Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 120 in total

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  1. Chua KH, Mohamed IN, Mohd Yunus MH, Shafinaz Md Nor N, Kamil K, Ugusman A, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2021;12:633292.
    PMID: 34025406 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.633292
    Edible bird's nest (BN) is a Chinese traditional medicine with innumerable health benefits, including anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. A small number of studies have reported the anti-viral effects of EBN against influenza infections using in vitro and in vivo models, highlighting the importance of sialic acid and thymol derivatives in their therapeutic effects. At present, studies have reported that EBN suppresses the replicated virus from exiting the host cells, reduces the viral replication, endosomal trafficking of the virus, intracellular viral autophagy process, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reorient the actin cytoskeleton of the infected cells, and increase the lysosomal degradation of viral materials. In other models of disease, EBN attenuates oxidative stress-induced cellular apoptosis, enhances proliferation and activation of B-cells and their antibody secretion. Given the sum of its therapeutic actions, EBN appears to be a candidate that is worth further exploring for its protective effects against diseases transmitted through air droplets. At present, anti-viral drugs are employed as the first-line defense against respiratory viral infections, unless vaccines are available for the specific pathogens. In patients with severe symptoms due to exacerbated cytokine secretion, anti-inflammatory agents are applied. Treatment efficacy varies across the patients, and in times of a pandemic like COVID-19, many of the drugs are still at the experimental stage. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects of EBN, chemical constituents from various EBN preparation techniques, and drugs currently used to treat influenza and novel coronavirus infections. We also aim to review the pathogenesis of influenza A and coronavirus, and the potential of EBN in their clinical application. We also describe the current literature in human consumption of EBN, known allergenic or contaminant presence, and the focus of future direction on how these can be addressed to further improve EBN for potential clinical application.
  2. Mohammed MA, Mohd Yunus NZ, Hezmi MA, Abang Hasbollah DZ, A Rashid AS
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Feb;28(8):8968-8988.
    PMID: 33443736 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12392-0
    Environmental global issues affecting global warming, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), have attracted the attention of researchers around the world. This paper reviews and discusses the ground improvement and its contribution to reducing CO2 in the atmosphere. The approach is divided into three parts: the Streamlined Energy and Emissions Assessment Model (SEEAM), the replacement of soil stabilisation materials that lead to the emission of a large amount of CO2 with alternatives and mineral carbonation. A brief discussion about the first two is reviewed in this paper and a detailed discussion about mineral carbonation and its role in enhancing soil strength while absorbing a large amount of CO2. It is emphasised that natural mineral carbonation requires a very long time for a material to reach its full capacity to form CO2; as a result, different acceleration processes can be done from increasing pressure, temperature, the concentration of CO2 and the addition of various additives. In conclusion, it was found that magnesium is more attractive than calcium, and calcium is complicated in terms of strength behaviour. Magnesium has a larger capacity for CO2 sequestration and it has a greater potential to increase soil strength than calcium.
  3. Ankathil R, Zakaria WNA, Hamid MR, Ismail SM, Mohd Yunus N, Annuar AA, et al.
    Cureus, 2024 Sep;16(9):e68402.
    PMID: 39360045 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.68402
    Chromosomal rearrangement can disrupt gene function by interfering with coding sequences or their regulatory regions. The breakpoint in these rearrangements can pinpoint the disease-related gene's location. This paper presents two rare cases of chromosomal rearrangement involving chromosome 6 (6p24-25) and chromosome 14 (14q22-23). The first case involves a girl with hearing impairment, inheriting a balanced translocation of chromosomes 6 and 14 from her father. The second case describes a dysmorphic baby boy with congenital bilateral choanal atresia and a tertiary trisomy, involving a translocation between chromosome 6 (6p24) and chromosome 14 (14q22), resulting in a derivative chromosome (14) in addition to the normal complement of chromosomes 6 and 14. The boy's mother had a history of four recurrent miscarriages. However, the origin of this tertiary trisomy in the second case presented could not be delineated because the parents did not consent and declined their blood samples for karyotyping. Parental karyotyping and chromosomal analysis are crucial for investigating recurrent miscarriages, identifying genetic causes, guiding reproductive decisions, and improving successful pregnancy outcomes for affected couples.
  4. Aminuddin A, Lazim MRMLM, Hamid AA, Hui CK, Mohd Yunus MH, Kumar J, et al.
    Mediators Inflamm, 2020;2020:4732987.
    PMID: 32908450 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4732987
    Dyslipidemia is associated with increased arterial stiffness (AS) which may lead to hypertension. Among the methods to assess AS are carotid-femoral and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. Dyslipidemia is also known to trigger inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the commonest inflammatory markers measured in the clinical setting. However, the association between inflammation and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in people with dyslipidemia is less studied. Therefore, this review investigated the association between inflammation (as measured by CRP) and PWV in dyslipidemia patients. The search of the literature was conducted via PubMed and Scopus database. The keywords used were "aortic stiffness" OR "arterial stiffness" OR "pulse wave velocity" OR "vascular stiffness" OR "carotid femoral pulse wave velocity" OR "pulse wave analysis" AND "inflammation" OR "c reactive protein" OR "c-reactive protein" OR "high sensitivity c reactive protein" AND "dyslipidemia" OR "hyperlipidemia" OR "hypercholesterolemia" OR "hyperlipoproteinemia" OR "hypertriglyceridemia". The following criteria were used: (1) only full-length original articles published in English language, (2) articles that reported the association between arterial stiffness measured as carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) or brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) and CRP or high-sensitivity CRP, and (3) study involving human subjects. The search identified 957 articles published between 1980 and February 2020. Only eight articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were used for data extraction. Five of the studies were cross-sectional studies while another three studies were interventional studies. Seven out of eight papers found a significant positive association between AS and CRP, and the correlation ranged from mild to moderate association (Pearson r = 0.33 to r = 0.624). In conclusion, inflammation is associated with increased PWV in patients with dyslipidemia. This supports the involvement of inflammation in the development of AS in dyslipidemia.
  5. Mohamed Haflah NH, Ng MH, Mohd Yunus MH, Naicker AS, Htwe O, Abdul Razak KA, et al.
    JBJS Case Connect, 2018 6 15;8(2):e38.
    PMID: 29901479 DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.17.00250
    CASE: A 22-year-old man sustained a laceration that measured 180 cm, after debridement, over the anterolateral aspect of the right leg following a road traffic accident. The wound was treated with MyDerm (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia), a cell-based, bilayered, bioengineered dermal substitute that contains no animal-derived components and is fully autologous. For its construction, only a small area of skin was harvested from the left groin, which was closed primarily with absorbable sutures.

    CONCLUSION: MyDerm is an alternative option for the treatment of a massive skin defect in patients who desire removal of only a negligible amount of skin from the donor site and when use of an autograft is insufficient.

  6. Perialathan K, Johari MZ, Jaafar N, Yuke Lin K, Lee Lan L, Sodri NA, et al.
    J Prim Care Community Health, 2021 5 11;12:21501327211014096.
    PMID: 33966530 DOI: 10.1177/21501327211014096
    PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess and explore perceived sustainability and challenges of the intervention among Health Care Providers (HCPs) who were involved.

    METHODS: The study applied mixed-method embedded design to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative approach was used to evaluate sustainability perception from 20 intervention clinics via self-reported assessment form whereas qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interview (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGDs) 14 health care professionals participated in IDI session and were either care coordinators, liaison officers (LOs)/clinic managers, or medical officers-in-charge for the clinic's intervention. Nine FGDs conducted comprised 58 HCPs from various categories.

    RESULTS: HCPs from all the 20 clinics involved responded to each listed Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EnPHC) intervention components as being implemented but the perceived sustainability of these implementation varies between them. Quantitative feedback showed sustainable interventions included risk stratification, non-communicable disease (NCD) screening form, referral within clinics and hospitals, family health team (FHT), MTAC services and mechanisms and medical adherence status. Qualitative feedback highlighted implementation of each intervention components comes with its challenges, and most of it are related to inadequate resources and facilities in clinic. HCPs made initiatives to adapt based on clinical setting to implement the interventions at best level possible, whereby this seems to be one of the core values for sustainability.

    CONCLUSION: Overall perceptions among HCPs on sustainability of EnPHC interventions are highly influenced by current experiences with existing resources. Components perceived to have inadequate resources are seen as a challenge to sustain. It's crucial for stakeholders to understand implications affecting implementation process if concerns raised are not addressed and allocation of needed resources to ensure overall successfulness and long term sustainability.

  7. Annuar AA, Ankathil R, Mohd Yunus N, Husin A, Ab Rajab NS, Abdul Aziz AA, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2021 Feb 01;22(2):565-571.
    PMID: 33639675 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.2.565
    BACKGROUND: The FAS mediated apoptosis pathway involving the FAS and FASL genes plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptotic cell death and imatinib mesylate (IM) mechanism of action. Promoter polymorphisms FAS-670 A>G and FAS-844 T>C which alter the transcriptional activity of these genes may grant a risk to develop cancer and revamp the drug activities towards the cancer cell. We investigated the association of these two polymorphisms with the susceptibility risk and IM treatment response in Malaysian chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective study, which included 93 CML patients and 98 controls. The polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to genotype the FAS and FASL polymorphisms. Data nanlysis was done using SPSS Version 22. The associations of the genotypes with susceptibility risk and IM response in CML patients were assessed by means of logistic regression analysis and deriving odds ratio with 95% CI.

    RESULTS: We observed a significant association between FASL-844T>C polymorphism and CML susceptibility risk and IM response. Variant C allele and FASL-844 CC variant genotype carriers had significantly higher risk for CML susceptibility (OR 1.756, CI 1.163-2.652, p=0.007 and OR 2.261, CI 1.013-5.047, p=0.047 respectively). Conversely, the heterozygous genotype FASL-844 TC conferred lower risk for CML susceptibility (OR 0.379, CI 0.176-0.816, p=0.013). The heterozygous and homozygous variant genotypes and variant C alleles were found to confer a lower risk for the development of IM resistance with OR 0.129 (95% CI: 0.034-0.489 p=0.003), OR 0.257 (95% CI: 0.081-0.818, p=0.021), and OR 0.486 (95% CI: 0.262-0.899, p=0.021) respectively. We also found that FAS-670 A>G polymorphism was not associated with CML susceptibility risk or IM response.

    CONCLUSION: The genetic polymorphism FASL-844 T>C may contribute to the CML susceptibility risk and also IM treatment response in CML patients. Accodringly, it may be useful as a biomarker for predicting CML susceptibility risk and IM resistance.

  8. Zakaria WNA, Mohd Yunus N, Yaacob NM, Omar J, Wan Mohamed WMI, Sirajudeen KNS, et al.
    PMID: 33567588 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041595
    (1) Background: Several studies have suggested that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene plays a role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility. Nonetheless, the association between T2DM and VDR polymorphisms remains inconclusive. We determined the genotype of VDR rs1544410 (BsmI) and rs2228570 (FokI) polymorphisms among Malaysian patients with T2DM and their association with glycemic control factors (vitamin D levels, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate). (2) Methods: A total of 189 participants comprising 126 patients with T2DM (63 with good glycemic control and 63 with poor glycemic control) and 63 healthy controls were enrolled in this case-control study. All biochemical assays were measured using spectrophotometric analysis. VDR gene FokI and BsmI polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and endonuclease digestion. (3) Results: Our findings revealed no significant differences in VDR FokI and BsmI genotypes between participants with T2DM and healthy controls. Moreover, no significant association was observed between both single nucleotide polymorphisms and glycemic control factors. Participants with poor glycemic control had significantly lower serum magnesium levels and significantly higher HOMA-IR compared to the other groups. (4) Conclusions: The present study revealed that VDR gene BsmI and FokI polymorphisms were not significantly associated with T2DM.
  9. Muhammad Khir S, Wan Mohd Yunus WMA, Mahmud N, Wang R, Panatik SA, Mohd Sukor MS, et al.
    Psychol Res Behav Manag, 2024;17:345-365.
    PMID: 38322293 DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S437277
    BACKGROUND: The rise in the prevalence of mental health problems among adults worldwide has raised concerns, highlighting the critical need for evidence-based mental health interventions that are accessible, comprehensive, and effective. Previous research suggests that Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a promising intervention widely used to reduce mental health problems. Nevertheless, the current literature on the efficacy of PMR among adults globally is fragmented, indicating a potential gap in this research area. Hence, this paper aims to systematically compile the research evidence on the efficacy of PMR in adults for stress, anxiety, and depression.

    METHODS: The Scopus, Web of Sciences, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from the earliest available evidence to 28th March 2023. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines were followed, and the protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies.

    RESULTS: A total of forty-six (46) publications from sixteen (16) countries covering more than 3402 adults were included in the review. The results show that PMR are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in adults. When PMR is combined with other interventions, the combined techniques have also consistently exhibited enhanced efficacy. Moreover, findings also indicate that the efficacy of PMR is heightened when implemented in conjunction with other interventions, surpassing its standalone efficacy.

    FUNDING AND REGISTRATION: This research was supported/funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) (FRGS/1/2020/SS0/UTM/02/23). The review was registered on Open Science Framework (OSF) on the 7th of March 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/U2HZP.

  10. Kauhanen L, Wan Mohd Yunus WMA, Lempinen L, Peltonen K, Gyllenberg D, Mishina K, et al.
    Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 2023 Jun;32(6):995-1013.
    PMID: 35962147 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02060-0
    There is increasing knowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on mental health of children and young people. However, the global evidence of mental health changes before compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic focusing on children and young people has not been systematically reviewed. This systematic review examined longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional studies comparing before and during COVID-19 pandemic data to determine whether the mental health of children and young people had changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies that had been published in English and focused on children and young people between 0 and 24 years of age. This identified 21 studies from 11 countries, covering more than 96,000 subjects from 3 to 24 years of age. Pre-pandemic and pandemic data were compared. Most studies reported longitudinal deterioration in the mental health of adolescents and young people, with increased depression, anxiety and psychological distress after the pandemic started. Other findings included deteriorated negative affect, mental well-being and increased loneliness. Comparing data for pandemic and pre-pandemic periods showed that the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the mental health of children and young people. There is an urgent need for high-quality research to address the impact, risks and protective factors of the pandemic on their mental health, as this will provide a good foundation for dealing with future health emergencies and other crises.
  11. Rashid NSA, Mohamad Marzuki MF, Abdullah NN, Mohamad M, Takshe AA, Mohd Yunus R, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Aug 20;14(1):19302.
    PMID: 39164373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69947-7
    Dementia significantly impacts caregivers, particularly in low and middle-income countries where support is often inadequate. Given the gap in affordable and culturally relevant digital resources for Malaysian dementia caregivers, we developed "Demensia KITA," a mobile application (app) specifically tailored to their needs. This study utilized a theoretical framework proposed from existing literature and the "Model of Carer Stress and Burden". This paper discusses our app content development, highlighting key findings and challenges. To assess caregivers' needs, the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) with five dementia caregivers was conducted, followed by a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with eight medical professionals. Both sessions were conducted online via Google Meet. In the NGT, ideas were generated, organized, prioritized, reviewed, and refined by medical professionals in the FGD. Content relevant to addressing the complexities of dementia caregiving was then discussed. Topics were either adapted from established modules or newly developed from credible sources. Subsequently, these were organized into modules and themes, and subsequently underwent expert validation. From the NGT, three key domains emerged: Knowledge, Services, and Support. These were further organized into two modules: 'Patient Care for Caregivers' and 'Caregiver Wellbeing'. Within these, twelve sub-modules were identified, covering a range of topics including basic knowledge on dementia, patient care, nutritional management, oral and dental care, simple exercises, daily activity and memory rehabilitation, service directories, support groups, emotional and stress management, welfare assistance, and daily motivation. This framework was developed to address the specific needs of dementia caregivers in terms of psychoeducation, psychosocial and caregiving skills, incorporating expert opinions in the field. This study corroborates the feasibility of online methods for mobile health app content development and encourages similar research. Future studies should evaluate Demensia KITA's effectiveness in alleviating caregiver burden across all regions, assess users' acceptance, and ensure it meets the evolving needs of Malaysian caregivers with regular updates.
  12. Mohd Yusoff, N., Choo, K.E., Ghazali, S., Ibrahim, I., Mohd Hussin, Z.A., Mohd Yunus, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked red blood cell enzymopathy common in malaria endemic areas. Individuals affected by this disease show a wide variety of clinical signs including neonatal jaundice. In this preliminary report we describe the heterogeneity of G6PD deficient gene in neonatal jaundice in the Malay population in Kelantan. Thirteen G6PD deficient Malay neonates with hyperbilirubinemia were subjected to mutation analysis of the G6PD gene for known candidate mutations. Molecular defects were identified in the 13 patients studied. Though all of these were mis-sense mutations, identified nucleotide changes were heterogeneous. Six patients were found to have a C to T nucleotide change at nucleotide 563 of the G6PD gene (C563T), corresponding to G6PD Mediterranean; three cases had a single nucleotide change at T383C (G6PD Vanua Lava), two cases had G487A (G6PD Mahidol) and two cases had G1376T (G6PD Canton). These findings suggest that there are heterogeneous mutations of the G6PD gene associated with neonatal jaundice in the Malay population in Kelantan.
  13. Fatimah Azman, Rose Adzrianee Adnan, Norhafizah Che Abdul Razak, Nazihah Mohd Yunus, Sarina Sulong, Rozita Abdullah, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that result in progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is classified as dystrophinopathy and is an X-linked recessive disease. It is caused by alterations in the dystrophin gene at Xp21.2 encoding 79 exons [1]. It is characterised by progressive muscle wasting that begins at 3 to 5 years, delay in motor development and eventually wheelchair confinement followed by premature death at about 30 years from cardiac or respiratory complications [2]. Genetic etiology of cases of DMD in Malaysia are still scarcely reported. Here, we report the genetic cause in the case of an 11-year-old Kelantanese Malay boy who has progressive muscle weakness since 5 years old. He has difficulty in getting up from sitting and supine position also in climbing up stairs until 1st floor. He has a strong family history of DMD and musculoskeletal problems. His younger brother was diagnosed with DMD by molecular analysis and his maternal uncle died at the age of 16 with musculoskeletal problems but was never investigated. Physical examination revealed no dysmorphic features, positive Gower sign with absent tounge fasciculation. On neurological examination, tendon reflexes and muscle tone for limbs were normal. Muscle power for bilateral upper limbs were normal, however, bilateral lower limbs showed slight reduction in muscle power with calf hypertrophy.
  14. Aziati Azwari Annuar, Nik Mohd Zulfikri Mat Zin, Siti Mariam Ismail, Nurul Alia Mohd Nawi, Nazihah Mohd Yunus, Sarina Sulong, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Complex chromosome rearrangements (CCRs) are structural aberrations or rearrangements involving three or more cytogenetics breakpoints on two or more chromosomes [1]. Balanced and unbalanced are known to have significant risk of mental retardation and phenotypic anomalies. CCRs are also associated with infertility in males and recurrent abortion in females. Here we report one case of apparently balanced CCR involving three chromosomes 3, 5 and 12 in a child with abnormal features. G banding and FISH were performed to clarify the nature of this complex abnormality.
  15. Mohd Yunus, N. Z., Wei, N. T., Yung, Y. C., Marto, A., Pakir, F., Hezmi, M. A., et al.
    MyJurnal
    Besides traditional chemical stabilizers, polymer emulsion that is considered as a nontraditional
    chemical stabilizer had been introduced recently. Among polymer emulsions, Canlite and
    Probase have been widely used for soil stabilization. The aim of this paper is to investigate the
    effectiveness of Laterite soil stabilization treated by Canlite-liquid and Probase-liquid soil stabilizers.
    A testing program, scheduled to achieve the overall objectives of this study was conducted to
    determine the basic properties of Laterite soil, establish the relationship between the compaction
    characteristics (maximum dry density and optimum moisture content) with the amount of polymer
    emulsion and last but not least to compare the strength of the Canlite-treated and Probase-treated
    Laterite soil. The effects of both polymer soil stabilizers – Canlite and Probase – were examined. The
    optimum moisture content of the mixtures was used as a reference to determine the water content for
    the preparation of all the specimens and later used in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test.
    The laboratory test results showed that the additional amount of Canlite and Probase have improved
    the physical properties, liquid limit and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the Laterite soil.
    The compressive strength of the treated Laterite was found varied and depends on the type of
    stabilizers, quantity of additives and curing time. From the UCS tests, it was found that Probase
    improves the strength of the Laterite more than Canlite.
  16. Baskaran G, Salvamani S, Ahmad SA, Shaharuddin NA, Pattiram PD, Shukor MY
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2015;9:509-17.
    PMID: 25609924 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S75056
    The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase is the key enzyme of the mevalonate pathway that produces cholesterol. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase reduces cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver. Synthetic drugs, statins, are commonly used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Due to the side effects of statins, natural HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors of plant origin are needed. In this study, 25 medicinal plant methanol extracts were screened for anti-HMG-CoA reductase activity. Basella alba leaf extract showed the highest inhibitory effect at about 74%. Thus, B. alba was examined in order to investigate its phytochemical components. Gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of phenol 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl), 1-heptatriacotanol, oleic acid, eicosyl ester, naringin, apigenin, luteolin, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol, which have been reported to possess antihypercholesterolemic effects. Further investigation of in vivo models should be performed in order to confirm its potential as an alternative treatment for hypercholesterolemia and related cardiovascular diseases.
  17. Sabullah MK, Sulaiman MR, Abd Shukor MY, Syed MA, Shamaan NA, Khalid A, et al.
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:571094.
    PMID: 25401148 DOI: 10.1155/2014/571094
    Crude extract of ChE from the liver of Puntius javanicus was purified using procainamide-sepharyl 6B. S-Butyrylthiocholine iodide (BTC) was selected as the specific synthetic substrate for this assay with the highest maximal velocity and lowest biomolecular constant at 53.49 µmole/min/mg and 0.23 mM, respectively, with catalytic efficiency ratio of 0.23. The optimum parameter was obtained at pH 7.5 and optimal temperature in the range of 25 to 30°C. The effect of different storage condition was assessed where ChE activity was significantly decreased after 9 days of storage at room temperature. However, ChE activity showed no significant difference when stored at 4.0, 0, and -25°C for 15 days. Screening of heavy metals shows that chromium, copper, and mercury strongly inhibited P. javanicus ChE by lowering the activity below 50%, while several pairwise combination of metal ions exhibited synergistic inhibiting effects on the enzyme which is greater than single exposure especially chromium, copper, and mercury. The results showed that P. javanicus ChE has the potential to be used as a biosensor for the detection of metal ions.
  18. Salvamani S, Gunasekaran B, Shaharuddin NA, Ahmad SA, Shukor MY
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:480258.
    PMID: 24971331 DOI: 10.1155/2014/480258
    Atherosclerosis is the process of hardening and narrowing the arteries. Atherosclerosis is generally associated with cardiovascular diseases such as strokes, heart attacks, and peripheral vascular diseases. Since the usage of the synthetic drug, statins, leads to various side effects, the plants flavonoids with antiartherosclerotic activity gained much attention and were proven to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in vitro and in vivo based on different animal models. The flavonoids compounds also exhibit lipid lowering effects and anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic properties. The future development of flavonoids-based drugs is believed to provide significant effects on atherosclerosis and its related diseases. This paper discusses the antiatherosclerotic effects of selected plant flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, rutin, naringenin, catechin, fisetin, and gossypetin.
  19. Ahmad SA, Shamaan NA, Arif NM, Koon GB, Shukor MY, Syed MA
    World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2012 Jan;28(1):347-52.
    PMID: 22806810 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-011-0826-z
    A locally isolated Acinetobacter sp. Strain AQ5NOL 1 was encapsulated in gellan gum and its ability to degrade phenol was compared with the free cells. Optimal phenol degradation was achieved at gellan gum concentration of 0.75% (w/v), bead size of 3 mm diameter (estimated surface area of 28.26 mm(2)) and bead number of 300 per 100 ml medium. At phenol concentration of 100 mg l(-1), both free and immobilized bacteria exhibited similar rates of phenol degradation but at higher phenol concentrations, the immobilized bacteria exhibited a higher rate of degradation of phenol. The immobilized cells completely degrade phenol within 108, 216 and 240 h at 1,100, 1,500 and 1,900 mg l(-1) phenol, respectively, whereas free cells took 240 h to completely degrade phenol at 1,100 mg l(-1). However, the free cells were unable to completely degrade phenol at higher concentrations. Overall, the rates of phenol degradation by both immobilized and free bacteria decreased gradually as the phenol concentration was increased. The immobilized cells showed no loss in phenol degrading activity after being used repeatedly for 45 cycles of 18 h cycle. However, phenol degrading activity of the immobilized bacteria experienced 10 and 38% losses after the 46 and 47th cycles, respectively. The study has shown an increased efficiency of phenol degradation when the cells are encapsulated in gellan gum.
  20. Siow RS, Teo SS, Ho WY, Shukor MY, Phang SM, Ho CL
    J Phycol, 2012 Feb;48(1):155-62.
    PMID: 27009660 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2011.01105.x
    Galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) catalyzes the reversible conversion of glucose-1-phosphate and UDP-galactose to galactose-1-phosphate and UDP-glucose. This enzyme is also responsible for one of the biochemical steps that produce the precursors of agar and agarose. In this study, we report the molecular cloning and sequence analyses of a cDNA encoding GALT, from Gracilaria changii (B. M. Xia et I. A. Abbott) I. A. Abbott, J. Zhang et B. M. Xia, which constitutes a genus of seaweeds that supply more than 60% of the world's agar and agarose. We have subcloned this cDNA into a bacterial expression cloning vector and characterized the enzyme activities of its recombinant proteins in vitro. The GcGALT gene was shown to be up-regulated by salinity stresses. The abundance of transcripts encoding GcGALT was the highest in G. changii, followed by Gracilaria edulis and Gracilaria salicornia in a descending order, corresponding to their respective agar contents. Our findings indicated that GALT could be one of the components that determines the agar yield in Gracilaria species.
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