MyMedR

Fulltext Gene silencing and Polycomb group proteins: an overview of their structure, mechanisms and phylogenetics

Golbabapour S, Majid NA, Hassandarvish P, Hajrezaie M, Abdulla MA, Hadi AH

OMICS, 2013 Jun;17(6):283-96.

PMID: 23692361 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2012.0105

DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin configuration are crucially important in the regulation of gene expression. Among these epigenetic mechanisms, silencing the expression of certain genes depending on developmental stage and tissue specificity is a key repressive system in genome programming. Polycomb (Pc) proteins play roles in gene silencing through different mechanisms. These proteins act in complexes and govern the histone methylation profiles of a large number of genes that regulate various cellular pathways. This review focuses on two main Pc complexes, Pc repressive complexes 1 and 2, and their phylogenetic relationship, structures, and function. The dynamic roles of these complexes in silencing will be discussed herein, with a focus on the recruitment of Pc complexes to target genes and the key factors involved in their recruitment.

Fulltext Protective Role of Phyllanthus niruri Extract against Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Cirrhosis in Rat Model

Amin ZA, Bilgen M, Alshawsh MA, Ali HM, Hadi AH, Abdulla MA

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012;2012:241583.

PMID: 22649471 DOI: 10.1155/2012/241583

A preclinical study was performed to determine if the extract from Phyllanthus niruri (PN) plays a protective role against liver cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. Initially, acute toxicity was tested and the results showed that the extract was benign when applied to healthy rats. Next, the therapeutic effect of the extract was investigated using five groups of rats: control, TAA, silymarin, and PN high dose and low dose groups. Significant differences were observed between the TAA group and the other groups regarding body and liver weights, liver biochemical parameters, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress enzyme levels. Gross visualization indicated coarse granules on the surface of the hepatotoxic rats' livers, in contrast to the smoother surface in the livers of the silymarin and PN-treated rats. Histopathological analysis revealed necrosis, lymphocytes infiltration in the centrilobular region, and fibrous connective tissue proliferation in the livers of the hepatotoxic rats. But, the livers of the treated rats had comparatively minimal inflammation and normal lobular architecture. Silymarin and PN treatments effectively restored these measurements closer to their normal levels. Progression of liver cirrhosis induced by TAA in rats can be intervened using the PN extract and these effects are comparable to those of silymarin.

Fulltext Pharmacy students' knowledge and perceptions about pharmacovigilance in Malaysian public universities

Elkalmi RM, Hassali MA, Ibrahim MI, Widodo RT, Efan QM, Hadi MA

Am J Pharm Educ, 2011 Jun 10;75(5):96.

PMID: 21829270 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe75596

To assess senior pharmacy students' knowledge of and perceptions about pharmacovigilance and reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) at 5 public universities in Malaysia.

Innovative approaches for amino acid production via consolidated bioprocessing of agricultural biomass

Chu PH, Jenol MA, Phang LY, Ibrahim MF, Purkan P, Hadi S, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 May;31(23):33303-33324.

PMID: 38710845 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33534-0

Agricultural plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia yield substantial waste, necessitating proper disposal to address environmental concerns. Yet, these wastes, rich in starch and lignocellulosic content, offer an opportunity for value-added product development, particularly amino acid production. Traditional methods often rely on costly commercial enzymes to convert biomass into fermentable sugars for amino acid production. An alternative, consolidated bioprocessing, enables the direct conversion of agricultural biomass into amino acids using selected microorganisms. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the potential of agricultural biomass in Indonesia and Malaysia for amino acid production through consolidated bioprocessing. It explores suitable microorganisms and presents a case study on using Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 to produce 9.56 mg/mL of amino acids directly from pineapple plant stems. These findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable amino acid production methods using agricultural biomass especially in Indonesia and Malaysia through consolidated bioprocessing, reducing waste and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Fulltext Boundary values of Hankel and Toeplitz determinants for q -convex functions

Hadi SH, Shaba TG, Madhi ZS, Darus M, Lupaş AA, Tchier F

MethodsX, 2024 Dec;13:102842.

PMID: 39071992 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102842

The study of holomorphic functions has been recently extended through the application of diverse techniques, among which quantum calculus stands out due to its wide-ranging applications across various scientific disciplines. In this context, we introduce a novel q-differential operator defined via the generalized binomial series, which leads to the derivation of new classes of quantum-convex (q-convex) functions. Several specific instances within these classes were explored in detail. Consequently, the boundary values of the Hankel determinants associated with these functions were analyzed. All graphical representations and computational analyses were performed using Mathematica 12.0.•These classes are defined by utilizing a new q-differential operator.•The coefficient values | a i | ( i = 2 , 3 , 4 ) are investigated.•Toeplitz determinants, such as the second T 2 ( 2 ) and the third T 3 ( 1 ) order inequalities, are calculated.

Superior Performance of Iron-Coated Silver Nanoparticles and Cefoxitin as an Antibiotic Composite Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): A Population Study

Hadi N, Nakhaeitazreji S, Kakian F, Hashemizadeh Z, Ebrahiminezhad A, Chong JWR, et al.

Mol Biotechnol, 2024 Dec;66(12):3573-3582.

PMID: 37957480 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00957-y

The synergistic effects of antimicrobial nanostructures with antibiotics present a promising solution for overcoming resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Previous studies have introduced iron as a novel coating for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance both economic efficiency and potency against S. aureus. However, there are currently no available data on the potential of these novel nanostructures to reverse MRSA resistance. To address this gap, a population study was conducted within the MRSA community, collecting a total of 48 S. aureus isolates from skin lesions. Among these, 21 isolates (43.75%) exhibited cefoxitin resistance as determined by agar disk diffusion assay. Subsequently, a PCR test confirmed the presence of the mecA gene in 20 isolates, verifying them as MRSA. These results highlight the cefoxitin disk diffusion susceptibility test as an accurate screening method for predicting mecA-mediated resistance in MRSA. Synergy tests were performed on cefoxitin, serving as a marker antibiotic, and iron-coated AgNPs (Fe@AgNPs) in a combination study using the checkerboard assay. The average minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of cefoxitin were calculated as 11.55 mg/mL and 3.61 mg/mL, respectively. The findings indicated a synergistic effect (FIC index

Fulltext Using 21st-Century Technologies to Determine the Cognitive Capabilities of a 11,000-Year-Old Perak Man Who Had Brachymesophalangia Type A2

Abdullah JY, Saidin M, Rajion ZA, Hadi H, Mohamad N, Moraes C, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Feb;28(1):1-8.

PMID: 33679214 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.1.1

Perak Man, named after the state where the skeleton was found, was the most complete skeleton found in Southeast Asia. The funerary artefacts indicate that Perak Man was highly respected, as he was buried at the centre of the highest cave in Lenggong, and he was the only person buried there. A copy of the original skull was made using computed tomography (CT) and 3D printing. Based on the internal structure of the reconstructed skull, the estimated intracranial volume (ICV) is 1,204.91 mL. The hypothetical face of Perak Man was reconstructed according to established forensic methods. Based on his presumed status, Perak Man was likely a respected person in the group and, perhaps, a shaman and the most knowledgeable person in the group regarding survival, hunting, gathering and other aspects of Palaeolithic daily life.

Infestation with the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) among students in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chin HC, Ahmad NW, Lim LH, Jeffery J, Hadi AA, Othman H, et al.

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2010 Nov;41(6):1331-4.

PMID: 21329307

This paper reports six male undergraduate students living at a local university hostel who were infested with cat fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae: Ctenocephalides felis felis) in February 2009. All of them suffered from maculopapular rashes and severe pruritus after the bites. Investigation revealed the presence of a stray cat in the hostel building; five of the students had a history of contact with the cat. Six cat fleas were collected at the hostel and identified as C. felis felis. Most of the students were not aware of this infestation and did not seek medical treatment.

Fulltext Prevalence and factors associated with stress among secondary school teachers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abdul Hadi A, Naing NN, Daud A, Nordin R, Sulong MR

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2009 Nov;40(6):1359-70.

PMID: 20578472

The teaching profession is an occupation at high risk for stress. This research attempted to determine the prevalence of stress and the associated factors contributing to stress among teachers in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 580 secondary school teachers in Kota Bharu District. The instrument used to carry out the study was adopted and modified from the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21) and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). The questionnaire consisted of two parts: Part I consisting non-job factors (socio-demographic characteristics) and Part II consisting of psychosocial factors contributing to stress. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were carried out. The prevalence of stress was reported as 34.0%. Seventeen point four percent of teachers experienced mild stress. Age, duration of work and psychological job demands were significantly associated with stress level. This study indicates job-related factors did not contribute much to stress among secondary school teachers. Non-job-related factors should be further studied to determine methods for stress reduction in teachers in Malaysia.

Fulltext Employers' Perception and Practice of Workplace Violence Prevention at Healthcare Facilities Questionnaire: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Mohamad Yazid MN, Nik Husain NR, Daud A, Osman Y, Mustapa N, Abdul Hadi A

Malays J Med Sci, 2023 Oct;30(5):192-205.

PMID: 37928796 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.5.16

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence prevention initiatives are undeniably lacking in healthcare facilities. The aim of this study was to validate a newly developed questionnaire and assess employers' perceptions and practices towards workplace violence prevention at healthcare facilities.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to November 2021 by recruiting 333 employers at healthcare facilities in Kelantan, Malaysia. The original draft of the Malay version of the questionnaire comprised 62 items constructed under two domains (perception and practice). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate construct validity and internal consistency using R software.

RESULTS: The final model for the perception and practice domain of the questionnaire consisted of 13 factors and 56 items. The factor loadings for all items were above 0.6. The fit indices used for confirmatory factor analysis in the final model were as follows: χ2 = 2092.6 (P < 0.001), standardised root mean squared residual (SRMR) = 0.053, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.042, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.928 and Tucker Lewis index (TLI) = 0.920. The construct reliability for all factors was reliable, with Raykov's rho coefficients above 0.70.

CONCLUSION: The newly developed questionnaire demonstrated excellent psychometric properties and adequate validity and reliability, confirming that this instrument is reliable and valuable for evaluating employers' perceptions and practices towards workplace violence prevention at healthcare facilities.

Fulltext Ultra Brief Psychological Interventions for COVID-19 Pandemic: Introduction of a Locally-Adapted Brief Intervention for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service

Ping NPT, Shoesmith WD, James S, Nor Hadi NM, Yau EKB, Lin LJ

Malays J Med Sci, 2020 Mar;27(2):51-56.

PMID: 32788841 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.2.6

The ultra-brief psychological interventions (UBPI) was created in 2018 to empower healthcare providers with psychological skills that can be delivered within a short period. Techniques used within UBPI were adopted from a variety of well established psychotherapies and distilled into its core essentials. This enabled practitioners of UBPI to deliver specific psychological skills in the appropriate context to the client within a period of 15-20 min. UBPI was also manualised to standardised training of practitioners. During the novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, UBPI was modified to suit the unique psychological demands of the pandemic. This article presents how UBPI was adapted and used with healthcare providers dealing with COVID-19 and also with the public who required psychological first aid (PFA).

Fulltext The Behaviour Changes in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic within Malaysia

Koh Boon Yau E, Pang Tze Ping N, Shoesmith WD, James S, Nor Hadi NM, Loo JL

Malays J Med Sci, 2020 Mar;27(2):45-50.

PMID: 32788840 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.2.5

The novel coronavirus infection, COVID-19, is a pandemic that currently affects the whole world. During this period, Malaysians displayed a variety of behaviour changes as a response to COVID-19, including panic buying, mass travelling during movement restriction and even absconding from treatment facilities. This article attempts to explore some of these behaviour changes from a behaviourist perspective in order to get a better understanding of the rationale behind the changes.

Fulltext MicroRNA profiling reveals unique miRNA signatures in IGF-1 treated embryonic striatal stem cell fate decisions in striatal neurogenesis in vitro

Pati S, Supeno NE, Muthuraju S, Abdul Hadi R, Ghani AR, Idris FM, et al.

Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:503162.

PMID: 25254208 DOI: 10.1155/2014/503162

The striatum is considered to be the central processing unit of the basal ganglia in locomotor activity and cognitive function of the brain. IGF-1 could act as a control switch for the long-term proliferation and survival of EGF+bFGF-responsive cultured embryonic striatal stem cell (ESSC), while LIF imposes a negative impact on cell proliferation. The IGF-1-treated ESSCs also showed elevated hTERT expression with demonstration of self-renewal and trilineage commitment (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons). In order to decipher the underlying regulatory microRNA (miRNA)s in IGF-1/LIF-treated ESSC-derived neurogenesis, we performed in-depth miRNA profiling at 12 days in vitro and analyzed the candidates using the Partek Genome Suite software. The annotated miRNA fingerprints delineated the differential expressions of miR-143, miR-433, and miR-503 specific to IGF-1 treatment. Similarly, the LIF-treated ESSCs demonstrated specific expression of miR-326, miR-181, and miR-22, as they were nonsignificant in IGF-treated ESSCs. To elucidate the possible downstream pathways, we performed in silico mapping of the said miRNAs into ingenuity pathway analysis. Our findings revealed the important mRNA targets of the miRNAs and suggested specific interactomes. The above studies introduced a new genre of miRNAs for ESSC-based neuroregenerative therapeutic applications.

Fulltext Gastroprotection studies of Schiff base zinc (II) derivative complex against acute superficial hemorrhagic mucosal lesions in rats

Golbabapour S, Gwaram NS, Hassandarvish P, Hajrezaie M, Kamalidehghan B, Abdulla MA, et al.

PLoS One, 2013;8(9):e75036.

PMID: 24058648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075036

The study was carried out to assess the gastroprotective effect of the zinc (II) complex against ethanol-induced acute hemorrhagic lesions in rats.

Fulltext IGF-1 acts as controlling switch for long-term proliferation and maintenance of EGF/FGF-responsive striatal neural stem cells

Supeno NE, Pati S, Hadi RA, Ghani AR, Mustafa Z, Abdullah JM, et al.

Int J Med Sci, 2013;10(5):522-31.

PMID: 23532711 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.5325

Long-term maintenance of neural stem cells in vitro is crucial for their stage specific roles in neurogenesis. To have an in-depth understanding of optimal conditional microenvironmental niche for long-term maintenance of neural stem cells (NSCs), we imposed different combinatorial treatment of growth factors to EGF/FGF-responsive cells. We hypothesized, that IGF-1-treatment can provide an optimal niche for long-term maintenance and proliferation of EGF/FGF-responsive NSCs.

Prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia and thalassaemia trait among undergraduate medical students

Azma RZ, Ainoon O, Azlin I, Hamenuddin H, Hadi NA, Tatt WK, et al.

Clin Ter, 2012 Jul;163(4):287-91.

PMID: 23007811

Anaemia is a global health problem including Malaysia. In adults, anaemia may affect work productivity. Iron deficiency anaemia and thalassaemia are common causes of anaemia in Malaysia. However, there is scarcity of data on national prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia and thalassaemia, especially in young adults. This cross sectional study was performed to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia and thalassaemia among medical students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC).

Fulltext Lancifoliaine, a new bisbenzylisoquinoline from the bark of Litsea lancifolia

Sulaiman SN, Mukhtar MR, Hadi AH, Awang K, Hazni H, Zahari A, et al.

Molecules, 2011 Apr 13;16(4):3119-27.

PMID: 21490559 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16043119

A new bisbenzylisoquinoline, lancifoliaine (1), together with seven known alkaloids--N-allyllaurolitsine (2), reticuline (3), actinodaphnine, norboldine, pallidine, cassythicine and boldine--were isolated from the stem bark of Litsea lancifolia (Lauraceae). In addition to that of lancifoliaine, complete ¹³C-NMR data of N-allyl-laurolitsine (2) was also reported. The alkaloidal structures were elucidated by means of high field 1D- and 2D-NMR IR, UV, and LCMS-IT-TOF spectral data. N-Allyllaurolitsine (2) showed a moderate vasorelaxant activity on isolated rat aorta.

Fulltext Neonaucline, a new indole alkaloid from the leaves of Ochreinauclea maingayii (Hook. f.) Ridsd. (Rubiaceae)

Muktar MR, Osman N, Awang K, Hazni H, Qureshi AK, Hadi AH, et al.

Molecules, 2011 Dec 28;17(1):267-74.

PMID: 22205092 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17010267

A new indole alkaloid; neonaucline (1), along with six known compounds-Cadamine (2), naucledine (3), harmane, benzamide, cinnamide and blumenol A-were isolated from the leaves of Ochreinauclea maingayii (Rubiaceae). In addition to that of compound 1, (13)C-NMR data of cadamine (2) and naucledine (3) were also reported. Structural elucidations of these alkaloids were performed using spectroscopic methods especially 1D- and 2D-NMR, IR, UV and LCMS-IT-TOF. The excellent vasorelaxant activity on isolated rat aorta was observed for the alkaloids 1-3 after injection of each sample at 1 × 10(-5) M.

Fulltext Synthesis, characterization, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, molecular modeling and antioxidant activities of some novel Schiff bases derived from 1-(2-ketoiminoethyl)piperazines

Salga SM, Ali HM, Abdullah MA, Abdelwahab SI, Wai LK, Buckle MJ, et al.

Molecules, 2011 Nov 07;16(11):9316-30.

PMID: 22064271 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16119316

Some novel Schiff bases derived from 1-(2-ketoiminoethyl)piperazines were synthesized and characterized by mass spectroscopy, FTIR, UV-Visible, 1H and 13C-NMR. The compounds were tested for inhibitory activities on human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE), antioxidant activities, acute oral toxicity and further studied by molecular modeling techniques. The study identified the compound (DHP) to have the highest activity among the series in hAChE inhibition and DPPH assay while the compound LP revealed the highest activity in the FRAP assay. The hAChE inhibitory activity of DHP is comparable with that of propidium, a known AChE inhibitor. This high activity of DHP was checked by molecular modeling which showed that DHP could not be considered as a bivalent ligand due to its incapability to occupy the esteratic site (ES) region of the 3D crystal structure of hAChE. The antioxidant study unveiled varying results in 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. This indicates mechanistic variations of the compounds in the two assays. The potential therapeutic applications and safety of these compounds were suggested for use as human acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and antioxidants.

Eucophylline, a Tetracyclic Vinylquinoline Alkaloid from Leuconotis eugenifolius

Deguchi J, Shoji T, Nugroho AE, Hirasawa Y, Hosoya T, Shirota O, et al.

J Nat Prod, 2010 Oct 22;73(10):1727-9.

PMID: 20836516 DOI: 10.1021/np100458b

Eucophylline (1), a new tetracyclic vinylquinoline alkaloid, was isolated from the bark of Leuconotis eugenifolius together with leucophyllidine (2). The structure and absolute configuration of 1 were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR correlations and simulated CD analysis. Leucophyllidine (2) showed iNOS inhibitory activity and decreased the iNOS protein expression dose-dependently.

Displaying publications 321 - 340 of 644 in total