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Fulltext Use of Industrial Wastes as Sustainable Nutrient Sources for Bacterial Cellulose (BC) Production: Mechanism, Advances, and Future Perspectives

Kadier A, Ilyas RA, Huzaifah MRM, Harihastuti N, Sapuan SM, Harussani MM, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Sep 30;13(19).
PMID: 34641185 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193365

A novel nanomaterial, bacterial cellulose (BC), has become noteworthy recently due to its better physicochemical properties and biodegradability, which are desirable for various applications. Since cost is a significant limitation in the production of cellulose, current efforts are focused on the use of industrial waste as a cost-effective substrate for the synthesis of BC or microbial cellulose. The utilization of industrial wastes and byproduct streams as fermentation media could improve the cost-competitiveness of BC production. This paper examines the feasibility of using typical wastes generated by industry sectors as sources of nutrients (carbon and nitrogen) for the commercial-scale production of BC. Numerous preliminary findings in the literature data have revealed the potential to yield a high concentration of BC from various industrial wastes. These findings indicated the need to optimize culture conditions, aiming for improved large-scale production of BC from waste streams.
Fulltext The intersectional effects of ethnicity/race and poverty on health among community-dwelling older adults within multi-ethnic Asian populace: a population-based study

Foong HF, Hamid TA, Ibrahim R, Haron SA

BMC Geriatr, 2021 09 27;21(1):516.
PMID: 34579665 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02475-5

BACKGROUND: Ethnicity/race and poverty are among determinants of health in older persons. However, studies involving intersectional effects of ethnicity/race and poverty on health of older adults within multi-ethnic Asian populace is limited. Hence, this study aimed to examine the intersectional effects of ethnicity/race and poverty on cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and multimorbidity among community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia.
METHODS: Data were obtained from the first wave of a Peninsular Malaysia national survey - "Identifying Psychosocial and Identifying Economic Risk Factor of Cognitive Impairment among Elderly". Log-binomial regression was used to identify intersectional effects and associations between control variables and health outcomes. A comparison between Malay and non-Malay older adults within the same poverty group, as well as hardcore poor and non-hardcore poor older people within the same ethnicity groups, were conducted to understand the intersectional effects of ethnicity/race and poverty on health.
RESULTS: Prevalence of cognitive impairment was highest among hardcore poor Malay group, while the risk of depression and multimorbidity were highest among hardcore poor non-Malays. In the hardcore poor group, Malay ethnicity was associated with higher prevalence of cognitive impairment but lower prevalence of depression risk and multimorbidity. In the Malay group, hardcore poor was associated with higher prevalence of cognitive impairment; however, no association was found between hardcore poor with depression risk and multimorbidity after controlling for covariates.
CONCLUSIONS: Health outcomes of Malaysian older adults differ according to ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Given the importance of demographic characteristics on health outcomes, design of interventions targeting older adults within multi-ethnic settings must address specific characteristics, especially that of ethnicity and sociodemographic status so as to fulfil their needs. Several implications for future practice were discussed.
Trends in antimicrobial resistance in Malaysia

Naeemmudeen NM, Mohd Ghazali NAN, Bahari H, Ibrahim R, Samsudin AD, Jasni AS

Med J Malaysia, 2021 09;76(5):698-705.
PMID: 34508377

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic resistance is a burgeoning problem worldwide. The trend of bacterial resistance has increased over the past decade in which more common bacteria are becoming resistant to almost all the antibiotics currently in use, posing a threat to humans and even livestock.
METHODS: The databases used to search for the relevant articles for this review include PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. The following keywords were used in the search: Antimicrobial resistance, Malaysian action plan, antibioticresistant bacteria, and Malaysian National Surveillance on Antimicrobial Resistance (NSAR). The relevant articles published in English were considered.
RESULTS: The antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlighted in this review showed an increase in resistance patterns to the majority of the antibiotics tested. The Malaysian government has come up with an action plan to create public awareness and to educate them regarding the health implications of antibiotic resistance.
CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial resistance in Malaysia continues to escalate and is attributed to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in various fields. As this crisis impacts the health of both humans and animals, therefore a joined continuous effort from all sectors is warranted to reduce the spread and minimize its development.
Fulltext A Survey on the Application of WirelessHART for Industrial Process Monitoring and Control

Devan PAM, Hussin FA, Ibrahim R, Bingi K, Khanday FA

Sensors (Basel), 2021 Jul 21;21(15).
PMID: 34372210 DOI: 10.3390/s21154951

Industrialization has led to a huge demand for a network control system to monitor and control multi-loop processes with high effectiveness. Due to these advancements, new industrial wireless sensor network (IWSN) standards such as ZigBee, WirelessHART, ISA 100.11a wireless, and Wireless network for Industrial Automation-Process Automation (WIA-PA) have begun to emerge based on their wired conventional structure with additional developments. This advancement improved flexibility, scalability, needed fewer cables, reduced the network installation and commissioning time, increased productivity, and reduced maintenance costs compared to wired networks. On the other hand, using IWSNs for process control comes with the critical challenge of handling stochastic network delays, packet drop, and external noises which are capable of degrading the controller performance. Thus, this paper presents a detailed study focusing only on the adoption of WirelessHART in simulations and real-time applications for industrial process monitoring and control with its crucial challenges and design requirements.
Fulltext Psychosocial Work Environment and Teachers' Psychological Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Job Control and Social Support

Ibrahim RZAR, Zalam WZM, Foster B, Afrizal T, Johansyah MD, Saputra J, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 08;18(14).
PMID: 34299757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147308

Nowadays, the issue of teachers' psychological well-being causes serious concern, especially in Malaysia. Many studies related to psychological well-being have focused on students rather than on the health and well-being of teachers. Thus, the current study investigated the determinants of psychological well-being (depression, anxiety and stress) from the psychosocial work environment (job control, job demands and social support), and examined the moderating role of job control and social support in the relationship between job demands and psychological well-being among teachers. The design of this study was quantitative research through a survey questionnaire. The sample consisted of 335 high school teachers (23.3%-male; 76.7%-female) who responded to measuring scales of job demands, job control, social support, depression, anxiety and stress, and socio-demographic profile. The data were analyzed using two statistical methods, namely descriptive and inferential statistics. The hierarchical linear regression model was used to analyze the data by assisting the statistical software, i.e., SPSS-23. The results showed that job demands, job control and social support significantly predicted teachers' psychological well-being. Furthermore, the effect of job demands on teachers' depression and anxiety was partially moderated by job control and social support. In conclusion, this study has successfully identified the significant predictors of teachers' psychological well-being and the role of job control and social support as a moderating variable to teachers' psychological well-being in Malaysia. The result provides insights and contributes to the literature of teachers' psychological well-being determinants and involves Malaysian respondents with a collectivistic eastern culture.
Fulltext The Authentication and Grading of Edible Bird's Nest by Metabolite, Nutritional, and Mineral Profiling

Mohamad Ibrahim R, Mohamad Nasir NN, Abu Bakar MZ, Mahmud R, Ab Razak NA

Foods, 2021 Jul 07;10(7).
PMID: 34359444 DOI: 10.3390/foods10071574

Edible bird's nest (EBN) produced by Aerodramus fuciphagus has a high demand for nutritional and medicinal application throughout the world. The present study was to evaluate the authentication of a man-made house EBN, which are half cup and stripe-shaped by FTIR. Next, both samples were compared according to their metabolite, nutritional, and mineral composition. The results indicated that the FTIR spectra of both EBN samples were identical and similar to the reference, suggesting the authenticity of the EBN used. The metabolites that contribute to the possible medicinal properties of EBN were found by using GC-MS. The results of the proximate analysis, followed by the standard AOAC method, inferred that both EBN shapes to be rich in crude protein and carbohydrate contents. However, the proximate composition between the half cup and stripe-shaped EBN showed significant differences. Major mineral elements detected were calcium and sodium, and magnesium contents were significantly different between both EBN. Additionally, the half cup and stripe-shaped EBN had a low level of heavy metal content than the maximum regulatory limit as set by the Malaysian Food Act 1983. This study concludes that the nutritional composition varied between the samples and thus suggests that nutrient content should be considered as criteria for the grading requirement of commercialized EBN.
Relationship between financial well-being, life satisfaction, and cognitive function among low-income community-dwelling older adults: the moderating role of sex

Foong HF, Haron SA, Koris R, Hamid TA, Ibrahim R

Psychogeriatrics, 2021 Jul;21(4):586-595.
PMID: 33969594 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12709

BACKGROUND: Low financial well-being is a common predicament among older adults living in poverty. The existing literature suggests a correlation between financial well-being and mental health in old age. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the relationships among financial well-being, life satisfaction, and cognitive function among low-income older adults and to examine the moderating effect of sex on these relationships.
METHODS: This study involved 2004 nationally representative community-dwelling older Malaysians from the bottom 40% household income group. Financial well-being was assessed by the four-item financial satisfaction scale, while life satisfaction was measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Cognitive function was measured by using the Malay version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Hierarchical multiple regression was used as the prime method for statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Financial well-being was positively associated with life satisfaction and cognitive function. Sex moderated the relationship between financial well-being and life satisfaction but not between financial well-being and cognitive function.
CONCLUSIONS: Financial well-being and life satisfaction were strongly correlated among older women, although no gender difference was found for the relationship between financial well-being and cognitive function. It appears financial well-being strongly predicts mental health. As such, poverty eradication initiatives targeting low-income older adults should be implemented to sustain life satisfaction and cognitive function.
Fulltext Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Virus-Pathophysiological Axis and the Current Treatment Strategies

Alnuqaydan AM, Almutary AG, Sukamaran A, Yang BTW, Lee XT, Lim WX, et al.

AAPS PharmSciTech, 2021 Jun 08;22(5):173.
PMID: 34105037 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-02062-2

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a lethal respiratory disease with its first case reported back in 2012 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). It is a novel, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA beta coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that was isolated from a patient who died from a severe respiratory illness. Later, it was found that this patient was infected with MERS. MERS is endemic to countries in the Middle East regions, such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. It has been reported that the MERS virus originated from bats and dromedary camels, the natural hosts of MERS-CoV. The transmission of the virus to humans has been thought to be either direct or indirect. Few camel-to-human transmissions were reported earlier. However, the mode of transmission of how the virus affects humans remains unanswered. Moreover, outbreaks in either family-based or hospital-based settings were observed with high mortality rates, especially in individuals who did not receive proper management or those with underlying comorbidities, such as diabetes and renal failure. Since then, there have been numerous reports hypothesising complications in fatal cases of MERS. Over the years, various diagnostic methods, treatment strategies and preventive measures have been strategised in containing the MERS infection. Evidence from multiple sources implicated that no treatment options and vaccines have been developed in specific, for the direct management of MERS-CoV infection. Nevertheless, there are supportive measures outlined in response to symptom-related management. Health authorities should stress more on infection and prevention control measures, to ensure that MERS remains as a low-level threat to public health.
Clinical symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic) are related to sinus computed tomography but not to endoscopic findings

Mamat Nasir MSN, Aziz ME, Tuan Sharif SE, Ibrahim R, Abdullah B

Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp (Engl Ed), 2021 May 24.
PMID: 34045046 DOI: 10.1016/j.otorri.2021.03.003

BACKGROUND: In the clinical assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), evaluation of symptoms, nasoendoscopy findings and sinus computed tomography (CT) scan staging is employed in the management plan. Although prior studies have been done to assess the correlation of the three modalities in CRSwNP, such evaluation in patients with eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic types of CRSwNP requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to correlate the sinus CT scan staging to symptom and endoscopic scores in both types of CRSwNP.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients with CRSwNP were classified into 2 types, eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic. Both types were assessed by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) symptom score, nasal endoscopy Lund Kennedy grading (LK) score and sinus CT Lund Mackay (LM) staging score. All three modalities were correlated.
RESULTS: Forty-four patients were recruited for this study. There was significant correlation between sinus CT and symptom scores in the eosinophilic (r=.51, p=.031) and the non-eosinophilic (r=.76, pr=.12, p=.641) and the non-eosinophilic (r=.22, p=.276) types. There was also no significant correlation between sinus CT and nasoendoscopic scores in the eosinophilic (r=.20, p=.418) and the non-eosinophilic (r=.14, p=.508) types.
CONCLUSIONS: Sinus CT staging correlates well with the symptom score for both the eosinophilic and the non-eosinophilic types of CRSwNP. The good correlation suggests both modalities are a reliable guide for their evaluation and management planning.
Fulltext The remodelling index risk stratifies patients with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy

Le TT, Lim V, Ibrahim R, Teo MT, Bryant J, Ang B, et al.

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging, 2021 05 10;22(6):670-679.
PMID: 32255186 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaa040

AIMS: Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with increased cardiovascular events. We previously developed the remodelling index (RI) that incorporated left ventricular (LV) volume and wall-thickness in a single measure of advanced hypertrophy in hypertensive patients. This study examined the prognostic potential of the RI in reference to contemporary LVH classifications.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed in 400 asymptomatic hypertensive patients. The newly derived RI (EDV3t, where EDV is LV end-diastolic volume and t is the maximal wall thickness across 16 myocardial segments) stratified hypertensive patients: no LVH, LVH with normal RI (LVHNormal-RI), and LVH with low RI (LVHLow-RI). The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, acute coronary syndromes, strokes, and decompensated heart failure. LVHLow-RI was associated with increased LV mass index, fibrosis burden, impaired myocardial function and elevated biochemical markers of myocardial injury (high-sensitive cardiac troponin I), and wall stress. Over 18.3 ± 7.0 months (601.3 patient-years), 14 adverse events occurred (2.2 events/100 patient-years). Patients with LVHLow-RI had more than a five-fold increase in adverse events compared to those with LVHNormal-RI (11.6 events/100 patient-years vs. 2.0 events/100 patient-years, respectively; log-rank P
Mediational Role of Self-efficacy between Selected Bio-psychosocial Factors and Elder Self-Neglect among Community-Dwelling Older Malaysian Adults

Hamid TA, Ibrahim R, Haron SA

J Elder Abuse Negl, 2021 01 03;33(1):17-32.
PMID: 33393442 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2020.1864696

Elder abuse and neglect have been reported as significant public health and societal problem in many different societies across the world. In Malaysia, older adults recorded a high prevalence of neglect compared to other types of elder abuse. There is a dearth of empirical work on elder self-neglect (ESN) among the older population in Malaysia. This paper aims to explore the mediational role of self-efficacy on the relationship between selected biopsychosocial factors and ESN among community-living older adults in Selangor, Malaysia. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey to gather data from a representative sample of 202 older adults from Selangor. A newly developed scale of 16-items of elder self-neglect (ESN) was used in this study. The results showed that self-efficacy partially mediated the association between ADL, IADL, depression, and capacity of self-care on ESN. Self-efficacy also fully mediated the association between neuroticism, life satisfaction, social network, and education on ESN. These findings provided a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of self-neglect among older Malaysian adults. The results will also serve as a useful reference for professionals and policymakers to develop uniform guidelines, protocols, or programs to handle cases of elder self-neglect in the community.
Fulltext Do Living Arrangements and Social Network Influence the Mental Health Status of Older Adults in Malaysia?

Hamid TA, Din HM, Bagat MF, Ibrahim R

Front Public Health, 2021;9:624394.
PMID: 34026706 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.624394

Living arrangement has been reported to have a significant influence on several mental health statuses of older adults, but their social network may confound this association. This study is aimed at examining the interactive effect of living arrangements and social network on the mental health status among older adults in Malaysia. A total of 2,188 Malaysian older adults living nationwide were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were classified into four groups according to their living arrangements (living alone or not living alone) and social network size (assessed using Lubben's Social Network Scale-6). Poor social network was defined as the lowest quartile (fourth quartile) of the score. Mental health statuses, which include flourishing in life, life satisfaction, cognitive functions, loneliness, depression, and perceived stress, were measured. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, gender, education, and comorbidities, revealed that a good social network was significantly associated with an increase on the flourishing scale scores, regardless of living arrangements. Not living alone and having good social network was significantly associated with increased Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and decreased loneliness scores. This study found that living arrangements are not always a risk factor for the mental health status of older adults. However, it may be confounded by the level of their social networks. The results suggested that the effects of social network may exceed the impact of living arrangements. It is recommended that health professionals pay more attention to the social networks of older Malaysians to harness its benefits in improving their mental health status.
Fulltext Effects of a Multi-Component Training Program on Healthy Older Adults' Prospective Memory Performance: Assessing Change Over Time

Farzin A, Ibrahim R, Madon Z, Basri H, Farzin S, Motalebizadeh A

Front Public Health, 2021;9:594953.
PMID: 33968872 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.594953

Prospective Memory (PM) is a cognitive function affected by aging. PM is the memory of future intentions and is significantly involved in everyday life, especially among older adults. Nevertheless, there are a few studies focused on PM training among healthy older adults and these studies did not report the optimal duration of training regarding improving PM performance among older adults. The present study aimed to determine the effective duration for training PM performance among healthy older adults. The current study was a randomized, controlled, single-blind, within-participants crossover trial including a training program with a duration of 12 h. The sample of 25 older adults aged 55 to 74 years recruited from the active members of the University of the Third Age (U3A), Kuala Lumpur/Selangor, their family members, and friends. The study design ensured some participants would receive the training after baseline while others would wait for 6 weeks after the baseline before receiving the training. All participants were evaluated five times: at baseline, 6, 12, 16, and at 24 weeks post-baseline. Moreover, the training program ensured all participants were assessed after each training session. The minimum number of hours to achieve training effects for this multi-component training program was eight. Results supported the efficacy of the training program in improving PM performance among healthy older adults. Also, the optimal duration for the multicomponent training program on PM performance among healthy older adults was obtained. This trial is registered at isrctn.com (#ISRCTN57600070).
Fulltext Validation of the Arabic Version of General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) in Sudanese Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Mahmoud MA, Islam MA, Ahmed M, Bashir R, Ibrahim R, Al-Nemiri S, et al.

Risk Manag Healthc Policy, 2021;14:4235-4241.
PMID: 34675717 DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S325184

Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the Arabic version of General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) in Sudanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: A 3-month cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with T2DM at Al-Daraja Health Center, located in Wad Medani, Sudan. A convenient sample of patients was selected, and the study sample size was calculated using the item response ratio. Factorial, known group, and construct validities were determined. Internal consistency and reliability were also determined.
Results: Responses were provided by 500 patients. The average medication adherence score was 30 (median 31). The normed fit index (NFI) was 0.950, the comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.963, the incremental fit index (IFI) was 0.963, and the root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.071. The results from these fit indices indicated a good model. Factorial, known group and construct validities were all established. A significant association was found between adherence score and age (P = 0.03) since a larger proportion of older patients were found to have high adherence compared to patients in other age groups. The reliability (α) of the questionnaire was 0.834.
Conclusion: The Arabic version of GMAS was validated in Sudanese patients with T2DM making it a suitable scale to be used in this population.
Fulltext Prevalence, Circumstances, and Risk Factors of Falls Among Community Dwelling Members of University of the Third Age

Ashari A, Hamid TA, Hussain MR, Ibrahim R, Hill KD

Front Public Health, 2021;9:610504.
PMID: 34900882 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.610504

Objective: Study aimed to identify the prevalence of falls and associated contributory factors among older Malaysians. Methods: A cross sectional study among community dwelling older adults aged 50 years and above. Self-administered questionnaires on history of falls in the previous 12 months, physical assessment and computerized and clinical measures of balance were assessed on a single occasion. Results: Forty nine (31.0%) participants fell, with 4.4% reported having multiple falls within the previous 12 months. Slips were the most prevalent cause of falls, accounting for 49% of falls. More than half (54.5%) of falls occurred in the afternoon while participants walked inside the home (32.7%), outside home (30.6%), and 36.7% were in community areas. More than half of respondents were identified as having turning instability. Step Test, turn sway, depression, physical activity level and edge contrast sensitivity were significantly worse for fallers (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that turning performance, visual acuity and back pain were significantly associated with falls risk, accounting for 72% of the variance of risk factors for falls among studied population. Conclusion: Falls are common among community dwelling older Malaysians. The findings provide information of falls and falls risk factors among community dwelling older adults in Malaysia. Future intervention studies should target locally identified falls risk factors. This study has highlighted the importance of instability during turning as an important fall risk factor.
Assessment of interleukin 17 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in hepatitis C patients with disease progression

Elbanan WK, Fathy SA, Ibrahim RA, Hegazy MGA

Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):1093-1104.
PMID: 33612761 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.1093

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egypt is the most serious health problem. Identifying HCV-positive persons at high risk of early complications can help prioritize treatment decisions. Recently, attention has been directed to non-invasive, accurate alternatives using serum biochemical markers. The transforming growth factor β 1/interleukins pathway plays an important role in the process of cell injury and inflammation. Thus, TGF-β1 and IL-17 were assessed in serum of chronic HCV patients with correlation to hepatic inflammatory and fibrotic status. The quantitative serum levels of TGF-β1 and IL-17 were analyzed among chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients (n=75) and normal control (NC) subjects (n=15). Disease severity in patients was assessed using the Child-Pugh scores and METAVIR. Serum levels of TGF-β1 and IL-17 were significantly increased in HCV patients compared to control group. Furthermore, the levels of TGF-β1 and Il-17 were positively correlated to serum transaminases and alpha-fetoprotein and they were negatively correlated with serum albumin and platelets. Additionally, the serum levels of TGF-β1 and Il-17 were associated with inflammation grades and stages of liver fibrosis. TGF-β1 and IL-17 may be hopeful serum biomarkers concerned in the progression of liver inflammation and fibrosis accompanying chronic HCV infection. Therefore, they could be used in the future as targets for anti-fibrotic therapy of chronic HCV to ameliorate the disease progress.
Fulltext Developing and evaluating the effectiveness of mobile phone-based career intervention for career competencies of Malaysian public managers: Protocol for a mixed method study

Ho HH, Mohd Rasdi R, Ibrahim R, Md Khambari MN

Internet Interv, 2020 Dec;22:100349.
PMID: 32995304 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2020.100349

BACKGROUND: This study presents a protocol for a mixed method study on the development and evaluation of the effectiveness of mobile phone-based intervention for enhancing career competencies of managers in the Malaysian public service. Career competencies, being central to the self-management and development of one's career, are necessary for proactive management of careers; they help to guide the individuals towards subjective career success which subsequently leads to organization success. However, there is a lack of career competencies intervention practices in the Malaysian public service. Therefore, this study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a user and expert centric mobile phone-based career intervention program of career competencies among Malaysian public managers. In this study, the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) is adopted as the framework to develop mobile phone-based intervention for career competencies.
METHOD: This is a sequential exploratory mixed method study which involves, in Phase 1, a qualitative approach: reviewing of literature and interviewing experts and public servants who are users of mobile phones so as to obtain their perspectives regarding the components in the career intervention module and mobile phone application features. A quantitative approach is implemented in Phase 2 that evaluates the mobile phone-based career intervention program. Validation will be conducted to meet the objectives of (i) the usability of the mobile communication career intervention application (survey), and (ii) evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention program for career competencies delivered through mobile phone application (randomized controlled trial). The career intervention program consists of five modules through which development is based on reflective, communicative and behavioral dimensions.
OUTCOME: The primary outcome of this study is career competencies. The career competencies score will be compared between participants in the intervention and control group at the baseline, and follow-ups at week four and week 12 respectively, using mixed design ANOVA.
DISCUSSION: The results from this study will indicate the effectiveness of the career intervention program for career competencies in the reformation of public services management. The intervention can serve as a new modality to enhance career competencies among public managers in Malaysia if its effectiveness is proven.
The association between religious orientation and life satisfaction in older adults living with morbidity and multimorbidity: a gender perspective in Malaysia

Foong HF, Hamid TA, Ibrahim R, Haron SA

Psychogeriatrics, 2020 Nov;20(6):891-899.
PMID: 32985044 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12614

BACKGROUND: Little is known about gender differences in the relationship between religious orientation and life satisfaction in older adults living with chronic disease(s). Therefore, the purpose of this article was to examine the moderating effect of gender on the association between religious orientation and life satisfaction in older adults living with morbidity and multimorbidity.
METHODS: The study involved 1790 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and above living with at least one chronic medical condition. The Satisfaction with Life Scale and Revised Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale were used to measure life satisfaction and religious orientation. Moderated hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the moderation effect.
RESULTS: Results showed that while intrinsic religiosity was positively associated with life satisfaction, extrinsic religiosity was found to have a negative relationship with life satisfaction. Gender moderated the association between intrinsic religiosity and life satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that the positive impact of intrinsic religiosity on life satisfaction was stronger in older women living with morbidity and multimorbidity. Healthcare practitioners can help disadvantaged older women in identifying their religious values and practices to improve their subjective wellbeing.
Susceptibility patterns of anaerobes isolated from clinical specimens in tertiary Hospital, Malaysia

Ishak N, Abdul Wahab Z, Amin Nordin S, Ibrahim R

Malays J Pathol, 2020 Aug;42(2):245-252.
PMID: 32860377

INTRODUCTION: The susceptibility patterns of anaerobes are becoming less predictable due to the emergence of anaerobic resistance trends to antibiotics; hence increasing the importance of the isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of anaerobes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated the isolation of anaerobes from the clinical specimens of Hospital Sungai Buloh, Malaysia, from January 2015 to December 2015. All isolates were identified using the API 20A system (bioMérieux, France). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the E-test (bioMérieux, France).
RESULTS: The proportion of obligate anaerobes isolated from the clinical specimens was 0.83%. The Gram-positive anaerobes were most susceptible to vancomycin and imipenem, showing 100% sensitivity to these antimicrobials, followed by clindamycin (86.3%), penicillin (76.7%), and metronidazole (48.9%). Meanwhile, Gram-negative anaerobes were most susceptible to metronidazole (96%) followed by imipenem (89%), clindamycin (79%), and ampicillin (32%). The present study also showed that 3 out of 12 Bacteroides fragilis isolates were resistant to imipenem.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the differences in the susceptibility patterns of anaerobes towards commonly used antimicrobials for the treatment of anaerobic infections. In summary, continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance trends among anaerobes is needed to ensure the appropriateness of treatment.
Fulltext Draft genome sequencing data of a pathogenic Pantoea stewartii subspecies stewartii strain SQT1 causing bronzing disease of jackfruit in Malaysia

Ibrahim R, Ismail-Suhaimy NW, Shu-Qing T, Ismail SI, Ina-Salwany MY, Yusof MT, et al.

Data Brief, 2020 Jun;30:105634.
PMID: 32395592 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105634

A Gram-negative bacterium, Pantoea stewartii subspecies stewartii (P. stewartii subsp. stewartii) has been recognized as the causative agent for jackfruit bronzing disease in Malaysia. Here, we report the whole genome sequencing dataset of P. stewartii subsp. stewartii strain SQT1 isolated from local infected jackfruit. The paired-end libraries with an insert size of 350 bp was subjected to the Illumina Hiseq 4000, generating a genome size of 4,783,993 bp with a G+C content of 53.7%. A total protein of 4,671 was identified including virulence factors, resistance factors and secretion systems. Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii strain DC283 (NCBI accession no. CP017581.1) was used as a reference genome, where the query hit 72% coverage and average sequencing depth of 68. In total, 28,717 nucleotide polymorphisms, 520 small insertion/deletions and 142 structure variants were identified. The complete genome was deposited at the European Nucleotide Archive under the sample accession number ERP119356 and study accession number PRJEB36196.

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