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  1. Fulltext Trisomy X and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with eosinophilia
    Eusni, R.M.T., Leong, C.F., Salwa, S.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2012;8(2):65-67.
    MyJurnal
    We reported a young patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with eosinophilia, in which her chromosomal analysis revealed the presence of trisomy X and a marker chromosome at chromosome 11. The technique used to detect the chromosomal abnormalities is a multicoloured –fluorescent in situ hybridization technique (M-FISH). Our observation suggested that these underlying chromosomal abnormalities were probably responsible for her development of MDS with eosinophilia.
    Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a condition whereby there is ineffective production of haematopoietic stem cells and poor quality of cells produced. The cause can either be a primary bone marrow problem, de novo or therapy related. Most MDS cases are secondary rather than primary. Many chromosomal abnormalities have been found in cases of myelodysplastic syndrome. We described a case of MDS with eosinophilia in association with presence of trisomy X and a marker chromosome in chromosome 11.
  2. Fulltext Evaluation of two transformation protocols and screening of positive plasmid introduction into Bacillus cereus EB2, a gram-positive bacterium using qualitative analyses
    Sirajuddin SA, Sundram S
    Braz J Microbiol, 2020 Sep;51(3):919-929.
    PMID: 32078730 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00241-0
    Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can take up exogenous DNA when they are in a competent state either naturally or artificially. However, the thick peptidoglycan layer in Gram-positive bacteria's cell wall is considered as a possible barrier to DNA uptake. In the present work, two transformation techniques have been evaluated in assessing the protocol's ability to introduce foreign DNA, pBBRGFP-45 plasmid which harbors kanamycin resistance and green fluorescent protein (GFP) genes into a Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus cereus EB2. B. cereus EB2 is an endophytic bacterium, isolated from oil palm roots. A Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa EB35 was used as a control sample for both transformation protocols. The cells were made competent using respective chemical treatment to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and kanamycin concentration in the selective medium was also optimized. Preliminary findings using qualitative analysis of colony polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-GFP indicated that the putative positive transformants for B. cereus EB2 were acquired using the second transformation protocol. The positive transformants were then verified using molecular techniques such as observation of putative colonies on specific media under UV light, plasmid extraction, and validation analyses, followed by fluorescence microscopy. Conversely, both transformation protocols were relatively effective for introduction of plasmid DNA into P. aeruginosa EB35. Therefore, this finding demonstrated the potential of chemically prepared competent cells and the crucial step of heat-shock in foreign DNA transformation process of Gram-positive bacterium namely B. cereus was required for successful transformation.
  3. Toxicity of cadmium and lead in Gallus gallus domesticus assessment of body weight and metal content in tissues after metal dietary supplements
    Abduljaleel SA, Shuhaimi-Othman M
    Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Nov 15;16(22):1551-6.
    PMID: 24511699
    The influence of dietary cadmium on the accumulation and effects of dietary lead, examined in chicken. This experiment was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of dietary Cd and Pb on chick's body weight and organ, content of the tissues of these two metals was also detected. One day age chicks of Gallus gallus domesticus fed diet supplemented with 25, 50, 100 ppm of Cd, second group exposure to 300, 500, 1000 ppm of Pb in feed daily during 4 weeks. The control groups were fed without supplementation of metals. The concentrations of Cd and Pb resulted in increased of Cd and Pb content in liver, gizzard and muscle. While Cd 100 ppm and Pb 1000 ppm were increased metals content in feather. Body weight of chicks was not influenced by Cd treatment. In contrary Pb treatment was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased body weight of chicks after dietary treatment. On the other hand, Liver weigh in chicks was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after Cd and Pb treatments.
  4. Fulltext Pericardial cyst: a rare cause of pericardial effusion
    Siti Salwa MS, Anas R, Nor Hidayah AB
    Med J Malaysia, 2013;68(1):79-80.
    PMID: 23466776
    Pericardial cysts occur rarely, with an incidence rate of 1 per 100,000. They are usually detected by chance and clinically silent in most cases. Pericardial cysts are the most common benign tumours of the pericardium and presents by the third or fourth decade of life, and equally common in males and females. In principle, they only require follow-up, however, an enlarging or symptomatic cyst requires surgical removal. We report a case of a 32 year-old Malay lady, who presented with history of recurrent pericardial effusion followed by right pleural effusion. Computed tomography (CT) thorax identified a large mediastinal cyst as the cause of her problem, requiring exploratory thoracotomy.
  5. Fulltext Prevalence of hypodontia in patients attending orthodontic clinic in Kuala Terengganu [Abstract]
    Salma Shakirah Said, Farah Salwa Abdul Rahim, Mustaffa Jaapar
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(21):29-29.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and the pattern of hypodontia among orthodontic patients in Klinik Pergigian Jalan Sultan Mahmud, Kuala Terengganu.
    Materials and Methods: A retrospective of 351 orthodontic patients record review study was conducted; comprised of 104 males and 247 females. The records were reviewed by 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 patients were found to have at least single missing tooth. A significant difference was found between males and females of 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 premolars and mandibular lateral incisors. 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 single missing tooth, but rarely more than 3 missing teeth. Hypodontia patients had mainly Class III malocclusion, however no statistically significant 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. Hypodontia was mainly involved maxillary lateral incisors; more prevalent in the upper arch; and mostly observed in patients with Class III malocclusion in the study sample. 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: hypodontia, orthodontics, prevalence, retrospective
  6. Risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy among type 2 diabetes patients at teaching hospital in Malaysia
    Abougalambou SS, Abougalambou AS
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2015 Apr-Jun;9(2):98-103.
    PMID: 25470640 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2014.04.019
    BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and it is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults aged 20-74. It is estimated that about 20% of patients with type 2 DM have evidence of diabetic retinopathy at diagnosis with diabetes.
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of DR and to determine risk factors related to diabetic retinopathy among type 2 diabetes patients attending endocrinology clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).
    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study design was observational prospective longitudinal follow-up study, the study was conducted with sample of 1077 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatient recruited via attended the diabetes clinics at HUSM. Diagnosis of retinopathy is based on finding the diagnostic signs of retinopathy on eye exams by fundoscopy. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that affect the development of retinopathy.
    RESULTS: The prevalence of retinopathy was 39.3%. It has been noticed from this study findings, that the progression of retinopathy is been influenced by five independent risk factors such as duration of diabetes, presence neuropathy, total cholesterol at second and third visit and createnine clearance.
    CONCLUSION: DR is highly prevalent among type 2 DM. The progression of retinopathy is been influenced by five independent risk factors such as duration of diabetes, presence neuropathy, total cholesterol at second and third visit and createnine clearance. DR is a serious diabetic complication and public health strategies are required in order to reduce its risk factors and decrease its prevalence.
    KEYWORDS: Prevalence; Retinopathy; Risk factors; Type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Study site: Endocrinology clinics, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
  7. Prevalence and risk factors of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients at University Sains Malaysia Hospital
    Abougalambou SS, Abougalambou AS
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2013;7(2):64-7.
    PMID: 23680242 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2013.02.034
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Microalbuminuria is early stage of diabetic nephropathy as well as a marker of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria and associated risk factors among type 2 diabetic outpatients, attending a diabetic clinic in University Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM).
    PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study design was used in the data collection process. The study sample consists of 1066 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients who fit the inclusion criteria. All the patients were recruited from the diabetic outpatient clinics from HUSM. The study period was from January till December 2008. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed if the urinary albumin excretion more than 30 mg/g of creatinine.
    RESULTS: A total of 1661 patients were included in this study. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed in 273 (25.4%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that microalbuminuria was positively associated with duration of hypertension (P=0.044), HbA1c (P=0.004), systolic blood pressure (<0.001), creatinine clearance (P=0.007) and the presence of neuropathy (P=0.004).
    CONCLUSION: High prevalence of microalbuminuria was in type 2 diabetic outpatients. Predictive factors for microalbuminuria were duration of hypertension, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, creatinine clearance and the presence of neuropathy. The study suggests the need to screen for microalbuminuria early and the active management of modifiable risk factors in particular, hyperglycemia, hypertension and creatinine clearance, to reduce the burden of end-stage renal disease in the future.

    Study site: diabetic outpatient clinics from HUSM
  8. A study evaluating prevalence of hypertension and risk factors affecting on blood pressure control among type 2 diabetes patients attending teaching hospital in Malaysia
    Abougalambou SS, Abougalambou AS
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2013 Apr-Jun;7(2):83-6.
    PMID: 23680246 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2013.02.019
    INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is extremely common disease found in patients with diabetes mellitus. Eighty to 90% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus will develop hypertension, and about 20% of hypertensive patients develop diabetes. The aim of this study was designed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and factors affecting the control of hypertension among type 2 diabetic patients.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1077 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were included in this study who attended at diabetes clinic of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) teaching hospital in Kelantan. All these patients were prospectively followed from January to December 2008. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of variables on hypertension.
    RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension (BP>130/80 or on medication for high blood pressure) was 92.7%. A total 471 (47.2%) patients had achieved blood pressure targets ≤ 130/80 mmHg. The logistic regression indicated that hypertension was positively associated with age (P=0.040), BMI (P=0.027), HbA1c (P=0.046), and level of education (P=0.039).
    CONCLUSION: Hypertension is a common co-morbidity among diabetic patients. Hypertension was not controlled to the recommended levels of blood pressure in about one-half (52.8%) of diabetes patients. Age, BMI, HbA1c and level of education are factors affecting on hypertension.
  9. Explorative study on diabetes neuropathy among type II diabetic patients in Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital
    Abougalambou SS, Abougalambou AS
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2012 Jul-Sep;6(3):167-72.
    PMID: 23158982 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2012.09.002
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine risk factors and prevalence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) among type II diabetic patients in Malaysian hospital setting.
    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: a observational prospective longitudinal follow up study design was selected, total no of respondents were 1077 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients recruited via attended the diabetes clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kelantan. The diagnosis of neuropathy was confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that affect the development of neuropathy.
    RESULTS: The prevalence of nephropathy is 54.3%. Longitudinal logistic regression identified four predictive variables on the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy that are: duration of diabetes, retinopathy, HbA1c at second visit, and creatinine clearance third visit.
    CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show high prevalence of diabetic neuropathy. HbA1c and creatinine clearance are two modifiable risk factors for the development of diabetic neuropathy.
    Study site: Diabetes clinics, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
  10. The Socioeconomic Implications among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Sudan: Challenges and Coping Strategies
    Ismail SM, Kari F, Kamarulzaman A
    J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care, 2015 12 28;16(5):446-454.
    PMID: 26715489 DOI: 10.1177/2325957415622449
    To determine the socioeconomic impacts among HIV-infected persons in Sudan and examine whether there are significant variations in coping strategies between infected men and women, a primary survey was conducted among infected persons (n = 555). Discriminant function was used to analyze the data. We found significant variation in the coping strategies (
  11. Fulltext The use of D-optimal mixture design in optimising okara soap formulation for stratum corneum application
    Borhan FP, Abd Gani SS, Shamsuddin R
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:173979.
    PMID: 25548777 DOI: 10.1155/2014/173979
    Okara, soybean waste from tofu and soymilk production, was utilised as a natural antioxidant in soap formulation for stratum corneum application. D-optimal mixture design was employed to investigate the influence of the main compositions of okara soap containing different fatty acid and oils (virgin coconut oil A (24-28% w/w), olive oil B (15-20% w/w), palm oil C (6-10% w/w), castor oil D (15-20% w/w), cocoa butter E (6-10% w/w), and okara F (2-7% w/w)) by saponification process on the response hardness of the soap. The experimental data were utilized to carry out analysis of variance (ANOVA) and to develop a polynomial regression model for okara soap hardness in terms of the six design factors considered in this study. Results revealed that the best mixture was the formulation that included 26.537% A, 19.999% B, 9.998% C, 16.241% D, 7.633% E, and 7.000% F. The results proved that the difference in the level of fatty acid and oils in the formulation significantly affects the hardness of soap. Depending on the desirable level of those six variables, creation of okara based soap with desirable properties better than those of commercial ones is possible.
  12. Current status of ceramic-based membranes for oxygen separation from air
    Hashim SM, Mohamed AR, Bhatia S
    Adv Colloid Interface Sci, 2010 Oct 15;160(1-2):88-100.
    PMID: 20813344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2010.07.007
    There has been tremendous progress in membrane technology for gas separation, in particular oxygen separation from air in the last 20 years. It provides an alternative route to the existing conventional separation processes such as cryogenic distillation and pressure swing adsorption as well as cheaper production of oxygen with high purity. This review presents the recent advances of ceramic membranes for the separation of oxygen from air at high temperature. It covers the issues and problems with respect to the selectivity and separation performance. The paper also presents different approaches applied to overcome these challenges. The future directions of ceramic-based membranes for oxygen separation from air are also presented.
  13. The burden and epidemiology of polyparasitism among rural communities in Kano State, Nigeria
    Dawaki S, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ithoi I
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2019 04 01;113(4):169-182.
    PMID: 30551211 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/try128
    BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections constitute a major public health problem worldwide, particularly among underprivileged communities in developing countries including Nigeria. The present study aimed to determine the epidemiology of polyparasitism (multiple parasitic infections) among rural communities in Kano State, North Central Nigeria.

    METHODS: A total of 551 individuals were screened for the presence of intestinal, urogenital and blood parasites by using different diagnostic techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, household and behavioural characteristics were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Overall, 84.0% (463/551) of the participants were found to be infected with at least one parasite species, with 51.2% (282/551) of them having polyparasitism. The most prevalent parasites were Plasmodium falciparum (60.6%) followed by Blastocystis sp. (29.2%) and hookworm (15.4%). No significant association was found between malaria and helminth infections (p>0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the presence of other family members who had intestinal polyparasitism (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=4.12; 95% CI=2.72, 6.24), walking barefoot outside (AOR=1.70; 95% CI=1.09, 2.63) and being male (AOR=1.74; 95% CI=1.14, 2.66) were the significant risk factors of intestinal polyparasitism among the population studied.

    CONCLUSION: Polyparasitism is highly prevalent among rural communities in Kano State. Therefore, effective, sustainable and integrated control measures should be identified and implemented to significantly reduce the burden and consequences of these infections in rural Nigeria.

  14. Detection and precipitation of hepatitis B core antigen using a fusion bacteriophage
    Hasmoni SS, Yusoff K, Tan WS
    J Gen Appl Microbiol, 2005 Apr;51(2):125-31.
    PMID: 15942873
    The nucleocapsids of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are made of 180 or 240 subunits of core proteins or known as core antigens (HBcAg). A fusion bacteriophage bearing the WSFFSNI sequence that interacts tightly to HBcAg was employed as a diagnostic reagent for the detection of the antigen using the phage-enzyme-linked immunosorbent (phage-ELISA), dot blot and immunoprecipitation assays. The results from phage-ELISA and dot blot assay showed that as low as 10 ng of HBcAg can be detected optimally by 1.0x10(12) pfu/ml fusion M13 bacteriophage. The sensitivity of the dot blot assay corresponds with that of the phage-ELISA. HBcAg in HBV positive serum samples can also be detected using the fusion phage via the phage-ELISA and phage-dot blot assay. The phage cross-linked to cyanogen bromide (CNBr) activated agarose can also be used to precipitate HBcAg in bacterial lysate. The optimum amount of phage needed for cross-linking to 1 g of agarose is about 7.0x10(6) pfu/ml which could also precipitate purified and unpurified HBcAg in bacterial lysate. This study demonstrates the potential of fusion bacteriophage bearing the sequence WSFFSNI as a diagnostic reagent and a ligand for the detection and purification of HBcAg respectively.
  15. A study evaluating the postprandial plasma glucose control among type 2 diabetes patients attending a teaching hospital in Malaysia
    Abougalambou SSI, Ahmed NO, Abougalambou AS
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2017 Nov;11 Suppl 1:S445-S449.
    PMID: 28434857 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2017.03.033
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Type 2 DM is rapidly rising as a global health care problem that threatens to reach pandemic levels by 2030. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease with no cure and chronic disease that results in major morbidity and mortality. The main objective of this study is to evaluate postprandial plasma glucose level and to determine factors affect on postprandial plasma glucose level among type 2 diabetes outpatients attending endocrinology clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Teaching Hospital.
    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study design was observational prospective longitudinal follow-up study, the study was conducted with sample of 1077 type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatient recruited via attended the diabetes clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kelantan. Post prandial plasma glucose (PPG) parameter to measure the glycaemic control. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that affect the PPG control.
    RESULTS: About 426 (39.6%) of the patients did not achieve the optimal postprandial plasma glucose level (<10mmol/l). In this study, the possible factors that affect postprandial plasma glucose levels (PPG) were found to be gender (OR=0.77) and the duration of diabetes (OR=1.12).
    CONCLUSION: It has been found that gender and the duration of diabetes are the factors affecting PPG. New strategy to improve the current status of control of diabetes is needed. The study recommends that health-care providers should pay more attention to type 2 DM male patients and patients who had diabetic for long time.
    Study site: Endocrine clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
  16. Antimicrobial discovery from natural and unusual sources
    Ali SM, Siddiqui R, Khan NA
    J Pharm Pharmacol, 2018 Oct;70(10):1287-1300.
    PMID: 30003546 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12976
    OBJECTIVES: Whether vertebrates/invertebrates living in polluted environments are an additional source of antimicrobials.

    KEY FINDINGS: Majority of antimicrobials have been discovered from prokaryotes and those which are of eukaryotic origin are derived mainly from fungal and plant sources. With this in mind, it is important to note that pests, such as cockroaches come across pathogenic bacteria routinely, yet thrive in polluted environments. Other animals, such as snakes thrive from feeding on germ-infested rodents. Logically, such species must have developed an approach to protect themselves from these pathogens, yet they have largely been ignored as a potential source of antimicrobials despite their remarkable capability to fight disease-causing organisms.

    SUMMARY: Animals living in polluted environments are an underutilized source for potential antimicrobials, hence it is believed that several novel bioactive molecule(s) will be identified from these sources to counter increasingly resistant bacterial infections. Further research will be necessary in the development of novel antimicrobial(s) from these unusual sources which will have huge clinical impact worldwide.

  17. Fulltext The Influence of Pluronic F68 and F127 Nanocarrier on Physicochemical Properties, In vitro Release, and Antiproliferative Activity of Thymoquinone Drug
    Shaarani S, Hamid SS, Mohd Kaus NH
    Pharmacognosy Res, 2017 Jan-Mar;9(1):12-20.
    PMID: 28250648 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.199774
    BACKGROUND: This study reports on hydrophobic drug thymoquinone (TQ), an active compound found in the volatile oil of Nigella sativa that exhibits anticancer activities. Nanoformulation of this drug could potentially increase its bioavailability to specific target cells.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to formulate TQ into polymer micelle, Pluronic F127 (5.0 wt %) and Pluronic F68 (0.1 wt %), as a drug carrier to enhance its solubility and instability in aqueous media.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polymeric micelles encapsulated TQ were prepared by the microwave-assisted solvent evaporation technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer were utilized for qualitative confirmation of micelles encapsulation. The surface morphology and mean particle size of the prepared micelles were determined by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxicity effect was studied using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) assay.

    RESULTS: Dynamic laser light scattering (DLS) technique showed hydrodynamic size distribution of optimized micelles of 50 nm, which was in close agreement with the mean particle size obtained from TEM of about 51 nm. Drug release study showed the maximum percentage of TQ release at 61% after 72 h, while the entrapment efficiency of TQ obtained was 46% using PF127. The cytotoxic effect of PF127-encapsulated TQ was considerably higher compared to PF68-encapsulated TQ against MCF7 cells, as they exhibited IC50value of 8 μM and 18 μM, respectively.

    CONCLUSION: This study suggests higher molecular weight Pluronic polymer micelles (F127) with hydrophilic-hydrophobic segments which could be used as a suitable candidate for sustainable delivery of TQ. However, comprehensive studies should be carried out to establish the suitability of Pluronic F127 as a carrier for other drugs with similar challenges as TQ.

    SUMMARY: There is a rising interest in integrating nanotechnology with medicine, creating a nanomedicine aiming for high efficiency and efficacy of disease diagnosis and treatment. In drug delivery, the term nanomedicine describes the nanometer-sized range (1-1000 nm) of a multi-component drug for disease treatments. As such, liposome-based nanoparticulate delivery vehicles have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical applications. The main purpose of introducing nanoscale drug delivery is to improve the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles of therapeutic molecules. Drug or therapeutic molecules can be either released through the cleavage of a covalent linkage between drug molecules and polymers (conjugation) or through the diffusion from a drug and polymer blended matrix (physical encapsulation). Polymers play an important role in the design of nanocarriers for therapeutic deliveries. In Asia, Nigella sativa seed oil has been used traditionally for its various medicinal benefits. One of its most potent compound which is thymoquinone has been intensively investigated for its anti-cancer effects in colorectal carcinoma, breast adenocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian carcinoma, myeloblastic leukemia, and pancreatic carcinoma. In addition, it is reported to show anti-inflammatory potential, antidiabetic, antihistaminic effects, as well as the ability to alleviate respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. This study aims to formulate and characterize different pluronic-based thymoquinone nanocarrier and investigate its effect against breast cancer cells Abbreviations Used: ATR-IR: Attenuated Total Reflectance-Infrared Spectroscopy, CH3CN: Acetonitrile, DLS: Dynamic Light Scattering, MTS: [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, NPs: Nanoparticles, PF127/TQ: Pluronic F127 encapsulated TQ, PF68/TQ: Pluronic F68 encapsulated TQ, PLGA: Poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), PVA: Poly-vinylalcohol, TQ: Thymoquinone, UV/VIS: Ultravioletvisible spectrophotometry.
  18. Fulltext Health risk assessment of pm10 exposure among Malaysian adult population based on physical activity pattern
    Norlen Mohame, Lokman Hakim, S., Thahirahtul Asma Zakaria, Anis Salwa Kamarudin, Ahmad Riadz Mazeli, Sirajuddin Hashim
    Int J Public Health Res, 2017;7(2):814-828.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Most health advisories related to outdoor physical activity during haze are general in nature. The advisories normally advise everyone to reduce or limit prolonged exertion or heavy exertion without mentioning the acceptable duration for performing outdoor physical activity causing difficulty for public to decide to stop or cancel a particular outdoor or sport event. The aim of this paper is to determine the acceptable duration for performing outdoor physical activity pattern during haze based on API level.

    Methods: Health risk assessment approach that comprises of hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization steps was used to determine the potential inhaled dose and risk associated with performing the physical activity during haze. We have considered many factors that include time spent for physical activity patterns for Malaysian adult, age and physical intensity-specific inhalation rate (m3/min), and the indoor/outdoor ratio of PM10. A hypothetical exposure scenario of PM10 was created using the breakpoints of PM10 concentration for the calculation of respective API levels during haze.

    Results: The association between physical activity pattern, API level and risk quotient were presented in the form of risk radar diagram. Based on the 50th percentile inhalation rate, all prolonged exertion and heavy exertion should be avoided when API reach >201 (very unhealthy) and >175 (unhealthy) respectively. Below the said API, the duration for performing prolonged exertion and heavy exertion should be reduced according to the API level. When API reaches 140, high intensity physical activity should be limited to < 90 minutes. A football match which requires 90 minutes, should be postponed of cancelled if API > 140. Whereas, for the same API level, prolonged exertion (moderate intensity physical activity) should be limited to 4 hours.

    Conclusions: Reducing the physical activity is an effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled pollutants and reduce the health risk during poor air quality. Based on the assessment, taking into account the uncertainty of risk assessment methodology, we proposed all prolonged exertion should be avoided when API reach very unhealthy status (>201). Below the said API level, outdoor physical activity should be reduced according to the level of API respectively. The recommendation is not applicable for the sensitive groups. The computed risk radar provide a valuable guide for the public to organize or considering postponing an outdoor event during haze.
  19. Shariah and alcohol issue
    Nur Bahirah Baharum, Syariena Arshad, Siti Salwa Abd Gani, Mohd Daud Awang
    Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia - Malaysian Journal of Consumer, 2020;35(1):111-119.
    MyJurnal
    Alcohol is an organic solvent that generally used in research and industry especially in food, pharmaceutical and beverage products. It is also reported widely used in cosmetic industries to produce cosmetic products such as perfume, skin care and personal care products. However, the discussions on shariah and alcohol issue are still very limited. Thus, the main focus of the present study is to analyze the status of alcohol in shariah by focusing on analyzing history of alcohol. Furthermore, issues related to alcohol in Islam were also discussed in this article.
  20. Fulltext Case series of homozygous and compound heterozygosity of Hb malay, the diagnostic features and transfusion requirements
    Hanizah Salwa Amran, Nurimatussolehah Sarijan, Sathar, Jameela Sathar, Sabariah Md Noor
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):23-25.
    MyJurnal
    Hb Malay was first described in 1989 following an investigation of anaemia in a 22-year-old Malay gentleman who was homozygous for this  chain variant. This Hb variant is caused by AAC  AGC mutation at codon 19 of the  globin gene resulting in the substitution of serine for asparagine [1]. The mutation creates cryptic RNA splice site in exon 1 of the -globin gene leading to an abnormal RNA processing. Thus, this mutation not only produces variant haemoglobin but also a mild + thalassemia phenotype [2].
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