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Fulltext Prospective surveillance of nosocomial device-associated bacteremia in three adult intensive units in Malaysia

Gopal Katherason S, Naing L, Jaalam K, Kamarul Iman Musa K, Nik Abdullah NM, Aiyar S, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2010 Aug;27(2):308-16.
PMID: 20962730 MyJurnal

Nosocomial blood stream infection (or nosocomial bacteremia) is a common problem in hospitals worldwide, including Malaysia. A three-year prospective cohort study (October 2003-March 2007) of the incidences, risk factors, and patterns of the microorganisms causing bacteremia was conducted using a validated surveillance form in three intensive care units (ICUs) in Malaysia. Center for Disease Control criteria were used to diagnose bacteremia. Patients were monitored from admission until the end point of study, which was the first detection of bacteremia in the blood in each patient. The frequency of occurrence of bacteremia with clinical symptoms was 10.7% (n=23). Bacteremia was observed to occur within a mean length of stay of 10 days in ICU. The rate of device-related infection was 10.4% per device utilization days with a device utilization rate of 95.9%/1000 patient days. The total number of patient days was 2309 and the period of device utilization was 2211 days. The common bacteria detected were extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=6); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=6); Acinetobacter species (n=5); Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)(n=3); and (non- ESBL) Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=2). Multivariable analysis using Cox Proportional Hazard Model showed that the predictors for developing bacteremia were cancer, MRSA carriage, duration of central venous catheter (CVC) infusion, frequency change of CVC, and the administration of hydrocortisone drugs. These results indicate that a combination of nursing and medical interventions as well as patients' severity of illness could lead to bacteremia in ICU. Strategic implementation of quality assurance measures in ICUs could help to control this problem.
Antinociceptive and antiedematogenic activities of andrographolide isolated from Andrographis paniculata in animal models

Sulaiman MR, Zakaria ZA, Abdul Rahman A, Mohamad AS, Desa MN, Stanslas J, et al.

Biol Res Nurs, 2010 Jan;11(3):293-301.
PMID: 19689990 DOI: 10.1177/1099800409343311

The current study was performed to evaluate the antinociceptive and antiedematogenic properties of andrographolide isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata using two animal models. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the acetic acid- induced writhing and the hot-plate tests, while antiedematogenic activity was measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of andrographolide (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) did not affect the motor coordination of the experimental animals but produced significant (p < .05) antinociceptive activity when assessed using both tests. However, 2 mg/kg naloxone failed to affect the 25 mg/kg andrographolide activity in both tests, indicating that the activity was modulated via nonopioid mechanisms. Furthermore, andrographolide showed significant (p < .05) antiedematogenic activity. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that andrographolide has antinociceptive and antiedematogenic activities; it may be useful for treating pain and inflammation once human studies are conducted.
How does digital finance affect sustainable economic growth? Evidence from China

Liu Y, Abdul Rahman A, Amin SIM, Ja'afar R

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Oct;30(46):103164-103178.
PMID: 37682439 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29496-4

Digital finance is an innovative financial model of great significance for sustainable economic growth. By constructing indicators of sustainable economic growth, we explore the impact of digital finance on sustainable economic growth using the fixed effect model, mediating effect model, threshold regression model, and dynamic spatial Dubin model. The study finds that digital finance can drive sustainable economic growth, and the robustness and endogenous treatment results strongly verify this. Digital finance promotes sustainable growth mainly through technological innovation. In addition, with technological innovation and the development of renewable energy, there is a significant nonlinear relationship between digital finance and sustainable economic growth. Finally, the spatial spillover effect results show that digital finance's impact on sustainable economic growth has a positive effect, whether it is a direct effect or an indirect effect. This article provides possible ideas for digital finance to promote sustainable economic growth.
Post traumatic cerebral oedema in severe head injury is related to intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure but not to cerebral compliance

Nujaimin U, Saufi A, Rahman AG, Badrisyah I, Sani S, Zamzuri I, et al.

Asian J Surg, 2009 Jul;32(3):157-62.
PMID: 19656755

This was a prospective cohort study, carried out in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian Kelantan. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and was conducted between November 2005 and September 2007 with a total of 30 patients included in the study. In our study, univariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between mean intracranial pressure (ICP) as well as cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) with both states of basal cistern and the degree of diffuse injury and oedema based on the Marshall classification system. The ICP was higher while CPP and compliance were lower whenever the basal cisterns were effaced in cases of cerebral oedema with Marshall III and IV. In comparison, the study revealed lower ICP, higher mean CPP and better mean cerebral compliance if the basal cisterns were opened or the post operative CT brain scan showed Marshall I and II. These findings suggested the surgical evacuation of clots to reduce the mass volume and restoration of brain anatomy may reduce vascular engorgement and cerebral oedema, therefore preventing intracranial hypertension, and improving cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral compliance. Nevertheless the study did not find any significant relationship between midline shifts and mean ICP, CPP or cerebral compliance even though lower ICP, higher CPP and compliance were frequently observed when the midline shift was less than 0.5 cm. As the majority of our patients had multiple and diffuse brain injuries, the absence of midline shift did not necessarily mean lower ICP as the pathology was bilateral and even when after excluding the multiple lesions, the result remained insignificant. We assumed that the CT brain scan obtained after evacuation of the mass lesion to assess the state basal cistern and classify the diffuse oedema may prognosticate the intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure thus assisting in the acute post operative management of severely head injured patients. Hence post operative CT brain scans may be done to verify the ICP and CPP readings postoperatively. Subsequently, withdrawal of sedation for neurological assessment after surgery could be done if the CT brain scan showed an opened basal cistern and Marshall I and II coupled with ICP of less than 20 mmHg.
Fulltext Precision Medicine: Making It Happen for Malaysia

Jamal ARA

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Jun;28(3):1-4.
PMID: 34285640 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.3.1

Precision medicine is transforming healthcare worldwide and aims to improve the effectiveness of management of many diseases including cancers, other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and also rare diseases. Precision medicine takes into account the individual patient's genetic, environment and lifestyle data. Developed nations are already embarking on precision medicine initiatives including the 100,000 Genomes England and the Precision Medicine Initiative in the United States (US). The Academy of Sciences Malaysia, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education are working together to put forward a precision medicine initiative for Malaysia. The key drivers that must be put in place include a strong policy agenda, a national large scale genome sequencing project and with it a national genome database, the implementation of the electronic medical record (EMR) system, a payment and reimbursement system to cover for the genetic testing and the targeted treatment, and putting in place an ecosystem that will support precision medicine. Relevant guidelines and Acts will also need to be developed especially with regard to privacy and confidentiality. The future of precision medicine is now and this will certainly bring better outcome and value to the patients.
Fulltext Developing a Risk Governance Framework on Radiological Emergency, Preparedness, and Response for Emergency Responders: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

Abd Rahman A, Abdul Manaf R, Lim PY, Suppiah S, Juni MH

JMIR Res Protoc, 2021 Aug 13;10(8):e25877.
PMID: 34398793 DOI: 10.2196/25877

BACKGROUND: Risk governance involves processes and mechanisms to understand how risk decisions are taken and executed. This concept has gained a reputation over time as being essential for emerging comprehensive management that defines the success of an organization. While guiding documents that explain the use of risk management related to nuclear safety and security are available worldwide, few locally conducted studies have explained risk governance practices in areas where hazard usage is known, such as in radiological emergencies.
OBJECTIVE: This paper describes a protocol that was used to determine several factors that influence emergency responders' perceptions toward radiological risk practices and visualize the risk radiological framework for emergency preparedness and response.
METHODS: A mixed methods study with a convergent design was performed. A qualitative analysis was performed using a case study approach where 6 key informants were purposely sampled for in-depth interview, and a cross-sectional study involving a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among approximately 260 emergency respondents from national regulatory, research, and services organizations. NVivo (version 12, QSR International) was used to analyze the interview transcripts and emerging themes were identified through abductive coding. Simultaneously, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors that form the equation model.
RESULTS: The study is still underway. Qualitative findings were based on transcript-coding that informed the relevant thematic analysis, while statistical analyses including multiple logistic regression analysis measured the adjusted odds ratio of significant variables for the equation model. The study is expected to conclude in late 2021.
CONCLUSIONS: Important emerging themes and significant factors that are related to the emergency responders' perceptions regarding radiological governance practices were determined through the convergent design. This potentially facilitated the development of a plausible radiological risk governance framework. Furthermore, our results will provide key insights that can be used in future studies.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/25877.
Robust biometric system using session invariant multimodal EEG and keystroke dynamics by the ensemble of self-ONNs

Rahman A, Chowdhury MEH, Khandakar A, Tahir AM, Ibtehaz N, Hossain MS, et al.

Comput Biol Med, 2022 Mar;142:105238.
PMID: 35077938 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105238

Harnessing the inherent anti-spoofing quality from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals has become a potential field of research in recent years. Although several studies have been conducted, still there are some vital challenges present in the deployment of EEG-based biometrics, which is stable and capable of handling the real-world scenario. One of the key challenges is the large signal variability of EEG when recorded on different days or sessions which impedes the performance of biometric systems significantly. To address this issue, a session invariant multimodal Self-organized Operational Neural Network (Self-ONN) based ensemble model combining EEG and keystroke dynamics is proposed in this paper. Our model is tested successfully on a large number of sessions (10 recording days) with many challenging noisy and variable environments for the identification and authentication tasks. In most of the previous studies, training and testing were performed either over a single recording session (same day) only or without ensuring appropriate splitting of the data on multiple recording days. Unlike those studies, in our work, we have rigorously split the data so that train and test sets do not share the data of the same recording day. The proposed multimodal Self-ONN based ensemble model has achieved identification accuracy of 98% in rigorous validation cases and outperformed the equivalent ensemble of deep CNN models. A novel Self-ONN Siamese network has also been proposed to measure the similarity of templates during the authentication task instead of the commonly used simple distance measure techniques. The multimodal Siamese network reduces the Equal Error Rate (EER) to 1.56% in rigorous authentication. The obtained results indicate that the proposed multimodal Self-ONN model can automatically extract session invariant unique non-linear features to identify and authenticate users with high accuracy.
Fulltext Target specificity of selective bioactive compounds in blocking α-dystroglycan receptor to suppress Lassa virus infection: an in silico approach

Arefin A, Ismail Ema T, Islam T, Hossen S, Islam T, Al Azad S, et al.

J Biomed Res, 2021 Nov 06;35(6):459-473.
PMID: 34857680 DOI: 10.7555/JBR.35.20210111

Lassa hemorrhagic fever, caused by Lassa mammarenavirus (LASV) infection, accumulates up to 5000 deaths every year. Currently, there is no vaccine available to combat this disease. In this study, a library of 200 bioactive compounds was virtually screened to study their drug-likeness with the capacity to block the α-dystroglycan (α-DG) receptor and prevent LASV influx. Following rigorous absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) profiling, molecular docking was conducted with the top ligands against the α-DG receptor. The compounds chrysin, reticuline, and 3-caffeoylshikimic acid emerged as the top three ligands in terms of binding affinity. Post-docking analysis revealed that interactions with Arg76, Asn224, Ser259, and Lys302 amino acid residues of the receptor protein were important for the optimum binding affinity of ligands. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed comprehensively to study the stability of the protein-ligand complexes. In-depth assessment of root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), polar surface area (PSA), B-Factor, radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), and molecular surface area (MolSA) values of the protein-ligand complexes affirmed that the candidates with the best binding affinity formed the most stable protein-ligand complexes. To authenticate the potentialities of the ligands as target-specific drugs, an in vivo study is underway in real time as the continuation of the research.
Fulltext Effectiveness and safety of electronic cigarettes among sole and dual user vapers in Kuantan and Pekan, Malaysia: a six-month observational study

Mohamed MHN, Rahman A, Jamshed S, Mahmood S

BMC Public Health, 2018 Aug 20;18(1):1028.
PMID: 30126382 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5951-2

BACKGROUND: Current studies on electronic cigarettes (ECs) have assessed the smoking cessation effectiveness and safety of EC among sole EC users. However, in Malaysia and elsewhere, most EC users also smoke conventional cigarettes (CCs). We aimed to investigate nicotine cessation for both ECs and CCs. Additionally, safety issues among sole EC and dual (EC and CC) users over a six-month period were reported.

METHODS: We observed 218 sole Malaysian EC and dual users over 6 months from June 2015 to November 2015. Both groups underwent exhaled breath carbon monoxide and saliva cotinine analyses to verify their nicotine cessation from both EC and CC use. Adverse events and withdrawal symptoms were assessed based on self-reports.

RESULTS: Only 3.3% of observed users quit both ECs and CCs, whereas 20.5% quit smoking CCs. Quitting ECs and CCs was significantly higher among sole EC users (5 vs 2, respectively; OR: 5.62; P = 0.036) than it was among dual users, a result that was similar for CCs smoking (29 vs. 15; OR: 6.33; P ≤ 0.001). No severe health issues were reported over the entire study period.

CONCLUSION: The rates of quitting CCs and ECs were higher in sole EC users than those in dual users. No serious health effects were reported over 6 months in either group. ECs may serve as a smoking cessation aid in Malaysia, but appropriate regulations are necessary to encourage sole EC use to ensure product quality. Large randomised clinical trials (RCTs) with a longer follow-up are required to better measure the effectiveness and safety of ECs use alone and in combination with CCs.
Fulltext Evaluating Nicotine Abstinence, Smoking Cessation, Reduction and its Relapsed Among Electronic Cigarettes Single and Dual Malaysian Users: A One Year Observational Study

Rahman A, Nik Mohamed MH, Mahmood S

J Pharm Pharm Sci, 2021;24:200-209.
PMID: 33909555 DOI: 10.18433/jpps31243

PURPOSE: Evidence for the complete nicotine cessation is inadequate among electronic cigarettes (ECs) single users (SUs, use only ECs), and dual users (DUs, use both ECs and conventional cigarettes (CCs). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the nicotine cessation among SUs and DUs who used ECs over one year.
METHODS: We observed 70 SUs and 148 DUs for 52 weeks and tested their exhaled carbon monoxide and saliva cotinine to confirm their complete nicotine cessation status through cotinine in saliva. Safety issues were to be identified through self-report. Smoking cessation, CCs reduction of ≥ 50%, and relapsed to CCs smoking and safety issues were also documented.
RESULTS: The nicotine cessation rate was higher in SUs then DUs (15.9% vs. 6.8%; P = 0.048; 95% CI (2.328-0.902). A similar result for smoking cessation (34.8% SUs vs. 17.1% DUs; P = 0.005; 95% CI: 2.031-0.787), whereas CCs ≥ 50% reduction was 23.3% DUs vs 21.7% SUs (P = 0.863; 95% CI :1.020-0.964). Relapse to CC smoking was 47.3% in DUs versus 30.4% in SUs (P = 0.026; 95% CI: 1.555-0.757). The adverse effects reported were coughing and breathing problems, whereas craving smoking was documented as a major withdrawal symptom. Smoking-related diseases were also identified, five in DUs and two in SUs, during the one-year study period.
CONCLUSIONS: Study showed SUs achieved higher complete nicotine and smoking cessation rates as compared to DUs. However, the rates of reduced CC use were not different between both the groups. No serious adverse effects related to the sole use of ECs were detected. However, the safety of the sole use of ECs in absolute terms needs to be further validated in different populations.
cagA gene variants in Malaysian Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients of different ethnic groups

Ramelah M, Aminuddin A, Alfizah H, Isa MR, Jasmi AY, Tan HJ, et al.

FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol., 2005 May 1;44(2):239-42.
PMID: 15866222

Helicobacter pylori infection of a distinct subtype of cagA may lead to different pathological manifestation. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of cagA gene and its variants in H. pylori infection among different ethnic groups and its effect on gastroduodenal diseases. Overall detection of cagA among the 205 clinical isolates of H. pylori was 94%. Variations in size of the 3' region of cagA gene were examined among 192 Malaysian H. pylori cagA-positive strains. Results showed that three cagA variants differing in fragment length of PCR products were detected and designated as type A (621-651bp), type B (732-735bp) and type C (525 bp). Although there was no association between any of the cagA subtypes with peptic ulcer disease (p>0.05), an association between cagA subtypes with a specific ethnic group was observed. Specific-cagA subtype A strains were predominantly isolated from Chinese compared to Malays and Indians (p<0.0005), and cagA subtype B strains were predominantly isolated from Malays and Indians compared to Chinese (p<0.05). The cagA type A strains of H. pylori is commonly found in the Chinese patients who have a higher risk of peptic ulcer disease, thus indicating that it could be used as an important clinical biomarker for a more severe infection.
Fulltext Visible and angular interrogation of Kretschmann-based SPR using hybrid Au-ZnO optical sensor for hyperuricemia detection

Mustaffa SN, Md Yatim N, Abdul Rashid AR, Md Yatim N, Pithaih V, Sha'ari NS, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Dec;9(12):e22926.
PMID: 38125452 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22926

Uric acid is a waste product of the human body where high levels of it or hyperuricemia can lead to gout, kidney disease and other health issues. In this paper, Finite Difference Time Doman (FDTD) simulation method was used to develop a plasmonic optical sensor to detect uric acid with molarity ranging from 0 to 3.0 mM. A hybrid layer of gold-zinc oxide (Au-ZnO) was used in this Kretschmann-based Surface Plasmon Resonance (K-SPR) technique with angular interrogation at 670 nm and 785 nm visible optical wavelengths. The purpose of this study is to observe the ability of the hybrid material as a sensing performance enhancer for differentiating between healthy and unhealthy uric acid levels based on the refractive index values from previous study. Upon exposure to 670 nm wavelength, the average sensitivity of this sensor was found to be 0.028°/mM with a linearity of 98.67 % and Q-factor value of 0.0053 mM-1. While at 785 nm, the average sensitivity is equal to 0.0193°/mM with slightly lower linearity at 94.46 % and Q-factor value of 0.0076 mM-1. The results have proven the ability of hybrid material Au-ZnO as a sensing performance enhancer for detecting uric acid when compared with bare Au and can be further explored in experimental work.
Factors associated with severe envenomation of snakebite cases at emergency department, Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim, Kedah, Malaysia

Mhd Nizar MNF, Rahman A, Baharuddin KA, Ahmad MZ, Mohamed Ismail M

Med J Malaysia, 2022 Jan;77(1):20-25.
PMID: 35086990

INTRODUCTION: Snakebite envenomation is a medical emergency and cases continue to be encountered in Malaysian hospitals. This study aims to determine the prevalence of snakebite presentations and the associated factors with severe envenomation of snakebite in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, crosssectional study involving snakebite patients presented at the Emergency Department (ED), Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim (HSAH), Kedah from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2019. The cases were extracted from the computerized system and the case records of patients were retrieved from the Medical Record Unit. Patients that met the study criteria were included and their sociodemographic features, clinical presentations including use of anti-venom were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with severe envenomation.
RESULTS: A total of 220 snakebite cases with the mean age of patients was 39.66 (SD±21.79) years old. Majority of them were Malay and males. 41.4% of snakebite cases occurred in late evenings and the mean time-lapsed to arrive at HSAH was 108.6 minutes. 81.4% of snakebite cases occurred while engaging in outdoor activities and 43.6% of the snakebite cases involved work-related incidents. 58.2% of the patients were bitten in the lower limb. 78.6% of patients were bitten by the identified snake species, predominantly from Viperidae family. The prevalence of severe envenomation was 50.9%. Malay ethnicity (adj. OR =2.549, 95% CI =1.277,5.089), bite to the upper limb (adj. OR =2.125, 95% CI =1.192, 3.790), and bite by snakes from Viperidae family (adj. OR =3.017, 95% CI =1.613, 5.642) were found to have significant associations with severe envenomation of snakebite.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of severe envenomation was more than 50% of snakebite cases. Malay ethnicity, upper limb snake bites, and snakebite from a Viperidae family had a higher chance of severe envenomation.
Fulltext What factors affecting investment decision? The moderating role of fintech self-efficacy

Che Hassan N, Abdul-Rahman A, Ab Hamid SN, Mohd Amin SI

PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0299004.
PMID: 38635510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299004

This study aims to determine, from the perspective of investors, the factors that predict Islamic unit trust (IUT) investment intentions. Additionally, this paper examines the moderating effect of fintech self-efficacy (FSE) on the relationship between attitude and investment intention. A total of 392 data were collected from IUT investors in Malaysia and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that subjective norms have the highest impact on investment intention, followed by attitude and FSE, while religiosity is not significantly associated with investment intention in Islamic unit trust funds. Attitude significantly mediates religiosity-intention and Islamic financial literacy-intention relationships. FSE significantly moderates the attitude-intention relationship. The results shed light on the key factors that increase investing behavior and have direct managerial implications with regard to marketing strategies and target markets. These findings suggest that IUT service providers should take the lead in attracting customers through effective and targeted marketing initiatives, particularly by enhancing customers' FSE and capabilities. This study provides empirical evidence on the interrelationships between Islamic financial literacy, religiosity, and FSE in examining investors' behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior framework. The study explores the moderating role of FSE on the relationship between attitude and investment intention.
Health and quality of life among the caregivers of children with disabilities: A review of literature

Isa SN, Ishak I, Ab Rahman A, Mohd Saat NZ, Che Din N, Lubis SH, et al.

Asian J Psychiatr, 2016 Oct;23:71-77.
PMID: 27969083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.07.007

Families caring for children with disabilities face particular challenges and demands compared to those caring for children without disabilities. Evidence suggests that there is considerable variation in how caregivers of children with disabilities adapt to their caregiving demands and stressors. The different adaptations to the children with disabilities may cause different impacts on the health and well-being of caregivers. This paper provides a brief overview of the literature on the impact of caring for children with disabilities on the health and quality of life of caregivers and the factors related to the health outcomes and quality of life. A literature search was conducted by using various electronic databases, including PsychINFO, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and MEDLINE using specific key terms. Thirty-one articles published in peer-review journals from the last six years (2009-2014) were reviewed. Most of the studies were quantitative studies. Factors discussed that impact on caregivers' health and quality of life include the caregivers' sociodemographic background and child's disability-related factors. Several mediators and moderators including coping strategies, social support, parental stress, self-esteem and self-efficacy are described in this paper. This review highlighted the importance of these factors to better understand the complex nature of stress processes and the caregivers' adaptations to their children's disabilities.
Fulltext Data on RNA-seq analysis of Garcinia mangostana L. seed development

Mazlan O, Abdul-Rahman A, Goh HH, Aizat WM, Mohd Noor N

Data Brief, 2018 Feb;16:90-93.
PMID: 29188226 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2017.11.001

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) has exceptional potential for commercial and pharmaceutical applications due to its delicious fruit and medicinal properties. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of mangosteen seed development is poorly understood. In this study, we performed transcriptomic analysis of four seed developmental stages; eight, ten, twelve and fourteen weeks after anthesis. Illumina HiSeq™ 4000 sequencer was used to generate raw data of approximately 68 Gb in size. From 451,495,326 raw reads, 406,143,756 clean reads were obtained. The raw data were uploaded to SRA database and the BioProject ID is PRJNA395504. These data provide the basis for further exploration and understanding of the molecular mechanism in mangosteen seed development.
Fulltext A systematic literature review of the role of trust and security on Fintech adoption in banking

Jafri JA, Mohd Amin SI, Abdul Rahman A, Mohd Nor S

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e22980.
PMID: 38163181 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22980

Fintech's development has amplified cybercrime, prompting trust and security concerns in banking. While earlier research predominantly viewed Fintech adoption through a tech-centric lens, emphasising its benefits, there is a paucity of studies on cognitive resistance arising from Fintech controversies. This review synthesises previous Fintech literature on behavioural intentions in banking, emphasising the role of trust, security, and other factors, and highlights existing research gaps. Utilising the ROSES (RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses) framework, a Systematic Literature Review was conducted, analysing 26 articles from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases (2009-2022). Thematic analysis produces five primary themes (UTAUT2 variables; risk; trust; quality; and other), branching into 24 sub-themes. The weight analysis emphasises the best well-utilised predictors like performance expectancy, trust, security, perceived usefulness, and attitude. In addition, the review identifies research gaps and offers recommendations for future studies using the TCCM (Theory, Context, Constructs, and Method) framework. This research provides insights to Fintech companies and regulatory authorities on the preferred attributes of Fintech services that can enhance their adoption within the banking sector.
Fulltext Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Children with Special Needs in Kelantan, Malaysia: The Importance of Psychosocial Mediators

Isa SNI, Ishak I, Ab Rahman A, Mohd Saat NZ, Che Din N, Lubis SH, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Apr;28(2):128-141.
PMID: 33958967 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.12

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) is an important aspect of well-being for the caregivers of children with disability, making it a noteworthy outcome. Little is known about the challenges faced by the caregivers in Asian countries and its association to their QoL. The purpose of this study was to examine a model describing the relationship between sociodemographic and disability-related factors on caregivers' QoL, mediated by the caregivers' psychosocial factors such as perceived stress, coping skills, and social support.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving caregivers of children with special needs in Kelantan, a state of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 383 caregivers completed questionnaires measuring sociodemographics, disability-related factors, psychosocial factors and QoL outcome. Structural equation modelling was performed to examine the relations of the variables in the conceptual model.
RESULTS: In the final model, childcare dependency, caregiver's age, financial support, negative perception of stress and maladaptive coping skills were significant predictors of QoL (R 2 = 0.65). Caregiver's age had a direct effect on QoL, while financial support had an indirect effect on QoL via negative perception of stress. Childcare dependency had direct and indirect effects on QoL via negative perception of stress. Higher perceived stress was associated with lower QoL directly and indirectly via maladaptive coping skills. The final model fitted the data well (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.046; CFI = 0.923; χ2/df = 1.798).
CONCLUSION: Intervention strategies to improve the QoL of caregivers should target the family unit and take into account the factors of child's disability, demographic and caregiver's psychosocial status.
Fulltext Fish oil supplementation is beneficial on caloric intake, appetite and mid upper arm muscle circumference in children with leukaemia

Abu Zaid Z, Shahar S, Jamal AR, Mohd Yusof NA

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2012;21(4):502-10.
PMID: 23017308

A randomised trial was carried out to determine the effect of supplementation of fish oil among 51 children with leukaemia aged 4 to 12 years on appetite level, caloric intake, body weight and lean body mass. They were randomly allocated into the trial group (TG) and the control group (CG). At baseline, 30.8% of TG subjects and 44.0% of CG subjects were malnourished and 7.7% of subject from TG and 28.0% from CG were classified as stunted. The majority of subjects from TG and CG were in the mild malnutrition category for mid upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC)-for-age. The TG group showed significant increment in MUAMC (0.13 cm vs -0.09 cm) compared with CG at 8 weeks (p<0.001). There was a significant higher increase for appetite level (0.12±0.33) (p<0.05) and an increasing trend on energy and protein intake in the TG group (213±554 kcal; 3.64 ±26.8 g) than in the CG group. In conclusion, supplementation of fish oil has a positive effect on appetite level, caloric intake and MUAMC among children with leukaemia.
Gene expression profiling and cancer-related pathways in type I endometrial carcinoma

Saghir FS, Rose IM, Dali AZ, Shamsuddin Z, Jamal AR, Mokhtar NM

Int. J. Gynecol. Cancer, 2010 Jul;20(5):724-31.
PMID: 20973258

INTRODUCTION: Malignant transformation of type I endometrium involves alteration in gene expression with subsequent uncontrolled proliferation of altered cells.
OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present study was to identify the cancer-related genes and gene pathways in the endometrium of healthy and cancer patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty endometrial tissues from healthy and type I EC patients were subjected to total RNA isolation. The RNA samples with good integrity number were hybridized to a new version of Affymetrix Human Genome GeneChip 1.0 ST array. We analyzed the results using the GeneSpring 9.0 GX and the Pathway Studio 6.1 software. For validation assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze 4 selected genes in normal and EC tissue.
RESULTS: Of the 28,869 genes profiled, we identified 621 differentially expressed genes (2-fold) in the normal tissue and the tumor. Among these genes, 146 were up-regulated and 476 were down-regulated in the tumor as compared with the normal tissue (P < 0.001). Up-regulated genes included the v-erb-a erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 3 (ErbB3), ErbB4, E74-like factor 3 (ELF3), and chemokine ligand 17 (CXCL17). The down-regulated genes included signal transducer and activator transcription 5B (STAT5b), transforming growth factor A receptor III (TGFA3), caveolin 1 (CAV1), and protein kinase C alpha (PKCA). The gene set enrichment analysis showed 10 significant gene sets with related genes (P < 0.05). The quantitative polymerase chain reaction of 4 selected genes using similar RNA confirmed the microarray results (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Identification of molecular pathways with their genes related to type I EC contribute to the understanding of pathophysiology of this cancer, probably leading to identifying potential biomarkers of the cancer.

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