The Bernam River is one of the most important rivers in Malaysia in that it provides water for industries and agriculture located along its banks. The present study was conducted to assess the level of contamination of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Cr, Sn, and Fe) in surface sediments in the Bernam River. Nine surface sediment samples were collected from the lower, middle, and upper courses of the river. The results indicated that the concentrations of the metals decreased in the order of Sn > Cr > Ni > Fe > Cd (56.35, 14.90, 5.3, 4.6, and 0.62 μg/g(1) dry weight). Bernam River sediments have moderate to severe enrichment for Sn, moderate for Cd, and no enrichment for Cr, Ni, and Fe. The contamination factor (CF) results demonstrated that Cd and Sn are responsible for the high contamination. The pollution load index (PLI), for all the sampling sites, suggests that the sampling stations were generally unpolluted with the exception of the Bagan Tepi Sungai, Sabak Bernam, and Tanjom Malim stations. Multivariate techniques including Pearson's correlation and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to apportion the various sources of the metals. The results suggested that the sediment samples collected from the upper course of the river had lower metal concentrations, while sediments in the middle and lower courses of the river had higher metal concentrations. Therefore, our results can be useful as a baseline data for government bodies to adopt corrective measure on the issues related to heavy metal pollution in the Bernam River in the future.
The interaction and the interplay of climate change with oil palm production in the Southeast Asia region are of serious concern. This particularly applies in Malaysia due to its rank as the second largest palm oil producer in the world. The anthropogenic activities and the agroecological practices in oil palm plantation, including excessive use of fertilisers, bush fire due to land clearing, and cultivation on peatland, have exacerbated the effects of climate change featuring extreme events, drought, flooding, heatwave, as well as infestation of pest and diseases. These adverse impacts on oil palm production highlight the significance of deploying effective adaptation strategies. The study aims to examine the impact of climate change on oil palm production and identify the farmers' adaptation strategies to the impacts of climate change in Malaysia. This study was conducted a comprehensive review of the articles published from 2000 to 2021 in the contexts of climate change and oil palm production in Malaysia. The review shows that climate change has a range of impacts on the oil palm production in Malaysia. As a result, several adaptation options were identified, such as breeding of hybrid varieties that are tolerant and resistant to heat; sustainable management of soil; pit and tranches to enhance water management in plantation areas; minimal use of fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides; zero burning; and minimum tillage. The reviewed studies recommended the following to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change: sustainable national policy on climate change, conservation of the existing carbon stock, effective management of tropical rainforest biodiversity, afforestation for carbon sequestration, and reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission.
In this study, the bacteriostatic effect of Piper betle and Psidium guajava extracts on selected early dental plaque bacteria was investigated based on changes in the doubling time (g) and specific growth rates (micro). Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mitis and Actinomyces sp. were cultured in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) in the presence and absence of the extracts. The growth of bacteria was monitored periodically every 15 min over a period of 9 h to allow for a complete growth cycle. Growth profiles of the bacteria in the presence of the extracts were compared to those in the absence and deviation in the g and micro were determined and analyzed. It was found that the g and mu were affected by both extracts. At 4 mg mL(-1) of P. betle the g-values for S. sanguinis and S. mitis were increased by 12.0- and 10.4-fold, respectively (p < 0.05). At similar concentration P. guajava increased the g-value by 1.8- and 2.6 -fold, respectively (p < 0.05). The effect on Actinomyces sp. was observed at a much lower magnitude. It appears that P. betle and P. guajava extracts have bacteriostatic effect on the plaque bacteria by creating a stressed environment that had suppressed the growth and propagation of the cells. Within the context of the dental plaque, this would ensure the attainment of thin and healthy plaque. Thus, decoctions of these plants would be suitable if used in the control of dental plaque.
Agriculture is an important occupation in Malaysia that generates a major portion of the national revenue. Similar to the rest of the world, pesticides are used to boost agricultural production in Malaysian farms. However, chemical pesticides are associated with human health hazard and are not environment-friendly as they persist in nature for long periods of time. Therefore, pesticide use should be reduced and farmers should be trained on correct and/or alternative ways of pesticide use. In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed 19 palm oil plantations in the Sabah district of Malaysia and evaluated the perception of the workers towards pesticide use and awareness regarding the health effects post-pesticide exposure. Analysis of the survey shows that most of the workers among the 270 respondents were 30-year-old males with average education, and belonged to the low income group. Majority opined that they were aware of the health hazards of pesticide use and suffered from symptoms (with mean duration of three days) such as vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, and dizziness. Surprisingly, the opinion was almost equally divided on whether they perceived pesticides to be the cause of their health problems, and a major percentage did not avail medical help. Most of the workers responded that they did not receive any training in pesticide handling and used partial personal protective equipment (glasses, hats, shirt, and gloves) during working hours. Interestingly, a large percentage responded that they would not read the safety material even if it was provided. These observations clearly highlight the urgency of improving the awareness, education, and attitude of these plantation workers towards the short- and long-term effects of pesticide use. They should also be educated about alternative and eco-friendly ways of farming. Finally, the plantation management should intervene and proactively advocate the use of safe farming practices.
The extraction of intact RNA from oocyte is quite challenging and time-consuming. A standard protocol using commercial RNA extraction kit, yields a low quantity of RNA in oocytes. In the past, several attempts in getting RNA for gene expression study ended up with a few different modified methods. Extraction of high-quality RNA from oocyte is important before further downstream analyses such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or northern blot analysis. In this review, the efficiency of RNA extraction methods from all species oocytes was compared between published articles and our research to gather all possible methods of RNA extraction. Two different methods of RNA extraction that were proposed from various experiments were reviewed to determine the best method of RNA extraction from the oocyte. Modified TRIzol method can be concluded as an efficient RNA extraction method especially for good RNA from oocytes. Meanwhile, comparing RNA extraction kits to extract the RNA from oocytes or pre-implantation embryos, the micro RNA extraction kit type is the best. Therefore, an appropriate RNA extraction method is important to obtain high quality of total RNA for gene expression profiling analysis.
Invasive aspergillosis is the second most common invasive human mycosis but susceptibility data of Aspergillus species is limited. Antifungal treatment of aspergillosis is often done empirically without knowing the true susceptibility. Therefore, we aimed to determine antifungal susceptibility of Aspergillus species isolated from various clinical specimens over a 1-year period. We identified 28 Aspergillus isolates by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin genes and performed antifungal susceptibility testing on these isolates using Sensititre YeastOne. The isolates were identified as Aspergillus niger (60.7%), A. fumigatus (21.4%), A. flavus (10.7%), A. chevalieri (3.6%) and A. tubingensis (3.6%). Based on the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) Antifungal Clinical Breakpoint for Aspergillus spp., 16/17 (94.1%) A. niger isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, all six isolates (100%) of A. fumigatus were susceptible to amphotericin B, itraconazole and voriconazole, but only 5/6 (83.3%) A. fumigatus were susceptible to posaconazole. Meanwhile, all three (100%) A. flavus isolates were susceptible to itraconazole. There are no other breakpoints established by the EUCAST for other antifungal-species combinations. In conclusions, Aspergillus niger remains the most commonly isolated species from clinical specimens and Aspergillus isolates at our centre are still largely susceptible to amphotericin B, echinocandins and most azoles. This information is valuable in guiding antifungal therapy in the treatment of aspergillosis.
Solid waste collection and disposal are among the most vital services provided to about 700 770 residents of the city of Erbil in northern Iraq. As such, proper waste management systems that consider both the quantity and composition of domestic solid waste are strongly required to address the increasing amount of solid waste. Unfortunately, these essential data are not easily available. The present study sought to gather data on the quantity and composition of domestic solid waste collected from different quarters in Erbil, and the feasibility of recycling these wastes. The solid waste generation rate (GR), uncompacted density, and weight percentages of combustible and incombustible materials were determined based on the collected materials (i.e., food, plastic, paper, metal, glass and cloth). The results show that the average GR and uncompacted density were 0.654 kg capita(-1) day(-1) and 175.72 kg m(-3), respectively. The weight percentages of food, plastic, paper, metal, glass, and cloth as components of domestic solid waste were 79.34, 6.28, 5.9, 3.6, 3.42 and 1.45%, respectively.
Introduction: Family planning practice is important among the high-risk mothers. Thus, the knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among health care workers are very important in influencing the use of contraception among them. The objective of this study was to determine level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to contraception among doctors and nurses in Petaling District, Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 300 doctors and nurses working in the Maternal and Child Health Unit from six large public health clin-ics in Petaling district was conducted in May 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: A total of 109 doctors and 149 nurses participated in this study. The response rate was 86%. The median duration of service in KKM and working in MCH were 9 years (IQR 6.0) and 3 years (IQR 6.0) respectively. Majority (74%) had attended CME on family planning. The mean score of knowledge was 9.0 (out of 13) (SD 1.899). In terms of attitude, 51.6% would often suggest family planning to relatives or friends. Three common perceived barriers for effective counselling on family planning were too many patients (94.5%), time constraint (91.7%) and inadequate knowledge on contraception (60.4%). Common preferred methods of contraception among users were hormonal method (33.1%), followed by barrier (condom) method (29.5%). Medical officers had better knowledge score as compared to nurses (p
Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of the most common complications during pregnancy which affects 15% of pregnant women globally. Gestational diabetes mellitus patients have seven times lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women with normal pregnancies. Despite these facts, gestational diabetes mellitus patients may not perceive themselves to be at risk for future diabetes. Thus, this study aimed to determine the perception of risk for developing diabetes and factors associated with high risk perception among gestational di-abetes mellitus patients in Johor Bahru. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between April to May 2019 among 200 gestational diabetes mellitus patients attending primary health clinics in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Data was collected using Malay translated and validated Risk Perception Survey on Developing Diabetes questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: There were 200 cases which fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria in this study. The mean (SD) age of gestational diabetes mellitus patients in this study was 32.2 (4.8) years. Majority of them were from Malay ethnicity (74.5%) and 42.5% obtained higher education. Of these, 77.0% perceived themselves as high risk for developing diabetes. Higher knowledge scores and greater personal control were significantly associated with high perceived risk for developing diabetes (Adj. OR 2.08; 95% CI: 1.02,4.25; p=0.045 and Adj. OR 2.32; 95% CI: 1.16,4.63; p=0.017 respectively). Conclusion: Majority of gestational diabetes mellitus patients in this study accurately perceived themselves as having a high risk to develop diabetes in the future. Nevertheless, health education needs to be individualized and strengthened to ensure more patients are aware of the risk. In addition, further studies are needed to translate perceived risk into preventive health behaviours.
Liquid natural rubber (LNR) was functionalized into liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) and hydroxylated LNR (LNROH)
via oxidation using a Na2
WO4
/CH3
COOH/H2
O2
catalytic system. Microstructures of LNR and functionalized LNRs
were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. The
effect of CH3
COOH, H2
O2
, Na2
WO4
, reaction time and temperature. reaction time and temperature on epoxy content were
investigated. LNR-OH was obtained when oxidation reaction was conducted at a longer reaction time, higher temperature
or excess amount of catalyst. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reported the thermal behavior of functionalized LNRs.
Molecular weight and polydispersity index (PDI) were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
The yellowtail scad, Atule mate, forms important fisheries throughout the Indo-Pacific region. To know about the stock status of A. mate in Malaysia, various population parameters were measured, by utilizing length-frequency data, that included asymptotic length (L∞), growth coefficient (K), mortality rates (Z, F and M), exploitation level (E) and recruitment pattern of this species from Marudu Bay, Sabah, Malaysia. Total length and body weight relationship was estimated as W = 0.007TL3.148 (R2 = 0.937). The asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated 27.80 cm and 1.50 yr−1, respectively. Total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were found to be 4.53, 2.46 and 2.07 yr−1, respectively. The exploitation level (E) was estimated 0.46. It was showed that the recruitment pattern was continuous with two major peaks per year. Relative yield per recruit predicted a maximum exploitation rate (Emax) which was 0.55. The current E value (0.46) is lower than the optimum exploitation (E = 0.50) as well predicted Emax. Therefore, it could be concluded that stock of A. mate in the investigated area of Marudu Bay, Sabah is under exploited.
The main objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with blood cholesterol level among staff in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The study was a cross-sectional. One-hundred staff between 23 and 59 years of age were recruited in this study using convenient sampling at USM Health Campus. A questionnaire which includes sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and red meat intake was used in the study. Anthropometric and biochemical assessment were measured. Blood cholesterol level was divided into two categories which were known as healthy range (<5.2mmol/L) and slight risk/high risk range (≥5.2mmol/L). The gender distribution of respondents for this study comprised of 40 male and 60 female. The age group (18 to 39) years and (40 to 59) years had a total of 40.3% and 63.2% of slightly risk or high risk blood cholesterol respectively; with the significant association between age group and blood cholesterol level (χ²=4.916,p=0.027). Besides, normal BMI group had 66.7% of respondents achieved healthy blood cholesterol level whereas underweight, overweight and obese group had 39.7% achieved healthy blood cholesterol with the significant association between BMI and blood cholesterol level (χ²=7.112,p=0.008). Moreover, daily or weekly intake of red meat showed that 65.0% of total respondents had a healthier blood cholesterol level compared to 51.0% of monthly, rarely, or none red meat intake group which achieved healthy blood cholesterol level. The result also showed a significant association between red meat intake and blood cholesterol (χ²=5.229, p=0.022), which indicating less red meat consumption is linked to high level of blood cholesterol level. Therefore, further investigation and future studies are needed to gain a clearer understanding of the association between these variables and blood cholesterol level.
Development and urbanization processes around Terengganu River estuary are expected to release a significant amount of heavy metals into the existing surface sediment. However, information on how and why these metals are attached into specific fraction of sediments is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explain the heavy metal concentration distribution in each available fraction in Terengganu River estuary. In this study, nine surface sediments originated from various human activities area in Terengganu River estuary were collected during four different sampling sessions in 2017. Heavy metal content from the collected sediments were extracted using 3-steps BCR sequential extraction method followed by detection using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and we discovered that the total concentration of arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) ranged from 2.18 to 17.48 mg/kg dry wt., 2.53 to 20.53 mg/kg dry wt., 1.01 to 13.13 mg/kg dry wt., and 6.10 to 65.71 mg/kg dry wt., respectively. Dominance of metals in each fraction can be arranged as follows: As: residual > reducible > exchangeable > oxidizable; Co: residual > exchangeable > reducible > oxidizable; Cu: residual > oxidizable > reducible > exchangeable; Zn: residual > exchangeable > reducible > oxidizable. Availability of metals in the sediment at Terengganu River estuary is limited since that majority of metals resides in non-mobilisable fraction of the sediment. In essence, the sequential extraction provides information regarding the metals’ fractionation, availability and mobility, which could be used in assessing the environmental contamination in the area.
Introduction: Hypertension contributes to major cardiovascular morbidities and mortalities worldwide and medica- tion compliance is crucial in achieving target blood pressure control. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with non-compliance towards anti-hypertensive medication in Malaysia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among hypertensive patients who were attending the medical outpatient department, Hospital Serdang from March until May 2018. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit patients and a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Non-compliance is defined as attaining a score of 26 and below from the Medication Compliance Scale. Data analysis was done using SPSS v. 23. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of medication non-compliance among hypertensive patients. Re- sults: A total of 120 respondents were recruited into this study with a response rate of 60.9%. Mean age of the study respondents was 60.82 ± 11.25 years old. They were predominantly female (60.8%), Malay (58.3%) and attained at least secondary educational level (75.0%). The prevalence of non-compliance towards anti-hypertensive medi- cation was 25%. Multiple logistic regression showed that side effects of medication (OR=5.59; 95% CI=1.29-24.21, p=0.021), traditional medications usage (OR=19.19; 95% CI=3.90-94.45, p=
Wi-Fi is a wireless communication technology that uses specific electromagnetic frequencies. The increasing use of Wi-Fi has raised public concerns about the impact of electromagnetic radiation on the environment and human health. Since the exposure level of the electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation differs between different locations, it is important to measure the strength of the EMF at various locations under observation. This study aimed to obtain specific values related to the radiofrequency and microwave EMF which is described by four specific parameters, that are 1) the frequency of the wave, 2) the electric field strength E, 3) the magnetic field strength H, and 4) the power density S. This study was carried out at the first floor area of Hamdan Tahir Library, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. Mapping of Wi-Fi signal and measurement of Wi-Fi radiation level was performed at four specific locations, that are Laptop zone 1, Laptop zone 2, Computer lab, and Cozy corner. The average radiation level was compared with the ICNIRP standard limit for public user. It was observed that the Wi-Fi signal was highest in Laptop zone 2 followed by Laptop zone 1 which displayed a moderate signal strength. Whereas moderate but lower signal level was detected in Computer lab zone and Cozy corner. The electric and magnetic fields as well as power density were found highest in Laptop zone 1, followed by Laptop zone 2, Cozy corner, and Computer lab. Comparison with standard ICNIRP limit showed that the radiation level is still far below the ICNIRP limit, which is only 2% of exposure level. To conclude, Laptop zone 2 exhibited the strongest Wi-Fi signal whereas Laptop zone 1 displayed the highest radiation level. However, the strength of the electric and magnetic fields as well as power density is still far below the ICNIRP limit.
The increasing use of wireless communication devices, particularly Wi-Fi has raised public concerns on the exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) and its possible effect on human health. As the exposure level of the EMF radiation varies between different locations, measurement of the EMF strength at various locations is vital. In this study, we aimed to measure the EMF exposure which is described by four specific parameters, specifically 1) the frequency of the wave, 2) the electric field strength E, 3) the magnetic field strength H, and 4) the power density S. This study was performed at the second floor in Nurani hostel block in Desasiswa Murni Nurani, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. Mapping of Wi-Fi signal and measurement of Wi-Fi radiation level was performed at four specific locations, that are in a student room, television room, prayer room, and ironing room. The average radiation level was compared with the standard limit set by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). It was observed that the strength of Wi-Fi signal was highest in students’ room followed by television room. Both of these rooms exhibited high signal strength. While moderate but lower signal level was observed in prayer room followed by ironing room. The electromagnetic field and power density were found highest in students’ room, followed by television room, prayer room, and ironing room. Comparison with standard ICNIRP limit showed that the radiation level is still far below the acceptable limit, which is only 2% of the exposure level. To conclude, students’ room exhibited the strongest Wi-Fi signal and the highest radiation level. However, the radiation level especially power density is still far below the ICNIRP limit.
Although the precise etiology of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, WHO grade IV) remains unknown, its progression
is believed to be driven by the accumulation of multiple genetic alterations. Here, we report a case of a patient who
developed GBM, and associated with dual alterations, particularly 4977-bp deletion in mtDNA (mtDNA4977) and
p.Arg132His (R132H) mutation in IDH1. A 35-year old Malaysian woman patient who primary diagnosed with astrocytoma WHO grade I and subsequently after four years developed a GBM, was detected with a mtDNA4977. This
deletion appears to be a sporadic mutation. Additionally, analysis of patient’s tumor tissue also found to harbor a heterozygous IDH1 R132H mutation. This represents the first case report of coexisting mtDNA4977 together with IDH1
R132H mutation in a Malaysian patient of GBM. The findings of dual alterations could be of therapeutic benefit if
these alterations were justified to be contributing to GBM growth and aggressiveness.
Nowadays, probiotic bacteria are extensively used in beverages application to deliver beneficial health effect to the consumer upon ingestion. Different entrapment techniques can be used to maintain the viability of probiotic bacteria during processing as well as during storage of beverage products. Development of artificial microcapsules from entrapment techniques are to support the growth and to provide protection on probiotic cells from unfavorable external conditions that may affect the viability of probiotics in beverages. Techniques that usually applied for probiotic entrapment in beverages are microencapsulation, emulsification, spray drying and extrusion. Biomaterials such as alginate, carrageenan, whey protein, gelatin, chitosan and starch are the most commonly used matrix in entrapment of lactic acid bacteria. Entrapment of probiotic is applied on beverages products such as fruit juice, yoghurt and ice cream
This study investigated the effects of stochastic facilitation in healthy subjects with normal and low auditory working memory capacity (AWMC). Forty healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. They performed a backward recall task (BRT) in quiet and under four white noise intensity levels: 45, 50, 55, and 60 dB. Brain activations during the task were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The behavioral performance in both groups increased significantly in 50 and 55 dB white noise. The normal AWMC group (mean score = 48.70) demonstrated higher activation in the superior temporal gyrus and prefrontal cortex than the low AWMC group (mean score = 30.85). However, comparisons in the brain activation between groups for all noise levels were not statistically different. The results support previous findings that stochastic facilitation enhances cognitive performance in healthy individuals. The results also proposed that brain activity among healthy subjects is more or less similar, at least in the context of auditory working memory. These findings indicated that there were no differential effects of stochastic facilitation in healthy subjects with different AWMC.