degenerative articular cartilage (AC) using non-invasive imaging modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming the standard for assessment of OA. The aim of this paper was to review the influence of MRI on the selection, detection, and measurement of AC features associated with early OA. Our review of the literature indicates that the changes associated with early OA are in cartilage thickness, cartilage volume, cartilage water content, and proteoglycan content that can be accurately, consistently, and non-invasively measured using MRI. Choosing an MR pulse sequence that provides the capability to assess cartilage physiology and morphology in a single acquisition and advanced multi-nuclei MRI is desirable. The results of the review indicate that using an ultra-high magnetic strength, MR imager does not affect early OA detection. In conclusion, MRI is currently the most suitable modality for early detection of knee OA, and future research should focus on the quantitative evaluation of early OA features using advances in MR hardware, software, and data processing with sophisticated image/pattern recognition techniques.
  9. Halim AS, Wan Ahmad Kamal WS, Noor NM, Abdullah S
    Arch Plast Surg, 2013 Nov;40(6):687-96.
    PMID: 24286040 DOI: 10.5999/aps.2013.40.6.687
    Ischemic preconditioning has been shown to improve the outcomes of hypoxic tolerance of the heart, brain, lung, liver, jejunum, skin, and muscle tissues. However, to date, no report of ischemic preconditioning on vascularized bone grafts has been published.
  10. Lokamani I, Looi ML, Md Ali SA, Mohd Dali AZ, Ahmad Annuar MA, Jamal R
    Pathol Oncol Res, 2014 Jan;20(1):119-29.
    PMID: 23925487 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-013-9670-9
    This study aimed to identify candidate proteins which may serve as potential biological markers for cervical cancer using 2D-DIGE. Serum samples of controls, patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3), squamous cell carcinoma of early (SCC I and II) and late (SCC III and IV) stage were subjected to 2D-DIGE. Differentially expressed spots were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Validation of candidate proteins in serum and tissue samples were then performed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis respectively. A total of 20 differentially expressed proteins were identified. These proteins were found to play key roles in the apoptosis pathway, complement system, various types of transportation such as hormones, fatty acids, lipid, vitamin E and drug transportation, coagulation cascade, regulation of iron and immunologic response. Based on their functional relevancy to the progression of various cancers, 4 proteins namely the complement factor H, CD5-like antigen, gelsolin and ceruloplasmin were chosen for further validation using ELISA. Biological network analysis showed that ceruloplasmin and gelsolin are closely interacted with the oncogene NF-κb. These two proteins were further validated using the IHC. Gelsolin and ceruloplasmin may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for the progression of high grade lesions.
  11. Ibrahim N, Din NC, Ahmad M, Ghazali SE, Said Z, Shahar S, et al.
    Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2013 Apr;5 Suppl 1:59-66.
    PMID: 23857839 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12068
    INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine the role of social support and depression in predicting the quality of life among the elderly living in a rural Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) community in Malaysia.
    METHODS: A total of 162 elderly settlers of FELDA Sungai Tengi, aged 60 years and above, were selected by universal sampling method in this cross-sectional study. Three standardized instruments - the 12-item Short Form (SF-12), 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and Medical Outcome Study Social Support (MOS-Social Support) - were used to assess for quality of life, depression and social support.
    RESULTS: Quality of life of the elderly people in this community was high, especially in terms of physical components as compared to mental components. The mean scores for emotional role in the SF-12 was relatively the highest (90.74 ± 21.59) with social functioning being the lowest (30.35 ± 22.29). The results also showed that the mean value was higher for physical component summary (74.40) as compared to mental component summary (51.51). Approximately 23.5% suffered mild depression and only 2.5% had severe depression.
    DISCUSSION: This study showed that the elderly FELDA settlers have a high quality of life, mainly on the physical components of life and low rate of severe depression, a positive indicator of their psychological well-being. Social support in the form of emotional/informational support, and depression were significant factors related to their good quality of life.
    KEYWORDS: depression; elderly; quality of life; rural community; social support
    Study site; FELDA Sungai Tengi, Selangor, Malaysia
    Device, Questionnaire & Scale: Short Form Health Survey (SF-12); Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15; Medical Outcome Study Social Support (MOS-Social Support)
  12. Ashraf MA, Ullah S, Ahmad I, Qureshi AK, Balkhair KS, Abdur Rehman M
    J Sci Food Agric, 2014 Feb;94(3):388-403.
    PMID: 23983055 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6371
    The study of biofilms has skyrocketed in recent years due to increased awareness of the pervasiveness and impact of biofilms. It costs the USA literally billions of dollars every year in energy losses, equipment damage, product contamination and medical infections. But biofilms also offer huge potential for cleaning up hazardous waste sites, filtering municipal and industrial water and wastewater, and forming biobarriers to protect soil and groundwater from contamination. The complexity of biofilm activity and behavior requires research contributions from many disciplines such as biochemistry, engineering, mathematics and microbiology. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of emerging novel antimicrobial techniques, including those using myriad organic and inorganic products as well as genetic engineering techniques, the use of coordination complex molecules, composite materials and antimicrobial peptides and the use of lasers as such or their modified use in combination treatments. This review also addresses advanced and recent modifications, including methodological changes, and biocide efficacy enhancing strategies. This review will provide future planners of biofilm control technologies with a broad understanding and perspective on the use of biocides in the field of green developments for a sustainable future.
  13. Mohd Ramli ES, Suhaimi F, Ahmad F, Shuid AN, Mohamad N, Ima-Nirwana S
    Curr Drug Targets, 2013 Dec;14(14):1675-82.
    PMID: 24107234
    Osteoporosis is a major global health problem. Osteoporosis is characterized by the loss of bone mass and strength which leads to an increased risk of fracture. Glucocorticoid treatment is the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. Glucocorticoid action in bone depends upon the expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11β-HSD1). The oestrogen deficient state causes osteoporosis due to enhancement of osteoclastogenesis by oxidative stress which leads to increased bone resorption. Piper sarmentosum (Daun Kaduk) is commonly used in the local cuisine of South East Asia. It is also traditionally used to treat many diseases such as inflammation, dermatitis and joint pain. Studies have revealed antioxidant properties through its flavonoids compound naringenin which acts as a superoxide scavenger that may help in the endogenous antioxidant defence system to protect bone against osteoporosis. Recent studies found that Ps extract has the ability to inhibit the expression and activity of 11β-HSD1 in adipose tissue and bone which restored bone structure and strength. It also accelerates fracture healing in the oestrogen deficient state through its antioxidant properties. The cost of conventional treatment is high and together with the adverse effects it leads to noncompliance. Treatment modalities with herbal medicine, less side effects and is cheaper need to be explored.This review focused on the therapeutic effect of Ps extract on fracture healing in ovariectomized rats and its protective effects against glucocorticoid induced osteoporotic rats.
  14. Ahmad SM, Ling LY, Anwar RM, Faudzi MA, Shakil A
    J Forensic Sci, 2013 May;58(3):724-31.
    PMID: 23527753 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12075
    This article presents an analysis of handwritten signature dynamics belonging to two authentication groups, namely genuine and forged signature samples. Genuine signatures are initially classified based on their relative size, graphical complexity, and legibility as perceived by human examiners. A pool of dynamic features is then extracted for each signature sample in the two groups. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out to investigate the effects and the relationship between the perceived classifications and the authentication groups. Homogeneity of variance was ensured through Bartlett's test prior to ANOVA testing. The results demonstrated that among all the investigated dynamic features, pen pressure is the most distinctive which is significantly different for the two authentication groups as well as for the different perceived classifications. In addition, all the relationships investigated, namely authenticity group versus size, graphical complexity, and legibility, were found to be positive for pen pressure.
  15. Asha'ari ZA, Hasmoni MH, Ab Rahman J, Yusof RA, Ahmad RA
    Laryngoscope, 2012 Oct;122(10):2337-42.
    PMID: 22753136 DOI: 10.1002/lary.23379
    To study the association between sleep apnea and hypertension in a younger age group than previously studied, adding upper airway sizes at endoscopy as important compounding variables not often included in the past.
  16. Lope Ahmad RA, Sivalingam S, Konishi M, De Donato G, Sanna M
    Head Neck, 2013 Apr;35(4):527-34.
    PMID: 22544660 DOI: 10.1002/hed.22987
    The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that may influence the management outcome in patients with jugular paragangliomas.
  17. Ahmad N, Hassan Y, Tangiisuran B, Meng OL, Abd Aziz N, Ahmad FU, et al.
    J Eval Clin Pract, 2013 Oct;19(5):798-804.
    PMID: 22583820 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2753.2012.01852.x
    RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Existing literature suggests that doctors' poor adherence with guidelines is one of the major contributing factors to suboptimal control of hypertension. This study aims to evaluate doctors' adherence with Malaysian clinical practice guideline (CPG 2008) in a tertiary care hospital, and factors associated with guideline adherence and hypertension control.
    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia. Prescriptions written by 26 enrolled doctors to 650 established hypertensive outpatients (25 prescriptions per enrolled doctor) were noted on visit 1 along with patients' demographic and clinical data. The noted prescriptions were classified either as compliant or non-compliant to CPG (2008). Five hundred twenty (80%) of the enrolled patients (20 patients per enrolled doctor) were followed for one more visit. Blood pressure (BP) noted on visit 2 was related to the prescription written on visit 1. SPSS 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis.
    RESULTS: Three hundred forty-nine (67.1%) patients received guidelines compliant pharmacotherapy. In multivariate analysis, hypertension clinic had significant negative association with guidelines adherence. Two hundred sixty-five patients (51%) were at goal BP on visit 2. In multivariate analysis, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and guidelines adherence had significant positive, while renal disease, diabetes mellitus and diabetic clinic had significant negative association with hypertension control.
    CONCLUSIONS: An overall fair level of adherence with guidelines and better control of hypertension was observed. Guidelines compliant practices resulted in better control of hypertension. The gaps between what guidelines recommend and clinical practice were especially seen in the pharmacotherapy of uncomplicated hypertension and hypertension with diabetes mellitus and renal disease.
    KEYWORDS: Malaysia; adherence; guidelines; hypertension
    Study site: Cardiology, nephrology, diabetic and hypertension clinics, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  18. Zuhdi AS, Yaakob ZH, Sadiq MA, Ismail MD, Undok AW, Ahmad WA
    Medicina (Kaunas), 2011;47(4):219-21.
    PMID: 21829054
    Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare, acute, nonischemic cardiomyopathy causing transient left ventricular dysfunction, which can mimic myocardial infarction on its presentation. While many cardiac manifestations have been associated with hyperthyroidism, we report a rare case where it has precipitated takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
  19. Taher M, Susanti D, Rezali MF, Zohri FS, Ichwan SJ, Alkhamaiseh SI, et al.
    Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2012 Feb;5(2):136-41.
    PMID: 22221758 DOI: 10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60012-1
    OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of stembark of Garcinia malaccensis (G. malaccensis) together with apoptotic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

    METHODS: Purification and structure elucidation were carried out by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively. MTT and trypan blue exclusion methods were performed to study the cytotoxic activity. Antibacterial activity was conducted by disc diffusion and microdilution methods, whereas antioxidant activities were done by ferric thiocyanate method and DPPH radical scavenging.

    RESULTS: The phytochemical study led to the isolation of α,β-mangostin and cycloart-24-en-3β-ol. α-Mangostin exhibited cytotoxic activity against HSC-3 cells with an IC(50) of 0.33 μM. β- and α-mangostin showed activity against K562 cells with IC(50) of 0.40 μM and 0.48 μM, respectively. α-Mangostin was active against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) with inhibition zone and MIC value of (19 mm; 0.025 mg/mL) and (20 mm; 0.013 mg/mL), respectively. In antioxidant assay, α-mangostin exhibited activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.

    CONCLUSIONS: G. malaccensis presence α- and β-mangostin and cycloart-24-en-3β-ol. β-Mangostin was found very active against HSC-3 cells and K562. The results suggest that mangostins derivatives have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. In addition, α-and β-mangostin was found inhibit the growth of Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria and also showed the activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.

  20. Ahmad F, Christenson A, Bainbridge M, Yusof AP, Ab Ghani S
    Biosens Bioelectron, 2007 Mar 15;22(8):1625-32.
    PMID: 16934449
    A new implantable electrocatalytic glucose sensor for subcutaneous glucose monitoring has been fabricated by immobilizing glucose oxidase on a chemically modified carbon fiber. The sensor was inserted subcutaneously on a male spraguely rat without any incision after dipping the microsensor in the rat's serum for 3 days. The so called "stained" microsensor, operated in the amperometric mode with an applied potential of +0.23 V versus Ag|AgCl, was able to directly measure the glucose concentration upon infusion of glucose. The results obtained were encouraging, with the response time was less than 2s and the apparent Michaelis-Menten value at 5.1+/-0.5mM. The "stained" microsensor shows good stability and reproducibility with constant response spanned over 25 days. Most common interferences in glucose analysis were minimized by the outerlayer Nafion. Hematology examinations showed minimal material-tissue interaction. Use of such mechanical devices will allow a more refined understanding towards glucose control in diabetic patients as the implanted microsensor was not effected by biocompatibility failures.
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