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Fulltext Strength and Durability of Sustainable Self-Consolidating Concrete with High Levels of Supplementary Cementitious Materials

Salih MA, Ahmed SK, Alsafi S, Abullah MMAB, Jaya RP, Abd Rahim SZ, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2022 Nov 11;15(22).
PMID: 36431478 DOI: 10.3390/ma15227991

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) has been used extensively in the construction industry because of its advanced characteristics of a highly flowable mixture and the ability to be consolidated under its own weight. One of the main challenges is the high content of OPC used in the production process. This research focuses on developing sustainable, high-strength self-consolidating concrete (SCC) by incorporating high levels of supplementary cementitious materials. The overarching purpose of this study is to replace OPC partially by up to 71% by using fly ash, GGBS, and microsilica to produce high-strength and durable SCC. Two groups of mixtures were designed to replace OPC. The first group contained 14%, 23.4%, and 32.77% fly ash and 6.4% microsilica. The second group contained 32.77%, 46.81%, and 65.5% GGBS and 6.4% microsilica. The fresh properties were investigated using the slump, V-funnel, L-box, and J-ring tests. The hardened properties were assessed using a compressive strength test, while water permeability, water absorption, and rapid chloride penetration tests were used to evaluate the durability. The innovation of this experimental work was introducing SCC with an unconventional mixture that can achieve highly durable and high-strength concrete. The results showed the feasibility of SCC by incorporating high volumes of fly ash and GGBS without compromising compressive strength and durability.
Fulltext Efficacy of a single-session online ACT-based mindfulness intervention among undergraduates in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pang NTP, Tio VCS, Singh ASB, Tseu MWL, Shoesmith WD, Abd Rahim MA, et al.

Trends Psychiatry Psychother, 2023 Feb 17;44:e20200172.
PMID: 34392668 DOI: 10.47626/2237-6089-2020-0172

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has trickle-down psychological effects on multiple strata of society, particularly university students. Apart from the worry of contracting or spreading COVID-19, Malaysian university students were also locked down on their campuses, suffering significant psychological distress. Hence, an online mindfulness intervention was proposed to alleviate psychological distress and improve psychological flexibility and mindfulness.
METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study with university students as participants. Intervention group participants were instructed to complete online questionnaires which covered basic demographics and instruments assessing depression, anxiety, stress, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and fear of COVID-19 before and after the one-hour intervention. The control group also completed before and after questionnaires and were subsequently crossed over to the intervention group. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess time*group effects.
RESULTS: 118 participants were involved in this study. There were significant differences in anxiety (F(1,116) = 34.361, p < 0.001, partial eta-squared = 0.229) and psychological flexibility between the two groups (F(1,116) = 11.010, p = 0.001, partial eta-squared = 0.087), while there were no differences in depression, stress, mindfulness, or fear of COVID-19.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study corroborate the efficacy of online single-session mindfulness therapy as a viable short-term psychological intervention under financial and time constraints. Since university students are in the age group with the highest incidence of depressive and anxiety disorders, it is crucial to utilize resources to address as many students as possible to ensure maximum benefit.
Challenges in Obtaining and Seeking Information Among Breast Cancer Survivors in an Asian Country: a Qualitative Study

Yussof I, Mohamed Shah N, Ab Muin NF, Abd Rahim S, Hatah E, Mohd Tahir NA, et al.

J Cancer Educ, 2024 Aug;39(4):383-390.
PMID: 38530598 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02421-0

Breast cancer survivors on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) have distinct information-seeking experience compared to those in the diagnosis and intensive treatment phase. This study aimed to understand the challenges in obtaining and seeking information among Malaysian breast cancer survivors. We conducted semi-structured, one-to-one interviews among patients using AET from two hospitals and a local cancer organization. Interviews were conducted until theme saturation was achieved (N = 25). Interviews were de-identified, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. To ensure rigor, coding was conducted through regular discussions between two researchers and the findings were shared with several participants after analysis was completed. Three main themes were identified: limitations in the healthcare system, pitfalls of seeking information online, and limited information from local sources. The participants perceived that their information needs were not met by their healthcare providers and sought information on the Internet to complement their information needs. However, they were faced with risks of misinformation, information overload, and unethical promotion of health products. Those with limited English proficiency had difficulties in accessing quality information, and suggested that there should be more content created by local health advocates in local languages, with information that is tailored for local cultures. As the Internet has become an important medium of health education, healthcare providers and patients should be equipped with the skills to share and search for information online. Digital health literacy needs to be incorporated in patient education modules to create a more informed and empowered patient community.
Fulltext The Review of Cooking, Drying, and Green Extraction Methods on General Nutritional Properties of Mealworms and Locusts

Mohd Zaini NS, Lim EJ, Ahmad NH, Gengatharan A, Wan-Mohtar WAAQI, Abd Rahim MH

Food Bioproc Tech, 2023 Feb 20.
PMID: 36844636 DOI: 10.1007/s11947-023-03020-5

The processing of edible insects as an alternative source of nutrition may be a key driver in the development of a sustainable food and feed system. This review will study two industrial types of insects-mealworms and locusts-and summarize evidence related to the impact of processing on their micro- and macronutritional characteristics. The focus will be on their potential use as food for human consumption as opposed to animal feed. Literature has indicated that these two insects have the potential to provide protein and fat qualities comparable to or better than traditional mammalian sources. For example, mealworms-the larval form of the yellow mealworm beetlepossess a higher fat content, while adult locusts are rich in fibers, especially chitin. However, due to the different matrix and nutrient compositions, the processing of mealworms or locusts at a commercial scale needs to be tailored to minimize nutritional loss and maximize cost efficiency. The stages of preprocessing, cooking, drying, and extraction are the most critical control points for nutritional preservation. Thermal cooking applications such as microwave technology have demonstrated promising results, but the generation of heat may contribute to a certain nutritional loss. In an industrial context, drying using freeze dry is the preferred choice due to its uniformity, but it can be costly while increasing lipid peroxidation. During the extraction of nutrients, the use of green emerging technologies such as high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric field, and ultrasound may provide an alternative method to enhance nutrient preservation.
Dataset of microplastics in the mangrove brachyuran crabs at Setiu Wetlands, Peninsular Malaysia

Abd Rahim NH, Satyanarayana B, Ibrahim YS, Not C, Idris I, Mohd Jani J, et al.

Data Brief, 2023 Aug;49:109420.
PMID: 37501728 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109420

The present dataset provides information on the abundance of microplastics (MPs) in relation to different feeding habits of the four mangrove brachyuran crab species namely, Parasesarma eumolpe, Austruca annulipes, Metaplax elegans and Scylla olivacea at Setiu Wetlands in Peninsular Malaysia. Three sites namely, Pulau Layat (upstream, close to the core mangrove zone), Kampung Pengkalan Gelap (midstream, close to the settlements), and Pulau Sutung (downstream, close to the shifted river mouth) were chosen for the sample collection (through hand catch method and traps) in both the dry (Feb-Mar 2021) and the wet (Dec 2021 - Jan 2022) seasons. The cardiac stomach of each crab was dissected, digested in potassium hydroxide and then filtered through a 1.6 µm pore size glass fibre filter using the vacuum pump. The abundance, type and colour of MPs per crab individual were determined under a stereomicroscope (Carl Zeiss Stemi 508, China) attached to the digital camera (Axiocam 208 colour). The general abundance of MPs was found in the order of carnivorous S. olivacea > microphytobenthos feeder A. annulipes > herbivorous P. eumolpe > detritivorous M. elegans. The data also reveal morphometric measurements such as body weight, gut weight, carapace width and carapace length of the crab specimens. The information given in this article is useful for study replications and scientific comparisons, especially with brachyuran crabs and other organisms with similar feeding guilds, in the mangroves of Malaysia and elsewhere.
Development of an MCDA Framework for Rare Disease Reimbursement Prioritization in Malaysia

Ku Abd Rahim KN, Muhammad Lattepi N, Sarimin R, Foo SS, Akmal S, Lee SW, et al.

Int J Technol Assess Health Care, 2024 Sep 04.
PMID: 39228212 DOI: 10.1017/S026646232400031X
Stakeholders' perspectives on disinvestment of low-value healthcare interventions and practices in Malaysia: an online survey

Kamaruzaman HF, Grieve E, Ku Abd Rahim KN, Izzuna M, Sit Wai L, Romli EZ, et al.

Int J Technol Assess Health Care, 2024 Nov 15;40(1):e57.
PMID: 39544076 DOI: 10.1017/S0266462324004665

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare disinvestment requires multi-level decision-making, and early stakeholder engagement is essential to facilitate implementation and acceptance. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Malaysian healthcare stakeholders to disinvestment initiatives as well as identify disinvestment activities in the country.
METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from February to March 2023 among Malaysian healthcare stakeholders involved in resource allocation and decision-making at various levels of governance. Response frequencies were analyzed descriptively and cross-tabulation was performed for specific questions to compare the responses of different groups of stakeholders. For free-text replies, content analysis was used with each verbatim response examined and assigned a theme.
RESULTS: A total of 153 complete responses were analyzed and approximately 37 percent of participants had prior involvement in disinvestment initiatives. Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness ranked as the most important criteria in assessment for disinvestment. Surprisingly, equity was rated the lowest priority despite its crucial role in healthcare decision-making. Almost 90 percent of the respondents concurred that a formal disinvestment framework is necessary and the importance of training for the program's successful implementation. Key obstacles to the adoption of disinvestment include insufficient stakeholder support and political will as well as a lack of expertise in executing the process.
CONCLUSIONS: While disinvestment is perceived as a priority for efficient resource allocation in Malaysian healthcare, there is a lack of a systematic framework for its implementation. Future research should prioritize methodological analysis in healthcare disinvestment and strategies for integrating equity considerations in evaluating disinvestment candidates.
Commercially important mangrove crabs are more susceptible to microplastic contamination than other brachyuran species

Abd Rahim NH, Cannicci S, Ibrahim YS, Not C, Idris I, Mohd Jani J, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2023 Dec 10;903:166271.
PMID: 37586534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166271

Brachyuran crabs are ecologically and economically important macrofauna in mangrove habitats. However, they are exposed to various contaminants, including plastics, which bioaccumulate in relation to their feeding modes. Setiu Wetlands is a unique place on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia where different ecosystems such as mangroves, lagoon, beaches, etc., are duly connected and influencing each other. In recent years, the shifted river mouth has threatened these wetlands, causing severe hydrodynamic changes in the lagoon, especially in the core mangrove zone. The present study tested microplastics (MPs) contamination in the mangroves through brachyuran crabs as indicators. Three sampling sites, namely Pulau Layat, Kampung Pengkalan Gelap, and Pulau Sutung were chosen. The four abundant crab species Parasesarma eumolpe, Metaplax elegans, Austruca annulipes, and Scylla olivacea, which display different feeding behaviours were collected from all sites covering the dry (Feb-Mar 2021) and the wet (Dec 2021-Jan 2022) seasonal periods. There were significant differences in the seasonal abundance of MPs among crab species. The highest accumulation of MPs in the crab stomachs in the dry season could be linked to subdued water circulation and poor material dispersion. Besides the lower MPs in the wet period due to improved water exchange conditions, its significant presence in the stomachs of S. olivacea indicates the role of its feeding behaviour as a carnivore. In addition, the micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) revealed the widespread occurrence of polymers such as rayon and polyester in all species across the sites. Given the fact that crabs like S. olivacea are commercially important and the ones contaminated with MPs can cause detrimental effects on the local community's health, further managerial actions are needed to assure sustainable management of the Setiu Wetlands.
Fulltext Quantification of Beta-Defensins (DEFB) gene copy number variations in relation to inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy patients

Maryam Jamielah Yusoff, Zahirunisa Abd Rahim, Nurul Amiera Ghazi, Shi-Kee Chin, Mohd Jokha Yahya, Noor Lita Adam, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(101):58-65.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Association studies between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been abundant. However, there are limited reports on copy number variations (CNVs) of beta-defen- sins (DEFB) gene in relation to T2DM. In this study, DEFB copy numbers were quantified in T2DM with nephropathy, T2DM without nephropathy and non-diabetic control groups to investigate its influence in chronic inflammation in Malaysian individuals. Methods: DEFB copy number in Malaysian individuals were quantified by using paralogue ratio tests (PRT) which allow direct quantification of gene copy number by using PRT107A and HSPD21 PRT primers. The copy number generated was then validated from insertion/deletion ratio measurement 5DEL (rs5889219) and two microsatellite analyses (EPEV-1 and EPEV-3). Results: DEFB copy number was found extending from 2 to 8 cop- ies in the non-diabetic group (n=146), while in T2DM group (n=392), copy numbers were more extensive, ranging between 1 and 12 copies; with 1, 10 and 12 copies detected in T2DM with nephropathy group (n=202). Statistically, there is no significant difference in DEFB copy number between T2DM and the non-diabetic group (p=0.209) as well as between diabetic nephropathy and without nephropathy of the T2DM group (p=0.522). However, significant white blood cell (WBC) count was found between T2DM groups with and without diabetic nephropathy (p=0.000). Conclusion: Extreme DEFB copy numbers in T2DM with nephropathy group suggest future studies with bigger sam- ple size are necessary to elucidate the true impact of CNVs of DEFB gene in promoting early onset of nephropathy in T2DM.
Fulltext Dimensional effect of doped porous Ge using SILVACO TCAD simulation for potential optoelectronics application

A.F. Abd Rahim, N. S. I. Mohamad Shuhaimi, N. S. Mohd Razal, R. Radzali, A. Mahmood, I.H. Hamzah, et al.

ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2021;17(2):78-88.
MyJurnal

Ge is considered to have several advantages over Si due to its high mobility
and direct bandgap, which makes it ideal for optoelectronic applications.
The manipulation of bulk Ge into small structures has drawn a lot of interest
due to the numerous distinctive properties caused by the impact of size
quantization. Porous materials are ideally suited for sensing application due
to theirlarge effective surface area beside the fabrication of porous is simple.
In this work, porous Ge is investigated for potential visible to near-infrared
metal semiconductor metal (MSM) photodetector. The study investigated the
performance and characterization of porous Ge (P-Ge) on Si substrate at
different depths of porous (1 µm, 0.25 µm and 0.01 µm) by using SILVACO
Athena and Atlas device simulator. Athena process simulator was used to
construct the device structure while ATLAS device simulator was used to
characterize the electrical and optical characteristics’ effect on the different
sizes of the P-Ge fabricated on the Si substrate. The comparison of the porous
devices were then made with bulk Ge devices (bulk Ge-on-Si, bulk Ge-onGe) to identify the exploitation of porosity resulted in a significant
performance of current gains, spectral response, Schottky barrier height,
and also photo and dark current. It was found that the P-Ge at 0.01 µm depth
showed an improved current gain compared to other porous structures while
bulk Ge-on-Si obtain greater current gain than bulk Ge-on-Ge. This evidence
indicates that P-Ge produces a better performance of MSM photodetector
than the bulk device. The spectral response of P-Ge shows a peak response
at 800nm, which is the near-infrared (IR) region supporting the feasibility of
the P-Ge to be utilized for visible to near IR photodetection.
Fulltext Screening and characterization of endopolysaccharide from Pleurotus pulmonarius in submerged culture fermentation

Shaiful Azuar Mohamad, Nurul Shahnadz Amir Hamzah, Mohd Yusof Hamzah, Rusli Ibrahim, Khairuddin Abd Rahim, Choong, Yew Keong, et al.

Jurnal Sains Nuklear Malaysia, 2017;29(2):52-59.
MyJurnal

The fermentation of Pleurotus pulmonarius (non-irradiated) and Pleurotus pulmonarius (irradiated) were carried out in Erlenmeyer flask 500 mL (working volume 250 mL) and screened for the presence of β-glucan (1, 3:1, 6). The biomass obtained was extracted using Modified Mizuno Method to get the endopolysaccharide. The endopolysaccharides of Pleurotus pulmonarius (irradiated) contained higher content of β-glucan (1, 3:1, 6) with 16.7 g/100g crude polysaccharide compared to the non-irradiated strain. The irradiated strain was chosen for further investigation. Fractionation of endopolysaccharide Pleurotus pulmonarius (irradiated) using column chromatograph yielded 7 fractions. The first fraction (F1) contained high molecular weight fraction ~ 105 Da which potential immunomodulation characteristics. The Pleurotus pulmonarius (irradiated) was produced in a 5 L air-lift bioreactor. The highest biomass was obtained at air flowrate of 2 L/min, yielding productivity of 2.56 g/L.d.
Status fiziko-kimia tanih tapak Pusat Penyelidikan UKM Tasik Chini, Pahang, Malaysia

Sahibin Abd. Rahim, Wan Mohd. Razi Idris, Zulfahmi Ali Rahman, Tukimat Lihan, Gasim MB, Mohd Nizam M. Said, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2011;40:1123-1127.

Kajian ini dilakukan untuk menentukan ciri fiziko-kimia, kandungan nutrien dan logam berat dalam tanih di tapak Pusat Penyelidikan UKM Tasik Chini. Sampel tanih-atas diambil dari tiga transek pensampelan iaitu T1, T2 dan T3. Dua profil tanih telah dicerap di transek 1 (T1S1 & T1S3) dan sampel tanih telah diambil daripada profil dan juga tanih atas untuk penentuan ciri fiziko-kimia, kandungan nutrien dan logam berat. Bagi sampel tanih-atas, sebanyak empat stesen pensampelan (S1, S2, S3, S4) telah dipilih di transek 1 (T1), dua stesen pensampelan (S1, S2) di transek 2 (T2) dan tiga stesen pensampelan (S1, S2, S3) di transek 3 (T3) telah dipilih. Ciri fiziko-kimia yang ditentukan adalah pH, kekonduksian elektrik (KE), kapasiti pertukatan kation (KPK), fosforus, kalium dan magnesium tersedia dan nutrien terlarut, dan logam berat terpilih. Semua penentuan fiziko-kimia tanih, nutrien tersedia dan terlarut serta logam berat dilakukan mengikut kaedah penentuan yang piawai. Hasil uji kaji menunjukkan tekstur tanih didominasi oleh zarahan bersaiz lempung. Kandungan bahan organik tinggi pada tanih-atas dan berkurangan mengikut kedalaman. Purata nilai pH tanih di dalam profil dan tanih-atas adalah di antara 3.66 hingga 4.73 dan ia adalah sangat berasid. Sela purata bagi kekonduksian elektrik dalam profil dan tanih-atas adalah antara 2412 μScm-1 dan 2742 μScm-1. Purata nilai KPK adalah rendah iaitu antara 4.86 dan 12.58 meq/100g tanih. Kepekatan fosforus, magnesium dan kalium tersedia masing-masing mempunyai sela antara 1.76 – 3.32 μg/g, 16.80 – 122.23 μg/g dan 20.09 – 30.50 μg/g. Kepekatan nutrien terlarut bagi sulfat, nitrat-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen dan fosforus masing-masing adalah 37.50 – 1350 μg/g, 12.17 dan 90.00 μg/g, 12.17 to 53.17 μg/g dan 0.05 dan 0.62 μg/g. Kepekatan ferum dan Pb sangat tinggi di T1S1 dan di horizon bawah profil T1S3. Secara amnya tanih di tapak PPTC adalah sangat berasid dan mempunyai kandungan nutrien yang rendah. Terdapat bukti menunjukkan berlaku pengayaan Pb dalam tanih yang menerima pengaruh pasang surut jasad air tasik.
Pengambilan logam berat oleh Nepenthes sp. dalam tanih bekas lombong besi dan timah, Pelepah Kanan, Kota Tinggi, Johor

Sahibin Abd. Rahim, Tukimat Lihan, Baba Musta, Adong Laming, Zulfahmi Ali Rahman, Wan Mohd. Razi Idris, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2008;37.

Kandungan logam-logam berat Pb, Zn, Ni, Co dan Cd pada empat bahagian tumbuhan Nepenthes sp. (akar, batang, daun dan periuk) serta substrat tanih yang menyokong pertumbuhannya dari kawasan bekas lombong bijih timah dan besi di Lombong Pelepah Kanan, Kota Tinggi, Johor telah ditentukan. Komposisi logam-logam berat dalam sampel tanih diekstrak menggunakan campuran asid nitrik pekat dan asid perklorik. Pengekstrakan logam berat dalam tumbuhan pula dilakukan menggunakan kaedah penghadaman basah. Kandungan logam berat di dalam ekstrak larutan tanih dan tumbuhan ditentukan menggunakan Spektrofotometer Penyerapan Atom kaedah nyalaan (FAAS-model Perkin Elmer 3300). Nilai koefisien Penyerapan Biologi (BAC) yang merupakan nisbah kandungan logam berat dalam tumbuhan kepada kandungan logam berat dalam tanih ditentukan secara kiraan. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa tanih di kawasan kajian adalah berasid dan didominasi oleh pasir. Kandungan bahan organik dan kepekatan garam dalam tanih pula adalah rendah, manakala nilai pH adalah berasid. Logam Zn (698.5 mg/kg) menunjukkan kepekatan yang tinggi di dalam substrat tanih diikuti oleh logam Co (182.9 mg/kg), Pb (58.2 mg/kg), Ni (12.2 mg/kg) dan Cd (2.09 mg/kg). Kepekatan logam berat di dalam tumbuhan mengikut kepekatan menurun adalah Ni>Co>Cd>Pb>Zn. Kepekatan logam di dalam bahagian-bahagian tumbuhan tidak menunjukkan perbezaan signifikan bagi semua logam. Tumbuhan Nepenthes sp. didapati menumpukkan logam Ni dalam kepekatan yang tinggi sebagaimana yang ditunjukkan nilai BACnya yang tinggi. Tumbuhan ini mungkin boleh digunakan sebagai bio-penunjuk bagi kehadiran Ni dalam kepekatan yang tinggi di dalam tanih.
Kandungan logam berat terpilih dalam tanih dan tumbuhan Arundina graminifolia dari kawasan Lombong Pelepah Kanan, Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia

Sahibin Abd. Rahim, Zulfahmi Ali Rahman, Wan Mohd Razi Idris, Azman Hashim, Tukimat Lihan, Muhd Barzani Gasim, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2009;38.

Kajian kandungan logam berat Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, dan Zn telah dilakukan ke atas tumbuhan Arundina graminifolia daripada kawasan Lombong Pelepah Kanan, Kota Tinggi, Johor. Kandungan logam berat yang sama turut ditentukan ke atas substrata tanih di tempat di mana tumbuhan itu diambil. Kandungan logam berat dalam tiga bahagian tumbuhan iaitu akar, batang dan daun telah diekstrak secara penghadaman basah manakala kandungan logam berat tersedia dan resistan dalam tanih diekstrak dengan kaedah pengekstrakan berjujukan. Kandungan logam berat jumlah didapati dengan menjumlahkan logam berat tersedia dengan logam berat resistant. Kandungan logam berat di dalam larutan ekstrak tanih dan tumbuhan ditentukan menggunakan Spektrofotometer Serapan Atom Nyalaan. Kandungan logam berat Cd, Cr, Ni dan Pb adalah setara kandungannya dalam semua bahagian tumbuhan manakala kepekatan Co dan Zn adalah tiga hingga lima kali lebih tinggi berbanding tumbuhan kawalan. Bagi kandungan logam berat di dalam bahagian tumbuhan yang berbeza didapati kepekatan Cd adalah lebih tinggi dalam akar (2.03 mg/kg) diikuti oleh daun (1.67 mg/kg) dan batang (1.49 mg/kg). Kepekatan Co adalah lebih tinggi dalam daun (9.26 mg/kg) diikuti oleh akar (9.18 mg/kg) dan batang (6.94 mg/kg). Kepekatan Cr mengikut susunan menurun adalah akar (0.46 mg/kg) > daun (0.19 mg/kg) > batang (0.08 mg/kg). Kepekatan Ni adalah lebih tinggi dalam daun (2.78 mg/kg) diikuti oleh akar (2.71 mg/kg) dan batang (1.66 mg/kg). Kepekatan Pb mengikut susunan menurun adalah akar (10.34 mg/kg) > daun (4.18 mg/kg) > batang (3.75 mg/kg). Kepekatan Zn lebih tinggi dalam daun (44.03 mg/kg) diikuti oleh akar (32.30 mg/kg) dan batang (13.21 mg/kg). Kandungan logam berat jumlah dalam tanih adalah masing-masing 2.07-5.59 mg/kg, 8.72-39.93 mg/kg, 1.81-2.14 mg/kg, 2.66-6.87 mg/kg, 23.02-51.56 mg/kg and 0.64-2.61 mg/kg bagi Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb, Co dan Cr. Didapati bahawa kandungan fraksi tersedia dalam tanih adalah 21.9% bagi Ni, 15.3% bagi Zn, 49.9% bagi Cd, 19.3% bagi Pb, 45.7% bagi Co and 0% bagi Cr. Koefisien penyerapan biologi tumbuhan ke atas logam berat yang dikaji adalah rendah keculai bagi Zn yang nilainya lebih daripada 1. Tumbuhan ini tidak sesuai digunakan sebagai agen fitoremediasi untuk logam-logam di atas.
Kandungan logam berat terpilih dalam tanih ultrabes dan mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) dari Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Sahibin Abd. Rahim, Wan Mohd. Razi Idris, Zulfahmi Ali Rahman, Kadderi Md. Desa, Tukimat Lihan, Azman Hashim, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2009;38.

This study was carried out at an ultrabasic area, Selaru (S1 & S2) dan Felda Rokan Barat (S3), Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. Eighteen samples of plant and their substrates were collected from study area. The purpose of this study was to determine heavy metal such as Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Fe and Zn contents in soils and different parts of the plant, such as leaf, stem, root and fruit. Biologal Absorption Coefficient (BAC) of the plant was obtained by calculation. Heavy metals content in the plant were extracted by digestion method whereas in soil the heavy metals were extracted by sequential extraction. Heavy metals content in soil and plant extract was determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was found that heavy metal concentrations in soil substrate for mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) were high for Fe followed by Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn and Co with average concentration of 1208.5, 583.4, 352.4, 352.4, 70.7 and 53.6 mg.kg-1, respectively. Available Mn and Zn concentrations were higher than the other heavy metals in term of percentage. Fe and Mn were dominant in all parts of plants however in terms of BAC average, Co showed the highest enrichment value in all parts of the plants.
Lateral rectus myositis mimicking an abducens nerve palsy in a pregnant woman

Haslinda AR, Shatriah I, Azhany Y, Nik-Ahmad-Zuky NL, Yunus R

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg, 2013 3 28;30(1):e13-5.
PMID: 23531952 DOI: 10.1097/IOP.0b013e31828957ae

Myositis is a rare unknown inflammatory disorder of the skeletal muscle tissue. Generalized inflammatory myopathies, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis have been reported during pregnancy. Isolated orbital myositis in pregnancy has not been previously described in the literature. The authors report a case of left isolated orbital myositis in a primigravida at 38 weeks gestation affecting the patient's left lateral rectus muscle. MRI of the orbit was consistent with the diagnosis. She showed remarkable clinical improvement with oral corticosteroids therapy.
Extensive facial and orbital infantile hemangiomas associated with high intraocular pressure

Shatriah I, Norazizah MA, Wan-Hitam WH, Wong AR, Yunus R, Leo SW

Pediatr Dermatol, 2013 Jan-Feb;30(1):151-4.
PMID: 22329437 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2011.01618.x

High intraocular pressure is a rare ophthalmic condition associated with infantile hemangiomas that involves the orbit, eyelid, or both. Here, we describe a patient with extensive facial and orbital infantile hemangiomas associated with high intraocular pressure in the affected eye. The prompt management of this challenging condition is essential.
Factors influencing Malaysian public attitudes to agro-biotechnology

Amin L, Ahmad J, Jahi JM, Nor AR, Osman M, Mahadi NM

Public Underst Sci, 2011 Sep;20(5):674-89.
PMID: 22164706

Despite considerable research in advanced countries on public perceptions of and attitudes to modern biotechnology, limited effort has been geared towards developing a structural model of public attitudes to modern biotechnology. The purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant factors influencing public attitudes towards genetically modified (GM) soybean, and to analyze the relationship between all the attitudinal factors. A survey was carried out on 1,017 respondents from various stakeholder groups in the Klang Valley region. Results of the survey have confirmed that attitudes towards complex issues such as biotechnology should be seen as a multifaceted process. The most important factors predicting support for GM soybean are the specific application-linked perceptions about the benefits, acceptance of risk and moral concern while risk and familiarity are significant predictors of benefit and risk acceptance. Attitudes towards GM soybean are also predicted by several general classes of attitude.
Characterization of alkanes, hopanes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tar-balls collected from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Chandru K, Zakaria MP, Anita S, Shahbazi A, Sakari M, Bahry PS, et al.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2008 May;56(5):950-62.
PMID: 18328505 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.01.028

The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia faces the South China Sea and is vulnerable to oil pollution because of intense petroleum production activities in the area. The South China Sea is also a favored route for supertankers carrying crude oil to the Far East. Consequently, oil spills can occur, causing pollution and contamination in the surrounding areas. Residual oil spills stranded on coastal beaches usually end up as tar-balls. Elucidating the sources of tar-balls using a molecular marker approach is essential in assessing environmental impacts and perhaps settling legal liabilities for affected parties. This study utilizes a multimodal molecular marker approach through the use of diagnostic ratios of alkanes, hopanes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to determine the source, distribution and weathering of tar-balls. Hopane ratios (e.g., C29/C30, and summation C31-C35/C30 ratios) were used to identify the sources of tar-balls. The weathering effects were distinguished by using alkanes, namely the unresolved complex mixture (UCM) and low molecular weight/high molecular weight (L/H) ratios. Similarly, PAHs were also used for the determination of weathering processes undergone by the tar-balls. This multimodal molecular marker gave a very strong indication of the sources of tar-balls in this study. For example, 16 out of 17 samples originated from South East Asian Crude Oil (SEACO) with one sample from Merang, Terengganu originating from North Sea Oil (Troll). The TRME-2 sample may have come from a supertanker's ballast water discharge. The second possibility is that the tar-ball may have been transported via oceanographic currents. All 'weathered' sample characterizations were based on the presence of UCM and other ratios. The multimodal molecular marker approach applied in this study has enabled us to partially understand the transport behavior of tar-balls in the marine environment and has revealed insights into the weathering process of tar-balls.
Fulltext Colonies in engineered articular cartilage express superior differentiation

Selvaratnam L, Abd Rahim S, Kamarul T, Chan KY, Sureshan S, Penafort R, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jul;60 Suppl C:49-52.
PMID: 16381284

In view of poor regeneration potential of the articular cartilage, in-vitro engineering of cartilage tissue offers a promising option for progressive joint disease. This study aims to develop a biologically engineered articular cartilage for autologous transplantation. The initial work involved determination of chondrocyte yield and viability, and morphological analysis. Cartilage was harvested from the knee, hip and shoulder joints of adult New Zealand white rabbits and chondrocytes were isolated by enzymatic digestion of the extra-cellular matrix before serial cultivation in DMEM/Ham's F12 media as monolayer cultures. No differences were noted in cell yield. Although chondrocytes viability was optimal (>93%) following harvest from native cartilage, their viability tended to be lowered on passaging. Chondrocytes aggregated in isogenous colonies comprising ovoid cells with intimate intracellular contacts and readily exhibited Safranin-O positive matrix; features typically associated with articular cartilage in-vivo. However, chondrocytes also existed concurrently in scattered bipolar/multipolar forms lacking Safranin-O expression. Therefore, early data demonstrated successful serial culture of adult chondrocytes with differentiated morphology seen in established chondrocyte colonies synthesizing matrix proteoglycans.

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