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Fulltext Proteinases in Naegleria Fowleri (strain NF3), a pathogenic amoeba: a preliminary study

Mat Amin N

Trop Biomed, 2004 Dec;21(2):57-60.
PMID: 16493399

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba, known as a causative agent for a fatal disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in man such as Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Factors contributing to its pathogenicity and its distribution in the environment have been investigated by previous researchers. In case of its pathogenicity, several enzymes such as phospolipase A and sphingomyelinase, have been proposed to probably act as aggressors in promoting PAM but no study so far have been conducted to investigate the presence of proteinase enzyme in this amoeba although a 56kDa cystein proteinase enzyme has been identified in Entamoeba histolytica as an important contributing factor in the amoeba's virulence. In this preliminary study, a pathogenic amoeba, Naegleria fowleri (strain NF3) was examined for the presence of proteinases. Samples of enzymes in this amoeba were analysed by electrophoresis using SDS-PAGE-gelatin gels. The results showed that this amoeba possesses at least two high molecular weight proteinases on gelatin gels; their apparent molecular weights are approximately 128 kDa and approximately 170 kDa. Band of approximately 128 kDa enzyme is membrane-associated and its activity is higher at alkaline pH compared with lower pH; at lower pH, its activity is greatly stimulated by DTT. The approximately 170 kDa band enzyme appears to be inactivated at pH 8.0, at lower ph its activity is higher and DTT-dependance. The activity of this enzyme is partially inhibited by inhibitor E-64 but markedly inhibited to antipain suggesting it belongs to the cysteine proteinase group.
Fulltext Controlling the pressure of hydrogen-natural gas mixture in an inclined pipeline

Chaharborj SS, Amin N

PLoS One, 2020;15(2):e0228955.
PMID: 32106248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228955

This paper discusses the optimal control of pressure using the zero-gradient control (ZGC) approach. It is applied for the first time in the study to control the optimal pressure of hydrogen natural gas mixture in an inclined pipeline. The solution to the flow problem is first validated with existing results using the Taylor series approximation, regression analysis and the Runge-Kutta method combined. The optimal pressure is then determined using ZGC where the optimal set points are calculated without having to solve the non-linear system of equations associated with the standard optimization problem. It is shown that the mass ratio is the more effective parameter compared to the initial pressure in controlling the maximum variation of pressure in a gas pipeline.
Amplicon sequencing data profiling of rhizospheric microbiome associated with Capsicum annuum L. var. Kulai cultivated under organic farming

Tharek M, Mat Amin N

Microbiol Resour Announc, 2023 Nov 01.
PMID: 37909719 DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00745-23

Data on the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing from the rhizosphere of Capsicum annuum L. var. Kulai cultivated under organic farming are unveiled. The most dominant phyla for the 16S rRNA gene were Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria. As for the 18S rRNA gene amplicon, Charophyta and Fungi were the major taxonomic groups.
Fulltext Handlebar herniation: a case of near missed abdominal injury

Chew KS, Amin NM

Med J Malaysia, 2009 Jun;64(2):170-1.
PMID: 20058582 MyJurnal

Timely identification of specific injuries in a polytrauma case is of paramount importance in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, some of these injuries are subtle and can be missed on initial primary and secondary assessments. In this paper, we report one such injury in a case of a 16-year old motorcyclist who complained of abdominal pain over the right lumbar region after the motorcycle handlebar hit his abdomen. Although initial assessment was uneventful, he was subsequently diagnosed to have a traumatic abdominal wall herniation on abdominal computed tomography after more than 24 hours of observation in the ward.
Fulltext Detection of Hartmannella sp, a free-living amoeba from Sungai Setiu, Terengganu

Mat Amin N, Najmiah Mustaffa N, Md Arshad N

Trop Biomed, 2004 Dec;21(2):77-80.
PMID: 16493402

Hartmannella sp is one of the free-living amoebae that have the ability to infect animal tissues because it has been found in human's nasal mucosa, dog's bronchial and turkey's intestine. Treatment for diseases inflicted by free-living amoebae is difficult because most of them infect and damage the host's tissues, so preventive measures are better to take rather than to cure the diseases. In this study, water taken from several stations namely Kampung Padang, Kampung Besut, Ibu Bekalan Setiu, Kampung Tasik, Kampung Guntung, Kampung Nyatoh, Kampung Penarik and Kampung Mangkok) along Sungai Setiu, Terengganu was examined for the presence of Hartmannella sp. The results of this study indicated that only Ibu Bekalan Setiu station was found positive to have the amoeba. Detail results on the water quality and nutrient contents measured in relation to the distribution of the amoeba at Ibu Bekalan Setiu station are presented and discussed.
Fulltext Optimisation of stabiliser combinations in instant ice cream mix powder formulation via mixture design methodology

Abdul Razak, S. Z., Abd. Rahman, N. A., Baharuddin, A. S., Mohd Amin, N. A., Mat Johari, A., Mohammad Parid, D.

International Food Research Journal, 2019;26(6):1689-1698.
MyJurnal

The present work aimed at obtaining the optimum combination of stabilisers used in an
instant ice cream formulation. Instant ice cream mixes were formulated using milk protein,
fat, sucrose, stabilisers, emulsifiers and water. A basic formulation for ice cream mix was
prepared according to the process flow of instant ice cream. Three different stabilisers
mixtures, which were carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carrageenan, and sodium alginate
used in 14 formulations were studied using mixture design methodology. Physical analyses on
meltdown rate, hardness, melted ice cream viscosity, and overrun were performed. The results
were compared with those of commercial instant ice cream to determine the acceptability and
quality of the final products. From the optimisation study, the recommended combination of
stabilisers was found to be 0.151% CMC and 0.149% sodium alginate. The optimised sample
had a higher viscosity of 0.17 Pa.s than the commercial one (0.16 Pa.s), which corresponded to
higher hardness thus indicating slower melting rate, which is a good texture for ice cream. The
overrun of the optimised sample was 108.33%, which is considered high. The high amount of
air, viscosity, and hardness resulted in a low melting rate of 0.22 g/min, which is desirable for
ice cream consumption. Based on sensory evaluation, the optimised instant ice cream was the
most preferred by panellists as compared to commercial sample.
Fulltext Draft Genome Sequence of Erwinia mallotivora BT-MARDI, Causative Agent of Papaya Dieback Disease

Redzuan RA, Abu Bakar N, Rozano L, Badrun R, Mat Amin N, Mohd Raih MF

Genome Announc, 2014;2(3).
PMID: 24812220 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00375-14

Erwinia mallotivora was isolated from papaya trees infected with dieback disease, which were planted at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Malaysia. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of E. mallotivora BT-MARDI, which offers an important source of information for understanding pathogen and host interaction during papaya dieback development.
Unsteady magnetohydrodynamic blood flow through irregular multi-stenosed arteries

Mustapha N, Amin N, Chakravarty S, Mandal PK

Comput Biol Med, 2009 Oct;39(10):896-906.
PMID: 19665698 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2009.07.004

Flow of an electrically conducting fluid characterizing blood through the arteries having irregular shaped multi-stenoses in the environment of a uniform transverse magnetic-field is analysed. The flow is considered to be axisymmetric with an outline of the irregular stenoses obtained from a three-dimensional casting of a mild stenosed artery, so that the physical problem becomes more realistic from the physiological point of view. The marker and cell (MAC) and successive-over-relaxation (SOR) methods are respectively used to solve the governing unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations and pressure-Poisson equation quantitatively and to observe the flow separation. The results obtained show that the flow separates mostly towards the downstream of the multi-stenoses. However, the flow separation region keeps on shrinking with the increasing intensity of the magnetic-field which completely disappears with sufficiently large value of the Hartmann number. The present observations certainly have some clinical implications relating to magnetotherapy which help reducing the complex flow separation zones causing flow disorder leading to the formation and progression of the arterial diseases.
Fulltext Validity and Reliability of Malay Version of the Job Content Questionnaire among Public Hospital Female Nurses in Malaysia

Amin NA, Quek KF, Oxley JA, Noah RM, Nordin R

Int J Occup Environ Med, 2015 10;6(4):232-42.
PMID: 26498051 DOI: 10.15171/ijoem.2015.632

BACKGROUND: The Job Content Questionnaire (M-JCQ) is an established self-reported instrument used across the world to measure the work dimensions based on the Karasek's demand-control-support model.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometrics properties of the Malay version of M-JCQ among nurses in Malaysia.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on nurses working in 4 public hospitals in Klang Valley area, Malaysia. M-JCQ was used to assess the perceived psychosocial stressors and physical demands of nurses at their workplaces. Construct validity of the questionnaire was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Cronbach's α values were used to estimate the reliability (internal consistency) of the M-JCQ.
RESULTS: EFA showed that 34 selected items were loaded in 4 factors. Except for psychological job demand (Cronbach's α 0.51), the remaining 3 α values for 3 subscales (job control, social support, and physical demand) were greater than 0.70, indicating acceptable internal consistency. However, an item was excluded due to poor item-total correlation (r<0.3). The final M-JCQ was consisted of 33 items.
CONCLUSION: The M-JCQ is a reliable and valid instrument to measure psychosocial and physical stressors in the workplace of public hospital nurses in Malaysia.
Fulltext An Improved Vulnerability Exploitation Prediction Model with Novel Cost Function and Custom Trained Word Vector Embedding

Hoque MS, Jamil N, Amin N, Lam KY

Sensors (Basel), 2021 Jun 20;21(12).
PMID: 34202977 DOI: 10.3390/s21124220

Successful cyber-attacks are caused by the exploitation of some vulnerabilities in the software and/or hardware that exist in systems deployed in premises or the cloud. Although hundreds of vulnerabilities are discovered every year, only a small fraction of them actually become exploited, thereby there exists a severe class imbalance between the number of exploited and non-exploited vulnerabilities. The open source national vulnerability database, the largest repository to index and maintain all known vulnerabilities, assigns a unique identifier to each vulnerability. Each registered vulnerability also gets a severity score based on the impact it might inflict upon if compromised. Recent research works showed that the cvss score is not the only factor to select a vulnerability for exploitation, and other attributes in the national vulnerability database can be effectively utilized as predictive feature to predict the most exploitable vulnerabilities. Since cybersecurity management is highly resource savvy, organizations such as cloud systems will benefit when the most likely exploitable vulnerabilities that exist in their system software or hardware can be predicted with as much accuracy and reliability as possible, to best utilize the available resources to fix those first. Various existing research works have developed vulnerability exploitation prediction models by addressing the existing class imbalance based on algorithmic and artificial data resampling techniques but still suffer greatly from the overfitting problem to the major class rendering them practically unreliable. In this research, we have designed a novel cost function feature to address the existing class imbalance. We also have utilized the available large text corpus in the extracted dataset to develop a custom-trained word vector that can better capture the context of the local text data for utilization as an embedded layer in neural networks. Our developed vulnerability exploitation prediction models powered by a novel cost function and custom-trained word vector have achieved very high overall performance metrics for accuracy, precision, recall, F1-Score and AUC score with values of 0.92, 0.89, 0.98, 0.94 and 0.97, respectively, thereby outperforming any existing models while successfully overcoming the existing overfitting problem for class imbalance.
Fulltext Numerical Solution of Blood Flow and Mass Transport in an Elastic Tube with Multiple Stenoses

Alsemiry RD, Sarifuddin, Mandal PK, Sayed HM, Amin N

Biomed Res Int, 2020;2020:7609562.
PMID: 32090110 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7609562

The simultaneous effect of flexible wall and multiple stenoses on the flow and mass transfer of blood is investigated through numerical computation and simulations. The solution is obtained using the Marker and Cell technique on an axisymmetric model of Newtonian blood flow. The results compare favorably with physical observations where the pulsatile boundary condition and double stenoses result in a higher pressure drop across the stenoses. The streamlines, the iso-concentration lines, the Sherwood number, and the mass concentration variations along the entire wall segment provide a comprehensive analysis of the mass transport characteristics. The double stenoses and pulsatile inlet conditions increase the number of recirculation regions and effect a higher mass transfer rate at the throat, whereby more mass is expected to accumulate and cause further stenosis.
Fulltext Side Effects and Perceptions Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Jordan: A Randomized, Cross-Sectional Study Implementing Machine Learning for Predicting Severity of Side Effects

Hatmal MM, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Olaimat AN, Hatmal M, Alhaj-Qasem DM, Olaimat TM, et al.

Vaccines (Basel), 2021 May 26;9(6).
PMID: 34073382 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060556

BACKGROUND: Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic, there was no doubt that vaccination is the ideal protocol to tackle it. Within a year, a few COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and authorized. This unparalleled initiative in developing vaccines created many uncertainties looming around the efficacy and safety of these vaccines. This study aimed to assess the side effects and perceptions following COVID-19 vaccination in Jordan.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing an online survey targeted toward Jordan inhabitants who received any COVID-19 vaccines. Data were statistically analyzed and certain machine learning (ML) tools, including multilayer perceptron (MLP), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and K-star were used to predict the severity of side effects.
RESULTS: A total of 2213 participants were involved in the study after receiving Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, and other vaccines (38.2%, 31%, 27.3%, and 3.5%, respectively). Generally, most of the post-vaccination side effects were common and non-life-threatening (e.g., fatigue, chills, dizziness, fever, headache, joint pain, and myalgia). Only 10% of participants suffered from severe side effects; while 39% and 21% of participants had moderate and mild side effects, respectively. Despite the substantial variations between these vaccines in the presence and severity of side effects, the statistical analysis indicated that these vaccines might provide the same protection against COVID-19 infection. Finally, around 52.9% of participants suffered before vaccination from vaccine hesitancy and anxiety; while after vaccination, 95.5% of participants have advised others to get vaccinated, 80% felt more reassured, and 67% believed that COVID-19 vaccines are safe in the long term. Furthermore, based on the type of vaccine, demographic data, and side effects, the RF, XGBoost, and MLP gave both high accuracies (0.80, 0.79, and 0.70, respectively) and Cohen's kappa values (0.71, 0.70, and 0.56, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed that the authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe and getting vaccinated makes people more reassured. Most of the post-vaccination side effects are mild to moderate, which are signs that body's immune system is building protection. ML can also be used to predict the severity of side effects based on the input data; predicted severe cases may require more medical attention or even hospitalization.
Fulltext Comprehensive literature review of monkeypox

Hatmal MM, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Olaimat AN, Ahmad S, Hasan H, Ahmad Suhaimi NA, et al.

Emerg Microbes Infect, 2022 Dec;11(1):2600-2631.
PMID: 36263798 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2132882

The current outbreak of monkeypox (MPX) infection has emerged as a global matter of concern in the last few months. MPX is a zoonosis caused by the MPX virus (MPXV), which is one of the Orthopoxvirus species. Thus, it is similar to smallpox caused by the variola virus, and smallpox vaccines and drugs have been shown to be protective against MPX. Although MPX is not a new disease and is rarely fatal, the current multi-country MPX outbreak is unusual because it is occurring in countries that are not endemic for MPXV. In this work, we reviewed the extensive literature available on MPXV to summarize the available data on the major biological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of the virus and the important scientific findings. This review may be helpful in raising awareness of MPXV transmission, symptoms and signs, prevention and protective measures. It may also be of interest as a basis for performance of studies to further understand MPXV, with the goal of combating the current outbreak and boosting healthcare services and hygiene practices.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02977715..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03745131..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00728689..Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02080767..
Experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 infection and vaccination among Palestinian refugees in Jerash camp and Jordanian citizens: a comparative cross-sectional study by face-to-face interviews

Al-Hatamleh MAI, Hatmal MM, Mustafa SHF, Alzu'bi M, AlSou'b AF, Abughanam SNS, et al.

Infect Dis Poverty, 2022 Dec 13;11(1):123.
PMID: 36510264 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01047-y

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 vaccination, the access to vaccines has been unequal among countries and individuals, for example low-income countries displayed significant low levels of vaccination. Furthermore, most refugees are living in developing low-income countries which struggling to access the essential health-care services including vaccination. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 infection and vaccination among Palestine refugees in Jerash camp compared to resident Jordanian citizens.
METHODS: A face-to-face interview-based comparative cross-sectional study was carried out among Palestine refugees in Jerash camp located in northern Jordan and Jordanian citizens from different cities in Jordan from October, 2021 to March, 2022. A Chi-square test was used to determine the differences in the experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 infection and vaccination between Palestinian refugees and resident Jordanian citizens. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict factors associated with the beliefs, barriers and hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines.
RESULTS: The total number of participants was 992, with 501 (50.5%) Palestinian refugees and 491 (49.5%) Jordanian citizens. Most participants (64.1%) who have never been tested for COVID-19 were from the refugees (P n = 303) were from the refugees (P
Fulltext Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Breast Milk: MicroRNA Contents and Potential Epigenetic Effects

Hatmal MM, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Olaimat AN, Alshaer W, Hasan H, Albakri KA, et al.

Biomedicines, 2022 May 24;10(6).
PMID: 35740242 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061219

Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of age receive adequate nutrients, achieving optimal immune protection and growth. In addition to the known nutritional components of human breast milk (HBM), i.e., water, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it is also a rich source of microRNAs, which impact epigenetic mechanisms. This comprehensive work presents an up-to-date overview of the immunomodulatory constituents of HBM, highlighting its content of circulating microRNAs. The epigenetic effects of HBM are discussed, especially those regulated by miRNAs. HBM contains more than 1400 microRNAs. The majority of these microRNAs originate from the lactating gland and are based on the remodeling of cells in the gland during breastfeeding. These miRNAs can affect epigenetic patterns by several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA regulation, which could ultimately result in alterations in gene expressions. Therefore, the unique microRNA profile of HBM, including exosomal microRNAs, is implicated in the regulation of the genes responsible for a variety of immunological and physiological functions, such as FTO, INS, IGF1, NRF2, GLUT1 and FOXP3 genes. Hence, studying the HBM miRNA composition is important for improving the nutritional approaches for pregnancy and infant's early life and preventing diseases that could occur in the future. Interestingly, the composition of miRNAs in HBM is affected by multiple factors, including diet, environmental and genetic factors.
Fulltext Staphylococcus aureus carriage in selected kindergartens in Klang Valley

Mohamed NA, Ramli S, Amin NN, Sulaiman WS, Isahak I, Jamaluddin TZ, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2016 04;71(2):62-5.
PMID: 27326943 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Nasal colonisation of S. aureus in healthy children was 18% to 30%. One to three percent of them were colonised by Methicillin-resistant Staphlycoccus aureus (MRSA). Although MRSA infection has become increasingly reported, population-based S. aureus and MRSA colonisation estimates are lacking. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus carriage among children.

METHODS: Nasal samples for S. aureus culture were obtained from 250 children from three kindergartens in the Klang Valley, after consent was obtained from the children and their parents. Swabs were transported in Stuart medium, and inoculated on mannitol-salt agar within four hours of collection. Identification and disk diffusion test were done according to guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction was done on MRSA isolates for the presence of mecA and lukS/FPV genes.

RESULTS: Overall prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage were 19.2% (48/250) and 1.6% (4/250) respectively. mecA gene was present in all isolates, 50% isolates carried Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) gene. Sccmec type I was found in 2 isolates and the remaining isolates has Sccmec type V.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage were similar to other studies. However, risk of contracting severe infection might be higher due to presence of PVL gene in half of the MRSA isolates.
Fulltext Parental refusal to diphtheria vaccine: a fatal outcome

Syafinaz Amin N, Faridah I, Rukman AH, Fathinul Fakri AS, Malina O, Fadzillah G, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2013 Oct;68(5):435-6.
PMID: 24632874 MyJurnal

We present a case of a four-year-old boy who succumbed to diphtheria following incomplete course of immunisation, which included diphtheria vaccine. This case report focuses on the issues of parental refusal to vaccines and the development of "halal" vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases.
Fulltext Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient: case report and review of literature

Shatriah I, Mohd-Amin N, Tuan-Jaafar TN, Khanna RK, Yunus R, Madhavan M

Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol, 2012 Apr-Jun;19(2):258-61.
PMID: 22623872 DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.95269

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a fungal infection that can be fatal especially in immunocompromised patients. It is extremely rare in immunocompetent individuals. We describe here an immunocompetent patient who survived rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis due to Saksenaea vasiformis, and provide a literature review of this rare entity.
Pyrolysis of low density polyethylene waste in subcritical water optimized by response surface methodology

Wong SL, Ngadi N, Amin NA, Abdullah TA, Inuwa IM

Environ Technol, 2016;37(2):245-54.
PMID: 26150081 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2015.1068376

Pyrolysis of low density polyethylene (LDPE) waste from local waste separation company in subcritical water was conducted to investigate the effect of reaction time, temperature, as well as the mass ratio of water to polymer on the liquid yield. The data obtained from the study were used to optimize the liquid yield using response surface methodology. The range of reaction temperature used was 162-338°C, while the reaction time ranged from 37 min to 143 min, and the ratio of water to polymer ranged from 1.9 to 7.1. It was found that pyrolysis of LDPE waste in subcritical water produced hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, while the liquid product contained alkanes and alkenes with 10-50 carbons atoms, as well as heptadecanone, dichloroacetic acid and heptadecyl ester. The optimized conditions were 152.3°C, reaction time of 1.2 min and ratio of water solution to polymer of 32.7, with the optimum liquid yield of 13.6 wt% and gases yield of 2.6 wt%.
Phenotypic variation among siblings with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Oon YY, Koh KT, Khaw CS, Mohd Amin NH, Ong TK

Med J Malaysia, 2019 08;74(4):328-330.
PMID: 31424042

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is primarily a familial disease with autosomal dominant inheritance. Incomplete penetrance and variable expression are common, resulting in broad disease spectrum. Three patterns of phenotypic expression have been described: (1) "classic" subtype, with predominant right ventricle involvement, (2) "left dominant" subtype, with early and dominant left ventricle involvement, and (3) "biventricular" subtype, with both ventricles equally affected. Genotypephenotype associations have been described, but there are other genetic and non-genetic factors that can affect disease expression. We describe two different phenotypic expressions of ARVC in a family.

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