MyMedR

Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 399 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Mechanical Strain-Mediated Tenogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Is Regulated through Epithelial Sodium Channels

Nam HY, Murali MR, Ahmad RE, Pingguan-Murphy B, Raghavendran HRB, Kamarul T

Stem Cells Int, 2020;2020:5385960.
PMID: 32908542 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5385960

It has been suggested that mechanical strain may elicit cell differentiation in adult somatic cells through activation of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). However, such phenomenon has not been previously demonstrated in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The present study was thus conducted to investigate the role of ENaC in human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) tenogenic differentiation during uniaxial tensile loading. Passaged-2 hMSCs were seeded onto silicone chambers coated with collagen I and subjected to stretching at 1 Hz frequency and 8% strain for 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Analyses at these time points included cell morphology and alignment observation, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence staining (collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, and N-cadherin), and gene expression (ENaC subunits, and tenogenic markers). Unstrained cells at similar time points served as the control group. To demonstrate the involvement of ENaC in the differentiation process, an ENaC blocker (benzamil) was used and the results were compared to the noninhibited hMSCs. ENaC subunits' (α, β, γ, and δ) expression was observed in hMSCs, although only α subunit was significantly increased during stretching. An increase in tenogenic genes' (collagen1, collagen3, decorin, tenascin-c, scleraxis, and tenomodulin) and proteins' (collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, and N-cadherin) expression suggests that hMSCs underwent tenogenic differentiation when subjected to uniaxial loading. Inhibition of ENaC function resulted in decreased expression of these markers, thereby suggesting that ENaC plays a vital role in tenogenic differentiation of hMSCs during mechanical loading.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Improving bond strength and thermal behaviour of new sodalite infiltrate ceramic core materials

Naji, Ghassan Abdul-Hamid, Ros Anita Omar, Rosiyah Yahya

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(21):2-2.
MyJurnal

The mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the veneered
porcelain and the ceramic core has been primarily identified as the cause of core/veneer chipping
in all-ceramic restorations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sodalite infiltration on the
CTE behaviour and bond strength of different all-ceramic prostheses. Materials and Methods: The
experimental groups were synthesised sodalite-infiltrated alumina (IA-SOD) and synthesised
sodalite-infiltrated zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) (IZ-SOD), while the control groups were glassinfiltrated alumina (IA-glass) and glass-infiltrated ZTA (IZ-glass). (Copied from article).

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Respiratory symptoms in tea mill workers

Naemah Tajol Arus, Suhaily Amran, Norhafsam Maghpor, Ahmad Sayuti Zainal Abidin, Nurzuhairah Jamil, Rochi Bakel, et al.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(1):221-225.
MyJurnal

In the recent years, an extensive number of scientific researches on occupational diseases have been done to
identify occupations at high risk of inducing diseases. There are many categories of occupational diseases, and unitary
of them are occupational respiratory diseases. This study was conducted in a tea factory located in Cameron Highlands,
Malaysia, with an output of 600,000.00 kg per annum. Its objective was to evaluate respiratory diseases among the
workers, conducted via questionnaires, interviews and lung functional tests. A total of 38 workers participated in this
study, 19 in the exposed group and 19 in the control group. The most common chronic symptoms for the exposed
group are wheezing, dyspnea (short of breath) and phlegm. The result shows that, among the tea processing workers,
the exposed group suffer from respiratory diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Gene expression analysis of the concomitant existence of lymphovascular and perineural invasion in colorectal cancer

Nadiah Abu, Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib, Rahman Jamal

Asia-Pacific Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2018;8(2):1-13.
MyJurnal

The invasion of cancer cells into the peritumoral, lymph node and perineural system could be detrimental
on cancer patients. In colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, the presence of lymphovascular (LVI) and/or
perineural (PNI) invasion could significantly influence on the survival rates, treatment options and
recurrence tendencies. To date, no study has analyzed the molecular profile of the concomitant existence of
LVI and PNI in CRC. Here, we reanalyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) CRC datasets and focused
on cases where the information regarding LVI and PNI are available (n=176). We performed differential
gene expression, methylation and microRNA analysis by comparing the groups having both or either LVI
and PNI with the control group (LVI negative and PNI negative). Although there was no significant
difference in the methylation and miRNA profiles, we identified a number of differentially expressed genes
(DEGs). The comparison between the LVI+PNI+ and LVI-PNI- groups revealed key DEGs including
SFTA2, PHACTR3, CRABP2, ODZ3, GRP, HAP1, CSDC2, TMEM59L and HDAC9. Meanwhile, in the
LVI-PNI+ vs LVI-PNI- group, some of the DEGs found were PTPRR, EFNA2, FGF20, IGFL4, METRN
and IGFBPL1. We believe that this study could be beneficial and add value to further understand the
complex molecular profiles of CRC.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet C Light-Induced Reduction of Surface Hydrocarbons on Titanium Implants

Naauman Z, Rajion ZAB, Maliha S, Hariy P, Muhammad QS, Noor HAR

Eur J Dent, 2019 Feb;13(1):114-118.
PMID: 31170762 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688741

OBJECTIVE: The carbon, titanium, and oxygen levels on titanium implant surfaces with or without ultraviolet (UV) pretreatment were evaluated at different wavelengths through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This interventional experimental study was conducted on nine Dio UFII implants with hybrid sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface treatments, divided equally into three groups. Control group A samples were not given UV irradiation, while groups B and C samples were given UVA (382 nm, 25 mWcm2) and UVC (260 nm, 15 mWcm2) irradiation, respectively. The atomic ratio of carbon, titanium, and oxygen was compared through XPS.
RESULTS: Mean carbon-to-titanium ratio and C1 peaks considerably increased in Group A compared to those in experimental Groups B and C. The intensity of Ti2p and O1s peaks was more pronounced for group C compared to that for groups A and B.
CONCLUSIONS: Although the decrease in surface hydrocarbons was the same in both UV-treated groups, the peak intensity of oxygen increased in the UVC-treated group. Thus, it can be concluded that compared with UVA irradiation, UVC irradiation has the potential to induce more hydrophilicity on SLA-coated implants.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Stingless Bee Honey Improves Spatial Memory in Mice, Probably Associated with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate Receptor Type 1 (Itpr1) Genes

Mustafa MZ, Zulkifli FN, Fernandez I, Mariatulqabtiah AR, Sangu M, Nor Azfa J, et al.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2019;2019:8258307.
PMID: 31885664 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8258307

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stingless bee honey (SBH) supplementation on memory and learning in mice. Despite many studies that show the benefits of honey on memory, reports on the nootropic effects of SBH are still lacking, and their underlying mechanism is still unclear. SBH is a honey produced by the bees in the tribe of Meliponini that exist in tropical countries. It features unique storage of honey collected in cerumen pots made of propolis. This SBH may offer a better prospect for therapeutic performance as the previous report identifies the presence of antioxidants that were greater than other honey produced by Apis sp. In this study, SBH was tested on Swiss albino mice following acute (7 days) and semichronic (35 days) supplementation. Experiments were then conducted using Morris water maze (MWM) behaviour analysis, RT-PCR for gene expression of mice striatum, and NMR for metabolomics analysis of the honey. Results indicate spatial working memory and spatial reference memory of mice were significantly improved in the honey-treated group compared with the control group. Improved memory consolidations were also observed in prolonged supplementation. Gene expression analyses of acutely treated mice demonstrated significant upregulation of BDNF and Itpr1 genes that involve in synaptic function. NMR analysis also identified phenylalanine, an essential precursor for tyrosine that plays a role at the BDNF receptor. In conclusion, SBH supplementation for seven days at 2000 mg/kg, which is equivalent to a human dose of 162 mg/kg, showed strong capabilities to improve spatial working memory. And prolonged intake up to 35 days increased spatial reference memory in the mice model. The phenylalanine in SBH may have triggered the upregulation of BDNF genes in honey-treated mice and improved their spatial memory performance.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Evaluation of the salivary flow rate and ph in patients with recurrent oral ulcers

Mustafa Al-Ahmad, Basma Ezzat, Sukmasari S., Abdul Jabbar O.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(2):49-56.
MyJurnal

Introductions: Recurrent oral ulcers primarily effect mucosal surfaces and are among the most common chronic inflammatory diseases. Numerous studies to find the aetiopathogenesis have been conducted however the cause still remains unclear. Saliva is of utmostimportance for oral health maintenance. In current study, saliva was used as a diagnostic tool for comparison of salivary flow rate and pH in patients suffering from recurrent oral ulcers and control group. Materials and Methods: Saliva samples taken from 20 recurrent aphthous ulcer patients and 20 control (healthy) patients using a convient sampling method. Drooling method was used to collect unstimulated whole saliva sample. Pre-weighted specimen bottles were used and then weighed after sample collection on a graduated scale where as chair-side pH meter was used to determine the salivary pH. Independent t-test and Pearson’s correlation were performed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significance. Results: Positive correlation was found between the flow rate and pH in recurrent oral ulcer patients. Patients with recurrent oral ulcers had higher flow rate and pH compared to the control group. These effects were exaggerated in female patients with ulcers. Conclusions: Disturbances in salivary flow rate and pH were not significantly associated with recurrent oral ulcers.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Relationship between central corneal thickness and severity of open angle glaucoma using optical coherence tomography

Mushawiahti, M., Syed Zulkifli, S.Z., Aida Zairani, M.Z., Faridah, H.

Medicine & Health, 2011;6(2):107-113.
MyJurnal

Central corneal thickness plays a major role in the management of many types of glaucoma. Therefore, our aim is to determine the relationship between the severity of glaucoma measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and central corneal thickness (CCT) among normal tension and high tension glaucoma patients. This is an observational cross sectional study on 190 patients carried out in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Three groups of patients were identified; 60 normal tension glaucoma (NTG), 61 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 69 control. Patients were identified based on the glaucomatous visual field changes and previous record of intraocular pressure before treatment. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements were recorded. Specular microscope was used to measure the CCT and the severity of glaucoma was evaluated objectively based on the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography. Results showed NTG patients had significantly thinner cornea, 503.07±32.27µm compared to the control group, 517.45±31.74 µm (p=0.012).
However, there was no significant difference between the CCT of POAG and NTG groups (p=0.386).Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness was significantly different between the glaucoma and the control groups (p

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Selective uptake of alpha-tocotrienol and improvement in oxidative status in rat brains following short- and long- term intake of tocotrienol rich fraction

Musalmah, M., Leow, K.S., Nursiati, M.T., Raja Najmi Hanis Raja, l., Fadly Syah, A., Renuka, S., et al.

Malays J Nutr, 2013;19(2):251-259.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Tocotrienol exerts neuroprotective effects resulting in an improved circulating oxidative status. However, accumulation of tocotrienol due to longterm intake may exert pro-oxidant effects. Thus the effects of short- and longterm supplementation of vitamin E tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) on the parameters of oxidative status in rat brains were determined. Methods: Wistar rats aged 3 months were supplemented with TRF for 3 or 8 months. Control groups received equivolume of distilled water. Rats were sacrificed and brains
harvested, weighed and homogenised. Supernatants were analysed for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, vitamin E and protein carbonyl. Results: A significant decline in the level of total vitamin E and its isomers with increasing age were found. TRF supplementation increased the level of total vitamin E with alpha-tocotrienol (ATT) being the major isomer raised. Glutathione peroxidase activity was also
significantly increased in the long-term supplemented group compared to the short-term supplemented and control groups. The results also showed significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity (p

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Depressive, anxiety and stress levels among mothers of ADHD children and their relationships to ADHD symptoms

Musa R, Shafiee Z

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2007;8(1):20-28.
MyJurnal

Introduction: To date, there are limited published literatures addressing behaviors of Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) children and their parents’ psychological
characteristics. It is also crucial to know the relationship between characteristics of ADHD
behaviors on their parental psychological impacts. Objective: To determine the level of stress, anxiety and depressive among mothers of ADHD children compared to control group and also to determine the associations between domains of children’s behaviors (externalizing or internalizing) that gives most impact to these maternal psychological aspects. Method: This is a cross-sectional study. Seventy mothers of ADHD children who came to Child and Adolescent Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital completed self-rating questionnaires of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depressive Scale (HADS). Seventy mothers of asthmatic children were recruited as a control group. Results: Mothers with ADHD children are more anxious, depressed and stressed (p

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Effects of Perivitelline Fluid Obtained from Horseshoe Crab on The Proliferation and Genotoxicity of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Musa M, Mohd Ali K, Kannan TP, Azlina A, Omar NS, Chatterji A, et al.

Cell J, 2015;17(2):253-63.
PMID: 26199904

OBJECTIVE: Perivitelline fluid (PVF) of the horseshoe crab embryo has been reported to possess an important role during embryogenesis by promoting cell proliferation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PVF on the proliferation, chromosome aberration (CA) and mutagenicity of the dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an in vitro experimental study. PVF samples were collected from horseshoe crabs from beaches in Malaysia and the crude extract was prepared. DPSCs were treated with different concentrations of PVF crude extract in an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay (cytotoxicity test). We choose two inhibitory concentrations (IC50 and IC25) and two PVF concentrations which produced more cell viability compared to a negative control (100%) for further tests. Quantitative analysis of the proliferation activity of PVF was studied using the AlamarBlue®assay for 10 days. Population doubling times (PDTs) of the treatment groups were calculated from this assay. Genotoxicity was evaluated based on the CA and Ames tests. Statistical analysis was carried out using independent t test to calculate significant differences in the PDT and mitotic indices in the CA test between the treatment and negative control groups. Significant differences in the data were P<0.05.
RESULTS: A total of four PVF concentrations retrieved from the MTT assay were 26.887 mg/ml (IC50), 14.093 mg/ml (IC25), 0.278 mg/ml (102% cell viability) and 0.019 mg/ml (102.5% cell viability). According to the AlamarBlue®assay, these PVF groups produced comparable proliferation activities compared to the negative (untreated) control. PDTs between PVF groups and the negative control were insignificantly different (P>0.05). No significant aberrations in chromosomes were observed in the PVF groups and the Ames test on the PVF showed the absence of significant positive results.
CONCLUSION: PVF from horseshoe crabs produced insignificant proliferative activity on treated DPSCs. The PVF was non-genotoxic based on the CA and Ames tests.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Impact of customized-consumer medication information on health-related quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Munsour EE, Awaisu A, Ahmad Hassali MA, Dabbous Z, Zahran N, Abdoun E

Res Social Adm Pharm, 2020 Jun;16(6):793-799.
PMID: 31542446 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.08.038

BACKGROUND: The importance of providing accurate medication information that can be easily comprehended by patients to subsequently best use their medication(s) has been widely reported in the literature. Patient information leaflet (PIL) is a supporting tool aiding patients to make decisions about their treatment plan and improve patient-clinician communication and thus medication adherence. PIL is the written document produced by the pharmaceutical manufacturers and packed with the medicine. The available PILs do not consider cultural and behavioral perspectives of diverse populations residing in a country like Qatar. Consumer medication information (CMI) is written information about prescription drugs developed by organizations or individuals other than a drug's manufacturer that is intended for distribution to consumers at the time of drug dispensing.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of customized CMI (C-CMI) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Qatar.
METHODS: This was a randomized controlled intervention study, in which the intervention group patients received C-CMI and the control group patients received usual care. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and EQ visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) at three intervals [i.e. baseline, after 3 months and 6 months].
RESULTS: The EQ-5D-5L index value for the intervention group exhibited sustained improvement from baseline to the third visit. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in the HRQoL utility value (represented as EQ index) at 6 months (0.939 vs. 0.796; p = 0.019). Similarly, the intervention group compared with the control group had significantly greater EQ-VAS at 6 months (90% vs. 80%; p = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONS: The impact of C-CMI on health outcomes of T2DM patients in Qatar reported improvement in HRQoL indicators among the intervention patients. The study built a platform for health policymakers and regulatory agencies to consider the provision of C-CMI in multiple languages.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Control of vitamin a deficiency for reducing morbidity and mortality in children

Muhilal

Malaysian Journal of Child Health, 1997;9(1):49-52.
MyJurnal

Various studies conducted in Indonesia have shown that administration of Vitamin A to pre-school children had decreased the mortality and morbidity rates among them. In the first study conducted in the province of Acheh in North Sumatra, a twice yearly high dose of vitamin A led to a 34% decrease in mortality. In a second study in Bogor, conducted by fortifying the nutritional additive MSG with vitamin A and distributing the product in a designated area, the mortality rate among preschool children was 45% less than in a control area. In the third study also conducted in Bogor, where vitamin A was given to lactating women 2 weeks after giving birth and then directly to the infants themselves after 5 months of age, the mortality rate was 38% lower. The prevalences of respiratory and diarrhoeal infections were statistically lower than in the control gorups. Another study on preschool children showed a two-fold increase of anti TT IgG on primary immunisation against tetanus when compared to a control group and a four-fold increase with a secondary immunisation. Other studies conducted in Bogor and other parts of the world have showed that smaller doses given more often are more effective than bigger doses given less often.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Toxic effects of Sapium baccatum (Ludai) extract in rats

Muhammad Taher, Nur Aizura Mat Alewi, Deny S, Zaitunnatakhin Zamli, Norazsida Ramli, Nurulwahida Saad

Sains Malaysiana, 2012;41:1423-1429.

Sapium baccatum is usually used as a timber in Malaysia. Its medicinal values are not well known and very little research has been conducted concerning the plant. Consequently, this study was conducted to observe toxicity effects of hexane extract of stem bark of S. baccatum. The toxicity effects were assessed through observation of physiological changes of the rats as well as through gross and histological examinations of its livers. The doses for the treated groups were given intraperitoneally for T2, T3 and T4 group which were given 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, control group (T1) was administered with 80% PEG 200 only. The observation period was 14 days. If the rat died, it was dissected and the liver was removed and examined. Some physiological effects observed include ataxia and hind-legs paralysis. The gross observations of the livers, growth of abnormal spots and connective tissues attachment to lobes of the livers were observed. The experiment was followed byhistopathological observation, which indicated the presence of abnormal hepatocytes with a distorted shape and undefined cell linings for T2 group. Results also indicated an increase in the distortion of hepatocytes, presence of massive cytoplasm and necrosis of hepatocytes for T3 and T4 groups. The results suggest that non polar extract of the stem bark of S. baccatum may promote toxic effects to the animals.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Two different isomers of vitamin e prevent bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model

Muhammad N, Luke DA, Shuid AN, Mohamed N, Soelaiman IN

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012;2012:161527.
PMID: 23118785 DOI: 10.1155/2012/161527

Postmenopausal osteoporotic bone loss occurs mainly due to cessation of ovarian function, a condition associated with increased free radicals. Vitamin E, a lipid-soluble vitamin, is a potent antioxidant which can scavenge free radicals in the body. In this study, we investigated the effects of alpha-tocopherol and pure tocotrienol on bone microarchitecture and cellular parameters in ovariectomized rats. Three-month-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into ovariectomized control, sham-operated, and ovariectomized rats treated with either alpha-tocopherol or tocotrienol. Their femurs were taken at the end of the four-week study period for bone histomorphometric analysis. Ovariectomy causes bone loss in the control group as shown by reduction in both trabecular volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and an increase in trabecular separation (Tb.S). The increase in osteoclast surface (Oc.S) and osteoblast surface (Ob.S) in ovariectomy indicates an increase in bone turnover rate. Treatment with either alpha-tocopherol or tocotrienol prevents the reduction in BV/TV and Tb.N as well as the increase in Tb.S, while reducing the Oc.S and increasing the Ob.S. In conclusion, the two forms of vitamin E were able to prevent bone loss due to ovariectomy. Both tocotrienol and alpha-tocopherol exert similar effects in preserving bone microarchitecture in estrogen-deficient rat model.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Smartphone apps as a technological innovation for weight reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [Abstract]

Muhammad Faiz Mohd Ishak, Safirah Jaan Jaafar, Noor Hazmi Noor Hassim, Azmawati Mohammed Nawi, Rohaizat Mohd Hassan, Norfazilah Ahmad

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):51-51.
MyJurnal

ABSTRACTS FOR THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL BORNEO HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE AND 4TH BORNEO TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONGRESS
New Frontiers in Health: Expecting the Unexpected
Held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia On 3rd-5th September 2019

Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic with major healthcare implications and costs. The availability of Smart-phone app as a new technological innovation developed is increasing rapidly. This new technological innovation can have a huge potential for interventions to help weight loss and combat obesity. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to compare the effectiveness of Smartphone apps compared with other methods to promote weight loss and obesity. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies identified by a search of independently screened studies for inclusion criteria and extracted data. We included arti-cles that assessed any (Smartphone/Mobile phone app intervention with anthropometric measurement like weight/BMI, waist circumference), adult or children population then exclude articles in which the primary outcome is not weight/BMI/Waist circumference, non-original articles (Reviews, Editorials, Non-research letters), case reports or case series, non RCT study design, participant with co-morbidities or condition like pregnancy and Intervention using SMS or any text messaging. Results: We included 7 articles in this systematic review and meta-analysis. This me-ta-analysis shows that smartphone app interventions compared with conventional or other interventions is non-sig-nificant decreases in body weight, with the pooled estimates of the net change in body weight being -1.62 kg (95% CI –3.61 to 0.36; I2 = 93%). Pooled results indicated a non-significant net difference in BMI between smart phone app and control intervention groups (WMD 0.26 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.83 to 1.34; I2 = 68%). For waist circumference, there is non-significant net difference in BMI between smart phone app and control intervention groups (WMD -5.2 cm 95% CI --0.15 to 4.60; I2 = 93%). Conclusion: Smartphone apps intervention alone is not producing substantial evidence of weight loss despite there might be effective for certain groups. However, there are still explorable pros-pect on the use of smartphone app in combination of other approach to assist and promote weight loss as the use of smartphone are proven to influence health related behavioural modification.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Effect of Sodium Selenite, Selenium Yeast, and Bacterial Enriched Protein on Chicken Egg Yolk Color, Antioxidant Profiles, and Oxidative Stability

Muhammad AI, Mohamed DAA, Chwen LT, Akit H, Samsudin AA

Foods, 2021 Apr 16;10(4).
PMID: 33923439 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040871

The chicken egg is one of nature's flawlessly preserved biological products, recognized as an excellent source of nutrients for humans. Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-element that plays a key role in biological processes. Organic selenium can be produced biologically by the microbial reduction of inorganic Se (sodium selenite). Therefore, the possibility of integrating Se enriched bacteria as a supplement in poultry feed can provide an interesting source of organic Se, thereby offering health-related advantages to humans. In this study, bacterial selenoproteins from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was used as a dietary supplement with other Se sources in Lohman brown Classic laying hens to study the egg yolk color, egg yolk and breast antioxidant profile, oxidative stability, and storage effect for fresh and stored egg yolk at 4 ± 2 °C for 14-days. The results showed that dietary Se supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved egg yolk color, the antioxidant profile of egg yolk, and breast meat (total carotenoid and phenol content). When the Se treated groups were compared to control groups, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol in fresh and stored egg yolk and breast muscle. In hens that were fed ADS18-Se, the primary oxidation products (MDA) concentrations in the eggs, breast, and thigh muscle, and plasma were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. However, the MDA content increased (p < 0.05) with an extended storage time in egg yolk. In comparison to inorganic Se and basal diets, egg yolk from hens fed organic Se remained fresh for two weeks. The egg yolk color, antioxidant profile, and oxidative status of egg yolk and tissue improve with dietary Se organic supplementation (ADS18 > Se-Yeast). The source of supplemented organic Se is critical for egg enrichment and antioxidant properties. As a result, ''functional eggs'' enriched with organic Se becomes possible to produce.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effectiveness of a DEAL-Based intervention to reduce stress and depression symptoms

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff, Mohd Jamil Yaacob, Nyi, Nyi Naing, Abdul Rahman Esa

Education in Medicine Journal, 2015;7(1):1-15.
MyJurnal

Many researchers have emphasized the importance of teaching stress management and self-care skills to medical students as they are vulnerable to develop psychological health problems. The researchers designed a 4-hour intervention based on the DEAL model to address these problems. This study aimed to determine outcomes of the DEAL-based intervention on medical students’ stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 171 medical students. Their stress, anxiety and depression symptoms were measured by the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale at five intervals; at 2 weeks before the intervention, and at 1 week, 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 32 weeks after the intervention. The mixed model ANCOVA was applied to determine the effect of the intervention on the participants’ psychological health at five intervals. Results: A total of 153 medical students (intervention = 73 and control = 80) completed this study. Results showed that the intervention group experienced significantly lower stress and depression symptoms than the control group. Although anxiety scores are consistently lower in the intervention group, no significant differences between groups were found. Conclusion: These results support the favourable outcomes of the intervention on psychological health of medical students. It is a promising intervention to be considered by medical schools as it consumes minimal amount of time, money, training and man power as well can be implemented easily.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext Self-assembled insulin and nanogels polyelectrolyte complex (Ins/NGs-PEC) for oral insulin delivery: characterization, lyophilization and in-vivo evaluation

Mudassir J, Darwis Y, Muhamad S, Khan AA

Int J Nanomedicine, 2019;14:4895-4909.
PMID: 31456636 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S199507

Introduction: Insulin is given by injection, because when administered orally, it would be destroyed by enzymes in the digestive system, hence only about 0.1% reaches blood circulation. The purpose of the present study was to use pH sensitive polyelectrolyte methyl methacrylate (MMA)/itaconic acid (IA) nanogels as carriers in an attempt to improve absorption of insulin administered orally. Methods: Insulin (Ins) was incorporated into the MMA/IA nanogels (NGs) using the polyelectrolyte complexation (PEC) method to form Ins/NGs-PEC. Several parameters, including Ins:NGs ratio, pH, incubation time and stirring rate were optimized during preparation of InsNGs-PEC. The prepared formulations were characterized in terms of particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (ZP) and percent entrapment efficiency (% EE). Results: The optimized InF12 nanogels had a PS, PdI, ZP and %EE of 190.43 nm, 0.186, -16.70 mV and 85.20%, respectively. The InF12 nanogels were lyophilized in the presence of different concentrations of trehalose as cryoprotectant. The lyophilized InF12 containing 2%w/v trahalose (InF12-Tre2 nanogels) was chosen as final formulation which had a PS, PdI, ZP and %EE of 430.50 nm, 0.588, -16.50 mv and 82.10, respectively. The in vitro release of insulin from InF12-Tre2 nanogels in the SGF and SIF were 28.71% and 96.53%, respectively. The stability study conducted at 5±3°C for 3 months showed that lnF12-Tre2 nanogels were stable. The SDS-PAGE assay indicated that the primary structure of insulin in the lnF12-Tre2 nanogels was intact. The in-vivo study in the diabetic rats following oral administration of InF12-Tre2 nanogels at a dose of 100 IU/kg body weight reduced blood glucose level significantly to 51.10% after 6 hours compared to the control groups. Conclusions: The pH sensitive MMA/IA nanogels are potential carriers for oral delivery of insulin as they enhanced the absorption of the drug.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The Effect of Amygdalin on Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Mice

Moslehi A, Farahabadi M, Chavoshzadeh SA, Barati A, Ababzadeh S, Mohammadbeigi A

Malays J Med Sci, 2018 Feb;25(1):16-23.
PMID: 29599631 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.1.3

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress creates abnormalities in the insulin action, inflammatory responses, lipoprotein B100 degradation, and hepatic lipogenesis. Hepatic steatosis leads to a broad spectrum of hepatic disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH. Amygdalin has beneficial effects on asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. We designed this study to evaluate the effect of amygdalin on the ER stress induced hepatic steatosis.
Methods: Inbred mice received saline, DMSO and amygdalin, as control groups. ER stress was induced by tunicamycin (TM) injection. Amygdalin was administered 1 h before the TM challenge (Amy + TM group). Mice body and liver weights were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and oil red O staining from liver tissue, were performed. Alanin aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride and cholesterol levels were measured.
Results: Histological evaluation revealed that amygdalin was unable to decrease the TM induced liver steatosis; however, ALT and AST levels decreased [ALT: 35.33(2.15) U/L versus 92.33(6.66) U/L; (57.000, (50.63, 63.36),P< 0.001) and AST: 93(5.09) U/L versus 345(97.3) U/L, (252, (163.37, 340.62),P< 0.001)]. Amygdalin also decreased triglyceride and cholesterol plasma levels in the Amy + TM group [TG: 42.66(2.15) versus 53.33(7.24) mg/dL; (10.67, (3.80, 17.54),P= 0.006) and TC: 9.33(3.55) versus 112.66(4.31) mg/dL, (103.33, (98.25, 108.40)P< 0.001)].
Conclusion: Amygdalin improved the ALT, AST, and lipid serum levels after the TM challenge; however, it could not attenuate hepatic steatosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links