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Fulltext Waterbirds: an important bio-indicator of ecosystem

Faid Rahman, Ahmad Ismail

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2018;4(1):81-90.
MyJurnal

Waterbirds serve as an important bio-indicator of ecosystem changes and have been used widely throughout the world. This is because they exhibit conspicuous and meaningful responses to the changes of the environment around them. Other qualities that make them a good bio-indicator are also highlighted. Thus, important information on their biology and ecology are essential to make informed decisions. This is crucial in order to better conserve them and their habitats. Currently they are facing new challenges that arise from continuous development throughout the world. In addition, many endangered species continue to declines and could be extinct if they are not protected and conserved. The development of artificial habitat such as wetlands to compensate natural habitat loss could be an alternative. However, detailed information on the waterbirds and their interactions with the new environment are needed in order to do so. It is further highlighted that few researches have been conducted and focused on the waterbirds particularly in Malaysia. Thus, we encourage more local young scientists to take up this challenge and equip themselves with the right knowledge and necessary skills as well as to remain relevant with the international research standards. Proper planning, funding and focus should also be considered by the government and local authorities to maximize the impact of the country’s conservation effort.
Interleukin 23 and autoimmune diseases: current and possible future therapies

Abdo AIK, Tye GJ

Inflamm Res, 2020 May;69(5):463-480.
PMID: 32215665 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-020-01339-9

PURPOSE: IL-23 is a central proinflammatory cytokine with a wide range of influence over immune response. It is implicated in several autoimmune diseases due to the infinite inflammatory loops it can create through the positive feedbacks of both IL-17 and IL-22 arms. This made IL-23 a key target of autoimmune disorders therapy, which indeed was proven to inhibit inflammation and ameliorate diseases. Current autoimmune treatments targeting IL-23 are either by preventing IL-23 ligation to its receptor (IL-23R) via antibodies or inhibiting IL-23 signaling by signaling downstream mediators' inhibitors, with each approach having its own pros and cons.
METHODS: Literature review was done to further understand the biology of IL-23 and current therapies.
RESULTS: In this review, we discuss the biological features of IL-23 and its role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Advantages, limitations and side effects of each concept will be reviewed, suggesting several advanced IL-23-based bio-techniques to generate new and possible future therapies to overcome current treatments problems.
Selection and evaluation of single domain antibody against p19 subunit of IL-23 by phage display for potential use as an autoinflammatory therapeutic

Abdo AIK, Nordin F, Tye GJ

Int Immunopharmacol, 2024 Aug 20;137:112371.
PMID: 38852516 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112371

IL-23 is a double-subunit cytokine that plays an important role in shaping the immune response. IL-23 was found to be associated with several autoinflammatory diseases by generating sustained inflammatory loops that lead to tissue damage. Antibody neutralization of IL-23 was proven to be effective in ameliorating associated diseases. However, antibodies as large proteins have limited tissue penetration and tend to elicit anti-drug antibodies. Additionally, anti-IL-23 antibodies target only one subunit of IL-23 leaving the other one unneutralized. Here, we attempted to isolate a recycling single domain antibody by phage display. One of IL-23 subunits, p19, was expressed in E. coli fused to Gamillus protein to stabilize the α-helix-only p19. To remove Gamillus binders, two biopanning methods were investigated, first, preselection with Gamillus and second, challenge with IL-23 then on the subsequent round challenge with p19-Gam. The isolation of calcium-dependent and pH-dependent recycling binders was performed with EDTA and citrate buffers respectively. Both methods of panning failed to isolate high-affinity and specific p19 recycling binders, while from the second panning method, a high affinity and specific p19 standard binder, namely H11, was successfully isolated. H11 significantly inhibited the gene expression of IL-17 and IL-22 in IL-23-challenged PBMCs indicating H11 specificity and neutralizing ability for IL-23. The new binder due to its small size can overcome antibodies limitations, also, it can be further engineered in the future for antigen clearance such as fusing it to cell penetrating peptides, granting H11 the ability to clear excess IL-23 and enhancing its potential therapeutic effect.
Fulltext Acute retrograde jejunogastric intussusception 20 years after Bilroth II gastrectomy: a case report

Sakijan AS, Ahmad I

Med J Malaysia, 1987 Jun;42(2):134-6.
PMID: 3503189

A 50-year-old male had an acute jejunogastric intussusception complicating a Bilroth 11 gastrectomy done 20 years previously for peptic ulcer. Preoperatively, the diagnosis was suspected from the plain abdominal radiograph which was subsequently confirmed by barium meal. The patient had an uneventful recovery following resection of the intussuscepted segment and an end-to-end anastomosis. Although rare, the condition is serious and should be recognised promptly and treated surgically. The diagnosis should always be considered in a patient who has had a previous gastrojejunostomy presented with a sudden onset of epigastric pain, bloody vomitus and epigastric mass.
Fulltext A simple protocol to isolate DNA from Malaysian stork blood collected on FTA® cards

YEE, ELSIE Y. S., ZAINAL ZAHARI, AHMAD ISMAIL, YAP, C.K., TAN, S. G.

Buletin Persatuan Genetik Malaysia, 2009;14(1):20-22.
MyJurnal

The blood of the Painted Storks (Mycteria leucocephala) and the Milky Storks (M. cinerea) from Malaysia were collected
invasively from the breeding site. The blood was dropped on to FTA® cards and stored at room temperature. DNA was isolated from
the FTA® cards through a modification of the Wizard DNA Purification kit (Promega) procedure and PCR was performed with 11 pairs
of microsatellite primers of the American Wood Stork (M. americana). The collection of a drop of blood onto the card is superior to the
usual practice of collecting about five ml of blood into a vacuum tube as it causes fewer traumas to these sensitive birds. Moreover, this
collection procedure can be adopted for use in various wild animal species which are usually found in the remote areas of Malaysia as
the sample collection cards can be transported back to the laboratory at room temperature. Our procedure allows the typing of several
molecular genetic markers from just a drop of blood collected in the field and stored at room temperature alleviating the need for storage
in expensive deep freezers or liquid nitrogen tanks.
Fulltext DNA horizontal polyacrylmide gel electrophoresis

Elsie Yee, Y. S., Zainal Zahari, AHMAD ISMAIL, YAP, C.K., TAN, S. G

Buletin Persatuan Genetik Malaysia, 2010;16(1):19-22.
MyJurnal

Electrophoresis is a crucial step for the studies of proteins, allozymes, DNAs and RNAs. Two commonly used electrophoresis systems are agarose gel and polyacrylmide gel. Agarose gel is frequently used for DNAs and RNAs studies whereas polyacrylmide gel is widely used for the studies of other macromolecules such as proteins, allozymes (isozymes), DNAs and RNAs. The banding patterns of the gels, rather than the numbers of bands appearing on the gels are important for scoring in fingerprinting, footprinting and in population genetic studies.
Fulltext Histological alterations in liver and kidney of Javanese Medaka (Oryzias javanicus, Bleeker 1854) exposed to sublethal concentration of herbicide diuron

Nur Amiera Kamarudin, Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli, Fatin Zahidah Abdul Aziz, Ahmad Ismail

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(3):1041-1050.
MyJurnal

Diuron has been substantially used in different parts of the world as an herbicide and as a bioactive ingredient in antifouling paint. However, knowledge on the toxicity of Diuron that could adversely affect non-targeted aquatic organisms, especially fish; is still deficient. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the possible sublethal effects of phenylurea herbicide Diuron at the cellular level of the liver and kidneys of an adult Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus), which has been used as the novel model organism. In the present study, histological assessment was carried out using the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining protocol where the samples were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and sectioned into 5 μm thickness. The 210 samples used contained a range of Diuron concentrations comprising 1 μg/L, 50μg/L, 100 μg/L, 500 μg/L and 1000 μg/L; which also included the control treatments. Semi quantitative analysis revealed that liver and kidney tissues exposed at higher concentrations (500 μg/L and 1000 μg/L) showed significantly moderate to severe deformities and mild lesion alterations were already shown even at a lower concentration of Diuron exposure (1.0 μg/L), as compared to the control treatment of dechlorinated water (p
Fulltext Concentration of heavy metals in street dust and surface soils in urban and peri-urban regions in the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area

Ahmad Ismail, Munirah Hanapiah, Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli, Hishamuddin Omar, Nur Amiera Kamarudin

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(4):1941-1954.
MyJurnal

The present study aims to determine the level of heavy metals in surface soils and street dust from selected urban and peri-urban locations in the metropolitan city of Kuala Lumpur. Samples were collected from 15 different locations, where Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) served as the centre point while other locations were located at specific distances from the centre. Surface soils and street dust were collected to detect the level of contamination based on five elements (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Fe). Results indicated that the metal distribution displayed a descending trend as follows: [Fe] > [Zn] > [Pb] > [Cu] > [Cd] and [Fe] > [Zn] > [Cu] > [Pb] > [Cd] in the surface soil and street dust samples, respectively. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) were calculated. Based on the Igeo index, Fe in both samples was found to cause no pollution in all study sites. In surface soils, CF showed all sites were contaminated with Cd in both soil and street dust. In conclusion, the soil sample was polluted with metals while no pollution was found in the street dust in all sites sampled. Further intensive studies are recommended in order to determine other factors which may cause contamination.
Water quality influences fish occurrence in peat swamp forest and its converted areas in north Selangor, Malaysia

Hussein Aliu Sule, Ahmad Ismail, Mohammad Noor Azmai Amal, Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli, Mohd Fauzul Aidil Mohd Roseli, Shamarina Shohaimi

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2589-2600.

Tropical peat swamp forest (PSF) is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. However, the impacts of
anthropogenic activities in PSF and its conversion area towards fish biodiversity are less understood. This study
investigates the influences of water physico-chemical parameters on fish occurrences in peat swamp, paddy field and
oil palm plantation in the North Selangor peat swamp forest (NSPSF), Selangor, Malaysia. Fish and water samples were
collected from four sites located in the peat swamps, while two sites were located in the paddy field and oil palm plantation
areas. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the associations between water qualities and fish occurrences in
the three habitats. A total of 1,382 individual fish, belonging to 10 families, 15 genera and 20 species were collected.
The family Cyprinidae had the highest representatives, followed by Bagridae and Osphronemidae. The most abundant
species was Barbonymus schwanefeldii (Bleeker 1854), while the least abundant was Wallago leerii Bleeker, 1851. The
paddy field and oil palm plantation area recorded significantly higher fish diversity and richness relative to peat swamp
(p<0.05). The water physico-chemical parameters, such as pH, DO, NH3
-N, PO4, SO4
, and Cl2 showed no significant
difference between paddy field and oil palm plantation (p>0.05), but was significantly different from the peat swamp
(p<0.05). However, no water quality parameter was consistently observed to be associated with fish occurrences in all
of the three habitats, but water temperature, NH3
-N, Cl2, SO4
, and EC were at least associated with fish occurrences in
two habitats studied. This study confirmed that each habitat possess different water quality parameters associated with
fish occurrences. Understanding all these ecological aspects could help future management and conservation of NSPSF.
Spatial distribution trend of plankton in sungai Pulai estuary, the straits of Johor, Malaysia

Zaleha Kassim, Kamaruzzaman Yunus, Jalal K, Ili Nabilah Jaafar, Nur Suhaila Nordin, Wan Muhamad Amir Wan Ahmad, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:1257-1262.

A spatial distribution study was carried out to investigate the influence of some environmental factors to planktons using collected samples from the Sungai Pulai estuary, near to the Singapore boarder. Six stations chosen for the field sampling were Port Tanjung Pelepas (S1), Tanjung Bin Charcoal Plant (S2), seagrasses of Pulau Merambong (S4) and SecondLink Bridge (S5) and mangrove areas (S3, S6). There is no significant difference of phytoplankton abundance (p>0.05) between stations. Instead, it differs significantly at the level of p<0.05; p= 0.0001 (Two tailed, t=14.10 df=34) between sampling session. In contrast, there is a significant difference of zooplankton abundance (p<0.05) in the sampling stations (χ2 = 17.3,(5)), but there is no significant difference (p>0.05; p=0.8966) between the sampling session (Two tailed, t=0.1310, df=34). Biplot analysis shows that most species are associated with the stations except for Protoperidinium sp., Lithodesmia sp. and Alexendrium sp. Copepod species including Microcalanus sp., Calanus sp. and Temora sp. are associated with S5. Paracalanus sp., Euterpina sp., Tigriopus sp., Oithona sp. and Pseudocalanus sp. are associated with S1, S2 and S4. The planktons are correlated with the temperature (Pearson’s correlation, r2=-0.897) and salinity (Pearson’s correlation, r2=0.9416) in March but no correlation is found in November sampling session. The results indicated the important role of certain environmental factors, namely the salinity and temperature to the distribution of the planktons in Sungai Pulai estuary.
Generation of human scFv-IgG1Fc antibodies for detection of lymphatic filarial recombinant antigens, BmR1 and BmSXP

Abdo AIK, Ngoh YY, Lew MH, Dass SA, Rahumatullah A, Noordin R, et al.

Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2022 Feb;69(1):70-76.
PMID: 33258152 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2082

Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected parasitic disease that affects millions in tropical and subtropical countries and is caused by Wuchereria and Brugia species. Specific and sensitive detection methods are essential in mapping infected areas where rapid tests are needed to cover underdeveloped and remote regions, which facilitates eliminating the disease as a public health problem. A few commercialized rapid tests based on antigen or antibody detection are available, but the former only detects infection by Wuchereria species and cross-reacts with nonlymphatic filaria, whereas antibody detection might provide positive results of previous infection. Here, we report the production of three different recombinant immunoglobulin gamma (IgG)1 antibodies based on scFvs previously generated via human antibody phage display technology, that is, anti-BmR1 clone 4, anti-BmXSP clone 5B, and anti-BmXSP clone 2H2. The scFv sequences were cloned into a pCMV-IgG1 vector, then transfected into a HEK293F cell line. The generated antibodies were found to be able to bind to their respective targets even at relatively low concentration. Conjugation of Fc to scFv induces binder stability and provides multiple labeling sites for probes and signaling molecules that can be used in rapid tests.
Impact of sand bund removal on seagrass ecosystems: A study of macrobenthic community structure and correlation with macrophytes cover and sediments

Khairun Waheeda AI, Teh JC, Arshad A, Wong NLWS

Mar Pollut Bull, 2023 Jul;192:115111.
PMID: 37295254 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115111

This study investigated the impacts of the removal of sand bund on the macrobenthos community structure, seagrass cover, and sediment particle size in Merambong Shoal, Malaysia. The reclamation project deposited sand bund in the middle of Merambong seagrass shoal, resulting in its division into northern (NS) and southern (SS) halves. Ecosystem changes were monitored over a 31-month period using the transect lines method. Bi-monthly samples were collected for assessment. The results revealed a substantial decline in macrobenthos densities compared to previous studies. However, after the removal of the sand bund, there was a significant increase in macrobenthos density, specifically Polychaeta and Malacostraca, at NS. Seagrass cover at NS was initially lower than SS but showed an increase after the complete removal of the sand blockage. Sediment particle analysis reported a higher silt percentage at NS, indicating greater sedimentation at NS, which was partially sheltered from wave actions.
Understanding The Mimicker: Epidemiological Pattern and Determinant of Melioidosis Mortality in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Md Hanif SA, Hassan MR, Rafi'i MR, Abdul Halim AFN, Ahmad Zamzuri M'I, Ismail M, et al.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2024 May 06;18(5):e0012147.
PMID: 38709822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012147

BACKGROUND: Melioidosis, a tropical infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is epidemic in most region in Southeast Asia with high case fatality. However, there is scanty information regarding the disease's epidemiological pattern, demographics, and underlying risk factors.
METHOD: This 5-year retrospective study of 185 confirmed cases which were taken from the Negeri Sembilan Melioidosis Registry between 2018 and 2022. We aim to describe the incidence, mortality rate, case fatality, relationship with meteorology, and factors that influence mortality in this central region of Peninsular Malaysia.
RESULTS: Incidence rate (IR) of melioidosis in Negeri Sembilan is varied at 1.9 to 5.1 with mean of 3.1 in 100,000 population per year. IR varied between districts in the state from zero to 22.01 in 100,000 population per year. Mortality rate were ranged from 0.17 to 0.74 cases with mean of 0.44 cases in 100,000 population per year. The case fatality rate of this state scattered from 8.70% to 16.67%. There were no significant linear associations between cases and deaths with monthly rainfall and humidity. The mean age of patients was 52.8 years, predominated with age around 41-60 years old. Males (77.8%) predominated, and the majority of cases were Malays (88.9%) and had exposed to soil related activities (74.6%). Mortality from melioidosis was more likely in Bumiputera and non-Malaysians (p<0.05). Patients who had at least one comorbidity were at a higher risk of death from melioidosis (p<0.05). Diabetes mellitus was found in 41.1% of all identified cases, making it a major underlying risk factor for both developing and dying from melioidosis (aOR:19.32, 95%CI:1.91-195.59, p<0.05). Hypertension and mortality status in melioidosis are also significantly correlated (aOR: 7.75, 95% CI: 2.26-26.61, p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The epidemiological patterns of cases reported from Negeri Sembilan are consistent for the most part from previous studies in other states in Malaysia and global with regard to its incidence, case fatality, demographic and predisposing chronic diseases. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were significantly linked to increased mortality among all determinants.
Fulltext Malignancy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients

Cader RA, Mei Yee AK, Yassin A, Ahmad I, Haron SN

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Dec 25;19(12):3551-3555.
PMID: 30583682

Background: Malignancies are among the leading causes of death in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
patients with studies reporting a higher prevalence of malignancy in SLE patients compared to the general population.
We wanted to determine the frequency of cancer in a cohort of SLE patients and identify its associated risk factors.
Methods: Cross-sectional study involving SLE patients attending the nephrology outpatient clinic, Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre between January and June 2014. Results: We recruited 228 patients (207 female,
21 male), aged 40.48 ± 12.86 years with mean SLE duration of 11.65 ± 6.46 years. Majority (87%) had lupus nephritis
and were in remission with a median SLEDAI score 2 (0, 14). Majority (89%) were on corticosteroid with either a
steroid sparing agent like mycophenolate mofetil (15.4%), azathioprine (36.8%) or ciclosporin (15.4%). One hundred
and sixty (70.2%) patients were either receiving or had received intravenous cyclophosphamide with median dose
of 5,173.6 ± 3,242.4 mg. Seven female patients were diagnosed with cancer during the course of their SLE with 56
(34-78) years being median age at malignancy and SLE duration of 4 (0-12) years. Majority (5/7) had lupus nephritis
and all patients a median dose of prednisolone 10 (2.5, 10) mg with 10 (4-24) years of steroids. Two patients had a
family history of cancer with majority developing cancer after the diagnosis of SLE. Two patients received intravenous
cyclophosphamide prior to the development of cancer for their SLE compared to overall cohort of 160. Three patients
had colorectal cancer, 2 had cervical cancer, 1 had breast cancer, and one patient had germ cell tumour and one thyroid
cancer. All patients had their cancer successful treated with no signs of recurrence. Conclusion: We found a lower
occurrence of cancer in our SLE patients as compared with the reported literature.

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