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Drivers of food waste generation: Case study of island-based hotels in Langkawi, Malaysia

Kasavan S, Mohamed AF, Abdul Halim S

Waste Manag, 2019 May 15;91:72-79.
PMID: 31203944 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.04.055

Food waste (FW) generation from hotel operations have a significant negative impact on the environment, society and economy. Hence, the urgent need to introduce sustainable food management to reduce both FW and operational costs in hotels. The aim of this paper is to identify the drivers of FW generation and barriers to sustainable food waste management (SFWM) in island based hotels. The data were collected using in-depth interview coupled with the observations conducted at 23 selected hoteliers in Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Based on the analysis, using qualitative content analysis (QCA), eight FW drivers were identified and the drivers were classified into three categories of factors, mainly internal, external and intermediate influence. There are four FW drivers identified as internal factors that influenced the implementation of food waste management namely (1) poor hotel management and policies, (2) lack of skills in food preparation, (3) lack of facilities and FW technology and (4) non-implementation of waste audit and waste separation. For external factors, there are two FW drivers, including (5) unsustainable food consumption patterns of the customers and (6) risk of food ingredients spoilage. As for intermediate factors, two FW drivers were identified, which are (7) ineffective communication and (8) inadequate education and awareness. Findings from this study contribute towards a better understanding on the complexity of FW issues, particularly for island-based hotel sector. It was also suggested that a holistic approach with multi-stakeholders is crucial to reduce food wastage towards achieving SFWM.
Health impact assessment from building life cycles and trace metals in coarse particulate matter in urban office environments

Othman M, Latif MT, Mohamed AF

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2018 Feb;148:293-302.
PMID: 29080527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.10.034

This study intends to determine the health impacts from two office life cycles (St.1 and St.2) using life cycle assessment (LCA) and health risk assessment of indoor metals in coarse particulates (particulate matter with diameters of less than 10µm). The first building (St.1) is located in the city centre and the second building (St.2) is located within a new development 7km away from the city centre. All life cycle stages are considered and was analysed using SimaPro software. The trace metal concentrations were determined by inductively couple plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Particle deposition in the human lung was estimated using the multiple-path particle dosimetry model (MPPD). The results showed that the total human health impact for St.1 (0.027 DALY m-2) was higher than St.2 (0.005 DALY m-2) for a 50-year lifespan, with the highest contribution from the operational phase. The potential health risk to indoor workers was quantified as a hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic elements, where the total values for ingestion contact were 4.38E-08 (St.1) and 2.59E-08 (St.2) while for dermal contact the values were 5.12E-09 (St.1) and 2.58E-09 (St.2). For the carcinogenic risk, the values for dermal and ingestion routes for both St.1 and St.2 were lower than the acceptable limit which indicated no carcinogenic risk. Particle deposition for coarse particles in indoor workers was concentrated in the head, followed by the pulmonary region and tracheobronchial tract deposition. The results from this study showed that human health can be significantly affected by all the processes in office building life cycle, thus the minimisation of energy consumption and pollutant exposures are crucially required.
Evaluation of Practicing sustainable Industrial Solid Waste Minimization by Manufacturing Firms in Malaysia: Strengths and Weaknesses

Mallak SK, Bakri Ishak M, Mohamed AF

J Air Waste Manag Assoc, 2016 Sep 13.
PMID: 27624195 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2016.1221366

Malaysia is facing an increasing trend in industrial solid waste generation due to industrial development.Thus there is a paramount need in taking a serious action to move toward sustainable industrial waste management. The main aim of this study is to assess practicing solid waste minimization by manufacturing firms in Shah Alam industrial state, Malaysia. This paper presents a series of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis regarding the level and effects of practicing waste minimization methods, and seriousness of barriers preventing industries from practicing waste minimization methods. For this purpose the survey questions were designed such that both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structures interview) data were collected concurrently. Analysis showed that, the majority of firms (92%) dispose their wastes rather than practice other sustainable waste management options. Also waste minimization methods such as segregation of wastes, on-site recycle and reuse, improve housekeeping and equipment modification were found to have significant contribution in waste reduction (p<0.05). Lack of expertise (M=3.50), lack of enough information (M= 3.54), lack of equipment modification (M= 3.16) and lack of specific waste minimization guidelines (M=3.49) have higher mean scores comparing with other barriers in different categories. These data were interpreted for elaborating of SWOT and TOWS matrix to highlight strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. Accordingly, ten policies were recommended for improvement of practicing waste minimization by manufacturing firms as the main aim of this research. Implications This manuscript critically analysis waste minimization practices by manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis were conducted to formulate SWOT and TOWS matrix in order to recommend policies and strategies for improvement of solid waste minimization by manufacturing industries. The results contribute to the knowledge and the findings of this study provide a useful baseline information and data on industrial solid waste generation and waste minimization practice.
Toward sustainable solid waste minimization by manufacturing firms in Malaysia: strengths and weaknesses

Mallak SK, Ishak MB, Mohamed AF, Iranmanesh M

Environ Monit Assess, 2018 Sep 06;190(10):575.
PMID: 30191321 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6935-5

Malaysia is facing an increasing trend in industrial solid waste generation due to industrial development. Thus, there is a paramount need in taking practical actions and measurements to move toward sustainable industrial waste management. The main aim of this study is to assess practicing solid waste minimization by manufacturing firms. Analysis showed that majority of firms (92%) dispose of their wastes rather than utilize other sustainable waste management options. Also, waste minimization methods such as segregation of wastes, on-site recycle and reuse, improved housekeeping, and equipment modification were found to have significant contribution to waste reduction (p
Fulltext COVID-19 pandemic: determinants of workplace preventive practice among primary healthcare workers in Sabah, Malaysia

Jiee SF, Jantim A, Mohamed AF, Emiral ME

J Prev Med Hyg, 2021 Sep;62(3):E605-E612.
PMID: 34909486 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.3.2031

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has placed the entire world, including Malaysia in a state of fear. The rising burden on healthcare facilities has put healthcare workers consistently at risk of healthcare-associated infection. We sought to identify determinants of preventive practice against COVID-19 at work among primary healthcare professionals in Sabah, Malaysia.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study involving healthcare workers of the Penampang and Putatan districts of Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 167 health professionals from primary healthcare settings took part in this study via a self-administered questionnaire from November 2020 until January 2021. Independent t-test and Analysis of Variance were used to determine differences in preventive practice for categorical independent variables. Pearson product-moment correlation was applied to assess the relationship between Job Satisfaction, burnout, and preventive practice. Subsequently, predictors of preventive practice at work among healthcare workers in Sabah were identified through Binomial Logistic Regression.
Results: The prevalence of good preventive practice among health professionals at work was 71.3%. There was no difference in preventive practice between professions. Almost all participants reported having good personal protective equipment compliance and hand hygiene practice at work. Marital status (AOR = 4.170, 95% CI = 1.787, 9.733; p = 0.001), average sleep hours (AOR = 1.775, 95% CI = 1.144, 2.754; p = 0.01), and pandemic-related burnout (AOR = 0.905, 95% CI = 0.847, 0.967; p = 0.003) were identified as significant predictors of preventive practice at primary healthcare facilities.
Conclusions: The outcome of this study is beneficial to the healthcare organization. It can serve as a useful guide to tackle issues related to poor preventive practice against COVID-19 at work for health professionals.
Dynamic interaction of colistin and meropenem on a WT and a resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as quantified in a PK/PD model

Mohamed AF, Kristoffersson AN, Karvanen M, Nielsen EI, Cars O, Friberg LE

J Antimicrob Chemother, 2016 May;71(5):1279-90.
PMID: 26850719 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkv488

Combination therapy can be a strategy to ensure effective bacterial killing when treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium with high potential for developing resistance. The aim of this study was to develop a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model that describes the in vitro bacterial time-kill curves of colistin and meropenem alone and in combination for one WT and one meropenem-resistant strain of P. aeruginosa.
Fulltext Spatial pattern of dengue cases: An analysis in Bangi District, Selangor, Malaysia

Abd Majid N, Rainis R, Sahani M, Mohamed AF, Abdul Ghani Aziz SA, Muhamad Nazi N

Geospat Health, 2021 03 11;16(1).
PMID: 33706498 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2021.915

In recent decades, dengue outbreaks have become increasingly common around the developing countries, including Malaysia. Thus, it is essential for rural as well as urbanised livelihood to understand the distribution pattern of this infection. The objective of this study is to determine the trend of dengue cases reported from the year 2014 to 2018 and the spatial pattern for this spread. Spatial statistical analyses conducted found that the distribution pattern and spatial mean centre for dengue cases were clustered in the eastern part of the Bangi region. Directional distribution observed that the elongated polygon of dengue cluster stretched from the Northeast to the Southwest of Bangi District. The standard distance observed for dengue cases was smallest in the year 2014 (0.017 m), and largest in 2016 (0.019 m), whereas in the year 2015, 2017 and 2018, it measured 0.018 m. The average nearest neighbour analysis also displayed clustered patterns for dengue cases in the Bangi District. The three spatial statistical analyses (spatial mean centre, standard distance and directional distribution) findings illustrate that the dengue cases from the year 2014 to 2018 are clustered in the Northeast to the Southwest of the study region.
Colistin-associated nephrotoxicity among patients in intensive care units (ICU) of hospitals in Selangor

Rashizal Sazli MR, Syed Mohamed AF, Wan Mazuan WM, Ling SM, Mahmud A, Amin Nordin S

Med J Malaysia, 2017 04;72(2):100-105.
PMID: 28473672 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: The increasing trend of extensively drugresistant gram negative bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections has prompted resurgence colistin usage. Colistin-induced nephrotoxicity is a concern with disparity in the reported rates between previous studies. This study aims to evaluate colistin-induced nephrotoxicity among Malaysian population.
METHODS: The medical records of ICU patients receiving colistin therapy in Hospital Serdang and Hospital Sungai Buloh from 2010 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics data, treatment characteristic as well as culture result and creatinine level were documented. Nephrotoxicity was determined based on RIFLE criteria.
RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included. Median daily dose, cumulative dose and duration of colistin therapy were 3.0 MIU (IQR: 4, range 1-12), 17.8 MIU (IQR: 31.5, range 2-180) and seven days (IQR: 4, range 1-30). Nephrotoxicity was found in 23% of the study population. All cases were reversible but marginally associated with higher mortality. No statistical association exist between age, gender and race as well as administration routes with nephrotoxicity by univariable analysis. The association of dose and duration with nephrotoxicity was also not significant by univariable analysis. After adjustment for confounders, statistical association between the independent variables and dependent variable remains not significant.
CONCLUSION: Lower dose and shorter duration in local settings contribute to lack of association between colistin therapy and nephrotoxicity in this study. Higher dosing regimen with loading dose application has been introduced in the latest National Antibiotic Guideline. Further evaluation of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity and potential risk factors is therefore warranted.
Fulltext Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa's pharmacological properties and health effects: A scoping review of current evidence

Lim XY, Tan TYC, Muhd Rosli SH, Sa'at MNF, Sirdar Ali S, Syed Mohamed AF

PLoS One, 2021;16(1):e0245471.
PMID: 33465140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245471

INTRODUCTION: Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa), commonly used for industrial purposes, is now being consumed by the public for various health promoting effects. As popularity of hemp research and claims of beneficial effects rises, a systematic collection of current scientific evidence on hemp's health effects and pharmacological properties is needed to guide future research, clinical, and policy decision making.
OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview and identify the present landscape of hemp research topics, trends, and gaps.
METHODS: A systematic search and analysis strategy according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis-ScR (PRISMA-ScR) checklist on electronic databases including MEDLINE, OVID (OVFT, APC Journal Club, EBM Reviews), Cochrane Library Central and Clinicaltrials.gov was conducted to include and analyse hemp research articles from 2009 to 2019.
RESULTS: 65 primary articles (18 clinical, 47 pre-clinical) were reviewed. Several randomised controlled trials showed hempseed pills (in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation MaZiRenWan) improving spontaneous bowel movement in functional constipation. There was also evidence suggesting benefits in cannabis dependence, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders. Pre-clinically, hemp derivatives showed potential anti-oxidative, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-neuroinflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-acne, and anti-microbial activities. Renal protective effects and estrogenic properties were also exhibited in vitro.
CONCLUSION: Current evidence on hemp-specific interventions are still preliminary, with limited high quality clinical evidence for any specific therapeutic indication. This is mainly due to the wide variation in test item formulation, as the multiple variants of this plant differ in their phytochemical and bioactive compounds. Future empirical research should focus on standardising the hemp plant for pharmaceutical use, and uniformity in experimental designs to strengthen the premise of using hemp in medicine.
Fulltext Neurological Applications of Celery (Apium graveolens): A Scoping Review

Tan TYC, Lim XY, Norahmad NA, Chanthira Kumar H, Teh BP, Lai NM, et al.

Molecules, 2023 Aug 02;28(15).
PMID: 37570794 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155824

Apium graveolens is an indigenous plant in the family Apiaceae, or Umbelliferae, that contains many active compounds. It has been used traditionally to treat arthritic conditions, gout, and urinary infections. The authors conducted a scoping review to assess the quality of available evidence on the overall effects of celery when treating neurological disorders. A systematic search was performed using predetermined keywords in selected electronic databases. The 26 articles included upon screening consisted of 19 in vivo studies, 1 published clinical trial, 4 in vitro studies and 2 studies comprising both in vivo and in vitro methods. A. graveolens and its bioactive phytoconstituent, 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), have demonstrated their effect on neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke-related neurological complications, depression, diabetes-related neurological complications, and epilepsy. The safety findings were minimal, showing that NBP is safe for up to 18 weeks at 15 mg/kg in animal studies, while there were adverse effects (7%) reported when consuming NBP for 24 weeks at 600 mg daily in human trials. In conclusion, the safety of A. graveolens extract and NBP can be further investigated clinically on different neurological disorders based on their potential role in different targeted pathways.
Inhibitory effect of food-functioned phytochemicals on dysregulated inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2: a mechanistic review

Jantan I, Norahmad NA, Yuandani, Haque MA, Mohamed-Hussein ZA, Mohd Abd Razak MR, et al.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2024 Apr 15.
PMID: 38619217 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2341266

Inflammatory cascades of the dysregulated inflammatory pathways in COVID-19 can cause excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines leading to cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). The molecular cascades involved in the pathways may be targeted for discovery of new anti-inflammatory agents. Many plant extracts have been used clinically in the management of COVID-19, however, their immunosuppressive activities were mainly investigated based on in silico activity. Dietary flavonoids of the extracts such as quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, isorhamnetin, baicalein, wogonin, and rutin were commonly identified as responsible for their inhibitory effects. The present review critically analyzes the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals, including dietary compounds against cytokine storm (CS) and hyperinflammation via inhibition of the altered inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2, published since the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019. Only a few phytochemicals, mainly dietary compounds such as nanocurcumin, melatonin, quercetin, 6-shagoal, kaempferol, resveratrol, andrographolide, and colchicine have been investigated either in in silico or preliminary clinical studies to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects against COVID-19. Sufficient pre-clinical studies on safety and efficacy of anti-inflammatory effects of the phytochemicals must be performed prior to proper clinical studies to develop them into therapeutic adjuvants in the prevention and treatmemt of COVID-19 symptoms.
Fulltext Immunomodulatory Activities of Carica papaya L. Leaf Juice in a Non-Lethal, Symptomatic Dengue Mouse Model

Mohd Abd Razak MR, Norahmad NA, Md Jelas NH, Afzan A, Mohmad Misnan N, Mat Ripen A, et al.

Pathogens, 2021 Apr 21;10(5).
PMID: 33919457 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050501

The role of Carica papaya L. leaf juice in immune dysregulation caused by dengue virus infection remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory activities of the freeze-dried C. papaya leaf juice (FCPLJ) on AG129 mice infected with a clinical DENV-2 (DMOF015) isolate. The infected AG129 mice were orally treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day of FCPLJ, for three days. Platelet, leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts were microscopically determined. The level of plasma proinflammatory cytokines was measured by multiplex immunoassay. The levels of intracellular cytokines and viral RNA were determined by RT-qPCR technique. The results showed that the FCPLJ treatment increased the total white blood cell and neutrophil counts in the infected mice. The FCPLJ treatment decreased the level of GM-CSF, GRO-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, MCP-1 and MIP-1 beta in the plasma of the infected mice. The intracellular IL-6 and viral RNA levels in the liver of infected mice were decreased by the FCPLJ treatment. In conclusion, this study supports the potential immunomodulatory role of the FCPLJ in a non-lethal, symptomatic dengue mouse model. Further studies on the action mechanism of the C. papaya leaf juice and its possible use as adjunctive dengue immunotherapy are warranted.
Fulltext Bioavailability of Eurycomanone in Its Pure Form and in a Standardised Eurycoma longifolia Water Extract

Ahmad N, Samiulla DS, Teh BP, Zainol M, Zolkifli NA, Muhammad A, et al.

Pharmaceutics, 2018 Jul 11;10(3).
PMID: 29997335 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10030090

Eurycoma longifolia is one of the commonly consumed herbal preparations and its major chemical compound, eurycomanone, has been described to have antimalarial, antipyretic, aphrodisiac, and cytotoxic activities. Today, the consumption of E. longifolia is popular through the incorporation of its extract in food items, most frequently in drinks such as tea and coffee. In the current study, the characterisation of the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic (PK) attributes of eurycomanone were conducted via a series of in vitro and in vivo studies in rats and mice. The solubility and chemical stability of eurycomanone under the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract environment were determined. The permeability of eurycomanone was investigated by determining its distribution coefficient in aqueous and organic environments and its permeability using the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay system and Caco-2 cultured cells. Eurycomanone's stability in plasma and its protein-binding ability were measured by using an equilibrium dialysis method. Its stability in liver microsomes across species (mice, rat, dog, monkey, and human) and rat liver hepatocytes was also investigated. Along with the PK evaluations of eurycomanone in mice and rats, the PK parameters for the Malaysian Standard (MS: 2409:201) standardised water extract of E. longifolia were also evaluated in rats. Both rodent models showed that eurycomanone in both the compound form and extract form had a half-life of 0.30 h. The differences in the bioavailability of eurycomanone in the compound form between the rats (11.8%) and mice (54.9%) suggests that the PK parameters cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. The results also suggest that eurycomanone is not readily absorbed across biological membranes. However, once absorbed, the compound is not easily metabolised (is stable), hence retaining its bioactive properties, which may be responsible for the various reported biological activities.
Fulltext Preliminary study on the expression of endothelial cell biology related genes in the liver of dengue virus infected mice treated with Carica papaya leaf juice

Mohd Abd Razak MR, Norahmad NA, Md Jelas NH, Jusoh B, Muhammad A, Mohmad Misnan N, et al.

BMC Res Notes, 2019 Apr 03;12(1):206.
PMID: 30944031 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4242-z

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to profile and identify the endothelial cell biology related genes that are affected by dengue virus infection in the liver tissue of AG129 mice, with and without Carica papaya leaf juice treatment.
RESULTS: The dengue fever mouse model was established by intraperitoneal inoculation of dengue virus, New Guinea C strain at 2 × 106 PFU. Daily oral administration of 1000 mg/kg freeze-dried C. papaya leaf juice (FCPLJ) was done starting from day 1 to day 3 post infection. The RNA was extracted from liver tissues harvested on day 4 post infection. The expression levels of 84 genes related to mouse endothelial cell biology were determined by qRT-PCR technique. Dengue virus infection upregulated 15 genes and downregulated two genes in the liver of AG129 mice. The FCPLJ treatment upregulated monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and downregulated intercellular adhesion molecule 1, integrin beta 3 and fibronectin 1 genes during dengue virus infection. The data showed the potential effect of FCPLJ treatment on the expression profile of endothelial cell biology related genes in the liver of dengue virus infected-AG129 mice. Further proteomic studies are needed to determine the functional roles of the genes affected by FCPLJ treatment.
Fulltext The path to sustainability begins with going paperless: Antecedents of intention to use electronic wallet using serial mediation approach

Che Nawi N, Husin HS, Said Al-Jahwari N, Zainuddin SA, Khan NU, Hassan AA, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 30;10(2):e24127.
PMID: 38298640 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24127

The expansion of E-wallet service providers in Indonesia is quite encouraging. In its report, Bank of Indonesia indicated that 48 E-wallet services are lawful. This is consistent with the number of E-wallet transactions, where USD 1.5 billion were recorded in 2018 and this number is expected to increase in 2023. This statistic increases the researcher's motivation to investigate E-wallet acceptability in Indonesia. The intention to use e-wallets among Indonesian adults must be studied in order to comprehend adoption factors, identify user preferences, inform marketing strategies, promote financial inclusion, and inform policy and regulatory decisions. This cross-sectional quantitative study conducted in Indonesia aimed to examine the factors influencing the formation of an intention to use electronic wallets (E-Wallets). It focused on perceived ease of use, perceived trust, perceived risk, perceived usefulness, social influence, compatibility, facilitating conditions, and perception of new technology. While previous studies have explored factors influencing users' intention to adopt electronic wallets, few have explicitly focused on mediating factors in the Indonesian context. This study fills this gap by investigating the mediating factors that affect Indonesian users' intention to adopt electronic wallets. It enhances the understanding of the direct factors influencing users' intention and sheds light on the complex relationships of other factors (mediators) that explain the underlying dynamics of this phenomenon. The study analyzed data from 384 valid participants using partial least squares and structural equation modeling with Smart PLS 4.0. The findings revealed that e-wallet facilitating conditions, perceived usefulness, perceived trust, compatibility, perception of risk, and perception of new technology positively and significantly influenced users' intention to use e-wallets in Indonesia. However, social influence and ease of use did not have a positive impact on e-wallet adoption intention among the Indonesian sample. The implications of this study suggest that e-wallet providers should prioritize balancing ease of use and security in their systems. If an e-wallet system is perceived as too easy to use, it may raise concerns about safety and unauthorized access, negatively affecting users' intention to adopt electronic wallets. Therefore, e-wallet providers should ensure user-friendly systems that address security concerns. Future research should explore other factors related to e-wallet adoption and assess their long-term effects on users' intention to use and adopt e-wallets. Despite its limitations, this study provides valuable insights for e-wallet providers, policymakers, and researchers in understanding electronic wallet adoption in Indonesia. It offers guidance for developing effective strategies and interventions to promote widespread adoption and use of electronic wallets.
In vitro study on efficacy of SKF7®, a Malaysian medicinal plant product against SARS-CoV-2

Mohd Abd Razak MR, Md Jelas NH, Norahmad NA, Mohmad Misnan N, Muhammad A, Padlan N, et al.

BMC Complement Med Ther, 2024 Sep 11;24(1):333.
PMID: 39261916 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04628-6

BACKGROUND: In early 2020, COVID-19 pandemic has mobilized researchers in finding new remedies including repurposing of medicinal plant products focusing on direct-acting antiviral and host-directed therapies. In this study, we performed an in vitro investigation on the standardized Marantodes pumilum extract (SKF7®) focusing on anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory activities.
METHODS: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of the SKF7® was evaluated in SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cells and SARS-CoV-2-infected A549 cells by cytopathic effect-based assay and RT-qPCR, respectively. Target based assays were performed on the SKF7® against the S1-ACE2 interaction and 3CL protease activities. Anti-inflammatory activity of the SKF7® was evaluated by nitric oxide inhibitory and TLR2/TLR4 receptor blocker assays.
RESULTS: The SKF7® inhibited wild-type Wuhan (EC50 of 21.99 µg/mL) and omicron (EC50 of 16.29 µg/mL) SARS-CoV-2 infections in Vero-E6 cells. The SKF7® also inhibited the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection in A549 cells (EC50 value of 6.31 µg/mL). The SKF7® prominently inhibited 3CL protease activity. The SKF7® inhibited the LPS induced-TLR4 response with the EC50 of 16.19 µg/mL.
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our in vitro study highlighted anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory potentials of the SKF7®. Future pre-clinical in vivo studies focusing on antiviral and immunomodulatory potentials of the SKF7® in affecting the COVID-19 pathogenesis are warranted.
Fulltext Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Molecular Markers of Antimalarial Drug Resistance in a Residual Malaria Focus Area in Sabah, Malaysia

Norahmad NA, Mohd Abd Razak MR, Abdullah NR, Sastu UR, Imwong M, Muniandy PK, et al.

PLoS One, 2016;11(10):e0165515.
PMID: 27788228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165515

Chloroquine (CQ) and fansidar (sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, SP) were widely used for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum for several decades in Malaysia prior to the introduction of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) in 2008. Our previous study in Kalabakan, located in south-east coast of Sabah showed a high prevalence of resistance to CQ and SP, suggesting the use of the treatment may no longer be effective in the area. This study aimed to provide a baseline data of antimalarial drug resistant markers on P. falciparum isolates in Kota Marudu located in the north-east coast of Sabah. Mutations on genes associated with CQ (pfcrt and pfmdr1) and SP (pfdhps and pfdhfr) were assessed by PCR amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Mutations on the kelch13 marker (K13) associated with artemisinin resistance were determined by DNA sequencing technique. The assessment of pfmdr1 copy number variation associated with mefloquine resistant was done by real-time PCR technique. A low prevalence (6.9%) was indicated for both pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y mutations. All P. falciparum isolates harboured the pfdhps A437G mutation. Prevalence of pfdhfr gene mutations, S108N and I164L, were 100% and 10.3%, respectively. Combining the different resistant markers, only two isolates were conferred to have CQ and SP treatment failure markers as they contained mutant alleles of pfcrt and pfmdr1 together with quintuple pfdhps/pfdhfr mutation (combination of pfdhps A437G+A581G and pfdhfr C59R+S108N+I164L). All P. falciparum isolates carried single copy number of pfmdr1 and wild type K13 marker. This study has demonstrated a low prevalence of CQ and SP resistance alleles in the study area. Continuous monitoring of antimalarial drug efficacy is warranted and the findings provide information for policy makers in ensuring a proper malaria control.
Fulltext The effect of freeze-dried Carica papaya leaf juice treatment on NS1 and viremia levels in dengue fever mice model

Mohd Abd Razak MR, Mohmad Misnan N, Md Jelas NH, Norahmad NA, Muhammad A, Ho TCD, et al.

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2018 Dec 05;18(1):320.
PMID: 30518360 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2390-7

BACKGROUND: Carica papaya leaf juice (CPLJ) was well known for its thrombocytosis activity in rodents and dengue patients. However, the effect of CPLJ treatment on other parameters that could contribute to dengue pathogenesis such as nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) production and viremia level have never been highlighted in any clinical and in vivo studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of freeze-dried CPLJ treatment on NS1 and viremia levels of dengue fever mouse model.
METHODS: The dengue infection in mouse model was established by inoculation of non-mouse adapted New Guinea C strain dengue virus (DEN-2) in AG129 mice. The freeze-dried CPLJ compounds were identified by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Accurate Mass Spectrometry analysis. The infected AG129 mice were orally treated with 500 mg/kg/day and 1000 mg/kg/day of freeze-dried CPLJ, starting on day 1 post infection for 3 consecutive days. The blood samples were collected from submandibular vein for plasma NS1 assay and quantitation of viral RNA level by quantitative reverse transcription PCR.
RESULTS: The AG129 mice infected with dengue virus showed marked increase in the production of plasma NS1, which was detectable on day 1 post infection, peaked on day 3 post-infection and started to decline from day 5 post infection. The infection also caused splenomegaly. Twenty-four compounds were identified in the freeze-dried CPLJ. Oral treatment with 500 mg/kg/day and 1000 mg/kg/day of freeze-dried CPLJ did not affect the plasma NS1 and dengue viral RNA levels. However, the morbidity level of infected AG129 mice were slightly decreased when treated with freeze-dried CPLJ.
CONCLUSION: Oral treatment of 500 mg/kg/day and 1000 mg/kg/day of freeze-dried CPLJ at the onset of viremia did not affect the plasma NS1 and viral RNA levels in AG129 mice infected with non-mouse adapted New Guinea C strain dengue virus.
Fulltext Effect of freeze-dried Carica papaya leaf juice on inflammatory cytokines production during dengue virus infection in AG129 mice

Norahmad NA, Mohd Abd Razak MR, Mohmad Misnan N, Md Jelas NH, Sastu UR, Muhammad A, et al.

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2019 Feb 11;19(1):44.
PMID: 30744623 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2438-3

BACKGROUND: Carica papaya leaves have been used for traditional treatment of dengue fever and have been reported to exhibit an immunomodulatory activity by affecting the level of cytokine production in vitro and in vivo. Due to the lack of adequate in vivo evidence in dengue disease model, the present study was initiated to screen and identify the cytokines affected by freeze-dried C. papaya leaf juice (FCPLJ) treatment in AG129 mice infected with DEN-2 dengue virus.
METHODS: The AG129 mice were fed orally with FCPLJ for 3 consecutive days after 24 h of dengue virus inoculation. Plasma cytokines were screened by using ProcartaPlex immunoassay. The gene expression in the liver was analyzed by using RT2 Profiler PCR Array.
RESULTS: The results showed that FCPLJ treatment has increased the plasma CCL2/MCP-1 level during peak of viremia. Gene expression study has identified 8 inflammatory cytokine genes which were downregulated in the liver of infected AG129 mice treated with FCPLJ. The downregulated inflammatory cytokine genes were CCL6/MRP-1, CCL8/MCP-2, CCL12/MCP-5, CCL17/TARC, IL1R1, IL1RN/IL1Ra, NAMPT/PBEF1 and PF4/CXCL4.
CONCLUSION: The findings indicated the possible immunomodulatory role of FCPLJ during dengue virus infection in AG129 mice.
Association between dietary 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDE) and renal cancer in Peninsular Malaysia: exposure assessment and matched case-control study

Muhamad Rosli SH, Lau MS, Khalid T, Maarof SK, Jeyabalan S, Sirdar Ali S, et al.

Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2023 Apr;40(4):475-492.
PMID: 36947708 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2023.2183068

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDE) are food contaminants commonly found in refined vegetable oils and fats, which have possible carcinogenic implications in humans. To investigate this clinically, we conducted an occurrence level analysis on eight categories of retail and cooked food commonly consumed in Malaysia. This was used to estimate the daily exposure level, through a questionnaire-based case-control study involving 77 subjects with renal cancer, with 80 matching controls. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) was calculated using the multiple logistic regression model adjusted for confounding factors. A pooled estimate of total 3-MCPDE intake per day was compared between both groups, to assess exposure and disease outcome. Among the food categories analysed, vegetable fats and oils recorded the highest occurrence levels (mean: 1.91 ± 1.90 mg/kg), significantly more than all other food categories (p

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