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Fulltext Self-Reported Modifiable Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease among Older Adults in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Clustering

Chan YY, Sahril N, Rezali MS, Kuang Kuay L, Baharudin A, Abd Razak MA, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 27;18(15).
PMID: 34360235 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157941

The co-occurrence of multiple modifiable risk factors increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity or mortality. This study examines the prevalence and clustering of self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors among older adults in Malaysia. A total of 7117 adults aged ≥50 years participated in the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018: Elderly Health, a community-based cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using a standardized structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the clustering of self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, overweight/obesity, and current smoking was 23.3%, 42.2%, 35.6%, 58.4%, and 17.5%, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of clustering of ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3 modifiable CVD risk factors was 83.3%, 75.4%, and 62.6%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that men, 60-69 age group, urban dwellers, having no formal education, unemployed/retirees/homemakers, and being physically inactive were independently associated with self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors clustering. There are also ethnic differences in self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors clustering. Our findings underscore the necessity of targeted interventions and integrated strategies for early detection and treatment of modifiable CVD risk factors among older adults, considering age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Fulltext The Prevalence of High Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and its Association with Sociodemographic Factors among Adults in Taman Dato' Rashid Salleh, Indera Mahkota, Kuantan

Rawahah Husna Ramli, Artika Hassan, Jamalludin Abd Rahman,, Razman Mohd Rus, Hafizah Pasi, Hashima E. Nasreen, et al.

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):18-0.
MyJurnal

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an insidious sleep breathing disorder, with cardinal manifestations of snoring, witnessed breathing pause during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of OSA and its associated factors among adult population in Taman Dato’ Rashid Salleh, Kuantan. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 157 participants who lived in Taman Dato’ Rashid Salleh from May 2018 to June 2018. Obstructive sleep apnea was quantified using the self-administered Malaynvalidated Berlin questionnaire which apart from the demographic data included three categories (10 questions) designed to elicit information regarding snoring (category 1), daytime somnolence (category 2) and the presence of obesity and/or hypertension (category 3). The respondents were considered as high risk of OSA if two or more categories were positive. Weight, height and neck circumference were measured by using Secca© weight scales, Secca© stadiometer and non-elastic plastic tape, respectively. Descriptive statistics was used to measure the prevalence, while chi-square test was used to explore the association of OSA and its background variables. Results: Out of 157 respondents, female and Malay were dominant with the 56.7% and 91.0 %, respectively. The mean age of the respondents was 36.7 (12.2) years old. The prevalence of high risk of OSA in was 18.5%. There was no association between gender, age, race, smoking and neck circumference with risk of OSA while Body Mass Index (BMI) and hypertension were significantly related to an increased risk for developing OSA (p-value < 0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Two in every 10 adults in Taman Dato’ Rashid Salleh, Kuantan were at high risk of OSA. It is recommended that appropriate health promotion should be targeted to this community to instill awareness and increase the level of understanding of the public on OSA.
Fulltext Anti-Metastatic and Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Curcumin Analog DK1 on Human Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro

Aziz MNM, Rahim NFC, Hussin Y, Yeap SK, Masarudin MJ, Mohamad NE, et al.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2021 Jun 03;14(6).
PMID: 34204873 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060532

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a life-threatening malignant bone tumor associated with poor prognosis among children. The survival rate of the patient is still arguably low even with intensive treatment provided, plus with the inherent side effects from the chemotherapy, which gives more unfavorable outcomes. Hence, the search for potent anti-osteosarcoma agent with promising safety profile is still on going. Natural occurring substance like curcumin has gained a lot of attention due to its splendid safety profile as well as it pharmacological advantages such as anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis. However, natural curcumin was widely known for its poor cellular uptake, which undermines all potential that it possesses. This prompted the development of synthetically synthesized curcuminoid analog, known as (Z)-3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylprop-2- en-1-one (DK1). In this present study, in vitro scratch assay, transwell migration/invasion assay, HUVEC tube formation assay, and ex vivo rat aortic ring assays were performed in order to investigate the anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic potential of DK1. For further comprehension of DK1 mechanism on human osteosarcoma cell lines, microarray gene expression analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and proteome profiler were adopted, providing valuable forecast from the expression of important genes and proteins related to metastasis and angiogenesis. Based on the data gathered from the bioassays, DK1 was able to inhibit the metastasis and angiogenesis of human osteosarcoma cell lines by significantly reducing the cell motility, number of migrated and invaded cells as well as the tube formation and micro-vessels sprouting. Additionally, DK1 also has significantly regulated several cancer pathways involved in OS proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis such as PI3K/Akt and NF-κB in both U-2 OS and MG-63. Regulation of PI3K/Akt caused up-regulation of genes related to metastasis inhibition, namely, PTEN, FOXO, PLK3, and GADD45A. Meanwhile, NF-κB pathway was regulated by mitigating the expression of NF-κB activator such as IKBKB and IKBKE in MG-63, whilst up-regulating the expression of NF-κB inhibitors such as NFKBIA and NFKBIE in U-2 OS. Finally, DK1 also has successfully hindered the metastatic and angiogenic capability of OS cell lines by down-regulating the expression of pro-metastatic genes and proteins like MMP3, COL11A1, FGF1, Endoglin, uPA, and IGFBP2 in U-2 OS. Whilst for MG-63, the significantly down-regulated oncogenes were Serpin E1, AKT2, VEGF, uPA, PD-ECGF, and Endoglin. These results suggest that curcumin analog DK1 may serve as a potential new anti-osteosarcoma agent due to its anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic attributes.
Fulltext Spermatogonial stem cells protein marker identification from in vitrodifferentiation of non-obstructive azoospermia (noa) testes biopsies cells: an approach in line with maqasid shariah to maintain the heredity.

Azantee Yazmie Abdul Wahab, Roszaman Ramli, Syamsul Ahmad Ariffin, Afzan Mat Yusuf, Redzuan Abd Razak, Lokman Md Isa, et al.

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(102):149-156.
MyJurnal

Azoospermia is present in 15% of infertile cases and it is a major concern due to inability to produce sperm. Most of IVF (in-vitro fertilization) clinics abroad has been using sperm donation via sperm bank facilities as a solution for infertile couple to have their own offspring. In Islam, it is forbidden to use sample from male other than their spouse. It is according to maqasid syari’ah to ensure the heredity of the human being. Based on the latest technology, one approach of stem cell differentiation process had been established to produce mature cells from primitive or immature cells (stem cells). This technology is in line with the concept of maqasid syari’ah since we are using the cells from one person. We try to adopt this technology to study the potential of testicular cells from non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) patient to undergo in vitrospermatogenesis.Samples were cultured in modified human embryonic stem cells (HESC) media with specific growth factors; basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Protein expressions were analyzed by immunofluorescent staining on day 49 and 90 of culture. Results show spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSC-like cells) colonies formed after 14 to 21 days, the cells were expanding successfully and were stable for 49 days duration. Then SSCs differentiated into later stage of spermatogenesis on day 90. Four specifics SSCs protein markers were identified on day 49; ITGA1, ITGB1, CD9 and GFRA1 whereas SCP3 and TP1 proteins were expressed on day 90. This in vitrospermatogenesis suggests a possible approach for future for Muslim NOA patients in order to have their own children.
Synthesis, in vitro antiurease, in vivo antinematodal activity of quinoline analogs and their in-silico study

Zaman K, Rahim F, Taha M, Sajid M, Hayat S, Nawaz M, et al.

Bioorg Chem, 2021 10;115:105199.
PMID: 34329995 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105199

Synthesis of quinoline analogs and their urease inhibitory activities with reference to the standard drug, thiourea (IC50 = 21.86 ± 0.40 µM) are presented in this study. The inhibitory activity range is (IC50 = 0.60 ± 0.01 to 24.10 ± 0.70 µM) which displayed that it is most potent class of urease inhibitor. Analog 1-9, and 11-13 emerged with many times greater antiurease potential than thiourea, in which analog 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 11 (IC50 = 3.50 ± 0.10, 7.20 ± 0.20, 1.30 ± 0.10, 2.30 ± 0.10, 0.60 ± 0.01, 1.05 ± 0.10 and 2.60 ± 0.10 µM respectively) were appeared the most potent ones among the series. In this context, most potent analogs such as 1, 3, 4, 8, and 9 were further subjected for their in vitro antinematodal study against C. elegans to examine its cytotoxicity under positive control of standard drug, Levamisole. Consequently, the cytotoxicity profile displayed that analogs 3, 8, and 9 were found with minimum cytotoxic outline at higher concentration (500 µg/mL). All analogs were characterized through 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HR-EIMS. The protein-ligand binding interaction for most potent analogs was confirmed via molecular docking study.
Effects of exercise on the Psycho-cognitive Function of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the young adults

Nur Izzati, Umar Zaman, Mohd Zaki, Salleh, Haliza, Hasan, Najihah Hanisah, Marmaya, Mokhtar, Muhammad, Sahol Hamid, Abu Bakar, et al.

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2021;7(1):33-56.
MyJurnal

The benefit of exercise in inducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) functions in relation to cognition had been reported. Nevertheless, the ambiguity remains with regards to the types of exercise and the duration of exercise required for one to have beneficial effects. In this study, we aimed to analyse the effects of varying modes of exercises and the duration required to improve BDNF functions, specifically in the young adults. The types of exercises evaluated in the meta-analysis include (1) single bout of acute aerobic exercise, (2) repeated and frequent sessions of aerobic exercise (program exercise) over a course of several weeks, and (3) resistance training. Only a single bout of acute aerobic exercise (z=4.92, p=0.00001) is sufficient to cause an increase in BDNF following exercise intervention, while program exercise (z=1.02, p=0.31) and resistance training (z=0.92, p=0.36) demonstrated inconsistencies, some exhibited significant increase in BDNF levels while others exhibited similar results with the control groups.
Attachment styles and marital quality between spouses

Fatahyah, Yahya, Aqilah, Yusoff, Sarjit Singh, Darshan Singh, Ahmad Tarmizi, Talib, Abdul Hakim, Mohad, Nur Ayuni, Mohd Isa, et al.

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2021;7(1):57-71.
MyJurnal

The research was aimed to study the relationship between attachment styles and marital quality between spouses. A total number of 52 spouses representing teachers from Sekolah Menengah Agama Daeratul Ma'arifil Wataniah 1 (SMA DMW 1), in Peninsular Malaysia's northwest coast, participated in this study. There were two sets of questionnaires used in this study: Experience in Close Relationship (ECR) and Marital Adjustment Test (MAT). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between attachment styles and spouses' styles. However, there is no relationship between marital satisfaction among spouses, and there is also no relationship between attachment styles and marital satisfaction among spouses. Future research is suggested to enhance the research by moving beyond self-report instruments to develop alternative methods of assessment as some of the questions should be more specifically suitable in Malaysian culture.
The effects of parental attachment on personality traits

Fatahyah, Yahya, Mohd Imamuddin, Nahar, Ahmad Tarmizi, Talib, Sarjit Singh, Darshan Singh, Abdul Hakim, Mohad, Nur Ayuni, Mohd Isa, et al.

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2021;7(1):157-174.
MyJurnal

This study aims to identify parental attachment's effects on trainee counsellors' personality traits in the Universiti of Malaysia Sarawak UNIMAS. This research adopted a correlational research design. The respondents were 209 trainee counsellors from the Counselling Program, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak UNIMAS. Two questionnaires were used in this study: The Inventory of Parents and Peer Attachment (IPPA) and the Big Five Personality. The findings indicated a significant relationship between Parents Communication, Attachment and Extraversion and the Agreeableness Trait of Personality. It also showed a significant relationship between Parents Communication Attachment and Extraversion, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. We also found a significant relationship between Parents' Alienation Attachment and Conscientiousness, Neuroticism and Openness. The study informs society about the need to increase awareness about the importance of knowing attachment styles and personality traits as both impact individuals' lives.
Fulltext Effect of Pharmacist-Led Intervention on Progression of Diabetic Complications at Two Tertiary Care Hospitals of Malaysia

Iqbal MZ, Khan AH, Sulaiman SAS, Ibrahim A, Azmi NSBY, Iqbal MS, et al.

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2021 05 26;13(2):193-198.
PMID: 34349479 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_488_20

Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which can lead to different complications in patients if not treated properly. An appropriate intervention from health care providers is needed to stop and decrease the progression of diabetic complication in diabetic patients. This study aimed to measure the effect of pharmacist intervention on improvement in sign and symptoms and progression of diabetic complications in diabetic patients.
Methodology: Diabetic patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups from two tertiary care hospitals. Control group contained those 200 patients who were receiving usual treatment from hospitals. In contrast, the intervention group included those 200 patients who were receiving conventional treatment from hospitals together with separate counselling sessions with pharmacists from Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic departments. The study continued for 1 year and two follow-up visits for both groups. A prevalidated data collection form was used to measure the improvement in sign and symptoms and progression of diabetic complication in diabetic patients. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyze the data.
Results: The average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values decreased up to 1.43% in the control group and 2.82% in the intervention group. The intervention group showed significant improvement in HbA1c between groups (P < 0.05). The results of univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed that a statistically significant (P < 0.001) improvement was observed in all the predictors of diabetic complications among in the intervention group when compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Statistically significant reduction in the sign and symptoms of diabetic complications was observed in the intervention group at the end of 1 year. The progression of diabetic neuropathy was significantly reduced in the pharmacist intervention group.
Fulltext Phytochemical analysis and protective effects of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) in rats (Rattus norvegicus) following ethylene oxide-induced oxidative insult

Rasool M, Malik A, Abdul Basit Ashraf M, Mubbin R, Ayyaz U, Waquar S, et al.

Bioengineered, 2021 12;12(1):4593-4604.
PMID: 34346287 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1955528

The Vaccinium genus comprises more than 126 genera of perennial flowering plants that are commonly adapted to poor and acidic soils or epiphytic environments. Their molecular and genomic characterization is a result of the recent advent in next-generation sequencing technology. In the current research, extracts were prepared in different media, such as petroleum ether, methanol and ethanol. An extract of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) was used at a dose of 200-400 mg/kg by weight (B.wt). Levels of oxidative stress markers, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. A histopathological study of six vital organs in rats was also conducted. The results indicated that the antioxidant levels were lower in the group given only ethylene oxide (EtO) but higher in the groups receiving cranberry extract as a treatment. Major improvements were also observed in stress markers such as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and MDA following cranberry treatment. Histopathological changes induced by EtO were observed in the heart, kidney, liver, lung, stomach and testis and were reversed following cranberry treatment. The major toxic effects of EtO were oxidative stress and organ degeneration, as observed from various stress markers and histopathological changes. Our study showed that this extract contains strong antioxidant properties, which may contribute to the amelioration of the observed toxic effects.
Fulltext A comparative accuracy of regularized and tension spline methods to estimate and model the surface water ph of Pulau Tuba, Langkawi, Kedah

Sharir,Aizat,Kamaruddin,, Nor,Atikah,Husna,Ahmad,Nasir,, Nur,Syafiqah,Rahim,, Norlin,Shuhaime,, Mohd,Akmal,Hashim,, Ahmad,Suhail,Khazali,, et al.

Science Letters, 2021;15(2):117-132.
MyJurnal

ABSTRACT
This research is conducted to assess the accuracy of spline interpolation methods to predict and
model the surface water pH of Pulau Tuba, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. In-situ sampling
activities using pH-meter and Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS) were carried out during
high tides and at noon in November 2018. The development of spatial models was constructed
using Regularized and Tension spline methods. Then, validation of models was carried out to
compare the observed and predicted values of pH using correlation analysis, regression analysis,
and error analysis. The accuracy of the developed map was calculated using the overall accuracy
equation. This research found that the regularized spline method had more accuracy in estimating
surface water pH variability than the tension spline method. Pearson correlation coefficient (r),
Coefficient of determination (R2
), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error
(RMSE) were reported at 0.896, 0.803, 0.0265 and 0.0344 for the regularized spline method,
respectively. The developed spatial model was then transformed into a map by adding map
elements such as legend, title, north arrow, and scales for effective visualization. The developed
map has an accuracy of 87.50%. The surface water pH was found at the range of 7-8. Low
reading of pH is expected due to the addition of rainwater to the coastal water of Pulau Tuba,
Langkawi, Kedah. The research outcomes would benefit government and non-government
agencies to monitor the coastal and ocean acidification and the development of strategic policies
and rules to reduce the impact of anthropogenic activities and climate changes for this area.
Fulltext The Effect of Pharmacist’s Interventions on Anaemia Management among Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients in Terengganu Tertiary Hospital

Fong, Chui Wei, Wan Najiah Wan Mokhtar, Norlaila Kartina Malini Mamat, Muhammad Zaidi Sattar, Zaiha Harun, Tengku Nur Izzati Tengku Abd Kadir

Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy, 2021;7(1):43-48.
MyJurnal

Pharmacist’s interventions in anaemia management have been shown to improve clinical and economic outcomes. To determine the outcome of hemoglobin (Hb) level after the implementation of ESA monitoring card and counselling, a prospective, single-blinded randomised controlled study involved patients attending the CAPD clinic in Terengganu tertiary hospital, Malaysia was carried out. Intervention group received ESA injection counselling based on a validated checklist and ESA monitoring card, while the standard care group only received standard care. Result showed a total of 118 eligible patients with 68 of them in the standard care group and 50 patients in the intervention group with an average age of 50.8 (±14.57) and 49.4 (±13.69) years, respectively. Mean Hb showed significant improvement in both standard care and interventional groups with p
Fulltext Concurrent validity of the Arabic version of General Medication Adherence Scale using two validated indirect adherences measures in Saudi patients with non-communicable diseases

Islam MA, Nisa ZU, Almuzel AI, Al Afif HS, Al Rabia LH, Iqbal MS, et al.

Saudi Pharm J, 2021 Aug;29(8):874-878.
PMID: 34408547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.07.002

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity of the Arabic version of the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) using two validated scales namely Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) in Saudi patients with non-communicable diseases.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for 2 months in out-patient departments at a tertiary care hospital in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The study collected data from patients with chronic illnesses through convenience sampling. Pearson correlation (ρ) was conducted to report concurrent validity of GMAS. A correlation coefficient value ≥ 0.5 with p-value SAR 10,000, i.e., USD 2666.2 (56.4%). The mean adherence scores obtained from MARS, ARMS and GMAS were 7.09, 19.9, and 27.4. The correlation (ρ) between GMAS and MARS scores was 0.65, and between GMAS and ARMS scores was -0.79, p
Fulltext Increasing the percentage of bedside dispensing in Adult Medical Wards of Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu

Lukman Nul Hakim Md Khairi, Farah Syakirah Ahmad, Nur Liyana Mohd Fozi, Aimi Shazana Muhammad Anuar, Wan Najiah W. Mokhtar @ W. Moxtor, Maznuraini Zainuddin

Q Bulletin, 2020;1(29):36-44.
MyJurnal

Bedside dispensing (BD) is one of the clinical services offered by the Pharmacy Department to patients prior to their hospital discharge. Increment in number of BD may improve the patients’ discharge process, patients’ satisfaction and their medication knowledge. This project aimed at increasing the percentage of BD in adult medical wards of Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ). The proposed standard of BD percentage was at least 30% within four months of intervention. The project was conducted from November 2016 to December 2019. The monthly report of pharmacy BD record was analysed to assess the achievement of BD. A pre-interventional retrospective BD data review of discharge prescriptions received throughout 2016 showed that only 8.1% of discharge prescriptions were dispensed at the bedside. A closed-ended questionnaire to evaluate knowledge, experience and perceived contributing factors to the low percentage of BD was distributed to nurses, inpatient pharmacists and ward pharmacists. The main contributing factors identified included time constraint, poor understanding of BD workflow, inadequate staff awareness and lack of cooperation among healthcare providers. Institutional BD workflow was implemented involving the introduction of discharge prescriptions pick-up points at medical wards, and a scheduled timing for prescriptions collection and dispensing during office hours. Three face-to-face educational sessions on overview of BD and its latest workflow were given to staff nurses, inpatient pharmacists at discharge pharmacy unit and ward pharmacists. In 2017, the percentage of BD increased from 8.1% to 28.0% after the implementation of interventions, and subsequently to 60.0% in the latest maintenance phase of January until December 2019. The sustainable implementation of this BD program could be shared and implemented at other facilities with inpatient discharge services to improve healthcare delivery.
Fulltext Development of long-term talent in sports model based on anthropometric and motor fitness components using multivariate analysis

Liyana Daud, Mohamad Razali Abdullah, Siti Musliha Mat-Rasid, Ahmad Bisyri Husin Musawi Maliki, Amr Alnaimat, Muhammad Rabani Hashim, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2019;4(1):38-47.
MyJurnal

The study attempts to use multivariate analysis to evaluate the profile of male player for developments of Long-Term Talent in Sports (LT-TiS) model based on anthropometric and motor fitness components. Data of anthropometric and motor fitness included power, flexibility, coordination and speed were obtained from 2019 respondents aged 7.32±0.52 year. Data interpretations were carried out using multivariate analysis of Principle Components Analysis (PCA) and Discriminant analysis (DA). The adequacy of sampling has been measured using Bartletts tests on sphericity and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) has been used, with this conformance of running the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Then, Discriminant Analysis (DA) were used to validate the correctness of group classification by LT-TiS model. Then, Discriminant Analysis (DA) were used to validate the correctness of group classification by LT-TiS. As a result, two factors with eigenvalues greater than 1 were extracted which accounted for 55.00% of the variations present in the original variables was found. The two factors were used to obtain the factor score coefficients explained by 27.86% and 27.21% of the variations in player performance respectively. Factor 1 revealed high factor loading on motor fitness compared to factor 2 as it was significantly related to anthropometrics. A model was obtained using standardized coefficient of factor 1. Three clusters of performance were shaped in view by categorizing; LT−TiS≥65%, 40%≤LT−TiS
Fulltext Ten - year Cardiovascular Disease Risk amongst workers in a tertiary healthcare institution in Kuala Lumpur

Norfazilah Ahmad, Santhna Letchmi Panduragan, Yee,San Khor, Kalaiarasan Gemini, Nur Atikah Bahrin, Nur Husnina Azhar, et al.

Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(1):35-45.
MyJurnal

Strategising, which is an effective workplace intervention to curb cardiovascular disease (CVD), requires understanding of the CVD risk related to a specific working population. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is widely used in predicting the ten-year CVD risk of various working populations. This study aimed to use FRS to determine the ten-year CVD risk amongst workers in a tertiary healthcare setting and its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on workers who participated in the special health check programme at the staff clinic of a tertiary healthcare institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A set of data sheets was used to retrieve the workers’ sociodemographic and CVD risk information. The prevalence of high, moderate and low ten-year CVD risk was 12.8%, 20.0% and 67.2%, respectively. Workers in the high-risk group were older [mean age: 54.81 (standard deviation, 5.72) years], male (44%), smokers (72.7%) and having hyperglycaemia (46.7%) and hypertriglyceridemia [median triglycerides: 1.75 (interquartile range, 1.45) mmol/L]. Diastolic blood pressure (aOR 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01,1.14), hyperglycaemia (aOR 8.80, 95% CI: 1.92,40.36) and hypertriglyceridemia (aOR 4.45, 95% CI: 1.78,11.09) were significantly associated with high ten-year CVD risk. Diastolic blood pressure (aOR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03,1.13) and hypertriglyceridemia (aOR 2.51, 95% CI: 1.12-5.61) were significantly associated with moderate ten-year CVD risk. The prevalence of high and moderate ten-year CVD risk was relatively high. Amongst the workers in the high-risk group, they were older, male, smokers and with high fasting blood sugar and triglyceride. Understanding the ten-year CVD risk and its associated factors could be used to plan periodic workplace health assessment and monitor to prevent CVD
Fulltext Exploring the effect of image enhancement techniques on COVID-19 detection using chest X-ray images

Rahman T, Khandakar A, Qiblawey Y, Tahir A, Kiranyaz S, Abul Kashem SB, et al.

Comput Biol Med, 2021 May;132:104319.
PMID: 33799220 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104319

Computer-aided diagnosis for the reliable and fast detection of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a necessity to prevent the spread of the virus during the pandemic to ease the burden on the healthcare system. Chest X-ray (CXR) imaging has several advantages over other imaging and detection techniques. Numerous works have been reported on COVID-19 detection from a smaller set of original X-ray images. However, the effect of image enhancement and lung segmentation of a large dataset in COVID-19 detection was not reported in the literature. We have compiled a large X-ray dataset (COVQU) consisting of 18,479 CXR images with 8851 normal, 6012 non-COVID lung infections, and 3616 COVID-19 CXR images and their corresponding ground truth lung masks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest public COVID positive database and the lung masks. Five different image enhancement techniques: histogram equalization (HE), contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), image complement, gamma correction, and balance contrast enhancement technique (BCET) were used to investigate the effect of image enhancement techniques on COVID-19 detection. A novel U-Net model was proposed and compared with the standard U-Net model for lung segmentation. Six different pre-trained Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) (ResNet18, ResNet50, ResNet101, InceptionV3, DenseNet201, and ChexNet) and a shallow CNN model were investigated on the plain and segmented lung CXR images. The novel U-Net model showed an accuracy, Intersection over Union (IoU), and Dice coefficient of 98.63%, 94.3%, and 96.94%, respectively for lung segmentation. The gamma correction-based enhancement technique outperforms other techniques in detecting COVID-19 from the plain and the segmented lung CXR images. Classification performance from plain CXR images is slightly better than the segmented lung CXR images; however, the reliability of network performance is significantly improved for the segmented lung images, which was observed using the visualization technique. The accuracy, precision, sensitivity, F1-score, and specificity were 95.11%, 94.55%, 94.56%, 94.53%, and 95.59% respectively for the segmented lung images. The proposed approach with very reliable and comparable performance will boost the fast and robust COVID-19 detection using chest X-ray images.
Fulltext Screening of Electrospray-operating Parameters in the Production of Alginate-Royal Jelly Microbeads Using Factorial Design

Shaiqah MR, Salahuddin HM, Afiful Huda AYA, Izzuddin M, Nur Shafiq NIM, Nur Hakimah MA, et al.

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 Nov;12(Suppl 2):S703-S706.
PMID: 33828364 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_249_19

Introduction: Royal jelly (RJ) has been consumed as food or as a supplement because of its high nutritional and medicinal values. A fresh harvested RJ is yellowish to whitish in color and contains proteins, free amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and sugar. Without proper storage conditions, such as at 4°C, the color of RJ changes to much darker yellow and produces a rancid smell. To prolong its shelf life, RJ is usually mixed with honey. Alginate, a natural and edible polymer derived from seaweed, is commonly used to encapsulate drugs and food due to its ability to form gels by reacting with divalent cations. However, there is a lack of research on the microencapsulation of RJ in alginate using electrospray. The electrospray technique has the advantage in producing consistent size and shape of alginate microbeads under optimum parameters.
Aim: This research aimed to optimize electrospray-operating parameters in producing alginate-RJ microbeads.
Materials and Methods: Optimization of alginate-RJ microbeads electrospray parameters was carried out using 24 factorial design with three center points (19 runs). The studied parameters were flow rate, high voltage, nozzle size, and tip-to-collector distance, whereas the responses were particle size, particle size distribution, and sphericity factor. The responses of each run were analyzed using Design-Expert software.
Results: Nozzle size is a significant parameter that influences the particle size. Flow rate is a significant parameter influencing the sphericity factor.
Conclusion: Screening of the electrospray-operating parameters paves the way in determining the significant parameters and their design space to produce consistent alginate-RJ microbeads.
Fulltext Recent Advancements in Stimuli Responsive Drug Delivery Platforms for Active and Passive Cancer Targeting

Rahim MA, Jan N, Khan S, Shah H, Madni A, Khan A, et al.

Cancers (Basel), 2021 Feb 07;13(4).
PMID: 33562376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040670

The tumor-specific targeting of chemotherapeutic agents for specific necrosis of cancer cells without affecting the normal cells poses a great challenge for researchers and scientists. Though extensive research has been carried out to investigate chemotherapy-based targeted drug delivery, the identification of the most promising strategy capable of bypassing non-specific cytotoxicity is still a major concern. Recent advancements in the arena of onco-targeted therapies have enabled safe and effective tumor-specific localization through stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. Owing to their promising characteristic features, stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms have revolutionized the chemotherapy-based treatments with added benefits of enhanced bioavailability and selective cytotoxicity of cancer cells compared to the conventional modalities. The insensitivity of stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms when exposed to normal cells prevents the release of cytotoxic drugs into the normal cells and therefore alleviates the off-target events associated with chemotherapy. Contrastingly, they showed amplified sensitivity and triggered release of chemotherapeutic payload when internalized into the tumor microenvironment causing maximum cytotoxic responses and the induction of cancer cell necrosis. This review focuses on the physical stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems and chemical stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for triggered cancer chemotherapy through active and/or passive targeting. Moreover, the review also provided a brief insight into the molecular dynamic simulations associated with stimuli-based tumor targeting.
Fulltext SkytiderTM - overcomes the difficultness of installing and lowering the outdoor bunting

Asrizam Esam, Mohammad Hisham Omar, Muhammad Izzat Nor Adzmi, Mohd Mas’Ataillah Ismail, Norliyana Kamarudin, Hafliza Hussin, et al.

Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2019;2(2):71-92.
MyJurnal

Bunting is a medium to promote advertisements or programs that are widely used in Universiti Putra Malaysia in conjunction with the programs. There are two types of bunting that are commonly used; indoor and outdoor bunting. Outdoor bunting is a bunting that is installed outside of a building and it is usually installed at the street lamp poles, fence or at dedicated space. In UPM, outdoor buntings usually installed at the street lamp poles, around the campus. Issues faced by staff when installing and uninstalling the outdoor buntings are; method used, number of staff needed, time consuming and securities issues. All these factors lead UPM to hire external contractor for installing the outdoor buntings. These issues are also faced by other universities/institutions and external contractors. Several initiatives have been identified in order to mitigate this issues including the implementation of ‘Program Bebas Dawai’, an improvement of Standard Operating Procedure for bunting installation and creation of a new innovation called SkytiderTM. SkytiderTM is an installation tool for outdoor buntings that will expedite method without using ladder, minimize time, improve security measures and save costs by hiring less external contractor. SkytiderTM protected under industrial design, trademark and copyright protection. SkytiderTM is widely used in Serdang Campus, Selangor, Bintulu, Sarawak and Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

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