Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 170 in total

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  1. Nordin, N., Razak, R. C.
    MyJurnal
    High quality of product and service is always demanded by customers. Conversely, poor
    quality of product and service will result with customer dissatisfaction. However, this linear
    relationship is no longer accurate due to the complexity nature of customer needs. Non-linear
    relationship should be considered for more accurate evaluation of customer needs. This paper
    presents a concept of Kano model and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) integration to evaluate
    the non-linearity of customer needs towards the quality of products or services. By a case study, the
    developed Kano-QFD model is validated with the theory of Kano model and found to have well
    agreement. Further application for product development is recommended for future research.
  2. Nordin N, Selamat J
    PMID: 24786623 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2012.721140
    As, Cd, Pb and Hg were analysed in commonly consumed spices and herbs in Malaysia. The range of As, Cd, Pb and Hg content was 0.24-2.54, 0.23-8.07, 1.54-8.94 and 0.06-0.52 µg g(-1), respectively. The highest concentration of Cd, Pb and Hg in spices and herbs exceeded the maximum permitted proportion, which are 1, 2 and 0.05 µg g(-1), respectively. This study suggests further monitoring of Cd, Pb and Hg on daily consumption of spices and herbs and its toxicological implication for consumers since only the amount of As was lower than the permitted concentration.
  3. Ferdaos N, Nathan S, Nordin N
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:75-6.
    PMID: 19024991
    Amniotic fluid (AF) serves as an excellent alternative source of pluripotent stem cells, as they are not bound with ethical issues and the stem cells are more primitive than adult stem (AS) cells. Hence, they have higher potential. Here we aim to isolate and characterize pluripotent stem cells from mid-term and full-term pregnant rat amniotic fluid. The results demonstrate the evidence of heterogeneous population of cells in the amniotic fluid and some of the cells morphology shows similarity with ES cells.
  4. Nordin N. N., Lau, C. L., Wan Mat W. R., Yow, H. Y.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has increased worldwide including Malaysia, which may be attributed partly to inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial prescribing form has been introduced to mandate appropriate antimicrobial prescription including documented indication as a key standard of antimicrobial stewardship practice. Hence, this current study aimed to determine the usage and completeness of the designated antimicrobial prescribing form that had been implemented in the General Intensive Care Unit (GICU), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in GICU UKMMC from 30 August 2018 to 30 November 2018 by convenience sampling. The information that was recorded in the antimicrobial prescribing form was collected by using the designated data collection form. A total of 68 patients were included and 205 antimicrobial prescribing forms were evaluated. Results: There were 100% usage of antimicrobial prescribing forms found in this study. However, only 81 ± 8 % of these forms were completely filled. Indication for the antimicrobial prescription was not filled in 47% of the forms. Almost two thirds of the antimicrobial prescriptions were empirically indicated and one percent de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy was filled in the forms. These prescriptions comprised of 91.7% antibiotics, 7.8% antifungals and 0.5% antivirals. The suspected site of infections were primarily from the lungs (27%), gastrointestinal (16%), blood (16%) and central nervous system (14%). Piperacillin/Tazobactam was the most frequent antibiotic prescribed (21%), followed by third and fourth generation cephalosporins (20%). Conclusion: This study provided an overview of the uptake of the antimicrobial prescribing form implementation and highlighted the requirement for supplementary efforts to maximize the compliance of this form.
  5. Ferdaos, N., Karuppiah, T., Rosli, R., Yazid, M. N., Nordin, N.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Amniotic fluid (AF) consists of heterogenous population of cells with high diagnostic
    and therapeutic values. The study of rat amniotic fluid cells is very limited, despite the extensive use
    of this animal model in biomedical research. Primary culture of rat AF cells, especially from full term pregnancies has not been well established. Here we attempt to determine the suitable medium in
    culturing rat AF cells that would enhance the cell viability, growth rate and heterogeneity. Methods:
    The cell viability, growth rate and heterogeneity of rat AF cells were compared upon culturing the
    primary cells in two different media; Amniomax or RPMI. Cell viability study was carried out using
    trypan blue staining, while the growth rate was monitored based on the time required to passage the cells (population doubling time in hour). The heterogeneity of cells was examined based on the morphology of the cells. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test. Results: Amniomax was observed to provide a better culture condition in culturing rat AF cells as the cells are more viable, grow faster and more heterogenous as compared to the cells grown in RPMI. Conclusion: Amniomax is a more suitable medium for high quality and viability of full term rat AF cell culture, as compared to RPMI. Thus, warranting propagation of more rat AF cells for biomedical research.
  6. Nordin, N. I. A. A., Ariffin, H., Hassan, M.A., Ibrahim, N. A., Shirai, Y., Andou, Y.
    MyJurnal
    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of milling methods on tensile properties of polypropylene (PP) / oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF) biocomposites. Two types of mills were used; Wiley mill (WM) and disc mill (DM). Ground OPMF from each milling process was examined for its particle size distribution and aspect ratio by sieve and microscopic analyses, respectively. Results showed that DM-OPMF had smaller diameter fibre with uniform particle size compared to the WM-OPMF. Surface morphology study by SEM showed that DM-OPMF had rougher surface compared to WM-OPMF. Furthermore, it was found that PP/DM-OPMF biocomposite had higher tensile strength compared to PP/WM-OPMF, with almost two-fold. Thus, it is suggested that small diameter and uniform size fibre may improve stress transfer and surface contact between the fibre and polymer matrix and cause well dispersion of filler throughout the polymer resulted in better tensile strength of PP/DM-OPMF Compared to PP/WM-OPMF biocomposite. Overall, it can be concluded that disc milling could serve as a simple and effective grinding method for improving the tensile properties of biocomposite.
  7. Chin, V.K., Chong, W.C., Hassan, H., Zakaria, Z.A., Nordin, N., Basir, R., et al.
    JUMMEC, 2019;22(2):4-12.
    MyJurnal
    Background: The cytokine cascade in the immunopathogenesis of malaria infection had been widely studied.
    However, their specific association with survival and severe infection remained obscure.

    Methods: The study investigated the cytokine profiles and histopathological features of malaria in the severe
    infection and survival models by using male ICR mice and male Sprague Dawley rats respectively.

    Results: The severe model, the infected ICR mice, exhibited a high parasitemia with 100% mortality after
    peak parasitemia at day 5 post-infection. The survival model, the infected Sprague Dawley rats, showed
    mild parasitemia with full recovery by day 14 of infection. Both severe and survival models showed similar
    histopathological severity during peak parasitemia. The severe model produced highly elevated levels of proinflammatory
    cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1α, and low levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-4; while the
    survival model showed low levels of TNF-α and IL-1α with high levels of IL-4.

    Conclusion: There were differences in the pathogenesis of the severe and survival models of malaria infection.
    These could be a basis for immunotherapy of malaria in the future.
  8. Mohamed Zini SH, Nordin N
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and the pattern of hypodontia among orthodontic patients in Klinik Pergigian Jalan Sultan Mahmud, Kuala Terengganu.
    Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study where 351 orthodontic patients records (comprises of 104 males and 247 females), were reviewed. The records were evaluated by a trained dental officer between October 2016 and June 2017. The Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Tests were carried out for statistical analysis.
    Results: The prevalence of hypodontia was 10.8%. Thirty-eight (38) patients were found to have at least a single missing tooth. A significant difference was found between males and females having hypodontia (p = 0.048). No significant difference was found for hypodontia patients by races (p = 0.829). The maxillary lateral incisor was the most frequently missing tooth followed by mandibular second premolar and mandibular lateral incisor. Hypodontia cases observed, tended to be more likely occurred in the upper left arch compared to the lower arch. The majority of hypodontia patients had a single missing tooth, but rarely more than 3 missing teeth. Hypodontia patients had mainly Class III malocclusion, however no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.081).
    Conclusion(s): The prevalence of hypodontia of this study was within the range of what is being reported in the literature and showed gender significant. In this sample, hypodontia mainly involved maxillary lateral incisors; more prevalent in the upper arch; and mostly observed in patients with Class III malocclusion. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential. Therefore, alternative treatment modalities can be well planned under multidisciplinary team approach in restoring the aesthetic and function.
    KEYWORDS: referral letter
  9. Nordin N, Hussin NS, Hanafiah A, Sulong A
    Malays J Pathol, 2021 Dec;43(3):435-447.
    PMID: 34958065
    BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of community as well as healthcare-associated bacteraemia. This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics of S. aureus bacteraemia (SAB) and to evaluate the performance of the Prolex Staph Xtra Latex agglutination test in the identification of Staphylococcus aureus.

    METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted from Jun 2018 to May 2019. Isolates from first-positive peripheral blood cultures were tested with Prolex Staph Xtra Latex agglutination test, together with routine tube coagulase and DNase test. All isolates were further confirmed with Vitek2 GP.

    RESULTS: Hundred isolates were tested with Prolex Staph Xtra Latex. Twelve isolates were excluded due to incomplete medical records. Eighty-eight isolates were analysed, yielded sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values of 100%, 91.7%, 98.7%, and 100%, respectively. Of these, 76 were identified as S. aureus and 12 CoNS. Seventy-six patients were included in the SAB analysis. Fifty-nine out of 76 (78.6%) had underlying comorbidities. Thirty-four percent of the episodes were considered as primary SAB. Skin and soft tissue infection were accounted for the highest source of bacteraemia, 24(31.6%). Both MRSA and MSSA bacteraemia were seen mostly among healthcare-associated bacteraemia (HCA) (7/16, 43.8% and 28/60, 46.7%). Liver cirrhosis was significantly associated with MRSA bacteraemia (P=0.048). Metastatic infection & complicated SAB were identified in 13(17.1%) and 30(39.5%) of cases, respectively. All-cause mortality was 22.4%.

    CONCLUSION: S. aureus bacteraemia is a serious infection associated with significant metastatic complications and mortality. Prolex Staph Xtra Latex agglutination test has excellent sensitivity and specificity with 100% and 91.7% respectively.

  10. Nordin N, Jalil J, Jantan I, Murad S
    Pharm Biol, 2012 Mar;50(3):284-90.
    PMID: 22103812 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2011.602416
    Enicosanthellum pulchrum (King) Heusden (Annonaceae) is a coniferous tree that is confined to mountain forests. The chemical constituents of this species have been studied previously; however, its biological activity has never been investigated before and is reported here for the first time.
  11. Nordin N, Nathan S, Li M, Mason JO
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:59-60.
    PMID: 19024983
    Obtaining pure population of neural cells from embryonic stem (ES) cells remains a challenge as little is known about the genes that govern embryonic stem cell differentiation. Using mouse ES cells, we aim to uncover the mechanisms that regulate neural differentiation of ES cells by focusing on roles played by Wnt family genes. Combining two techniques, Cre/loxP-based genetic recombination and ligand-dependent activation of Cre, we have generated transgenic ES cell lines that allow for the temporal control of expression and activity of Wnt gene (Wnt1-Ha) and Wnt antagonist (Dkk1). The ability of these cell lines in inducing the expression of transgene in undifferentiated ES cells and, more importantly, in differentiated derivatives of ES cells in vitro is evaluated.
  12. Abd Ghani MF, Othman R, Nordin N
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 Nov;12(Suppl 2):S676-S680.
    PMID: 33828360 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_272_19
    The naturally derived flavonoids are well known to have anticarcinogenic effects. Flavonoids could be an alternative strategy for ovarian cancer treatment, due to existing platinum-based drugs are reported to develop resistance with low survival rates. Inhibition of antiapoptotic proteins, namely B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl), is the key target to stimulate apoptosis process in cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the binding interaction of five naturally derived flavonoids (biochanin A, myricetin, apigenin, galangin, and fisetin) with potential antiapoptotic target proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl). The molecular docking study was conducted using AutoDock Vina program. The binding affinity and the presence of hydrogen bonds between the flavonoids and target proteins were predicted. Our findings showed that all the flavonoids showed better binding affinity with Bcl-xl than that of Bcl-2 proteins. The highest binding affinity was recorded in fisetin-Bcl-xl protein complex (-8.8 kcal/mol). Meanwhile, the other flavonoids docked with Bcl-xl protein showed binding affinities, ranging from -8.0 to -8.6 kcal/mol. A total of four hydrogen bonds, four hydrophobic contacts, and one electrostatic interaction were detected in the docked fisetin-Bcl-xl complex, explaining its high binding affinity with Bcl-xl. The present results indicate that all flavonoids could potentially serve as Bcl-xl protein inhibitors, which would consequently lead to apoptotic process in ovarian cancers.
  13. Gao L, Thilakavathy K, Nordin N
    Cell Biol Int, 2013 Sep;37(9):875-87.
    PMID: 23619972 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10120
    At the early stages of mammalian development, a number of developmentally plastic cells appear that possess the ability to give rise to all of the differentiated cell types normally derived from the three primary germ layers - unique character known as pluripotency. To date, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been shown to be truly pluripotent. However, recent studies have revealed a variety of other cells that demonstrate pluripotentiality, including very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs), marrow-isolated adult multilineage inducible cells (MIAMI) and multipotent adult precursor cells (MAPCs). This review summarises key features of these six kinds of pluripotent and potentially pluripotent stem cells (ESCs, iPSCs, VSELs, AFSCs, MIAMI and MAPCs) and the evidence for their pluripotency properties.
  14. Jamaludin J, Nordin NM, Mohamad N, Etta KM
    Malays J Reprod Health, 1988 Jun;6(1):65-9.
    PMID: 12281593
    Subcutaneous body fat and Quetelet's Indices (QI) of 52, 18-29 year old normal female volunteers were determined. These body mass indices were then grouped according to the phase of each subject's menstrual cycle, early or late follicular and early or late luteal phase. The subcutaneous body fat is 27.07 +or- 1.0% in the early follicular but drops to 24.68 +or- 1.84% in the late follicular phase. The value then rises significantly higher than that in the late follicular phase to 30.14 +or- 1.15% (P0.02) in the early luteal drops to 27.17 +or- 0.55% towards the level of the early follicular phase (P0.05). Variations in the values of QI during each menstrual cycle exactly mirror those for subcutaneous body fat. The fall in the 2 body mass indices during the late follicular phase coincides somewhat with the established preovulatory LH and FSH surges as well as the high levels of estrogen of this period. On the other hand the significant rise in the 2 parameters during the early luteal phase coincides with the marked rise in the ratio of progesterone to estrogen. Clearly, increased levels of progesterone relative to estrogen appear to cause an increase in the body fat during each menstrual cycle. The implication of this finding for women on contraceptive pills which are predominantly progesterone and those whose normal menstrual cycle is "interrupted" at the early luteal phase by a successful fertilization raises very interesting questions with regards to prediction of ovulation.
  15. Nordin N, Khimani K, Abd Ghani MF
    Curr Drug Discov Technol, 2021;18(6):e010921191171.
    PMID: 33563198 DOI: 10.2174/1570163818666210204202426
    BACKGROUND: Anti-apoptotic protein BCL-XL plays a vital role in tumorigenesis and cancer chemotherapy resistance, resulting in a good target for cancer treatment. Understanding the function of BCL-XL has driven the progression of a new class of cancer drugs that can mimic its natural inhibitors, BH3-only proteins, to trigger apoptosis. This mimicking is initiated through acetogenins due to their excellent biological properties. Acetogenins, which can be isolated from Annonaceae plants, have a unique structure along with several oxygenated functionalities.

    OBJECTIVE: Based on their biological capability, various acetogenins were studied in the present study and compared alongside ABT-737 on molecular docking.

    METHODS: The docking simulation of acetogenins was performed using AutoDock Vina software.

    RESULTS: Our findings have shown eleven acetogenins-BCL-XL protein complex, namely, muricin B (2), muricin F (4), muricin H (6), muricin I (7), xylomaticin (9), annomontacin (12), annonacin (14), squamocin (15), squamostatin A (16), bullatacin (20) and annoreticulin (21) exhibited strong binding affinities lower than - 10.4 kcalmol-1 as compared to ABT-373-BCL-XL complex. Six hydrogen bonds along with hydrophobic interaction were detected on the complex of BCL-XL with muricin B (2), muricin G (5), corossolone (11), and isoannonacin-10-one A (18).

    CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that some acetogenins could represent a new potential BCLXL inhibitor that could mimic the BH3-only protein for the induction of apoptosis in cancer chemotherapy.

  16. Kai B, Kaish ABMA, Nordin N
    Materials (Basel), 2022 Nov 16;15(22).
    PMID: 36431605 DOI: 10.3390/ma15228119
    Research on different prefabricated cementitious composites for constructing composite concrete columns is comparatively more limited than that of concrete filled steel tube columns. The main objective of this study was to observe the axial compressive behavior of concrete-filled prefabricated cementitious composite tube (CFPCCT) specimens. In the CFPCCT composite column, the spiral steel bar is arranged as a hoop reinforcement in the cementitious tube before its prefabrication. Following this, the concrete is poured into the prefabricated cementitious composite tube. The tube is able to provide lateral confinement and can carry the axial load, which is attributed to the strength of CFPCCT composite column. The effect of tube wall thickness on the behavior of CFPCCT is studied in this research. A total of eight short-scale CFPCCT composite columns, with three different tube wall thicknesses (25 mm, 30 mm and 35 mm), are tested under axial compressive load. The cementitious composite tube-confined specimens showed a 24.7% increment in load-carrying capacity compared to unconfined specimens. Increasing the wall-thickness had a positive impact on the strength and ductility properties of the composite column. However, poor failure behavior was observed for thicker tube wall. Therefore, concrete-filled cementitious composite tube columns can be considered as an alternative and effective way to construct prefabricated concrete columns.
  17. Liyang G, Abdullah S, Rosli R, Nordin N
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):8-16.
    PMID: 25977628 MyJurnal
    An embryonic stem cell (ESC) is a good tool to generate neurons in vitro and can be used to mimic neural development in vivo. It has been widely used in research to examine the role of cell signalling during neuronal development, test the effects of drugs on neurons, and generate a large population of functional neurons. So far, a number of protocols have been established to promote the differentiation of ESCs, such as direct and indirect differentiation. One of the widely used protocols to generate neurons is through the spontaneous formation of multicellular aggregates known as embryonic bodies (EBs). However, for some, it is not clear why EB protocol could be the protocol of choice. EB also is known to mimic an early embryo; hence, knowing the similarities between EB and an early embryo is essential, particularly the information on the players that promote the formation of EBs or the aggregation of ESCs. This review paper focuses on these issues and discusses further the generation of neural cells from EBs using a well-known protocol, the 4-/4+ protocol.
  18. Venil CK, Nordin N, Zakaria ZA, Ahmad WA
    Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2014 Sep;64(Pt 9):3153-9.
    PMID: 24958763 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.063594-0
    A bacterial strain, designated UTM-3(T), isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Artocarpus integer (cempedak) in Malaysia was studied to determine its taxonomic position. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming rods, devoid of flagella and gliding motility, that formed yellow-pigmented colonies on nutrient agar and contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain UTM-3(T) with those of the most closely related species showed that the strain constituted a distinct phyletic line within the genus Chryseobacterium with the highest sequence similarities to Chryseobacterium lactis NCTC 11390(T), Chryseobacterium viscerum 687B-08(T), Chryseobacterium tructae 1084-08(T), Chryseobacterium arthrosphaerae CC-VM-7(T), Chryseobacterium oncorhynchi 701B-08(T), Chryseobacterium vietnamense GIMN1.005(T), Chryseobacterium bernardetii NCTC 13530(T), Chryseobacterium nakagawai NCTC 13529(T), Chryseobacterium gallinarum LMG 27808(T), Chryseobacterium culicis R4-1A(T), Chryseobacterium flavum CW-E2(T), Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense CW9(T), Chryseobacterium ureilyticum CCUG 52546(T), Chryseobacterium indologenes NBRC 14944(T), Chryseobacterium gleum CCUG 14555(T), Chryseobacterium jejuense JS17-8(T), Chryseobacterium oranimense H8(T) and Chryseobacterium joostei LMG 18212(T). The major whole-cell fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c, followed by summed feature 4 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7t) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, and the polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and several unknown lipids. The DNA G+C content strain UTM-3(T) was 34.8 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is concluded that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium artocarpi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is UTM-3(T) ( = CECT 8497(T) = KCTC 32509(T)).
  19. Zaki R, Bulgiba A, Nordin N, Azina Ismail N
    Iran J Basic Med Sci, 2013 Jun;16(6):803-7.
    PMID: 23997908
    Reliability measures precision or the extent to which test results can be replicated. This is the first ever systematic review to identify statistical methods used to measure reliability of equipment measuring continuous variables. This studyalso aims to highlight the inappropriate statistical method used in the reliability analysis and its implication in the medical practice.
  20. Chuah YK, Basir R, Talib H, Tie TH, Nordin N
    Int J Inflam, 2013;2013:403460.
    PMID: 24102034 DOI: 10.1155/2013/403460
    The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a transmembrane receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, capable of binding a broad repertoire of ligands. RAGE-ligands interaction induces a series of signal transduction cascades and lead to the activation of transcription factor NF-κB as well as increased expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. These effects endow RAGE with the role in the signal transduction from pathogen substrates to cell activation during the onset and perpetuation of inflammation. RAGE signaling and downstream pathways have been implicated in a wide spectrum of inflammatory-related pathologic conditions such as arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, acute respiratory failure, and sepsis. Despite the significant progress in other RAGE studies, the functional importance of the receptor in clinical situations and inflammatory diseases still remains to be fully realized. In this review, we will summarize current understandings and lines of evidence on the molecular mechanisms through which RAGE signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of the aforementioned inflammation-associated conditions.
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