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Re: Kozacioglu et al.: Anatomy of the dorsal nerve of the penis, clinical implications (Urology 2014;83:121-125)

Suhaimi FH, Abd Ghafar N, Das S

Urology, 2014 May;83(5):1207-8.
PMID: 24767534 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2014.01.033
Fulltext The role of BMP4 in adipose-derived stem cell differentiation: A minireview

Setiawan AM, Kamarudin TA, Abd Ghafar N

Front Cell Dev Biol, 2022;10:1045103.
PMID: 36340030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1045103

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines responsible for stem cells' commitment to differentiation, proliferation, and maturation. To date, various studies have utilized BMP4 as a chemical inducer for in vitro differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based on its potential. BMP4 drives in vitro differentiation of ADSC via TGF-β signaling pathway by interactions with BMP receptors leading to the activation of smad-dependent and smad-independent pathways. The BMP4 signaling pathways are regulated by intracellular and extracellular BMP4 antagonists. Extracellular BMP4 antagonist prevents interaction between BMP4 ligand to its receptors, while intracellular BMP4 antagonist shutdowns the smad-dependent pathways through multiple mechanisms. BMP4 proved as one of the popular differentiation factors to induce ADSC differentiation into cell from mesodermal origin. However, addition of all-trans retinoic acid is also needed in trans-differentiation of ADSC into ectodermal lineage cells. Suggesting that both BMP4 and RA signaling pathways may be necessary to be activated for in vitro trans-differentiation of ADSC.
The dynamic value creation of profit-loss sharing arrangement in Islamic banking industry

Ruhaini Muda, Abdul Ghafar Ismail, Shahida Shahimi, Saiful Hafizah Jamaan

CREAM : Current Research in Malaysia (Penyelidikan Terkini di Malaysia), 2013;2(1):25-64.
MyJurnal

The adoption of Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement in Islamic banking models can create value for their shareholders. Previous studies discuss Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement in the context of financial intermediation theory, but fail to link the adoption of Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement with value creation and to produce empirical evidence. The aim of this study is to address optimal conditions of the Profit-Loss Sharing contracts in Islamic banking models to minimize the problems of asymmetric information and transaction costs. Three propositions are presented to achieve the optimal conditions of Profit-Loss Sharing contracts in Islamic banking models that can create positive values, given that: First, for mudharaba contract, Islamic banks as rabbul maal give incentives of (0* (RP') to entrepreneurs if the positive value of the Islamic bank's expected net profit is obtained. Next, if an Islamic bank, as mudharib is appointed as wakeel, the depositors of mudharaba investment account are imposed 6*(m) for cost of processing information. Third, for musyaraka contract, the Islamic bank is proposed to incur monitoring cost of c* (y). In addition, this study also produces empirical evidence to determine to what extent the adoption of Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement in Islamic banks creates value for their shareholders. This study utilizes the Malaysian Islamic banks panel data from 2005-2009 and employs Economic Value Added (EVA) as a technique of value creation measurement of Islamic banks. The empirical findings reveal that there is no indication that the adoption of Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement on the deposits structure (MDIA) significantly creates positive value to Islamic banks. This result is consistent for both measurement of value creation against shorter and longer terms opportunity costs of capital employed. This suggests that Islamic banks utilize a lower cost of capital, as Non-mudharaba deposits accounts constitute a large amount of current and saving accounts. On the other hand, for asset structure, this study finds that funds allocated in Financing (FPLS) based on Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement results in a reduction in the value of Islamic banks. However, funds allocated in Securities Investment (FIM) using Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement are significant and create positive value. Collectively, the findings reveal that theoretically, Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement can create value for the shareholders of Islamic banks, and it is evident that Islamic banks need to extensively utilize Profit-Loss Sharing arrangement in Islamic banking operation.
Kenaf seed supercritical fluid extract reduces aberrant crypt foci formation in azoxymethane-induced rats

Ghafar SA, Yazan LS, Tahir PM, Ismail M

Exp. Toxicol. Pathol., 2012 Mar;64(3):247-51.
PMID: 20869858 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2010.08.016

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) a plant of the family Malvaceae, is a valuable fiber plant native to India and Africa. Kenaf seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid, phytosterol such as β-sitosterol, vitamin E and other antioxidants with chemopreventive properties. In the present study we examined the hypothesis that kenaf seed 'supercritical fluid extract' (SFE) extract could suppress the early colon carcinogenesis in vivo by virtue of its bioactive compounds. To accomplish this goal, 60 male rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups which were (1) negative control group [not induced with azoxymethane (AOM)]; (2) positive control group (induced with AOM but received no treatment); (3) group treated with 500 mg/kg kenaf seed SFE extract; (4) group treated with 1000 mg/kg kenaf seed SFE extract; (5) group treated with 1500 mg/kg kenaf seed SFE extract. At 7 weeks of age, all rats except the negative control group received 15 mg/kg of AOM injection subcutaneously once a week for 2 weeks. Rats were euthanized at 13 weeks of the experiment. Number of ACF (mean±SD) ranged from 84.4±4.43 to 179.5±12.78 in group 2, 3, 4, 5. ACF reductions compared with the untreated group were 45.3, 51.4 and 53.1% in rats fed with 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. There were no significant differences in weight gain among groups. Our finding indicates that kenaf seed SFE extract reduced AOM-induced ACF in Sprague-Dawley male rats.
Molecular concept of diabetic wound healing: effective role of herbal remedies

Soliman A, Teoh SL, Ghafar N, Das S

Mini Rev Med Chem, 2018 Oct 25.
PMID: 30360709 DOI: 10.2174/1389557518666181025155204

The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide. One of the main complications in DM is delayed wound healing which often requires amputation. Various drugs have been used to treat DM but they present with various complications and patients often do not comply with such treatment. This opens the door for complementary and alternative medicine. In the present review, we explore the molecular concept of wound healing occurring in different stages with special emphasis to DM. We also highlight potential herbal products such as NF3 (Chinese 2-Herb Formula), Zicao, Jing Wan Hong ointment, mixture of Adiantum capillus-veneris, Commiphora molmol, Aloe Vera, and henna, Aleo vera, Phenol-rich compound sweet gel, Jinchuang ointment, San-huang-sheng-fu (S) oil, Yi Bu A Jie extract, Astragali Radix (AR) and Rehmanniae Radix (RR), Yiqi Huayu, Tangzu yuyang ointment, Shengji Huayu recipe, Angelica sinensis, Lithospermun erythrorhison, Hippophae rhamnoides L., Curcuma longa, and Momordica charantia that could be effectively used to treat DM wounds. Future clinical trials are needed for designing potential drugs which may be effective in treating DM wounds.
Fulltext Role of MicroRNA in Proliferation Phase of Wound Healing

Soliman AM, Das S, Abd Ghafar N, Teoh SL

Front Genet, 2018;9:38.
PMID: 29491883 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00038

Wound healing is a complex biological process that is generally composed of four phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The proliferation phase is crucial for effective healing compared to other phases. Many critical events occur during this phase, i.e., migration of fibroblasts, re-epithelialization, angiogenesis and wound contraction. Chronic wounds are common and are considered a major public health problem. Therefore, there is the increasing need to discover new therapeutic strategies. MicroRNA (miRNA) research in the field of wound healing is in its early phase, but the knowledge of the recent discoveries is essential for developing effective therapies for the treatment of chronic wounds. In this review, we focused on recently discovered miRNAs which are involved in the proliferation phase of wound healing in the past few years and their role in wound healing.
Magnetite-based catalysts for wastewater treatment

Masudi A, Harimisa GE, Ghafar NA, Jusoh NWC

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Feb;27(5):4664-4682.
PMID: 31873891 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07415-w

The increasing number and concentration of organic pollutants in water stream could become a serious threat in the near future. Magnetite has the potential to degrade pollutants via photocatalysis with a convenient separation process. This study discusses in detail the control size and morphology of magnetite nanoparticles, and their composites with co-precipitation, hydrothermal, sol-gel, and electrochemical route. Further photocatalytic enhancement with the addition of metal and porous support was proposed. This paper also discussed the technology to extend the lifetime of recombination through an in-depth explanation of charge transfer. The possibility to use waste materials as catalyst support was also elucidated. However, magnetite-based photocatalysts still require many improvements to meet commercialization criteria.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers towards antibiotic resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Al Sulayyim H, Ismail R, Hamid AA, Ghafar NA

JAC Antimicrob Resist, 2023 Jun;5(3):dlad068.
PMID: 37288079 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad068

BACKGROUND: During the novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, there was an overuse of antibiotics in hospitals. The improper use of antibiotics during COVID-19 has increased antibiotic resistance (AR), which has been reported in multiple studies.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in relation to AR during the era of COVID-19, and identify the associated factors with good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice.
METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to assess the KAP of HCWs in Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A validated questionnaire was used to collect participants' data, which consisted of the following information; socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude and items for practice. Data were presented as percentages and median (IQR). Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare them. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors linked to KAP.
RESULTS: The study included 406 HCWs. Their median (IQR) knowledge score was 72.73% (27.27%-81.82%), attitude score was 71.43% (28.57%-71.43%) and practice score was 50% (0%-66.67%). About 58.1% of the HCWs stated that antibiotics could be used to treat COVID-19 infection; 19.2% of the participants strongly agreed and 20.7% agreed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, antibiotics were overused at their healthcare institutions. Only 18.5% strongly agreed and 15.5% agreed when asked whether antibiotics used properly for the right indication and duration can still result in AR. The significantly associated factors with good knowledge were nationality, cadre and qualification. A positive attitude was significantly associated with age, nationality and qualification. Good practice was significantly associated with age, cadre, qualification and working place.
CONCLUSION: Although the HCWs had a positive attitude regarding AR during COVID-19, their knowledge and practice need significant improvement. Implementation of effective educational and training programmes are urgently needed. In addition, further prospective and clinical trial studies are needed to better inform these programmes.
Fulltext Wound healing of the corneal epithelium: a review

Ghafar NA, Jalil NAA, Kamarudin TA

Asian Biomed (Res Rev News), 2021 Oct;15(5):199-212.
PMID: 37551323 DOI: 10.2478/abm-2021-0026

The corneal epithelium (CE) forms the outermost layer of the cornea. Despite its thickness of only 50 μm, the CE plays a key role as an initial barrier against any insults to the eye and contributes to the light refraction onto the retina required for clear vision. In the event of an injury, the cornea is equipped with many strategies contributing to competent wound healing, including angiogenic and immune privileges, and mechanotransduction. Various factors, including growth factors, keratin, cytokines, integrins, crystallins, basement membrane, and gap junction proteins are involved in CE wound healing and serve as markers in the healing process. Studies of CE wound healing are advancing rapidly in tandem with the rise of corneal bioengineering, which employs limbal epithelial stem cells as the primary source of cells utilizing various types of biomaterials as substrates.
Fulltext Healthcare commissioners' experience with antibiotic resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

Sulayyim HJA, Ismail R, Hamid AA, Abdul Ghafar N

J Pharm Policy Pract, 2024;17(1):2290671.
PMID: 38205192 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2023.2290671

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of antibiotic resistance (AR) has become a critical issue during the Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study explores the experiences of healthcare commissioners with AR during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifies challenges, and provides recommendations for combating AR during pandemics.
METHODS: This qualitative study was multi-centered and used a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 among 11 health commissioners using video calls.
RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from the data, including knowledge of AR and its consequences, the antibiotic prescription system, the future of AR and potential contributory factors, the impact of COVID-19 on AR and their relationship, the experience of AR during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare facilities, barriers that prevent the misuse of antibiotics during pandemics, and recommendations regarding antibiotic resistance during pandemics.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study could be used to inform policy and practice for government healthcare workers (HCWs) and the public. Furthermore, this study identified the main challenges of AR during the pandemic, and the recommendations of health commissioners were provided accordingly. Such recommendations could be beneficial on a national and international scale to reduce the impact of future pandemics on AR.
ABBREVIATIONS: COVID-19: Novel coronavirus disease 2019; AR: Antibiotic Resistance; IPC: Infection prevention and control; MDRO: multi-drug resistant organism; ASP: Antimicrobial Stewardship Program; HCW: Healthcare worker; KSA: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; WHO: World Health Organization; MOH: Ministry of Health; MOEWA: Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture; AMR: Antimicrobial Resistance; PHCC: Primary Healthcare Center.
Fulltext Annatto-Derived Tocotrienol Promotes Mineralization of MC3T3-E1 Cells by Enhancing BMP-2 Protein Expression via Inhibiting RhoA Activation and HMG-CoA Reductase Gene Expression

Wan Hasan WN, Chin KY, Abd Ghafar N, Soelaiman IN

Drug Des Devel Ther, 2020;14:969-976.
PMID: 32184566 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S224941

PURPOSE: Annatto-derived tocotrienol (AnTT) has been shown to improve bone formation in animal models of osteoporosis and promote differentiation of pre-osteoblastic cells. However, the mechanism of action of AnTT in achieving these effects is unclear. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of action of AnTT on MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts via the mevalonate pathway.
METHODS: Murine pre-osteoblastic cells, MC3T3-E1, were cultured with the density of 1 × 104 cells/mL and treated with 4 concentrations of AnTT (0.001-1 µg/mL). Expression of HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) gene was carried out using qPCR after treatment with AnTT for 21 days. RhoA activation and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were measured using immunoassay after 9 and 15 days of AnTT treatment. Lovastatin was used as the positive control. Mineralized nodules were detected using Von Kossa staining after 21 days of AnTT treatment.
RESULTS: The results showed that HMGR was up-regulated in the lovastatin group on day 9 and 21 compared to the control. Lovastatin also inhibited RhoA activation (day 9 and 15) and increased BMP-2 protein (day 15). On the other hand, AnTT at 0.001 μg/mL (day 3) and 0.1 μg/mL (day 21) significantly down-regulated HMGR gene expression compared to the control. On day 21, HMGR gene expression was significantly reduced in all groups compared to day 15. AnTT at 0.1 μg/mL significantly decreased RhoA activation on day 9 compared to the control. AnTT at 1 μg/mL significantly increased BMP-2 protein on day 15 compared to the control (P<0.05). Mineralized calcium nodules were more abundant in AnTT treated groups compared to the control on day 21.
CONCLUSION: AnTT suppresses the mevalonate pathway by downregulating HMGR gene expression and inhibiting RhoA activation, leading to increased BMP-2 protein in MC3T3-E1 cells. This explains the stimulating effects of AnTT on osteoblast mineralization.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Probiotics (MCP® BCMC® Strains) Treating Constipation in Elderly Patients with Multiple Chronic Co-Morbidities: A Randomized Control Trial

Ghafar MYA, Yaakup H, Ali RAR, Shah SA

J Nutr Health Aging, 2020;24(10):1066-1072.
PMID: 33244562 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1494-1

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of a microbial cell preparation (MCP®) (Hexbio®; comprising MCP® BCMC® strains) on stool frequency, consistency, and constipation-related symptoms in elderly patients with multiple chronic medical conditions.
DESIGN: Randomised control trial.
SETTING: Medical outpatient and medical/surgical in-patient unit in single tertiary center.
PARTICIPANT: Patients aged ≥ 60 years who experience constipation and have multiple chronic medical conditions.
METHODS: Participants with constipation were blindly randomized into either a treatment (MCP® BCMC® strains) or a placebo group. The treatment was administered twice daily.
MEASUREMENT: Gastrointestinal symptoms and stool habits were assessed over a week during the intervention via the use of a questionnaire and stool diary.
RESULTS: Stool frequency was seen to be higher and the improvement in stool consistency was more significant in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p =<0.001). A significant improvement in symptoms was demonstrated in patients who received MCP® BCMC® strains,specifically with respect to straining (p = < 0.001) and a sensation of incomplete evacuation (p = < 0.001). reduction in anorectal blockage symptoms and the need for manual stool evacuation was also demonstrated, but this finding was not statistically significant. Significant adverse events were not observed.
CONCLUSIONS: An improvement in stool frequency and consistency was reported in elderly patients with chronic medical conditions following the administration of MCP® BCMC® strains.
Fulltext Antioxidative Effects of Germinated Brown Rice-Derived Extracts on H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells

Md Zamri ND, Imam MU, Abd Ghafar SA, Ismail M

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2014;2014:371907.
PMID: 25431609 DOI: 10.1155/2014/371907

The antioxidant properties of germinated brown rice (GBR) are likely mediated by multiple bioactives. To test this hypothesis, HepG2 cells pretreated with GBR extracts, rich in acylated steryl glycoside (ASG), gamma amino butyric acid GABA), phenolics or oryzanol, were incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and their hydroxyl radical (OH(•)) scavenging capacities and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) generation were evaluated. Results showed that GBR-extracts increased OH(•) scavenging activities in both cell-free medium and posttreatment culture media, suggesting that the extracts were both direct- and indirect-acting against OH(•). The levels of TBARS in the culture medium after treatment were also reduced by all the extracts. In addition, H2O2 produced transcriptional changes in p53, JNK, p38 MAPK, AKT, BAX, and CDK4 that were inclined towards apoptosis, while GBR-extracts showed some transcriptional changes (upregulation of BAX and p53) that suggested an inclination for apoptosis although other changes (upregulation of antioxidant genes, AKT, JNK, and p38 MAPK) suggested that GBR-extracts favored survival of the HepG2 cells. Our findings show that GBR bioactive-rich extracts reduce oxidative stress through improvement in antioxidant capacity, partly mediated through transcriptional regulation of antioxidant and prosurvival genes.
Impact of Article Page Count and Number of Authors on Citations in Disability Related Fields: A Systematic Review Article

Ahmed A, Adam M, Ghafar NA, Muhammad M, Ebrahim NA

Iran J Public Health, 2016 Sep;45(9):1118-1125.
PMID: 27957456

BACKGROUND: Citation metrics and total publications in a field has become the gold standard for rating researchers and viability of a field. Hence, stimulating demand for citation has led to a search for useful strategies to improve performance metric index. Meanwhile, title, abstract and morphologic qualities of the articles attract researchers to scientific publications. Yet, there is relatively little understanding of the citation trend in disability related fields. We aimed to provide an insight into the factors associated with citation increase in this field. Additionally, we tried to know at what page number an article might appear attractive to disability researchers needs. Thus, our focus is placed on the article page count and the number of authors contributing to the fields per article.
METHODS: To this end, we evaluated the quantitative characteristics of top cited articles in the fields with a total citation (≥50) in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Using one-way independent ANOVA, data extracted spanning a period of 1980-2015 were analyzed, while the non-parametric data analysis uses Kruskal-Walis test.
RESULTS: Articles with 11 to 20 pages attract more citations followed by those within the range of zero to 10. Articles with upward 21 pages are the least cited. Surprisingly, articles with more than two authors are significantly (P<0.05) less cited and the citation decreases as the number of authors increased.
CONCLUSION: Collaborative studies enjoy wider utilization and more citation, yet discounted merit of additional pages and limited collaborative research in disability field is revealed in this study.
Fulltext Antibiotic Resistance during COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Sulayyim HJA, Ismail R, Hamid AA, Ghafar NA

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 21;19(19).
PMID: 36231256 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911931

One of the public health issues faced worldwide is antibiotic resistance (AR). During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, AR has increased. Since some studies have stated AR has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and others have stated otherwise, this study aimed to explore this impact. Seven databases-PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL-were searched using related keywords to identify studies relevant to AR during COVID-19 published from December 2019 to May 2022, according to PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-three studies were included in this review, and the evidence showed that AR has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most commonly reported resistant Gram-negative bacteria was Acinetobacterbaumannii, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A. baumannii and K. pneumonia were highly resistant to tested antibiotics compared with E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Moreover, K. pneumonia showed high resistance to colistin. Commonly reported Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. The resistance of E. faecium to ampicillin, erythromycin, and Ciprofloxacin was high. Self-antibiotic medication, empirical antibiotic administration, and antibiotics prescribed by general practitioners were the risk factors of high levels of AR during COVID-19. Antibiotics' prescription should be strictly implemented, relying on the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) and guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) or Ministry of Health (MOH).
Fulltext Antibacterial activities of green silver nanoparticles-Strobilanthes crispus (AgNP-SC) against clinically important bacteria

Rohazila Mohamad Hanafiah, Siti Nor Asma Musa, Siti Aisyah Abd Ghafar

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(108):40-40.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Silver nanoparticles has been proven to be an effective agent for antimicrobial efficacy against bacte-ria, viruses and other eukaryotic microorganisms. Green synthesis is one of the methods that has been developed to synthesize silver nanoparticles in environmentally-friendly conditions. It uses plant extracts as reducing and capping agents. Besides act as reducing and capping agents, bioactives such as phenolic compounds may bind to silver nanoparticles and enhance its medicinal properties. Strobilanthes crispus is a Malaysian native plant. Previous stud-ies had shown that S. crispus contains polyphenols, catechins, alkaloids, caffeine, tannins and vitamins. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles-Strobilanthes crispus (AgNP-SC) against clinically important pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans. Methods: The disc diffusion assay (DDA) was performed to investigate the inhibition zone of AgNps-Sc towards E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. mutans. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was used to determine bactericidal/bacteriostatic profile of AgNP- SC against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. mu-tans. Results: AgNP-SC (40mg/mL) shows the greatest inhibition properties (12.67±0.6mm) against S. mutans when compared to Strobilanthes crispus leaves extract (6.0±0.001mm) and blank silver nanoparticles (6.0±0.001mm). MIC values for AgNP-SC against S. mutans and E. coli were at 0.625 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL, respectively. Whereas the MIC value of AgNP- SC against P. aeruginosa was at 2.5 mg/mL. MBC values of AgNP-SC against E. coli, P. aerugino-sa and S. mutans were at 1.25, 2.5 mg/mL respectively. Results are concentration-dependent, with higher concentra-tion demonstrating better inhibition property. Conclusion: It can be concluded that AgNP-SC possesses bactericidal properties against S. mutans, E. coli and P. aeruginosa.
Fulltext Antibacterial activity of Spilanthes acmella flower extracts (SAFE) against Streptococcus mutans

Siti Aisyah Abd Ghafar, Muhammad Fikhry Mohd Salehuddin,, Nur Syamimi Syuhada Che Awang, Rohazila Mohamad Hanafiah

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(108):42-42.
MyJurnal

Introduction:Spilanthes acmella, also known as “subang nenek’, has been used traditionally in Malaysia to treat toothache. A previous study has shown Spilanthes acmella leaves extracts (SALE) inhibit Streptococcus mutans growth. Streptococcus mutans is commonly found in the human oral cavity and is the main contributor to tooth de-cay. There is no study on the antibacterial effects of Spilanthes acmella flower extracts (SAFE) against Streptococcus mutans reported to date. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate antibacterial properties of SAFE against S. mutans. Methods:S. mutans was subcultured in Muller Hinton (MH) broth and agar. Sequential extractions of S. acmella flowers were conducted using four different solvents with increasing polarity, [n- hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), acetone, methanol (MeoH)] and tested with different concentrations against S. mutans via the disc diffusion assay, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Sodium fluoride (NaF) was used as a positive control while DMSO was used as a negative control. Results: The disc diffusion assay shows SAFE inhibited Streptococcus mutans growth. SAFE-DCM shows the greatest inhibition properties (12.33±2.30 mm) followed by SAFE-n-hexane (11.33±0.57 mm). Meanwhile, SAFE-Meoh and SAFE-acetone show no inhibition zone (6.00±0.001 mm). MIC value for SAFE-DCM and SAFE-n-hexane is 12.5 mg/mL respectively. Whereas, MBC value SAFE-DCM and SAFE-n-hexane is 50.0 mg/mL respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded SAFE-DCM and SAFE-n-hexane possesses bactericidal properties against Streptococcus mutans.
Kesan perencatan madu gelam terhadap kehilangan tulang pada tikus Periodontitis

Afifah-radiah Fauzi, Mariati Abdul Rahman, Saliana A. Aziz, Norashikin Hamzah, Badiah Baharin, Norzana Abdul Ghafar

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1923-1930.

Periodontitis adalah penyakit kronik yang melibatkan kehilangan tulang dan inflamasi pada tisu periodontium. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) dan Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) merupakan penanda pro-inflamasi yang penting yang terlibat dalam periodontitis. Sebanyak 20 ekor tikus Sprague-Dawley dibahagikan kepada empat kumpulan iaitu: Kumpulan kawalan dengan salin normal (CS); kumpulan kawalan dengan madu Gelam 3 g/mL (CH); kumpulan ujian periodontitis dengan salin normal (TS); dan kumpulan ujian periodontitis dengan madu Gelam 3 g/mL (TH). Benang bersaiz 4/0 diikat pada molar pertama gigi tikus sebelah kiri bagi tujuan rangsangan penyakit periodontitis. Madu Gelam diberi secara paksa oral selama 15 hari. Selepas 15 hari, sampel plasma dan tisu dianalisis menggunakan kaedah Elisa dan pewarnaan histologi. Kehilangan tulang alveolar pada kumpulan TS adalah paling tinggi berbanding dengan kumpulan kawalan, CS dan CH namun, tiada perbezaan yang signifikan berbanding dengan kumpulan TH. Berdasarkan ujian imunohistokimia, ekspresi IL-6 dan TNF-α pada tisu periodontium adalah tinggi secara signifikan pada kumpulan TS berbanding dengan kumpulan lain. Namun, tiada perubahan aras IL-6 dan TNF-α yang signifikan pada plasma ke semua tikus kajian.
Fulltext The influence of visual art therapy on paediatric dental patient: a pilot study

Manan, N.M., Zainal Abidin, H.A., Mohd Zahari, N., Abdul Ghafar@Abdul Rapor, A.

Ann Dent, 2015;22(2):9-14.
MyJurnal

Objective: This study examined the influence of visual art therapy techniques in reducing anxiety level
among 4 to 6 years old paediatric dental patients.
Methods: Eleven subjects were selected among 4 to 6 years old paediatric dental patients. The initial
reaction towards dental procedure/treatment was evaluated using Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. The
anxiety level was assessed by using Malay-Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDASf
) to measure
a child situational anxiety of pre- and post-treatment. Visual art making activities included free drawing,
clay moulding and collage technique. The participant reaction to dental treatment was assessed by using
Frankl Behavioural Rating Scale for two subsequent independent visits in two weeks interval. Median
and Ordinal Test ranked the variables score of behavioural reaction towards dental treatment and anxiety
level.
Results: Play-doh (PD) subjects could accept dental procedures more if compared to free drawing (FD)
and storytelling by collage (ST) subjects, which has lower post treatment-median scores in Visit 1 and
Visit 2, FD and ST subjects need more time to show positive attitude towards dental treatment.
Conclusion: These findings suggest dental anxiety level of children aged 4 to 6 years old reduced after
the art therapy and play-doh(clay-moulding technique) is the art making activity of choice among 4 to 6
years old paediatric dental patients.
Fulltext Concomitant Anomalous branching of Facial Nerve and Double Parotid Duct: A case report

Amro Mohamed Soliman, Elvy Suhana Ramli, Srijit Das, Norzana Abd Ghafar

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(1):139-142.
MyJurnal

The facial nerve divides within the parotid gland into upper temporozygomatic and lower cervicofacial branches. The two branches further subdivide and emerge from the parotid gland as five main branches. We observed a rare anomalous branching pattern of the facial nerve along with double parotid duct on the right side of a 50-year-old male cadaver. The two parotid ducts emerged at the level of the anterior border of parotid gland then united to form one single duct thereby opened into the oral cavity. The first duct (D1) emerged from the upper one third of the anterior border of the parotid gland and traversed horizontally for 9 mm to join the second duct. Knowledge of anomalous branching pattern of facial nerve and double parotid ducts may be beneficial for maxillofacial surgeons.

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