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Impacts of 2 species of predatory Reduviidae on bagworms in oil palm plantations

Jamian S, Norhisham A, Ghazali A, Zakaria A, Azhar B

Insect Sci, 2017 Apr;24(2):285-294.
PMID: 26712127 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12309

Integrated pest management (IPM) is widely practiced in commercial oil palm agriculture. This management system is intended to minimize the number of attacks by pest insects such as bagworms on crops, as well as curb economic loss with less dependency on chemical pesticides. One practice in IPM is the use of biological control agents such as predatory insects. In this study, we assessed the response of predatory natural enemies to pest outbreak and water stress, and document the habitat associations of potential pest predators. The abundances of 2 predatory insect species, namely Sycanus dichotomus and Cosmolestes picticeps (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), were compared bagworm outbreak sites and nonoutbreak sites within oil palm plantations. We also examined habitat characteristics that influence the abundances of both predatory species. We found that the abundance of C. picticeps was significantly higher in bagworm outbreak sites than in nonoutbreak sites. There were no significant differences in the abundance of S. dichotomus among outbreak and non-outbreak sites. Both species responded negatively to water stress in oil palm plantations. Concerning the relationship between predatory insect abundance and in situ habitat quality characteristics, our models explained 46.36% of variation for C. picticeps and 23.17% of variation for S. dichotomus. Both species of predatory insects thrived from the planting of multiple beneficial plants in oil palm plantations. The results suggest that C. picticeps can be used as a biological agent to control bagworm populations in oil palm plantations, but S. dichotomus has no or little potential for such ecosystem service.
Fulltext Carbon nanotubes-based gas sensor in detection of methane gas at room temperature

Nurjahirah Janudin, Faizah Md Yasin, Norli Abdullah, Mohd Hanif Yaacob, Muhammad Zamharir Ahmad, Raja Nor Izawati Raja Othman, et al.

ZULFAQAR International Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 2018;1(2):76-84.
MyJurnal

Room temperature carbon nanotubes (CNT)-based gas sensor was utilised in detection of methane, CH4 gas. The CNT was functionalized with amide group via Fischer esterification process and labelled as CNT-Amide. Silicon dioxide, SiO2 substrate with interdigitated prepatterned gold electrodes were employed as transducers and drop casting technique was used to deposit the multi walled-CNT samples. The electrical properties of the functionalized CNT samples in the exposure of CH4 gas are studied by recorded the changes of resistance using digital multimeter. Concentration of CH4 gas was varied from 1250 ppm to 10 000 ppm. The changes of electrical resistance of CNT-Amide increases with the concentration of tested gas. Sensor response of functionalized CNT are improved more than 10% as compared to pristine CNT. The sensitivity of CNT-Amide also better than CNT-Carboxyl due to the presence of nitrogen element in amide functional group which chemically active to react with CH4 gas. Additionally, fast response of CNT-Amide towards CH4 gas suggested that the functional group enhanced the rate of gas adsorption on sensing layer.
Fulltext Low cost and room temperature methane detection using multi walled-carbon nanotubes functionalized with octadecanol

Nurjahirah Janudin, Norli Abdullah, Faizah Md Yasin, Mohd Hanif Yaacob, Muhammad Zamharir Ahmad, Luqman Chuah Abdullah, et al.

ZULFAQAR International Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 2018;1(2):65-74.
MyJurnal

Multi walled-carbon nanotubes (CNT) functionalized with ester was used for detecting methane, CH4 gas at room temperature. Quartz substrate with interdigitated prepatterned gold electrodes was employed as transducers and drop casting method was used to deposit the CNT samples. The electrical properties of the functionalized CNT samples in the presence of CH4 gas were studied and the changes of resistance were recorded using digital multimeter. Concentration of CH4 gas was varied from 0.125 % to 1.0 %. The resistance variation of functionalized CNT increased with the concentration of tested gas. Sensor response of functionalized CNT was improved more than 10 % as compared to pristine CNT. CNT-Ester gives the higher sensitivity due to the presence of ester functional group which act as active site to react with CH4 gas. The fast response of functionalized CNT towards CH4 gas suggested that the functional group enhanced the rate of gas adsorption on sensing layer
Fulltext Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing of the FAD2 gene in rice: a model genome editing system for oil palm

Bahariah B, Masani MYA, Rasid OA, Parveez GKA

J Genet Eng Biotechnol, 2021 Jun 11;19(1):86.
PMID: 34115267 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00185-4

BACKGROUND: Genome editing employing the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been widely used and has become a promising tool for plant gene functional studies and crop improvement. However, most of the applied CRISPR/Cas9 systems targeting one locus using a sgRNA resulted in low genome editing efficiency.
RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate the modification of the FAD2 gene in rice using a multiplex sgRNA-CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system. To test the system's efficiency for targeting multiple loci in rice, we designed two sgRNAs based on FAD2 gene sequence of the Oryza sativa Japonica rice. We then inserted the validated sgRNAs into a CRISPR/Cas9 basic vector to construct pYLCRISPRCas9PUbi-H:OsFAD2. The vector was then transformed into protoplast cells isolated from rice leaf tissue via PEG-mediated transfection, and rice calli using biolistic transformation. Direct DNA sequencing of PCR products revealed mutations consisting of deletions of the DNA region between the two target sgRNAs.
CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the application of the multiplex sgRNA-CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system may be useful for crop improvement in monocot species that are recalcitrant to genetic modification, such as oil palm.
Fulltext Novel NAD+-Farnesal Dehydrogenase from Polygonum minus Leaves. Purification and Characterization of Enzyme in Juvenile Hormone III Biosynthetic Pathway in Plant

Seman-Kamarulzaman AF, Mohamed-Hussein ZA, Ng CL, Hassan M

PLoS One, 2016;11(8):e0161707.
PMID: 27560927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161707

Juvenile Hormone III is of great concern due to negative effects on major developmental and reproductive maturation in insect pests. Thus, the elucidation of enzymes involved JH III biosynthetic pathway has become increasing important in recent years. One of the enzymes in the JH III biosynthetic pathway that remains to be isolated and characterized is farnesal dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible to catalyze the oxidation of farnesal into farnesoic acid. A novel NAD+-farnesal dehydrogenase of Polygonum minus was purified (315-fold) to apparent homogeneity in five chromatographic steps. The purification procedures included Gigacap S-Toyopearl 650M, Gigacap Q-Toyopearl 650M, and AF-Blue Toyopearl 650ML, followed by TSK Gel G3000SW chromatographies. The enzyme, with isoelectric point of 6.6 is a monomeric enzyme with a molecular mass of 70 kDa. The enzyme was relatively active at 40°C, but was rapidly inactivated above 45°C. The optimal temperature and pH of the enzyme were found to be 35°C and 9.5, respectively. The enzyme activity was inhibited by sulfhydryl agent, chelating agent, and metal ion. The enzyme was highly specific for farnesal and NAD+. Other terpene aldehydes such as trans- cinnamaldehyde, citral and α- methyl cinnamaldehyde were also oxidized but in lower activity. The Km values for farnesal, citral, trans- cinnamaldehyde, α- methyl cinnamaldehyde and NAD+ were 0.13, 0.69, 0.86, 1.28 and 0.31 mM, respectively. The putative P. minus farnesal dehydrogenase that's highly specific towards farnesal but not to aliphatic aldehydes substrates suggested that the enzyme is significantly different from other aldehyde dehydrogenases that have been reported. The MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS spectrometry further identified two peptides that share similarity to those of previously reported aldehyde dehydrogenases. In conclusion, the P. minus farnesal dehydrogenase may represent a novel plant farnesal dehydrogenase that exhibits distinctive substrate specificity towards farnesal. Thus, it was suggested that this novel enzyme may be functioning specifically to oxidize farnesal in the later steps of JH III pathway. This report provides a basic understanding for recombinant production of this particular enzyme. Other strategies such as adding His-tag to the protein makes easy the purification of the protein which is completely different to the native protein. Complete sequence, structure and functional analysis of the enzyme will be important for developing insect-resistant crop plants by deployment of transgenic plant.
Fulltext The Moderating Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Association of Internal Corporate Governance and Profitability; Evidence from Pakistan

Lu J, Javeed SA, Latief R, Jiang T, Ong TS

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 05 28;18(11).
PMID: 34071620 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115830

At present, climate and other environmental problems are arising because of the development of the industrial sector at a large level. The industrial sector is supposed to be a major cause of climate change problems that lead to global warming. Therefore, corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the help of corporate governance is an imperative approach to control these social problems. Consequently, in the context of the organizational and management theory, agency theory, and the stakeholder theory, this study focuses on important factors of internal corporate governance such as chief executive officer (CEO) power, the board size, independence, ownership concentration, managerial ownership, and audit quality for improving the profitability of firms. Moreover, this study considers corporate social responsibility as a controlling and moderating factor for firm performance and internal corporate governance. We employed ordinary least square (OLS) for endogeneity testing, fixed effect (FE), generalized method of moments (GMM), and feasible generalized least square (FGLS) on data of Pakistani firms for the period of 2010-2019. The results of this study demonstrate the following outcomes: firstly, all internal corporate governance factors are positively linked with firm performance; secondly, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the most valuable tool for improving profitability. Importantly, this study suggests that all internal corporate governance factors are positively linked with firm performance because of the interactive role of corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study practically contributes to the literature by suggesting the imperative role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for internal corporate governance, which may help to reduce climate and social problems.
Fulltext Pneumodescemetopexy With a Lower Concentration of Perfluoropropane (10% C3F8) in Descemet Membrane Detachment

Chow JY, Akhtar Ali AN, Bastion MC

Cureus, 2021 Aug;13(8):e16985.
PMID: 34527463 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16985

A 75-year-old man with underlying left eye idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease and bilateral glaucoma suspect with cup disc ratio 0.7 underwent right eye phacoemulsification. Intraoperatively, Descemet tear and Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) occurred. Pneumodescemetopexy with air bubble was performed. His vision remained counting fingers and the cornea was oedematous three weeks after the operation. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) showed extensive (80%) rhegmatogenous DMD with planar edge and a maximum of 460 micrometers separation from the stroma. Pneumodescemetopexy with low concentration perfluoropropane (10% C3F8) was performed together with postoperative positioning. On day five post-pneumodescemetopexy, his vision improved to 6/9, the cornea cleared with mild Descemet striae, and the gas bubble reduced to 30% fill. There was no DMD detected on ASOCT. His vision remained 6/9 and the residual gas bubble was 15% in the anterior chamber at two weeks post-pneumodescemetopexy. This case report suggests that pneumodescemetopexy with 10% C3F8 successfully reattached the large nonplanar rhegmatogenous DMD.
Fulltext Temperature related storage evaluation of an RT-PCR test kit for the detection of dengue infection in mosquitoes

Ooi CP, Rohani A, Zamree I, Lee HL

Trop Biomed, 2005 Jun;22(1):73-6.
PMID: 16880757

The rapid detection of dengue infection in mosquito vectors is important for early warning to forestall an outbreak. Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) provides a rapid method for dengue detection in man and mosquitoes. An RT-PCR kit developed by the Medical Entomology Unit, Institute for Medical Research to detect dengue infection in mosquitoes, was tested for its shelf life at 3 storage temperatures: room temperature, refrigerator and freezer. Test kits were tested once every 3 days for kits stored at room temperature, and once every week for those stored at refrigerator and freezer temperatures. The results showed that the test kit could only be stored above its recommended storage temperature of -20 degrees C for not more than 3 days. DNA 100 bp markers in the kits appeared to be stable at the tested temperatures and were usable up to the 20th day when stored at 2 degrees C and below.
Fulltext Effectiveness of several locally available membranes used for artificial feeding of Aedes albopictus Skuse

Ooi CP, Rohani A, Zamree I, Chua WS

Trop Biomed, 2005 Jun;22(1):69-71.
PMID: 16880756 MyJurnal

Artificial feeding of mosquitoes with blood meal is an important technique in the studies of mosquito feeding. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining suitable artificial membranes for mosquito feeding from other sources, several easily obtainable membranes in Malaysia were tested for their suitability as a replacement. Skin of chicken, fish, and salted sausage were obtained and tested against cattle skin membrane as a control. The results showed that cattle skin is still the most favorable membrane to be used, with full engorgement rate of around 57% using fresh human blood. However, processed chicken skin was shown having potential for further testing since with feeding using human blood kept overnight at 4 degrees C, an engorgement rate of 50% was obtained.
Fulltext Insecticide resistance development in Culex quinquefasciatus (Say), Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larvae against malathion, permethrin and temephos

Hamdan H, Sofian-Azirun M, Nazni W, Lee HL

Trop Biomed, 2005 Jun;22(1):45-52.
PMID: 16880753

Laboratory-bred females of Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from the insectarium, Unit of Medical Entomology, Institute for Medical Research were used in the experiment. The late third stage of the F0 larvae which survived the high selection pressure of malathion, permethrin and temephos were reared and colonies were established from adults that emerged. Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae were subjected to selection by malathion and permethrin for 40 generations, Ae. aegypti larvae to malathion, permethrin and temephos for 32 generations and Ae. albopictus larvae were selected against malathion and permethrin for 32 generations and 20 generations against temephos. The rate of resistance development was measured by LC50 value. Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae developed higher resistance to malathion and permethrin compared to Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. On the whole, permethrin resistance developed at a faster rate than malathion and temephos.
Montelukast Reduces the Risk of Dengue Shock Syndrome in Dengue Patients

Ahmad A, Waseem T, Butt NF, Randhawa FA, Malik U, Shakoori TA

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1115-1122.
PMID: 33601858

A significant percentage of dengue patients develop Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) which is characterized by increased vascular permeability, circulatory failure and often death. Montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist regulates vascular permeability and we hypothesized that it may be effective in protecting against DSS. An open label, parallel, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was thus carried out at Mayo Hospital, Department of Medicine, Lahore. A total of 200 patients of dengue fever were recruited and randomized into two groups. The group A was treated with Montelukast 10 mg once daily for 5 days along with general supportive treatment. Group B received the standard supportive treatment and served as the control group. The frequency of DSS was compared in the two groups by Chi square test. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the effects of montelukast treatment on onset of DSS after adjusting for gender, age, white cell count, platelet count, haematocrit, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Relative risk (RR), absolute risk reduction (ARR), relative risk reduction (RRR) and numbers needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. Significance level was set at p0.001, Odds ratio=5.01, 95% CI=2.17-11.60) even after adjusting for confounders. Montelukast reduced the absolute risk (ARR=22%) and the relative risk (RRR=71%) of DSS in dengue fever. Numbers needed to treat were 4.55. We thus conclude that treatment with oral montelukast may protect patients of dengue fever from DSS and greatly reduce mortality.
Could antiseptic gargling prevent COVID-19?

Mohamed NA, Ahmad Zainol Hady A, Abdul Aziz AH, Isahak I

Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):1141-1145.
PMID: 33612766 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.1141

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 8 million people globally since its discovery in December 2019. For COVID-19 prevention, the World Health Organization recommended regular handwashing with soap, cough etiquette, mask wearing and social distancing. However, COVID-19 is rather difficult to contain because of its high transmissibility property. Gargling is effective for reducing infection in the respiratory tract. Most antiseptic gargles have antimicrobial properties against common respiratory pathogens. No published study on the effectiveness of antiseptic gargling among COVID-19 patients has been available to date. This article reviewed available literature on methods and solutions available for gargling and their effect on respiratory tract infections.
Fulltext The effect of surface area on the properties of shape-stabilized phase change material prepared using palm kernel shell activated carbon

Nicholas AF, Hussein MZ, Zainal Z, Khadiran T

Sci Rep, 2020 Sep 14;10(1):15047.
PMID: 32929140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72019-1

The effect of the surface area of palm kernel shell activated carbon (PKSAC) on the properties of n-octadecane-encapsulated shape stabilized phase change material (SSPCM) for thermal energy storage (TES) application were studied. Various surface areas of the PKSAC were prepared using different amounts of H3PO4 treatment given to palm kernel shells from 0, 5, 10, 30 and 40% before the activation. The impregnation of n-octadecane into the different surface areas of PKSACs produced SSPCMs with different physico-chemical characteristics. The DSC analysis indicates that the higher the surface area of the PKSAC resulted in the higher freezing temperature due to the higher PCM loading that was encapsulated into the PKSAC pores. The results obtained from XRD, FESEM, Raman spectroscopy, TGA/DTG and leakage study indicate that the PKSAC is a good framework material for the development of n-octadecane-encapsulated SSPCM. It was also found that the surface area and porosity of the frameworks, activated carbon play an important role on the PCM loading percentage and their ability to be used as a thermal energy storage material.
Appropriateness of empirical antibiotics: risk factors of adult patients with sepsis in the ICU

Al-Sunaidar KA, Prof Abd Aziz N, Prof Hassan Y

Int J Clin Pharm, 2020 Apr;42(2):527-538.
PMID: 32144611 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-01005-4

Background The appropriateness of antibiotics is the basis for improving the survival of patients with sepsis. Objective This study aimed to determine the appropriateness of empirical antibiotics, reasons for non-appropriate empirical antibiotics, risk factors of mortality, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU-LOS) and Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score predictors in adult patients with sepsis. Setting An adult ICU of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted amongst patients with sepsis. Data were retrieved from the patients' files and computer system. Each case was reviewed for the appropriateness of empirical antibiotics based on ICU local guidelines, bacterial sensitivity, dose, frequency, creatinine clearance and time of administration of empirical antibiotics. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression modelling were performed to compute the adjusted association of receiving appropriate or inappropriate empirical antibiotics with ICU mortality. Multivariable linear regression modelling was performed using ICU-LOS and APACHE II scores. Main outcome measures were ICU mortality, severity score (APACHE II scores) and ICU-LOS. Results The total mortality rate amongst the 228 adult ICU patients was 84.6%. Males showed a higher mortality rate (119 [52.2%]) than females (74 [32.5%]). Inappropriate empirical antibiotics were significantly associated with mortality and ICU-LOS (P
Impacts of Secondary Mixed Monomer on Properties of Thin Film Composite (TFC) Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membranes: A Review

Origomisan JO, Lau WJ, Aziz F, Ismail AF

Recent Pat Nanotechnol, 2021;15(2):105-124.
PMID: 33059573 DOI: 10.2174/1872210514666201014152621

Polyamide (PA) Thin-Film Composite (TFC) membranes are widely used for large-scale water and wastewater treatment processes worldwide owing to their good balance between water permeability and dissolved solutes separation rate. The physicochemical properties of the cross-linked PA layer are the main criteria determining the filtration performance of the resultant TFC membrane, and this selective layer can be created through Interfacial Polymerization (IP) between two immiscible active monomers, i.e., amine monomer in aqueous solution and acyl chloride monomer in organic solution. This patent review article intends to provide insights to researchers in fabricating improved properties of TFC membranes through the utilization of secondary monomers during IP process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that gives a state-of-the-art account of the subject matter by emphasizing the impacts of secondary monomers (both amine and acyl chloride monomers) on the properties of conventional TFC membranes for nanofiltration and reverse osmosis applications. Our review indicated that the introduction of secondary monomers into either aqueous or organic solution could alter the physical and chemical properties of PA layer, which led to variations in membrane filtration performance. Nevertheless, more research is still required, as most of the secondary monomers reported in the literature did not overcome the membrane trade-off effect between permeability and selectivity. The subject of improved PA layer development is a multi-disciplinary study that requires researchers with different backgrounds (e.g., materials science, chemistry, physics and engineering) to work together.
Fulltext Synthesis of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Hydrotalcite-Like Materials Intercalated with Duplex Herbicides: The Characterization and Simultaneous Release Properties

Ghazali SAISM, Fatimah I, Bohari FL

Molecules, 2021 Aug 22;26(16).
PMID: 34443675 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165086

In this study, a controlled-release formulation of duplex herbicides, namely, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxybutyric acid (TBA) and 3,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (3,4D), was simultaneously embedded into Zn-Al-layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The resulting nanohybrid Zinc-Aluminium-3,4D-TBA (ZADTX) was composed of a well-ordered crystalline layered structure with increasing basal spacing from 8.9 Å to 20.0 Å in the Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) with 3,4D and TBA anions located in the gallery of LDHs with bilayer arrangement. The release of 3,4D and TBA fit the pseudo-second-order model. This duplex nanohybrid possessed a well-controlled release property (53.4% release from TBA and 27.8% release from 3,4D), which was highly effective, requiring the use of a small quantity and, hence, environmentally safer.
Fulltext A Brief Review on the Influence of Ionic Liquids on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Chemical Properties of Biodegradable Polymer Composites

Shamsuri AA, Md Jamil SNA, Abdan K

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Aug 05;13(16).
PMID: 34451137 DOI: 10.3390/polym13162597

Biodegradable polymers are an exceptional class of polymers that can be decomposed by bacteria. They have received significant interest from researchers in several fields. Besides this, biodegradable polymers can also be incorporated with fillers to fabricate biodegradable polymer composites. Recently, a variety of ionic liquids have also been applied in the fabrication of the polymer composites. In this brief review, two types of fillers that are utilized for the fabrication of biodegradable polymer composites, specifically organic fillers and inorganic fillers, are described. Three types of synthetic biodegradable polymers that are commonly used in biodegradable polymer composites, namely polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polycaprolactone (PCL), are reviewed as well. Additionally, the influence of two types of ionic liquid, namely alkylimidazolium- and alkylphosphonium-based ionic liquids, on the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of the polymer composites, is also briefly reviewed. This review may be beneficial in providing insights into polymer composite investigators by enhancing the properties of biodegradable polymer composites via the employment of ionic liquids.
Fulltext Invasive Water Hyacinth: Ecology, Impacts and Prospects for the Rural Economy

Harun I, Pushiri H, Amirul-Aiman AJ, Zulkeflee Z

Plants (Basel), 2021 Aug 06;10(8).
PMID: 34451658 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081613

Water hyacinth (WH) is notorious for causing severe environmental degradation and being an economic burden to manage. However, it offers substantial prospects if exploited, especially by rural communities. High temperatures, eutrophic conditions and other environmental factors promote the proliferation of the plant in regions where it has been introduced. Regarded as among the world's worst invasive weeds, WH is nearly impossible to control and eradicate without an integrated approach and community participation. The effectiveness of control methods varies, yet sustained community involvement determines the long-term success of these methods. Reproducing rapidly, WH has the resource capacity to support a unique microeconomic ecosystem, incentivising WH control by generating sustainable income. The WH ecology, the socioeconomic impacts of its invasion and its various applications are reviewed, and revenue generation and cost-saving options are highlighted. A circular microeconomic model is proposed by integrating WH valorisation into the general limitations of a rural community. Empowering locals with opportunities and enticing them with potential economic gains can be a nudge towards a pro-environment behavioural change in managing WH. This would aid in upgrading local livelihoods and could foster resilience within the community in tackling both environmental problems and economic setbacks through the management of WH invasions.
Analysis of clinical characteristics and management of ectopic third molars in the mandibular jaw: a systematic review of clinical cases

Veerabhadrappa SK, Hesarghatta Ramamurthy P, Yadav S, Bin Zamzuri AT

Acta Odontol Scand, 2021 Oct;79(7):514-522.
PMID: 33764264 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2021.1901984

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the characteristics of ectopic mandibular third molar (EMTM) in terms of its clinical presentation, radiographic findings, associated lesions, management and post-operative complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the Pubmed, Medline, Embase and EBSCO databases for full-text, peer-reviewed journal publications from January 1965 to August 2020. Data extraction was done using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS: Our search yielded 45 case reports involving 48 EMTM teeth. The mean age of the patients was 46.3 years with an age range of 22-80 years. Thirty-two cases were seen in women as compared to 13 cases in men. The majority of the cases (42) were unilateral, with only three bilateral cases. Among the 48 EMTM teeth, 21 were seen in the condylar region followed by 13 in the ramus, seven in the sigmoid notch, three in the angle and two each in the coronoid process and the lower border of the mandible. Twenty-five EMTM teeth had histopathologically confirmed dentigerous cysts, eight teeth had chronic infection/inflammation/granulation tissue, two had radicular cysts, two had infected cysts, two teeth had normal follicular spaces, and associated lesions were not mentioned for nine teeth. The most common symptoms were swelling (33 teeth) and pain (29 teeth), and six teeth were asymptomatic. Surgical removal through intraoral approach was carried out for 27 teeth, while an extra-oral approach was adopted in 15 teeth, a spontaneous regression of the pericoronal radiolucency was noticed in one tooth, four teeth were not treated and choice of treatment was not mentioned for one tooth. Mild transient paraesthesia was frequently observed; however, serious post-surgical complications were not reported.
CONCLUSIONS: The present review found that EMTM can present with complex clinicopathological characteristics, with a majority of the cases being asymptomatic in the beginning and turning out to be symptomatic with lesions at later stages, requiring surgical intervention.
Underwater DVI: Simple fingerprint technique for positive identification

Khoo LS, Hasmi AH, Mahmood MS, Vanezis P

Forensic Sci Int, 2016 Sep;266:e4-e9.
PMID: 27567043 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.08.019

An underwater disaster can be declared when a maritime accident occurred or when an aircraft is plunged into water area, be it ocean, sea or river. Nevertheless, handling of human remains in an underwater recovery operation is often a difficult and demanding task as working conditions may be challenging with poor to no visibility, location of remains at considerable depths and associated hazards from surrounding water. A case of the recent helicopter crash, into a famous river in Sarawak, domiciled by huge crocodiles, is discussed in this paper. Search and recovery team as well as the combat divers from the Special Elite Troop Commando, known as VAT 69, were deployed to the scene to perform the underwater recovery to search for all the victims on board involving five Malaysians with a pilot of Philippines nationality. This paper highlights the limitations and challenges faced during the underwater search and recovery. All the bodies recovered were in moderate decomposition stage with crushed injuries and mutilated face and body. A simple and conventional fingerprint technique were used to record the fingerprint. The prints impressions were later photographed using a smartphone and transferred back to the RMP headquarters in Kuala Lumpur for fingerprint match by using WhatsApp Messenger, a phone application. All the first five victims were identified within an average of 10min. The last victim recovered was the pilot. For foreign nationals, the Immigration Department of Malaysia will record the prints of both index fingers only. The lifting of the fingerprint of the last victim was the most challenging in which only one index finger left that can be used for comparison. A few techniques were attempted using the black printer's ink, glass and tape techniques for the last victim. Subsequently, images of the prints impression were taken using the same smartphone with additional macro lens attached to it to enhance the resolution. The images were transferred to the RMP headquarters through WhatsApp Messenger. The prints were confirmed to be the pilot 20min later.

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