BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly and abdominal obesity especially is known to be a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and other non-communicable diseases. Waist circumference percentile curves are useful tools which can help to identify abdominal obesity among the childhood and adolescent populations.
OBJECTIVE: To develop age- and sex-specific waist circumference (WC) percentile curves for multi-ethnic Malaysian children and adolescents aged 6.0-16.9 years. Subjects and methods. A total of 16,203 participants comprising 8,093 boys and 8,110 girls recruited from all regions of Malaysia were involved in this study. Height, weight, WC were measured and BMI calculated. Smoothed WC percentile curves and values for the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th and 97th percentiles were constructed using the LMS Method.
RESULTS: WC was found to increase with age in both sexes, but boys had higher WC values at every age and percentile. Z-scores generated using the UK reference data shows that Chinese children had the highest WC compared to Malays, Indians and other ethnicities. Comparisons with other studies indicate that at the 50th percentile, Malaysian curves did not differ from the UK, Hong Kong and Turkish curves, but at the 90th percentile, Malaysian curves were higher compared with other countries, starting at 10 years of age. The 90th percentile was adopted as the cut-off point to indicate abdominal obesity in Malaysian children and adolescents.
CONCLUSION: These curves represent the first WC percentiles reported for Malaysian children, and they can serve as a reference for future studies.
The natural rubber latex extracted from the bark of Hevea brasiliensis plays various important roles in modern society. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of the latex proteins are important for the stability and functionality of the proteins. In this study, latex proteins were acquired from the C-serum, lutoids, and rubber particle layers of latex without using prior enrichment steps; they were fragmented using collision-induced dissociation (CID), higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD), and electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) activation methods. PEAKS 7 were used to search for unspecified PTMs, followed by analysis through PTM prediction tools to crosscheck both results. There were 73 peptides in 47 proteins from H. brasiliensis protein sequences derived from UniProtKB were identified and predicted to be post-translationally modified. The peptides with PTMs identified include phosphorylation, lysine acetylation, N-terminal acetylation, hydroxylation, and ubiquitination. Most of the PTMs discovered have yet to be reported in UniProt, which would provide great assistance in the research of the functional properties of H. brasiliensis latex proteins, as well as being useful biomarkers. The data are available via the MassIVE repository with identifier MSV000082419.
Rice is a worldwide staple food and heavy metal contamination is often reported in rice production. Heavy metal can originate from natural sources or be present through anthropogenic contamination. Therefore, this review summarizes the current status of heavy metal contamination in paddy soil and plants, highlighting the mechanism of uptake, bioaccumulation, and health risk assessment. A scoping search employing Google Scholar, Science Direct, Research Gate, Scopus, and Wiley Online was carried out to build up the review using the following keywords: heavy metals, absorption, translocation, accumulation, uptake, biotransformation, rice, and human risk with no restrictions being placed on the year of study. Cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) have been identified as the most prevalent metals in rice cultivation. Mining and irrigation activities are primary sources, but chemical fertilizer and pesticide usage also contribute to heavy metal contamination of paddy soil worldwide. Further to their adverse effect on the paddy ecosystem by reducing the soil fertility and grain yield, heavy metal contamination represents a risk to human health. An in-depth discussion is further offered on health risk assessments by quantitative measurement to identify potential risk towards heavy metal exposure via rice consumption, which consisted of in vitro digestion models through a vital ingestion portion of rice.
Tuberculosis is an airborne multisystemic disease which primarily infects the lungs. Isolated tuberculous arthritis is rare. We present a case of a 41-year-old woman with a known case of lupus nephritis class IV who complained of pain and swelling over her left ankle joint for several months. She was treated for rheumatoid arthritis and was started with immunosuppressive agents. However, she did not improve with treatment and was later diagnosed with tuberculous arthritis based on a molecular study from joint aspiration. She was started on antituberculosis medication and showed improvement. We highlight the challenges in reaching the diagnosis and the importance of including tuberculous arthritis in differential diagnoses in cases with persistent ankle swelling.
There are a number of validated questionnaires available for the screening of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the PTSD Checklist for Civilians is one of them. However, none was translated into the Malay Language and validated for use in the Malaysian population. The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Malay PTSD Checklist for Civilians (MPCL-C). Methods: The PCL-C was translated into the Malay Language and back-translated. The reliability and validity of the MPCL-C were then determined by administering them to those who presented at the emergency department for motor vehicle accident at least one month before. Results: The MPCL-C has good face and content validity. In terms of reliability, it is also good, with Chronbach’s alpha values of 0.90, 0.77, 0.75 and 0.74 for the full scale, re-experiencing, avoidance and arousal domains respectively. Conclusions: The MPCL-C is a valid and reliable instrument to screen for PTSD in motor vehicle accident victims for the studied population.
A nanogenerator (NG) is an energy harvester device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy on a small scale by relying on physical changes. Piezoelectric semiconductor materials play a key role in producing high output power in piezoelectric nanogenerator. Low cost, reliability, deformation, and electrical and thermal properties are the main criteria for an excellent device. Typically, there are several main types of piezoelectric materials, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods, barium titanate (BaTiO3) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Among those candidate, ZnO nanorods have shown high performance features due to their unique characteristics, such as having a wide-bandgap semiconductor energy of 3.3 eV and the ability to produce more ordered and uniform structures. In addition, ZnO nanorods have generated considerable output power, mainly due to their elastic nanostructure, mechanical stability and appropriate bandgap. Apart from that, doping the ZnO nanorods and adding doping impurities into the bulk ZnO nanorods are shown to have an influence on device performance. Based on findings, Ni-doped ZnO nanorods are found to have higher output power and surface area compared to other doped. This paper discusses several techniques for the synthesis growth of ZnO nanorods. Findings show that the hydrothermal method is the most commonly used technique due to its low cost and straightforward process. This paper reveals that the growth of ZnO nanorods using the hydrothermal method has achieved a high power density of 9 µWcm-2.
Numerous cancer studies have combined different datasets for the prognosis of patients. This study incorporated four networks for significant directed random walk (sDRW) to predict cancerous genes and risk pathways. The study investigated the feasibility of cancer prediction via different networks. In this study, multiple micro array data were analysed and used in the experiment. Six gene expression datasets were applied in four networks to study the effectiveness of the networks in sDRW in terms of cancer prediction. The experimental results showed that one of the proposed networks is outstanding compared to other networks. The network is then proposed to be implemented in sDRW as a walker network. This study provides a foundation for further studies and research on other networks. We hope these finding will improve the prognostic methods of cancer patients.
A top-down nanofabrication approach is used to develop silicon nanowires from silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers and involves direct-write electron beam lithography (EBL), inductively coupled plasma-reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) and a size reduction process. To achieve nanometer scale size, the crucial factors contributing to the EBL and size reduction processes are highlighted. The resulting silicon nanowires, which are 20 nm in width and 30 nm in height (with a triangular shape) and have a straight structure over the length of 400 μm, are fabricated precisely at the designed location on the device. The device is applied in biomolecule detection based on the changes in drain current (Ids), electrical resistance and conductance of the silicon nanowires upon hybridization to complementary target deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In this context, the scaled-down device exhibited superior performances in terms of good specificity and high sensitivity, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 fM, enables for efficient label-free, direct and higher-accuracy DNA molecules detection. Thus, this silicon nanowire can be used as an improved transducer and serves as novel biosensor for future biomedical diagnostic applications.
There has been a growing awareness of the association between papillary thyroid carcinoma and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The cases of four young patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma occurring with FAP are presented. Three patients underwent surgery to provide specimens for detailed histological examination. The surgical specimens showed well-encapsulated multicentric tumours exhibiting a predominantly papillary architectural growth pattern. In some areas, follicular architecture and cribriform patterns were noted. Atypical areas of spindle cells in a trabecular or solid configuration, which are not normally seen in classical papillary thyroid carcinoma, were evident. Malignant cells exhibited a graduation of cuboidal to tall cells with abundant amphophilic cytoplasm. The nuclei did not exhibit the typical nuclear clearing as seen in papillary thyroid carcinoma, but nuclear grooving and inclusions were noted. Psammoma bodies were not seen in any of the specimens. In a limited review of these patients, features such as young age at presentation, multicentricity and unusual histology suggest that thyroid carcinoma associated with FAP may represent a distinct form of thyroid cancer.
Helminthiasis due to strongyles such as Haemonchus contortus, coccidiosis caused by Eimeria sp. and blood parasite diseases such as theileriosis by Theileria sp. have been reported to cause severe morbidity and mortality annually in small ruminants in Malaysia. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of helminthiasis, coccidiosis and theileriosis and to determine the packed cell volume (PCV) value of small ruminants in Perak, Malaysia. Blood and faecal samples were obtained from a total of 175 animals from 7 small ruminant farms in Kampar, Larut Matang and Selama, Kuala Kangsar and Manjung districts in Perak; the samples were examined for parasitic infestations from April to July 2011. The results of this study show that H. contortus was found in 152 (86.86%) animals, Eimeria sp. was found in 162 (92.57%) animals and the blood protozoa Theileria sp. was found in 25 (14.30%) animals. The PCV values of all of these animals were recorded between 7% and 44%. A total of 42 (24%) animals were anaemic, with a PCV of less than 21%. Continuous monitoring of small ruminant farms will provide important information for assisting farmers with managing the spread of parasitic infections and maintaining the productivity of animals.
MRQ74, a popular aromatic Malaysian landrace, allows for charging considerably higher prices than non-aromatic landraces. Thus, breeding this profitable trait has become a priority for Malaysian rice breeding. Despite many studies on aroma genetics, ambiguities considering its genetic basis remain. It has been observed that identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) based on anchor markers, particularly candidate genes controlling a trait of interest, can increase the power of QTL detection. Hence, this study aimed to locate QTLs that influence natural variations in rice scent using microsatellites and candidate gene-based sequence polymorphisms. For this purpose, an F2 mapping population including 189 individual plants was developed by MRQ74 crosses with 'MR84', a non-scented Malaysian accession. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied to obtain a phenotype data framework. Consequently, we identified two QTLs on chromosomes 4 and 8. These QTLs explained from 3.2% to 39.3% of the total fragrance phenotypic variance. In addition, we could resolve linkage group 8 by adding six gene-based primers in the interval harboring the most robust QTL. Hence, we could locate a putative fgr allele in the QTL found on chromosome 8 in the interval RM223-SCU015RM (1.63cM). The identified QTLs represent an important step toward recognition of the rice flavor genetic control mechanism. In addition, this identification will likely accelerate the progress of the use of molecular markers for gene isolation, gene-based cloning, and marker-assisted selection breeding programs aimed at improving rice cultivars.
High-fat diet (HFD) interferes with the dietary plan of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, many diabetes patients consume food with higher fat content for a better taste bud experience. In this study, we examined the effect of HFD on rats at the early onset of diabetes and prediabetes by supplementing their feed with palm olein oil to provide a fat content representing 39% of total calorie intake. Urinary profile generated from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used to construct the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) score plots. The data provide insights into the physiological state of an organism. Healthy rats fed with normal chow (NC) and HFD cannot be distinguished by their urinary metabolite profiles, whereas diabetic and prediabetic rats showed a clear separation in OPLS-DA profile between the two diets, indicating a change in their physiological state. Metformin treatment altered the metabolomics profiles of diabetic rats and lowered their blood sugar levels. For prediabetic rats, metformin treatment on both NC- and HFD-fed rats not only reduced their blood sugar levels to normal but also altered the urinary metabolite profile to be more like healthy rats. The use of metformin is therefore beneficial at the prediabetes stage.
Six weed species (Leptochola chinensis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa colona, Jussiaea linifolia, Oryza sativa (weedy rice) and Cyperus iria) were tested for their salt tolerant traits in terms of chlorophyll, proline and mineral nutrients accumulation against different salinity levels (0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 dS m(-1)). Chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content, proline and mineral nutrients accumulation were determined. Salt stress showed prominent effect on all the parameters investigated and there were significant variations between the all weed species. Chlorophyll content, K+, Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) ions in both shoots and roots significantly decreased; while proline and Na+ accumulation significantly increased with increasing salinity up to 40 dS m(-1). In terms of overall performance, Cyperus iria and E. crus-galliwere relatively more tolerant; E. colona and J. linifolia were tolerant; L. chinensis and O. sativa L were salt sensitive, respectively.
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the emergency department (ED) due to the surge in medical demand and changes in the characteristics of paediatric visits. Additionally, the trend for paediatric ED visits has decreased globally, secondary to implementing lockdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19. We aim to study the trend and characteristics of paediatric ED visits following Malaysia's primary timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and materials A five-year time series observational study of paediatric ED patients from two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia was conducted from March 17, 2017 (week 11 2017) to March 17, 2022 (week 12 2022). Aggregated weekly data were analysed using R statistical software version 4.2.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) against significant events during the COVID-19 pandemic to detect influential changepoints in the trend. The data collected were the number of ED visits, triage severity, visit outcomes and ED discharge diagnosis. Results Overall, 175,737 paediatric ED visits were recorded with a median age of three years and predominantly males (56.8%). A 57.57% (p<0.00) reduction in the average weekly ED visits was observed during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period. Despite the increase in the proportion of urgent (odds ratio (OR): 1.23, p<0.00) and emergent or life-threatening (OR: 1.79, p<0.00) cases, the proportion of admissions decreased. Whilst the changepoints during the MCO indicated a rise in respiratory, fever or other infectious diseases, or gastrointestinal conditions, diagnosis of complications originating from the perinatal period declined from July 19, 2021 (week 29 2021). Conclusion The incongruent change in disease severity and hospital admission reflects the potential effects of the healthcare system reform and socioeconomic impact as the pandemic evolves. Future studies on parental motivation to seek emergency medical attention may provide insight into the timing and choice of healthcare service utilisation.
The functionalized graphene oxide by silica and chitosan helped to prepared an adsorbent with high adsorption potential for removing cadmium(II). In this study, the adsorbent was synthesized and the batch system of adsorption method was examined to find the potential of the new adsorbent with the various factors of the concentration, pH, time and temperature. The characterization of adsorbent was analyzed by FT-IR, TEM, Zeta potential and XRD analysis. Regards to the analysis it can be understood that the adsorbent was synthesized successfully. The investigational results were validated and analyzed by applying the 5 models of isotherm and 4 models of kinetic. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkins-Jura and Dubinin-radushkevich models were used which the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin fitted well for removing cadmium(II). The Qmax value was achieved 126.58 mg/g by using the Langmuir model for removing Cd(II) respectively. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and Intra-particle models were used to validate the kinetic models of the process. The pseudo-second-order and Elovich models were the best fitted kinetic model in this investigation. Thermodynamic parameters of the energy of gibes, the enthalpy, and the entropy were calculated. Generally, the adsorption process was distinguished as an exothermic and spontaneous.
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subpopulation within a tumour. These cells possess stem cell-like properties but also initiate resistance to cytotoxic agents, which contributes to cancer relapse. Natural compounds such as curcumin that contain high amounts of polyphenols can have a chemosensitivity effect that sensitises CSCs to cytotoxic agents such as cisplatin. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of curcumin as a chemo-sensitiser in CSCs subpopulation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using the lung cancer adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells A549 and H2170. The ability of curcumin to sensitise lung CSCs to cisplatin was determined by evaluating stemness characteristics, including proliferation activity, colony formation, and spheroid formation of cells treated with curcumin alone, cisplatin alone, or the combination of both at 24, 48, and 72 h. The mRNA level of genes involved in stemness was analysed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the effect of curcumin on the CSC niche. A combined treatment of A549 subpopulations with curcumin reduced cellular proliferation activity at all time points. Curcumin significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed colonies formation by 50% and shrank the spheroids in CSC subpopulations, indicating inhibition of their self-renewal capability. This effect also was manifested by the down-regulation of SOX2, NANOG, and KLF4. Curcumin also regulated the niche of CSCs by inhibiting chemoresistance proteins, aldehyde dehydrogenase, metastasis, angiogenesis, and proliferation of cancer-related proteins. These results show the potential of using curcumin as a therapeutic approach for targeting CSC subpopulations in non-small cell lung cancer.
Breast carcinoma is the most common cancer of women in Malaysia. The most common sites of metastasis are the lung, liver, bone and brain. A 45-year-old lady was diagnosed with left invasive breast carcinoma stage IV (T4cN1M1) with axillary lymph nodes and lung metastasis. She was noted to have a cervical mass through imaging, and biopsy showed CIN III. Post chemotherapy, the patient underwent left simple mastectomy with examination under anaesthesia of the cervix, cystoscopy and staging. The cervical histopathological examination (HPE) showed squamous cell carcinoma, and clinical staging was 2A. The breast tissue HPE showed invasive carcinoma with triple receptors positivity. The patient was given tamoxifen and put on concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for the cervical cancer. The management of each pathology of this patient involved a multi-disciplinary team that included surgeons, oncologists, gynaecologists, pathologists and radiologists. Due to the complexity of the case with two concurrent cancers, the gene expression profiles may help predict the patient's clinical outcome.
Salinity threat is estimated to reduce global rice production by 50%. Comprehensive analysis of the physiological and metabolite changes in rice plants from salinity stress (i.e. tolerant versus susceptible plants) is important to combat higher salinity conditions. In this study, we screened a total of 92 genotypes and selected the most salinity tolerant line (SS1-14) and most susceptible line (SS2-18) to conduct comparative physiological and metabolome inspections. We demonstrated that the tolerant line managed to maintain their water and chlorophyll content with lower incidence of sodium ion accumulation. We also examined the antioxidant activities of these lines: production of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) were significantly higher in the sensitive line while superoxide dismutase (SOD) was higher in the tolerant line. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plots show significantly different response for both lines after the exposure to salinity stress. In the tolerant line, there was an upregulation of non-polar metabolites and production of sucrose, GABA and acetic acid, suggesting an important role in salinity adaptation. In contrast, glutamine and putrescine were noticeably high in the susceptible rice. Coordination of different strategies in tolerant and susceptible lines show that they responded differently after exposure to salt stress. These findings can assist crop development in terms of developing tolerance mechanisms for rice crops.