Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 84 in total

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  1. Assessing water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassopes) and lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) effectiveness in aquaculture wastewater treatment
    Akinbile CO, Yusoff MS
    Int J Phytoremediation, 2012 Mar;14(3):201-11.
    PMID: 22567705
    Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) were analyzed to determine their effectiveness in aquaculture wastewater treatment in Malaysia. Wastewater from fish farm in Semanggol Perak, Malaysia was sampled and the parameters determined included, the pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrite phosphate (PO4(3-)), nitrate (NO(3-)), nitrite (NO(-2)), ammonia (NH3), and total kjedahl nitrogen (TKN). Also, hydroponics system was set up and was added with fresh plants weights of 150 +/- 20 grams Eichhornia crassipes and 50 +/- 10 grams Pistia stratiotes during the 30 days experiment. The phytoremediation treatment with Eichhornia crassipes had pH ranging from 5.52 to 5.59 and from 4.45 to 5.5 while Pistia stratiotes had its pH value from 5.76 to 6.49 and from 6.24 to 7.07. Considerable percentage reduction was observed in all the parameters treated with the phytoremediators. Percentage reduction of turbidity for Eichhornia crassipes were 85.26% and 87.05% while Pistia stratiotes were 92.70% and 93.69% respectively. Similar reductions were observed in COD, TKN, NO(3-), NH3, and PO4(3-). The capability of these plants in removing nutrients was established from the study. Removal of aquatic macrophytes from water bodies is recommended for efficient water purification.
  2. Beta-sheet containment by flanking prolines: molecular dynamic simulations of the inhibition of beta-sheet elongation by proline residues in human prion protein
    Shamsir MS, Dalby AR
    Biophys J, 2007 Mar 15;92(6):2080-9.
    PMID: 17172295
    Previous molecular dynamic simulations have reported elongation of the existing beta-sheet in prion proteins. Detailed examination has shown that these elongations do not extend beyond the proline residues flanking these beta-sheets. In addition, proline has also been suggested to possess a possible structural role in preserving protein interaction sites by preventing invasion of neighboring secondary structures. In this work, we have studied the possible structural role of the flanking proline residues by simulating mutant structures with alternate substitution of the proline residues with valine. Simulations showed a directional inhibition of elongation, with the elongation progressing in the direction of valine including evident inhibition of elongation by existing proline residues. This suggests that the flanking proline residues in prion proteins may have a containment role and would confine the beta-sheet within a specific length.
  3. Fulltext Plasma lead levels among paediatric thalassaemic patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
    Iyen, Mohd I., Ab Wahab, Mohd S., Norsarwany Mohamad, Mariani Mohamad, Erejuwa, Omotayo O.
    Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2016;22(1):17-25.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Lead toxicity constitutes a major environmental risk to health in both animals and humans of all ages. It is more severe in young children than adults. Blood transfusion is an important source of lead exposure and may predispose premature infants to lead toxicity. Thalassaemia is common in Malaysia and majority of patients require frequent blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to determine whether regular blood transfusion contributed to high blood lead levels in paediatric thalassaemic patients.

    Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted at the Paediatric Thalassaemia Day Care Unit, General Paediatric Ward and Paediatric Clinic in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). A total of 90 patients were included, 45 were thalassaemic transfusion dependant patients and the other 45 were control, who were of the same age and sex with patients group and had never been transfused. The blood samples were taken preand post-transfusion for thalassaemic and control groups. Blood lead levels were analyzed using standard Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) analysis.

    Results: The overall mean plasma lead levels (2.13 + 1.72µg/dL) were lower than those of standard CDC recommendations. The independent t-test showed that plasma lead levels in thalassaemic group were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the levels in controls. However, the ANCOVA analysis revealed the plasma lead levels were not significantly (p > 0.05) different between the two groups. Thus, suggesting that the reduced plasma lead level in thalassaemic group was due to the administration of iron chelators. Increased frequency of blood transfusion also did not significantly (p > 0.05) increase plasma ferritin or lead levels in thalassaemic patients.

    Conclusion: This study shows that transfusion dependent thalassaemic infants have comparable plasma lead levels to those of age- and sex-matched controls, after taking into consideration the administration of iron chelators.

    Study site: Paediatric Thalassaemia Day Care Unit, General Paediatric Ward and Paediatric Clinic in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
  4. Fulltext Establishing freeze drying process for cortical and cancellous bone allograft cubes
    Ariffin, A.A., Chan, H.H., Yusof, N., Mohd, S., Ng, W.M., Mansor A.
    JUMMEC, 2019;22(1):66-71.
    MyJurnal
    Freeze drying is a dehydration method to dry bone under freezing environment, enabling removal of water
    with no or minimial effects on bone strength and durability. Larger size bones obviously require longer freeze
    drying time to reduce water content to the required level for long term storage at room temperature. For small
    size bone cubes or chips, it is a normal practice to pool cortical and cancellous bones for freeze drying. The
    study was aimed at determining if different type of bones of the same size influence the drying time. Human
    bone cubes of 10 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm were prepared from cortical bone of tibiae and cancellous bone from
    femoral heads. The bone cubes were freeze dried to reduce water content to less than 6%. Moisture content
    was monitored using gravimetric method.Weight and density of cortical bone were significantly higher than
    cancellous bone despite of having similar small size (p
  5. Fulltext Nonlinear effects of public debt on economic growth in Nigeria
    Yusuf A, Mohd S
    SN Bus Econ, 2023;3(4):88.
    PMID: 36919014 DOI: 10.1007/s43546-023-00468-7
    The COVID-19 pandemic induced governments all over the world to momentarily accumulate higher levels of public debt in order to invest in deficit spending and social protection programs to tackle the anticipated economic slump. The Nigerian government has borrowed heavily from domestic and foreign sources in order to resolve the growing budget deficits and return the economy to a sustainable growth trajectory. Previous studies frequently made the incorrect assumption that the relationship between public debt and growth is linear and symmetric, leading to empirical results that is frequently disputed and imprecise. This study's main objective is to examine the asymmetric impact of public debt on economic growth in Nigeria from 1980 to 2020 using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag method. Empirical evidence indicated that external debt have a significant positive and symmetric impact on economic growth in the long and short run, while debt service payment supporting the debt overhang hypothesis activated a symmetric effect that stifle growth. Domestic debt retarded growth asymmetrically in the short term and linearly over the long term. Foreign reserve holding, on the other hand, had an asymmetric long-run influence and a symmetric short-run impact on growth motivation. To mitigate the negative effects of unsustainable public debt, the study advocated for fiscal reforms that effectively reduce deficit financing to keep the level of government debt low and be able to respond robustly to an economic shock, improve domestic revenue generation and infrastructure spending, and strengthen governance practices and institutions.
  6. Fulltext Growth and Fiscal Effects of Insecurity on the Nigerian Economy
    Yusuf A, Mohd S
    Eur J Dev Res, 2022 Apr 19.
    PMID: 35464616 DOI: 10.1057/s41287-022-00531-3
    In spite of government counter-terrorism expenditure and efforts, the prevalence of insecurity in Nigeria appears to be rising and fast evolving into an existential crisis that is shaking the foundation of its nationhood. The current study used annual time-series data from 1980 to 2019 and the ARDL methodology to analyse the fiscal and socio-economic consequences of insecurity on economic growth in Nigeria. The empirical findings demonstrated that high unemployment rate, domestic capital formation, foreign direct investment, government spending on education and security are negatively affected by the growing level of insecurity and consequently retarded growth in the long and short run. Conversely, improved health services, equitable income distribution and productive use of public borrowing were positively correlated with security and, therefore, stimulated growth in the long and short run. Government revenue and inflation rate accelerated growth in the long run whereas their short-run effect was deleterious. The findings suggest that good governance, provision of a safe and secured environment for human capital development and businesses, improved access to social and economic services will curb violent tendencies, create jobs, reduce poverty, increase government revenue and engender long-term inclusive growth.
  7. Fulltext Dataset of Child schooling/ Out-of-school children in households in Kwara State, Nigeria
    Ojuolape AM, Mohd S
    Data Brief, 2022 Dec;45:108654.
    PMID: 36426032 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108654
    This article presents data from the survey of 1120 households across the three senatorial districts in Kwara State, Nigeria, in 2022. The data has information on the head of households, individuals in the households, household demographic characteristics, community characteristics, education, household head employment status, and the standard of living. The questionnaire includes both open-ended and close-ended questions. The data is available in excel, and the coding explanation/ interpretation is presentable in a table. This data is important for studies on child schooling enrollment, education attainment, and studies of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, precisely goal four (UNSDG4).
  8. Fulltext Oscillations for neutral functional differential equations
    Ahmed FN, Ahmad RR, Din UK, Noorani MS
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:124310.
    PMID: 25202713 DOI: 10.1155/2014/124310
    We will consider a class of neutral functional differential equations. Some infinite integral conditions for the oscillation of all solutions are derived. Our results extend and improve some of the previous results in the literature.
  9. Fulltext Effects of honey and its mechanisms of action on the development and progression of cancer
    Erejuwa OO, Sulaiman SA, Wahab MS
    Molecules, 2014;19(2):2497-522.
    PMID: 24566317 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19022497
    Honey is a natural product known for its varied biological or pharmacological activities-ranging from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antihypertensive to hypoglycemic effects. This review article focuses on the role of honey in modulating the development and progression of tumors or cancers. It reviews available evidence (some of which is very recent) with regards to the antimetastatic, antiproliferative and anticancer effects of honey in various forms of cancer. These effects of honey have been thoroughly investigated in certain cancers such as breast, liver and colorectal cancer cell lines. In contrast, limited but promising data are available for other forms of cancers including prostate, bladder, endometrial, kidney, skin, cervical, oral and bone cancer cells. The article also underscores the various possible mechanisms by which honey may inhibit growth and proliferation of tumors or cancers. These include regulation of cell cycle, activation of mitochondrial pathway, induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, induction of apoptosis, modulation of oxidative stress, amelioration of inflammation, modulation of insulin signaling and inhibition of angiogenesis. Honey is highly cytotoxic against tumor or cancer cells while it is non-cytotoxic to normal cells. The data indicate that honey can inhibit carcinogenesis by modulating the molecular processes of initiation, promotion, and progression stages. Thus, it may serve as a potential and promising anticancer agent which warrants further experimental and clinical studies.
  10. Fulltext Heat transfer enhancement of laminar nanofluids flow in a circular tube fitted with parabolic-cut twisted tape inserts
    Salman SD, Kadhum AA, Takriff MS, Mohamad AB
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:543231.
    PMID: 24605055 DOI: 10.1155/2014/543231
    Numerical investigation has been carried out on heat transfer and friction factor characteristics of copper-water nanofluid flow in a constant heat-fluxed tube with the existence of new configuration of vortex generator using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. Two types of swirl flow generator: Classical twisted tape (CTT) and Parabolic-cut twisted tape (PCT) with a different twist ratio (y = 2.93, 3.91 and 4.89) and different cut depth (w = 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 cm) with 2% and 4% volume concentration of CuO nanofluid were used for simulation. The effect of different parameters such as flow Reynolds number, twist ratio, cut depth and nanofluid were considered. The results show that the enhancement of heat transfer rate and the friction factor induced by the Classical (CTT) and Parabolic-cut (PCT) inserts increases with twist ratio and cut depth decreases. The results also revealed that the heat transfer enhancement increases with an increase in the volume fraction of the CuO nanoparticle. Furthermore, the twisted tape with twist ratio (y = 2.93) and cut depth w = 0.5 cm offered 10% enhancement of the average Nusselt number with significant increases in friction factor than those of Classical twisted tape.
  11. Fulltext Evidence in support of potential applications of lipid peroxidation products in cancer treatment
    Erejuwa OO, Sulaiman SA, Ab Wahab MS
    Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2013;2013:931251.
    PMID: 24369491 DOI: 10.1155/2013/931251
    Cancer cells generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, stimulation of oncogenes, abnormal metabolism, and aggravated inflammatory activities. Available evidence also suggests that cancer cells depend on intrinsic ROS level for proliferation and survival. Both physiological and pathophysiological roles have been ascribed to ROS which cause lipid peroxidation. In spite of their injurious effects, the ROS and the resulting lipid peroxidation products could be beneficial in cancer treatment. This review presents research findings suggesting that ROS and the resulting lipid peroxidation products could be utilized to inhibit cancer growth or induce cancer cell death. It also underscores the potential of lipid peroxidation products to potentiate the antitumor effect of other anticancer agents. The review also highlights evidence demonstrating other potential applications of lipid peroxidation products in cancer treatment. These include the prospect of lipid peroxidation products as a diagnostic tool to predict the chances of cancer recurrence, to monitor treatment progress or how well cancer patients respond to therapy. Further and detailed research is required on how best to successfully, effectively, and selectively target cancer cells in humans using lipid peroxidation products. This may prove to be an important strategy to complement current treatment regimens for cancer patients.
  12. Fulltext Numerical investigation of heat transfer and friction factor characteristics in a circular tube fitted with V-cut twisted tape inserts
    Salman SD, Kadhum AA, Takriff MS, Mohamad AB
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2013;2013:492762.
    PMID: 24078795 DOI: 10.1155/2013/492762
    Numerical investigation of the heat transfer and friction factor characteristics of a circular fitted with V-cut twisted tape (VCT) insert with twist ratio (y = 2.93) and different cut depths (w = 0.5, 1, and 1.5 cm) were studied for laminar flow using CFD package (FLUENT-6.3.26). The data obtained from plain tube were verified with the literature correlation to ensure the validation of simulation results. Classical twisted tape (CTT) with different twist ratios (y = 2.93, 3.91, 4.89) were also studied for comparison. The results show that the enhancement of heat transfer rate induced by the classical and V-cut twisted tape inserts increases with the Reynolds number and decreases with twist ratio. The results also revealed that the V-cut twisted tape with twist ratio y = 2.93 and cut depth w = 0.5 cm offered higher heat transfer rate with significant increases in friction factor than other tapes. In addition the results of V-cut twist tape compared with experimental and simulated data of right-left helical tape inserts (RLT), it is found that the V-cut twist tape offered better thermal contact between the surface and the fluid which ultimately leads to a high heat transfer coefficient. Consequently, 107% of maximum heat transfer was obtained by using this configuration.
  13. Fulltext Oligosaccharides might contribute to the antidiabetic effect of honey: a review of the literature
    Erejuwa OO, Sulaiman SA, Wahab MS
    Molecules, 2011 Dec 28;17(1):248-66.
    PMID: 22205091 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17010248
    Evidence shows that honey improves glycemic control in diabetes mellitus. Besides its hypoglycemic effect, studies indicate that honey ameliorates lipid abnormalities in rats and humans with diabetes. The majority of these studies do not examine the mechanisms by which honey ameliorates glycemic and/or lipid derangements. The gut microbiota is now recognized for its ability to increase energy harvest from the diet and alter lipid metabolism of the host. Recently available data implicate a causal role of these gut microbes in the pathophysiology of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. In this review, we present some of the latest findings linking gut microbiota to pathogenesis of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. The review also underlines data that demonstrate the beneficial effects of oligosaccharides on various abnormalities commonly associated with these disorders. Based on the similarities of some of these findings with those of honey, together with the evidence that honey contains oligosaccharides, we hypothesize that oligosaccharides present in honey might contribute to the antidiabetic and other health-related beneficial effects of honey. We anticipate that the possibility of oligosaccharides in honey contributing to the antidiabetic and other health-related effects of honey will stimulate a renewed research interest in this field.
  14. Fulltext Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of new metal complexes derived from 3-aminocoumarin
    Kadhum AA, Mohamad AB, Al-Amiery AA, Takriff MS
    Molecules, 2011 Aug 15;16(8):6969-84.
    PMID: 21844844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16086969
    3-Aminocoumarin (L) has been synthesized and used as a ligand for the formation of Cr(III), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes. The chemical structures were characterized using different spectroscopic methods. The elemental analyses revealed that the complexes where M=Ni(II) and Cu(II) have the general formulae [ML(2)Cl(2)], while the Cr(III) complex has the formula [CrL(2)Cl(2)]Cl. The molar conductance data reveal that all the metal chelates, except the Cr(III) one, are non-electrolytes. From the magnetic and UV-Visible spectra, it is found that these complexes have octahedral structures. The stability for the prepared complexes was studied theoretically using Density Function Theory. The total energy for the complexes was calculated and it was shown that the copper complex is the most stable one. Complexes were tested against selected types of microbial organisms and showed significant activities. The free radical scavenging activity of metal complexes have been determined by measuring their interaction with the stable free radical DPPH and all the compounds have shown encouraging antioxidant activities.
  15. Tissue kallikrein and kininogen levels in fetoplacental tissues from normotensive pregnant women and women with pregnancy-induced hypertension
    Mohamed M, Larmie ET, Singh HJ, Othman MS
    Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2007 Sep;134(1):15-9.
    PMID: 17050061
    An imbalance of vasoconstrictor and vasodilator substances in the placenta has been postulated in the pathogenesis of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). There is however little information available on the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) in women with PIH. The aim of this study therefore was to determine tissue kallikrein and kininogen levels and their distribution patterns in fetoplacental tissues from both normotensive pregnant (NTP) women and women with PIH.
  16. Effect of enzymatic interesterification on melting point of palm olein
    Yassin AA, Mohamed IO, Ibrahim MN, Yusoff MS
    Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2003 Jul;110(1):45-52.
    PMID: 12909731
    Immobilized PS-C 'Amano' II lipase was used to catalyze the interesterification of palm olein (POo) with 30, 50, and 70% stearic acid in n-hexane at 60 degrees C. The catalytic performance of the immobilized lipase was evaluated by determining the composition change of fatty acyl groups and triacylglycerol (TAG) by gas liquid chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The interesterification process resulted in the formation of new TAGs, mainly tripalmitin and dipalmitostearin, both of which were absent in the original oil. These changes in TAG composition resulted in an increase in slip melting point, from the original 25.5 degrees C to 36.3, 37.0, and 40.0 degrees C in the modified POo with 30, 50, and 70% stearic acid, respectively. All the reactions attained steady state in about 6 h. This type of work will find great applications in food industries, such as confectionery.
  17. Fulltext Comparative data on corrosion protection of mild steel in HCl using two new thiazoles
    Alamiery A, Mohamad AB, Kadhum AAH, Takriff MS
    Data Brief, 2022 Feb;40:107838.
    PMID: 35106341 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.107838
    This data article includes data described in the investigation report entitled "The synergistic role of azomethine group and triazole ring at improving the anti-corrosive performance of 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole" (Alamiery et al., 2021). In this data article, a comprehensive effect of 2-Amino-4-phenyl-N-benzylidene-5-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)thiazole (APNT) and 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole (APT) and optimized process parameter of the inhibitor in 1 M HCl solution was presented using gravimetric techniques and Density functional theory. The presence of the inhibitors influenced the corrosion resistance of mild steel (MS). Inhibition efficiencies values of 98.1% and 94.74% were recorded as results of inhibition of the MS by the inhibiting compounds APNT and ATP respectively. DFT studies observed that the presence of benzylidene to the APNT and the substitution of a triazole in the thiazole ring are adsorption sites that increase the interaction of the APNT molecules with the iron atoms on the MS surface.
  18. Challenges in the Ethical Review of Clinical and Biomedical Research in Malaysia: A Mixed Methods Study
    See HY, Mohamed MS, Nor SNM, Low WY
    J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics, 2021 12;16(5):487-500.
    PMID: 34292842 DOI: 10.1177/15562646211033191
    Empirical evidence of the ethical review of clinical and biomedical research in Malaysia is limited. We have conducted a convergent mixed methods research, which comprises an online survey and semistructured interviews to examine the challenges in the ethical review of clinical and biomedical research. Data collected reveal that the ethics review process is inconsistent, duplicate, and inadequate. The results indicate a strong need for a centralized ethical review mechanism and a national system for mutual recognition of ethics reviews to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the ethics review system in Malaysia. A joint research ethics committee review between Malaysia and sponsoring countries for multinational research should also be encouraged as it could address the concerns of the lack of expertise and training.
  19. Fulltext Cytochrome P450 2A6 whole-gene deletion (CYP2A6*4) polymorphism reduces risk of lung cancer: A meta-analysis
    Johani FH, Majid MSA, Azme MH, Nawi AM
    Tob Induc Dis, 2020;18:50.
    PMID: 32547353 DOI: 10.18332/tid/122465
    INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer death. Smoking is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of lung cancer. Cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) is responsible for the metabolic activation of most tobacco carcinogens. CYP2A6 genetic polymorphism can cause variations in the human metabolism of xenobiotics. We performed this meta-analysis to determine the association between whole-gene CYP2A6 deletion polymorphism (CYP2A6*4) and lung cancer risk.

    METHODS: The PubMed, SAGE, Science Direct, the Cochrane Library and Ovid databases were searched for observational studies before October 2018. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS).

    RESULTS: Nine case-control studies involving 4385 lung cancer cases and 4142 controls were included in the analysis. The random-effects model was used to combine results from individual studies. The pooled odds ratio was 0.39 (95% CI: 0.27-0.56). There was no heterogeneity across studies (χ2=2.49, p=0.96, I2=0%).

    CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence from the case-control studies suggests that the CYP2A6 whole-gene deletion polymorphism decreases the risk of lung cancer. Further research is needed to identify any potential confounding factors that may impact this association.

  20. A cross sectional study on the acceptance of pre-hospital continuous positive airway pressure ventilation among ambulance paramedic in an urban emergency medical service system in a developing country
    Hafis MS, Johar MJ, Mahathar AW, Saiboon IM
    Saudi Med J, 2014 Aug;35(8):855-60.
    PMID: 25129186
    To assess the acceptance among the developing country urban paramedics towards pre-hospital continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation.
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