Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 406 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Recent Progress in Genetics and Epigenetics Research on Diabetic Nephropathy in Malaysia
    Abu Seman N, Othman SH
    J Diabetes Res, 2023;2023:9053580.
    PMID: 37187702 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9053580
    Diabetic nephropathy is a multifactorial disease. Gene susceptibility, as well as environmental exposure, plays an important role in disease progression. Malaysia is reported to be among the world's second-fastest-growing rates of kidney failure. Diabetic nephropathy has become the main cause of end-stage renal disease in Malaysia. This article is aimed at reviewing genetic studies conducted among diabetic nephropathy patients in the Malaysian population. This review was conducted by searching PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases to identify all relevant papers published in English from March 2022 to April 2022, using the following keywords: diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and Malaysia. The case-control study among diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy showed a significant association with diabetic nephropathy in CNDP1, NOS3, and MnSOD genes. In the ethnic subgroup analysis, significant differences for diabetic nephropathy in terms of diabetes duration (≥10 years) were observed for CCL2 rs3917887, CCR5 rs1799987, ELMO1 rs74130, and IL8 rs4073. The IL8 rs4073 was associated only with the Indians, while the CCR5 rs1799987 was associated with the Chinese. In Malays, SLC12A3 Arg913Gln polymorphism and ICAM1 K469E (A/G) polymorphism were found to be associated with diabetic nephropathy. Studies on gene-environment interactions have suggested significant genetic and environmental factors such as smoking, waist circumference, and sex for eNOS rs2070744, PPARGC1A rs8192678, KCNQ1 rs2237895, and KCNQ1 rs2283228 with kidney disease. The genetic variants' contributions differed across ethnic groups. Therefore, a study to validate the genetic variants that are found to be associated with different ethnicities in Malaysia may be important in future studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: KCNQ1 Potassium Channel/genetics
  2. Removal performance of elemental mercury by low-cost adsorbents prepared through facile methods of carbonisation and activation of coconut husk
    Johari K, Alias AS, Saman N, Song ST, Mat H
    Waste Manag Res, 2015 Jan;33(1):81-8.
    PMID: 25492720 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X14562660
    The preparation of chars and activated carbon as low-cost elemental mercury adsorbents was carried out through the carbonisation of coconut husk (pith and fibre) and the activation of chars with potassium hydroxide (KOH), respectively. The synthesised adsorbents were characterised by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis. The elemental mercury removal performance was measured using a conventional flow type packed-bed adsorber. The physical and chemical properties of the adsorbents changed as a result of the carbonisation and activation process, hence affecting on the extent of elemental mercury adsorption. The highest elemental mercury (Hg°) adsorption capacity was obtained for the CP-CHAR (3142.57 µg g(-1)), which significantly outperformed the pristine and activated carbon adsorbents, as well as higher than some adsorbents reported in the literature.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Compounds/chemistry*
  3. The effect of salinity on chlorophyll, proline and mineral nutrients in common weeds of coastal rice fields in Malaysia
    Hakim MA, Juraimi AS, Hanafi MM, Ismail MR, Rafii MY, Aslani F, et al.
    J Environ Biol, 2014 Sep;35(5):855-64.
    PMID: 25204059
    Six weed species (Leptochola chinensis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa colona, Jussiaea linifolia, Oryza sativa (weedy rice) and Cyperus iria) were tested for their salt tolerant traits in terms of chlorophyll, proline and mineral nutrients accumulation against different salinity levels (0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 dS m(-1)). Chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content, proline and mineral nutrients accumulation were determined. Salt stress showed prominent effect on all the parameters investigated and there were significant variations between the all weed species. Chlorophyll content, K+, Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) ions in both shoots and roots significantly decreased; while proline and Na+ accumulation significantly increased with increasing salinity up to 40 dS m(-1). In terms of overall performance, Cyperus iria and E. crus-galliwere relatively more tolerant; E. colona and J. linifolia were tolerant; L. chinensis and O. sativa L were salt sensitive, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium/metabolism
  4. Fractionation of oil palm frond hemicelluloses by water or alkaline impregnation and steam explosion
    Sabiha-Hanim S, Mohd Noor MA, Rosma A
    Carbohydr Polym, 2015 Jan 22;115:533-9.
    PMID: 25439929 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.08.087
    Steam explosion of oil palm frond has been carried out under different temperatures between 180 and 210°C for 4 min (severity of 2.96-3.84) after impregnation of the frond chips with water or KOH solution. The effects of impregnation and steam explosion conditions of oil palm fronds on the water soluble fraction and insoluble fraction were investigated. The maximum yield of hemicelluloses in water soluble fractions recovered was 23.49% and 25.33% for water and KOH impregnation, treated with steam explosion at temperature of 210°C (severity of 3.84) with a fractionation efficiency of 77.30% and 83.32%, respectively. Under this condition, the water insoluble fractions contained celluloses at 60.83% and 64.80% for water and KOH impregnation, respectively. The steam explosion temperature of 210°C for 4 min (logR(o) 3.84) was found to be the best condition in the extraction of hemicelluloses from OPF for both types of impregnation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Compounds/chemistry
  5. Fulltext Mathematical modeling of subthreshold resonant properties in pyloric dilator neurons
    Vazifehkhah Ghaffari B, Kouhnavard M, Aihara T, Kitajima T
    Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:135787.
    PMID: 25960999 DOI: 10.1155/2015/135787
    Various types of neurons exhibit subthreshold resonance oscillation (preferred frequency response) to fluctuating sinusoidal input currents. This phenomenon is well known to influence the synaptic plasticity and frequency of neural network oscillation. This study evaluates the resonant properties of pacemaker pyloric dilator (PD) neurons in the central pattern generator network through mathematical modeling. From the pharmacological point of view, calcium currents cannot be blocked in PD neurons without removing the calcium-dependent potassium current. Thus, the effects of calcium (I(Ca)) and calcium-dependent potassium (I(KCa)) currents on resonant properties remain unclear. By taking advantage of Hodgkin-Huxley-type model of neuron and its equivalent RLC circuit, we examine the effects of changing resting membrane potential and those ionic currents on the resonance. Results show that changing the resting membrane potential influences the amplitude and frequency of resonance so that the strength of resonance (Q-value) increases by both depolarization and hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. Moreover, hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I(h)) and I(Ca) (in association with I(KCa)) are dominant factors on resonant properties at hyperpolarized and depolarized potentials, respectively. Through mathematical analysis, results indicate that I h and I(KCa) affect the resonant properties of PD neurons. However, I(Ca) only has an amplifying effect on the resonance amplitude of these neurons.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated/metabolism
  6. Evaluation of radiological risks due to natural radioactivity around Lynas Advanced Material Plant environment, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
    Kolo MT, Aziz SA, Khandaker MU, Asaduzzaman K, Amin YM
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2015 Sep;22(17):13127-36.
    PMID: 25925148 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4577-5
    Understanding the public awareness concerning the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (LAMP), an Australian rare earths processing plant located in Malaysia, a radiological study in soil and water samples collected at random surrounding the LAMP environment was undertaken using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean soil activities for (226)Ra, (232)Th, and (40)K were found to be 6.56 ± 0.20, 10.62 ± 0.42, and 41.02 ± 0.67 Bq/kg, respectively, while for water samples were 0.33 ± 0.05, 0.18 ± 0.04, and 4.72 ± 0.29 Bq/l, respectively. The studied areas show typical local level of radioactivity from natural background radiation. The mean gamma absorbed dose rate in soils at 1 m above the ground was found to be 11.16 nGy/h. Assuming a 20 % outdoor occupancy factor, the corresponding annual effective dose showed a mean value of 0.014 mSv year(-1), significantly lower than the worldwide average value of 0.07 mSv year(-1) for the annual outdoor effective dose as reported by UNSCEAR (2000). Some other representative radiation indices such as activity utilization index (AUI), H ex, H in, excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) were derived and also compared with the world average values. Statistical analysis performed on the obtained data showed a strong positive correlation between the radiological variables and (226)Ra and (232)Th.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis*
  7. Fulltext Alleviation of water stress effects on MR220 rice by application of periodical water stress and potassium fertilization
    Zain NA, Ismail MR, Mahmood M, Puteh A, Ibrahim MH
    Molecules, 2014;19(2):1795-819.
    PMID: 24504074 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19021795
    The use of periodical water stress and potassium fertilization may enhance rice tolerance to drought stress and improve the crop's instantaneous water use efficiency without much yield reduction. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different periodical water stress combined with potassium fertilization regimes on growth, yield, leaf gas exchanges and biochemical changes in rice grown in pots and compare them with standard local rice grower practices. Five treatments including (1) standard local grower's practice (control, 80CF = 80 kg K2O/ha + control flooding); (2) 120PW15 = 120 kg K2O/ha + periodical water stress for 15 days; (3) 120DS15V = 120 kg K2O/ha + drought stress for 15 days during the vegetative stage; (4) 120DS25V = 120 kg K2O/ha + drought stress for 25 days and (5) 120DS15R = 120 kg K2O/ha + drought stress for 15 days during the reproductive stage, were evaluated in this experiment. Control and 120PW15 treatments were stopped at 100 DAS, and continuously saturated conditions were applied until harvest. It was found that rice under 120PW15 treatment showed tolerance to drought stress evidenced by increased water use efficiency, peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT) and proline levels, maximum efficiency of photosystem II (fv/fm) and lower minimal fluorescence (fo), compared to other treatments. Path coefficient analysis revealed that most of parameters contribute directly rather than indirectly to rice yield. In this experiment, there were four factors that are directly involved with rice yield: grain soluble sugar, photosynthesis, water use efficiency and total chlorophyll content. The residual factors affecting rice yield are observed to be quite low in the experiment (0.350), confirming that rice yield was mostly influenced by the parameters measured during the study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium/metabolism
  8. Assessment of health hazard due to natural radioactivity in Kluang District, Johor, Malaysia
    Aziz Saleh M, Termizi Ramli A, Alajerami Y, Damoom M, Sadiq Aliyu A
    Isotopes Environ Health Stud, 2014;50(1):103-13.
    PMID: 24279290 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2013.821469
    The radiation survey of the ambient environment was conducted using two gamma detectors, and the measurement results were used in the computation of the mean external radiation dose rate, mean-weighted dose rate and annual effective dose, which are 144 nGy h(-1), 0.891 mSv y(-1) and 178 μSv, respectively. A high-purity germanium detector was used to determine the activity concentrations of (232)Th, (226)Ra and (40)K in soil samples. The results of the gamma spectrometry of the soil samples show radioactivity concentration ranges from 19±1 to 405±13 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 137±5 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th, from 21±2 to 268±9 Bq kg(-1)with a mean value of 78±3 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra and from 23±9 to 1268±58 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 207±13 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. Radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and external hazard index (Hex) were 290 Bq kg(-1) and 0.784, respectively, which were safe for the population. The mean lifetime dose and lifetime cancer risk for each person living in the area with average lifetime (70 y) were 12.46 mSv and 7.25×10(-4) Sv year, respectively. The results were compared with values given in United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation 2000.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis
  9. Surface modification via wet chemical etching of single-crystalline silicon for photovoltaic application
    Reshak AH, Shahimin MM, Shaari S, Johan N
    Prog Biophys Mol Biol, 2013 Nov;113(2):327-32.
    PMID: 24139943 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2013.10.002
    The potential of solar cells have not been fully tapped due to the lack of energy conversion efficiency. There are three important mechanisms in producing high efficiency cells to harvest solar energy; reduction of light reflectance, enhancement of light trapping in the cell and increment of light absorption. The current work represent studies conducted in surface modification of single-crystalline silicon solar cells using wet chemical etching techniques. Two etching types are applied; alkaline etching (KOH:IPA:DI) and acidic etching (HF:HNO3:DI). The alkaline solution resulted in anisotropic profile that leads to the formation of inverted pyramids. While acidic solution formed circular craters along the front surface of silicon wafer. This surface modification will leads to the reduction of light reflectance via texturizing the surface and thereby increases the short circuit current and conversion rate of the solar cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Compounds/chemistry
  10. Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in rocks and their relationships with the geological structure of Johor state, Malaysia
    Alnour IA, Wagiran H, Ibrahim N, Hamzah S, Elias MS, Laili Z, et al.
    Radiat Prot Dosimetry, 2014 Jan;158(2):201-7.
    PMID: 23965286 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nct206
    The distribution of natural radionuclides ((238)U, (232)Th and (40)K) and their radiological hazard effect in rocks collected from the state of Johor, Malaysia were determined by gamma spectroscopy using a high-purity germanium detector. The highest values of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K activity concentrations (67±6, 85±7 and 722±18 Bg kg(-1), respectively) were observed in the granite rock. The lowest concentrations of (238)U and (232)Th (2±0.1 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U and 2±0.1 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th) were observed in gabbro rock. The lowest concentration of (40)K (45±2 Bq kg(-1)) was detected in sandstone. The radium equivalent activity concentrations for all rock samples investigated were lower than the internationally accepted value of 370 Bq kg(-1). The highest value of radium equivalent in the present study (239±17 Bq kg(-1)) was recorded in the area of granite belonging to an acid intrusive rock geological structure. The absorbed dose rate was found to range from 4 to 112 nGy h(-1). The effective dose ranged from 5 to 138 μSv h(-1). The internal and external hazard index values were given in results lower than unity. The purpose of this study is to provide information related to radioactivity background levels and the effects of radiation on residents in the study area under investigation. Moreover, the relationships between the radioactivity levels in the rocks within the geological structure of the studied area are discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis*
  11. Measurement of ²³⁸U,²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in boreholes at Gosa and Lugbe, Abuja, north central Nigeria
    Maxwell O, Wagiran H, Ibrahim N, Lee SK, Sabri S
    Radiat Prot Dosimetry, 2013 Dec;157(2):271-7.
    PMID: 23754832 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nct140
    The purpose of this project is to evaluate the suitability of different sites as locations for obtaining underground water for consumption. The analysis of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K from rock samples from each layer of borehole at a depth of ∼50 m at Site A borehole, S3L1-S3L6 in Gosa and 40 m at Site B borehole, S4L1-S4L5 in Lugbe, Abuja, north central Nigeria is presented. The gamma-ray spectrometry was carried out using a high-purity germanium detector coupled to a computer-based high-resolution multichannel analyzer. The activity concentrations at Site A borehole for ²³⁸U have a mean value of 26 ± 3, ranging from 23 ± 2 to 30 ± 3 Bq kg⁻¹, ²³²Th a mean value of 63 ± 5, ranging from 48 ± 4 to 76 ± 6 Bq kg⁻¹ and ⁴⁰K a mean value of 573 ± 72, ranging from 437 ± 56 to 821 ± 60 Bq kg⁻¹. The activity concentrations at Site B borehole for ²³⁸U have a mean value of 20 ± 2, ranging from 16 ± 2 to 23 ± 2 Bq kg⁻¹, ²³²Th a mean value of 46 ± 4, ranging from 43 ± 4 to 49 ± 4 Bq kg⁻¹, ⁴⁰K a mean value of 915 ± 116 and ranging from 817 ± 103 Bq kg⁻¹ to 1011 ± 128 Bq kg⁻¹. It is noted that the higher activity concentrations of ²³²Th and ²³⁸U are found in Site A at Gosa. Site B has lower radioactivity, and it is recommended that both sites are suitable for underground water consumption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis*
  12. Assessment of environmental (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K concentrations in the region of elevated radiation background in Segamat District, Johor, Malaysia
    Saleh MA, Ramli AT, Alajerami Y, Aliyu AS
    J Environ Radioact, 2013 Oct;124:130-40.
    PMID: 23727880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.04.013
    Extensive environmental survey and measurements of gamma radioactivity in the soil samples collected from Segamat District were conducted. Two gamma detectors were used for the measurements of background radiation in the area and the results were used in the computation of the mean external radiation dose rate and mean weighted dose rate, which are 276 nGy h(-1) and 1.169 mSv y(-1), respectively. A high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used in the assessment of activity concentrations of (232)Th, (226)Ra and (40)K. The results of the gamma spectrometry range from 11 ± 1 to 1210 ± 41 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th, 12 ± 1 to 968 ± 27 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra, and 12 ± 2 to 2450 ± 86 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. Gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations range from 170 ± 50 to 4360 ± 170 Bq kg(-1) and 70 ± 20 to 4690 ± 90 Bq kg(-1), respectively. These results were used in the plotting of digital maps (using ARCGIS 9.3) for isodose. The results are compared with values giving in UNSCEAR 2000.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis*
  13. Recovery of laccase from processed Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr) Pers. fruiting bodies in aqueous two-phase system
    Rajagopalu D, Show PL, Tan YS, Muniandy S, Sabaratnam V, Ling TC
    J Biosci Bioeng, 2016 Sep;122(3):301-6.
    PMID: 26922478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2016.01.016
    The feasible use of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) to establish a viable protocol for the recovery of laccase from processed Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. fruiting bodies was evaluated. Cold-stored (4.00±1.00°C) H. erinaceus recorded the highest laccase activities of 2.02±0.04 U/mL among all the processed techniques. The evaluation was carried out in twenty-five ATPSs, which composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with various molecular weights and potassium phosphate salt solution to purify the protein from H. erinaceus. Optimum recovery condition was observed in the ATPS which contained 17% (w/w) PEG with a molecular weight of 8000 and 12.2% (w/w) potassium phosphate solution, at a volume ratio (VR) of 1.0. The use of ATPS resulted in one-single primary recovery stage process that produced an overall yield of 99% with a purification factor of 8.03±0.46. The molecular mass of laccases purified from the bottom phase was in the range of 55-66 kDa. The purity of the partitioned laccase was confirmed with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Compounds/chemistry
  14. Production of γ-cyclodextrin by Bacillus cereus cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase using extractive bioconversion in polymer-salt aqueous two-phase system
    Lin YK, Show PL, Yap YJ, Ariff AB, Mohammad Annuar MS, Lai OM, et al.
    J Biosci Bioeng, 2016 Jun;121(6):692-696.
    PMID: 26702953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2015.11.001
    Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) extractive bioconversion provides a technique which integrates bioconversion and purification into a single step process. Extractive bioconversion of gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) from soluble starch with cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase, EC 2.4.1.19) enzyme derived from Bacillus cereus was evaluated using polyethylene glycol (PEG)/potassium phosphate based on ATPS. The optimum condition was attained in the ATPS constituted of 30.0% (w/w) PEG 3000 g/mol and 7.0% (w/w) potassium phosphate. A γ-CD concentration of 1.60 mg/mL with a 19% concentration ratio was recovered after 1 h bioconversion process. The γ-CD was mainly partitioned to the top phase (YT=81.88%), with CGTase partitioning in the salt-rich bottom phase (KCGTase=0.51). Repetitive batch processes of extractive bioconversion were successfully recycled three times, indicating that this is an environmental friendly and a cost saving technique for γ-CD production and purification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Compounds/chemistry*
  15. Fulltext Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Potential Radiological Risks of Common Building Materials Used in Bangladeshi Dwellings
    Asaduzzaman K, Mannan F, Khandaker MU, Farook MS, Elkezza A, Amin YB, et al.
    PLoS One, 2015;10(10):e0140667.
    PMID: 26473957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140667
    The concentrations of primordial radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) in commonly used building materials (brick, cement and sand), the raw materials of cement and the by-products of coal-fired power plants (fly ash) collected from various manufacturers and suppliers in Bangladesh were determined via gamma-ray spectrometry using an HPGe detector. The results showed that the mean concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in all studied samples slightly exceeded the typical world average values of 50 Bq kg(-1), 50 Bq kg(-1) and 500 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The activity concentrations (especially 226Ra) of fly-ash-containing cement in this study were found to be higher than those of fly-ash-free cement. To evaluate the potential radiological risk to individuals associated with these building materials, various radiological hazard indicators were calculated. The radium equivalent activity values for all samples were found to be lower than the recommended limit for building materials of 370 Bq kg(-1), with the exception of the fly ash. For most samples, the values of the alpha index and the radiological hazard (external and internal) indices were found to be within the safe limit of 1. The mean indoor absorbed dose rate was observed to be higher than the population-weighted world average of 84 nGy h(-1), and the corresponding annual effective dose for most samples fell below the recommended upper dose limit of 1 mSv y(-1). For all investigated materials, the values of the gamma index were found to be greater than 0.5 but less than 1, indicating that the gamma dose contribution from the studied building materials exceeds the exemption dose criterion of 0.3 mSv y(-1) but complies with the upper dose principle of 1 mSv y(-1).
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis*
  16. Approaches to minimize tooth staining associated with silver diamine fluoride: A systematic review
    Asghar M, Omar RA, Yahya R, Yap AU, Shaikh MS
    J Esthet Restor Dent, 2023 Mar;35(2):322-332.
    PMID: 36628650 DOI: 10.1111/jerd.13013
    OBJECTIVE: To the effectiveness of different strategies to overcome silver diamine fluoride (SDF)-mediated tooth staining.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four online databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using different MeSH terms and Boolean Operators to retrieve the articles (until June 2021), followed by a hand-search of the reference list of the included articles. All full-text, original studies in English that evaluated SDF staining and at least one SDF modification/alternative were included.

    RESULTS: Among the assessed studies, nine studies explored the stain-minimization effect of potassium iodide (KI) post-application following SDF treatment. Among these, eight concluded that KI application after SDF treatment significantly reduced tooth staining, while one showed marginal staining following glass ionomer restoration of the SDF-treated dentine. Additionally, one study applied potassium fluoride (KF) and silver nitrate (AgNO3 ) concurrently to mitigate SDF-mediated staining. One study compared SDF staining with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated nanoparticles containing sodium fluoride (NaF), and another used nanosilver fluoride (NSF) for staining comparison with SDF.

    CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the addition of different materials to SDF has proven to be a beneficial strategy for overcoming tooth staining associated with SDF. Future studies are warranted, particularly clinical trials, to validate these findings.

    CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: SDF-mediated tooth staining is a serious concern that limits its clinical use. A review of various strategies to overcome this problem will help clinicians enhance its clinical use and patient acceptance.

    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Iodide/therapeutic use
  17. A pioneering study of the radiological mapping in the world's largest mangrove forest (the Sundarbans) and implications for the public and environment
    Al Mahmud J, Siraz MMM, Alam MS, Dewan MJ, Rashid MB, Khandaker MU, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 May;202:116349.
    PMID: 38604081 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116349
    Coastal Mangroves are facing growing threats due to the harmful consequences of human activities. This first-ever detailed study of natural radioactivity in soil samples collected from seven tourist destinations within the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, was conducted using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry. Although the activity levels of 226Ra (11 ± 1-44 ± 4 Bq/kg) and 232Th (13 ± 1-68 ± 6 Bq/kg) generally align with global averages, the concentration of 40K (250 ± 20-630 ± 55 Bq/kg) was observed to surpass the worldwide average primarily due to factors like salinity intrusion, fertilizer application, agricultural runoff, which suggests the potential existence of potassium-rich mineral resources near the study sites. The assessment of the hazard parameters indicates that the majority of these parameters are within the recommended limits. The soil samples do not pose a significant radiological risk to the nearby population. The results of this study can establish important radiological baseline data before the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant begins operating in Bangladesh.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis
  18. Radionuclides transfer from soil-to-tea leaves and concomitant doses to the Malaysian populace
    Khandaker MU, Mokhrizal NFB, Shuaibu HK, Sani SFA, Alzimami K, Bradley DA, et al.
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2024 Oct;212:111474.
    PMID: 39146808 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111474
    One of the most well-liked energizing drinks is now tea, which is primarily used in Malaysia. The natural radioactivity in the associated soils where tea plants are cultivated plays a major role in determining the presence of radionuclides in tea leaves. The present study assesses the transfer of radionuclides from soil-to-tea leaves and then estimates the committed effective doses through tea consumption. Tea leaves and the associated soils were obtained from the largest tea plantation area, which is located in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. The marketed tea leaves in powdered form were obtained from the supermarkets in Kuala Lumpur. HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry was used to determine the prevailing concentrations of long-lived radioactive materials in tea leaves. Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in tea soils ranged from 49 to 101.7 Bq kg-1, 74.5-124.1 Bq kg-1 and 79.6-423.2 Bq kg-1, respectively, while the respective values in tea leaves are 14.4-23.8 Bq kg-1, 12.9-29.5 Bq kg-1 and 297-387.5 Bq kg-1. Transfer factors of radionuclides showed typical values (<1.0) except for the 40K. The threshold tea consumption rates suggest that one should not consume more than 67 g of tea leaves per day (around 4 g of tea leaves are needed for making 1 cup of tea, so 17 cups per day) to avoid negative health effects. Committed effective doses due to tea consumption are found to be lower (5.18-6.08 μSv y-1) than the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (2000) reference dose guidance limit of 290 μSv y-1 for foodstuffs; however, it should be noted that the guidance limit is recommended for all foodstuffs collectively. Providing data on natural radioactivity in tea leaves grown in Malaysia, this study may help people manage a healthy lifestyle.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium Radioisotopes/analysis
  19. Overexpression of rice High-affinity Potassium Transporter gene OsHKT1;5 improves salinity and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
    Ullah MA, Abdullah-Zawawi MR, Razalli II, Sukiran NL, Uddin MI, Zainal Z
    Mol Biol Rep, 2024 Dec 07;52(1):40.
    PMID: 39644345 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-10130-6
    BACKGROUND: Rice is subjected to various environmental stresses, resulting in significant production losses. Abiotic stresses, particularly drought and salinity, are the leading causes of plant damage worldwide. The High-affinity Potassium Transporter (HKT) gene family plays an important role in enhancing crop stress tolerance by regulating physiological and enzymatic functions.

    METHODS AND RESULTS: This study investigates the effect of overexpressing the rice HKT1;5 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana on its tolerance to salinity and drought. The OsHKT1;5 gene was introduced into Arabidopsis under the control of 35 S promoter of CaMV via floral dip transformation method. PCR confirmed the integration of the transgene into the Arabidopsis genome, while qPCR analysis showed its expression. Three transgenic lines of OsHKT1;5 were used for stress treatment and phenotypic studies. The overexpressed lines showed considerably higher germination rates, increased leaf counts, greater fresh and dry weights of the roots and shoots, higher chlorophyll contents, longer root lengths, and reduced Na+ levels together with increased K+ ions levels after salt and drought treatments, in comparison to wild-type plants. Furthermore, overexpressed lines exhibited higher antioxidant levels than wild-type plants under salinity and drought conditions. In addition, transgenic lines showed higher expression levels of the OsHKT1;5 gene in both roots and shoots compared to wild-type plants.

    CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study revealed OsHKT1;5 as a promising candidate for enhancing tolerance to salinity and drought stresses in rice, marking a significant step toward developing a new rice variety with improved abiotic stress tolerance.

    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium/metabolism
  20. Effect of Asystasia gangetica inclusion in the diet on the feed intake, growth performance, and meat quality of Muscovy ducks
    Hakem MZA, Qi KS, Rahman MM, Kari ZA, Len CSC
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2025 Feb 27;57(2):85.
    PMID: 40014164 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-025-04338-2
    The rising cost of imported feedstuffs in poultry production is a significant concern for producers. Utilising local resources like Asystasia gangetica, a common perennial weed with high nutritional value, offers a promising alternative. Ducks can better digest high-fibre diets than chickens, making them ideal for this study, which evaluated the effects of pelleted diets containing various levels of A. gangetica on feed intake, growth performance, and meat quality in Muscovy ducks. Sixty 2-week-old ducks were divided into four dietary groups: 0% (control), 5% (T1S), 10% (T2S), and 20% (T3S) during the starter phase, and 0% (control), 10% (T1G), 20% (T2G), and 30% (T3G) during the grower phase with three replicates per group (five birds per replicate). Ducks on T3S and T3G diets had higher crude fibre and ash intakes, while those on the control diet consumed more crude protein (CP) and ether extract. Overall body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were better (p potassium levels in meat, with T1G showing the highest concentrations of both minerals. However, the control group had the highest protein content in meat. In conclusion, incorporating A. gangetica up to 10% in the starter diet and 20% in the grower diet does not adversely affect dry matter or CP intakes or weight gain, making it a viable feed ingredient.
    Matched MeSH terms: Potassium/metabolism
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links