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Wear of materials used in dentistry: a review of the literature

Sulong MZ, Aziz RA

J Prosthet Dent, 1990 Mar;63(3):342-9.
PMID: 2407832

This is a review of the literature concerning wear related to the following materials used in dentistry: dental amalgam, composite resins, and glass-ionomer cements, as well as natural tooth substance. Discussions are included on both in vivo and in vitro studies in which various methods were used to help determine wear resistance.
Recent advances in production of succinic acid from lignocellulosic biomass

Akhtar J, Idris A, Abd Aziz R

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2014 Feb;98(3):987-1000.
PMID: 24292125 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-5319-6

Production of succinic acid via separate enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) are alternatives and are environmentally friendly processes. These processes have attained considerable positions in the industry with their own share of challenges and problems. The high-value succinic acid is extensively used in chemical, food, pharmaceutical, leather and textile industries and can be efficiently produced via several methods. Previously, succinic acid production via chemical synthesis from petrochemical or refined sugar has been the focus of interest of most reviewers. However, these expensive substrates have been recently replaced by alternative sustainable raw materials such as lignocellulosic biomass, which is cheap and abundantly available. Thus, this review focuses on succinic acid production utilizing lignocellulosic material as a potential substrate for SSF and SHF. SSF is an economical single-step process which can be a substitute for SHF - a two-step process where biomass is hydrolyzed in the first step and fermented in the second step. SSF of lignocellulosic biomass under optimum temperature and pH conditions results in the controlled release of sugar and simultaneous conversion into succinic acid by specific microorganisms, reducing reaction time and costs and increasing productivity. In addition, main process parameters which influence SHF and SSF processes such as batch and fed-batch fermentation conditions using different microbial strains are discussed in detail.
Fulltext The preparation and evaluation of self-nanoemulsifying systems containing Swietenia oil and an examination of its anti-inflammatory effects

Eid AM, El-Enshasy HA, Aziz R, Elmarzugi NA

Int J Nanomedicine, 2014;9:4685-95.
PMID: 25336948 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S66180

There is an increasing trend among pharmaceutical industries to use natural bioactive materials as medicinal agents and to use new technologies such as self-nanoemulsifying systems. The solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs can be enhanced by self-nanoemulsifying systems. Swietenia oil is frequently used because of its antimicrobial, antimutagenic, and anticancer bioactive medical properties. This study was conducted to develop self-nanoemulsifying systems for Swietenia oil that will enhance the anti-inflammatory activity of the oil. The self-emulsifying systems developed for Swietenia oil in this study were constructed using ternary phase diagrams and contained the nonionic surfactants Labrasol(®), Tween 20, Capmul(®), and Labrafil(®). The effect of these surfactants on the formulation was examined. The mean droplet size of Swietenia oil as well as their distribution, appearance, viscosity, and spreading times were studied to find the optimum formula, which contained droplets that were less than 200 nm. The next step was to test the anti-inflammatory properties of the optimum formula using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test. The results from this test were compared to the oil solution. Different oil/surfactants mixtures had various emulsification properties that were related to the size of their droplets. Tween 20 is a good surfactant to use in self-emulsifying systems because it produces droplets of nano-size. Mixtures of Capmul/Labrasol at a ratio of 2:1 and Labrafil/Tween 20 at a ratio of 1:2 were able to produce self-nanoemulsifying formulations containing Swietenia oil concentrations that ranged from 20%-50%. Nanoemulsion occurred when the size of the droplets fell below 200 nm with low size distribution (<0.3) after being gently mixed with water. It was found that the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance value affected the ternary phase diagram behavior of Swietenia oil and surfactants. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of Swietenia oil were greater in the self-nanoemulsifying systems than in the oil solution.
Multi-elemental composition and physical properties of honey samples from Malaysia

Chua LS, Abdul-Rahaman NL, Sarmidi MR, Aziz R

Food Chem, 2012 Dec 1;135(3):880-7.
PMID: 22953800 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.05.106

The elemental profiles of six honey samples from Malaysia had been constructed using the data obtained from both ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Potassium and sodium were the most abundant minerals covering from 69.3-78.6% and 14.1-28.7%, respectively. The ratio of potassium to sodium was more than one. Even though the minerals and trace elements composition varied dependent on the type of honey samples, there was no statistically significant difference between the analysed honey samples, namely tualang, gelam, acacia and a few forest honeys based on two-factor ANOVA and cluster analysis. The total element content of honey samples were strongly correlated with the electrical conductivity, but only have moderate correlation with the ash content and honey colour based on the regression analysis. PCA result on the available elemental data from worldwide honeys, including honey samples from Malaysia revealed that potassium and sodium were the mineral markers to distinguish honey origin. Both tualang and gelam honey samples from Malaysia have close mineral profile with sesame honeys from Egypt and multifloral honeys from India, whereas forest honeys Malaysia were near to avocado honeys from Spain and multifloral honeys from India.
Fulltext Mushrooms: a potential natural source of anti-inflammatory compounds for medical applications

Elsayed EA, El Enshasy H, Wadaan MA, Aziz R

Mediators Inflamm, 2014;2014:805841.
PMID: 25505823 DOI: 10.1155/2014/805841

For centuries, macrofungi have been used as food and medicine in different parts of the world. This is mainly attributed to their nutritional value as a potential source of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and minerals. In addition, they also include many bioactive metabolites which make mushrooms and truffles common components in folk medicine, especially in Africa, the Middle East, China, and Japan. The reported medicinal effects of mushrooms include anti-inflammatory effects, with anti-inflammatory compounds of mushrooms comprising a highly diversified group in terms of their chemical structure. They include polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and many other low molecular weight molecules. The aims of this review are to report the different types of bioactive metabolites and their relevant producers, as well as the different mechanisms of action of mushroom compounds as potent anti-inflammatory agents.
Fulltext Mushrooms and truffles: historical biofactories for complementary medicine in Africa and in the middle East

El Enshasy H, Elsayed EA, Aziz R, Wadaan MA

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2013;2013:620451.
PMID: 24348710 DOI: 10.1155/2013/620451

The ethnopharmaceutical approach is important for the discovery and development of natural product research and requires a deep understanding not only of biometabolites discovery and profiling but also of cultural and social science. For millennia, epigeous macrofungi (mushrooms) and hypogeous macrofungi (truffles) were considered as precious food in many cultures based on their high nutritional value and characterized pleasant aroma. In African and Middle Eastern cultures, macrofungi have long history as high nutritional food and were widely applied in folk medicine. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available information related to the nutritional and medicinal value of African and Middle Eastern macrofungi and to highlight their application in complementary folk medicine in this part of the world.
Detergency stability and particle characterization of phosphate-free spray dried detergent powders incorporated with palm C16 methyl ester sulfonate (C16MES)

Siwayanan P, Aziz R, Bakar NA, Ya H, Jokiman R, Chelliapan S

J Oleo Sci, 2014;63(6):585-92.
PMID: 24829132

Phosphate-free spray dried detergent powders (SDDP) comprising binary anionic surfactants of palm C16 methyl ester sulfonate (C16MES) and linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid (LABSA) were produced using a 5 kg/h-capacity co-current pilot spray dryer (CSD). Six phosphate-free detergent (PFD) formulations comprising C16MES/LABSA in various ratios under pH 7-8 were studied. Three PFD formulations having C16MES/LABSA in respective ratios of 0:100 (control), 20:80 and 40:60 ratios were selected for further evaluation based on their optimum detergent slurry concentrations. The resulting SDDP from these formulations were analysed for its detergency stability (over nine months of storage period) and particle characteristics. C16MES/LABSA of 40:60 ratio was selected as the ideal PFD formulation since its resulting SDDP has consistent detergency stability (variation of 2.3% in detergency/active over nine months storage period), excellent bulk density (0.37 kg/L), fine particle size at 50% cumulative volume percentage (D50 of 60.48 μm), high coefficient of particle size uniformity (D60/D10 of 3.86) and large spread of equivalent particle diameters. In terms of surface morphology, the SDDP of the ideal formulation were found to have regular hollow particles with smooth spherical surfaces. Although SDDP of the ideal formulation have excellent characteristics, but in terms of flowability, these powders were classified as slightly less free flowing (Hausner ratio of 1.27 and Carr's index of 21.3).
Primary extragonadal vaginal yolk sac tumour: A case report

Wong YP, Yahaya A, Che Abdul Aziz R, Chia PY, Loh CK, Tan GC

Malays J Pathol, 2020 Aug;42(2):301-305.
PMID: 32860387

INTRODUCTION: Yolk sac tumour (YST) or endodermal sinus tumour is rare and typically seen in gonads.
CASE REPORT: We described a case of extragonadal vaginal YST in a one year and seven months old girl who presented with vaginal discharge and bleeding, and discuss its differential diagnosis and potential pitfalls in immunohistochemistry. She was found to have a suprapubic mass on examination. The serum alpha fetoprotein was 11919.4 ng/mL. Computed tomography of the pelvis revealed a large 6.4 cm heterogenous pelvic mass. Colposcopic examination of the pelvis showed a fungating vaginal mass that was subsequently confirmed as a yolk sac tumour. Immunohistochemically, the malignant cells were positive toward CKAE1/AE3, AFP and glypican-3, as well as CD117.
DISCUSSION: Solid pattern extragonadal vaginal YST may morphologically resemble dysgerminoma that is also CD117 positive, while the glandular pattern YST may have clear cytoplasm and is positive for cytokeratin; hence, may resemble clear cell carcinoma. Being mindful of these potential diagnostic caveats is necessary to prevent misdiagnosis.
Fulltext In Vitro Pro-apoptotic and Anti-migratory Effects of Ficus deltoidea L. Plant Extracts on the Human Prostate Cancer Cell Lines PC3

Hanafi MMM, Afzan A, Yaakob H, Aziz R, Sarmidi MR, Wolfender JL, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2017;8:895.
PMID: 29326585 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00895

This study aims to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects of Ficus deltoidea L. on prostate cancer cells, identify the active compound/s and characterize their mechanism of actions. Two farmed varieties were studied, var. angustifolia (FD1) and var. deltoidea (FD2). Their crude methanolic extracts were partitioned into n-hexane (FD1h, FD2h) chloroform (FD1c, FD2c) and aqueous extracts (FD1a, FD2a). Antiproliferative fractions (IC50 < 30 μg/mL, SRB staining of PC3 cells) were further fractionated. Active compound/s were dereplicated using spectroscopic methods. In vitro mechanistic studies on PC3 and/or LNCaP cells included: annexin V-FITC staining, MMP depolarization measurements, activity of caspases 3 and 7, nuclear DNA fragmentation and cell cycle analysis, modulation of Bax, Bcl-2, Smac/Diablo, and Alox-5 mRNA gene expression by RT-PCR. Effects of cytotoxic fractions on 2D migration and 3D invasion were tested by exclusion assays and modified Boyden chamber, respectively. Their mechanisms of action on these tests were further studied by measuring the expression VEGF-A, CXCR4, and CXCL12 in PC3 cells by RT-PCR. FD1c and FD2c extracts induced cell death (P < 0.05) via apoptosis as evidenced by nuclear DNA fragmentation. This was accompanied by an increase in MMP depolarization (P < 0.05), activation of caspases 3 and 7 (P < 0.05) in both PC3 and LNCaP cell lines. All active plant extracts up-regulated Bax and Smac/DIABLO, down-regulated Bcl-2 (P < 0.05). Both FD1c and FD2c were not cytotoxic against normal human fibroblast cells (HDFa) at the tested concentrations. Both plant extracts inhibited both migration and invasion of PC3 cells (P < 0.05). These effects were accompanied by down-regulation of both VEGF-A and CXCL-12 gene expressions (P < 0.001). LC-MS dereplication using taxonomy filters and molecular networking databases identified isovitexin in FD1c; and oleanolic acid, moretenol, betulin, lupenone, and lupeol in FD2c. In conclusion, FD1c and FD2c were able to overcome three main hallmarks of cancer in PC3 cells: (1) apoptosis by activating of the intrinsic pathway, (2) inhibition of both migration and invasion by modulating the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis, and (3) inhibiting angiogenesis by modulating VEGF-A expression. Moreover, isovitexin is here reported for the first time as an antiproliferative principle (IC50 = 43 μg/mL, SRB staining of PC3 cells).
Fulltext High EZH2 Protein Expression Is a Poor Prognostic Predictor in IDH1 R132H-Negative Gliomas

Wong YP, Che Abdul Aziz R, Noor Aizuddin A, Mohd Saleh MF, Mohd Arshad R, Tan GC

Diagnostics (Basel), 2022 Sep 30;12(10).
PMID: 36292072 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102383

Accumulating data indicates that enhancer of zeste homology 2 (EZH2) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) are implicated in promoting tumourigenesis in a myriad of malignancies including gliomas. We aimed to determine the immunoexpression of EZH2 in gliomas and its correlation with clinicopathological variables. The prognostic value of the combined immunoexpression of EZH2 and IDH1 was further explored in a retrospective analysis involving 56 patients with histologically confirmed gliomas in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre from 2010 to 2016. The patients were then followed up for a period of five years. EZH2 and IDH1 R132H immunoexpressions were performed and analysed on respective tissue blocks. Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan−Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to evaluate the value of EZH2 as an independent factor for the prediction of PFS and OS. High EZH2 immunoexpression was demonstrated in 27 (48.2%) gliomas. High EZH2 expression was significantly correlated with older age (p = 0.003), higher tumour grade (p < 0.001), negative IDH1 R132H immunoexpression (p = 0.039), a poor 5-year PFS (mean = 9.7 months, p < 0.001) and 5-year OS (mean = 28.2 months, p = 0.007). In IDH1 R132H-negative gliomas, there was a trend toward shorter 5-year PFS (mean = 8.0 months, p = 0.001) and 5-year OS (mean = 28.7 months, p = 0.06) in gliomas demonstrating high EZH2 expression compared with those with low EZH2 expression. High EZH2 immunoexpression is an unfavourable independent prognostic predictor of poor survival in gliomas. EZH2 analysis might therefore be of clinical value for risk stratification, especially in patients with IDH1 R132H-negative gliomas.
Fulltext Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 as potential biomarkers for gestational hypertension

Ab Hamid J, Mohtarrudin N, Osman M, Andi Asri AA, Wan Hassan WH, Aziz R

Singapore Med J, 2012 Oct;53(10):681-3.
PMID: 23112021

Gestational hypertension (GH) is a common disorder during pregnancy that can progress to preeclampsia and cause various subsequent fatal complications. A cluster of enzymes, called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and its specific inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), have been reported to be involved in the pathophysiology of GH. The purpose of this study was to examine circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in pregnant women who had GH and those who were normotensive.
Fulltext Delayed Bowel Perforation after Routine Distal Loopogram Prior to Ileostomy Closure

Poh KS, Hoh SY, Aziz R, Chong SS, Roslani AC

Open Med (Wars), 2020;15:261-265.
PMID: 32292822 DOI: 10.1515/med-2020-0037

Ultra-low anterior resection for low rectal cancer is usually done with a covering ileostomy as a safety measure to reduce the consequences of distal anastomotic failure. In many centres, distal loopogram is performed routinely, prior to the closure of the loop ileostomy, to assess the integrity of anastomosis. Distal loopogram is generally considered a safe procedure with very low complication rates, especially when water-soluble contrast is used. We report two cases of delayed bowel perforation which led to severe sepsis and generalized peritonitis after distal loopogram prior to ileostomy closure. Our cases highlight the potential dangers of distal loopogram. Therefore, the routine usage of this procedure should be scrutinized and the patient needs to be properly counselled prior to the procedure.
Synchronous primary malignancies of papillary thyroid carcinoma and Hodgkin lymphoma: Interventions and outcome

Abd Rahim A, Muhammad R, Ismail F, Wong YP, Che Abdul Aziz R, Chong GY, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2023 Aug;45(2):275-283.
PMID: 37658537

Thyroid carcinoma is uncommon. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) represents the majority of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and is a recognised complication of prior exposure to ionizing radiation. Even more uncommon is the synchronous occurrence of PTC with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) as multiple primary malignancies. We report a 33-year-old mother of three who developed asymptomatic thyroid nodule for four years, and neck swelling for the recent ten months. She denied constitutional symptoms or B symptoms, and thyroid profiles were normal. Initially, metastatic thyroid cancer was suspected based on ultrasound scan findings of enlarged left thyroid gland and enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes (LN). However, fine needle aspiration examinations of the thyroid nodule were inconclusive, and the supraclavicular LN was suspicious of HL. Computerised tomography scan detected a large mass at the thyroid glands and lymphadenopathies in the mediastinal, hilar, subcarinal and axilla with dimensions up to 6 cm. Left hemi-thyroidectomy with left supraclavicular LN biopsy revealed PTC in the left thyroid lobe measuring 38 x 25 x 18 mm, and the left supraclavicular LN was not definitive of HL. Completion thyroidectomy on the right side, bilateral central neck dissection and excision biopsy of the right supraclavicular LN revealed the presence of HL in the right supraclavicular LN, and both HL and metastatic PTC in right central LN. After multidisciplinary discussions, the patient received chemotherapy at four weeks postoperatively and achieved complete remission. This report highlights the importance of patient-centered approach and multidisciplinary consensus within lack of established guidelines, given rarity of the case.
Fulltext Empty nano and micro-structured lipid carriers of virgin coconut oil for skin moisturisation

Noor NM, Khan AA, Hasham R, Talib A, Sarmidi MR, Aziz R, et al.

IET Nanobiotechnol, 2016 Aug;10(4):195-9.
PMID: 27463789 DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2015.0041

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is the finest grade of coconut oil, rich in phenolic content, antioxidant activity and contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). In this work formulation, characterisation and penetration of VCO-solid lipid particles (VCO-SLP) have been studied. VCO-SLP were prepared using ultrasonication of molten stearic acid and VCO in an aqueous solution. The electron microscopy imaging revealed that VCO-SLP were solid and spherical in shape. Ultrasonication was performed at several power intensities which resulted in particle sizes of VCO-SLP ranged from 0.608 ± 0.002 µm to 44.265 ± 1.870 µm. The particle size was directly proportional to the applied power intensity of ultrasonication. The zeta potential values of the particles were from -43.2 ± 0.28 mV to -47.5 ± 0.42 mV showing good stability. The cumulative permeation for the smallest sized VCO-SLP (0.608 µm) was 3.83 ± 0.01 µg/cm(2) whereas for larger carriers it was reduced (3.59 ± 0.02 µg/cm(2)). It is concluded that SLP have the potential to be exploited as a micro/nano scale cosmeceutical carrying vehicle for improved dermal delivery of VCO.
Fulltext Bioprocess development for kefiran production by Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens in semi industrial scale bioreactor

Dailin DJ, Elsayed EA, Othman NZ, Malek R, Phin HS, Aziz R, et al.

Saudi J Biol Sci, 2016 Jul;23(4):495-502.
PMID: 27298582 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.06.003

Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens is non-pathogenic gram positive bacteria isolated from kefir grains and able to produce extracellular exopolysaccharides named kefiran. This polysaccharide contains approximately equal amounts of glucose and galactose. Kefiran has wide applications in pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, an approach has been extensively studied to increase kefiran production for pharmaceutical application in industrial scale. The present work aims to maximize kefiran production through the optimization of medium composition and production in semi industrial scale bioreactor. The composition of the optimal medium for kefiran production contained sucrose, yeast extract and K2HPO4 at 20.0, 6.0, 0.25 g L(-1), respectively. The optimized medium significantly increased both cell growth and kefiran production by about 170.56% and 58.02%, respectively, in comparison with the unoptimized medium. Furthermore, the kinetics of cell growth and kefiran production in batch culture of L. kefiranofaciens was investigated under un-controlled pH conditions in 16-L scale bioreactor. The maximal cell mass in bioreactor culture reached 2.76 g L(-1) concomitant with kefiran production of 1.91 g L(-1).
Fulltext Edible Bird's nest extract as a chondro-protective agent for human chondrocytes isolated from osteoarthritic knee: in vitro study

Chua KH, Lee TH, Nagandran K, Md Yahaya NH, Lee CT, Tjih ET, et al.

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013;13:19.
PMID: 23339380 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-19

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that results in the destruction of cartilage. Edible Bird's Nest (EBN) extract contains important components, which can reduce the progression of osteoarthritis and helps in the regeneration of the cartilage. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of EBN extract on the catabolic and anabolic activities of the human articular chondrocytes (HACs) isolated from the knee joint of patients with OA.
Biochar amendment improves alpine meadows growth and soil health in Tibetan plateau over a three year period

Rafiq MK, Bai Y, Aziz R, Rafiq MT, Mašek O, Bachmann RT, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2020 May 15;717:135296.
PMID: 31839318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135296

Previous biochar research has primarily focused on agricultural annual cropping systems with very little attention given to highly fragile, complex and diverse natural alpine grassland ecosystems. The present study investigated the effect of biochar on the growth of alpine meadows and soil health. This study was conducted in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau over a three year period to investigate the effect of three rice husk biochar application rates alone and combination with high and low NPK fertilizer dosages on alpine meadow productivity, soil microbial diversity as well as pH, carbon and nitrogen content at 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm depth. At the end of the 3rd year soil samples were analysed and assessed by combined analysis of variance. The results showed that biochar application in combination with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer had a significant increase in fresh and dry biomass during the second and third year of the study as compared to control and alone biochar application (p ≤ 0.05). Biochar alone and in combination with NPK fertilizer resulted in a significant increase in the soil pH and carbon contents of the soil. XPS results, the SEM imaging and EDS analysis of aged biochar demonstrated that the biochar has undergone complex changes over the 3 years as compared to fresh biochar. This research suggests that biochar has positive effect on alpine meadow growth and soil health and may be an effective tool for alpine meadow restoration.

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