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Optimization of medium composition for the production of a probiotic microorganism, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, using response surface methodology

Liew SL, Ariff AB, Raha AR, Ho YW

Int J Food Microbiol, 2005 Jul 15;102(2):137-42.
PMID: 15992613

This study was undertaken to optimize yeast extract, glucose, and vitamin concentrations; and also culture pH for maximizing the growth of a probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and to assess the effects of these factors by using response surface methodology. A central composite design was used as an experimental design for the allocation of treatment combinations. A polynomial regression model with cubic and quartic terms was used for analysis of the experimental data. It was found that the effects involving yeast extract, glucose, vitamins and pH on the growth of L. rhamnosus were significant, and the strongest effect was given by the yeast extract concentration. Estimated optimum conditions of the factors for the growth of L. rhamnosus are as follows: pH=6.9; vitamin solution=1.28% (v/v); glucose=5.01% (w/v) and yeast extract=6.0% (w/v).
Fulltext Large fusiform posterior cerebral artery aneurysm (P2 segment): successful trapping and excision via subtemporal approach

Ramzisham ARM, Azizi AB, Zurin AAR

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Oct;59(4):530-2.
PMID: 15779587

A 62-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of right occipito-parietal headache and worsening ipsilateral ptosis. CT scan and cerebral angiography revealed a large fusiform aneurysm of the P2 segment of the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA). The aneurysm was successfully trapped and subsequently excised via sub temporal approach leaving no additional neurological deficits to our patient.
Design of a Braille Learning Application for Visually Impaired Students in Bangladesh

Nahar L, Jaafar A, Ahamed E, Kaish AB

Assist Technol, 2015;27(3):172-82.
PMID: 26427745 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2015.1011758

Visually impaired students (VIS) are unable to get visual information, which has made their learning process complicated. This paper discusses the overall situation of VIS in Bangladesh and identifies major challenges that they are facing in getting education. The Braille system is followed to educate blind students in Bangladesh. However, lack of Braille based educational resources and technological solutions have made the learning process lengthy and complicated for VIS. As a developing country, Bangladesh cannot afford for the costly Braille related technological tools for VIS. Therefore, a mobile phone based Braille application, "mBRAILLE", for Android platform is designed to provide an easy Braille learning technology for VIS in Bangladesh. The proposed design is evaluated by experts in assistive technology for students with disabilities, and advanced learners of Braille. The application aims to provide a Bangla and English Braille learning platform for VIS. In this paper, we depict iterative (participatory) design of the application along with a preliminary evaluation with 5 blind subjects, and 1 sighted and 2 blind experts. The results show that the design scored an overall satisfaction level of 4.53 out of 5 by all respondents, indicating that our design is ready for the next step of development.
Toxicological and hematological effect of Terminalia arjuna bark extract on a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis

Suely A, Zabed H, Ahmed AB, Mohamad J, Nasiruddin M, Sahu JN, et al.

Fish Physiol Biochem, 2016 Apr;42(2):431-44.
PMID: 26501361 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-015-0149-3

Increasing demand for eco-friendly botanical piscicides and pesticides as replacements for harmful synthetic chemicals has led to investigation of new sources of plant materials. Stem bark of Terminalia arjuna, which has been used as a popular folk medicine since ancient time, was examined for its piscicidal activity. This study aims to determine toxicity of ethanol extract of T. arjuna bark on fresh water stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis), along with evaluation of changes in hematological parameters of the fishes exposed to a lethal concentration. The percent mortality of fishes varied significantly in response to concentrations of the extract and exposure times (between exposure time F = 36.57, p < 0.001; between concentrations F = 39.93, p < 0.001). The lethal concentrations (LC50) of ethanol extract were found to be 12.7, 8.94, 5.63 and 4.71 mg/l for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively. During acute toxicity test, blood samples of treatment fishes showed significant decreases in the red blood cells count, hematocrit content, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and plasma protein level when compared to those of the control group, while there were significant increases in the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cells count and plasma glucose concentration. These results suggest that T. arjuna bark extract could be considered as a potent piscicide due to its toxic effect on fish, particularly fish hematology.
Fulltext Aphid-induced Defences in Chilli Affect Preferences of the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Saad KA, Mohamad Roff MN, Hallett RH, Idris AB

Sci Rep, 2015;5:13697.
PMID: 26334135 DOI: 10.1038/srep13697

The sweetpotato whitefly (WF), Bemisia tabaci, is a major pest that damages a wide range of vegetable crops in Malaysia. WF infestation is influenced by a variety of factors, including previous infestation of the host plant by other insect pests. This study investigated the effects of previous infestation of host chilli plants by the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) on the olfactory behavioural response of B. tabaci, using free-choice bioassay with a Y-tube olfactometer. We analysed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by non-infested and M. persicae-infested chilli plants using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our results showed that female WFs preferred non-infested to pre-infested plants. Collection and analysis of volatile compounds emitted by infested plants confirmed that there were significant increases in the production of monoterpenes (cymene; 1,8-cineole), sesquiterpenes (β-cadinene, α-copaene), and methyl salicylate (MeSA) compared to non-infested plants. Our results suggest that host plant infestation by aphids may induce production of secondary metabolites that deter B. tabaci from settling on its host plants. These results provide important information for understanding WF host selection and dispersal among crops, and also for manipulating WF behaviour to improve IPM in chilli.
Partial ablation of uropygial gland effect on carcass characteristics of Akar Putra chicken

Jawad HS, Idris LH, Bakar ZB, Kassim AB

Poult Sci, 2016 Aug 01;95(8):1966-71.
PMID: 27081194 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew125

This study evaluated the effect of partial uropygialectomy (PU) on carcass traits of male and female Akar Putra chickens. Sixty chicks of each sex were evenly distributed into 5 treatment groups with 3 replicates per group containing 4 males and 4 females each, and reared for 12 wk. Homogeneity of the groups was satisfied with regard to the parity. Experimental treatments consisted of a control treatment (T1), and partial ablation of the uropygial gland was applied on the second, third, fourth, and fifth treatments at 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk of age, respectively. The chickens were fed ad libitum the same diets (1 to 13 d: starter; 14 d to slaughter: finisher). On the last d of the experiment, 12 birds were randomly selected from each treatment group (2 males and 2 females per replicate) and slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics, which included carcass weight, dressing percentage with or without eating giblets, and the relative weights of heart, liver, gizzard, thighs, wings, breast, back, and neck. From the results of the study, it was shown that the partial ablation of the uropygial gland at all ages had certain dependent effects concerning some carcass parameters, as shown by higher breast and back relative weights in males and breast relative weight in females. As a consequence, a positive effect also was noticed regarding the carcass morphology in terms of the increase in dressing percentage with or without eating giblets thus leading to an increase in the body weight and carcass weight. Furthermore, the best result was obtained in the second treatment when PU was applied at 3 wk of age compared with other experimental groups. Moreover, the current study provides a novel and economic alternative to enhance the body performance of poultry in general and Akar Putra chicken particularly.
Severe descending necrotizing mediastinitis: vacuum-assisted dressing did wonder

Liew YT, Lim EY, Zulkiflee AB, Prepageran N

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 2017 Apr;65(4):225-228.
PMID: 27016203 DOI: 10.1007/s11748-016-0642-3

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rapidly progressive disease from the spread of cervical infection. Transcervical and transthoracic drainage was the recognized traditional surgical approach to achieve adequate clearance of infection. Non-invasive vacuum-assisted dressing is a new technique where applied negative pressure can help remove infective fluid and to promote wound healing. A 60-year-old man presented with odynophagia, fever and anterior neck swelling for 2 weeks. He was diagnosed to have anterior neck abscess and underwent surgical drainage. However, it did not respond well, but progressed to involve superior and inferior mediastinum. Vacuum-assisted dressing was applied for total of 2 weeks and the patient recovered without going through usual traditional transthoracic drainage. Vacuum drainage is a simple, safe and non-invasive method of managing DNM, in well selected group with small abscess cavity without airway obstruction and septicemia. This potential technique can lead to paradigm shift in treating life-threatening DNM.
Phenotypic variability and therapeutic implications of Candida species in patients with oral lichen planus

Arora S, Verma M, Gupta SR, Urs AB, Dhakad MS, Kaur R

Biotech Histochem, 2016 May;91(4):237-41.
PMID: 26984382 DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2015.1127425

We investigated the prevalence and phenotypic variation of Candida species in oral lichen planus (OLP) and the therapeutic implications of our findings. Eighty patients with clinically and histopathologically confirmed cases of OLP (64 non-erosive, 16 erosive) and a control group of 80 healthy individuals with no predisposing factors for oral candidiasis were examined for evidence of Candida infection. Oral swabs and smears were obtained for cytology and culture. Identification, speciation and antifungal susceptibility tests of Candida isolates were performed using an automated microbial identification system. Fifty percent of erosive OLP cases, 28% of non-erosive cases and none of the controls showed evidence of Candida. Candida albicans was found predominantly in non-erosive OLP, while other Candida species were predominate in erosive OLP. Non-Candida albicans isolates (C. glabrata, C. krusei) were resistant to the commonly used antifungals, clotrimazole and fluconazole. Candida infection is common in cases of OLP. We recommend antifungal sensitivity testing prior to antifungal therapy for the erosive form of OLP.
The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of post mortem computed tomography in detecting liver and splenic injury due to road traffic accident

Norzailin AB, Noor Azman S, Mohd Helmee MN, Khairul Anuar Z

Med J Malaysia, 2016 02;71(1):1-7.
PMID: 27130735

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in detecting liver and splenic injuries due to road traffic accidents.
MATERIAL & METHOD: 61 road traffic accidental death cases underwent both PMCT and conventional autopsy. The imaging findings were compared to the conventional autopsy findings.
RESULT: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for liver injuries in PMCT was 71%, 82%, 68% and 85% while that of splenic injuries was 73%, 80%, 55% and 90% respectively. The accuracy of PMCT scan was 79% for both liver and splenic injuries. There is strong association between lower left ribs fracture and splenic injury (p=0.005) and significant association between positive liver and splenic PMCT finding and intraabdominal fatal injury (p=0.037).
CONCLUSION: In conclusion PMCT has high specificity and NPV for liver and splenic injuries; however the sensitivity and PPV are low. The overall accuracy is not high enough to enable PMCT to be used as a replacement for conventional autopsy; however it is a useful complementary examination and has potential to be used as decision making tool for selective internal autopsy.
Fulltext Callus cell proliferation from broccoli leaf slice using IBA and BAP in vitro culture: Its biochemical and antioxidant properties

Sharif Hossain AB, Haq I, Ibrahim NA, Aleissa MS

Data Brief, 2016 Mar;6:214-20.
PMID: 26862562 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2015.11.061

Plant tissue or cell culture keeps a significant role in micro-propagation in the plant production industry. Combination of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and other plant growth regulators like 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was used in the most of the research in tissue culture. The study was carried out to investigate the optimization of the concentration of IBA and BAP combination (0, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 1.50, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mg/l) for the root, callus and leaf proliferation from the leaf cutting slice. The highest number (6.75) of root proliferation was observed in the concentration of 2.0 mg/l IBA+0.25 mg/l BAP combination. The callus initiation was found in the concentration of IBA 1.0-3.5 mg/l+BAP 1.0-2.0 mg/l. However, the highest callus weight was observed at the concentration of IBA 1.5 mg/l+BAP 1.0 mg/l combination than other combination of concentrations. Positively leaf initiation and formation was better in the concentration of IBA 1-3.5 mg/l+BAP 1.0-2.0 mg/l combination. In addition, the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydarzyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging potential was higher (70.1%) in leaves extract than in callus extracts (46.3%) at the concentration of 10 mg/ml though both extracts had lower DPPH free radical scavenging activity compared to the positive control, vitamin C and BHT. Theresults conclude that the optimum concentration was IBA 1.5 mg/l+BAP 1.0 mg/l combination to produce callus cell proliferation and concentration of 2.0 mg/l IBA+0.25 mg/l BAP combination was the optimum for root proliferation of broccoli in vitro.
An online open-source tool for automated quantification of liver and myocardial iron concentrations by T2* magnetic resonance imaging

Git KA, Fioravante LA, Fernandes JL

Br J Radiol, 2015 Sep;88(1053):20150269.
PMID: 26118302 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20150269

To assess whether an online open-source tool would provide accurate calculations of T2(*) values for iron concentrations in the liver and heart compared with a standard reference software.
Cloning and expression of a novel lipase gene from Bacillus sphaericus 205y

Rahman RN, Chin JH, Salleh AB, Basri M

Mol Genet Genomics, 2003 May;269(2):252-60.
PMID: 12756537

A Bacillus sphaericus strain (205y) that produces an organic solvent-tolerant lipase was isolated in Port Dickson, Malaysia. The gene for the lipase was recovered from a genomic library and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on an alignment of thirteen microbial lipase sequences obtained from the NCBI database. The analysis suggested that the B. sphaericus lipase gene is a novel gene, as it is distinct from other lipase genes in Families I.4 and I.5 reported so far. Expression in Escherichia coli under the control of the lacZ promoter resulted in an eight-fold increase in enzyme activity after a 3-h induction with 1 mM IPTG. The crude enzyme thus obtained showed a slight (10%) enhancement in activity after a 30-min incubation in 25% (v/v) n-hexane at 37 degrees C, and retained 90% of its activity after a similar period in 25% (v/v) p-xylene.
An internet-based blood pressure monitoring system for patients

Aris IB, Wagie AA, Mariun NB, Jammal AB

J Telemed Telecare, 2001;7(1):51-3.
PMID: 11265939

We developed a personal blood pressure monitoring system for patients with hypertension or hypotension. The system can be used to measure a patient's blood pressure at home and to transmit the data automatically to a hospital database via the Internet. The accuracy of blood pressure readings using the system was assessed by comparison with readings from a standard digital sphygmomanometer in four subjects. The measurement error for the systolic readings was 1.7-2.7% and for the diastolic readings 2.7-3.2%. The system therefore appears to be a promising means of assessing blood pressure remotely.
Model studies on granular activated carbon adsorption in fixed bed filtration

Jusoh AB, Noor MJ, Plow SB

Water Sci Technol, 2002;46(9):127-35.
PMID: 12448461

The removal of natural organic matter (NOM) using a continuous flow fixed bed granular activated carbon (GAC) column was studied and the results were then fitted with the Adams-Bohart, Bed-Depth-Service-Time and Clarks models. The GAC, KI-6070 and KI-8085 used in the study had external surface areas of 277 m2/g and 547 m2/g, respectively. Adsorption of NOM by the GAC was complex and involved more than one rate-limiting step. The critical bed depths for KI-6070 and KI-8085 were 0.24 m and 0.3 m, respectively. The Clark model was more effective in simulating the absorbent breakthrough process as compared to the Adams-Bohart model. The lower empty bed contact time (EBCT) i.e. 15 minutes gave a better fit to the Clark Model as compared to EBCT of 20 and 30 minutes.
Fulltext Quality of life--how do Malaysian asthmatics fare?

Sararaks S, Rugayah B, Azman AB, Karuthan C, Low LL

Med J Malaysia, 2001 Sep;56(3):350-8.
PMID: 11732082

Asthma can place considerable restrictions on the physical, emotional and social aspects of the lives of patients. The assessment of quality of life aims to provide a means of measuring the impact of this disease on patients' lives, from the patients' perspective. A cross sectional multi-centre study was conducted in six government hospitals throughout the country. Self-administered SF-36 was used, and clinical information obtained through interviews and examination. 1612 asthmatics responded. Females constituted 63% of the respondents; mean age was 40.9 years; Malays were the majority ethnic group, while 70.8% had secondary level education and 53.7% were employed. Half had suffered from asthma for at least 13 years, while 46.8% and 23.6% have moderate and severe disease respectively. Quality of life was affected by severity of disease. Asthmatics, had a significantly poorer quality of life than the general US population. Severe asthma disease was associated with a compromised quality of life, similar to that of COPD.
Biological treatment of fishery washing water using Bacillus sphaericus coupled with production of spores that are toxic to mosquito larvae

Ariff AB, Rosfarizan M, Sobri MA, Karim MI

Environ Technol, 2001 Jun;22(6):697-704.
PMID: 11482390

Research was undertaken to investigate the treatment of fishery washing water using Bacillus sphaericus, and to recover the spores for subsequent use as bioinsecticide to control the population of mosquitoes. This treatment method could reduce pollution due to organic matter by decreasing the value of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) by about 85% and 92%, respectively. The maximum concentration of spores (83.3 x 10(7) spores ml(-1)) using normal concentration of filtered fishery washing water was only about 27% lower than that obtained in fermentation using 0.25% (w/v) yeast extract. The larvicidal activity of the spores produced in fermentation using fishery washing water to Culex quinquefaciatus, as measured by LD50 after 48 h, was almost the same as the larvicidal activity of spores obtained from fermentation using yeast extract.
Fulltext Uvulo-palatoglossal junctional ulcers--an early clinical sign of exanthem subitum due to human herpesvirus 6

Chua KB, Lam SK, Sazaly AB, Lim ST, Paranjothy M

Med J Malaysia, 1999 Mar;54(1):32-6.
PMID: 10972002

A provisional clinical diagnosis of exanthem subitum was made in six febrile infants seen in the Paediatric Unit of Assunta Hospital, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia with uvulo-palatoglossal junctional ulcers prior to the eruption of maculopapular rash. On follow-up, all six infants developed maculopapular rash with the subsidence of fever at the end of the fourth febrile day. Human herpesvirus 6 was isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the acute phase of the illness and HHV 6 specific genome was also detected in these cells by nested polymerase chain reaction. All the six infants showed seroconversion for both specific IgG and IgM to the isolated virus. This study suggests that the presence of uvulo-palatoglossal junctional ulcers could be a useful early clinical sign of exanthem subitum due to human herpesvirus 6.
Fulltext Comparison of Brugia-Elisa and thick blood smear examination in a prevalence study of brugian filariasis in Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia

Lim BH, Rahmah N, Afifi SAB, Ramli A, Mehdi R

Med J Malaysia, 2001 Dec;56(4):491-6.
PMID: 12014770

A total of 1,134 finger-pricked blood samples were collected from residents of Setiu, Terengganu. A drop of blood was used to make thick blood smear and about four drops were used for obtaining serum. The smears were stained and examined by the State Vector Control Unit in Kuala Terengganu, while the serum samples were tested for specific IgG4 antibodies to a novel recombinant antigen using Brugia-Elisa. Prevalence of filariasis in these areas were found to be 0.26% (3/1,134) using thick blood smear examination and 2.47% (28/1,134) using Brugia-Elisa, thus demonstrating the greater sensitivity of the latter test. In addtion, Brugia-Elisa showed a high level of specificity (97.8%, 1,106/1,131) when compared to thick blood smear examination.
Fulltext Neuropsychiatric profile of a case of post traumatic stress disorder following an electric shock

Jr Laforce R, Gibson B, Morehouse R, Bailey PAB, MacLaren VV

Med J Malaysia, 2000 Dec;55(4):524-6.
PMID: 11221170

Exposure to extraordinary stressors or life-threatening events has been shown to result in negative cognitive, behavioural and emotional outcomes including the cluster of symptoms constituting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder has most often been studied in military veterans and victims of abuse who also show high rates of comorbid conditions. We report a case of PTSD following an electrical injury in a patient with no past psychiatric history. Implications for a full range of examinations including comprehensive neuropsychiatric testing are discussed. Results suggest that such approach addresses the complexity of a differential diagnosis between organic and psychiatric dysfunctions.
Growth and anthraquinone production of Morinda elliptica cell suspension cultures in a stirred-tank bioreactor

Abdullah MA, Ariff AB, Marziah M, Ali AM, Lajis NH

J Agric Food Chem, 2000 Sep;48(9):4432-8.
PMID: 10995375

The effects of medium strategy, number of impellers, aeration mode, and mode of operation on Morinda elliptica cell suspension cultures in a stirred-tank bioreactor are described. A lower number of impellers and continuous aeration contributed toward high cell growth rate, whereas a higher number of impellers reduced cell growth rate, although not anthraquinone yield. The semicontinuous mode could indirectly imitate the larger scale version of production medium strategy and improved anthraquinone production even with 0. 012% (v/v) antifoam addition. Production medium promoted both growth (maximum dry cell weight of 24.6 g/L) and anthraquinone formation (maximum content of 19.5 mg/g of dry cell weight), without any necessity for antifoam addition. Cultures in production medium or with higher growth rate and anthraquinone production were less acidic than cultures in growth medium or with lower growth rate and anthraquinone production. Using the best operating variables, growth of M. elliptica cells (24.6 g/L) and anthraquinone yield (0.25 g/L) were 45% and 140%, respectively, lower than those using a shake flask culture after 12 days of cultivation.

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