Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 36 in total

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  1. The unwelcome guests: Indonesian immigrants and Malaysian public responses
    Kassim A
    Tonan Ajia Kenkyu, 1987 Sep;25(2):265-78.
    PMID: 12157842
  2. Distinctive exotic flavor and aroma compounds of some exotic tropical fruits and berries: a review
    Lasekan O, Abbas KA
    Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2012;52(8):726-35.
    PMID: 22591343 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2010.507910
    The characteristic flavor of exotic tropical fruits is one of their most attractive attributes to consumers. In this article, the enormous diversity of exotic fruit flavors is reviewed. Classifying some of the exotic fruits into two classes on the basis of whether esters or terpenes predominate in the aroma was also attempted. Indeed, as far as exotic tropical fruits are concerned, the majority of fruits have terpenes predominating in their aroma profile. Some of the fruits in this group are the Amazonian fruits such as pitanga, umbu-caja, camu-camu, garcinia, and bacuri. The ester group is made up of rambutan, durians, star fruit, snake fruit, acerola, tamarind, sapodilla, genipap, soursop, cashew, melon, jackfruit, and cupuacu respectively. Also, the role of sulphur-volatiles in some of the exotic fruits is detailed.
  3. Fulltext Giant epidermoid cyst of the thigh
    Mohamed Haflah N, Mohd Kassim A, Hassan Shukur M
    Malays Orthop J, 2011 Nov;5(3):17-9.
    PMID: 25279030 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1111.001
    Epidermoid cyst is a common benign cutaneous swelling frequently encountered in surgical practice. It usually presents as a painless lump frequently occurring in hairbearing areas of the body particularly the scalp, scrotum, neck, shoulder and back. Giant epidermoid cysts commonly occur in hairy areas such as the scalp. We present here the case of a rare occurrence of a giant epidermoid cyst in the less hairy area of the right upper thigh mimicking a soft tissue sarcoma. Steps are highlighted for the management of this unusual cyst.
  4. The effect of nitrogen supplementation on the efficiency of colour and COD removal by Malaysian white-rot fungi in textile dyeing effluent
    Lee KK, Kassim AM, Lee HK
    Water Sci Technol, 2004;50(5):73-7.
    PMID: 15497832
    White-rot fungi, namely Coriolus versicolor and Schizophyllum commune, were studied for the biodecolorization of textile dyeing effluent in shaker-flask experiments. The results showed that C. versicolor was able to achieve 68% color removal after 5 days of treatment while that of S. commune was 88% in 9 days. Both fungi achieved the above results in non-sterile condition with diammonium hydrogen phosphate as the nutrient supplement. On the other hand, the best COD removal of 80% was obtained with C. versicolor in 9 days in sterile effluent with yeast extract as nutrient supplement, while S. commune was able to remove 85% COD within 8 days in non-sterile textile effluent supplemented with diammonium hydrogen phosphate.
  5. Effects of modality and repetition in a continuous recognition memory task: Repetition has no effect on auditory recognition memory
    Amir Kassim A, Rehman R, Price JM
    Acta Psychol (Amst), 2018 Apr;185:72-80.
    PMID: 29407247 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2018.01.012
    Previous research has shown that auditory recognition memory is poorer compared to visual and cross-modal (visual and auditory) recognition memory. The effect of repetition on memory has been robust in showing improved performance. It is not clear, however, how auditory recognition memory compares to visual and cross-modal recognition memory following repetition. Participants performed a recognition memory task, making old/new discriminations to new stimuli, stimuli repeated for the first time after 4-7 intervening items (R1), or repeated for the second time after 36-39 intervening items (R2). Depending on the condition, participants were either exposed to visual stimuli (2D line drawings), auditory stimuli (spoken words), or cross-modal stimuli (pairs of images and associated spoken words). Results showed that unlike participants in the visual and cross-modal conditions, participants in the auditory recognition did not show improvements in performance on R2 trials compared to R1 trials. These findings have implications for pedagogical techniques in education, as well as for interventions and exercises aimed at boosting memory performance.
  6. Insights from the GC content analysis of 76genome survey sequences (GSS) from Elaeisoleifera
    Bhore SJ, Kassim A, Shah FH
    Bioinformation, 2010 Sep 20;5(4):141-5.
    PMID: 21364775
    South American oil-palm (Elaeis oleifera) is not cultivated in tropical countries like Malaysia on large scale due to low yield of palm oil derived from its fruit mesocarp. However, its fruit mesocarp oil contains about 68.6 % oleic acid (C(18:1)) which is more than double in comparison to commercially cultivated oilpalm, E. guineensis Jacq Tenera (hybrid of Dura (♀) x Pisifera (♂)). It is also known that E. oleifera is a good source of tocotrienols and carotenoids. Therefore, it is of interest to know the genome sequence of E. oleifera. The objective of this study is to generate genome survey sequences (GSS) to get GC content insight in the E. oleifera genome. The nuclear genomic DNA isolated from young leaf-tissues was digested with EcoRI and NdeI/DraI restriction enzymes; and three genomic DNA libraries were constructed using Lambda ZAP-II, pGEM®-T Easy, and pDONR 222™ as cloning vectors. Generated 76 GSSs were analyzed by using Bioinformatics tools. The analysis result indicates that the adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine content in generated GSSs are 30%, 20%, 20%, and 30% respectively. In conclusion, based on the precise GC content analysis of the randomly isolated 76 GSSs by using Bioinformatics tools we hypothesize that GC content in E. oleifera genome is 40%. The hypothesized 40% GC content in E. oleifera genome is expected to remain close to the GC content based on the whole genome analysis.(ψ)The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper have been submitted to dbGSS division of the international DNA database (GenBank/DDBJ/EMBL) under accession numbers: DX575945- DX575972 and EI798032-EI798079.

    ABBREVIATIONS: gDNA - Nuclear genomic DNA, GSSs - Genome survey sequences K12, SAOP - South American oil-palm Db1.

  7. Fulltext Novel conductive polypyrrole/zinc oxide/chitosan bionanocomposite: synthesis, characterization, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities
    Ebrahimiasl S, Zakaria A, Kassim A, Basri SN
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2015;10:217-27.
    PMID: 25565815 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S69740
    An antibacterial and conductive bionanocomposite (BNC) film consisting of polypyrrole (Ppy), zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), and chitosan (CS) was electrochemically synthesized on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate by electrooxidation of 0.1 M pyrrole in aqueous solution containing appropriate amounts of ZnO NPs uniformly dispersed in CS. This method enables the room temperature electrosynthesis of BNC film consisting of ZnO NPs incorporated within the growing Ppy/CS composite. The morphology of Ppy/ZnO/CS BNC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. ITO-Ppy/CS and ITO-Ppy/ZnO/CS bioelectrodes were characterized using the Fourier transform infrared technique, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrical conductivity of nanocomposites was investigated by a four-probe method. The prepared nanocomposites were analyzed for antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The results demonstrated that the antioxidant activity of nanocomposites increased remarkably by addition of ZnO NPs. The electrical conductivity of films showed a sudden decrease for lower weight ratios of ZnO NPs (5 wt%), while it was increased gradually for higher ratios (10, 15, and 20 wt%). The nanocomposites were analyzed for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results indicated that the synthesized BNC is effective against all of the studied bacteria, and its effectiveness is higher for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The thermal stability and physical properties of BNC films were increased by an increase in the weight ratio of ZnO NPs, promising novel applications for the electrically conductive polysaccharide-based nanocomposites, particularly those that may exploit the antimicrobial nature of Ppy/ZnO/CS BNCs.
  8. Fulltext Do epigeal termite mounds increase the diversity of plant habitats in a tropical rain forest in peninsular Malaysia?
    Beaudrot L, Du Y, Rahman Kassim A, Rejmánek M, Harrison RD
    PLoS One, 2011;6(5):e19777.
    PMID: 21625558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019777
    The extent to which environmental heterogeneity can account for tree species coexistence in diverse ecosystems, such as tropical rainforests, is hotly debated, although the importance of spatial variability in contributing to species co-existence is well recognized. Termites contribute to the micro-topographical and nutrient spatial heterogeneity of tropical forests. We therefore investigated whether epigeal termite mounds could contribute to the coexistence of plant species within a 50 ha plot at Pasoh Forest Reserve, Malaysia. Overall, stem density was significantly higher on mounds than in their immediate surroundings, but tree species diversity was significantly lower. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that location on or off mounds significantly influenced species distribution when stems were characterized by basal area. Like studies of termite mounds in other ecosystems, our results suggest that epigeal termite mounds provide a specific microhabitat for the enhanced growth and survival of certain species in these species-rich tropical forests. However, the extent to which epigeal termite mounds facilitate species coexistence warrants further investigation.
  9. Fulltext Synthesis of nanocrystalline SnO(x) (x = 1-2) thin film using a chemical bath deposition method with improved deposition time, temperature and pH
    Ebrahimiasl S, Yunus WM, Kassim A, Zainal Z
    Sensors (Basel), 2011;11(10):9207-16.
    PMID: 22163690 DOI: 10.3390/s111009207
    Nanocrystalline SnO(x) (x = 1-2) thin films were prepared on glass substrates by a simple chemical bath deposition method. Triethanolamine was used as complexing agent to decrease time and temperature of deposition and shift the pH of the solution to the noncorrosive region. The films were characterized for composition, surface morphology, structure and optical properties. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that SnO(x) thin films consist of a polycrystalline structure with an average grain size of 36 nm. Atomic force microscopy studies show a uniform grain distribution without pinholes. The elemental composition was evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The average O/Sn atomic percentage ratio is 1.72. Band gap energy and optical transition were determined from optical absorbance data. The film was found to exhibit direct and indirect transitions in the visible spectrum with band gap values of about 3.9 and 3.7 eV, respectively. The optical transmittance in the visible region is 82%. The SnO(x) nanocrystals exhibit an ultraviolet emission band centered at 392 nm in the vicinity of the band edge, which is attributed to the well-known exciton transition in SnO(x). Photosensitivity was detected in the positive region under illumination with white light.
  10. Fulltext Determining optimum conditions for lipase-catalyzed synthesis of triethanolamine (TEA)-based esterquat cationic surfactant by a Taguchi robust design method
    Masoumi HR, Kassim A, Basri M, Abdullah DK
    Molecules, 2011 Jun 03;16(6):4672-80.
    PMID: 21642941 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16064672
    A Taguchi robust design method with an L₉ orthogonal array was implemented to optimize experimental conditions for the biosynthesis of triethanolamine (TEA)-based esterquat cationic surfactants using an enzymatic reaction method. The esterification reaction conversion% was considered as the response. Enzyme amount, reaction time, reaction temperature and molar ratio of substrates, [oleic acid: triethanolamine (OA:TEA)] were chosen as main parameters. As a result of the Taguchi analysis in this study, the molar ratio of substrates was found to be the most influential parameter on the esterification reaction conversion%. The amount of enzyme in the reaction had also a significant effect on reaction conversion%.
  11. Partial ablation of uropygial gland effect on carcass characteristics of Akar Putra chicken
    Jawad HS, Idris LH, Bakar ZB, Kassim AB
    Poult Sci, 2016 Aug 01;95(8):1966-71.
    PMID: 27081194 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew125
    This study evaluated the effect of partial uropygialectomy (PU) on carcass traits of male and female Akar Putra chickens. Sixty chicks of each sex were evenly distributed into 5 treatment groups with 3 replicates per group containing 4 males and 4 females each, and reared for 12 wk. Homogeneity of the groups was satisfied with regard to the parity. Experimental treatments consisted of a control treatment (T1), and partial ablation of the uropygial gland was applied on the second, third, fourth, and fifth treatments at 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk of age, respectively. The chickens were fed ad libitum the same diets (1 to 13 d: starter; 14 d to slaughter: finisher). On the last d of the experiment, 12 birds were randomly selected from each treatment group (2 males and 2 females per replicate) and slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics, which included carcass weight, dressing percentage with or without eating giblets, and the relative weights of heart, liver, gizzard, thighs, wings, breast, back, and neck. From the results of the study, it was shown that the partial ablation of the uropygial gland at all ages had certain dependent effects concerning some carcass parameters, as shown by higher breast and back relative weights in males and breast relative weight in females. As a consequence, a positive effect also was noticed regarding the carcass morphology in terms of the increase in dressing percentage with or without eating giblets thus leading to an increase in the body weight and carcass weight. Furthermore, the best result was obtained in the second treatment when PU was applied at 3 wk of age compared with other experimental groups. Moreover, the current study provides a novel and economic alternative to enhance the body performance of poultry in general and Akar Putra chicken particularly.
  12. Partial ablation of uropygial gland effects on growth hormone concentration and digestive system histometrical aspect of akar putra chicken
    Jawad HS, Lokman IH, Zuki AB, Kassim AB
    Poult Sci, 2016 Apr;95(4):966-73.
    PMID: 26908881 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev444
    Partial ablation of the uropygial gland is being used in the poultry industry as a new way to enhance body performance of chickens. However, limited data are available estimating the efficacy of partial uropygialectomy (PU) to improve body organ activity. The present study evaluated the effect of partial ablation of the uropygial gland on the serum growth hormone concentration level and digestive system histology of 120 Akar Putra chickens in 5 trials with 3 replicates per trial. The experimental treatments consisted of a control treatment T1; partial ablation of the uropygial gland was applied in the T2, T3, T4, and T5 treatments at 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk of age, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. All treatment groups were provided the same diet. Venous blood samples were collected on wk 7, 10, and 12 to assay the levels of growth hormone concentration. On the last d of the experiment, 4 birds per replicate were randomly isolated and euthanized to perform the necropsy. Digestive system organs' cross sections were measured by a computerized image analyzer after being stained with haematoxylin and eosin. In comparison with the control group, surgical removal of the uropygial gland, especially at wk 3, had a greater (P<0.01) effect on the total duodenum, jejunum, and ilium wall thickness. In addition, effects (P<0.05) were observed on the wall thickness of males' cecum and colon. Moreover, the wall layers of the esophagus, proventriculus, gizzard, and rectum were not affected by the treatment. However, removing the uropygial gland showed significant impact (P<0.05) in males' growth hormone concentration level at wk 7 and (P<0.01) effects at wk 12 in both sexes. This study provides a novel and economic alternative to enhance the body performance of poultry in general and Akar Putra chickens particularly.
  13. Synthesis and properties of poly(hydroxamic acid) from crosslinked poly(methacrylate)
    Haron MJ, Wan Md ZW, Desa MZ, Kassim A
    Talanta, 1994 May;41(5):805-7.
    PMID: 18966002
    Poly(hydroxamic acid) chelating ion-exchange resin was prepared from crosslinked poly(methacrylate) beads. The starting polymer was prepared by a suspension polymerization of methacrylate and divinyl benzene. Conversion of the ester groups into the hydroxamic acid was carried out by treatment with hydroxylamine in an alkaline solution. Hydroxamic acid capacity of the product was 2.71 mmol/g. The resin exhibited high affinity towards Fe(III) and Pb ions and its capacities for Fe(III), Pb, Cu, Ni and Co ions were pH dependent. The ability of the resin to carry out the separation of Fe(III)CuCo/Ni and PbNi ions is also reported.
  14. Psychological mindedness as a mediator in the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder
    Ping Pang NT, Masiran R, Tan KA, Kassim A
    Perspect Psychiatr Care, 2020 Jul;56(3):649-656.
    PMID: 32017137 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12481
    PURPOSE: Psychological mindedness (PM) can partly explain depressive symptoms in caregivers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This cross-sectional study examines PM in mediating the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-five adult ASD caregivers completed the Malay version of Brief COPE, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Balanced Index of PM.

    FINDINGS: Direct paths between dysfunctional coping style and depressive symptoms, between insight and depressive symptoms, and between dysfunctional coping style and all PM variables (insight and interest) were obtained. Multiple regression analyses revealed that insight, but not interest, significantly mediates the relationship between dysfunctional coping and depressive symptoms.

    PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: PM can be enhanced via psychological interventions.

  15. Reuse of dialysis reverse osmosis reject water for aquaponics and horticulture
    Chang E, Lim JA, Low CL, Kassim A
    J Nephrol, 2021 02;34(1):97-104.
    PMID: 33394342 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-020-00903-0
    BACKGROUND: Water crisis is becoming a threat to the well-being of the human population worldwide and use of water for healthcare contributes substantially to this resource depletion. Hemodialysis consumes large quantities of water. A huge volume of high purity dialysis water is required to safely perform dialysis treatment. In this process, up to 60-70% of source water is discarded. Many strategies have been suggested to promote green dialysis, and these include reuse of water, however, very few dialysis facilities have taken the preliminary steps to employ it.

    METHODS: We share our experience in a developing country on an innovative reject-water reuse program combining aquaculture, hydroponic and horticulture activities. This is by far the first report on a "green dialysis" project involving aquaponics that reuse dialysis reverse osmosis (RO) reject water.

    RESULTS: Our expereince suggests that reject water can be reused to promote water conservation with encouraging results. It provides a good and biosecure environment for fish breeding and vegetable farming . This project promotes a reduction in carbon footprint, a reduction in water waste, a sustainable organic food source, may lead to income generation, and provides a shared purpose and sense of pride among staff and dialysis patients.

    CONCLUSIONS: Encompassing "environmental protection" practices into a hemodialysis unit can be done with relatively simple and practical steps.

  16. Fulltext Thermodynamic study of the complexation of p-isopropylcalix[6]arene with Cs+ cation in dimethylsulfoxide-acetonitrile binary media
    Ahmadzadeh S, Kassim A, Rezayi M, Rounaghi GH
    Molecules, 2011 Sep 22;16(9):8130-42.
    PMID: 21941227 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16098130
    The complexation reactions between the macrocyclic ionophore, p-isopropylcalix[6]arene and Cs+ cation were studied in dimethylsulfoxide-acetonitrile (DMSO-AN) binary non-aqueous solvents at different temperatures using a conductometry method. The conductance data show that the stoichiometry of the (p-isopropylcalix[6]-arene·Cs)+ complex in all binary mixed solvents is 1:1. The stability of the complexes is affected by the composition of the binary solvent media and a non-linear behavior was observed for changes of log K(f) of the complex versus the composition of the binary mixed solvents. The thermodynamic parameters (DH°(c) and DS°(c)) for formation of (p-isopropyl-calix[6]arene·Cs)+ complex were obtained from temperature dependence of the stability constant and the obtained results show that the (p-isopropylcalix[6]arene·Cs)+ complex is enthalpy destabilized, but entropy stabilized, and the values of the mentioned parameters are affected strongly by the nature and composition of the binary mixed solvents.
  17. Fulltext Statistical optimization of process parameters for lipase-catalyzed synthesis of triethanolamine-based esterquats using response surface methodology in 2-liter bioreactor
    Masoumi HR, Basri M, Kassim A, Abdullah DK, Abdollahi Y, Abd Gani SS, et al.
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2013;2013:962083.
    PMID: 24324389 DOI: 10.1155/2013/962083
    Lipase-catalyzed production of triethanolamine-based esterquat by esterification of oleic acid (OA) with triethanolamine (TEA) in n-hexane was performed in 2 L stirred-tank reactor. A set of experiments was designed by central composite design to process modeling and statistically evaluate the findings. Five independent process variables, including enzyme amount, reaction time, reaction temperature, substrates molar ratio of OA to TEA, and agitation speed, were studied under the given conditions designed by Design Expert software. Experimental data were examined for normality test before data processing stage and skewness and kurtosis indices were determined. The mathematical model developed was found to be adequate and statistically accurate to predict the optimum conversion of product. Response surface methodology with central composite design gave the best performance in this study, and the methodology as a whole has been proven to be adequate for the design and optimization of the enzymatic process.
  18. Immobilization of ionophore and surface characterization studies of the titanium(III) ion in a PVC-membrane sensor
    Rezayi M, Heng LY, Kassim A, Ahmadzadeh S, Abdollahi Y, Jahangirian H
    Sensors (Basel), 2012;12(7):8806-14.
    PMID: 23012518
    Novel ionophores comprising various hydroxide and amine structures were immobilized onto poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrices, and these were examined to determine Ti(III) selectivity. To predict the selectivity of Ti(III), a PVC membrane was used to investigate the binding of Ti(III) to c-methylcalix[4]resorcinarene (CMCR). The study showed that the chelating ligand, CMCR, was coordinated selectively to Ti(III) at eight coordination sites involving the oxygen atoms at the interface of the membrane/solution. The membrane was prepared, based on CMCR as an ionophore, sodium tetrakis(4-fluorophenyl) borate (NaTFPB) as a lipophilic ionic additive, and dioctylphthalate (DOP) as a plasticizer. The immobilization of the ionophore and surface characterization studies revealed that the performance of CMCR-immobilized PVC was equivalent to that of mobile ionophores in supported liquid membranes (SLMs). The strengths of the ion-ionophore (CMCR-Ti(OH)(OH(2))(5) (2+)) interactions and the role of ionophores on membranes were studied via UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
  19. Fulltext Case series of foreign body aspiration in Paediatric Institute, Hospital Kuala Lumpur
    Sahadan DZ, Zainudin NM, Kassim A, Zahari Z, Mahadzir M, Daud CZ, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Dec;66(5):484-6.
    PMID: 22390106 MyJurnal
    A retrospective case series was conducted to determine the clinical characteristics and bronchoscopy findings of children with foreign body aspiration in Paediatric Institute, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Ten boys and two girls were included (range 2-177 months; median 26 months old). They commonly presented with cough (12/100%) and difficulty in breathing (9/75%). All patients had unilateral auscultatory findings and the commonest radiographic findings were unilateral hyperinflation (7/58.3%). The majority of foreign bodies removed was organic (8/66.6%) and more frequently found in the left bronchial tree (7/58.3%). Major complications were pneumonia (11/91.6%) and airway oedema (11/ 91.6%). Eight patients had delayed diagnosis due to parents unawareness (6/50%) and missed diagnosis (2/16.7%).
  20. Fulltext Immobilization of tris(2 pyridyl) methylamine in a PVC-Membrane Sensor and Characterization of the Membrane Properties
    Rezayi M, Heng LY, Kassim A, Ahmadzadeh S, Abdollahi Y, Jahangirian H
    Chem Cent J, 2012;6(1):40.
    PMID: 22564322 DOI: 10.1186/1752-153X-6-40
    Due to the increasing industrial use of titanium compounds, its determination is the subject of considerable efforts. The ionophore or membrane active recognition is the most important component of any polymeric membrane sensor. The sensor's response depends on the ionophore and bonding between the ionophore and the target ion. Ionophores with molecule-sized dimensions containing cavities or semi-cavities can surround the target ion. The bond between the ionophore and target ion gives different selectivity and sensitivity toward the other ions. Therefore, ionophores with different binding strengths can be used in the sensor.
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