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Fulltext COVID-19 Isolation Control Proposal via UAV and UGV for Crowded Indoor Environments: Assistive Robots in the Shopping Malls

Aslan MF, Hasikin K, Yusefi A, Durdu A, Sabanci K, Azizan MM

Front Public Health, 2022;10:855994.
PMID: 35734764 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.855994

Artificial intelligence researchers conducted different studies to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Unlike other studies, this paper isn't for early infection diagnosis, but for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 in social environments. Among the studies on this is regarding social distancing, as this method is proven to prevent COVID-19 to be transmitted from one to another. In the study, Robot Operating System (ROS) simulates a shopping mall using Gazebo, and customers are monitored by Turtlebot and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV, DJI Tello). Through frames analysis captured by Turtlebot, a particular person is identified and followed at the shopping mall. Turtlebot is a wheeled robot that follows people without contact and is used as a shopping cart. Therefore, a customer doesn't touch the shopping cart that someone else comes into contact with, and also makes his/her shopping easier. The UAV detects people from above and determines the distance between people. In this way, a warning system can be created by detecting places where social distance is neglected. Histogram of Oriented-Gradients (HOG)-Support Vector Machine (SVM) is applied by Turtlebot to detect humans, and Kalman-Filter is used for human tracking. SegNet is performed for semantically detecting people and measuring distance via UAV. This paper proposes a new robotic study to prevent the infection and proved that this system is feasible.
Fulltext Physicochemical properties and density functional theory calculation of octahedral UiO-66 with Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic liquids

Majid MF, Mohd Zaid HF, Abd Shukur MF, Ahmad A, Jumbri K

Heliyon, 2023 Oct;9(10):e20743.
PMID: 37867795 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20743

In this study, the physicochemical properties and molecular interactions between zirconium-based metal-organic framework (UiO-66) and three different ionic liquids based on bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion (EMIM+, BMIM+ and OMIM+) was performed via a combined experimental and computational approach. The ionic liquid loaded UiO-66 or IL@UiO-66 was synthesized and characterized to understand the host-guest interaction. Density functional theory calculation was performed to analyse the electronic structure of IL@UiO-66 to provide molecular insight on the dominant interactions occurred in the hybrid material. Results showed that all ILs were successfully incorporated into the micropores of UiO-66. The 3D framework was retained even after loaded with ILs as analyzed from XRD pattern. FTIR spectrum reveals that interactions of ILs with UiO-66 influenced by the alkyl chain length of the cation. The anion has a profound affinity with the UiO-66 due to the presence of electronegative atoms. Phase transition study from DSC suggested that the incorporation of ILs has stabilized the framework of UiO-66 by shifting the endothermic peak to a higher state. These findings were further elaborated with DFT calculation. Geometrical optimizations confirmed the structural parameter changes of UiO-66 when loaded with ILs. These was mainly contributed by the non-covalent interactions which was confirmed by the reduced density gradient scattered plot. Another important findings are the strength of hydrogen bonding at the host-guest interface was influenced by the alkyl chain length. The molecular orbital analysis also shows that the size of alkyl chain influence the reactivity of the hybrid material. The present study provides fundamental insights on the molecular interaction of UiO-66 and ILs as a hybrid material, which can open new possibilities for advanced material for metal-organic framework applications in energy storage system, catalysis, gas storage and medicinal chemistry.
Two new flavonols from Macaranga inermis pax & K.Hoffm

Tanjung M, Tjahjandarie TS, Aldin MF, Mardhiyyah S, Saputri RD, Syah YM, et al.

Nat Prod Res, 2023 Oct 24.
PMID: 37874007 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2272783

Four isoprenylated flavonols, including two new compounds, macainermisins A-B (1-2), and two known compounds, sinoflavonoid P (3), broussoflavonol F (4), were isolated from the leaves of Macaranga inermis. A combination of HRESIMS, UV, 1D, and 2D NMR spectra elucidated the structures of 1-2. Flavonols (1-4) were evaluated against three cancer cells. Compound 1 showed high cytotoxicity against WiDR with an IC50 value of 0.93 µM, and compound 2 was active towards HeLa and WiDR (IC50 values of 0.90 and 0.94 µM), and compound 3 showed high activity towards 4T1 and HeLa (IC50 values of 0.83 and 0.98 µM).
Fulltext Modelling excess mortality among breast cancer patients in the North East Region of Peninsular Malaysia, 2007-2011: a population-based study

Hanis TM, Yaacob NM, Hairon SM, Abdullah S, Nordin N, Abdullah NH, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2019 Dec 30;19(1):1754.
PMID: 31888561 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-8113-2

BACKGROUND: Measurement of breast cancer burden and identification of its influencing factors help in the development of public health policy and strategy against the disease. This study aimed to examine the variability of the excess mortality of female breast cancer patients in the North East Region of Peninsular Malaysia.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using breast cancer data from the Kelantan Cancer Registry between 2007 and 2011, and Kelantan general population mortality data. The breast cancer cases were followed up for 5 years until 2016. Out of 598 cases, 549 cases met the study criteria and were included in the analysis. Modelling of excess mortality was conducted using Poisson regression.
RESULTS: Excess mortality of breast cancer varied according to age group (50 years old and below vs above 50 years old, Adj. EHR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.31, 4.09; P = 0.004), ethnicity (Malay vs non-Malay, Adj. EHR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.96; P = 0.008), and stage (stage III and IV vs. stage I and II, Adj. EHR: 5.75; 95% CI: 4.24, 7.81; P
Fulltext Development and usability testing of mobile application on diet and oral health

Akmal Muhamat N, Hasan R, Saddki N, Mohd Arshad MR, Ahmad M

PLoS One, 2021;16(9):e0257035.
PMID: 34495979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257035

In several nations, caries in pre-school children remain a significant oral health issue. In an outbreak period such as the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), remote contact and education aimed at the prevention of oral diseases and the preservation of children's oral health are more relevant than ever. Currently, the amount of published applications is far higher than the published scientific studies while the problems of usability remains vulnerable. The goal of this paper was to comprehensively document the phase of development and usability testing of a mobile application for diet and oral health, namely Gigiku Sihat, which was primarily intended to be used by parents and guardians of pre-school children. The mobile application was developed using the System Development Life Cycle principle. Apart from searching for the available oral health application on Android platform, the initial requirement gathering process consisted of situational analysis, concept generation, content development, and features and functional requirement determination. The mobile application design and implementation evolved at each phase before being finalised. Gigiku Sihat was successfully developed in the Bahasa Malaysia. Finalised Gigiku Sihat was installed on mobile devices to determine the usability using translated and validated System Usability Scale questionnaire namely Skala Kebolehgunaan Aplikasi Mudah Alih (SKAMA). The mean score usability with score of 68 and above was deemed to have good usability. This study found that Gigiku Sihat mean (SD) usability score was 77.0 (14.18). The results were promising as they showed that Gigiku Sihat had a good usability. Thus, the development of this mobile application focusing on diet and oral health served as a new source of oral health education and provided a necessary foundation in developing future improved mobile application development for parents in the prevention of early childhood caries.
Fulltext Novel CE-CBCE feature extraction method for object classification using a low-density LiDAR point cloud

Mohd Romlay MR, Mohd Ibrahim A, Toha SF, De Wilde P, Venkat I

PLoS One, 2021;16(8):e0256665.
PMID: 34432855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256665

Low-end LiDAR sensor provides an alternative for depth measurement and object recognition for lightweight devices. However due to low computing capacity, complicated algorithms are incompatible to be performed on the device, with sparse information further limits the feature available for extraction. Therefore, a classification method which could receive sparse input, while providing ample leverage for the classification process to accurately differentiate objects within limited computing capability is required. To achieve reliable feature extraction from a sparse LiDAR point cloud, this paper proposes a novel Clustered Extraction and Centroid Based Clustered Extraction Method (CE-CBCE) method for feature extraction followed by a convolutional neural network (CNN) object classifier. The integration of the CE-CBCE and CNN methods enable us to utilize lightweight actuated LiDAR input and provides low computing means of classification while maintaining accurate detection. Based on genuine LiDAR data, the final result shows reliable accuracy of 97% through the method proposed.
Fulltext Seagrass habitat suitability model for Redang Marine Park using multibeam echosounder data: Testing different spatial resolutions and analysis window sizes

Muhamad MAH, Che Hasan R, Md Said N, Ooi JL

PLoS One, 2021;16(9):e0257761.
PMID: 34555110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257761

Integrating Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) data (bathymetry and backscatter) and underwater video technology allows scientists to study marine habitats. However, use of such data in modeling suitable seagrass habitats in Malaysian coastal waters is still limited. This study tested multiple spatial resolutions (1 and 50 m) and analysis window sizes (3 × 3, 9 × 9, and 21 × 21 cells) probably suitable for seagrass-habitat relationships in Redang Marine Park, Terengganu, Malaysia. A maximum entropy algorithm was applied, using 12 bathymetric and backscatter predictors to develop a total of 6 seagrass habitat suitability models. The results indicated that both fine and coarse spatial resolution datasets could produce models with high accuracy (>90%). However, the models derived from the coarser resolution dataset displayed inconsistent habitat suitability maps for different analysis window sizes. In contrast, habitat models derived from the fine resolution dataset exhibited similar habitat distribution patterns for three different analysis window sizes. Bathymetry was found to be the most influential predictor in all the models. The backscatter predictors, such as angular range analysis inversion parameters (characterization and grain size), gray-level co-occurrence texture predictors, and backscatter intensity levels, were more important for coarse resolution models. Areas of highest habitat suitability for seagrass were predicted to be in shallower (<20 m) waters and scattered between fringing reefs (east to south). Some fragmented, highly suitable habitats were also identified in the shallower (<20 m) areas in the northwest of the prediction models and scattered between fringing reefs. This study highlighted the importance of investigating the suitable spatial resolution and analysis window size of predictors from MBES for modeling suitable seagrass habitats. The findings provide important insight on the use of remote acoustic sonar data to study and map seagrass distribution in Malaysia coastal water.
Bisphenol A is a carcinogen that induces lipid accumulation, peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑γ expression and liver disease

Ismael LQ, Abdulhameed AR, Keong YY, Abdullah MNH, Bahari H, Jie TJ, et al.

Exp Ther Med, 2022 Dec;24(6):735.
PMID: 36466761 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11671

Bisphenol (BP) A is an exogenous endocrine disruptor that mimics hormones closely associated with health complications, e.g., obesity and cancers. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of BPA on human liver cells and tissue. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ expression profile across tumour samples and paired normal tissue was first analysed using GEPIA. Subsequently, BPA-treated liver THLE-2 cell viability was evaluated using an MTT assay. Clusterin, PPARα and PPARγ gene expression in BPA-treated THLE-2 cells was assessed using GEPIA before validating the gene expression using real-time PCR and analysing overall survival using TCGA data in GEPIA. Cytoplasmic lipid accumulation was examined in BPA-treated THLE-2 cells using Oil Red O staining, and liver tissue was examined using haematoxylin and eosin staining. Finally, cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene expression was assessed in BPA-treated THLE-2 cells using real-time PCR. PPARγ is likely the primary nuclear receptor protein involved in lipid accumulation in THLE-2 cells following BPA treatment and is associated with liver disease. THLE-2 cells exposed to BPA showed a decrease in viability and lipid accumulation after 48 h treatment. Higher PPARγ gene expression was significantly associated with survival of patients with liver cancer, with an average survival time of <80 months. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections showed notable disruption of the liver architecture in tissue exposed to BPA. Downregulated CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene expression implied that BPA-treated THLE-2 cells decreased capacity for carcinogen metabolism, while upregulated CYP2S1 gene expression exerted minimal cytotoxicity. The present study revealed that BPA served as a carcinogen, enhanced tumorigenesis susceptibility and may induce other types of liver disease.
Fulltext The relationship among idiosyncratic deals, psychological empowerment, and internal locus of control: A moderated mediation model

Shams MS, Mei TS, Adnan Z, Niazi MM, Khan K

Front Psychol, 2022;13:923874.
PMID: 36467215 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.923874

Building upon the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory, this research offers an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms by which idiosyncratic deals (I-deals), such as personalized work arrangements, can enhance academics' psychological empowerment (PE) and hence affect their work engagement. This study's purpose was to investigate whether PE mediates the relationships between task and work responsibilities I-deals, flexibility I-deals, and work engagement among academics in higher education and whether the mediating effects are moderated by academics' internal locus of control. Using an online platform, the survey questionnaire was sent to 650 academics working in higher education. The results reveal that task and work responsibilities I-deals and flexibility I-deals, are positively associated with the academics' work engagement and that PE mediates those relationships. Additionally, the internal locus of control strengthens the positive relationship between task and work responsibilities I-deals and PE, and it enhances the indirect effect of task and work responsibilities I-deals on academics' work engagement through PE. Though, this study did not find the moderating effect of internal locus of control on the flexibility I-deals-PE relationship; however, the results indicate that internal locus of control boosts the indirect effect of flexibility I-deals on academics' work engagement through PE.
Fabrication, characterization, and application of light weight thermal insulation material from combined buffing dust and plaster of paris for construction industry

Ulfat W, Mohyuddin A, Amjad M, Othman MHD, Gikas P, Kurniawan TA

J Environ Manage, 2023 Dec 01;347:119129.
PMID: 37778073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119129

Buffing dust, generated from tannery industries, is a source of air pollution in Pakistan. Valorization of the waste into another useful material is important to deal with the environmental pollution, while reducing waste disposal costs in landfills. To demonstrate its technological strength, this work fabricates a thermal insulation material made of plaster of Paris and the buffing dust (from tanning waste) in the form of a composite with superior mechanical properties and low thermal conductivity. Buffing dust with concentrations ranging from 5 to 20% (w/w) were loaded in the composite. The samples synthesized were made slurry of plaster of Paris, buffing dust, and water at ambient temperature. The physico-mechanical properties of composite were analyzed. It was found that the composite had better thermal insulation properties than the panels of the plaster of Paris. Its thermal conductivity was reduced to 15% after adding buffing dust (20% w/w). All the materials had physico-chemical properties like tensile strength (0.02 MPa and 0.06 MPa), density (700-400 kg/m3), water absorption (5.2-8.6%) and thermal conductivity (0.17000-0.09218 W/m-K). Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the material was thermally stable at temperatures ranging from 145 to 177 °C, while FT-IR results revealed that the composite contained O-H, N-H, and CO functional groups. SEM analysis displayed that the composite's homogeneity was reduced with low voids due to buffing dust addition, while EDX analysis showed that the composite contained 23.62% of S, 26.76% of Ca, 49.2% of O and 0.42% of C. This implies that buffing dust could be recycled to manufacture heat insulation materials for construction sector to reduce air pollution, while minimizing energy consumption. By integrating the buffing dust from tanning waste and the plaster of Paris as a composite for construction sector, this work promotes the recycling of unused waste, while saving public funds. Instead of paying landfill fees and polluting soil, the waste may be recycled at lower cost, while reducing environmental damage.
Re-expansion Pulmonary Edema: A Rare Complication of Chest Drain Insertion in Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Bolong MF, Shanmuga Ratnam S, Raja Badrol Hisham RMBAB, Pang Tze Ping N

Adv Emerg Nurs J, 2023 10 27;45(4):270-274.
PMID: 37885079 DOI: 10.1097/TME.0000000000000481

Re-expansion pulmonary edema (RPE) after chest drain insertion is rare. The objective of this clinical case report is to highlight the importance of this chest drain insertion complication. A 35-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. Further physical examination and radiographic investigations showed a left-sided hemipneumothorax. A chest drain was inserted, but subsequently the patient developed worsening shortness of breath, desaturation, and coughed out pink frothy sputum. Repeated chest radiographic and computed tomographic thorax findings suggested RPE. A nonrebreathable mask with high-flow oxygen was given to the patient to maintain his oxygen saturation. The patient was referred to the cardiothoracic team and was admitted to the hospital. Despite conservative management in the ward, the patient underwent lung decortication. Postdecortication, the left-sided lung re-expanded well, and the patient was discharged home. This case highlighted this rare, potentially fatal complication of chest drain insertion for spontaneous pneumothorax.
Fulltext Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Peptide Interactions: Inhibition Kinetics, In Silico Molecular Docking and Stability Study of Three Novel Peptides Generated from Palm Kernel Cake Proteins

Zarei M, Abidin NBZ, Auwal SM, Chay SY, Haiyee ZA, Sikin AM, et al.

Biomolecules, 2019 10 04;9(10).
PMID: 31590308 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100569

Three novel peptide sequences identified from palm kernel cake (PKC) generated protein hydrolysate including YLLLK, WAFS and GVQEGAGHYALL were used for stability study against angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE-inhibition kinetics and molecular docking studies. Results showed that the peptides were degraded at different cleavage degrees of 94%, 67% and 97% for YLLLK, WAFS and GVQEGAGHYALL, respectively, after 3 h of incubation with ACE. YLLLK was found to be the least stable (decreased ACE-inhibitory activity) compared to WAFS and GVQEGAGHYALL (increased ACE-inhibitory activity). YLLLK showed the lowest Ki (1.51 mM) in inhibition kinetics study when compared to WAFS and GVQEGAGHYALL with Ki of 2 mM and 3.18 mM, respectively. In addition, ACE revealed the lowest Kmapp and Vmaxapp and higher catalytic efficiency (CE) in the presence of YLLLK at different concentrations, implying that the enzyme catalysis decreased and hence the inhibition mode increased. Furthermore, YLLLK showed the lowest docking score of -8.224 and seven interactions with tACE, while peptide GVQEGAGHYALL showed the higher docking score of -7.006 and five interactions with tACE.
Fulltext Lifestyle interventions for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Ahmed IA, Mikail MA, Mustafa MR, Ibrahim M, Othman R

Saudi J Biol Sci, 2019 Nov;26(7):1519-1524.
PMID: 31762620 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.12.016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multi-factorial disease and the most common of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The four clinical-pathological entities which are usually followed by NAFLD course include non-alcoholic steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The cornerstones of NAFLD management and treatment, however, are healthy lifestyles such as dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and gradual weight loss. At present, no drugs or pharmacological agents have been approved for long-term treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, lifestyle modification is considered the main clinical recommendation and an initial step for the management of NAFLD.
Fulltext Identification, structure-activity relationship and in silico molecular docking analyses of five novel angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides from stone fish (Actinopyga lecanora) hydrolysates

Auwal SM, Zainal Abidin N, Zarei M, Tan CP, Saari N

PLoS One, 2019;14(5):e0197644.
PMID: 31145747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197644

Stone fish is an under-utilized sea cucumber with many health benefits. Hydrolysates with strong ACE-inhibitory effects were generated from stone fish protein under the optimum conditions of hydrolysis using bromelain and fractionated based on hydrophobicity and isoelectric properties of the constituent peptides. Five novel peptide sequences with molecular weight (mw) < 1000 daltons (Da) were identified using LC-MS/MS. The peptides including Ala-Leu-Gly-Pro-Gln-Phe-Tyr (794.44 Da), Lys-Val-Pro-Pro-Lys-Ala (638.88 Da), Leu-Ala-Pro-Pro-Thr-Met (628.85 Da), Glu-Val-Leu-Ile-Gln (600.77 Da) and Glu-His-Pro-Val-Leu (593.74 Da) were evaluated for ACE-inhibitory activity and showed IC50 values of 0.012 mM, 0.980 mM, 1.310 mM, 1.440 mM and 1.680 mM, respectively. The ACE-inhibitory effects of the peptides were further verified using molecular docking study. The docking results demonstrated that the peptides exhibit their effect mainly via hydrogen and electrostatic bond interactions with ACE. These findings provide evidence about stone fish as a valuable source of raw materials for the manufacture of antihypertensive peptides that can be incorporated to enhance therapeutic relevance and commercial significance of formulated functional foods.
Fulltext Rapid Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol and Clock Reaction of Methylene Blue using Copper Nanowires

Hashimi AS, Nohan MANM, Chin SX, Zakaria S, Chia CH

Nanomaterials (Basel), 2019 Jun 28;9(7).
PMID: 31261696 DOI: 10.3390/nano9070936

Copper nanowires (CuNWs) with a high aspect ratio of ~2600 have been successfully synthesized by using a facile hydrothermal method. The reductions of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) and methylene blue (MB) to leucomethylene blue (LMB) by using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) were used as models to test the catalytic activity of CuNWs. We showed that by increasing the CuNWs content, the rate of reduction increased as well. The CuNWs showed an excellent catalytic performance where 99% reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP occurred in just 60 s by using only 0.1 pg of CuNWs after treatment with glacial acetic acid (GAA). The rate constant (kapp) and activity factor (K) of this study is 18 and ~1010 fold in comparison to previous study done with no GAA treatment applied, respectively. The CuNWs showed an outstanding catalytic activity for at least ten consecutive reusability tests with a consistent result in 4-NP reduction. In clock reaction of MB, approximately 99% of reduction of MB into LMB was achieved in ~5 s by using 2 μg CuNWs. Moreover, the addition of NaOH can improve the rate and degree of recolorization of LMB to MB.
Fulltext Functional Outcome of Modified Brostrom-Gould Procedure Using the PopLok Knotless Suture Anchor Technique in Lateral Ankle Instability

Bajuri MY, Daun E, Abdul Raof MH, Hassan MR, Das S

Cureus, 2019 Jun 22;11(6):e4971.
PMID: 31497416 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4971

Introduction The modified Brostrom-Gould procedure is surgery to repair the lateral ligamentous complex of an ankle with chronic instability. A retrospective study was carried out among patients who had undergone this procedure at a medical center. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the mid-term functional outcome and rate of infection among patients who underwent the surgery using the PopLok® (CONMED, NY, US) Knotless Suture Anchor technique for lateral ankle instability. Methods Twenty patients who failed conservative treatment at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, and who were operated on by a single surgeon from January 2011 until March 2015 were selected to participate in this study. They were examined clinically both preoperatively and postoperatively and were also evaluated using the American Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The last review of the patients, for the purpose of this study, was done at one-year postoperatively. Results The patients' overall AOFAS and VAS scores improved postoperatively as compared to the preoperative period. Preoperatively, the mean AOFAS score was 63.5 while postoperatively, the score was 93.50 (excellent score 90 - 100). The mean VAS score was 8.00 preoperatively and improved to 1.00 postoperatively. There was also an absence of infection observed one-year post-surgery. Conclusion The modified Brostrom-Gould procedure using the PopLok® Knotless Suture Anchor technique provides an excellent middle-term functional outcome and a reduction in pain for patients who failed conservative treatment, with a very low rate of infection.
Making it internally persuasive: Analysis of the conspiratorial discourse on COVID-19

Hashmi UM, Almekhlafy SSA, Hashem ME, Shahzad M, Hashmi HA, Munir R, et al.

Discourse Soc, 2023 Jan;34(1):120-141.
PMID: 37829508 DOI: 10.1177/09579265221145275

This study attempts to generate new insights into the wide spread online and offline conspiratorial discourse on COVID-19. Twofold analytical lens consisted of narrative interrelations framework and content analysis showed how the linguistic resources and conversational such as popular socio-religious discourses, hypothetical narratives, personal narratives, personal mental archives, and interpolated arguments are integrated in the interpretation of intertextual Bases such as Bill Gates' TED talk 2015 (26%); Nematullah Wali's predictions (32%); 'End of Days' book by Sylvia Browne (14.9%); and 'The Eyes of Darkness' novel by Dean Koontz (22%) by which the conspiracists in Pakistan construct an internally persuasive discourse promoting conspiracy theories on COVID-19. Several linguistic resources such as mood, modality, topicalization, insinuation, and intertextuality emerged as the main tools of making the conspiracy theories internally persuasive.
Fulltext Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated With Advanced Liver Fibrosis Among Pediatric Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Ting YW, Wong SW, Anuar Zaini A, Mohamed R, Jalaludin MY

Front Pediatr, 2019;7:491.
PMID: 31850288 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00491

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among children is a growing concern with potential significant outcome. This study aims to investigate the relationship between hepatic steatosis, metabolic syndrome, and liver fibrosis among children with obesity and diabetes mellitus. Methodology: Children aged 6-18 years old were recruited from pediatric obesity and diabetes clinic in University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC) between year 2016 and 2019. Data on basic demographics, anthropometric measurements and clinical components of metabolic syndrome were collected. Transient elastography was performed with hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis assessed by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) respectively. Mild, moderate and severe steatosis were defined as >248, >268, and >280 dB/m respectively, and LSM above 7.0 kPa for fibrosis stage F ≥ 2, 8.7 kPa for F ≥ 3, and 10.3 kPa for F4 (cirrhosis). Results: A total of 57 children (60% male) with median age of 13 years old were recruited. Fifty (87.7%) of the children are obese and 27 (54%) out of 50 are morbidly obese. Among 44 (77.2%) patients with steatosis, 40 (70.2%) had severe steatosis and 18 (40.9%) had developed liver fibrosis of stage 2 and above. Advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis was detected in 8 (18.2%) children with presence of steatosis. Twenty-three out of 57 (40.4%) was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Fibrosis is three times more likely to occur in the presence of metabolic syndrome (OR = 3.545, 95% CI: 1.135-11.075, p = 0.026). Waist circumference is a significant predictor of fibrosis after multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: Obese children with metabolic syndrome are more likely to have advanced liver fibrosis compared to those without metabolic syndrome. Waist circumference predicts development of liver fibrosis.
Fulltext A Novel, Homozygous c.1502T>G (p.Val501Gly) Mutation in the Thyroid peroxidase Gene in Malaysian Sisters with Congenital Hypothyroidism and Multinodular Goiter

Lee CC, Harun F, Jalaludin MY, Heh CH, Othman R, Mat Junit S

Int J Endocrinol, 2013;2013:987186.
PMID: 23737781 DOI: 10.1155/2013/987186

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with multinodular goiter (MNG) is uncommonly seen in children. However, CH associated with goiter is often caused by defective Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene. In this study, we screened for mutation(s) in the TPO gene in two siblings with CH and MNG and their healthy family members. The two sisters, born to consanguineous parents, were diagnosed with CH during infancy and received treatment since then. They developed MNG during childhood despite adequate L-thyroxine replacement and negative thyroid antibody screening. PCR-amplification of all exons using flanking primers followed by DNA sequencing revealed that the two sisters were homozygous for a novel c.1502T>G mutation. The mutation is predicted to substitute valine for glycine at a highly conserved amino acid residue 501 (p.Val501Gly). Other healthy family members were either heterozygotes or mutation-free. The mutation was not detected in 50 healthy unrelated individuals. In silico analyses using PolyPhen-2 and SIFT predicted that the p.Val501Gly mutation is functionally "damaging." Tertiary modeling showed structural alterations in the active site of the mutant TPO. In conclusion, a novel mutation, p.Val501Gly, in the TPO gene was detected expanding the mutation spectrum of TPO associated with CH and MNG.
Fulltext Dietary Intake among Adolescents in a Middle-Income Country: An Outcome from the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team Study (the MyHeARTs Study)

Abdul Majid H, Ramli L, Ying SP, Su TT, Jalaludin MY, Abdul Mohsein NA

PLoS One, 2016;11(5):e0155447.
PMID: 27187889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155447

Optimal nutrition is essential for healthy growth during adolescence. This study aims to investigate the baseline nutritional intake of Malaysian adolescents by gender, body mass index, and places of residence, both urban and rural. A cohort study was conducted consisting of 794 adolescents (aged 13-years) attending 15 public secondary schools from the Central (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor) and Northern (Perak) Regions of Peninsular Malaysia. Qualified dietitians conducted a 7-day historical assessment of habitual food intakes. Facilitated by flipcharts and household measurement tools, detailed information on portion sizes and meal contents were recorded. Nutritionist Pro™ Diet Analysis software was also used to analyze the dietary records.The mean age of the adolescents was 12.86 ± 0.33 y; the mean energy intake was 1659.0 ± 329.6 kcal/d. Males had significantly (P < .001) higher energy intake than females (1774.0 ± 369.8 vs 1595.2 ± 320.6 kcal/d); adolescents in rural schools consumed more energy and cholesterol (P < .001) compared to adolescents in urban schools (1706.1 ± 377.7 kcal/d and 244.1 ± 100.2 mg/d, respectively). Obese adolescents in rural schools consumed more energy and sugar (1987.6 ± 374.0 kcal/d and 48.9 ± 23.0 g/d) (p-value <0.001).The dietary intake of normal weight versus obese adolescents differs by the location of their school. Thus, the implementation of a structured and tailored intervention is recommended to help minimize this nutritional inequality.

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