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Fulltext Chicken Authentication and Discrimination via Live Weight, Body Size, Carcass Traits, and Breast Muscle Fat Content Clustering as Affected by Breed and Sex Varieties in Malaysia

Nematbakhsh S, Selamat J, Idris LH, Abdull Razis AF

Foods, 2021 Jul 07;10(7).
PMID: 34359445 DOI: 10.3390/foods10071575

Nowadays, the high demand for village chickens in Malaysia leads to the fraudulent substitution of indigenous chickens with other cheaper counterparts. Discriminating different chicken breeds based on their phenotypic characteristics is one strategy to avoid chicken adulteration. The main objective of this study was to authenticate and group dominant chicken breeds in Malaysia, including commercial chickens (Cobb, Hubbard, DeKalb) and cross-bred village chickens (Ayam Kampung, Akar Putra). The further discrimination of village chickens from underaged colored broilers (UCBs) (Hubbard, Sasso) was performed based on phenotype traits. The results showed that the breed had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on phenotypic characteristics, while the sex effect was not significant for some characteristics. In the first phase, the most remarkable discriminating factors were abdominal fat weight, breast muscle weight, chest circumference, shank length, and wingspan. However, in the second phase, notable variations in phenotypic characteristics between village chickens and UCBs were not detected. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the successful separation of village chickens from high-performance breeds (broiler and colored broiler). Nevertheless, there was overlap among observations for Sasso and village chickens, which approved the possible similarities in their phenotypic characteristics. This study showed clear breed clustering, which leads to the chicken authentication based on their phenotypic characteristics.
Fulltext A Comparative Study on Suitability of Model-Free and Model-Fitting Kinetic Methods to Non-Isothermal Degradation of Lignocellulosic Materials

Mahmood H, Shakeel A, Abdullah A, Khan MI, Moniruzzaman M

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 29;13(15).
PMID: 34372105 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152504

The thermal kinetic modeling is crucial for development of sustainable processes where lignocellulosic fuels are a part of chemical system and their thermal degradation eventuates. In this paper, thermal decomposition of three lignocellulosic materials (bagasse, rice husk, and wheat straw) was obtained by the thermogravimetric (TG) technique and kinetics was analyzed by both model-fitting and isoconversional (model-free) methods to compare their effectiveness. Two models selected from each class include Arrhenius and Coats-Redfern (model-fitting), and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) (model-free). The formal model-fitting approach simulating the thermal decomposition of solids by assuming a fixed mechanism was found to be unduly facile. However, activation energy (E) values calculated from two model-fitting techniques were considerably different from each other with a percentage difference in the range of 1.36% to 7.65%. Particularly, both model-fitting methods predicted different reaction mechanism for thermal disintegration of lignocellulosic materials (two-dimensional diffusion (D2) by Arrhenius and one-dimensional diffusion (D1) by Coat-Redfern method). Conversely, the model-free routine offers a transformation of mechanism and activation energy values throughout reaction and is, therefore, more authentic to illustrate the complexity of thermal disintegration of lignocellulosic particles. Based on the model-free kinetic analysis, the lignocellulosic materials may be devised in following order of activation energy: rice husk > bagasse > wheat straw, by both KAS and FWO methods with a percentage difference no more than 0.84% for fractional conversion up to 0.7. Isoconversional approach could be recommended as more realistic and precise for modeling non-isothermal kinetics of lignocellulosic residues compared to model-fitting approach.
Fulltext Defining Normative Sonographic Measurements of Neonatal Thyroid Volumes: Results of 165 Healthy Neonates from a Single Center in Northwest Malaysia

Noor NAM, Omar A, Rahman WIWA, Zainul AZ

J Med Ultrasound, 2020 11 09;29(2):84-88.
PMID: 34377637 DOI: 10.4103/JMU.JMU_91_19

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common cause of treatable mental impairment and growth retardation in newborns. Early diagnosis requires measurement of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 coupled with an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. However, detailed sonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland requires comparison to the local thyroid normative volumetric values, which is currently lacking.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 10, 2015, to April 18, 2018, recruiting 165 healthy neonates with normal TSH in their 1st week of life, from a single center in Northwest Malaysia. Ultrasound thyroid was done by a single ultrasonographer (κ = 0.86, percent agreement = 92.4), and the thyroid volume (TV) was calculated using the Brunn formula.
Results: All measurements showed skewed distribution with no significant difference between the right and left lobes. The local normative values for neonatal total TV was 0.61 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.230) cm3, 0.31 (IQR = 0.150) cm3 for right TV, and 0.28 (IQR = 0.110) cm3 for left TV. There was a strong correlation between the right and left TVs, r = 0.767, P < 0.001. There were also no differences in the total TV across different genders and races.
Conclusion: The normative values for TV determined in our study may be used accordingly in clinical practice to evaluate thyroid hypoplasia or goiter by other Asian countries due to the similarly shared biodemography.
A novel application of simple submersible yeast-based microbial fuel cells as dissolved oxygen sensors in environmental waters

Christwardana M, Yoshi LA, Setyonadi I, Maulana MR, Fudholi A

Enzyme Microb Technol, 2021 Sep;149:109831.
PMID: 34311895 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2021.109831

In this study, yeast microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were established as biosensors for in-situ monitoring of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in environmental waters, with yeast and glucose substrates acting as biocatalyst and fuel, respectively. Diverse environmental factors, such as temperature, pH and conductivity, were considered. The sensor performance was first tested with distilled water with different DO levels ranging from 0 mg/L to 8 mg/L and an external resistance of 1000 Ω. The relationship between DO and current density was non-linear (exponential). This MFC capability was further explored under different environmental conditions (pH, temperature and conductivity), and the current density produced was within the range of 0.14-34.88 mA/m2, which increased with elevated DO concentration. The resulting regression was y = 1.3051e0.3548x, with a regression coefficient (R2) = 0.71, indicating that the MFC-based DO meter was susceptible to interference. When used in environmental water samples, DO measurements using MFC resulted in errors ranging from 6.25 % to 15.15 % when compared with commercial DO meters. The simple yeast-based MFC sensors demonstrate promising prospects for future monitoring in a variety of areas, including developing countries and remote locations.
Fulltext Development, translation, and validation of a bilingual questionnaire on unused medications in homes

Makki M, Hassali MAA, Awaisu A, Chemaitelly H

Saudi Pharm J, 2021 Jul;29(7):648-655.
PMID: 34400858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.04.026

Background: Unused medications in homes pose significant health, economic, and environmental risks. Patients are the medications end users and their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) play an important role towards medication use, unuse and wastage. Thus, a valid instrument to reliably measure patients' KAP towards unused medications in homes may help manage the associated risks.
Objective: To develop, translate, and validate a questionnaire for the assessment patients' KAP towards unused medications in Qatar homes (i.e., QUM-Qatar).
Setting: This cross-sectional validation study was conducted among randomly selected outpatients visiting various public and private pharmacies in Qatar between September 2019 and February 2020.
Method: Nine experts in the field of pharmacy practice with Qatar contextual background established the content validity of the instrument. The validity was quantified using content validity index (CVI). Furthermore, construct validity was performed using principal component analysis (PCA), whereas internal consistency reliability of items was determined using Cronbach's alpha. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15 statistical software.
Main outcome measure: The psychometric properties of the QUM-Qatar assessment instrument.
Results: An English/Arabic questionnaire was developed and validated. Content validity in the form of scale-level-CVI (S-CVI)/Average and S-CVI/UA was 0.88 and 0.84, respectively, suggesting adequate relevant content of the questionnaire. Variation explained by the multivariate model was 85.0% for knowledge, 94.8% for attitude, and 89.8% for practice. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.68, 0.82, and 0.84, for knowledge, attitude, and practice domains, respectively. From the psychometric results obtained, the questionnaire's validity and reliability were attained.
Conclusion: The QUM-Qatar instrument has acceptable psychometric properties and has the potential for future use in research and practice to assess KAP towards unused medications in Qatar and elsewhere. It may consequently help in improving medication use and mitigating the negative health, economic, and environmental impacts of unused medications.Impacts on practice.•There is now a valid and reliable English/Arabic language questionnaire to assess patients' KAP towards unused medications.•Policymakers can utilize this questionnaire to develop evidence-based policies and strategies for managing unused medications and their disposal.•To improve medication use review, rational use of medicines, and adherence, it is necessary to consider patient-reported outcomes that may eventually reflect on saving health, economic resources, and environment.
Improving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance using an audio-visual feedback device for healthcare providers in an emergency department setting in Malaysia: a quasi-experimental study

Chelladurai G, Noor Azhar AM, Mohd Isa R, Bustam A, Ahmad R, Munisamy M

Med J Malaysia, 2020 09;75(5):514-518.
PMID: 32918419

INTRODUCTION: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) remains the primary mechanism of resuscitation for cardiac arrest victims. However, the quality of delivery of CPR varies widely in different settings, possibly affecting patient outcomes. This study is aimed to determine the efficacy of an audio-visual (AV) CPR feedback device in improving the quality of CPR delivered by healthcare providers.
METHODS: This pre-post, single-arm, quasi-experimental study randomly sampled 140 healthcare providers working in the Emergency Department of Hospital Ampang, Malaysia. Parameters of CPR quality, namely chest compression rate and depth were compared among participants when they performed CPR with and without an AV CPR feedback device. The efficacy of the AV CPR feedback device was assessed using the Chi-square test and Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) models.
RESULTS: The use of an AV CPR feedback device increased the proportion of healthcare providers achieving recommended depth of chest compressions from 38.6% (95% Confidence Interval, 95%CI: 30.5, 47.2) to 85.0% (95%CI: 78.0, 90.5). A similar significant improvement from 39.3% (95%CI: 31.1, 47.9) to 86.4% (95%CI: 79.6, 91.6) in the recommended rate of chest compressions was also observed. Use of the AV CPR device significantly increased the likelihood of a CPR provider achieving recommended depth of chest compressions (Odds Ratio, OR=13.01; 95%CI: 7.12, 24.01) and rate of chest compressions (OR=13.00; 95%CI: 7.21, 23.44).
CONCLUSION: The use of an AV CPR feedback device significantly improved the delivered rate and depth of chest compressions closer to American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations. Usage of such devices within real-life settings may help in improving the quality of CPR for patients receiving CPR.
Fulltext Compatibility of household appliances with DC microgrid for PV systems

Sabry AH, Shallal AH, Hameed HS, Ker PJ

Heliyon, 2020 Dec;6(12):e05699.
PMID: 33364486 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05699

DC distribution of PV systems has spread back especially in the residential sector as a variety of electronic appliances became locally available in the market. The compatibility of household appliances with the best voltage-level in a DC environment is the field that still in the research phase and has not yet made a practically extensive appearance. This paper mainly discusses this issue by providing a review of the concerning research efforts, identifying the gaps in the existing knowledge. The work explains the electrical diagrams of the recently produced appliances, classifying them to get an understanding of how each one consumes energy. It includes exploiting the recent dependence of the commercial appliances on power electronics to improve the efficiency of the existing DC distribution systems by extrapolating new architectures. The proposed topology has a DC distribution environment with two levels of voltage for all appliances. Appliances performances have been evaluated by calculating the energy transfer efficiency. The outcomes of this work can help in designing more efficient DC power distribution networks with minimal energy converters and establishing standardizations for DC microgrids.
Fulltext Corrigendum to "Compatibility of household appliances with DC microgrid for PV systems" [Heliyon 6 (12), (December 2020) Article e05699]

Sabry AH, Shallal AH, Hameed HS, Ker PJ

Heliyon, 2021 Aug;7(8):e07744.
PMID: 34430735 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07744

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05699.].
Facile fabrication and characterization of kenaf core as natural biochar for the highly efficient removal of selected endocrine-disrupting compounds

Nasir HM, Aris AZ, Abdullah LC, Ismail I

Environ Geochem Health, 2021 Jun 15.
PMID: 34129136 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00999-8

This study aims to formulate and fabricate the optimum condition of modified kenaf core (MKC) for the removal of targeted endocrine-disrupting compounds in a batch adsorption system. Kenaf core was chemically modified using phosphoric acid as an activating agent, which involved the pyrolysis step. Results indicated a significant difference (p T1KC > T3KC, whereas that in the binary mixture system leads to T2KC > T1KC > T3KC and T1KC > T2KC > T3KC for E2 and EE2 adsorption, respectively, through hydrogen bonding and the π-π interaction mechanism. Thus, the findings revealed T2KC at a moderate level of acid concentration (0.5 M H3PO4) to be a potential biochar, with an environmentally safe and sound profile for opposing emerging pollutant issues as well as for the attainment of sustainable development goals.
Fulltext Discrete-time predator-prey model with flip bifurcation and chaos control

Khan AQ, Ahmad I, Alayachi HS, M Noorani MS, Khaliq A

Math Biosci Eng, 2020 09 09;17(5):5944-5960.
PMID: 33120584 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2020317

We explore the local dynamics, flip bifurcation, chaos control and existence of periodic point of the predator-prey model with Allee effect on the prey population in the interior of $\mathbb{R}^*{_+^2}$. Nu-merical simulations not only exhibit our results with the theoretical analysis but also show the complex dynamical behaviors, such as the period-2, 8, 11, 17, 20 and 22 orbits. Further, maximum Lyapunov exponents as well as fractal dimensions are also computed numerically to show the presence of chaotic behavior in the model under consideration.
Fulltext The tale of two vessels, vascular complications following a breach of the pelvic inner table due to acetabular screws: a report of two cases

Ayob KA, Merican AM, Sulaiman SH, Hariz Ramli AR

Jt Dis Relat Surg, 2021;32(1):239-244.
PMID: 33463444 DOI: 10.5606/ehc.2021.77862

Injuries to the pelvic vasculature during total hip arthroplasties are rare but have serious consequence. They demand urgent and early identification so that appropriate treatment can be instituted. If the bleeding is severe, cardiovascular compromise occurs intraoperatively and this will alert the surgeon of this possibility during acetabular screw placement. Alternatively, a delay in diagnosis can occur because the bleeding and the injured vessel are in the pelvic cavity and not visualized during the surgery. In this article, we report two cases from our center occurring within a six-month interval that sustained a vascular injury during acetabular drilling for screw placement for cementless cup fixation. Each case had a different vessel injury and different lessons can be learned from these rare injuries. The first case had an injury of the inferior gluteal artery following a breach of the sciatic notch. The vessel was treated with percutaneous embolization. The second case demonstrated a venous injury, following a medial protrusio technique for congenital hip dysplasia and a short anterosuperior screw, transecting the external iliac vein. This was subsequently repaired using an endovascular technique. We conclude the reasons for these vessel injuries after analyzing advanced imaging, discuss measures to avoid vessel injury and detail the minimally invasive method for their treatment.
Cognitive reserve in stroke patients

Abdullah AH, Sharip S, Rahman AHA, Bakar L

Psych J, 2021 Jun;10(3):444-452.
PMID: 33517588 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.423

At present, a limited amount of information exists on the association between cognitive reserve and cognitive impairment in stroke populations. To determine predictors of cognitive reserve among stroke patients, 80 stroke patients attending the neurological and rehabilitation clinic in two different Malaysian general hospitals participated in this study. The Malay Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq-M), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales-Short Form (DASS-21), WHO Quality of Life assessment BREF-21 (WHO-QOL BREF-21), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used as instruments in this study. The study found that cognitive reserve (CRIq-M) is positively correlated with cognitive function (MoCA), r = 0.529, p
Fulltext Rutin Modulates MAPK Pathway Differently from Quercetin in Angiotensin II-Induced H9c2 Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy

Siti HN, Jalil J, Asmadi AY, Kamisah Y

Int J Mol Sci, 2021 May 11;22(10).
PMID: 34064664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105063

Rutin is a flavonoid with antioxidant property. It has been shown to exert cardioprotection against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. However, studies regarding its antihypertrophic property are still lacking, whether it demonstrates similar antihypertrophic effect to its metabolite, quercetin. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of both flavonoids on oxidative stress and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes that were exposed to angiotensin II (Ang II) to induce hypertrophy. Cardiomyocytes were exposed to Ang II (600 nM) with or without quercetin (331 μM) or rutin (50 μM) for 24 h. A group given vehicle served as the control. The concentration of the flavonoids was chosen based on the reported effective concentration to reduce cell hypertrophy or cardiac injury in H9c2 cells. Exposure to Ang II increased cell surface area, intracellular superoxide anion level, NADPH oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities, and reduced cellular superoxide dismutase activity and nitrite level, which were similarly reversed by both rutin and quercetin. Rutin had no significant effects on phosphorylated proteins of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK1/2) and p38 but downregulated phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK1/2), which were induced by Ang II. Quercetin, on the other hand, had significantly downregulated the phosphorylated proteins of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK1/2. The quercetin inhibitory effect on JNK1/2 was stronger than the rutin. In conclusion, both flavonoids afford similar protective effects against Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, but they differently modulate MAPK pathway.
Solution-Processable Vertical Organic Light-Emitting Transistors (VOLETs) with Directly Deposited Silver Nanowires Intermediate Source Electrode

Sarjidan MAM, Shuhaimi A, Majid WHA

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2019 Nov 01;19(11):6995-7003.
PMID: 31039852 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2019.16724

A simple spin-coating process for fabricating vertical organic light-emitting transistors (VOLETs) is realized by utilizing silver nanowire (AgNW) as a source electrode. The optical, electrical and morphological properties of the AgNW formation was initially optimized, prior VOFET fabrication. A high molecular weight of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] MEH-PPV was used as an organic semiconductor layer in the VOFET in forming a multilayer structure by solution process. It was found that current density and luminance intensity of the VOLET can be modulated by a small magnitude of gate voltage. The modulation process was induced by changing an injection barrier via gate voltage bias. A space-charge-limited current (SCLC) approach in determining transistor mobility has been introduced. This preliminary and fundamental work is beneficial towards all-solution processing display devices.
Aging effects on physical and electrical properties of nano-structured MgZnO thin films for carbon nanotube applications

Ahmad R, Salina M, Mamat MH, Teh AA, Kara M, Rusop M, et al.

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2012 Oct;12(10):8153-7.
PMID: 23421193

This paper addresses the growth of nano-structured MgZnO thin films by sol-gel spin coating method which will be used as a template layer to grow carbon nanotubes. The nano-structured MgZnO films were deposited on platinized (100) silicon substrates. In this work, we focused on the effect of aging and Mg content on the film structure and resistivity. Sols with Mg content of 10, 30 and 50 at.% were subjected to aging times of between 3 to 240 hours. Results from scanning (SEM) and field emission scanning electron (FESEM) microscopes and surface profiler (SP) showed that the sol aging increased the thickness, grain size and surface roughness for aging up to 240 hours. The energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDAX) confirmed the element of Mg in the ZnO films. The electrical resistivity also increased with aging time as confirmed by four point probe method. The results suggest that appropriate aging of the sol is important for improving physical quality and electrical performance of MgZnO thin films derived from sol-gel technique.
Effect of strontium substitution on structural, sinterability, physicomechanical and biological properties of akermanite ceramic

Mohammadi H, Baba Ismail YM, Shariff KA, Mohd Noor AF

J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2021 04;116:104379.
PMID: 33561674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104379

Despite the excellent in vitro and in vivo performance of akermanite ceramic, its poor toughness and strength limit the biomedical application, particularly under load. Herein, the incorporation of strontium enhanced the physicomechanical properties of akermanite and this is ascribed to the decrease in grain size and better sinterability. To investigate the biological performance, the bone-cell interaction with sintered pellets was assessed by in vitro biocompatibility with human fetal osteoblast cell (hFOB). The cell viability using MTT assay revealed that the Ca1.9Sr0.1MgSi2O7 pellets with finer grain size provided better interaction between the cells compared to the unsubstituted counterpart with larger grain size. Our findings highlighted that the synergistic effect of controlled degradation rate and release of Sr2+ into the medium enhanced the in vitro biological properties of akermanite-based materials.
The utilisation of 3D printing in paediatric neurosurgery

Karuppiah R, Munusamy T, Bahuri NFA, Waran V

Childs Nerv Syst, 2021 05;37(5):1479-1484.
PMID: 33735402 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05123-w

3D printing technology has evolved over the years and there is a growing interest in its application in paediatric neurosurgery. Modern 3D printers have enabled the development of patient-specific 3D models that provide a realistic representation of complex anatomies and will aid in planning complex procedures. Paediatric neurosurgical operations are challenging and hands-on training is restricted. Surgical simulation training with biomodel has provided a new paradigm for trainees to master their surgical skills before encountering similar scenarios in real-life environment. This paper reviews the aspects of 3D printing for preoperative planning and simulation-based surgical training in paediatric neurosurgery.
Fulltext Breastfeeding in Malaysia: Results of the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) 2006

Fatimah S, Siti Saadiah HN, Tahir A, Hussain Imam MI, Ahmad Faudzi Y

Malays J Nutr, 2010 Aug;16(2):195-206.
PMID: 22691925 MyJurnal

In Malaysia, the National Breastfeeding Policy recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued up to two years. Since the 1990s, several breastfeeding promotion programmes had been implemented in the country. This article reports the findings on the prevalence of breastfeeding practice from The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) which was conducted in 2006. A total of 2167 mothers or carers of children below two years old were interviewed representing 804,480 of the estimated population of children aged below 2 years in Malaysia. Respondents were asked whether various types of liquid or solid food were given to the child at any time during the preceding 24-hour period. The overall prevalence of ever breastfed among children aged less than 12 months was 94.7% (CI: 93.0 - 95.9). The overall prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding below 6 months was 14.5% (CI: 11.7 - 17.9). Prevalence of timely initiation was 63.7% (CI: 61.4 - 65.9) and the continued prevalence of breastfeeding up to two years was 37.4% (CI: 32.9 - 42.2). The findings suggest that the programmes implemented in the last ten years were effective in improving the prevalence of ever breastfeeding, timely initiation of breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding up to two years. However, the challenge is to improve exclusive breastfeeding practice. Longterm community-based interventions need to be carried out in partnership with the existing health care system, focusing on discouraging the use of water and infant formula, especially in the first few months of life.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
Fulltext Influence of External Nitrogen on Nitrogenase Enzyme Activity and Auxin Production in Herbaspirillum seropedicae (Z78)

Yin TT, Pin UL, Ghazali AH

Trop Life Sci Res, 2015 Apr;26(1):101-10.
PMID: 26868594 MyJurnal

The production of nitrogenase enzyme and auxins by free living diazotrophs has the potential to influence the growth of host plants. In this study, diazotrophs were grown in the presence of various concentrations of nitogen (N) to determine the optimal concentration of N for microbial growth stimulation, promotion of gaseous N (N2) fixation, and phytohormone production. Therefore, we investigate whether different levels of N supplied to Herbaspirillum seropedicae (Z78) have significant effects on nitrogenase activity and auxin production. The highest nitrogenase activity and the lowest auxin production of H. seropedicae (Z78) were both recorded at 0 gL(-1) of NH4Cl. Higher levels of external N caused a significant decrease in the nitrogenase activity and an increased production of auxins. In a subsequent test, two different inoculum sizes of Z78 (10(6) and 10(12) cfu/ml) were used to study the effect of different percentages of acetylene on nitrogenase activity of the inoculum via the acetylene reduction assay (ARA). The results showed that the optimal amount of acetylene required for nitrogenase enzyme activity was 5% for the 10(6) cfu/ml inoculum, whereas the higher inoculum size (10(12) cfu/ml) required at least 10% of acetylene for optimal nitrogenase activity. These findings provide a clearer understanding of the effects of N levels on diazotrophic nitrogenase activity and auxin production, which are important factors influencing plant growth.
Fulltext Parasitic Gregarine blattarum Found Infecting American Cockroaches, Periplaneta americana, in a Population in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Yahaya ZS, Izzaudin NA, Razak AF

Trop Life Sci Res, 2017 Jan;28(1):145-149.
PMID: 28228922 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2017.28.1.10

A study on the prevalence of a common endoparasite in the wild population of the American cockroach was conducted in Penang Island using a trapping method at several sampling sites on the island. Gregarine blattarum was found in the digestive tract in 5 out of 115, or 4.35%, of the wild American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana, that were sampled. This is the first report in Malaysia of Gregarine blattarum in local American cockroaches.

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