Browse publications by year: 2018

Fulltext Machinability and surface quality of hybrid composite CFRP/Al2024

Mohamed, S.B., Mohamad, W.N.F.W., Yew, B.S., Ibrahim, Z., Musanih, M.R., Zitoune, R., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;2(2):37-44.
MyJurnal

The use of hybrid composite has increased due to their special mechanical and physical properties.
However, machining of composite materials is extremely difficult due to non-homogeneous,
anisotropic and highly abrasive characteristics. The performance of machined surface quality of
CFRP/Al2024 was described using two level full factorial methodology. Trimming test was performed
under dry conditions using 6mm diameter of burr tools end mills. The factors investigated were spindle
speed(N), feed rate(fr) and depth of cut(dc), furthermore Ra CFRP and Ra Al2024 were the response
variables. This work aims to minimize the machined surface quality of CFRP/Al2024 between 1µm to
2µm. The finding of this empirical study has shown that, the best estimated value of fr should be 500
mm/min to 530 mm/min, N is between and 2313.870 rpm to 2336.042 rpm. For both response spindle
speed is the most significant effect followed by Feed rate and Depth of Cut.
Fulltext Effect of cetyle trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant on nanofiltration membrane for dye removal

Abdul Rahman Hassan, Nurul Hannan Mohd Safari, Sabariah Rozali, Hafizan Juahir, Mohd Khairul Amri Kamarudin

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;2(2):29-36.
MyJurnal

Nanofiltration membranes technology commonly used for wastewater treatment especially
wastewater containing charged and/or uncharged species. Commonly, textile wastewater
possesses high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and non-biodegradable compounds such as
pigments and dyes which lead to environmental hazard and serious health problem. Therefore, the
objective of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrophilic surfactant on the preparation and
performance of Active Nanofiltration (ANF) membrane. The polymeric ANF membranes were
prepared via dry/wet phase inversion technique by immersion precipitation process. The
Cetyletrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as cationic surfactant was added in casting solution at
concentrations from 0 to 2.5 wt%. The synthesized membrane performance was evaluated in terms
of pure water permeation (PWP) and dye rejection. The experimental data showed that the
membrane demonstrated good increment of PWP ranging from 0.27 to 10.28 L/m2
h at applied
pressure from 100 to 500kPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the ANF membranes achieved high
removal of Methyl Blue and Reactive Black 5 dye up to 99.5% and 91.6%, respectively.

MeSH terms: Benzenesulfonates; Bromides; Coloring Agents; Naphthalenesulfonates; Surface-Active Agents; Textiles; Water; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Waste Water
Fulltext Temporal variation and pollution levels of some heavy metals on irrigated land along the airport road Kano State, Nigeria

Sadiq Mukhtar, Rosniza Aznie, C.R., Mansur Abdul Mohammed

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;2(2):1-9.
MyJurnal

This paper is aimed to evaluate the concentration of some heavy metals in order to assess the temporal
variation, Contamination Factor (CF) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) in the soil along the airport road of
Kano State. Soil samples were collected during 2009 and 2015 using the composite sampling
techniques. 10 samples were collected in each period and then analysed using the standard laboratory
procedures. The findings revealed that the mean values of Mn (52±7.2), Fe (281±19.4) and Cd (3.0±0.3)
were found to be higher in 2009 soil samples. The mean value of Cu (100±16.3), Zn (161±47.7), Cr
(20.8±1.5), Ni (53.9±9.7) and pH (9.0±0.56) were found to be higher in 2015 soil samples. The CF value
shows that the collected soils of the sampling area have low contamination level and moderately
contaminated with Cd. The soils samples also have been classified as low pollution level according to
the PLI. The finding has concluded that there is gradual accumulation of Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni with reduction
in Mn, Fe and Cd. The collected soils have low contamination level with selected heavy metal except
Cd that moderately contaminates the soil of the area according to contamination factor. The PLI values
of the heavy metals during 2009 and 2015 are 0.0006 and 0.02 respectively, indicating the increases in
pollution load from 2009 to 2015 in the study area. Proper soil management such as the increase of pH
and organic matter as well as the avoidance of using contaminated water for irrigation were
recommended in the sampling area.
Fulltext Effects of different drying methods and hydrocolloids on quality properties of semi-dried catfish jerky

Ishamri Ismail, Nur Husna Mohd Fauzi, Mastura Zahidi Baki, Ho, Lee Hoon

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;2(1):11-18.
MyJurnal

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different drying methods (sun drying, cabinet
drying and convection oven) and hydrocolloids (carrageenan and alginate) on physicochemical
properties of semi-dried catfish jerky. The concentration of hydrocolloids used was 1% and 2%.
Samples without the addition of hydrocolloid served as the control group. The water activity of semidried catfish jerky decreased with the addition of hydrocolloids. For colour properties, lightness (L*)
value of semi-dried catfish jerky increased with the increased concentration of hydrocolloids. The
addition of 2% alginate (2%A) and 2% carrageenan (2%C) showed higher lightness (L*) than the
controlled group for all drying methods, except for sun drying with carrageenan. Both carrageenan and
alginate added into semi-dried catfish jerky increased the processing yields. The addition of 2%
carrageenan (2%C) and 1% alginate (1%A) improved the product yields for all drying methods. This
paper argues that the application of cabinet dryer gives better shelf stability due to the lower range of
water activity than other drying methods while preserving colour quality and product yields.

MeSH terms: Alginates; Animals; Carrageenan; Catfishes; Colloids; Color; Desiccation; Hexuronic Acids; Water; Convection; Glucuronic Acid; Control Groups
Fulltext Rule-based technique for food ingredient aware mobile application

Mohamad Afendee Mohamed, Mohd Khalid Awang, Mohd Isa Awang, Abd Rasid Mamat

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;2(1):1-10.
MyJurnal

Food additives may come from natural and chemical sources. In some countries, this ingredient is coded
into e-numbering system. E-Number identifies the additive substance, and it can be used to determine
its possible sources hence the halal status and its value for health. However the use of scientific name
or the coded number is confusing to consumers. This article presents an android-based mobile
application that provides a database access to the detailed information about the additives. Information
retrieval is done based on rule-based technique. The application also offers customer profiling services
whereby upon user registration and sharing current health conditions, the consumer will be provided
with extra information on the possible consequences of consuming the food. The system prototype
system was analysed for the usability in terms of user satisfactions using System Usability Scale (SUS).
The user satisfaction is rated from good to excellent according to SUS score in the range of 70%-80%.
The application is expected to increase consumers’ awareness of choosing the right food that is halal
and healthy.
Fulltext Chemical composition and the potential biological activities of piper betel – a review

Rabiatul Adawiyah Umar, Nurul 'Adani Sanusi, Mohd Nizam Zahary, Mohd Adzim Khalili Rohin, Salwani Ismail

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;3(1):1-8.
MyJurnal

Piper betel is a member of the family Piperaceae, commonly known as Sirih (Malaysia and
Indonesia), Paan (India and Bangladesh), Betel (English) and Phlu (Thailand). It is widely found and
grown in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, other Southeast Asian and East African
countries. Piper betel is widely used throughout the world even in modern days due to its known
medicinal properties. Betel plant contains various biologically active compounds, which are
responsible for its numerous pharmacological actions. The therapeutic profile reveals Piper betel to
have a high potential for treating many diseases and conditions such as chronic renal disease,
atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus. Further studies of betel plant are recommended to focus on
the variety of metabolic activities in human, thus, improving its usage medically that will be beneficial
to humanity.

MeSH terms: Bangladesh; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; India; Indonesia; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Malaysia; Philippines; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Piper; Atherosclerosis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
Fulltext Spatial pattern recognition of school performance based on anthropometric and motor parameters using multivariate analysis and Kriging interpolation technique

Mohamad Razali Abdullah, Intan Afzan Aziz, Rabiu Muazu Musa, Ahmad Bisyri Husin Musawi Maliki, Norlaila Azura Kosni, Nuruaslizawati Ayob, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;3(1):51-62.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study is to determine spatial pattern recognition of school performance based on
children’s anthropometric and motor skills component. This study involved 94 primary schools with a
total 2237 male students aged 7.30±0.28 years in Pahang, Malaysia. The parameters of anthropometric
(weight and height) and motor component included lower muscular power (standing broad jump),
flexibility (sit and reach), coordination (hand wall toss) and speed (20 meter run) were selected. Cluster
Analysis (CA) and Discriminant Analysis (DA) under Multivariate Method and technique of Kriging
Interpolation in Geographic Interpolation Software (GIS) were used. CA revealed two clusters of school
performance. There are a total 34 high performance schools (HPS) and 60 low performance schools
(LPS). Then, the assigned groups were treated as independent variable (IV) while anthropometric and
motor parameters were treated as dependent variable (DV) in DA. Standard mode of DA obtained
95.74% correctness of classification matrix with three discriminated variables (height, standing broad
jump and 20 meter run) out of six variables. Meanwhile, forward and backward stepwise mode of DA
discriminated only one (standing broad jump) out of six variables with 96.81% of classification
correctness. The map output of Kriging interpolation has shown graphically the pattern of discriminated
variables that greatly influence school performance. It exposed the ability of children motor skills
development in particular region is higher than another region.
Fulltext Ambulance response time at three selected tertiary hospitals in Malaysia: performance of hospital-based ambulance equipped with computerized call centre system

Hussin, K., Hassan, M.R., Hamzah, M.L., Fadzli, A., Nik Mohamad, N.A., Nik Him, N.A.S.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;3(1):42-50.
MyJurnal

The importance of rapid ambulance response to emergency medical crises is undeniable. An early
access to advanced care is crucial to saving a life. Modern computerised call centre and the hospitalbased ambulance services are believed to enhance the quality of service delivery. However, whether
it will further reduce the ambulance response time is still debatable. A cross-sectional study was
conducted in June 2012 until July 2012 at three selected tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. The
ambulance response time was expressed in a median and interquartile range (IQR) and MannWhitney U test was used to determine the associations between types of ambulance and
computerised call centre system versus voice only. Wilcoxon Rank Sign Test was used to assess
the significance of means difference. A hospital-based ambulance had the median time of 0.19
minutes while community-based ambulance had the median time of 0.20 minutes (The Z score -
0.916, p-value - 0.360). The hospital with computer call centre had the median time of 0.19 minutes
while hospital without computer call centre had the median of 0.20 minutes (The Z score - 0.816, P
value - 0.414).The response time of hospital-based ambulance equipped with computerised call
centre system was comparable in three selected tertiary hospitals in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Ambulances; Computer Systems; Computers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Emergencies; Malaysia; Reaction Time; Tertiary Care Centers; Call Centers
Fulltext Adsorptive removal of methylene blue by commercial coconut shell activated carbon

Ramlah Abd Rashid, Mohd Azlan Mohd Ishak, Mohammed Hello, Kasim

Science Letters, 2018;12(1):77-101.
MyJurnal

This paper shows the using of commercial coconut shell activated carbon (CCS-AC) as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of the CCSAC were undertaken using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and pH Point of Zero Charge (pHpzc) method. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to studThis paper shows the using of commercial coconut shell activated carbon (CCS-AC) as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of the CCSAC were undertaken using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and pH Point of Zero Charge (pHpzc) method. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the influence of adsorbent dosage (0.02 – 0.50 g), pH (3 – 10), MB concentration (25 – 400 mgL-1 ) and contact time (0 – 36 hours) on the adsorption of the MB. The kinetic adsorption was well described by the Pseudo Second Order model and the Langmuir model described the adsorption behavior at equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of CCS-AC obtained was 149.25 mg/g at 303 K. y the influence of adsorbent dosage (0.02 – 0.50 g), pH (3 – 10), MB concentration (25 – 400 mgL-1 ) and contact time (0 – 36 hours) on the adsorption of the MB. The kinetic adsorption was well described by the Pseudo Second Order model and the Langmuir model described the adsorption behavior at equilibrium. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of CCS-AC obtained was 149.25 mg/g at 303 K.
Fulltext Adsorption of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas using treated rice husk ash (RHA) adsorbent

Nurul Najwa Abd Malek, Rusdin Laiman

Science Letters, 2018;12(1):63-76.
MyJurnal

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of treated rice husk ash (RHA) as adsorbent to adsorb acidic SO2 gas. The treated RHA was prepared using a water hydration method by mixing the RHA, Calcium oxide (CaO) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). The addition of NaOH is to increase the dissolution of silica from the RHA to form reactive species responsible for higher desulfurization activity. The untreated and treated RHA were subjected to several characterizations and the characteristics of the adsorbents were compared. The functional groups present on the surface of the adsorbent were determined using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The chemical composition of the untreated and treated RHA was analyzed by using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the treated RHA has higher porosity compared to untreated RHA. Based on the SO2 adsorption analysis, it was found that the treated RHA has higher adsorption capacity, 62.22 mg/g, compared to untreated RHA, 1.49 mg/g.

MeSH terms: Adsorption; Fluorescence; Fourier Analysis; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Oxides; Radiography; Oryza; Silicon Dioxide; Sodium Hydroxide; Solubility; Sulfur Dioxide; Water; X-Rays; Porosity; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Calcium Compounds
Fulltext Single cultures of acinetobacter sp. and cellulosimicrobium sp. grown in pineapple waste: adaption study and potential in reducing cod from real textile wastewater

Nor Habibah Mohd Rosli, Wan Azlina Ahmad

Science Letters, 2018;12(1):30-43.
MyJurnal

Wastewater from industrial plants such as textile, electroplating and petroleum refineries contains various substances that tend to increase the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater. Therefore, it is desired to develop a process suitable for treating the wastewater to meet the regulatory limits. This work was conducted to investigate the potential of adapted single culture of A. baumannii, A.calcoaceticus and C.cellulans in reducing COD in real textile wastewater. The study was carried out by adapting each single culture (10% inoculums) to increasing concentration (1%, 2.5 %, 5%, 7.5 % and 10%) of textile wastewater. Then it was introduced to the textile effluent without pH adjustment for five days and the COD values were measured. The textile wastewater was supplemented with pineapple waste for bacterial growth and metabolism. Results obtained showed that pineapple waste was a good nutrient supply for the growth of the bacteria and the best concentration of textile wastewater for adaptation was at 2.5%. The results also showed that A.calcoaceticus shows highest COD reduction with 67% removal whereas A. baumannii and C.cellulans with 60% and 58% removal respectively. The outcome supported that the single culture used in this study showed considerably high reduction of COD from real textile wastewater.

MeSH terms: Bacteria; Electroplating; Petroleum; Textile Industry; Textiles; Ananas; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Waste Water; Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities
Fulltext Extraction and purification of protease from silver catfish (pangasius sutchi) viscera

Normah Ismail, Nurnajwa Aziz Jaafar

Science Letters, 2018;12(1):17-29.
MyJurnal

Protease is the enzyme which can be extracted from plant, animal, and microorganism. About 60% enzymes widely used nowadays are proteases. The objectives of this study were to determine the proteolytic activity and molecular weight distribution of protease extracted from Pangasius sutchi silver catfish viscera. Crude protease was extracted in 10 mM Tris-HCL buffer at pH 8.0. Subsequently, the protease was partially purified in stages beginning from ammonium sulphate precipitation (60%) followed by dialysis and gel filtration chromatography. Fractions collected from gel filtration chromatography was freeze-dried and analysed for optimum temperature and pH. Results showed that the viscera contain 13.79% protein. The protease total activity was 344.08 U with specific activity of 31.92 U/mg, purification fold 3.5 and 63.16% percent recovery. The protease proteolytic activity was optimum at 60 °C and pH 6. This study indicated that purification steps involving ammonium sulphate precipitation at 60% saturation, gel filtration chromatography and freeze drying led to the production of Pangasius sutchi visceral protease with a relatively high proteolytic activity.
Fulltext Mango compost extract for enhancing growth and yield of momordica charantia

Tsan, F.Y., Ngilah, E.I., Gundadon, H., Choo, C.Y., Ahmad Nazarudin, M.R.

Science Letters, 2018;12(1):1-16.
MyJurnal

Mango as a climacteric fruit is known to have increased auxins with concomitant increased ethylene and carbon dioxide production during ripening. Such hormonal properties alongside many other nutritional benefits prepared in the form of compost extract were tested for enhancing production of medicinal bitter gourd of Momordica charantia. This cucurbit was planted on field beds at 0.8 x 0.5 m followed by application of compost extract prepared with anaerobic decomposition of rotting mango fruits, fish wastes of gills and internal organs and brown sugar at different ratios in plastic containers. The results obtained showed that mango:fish wastes:sugar compost extract of 2:1:1 applied to soil around the root collar at 10 ml at fortnight intervals allowed the plants to gain the highest mean number of fruits per plant of 18.3, mean individual fruit weight of 25.95 g or mean yield of 11.80 tonnes per hectare. Mango compost extract is, hence, beneficial in organic production of this medicinal bitter gourd.

MeSH terms: Animals; Body Weight; Carbon Dioxide; Climacteric; Ethylenes; Fruit; Gills; Indoleacetic Acids; Plastics; Soil; Momordica charantia; Mangifera
Fulltext Experimental Breast Phantom Imaging with Metamaterial-Inspired Nine-Antenna Sensor Array

Islam MT, Samsuzzaman M, Islam MT, Kibria S

Sensors (Basel), 2018 Dec 14;18(12).
PMID: 30558191 DOI: 10.3390/s18124427

An experimental system for early screening of a breast tumor is presented in this article. The proposed microwave imaging (MI) system consists of a moveable array of nine improved negative-index metamaterial (MTM)-loaded ultrawideband (UWB) antenna sensor with incorporation of a corresponding SRR (split-ring resonator) and CLS (capacitively loaded strip) structure, in a circular array, the stepper motor-based array-mounting stand, the adjustable phantom hanging platform, an RF switching system to control the receivers, and a personal computer-based signal processing and image reconstruction unit using MATLAB. The improved antenna comprises of four-unit cells along one axis, where an individual unit cell integrates a balancing SRR and CLS pair, which makes the antenna radiation omnidirectional over the operating frequencies. The electrical dimensions of this proposed antenna are 0.28λ × 0.20λ × 0.016λ, measured at the lowest operating frequency of 2.97 GHz as the operating bandwidth of this is in between 2.97⁻15 GHz (134.82% bandwidth), with stable directional radiation pattern. SP8T 8 port switch is used to enable the eight receiver antennas to sequentially send a 3⁻8.0 GHz microwave signal to capture the backscattered signal by MATLAB software. A low-cost realistic homogeneous breast phantom with tumor material is developed and measured to test the capability of the imaging system to detect the breast tumors. A post-processing delay-multiply-and-sum (DMAS) algorithm is used to process the recorded backscatter signal to get an image of the breast phantom, and to accurately identify the existence and located area of multiple breast tumor tissues.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Equipment Design; Humans; Microwaves; Phantoms, Imaging*
Fulltext Antifouling Properties of PES Membranes by Blending with ZnO Nanoparticles and NMP⁻Acetone Mixture as Solvent

Ahmad AL, Sugumaran J, Shoparwe NF

Membranes (Basel), 2018 Dec 14;8(4).
PMID: 30558199 DOI: 10.3390/membranes8040131

In this study, the antifouling properties of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes blended with different amounts of ZnO nanoparticles and a fixed ratio of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)-acetone mixture as a solvent were investigated. The properties and performance of the fabricated membranes were examined in terms of hydrophilicity, porosity, pore size, surface and cross-section image using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface roughness using atomic force microscopy (AFM), pure water flux, and humic acid filtration. Addition of ZnO as expected was found to improve the hydrophilicity as well as to encourage pore formation. However, the agglomeration of ZnO at a higher concentration cannot be avoided even when dissolved in a mixed solvent. The presence of highly volatile acetone contributed to the tight skin layer of the membrane which shows remarkable antifouling ability with the highest flux recovery ratio and negligible irreversible fouling. ZnO NPs in acetone/NMP mixed solvent shows an improvement in flux and rejection, but, the fouling resistance was moderate compared to the pristine membrane.

MeSH terms: Acetone; Humic Substances; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Polymers; Pyrrolidinones; Solvents; Sulfones; Water; Zinc Oxide; Porosity; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Nanoparticles; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
Fulltext Non-Supported Nickel-Based Coral Sponge-Like Porous Magnetic Alloys for Catalytic Production of Syngas and Carbon Bio-Nanofilaments via a Biogas Decomposition Approach

Ali B, Tasirin SM, Aminayi P, Yaakob Z, Ali NT, Noori W

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2018 Dec 14;8(12).
PMID: 30558256 DOI: 10.3390/nano8121053

Porous Ni, Ni-Co, Ni-Fe, and Ni-Cu magnetic alloys with a morphology similar to a giant barrel sponge were synthesized via a facile co-precipitation procedure and then by hydrogen reduction treatment. For the first time, the non-supported alloys with their unique morphology were employed in catalytic biogas decomposition (CBD) at a reaction temperature of 700 °C and 100 mL min-1 to produce syngas and carbon bio-nanofilaments, and the catalysts' behavior, CH₄ and CO₂ conversion, and the carbon produced during the reaction were investigated. All of the equimolar alloy catalysts showed good activity and stability for the catalytic biogas decomposition. The highest sustainability factor (0.66) and carbon yield (424%) were accomplished with the Ni-Co alloy without any significant inactivation for six hours, while the highest carbon efficiency of 36.43 was obtained with the Ni-Co catalyst, which is considered relatively low in comparison with industry standards, indicating a low carbon production process efficiency, possibly due to the relatively high biogas flow rate. The higher activity of the Ni-Co alloy catalyst was associated with the synergistic impact between nickel and cobalt, allowing the catalyst to maintain a high stability throughout the reaction period. Moreover, highly uniform, interwoven carbon bio-nanofilaments with a parallel and fishbone structure were achieved.

MeSH terms: Alloys; Carbon; Carbon Dioxide; Catalysis; Cobalt; Employment; Hydrogen; Industry; Maintenance; Nickel; Temperature; Porosity; Biofuels; Magnetic Phenomena
Fulltext Clinical outcomes of theophylline use as add-on therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A propensity score matching analysis

Wilairat P, Kengkla K, Thayawiwat C, Phlaisaithong P, Somboonmee S, Saokaew S

Chron Respir Dis, 2018 12 19;16:1479973118815694.
PMID: 30558448 DOI: 10.1177/1479973118815694

To examine clinical outcomes of theophylline use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receiving inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABA). Electronic data from five hospitals located in Northern Thailand between January 2011 and December 2015 were retrospectively collected. Propensity score (PS) matching (2:1 ratio) technique was used to minimize confounding factors. The primary outcome was overall exacerbations. Secondary outcomes were exacerbation not leading to hospital admission, hospitalization for exacerbation, hospitalization for pneumonia, and all-cause hospitalizations. Cox's proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). After PS matching, of 711 patients with COPD (mean age: 70.1 years; 74.4% male; 60.8% severe airflow obstruction), 474 theophylline users and 237 non-theophylline users were included. Mean follow-up time was 2.26 years. Theophylline significantly increased the risk of overall exacerbation (aHR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.96; p = 0.008) and exacerbation not leading to hospital admission (aHR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.06-2.03; p = 0.020). Theophylline use did not significantly increase the risk of hospitalization for exacerbation (aHR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.79-1.58; p = 0.548), hospitalization for pneumonia (aHR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.89-1.84; p = 0.185), and all-cause hospitalizations (aHR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.80-1.33; p = 0.795). Theophylline use as add-on therapy to ICS and LABA might be associated with an increased risk for overall exacerbation in patients with COPD. A large-scale prospective study of theophylline use investigating both safety and efficacy is warranted.

MeSH terms: Administration, Inhalation; Aged; Bronchodilator Agents/administration & dosage; Delayed-Action Preparations/administration & dosage; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Forced Expiratory Volume/physiology; Hospitalization/trends; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Theophylline/administration & dosage*; Treatment Outcome; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy*; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology; Propensity Score*; Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists/administration & dosage*
Fulltext Gene co-expression networks from RNA sequencing of dairy cattle identifies genes and pathways affecting feed efficiency

Salleh SM, Mazzoni G, Løvendahl P, Kadarmideen HN

BMC Bioinformatics, 2018 Dec 17;19(1):513.
PMID: 30558534 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-018-2553-z

BACKGROUND: Selection for feed efficiency is crucial for overall profitability and sustainability in dairy cattle production. Key regulator genes and genetic markers derived from co-expression networks underlying feed efficiency could be included in the genomic selection of the best cows. The present study identified co-expression networks associated with high and low feed efficiency and their regulator genes in Danish Holstein and Jersey cows. RNA-sequencing data from Holstein and Jersey cows with high and low residual feed intake (RFI) and treated with two diets (low and high concentrate) were used. Approximately 26 million and 25 million pair reads were mapped to bovine reference genome for Jersey and Holstein breed, respectively. Subsequently, the gene count expressions data were analysed using a Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) approach. Functional enrichment analysis from Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA®), ClueGO application and STRING of these modules was performed to identify relevant biological pathways and regulatory genes.
RESULTS: WGCNA identified two groups of co-expressed genes (modules) significantly associated with RFI and one module significantly associated with diet. In Holstein cows, the salmon module with module trait relationship (MTR) = 0.7 and the top upstream regulators ATP7B were involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis, lipid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. The magenta module has been significantly associated (MTR = 0.51) with the treatment diet involved in the triglyceride homeostasis. In Jersey cows, the lightsteelblue1 (MTR = - 0.57) module controlled by IFNG and IL10RA was involved in the positive regulation of interferon-gamma production, lymphocyte differentiation, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity and primary immunodeficiency.
CONCLUSION: The present study provides new information on the biological functions in liver that are potentially involved in controlling feed efficiency. The hub genes and upstream regulators (ATP7b, IFNG and IL10RA) involved in these functions are potential candidate genes for the development of new biomarkers. However, the hub genes, upstream regulators and pathways involved in the co-expressed networks were different in both breeds. Hence, additional studies are required to investigate and confirm these findings prior to their use as candidate genes.

MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Feed*; Cattle; Diet*; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Liver/metabolism*; Phenotype; Genome*; Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods*; Computational Biology; Gene Regulatory Networks*; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Transcriptome*
Fulltext Profiling of rumen fermentation, microbial population and digestibility in goats fed with dietary oils containing different fatty acids

Nur Atikah I, Alimon AR, Yaakub H, Abdullah N, Jahromi MF, Ivan M, et al.

BMC Vet Res, 2018 Nov 14;14(1):344.
PMID: 30558590 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1672-0

BACKGROUND: The effects of the dietary oils with differing fatty acid profiles on rumen fermentation, microbial population, and digestibility in goats were investigated. In Experiment I, rumen microbial population and fermentation profiles were evaluated on 16 fistulated male goats that were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: i) control (CNT), ii) olive oil (OL), iii) palm olein oil (PO), and iv) sunflower oil (SF). In Experiment II, another group of 16 male goats was randomly assigned to the same dietary treatments for digestibility determination.
RESULTS: Rumen ammonia concentration was higher in CNT group compared to treatment groups receiving dietary oils. The total VFA and acetate concentration were higher in SF and OL groups, which showed that they were significantly affected by the dietary treatments. There were no differences in total microbial population. However, fibre degrading bacteria populations were affected by the interaction between treatment and day of sampling. Significant differences were observed in apparent digestibility of crude protein and ether extract of treatment groups containing dietary oils compared to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that supplementation of different dietary oils containing different fatty acid profiles improved rumen fermentation by reducing ammonia concentration and increasing total VFA concentration, altering fibre degrading bacteria population, and improving apparent digestibility of crude protein and ether extract.

MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome*; Animals; Diet/veterinary*; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated/metabolism*; Digestion*; Fatty Acids/metabolism*; Fermentation*; Goats/metabolism*; Male; Random Allocation; Rumen/metabolism; Rumen/microbiology
Fulltext Relative contributions of auditory and cognitive functions on speech recognition in quiet and in noise among older adults

Mukari SZMS, Yusof Y, Ishak WS, Maamor N, Chellapan K, Dzulkifli MA

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol, 2018 12 10;86(2):149-156.
PMID: 30558985 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2018.10.010

INTRODUCTION: Hearing acuity, central auditory processing and cognition contribute to the speech recognition difficulty experienced by older adults. Therefore, quantifying the contribution of these factors on speech recognition problem is important in order to formulate a holistic and effective rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative contributions of auditory functioning and cognition status to speech recognition in quiet and in noise.
METHODS: We measured speech recognition in quiet and in composite noise using the Malay Hearing in noise test on 72 native Malay speakers (60-82 years) older adults with normal to mild hearing loss. Auditory function included pure tone audiogram, gaps-in-noise, and dichotic digit tests. Cognitive function was assessed using the Malay Montreal cognitive assessment.
RESULTS: Linear regression analyses using backward elimination technique revealed that had the better ear four frequency average (0.5-4kHz) (4FA), high frequency average and Malay Montreal cognitive assessment attributed to speech perception in quiet (total r2=0.499). On the other hand, high frequency average, Malay Montreal cognitive assessment and dichotic digit tests contributed significantly to speech recognition in noise (total r2=0.307). Whereas the better ear high frequency average primarily measured the speech recognition in quiet, the speech recognition in noise was mainly measured by cognitive function.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the fact that besides hearing sensitivity, cognition plays an important role in speech recognition ability among older adults, especially in noisy environments. Therefore, in addition to hearing aids, rehabilitation, which trains cognition, may have a role in improving speech recognition in noise ability of older adults.

MeSH terms: Acoustic Stimulation/methods; Aged; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Threshold/physiology*; Cognition/physiology*; Female; Hearing Tests; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Noise*; Presbycusis/diagnosis; Presbycusis/physiopathology*; Speech Perception/physiology*; Speech Reception Threshold Test

External Links