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Review: the Multiple Roles of Monocytic Microparticles

Halim AT, Ariffin NA, Azlan M

Inflammation, 2016 Aug;39(4):1277-84.
PMID: 27216803 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-016-0381-8

Monocytic microparticles (mMP) are microparticles derived from human monocytes either under in vivo or in vitro conditions. The size of mMP is between 0.1 and 1.0 μm. Apart from the size range, mMPs are also identified based on phosphatidylserine and CD14 expression on their surface, though this is not always the case. Monocytic MP are critical players in inflammation, endothelial cell function, and blood coagulation. They exhibit dual function by either helping the progression of such conditions or limiting it, depending on certain factors. Furthermore, the numbers of mMP are elevated in some autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders. However, it is unknown whether mMP play an active role in these diseases or are simply biomarkers. The mechanism of mMP modulation is yet to be identified. In this review, we highlight the mechanism of mMP formation and the roles that they play in inflammation, blood coagulation, and different disease settings.
Fulltext A neonate with ectodermal dysplasia ectrodactyly clefting syndrome and ventricular septal defect

Ram SP, Noor AR, Ariffin WA, Ariffin NA

Singapore Med J, 1994 Apr;35(2):205-7.
PMID: 7939823

A 37-week gestation male boy was born to a gravida seven para six mother by spontaneous vertex delivery at home. The baby cried at birth. On day 3 of life, he was admitted for respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed ectrodactyly, thin dry skin, anomalous tear duct with cardiomegaly. X-ray revealed absent radii, cardiomegaly and hemivertebra at L1. Echocardiogram revealed perimembranous type of ventricular septal defect. A diagnosis of Ectodermal Dysplasia Ectrodactyly Clefting Syndrome with ventricular septal defect was made. He was managed conservatively in the nursery. However, he expired on day 27 of life following short spell of fever apnoeic episode due to neonatal sepsis.
Fulltext Efficacy of multigrain supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pilot study protocol for a randomized intervention trial

Mohd Ariffin NA, Mohd Sopian M, Lee LK

World J Diabetes, 2023 May 15;14(5):606-616.
PMID: 37273251 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i5.606

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may lead to microvascular complications (nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy) and cardiovascular diseases. The beta-glucan content in grains has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity, lowering postprandial glucose response and reducing inflammation degrees. A proper combination of grains not only satisfies human body's need, but also provides essential and reasonable nutritional contents. However, no trial has been conducted to evaluate the roles of multigrain in T2DM.
AIM: To determine the efficacy of multigrain supplementation among T2DM patients.
METHODS: From October 2020 to June 2021, a total of 50 adults living with T2DM, who were receiving standard diabetes care at Day Care Clinic, were randomized into either a supplementation group or a control group. The supplementation group received twice daily 30 g multigrain supplement (equivalent to 3.4 g beta-glucan) with standard medication for 12 wk, while the control group was prescribed with standard medication. Parameters such as glycemic control (HbA1c, FPG, and HOMO-IR), cardiometabolic profile (lipid profile, renal function test, and liver function test), oxidative stress status, nutritional status, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed at two time points: Baseline and the end of the treatment period (week 12).
RESULTS: The primary outcomes were the mean difference of glycated haemoglobin (%), fasting plasma glucose, and serum insulin as intervention effects. Secondary outcomes included the measurement of cardiometabolic profile, antioxidative and oxidative stress status, nutritional status indices, and QoL. Tertiary outcomes involved the determination of safety and tolerability, and supplementation compliance.
CONCLUSION: The present clinical trial will reveal the effectiveness of multigrain supplementation among T2DM patients for the improvement of diabetes management.
Fulltext Do Science and Social Science Differ? Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) of the Willingness to Continue Online Learning

Ngah AH, Kamalrulzaman NI, Mohamad MFH, Abdul Rashid R, Harun NO, Ariffin NA, et al.

Qual Quant, 2022 Aug 10.
PMID: 35971418 DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01465-y

Without proper preparation by higher institutions, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to rely on online learning. Even students of social science and science are looking for different knowledge and skills. Currently, both groups rely on the same method to gather knowledge for future undertakings. Given the uncertainty regarding the resolution of COVID-19, which has driven students to continue using online learning, the current study aims to identify the factors of willingness to continue online learning among social science and pure science students by extending the use of expectation-confirmation theory. Applying a purposive sampling method, 2,215 questionnaires were collected among undergraduate students from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) using an online survey. Current study found that expectation and confirmation positively affect satisfaction. Attitude, satisfaction and readiness were found to have a positive relationship with willingness to continue online learning. Meanwhile, self-efficacy was found unsupported hypothesis for the direct effect. For multigroup analysis, readiness was found to have a significant difference between students of social science and pure science. The findings of this research enrich the literature about online learning, especially in the COVID-19 setting. Moreover, this work is useful for higher education institutions seeking to design a better strategy that allows students to return to campus.