This study aimed to determine the protective effects of CO pulp and kernel oils supplementation to normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Rabbits from the treatment groups were supplemented with CO pulp and kernel oils for four weeks. Bloods were drawn from all experimental groups at baseline and fourth week to determine protective effects of CO oils supplementation on plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and catalase (CAT) activity. Liver function tests (ALT, AST, and GGT activities) were also determined for all the groups. The results showed that CO oil supplementation increased plasma TAS in both normal and hypercholesterolemic groups. Plasma CAT activities in the hypercholesterolemic groups supplemented with CO oils were significantly reduced but not for the normocholesterolemic groups. Significant reduction of plasma AST was observed for the hypercholesterolemic rabbits given CO pulp and kernel oils compared with the hypercholesterolemic control rabbits, but not for plasma ALT and GGT. In the normocholesterolemic rabbits, CO pulp oil had caused a significant elevation of plasma ALT, AST, and GGT levels as compared to the negative control rabbits. Therefore, CO pulp and kernel oils are somehow not hepatotoxic, and the oils are potent functional foods.
This study aimed to optimise potential extraction conditions using response surface methodology (RSM) for yielding maximum levels of total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) scavenging capacity of henna (Lawsonia inermis) stems. The ranges for selected independent variables, namely acetone concentration (20−90%, v/v), extraction time (10−90 min), and extraction temperature (25−45°C) were identified by screening tests. Optimum conditions obtained for extraction of TPC were 47.0% acetone, extraction time of 47.6 min and extraction temperature of 37.3oC. The result also showed that 75.8% acetone, extraction time of 26.2 min and extraction temperature of 41oC yielded the highest DPPH• scavenging capacity. The optimized extraction conditions have resulted in TPC and DPPH• scavenging capacity of 5232.4 mg GAE/100 g DW and 6085.7 mg TE/100 g DW, respectively which similar to the predicted values. Therefore, RSM has successfully optimized the extraction conditions for TPC and radical scavenging capacity of henna stems.
The present work was aimed to optimise the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of dabai oil
from dabai pulp and defatted pulp using RSM in comparison with hexane extraction method.
Fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of the extracted dabai oil were also determined.
Optimal RSM conditions were 36 MPa pressure, 40°C temperature and 21 min of extraction
time. The extracted yields ranged between 14.13% and 15.42%. Supercritical carbon dioxide
extracted oils had lower total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidative activities than the
hexane-extracted oils. High-performance liquid chromatography results showed that only
vanillic, protocatechuic and gallic acids were identified in both hexane and supercritical carbon
dioxide extracted oils of defatted dabai pulp. The total saturated fatty acids were higher in
hexane-extracted dabai oil as compared to the supercritical carbon dioxide extracted oil, and
vice versa for the unsaturated fatty acid. Although supercritical carbon dioxide extracted dabai
oils are inferior to the hexane-extracted oils, they are preferred as they are extracted using
green technology.
The aim of this study was to determine the daidzein and genistein contents in Mangifera fruits. Three Mangifera species namely 'bacang' (Mangifera foetida), 'kuini' (M. odorata) and 'bambangan' (M. pajang) each from two different locations were selected. The extraction of isoflavones was carried out at 80oC for 30, 60 and 90 min. HPLC method was performed with a flow rate of 1.00 ml/min using three different separation columns to determine isoflavone contents. The Zorbax Eclipse RP C18 reverse-phase column was found to give the best resolution for isoflavone separation in Mangifera fruits. Moreover, extraction time of 90 min was found to increase the isoflavone aglycone contents. At optimised condition, 'kuini'' had relatively high daidzein (9.4-10.5 mg/100 g) and genistein (1.6-1.7 mg/100 g) contents. Daidzein content of 'bambangan' (8.3-8.7 mg/100 g) was higher than 'bacang', but the genistein content of 'bambangan' (0.4-0.6 mg/100 g) was similar to that of 'bacang' (0.4-0.8 mg/100 g). However, there was a variation in daidzein and genistein contents in Mangifera fruits between two geographical locations.
This study was conducted to determine the cholesterol and alpha-tocopherol contents of 20 marine fish and four other seafood from the Straits of Malacca. Cholesterol and alphatocopherol contents of the fish and other seafood were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that most of the fish contained low amounts of cholesterol, except sixbar grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus), long-tailed butterfly ray (Gymnura sp.), yellowstripe scad (Selaroides leptolepis), cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), large-scale tongue sole (Cynoglossus arel), and longtail shad (Hilsa macrura) that contained high amounts of cholesterol (119.39-353.97 mg/100 g wet samples). Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), giant seaperch (Lates calcarifer), prawn (Metapenaeus affinis), and moonfish (Trachinotus blochii) had high alpha-tocopherol contents (462-989 μg/100 g wet sample). Regular consumption of fish and other seafood is highly recommended partly due to the high alphatocopherol content. Due to the high cholesterol in certain types of fish, consumption of the fish fillets of sixbar grouper, long-tailed butterfly ray, yellowstripe scad, cuttlefish, and large scale tongue sole should be < 100 g per day and < 50 per day for longtail shad. Validation of the analytical method also showed a high accuracy and reproducibility of the HPLC method.
Percentage depth doses for 6 and 10 MV x-ray beams from a linear accelerator were measured using approximately 1 cm long (approximately 0.3 mg) Ge-doped optical fibre as a thermoluminescence dosimeter for two field sizes, 5 x 5 and 10 x 10 cm2. The results indicate that the Ge-doped optical fibre dosimeter is in good agreement with the results from a PTW 30001 cylindrical ionisation chamber and TLD-100. For 6 MV x-ray beams we observe that the depth of maximum dose d(max) is 1.5 and 2 cm for field sizes of 5 x 5 and 10 x 10 cm2 respectively. For 10 MV d(max) is 2 cm for a field size of 5 x 5 cm2 and 2.5 cm for a 10 x 10 cm2 field.
Marine biofouling causes problems to marine structure and obstructs condenser tubes in cooling systems which use sea water as the coolant. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the seasonal ecology of biofouling organisms such as the green mussel, Perna viridis, the dominant fouling species in the Eastern Johore Straits at the Senoko Power Station. The spawning time and its relationship with environmental conditions were studied. The physical, chemical and biological conditions of the sea at Senoko were monitored for a year. Settling slides were used to study the fouling succession in different monsoon seasons. The study showed that there were two main spawning peaks for the green mussel and that these peaks occurred during the intermonsoon months of November and April. These peaks were also correlated with the bimodal patterns for salinity, dissolved oxyen, bivalve veliger larval density and total plankton biomass of the Eastern Johore Strait water. Succession patterns were similar during the two monsoon seasons, however, the rate of fouling was probably greater during the southwest monsoon months. It is therefore advisable that the control or reduction of biofouling in Eastern Johore Strait should take into account the seasonal fluctuations and spawning of the fouling organisms.
The clinical syndrome of dialysis encephalopathy which has been observed all over the world has also been seen here. The clinical syndrome and clinical course are reported; it has been associated with high levels of aluminium in untreated water used for haemodialysis. Since the introduction of water treatment, this disease has not been observed.
Patients with breast cancer normally present with breast lump or abnormal mammogram. Dermatomyositis is rarely the first presentation. We present a case of a 63-year-old woman who had generalised dermatitis, progressive fatigue and muscle weakness. She was first diagnosed as dermatomyositis and subsequently breast cancer. Her rash and muscle weakness progressed drastically over a month. Tumescent mastectomy and axillary surgery was performed, which led to gradual regression of her dermatomyositis over six months. This case report emphasized in the benefit of early diagnosis and treatment of dermatomyositis and breast cancer. Pros and cons of tumescent mastectomy is discussed as well.
The recommended test guidelines for Zika virus (ZIKV) include using both molecular and serological tools. While the molecular tools are useful for detecting acute infection, the serological tools are useful for the detection of previous infections. Nevertheless, detection of ZIKV-specific antibodies remains a challenge due to the high cross-reactivity between ZIKV and other flaviviruses such as dengue virus (DENV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The objective of this study is to evaluate the commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of ZIKV IgG. In this study, we evaluated 6 commercially available anti-ZIKV IgG ELISA kits. Pre-characterized serum panels consisting of 70 sera were selected for the evaluation. The diagnostic accuracy of each ELISA kits was determined and compared to the gold standard, Foci Reduction Neutralization Test (FRNT). The present study established that the performance of the NS1-based anti-ZIKV IgG ELISA kit was superior to that which uses of the E protein as antigen. Overall, commercial ZIKV IgG ELISA showed varying test performances, with some achieving moderate to high test sensitivities and specificities. When compared against the FRNT, the test sensitivities ranged from 7.1% to 78.6%, whereas, the test specificities ranged from 40.0% to 100%. Limitation to the study includes the cross reactivity between flavivirus and specificity of the kit in addressing the cross reactivity.
Levonorgestrel (LNG) is a well-known safe and efficacious emergency contraception (EC). However, ectopic pregnancy following the failure of LNG-only EC has been reported. The exact incidence of ectopic pregnancy has been hindered by lack of data due to the fact that LNG-only EC is accessible at pharmacies without a prescription. We describe a case of ectopic pregnancy in an 18 year-old single woman who took LNG-only EC within 48 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. She presented to the emergency department at 8 weeks period of amenorrhoea with an acute abdomen and hypovolaemic shock. Laparotomy confirmed a ruptured right tubal pregnancy and salpingectomy was performed. The patient was discharged well after 2 days. We aim to highlight this potential adverse effect and to discuss the plausible causality of ectopic pregnancy following administration of LNG-only EC.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy (LRPN) is a technically demanding kidney surgery due to the limited space and unfamiliar approach in the retroperitoneal space. The aim of this study is to review the outcome of our initial experience in performing this procedure. All patients who underwent LRPN between 2019 to 2022 were included in this retrospective review. A total of 23 patients underwent LRPN. The mean operating time was 178±43 minutes and mean warm ischemia time was 20±5 minutes. The average estimated blood lost was 89±68ml and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.6±0.8 days. Two patients (11.1%) had positive margin and no local recurrence was seen after mean follow up of 15.8±12.0 months. Our initial experience on LRPN showed promising results to perform partial nephrectomy safely and effectively.
1 Candoxin (MW 7334.6), a novel toxin isolated from the venom of the Malayan krait Bungarus candidus, belongs to the poorly characterized subfamily of nonconventional three-finger toxins present in Elapid venoms. The current study details the pharmacological effects of candoxin at the neuromuscular junction. 2 Candoxin produces a novel pattern of neuromuscular blockade in isolated nerve-muscle preparations and the tibialis anterior muscle of anaesthetized rats. In contrast to the virtually irreversible postsynaptic neuromuscular blockade produced by curaremimetic alpha-neurotoxins, the neuromuscular blockade produced by candoxin was rapidly and completely reversed by washing or by the addition of the anticholinesterase neostigmine. 3 Candoxin also produced significant train-of-four fade during the onset of and recovery from neuromuscular blockade, both, in vitro and in vivo. The fade phenomenon has been attributed to a blockade of putative presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that mediate a positive feedback mechanism and maintain adequate transmitter release during rapid repetitive stimulation. In this respect, candoxin closely resembles the neuromuscular blocking effects of d-tubocurarine, and differs markedly from curaremimetic alpha-neurotoxins that produce little or no fade. 4 Electrophysiological experiments confirmed that candoxin produced a readily reversible blockade (IC(50) approximately 10 nM) of oocyte-expressed muscle (alphabetagammadelta) nAChRs. Like alpha-conotoxin MI, well known for its preferential binding to the alpha/delta interface of the muscle (alphabetagammadelta) nAChR, candoxin also demonstrated a biphasic concentration-response inhibition curve with a high- (IC(50) approximately 2.2 nM) and a low- (IC(50) approximately 98 nM) affinity component, suggesting that it may exhibit differential affinities for the two binding sites on the muscle (alphabetagammadelta) receptor. In contrast, curaremimetic alpha-neurotoxins have been reported to antagonize both binding sites with equal affinity.
The indigenous community in Malaysia also known as Orang Asli have preserved their unique cultural identity in the face of rapid national development and modernization efforts. Over the years, poverty alleviation has become a central pillar of Malaysia development. In this review, seroprevalence report from the Orang Asli and their health status about neglected tropical diseases were collated and analyzed. The review will show the potential areas of research for future development. Specifically, the review will cover a 12-year period preceding the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, offering critical insights into the community health landscape. In depth discussion on the unique impact of the pandemic covering healthcare access, socioeconomic dynamics and community resilience. Analysis revealed the burden of parasitism is high in the community and the sustainability of certain basic access such as clean water and education remains a challenge. Different approaches to improve future intervention strategies were also discussed. The review can contribute to essential knowledge for policymakers, researchers, healthcare providers interested in enhancing the well-being of the Orang Asli community.
Serological evidence has shown the presence of several mosquito-borne arbovirus infections among the inhabitants of the forest fringe areas of the tropics. Among these infections, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika fever could be targeted for vaccination to overcome severe infection and limit the disease transmission. Seroprevalence data among this high-risk population are needed to provide an estimate of the potential cost-effectiveness of any vaccine programme targeting these infections. The present study was conducted at six indigenous people (Orang Asli) villages and FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) settlements located at the forest fringes of Malaysia. All participants consented and provided blood samples and demographic data for the study. The blood samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV individually using ELISA. Results obtained were also analysed to determine the predictors for CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV seropositivity. Among the 585 samples tested, 33.0% (N=193), 41.7% (N=244), 10.3% (N=60) and 21.0% (N=123) were positive for CHIKV IgG, DENV IgG, JEV IgG and ZIKV IgG, respectively. Approximately one-third (N=220, 37.6%) of the participants were tested negative for IgG antibodies against all four arboviruses. Age of participants and type of settlement were found to be a significant predictor for CHIKV, DENV, JEV and ZIKV seropositivity. Level of education was a significant predictor for CHIKV, DENV and ZIKV seropositivity. Gender, however, was not found to be a significant predictor for infection with any of these viruses. These findings reaffirmed the significant presence of infection involving these major arboviruses among the group of people living within the forest fringe areas of Peninsular Malaysia. Hence, any future consideration of vaccination for these infections must take into consideration the marginalized and underserved communities living at the forest fringe areas of the tropics where these infections are present.