Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 120 in total

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  1. Fulltext Biodecolourisation of Reactive Red 120 as a Sole Carbon Source by a Bacterial Consortium-Toxicity Assessment and Statistical Optimisation
    Manogaran M, Yasid NA, Othman AR, Gunasekaran B, Halmi MIE, Shukor MYA
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Mar 02;18(5).
    PMID: 33801387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052424
    The application of microorganisms in azo dye remediation has gained significant attention, leading to various published studies reporting different methods for obtaining the best dye decolouriser. This paper investigates and compares the role of methods and media used in obtaining a bacterial consortium capable of decolourising azo dye as the sole carbon source, which is extremely rare to find. It was demonstrated that a prolonged acclimation under low substrate availability successfully isolated a novel consortium capable of utilising Reactive Red 120 dye as a sole carbon source in aerobic conditions. This consortium, known as JR3, consists of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain MM01, Enterobacter sp. strain MM05 and Serratia marcescens strain MM06. Decolourised metabolites of consortium JR3 showed an improvement in mung bean's seed germination and shoot and root length. One-factor-at-time optimisation characterisation showed maximal of 82.9% decolourisation at 0.7 g/L ammonium sulphate, pH 8, 35 °C, and RR120 concentrations of 200 ppm. Decolourisation modelling utilising response surface methodology (RSM) successfully improved decolourisation even more. RSM resulted in maximal decolourisation of 92.79% using 0.645 g/L ammonium sulphate, pH 8.29, 34.5 °C and 200 ppm RR120.
  2. Fulltext Hypocholesterolemic and Antiatherosclerotic Potential of Basella alba Leaf Extract in Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Rabbits
    Baskaran G, Salvamani S, Azlan A, Ahmad SA, Yeap SK, Shukor MY
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2015;2015:751714.
    PMID: 26697097 DOI: 10.1155/2015/751714
    Hypercholesterolemia is the major risk factor that leads to atherosclerosis. Nowadays, alternative treatment using medicinal plants gained much attention since the usage of statins leads to adverse health effects, especially liver and muscle toxicity. This study was designed to investigate the hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of Basella alba (B. alba) using hypercholesterolemia-induced rabbits. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 5 groups and fed with varying diets: normal diet, 2% high cholesterol diet (HCD), 2% HCD + 10 mg/kg simvastatin, 2% HCD + 100 mg/kg B. alba extract, and 2% HCD + 200 mg/kg B. alba extract, respectively. The treatment with B. alba extract significantly lowered the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and increased HDL and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) levels. The elevated levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and creatine kinase were noted in hypercholesterolemic and statin treated groups indicating liver and muscle injuries. Treatment with B. alba extract also significantly suppressed the aortic plaque formation and reduced the intima: media ratio as observed in simvastatin-treated group. This is the first in vivo study on B. alba that suggests its potential as an alternative therapeutic agent for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
  3. Fulltext Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck: surgical outcomes in three cases
    Shaariyah MM, Marina MB, Mohd Razif MY, Mazita A, Primuharsa Putra SH
    Malays J Med Sci, 2010 Apr;17(2):51-5.
    PMID: 22135538 MyJurnal
    Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck is a rare, rapidly progressive infection involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia. We report three cases of necrotizing fasciitis that differ in their presentation and outcome. The first case involves a patient who presented with progressively enlarging anterior neck swelling that was later complicated by dehydration and reduced consciousness. The second case is a patient with neck swelling and ipsilateral otorrhea. The third case concerns a patient with a buccal ulcer complicated by ipsilateral facial swelling. All of them underwent a fasciotomy with wound debridement with the addition of a cortical mastoidectomy in the second case. Two of these patients recovered well. Unfortunately, the third case succumbed to death due to airway compromise and septicaemia. We advocate the importance of eradicating the source of infection followed by frequent, meticulous wound dressing and strict blood sugar control to obtain better outcomes in managing necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck. However, involvement of the airway carries a grave prognosis despite aggressive treatment.
  4. Fulltext A Ten-Year Kuala Lumpur Review on Laser Posterior Cordectomy for Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility
    Mawaddah A, Marina MB, Halimuddin S, Mohd Razif MY, Abdullah S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Jul;23(4):65-70.
    PMID: 27660547 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2016.23.4.9
    Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is commonly caused by injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and leads to stridor and dyspnea of varying onsets. A retrospective study was done at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre on laser microsurgical posterior cordectomy for BVFI. The objectives were to identify the average duration of onset of stridor from the time of insult and to evaluate the outcome of laser posterior cordectomy as a surgical option. From 1997 to 2007, a total of 31 patients with BVFI were referred for surgery. Twelve patients had tracheostomy done prior to the procedure, whereas 19 patients were without tracheostomy. Ten patients were successfully decannulated, and only 4 patients had complications related to the procedure. The minimum onset of stridor was 7 months, maximum onset of stridor was 28 years, and the mean onset of stridor was 8.7 years. The commonest complication observed was posterior glottic adhesion following bilateral posterior cordectomy. Laser endolaryngeal posterior cordectomy is an excellent surgical option as it enables successful decannulation or avoidance of tracheostomy in patients with BVFI. The onset of stridor took years after the insult to the recurrent laryngeal nerves.
  5. Fulltext Physicochemical Characterization of Bilayer Hybrid Nanocellulose-Collagen as a Potential Wound Dressing
    Ooi KS, Haszman S, Wong YN, Soidin E, Hesham N, Mior MAA, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Sep 30;13(19).
    PMID: 33007893 DOI: 10.3390/ma13194352
    The eminent aim for advance wound management is to provide a great impact on the quality of life. Therefore, an excellent strategy for an ideal wound dressing is being developed that eliminates certain drawbacks while promoting tissue regeneration for the prevention of bacterial invasion. The aim of this study is to develop a bilayer hybrid biomatrix of natural origin for wound dressing. The bilayer hybrid bioscaffold was fabricated by the combination of ovine tendon collagen type I and palm tree-based nanocellulose. The fabricated biomatrix was then post-cross-linked with 0.1% (w/v) genipin (GNP). The physical characteristics were evaluated based on the microstructure, pore size, porosity, and water uptake capacity followed by degradation behaviour and mechanical strength. Chemical analysis was performed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated a uniform interconnected porous structure with optimal pore size ranging between 90 and 140 μm, acceptable porosity (>70%), and highwater uptake capacity (>1500%). The biodegradation rate of the fabricated biomatrix was extended to 22 days. Further analysis with EDX identified the main elements of the bioscaffold, which contains carbon (C) 50.28%, nitrogen (N) 18.78%, and oxygen (O) 30.94% based on the atomic percentage. FTIR reported the functional groups of collagen type I (amide A: 3302 cm-1, amide B: 2926 cm-1, amide I: 1631 cm-1, amide II: 1547 cm-1, and amide III: 1237 cm-1) and nanocellulose (pyranose ring), thus confirming the presence of collagen and nanocellulose in the bilayer hybrid scaffold. The XRD demonstrated a smooth wavy wavelength that is consistent with the amorphous material and less crystallinity. The combination of nanocellulose with collagen demonstrated a positive effect with an increase of Young's modulus. In conclusion, the fabricated bilayer hybrid bioscaffold demonstrated optimum physicochemical and mechanical properties that are suitable for skin wound dressing.
  6. Fulltext Recent Developments in Rodent Models of High-Fructose Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review
    Chan AML, Ng AMH, Mohd Yunus MH, Idrus RBH, Law JX, Yazid MD, et al.
    Nutrients, 2021 Jul 22;13(8).
    PMID: 34444658 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082497
    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the physiological clustering of hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The MetS-related chronic illnesses encompass obesity, the cardiovascular system, renal operation, hepatic function, oncology, and mortality. To perform pre-clinical research, it is imperative that these symptoms be successfully induced and optimized in lower taxonomy. Therefore, novel and future applications for a disease model, if proven valid, can be extrapolated to humans. MetS model establishment is evaluated based on the significance of selected test parameters, paradigm shifts from new discoveries, and the accessibility of the latest technology or advanced methodologies. Ultimately, the outcome of animal studies should be advantageous for human clinical trials and solidify their position in advanced medicine for clinicians to treat and adapt to serious or specific medical situations. Rodents (Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus) have been ideal models for mammalian studies since the 18th century and have been mapped extensively. This review compiles and compares studies published in the past five years between the multitude of rodent comparative models. The response factors, niche parameters, and replicability of diet protocols are also compiled and analyzed to offer insight into MetS-related disease-specific modelling.
  7. Stem cells as a potential therapy in managing various disorders of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review
    Shamsuddin SA, Chan AML, Ng MH, Yazid MD, Law JX, Hj Idrus RB, et al.
    Am J Transl Res, 2021;13(11):12217-12227.
    PMID: 34956448
    Recent explorations on mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) have reported a promising future for cell-based therapies. MSCs are widely sourced from various tissues and express unique properties of regenerative potential and immunomodulation. Currently, there is a growing interest in utilizing MSC for treatment of chronic diseases to overcome the drawbacks of chemical drugs. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is described as a cluster of metabolic abnormalities categorized as abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycaemia. Patients diagnosed with MetS have a high predisposition for developing cardiovascular complications, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, bone loss, cancer, and mortality. Hence, research on MSC as therapy for MetS and related diseases, is greatly valued and are advantaged by the low immunogenicity with high regenerative capacity. However, there are many obstacles to be addressed such as the safety, efficacy, and consistency of different MSC sources. Additionally, factors such as effective dose level and delivery method are equally important to achieve uniform therapeutic outcomes. This systematic review discusses the potential roles of MSC in managing the multiple clusters of MetS. Research articles during the past 20 years were systematically searched and filtered to update the progress in the field of MSC therapy in managing various components of MetS. The different sources of MSC, dosage, method of delivery and outcome measures for the stem cell therapies were compiled from the systematically selected research articles. It can be concluded from the review of the selected articles that MSCs can improve the various disorders of MetS such as abdominal obesity, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension, and represent a promising alternative to conventional therapy of the MetS cluster.
  8. The Use of Engineered Bilayered Skin (MyDermTM) in the Management of Massive Skin Defect in Grade III Gustilo-Anderson Open Fracture
    Mohamed Haflah NH, Ng MH, Mohd Yunus MH, Naicker AS, Htwe O, Fahmi M, et al.
    Int J Low Extrem Wounds, 2017 Sep;16(3):212-216.
    PMID: 28862056 DOI: 10.1177/1534734617724974
    Open fracture Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIC is associated with higher risk of infection and problems with soft tissue coverage. Various methods have been used for soft tissue coverage in open fractures with large skin defect. We report a case of a patient who had grade IIIC open fracture of the tibia with posterior tibial artery injury. The patient underwent external fixation and reduction. Because of potential compartment syndrome after vascular repair, fasciotomy of the posterior compartment was performed. This wound, however, became infected and because of further debridement, gave rise to a large skin defect. A tissue engineered skin construct, MyDermTM was employed to cover this large defect. Complete wound closure was achieved 35 days postimplantation. The patient then underwent plating of the tibia for nonunion with no adverse effect to the grafted site. The tibia eventually healed 5 months postplating, and the cosmetic appearance of the newly formed skin was satisfactory.
  9. Fulltext A Three-Dimensional Xeno-Free Culture Condition for Wharton's Jelly-Mesenchymal Stem Cells: The Pros and Cons
    Koh B, Sulaiman N, Fauzi MB, Law JX, Ng MH, Yuan TL, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2023 Feb 13;24(4).
    PMID: 36835154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043745
    Xeno-free three-dimensional cultures are gaining attention for mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) expansion in clinical applications. We investigated the potential of xeno-free serum alternatives, human serum and human platelet lysate, to replace the current conventional use of foetal bovine serum for subsequent MSCs microcarrier cultures. In this study, Wharton's Jelly MSCs were cultured in nine different media combinations to identify the best xeno-free culture media for MSCs culture. Cell proliferation and viability were identified, and the cultured MSCs were characterised in accordance with the minimal criteria for defining multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT). The selected culture media was then used in the microcarrier culture of MSCs to determine the potential of a three-dimensional culture system in the expansion of MSCs for future clinical applications, and to identify the immunomodulatory potential of cultured MSCs. Low Glucose DMEM (LG) + Human Platelet (HPL) lysate media appeared to be good candidates for replacing conventional MSCs culture media in our monolayer culture system. MSCs cultured in LG-HPL achieved high cell yield, with characteristics that remained as described by ISCT, although the overall mitochondrial activity of the cells was lower than the control and the subsequent effects remained unknown. MSC microcarrier culture, on the other hand, showed comparable cell characteristics with monolayer culture, yet had stagnated cell proliferation, which is potentially due to the inactivation of FAK. Nonetheless, both the MSCs monolayer culture and the microcarrier culture showed high suppressive activity on TNF-α, and only the MSC microcarrier culture has a better suppression of IL-1 secretion. In conclusion, LG-HPL was identified as a good xeno-free media for WJMSCs culture, and although further mechanistic research is needed, the results show that the xeno-free three-dimensional culture maintained MSC characteristics and improved immunomodulatory activities, suggesting the potential of translating the monolayer culture into this culture system in MSC expansion for future clinical application.
  10. Fulltext PROTOCOL: Psychometric properties of instruments for measuring elder abuse and neglect in community and institutional settings: A systematic review
    Mohd Mydin FH, Mikton C, Choo WY, Shanmugam RH, Murray A, Yon Y, et al.
    Campbell Syst Rev, 2023 Sep;19(3):e1342.
    PMID: 37383829 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1342
    BACKGROUND: The psychometric properties of elder abuse measurement instruments have not been well-studied. Poor psychometric properties of elder abuse measurement instruments may contribute to the inconsistency of elder abuse prevalence estimates and uncertainty about the magnitude of the problem at the national, regional, and global levels.

    OBJECTIVES: The present review will utilise the COSMIN taxonomy on the quality of outcome measures to identify and review the instruments used in measuring elder abuse, assess the instrument's measurement properties, and identify the definitions of elder abuse and abuse subtypes measured by the instrument.

    SEARCH METHODS: Searches will be conducted in the following online databases: Ageline, ASSIA, CINAHL, CNKI, EMBASE, Google Scholar, LILACS, Proquest Dissertation & Theses Global, PsycINFO, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Sociological Abstract and WHO Index Medicus. Relevant studies will also be identified by searching the grey literature from several resources such as OpenAIRE, BASE, OISter and Age Concern NZPotential studies by searching the references of related reviews. We will contact experts who have conducted similar work or are currently conducting ongoing studies. Enquiries will also be sent to the relevant authors if any important data is missing, incomplete or unclear.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: All quantitative, qualitative (that address face and content validity), and mixed-method empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals or the grey literature will be included in this review. Studies will be included if they are primary studies that (1) evaluate one or more psychometric properties; (2) contain information on instrument development, or (3) perform content validity of the instruments designed to measure elder abuse in the community or institutional settings. Studies should describe at least one of the psychometric properties, such as reliability, validity and responsiveness. Study participants represent the population of interest, including males and females aged 60 or older in community or institutional settings (i.e., nursing homes, long-term care facilities, assisted living, residential care institutions, and residential facilities).

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts of the selected studies will be evaluated based on the preset inclusion criteria by two reviewers. Two reviewers will be assessing the quality appraisal of each study using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and the overall quality of evidence of each psychometric property of the instrument against the updated criteria of good measurement properties. Any dispute between the two reviewers will be resolved through discussions or consensus with a third reviewer. The overall quality of the measurement instrument will be graded using a modified GRADE approach. Data extraction will be performed using the data extraction forms adapted from the COSMIN Guideline for Systematic Reviews of Outcome Measurement Instruments. The information includes the characteristic of included instruments (name, adaptation, language used, translation and country of origin), characteristics of the tested population, psychometric properties listed in the COSMIN criteria, including details on the instrument development, content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, cross-cultural validity/measurement invariance, reliability, measurement error, criterion validity, hypotheses testing for construct validity, responsiveness and interoperability. We will perform a meta-analysis to pool psychometric properties parameters (where possible) or summarise qualitatively.

  11. Fulltext Cytogenetic abnormalities at diagnosis and during follow up in multiple myeloma patients and their prognostic implications - a preliminary report
    Eva Foong, Ismail Siti-Mariam, Ramli Norhidayah, Abu Bakar Zulaikha, Mat Zin Nik-Mohd-Zulfikri, Mohd Nawi Nurul-Alia, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(4):108-117.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by genomic instability and cytogenetic abnormalities (CAs). The variation in rates of treatment response and overall survival is thought to arise from multiple genomic events that result in tumour development and progression. This study investigated CAs among the newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients at diagnosis and during follow-up and subsequently to assess their prognostic significance. Meth- ods: This is a prospective cohort study where bone marrow (BM) samples of 16 NDMM patients were collected at diagnosis and during follow up and subjected to conventional cytogenetic analysis (CCA) and interphase fluores- cence in situ hybridization (iFISH) analyses using standard procedures. Spectral karyotyping was performed on a selected patient who showed complex karyotype (CK) pattern on CCA. Results: Clonal abnormalities were identified in 56.3% of analysis by karyotyping and 68.8% by combination of karyotyping and iFISH. CCA showed normal diploid, hypodiploid and hyperdiploid karyotypes, whereas iFISH analysis could detect various IGH translocations involving 14q32 region, del(13q14) and del(17p13). Significant associations were observed between patients with complex karyotypes and abnormal karyotypes. Patients who had a CK or showed an abnormal CCA and iFISH results were associated with worse survival (p=0.011 and p=0.034 respectively). Structural abnormalities were found to be more common among hyperdiploid MM patients (p=0.001). Cytogenetic evolution was seen in the follow-up of BM cytogenetics. Conclusion: Karyotyping and iFISH are valuable assets in detecting prognostically relevant genomic abnormalities. The presence of cytogenetic evolution demonstrated the value of cytogenetics in monitoring treatment response and in management of MM.
  12. Fulltext Down syndrome and Patau syndrome in the same sibship: random or not?
    Foong Eva, Hasliani Hassan, Azizah Othman, Ilunihayati Ibrahim, Nazihah Mohd Yunus, Siti Mariam Ismail, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2017;23(2):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: Chromosomal abnormalities especially aneuploidies are the most common etiology for pregnancy loss. Trisomy 13, trisomy 18 and trisomy 21 are the most common chromosome autosomal aneuploidies with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) being the most common chromosomal abnormality among liveborn infants. In previous reports, we noted that the recurrence of these aneuploidies in some families may not occur by chance alone.

    Methods: Extraction of relevant data from review of medical case notes of a young couple with two offspring with Down syndrome (DS) and Patau syndrome.

    Results: A family history of DS is a predisposing factor for both DS and other types of aneuploidy. Certain instances of non-disjunction error are not random.

    Conclusion: As the maternal age was not advanced in both pregnancies, there is a possibility that the recurrent aneuploidy in this family may not be accounted by chance alone. The risk of having subsequent affected pregnancy cannot be ignored in this family and prenatal diagnosis is strongly recommended in the subsequent pregnancy.
  13. Loneliness and depression among the elderly in an agricultural settlement: mediating effects of social support
    Wan Mohd Azam WM, Din NC, Ahmad M, Ghazali SE, Ibrahim N, Said Z, et al.
    Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2013 Apr;5 Suppl 1:134-9.
    PMID: 23857850 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12061
    INTRODUCTION: Loneliness has long been known to have strong association with depression. The relationship between loneliness and depression, however, has been associated with other risk factors including social support. The aim of this paper is to describe the role of social support in the association between loneliness and depression.
    METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined the mediating effects of social support among 161 community-based elderly in agricultural settlement of a rural area in Sungai Tengi, Malaysia. Subjects were investigated with De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale and Medical Outcome Survey Social Support Survey. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, linear and hierarchical regression.
    RESULTS: Results indicated that social support partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and depression.
    DISCUSSION: This suggests that social support affects the linear association between loneliness and depression in the elderly.
    KEYWORDS: depression; elderly; loneliness; rural community; social support
    Study site; FELDA Sungai Tengi, Selangor, Malaysia
    Device, Questionnaire & Scale: De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale; Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15): Medical Outcome Survey Social Support Survey
  14. Keratinase production and biodegradation of polluted secondary chicken feather wastes by a newly isolated multi heavy metal tolerant bacterium-Alcaligenes sp. AQ05-001
    Yusuf I, Ahmad SA, Phang LY, Syed MA, Shamaan NA, Abdul Khalil K, et al.
    J Environ Manage, 2016 Dec 01;183:182-95.
    PMID: 27591845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.08.059
    Biodegradation of agricultural wastes, generated annually from poultry farms and slaughterhouses, can solve the pollution problem and at the same time yield valuable degradation products. But these wastes also constitute environmental nuisance, especially in Malaysia where their illegal disposal on heavy metal contaminated soils poses a serious biodegradation issue as feather tends to accumulate heavy metals from the surrounding environment. Further, continuous use of feather wastes as cheap biosorbent material for the removal of heavy metals from effluents has contributed to the rising amount of polluted feathers, which has necessitated the search for heavy metal-tolerant feather degrading strains. Isolation, characterization and application of a novel heavy metal-tolerant feather-degrading bacterium, identified by 16S RNA sequencing as Alcaligenes sp. AQ05-001 in degradation of heavy metal polluted recalcitrant agricultural wastes, have been reported. Physico-cultural conditions influencing its activities were studied using one-factor-at-a-time and a statistical optimisation approach. Complete degradation of 5 g/L feather was achieved with pH 8, 2% inoculum at 27 °C and incubation period of 36 h. The medium optimisation after the response surface methodology (RSM) resulted in a 10-fold increase in keratinase production (88.4 U/mL) over the initial 8.85 U/mL when supplemented with 0.5% (w/v) sucrose, 0.15% (w/v) ammonium bicarbonate, 0.3% (w/v) skim milk, and 0.01% (w/v) urea. Under optimum conditions, the bacterium was able to degrade heavy metal polluted feathers completely and produced valuable keratinase and protein-rich hydrolysates. About 83% of the feathers polluted with a mixture of highly toxic metals were degraded with high keratinase activities. The heavy metal tolerance ability of this bacterium can be harnessed not only in keratinase production but also in the bioremediation of heavy metal-polluted feather wastes.
  15. Fulltext Advances in Aptamer-Based Biosensors and Cell-Internalizing SELEX Technology for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Application
    Gan Z, Roslan MAM, Abd Shukor MY, Halim M, Yasid NA, Abdullah J, et al.
    Biosensors (Basel), 2022 Oct 25;12(11).
    PMID: 36354431 DOI: 10.3390/bios12110922
    Aptamers are a group of synthetic single-stranded nucleic acids. They are generated from a random library of single-stranded DNA or RNA by a technology named systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). SELEX is a repetitive process to select and identify suitable aptamers that show high affinity and specificity towards target cells. Great strides have been achieved in the design, construction, and use of aptamers up to this point. However, only a small number of aptamer-based applications have achieved widespread commercial and clinical acceptance. Additionally, finding more effective ways to acquire aptamers with high affinity remains a challenge. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the existing dearth and advancement in aptamer-related technologies. This review focuses on aptamers that are generated by SELEX to detect pathogenic microorganisms and mammalian cells, as well as in cell-internalizing SELEX for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The development of novel aptamer-based biosensors using optical and electrical methods for microbial detection is reported. The applications and limitations of aptamers are also discussed.
  16. Colorimetric detection of mercury (Hg2+) using UV-vis spectroscopy and digital image analysis based on gold nanoparticles functionalized with bromelain enzyme
    Suhaidi NA, Halmi MIE, Rashidi AA, Anuar MFM, Mahmud K, Kusnin N, et al.
    3 Biotech, 2023 May;13(5):121.
    PMID: 37033387 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03532-z
    A very sensitive and selective colorimetric biosensor for the measurement of mercury ion (Hg2+) in environmental samples has been developed using functionalized gold nanoparticles with bromelain enzyme (brn-AuNPs). This work has shown that Hg2+ measurement based on spectrophotometer and digital image analysis is a very innovative and successful method for providing an effective preliminary system and has promise for the future of water quality biomonitoring. Response Surface Methodology (RSM), a Box-Behnken design-based technique, was used to identify the optimum levels of functionalization of bromelain to AuNPs. The created model's validity was confirmed, and statistical analysis revealed that the ideal functionalize conditions were 1 mM of AuNPs, functionalize with 0.59 mM bromelain concentration on 14 ℃ temperature and 72 h incubation time. The lowest colorimetric detection concentration (LOD) of brn-AuNPs of Hg2+ was 0.0092 ppm and 0.011 ppm for spectrophotometer and digital image analysis. As shown, digital image analysis had advantages based on the LOD result comparable to UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The practical application of the brn-AuNPs sensing was proven with mercury determination in water samples. The present study developed a robust sensor, which successfully implemented in a compact portable sensor kit, turning this sensor into a very potent tool for the development water quality biomonitoring system of Hg2+ application.
  17. Fulltext Perception Regarding the NICE Guideline on Antibiotic Prophylaxis against Infective Endocarditis Following Dental Procedures: A Cross-Sectional Study
    Mohd Yunus SS, Nabil S, Rashdi MF, Nazimi AJ, Nordin R, Tan HL, et al.
    Antibiotics (Basel), 2023 Apr 02;12(4).
    PMID: 37107058 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040696
    This study explores the opinions of Malaysian clinical specialists on the antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis (IE) as described in the 2008 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline. This cross-sectional study was performed from September 2017 to March 2019. The self-administered questionnaire comprised two sections: background information of the specialists and their opinions on the NICE guideline. The questionnaire was distributed to 794 potential participants, and 277 responded (response rate of 34.9%). In general, 49.8% of the respondents believed that clinicians should adhere to the guideline, although the majority of oral and maxillofacial surgeons (54.5%) actually disagreed with this view. The dental procedures that were perceived as presented moderate-to-high risk for IE were minor surgery for an impacted tooth with a recent episode of infection, dental implant surgery, periodontal surgery and dental extraction in patients with poor oral hygiene. The cardiac conditions that were strongly recommended for antibiotic prophylaxis were severe mitral valve stenosis or regurgitation and previous IE. Less than half of Malaysian clinical specialists agreed with the changes in the 2008 NICE guideline, contributing to their insistence that antibiotic prophylaxis is still needed for high-risk cardiac conditions and selected invasive dental procedures.
  18. Comparison of the effects between animal-derived trypsin and recombinant trypsin on human skin cells proliferation, gene and protein expression
    Manira M, Khairul Anuar K, Seet WT, Ahmad Irfan AW, Ng MH, Chua KH, et al.
    Cell Tissue Bank, 2014 Mar;15(1):41-9.
    PMID: 23456438 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-013-9368-y
    Animal-derivative free reagents are preferred in skin cell culture for clinical applications. The aim of this study was to compare the performance and effects between animal-derived trypsin and recombinant trypsin for skin cells culture and expansion. Full thickness human skin was digested in 0.6 % collagenase for 6 h to liberate the fibroblasts, followed by treatment with either animal-derived trypsin; Trypsin EDTA (TE) or recombinant trypsin; TrypLE Select (TS) to liberate the keratinocytes. Both keratinocytes and fibroblasts were then culture-expanded until passage 2. Trypsinization for both cell types during culture-expansion was performed using either TE or TS. Total cells yield was determined using a haemocytometer. Expression of collagen type I, collagen type III (Col-III), cytokeratin 10, and cytokeratin 14 genes were quantified via RT-PCR and further confirmed with immunocytochemical staining. The results of our study showed that the total cell yield for both keratinocytes and fibroblasts treated with TE or TS were comparable. RT-PCR showed that expression of skin-specific genes except Col-III was higher in the TS treated group compared to that in the TE group. Expression of proteins specific to the two cell types were confirmed by immunocytochemical staining in both TE and TS groups. In conclusion, the performance of the recombinant trypsin is comparable with the well-established animal-derived trypsin for human skin cell culture expansion in terms of cell yield and expression of specific cellular markers.
  19. Fulltext Production of Lipopeptide Biosurfactant by a Hydrocarbon-Degrading Antarctic Rhodococcus
    Habib S, Ahmad SA, Wan Johari WL, Abd Shukor MY, Alias SA, Smykla J, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Aug 26;21(17).
    PMID: 32858859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176138
    Rhodococci are renowned for their great metabolic repertoire partly because of their numerous putative pathways for large number of specialized metabolites such as biosurfactant. Screening and genome-based assessment for the capacity to produce surface-active molecules was conducted on Rhodococcus sp. ADL36, a diesel-degrading Antarctic bacterium. The strain showed a positive bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbon (BATH) assay, drop collapse test, oil displacement activity, microplate assay, maximal emulsification index at 45% and ability to reduce water surface tension to < 30 mN/m. The evaluation of the cell-free supernatant demonstrated its high stability across the temperature, pH and salinity gradient although no correlation was found between the surface and emulsification activity. Based on the positive relationship between the assessment of macromolecules content and infrared analysis, the extracted biosurfactant synthesized was classified as a lipopeptide. Prediction of the secondary metabolites in the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) clusters suggested the likelihood of the surface-active lipopeptide production in the strain's genomic data. This is the third report of surface-active lipopeptide producers from this phylotype and the first from the polar region. The lipopeptide synthesized by ADL36 has the prospect to be an Antarctic remediation tool while furnishing a distinctive natural product for biotechnological application and research.
  20. Fulltext Design, Operation and Optimization of Constructed Wetland for Removal of Pollutant
    Rahman ME, Bin Halmi MIE, Bin Abd Samad MY, Uddin MK, Mahmud K, Abd Shukor MY, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 Nov 11;17(22).
    PMID: 33187288 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228339
    Constructed wetlands (CWs) are affordable and reliable green technologies for the treatment of various types of wastewater. Compared to conventional treatment systems, CWs offer an environmentally friendly approach, are low cost, have fewer operational and maintenance requirements, and have a high potential for being applied in developing countries, particularly in small rural communities. However, the sustainable management and successful application of these systems remain a challenge. Therefore, after briefly providing basic information on wetlands and summarizing the classification and use of current CWs, this study aims to provide and inspire sustainable solutions for the performance and application of CWs by giving a comprehensive review of CWs' application and the recent development of their sustainable design, operation, and optimization for wastewater treatment. To accomplish this objective, thee design and management parameters of CWs, including macrophyte species, media types, water level, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and hydraulic loading rate (HLR), are discussed. Besides these, future research on improving the stability and sustainability of CWs are highlighted. This article provides a tool for researchers and decision-makers for using CWs to treat wastewater in a particular area. This paper presents an aid for informed analysis, decision-making, and communication. The review indicates that major advances in the design, operation, and optimization of CWs have greatly increased contaminant removal efficiencies, and the sustainable application of this treatment system has also been improved.
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