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Fulltext Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Risk Factors

Kamal Nor N, Ghozali AH, Ismail J

Front Pediatr, 2019;7:38.
PMID: 30842939 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00038

Introduction: Prevalence of obesity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been reported to be higher than in the general population. Determining prevalence may help increase awareness of obesity in ASD and potentially lead to initiatives to reduce obesity. In order to understand obesity in ASD children, common risk factors were assessed including physical activity, feeding problems and sleep disturbances. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed at the Child Development Center at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center on 151 ASD children aged 2-18 years. Anthropometric and demographic information were obtained and parents completed three questionnaires; Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Physical Activity for Older Children Questionnaire (PAQ-C) and Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire (BAMBI). Results: For ASD children in our sample, the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥85th to <95th percentiles) was 11.3% and the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) was 21.9%. The overweight/obese ASD children's median age was higher at 8.5 years (IQR 5.81-10.13) compared to the normal/underweight group of 6.33 years (IQR 4.75-7.7) with a p-value of 0.001. The two groups also differed significantly for maternal BMI and paternal age. The median maternal BMI in the overweight/obese group was 26.05 (IQR 23.35-32.25), statistically significantly higher (p = 0.003) than in the non-overweight/obese group, 24.7 (IQR 21-27.9). The median paternal age of 40 years (IQR 37-44) was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.039) in the overweight/obese group, compared to the median paternal age in the non-overweight/obese group of 38 (IQR 35-42). The male overweight/obese children had median PAQ-C score of 2.44 (IQR 2.00-3.00) vs. 2.89 (IQR 2.35-3.53) in the counterpart group with a p-value of 0.01. Using the multiple linear regression stepwise method, three predictors associated with BMI percentiles reached a statistical level of significance; PAQ-C score in males (p < 0.001), the BAMBI domains of Food Refusal (p = 0.001) and Limited Variety of Food (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity and overweight is high among Malaysian ASD children and adolescents. Older child age, high maternal BMI, older paternal age, low physical activity, low likelihood of food refusal and high likelihood of food selectivity were found to be risk factors for high BMI in these children.
Fulltext Motor Development in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Mohd Nordin A, Ismail J, Kamal Nor N

Front Pediatr, 2021;9:598276.
PMID: 34604128 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.598276

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the gross and fine motor profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder compared to typically developing children. Additionally, we also assessed if the motor delay was more pronounced with increasing age. Method: This was a retrospective study involving children aged 12-60 months of age comparing motor development in children with autism spectrum disorder with typically developing children. Their developmental profile was assessed using Schedule of Growing Skills II. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the developmental profile between the groups. Results: ASD children had significant gross motor (6.7%) and fine motor delay (38.5%) compared to typically developing children, who did not show any delay. The motor delay in ASD children was more prominent in older children. Conclusion: It is important to assess motor development in ASD children as there is significant motor delay in these children compared to typically developing children, and the delay becomes more prominent with age. Early detection of motor delay could allow provision of early intervention services to optimize developmental outcomes.
Duplication 17p11.2 (Potocki-Lupski Syndrome) in a child with developmental delay

Shuib S, Saaid NN, Zakaria Z, Ismail J, Abdul Latiff Z

Malays J Pathol, 2017 Apr;39(1):77-81.
PMID: 28413209 MyJurnal

Potocki-Lupski syndrome (PTLS), also known as duplication 17p11.2 syndrome, trisomy 17p11.2 or dup(17)(p11.2p11.2) syndrome, is a developmental disorder and a rare contiguous gene syndrome affecting 1 in 20,000 live births. Among the key features of such patients are autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, developmental delay, attention-deficit disorder, infantile hypotonia and cardiovascular abnormalities. Previous studies using microarray identified variations in the size and extent of the duplicated region of chromosome 17p11.2. However, there are a few genes which are considered as candidates for PTLS which include RAI1, SREBF1, DRG2, LLGL1, SHMT1 and ZFP179. In this report, we investigated a case of a 3-year-old girl who has developmental delay. Her chromosome analysis showed a normal karyotype (46,XX). Analysis using array CGH (4X44 K, Agilent USA) identified an ~4.2 Mb de novo duplication in chromosome 17p11.2. The result was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes in the critical PTLS region. This report demonstrates the importance of microarray and FISH in the diagnosis of PTLS.
Structural and thermal characterizations of silica nanoparticles grafted with pendant maleimide and epoxide groups

Vejayakumaran P, Rahman IA, Sipaut CS, Ismail J, Chee CK

J Colloid Interface Sci, 2008 Dec 1;328(1):81-91.
PMID: 18822418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2008.08.054

Grafting of free maleimide and epoxide pendant groups onto the surface of approximately 7-nm silica nanoparticles was investigated. Glycidyloxypropyl groups (3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane) that carried epoxide groups and aminopropyl groups were grafted to the silica surface with the help of condensation reactions. Maleimide groups [1,1(')-(methylenedi-4,1-phenelene) bismaleimide] were introduced to the silica surface via nucleophilic addition reaction with the aminopropyl groups pre-grafted onto the surface. The grafted silica samples were characterized using CHN, FTIR, DSC, TGA-FTIR, and 13C and 29Si CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. NMR analyses revealed that all the functional groups were covalently bonded to the silica surface and most of the maleimide and epoxide rings remained intact on surface. DSC analysis showed that the epoxide groups were more reactive than the maleimide groups.
Fulltext Sleep Disturbances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder at a Malaysian Tertiary Hospital

Koo HW, Ismail J, Yang WW, Syed Zakaria SZ

Front Pediatr, 2020;8:608242.
PMID: 33537265 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.608242

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a variety of co-morbid medical problems, including sleep disturbances. Prevalence of sleep disorders has been reported to be higher in this group as compared to the general population. Identifying sleep problems in children with ASD may help increase awareness and improve the overall quality of care for them. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep problems and associated factors in a group of Malaysian children aged 6-16 years, with ASD. Method: This is a cross-sectional study at the Child Development Centre of UKM Medical Centre (UKM MC) on ASD children aged 6-16 years. Demographic data was obtained and the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC) questionnaire was completed by the main caregiver. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors related to higher total SDSC scores. Results: A total of 128 patients were recruited (111 boys) with a median age of 8 years 3 months (IQR: 2 years 10 months). Forty-seven (36.7%) of them obtained total SDSC scores in the pathological range with 19 (14.8%) scoring high for overall disturbances and 28 (21.9%) for at least one subtype of sleep disorders: 25 (19.5%) DIMS, 18 (14.1%) SBD, 10 (7.8%) DOES, 5 (3.9%) DOA, 6 (4.7%) SWTD, and 3 (2.3%) SHY. More than half of the children (57.8%) were reported to have sufficient sleep duration of 8-11 h, but longer sleep latency of at least 15 min (82.8%). Half of the ASD children also had co-morbidities in which one-third (34.4%) had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using logistic regression analysis, four factors were significantly associated with higher total SDSC scores; female gender (p = 0.016), older age group (11-16 years old) (p = 0.039), shorter sleep length (p = 0.043), and longer sleep latency (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disturbances is high among Malaysian children with ASD, especially DIMS. Female gender, older age group, shorter sleep length, and longer sleep latency were found to be associated with the sleep disturbances. Evaluation of sleep problems should form part of the comprehensive care of children with ASD.
The effect of oleic acid stabilizer on the surface properties of bimetallic PtNi catalysts

Abu Bakar NH, Abu Bakar M, Bettahar MM, Ismail J, Monteverdi S

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2013 Jul;13(7):5034-43.
PMID: 23901527

A detailed study on the surface properties of oleic acid-stabilized PtNi nanoparticles supported on silica is reported. The oleic acid-stabilized PtNi nanoparticles were synthesized using NaBH4 as the reducing agent at various temperatures and oleic acid concentrations, prior to incorporation onto the silica support. X-ray diffraction studies of the unsupported oleic acid-stabilized PtNi particles revealed that the PtNi existed as alloys. Upon incorporation onto silica support, surface properties of the catalysts were investigated using H2-temperature reduction (H2-TPR), H2-temperature desorption (H2-TPD) and H2-chemisorption techniques. It was found that for the bimetallic catalysts, no oxides or very little oxidation occurred. Furthermore, these catalysts exhibited both Pt and Ni active sites on its surface though the availability of Ni active sites was dominant. A comparison of the surface properties of these materials with those prepared without oleic acid in our previous work [N. H. H. Abu Bakar et al., J. Catal. 265, 63 (2009)] and how they affect the hydrogenation of benzene is also discussed.
Fulltext Estimating the Risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Parents of Children with ADHD and the Association with Their Children's Disease Severity and Adherence to Medication

Ragadran J, Kamal Nor N, Ismail J, Ong JJ, Sundaraj C

Children (Basel), 2023 Aug 24;10(9).
PMID: 37761401 DOI: 10.3390/children10091440

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Up to half of the affected children have a parent with ADHD. In this study, the risk of ADHD among parents of ADHD children was estimated. The associations between parental ADHD and child ADHD severity and medication adherence were determined.
METHODOLOGY: Parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD attending the University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) were recruited between June to August 2022 and the administered Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) self-report short form, Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Rating Scale (performance section), and Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS).
RESULTS: Forty-five children with ADHD were recruited and 15 out of 45 (33%) parents were detected to have ADHD. ADHD severity was worse in children with ADHD parents for total severity (mean of 34.67 vs. 29.13, p = 0.047) and difficult behaviours at home (mean of 7.87 vs. 6.27, p = 0.036). The children's academic performance and behavioural challenges at home and school were positively correlated with the parental ADHD scores for 'inattention' and 'problems with self-care' subscales.
CONCLUSIONS: A total of 33% of ADHD children had parents with ADHD. ADHD children with ADHD parents were more likely to have behavioural problems at home and more severe ADHD. However, no statistical significance was noted with medication adherence.
Mesoporous titania-vertical nanorod films with interfacial engineering for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells

Ahmed I, Fakharuddin A, Wali Q, Bin Zainun AR, Ismail J, Jose R

Nanotechnology, 2015 Mar 13;26(10):105401.
PMID: 25687409 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/26/10/105401

Working electrode (WE) fabrication offers significant challenges in terms of achieving high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). We have combined the beneficial effects of vertical nanorods grown on conducting glass substrate for charge transport and mesoporous particles for dye loading and have achieved a high photoconversion efficiency of (η) > 11% with an internal quantum efficiency of ∼93% in electrode films of thickness ∼7 ± 0.5 μm. Controlling the interface between the vertical nanorods and the mesoporous film is a crucial step in attaining high η. We identify three parameters, viz., large surface area of nanoparticles, increased light scattering of the nanorod-nanoparticle layer, and superior charge transport of nanorods, that simultaneously contribute to the improved photovoltaic performance of the WE developed.
Fulltext Biomass and Habitat Characteristics of Epiphytic Macroalgae in the Sibuti Mangroves, Sarawak, Malaysia

Isa HM, Kamal AH, Idris MH, Rosli Z, Ismail J

Trop Life Sci Res, 2017 Jan;28(1):1-21.
PMID: 28228913 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2017.28.1.1

Mangroves support diverse macroalgal assemblages as epibionts on their roots and tree trunks. These algae provide nutrients to the primary consumers in the aquatic food web and have been reported to be substantial contributors to marine ecosystems. The species diversity, biomass, and habitat characteristics of mangrove macroalgae were investigated at three stations in the Sibuti mangrove estuary, Sarawak, Malaysia, from November 2012 to October 2013. Three groups of macroalgae were recorded and were found to be growing on mangrove prop roots, namely Rhodophyta (Caloglossa ogasawaraensis, Caloglossa adhaerens, Caloglossa stipitata, Bostrychia anomala, and Hypnea sp.), Chlorophyta (Chaetomorpha minima and Chaetomorpha sp.), and Phaeophyta (Dictyota sp.). The biomass of macroalgae was not influenced (p>0.05) by the season in this mangrove forest habitat. The macroalgal species Hypnea sp. contributed the highest biomass at both Station 1 (210.56 mg/cm(2)) and Station 2 (141.72 mg/cm(2)), while the highest biomass was contributed by B. anomala (185.89 mg/cm(2)) at Station 3. This study shows that the species distribution and assemblages of mangrove macroalgae were influenced by environmental parameters such as water nutrients, dissolved solids, and salinity in the estuarine mangrove habitats of Sibuti, Sarawak.
Data of chemical analysis and electrical properties of SnO2-TiO2 composite nanofibers

Bakr ZH, Wali Q, Ismail J, Elumalai NK, Uddin A, Jose R

Data Brief, 2018 Jun;18:860-863.
PMID: 29900250 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.03.110

In this data article, we provide energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectra of the electrospun composite (SnO2-TiO2) nanowires with the elemental values measured in atomic and weight%. The linear sweep voltammetry data of composite and its component nanofibers are provided. The data collected in this article is directly related to our research article "Synergistic combination of electronic and electrical properties of SnO2 and TiO2 in a single SnO2-TiO2 composite nanowire for dye-sensitized solar cells" [1].
A heat capacity model of T3/2 dependence for quantum dots

Roslee AE, Muzakir SK, Ismail J, Yusoff MM, Jose R

Phys Chem Chem Phys, 2016 Dec 21;19(1):408-418.
PMID: 27905607 DOI: 10.1039/c6cp07173b

This article addresses the heat capacity of quantum dots (QDs) using density functional theory (DFT). By analyzing the evolution of phonon density of states and heat capacity as CdSe clusters grow from a molecular cluster into larger quantum confined solids, we have shown that their heat capacity does not fit very well with the Debye T3 model. We observed that the number of phonon modes, which is discrete, increases as the particles grow, and the dispersion relation shows a quadratic behavior in contrast to the bulk solids whose dispersion relation is linear and equal to the sound velocity. The phonon density of states showed a square root variation with respect to frequency whereas that of the bulk is a quadratic variation of frequency. From the observed variation in the phonon density of states and holding the fact that the atomic vibrations in solids are elastically coupled, we have re-derived the expression for total energy of the QDs and arrive at a T3/2 model of heat capacity, which fits very well to the observed heat capacity data. These results give promising directions in the understanding of the evolution of the thermophysical properties of solids.
One-Dimensional Assembly of Conductive and Capacitive Metal Oxide Electrodes for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors

Harilal M, Vidyadharan B, Misnon II, Anilkumar GM, Lowe A, Ismail J, et al.

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2017 Mar 29;9(12):10730-10742.
PMID: 28266837 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b00676

A one-dimensional morphology comprising nanograins of two metal oxides, one with higher electrical conductivity (CuO) and the other with higher charge storability (Co3O4), is developed by electrospinning technique. The CuO-Co3O4 nanocomposite nanowires thus formed show high specific capacitance, high rate capability, and high cycling stability compared to their single-component nanowire counterparts when used as a supercapacitor electrode. Practical symmetric (SSCs) and asymmetric (ASCs) supercapacitors are fabricated using commercial activated carbon, CuO, Co3O4, and CuO-Co3O4 composite nanowires, and their properties are compared. A high energy density of ∼44 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 14 kW kg-1 is achieved in CuO-Co3O4 ASCs employing aqueous alkaline electrolytes, enabling them to store high energy at a faster rate. The current methodology of hybrid nanowires of various functional materials could be applied to extend the performance limit of diverse electrical and electrochemical devices.
Neonatal hypoxic encephalopathy: Correlation between post-cooling brain MRI findings and 2 years neurodevelopmental outcome

Rusli ERM, Ismail J, Wei WS, Ishak S, Jaafar R, Zaki FM

Indian J Radiol Imaging, 2019 12 31;29(4):350-355.
PMID: 31949335 DOI: 10.4103/ijri.IJRI_62_19

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain patterns among hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) babies who underwent post-cooling MRI brain as well as to correlate the post-cooling brain scoring with patient's neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years.
Subjects and Methods: It was a retrospective cross sectional study carried out at a tertiary university hospital. Record of patients diagnosed with neonatal HIE from 2007 until 2016 who completed 72 h of cooling therapy and had MRI brain within 2 weeks of life were included in this study. A new scoring system by Trivedi et al. that emphasizes on subcortical deep gray matter and posterior limb internal capsule injury were utilized upon MRI assessment, using TW, T2W, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences. Cumulative MRI brain score was obtained and graded as none, mild, moderate, and severe brain injury. The MRI brain scoring was then correlated with patient's 2 years neurodevelopmental outcome using Fisher's Exact Test.
Results: A total of 23 patients were eligible of which 19 term neonates were included. 13% of these neonates (n = 3) had mild MRI brain injury grading with 52.2% (n = 12) moderate and 34.8% (n = 8) severe. There was no significant correlation seen between MRI brain grading and developmental outcome at 2 years old (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between neonatal MRI brain injury grading and 2 years neurodevelopmental outcome. Nevertheless, the new MRI brain scoring by Trivedi et al. is reproducible and comprehensive as it involves various important brain structures, assessed from different MRI sequences.
Fulltext Crystal structure of (E)-4-{2-[4-(all-yloxy)phen-yl]diazen-yl}benzoic acid

Rahman ML, Mohd Yusoff M, Ismail J, Kwong HC, Quah CK

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2014 Dec 01;70(Pt 12):499-502.
PMID: 25552976 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536814023745

The title compound, C16H14N2O3, has an E conformation about the azo-benzene [-N=N- = 1.2481 (16) Å] linkage. The benzene rings are almost coplanar [dihedral angle = 1.36 (7)°]. The O atoms of the carb-oxy-lic acid group are disordered over two sets of sites and were refined with an occupancy ratio of 0.5:0.5. The two disordered components of the carb-oxy-lic acid group make dihedral angles of 1.5 (14) and 3.8 (12)° with the benzene ring to which they are attached. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via pairs of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers are connected via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming ribbons lying parallel to [120]. These ribbons are linked via C-H⋯π inter-actions, forming slabs parallel to (001).
Fulltext Association between Viral Infections and Risk of Autistic Disorder: An Overview

Shuid AN, Jayusman PA, Shuid N, Ismail J, Kamal Nor N, Mohamed IN

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Mar 10;18(6).
PMID: 33802042 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062817

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition of the central nervous system (CNS) that presents with severe communication problems, impairment of social interactions, and stereotypic behaviours. Emerging studies indicate possible associations between viral infections and neurodegenerative and neurobehavioural conditions including autism. Viral infection during critical periods of early in utero neurodevelopment may lead to increased risk of autism in the offspring. This review is aimed at highlighting the association between viral infections, including viruses similar to COVID-19, and the aetiology of autism. A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Ovid/Medline, and Google Scholar database. Relevant search terms included "rubella and autism", "cytomegalovirus and autism", "influenza virus and autism", "Zika virus and autism", "COVID-19 and autism". Based on the search terms, a total of 141 articles were obtained and studies on infants or children with congenital or perinatal viral infection and autistic behaviour were evaluated. The possible mechanisms by which viral infections could lead to autism include direct teratogenic effects and indirect effects of inflammation or maternal immune activation on the developing brain. Brain imaging studies have shown that the ensuing immune response from these viral infections could lead to disruption of the development of brain regions and structures. Hence, long-term follow up is necessary for infants whose mothers report an inflammatory event due to viral infection at any time during pregnancy to monitor for signs of autism. Research into the role of viral infection in the development of ASD may be one avenue of improving ASD outcomes in the future. Early screening and diagnosis to detect, and maybe even prevent ASD are essential to reduce the burden of this condition.
Managing iatrogenic subclavian artery cannulation using a vascular closure device: a minimally invasive option

Raja Shariff RE, Ibrahim KS, Khir RN, Ismail JR, Undok AW

Postgrad Med J, 2021 Aug 09.
PMID: 34373342 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2021-140706
Composition of macrobenthos in the Bakkhali channel system, Cox's Bazar with notes on soil parameter

Abu Hena MK, Kohinoor SM, Siddique MA, Ismail J, Idris MH, Amin SM

Pak J Biol Sci, 2012 Jul 01;15(13):641-6.
PMID: 24218934

Macrobenthos in coastal environment that play a significant role in the food web. It could also use as a good indicator of aquatic ecosystem health. The abundance and composition of macrobenthos in Bakkhali channel system, Cox's Bazar were conducted in relation to the soil parameters. Samples were collected using Ekman Berge bottom grab from five different stations of Bakkhali channel. Macrobenthos were comprised of five major groups namely Polychaeta (9.96-30.31%), Oligochaeta (3.68-59.707%), Crustacea (0.02-58.40%), Bivalvia (1.40-82.09%) and Gastropoda (0.08-4.25%). Total number of macrobenthos was higher at station I (9000 individuals m(-2)) and station II (8517 individuals m(-2)) compared to other stations. Shannon diversity index among the stations ranged from 0.65-1.04. Soil pH and soil moisture ranged from 6.1-6.4 and 23.44-31.29%, respectively. The highest organic carbon concentration was observed at station I (2.11%) and lowest at station III (1.40%). Maximum fraction of sand by weight was found at stations II (81.88%) and III (87.88) while the highest fraction of clay (21.52%) and silt (8.0%) were recorded in station I. It was observed that benthic bivalves were positively correlated (r = 0.891, p > 0.05) with silt fraction of the sediments.
Cochlear implantation outcomes in children with multiple disabilities: a topic that's worth revisiting

Bee-See G, Zulkefli NAM, Abdullah A, Umat C, Nor NK, Ismail J, et al.

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol, 2024 Mar 21;90(4):101423.
PMID: 38657449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2024.101423

OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefits of cochlear implantation in hearing loss children with multiple disabilities (MD) in terms of auditory outcomes, speech performance, and their quality of life.
METHODS: This was a cross sectional study from January 2019 to December 2020 in which thirty-one children with hearing loss and multiple disabilities were evaluated. Their improvement in auditory and speech performances were assessed using Categories of Auditory Performance version II (CAP-II) and the Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) scales. The assessment was done at 6-month intervals, with the baseline evaluation done at least six months after activation of the implant. Parents were asked to fill the Parents Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH) diary and Perceived Benefit Questionnaire (PBQ) to evaluate the child's quality of life.
RESULTS: All 31 children have Global Developmental Delay (GDD), with 11 having an additional disability. Both mean CAP-II and SIR scores showed significant improvement with increased hearing age (p 
Fulltext Dual Regulation of Cell Death and Cell Survival upon Induction of Cellular Stress by Isopimara-7,15-Dien-19-Oic Acid in Cervical Cancer, HeLa Cells In vitro

Abu N, Yeap SK, Pauzi AZ, Akhtar MN, Zamberi NR, Ismail J, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2016;7:89.
PMID: 27065873 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00089

The Fritillaria imperialis is an ornamental flower that can be found in various parts of the world including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Himalayas. The use of this plant as traditional remedy is widely known. This study aims to unveil the anti-cancer potentials of Isopimara-7,15-Dien-19-Oic Acid, extracted from the bulbs of F. imperialis in cervical cancer cell line, HeLa cells. Flow cytometry analysis of cell death, gene expression analysis via cDNA microarray and protein array were performed. Based on the results, Isopimara-7,15-Dien-19-Oic acid simultaneously induced cell death and promoted cell survival. The execution of apoptosis was apparent based on the flow cytometry results and regulation of both pro and anti-apoptotic genes. Additionally, the regulation of anti-oxidant genes were up-regulated especially thioredoxin, glutathione and superoxide dismutase- related genes. Moreover, the treatment also induced the activation of pro-survival heat shock proteins. Collectively, Isopimara-7,15-Dien-19-Oic Acid managed to induce cellular stress in HeLa cells and activate several anti- and pro survival pathways.
Fulltext Zooplankton species composition and diversity in the seagrass habitat of Lawas, Sarawak, Malaysia

Ismail J, Mustafa Kamal AH, Idris MH, Amin SMN, Hamli H, Sien LS, et al.

Biodivers Data J, 2021;9:e67449.
PMID: 34177311 DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.9.e67449

Seagrass habitats are considered to be some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet and safeguard some ecologically and economically important fauna, amongst which are some globally threatened species, including dugong. Malaysian seagrass ecosystems are not widespread, but their existence supports some significant marine fauna. A rigorous zooplankton study was conducted from May 2016 to February 2017, in the seagrass habitat of Lawas, Sarawak, Malaysia, to examine their temporal composition and diversity, together with their ecological influences. A total of 45 zooplankton species from 13 significant groups were recorded in the seagrass habitat. The population density of zooplankton ranged between 2,482 ind/m³ and 22,670 ind/m³ over three different seasons. A single zooplankton copepod was found to be dominant (47.40%), while bivalves were the second largest (31.8%) group in terms of total abundance. It was also noticed that the average relative abundance (0.62) and important species index (62.08) of copepods were higher than for other groups that exist in the seagrass meadow, whereas copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris showed both the highest average relative abundance (0.41) and the highest important species index (41.15). The diversity (H') and richness index of the intermediate season were found to be highest due to favourable physico-chemical conditions. Within the referred seasonal cluster, the wet and dry seasons were almost similar in terms of species abundance, while the intermediate season was distinct, with high species diversity backed by ANOSIM analysis results. Copepod and bivalves formed one group with a common similarity level of 0.80. The CCA (Canonical Correspondence Analysis) model established that abiotic factors, especially turbidity, NO2, rainfall, dissolved oxygen and pH were significantly correlated with abundance of individual groups of zooplankton. Zooplankton assemblage and abundance in Lawas were found to be very rich in multiple seasons, indicating that the productivity of uninterrupted seagrass habitat might be high and the system rich in biodiversity.

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