Cytoskeletal morphological changes of mesenchymal stem cells after oxidant damage and its prevention by thymoquinone

The functional integrity of the cytoskeleton of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is essential for its differentiation into multiple cell lineages including adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. Abnormalities in the cytoskeletal proteins such as actin and microtubule can cause disrupted cell signalling and irregular movements of organelles leading to cell death. This study investigated cytoskeletal and nuclear morphological changes of the MSC due to oxidative damage by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the possible prevention of these changes by the antioxidant thymoquinone (TQ). Bone marrow MSCs from Sprague Dawley rats were cultured and treated with different concentrations of H2O2 with or without TQ to observe the potential protective activity. Triple-label fluorescence immunocytochemistry was performed post-treatment to observe the nucleus, actin and microtubules using 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), Alexa Fluor 488-labelled phalloidin and Cy3-labelled anti-tubulin antibody, respectively. The normal stem cell cytoskeleton demonstrated intact actin and microtubule structures along with normal appearance of the nucleus. However, oxidative damage by H2O2 caused a severe disruption of the cytoskeletal morphology of the actin and microtubule along with apoptosis and necrosis of the nucleus. Interestingly, both immunocytochemical and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) results showed that these morphological changes were prevented by TQ at low concentrations while higher concentrations of TQ were harmful. This study suggested that TQ could save MSCs from oxidative-induced cell death

DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMME: TEACHERS’ BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN TEACHING SCIENCE THROUGH ENGLISH

Background and Purpose: The recently implemented Dual Language Program (DLP) policy in Malaysian schools may require teachers involved in the initiative to make necessary changes in their teaching practices in appropriate directions. It may also challenge the beliefs that these teachers hold with regard to teaching subject matter in English as a medium of instruction. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the beliefs of primary Science teachers with regards to the teaching of Science through the English medium, and the extent to which the beliefs of teachers are consistent with their classroom practices.   Methodology: The study employed a quantitative data collection and analysis approach. Science teachers’ beliefs and stated practices were obtained via a questionnaire using the Likert-scale. The respondents of the study include 44 primary Science teachers in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. A Pearson correlation analysis was computed to examine the association between teachers’ beliefs scale and the ratings of classroom practices.   Findings:  The results from the statistical analysis suggest that in teaching Science using the English language, the beliefs of the primary school teachers were not always aligned with their stated practices with regard to DLP. This discrepancy between the beliefs of science teachers and their stated instructional practices could be due to the lack of professional development sessions and contextual constraints.   Contributions: This study extends work on content-based classrooms in the Malaysian context. Its findings contribute to the ongoing work on improving instructional practices in the DLP classrooms.   Keywords: Classroom practices, dual language program, teachers’ beliefs.   Cite as: Othman, J., Mohd Saat, R., Senom, F., & Hasan Adli, D. S. (2020). Dual language programme: Teachers’ beliefs and practices in teaching Science through English.  Journal of Nusantara Studies, 5(1), 255-269. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol5iss1pp255-26

Effects of Nigella sativa

Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats (7–9 weeks old, 200–250 g) were divided into Nicotine (N) (0.5 mg/100 g body weight (BW), Nicotine Control (NC) (saline, 0.1 mL/100 g BW), Habbatus sauda oil (HS) (6.0 μL/100 g BW), and Habbatus sauda Control (HSC) (corn oil, 0.1 mL/100 g BW) groups and treated for 100 days. Sperm parameters and seminiferous tubules measurements were evaluated. The N showed a significantly lower sperm motility (1.03±0.05×106 sperm/mL) and percentage of normal (82.61±0.03%) and live (93.88±0.01%) sperm, higher value for the seminiferous tubule (253.36±1.83 μm) and lumen (100.15±2.38 μm) diameters and spermatogonia (19.85±0.39 μm) and spermatocytes (33.37±0.59 μm) layers, and thinner spermatid-sperm layer (22.14±0.71 μm) than the NC (P<0.05). The HS had significantly higher sperm motility (1.49±0.04×106 sperm/mL) and percentage of normal (90.61±0.01%) and live (96.98±0.01%) sperm, smaller lumen diameter (67.53±2.34 μm) and thinner spermatogonia (17.67±0.32 μm) and wider spermatid-sperm (36.95±0.79 μm) layers than the HSC (P<0.05). This research confirmed that nicotine reduced sperm motility and morphology of normal and live sperms and also affected the testis histology, while Habbatus sauda oil increased sperm quality and gave better testis histological features

PENGAJARAN DAN PEMBELAJARAN AL-QURAN BAGI GOLONGAN KELAINAN UPAYA MENTAL: ANALISIS DARI SUMBER TRADISI ISLAM

ABSTRACTPerson with disability (PWD) can be defined as an individual who cannot perform/ having problems with handling daily activities in a normal way (either in total or in part), due to the lack and/or defects in their physical being or mental health. Mental disabilities, such as autism and dyslexia, are commonly caused by disturbances of neural circuit and the structure of the neuronal cell, itself. Past studies on the reading capability of the mentally challenged individuals have been done, but none involving the reading of al-Quran. Currently, the reading of al-Quran capability by this group is limited, as there is no specific technique of  teaching and learning for them. Al-Quran is considered as an antidote and a blessing for Muslims, in fact the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah (first surah) is obligatory in a prayer/ solat. Therefore, various methods have been put forward to facilitate Muslims to learn to read al-Quran such as al-Baghdadi and Iqra’ techniques. However, none or very few of these techniques are being applied to the mentally challenged group. Hence, this article focused on the autistic group and aimed to reveal methods of teaching of al-Quran sourced from the Islamic tradition (the Quran, hadith and writings of Islamic scholars). Employing documentation method and analysis of Islamic tradition sources, this preliminary study was conducted prior to an advance study focusing on the efficiency of techniques used in teaching al-Quran reading to autistic children. Although the methods needed to teach al-Quran to people with disabilities are not specifically mentioned in the sources from Islamic tradition, however, there is information from which guidelines applicable in the teaching of al-Quran for them can be formed

Histological development of selected neural structures of Dark-sided Chorus Frog, Microhyla heymonsi (Amphibia: Anura)

The development of selected neural structures of Dark-sided Chorus Frog, Microhyla heymonsi, from tadpole to adult was characterized from the histological aspect. Six developmental stages studied were the early tadpole, pre-metamorphosis, pro-metamorphosis, metamorphic climax, froglet and the adult. For M. heymonsi, metamorphosis is part of a normal developmental process, during which it undergoes transition from an aquatic tadpole into a terrestrial frog. The four neural structures focused on were: (a) cerebral hemispheres of the forebrain, (b) optic lobe of the midbrain, (c) medulla oblongata of the hindbrain, and (d) spinal cord. The specimens were processed for visualization according to H&E histological staining technique. The observed histological changes and the increase in size of each neural structure were in turn correlated to the external morphology and behaviour of different stages of the developing M. heymonsi. Changes in the cellular distribution, especially in the area surrounding the ventricle and other specific changes of the selected neural structures are reported. Apart from that, results also showed changes in the ventricular shape and/or size of each structure. All the apparent changes detected, possibly, represented the maturation of the neural structures in correlation to the metamorphosis process. Results from the light microscopy observations are presented in the form of photomicrographs and sketches with highlights of changes of the selected neural structures

The Efficacy of Gelam Honey Dressing towards Excisional Wound Healing

Honey is one of the oldest substances used in wound management. Efficacy of Gelam honey in wound healing was evaluated in this paper. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of 24 rats each (untreated group, saline group, Intrasite Gel group, and Gelam honey group) with 2 cm by 2 cm full thickness, excisional wound created on neck area. Wounds were dressed topically according to groups. Rats were sacrificed on days 1, 5, 10, and 15 of treatments. Wounds were then processed for macroscopic and histological observations. Gelam-honey-dressed wounds healed earlier (day 13) than untreated and saline treated groups, as did wounds treated with Intrasite Gel. Honey-treated wounds exhibited less scab and only thin scar formations. Histological features demonstrated positive effects of Gelam honey on the wounds. This paper showed that Gelam honey dressing on excisional wound accelerated the process of wound healing

PENDEKATAN PENEGUHAN BAGI AKTIVITI HAFALAN AL-QURAN DALAM KALANGAN PELAJAR DI PERINGKAT MENENGAH RENDAH

ABSTRACTMemorization is one of the mental functions generated by neuronal activities of the human central nervous system. Memorization activity involves the learning process after receiving external stimulation, such as information about something new, followed by the formation of memory, and its retention in the brain. This memory can then be accessed to be used, such as to recite al-Quran verses without visual or auditory aid. Through observation of performance or behavior of concerned individuals, it is found that external factors, like reinforcements in the form of reward (either positive reward or negative reward) and/or punishment are expected to have effects on efficiency of memory. This article discussed the changes to a specific behavior after being reinforced through targhib, tsawab, tarhib and ‘uqubah approaches, as stated in the Islamic perspective and also practiced in the sample school, which is a religious secondary school in Terengganu. Discussed results from the study are the implementation of the common reinforcement practice involving reward (either positive reward or negative reward) and/or punishment in al-Quran memorization process in the school. The qualitative research method employed involved structured interviews as the main data source. A total of six (6) teachers and ten (10) students in lower secondary level were interviewed. It was discovered that activities that were commonly practiced as reinforcement to improve al-Quran memorization performance by students in the school included all positive reward, negative reward and punishment provision. Good practices and effective approaches based on reinforcement concept and/or punishment in the learning process as identified in this study are shared with education practioners for general improvement of the education system in Malaysia.Keyword: Reinforcement; Memorization; Punishment; Positive Reward; Negative Rewar

Tualang honey consumption enhanced hippocampal pyramidal count and spatial memory performance of adult male rats

As a natural anti-oxidant source, Tualang honey, produced by wild bees nesting on the Tualang tree (Koompassia excelsa) is expected to have positive influence on health, including memory. This study investigated the effect of Tualang honey on the cell count of memory formation related hippocampal pyramidal neuron and on spatial memory performance (SMP) of rats using the radial arm maze (RAM). Sprague Dawley male rats (n=24), 7-8 weeks old were divided into two groups; experimental group group force-fed 1 mL/100 g body weight with 70% honey (HG); and the control group with 0.9% saline (CG) for 12 weeks. Nissl staining technique (with cresyl violet) was employed for neurohistological analysis of the hippocampal tissue. Six randomly selected rats from each group were used for the neuronal soma counting of pyramidal cell layer CA1, CA3a and CA3c regions. Two-way ANOVA analysis showed positively significant differences between treatment and control groups for SMP comparison of working memory and reference memory components, as well as the number of pyramidal neurons. Hence, this positive effects of Tualang honey, as demonstrated behaviorally and neurohistologically, supported report that Tualang honey could improve memory and deter hippocampal morphological impairments; possibly due to its high anti-oxidant properties

Effects of Gelam honey on sperm quality and testis of rat

The present study aimed to elucidate the possible protective effects of Gelam honey on sperm quality and testis histology against infertility related problems. Control and treated groups of 4 - 5 weeks old male Sprague-Dawley rats were force-fed daily with 1.0 mL/100 g body weight of normal saline (0.9%) and Gelam honey, respectively. After 60 days of treatments, reproductive organs of the anesthetized rats were removed to assess sperm parameters and histology of testis. Sperm count of treated group was significantly higher (18.85 +/- 3.72x10(5)/mL) than control group (17.05 +/- 3.12x10(5)/mL) (p<0.05). Based on sperm morphology, treated group showed significantly higher percentage of normal sperm (96.83 +/- 0.03%) as compared to control group (94.87 +/- 0.01%) (p<0.01). Head and tail abnormalities sperm were also significantly reduced in the treated rats (p<0.05). The number of spermatogenic cells in testis of treated group were abundant as compared to control group. Seminiferous tubules of treated group were densely packed with spermatogenic cells with small lumen filled up with sperm tail. This study suggested that Gelam honey has the potential to increase the fertility of male rats by increasing sperm count and number of sperm with normal morphology

Nigella sativa

Nigella sativa, an established historical and religion-based remedy for a wide range of health problems, is a herbal medicine known to have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. This present study investigated the effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) administration on the spatial memory performance (SMP) of male adult rats using eight-arm radial arm maze (RAM). Twelve Sprague Dawley rats (7–9 weeks old) were force-fed daily with 6.0 μL/100 g body weight of Nigella sativa oil (NSO group; n=6) or 0.1 mL/100 g body weight of corn oil (control) (CO group; n=6) for a period of 20 consecutive weeks. For each weekly evaluation of SMP, one day food-deprived rats were tested by allowing each of them 3 minutes to explore the RAM for food as their rewards. Similar to the control group, the SMP of the treated group was not hindered, as indicated by the establishment of the reference and working memory components of the spatial memory. The results demonstrated that lesser mean numbers of error were observed for the NSO-treated group in both parameters as compared to the CO-treated group. NSO could therefore enhance the learning and memory abilities of the rats; there was a significant decrease in the overall mean number of working memory error (WME) in the NSO-treated group