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Fulltext Projected Streamflow in the Kurau River Basin of Western Malaysia under Future Climate Scenarios

Adib MNM, Rowshon MK, Mojid MA, Habibu I

Sci Rep, 2020 05 20;10(1):8336.
PMID: 32433561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65114-w

Climate change-induced spatial and temporal variability of stremflow has significant implications for hydrological processes and water supplies at basin scale. This study investigated the impacts of climate change on streamflow of the Kurau River Basin in Malaysia using a Climate-Smart Decision Support System (CSDSS) to predict future climate sequences. For this, we used 25 reliazations consisting from 10 Global Climate Models (GCMs) and three IPCC Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5). The generated climate sequences were used as input to Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate projected changes in hydrological processes in the basin over the period 2021-2080. The model performed fairly well for the Kurau River Basin, with coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and Percent Bias (PBIAS) of 0.65, 0.65 and -3.0, respectively for calibration period (1981-1998) and 0.60, 0.59 and -4.6, respectively for validation period (1996-2005). Future projections over 2021-2080 period show an increase in rainfall during August to January (relatively wet season, called the main irrigation season) but a decrease in rainfall during February to July (relatively dry season, called the off season). Temperature projections show increase in both the maximum and minimum temperatures under the three RCP scenarios, with a maximum increase of 2.5 °C by 2021-2080 relative to baseline period of 1976-2005 under RCP8.5 scenario. The model predicted reduced streamflow under all RCP scenarios compared to the baseline period. Compared to 2021-2050 period, the projected streamflow will be higher during 2051-2080 period by 1.5 m3/s except in February for RCP8.5. The highest streamflow is predicted during August to December for both future periods under RCP8.5. The seasonal changes in streamflow range between -2.8% and -4.3% during the off season, and between 0% (nil) and -3.8% during the main season. The assessment of the impacts of climatic variabilities on the available water resources is necessary to identify adaptation strategies. It is supposed that such assessment on the Kurau River Basin under changing climate would improve operation policy for the Bukit Merah reservoir located at downstream of the basin. Thus, the predicted streamflow of the basin would be of importance to quantify potential impacts of climate change on the Bukit Merah reservoir and to determine the best possible operational strategies for irrigation release.
Fulltext UMS nursing student awareness on the impact of social media on nursing profession

Patricia Sator, Jummaiyah Md Tahir, Elvinna Maria Joannes, Nafisah Mokti

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):52-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Social media have been used widely by majority of population around the world and have been proved to be useful for sharing information as well as gain knowledge. For student, media social plays a huge role especially during learning session. Recently, a lot of issues regarding nursing services flooded social media, which gave a negative impression about nurses profession. This study aims to identify the awareness on the impact of social media in regards to nursing services among Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), UMS nursing students. Methods: Descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study using modified questionnaire for data collection was con- ducted in FMHS, UMS. A total of 100 nursing student, year 3 (37%), year 2 (40%) and year 1 (23%) participated in the study. Results: Overall, 51% respondents agree and 45% strongly agree that social media is a powerful tool to connect among individuals. 63% agree and 34% strongly agree that social media can make jobs more efficient and innovative. 63% agree and 32% strongly agree that social media can be an agent of providing clinical education to nurses by facilitating conversations with colleagues about best practice and advanced healthcare. 51% agree and 22% strongly that social media can be trace and legal action can be taken towards nurses. 54% agree and 20% strongly agree that social media can be used to reveal malpractice among nurses. 45% agree and 40% strongly agree that social media can be misuse by the non-healthcare provider. Conclusion: Based on this study’s result, the respon- dents are well aware with the positive and negative impact of social media on nursing profession. There may has a small number of unaware or unsure about the impact among the respondents, with that the recommendation for this study is to ensure the UMS nursing students to abide with the professional and personal etiquettes and use common sense and caution while communicating on social media.
Biocompatible Ionic Liquid-Mediated Micelles for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Paclitaxel

Ali MK, Moshikur RM, Wakabayashi R, Moniruzzaman M, Goto M

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2021 May 05;13(17):19745-19755.
PMID: 33891816 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c03111

Chemotherapeutic cytotoxic agents such as paclitaxel (PTX) are considered essential for the treatment of various cancers. However, PTX injection is associated with severe systemic side effects and high rates of patient noncompliance. Micelle formulations (MFs) are nano-drug delivery systems that offer a solution to these problems. Herein, we report an advantageous carrier for the transdermal delivery of PTX comprising a new MF that consists of two biocompatible surfactants: cholinium oleate ([Cho][Ole]), which is a surface-active ionic liquid (SAIL), and sorbitan monolaurate (Span-20). A solubility assessment confirmed that PTX was readily solubilized in the SAIL-based micelles via multipoint hydrogen bonding and cation-π and π-π interactions between PTX and SAIL[Cho][Ole]. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy revealed that in the presence of PTX, the MF formed spherical PTX-loaded micelles that were well-distributed in the range 8.7-25.3 nm. According to DLS, the sizes and size distributions of the micelle droplets did not change significantly over the entire storage period, attesting to their physical stability. In vitro transdermal assessments using a Franz diffusion cell revealed that the MF absorbed PTX 4 times more effectively than a Tween 80-based formulation and 6 times more effectively than an ethanol-based formulation. In vitro and in vivo skin irritation tests revealed that the new carrier had a negligible toxicity profile compared with a conventional ionic liquid-based carrier. Based on these findings, we believe that the SAIL[Cho][Ole]-based MF has potential as a biocompatible nanocarrier for the effective transdermal delivery of poorly soluble chemotherapeutics such as PTX.
Favipiravir-Based Ionic Liquids as Potent Antiviral Drugs for Oral Delivery: Synthesis, Solubility, and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation

Moshikur RM, Ali MK, Wakabayashi R, Moniruzzaman M, Goto M

Mol Pharm, 2021 08 02;18(8):3108-3115.
PMID: 34250805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00324

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across the world, and no specific antiviral drugs have yet been approved to combat this disease. Favipiravir (FAV) is an antiviral drug that is currently in clinical trials for use against COVID-19. However, the delivery of FAV is challenging because of its limited solubility, and its formulation is difficult with common organic solvents and water. To address these issues, four FAV ionic liquids (FAV-ILs) were synthesized as potent antiviral prodrugs and were fully characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The aqueous solubility and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties of the FAV-ILs were also evaluated. The FAV-ILs exhibited improved aqueous solubility by 78 to 125 orders of magnitude when compared with that of free FAV. Upon oral dosing in mice, the absolute bioavailability of the β-alanine ethyl ester FAV formulation was increased 1.9-fold compared with that of the control FAV formulation. The peak blood concentration, elimination half-life, and mean absorption time of FAV were also increased by 1.5-, 2.0-, and 1.5-fold, respectively, compared with the control. Furthermore, the FAV in the FAV-ILs exhibited significantly different biodistribution compared with the control FAV formulation. Interestingly, drug accumulation in the lungs and liver was improved 1.5-fold and 1.3-fold, respectively, compared with the control FAV formulation. These results indicate that the use of ILs exhibits potential as a simple, scalable strategy to improve the solubility and oral absorption of hydrophobic drugs, such as FAV.
Inovasi penyediaan masakan tradisional melayu melalui penghasilan kiub masak lemak cili padi

Halimatul Muna Mohd Din, Hamidah Noor Md Yusoh

Journal of Hospitality and Networks, 2019;2019(1):8-11.
MyJurnal

Masak lemak cili padi merupakan hidangan tradisional Melayu berasal dari Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Walaupun, ia popular dan disukai di kalangan rakyat Malaysia, ia jarang disediakan oleh golongan bekerjaya dan mempunyai masa yang terhad di rumah. Selain itu, faktor kesukaran untuk mencari bahan mentah dan menyediakan hidangan serta mengekalkan rasa dan kualiti masakan juga menyebabkan hidangan ini jarang disediakan di rumah . Melihat potensi dan keperluannya, satu kajian telah dijalankan untuk menghasilkan Kiub Masak Lemak Cili Padi (KMLCP). Kajian ini dijalankan untuk meninjau tahap penerimaan responden terhadap KMLCP. Instrumen soal selidik menggunakan skala Hedonic telah diedarkan secara rawak kepada 30 orang responden. Data telah dianalisis secara deskriptif dengan menggunakan SPSS versi 21. Analisis menunjukkan bahawa KMLCP diterima pada tahap baik oleh responden dengan nilai min 4.66. Kesimpulannya, KMLCP ini diterima secara optimistik oleh responden.
Fulltext Triggering Emotional Value Through Aesthetics of Compact Car Design in Malaysia

Muhamad Aiman Afiq Mohd Noor, Azhari Md Hashim

International Journal of Innovation and Industrial Revolution, 2020;2(4):1-8.
MyJurnal

The relationship between typicality and novelty was discussed in order to identify the significant emotional value arising in the compact car design of Malaysian manufacturers. Typicality and novelty usually are associated with the aesthetic preference of human artefacts as in this study in compact car design. Considering a typical product is rarely new and, conversely, a novel product often labelled as typical, the positive effects of both features seem incompatible. This paper discusses the history of the Malaysian manufacturer’s compact car design according to its timeline and the current market based on its model and achievement. Furthermore, the relationship between compact car design such as the limitation of emotional value arising through typicality and novelty of specific compact car design and how it triggers the user’s perception through its aesthetics form. Hence, a pilot study was conducted to validate a set of stimulus and questionnaires as a way to formulate an actual survey. Finally, the outcome of this study will suggest a way forward in exploring typicality and novelty through a reliable method of compact car design
Fulltext Management responsibilities among dietitians: what is the level of job satisfaction and skills involved? a scoping review

Roszanadia Rusali, Rosita Jamaluddin, Nor Baizura Md Yusop, Hazrina Ghazali

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):205-212.
MyJurnal

The role of dietitians involves not solely on clinical responsibilities. Additionally, operation management responsibil- ities such as managing human labor, financial resources, and problem solver are the tasks that a dietitian look after. It is reported to be challenging and stressful and could affect job satisfaction levels in the working environment. This scoping review aimed to explore the job satisfaction level and skills needed among dietitians to assume management responsibilities at their workplace. This study was completed using PRISMA guidelines. Online databases (Scopus and Science Direct) were used to identify papers published from 2000 to 2019. We selected English publications from the United States, Australia, South Africa, Korea, and the United Kingdom that used job satisfaction as a pri- mary or secondary outcome. Studies were included if they addressed dietitians who were involved in clinical work, food service, and management in their dietetic practices. Findings on existing skills, including managerial skills, communication, teamwork, and time management among dietitians with management responsibilities, have helped to enhance the job satisfaction and work quality of the dietetic profession. The findings would be useful for human resource management in the organisation, preserving the professional identity of a dietitian.
Fulltext Geospatial Monitoring on Land Surface Temperature and Vegetation Dynamics: A Case of a City Area in Khulna, Bangladesh

MD. NAZMUL HAQUE, NOWRIN RAHMAN KHANAM, MEHNAZ NANJIBA

Trends in Undergraduate Research, 2020;3(2):0-0.
MyJurnal

Land surface temperature and vegetation cover are two important parameters to evaluate the climate change and environmental condition. The current study is carried out in respect of monitoring the changing phenomena of climate and environment. The area selected to conduct the study was ward number 1, 2 and 3 of Khulna City Corporation), from the third largest city of Bangladesh. This study is corresponding through the calculation of Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) for two different years, 2010 and 2018. LST and NDVI are observed to realize the association between surface temperature and amount of vegetation. With the help of ArcGIS 10.5, LST and NDVI calculations are done using Landsat 5 Thermal Mapper, Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor images (for 2010 and 2018, respectively) collected from USGS Earth Explorer. The findings of the study specify that the highest temperature in 2018 is 32.5˚C in ward 2 and in 2010 it was 27.5˚C in ward 3, though the overall vegetation amount decreased in 2018, About 18, 900 square meter of very low canopy area has increased in ward 3 from the period of 2010 to 2018 and in the same time 35, 100 square meter of low canopy area has been decreased for the overall study area. However, parts of the study area of ward no. 3 had faced a significant increase in vegetation cover which is the cause of low temperature compared to ward 1 and 2 in 2018.
Fulltext Microbiology of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: An update from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Khatun MR, Alam KMF, Naznin M, Salam MA

Pak J Med Sci, 2021 6 10;37(3):821-826.
PMID: 34104172 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.37.3.3942

Objectives: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a major cause of acquired hearing impairment, especially in children of developing countries. The study sought to explore the bacteriological profile and their antimicrobial susceptibility among patients of chronic suppurative otitis media from a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh.
Methods: A cross sectional microbiological study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Rajshahi Medical College, Bangladesh from January to December 2019. Aural swabs were collected aseptically from clinically suspected patients irrespective of age and gender attending the ear, nose and throat outpatient department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Aerobic bacterial culture was done and isolates were identified through standard bacteriological identification scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates was done by modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.
Results: Of 96 swabs, culture yielded a total of 73 bacterial isolates from 68(70.8%) culture-positive plates including 63 (65.6%) unimicrobial and 5 (5.2%) polymicrobial (mixed growth of a pair of bacteria) growths. Frequency distribution revealed, 40(55%) gram-negative and 33(45%) gram-positive bacteria with Staphylococcus aureus was the leading isolate (37%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31.5%), Escherichia coli (13.7%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (8.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.5%) and Proteus spp. (4.1%). Gram-positive bacteria were found to be highly susceptible (100%) to Linezolid and Vancomycin followed by Imipenem (83 to 96.3%), while moderate to high resistance (44 to 67%) was observed against Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, Amoxicillin/Clavulanate and Clindamycin. For gram-negative bacteria, susceptibility ranged from 67 to 100% to Imipenem, 67 to 96% to Piperacillin/Tazobactam and 67 to 83% to Gentamicin, while moderate to high resistance (50 to 75%) was observed against Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime and Amoxicillin/Clavulanate.
Conclusion: Moderate to high level of multidrug-resistance especially to 3rd generation cephalosporins, Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is an alarming situation. It warns reinforcement of judicious antibiotic prescription and introduction of antibiotic stewardship program in the tertiary care hospitals.
Fulltext Factors affecting treatment seeking patterns amongst public in three selected areas in kuantan: discovery of perceptions (dzan) among community as thought in islam.

Afzan Mat Yusof, Syamsul Ahmad Arifin, Lokman Md Isa

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(102):171-176.
MyJurnal

Seeking treatment is a vital when an individual falls sick. However, some may not do so perhaps they are ashamed to admitting having shameful diseases or unable to seek and reach help. Negative perception of the community on sensitive diseases like AIDS or sexual transmitted disease (STD) may drive the patients away from seeking treatment and suffer alone. In Islam we are thought to always have positive perceptions (husnu dzan) towards any issues in daily life especially when dealing with human interaction by avoiding bad perceptions (su’u dzan). Thus, this study aims to identify the factors affecting treatment seeking patterns among public in three selected areas in Kuantan, and to explore factors affecting people not able or avoid seeking treatment, also to determine the relationship between treatment seeking patterns and the influential factors ie distance, accessibility and behaviour; attitude to health, healthcare and self-perception. A cross sectional survey was carried out at Taman Gelora, Teluk Cempedak and Terminal Makmur, Kuantan, Pahang. Convenient sampling method was used in this study. 201 respondents participated and answered a semi-structured questionnaire modified from Adamson. Results showed that the data was normally distributed, 50.2% respondents were male and 58.7% the total respondents were between 16-26 years old. Majority of the respondents had neutral attitude to health and healthcare, and to self-perception; 94.03% and 73.63% respectively. From the results, there were significant association between distance and accessibility, and monthly income, plus between self-perception and demographic data (p
Fulltext Invadopodia formation is a critical step in cancer cell invasion: the effect of passage number on invadopodia formation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line

Hamad Ali Hamad, Cheah, Yoke Kqueen, Nur Fariesha MD Hashim

Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(2):1-5.
MyJurnal

High invasive cancer cells are thought to recruit specialised actin-rich protrusions for invasion in metastasis process. These protrusions are termed invadopodia. To study invadopodia formation, one of the first challenges faced by researchers has been to optimise the cell line passage number in order to be used for the invadopodia assay. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of the passage number on invadopodia formation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Invadopodia assay was used to achieve the aim of the study. The results provided evidence that invadopodia formation is affected by the high passage number. The cells were also tested with dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) a hypoxic mimicking agent which is known to be an invadopodia inducer, the results showed that the cells in low passage number (P7) treated with DMOG increase the cells forming invadopodia, while the cells with high passage number (P35) showed that DMOG fails to stimulate the cells to form invadopodia. Furthermore, the cells with high passage number after passage 15 are starting to lose the ability to degrade the gelatin. In conclusion, this study suggests that only cells with a low passage number, less than passage 15 should be used in the study of invadopodia formation to obtain the results in the search for molecular targets and signaling at invadopodia.
Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and toxicological profile of Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC.: A review

Khandokar L, Bari MS, Seidel V, Haque MA

J Ethnopharmacol, 2021 Oct 05;278:114313.
PMID: 34116186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114313

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. is a perennial shrub indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippine, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Australia. The plant is used extensively within these regions as a traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of ailments including cough, fever, chest pain, anemia, jaundice, liver disorders, inflammation, bronchitis, rheumatism, urinary tract infections, pain, bone fractures, toothache, gonorrhea, diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases.
AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to present up-to-date information regarding the taxonomy, botany, distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicological profile of G. pentaphylla. The presented information was analyzed critically to understand current work undertaken on this species and explore possible future prospects for this plant in pharmaceutical research.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Bibliographic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, Semantic Scholar, Europe PMC, Scopus, and MEDLINE, were explored thoroughly for the collection of relevant information. The structures of phytoconstituents were confirmed with PubChem and SciFinder databases. Taxonomical information on the plant was presented in accordance with The Plant List (version 1.1).
RESULTS: Extensive phytochemical investigations into different parts of G. pentaphylla have revealed the presence of at least 354 secondary metabolites belonging to structurally diverse classes including alkaloids, amides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, aromatic compounds, steroids, terpenoids, and fatty derivatives. A large number of in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that G. pentaphylla had anticancer, antimutagenic, antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, mosquitocidal, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-arsenicosis, and wound healing properties. Toxicological studies have established the absence of any significant adverse reactions and showed that the plant had a moderate safety profile.
CONCLUSIONS: G. pentaphylla can be suggested as a source of inspiration for the development of novel drugs, especially anticancer, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and mosquitocidal agents. Moreover, bioassay-guided investigations into its diverse classes of secondary metabolites, especially the large pool of nitrogen-containing alkaloids and amides, promises the development of novel drug candidates. Future pharmacological studies into this species are also warranted as many of its traditional uses are yet to be validated scientifically.
Fulltext Nutrition labelling: an exploratory study on personal factors that influence the practice of reading nutrition labels among adolescents

Norsakira Jefrydin, Norazmir Md Nor, Ruzita Abd. Talib

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):143-153.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The consumption of processed food is increasing in developing
countries. Nutrition labels on food packaging are important for the education of
consumers, particularly adolescents, to help them make healthier food choices.
However, there is evidence to suggest that adolescents generally do not use nutrition
labels. This study aims to explore the personal factors that influence the practice of
Malaysian adolescents in reading nutrition labels. Methods: The participants were
adolescents, aged 13-16 years, from five public schools in Negeri Sembilan. Five
semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The participants
discussed their personal views, knowledge and perceptions regarding the use of
nutrition labels and food selection. Data gathered from the FGDs were coded through
thematic analysis using the NVivo software. Results: While the participants were
familiar with nutrition labels, their usage was relatively low during food selection
due to the lack of interest in nutrition information, past experiences, hunger and
cravings, time constraints and the taste of the food. The main reasons for using
nutrition labels were health consciousness and their curiosity about specific
nutrition information provided on the labels. The majority of participants believed
that information provided on the labels was accurate because it was provided by
reliable institutions. There was also misperception among some participants, mixing
up nutrition labels with list of ingredients and the expiry dates. A few participants
were unconvinced by the labels and stated that the labels provided misleading
information. Conclusion: Personal factors such as knowledge, misperception,
awareness and trust significantly impact how adolescents read nutrition labels.
Fulltext Effects of wealth on nutritional status of pre-school children in Bangladesh

Mostafa Kamal, S.M., Rosliza, A.M., Md Aynul, I.

Malays J Nutr, 2010;16(2):219-232.
MyJurnal

This paper explores the relationship between household wealth and nutritional status of pre-school children in Bangladesh using the nationally representative 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data. Chronic malnutrition was measured by z-score of height-for-age and the effect of household wealth on adverse childhood growth rate was assessed by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Overall, 43% of the children were stunted. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis yielded significantly increased risk of stunting among the poorest (OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.77-2.89) as compared to the richest. The multivariate multinomial logistic regression produced elevated risk of moderate stunting (OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.50-2.61) and severe stunting (OR=2.88, 95% CI=2.00-4.14) of children in the poorest category compared to their richest counterparts. Children’s age, duration of breastfeeding, mother’s education, body mass index, mother’s working status and place of region were also identified as important determinants of children’s nutritional status. The findings suggest that apart from poverty reduction, maternal education, and strengthening of child and maternal health care services are important to improve health and nutritional status of the children.
Fulltext Environment and host affects arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) population

Norahizah Abd Rahim, Hasnah Md Jais, Hasnuri Mat Hassan

Trop Life Sci Res, 2016;27(11):9-13.
MyJurnal

The association of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and roots undoubtedly
gives positive advantages to the host plant. However, heavily fertilised soil such as in oil
palm plantation, inhibit the growth of mycorrhiza. Thus, the aim of this research is to
distinguish and quantify the availability of AMF population and propagules at different sites
of an oil palm plantation by Most Probable Number (MPN) assay. In addition, root infection
method was employed to observe host compatibility through the propagation of AMF using
two different types of hosts, monocotyledon (Echinochloa cruss-galli) and dicotyledon
(Vigna radiata). Three different locations at an oil palm plantation were chosen for
sampling. Each location was represented by a distinctive soil series, and were further
divided into two sites, that is canopy and midway area. Midway site had a greater
population of AMF compared to canopy. The result showed that different environments
affect the availability of AMF in the soil. Higher number of AMF infection observed in
monocotyledon host suggests that the fibrous root system provide a better association
with mycorrhiza.
Fulltext A short review of polylactic acid blends properties for improvement and innovation

Wan Md Zin Wan Yunus, Nabiilah Faris, Mohd Junaedy Osman

ZULFAQAR International Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 2018;1(2):85-98.
MyJurnal

Advanced technology in petrochemical-based polymer has brought many benefits to mankind. However, the use of nonbiodegradable plastics materials for disposable application such as food packaging and house whole appliances are significantly disturbing and damaging the earth ecosystem. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable plastic that is brittle. Because of this nature, PLA has a limitation in its usage. The common way to improve the toughness of PLA is via adding plasticizer. This review will provide brief account on recent developments in the synthesis of lactic acid (monomer of PLA) through biological route, PLA synthesis, unique material properties of PLA and modiﬁcation of those by making copolymers and composites PLA absorption and degradation
Fulltext Review on the Control of Waterborne Diseases –The Islamic Approach.

Muhammad Lokman Md Isa, Afzan Mat Yusof, Mohammed Abdullah Jainul

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(102):137-140.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Scarcity of fresh water is currently blighting the population of the least developed countries around the world. According to WHO, waterborne diseases accounts for 4.1% of total disability adjusted life years (DALYs) with a mortality rate of 1.8 million per year. Numerous pathogens and chemicals may be the potential sources of water contamination that leads to waterborne diseases in humans. Some pathogens are only active and express disease whilst within the host. The aim of this article is to identify the cause of water-borne diseases and how to control it from the Islamic perspective. Material and Methods: In this review we had compiled the latest scientific findings related to waterborne diseases and integrated them with Islamic approach of cleanliness. There are many Hadithsof the Prophet (peace be upon him) (PBUH) regarding methods of cleanliness with scientific background to control waterborne diseases. Water pollution may be a natural process, men made, intentional or accidental. More often than not, man are infected after accidently consuming or coming in contact with contaminated water Results: Scientific literature search reveals that individual hygiene and sanitation is the most prominent way to prevent waterborne diseases. In Islam, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) puts a great emphasize on purification in terms of personal cleanliness and made it mandatory to follow rule to remain pure both physically and spiritually. Conclusions: Sunnaticapproaches of cleanliness may hinder waterborne disease.
Fulltext The effect of high-intensity intermittent functional training towards the aerobic fitness of youth badminton players

Joummy, Angelica Joanne, Suppiah, Pathmanathan K., Md. Safwan Samsir

Movement Health & Exercise, 2020;9(1):149-158.
MyJurnal

The main objective of this study is to measure the effectiveness of highintensity intermittent functional training on aerobic fitness of youth badminton players. A total of 16 male participants of the 13 to 15 years old badminton players underwent a ten (10) weeks of intervention training. All participants must undergo a 20m Multistage Fitness test to measure their maximum oxygen intake ("V" ̇O2max). The participants were randomly divided into two groups, Experiment (n = 8) and Control (n = 8) based on the results of aerobic fitness assessment. The Experimental Group will perform a high-intensity intermittent functional training whilst the Control Group performs the traditional training which is the regular exercise routine in their training program. After the 10-week interval training, there was a significant difference observed in the maximum oxygen intake ("V" ̇O2max) between the Experimental and Control groups, F (1,14) = 4.663, p = .049. In conclusion, high-intensity intermittent functional training can improve aerobic fitness amongst youth badminton players.
Fulltext Derivation of a new bioscore for predicting mortality in sepsis.

Shukeri WFWM, Md-Ralib A, Mat-Nor MB

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(1):81-88.
MyJurnal

Currently, there is a lack of clinically feasible and reliable method for discriminating outcome in sepsis. We aimed to derive a new bioscore for predicting mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis using a combination of biomarkers and clinical indexes. Materials and Methods: This was a secondary analysis from a prospective study involving 159 patients with sepsis admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Data for key variables considered for possible inclusion in the score were collected, which included: age, sex, source of admission, comorbidities, microorganism, bacteraemia, site of infection, septic shock status, baseline Simplified Acute Physiological Score II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (total and organ sub-scores), C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Approximate quintiles of each variable were given points as per the strength of their association with 30-day mortality. Results:In accordance with the statistical significance in the logistic regression analysis, the final score utilised candidate variables of age, central nervous system and liver SOFA sub-scores and IL-6. The bioscore predicted 30-day mortality with a very good performance [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.814 (95% confidence interval 0.745-0.871, p
Biocompatible ionic liquids assisted transdermal co-delivery of antigenic protein and adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy

Chowdhury MR, Moshikur RM, Wakabayashi R, Moniruzzaman M, Goto M

Int J Pharm, 2021 May 15;601:120582.
PMID: 33872711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120582

Human skin contains numerous antigen-presenting cells that are a potential target for several immune-based therapies, including vaccination and cancer immunotherapy. However, the outermost layer of the skin-the stratum corneum-acts as a major physical barrier against the permeation of antigens that have a molecular weight > 500 Da. In this study, an ionic liquid-assisted delivery system (ILDS) was developed, which enabled the successful transdermal delivery of an antigenic protein, ovalbumin (OVA), with a toll-like receptor agonist, imiquimod, as an adjuvant, to stimulate a specific immune response. Both the ionic liquids and ILDS were completely biocompatible for topical or transdermal application for therapeutic purposes. The skin permeation of the antigenic protein and adjuvant was found to be significantly enhanced because of the incorporation of a surface-active ionic liquid in the ILDS. An in vivo immunization study showed that there was a high level of OVA-specific IgG antibody production because of the enhanced permeation of the antigen and adjuvant across and into the skin. In a preclusive anticancer study, vaccination through ILDS showed stronger tumor-growth inhibition compared to control group. These results indicated that the ILDS could be a promising strategy for transdermal immunization as future therapeutics.

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