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Al Mamun A, Yang Q, Naznen F, Aziz NA, Masud MM. Modelling the mass adoption potential of food waste composting among rural Chinese farmers. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18998. [PMID: 37609413 PMCID: PMC10440538 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
As a safe alternative to hazardous agrochemicals, food waste compost could prevent human health hazards and environmental degradation. Food waste composting has not garnered much popularity among farmers given their sole dependence on synthetic fertilizers for high yields and commercial returns. Hence, this study aimed to identify the factors influencing farmers' adoption of food waste composting for regular use. Empirical data were collected from 399 farmers residing in different second-tier cities in China through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The partial least squares-structural equation modelling was used to statistically examine the models and construct correlations. Based on the study outcomes, the perceived usefulness of food waste compost, awareness of the consequences, social influence, anticipated guilt, and attitude towards food waste composting substantially impacted food waste composting intention. Intriguingly, the perceived value of sustainability and ascription of responsibility did not have a significant impact on food waste composting intention, whereas food waste composting intention substantially influenced food waste composting behavior. The results of the multi-group analysis revealed differences in the relationship between awareness of consequences and food waste composting intention across genders and educational levels. This intriguing finding provides new avenues for future research and offers novel insights into the practical applications and promotion of food waste composting. These results will improve the relevant aspects among farmers for eco-friendly farming practices, innovate food waste management strategies, and mitigate environmental deterioration resulting from hazardous agrochemicals. This study expands the current body of literature by providing government regulators and other social enterprises with effective laws, policies, and strategy development guidelines for adopting natural composting on a large scale and enhancing the nutritional value of food to prevent unforeseen health risks caused by toxic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun
- UKM - Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Qing Yang
- UKM - Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Farzana Naznen
- UCSI Graduate Business School, UCSI University, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norzalita Abd Aziz
- UKM - Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, 43600, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Mehedi Masud
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Long F, Aziz NA, Ngah AH. Exploring the Relationship between Travel Motivations and Information Sharing Behaviors on Social Media: Gendered Differences of Chinese Gen Y in a Context of Confucianism. Journal of China Tourism Research 2023; 19:245-265. [DOI: 10.1080/19388160.2022.2057377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Long
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, The National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Norzalita Abd Aziz
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, The National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Hafaz Ngah
- School of Maritime Business and Management, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
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Aziz NA, Long F. Examining the relationship between big data analytics capabilities and organizational ambidexterity in the Malaysian banking sector. Front Big Data 2023; 6:1036174. [PMID: 37007906 PMCID: PMC10064081 DOI: 10.3389/fdata.2023.1036174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Drawing on previous literature on dynamic capability view (DCV), we examine the effects of data analytics capabilities (BDAC) on organizational ambidexterity and the paradoxical tensions between exploration and exploitation in the Malaysian banking sector. Although banks are often considered as mature commercial organizations, they are not free of issues concerning technological advancement and organizational changes for long-term competitiveness. Through statistical analysis by using data from 162 bank managers in Malaysia, it is confirmed that BDAC positively influences the two contradictory aspects of organizational ambidexterity (i.e., explorative dynamic capabilities and exploitative dynamic capabilities), and explorative dynamic capabilities also mediate the positive relationship between BDAC and exploitative marketing capabilities. The findings provide meaningful insights to researchers and bank managers on how to obtain sustainable competitive advances in the current digital era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norzalita Abd Aziz
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Fei Long
- Business School, Guangdong Ocean University, Yangjiang, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Long
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Khalil ML, Aziz NA, Ariffin AAM, Ngah AH. Big Data Analytics Capability and Firm Performance in the Hotel Industry: The Mediating Role of Organizational Agility. WSEAS TRANSACTIONS ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS 2023; 20:440-453. [DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on international mobility have negatively impacted the tourism market. Tourism players, particularly the hotel industry, have turned to big data analytics to mitigate uncertainties and offer better products and services. Nonetheless, the central question for researchers and practitioners is how the usage of big data analytics can help the hotel industry improve firm performance. Drawing on the resource-based view and dynamic capability theories, this study analyses the relationship between big data analytics capability and firm performance in the hotel industry. This study expands the current research by examining the role of organizational agility in mediating the relationship between big data analytics capability and firm performance. To empirically test the research model, the author used survey data from 115 star-rated hotels throughout Malaysia. Through partial least square equation modeling, the findings revealed that big data analytics capability positively affects organizational agility and firm performance. The result also demonstrated that organizational agility mediates the relationship between big data analytics capability and firm performance. This study can also guide hoteliers to identify resources required to build big data analytics capability and further highlight the significance of organizational agility in improving firm performance in the hotel industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Luqman Khalil
- Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA
| | - Norzalita Abd Aziz
- Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA
| | - Ahmad Azmi M. Ariffin
- Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA
| | - Abdul Hafaz Ngah
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, MALAYSIA
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Aziz NA, Long F, Wan Hussain WMH. Examining the Effects of Big Data Analytics Capabilities on Firm Performance in the Malaysian Banking Sector. IJFS 2023; 11:23. [DOI: 10.3390/ijfs11010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Banks’ primary goal is to gain profit for survival and to thrive. Therefore, they have to take various measures, such as data analysis, to maintain their sustainable competitiveness. Along with the rapid development of information technology, big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) is considered essential for banks in the highly dynamic market. To gain an in-depth understanding of the economic importance of BDAC in the banking sector in Malaysia, this research examines the relationship between BDAC and firm performance (i.e., market performance and operational performance) based on the resource-based view (RBV) and the contingent resource-based view (CRBV). The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to analyse the collected data from 162 bank managers in Malaysia. The findings verify that BDAC is composed of seven tangible/intangible resources and human skills, and it significantly influences firm performance in the banking sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norzalita Abd Aziz
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia
| | - Fei Long
- Business School, Guangdong Ocean University, Yangjiang 529500, China
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Aziz NA, Long F, Bhuiyan MA, Rahman MK. Travel decision making during and after the COVID-2019 pandemic: Revisiting travel constraints, gender role, and behavioral intentions. Front Psychol 2022; 13:961464. [PMID: 36237672 PMCID: PMC9551105 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.961464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply influenced the tourism and hospitality industry, and it has also reshaped people’s travel preferences and related behaviors. As a result, how prospective travelers perceive travel constraints and their effects on future travel behaviors may have changed to some extent. Besides, such perception arguably varies across gender. Therefore, this research examines the interplay between travel constraints, gender, and travel intentions for facilitating robust tourism recovery by revisiting the Leisure Constraints Model (LCM) from a gender perspective. Data were collected through a survey from 357 Malaysian prospective travelers. By conducting path analysis and multigroup analysis (MGA), it is found that structural and interpersonal constraints impose indirect effects on travel intentions (mediated by intrapersonal constraints), and gender moderating the effect of structural cost on intrapersonal constraints and effect of intrapersonal constraints on travel intentions. Based on these findings, this research provides theoretical and practical implications into how to adjust their marketing strategies and travel products during the era of “new normal” for tourism policy makers, destination marketers, and related businesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norzalita Abd Aziz
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, National University of Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fei Long
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, National University of Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Business School, Guangdong Ocean University, Yangjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Long,
| | - Miraj Ahmed Bhuiyan
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Khalilur Rahman
- Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business, Angkasa-UMK Research Academy, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Long F, Bhuiyan MA, Rahman MK, Aziz NA. How CSR influences young Chinese consumers' purchase decisions towards Western brands: the moderating effect of consumer ethnocentrism. K 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/k-04-2022-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
PurposeThe objectives of this study are to examine the impacts of CSR on purchase intentions either directly or indirectly and to investigate the moderating effects of consumer ethnocentrism on the relationship between CSR and purchase intentions.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized an online self-administered survey for data collection. All the measurement items were adopted or adapted from prior research concerning international marketing (Churchill, 1979). Concerning rating scales, the items of CSR, brand attitudes, and consumer ethnocentrism were measured from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), and the items of purchase intentions were measured from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that CSR significantly influences purchase intentions directly and indirectly via brand attitudes. Besides, consumer ethnocentrism strengthens the positive effects of CSR on brand attitudes and purchase intentions.Originality/valueThis research sheds light on young Chinese consumers' purchase behaviors, which could facilitate Western brands implementing effective and efficient marketing strategies in the Chinese market.
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Lam JM, Makhbul ZKM, Aziz NA, Ahmat MAH. Incorporating multidimensional images into cultural heritage destination: does it help to explain and analyse better? JCHMSD 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jchmsd-11-2021-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
PurposeThe present study aims to examine and explain cultural heritage destination by applying multiple dimension image model (cognitive–affective–conative aspects).Design/methodology/approachA total of 233 international heritage-based tourists were surveyed on-site at some of the most prominent historical attractions in Malacca, one of the first cities in Malaysia declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The covariance-based structural equation modelling was applied to examine the hypotheses.FindingsThe structural equation modelling validated that cognitive image aspects such as living culture, intangible and tangible are affected positively. The effects are statistically significant for conative and affective images. On the other hand, cognitive tangible image is an aspect that impacted affective image to a lesser degree than conative image. Whereas affective image attributes were found to have significant and positive influence on conative image.Originality/valueThis study enriches the limited empirical research study on heritage image conceptualisation by expanding into tri-component model. The destination image has garnered a great deal of attention, particularly due to its significant and impactful influence on the decision-making and the sustainable behaviour of tourists, and it has since become the subject of many studies in the tourism and hospitality literatures. But most research concerning heritage image for destinations has considered the construct uni-dimensionally.
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Alimul Hidayat AA, Uliyah M, Aziz NA, Ubudiyah M. Self-efficacy, motivation and adolescent's adherence of a health protocol during pandemic COVID-19 in Indonesia. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:2572-2578. [PMID: 35442472 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202204_28494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compliance with the 5M health protocols of washing hands, wearing masks, keeping a distance of at least one meter, avoiding crowds, and reducing mobility is the best effort to prevent COVID-19. Adolescents are non-compliant in implementing health protocols during the pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the level of compliance with the 5M health protocols. It also examines the relationship between self-efficacy, motivation, and compliance with health protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data analysis was conducted on a cross-sectional survey of 978 adolescents in Surabaya, Indonesia. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyze the relationship between the three. Furthermore, adolescent self-efficacy was measured using the General Self Efficacy Scale (GSES), while motivation scale and sociodemographic questionnaire were measured to assess the motivation and characteristics of the respondents. RESULTS Adolescent self-efficacy in compliance with health protocols is around (92.0%) with an average GSES score of 25.52 + 4.64. The analysis showed that adolescents with high self-efficacy and motivation had a high level of adherence (OR 2.804, 95% CI 2.008, 3.915) and high motivation (OR 2.926, 95% CI 2.087, 4.102), compared to those with low self-efficacy and motivation. CONCLUSIONS The results suggested that initial identification of self-efficacy and motivation should be addressed to ensure compliance with health protocols to prevent the pandemic.
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Long F, Aziz NA. The Role of Face Gaining on Millennials' Outbound Travel Intention in Mainland China. Tourism Culture & Communication 2022; 22:45-58. [DOI: 10.3727/109830421x16262461231800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
As a typical cultural concept being deeply rooted in Chinese society, "face" regulates many social behaviors in China. However, research on the social aspect of "face" is limited in tourism studies. This study applies an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model incorporating
face gaining for examining millennials' outbound travel intention from mainland China. By analyzing data from 350 Chinese millennial tourists, we find that face gaining has an indirect impact on outbound travel intention through attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral
control (PBC). Based on the findings, the research provides some insights regarding "face gaining" in travel behavior, and destination marketing on Chinese millennials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Long
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, The National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Norzalita Abd Aziz
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, The National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
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Then Moli SM, Aziz NA, Noor Azimah M, Rani H. Cross-sectional survey on primary care medical doctors' practices on oral health care in pregnancy and its association with knowledge and attitude. Med J Malaysia 2022; 77:217-223. [PMID: 35338630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral health care is an important indicator of the overall wellbeing of pregnant women. Optimizing the utilisation of dental care during pregnancy goes a long way in ensuring an improved and optimal pregnancy outcome. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the practices of primary care doctors on oral health care in pregnancy and its association with the level of knowledge and attitude. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary care doctors in nine public health clinics in Petaling District. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practices related to oral health care in pregnancy was used. RESULTS A total of 138 primary care doctors participated in this study with a response rate of 98.0%. Most primary care doctors frequently advised patients not to delay dental visits until after pregnancy (84.8%), advised patients to see dentists (69.7%), and referred patients to dentists during pregnancy (63.6%). However, only 18.9% perform assessments routinely to detect oral health issues. The median (IQR) score for knowledge was 17(4) (range score: 0-23) and attitude was 23(3) (range score: 6-30). Knowledge median score (p:0.026) and practices of referring patients to dentists (p:0.017) were significantly associated. There was a positive correlation between overall practices of primary care doctors and their age, years of experience, and knowledge. CONCLUSION Most primary care doctors frequently advise and refer pregnant patients to see dentist. Primary care doctors with higher knowledge score, who were older and had more experience, had better overall practices on oral health care in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Then Moli
- Seri Kembangan Health Clinic, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - N A Aziz
- UKM Medical Centre, Medical Faculty, Department of Family Medicine, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - M Noor Azimah
- UKM Medical Centre, Medical Faculty, Department of Family Medicine, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - H Rani
- UKM, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Family Oral Health, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Aziz NA, Long F. To travel, or not to travel? The impacts of travel constraints and perceived travel risk on travel intention among Malaysian tourists amid the COVID‐19. Journal of Consumer Behaviour 2022; 21:352-362. [PMCID: PMC8653101 DOI: 10.1002/cb.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The tourism and hospitality industry has been deeply disrupted by the COVID‐19 pandemic since its inception in December 2019. Many tourists are too anxious to travel. Thus, understanding how travel constraints and perceived travel risk influence travel intention is crucial for many destinations in their post‐crisis recovery. Drawing upon 357 Malaysian respondents, this study finds that structural constraints initiate tourists' negotiation process for travel decisions, which is inconsistent with the original Leisure Constraints Model. Nevertheless, it is reaffirmed that intrapersonal constraints remain the centrality of the negotiation process as they mediate the relationship between structural constraints, perceived travel risk and travel intention. These findings provide some theoretical contributions with regard to the Leisure Constraints Model and perceived travel risk in the context of the COVID‐19. Based on the theoretical contributions, this study also sheds light on tourism revival from a practical perspective. Tourism authorities, destination marketing organizations, and business operators are suggested to take measures to restore tourists' confidence toward travel by reducing structural constraints and mitigating tourists' risk perception in a cooperative manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norzalita Abd Aziz
- UKM‐Graduate School of BusinessThe National University of Malaysia (UKM)BangiMalaysia
| | - Fei Long
- UKM‐Graduate School of BusinessThe National University of Malaysia (UKM)BangiMalaysia
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Aziz NA, Long F, Habibi A. Determinant effects on attitude formation and revisit intention among mainland Chinese tourists: the case of Malaysia. IJSEM 2022; 13:108. [DOI: 10.1504/ijsem.2022.122734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Long F, Aziz NA, Ngah AH. How Does Face Culture Influence Chinese Gen Y's Outbound Travel Intention? Examining The Moderating Role of Face Gaining. Tourism Review International 2021; 25:371-384. [DOI: 10.3727/154427221x16245632411926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Face is an indigenous cultural concept deeply rooted in Chinese society. It is believed that face plays a profound role in influencing Chinese people's social behaviors, but little research has been conducted to investigate its impacts in relation to outbound travel behaviors among
Chinese Gen Y tourists. This study collected 350 usable responses via online self-administered surveys, and examined the moderating effect of face gaining in the theory of reasoned action (TRA) model. Contrary to the extant literature, the present research indicates a negative moderating effect
of face gaining on the positive relationship between attitude and outbound travel intention in a Chinese context. Through analysis and discussion, some theoretical and managerial implications are presented, which facilitates our understanding of face culture and Chinese Gen Y tourists. Additionally,
limitations and future research directions are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Long
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, The National University of Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norzalita Abd Aziz
- UKM-Graduate School of Business, The National University of Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Hafaz Ngah
- School of Maritime Business and Management, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Abd Aziz N, Wan Hussain WMH, Long F. Mobile Marketing Adoption among Small and Micro Bumiputera Enterprises: a Managerial Perspective from Malaysia. IJARBSS 2021; 11. [DOI: 10.6007/ijarbss/v11-i7/10668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Aziz NA, Habibi A, Long F. Determinant effects on attitude formation and revisit intention among mainland Chinese tourists: the case of Malaysia. IJSEM 2021; 1:1. [DOI: 10.1504/ijsem.2021.10041767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Abd Aziz N. The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility and Coprorate Identity Management on Image and Performance: The Case of City Hotels in Klang Valley, Malaysia. IJARBSS 2020; 10. [DOI: 10.6007/ijarbss/v10-i10/7839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Hussein Z, Aziz NA, Dhanaraj E, Brahmachari B, Kothekar M. Safety and effectiveness of a biosimilar biphasic insulin in the management of diabetes mellitus during routine clinical practice in Asian patients. Med J Malaysia 2020; 75:372-378. [PMID: 32723997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biosimilar insulins have the potential to increase access to treatment among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), reduce treatment costs, and expand market competition. There are no published studies evaluating the performance of biosimilar insulins in routine clinical practice in Asia. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of biphasic isophane insulin injection in Malaysian DM patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this open label, single-arm, observational, post marketing study, patients received biphasic isophane insulin injection as per the Prescribing Information; and were assessed for safety (adverse events including hypoglycaemia), effectiveness (glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c]; fasting blood sugar, [FBS]; and patient's condition by patient and physician) over a period of 24 weeks. RESULTS Adult male and female diabetes patients (N=119; type 2 DM, n=117) with a mean (SD) diabetes duration of 13 years were included. No new safety signals have been identified. Significant reduction in HbA1c was observed at weeks 12 and 24 (mean [SD] - baseline: 9.6% [1.9]; Week 12: 9.0% [1.7] and at Week 24: 9.1% [1.7]; p < 0.001). There were 10 serious and 9 non-serious adverse events reported in the study. Expected mild events included hypoglycaemia and injection site pruritus. However, the majority of the adverse events were non-study drug related events. No deaths were reported during the study. DISCUSSION Biphasic isophane insulin injection was well tolerated with no new safety concerns. It was found effective in post- marketing studies conducted in routine clinical settings when administered in DM patients in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Hussein
- Hospital Putrajaya, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia.
| | - N A Aziz
- Hospital Pulau Pinang, Jalan Residensi, 10990 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - E Dhanaraj
- Biocon Research Limited, Bangalore, India.
| | | | - M Kothekar
- Biocon Research Limited, Bangalore, India
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Tan LL, Abd Aziz N, Ngah AH. Mediating effect of reasons on the relationship between altruism and green hotel patronage intention. J Market Anal 2020; 8:18-30. [DOI: 10.1057/s41270-020-00067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Razak SAA, Murad NAA, Masra F, Chong DLS, Abdullah N, Jalil N, Alauddin H, Sabudin RZAR, Ithnin A, Khai LC, Aziz NA, Muda Z, Ibrahim H, Latiff ZA. Genetic Modifiers of Fetal Haemoglobin (HbF) and Phenotypic Severity in β-Thalassemia Patients. Curr Mol Med 2019; 18:295-305. [PMID: 30289070 DOI: 10.2174/1566524018666181004121604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phenotypic severity of β-thalassemia is highly modulated by three genetic modifiers: β-globin (HBB) mutations, co-inheritance of α-thalassemia and polymorphisms in the genes associated with fetal haemoglobin (HbF) production. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of HbF related polymorphisms mainly in the HBB cluster, BCL11A (B-cell CLL/lymphoma 11A) and HBS1L-MYB (HBS1-like translational GTPase-MYB protooncogene, transcription factor) with regards to clinical severity. METHODS A total of 149 patients were included in the study. HBA and HBB mutations were characterised using multiplex PCR, Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligationdependent probe amplification. In addition, 35 HbF polymorphisms were genotyped using mass spectrometry and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP). The genotype-phenotype association was analysed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS Twenty-one HBB mutations were identified in the study population. Patients with HBB mutations had heterogeneous phenotypic severity due to the presence of other secondary modifiers. Co-inheritance of α-thalassemia (n = 12) alleviated disease severity of β-thalassemia. In addition, three polymorphisms (HBS1LMYB, rs4895441 [P = 0.008, odds ratio (OR) = 0.38 (0.18, 0.78)], rs9376092 [P = 0.030, OR = 0.36 (0.14, 0.90)]; and olfactory receptor [OR51B2] rs6578605 [P = 0.018, OR = 0.52 (0.31, 0.89)]) were associated with phenotypic severity. Secondary analysis of the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms with HbF levels revealed three nominally significant SNPs: rs6934903, rs9376095 and rs9494149 in HBS1L-MYB. CONCLUSION This study revealed 3 types of HbF polymorphisms that play an important role in ameliorating disease severity of β-thalassemia patients which may be useful as a predictive marker in clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A A Razak
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N A A Murad
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - F Masra
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - D L S Chong
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Abdullah
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Jalil
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - H Alauddin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - R Z A R Sabudin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Ithnin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - L C Khai
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N A Aziz
- Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Jalan Pahang, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Z Muda
- Institute of Paediatrics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - H Ibrahim
- Institute of Paediatrics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Z A Latiff
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Stuitje G, van Belzen MJ, Gardiner SL, van Roon-Mom WMC, Boogaard MW, Tabrizi SJ, Roos RAC, Aziz NA. Age of onset in Huntington's disease is influenced by CAG repeat variations in other polyglutamine disease-associated genes. Brain 2019; 140:e42. [PMID: 28549075 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Geerte Stuitje
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martine J van Belzen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah L Gardiner
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Merel W Boogaard
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Raymund A C Roos
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - N A Aziz
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Abstract
Purpose
Islamic banking system has become mainstream with the increasing popularity and demand of its products and services, including that of non-Muslims and even among the Western market. This paper aims to attempt to explore the factors that influence the co-production of services as well consumer attitudinal loyalty based on consumers’ perception of Islamic financial banking services. It also tests how co-production and customer loyalty as well as corporate image relate to each other. The present study is set up in the context of Islamic financial banking service industry in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected using the survey method. Convenience sampling was used to collect 502 usable responses via self-administered questionnaires.
Findings
The hierarchical regression results show that communication and commitment have a significant influence on co-production of services, but competence has an insignificant relationship. Co-production and corporate image have a significant influence on the consumer attitudinal loyalty, whereas corporate image has significant influence on consumer commitment. The study findings show that the co-production fully mediates the relationship between the communication and attitudinal loyalty, whereas it partially mediates the relationship between commitment and attitudinal loyalty.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is required to determine other additional and broader range of constructs. Further testing is therefore required before any generalization of these results can be undertaken, and it would be useful to conduct future studies in other types of industries. There are four segments of Islamic financial services customers, namely, religious conviction group, religious conviction and economic group, ethical observant group and economic rationality group. It is interesting to examine these segments related to the current study on how each segment influences the co-production process and loyalty among them.
Originality/value
The sustainability of a service organization depends on understanding customers’ needs but it also relies on the involvement of its customers. Although similar to-production, value co-creation has been regarded as one of the most prioritized research topics in service and marketing; thus, future researchers might model the relationships based on this concept. Despite these, few studies have been conducted to understand the nature and implications of co-production concept in Islamic financial banking services. This study contributes to the knowledge, in particular, in the context of Islamic financial banking services, especially by integrating additional constructs in determining customers’ loyalty such as the corporate image. To a certain extent, it offers some important insights on the subject of co-production and customer loyalty that eventually will lead to value creation and sustainability of businesses.
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Nor Azlin MN, Aziz NA, Saperi BS, Aljunid SM. Functional limitation and health-related quality of life, and associated factors among long term stroke survivors in a Malaysian community. Med J Malaysia 2016; 71:313-321. [PMID: 28087954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE this study aimed to evaluate function and quality of life (QoL) and associated factors among long term stroke survivors in the Malaysian community. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted involving stroke survivors living in the community at two or more years post-stroke. Eligible participants with the diagnosis of stroke were identified from 2005-2010 case mix database of a tertiary hospital. the patients' medical records were analysed and data on demographic and clinical profiles were collected. telephone interviews were conducted to assess existing stroke-related impairments, comorbidities, stroke recurrences, current level of function and QoL, with the usage of rivermead mobility index (rMI), barthel index (bI) and stroke specific quality of life scale (ssQOL). RESULTS A total of 203 stroke survivors; mean age 64.5 (standard Deviation(sD) 12.2) years, 45.3% males, stroke duration 44.7 (sD 13.8) months completed the interviews. Mean rMI was 11.7 (sD 3.4) and bI was 89.8 (sD 19.8). Forty three percent and 99% had difficulty in ascending/descending stairs and fast walking, respectively. Up to 20% had limitations in most of the bI subsets. Mean ssQOL was 207.6 (sD 37.2), with domains mostly affected were 'energy' and 'social role'. Function and QOL were both influenced by age (p<0.01) and stroke related impairments (p<0.05), but not by co-morbidities or stroke recurrence. QoL and function (both mobility and ADL) were strongly positively correlated with each other (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS It was observed that functional limitations especially mobility, remains post-stroke major problem and were attributed mainly to stroke-related impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Nor Azlin
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - N A Aziz
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia
| | - B S Saperi
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia
| | - S M Aljunid
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, International Center for Casemix and Clinical Coding, Malaysia
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24
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Aziz NA, Peeters-Scholte CM, de Bruine FT, Klumper FJ, Adama van Scheltema PN, Lopriore E, Steggerda SJ. Fetal cerebellar hemorrhage: three cases with postnatal follow-up. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47:785-786. [PMID: 26426778 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C M Peeters-Scholte
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - F T de Bruine
- Department of Neuroradiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - F J Klumper
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - P N Adama van Scheltema
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - E Lopriore
- Department of Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 AZ, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - S J Steggerda
- Department of Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 AZ, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Aziz NA, Pindus DM, Mullis R, Walter FM, Mant J. Understanding stroke survivors' and informal carers' experiences of and need for primary care and community health services--a systematic review of the qualitative literature: protocol. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e009244. [PMID: 26739728 PMCID: PMC4716193 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the rising prevalence of stroke, no comprehensive model of postacute stroke care exists. Research on stroke has focused on acute care and early supported discharge, with less attention dedicated to longer term support in the community. Likewise, relatively little research has focused on long-term support for informal carers. This review aims to synthesise and appraise extant qualitative evidence on: (1) long-term healthcare needs of stroke survivors and informal carers, and (2) their experiences of primary care and community health services. The review will inform the development of a primary care model for stroke survivors and informal carers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will systematically search 4 databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL for published qualitative evidence on the needs and experiences of stroke survivors and informal carers of postacute care delivered by primary care and community health services. Additional searches of reference lists and citation indices will be conducted. The quality of articles will be assessed by 2 independent reviewers using a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion or third party adjudication. Meta-ethnography will be used to synthesise the literature based on first-order, second-order and third-order constructs. We will construct a theoretical model of stroke survivors' and informal carers' experiences of primary care and community health services. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The results of the systematic review will be disseminated via publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant conference. The study does not require ethical approval as no patient identifiable data will be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - D M Pindus
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - R Mullis
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - F M Walter
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Mant
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Tong CV, Velaiutham S, Aziz NA, Lim SL, Khaw CH. Severe hypertriglyceridemia in a nondiabetic treated with low dose insulin infusion. Med J Malaysia 2015; 70:249-250. [PMID: 26358023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of a 54-year-old man with severe HTG which did not respond to conventional anti lipid therapies. He was treated with intravenous insulin and concurrent dextrose infusions which led to a dramatic reduction in serum triglyceride levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- C V Tong
- Hospital Putrajaya, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Presinct 7, 62250 Putrajaya, Malaysia.
| | | | - N A Aziz
- Hospital Pulau Pinang, Georgetown, Malaysia
| | - S L Lim
- Hospital Pulau Pinang, Georgetown, Malaysia
| | - C H Khaw
- Hospital Pulau Pinang, Georgetown, Malaysia
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27
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van Wamelen DJ, Aziz NA, Roos RAC, Swaab DF. Hypothalamic alterations in Huntington's disease patients: comparison with genetic rodent models. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:761-75. [PMID: 25074766 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Unintended weight loss, sleep and circadian disturbances and autonomic dysfunction are prevalent features of Huntington's disease (HD), an autosomal dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded CAG repeat sequence in the HTT gene. These features form a substantial contribution to disease burden in HD patients and appear to be accompanied by a number of neuroendocrine and metabolic changes, pointing towards hypothalamic pathology as a likely underlying mechanism. Neuronal inclusion bodies of mutant huntingtin, which are hallmarks of the disease, occur throughout the hypothalamus, and indicate local mutant huntingtin expression that could interfere with hypothalamic neuropeptide production. Also, several genetic rodent models of HD show features that could be related to hypothalamic pathology, such as weight loss and circadian rhythm disturbances. In these rodents, several hypothalamic neuropeptide populations are affected. In the present review, we summarise the changes in genetic rodent models of HD for individual hypothalamic nuclei, compare these observations to the hypothalamic changes that occur in HD patients, and make an inventory of the work that still needs to be done. Surprisingly, there is only limited overlap in the hypothalamic changes reported in HD patients and genetic rodent models. At present, the only similarity between the hypothalamic alterations in HD patients and genetic rodent models is a decrease in the number of orexin-expressing neurones in the lateral hypothalamus. Possible reasons for these discrepancies, as well as potential consequences for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J van Wamelen
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam ZO, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Blebil AQ, Sulaiman SAS, Hassali MA, Dujaili JA, Subramaniam K, Aziz NA. Evaluation of Smoking Status among Diabetes Patients in the State of Penang, Malaysia. TROP J PHARM RES 2013. [DOI: 10.4314/tjpr.v12i3.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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van Wamelen DJ, Aziz NA, Anink JJ, Roos RAC, Swaab DF. Neuropeptide alterations in the infundibular nucleus of Huntington's disease patients. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:198-205. [PMID: 22928483 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2012.02379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Data from transgenic mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD) suggest that dysfunction of the hypothalamic infundibular nucleus (INF) (in rodents, the arcuate nucleus) may contribute to unintended weight loss and insatiable appetite among HD patients. Using post-mortem paraffin-embedded tissue, we assessed the total number of INF neurones by thionin staining and four major regulatory neuropeptides in the INF of HD patients by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridisation. In HD patients, the total number of neurones in the INF was unchanged compared to control subjects (P = 0.92), whereas it contained over 30% less neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive (IR) neurones (P = 0.016), as well as reduced peptide levels, in fibres to the paraventricular and ventromedial nucleus (P = 0.003, P = 0.005, respectively). Conversely, neuropeptide Y mRNA expression levels were increased three-fold (P = 0.047). No changes were observed in the number of neurones immunoreactive for α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, agouti-related peptide, and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (P ≥ 0.17). Our findings suggest changes in the pathology of the INF neuropeptide Y-expressing neurones in HD patients without changes in other (an)orexigenic neuropeptides and without neuronal cell loss. These findings indicate that unintended weight loss in patients suffering from this disease may be partly a result of neuropeptidergic alterations in the hypothalamic infundibular nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J van Wamelen
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ahmad N, Hassan Y, Tangiisuran B, Meng OL, Aziz NA, Khan AH. Guidelines Adherence and Hypertension Control in an Outpatient Cardiology Clinic in Malaysia. TROP J PHARM RES 2012. [DOI: 10.4314/tjpr.v11i4.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Sharifuddin N, Abdul AAF, Hamzah MS, Abdul RR, Zainuddin Z, Puteh SEW, Abdul HMZ, Aziz NA. A cross-sectional study of hypertensive outpatients to determine the necessity of asking about erectile dysfunction symptoms. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/20786204.2011.10874119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aziz AF Abdul
- Department of Family Medicine, University Kebangsaan, Malaysia Medical Centre
| | - MS Hamzah
- Department of Family Medicine, University Kebangsaan, Malaysia Medical Centre
| | - Rashid R Abdul
- Department of Family Medicine, University Kebangsaan, Malaysia Medical Centre
| | - Z Zainuddin
- Urology Unit, University Kebangsaan, Malaysia Medical Centre
| | - SEW Puteh
- department of Community Health, University Kebangsaan, Malaysia Medical Centre
| | - Hamid MZ Abdul
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia
| | - NA Aziz
- Department of Family Medicine, University Kebangsaan, Malaysia Medical Centre
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Abstract
Recently, a massive loss of both hypocretin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurones was found in the hypothalamus of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Because both hypocretin and MCH play a key role in the regulation of sleep, energy homeostasis and autonomic function, partly by modulation of the somatotrophic, thyrotrophic and lactotrophic axes, neuroendocrine dysregulation may contribute to some of the non-motor features of PD. In eight de novo, medication-free PD patients and eight age-, sex- and body mass index-matched controls, we measured serum levels of growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin every 10 min for 24 h. Auto-deconvolution, cosinor and approximate entropy analysis were applied to quantify GH, TSH and prolactin secretion rates, diurnal rhythmicity, as well as regularity of hormone release. Sleep was polygraphically-recorded throughout the night. Total 24-h secretion of GH (191 ± 31 versus 130 ± 39 mU/l/24 h), TSH (38 ± 9 versus 36 ± 2 mU/l/24 h) and prolactin (102 ± 14 versus 116 ± 17 μg/l/24 h), as well as their diurnal rhythmicity and regularity of release, were not significantly different between PD patients and controls (all P ≥ 0.12). Fasting levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 were also unaltered in PD patients. However, free thyroxine (T(4) ) levels were significantly higher in PD patients compared to controls (16.19 ± 0.80 versus 13.88 ± 0.40 pmol/l; P = 0.031). In PD patients, prolactin levels were related to disease duration (r = 0.76, P = 0.028), whereas both GH (r = -0.91, P = 0.002) and free T(4) (r = -0.71, P = 0.050) levels correlated inversely with body fat content. Apart from a mild increase in free T(4) levels, we found no indications for altered somatotrophic, thyrotrophic and lactotrophic axes activity in early-stage PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Hassan Y, Zainal ZA, Aziz NA, Al-Jabi SW, Ismail O. Prevention of Radiocontrast-Induced Nephropathy after Coronary Angiography: N-Acetylcysteine plus Saline Hydration versus Saline Hydration. TROP J PHARM RES 2011. [DOI: 10.4314/tjpr.v10i2.66553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Aziz NA, Yasin NM. Analyzing the Brand Equity and Resonance of Banking Services: Malaysian Consumer Perspective. IJMS 2010; 2. [DOI: 10.5539/ijms.v2n2p180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, a loss of hypothalamic dopamine D(2) receptors was demonstrated in Huntington's disease (HD). Activation of dopamine D(2) receptors is known to inhibit the function of both thyrotropic and lactotropic axes. OBJECTIVE To assess whether the activity of the thyrotropic and lactotropic axes is disturbed in patients with HD, contributing to symptoms such as unintended weight loss. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS In nine medication-free patients with early-stage HD (six men, three women) and nine age-, sex- and body mass index-matched controls, we measured serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (men only) every 10 min for 24 h. Multiparameter auto-deconvolution and approximate entropy analysis were applied to quantify basal, pulsatile and total TSH and prolactin secretion rates as well as the regularity of hormone release. RESULTS Compared with controls, TSH and prolactin secretion tended to be slightly, but not significantly, higher in patients with HD (TSH: 1.13 ± 0.14 vs 0.91 ± 0.19 mU/l, P = 0.40; prolactin: 213 ± 18 vs 209 ± 11 pmol/l, P = 0.87). However, in patients with HD, total T(3) levels were significantly higher (1.60 ± 0.05 vs 1.35 ± 0.09, P = 0.045), while T(4) levels tended to be higher as well (91.9 ± 3.9 vs 81.3 ± 3.1, P = 0.085). Prolactin secretion was significantly more irregular in patients with HD (Approximate entropy (ApEn): 1.06 ± 0.08 vs 0.80 ± 0.09, P = 0.037). Total T(3) levels were negatively associated with motor impairment (r = -0.72, P = 0.030), whereas increasing free T(4) levels were associated with a larger mutant cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat size (r = +0.68, P = 0.044). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a mild hyperactivity of the thyrotropic axis and a disturbed regulation of the lactotropic axis in patients with early-stage HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Departments of Neurology Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Clinical Chemistry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Hamid MZA, Aziz NA, Anita AR, Norlijah O. Knowledge of blood-borne infectious diseases and the practice of universal precautions amongst health-care workers in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2010; 41:1192-1199. [PMID: 21073041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the knowledge of blood-borne diseases transmitted through needle stick injuries amongst health-care workers in a tertiary teaching hospital. We also aimed to assess the practices of universal precautions amongst these workers and its correlation with the facts. We carried out a cross-sectional study from January to July 2008 involving various levels of health-care workers in Serdang Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge of blood-borne diseases and universal precautions, and actual practice of universal precautions was used. Two hundred fifteen respondents participated in this study; 63.3% were staff nurses. The mean knowledge score was 31.84 (SD 4.30) and the mean universal practice score was 9.0 (SD 2.1). There was a small, positive correlation between knowledge and actual practice of universal precautions (r = 0.300, n = 206, p < 0.001) amongst the cohort studied. Factors such as age and years of experience did not contribute towards acquisition of knowledge about blood-borne illnesses or the practice of universal precautions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Z A Hamid
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Aziz NA. Tourism in South East Asia: challenges and new directions. Journal of Tourism History 2010; 2:141-143. [DOI: 10.1080/1755182x.2010.498157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Abd Aziz N, Mohd Yasin N. How will market orientation and external environmnet influence the performance among SMEs in the agri-food sector in Malaysia? IBR 2010; 3:154. [DOI: 10.5539/ibr.v3n3p154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Many researchers have explored the relationship between market orientation and firm performance in manufacturing and services industries but such studies in agri-food SMEs are scarce. Previous research conducted has conceptually and empirically supported the notion that market orientation independently or collectively have positive correlations with the business performance of organization (such as Narver and Slater, 1990; Jaworski and Kohli, 1993; Lee and Peterson, 2000). The aim of this paper is to examine the marketing practices and the marketing orientation-business performance relationship among SMEs in agri-food sector in Malaysia. This study also investigated the role of the external environment in the market orientation-performance linkage. From an analysis of a survey data of 102 agri- food organizations, three dimensions namely customer-competitor orientation, inter-functional coordination and information dissemination extracted from factor analysis result of market orientation. The study revealed that customer-competitor orientation and information dissemination were positively related to business performance. In terms of the role of external environment, two dimensions produced by factor analysis, market-technology turbulence and competitive intensity did not moderate the relationship between market orientation and business performance. Findings are discussed and implications are highlighted. Keywords: Market Orientation, External Environment, Business Performance
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Aziz NA, Anguelova GV, Marinus J, van Dijk JG, Roos RAC. Autonomic symptoms in patients and pre-manifest mutation carriers of Huntington's disease. Eur J Neurol 2010; 17:1068-74. [PMID: 20192977 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.02973.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although autonomic function tests have revealed abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system in Huntington's disease (HD), autonomic symptoms and their association with other symptoms and signs of HD have not yet been assessed in large groups of patients or pre-manifest mutation carriers. Therefore, we aimed at delineating the characteristics and correlates of autonomic symptoms in HD. METHODS Using the scales for outcomes in Parkinson's disease-autonomic symptoms (SCOPA-AUT) and Beck Depression Inventory questionnaires, autonomic symptoms and depressed mood were assessed in 63 patients with HD, 21 pre-manifest mutation carriers, and 85 controls. The Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale was used to assess other HD symptoms and signs. RESULTS Relative to controls, patients with HD experienced significantly more gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular and, in men, sexual problems. The most prevalent symptoms were swallowing difficulties, erection and ejaculation problems, dysphagia, sialorrhea, early abdominal fullness, straining for defecation, fecal and urinary incontinence, urgency, incomplete bladder emptying, and light-headedness whilst standing. Pre-manifest mutation carriers experienced significantly more swallowing difficulties and light-headedness on standing up compared with controls. In patients with HD, autonomic symptoms were associated with a greater degree of functional disability, more severe depression, and antidepressant drugs use. However, depression was the only independent predictor of autonomic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Autonomic symptoms are highly prevalent in patients with HD and may even precede the onset of motor signs. Moreover, autonomic dysfunction is related to functional disability and depression in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Aziz NA, Leelavathi M, Tohid H, Hamzah MS. Challenges in managing dementia in a primary health care setting: A case report. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/20786204.2009.10873919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Abd Aziz N, Ariffin AA. Identifying the Relationship between Travel Motivation and Lifestyles among Malaysian Pleasure Tourists and Its Marketing Implications. IJMS 2009; 1. [DOI: 10.5539/ijms.v1n2p96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Flavin R, Smyth P, Barrett C, Russell S, Wen H, Wei J, Laios A, O'Toole S, Ring M, Denning K, Li J, Aherne S, Sammarae D, Aziz NA, Alhadi A, Finn SP, Loda M, B S, Sheils O, O'Leary JJ. miR-29b expression is associated with disease-free survival in patients with ovarian serous carcinoma. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2009; 19:641-7. [PMID: 19509563 DOI: 10.1111/igc.0b013e3181a48cf9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNAs are a group of small noncoding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length. Recent work has shown differential expression of mature micro-RNAs in human cancers. We characterized the alteration in expression of miR-29b in ovarian serous carcinoma. miR-29b expression was analyzed using quantitative stem-loop reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on a set of 50 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ovarian serous carcinoma samples. Protein expression of p53, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, Ki-67, and insulinlike growth factor 1 was quantified in the corresponding tissue microarray. The expression profile of miR-29b was correlated with clinicopathological and patient survival data. We provide definitive evidence that miR-29b is down-regulated in a significant proportion of ovarian serous carcinomas and is associated with specific clinicopathological features, most notably high miR-29b expression being associated with reduced disease-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Flavin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
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Aziz NA, Jurgens CK, Landwehrmeyer GB, van Roon-Mom WMC, van Ommen GJB, Stijnen T, Roos RAC. Normal and mutant HTT interact to affect clinical severity and progression in Huntington disease. Neurology 2009; 73:1280-5. [PMID: 19776381 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181bd1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Huntington disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the HD gene (HTT). We aimed to assess whether interaction between CAG repeat sizes in the mutant and normal allele could affect disease severity and progression. METHODS Using linear regression and mixed-effects models, the influence of mutant and normal CAG repeat sizes interaction was assessed on 1) age at onset in 921 patients with HD, 2) clinical severity and progression in 512 of these patients with follow-up data available, and 3) basal ganglia volume on magnetic resonance images in 16 premanifest HD mutation carriers. RESULTS Normal and mutant CAG repeat sizes interacted to influence 1) age at onset (p = 0.001), 2) severity or progression of motor, cognitive, and functional, but not behavioral, symptoms in patients with HD (all p < 0.05), and 3) in premanifest subjects, basal ganglia volumes (p < 0.05). In subjects with mutant CAG expansions in the low range, increasing size of the normal repeat correlated with more severe symptoms and pathology, whereas for those subjects with expansions in the high range, increasing size of the normal repeat correlated with less severe symptoms and pathology. CONCLUSIONS Increasing CAG repeat size in normal HTT diminishes the association between mutant CAG repeat size and disease severity and progression in Huntington disease. The underlying mechanism may involve interaction of the polyglutamine domains of normal and mutant huntingtin (fragments) and needs further elucidation. These findings may have predictive value and are essential for the design and interpretation of future therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Aziz NA, van der Burg JMM, Landwehrmeyer GB, Brundin P, Stijnen T, Roos RAC. Weight loss in Huntington disease increases with higher CAG repeat number. Neurology 2008; 71:1506-13. [PMID: 18981372 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000334276.09729.0e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Huntington disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded number of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene. A hallmark of HD is unintended weight loss, the cause of which is unknown. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of weight loss in HD, we studied its relation to other disease characteristics including motor, cognitive, and behavioral disturbances and CAG repeat number. METHODS In 517 patients with early stage HD, we applied mixed-effects model analyses to correlate weight changes over 3 years to CAG repeat number and various components of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). We also assessed the relation between CAG repeat number and body weight and caloric intake in the R6/2 mouse model of HD. RESULTS In patients with HD, mean body mass index decreased with -0.15 units per year (p < 0.001). However, no single UHDRS component, including motor, cognitive, and behavioral scores, was independently associated with the rate of weight loss. Patients with HD with a higher CAG repeat number had a faster rate of weight loss. Similarly, R6/2 mice with a larger CAG repeat length had a lower body weight, whereas caloric intake increased with larger CAG repeat length. CONCLUSIONS Weight loss in Huntington disease (HD) is directly linked to CAG repeat length and is likely to result from a hypermetabolic state. Other signs and symptoms of HD are unlikely to contribute to weight loss in early disease stages. Elucidation of the responsible mechanisms could lead to effective energy-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Aziz NA, Leonardi-Bee J, Phillips M, Gladman JRF, Legg L, Walker MF. Therapy-based rehabilitation services for patients living at home more than one year after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008; 2008:CD005952. [PMID: 18425928 PMCID: PMC6464721 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005952.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current practice of rehabilitation intervention mainly concentrates on the first six months of stroke. At present, there is no agreed consensus about the benefits of such a service more than one year after stroke. OBJECTIVES To ascertain whether therapy-based rehabilitation services can influence outcome one year or more after stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the trials registers of the following Cochrane Review Groups: Stroke Group (last searched September 2007), Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group (last searched October 2006) and Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group (last searched October 2006). We also searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2006), EMBASE (1980 to October 2006), CINAHL (1982 to October 2006), AMED (1985 to October 2006), PEDro (1952 to October 2006), British Nursing Index (1993 to October 2006), DARE (1994 to October 2006), HMIC (1979 to October 2006) and NHS EED (1991 to October 2006). We also searched dissertation databases and ongoing trials and research registers, scanned reference lists and contacted researchers and experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled trials of community-based stroke patients, in which at least 75% were recruited one year after stroke and received a therapy-based rehabilitation intervention that was compared with conventional care. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials and extracted data on a number of pre-specified outcomes. The primary outcomes were the proportion of participants who had deteriorated or were dependent in personal activities of daily living at the end of scheduled follow up. MAIN RESULTS We identified five trials of 487 participants that were eligible for the review. Overall, there was inconclusive evidence as to whether therapy-based rehabilitation intervention one year after stroke was able to influence any relevant patient or carer outcome. Trials varied in design, type of interventions provided, quality, and outcomes assessed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the dearth of evidence investigating long-term therapy-based rehabilitation interventions for patients with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 53000.
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Hamid MZA, Aziz NA, Zulkifli ZS, Norlijah O, Azhar RK. Clinical features and risk factors for HIV encephalopathy in children. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2008; 39:266-272. [PMID: 18564712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of progressive encephalopathy (PE) and its associated clinical manifestations amongst a cohort of HIV infected children attending the HIV/AIDS clinic of the Pediatric Institute, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. Neurological and neurobehavioral assessments were performed in 55 children with HIV over a 24-month study period. Parameters assessed were physical and neurological assessments, CD4 counts, CD4 percentages, RNA viral loads and an IQ assessment at four monthly intervals. PE was diagnosed when patient developed at least one of the definitive criteria for PE based on the Consensus of Pediatric Neurology/Psychology Working Group, AIDS Clinical Trial 1996. The incidence of encephalopathy was 18.2% (n = 10) in 2002. All the patients had hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, abnormal deep tendon reflexes and five had impairment in brain growth. The CD4 counts and CD4 percentages were more likely to be associated with PE compared to the non-PE group.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Z A Hamid
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor.
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Aziz NA, Swaab DF, Pijl H, Roos RAC. Hypothalamic dysfunction and neuroendocrine and metabolic alterations in Huntington's disease: clinical consequences and therapeutic implications. Rev Neurosci 2007; 18:223-51. [PMID: 18019608 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro.2007.18.3-4.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive, psychiatric, behavioural and motor disturbances. Although the course of HD is also frequently complicated by unintended weight loss, sleep disturbances and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, the aetiology of these signs and symptoms remains largely unknown. In recent years, many novel findings from both animal and human studies have emerged that indicate considerable hypothalamic, endocrine and metabolic alterations in HD. However, a comprehensive overview of these findings is lacking and their precise clinical significance is far from clear. Therefore, in this review we attempt to put these recent developments in the field into perspective by integrating them with previous findings in a comprehensible manner, and by discussing their clinical relevance, with a special focus on body weight, sleep and autonomic functions in HD, which will also allow for the identification of future lines of research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Aziz
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Tong SF, Aziz NA, Chin GL. Predictive value of thrombocytopaenia in the diagnosis of dengue infection in outpatient settings. Med J Malaysia 2007; 62:390-393. [PMID: 18705473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Thrombocytopaenia is often relied upon as an important criterion for the diagnosis of dengue infection among patients presenting with an acute non-specific febrile illness. This study was aimed to assess usefulness of thrombocytopaenia in the diagnosis of acute dengue virus infection. This was a clinic based prospective cohort study from May to November 2003. Consecutive patients presenting with acute non-specific febrile illness of less than two weeks were selected from two urban primary care centres. We did full blood count examination (FBC) on the day of visit and dengue serology on day five of illness for all patients enrolled. We repeated the FBC examination for patients who had initial normal platelet counts. Thrombocytopaenia was defined as platelet count < 150 X 10(9)/L. Eighty-seven patients enrolled in the study. Complete data was available for 73 patients. The prevalence of acute dengue virus infection was 27.6%. The sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 71% respectively. The likelihood of acute dengue infection in the presence of thrombocytopaenia was 2.52 and likelihood of not having dengue infection in normal platelet count patients was 5.22. Thrombocytopaenia has fair predictive value in diagnosing acute dengue virus infection. It was more useful to exclude than to diagnose dengue infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Tong
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, National University of Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.
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Sweeney KJ, Kell MR, Aziz NA, Prunty N, Holloway P, Kennedy M, Flanagan F, Kerin MJ. The clinical and pathological differences in prevalent round screen-detected and symptomatic invasive breast cancer. Ir Med J 2007; 100:550-552. [PMID: 17955686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The potential benefits of breast cancer screening include the detection of cancers at a more favourable stage, however, cancers detected during the prevalent round of screening may differ from true screen-detected cancers. These differences are poorly defined. This study prospectively assessed all women between 50 and 64 years of age undergoing curative surgery for breast cancer, both screen-detected and symptomatic, in one screening centre during the prevalent round of the national breast cancer-screening programme. Four hundred and thirty seven patients (364 screen-detected and 73 symptomatic patients) underwent surgery for breast cancer. Symptomatic breast cancers were of a higher grade (p < 0.0001; Chi2) and less likely to be oestrogen receptor positive (49% versus 88%; p < 0.0001; Fisher's exact test); however there was no difference in size of tumour or axillary nodal positivity. This study suggests that tumours detected by screening during the prevalent round of a screening programme are of a more prognostically favourable type than symptomatic breast cancers in the same age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Sweeney
- Department of Surgery, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7.
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