Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan - Tesis

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Relationship Between Iron Deficiency Anaemia With Cognitive Function And Academic Performance Of The Primary School Children In Bachok, Kelantan
(2012-07)
Hasmiza Halib
The main objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between IDA with cognitive function of the school children. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 Malay primary school children (122 males and 127 females) aged 7-9 years old by systematic sampling method in rural area of Bachok, Kelantan.
The effects of cessation of supplementary isokinetic and isotonic training on strengh and biomechanical variables in state-level weightlifters
(2016-06)
Mohamed, Iqbal Wan
INTRODUCTION: To date, no studies have been carried out to compare the effects of cessation of supplementary Isokinetic Training (IT) and Isotonic Training (TON) in strength and biomechanical variables among elite weightlifters. Regarding biomechanical variables of the rotator cuff muscles, most studies were conducted on sedentary population and racket-sports instead of advanced level of weightlifting athletes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the cessations effects 1 month after they completed the 24 sessions of isokinetic and isotonic supplementary training among state-level weightlifters on biomechanical variables of rotator cuff muscles. METHODS: Nineteen participants were gender- and weight- matched and randomly assigned into isotonic training group (TON) and isokinetic training (IT) group. Both groups went through 24 sessions of training programmed three times per week for 8 weeks in three distinct lifting positions. The intensity of training was increased progressively in terms of number of lifting repetitions per set and number of sets lifted. After 1 month of the cessation of supplementary training programmed, the athlete when through a follow-up testing. The 2D-kinematic analysis of barbell velocity was evaluated during the second pull and turnover phases of I-RM power clean and power snatch tests. In IT group, the participant was allowed to be seated on the the guidelines instructions. The position of the chair and dynamometer will be set at the particular angle depends on the xvi chair to perform the training programed based on the participant’s comfortability. The participants were asked to perform two sets of 12 repetitions and the angular velocity was set at 120°.s '. Meanwhile in TON group, they using the dumbbell and perform the exercise with maximum effort (as fast as they can). RESULTS: This study revealed that there was no interaction between time (e.g., post- and postl month-tests) and training programmed (e.g., IT versus TON) was found I month after they completed their 24 sessions of supplementary training on biomechanical variables among state-level weightlifters. There was a trend that indicated positive changes in biomechanical variables of IT group compared to TON group in terms of peak torque/body weight, time to peak torque and average power of the external rotation of the shoulder joint. However, the TON training was better compared to IT training after the cessation effects in 1RM (repetition maximum) power snatch and power clean, and also in kinematic analysis during 1RM test. CONCLUSION: The isokinetic training program has a potential to be proposed as an additional mode of training among the experienced weightlifters to improve their performance.
Assessing the level of lead, cadmium and arsenic among farmers in KADA agricultural area, Kelantan
(2016-06)
Kasri, Hazmira Mohd
Heavy metals, particularly cadmium, lead, and arsenic, constitute a significant potential threat to human health. This study was conducted to determine the concentration of lead, cadmium and arsenic in nail samples from farmers at Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA), Kelantan, Malaysia. Control group of this study was selected from participants working in different environment which are USM Health Campus’s staffs. A total of 35 farmers and 35 USM Health Campus’s staffs participated in this study. The fingernails samples were extracted by using acid digestion and then analysed by Atomic Absorption spectrometry (AAS). Checklist was given to participants to get demographic, health status, and their agricultural activities data. In this study, the concentration of heavy metals was within the normal range and varies according to demographic factors. The result showed that the concentration of all heavy metals were significant different in exposed group as compared to control group (p < 0.05). There were also significant correlations between age with concentration of lead, arsenic (r = 0.317 and r = 0.326, resp., p < 0.01) respectively and cadmium (r = 0.257, p < 0.05). Findings suggested that agricultural activities could contribute to the accumulation of heavy metals in farmers. Hence, the control of human exposure to these metals was important in order to prevent adverse health effects. In conclusion, lead, cadmium and arsenic concentration among farmers were lower compared to the allowable limit and they should conduct good agricultural practice to maintain in normal range.
Recovery study of dangerous drugs in soft drinks using liquid-liquid extraction followed by gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID)
(2016-06)
Khai, Lee
Raves and night clubs are always associated with the recreational drugs, which are also referred as 'club drugs'. Dissolving illegal drugs, such as ketamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), into liquid forms to be disguised as bottled soft drinks is one of the current drug concealment methods. Hence, a recovery study to develop suitable method for detection and quantification of the amount of specific drugs contained in the soft drinks is proposed. The objective of this study is to study the recovery efficiency of liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method used to extract drugs from the soft drinks. LLE with chloroform allowed the extraction of ketamine and MDMA from the sample soft drinks. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to confirm the presence of desired drugs in the extracts, followed by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detector (GC-FID) analysis to quantify the amount of desired drugs extracted from the soft drinks. In GC-MS analysis, it was found that the quality of mass spectral match for MOMA (78%- 87%) was lower compared to ketamine (98%) and internal standard (91 %). In recovery study of repeated extraction on same sample, it was found that the amount of drugs recovered were consistent for blackcurrant juice (RSD = 6.77%) and ice lemon tea (RSD = 5.38%), but inconsistent for green tea (RSD = 15.52%) and orange juice (RSD = 29.43%). In recovery study using spiked samples, the average recovery percentage of ketamine from blackcurrant juice was 87.27 ± 5.72 %. The regression curve for recovery ofketamine was found to be sufficiently linear (R2 = 0.997), which indicated that the method was accurate. In brief, the analytical procedures of LLE, coupled with GC-MS and GC-FID in recovery study were found reliable for the extraction, detection and quantitation of ketamine and MDMA in the drug-laced soft drinks.
Morphological classification of male face images of three major ethnic groups for retrieval during identification
(2016-06)
Ghouse, Hazzreen Effendy Md
Human faces have their individual uniqueness. The morphology of the face is influenced by the genetic and epigenetic factors. The factors that contribute to individuality are exerted on every faces. The present human population originated from three distinct stock races, Mongoloid, Caucasoid and Negroid. The subsequent breakdown of the geographic barriers and mixing up of the gene pools due to factors such as marriage between stock races has been the cause for the diversity among features of the present population in general, and specifically in the facial structure. Epigenetic influences such as extreme climate, and differences in atmospheric pressure, has caused physical alteration in the human physical traits. Three major ethnic groups, Malay, Chinese and Indian that have originated in different geographical regions but are now living in Malaysia as Malaysian national are studied in this research for identifying facial features that manifest significant relationship to ethnic affiliation. The data collected from photogrammetric measurement of the scaled face images that were recorded in a controlled manner from each of the 105 volunteering individuals were analysed using one-way ANOVA. These ethnic groups were found to exhibits significant differences in twenty out of the total twenty-four anthropometric measurements taken.
A study on geriatric patients attending emergency department Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.
(2017)
Sjahid, Afifah Sjamun
This study aimed to determine the proportion of geriatric patients attending Emergency Department in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) within January 2015 to March 2015, the mean duration of hospital stay and the outcome of the illness in geriatric patients admitted to Hospital USM. This study also aimed to identify the associated factors of mortality in geriatrics patients admitted to Hospital USM. This study was a retrospective cohort study from January 2015 till March 2015 at Emergency Department Hospital USM. All patients aged 60 years and above attended Emergency Department of Hospital USM from January 2015 until March 2015 were included. Systematic random sampling was used. A total of 209 patients had been included in this study. Descriptive statistics were expressed as cross-tables for categorical variables and as mean ± standard deviation for numerical variables. Independent categorical variables were compared using Chi-Square test or Fisher’s exact test. Paired group comparisons were performed using Independent t-test or Mann Whitney test for numerical variables. Total patients included in this study were 209 patients. The mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 68.4 (6.95) years old, with age range from 60 till 106 years old. Fifty-eight percent were male and 95.7% were Malay. Seventy-eight percent were triaged as an emergency; with 19.6% were red zone cases, while 51.2% were yellow zone cases. Three most common presenting symptoms were respiratory symptoms (24.9%), cardiovascular symptoms (19.65%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (12.9%). Out of209 patients studied, 95 patients (45.5%) were admitted. Mean duration of hospital stay was 8 days (mean 7.57, SD 12.97). Out of 95 patients admitted, only 15 patients (15.8%) died in the ward. Factors associated with mortality in hospitalized geriatric patients were gender (p = 0.009), patient’s method of arrival (p = 0.001), conscious level on arrival (p < 0.001), patient’s condition when transferring to the ward; either ventilated (p = 0.014) and on inotropic agent (p < 0.001) or not, patient’s first pulse rate taken at triage (p < 0.001) and first blood investigations taken in emergency department; white blood cell (p = 0.007), hemoglobin (p = 0.019), serum lactate (p < 0.001) and serum urea (p = 0.036). Majority of the geriatric patients triaged as emergency cases indicated that they mostly came with ill-conditioned that need to be attended immediately. By knowing the common presenting symptoms and associated factors of mortality in admitted geriatric patients will alert medical personnel in the emergency department to treat this group of patients more thoroughly and judiciously.
Study on vitamin D status and determination of optimum vitamin D level based on bone turnover markers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
(2017)
Muda, Noor Bayani Che
Background: There is no optilnmn level or threshold that has been clearly established to define whether there is adequate store of vitamin D in the body for general bone health. Therefore, our study is to determine the optimum level of vitamin D for maintenance of healthy skeleton based on bone remodelling process. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving healthy adult population in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, aged 18-50 years. We measured serwn 25(0H)D, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen ( CTX) and Procollagen 1 Intact N-Terminal (P1NP) in 120 healthy adult from 6 sub districts that had been selected by multi stage sampling ( 64 males, 56 females). Results: The mean of vitamin Din this study was 23.50 (±8.74) nmol/L and there was significant difference of vitamin D betvveen gender (26.81±8.3 nmol/L and 19.72±7.68 nmol/L males and females respectively), p value < 0.001. More than 50% of female subjects had vitamin D less than 20 nmol/L, while only 20.3% of male subjects had vitamin D below 20 nmol/L. Based on LOESS plot, the bone turnover markers showed plateau result at vitamin D level of 3 5 nmoi!L for CTX and 20 nmoi/L for p 1 NP. Then, at vitamin D level of 20 nmol/L there is a step decrease of PTH level. Conclusion: The mean of vitamin D among general healthy population in Kota Bharu was 23.50nmoi/L. Based on inspection of LOESS plot for CTX, PlNP and PTH versusvitamin D level, we concluded that vitamin D level between 20 nmol/L to 35 nmol/L is considered sufficient to maintain healthy skeleton.
Assessment of nutritional status, nutrient intake, physical activity and quality of life among overweight & obese female government staffs in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
(2017)
Ayoub, Aqila
Assessment of nutritional status, nutrient intake, physical activity and quality of life were carried out among 160 overweight and obese women government staffs in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Data was collected using a questionnaire which included socio-demographic characteristics, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), 24-hour dietary recall and Impact Weight Quality of Life (IWQOL) questionnaire. Body mass index, waist circumference, weight and height were measured using standardized methods. Almost half of the respondents (36.9 %) were within age of 30-39 years. Majority of the respondents were Malay (99.4%) and followed by Chinese (0.6%). Mean weight, height and BMI of the respondents were 72.3 ± 9.12 kg, 1.55 ± 0.06 cm, and 30.0 ± 3.33 kg/m2 respectively. Based on WHO classification, 60.0% of respondent were overweight and 40% of respondents are obese respectively. The waist circumference of respondents for normal and obese individuals are 1.9% and 98.1% respectively. The mean total physical activity score was high in obese group (17171.63 ± 13353.24) than overweight group (14238.23 ± 9963.04). Furthermore, the mean total calorie intake of respondents for overweight (1631.13 ± 458.18 kcal) was higher than obese (1513.03 ± 475.68 kcal). Significant linear relationship was found between protein intake in sexual life of quality of life (b=0.13, 95% CI= 0.001, 0.258, p < 0.048), age in public distress of quality of life (b= -0.386, 95% CI= -0.006, -0.106, p < 0.007) and individual income in public distress of quality of life (b= -0.002, 95% CI= -0.003, 0.000, p < 0.024). This indicate that age, individual income and protein intake can be used a predictor for quality of life. However, there is no association was identified between physical activity and BMI with quality of life.
Effects of using breathing appplication and eeg muse device to enhance state level bowlers’ performance
(2018-07)
Raza, Muhammad Qasim
Given the key role of coping strategies in sports, this study sought to determine whether the use of breathing app and EEG-muse neurofeedback training would cause a reduction in arousal level and to enhance the scoring performance of the Malaysian state level tenpin bowlers. Besides, Heart Rate Variability indices were also measured to predict performance outcomes. Eleven State-level bowlers volunteered to took part in the study. The participants were exposed to three research conditions namely control, breathing intervention and muse intervention. The study was conducted over three weeks, with a research condition each week at random order. Prior to the intervention, the participants were required to answer the CSAI- 2R questionnaire; then the intervention was applied after which the players performed three sets of tenpin bowling simulated competition. The CSAI-2R questionnaire was again completed by the participants after post-performance. The HRV indices namely (SDNN and RMSSD) were also measured during the resting state of the bowlers (prior to the performance) and immediately following muse intervention. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in the arousal level of the bowlers following the intervention (p > 0.05). The bowling performance improved following the interventions as the results were significant (p = 0.032), which showed that Muse intervention has the highest bowling performance scores (359.09 ± 20.48), followed by breathing apps intervention (354.64 ± 21.68), and then control condition (344.27 ± 21.15). The results for HRV indices were only significant for RMSSD (p = 0.004). The bowling performance of the bowlers increased following intervention while the interventions did not have any effect over the sub-scales of CSAI-2R. The HRV indices also did not appear to be significant in predicting bowlers’ performance although the RMSSD results changed but were higher instead of being lower. The findings of the study suggest thatthere is a positive effect of EEG-muse NFB and breathing app use in enhancing bowlers’performance.
A 4-week internal training load monitoring and fatigue responses of malaysian under-18 rugby players during competitive season
(2018-08)
Azis, Muhamad Fakhrul Hakim
Monitoring internal training loads using session ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) has been used extensively to manage fatigue and to optimise sports performance in athletes but none was reported in Malaysian athletes. Accurate monitoring of internal training loads could assist coaches in the adjustment of training, mode, intensity and duration during the competitive season. This study was to quantify the internal training loads (training load, monotony and strain) and fatigue and to identify the correlation of internal loads on fatigue responses of Malaysian under-18 rugby players for 4-weeks during competitive season. Thirty eight male participants of the study, aged from 16-18 years old, were recruited among the students from the Kolej Vokasional Pengkalan Chepa (N=38). The research variables of this study were collected in four weeks prior to their competition. After 90 minutes of every training session, they were asked to rate their training session using the RPE scale. Then, the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory (MFSI)-Short form were administered once per week at the end of their training session for 4 weeks. The participants were trained five days per week as per coach’s training programme, hence the total number of days of data collection were 20 days. The types of training consisted of cardiovascular, strength, power and tactical. All data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2013. Statistical analyses was performed using IBM SPSS version 24.0. All data are presented as mean �} standard deviation (SD) in descriptive statistics. The statistical analysis used in this study was repeated measure ANOVA. The statistical significance was set 0.05. Pearson correlation at p was used to analyse the relationship between internal training load variables and MFSI. Results showed that the training load in week 4 (2594.00 �} 2.30) was significantly higher compared to week 1 (2388.55 �} 343.87), week 2 (2284.34 �} 411.41) and week 3 (2218.42 �} 521.63). Monotony in week 4 was higher (1.70 �} 3.13) compared to week 3 (1.43 �} 0.44). The mean of monotony in week 2 was higher (1.60 �} 0.35) than week 1 (1.49 �} 0.09). Strain increased in week 2 was higher (3728.44 �} 1228.51) compared to week 1 (3605.57 �} 653.51). In week 3, the mean strain decreased (3354.59 �} 1810.58) and increased in week 4 (4145.66 �} 306.38). In training load, monotony, strain and the total score of fatigue (TSF) correlation, the result showed that training load increased with moderate correlations to TSF (r=0.342; r=0.402; r=0.469). In monotony (r=354; r=0.371; i=0.421) and strain (r=0.343; r=0.383; r=0.446), there were also moderate correlation to TSF. The results obtained in this study will help the coaches and trainers to develop an effective training programme in order to maximise their athlete’s performance, reduce fatigue and subsequently prevent injuries.
Comparative analysis of amoebic seropositivity among Kelantan cattle farm dwellers using CSA- and rCL-IgG-ELISA
(2021-08)
Almazaraa, Khadeeja Ameen Khudhair
Kelantan cattle farm dwellers are one of the high-risk groups for invasive amoebiasis, as the farming activities involve the use of untreated water source such as underground and well water. Screening for invasive amoebiasis by crude soluble antigen (CSA) and recombinant c-terminal lectin (rCL) antigen provide different interpretation on the disease exposure. Assay based on the former antigen has higher affinity towards variety of anti-amoebic antibodies, while the latter is specific for invasive amoebiasis. The present study aimed to study the amoebic seropositivity among Kelantan cattle farm dwellers using customised CSA- and rCL-IgG-ELISA. The two different antigens were produced and used for the screening of the serum samples based on previously optimised parameters. Thirty blood donor serum samples were used for the determination of cut-off values for the two customised assays. RIDASCREEN® Entamoeba histolytica IgG was used as the reference test. From the analysis, the reference test detected 31 (34.83%) positive cases, while CSA- and rCL-IgG ELISA detected 41 (46.07%) and 17 (19.10%) cases, respectively. The two customised assays showed moderate agreement with the commercial test, nonetheless, CSA-ELISA showed higher agreement with the findings of commercial test, as compared to rCLELISA. From ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve of CSA-IgG-ELISA was higher than that of rCL-IgG-ELISA, as well. In conclusion, CSA- and rCL-IgG-ELISA showed different seropositivity; findings by the rCL-IgG-ELISA are lower and could be more specific for invasive amoebiasis.
Elucidation of the vasorelaxation mechanisms induced by syzygium polyanthum leaves aqueous extract
(2021-08)
Hairul, Nuriana Munirah
Previous studies have demonstrated that aqueous extract of Syzygium polyanthum leaves (AESP) has vasorelaxation activity. However, there is still very little information on its mechanism of action on direct vasorelaxation activity. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine endothelium-dependant relaxation of the AESP and investigated the mechanism of vasorelaxation. The in vitro method was utilised, mounting the aortic ring into myograph, precontracted with phenylephrine (1 μM) and studied based on the agonist-antagonist inhibition protocols. The endothelium-dependant was studied on endothelium intact and denuded thoracic arterial ring isolated from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The vasorelaxation mechanisms of AESP were evaluated on the endothelial-intact aortic rings. This study shown that the AESP relaxation was endothelium-dependant. The vasorelaxant effect of AESP was attenuated by L-NAME (endothelial nitric oxide synthase/eNOS inhibitor, 100 μM) and ODQ (soluble guanylate cyclase/sGC inhibitor, 10 μM). However, methylene blue (cyclic guanosine monophosphate/cGMP lowering agent, 10 μM) and indomethacin (non-selective COX inhibitor, 10 μM) did not produce significant inhibition on the AESP relaxation. Taken together, the findings indicated that vasorelaxation of AESP was endothelium-dependent, through NO/eNOS and sGC pathways.
Evaluation of the male reproductive toxicity of the anthocyanin-rich standardized extract of hibiscus sabdariffa L.loaded niosomes in sprague dawley rats
(2021-08)
Ghazali, Mohamad Luqman Hanafi
Hibiscus sabdariffa has long been widely utilised for medicinal purposes. Aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa encapsulated in niosome (AEHS-Nio) was formulated to improve the effectiveness of this plant extract. It was administered to forty male Sprague Dawley rats at four different dosages 0 (control), 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 63 days to evaluate the potential effects of AESHNio on the male reproductive system. A substantial number of parameters were evaluated throughout the treatment period that was comprised of three phases; premating, mating, and post-mating. Results obtained demonstrated that the effects of AEHS-Nio on the male rat reproductive system were slightly significant for certain doses. No mortality and any signs of physical toxicity were observed. The mating performance was also not affected. However, due to the established anti-obesity effects of H. sabdariffa extract, the bodyweight of rats were considerably changed. As a consequence, the reproductive organ weights were found to be statistically different. Furthermore, AEHS-Nio increased the testosterone levels and sperm counts of the 250 and 1000 mg/kg dose groups, while the 500 mg/kg dose group showed considerably low levels for both parameters. The 500 mg/kg dose group was detected to exhibit inconsistent data for certain parameters when compared to other groups, which might be caused by confounding factors instead of AEHS-Nio. Therefore, the current data suggest that AEHS-Nio did not toxic to the reproductive system of male rats. Nevertheless, AEHS-Nio should be consumed with caution as long as the dose administered does not exceed 250 mg/kg of bodyweight a day.The human risk on male reproductive parameters associated with its use should also be reasonably estimated.
Designing a multi-epitope vaccine based on MSP1, AMA1, and CSP proteins of plasmodium falciparum 3D7 with TLR4 as adjuvant using immunoinformatic approach
(2021-08)
Mim, Maria Akter
A significant portion of severe malaria cases and deaths are reported all over the world mainly due to Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest species among all Plasmodium spp. Established and implemented malaria controlling measures becoming less effective as P. falciparum gradually increasing its resistance to most of the primary line anti-malarial drugs. Until so far, the foremost effective vaccine RTS, S/AS01 which was succeeded to reach the phase III trial stage showed less effectiveness in young infants. Therefore, the development of a more effective malaria vaccine that can protect all individuals is urgently required. In this study, an immuno-informatics approach is used to design an effective and long-lasting antibody-inducing multi-epitope vaccine against the erythrocyte stage of P. falciparum targeting merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and circumsporozoite antigen (CSP). MSP1 and AMA1 can be synthesized in the mature stage of Plasmodium parasites and involved in the invasion and disruption of red blood cells (RBC) of erythrocyte stage. CSP is one of the most highly expressed proteins on the surface of sporozoites and plays role in hepatocyte invasion as well as further infection toward erythrocytes. After numerous analyses, highly antigenic, non-allergic non-homolog and non-toxic 9 linear B-lymphocyte (LBL), 11 helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes were selected for the final vaccine construct. All the selected HTL epitopes were IL4, IL10, and IFNγ inducer. Two adjuvant motives, Hp91 and RS09 were adjoined via a suitable linker to stimulate the immune response of helper T cell and cytotoxic T cell, respectively. The physicochemical and immunological analysis found that the constructed vaccine was antigenic (antigenicity 0.7725), basic in nature (pI-9.16), soluble (0.905932), hydrophilic (GRAVY-0.842) and non-allergen. Secondary structural features and tertiary structure were predicted using several bioinformatics-based online software. The modeled vaccine was then refined and validated to evaluate the basic nature of proteins. A good binding affinity between TLR-4 (Chain A of 3FXI) and our multi-epitope vaccine was determined by molecular docking. In summary, findings of the immunoinformatic-based analysis had shown acceptable results however further in vivo and in vitro assessments are required to perform on constructed vaccine to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Development and optimization of rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) method following solid-phase extraction for determination of anthocyanin in rat plasma
(2021-08)
Sauji, Nadiratul Asyikin
The growing interest of anthocyanins in roselle has brought upon the importance of the compound’s analysis to investigate its pharmacological properties. Sensitive and specific analytical methods are required to accurately analyse the anthocyanin present in the sample. In this study, rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) was used to analyse cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride, one of the anthocyanins found in roselle. Spectrophotometric analysis and optimization of chromatographic conditions were performed to develop a suitable and precise RRLC method for the determination of the selected anthocyanin. Both liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) method were performed to evaluate the best extraction method of anthocyanin in the rat plasma sample. The optimised chromatographic method demonstrated that the mobile phase composition of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile in the ratio of 81:19, respectively with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min, at 30°C column temperature and detection wavelength of 525 nm were suitable for RRLC analysis of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride. SPE was chosen as the final extraction method in the study as it produced better peaks in the chromatogram compared to LLE. In conclusion, the developed RRLC method in this study can be used to determine anthocyanins in the future pharmacokinetic study of roselle.
In vivo activities of ethanolic extract from endiandra kingiana (lauraceae) as potential anti-diabetic agents
(2021-09)
Noriman, Ahmad Zakwan
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases in the worldwide population. The impairment in insulin secretion, insulin action or both has led to the hyperglycaemic condition. In 2019, 4.2 million deaths were reported due to diabetes mellitus. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia condition leads to secondary complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and limb amputation. Thus, one of the plants found in Malaysia, known as Endiandra kingiana (Pokok Medang) was evaluated. It has in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory effect but lacking evidence in in vivo antidiabetic properties. Thus, there is merit to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of oral crude bark E. kingiana ethanolic extract (EKEE) on Type 2 diabetic rats (T2DR). The study was divided into acute phase (24 hours) and subacute phase (28 days). T2DR was induced by a combination of high-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) (30 mg/kg). A dose of EKEE at 250 mg/kg was found to be most effective in lowering fasting blood glucose (FBS) in the acute study. The effect was further evaluated over 28 days in a sub-acute study. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 – normal, Group 2 – untreated-diabetic rats, Group 3 – diabetic rats on EKEE (250 mg/kg) and Group 4 – diabetic rats on metformin (300 mg/kg). FBS, body weight, BMI and SBP were monitored biweekly. At the end of the study, renal function test, liver function test, lipid profiles, glucagon, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. EKEE did not significantly reduce FBS. EKEE also did not prevent the reduction of body weight and BMI. Glucagon remains normal with EKEE. As for oxidative stress markers, EKEE significantly decreased MDA, and increased total antioxidative capacity, but not significant. These results suggested further study are needed to evaluate E. kingiana as an antidiabetic agent.
Assessment of phagocytosis and cytokine secretions by monocytes in the presence of plasmodium falciparum
(2021-09)
Xuan, Keh Min
Malaria remains one of the most common human infections worldwide. In endemic areas, malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and it causes significant socioeconomic burdens to the affected people. Monocytes are part of the immune system to control parasite burden and to protect host against malaria infection. Monocytes play their protective roles against malaria via phagocytosis, cytokine production and antigen presentation. Though monocytes are crucial for clearance of malaria infection, they also have been shown to cause adverse clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the morphology of P. falciparum, to assess phagocytic capability of infected red blood cells by human monocytes and further measure the cytokine secretions of monocytes following phagocytosis by using ELISA. In this study, monocytes were isolated from whole blood collected from healthy individuals while Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) was cultured under optimal conditions. Phagocytotic activity and cytokine production by the monocytes following malaria infection were assessed in vitro by co-culturing the monocytes and P. falciparum-infected red blood cells for 1 and 2 hours. The present study demonstrated that the monocytes phagocytosed the P. falciparum-infected red blood cells and the phagocytosis index increased with longer incubation time, from 8.2% at 1 hour incubation time to 10.4% (p<0.05) at 2 hours incubation time. Following phagocytosis, the monocytes produced TNF-α, initiating innate immune response to help in the clearance of parasite. The data have shown that monocytes cultured alone expressed the highest level of TNF-α during 0 and 1 hour of incubation, while co-culture of monocytes with P. falciparum-infected red blood cells produced the highest level of TNF-α after 2 hours of incubation. Comparing the trend among monocyte control, parasite control and co-culture, all showed an increase in the level of TNF-α produced in the first hour, but the concentration decreased significantly in the second hour. As a conclusion, these findings suggest that monocytes play an important role in malaria infection by phagocytosing the parasites and producing TNF-α for the removal of parasites, thereby initiating an immune response for malaria eradication.
In silico analysis, structural modelling and molecular docking of putative Klebsiella pneumoniae choline kinase
(2021-10)
Albaskeni, Abdulrhman Mahmoud
The frightening development of antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMR) poses an explicit threat to life. This threat is still in an upward curve due to the indiscriminate and overuse of antimicrobials. Therefore, it is essential for the scientific community to keep pace with this development and search for alternative solutions to stop AMR. Choline kinase (ChoK) is considered as one of the new targets for inhibition to combat AMR. In Gram-positive bacteria, choline kinase is responsible for the synthesis of phosphorylcholine, a precursor of lipoteichoic acid and cell wall teichoic acid. In Gram-negative bacteria, phosphorylcholine is incorporated into the membrane lipopolysaccharides. Human choline kinase inhibitor (ChoKIs) has already been tested on Streptococcus pneumoniae with encouraging results by causing degradation of bacterial cell wall. In this study, in silico bioinformatics analysis of putative Klebsiella pneumoniae choline kinase (KpChoK) was performed to search for the best conditions for the production of recombinant KpChoK in the future. Evaluation of ChoKIs as the potential inhibitors of KpChoK by structural modeling and molecular docking approaches were also carried out. The prediction of protein solubility revealed that the solubility of KpChoK was lower than that of the average soluble Escherichia coli proteins. Molecular docking of KpChoK model structures with hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), a well-established ChoKI, showed a suitable binding mode within the choline binding pocket, indicating a promising competitive inhibition by HC-3. These results of molecular docking thus indicate the promising application of ChoKIs to combat antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, this study paved the way towards successful overexpression of soluble KpChoK to be tested with currently available ChoKIs and reveals the potential of these compounds as novel anti-K. pneumoniae agents. Although the KpChoK was predicted to have low solubility in E. coli expression system, several methods have been discussed to improve the solubility. In the future, nanoparticles can also be used to enhance the activity of ChoKIs by acting as a drug delivery system.
The effect of CRX-527 on pro-inflammatory cytokine production against mycobacterium bovis BCG clone expressing the c-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 of plasmodium falciparum
(2021-10)
Yusoff, Wan Raihan Wan
Malaria infection is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in African and Southeast Asian countries. TLR-4 has been shown to be important in malaria immunity and can be possibly use as an adjuvant to enhance the long-lasting immune response against BCG-MSP1C. This research was conducted to determine the effects of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) agonist, CRX527, on cellular and humoral immune response against Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) expressing the C-terminus of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum (BCG-MSP1C). In this study six groups of mice (n=6 per group) were injected with 200 μl intraperitoneal phosphate buffered saline T80 (PBS-T80), 200 μl of PBS-T80 containing 2 x 106 cfu/ml of BCG or rBCG in the presence or absence of CRX527. Blood was collected from the tail veins of the mice before the start of the immunisation and 4 weeks after each immunisation. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to measure the production of TNF-α and IL-12 in the sera of the immunized mice. The findings showed that the sera of rBCG without CRX immunised group yielding the most increase in IL-12 followed by the mice injected with rBCG with CRX. In contrast, the entire mice immunised groups showed decrease production for TNF-α after the immunisation. Therefore, this combination of rBCG with TLR4 agonist can be used to create a vaccine that capable of inducing a strong and long-lasting immunity to allow the immune system to be prepared for the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of malaria diseases.
Designing a multiepitope vaccine against toxoplasma gondii
(2021-10)
Folasade, Hammed-Akanmu Mutiat
Toxoplasmosis is a significant, life-threatening disease with medical, veterinary, and economic importance caused by Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infects about 25-30% of human population globally. There have been noteworthy efforts to control and limit the disease incidence. At present, the only approved vaccine for use in veterinary is attenuated tachyzoites of strain S48 that control congenital infection of ewe known as Toxovax, which has significantly reduced the rate of abortion in sheep. However, the vaccine is expensive and has the probability of changing into a pathogenic form thus, it is inappropriate for human use. At the moment, there is no effective vaccine for preventing the formation of chronic tissue cysts in an infected host. Therefore, this research aims to design a multiepitope vaccine against T. gondii using in silico method to predict and analyze B-cell and T-cell epitopes of ROP2, MIC3, and GRA7. The result showed that the selected epitopes were antigenic, non-allergen, non-toxic, and non-human homology which makes them appropriate for the construction of vaccines. The secondary and tertiary structure, as well as the physiochemical properties of the vaccine construct, were determined and validation experiments such as molecular docking and immune simulation were conducted. This validation process predicted that the candidate vaccine is stable and soluble in the biological environment. In conclusion, in silico method can be used to design a good vaccine for T. gondii.

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