Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 172 in total

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  1. The application of Artocarpus integer seed lectin-M in the detection and isolation of selective human serum acute-phase proteins and immunoglobulins
    Hashim OH, Ahmad F, Shuib AS
    Immunol Invest, 2001 May;30(2):131-41.
    PMID: 11465670
    Champedak (Artocarpus integer) lectin-M is a lectin with high specificity and affinity for the core-mannosyl residues of the N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins. We have studied the interaction of the champedak seed lectin with human serum glycoproteins that were resolved by 2-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. The lectin demonstrated strong interaction with haptoglobin beta chain, orosomucoid, alpha1-antitrypsin, alpha2-HS glycoprotein, transferrin, hemopexin, alpha1B-glycoprotein, and the heavy chains of IgA, IgM and IgG of the human serum. With exceptions of the heavy chains of the immunoglobulins and alpha1B-glycoprotein, all the other lectin-M-probed glycopeptides are acute-phase proteins. The use of champedak lectin-M to probe for serum glycoproteins that were separated in a 2-D gel electrophoresis and Western blotting technique may be conveniently applied to analyse the acute-phase and humoral immune responses simultaneously. Subjecting human serum to immobilised-lectin-M affinity chromatography was able to isolate intact haptoglobin, alpha1-antitrypsin, alpha1B-glycoprotein, hemopexin and IgA.
  2. Polymer blend of PLA/PHBV based bionanocomposites reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose for potential application as packaging material
    Dasan YK, Bhat AH, Ahmad F
    Carbohydr Polym, 2017 Feb 10;157:1323-1332.
    PMID: 27987839 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.11.012
    The current research discusses the development of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) reinforced nanocrystalline cellulose bionanocomposites. The nanocrystalline cellulose was derived from waste oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber by acid hydrolysis process. The resulting nanocrystalline cellulose suspension was then surface functionalized by TEMPO-mediated oxidation and solvent exchange process. Furthermore, the PLA/PHBV/nanocrystalline cellulose bionanocomposites were produced by solvent casting method. The effect of the addition of nanocrystalline cellulose on structural, morphology, mechanical and barrier properties of bionanocomposites was investigated. The results revealed that the developed bionanocomposites showed improved mechanical properties and decrease in oxygen permeability rate. Therefore, the developed bio-based composite incorporated with an optimal composition of nanocrystalline cellulose exhibits properties as compared to the polymer blend.
  3. Fulltext Methods of the Dehydration Process and Its Effect on the Physicochemical Properties of Stingless Bee Honey: A Review
    Ikhsan LN, Chin KY, Ahmad F
    Molecules, 2022 Oct 25;27(21).
    PMID: 36364068 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217243
    Stingless bee honey (SLBH) has a high moisture content, making it more prone to fermentation and leading to honey spoilage. Dehydration of SLBH after harvest is needed to reduce the moisture content. This review compiles the available data on the dehydration methods for SLBH and their effect on its physicochemical properties. This review discovered the dehydration process of vacuum drying at 60 °C and 5% moisture setting, freeze-drying at −54 °C and 5% moisture setting for 24 h, and using a food dehydrator at 55 °C for 18 h could extract >80% water content in SLBH. As a result, these methods could decrease moisture content to <17% and water activity to <0.6. These will prevent the fermentation process and microorganism growth. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) contents remain within the permissible standard of <40 mg/kg. The total phenolic content increased after dehydration by these methods. Therefore, dehydration of SLBH is recommended to increase its benefits.
  4. Fulltext The Mechanism of Kelulut Honey in Reversing Metabolic Changes in Rats Fed with High-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet
    Hashim KN, Chin KY, Ahmad F
    Molecules, 2023 Mar 20;28(6).
    PMID: 36985762 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062790
    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is composed of central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension that increase an individual's tendency to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Kelulut honey (KH) produced by stingless bee species has a rich phenolic profile. Recent studies have demonstrated that KH could suppress components of MetS, but its mechanisms of action are unknown. A total of 18 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control rats (C group) (n = 6), MetS rats fed with a high carbohydrate high fat (HCHF) diet (HCHF group) (n = 6), and MetS rats fed with HCHF diet and treated with KH (HCHF + KH group) (n = 6). The HCHF + KH group received 1.0 g/kg/day KH via oral gavage from week 9 to 16 after HCHF diet initiation. Compared to the C group, the MetS group experienced a significant increase in body weight, body mass index, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum triglyceride (TG) and leptin, as well as the area and perimeter of adipocyte cells at the end of the study. The MetS group also experienced a significant decrease in serum HDL levels versus the C group. KH supplementation reversed the changes in serum TG, HDL, leptin, adiponectin and corticosterone levels, SBP, DBP, as well as adipose tissue 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) level, area and perimeter at the end of the study. In addition, histological observations also showed that KH administration reduced fat deposition within hepatocytes, and prevented deterioration of pancreatic islet and renal glomerulus. In conclusion, KH is effective in preventing MetS by suppressing leptin, corticosterone and 11βHSD1 levels while elevating adiponectin levels.
  5. The BigSib students' peer group mentoring programme
    Yusoff MS, Rahim AF, Noor AR, Yaacob NA, Hussin ZA
    Med Educ, 2009 Nov;43(11):1106.
    PMID: 19874517 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03459.x
  6. Fulltext Theoretical and Numerical Approaches for Determining the Reflection and Transmission Coefficients of OPEFB-PCL Composites at X-Band Frequencies
    Ahmad AF, Abbas Z, Obaiys SJ, Ibrahim N, Hashim M, Khaleel H
    PLoS One, 2015;10(10):e0140505.
    PMID: 26474301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140505
    Bio-composites of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibres and polycaprolactones (PCL) with a thickness of 1 mm were prepared and characterized. The composites produced from these materials are low in density, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and possess good dielectric characteristics. The magnitudes of the reflection and transmission coefficients of OPEFB fibre-reinforced PCL composites with different percentages of filler were measured using a rectangular waveguide in conjunction with a microwave vector network analyzer (VNA) in the X-band frequency range. In contrast to the effective medium theory, which states that polymer-based composites with a high dielectric constant can be obtained by doping a filler with a high dielectric constant into a host material with a low dielectric constant, this paper demonstrates that the use of a low filler percentage (12.2%OPEFB) and a high matrix percentage (87.8%PCL) provides excellent results for the dielectric constant and loss factor, whereas 63.8% filler material with 36.2% host material results in lower values for both the dielectric constant and loss factor. The open-ended probe technique (OEC), connected with the Agilent vector network analyzer (VNA), is used to determine the dielectric properties of the materials under investigation. The comparative approach indicates that the mean relative error of FEM is smaller than that of NRW in terms of the corresponding S21 magnitude. The present calculation of the matrix/filler percentages endorses the exact amounts of substrate utilized in various physics applications.
  7. Fulltext Pregnancy with hypoplastic left lung complicated by pneumothorax and pulmonary embolism
    Zainudin LD, Abdul Hafidz MI, Zakaria AF, Mohd Zim MA, Ismail AI, Abdul Rani MF
    Respirol Case Rep, 2016 Mar;4(1):19-21.
    PMID: 26839696 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.143
    We report a case of a 34-year-old lady with past history of asthma and pulmonary tuberculosis, who presented 5 weeks pregnant with acute dyspnea. Her chest X-ray showed left-sided complete lung collapse and concomitant right-sided pneumothorax. The pneumothorax was initially managed conservatively with a chest tube but due to its persistence despite suction, was subsequently changed to a Pneumostat(TM), with which she was later discharged. She had a normal echocardiography (ejection fraction [EF] 67%) at 5 weeks of gestation but developed pulmonary hypertension (EF 55%, pulmonary arterial pressure 40.7 mmHg) as the pregnancy progressed. She delivered a healthy baby at 35 weeks via elective lower section caesarean section with spinal anesthesia. We followed her up postnatally and noted the presence of left-sided pulmonary embolism, hypoplastic left lung, and left pulmonary artery. The management of this complex case involved a multidisciplinary effort between general medical, respiratory, obstetric, and cardiothoracic teams.
  8. Fulltext Fluid Structure Interaction on Paravalvular Leakage of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Related to Aortic Stenosis: A Patient-Specific Case
    Basri AA, Zuber M, Basri EI, Zakaria MS, Aziz AFA, Tamagawa M, et al.
    Comput Math Methods Med, 2020;2020:9163085.
    PMID: 32454886 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9163085
    This study investigated the impact of paravalvular leakage (PVL) in relation to the different valve openings of the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) valve using the fluid structure interaction (FSI) approach. Limited studies were found on the subject of FSI with regards to TAVI-PVL condition, which involves both fluid and structural responses in coupling interaction. Hence, further FSI simulation with the two-way coupling method is implemented to investigate the effects of hemodynamics blood flow along the patient-specific aorta model subjected to the interrelationship between PVL and the different valve openings using the established FSI software ANSYS 16.1. A 3D patient-specific aorta model is constructed using MIMICS software. The TAVI valve identical to Edward SAPIEN XT 26 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California), at different Geometrical Orifice Areas (GOAs), is implanted into the patient's aortic annulus. The leaflet opening of the TAVI valve is drawn according to severity of GOA opening represented in terms of 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% opening, respectively. The result proved that the smallest percentage of GOA opening produced the highest possibility of PVL, increased the recirculatory flow proximally to the inner wall of the ascending aorta, and produced lower backflow velocity streamlines through the side area of PVL region. Overall, 40% GOA produced 89.17% increment of maximum velocity magnitude, 19.97% of pressure drop, 65.70% of maximum WSS magnitude, and a decrement of 33.62% total displacement magnitude with respect to the 100% GOA.
  9. Fulltext Application of Ground-Based LiDAR for Analysing Oil Palm Canopy Properties on the Occurrence of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) Disease
    Husin NA, Khairunniza-Bejo S, Abdullah AF, Kassim MSM, Ahmad D, Azmi ANN
    Sci Rep, 2020 04 15;10(1):6464.
    PMID: 32296108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62275-6
    Ground-based LiDAR also known as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) technology is an active remote sensing imaging method said to be one of the latest advances and innovations for plant phenotyping. Basal Stem Rot (BSR) is the most destructive disease of oil palm in Malaysia that is caused by white-rot fungus Ganoderma boninense, the symptoms of which include flattening and hanging-down of the canopy, shorter leaves, wilting green fronds and smaller crown size. Therefore, until now there is no critical investigation on the characterisation of canopy architecture related to this disease using TLS method was carried out. This study proposed a novel technique of BSR classification at the oil palm canopy analysis using the point clouds data taken from the TLS. A total of 40 samples of oil palm trees at the age of nine-years-old were selected and 10 trees for each health level were randomly taken from the same plot. The trees were categorised into four health levels - T0, T1, T2 and T3, which represents the healthy, mildly infected, moderately infected and severely infected, respectively. The TLS scanner was mounted at a height of 1 m and each palm was scanned at four scan positions around the tree to get a full 3D image. Five parameters were analysed: S200 (canopy strata at 200 cm from the top), S850 (canopy strata at 850 cm from the top), crown pixel (number of pixels inside the crown), frond angle (degree of angle between fronds) and frond number. The results taken from statistical analysis revealed that frond number was the best single parameter to detect BSR disease as early as T1. In classification models, a linear model with a combination of parameters, ABD - A (frond number), B (frond angle) and D (S200), delivered the highest average accuracy for classification of healthy-unhealthy trees with an accuracy of 86.67 per cent. It also can classify the four severity levels of infection with an accuracy of 80 per cent. This model performed better when compared to the severity classification using frond number. The novelty of this research is therefore on the development of new approach to detect and classify BSR using point clouds data of TLS.
  10. Fulltext Occupational and Environmental Risk Factors Influencing the Inducement of Erythema among Nigerian Laboratory University Workers with Multiple Chemical Exposures
    Reuben U, Ismail AF, Ahmad AL, Maina HM, Daud A
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 04 13;16(8).
    PMID: 31013942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081334
    : The chemicals from laboratories pose a significant risk forinducing erythema, an abnormal redness of the skin, as a result of poor occupational and environmental factors that promote hypersensitivity to a chemical agent. The aim of this present study was to determine the occupational and environmental risk factors influencing the inducement of erythema in laboratory workers due to exposure to chemicals. This was a cross-sectional study on a population-based sample of Nigerian university laboratory workers. Data were collected using the erythema index meter and an indoor air control meter. The study included 287 laboratory workers. The laboratory workers who properly used personal protective equipment (PPE) were 60% less likely to have induced erythema (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.40; 95% confidence interval CI: 0.22-0.77; probability value p = 0.011). The chemical mixture exceeding the permissible exposure limit (PEL) was found to have a small effect in inducing the erythema (AOR = 4.22; 95%CI: 2.88-12.11; p = 0.004). Most of the sampled laboratories where the respondents worked had unsuitable temperatures (AOR = 8.21; 95% CI: 4.03-15.01; p = 0.001). Erythema was more frequently found in the respondents who spent 4-5h in the laboratory (AOR = 3.11; 95%CI: 1.77-9.23; p = 0.001). However, high levels of ventilation reduce the likelihood of erythema in a laboratory by 82% (0.18). Multiple logistic regressions revealed that PPE, PEL, exposure time, temperature, and ventilation were the probable predictive factors associated with the inducement of erythema. Providing better educational knowledge and improving the attitude towards hazards and safety in a laboratory would lead to reduced rates of new cases.
  11. Description of novel species of Aliinostoc, Desikacharya and Desmonostoc using a polyphasic approach
    Kabirnataj S, Nematzadeh GA, Talebi AF, Saraf A, Suradkar A, Tabatabaei M, et al.
    Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2020 May;70(5):3413-3426.
    PMID: 32375955 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.004188
    Five cyanobacterial strains with Nostoc-like morphology from different localities of the Mazandaran province of Iran were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Three strains clustered within the Aliinostoc clade whereas one each of the remaining two strains clustered within the genera Desmonostoc and Desikacharya. The phylogenetic positioning of all the strains by the bayesian inference, neighbour joining and maximum parsimony methods inferred using 16S rRNA gene indicated them to represent novel species of the genera Aliinostoc, Desmonostoc and Desikacharya. The 16S-23S ITS secondary structure analysis revealed that all five strains under study represented novel species unknown to science. In accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants we describe three novel species of the genus Aliinostoc and one species each of the genera Desmonostoc and Desikacharya.
  12. An in silico derived dosage and administration guide for effective thermochemical ablation of biological tissues with simultaneous injection of acid and base
    Mak NL, Ooi EH, Lau EV, Ooi ET, Pamidi N, Foo JJ, et al.
    Comput Methods Programs Biomed, 2022 Dec;227:107195.
    PMID: 36323179 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.107195
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Thermochemical ablation (TCA) is a thermal ablation technique involving the injection of acid and base, either sequentially or simultaneously, into the target tissue. TCA remains at the conceptual stage with existing studies unable to provide recommendations on the optimum injection rate, and reagent concentration and volume. Limitations in current experimental methodology have prevented proper elucidation of the thermochemical processes inside the tissue during TCA. Nevertheless, the computational TCA framework developed recently by Mak et al. [Mak et al., Computers in Biology and Medicine, 2022, 145:105494] has opened new avenues in the development of TCA. Specifically, a recommended safe dosage is imperative in driving TCA research beyond the conceptual stage.

    METHODS: The aforesaid computational TCA framework for sequential injection was applied and adapted to simulate TCA with simultaneous injection of acid and base at equimolar and equivolume. The developed framework, which describes the flow of acid and base, their neutralisation, the rise in tissue temperature and the formation of thermal damage, was solved numerically using the finite element method. The framework will be used to investigate the effects of injection rate, reagent concentration, volume and type (weak/strong acid-base combination) on temperature rise and thermal coagulation formation.

    RESULTS: A higher injection rate resulted in higher temperature rise and larger thermal coagulation. Reagent concentration of 7500 mol/m3 was found to be optimum in producing considerable thermal coagulation without the risk of tissue overheating. Thermal coagulation volume was found to be consistently larger than the total volume of acid and base injected into the tissue, which is beneficial as it reduces the risk of chemical burn injury. Three multivariate second-order polynomials that express the targeted coagulation volume as functions of injection rate and reagent volume, for the weak-weak, weak-strong and strong-strong acid-base combinations were also derived based on the simulated data.

    CONCLUSIONS: A guideline for a safe and effective implementation of TCA with simultaneous injection of acid and base was recommended based on the numerical results of the computational model developed. The guideline correlates the coagulation volume with the reagent volume and injection rate, and may be used by clinicians in determining the safe dosage of reagents and optimum injection rate to achieve a desired thermal coagulation volume during TCA.

  13. Fulltext Creating an engaging and stimulating anatomy lecture environment using the Cognitive Load Theory-based Lecture Model: Students' experiences
    Hadie SNH, Abdul Manan Sulong H, Hassan A, Mohd Ismail ZI, Talip S, Abdul Rahim AF
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Apr;13(2):162-172.
    PMID: 31435319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.11.001
    OBJECTIVE: There is a need to create a standard interactive anatomy lecture that can engage students in their learning process. This study investigated the impact of a new lecturing guideline, the Cognitive Load Theory-based Lecture Model (CLT-bLM), on students' cognitive engagement and motivation.

    METHODS: A randomised controlled trial involving 197 participants from three institutions was conducted. The control group attended a freestyle lecture on the gross anatomy of the heart, delivered by a qualified anatomist from each institution. The intervention group attended a CLT-bLM-based lecture on a similar topic, delivered by the same lecturer, three weeks thereafter. The lecturers had attended a CLT-bLM workshop that allowed them to prepare for the CLT-bLM-based lecture over the course of three weeks. The students' ratings on their cognitive engagement and internal motivation were evaluated immediately after the lecture using a validated Learners' Engagement and Motivation Questionnaire. The differences between variables were analysed and the results were triangulated with the focus group discussion findings that explored students' experience while attending the lecture.

    RESULTS: The intervention group has a significantly higher level of cognitive engagement than the control group; however, no significant difference in internal motivation score was found. In addition, the intervention group reported having a good learning experience from the lectures.

    CONCLUSION: The guideline successfully stimulated students' cognitive engagement and learning experience, which indicates a successful stimulation of students' germane resources. Stimulation of these cognitive resources is essential for successful cognitive processing, especially when learning a difficult subject such as anatomy.

  14. Chemical compositions and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Piper abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum (Piperaceae)
    Wan Salleh WM, Ahmad F, Yen KH
    Nat Prod Commun, 2014 Dec;9(12):1795-8.
    PMID: 25632488
    The study was designed to examine the chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of three Piper species: Piper abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum, all from Malaysia. GC and GC/MS analysis showed qualitative and quantitative differences between these oils. GC and GC-MS analysis of P. abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum oils resulted in the identification of 33, 35 and 39 components, representing 70.5%, 63.4% and 78.2% of the components, respectively. The major components of P. abbreviatum oil were spathulenol (11.2%), (E)-nerolidol (8.5%) and β-caryophyllene (7.8%), whereas P. erecticaule oil mainly contained β-caryophyllene (5.7%) and spathulenol (5.1%). Borneol (7.5%), β-caryophyllene (6.6%) and α-amorphene (5.6%) were the most abundant components in P. lanatum oil. Antimicrobial activity was carried out using disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution method against nine microorganisms. All of the essential oils displayed weak activity towards Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values in the range 250-500 μg/mL. P. erecticaule oil showed the best activity on Aspergillus niger (MIC 31.3 μg/mL), followed by P. lanatum oil (MIC 62.5 μg/mL). This study demonstrated that the essential oils have potential as antimicrobial agents and may be useful in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
  15. Fulltext Aorto-oesophageal fistula and aortic pseudoaneurysm caused by a swallowed fish bone
    Sia KJ, Ashok GD, Ahmad FM, Kong CK
    Hong Kong Med J, 2013 Dec;19(6):542-4.
    PMID: 24310662 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133668
    We describe a rare case of aorto-oesophageal fistula and aortic pseudoaneurysm in a middle-aged man, who presented with chest pain and haematemesis 1 week after swallowing a fish bone. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and computed tomographic angiography findings were consistent with oesophageal perforation, proximal descending aortic pseudoaneurysm, and aorto-oesophageal fistula. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed. The patient died from severe mediastinal sepsis. Early surgical intervention and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy are crucial in preventing life-threatening mediastinal infection.
  16. Fulltext Prevalence of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in Malaysian patients with hypertension
    Wong JS, Bau R, Ahmad F, Ismail R, Yip AFY
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Apr;68(2):141-3.
    PMID: 23629560 MyJurnal
    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is usually asymptomatic and often associated with established cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension. The prevalence atrial fibrillation in patients admitted to Malaysian hospitals has been determined, but asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AAF) in hypertensive patients in the primary care setting is not established. This study reports the prevalence of AAF in hypertensive patients in Malaysia, in a primary care setting. The overall prevalence of AAF was 0.75% with no differences between the gender. The prevalence of AAF increases with age - in the age groups of 30-39, >40-49, >50-59, >60-69, 70-79 and >80 years old were 0%, 0.17%, 0.35%, 2.32%, 2.59%, and 0% respectively. Hypertensive patients with age of ≥ 61 year old were associated with a probability of 10.6 times higher for AAF. We suggest the age threshold to screen for AAF to be age of 60. It is estimated that there are 49,029 Malaysians with AAF in 2010. A large population is at risk of AAF-related complications. There is justification for an even greater emphasis on diagnostic, primary and secondary prevention strategies.
    Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
  17. Fulltext Chemical compositions, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils of Piper caninum Blume
    Salleh WM, Ahmad F, Yen KH, Sirat HM
    Int J Mol Sci, 2011;12(11):7720-31.
    PMID: 22174627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12117720
    Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the fresh leaves and stems oils of Piper caninum were investigated. A total of forty eight constituents were identified in the leaves (77.9%) and stems (87.0%) oil which were characterized by high proportions of phenylpropanoid, safrole with 17.1% for leaves and 25.5% for stems oil. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by using β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching, DPPH radical scavenging and total phenolic content. Stems oil showed the highest inhibitory activity towards lipid peroxidation (114.9 ± 0.9%), compared to BHT (95.5 ± 0.5%), while leaves oil showed significant total phenolic content (27.4 ± 0.5 mg GA/g) equivalent to gallic acid. However, the essential oils showed weak activity towards DPPH free-radical scavenging. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity revealed that both oils exhibited strong activity against all bacteria strains with MIC values in the range 62.5 to 250 μg/mL, but weak activity against fungal strains. These findings suggest that the essential oils can be used as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for therapeutic, nutraceutical industries and food manufactures.
  18. Inhibitory effect of compounds from Goniothalamus tapis Miq. and Goniothalamus uvaroides King on platelet-activating factor receptor binding
    Moharam BA, Jantan I, Jalil J, Ahmad F
    Phytother Res, 2012 May;26(5):687-91.
    PMID: 22002630 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3620
    Phytochemical investigation on the bark of Goniothalamus tapis Miq. and G. uvaroides King has resulted in the isolation of eight styryl-lactones, (-)-cryptomeridiol, liriodenine, 3-methyl-1H-benz[f]indole-4,9-dione, (-)-stigmasterol and dimethyl terephthalate. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. The compounds were evaluated for their effect on platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor binding on rabbit platelets using (3) H-PAF as a ligand. Among the compounds tested, (-)-cryptomeridiol, (+)-goniothalamin and (+)-isoaltholactone exhibited a significant and concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on PAF receptor binding, with inhibitory concentration (IC)(50) values of 17.5, 19.7 and 46.5 µm, respectively. The inhibitory effects of the first two compounds were comparable to that obtained from the positive control, cedrol. The results indicated that these compounds were strong PAF receptor binding inhibitors.
  19. Burden of care among caregivers of patients with Parkinson disease: a cross-sectional study
    Razali R, Ahmad F, Rahman FN, Midin M, Sidi H
    Clin Neurol Neurosurg, 2011 Oct;113(8):639-43.
    PMID: 21684679 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2011.05.008
    Parkinson disease (PD) affects the lives of both the individuals and their family members. This study aims at investigating for clinical as well as socio-demographic factors associated with the perception of burden among the caregivers of individuals with PD in Malaysia.
  20. CYP3A4*18 polymorphisms and anti-hepatitis A virus seroprevalence
    Ahmad F, Che Hamzah NA, Mustaffa N, Hua GS
    Hepatogastroenterology, 2011 07 15;58(110-111):1725-9.
    PMID: 21940338 DOI: 10.5754/hge11107
    BACKGROUND/AIMS: CYP3A4 is the major cytochrome in humans which shows reduced activity in chronic liver disease as well as in hepatic cirrhosis. The detection of this polymorphism may give an indication on the prognosis of patients having chronic viral hepatitis with superimposed hepatitis A infection. The aim of this study is to correlate the seroprevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in chronic liver disease patients having CYP3A4*18 polymorphisms.

    METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective study where patients (n=119) blood was tested for anti-HAVIgG and CYP3A4*18 polymorphism.

    RESULTS: The overall anti-HAV seroprevalence was 88.2%. The etiology of CLD was hepatitis B in 96 patients (80.7%) and hepatitis C in 23 patients (19.3%). There was a significant increase in the age of the prevalence of this disease after 30 years of age (p=0.008). CYP3A4*18 polymorphism was detected in 3 (2.5%) of the patients with chronic liver disease. However, there was no significant association between CP3A4*18 mutation and anti-HAV serology.

    CONCLUSIONS: Age was the most important factor in determining anti-HAV positivity. It is concluded that CYP3A4*18 genetic polymorphism does not play a main role in influencing the seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis A among chronic viral hepatitis B and C liver disease patients.

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