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Fulltext The potential of Olea europaea extracts to prevent TGFβ1-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human nasal respiratory epithelial cells

Razali RA, Nik Ahmad Eid NAH, Jayaraman T, Amir Hassan MA, Azlan NQ, Ismail NF, et al.

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2018 Jun 26;18(1):197.
PMID: 29940929 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2250-5

BACKGROUND: One of the molecular mechanisms involved in upper airway-related diseases is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Olea europaea (OE) has anti-inflammatory properties and thus, great potential to prevent EMT. This study aimed to investigate the effect of OE on EMT in primary nasal human respiratory epithelial cells (RECs).
METHODS: Respiratory epithelial cells were isolated and divided into four groups: control (untreated), treated with 0.05% OE (OE group), EMT induced with 5 ng/ml of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1 group) and treated with 5 ng/ml TGFβ1 + 0.05% OE (TGFβ1 + OE group). The effects of OE treatment on growth kinetics, morphology and protein expression in RECs were evaluated. Immunocytochemistry analysis was performed to quantitate the total percentage of E-cadherin and vimentin expression from day 1 to day 3.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences between untreated RECs and OE-treated RECs in terms of their morphology, growth kinetics and protein expression. Induction with TGFβ1 caused RECs to have an elongated spindle shape, a slower proliferation rate, a higher expression of vimentin and a lower expression of E-cadherin compared with the control. Cells in the TGFβ1 + OE group had similar epithelial shape to untreated group however it had no significant differences in their proliferation rate when compared to TGFβ1-induced RECs. Cells treated with TGFβ1 + OE showed significantly reduced expression of vimentin and increased expression of E-cadherin compared with the TGFβ1 group (P
Fulltext Perceptions of fire safety training among school teachers in Kelantan, Malaysia

Nurul Husna Che Hassan, Noor Syuhadah Subki, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Noor Adilah Hamzah, Muhammad Azwadi Sulaiman, Nor Kamilah Makhtar, et al.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2017;14(2):15-22.
MyJurnal

Recent fire accidents in schools have given rise to the safety
issues. Training on fire safety is very important to help improve the safety aspect
in schools while perceptions of fire safety training among school teachers are
crucial in order to identify methods to prevent accidents from recurring. This
study was conducted in order to analyze the perceptions of school teachers
towards fire safety training in schools. Survey questionnaires were distributed
among 400 school teachers from 111 schools randomly selected from ten District
Education Offices (DEO) in Kelantan. The results were analyzed using
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). They were based on 32% and
68% male and female respondents respectively. Descriptive analysis shows that
most of the school teachers agreed with the need for fire safety training to be
conducted in schools. This study suggests that school teachers require fire safety
training in order for them to help improve fire safety in schools. Thus, teachers
will be able to teach their students on the importance of fire safety, how to
prevent fire and actions to be taken if an emergency happens in schools. It is
hoped that the number of fire accidents in schools can be reduced with the school
communities’ commitment towards safety.
Fulltext Neutron spectrometry of thermal column by various filter/moderating materials at reactor TRIGA PUSPATI for BNCT research

Mohd Rafi Mohd Solleh, Abdul Aziz Mohamed, Abd. Aziz Tajuddin, Faridah Idris, Mohamad Hairie Rabir, Muhammad Rawi Md Zin, et al.

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;12(2):88-93.
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Thermal neutron beam from thermal column was selected for a Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
(BNCT) system utilizing the Malaysian TRIGA MARK II reactor. Determination of shielding
materials for fast and epithermal neutron was conducted. The materials selected were polyethylene,
paraffin and water. For gamma-ray shielding, lead was used. The objective of this paper is to present
the simulation and verification of an optimal design of BNCT collimation at a beam. line viewing the
thermal column. A collimator was made from polyethylene pipe with 8 cm of diameter filled with
paraffin.
Fulltext The inhibitory effect of lemon juice (citrus limon) on vibrio parahaemolyticus in raw oyster (crassostrea virginica)

Siti Farah Alwani Mohd Nawi, Zaini Mohd Zain, Muhammad Zarif Zahari, Anis Amalina Abdul Hamid, Nur Fakhriah Ahmad Afandi, Siti Nur Fathihah Azmi

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2017;2(2):31-33.
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Serving raw oysters with lemon juice is a delicacy in many restaurants in
Malaysia. Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) live in the seacoast and they share the same
environment as Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Consumption of raw oysters contaminated with V.
parahaemolyticus can lead to severe gastroenteritis. A study was performed to determine
whether lemon (Citrus limon) juice is able to inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus after
being inoculated in raw oysters. Methods: Frozen oysters bought from a local supplier
weighing 6 g each were minced and placed in two bottles using sterile technique.
Approximately 1 ml of 107 CFU of V. parahaemolyticus (ATCC strain 17802) was added and
mixed in both bottles. The mixture was treated with 1 ml of lemon juice in only one of the
bottles and the other bottle served as a control. At every 30 s intervals for 2 min, 1 g of the
sample was taken for enumeration of viable cells onto thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose
(TCBS). Results: After 30 s of treatment with the lemon juice, it was observed that the
number of colonies in the treated samples reduced from 7 Log to 3 Log. Subsequently, no
viable V. parahaemolyticus was seen. It was also observed that there were 3 Log reductions
of V. parahaemolyticus after 30 s in untreated samples, however the number of colonies
remained stable until the end of the experiment. Conclusion: This study therefore shows
that lemon juice has some antimicrobial effect on V. parahaemolyticus in raw oysters.
Fulltext Measurement of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic flux in the vicinity of the overhead high voltage transmission line in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Faizal Mohamed, Irman Abdul Rahman, Ngu, Thieng Kui, Syazwani Mohd Fadzil, Firdaus Pozi, Amran Ab. Majid, et al.

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;14(2):1-10.
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Electricity has become one of the necessities for human daily activities. The presence of electric
current produces electromagnetic fields (EMF) at extremely low frequency (ELF). The problem arises
when scientists suggests a possible connection between ELF exposure to human health and safety.
Concerned about the safety and health of students and staff, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
took the initiative to identify possible ELF sources and measure their exposure in various locations
around the UKM main campus in Bangi. This paper reports the results obtained from the monitoring
of the magnetic flux density at three identified locations in the vicinity of the overhead high-voltage
transmission line which transverses the university compound and compare the maximum value results
with the exposure limit suggested by the International Committee on Non Ionising Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) for ELF. Measurements were done with an (Extech) Three Axis
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Meter (Model 430826) to determine the magnetic flux density. The
lateral profile method was applied as the standard measurement methodology. Results showed that the
maximum value of the magnetic flux density was 12.5 mG, which is below the suggested ICNIRP
public exposure limit of 1000 mG, or in percentage ratio, 1.25% of ICNIRP public exposure limit.
Results from the statistical Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there is a significant difference in the
distributions of the magnetic flux densities at the different locations (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the
measured locations are still safe for people in short-term exposure. However, long-term exposure
measurements still need to be done to provide concrete data on the ELF-emission levels in UKM.
Fulltext Global energy security and North America: a review

Muhammad Adil Khattak, Nurul Syahrizzat Mohd Yasin, Hannah Natasha Andjani, Puteri Nurailah Husna Mohd Tajuddin, Sakeshraj Narajah, See, Zhi Fei, et al.

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2018;11(1):82-98.
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Geopolitical risks will less affect the oil supply in the United States due to its stability
and widespread oil sectors since 1970s. Nevertheless, energy prosperity in the United
States appears differently in relation to a fuller period for conventional energy export
states where geopolitical challenges have been intensified by monetary pressure and
escalating energy demand in residential areas. The relationship between the United
States and other energy export states will continue to change as the United States
becomes more independent and non-OPEC resources become worthwhile especially
in Western Hemisphere. With expansion of global economic growth, maintained
multilateral relationship among countries and technological development are two
prominent concerns to secure long-term energy supplies and to enable further
exploration of new energy sources.
Fulltext Sources apportionment of fine and coarse aerosol in Bangi, Selangor using positive matrix factorization

Shamsiah Abdul Rahman, Md Suhaimi Elias, Nazaratul Ashifa Abdullah Salim, Zalina Laili, Azian Hashim, Shakirah Abd Shukor, et al.

Jurnal Sains Nuklear Malaysia, 2018;30(1):19-29.
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Samples of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) fraction of airborne particulate were collected on weekly basis during the period from May 2012 to July 2014 at Bangi, Selangor. The samples were collected using a Gent Stacked Filter Sampler in two fractions of < 2.5 µm and 2.5 - 10 µm sizes. This research paper aims at establishing the concentration level of PM2.5, PM10-2.5 and PM10 at Bangi area and investigates their possible sources and contribution to the ambient aerosol of the area. The samples were analyzed for their elemental composition and black carbon content by Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Smoke Stain Reflectometer, respectively. The average for PM2.5, PM10-2.5 and PM10 ranged from1.8 µg/m3 to 78.0 µg/m3, 9.6 µg/m3 to 76.8 µg/m3 and 12 µg/m3 to 134 µg/m3, respectively. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) technique was also applied to fine and coarse data set in order to identify the possible sources of particulate matter (PM) and their contribution to the ambient particulate matter concentrations in the area. The best solution was found to be five factors for both elemental compositions of fine and coarse PM, respectively. The PMF results show that motor vehicles and secondary sulphate contribute about 40.3% and 33.0% of the fine mass respectively followed by soil, sea salt and smoke/biomass burning with the average contribution of 10.5%, 10.3% and 6.4%, respectively. In case of coarse particles the PMF results show that a large fraction of about more than 50% of the coarse mass comes from motor vehicle. Soil dust including road dust and soil construction contribute about 32.5% of the coarse mass whilst the smoke/biomass burning factor contributes about 6.7% of the coarse mass.
Fulltext A preliminarily study of elemental characterization for geochemical markers of house and cave edible bird’s nest using NAA technique

Nazaratul Ashifa Abdullah Salim, Nur AfiqahHarun, Zainon Othman, Salmah Moosa, Siti Aminah Omar, Muhammad Azfar Azman, et al.

Jurnal Sains Nuklear Malaysia, 2018;30(1):30-35.
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For addressing the issue of adulteration and counterfeiting of the sources of origin for the edible bird’s nests (EBNs), a preliminary study of elemental characterization for their geochemical markers was performed. This study aims to characterize the elemental profiles as geochemical markers and evaluate the relationships between these markers which could be used for the verification of the geographical origin of EBN in Malaysia. EBN samples from house and cave nests that represent a range of geographical and environmental characteristics were analysed using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) technique. The method was validated by analysing the Standard Reference Material SRM-1515 (Apple Leaves) and SRM-1573a (Tomato Leaves) of NIST. A total of 18 elements were determined. The results showed a statistical analysis of one way ANOVA has proven that there have a significant different elemental profiles in both EBN, clearly V, As, Ba, Sc, Sm and Th were not detectable in the house EBNs. Therefore, initial finding could be concluded that those elements can be identified as the key elements for geochemical marker to differentiate the type of EBN. Furthermore the differnces probably due to natural presence of those elements as well as regional or location and seasonal variation factors affecting the dietry habits of the swiftlets.
Fulltext Road safety awareness among school teachers: a training requirements assessment involving schools in Kelantan

Nurul Husna Che Hassan, Noor Syuhadah Subki, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Noor Adilah Hamzah, Nor Kamilah Makhtar, Muhammad Azwadi Sulaiman, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(102):111-117.
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Road Safety remainsone the most important issuesaffecting educational institutions especiallythe school. The
prevalence of road accidentsin recent news reportsunderlines the importance of this issue. Such accidents involving
school pupils have further escalated this concern. As such,safety awareness among school teachersis crucial in order
for them to identify the suitable methods to prevent more road accidents in future. This study was conducted to
analyse teachers’ awareness of road safety in school to gauge the training requirementson road safety. Road safety
education and training in school is just as important as improving safety for road users outside schools. For this
study, a set of survey questionnaire wasdistributedto 400 school teachers from 111 schools randomly selected from
the 10 District Education Offices in Kelantan. Results were then analysed using Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences (SPSS). From the results, 40% of respondentswere male and 60% of them were female. Descriptive analysis
showed that school teachers understood road safety as 90% of them possessed basic safety knowledge, while 10% of
them lacked basicknowledge on road safety. However, they did not implement safety practice that may have
contributed to unfortunate eventshappening outside of school including road accidents as reported in the news. This
study suggests that school teachers must undergo road safety training to promote and improve road safety in
school.With higher awareness and more information about the road safety, the teacherscould create a safer
environment in their school. Undoubtedly, teachers have a vital roleto ensure safety of their pupils and their
commitment will likely reduce the number of road accidents.
Fulltext Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of essential oils from different parts of Daphne mucronata Royle

Ashraf I, Zubair M, Rizwan K, Rasool N, Jamil M, Khan SA, et al.

Chem Cent J, 2018 Dec 17;12(1):135.
PMID: 30556121 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-018-0495-1

This research work was executed to determine chemical composition, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial potential of the essential oils extracted from the leaves and stem of Daphne mucronata Royle. From leaves and stem oils fifty-one different constituents were identified through GC/MS examination. The antioxidant potential evaluated through DPPH free radical scavenging activity and %-inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system. The stem's essential oil showed the good antioxidant activity as compared to leaves essential oil. Results of Antimicrobial activity revealed that both stem and leaves oils showed strong activity against Candida albicans with large inhibition zone (22.2 ± 0.01, 18.9 ± 0.20 mm) and lowest MIC values (0.98 ± 0.005, 2.44 ± 0.002 mg/mL) respectively. Leaves essential was also active against Escherichia coli with inhibition zone of 8.88 ± 0.01 mm and MIC values of 11.2 ± 0.40 mg/mL. These results suggested that the plant's essential oils would be a potential cradle for the natural product based antimicrobial as well as antioxidant agents.
Fulltext Seafood poisoning symptom, treatment and prevention

Yoshida, Teruaki, Zarinah Waheed, Mohd Yusof Ibrahim, Mohammad Illzam Elahee, Shahjee Hussain, Sharifa Mariam Uma Abdullah, et al.

Borneo Journal of Marine Science and Aquaculture, 2018;2(1):64-69.
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Food related disease or food poisoning is prevalent worldwide and is associated with high mortality. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, enterotoxins, mycotoxins, chemicals, histamine poisoning (scombroid) ciguatera and harmful algal bloom (HAB). Illness can also result by red tide while breathing in the aerosolized brevitoxins (i.e. PbTx or Ptychodiscus toxins). Bacterial toxin food poisoning can affect within 1-6 hours and 8-16 hours, and illness can be with or without bloody diarrhea. The common symptoms of food poisoning include abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Diagnosis includes examination of leftover food, food preparation environment, food handlers, feces, vomitus, serum and blood. Treatment involves oral rehydration, antiemetic, and anti-peristaltic drugs. Antimicrobial agents may be needed in the treatment of shigellosis, cholera, lifesaving invasive salmonellosis and typhoid fever. Proper care in handling and cooking is important to prevent any food borne diseases.
Analisis statistik kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan soal selidik Skala Konsep Kendiri Multi Dimensi (SKKM)

Mohammad Aziz Shah MA, Fauziah MS, Abdul Malek AR, Syed Sofian SS, Mohammad NB, Muhammad BM

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2014;olume 28:12-35.

Kajian ini bertujuan menterjemahkan soalselidik Skala Konsep Kendiri Multidimensi (SKKM) edisi bahasa Inggeris ke dalam bahasa Malaysia, mendapatkan kesahan kandungan dan nilai kebolehpercayaan. SKKM dibina oleh Bracken (1992) bertujuan mengukur konsep kendiri berdasarkan Model Konsep Kendiri Multidimensi (MKKM). SKKM mempunyai 150 item (74 item positif dan 76 item negatif) yang mengukur enam sub skala konsep kendiri iaitu konsep kendiri sosial, kemampuan, perasaan, keluarga, fizikal dan akademik. Proses penterjemahan SKKM ke dalam bahasa Malaysia menggunakan kaedah back translation yang dicadangkan oleh Brislin, Lonner dan Thondike (1973). Item-item dalam SKKM diubahsuai mengikut nilai dan budaya masyarakat tempatan dan dinilai terjemahannya oleh tiga panel bahasa Melayu dan tiga panel bahasa Inggeris. Bagi analisis kesahan muka seramai lapan pelajar sekolah menengah dan tiga pakar bahasa Melayu terlibat dalam membaiki bahasa, struktur ayat dan kefahaman istilah-istilah dalam SKKM. Seterusnya, SKKM dinilai oleh tujuh panel pakar bagi menilai kesahan kandungannya. Seterusnya analisis kepercayaan dijalankan terhadap 214 pelajar di dua buah sekolah menegah di negeri Selangor, Malaysia. Dapatan kajian mendapati nilai kesahan kandungan oleh panel pakar memperoleh nilai koefisien yang tinggi iaitu = 0.822 dengan nilai minimum dan maksimum juga melebihi .60. Nilai koefisien terendah ialah bagi sub skala konsep kendiri keluarga iaitu .668 dan nilai tertinggi ialah bagi sub skala konsep kendiri sosial iaitu .964. Analisis kebolehpercayaan SKKM juga memuaskan dengan nilai keseluruhan ialah .757. Huraian berdasarkan subskala ialah Sosial Î± = .7.93, Kemampuan Î± = .770, Perasaan Î± = .744, Keluarga Î± = .680, Fizikal Î± = .791 dan Akademik Î± = .762. Bagi analisis nilai kebolehpercayaan berdasarkan item-item mendapati nilai kebolehpercayaan tertinggi ialah soalan nombor 103 subskala keluarga iaitu .902 dan nilai terendah ialah item soalan nombor 49 subskala kemampuan iaitu .762. Justeru kajian ini berjaya menterjemahkan SKKM yang mempunyai nilai kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan yang tinggi dan boleh diaplikasikan dalam kalangan remaja di Malaysia.
Pengenalpastian dan pencirian gen trichoderma virens ukm1 mengekod enzim terlibat dalam pencuraian kitin krustasea

Abdul Munir Abdul Murad, Rafidah Badrun, Sakina Shahabudin, Shazilah Kamaruddin, Madihah Ahmad Zairun, Farahayu Khairuddin, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:715-724.

Kitin merupakan polisakarida struktur yang dapat dicurai oleh enzim kitinolisis kepada pelbagai terbitan yang boleh digunakan dalam bidang perubatan, pertanian dan rawatan air. Pengenalpastian dan pencirian gen-gen Trichoderma virens UKM1 mengekod enzim terlibat dalam pencuraian kitin krustasea telah dilakukan melalui penjanaan penanda jujukan terekspres (ESTs) dan analisis pengekspresan gen menggunakan mikroatur DNA. Sebanyak tiga perpustakaan cDNA T. virens UKM1 yang masing-masing diaruh oleh kitin, glukosamina dan kitosan telah dibina. Sejumlah 1536 klon cDNA telah dijujuk dan sebanyak 1033 ESTs berkualiti telah dijana. Seterusnya, perbezaan pengekspresan gen apabila pertumbuhan kulat diaruh dengan kehadiran kitin krustasea dan tanpa kitin pada hari ketiga dan kelima telah ditentukan. Sebanyak 1824 klon cDNA telah dititik ke atas slaid kaca dan dihibrid bersama dengan cDNA terlabel Cy3 atau Cy5 yang disintesis daripada mRNA yang dipencil daripada kulat yang ditumbuhkan dalam medium mengandungi kitin krustasea atau glukosa (kawalan). Sebanyak 91 dan 61 gen, masing-masing bagi hari ketiga dan kelima didapati terekspres melebihi dua gandaan apabila kulat menggunakan kitin krustasea sebagai sumber karbon. Beberapa gen mengekod kitinase seperti ech1 dan cht3 (endokitinase), nag1 (eksokitinase) dan nagB (glukosamina 6-P-deaminase) didapati terekspres dengan tinggi pada kedua-dua hari. Selain daripada itu, gen mengekod protein hidrofobin, protease serina dan beberapa protein hipotetik juga terekspres dengan tinggi dengan kehadiran kitin krustasea. Protein-protein ini dijangka memainkan peranan penting dalam membantu pencuraian kitin krustasea.
Fulltext Keberkesanan program SHIELDS daripada perspektif pelajar dan urusetia

Noordeyana T, Rozmi I, Muhammad Ajib Abdul R, Mohd Nasir S, Nurul Shafini S, Norhayati I, et al.

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2018;32:94-103.

Artikel ini bertujuan mengkaji keberkesanan program SHIELDS daripada perspektif pelajar dan urusetia yang telah turut terlibat. Program SHIELDS adalah satu bentuk program campbased yang diperkenalkan hasil kerjasama antara Kementerian Pendidikan dan Pihak Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK). Nama SHEILDS ini adalah akronim yang bermaksud Sayangi Hidup, Elak Derita Selamanya. Sehubungan itu, program ini bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran dan mengupayakan ketahanan diri murid (lingkungan umur 13 hingga 18 tahun) yang dikenalpasti berisiko dalam penyalahgunaan dadah. Kajian kuantitatif ini melibatkan dua fasa iaitu fasa pertama adalah mengedarkan soal selidik sebelum dan selepas program SHIELDS dijalankan. Manakala, fasa kedua pula adalah sesi follow up selepas 3 bulan terhadap 50 pelajar yang telah terlibat dengan program SHIELDS terlebih dahulu. Hasil kajian menunjukkan secara keseluruhan perspektif pelajar seramai 559 orang yang terlibat dengan program SHIELDS ini adalah baik dengan min=4.48. Kesimpulannya, dapatan ini menunjukkan bahawa program SHIELDS ini sewajarnya diteruskan dengan beberapa penambahbaikan untuk kelangsungan program dan kebaikan semua pihak yang terlibat.
Fulltext Perbandingan tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan kesan dadah dalam kalangan remaja sekolah berisiko

Norhayati I, Rozmi I, Noh A, Noordeyana T, Mohd Nasir S, Muhammad Ajib Abd R, et al.

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2018;32:1149-126.

The phenomenon of adolescents involved with drug abuse is a worrying and very serious issue. The influence of drug-related partners would have a bad effect on other teens, especially teenagers who are at risk. Therefore, this study aims to identify the extent of the level of knowledge of the drug, especially in relation to the differences of attitudes in terms of physical effects, hindering behaviors, involvement in drug-related activities and information on how to distribute, attitude towards self and future, and risk factors amongst students who did take drugs as compared to who never took it. This is a cross-sectional study involving 559 teenagers at risk, aged between 13-18 years’ old who are involved in SHIELDS Programme, camp based programme that was introduced by Agensi Anti dadah Kebangsaan (AADK) in collabaration with the Ministy of Education. Findings showed that there is a significant difference between students who have taken drugs and those who have never used it for dimension of hindering behavior, involvement in drug-related activities and information on how to distribute, risk factors of the involvement of immediate family members with drugs and negative consequences of drug intake. Because the involvement with drugs negatively impacts adolescents, thus, the prevention of this deviance behavior must be implemented as best as possible to ensure that the future of these adolescents is upheld, to prevent them from falling into another crime.
Genetic characterization of two mahseer species (tor douronensis and tor tambroides) using microsatellite markers from other cyprinids

Yuzine Esa, Khairul Adha A. Rahim, Siti Shapor Siraj, Muhammad Fadhil Syukri, Siti Khalijah Daud, Ho GC, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2011;40:1087-1095.

This study examined the genetic characteristics of twenty-six microsatellite primers developed from three cyprinid fishes (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, Barbus barbus Linnaeus and Barbonymus gonionotus Bleeker) in two indigenous mahseer. The Tor douronensis Valenciennes were randomly collected from two locations in Sarawak (N=52), while Tor tambroides Bleeker were obtained from Peninsular Malaysia (N=56). A total of ten and twelve primers were successfully amplified producing four and five polymorphic loci in T. douronensis and T. tambroides, respectively. The number of alleles per locus ranging from 2 to 5 in T. douronensis and 2 to 7 in T. tambroides. A significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was observed at three loci (Barb37, Barb59 and Barb62) in one or more populations in T. tambroides while two loci (Barb37 and Barb62) were deviated in T. douronensis population of Batang Ai. Population structure analysis showed low level of inter-population genetic differentiation in both mahseer. Overall, the identified microsatellite loci should be useful in analysing T. douronensis and T. tambroides natural populations.
Characterising yeast isolates from Malaysia towards the development of alternative heterologous protein expression systems

Law DSN, Lim YJ, Nor Idaya Yatim, Abdul Munir Abdul Murad, Farah Diba Abu Bakar, Nathan S, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2011;40.

Yeasts with GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status are commonly used as hosts for heterologous protein production. Yeasts are suitable expression hosts as they have been extensively characterised genetically. The objective of this project was to isolate yeasts from Malaysian food sources and subsequently to develop these as alternative hosts for heterologous protein production. Yeasts were isolated from Malaysian traditional fermented food namely ‘tapai’, ‘tuak’ and ‘ragi’. A total of 23 isolates were obtained and subjected to molecular identification by amplification and sequencing of the universally conserved ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 26S rDNA and 18S rDNA sequences. We identified three species of yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii and Pichia anomala, which have a long tradition of usage in food production and have no adverse effects on humans. To test the feasibility of the yeasts as heterologous expression hosts, we have constructed an integrative vector, p1926Zeo containing the yeast 26S rDNA and Zeocin® resistance cassette. The p1926Zeo vector was linearised and transformed into both P. anomala and H. guilliermondii isolates via electroporation. Both hosts were successfully transformed at a relatively high efficiency. The transformants obtained had a growth profile similar to the respective wild type, indicating that integration of the plasmids into the host chromosome did not affect growth. These transformants were stable as they exhibited resistance to Zeocin even after 20 generations. Thus, both P. anomala and H. guilliermondii isolates exhibited the potential to be further developed as alternative heterologous protein expression hosts.
Alkaloids and sulphur-containing amides from Glycosmis citrifolia and Glycosmis elongata

Mawardi Rahmani, Rosmiati Muhammad Serang, Najihah Mohd. Hashim, Abdul Manaf Ali, Hazar Bebe Mohd Ismail, Mohd. Aspollah Sukari, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2010;39.

Air-dried leaves of both Glycosmis citrifolia and Glycosmis elongata collected from Bogor Botanical Garden, Indonesia were individually extracted with chloroform to give dark viscous extracts after solvent removal. Column chromatographic separation of the extract of G. citrifolia yielded 5(6)-glutene-3α-ol, two sets conformers, (E)-dambullin and (Z)-dambullin, and (E)-methyldambullin and (Z)-methyldambullin. Similar treatment of the extract of G. elongata gave skimmianine and arborinine. The structures of the compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic data and comparison with published reports.
Effect of acute stevia consumption on blood glucose response in healthy malay young adults

Norazlanshah Hazali, Azizah Mohamed, Muhammad Ibrahim, Mashita Masri, Fazlyla Nadya Mohd Fadzlan, Khairil Anuar Md Isa, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2014;43:649-654.

Previously, researchers had initiated investigation to find an alternative drug that can treat diabetes mellitus without dragging patients into more complicated health problems. After many studies, they found a new and high potential plant-based drug named stevia that is able to reduce diabetic patients’ blood glucose. This study aimed to determine the effect of stevia on blood glucose of healthy subjects. The study was carried out by comparing the glycemic response between sucrose and stevia (500 and 1000 mg) among 32 subjects aged between 18 and 23 years old. Subjects were required to fast 8 to 10 h prior to each test which was done on different days. Finger prick test were done on 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min to construct a blood sugar response curve for 2 h period. There is a significant difference between the glycemic response of sucrose and stevia 500 mg. Sucrose significantly increased the post prandial blood glucose while stevia 500 mg reduced blood glucose after 30 min of consumption. Sucrose also produced higher glycemic response at min-30 when compared with stevia 1000 mg. There is no significant difference between the glycemic response of stevia of different dose, 500 and 1000 mg. No dose-dependent effect was observed in this study. In conclusion, stevia does not raise blood glucose significantly when consumed in short period. Stevia is effective to be used by healthy people to maintain blood glucose even when consumed in short length of time.
Production of uv-curable palm oil resins/oligomers using laboratory scale and pilot scale systems

Rida Tajau, Mohd hilmi Mahmood, Mek Zah Salleh, Khairul Zaman Mohd dahlan, Rosley Che ismail, Sharilla Muhammad Faisal, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:459-467.

In recent years, there are growing trends in using palm oil as raw materials in radiation curable resins production. In this study, the acrylated palm oil resins i.e. the EPOLA (epoxidized palm oil acrylate) and the POBUA (palm oil based urethane acrylate) were synthesized using two different systems, i.e. the 25 liter pilot scale reactor synthesis system and the 2 liter (L) laboratory scale reactor synthesis system through chemical processes known as acrylation and isocyanation. In this
paper, the property of the acrylated resins which were produced by these two systems were evaluated and compared between each other. Their properties were characterized using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer for functional group identification; the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for molecular weight (Mw) determination, the Brookfield viscometer for viscosity measurements, the acid values (AV) and the oxirane oxygen contents (OOC) analysis. As a result, the production process for both the 2 L and 25 L reactor system were found to be time consuming and the main advantages for the 25 L reactor was its higher productivity as compared with the 2 L reactor system with the same synthesis process parameters i.e. the temperatures and the experimental methods. Besides that, the 25 L reactor synthesis
process was found to be safe, easy to control and served unpolluted process to the environments. The final products, the acrylated palm oil resins were formulated into ultraviolet (UV) curable compounds before subjecting them under UVirradiation. As a result, the UV-curable palm oil resins showed potential uses as pressure sensitive adhesives, printing inks including overprint varnishes (OPV) and coatings.

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