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What are the current scenarios of Selangor households’ intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source?

Kai Wah, Cheng, Syuhaily Osman, Zuroni Md Jusoh, Jasmine Leby Lau

Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia - Malaysian Journal of Consumer, 2020;35(1):141-156.
MyJurnal

Many people are now expressing their increased concern about serious environmental destruction as a result of human irresponsible environmental behaviour. The aim of this paper is to explore current scenarios of intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source between households in Selangor. A total of 400 respondents in Selangor who aged 18 and above were employed to respond to bilingual research questionnaires. The results of the descriptive investigation indicated that plastic was the most major solid waste material segregated daily among the respondents. The majority of Selangor citizens surveyed had heard about and strongly supported this environmental policy. Approximately half of the sample agreed that the policy of solid waste segregation-at-source was extremely important in addressing serious negative global environmental issues. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness as well as insufficient technologies and facilities in their housing areas, one-fifth of the respondents had never intended to practise solid waste segregation-at-source in their daily lives. By realising ongoing challenges in the long-term implementation of solid waste segregation-at-source in Malaysia, this current research therefore provides an essential opportunity to explore the importance of having the intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source among Malaysian citizens and of enriching existing local literature.
Intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source: attitude, descriptive norm, injunctive norm, and environmental knowledge

Cheng, Kai Wah, Syuhaily Osman, Zuroni Md Jusoh, Jasmine Leby Lau

Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia - Malaysian Journal of Consumer, 2020;34(1):119-147.
MyJurnal

This aim of this paper is to analyse descriptively the attitude, descriptive norm, injunctive norm, and environmental knowledge in the research scope of the intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source. 400 respondents living in the townships of the nine districts of Selangor, namely Sabak Bernam, Ulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Gombak, Ulu Langat, Petaling, Klang, Kuala Langat, and Sepang, were employed via a multistage sampling method to carry out this research. A self-administered bilingual questionnaire was used to collect quantified research data among respondents in order to examine their intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source in daily routine. The descriptive analysis of the current quantitative data was then analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26.0. The results of the descriptive investigation inferred that, overall, the Selangor households surveyed were perceived to have a favourable attitude, a high level of intention to practise solid waste segregation-at-source and environmental knowledge but moderately influenced by the descriptive norm and injunctive norm throughout the research. The present research has played a significant role in enriching the existing scarce and limited Malaysian literature on the intention to practise the solid waste segregation-at-source.
Fulltext Prevalence of Risks for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Its Risk Factors among Adults Attending Government Primary Health Clinics in Kuantan

Azwan Faiz Amir Hamzah, Mohd Aznan Md Aris, Fa'iza Abdullah, Zamzil Amin Asha'ari

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):23-0.
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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep related breathing disorder with recurrent episodes of apnoea or hypopnoea occurring during sleep. It is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and prone to accidents. However, there is no applicable study that assess the risk for OSA at the primary care level. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of risk for OSA and OSA symptoms and its associated risk factors among adults attending primary care clinics. Materials and method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 adults attending four Klinik Kesihatan in Kuantan, Pahang. The inclusion criteria was adults age 30 years old and above. The exclusion criteria were a known case of Hypothyroidism, Depression and pregnancy. A self-administered validated Malay version of Berlin Questionnaire(BQ) was used to screen for high risk of OSA. The statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: Majority of the respondents were male (54%), Malay (87.7%), and married (79.4%). The prevalence of High Risk for OSA was 32.9%. Among these, 94% of them presented with snoring and 16.9% presented with excessive daytime sleepiness. Among male, Malay and married; 48%, 32.6% and 36.5% respectively was shown to be High Risk for OSA. The risk factors that were found significantly associated with High Risk of OSA includes younger age (AOR=0.951 CI=0.923-0.980); higher BMI classification with obese type 1 (AOR=2.604 CI=1.278-5.308), obese type 2 (AOR=3.882 CI=1.078-13.975) and obese type 3 (AOR=6.800 CI=1.164-39.717); higher neck circumference (AOR=1.109 CI=1.007-1.221); hypertension (AOR=2.297 CI=1.122-4.702); and hypercholestrolaemia (AOR=2.040 CI=1.050-3.965). Conclusions: This study shows that nearly one third of the adults attending primary health clinic are at High Risk for OSA and nearly 17% of them presented with excessive daytime sleepiness. Further study need to be carry out particularly among those of younger age, higher BMI classification, and with co-morbidities.
Fulltext Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Malaysian Medical Doctors on Smoking Cessation Guidelines

Mohd Shaiful Ehsan Shalihin, Nurjasmine Aida Jamani, Mohd Aznan Bin Md Aris, Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):4-0.
MyJurnal

Prevalence of active smokers in Malaysia is remaining high (22.8%) despite the wide availability of quit-smoking services. Rather than look at the patients’ factors alone, the possible negative factors from health care providers should also be explored. Therefore, knowledge, attitude and practice of the healthcare professional on smoking cessation intervention needs to be assessed, especially among the primary care doctors. This can be done during national conference gathering all doctors from Malaysia. Materials and Method: A crosssectional study was conducted among medical doctors attending First East Coast Symposium on Specialized Care at Primary Care Level at Grand DarulMakmur, Kuantan on 1st to 2nd December 2019, using validated questionnaire of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Medical Doctors on Smoking Cessation Guidelines; consisting 17 questions to determine the KAP score. The difference between the median KAP scores between age, gender, ethnicity, religion, profession, location of clinic, availability of specialist at clinic, numbers of smokers seen and presence of smoking cessation training were assessed using Independent sample T-test and One-way ANOVA. Results: A total of 131 primary care doctors involved in the study. Majority were female (80.9%), Malay (96.2%), medical officers (74.8%), government doctors (90%) and haven’t undergone any kind of smoking cessation training (65.5%). The higher KAP score were statistically associated (p < 0.05) with history of attending training program (mean 35.7 score) and in charge of quit smoking clinic (mean 35.4 score). No significant difference of score between government (mean 32.0 score) and private doctors (mean 29.9 score). Conclusions : Majority of the involved primary care doctors had low KAP score. Being a family medicine specialist, in charge in stop smoking clinic and have attended smoking cessation training program were significantly associated with high KAP score. Therefore, more smoking cessation training should be provided for doctors.
Fulltext Colon Cancer in Patients Younger Than Age 50 in Kuantan: Case Series

Nurul Syazwani Abd Khalid, Muhammad Afiq Kodiron, Mohd Yusof Sainal, Faisel Elagili, Azmi Md Nor

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):55-0.
MyJurnal

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Malaysia. In general, patients aged > 65 years comprise the majority of the population with CRC. However, recent reports indicate its increasing incidence in younger populations. We describe 4 cases of early onset colorectal cancer in Kuantan. Materials and method: This is a descriptive study of a small series of patients. Data between 2018 and 2019 were obtained from medical charts. Results: We diagnosed four patients under the age of 50 with colon cancer (75% male), the median age was 36 (23-47), with no comorbidities. None of the patient had family history of colorectal cancer. The majority of our patients presented with complication of tumour (2 perforation, 1 obstruction) required emergency surgeries. Only one patient presented with with rectal bleeding and was found to have tumor of the rectosigmoid junction. Two patients had tumor at descending colon and one at the splenic flexure. From this case series, we found there were one patient for every stage of colorectal cancer. Carcinoembryonic (CEA) levels were elevated at baseline in only two patients. Conclusion: Incidence of colon cancer rises among young patients in Kuantan. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical and biological characteristics of colon cancer, improve its treatment strategies, and promote better outcomes in young patients.
Fulltext Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) of the Rectum And Jejunum: A Rare Case Report

Abdul Malek Bin Mohamad, Mohd Nursharmizam Baharuddin, Faisel S.A Elagili, Azmi Md Nor

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(102):59-0.
MyJurnal

GIST are rare tumor and uncommon to occur in rectum where it accounts about 5% of all GIST [1] and rarer to develop simultaneously. Several surgical options are available, large tumours with aggressive features have been commonly treated with abdominoperineal resection.This is the first reported case of synchronous GIST of the rectum and jejunum. Case report: 66 year old man who presented with rectal bleeding and altered bowel habit. Colonoscopy revealed submucosal tumor on anterior wall of the rectum. Computerized Tomography (CT) of abdomen and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of pelvis demonstrated a mass of approximately 88 AP x 88 W x 89mm CC in size on the anterior wall of the rectum at a distance of 2.3 cm from the anal verge, without any invasion to the prostate or evidence of metastasis, Histological examination of the biopsy sample via the rectum showed spindle cell neoplasm suggestive of GIST. An abdominoperineal resection was performed with wedge resection of small bowel lesion who discovered intraoperatively as yellow mass measuring 1.5 cm in its diameter involving the serosa. Histopathological examination of the sample confirmed the diagnosis of GIST of both rectal and small bowel specimen with positive CD117 on immunohistochemical assessment. Patient recovered post operatively. Discussion: Incidence of GIST as overall are about 1/100000 per year and commonly found in stomach (60-70%), small intestine (20-25%) but rarely occur in rectum (5%). Because of the low incidence of rectal GISTs, cases of simultaneous development of a GIST in rectum and jejunum are scarce. Simple coincidence could be the reasonable explanation in our case. For rectal GIST, surgical procedures may be considered, including abdomino-perineal resection. Conclusion: Simultaneous GISTs in the rectum and jejunum is extremely rare. Resection is the treatment of choice, suspicious lesions discovered during operation should be biopsied or removed as GIST could appear synchronously.
Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of plants of the genus Gynura

Bari MS, Khandokar L, Haque E, Romano B, Capasso R, Seidel V, et al.

J Ethnopharmacol, 2021 May 10;271:113834.
PMID: 33465439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113834

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Gynura (Compositae) includes around 46 species and is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Africa and Australia. Many species within this genus are used in ethnomedicine to treat various disorders including skin diseases, injuries, ulcers, wounds, burns, sores, scalds, as well as for the management of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, constipation, rheumatism, bronchitis and inflammation.
AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review is an attempt to provide scientific information regarding the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological and toxicological profiles of Gynura species along with the nomenclature, distribution, taxonomy and botanical features of the genus. A critical analysis has been undertaken to understand the current and future pharmaceutical prospects of the genus.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Several electronic databases, including Google scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Semantic Scholar, MEDLINE and CNKI Scholar, were explored as information sources. The Plant List Index was used for taxonomical authentications. SciFinder and PubChem assisted in the verification of chemical structures.
RESULTS: A large number of phytochemical analyses on Gynura have revealed the presence of around 342 phytoconstituents including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, phenolic compounds, chromanones, phenylpropanoid glycosides, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, steroids, steroidal glycosides, cerebrosides, carotenoids, triterpenes, mono- and sesquiterpenes, norisoprenoids, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and proteins. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the pharmacological potential of Gynura species, including antidiabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive and anticancer activities. Although the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids within a few species has been associated with possible hepatotoxicity, most of the common species have a good safety profile.
CONCLUSIONS: The importance of the genus Gynura both as a prominent contributor in ethnomedicinal systems as well as a source of promising bioactive molecules is evident. Only about one fourth of Gynura species have been studied so far. This review aims to provide some scientific basis for future endeavors, including in-depth biological and chemical investigations into already studied species as well as other lesser known species of Gynura.
Fulltext Endotoxin exposure and lung function among rice millers in Malaysia

Siti Farhanah Md Shakri, Siti Marwanis Anua, Sabreena Safuan, Amiratul Aifa Mohamad Asri

JUMMEC, 2020;23(101):31-40.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The health effects of inhaling rice dust contaminated with endotoxin include respiratory problems, asthma, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Thus, this comparative cross-sectional study aims to associate the concentration of endotoxin levels in inhalable rice dust and the lung function decline among rice millers.

Materials and Methods: The endotoxin level in inhalable dust for both area and personal samplings were collected using 25 mm Glass Fiber (A) filter loaded in IOM samplers connected to a pump by tygon tubing. The pump was operated at 2.0 litres/min and clipped around the breathing zone of the rice millers for eight hours. The endotoxin concentrations were analysed using Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate Chromogenic Endpoint assay at 405 nm. Lung function tests were carried out using Spirometer (Pony FX), for both the rice millers and the non-exposed groups.

Results: Findings for the mean concentration of endotoxin for areas was 0.26(standard deviation (SD) = 0.12) EU/m3 whereas the mean personal inhalable endotoxin level among the rice millers was 0.29(SD = 0.15) EU/m3. Post-shift lung function tests for FEV1/FVC measured appeared lower among rice millers (54%) compared to non-exposed workers (62%), but not statistically significant (p = 0.313). However, there were significant correlations between endotoxin concentration and post-shift LFT parameters of measured FVC, FEV1 and PEFR (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Despite the low level of endotoxin exposure, proper protective measures should be applied for rice millers for long term protection.
Fulltext Exposure of aflatoxin b1 (AFB1) in inhalable dust and its respiratory effects among rice millers

Amiratul Aifa Mohamad Asri, Siti Marwanis Anua, Sabreena Safuan, Siti Farhanah Md Shakri

JUMMEC, 2020;23(101):60-71.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Optimal humidity, temperature, improper handling and storage of rice will increase the likeliness of aflatoxin growth in the air. The most common and carcinogenic aflatoxin is Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) that may cause lung cancer if inhaled. This study aims to associate the exposure of AFB1 in inhalable dust and its respiratory effects among rice millers.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study utilised the purposive sampling method and recruited 76 rice millers as exposed subjects and 48 office workers as the control group. The total inhalable dust was collected using the filter-loaded air samplers for an eight working hours’ exposure. The subjects’ hands were swabbed with cotton pads wetted with 0.5 ml Phosphate buffered Saline Tween-20 solution post shift. The collected samples were analysed for AFB1 by using the ELISA kits. The questionnaire gathering information on sociodemographic, work data and respiratory symptoms were completed. The lung function test was performed for the pre- and post-shifts.

Results: The mean airborne AFB1 at the rice mill area and personal exposure were 2.22 ng/m3 ± 0.07 and 0.25 ng/m3 ± 0.24, respectively. The mean contamination level of AFB1 on hands was 0.25 ng/ml detected on two rice millers (2.3%) while non-detectable in non-exposed workers. The most complained symptoms among rice millers were wheezing and breathlessness (n = 6, 9.2%). There was a significant difference in the mean forced expiration volume (FEV1) for pre- and post-shifts between rice millers and the non-exposed workers, but no significant correlation between the mean AFB1 concentration and lung function. Age and work factors were confounders in lung function.

Conclusion: Despite no association being established in this study, the promotion of wearing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is highly recommended to prevent cumulative exposure among the rice millers.
Health risk estimation of metals bioaccumulated in commercial fish from coastal areas and rivers in Bangladesh

Bristy MS, Sarker KK, Baki MA, Quraishi SB, Hossain MM, Islam A, et al.

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol, 2021 Aug;86:103666.
PMID: 33895355 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103666

Metal contaminations in commercial fish have become a great public health concern worldwide including Bangladesh. The current study was conducted to provide preliminary evidence of nine metals in three commercially significant fish namely Pampus argenteus, Sardinella longiceps and Tenualosa ilisha collected from four coastal stations- Kuakata, Pathorghata, Cox's Bazar, and Pirojpur, and eight stations of five rivers- Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, Katcha, and Nobogonga in Bangladesh. High magnitudes of Pb (0.74-4.59 mg/kg ww), Cd (0.07-0.24 mg/kg ww), and Mn (0.45-2.03 mg/kg ww) were recorded in the sampling stations that exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPL) proposed by different recognized organizations. Significant mean differences of metal concentrations were observed (p 
Fulltext Effects of EPA+DHA from yellow-stripe scad and salmon on platelet and endothelial cell-related cytokines of healthy overweight Malaysians

Abdulrahaman Yakubu, Azrina Azlan, Loh Su Peng, Irmi Zarina Ismail, Sabariah Md Noor

Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine, 2019;3(4):0-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Overweight currently has become a major global burden. Salmon is one of the major sources for fish oil to treat inflammatory related cardiovascular diseases. Yellow-stripe scad (YSS) on the other hand, is a local Malaysian fish which can be a good substitute for salmon; however, the therapeutic effects of YSS is still unclear. Objective: Therefore, this study compared the nutritional values EPA+DHA of YSS and salmon on body mass index (BMI), leptin and activation markers for both platelet and endothelial cell. Methods: Healthy overweight Malaysian adults (n=45), aged 21-55 years old, were recruited for 6-months cross-over trial study. They were randomised equally to receive eight weeks of either steamed whole YSS fish or salmon fillet, for three days per week, obtaining approximately 7000 mg EPA+DHA weekly. The diets were switched after an eight-week washout period. Baseline dietary fish intakes were similar in the two groups. Results: Significant differences observed in serum leptin for YSS-baseline group I and salmon-baseline group II (p0.05) on time and treatment in all variable after 16 week, but there was a significant effect of treatment on sCD40L from YSS and vWF from salmon (p
Fulltext Urbanization and tuberculosis in Peninsular, Malaysia (2011-2015)

Kirandeep Kulwant Kaur, Salmiah Md Said, Poh Ying Lim, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):63-69.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global concern as it continues to kill million people annually despite the availability of effective treatment. One of the social factors affecting the spread of tuberculosis is urbanization. Tuberculosis remains as the leading cause of death from communicable diseases in Malaysia for more than a decade. Geographic information system (GIS) has been used to understand the epidemiology of infectious diseases, to identify hot spots/ clusters of areas/ populations at high risk. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between urbanization and TB in the Peninsular of Malaysia during 2011-2015 and develop TB incidence risk map using GIS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using TB cases data on tuberculosis incidence, tuberculosis deaths, urban population, population and population density from the Ministry of Health, Malaysia for the period 2011 to 2015. This data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0 and Arc GIS. Results: The number of TB cases and urbanization varied in the Peninsular. There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between the number of TB cases and urban population (r=.884, p
Fulltext Thermal effect of spray drying process on the quality of ficus deltoidea extract

Nor Rashidah Ahmed, Harisun Yaakob, Ismail Ware, Husnul Hanani Soib, Fitrien Husin, Iylia Arina Md Zaki

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):95-100.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Spray dry is a single step of drying method to transform the fluid materials to dry particles. Common practice for producing the solid form is by using the freeze dry technique. However, the existing freeze dry process was associated with longer drying process, high maintenance and costly. Alternatively, researchers used spray drying during extraction process, yet, an elevated drying temperature applied may incur some effects on the quality and quantity of the extract. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the thermal effect of spray drying process on the quality of spray dried Ficus deltoidea (F.deltoidea). Methods: The thermal effects of spray drying were identified at three different inlet air temperatures (160 oC, 191 oC and 220 oC) which are minimum, optimum and maximum of inlet air temperature, respectively. The Box-Behnken Design through response surface methodology was utilized to identify the optimum operating conditions at these temperatures. The quality of F. deltoidea in terms of yield, moisture content, marker compound (vitexin), total saponins, total protein and total polysaccharides were studied. Results: From the study, total saponins and polysaccharides exhibited better retentions during the spray drying process. Meanwhile, vitexin and total protein was found decreasing by 30% and 50% respectively, during the spray drying process. Conclusion: High operating of air inlet temperatures in spray drying process contribute to higher process yield, produce non-sticky particles with lower moisture contents compared to drying process at 160 oC.
Fulltext Force-Invariant Improved Feature Extraction Method for Upper-Limb Prostheses of Transradial Amputees

Islam MJ, Ahmad S, Haque F, Reaz MBI, Bhuiyan MAS, Islam MR

Diagnostics (Basel), 2021 May 07;11(5).
PMID: 34067203 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050843

A force-invariant feature extraction method derives identical information for all force levels. However, the physiology of muscles makes it hard to extract this unique information. In this context, we propose an improved force-invariant feature extraction method based on nonlinear transformation of the power spectral moments, changes in amplitude, and the signal amplitude along with spatial correlation coefficients between channels. Nonlinear transformation balances the forces and increases the margin among the gestures. Additionally, the correlation coefficient between channels evaluates the amount of spatial correlation; however, it does not evaluate the strength of the electromyogram signal. To evaluate the robustness of the proposed method, we use the electromyogram dataset containing nine transradial amputees. In this study, the performance is evaluated using three classifiers with six existing feature extraction methods. The proposed feature extraction method yields a higher pattern recognition performance, and significant improvements in accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1 score are found. In addition, the proposed method requires comparatively less computational time and memory, which makes it more robust than other well-known feature extraction methods.
Fulltext Species determination and discrimination of animal blood: a multi-analytical spectroscopic-chemometrics approach in forensic science

Durga Devi Sandran, Yusmazura Zakaria, Noor Zuhartini Md Muslim, Nik Fakhuruddin Nik Hassan

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(4):162-169.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Non-destructive analysis of biological evidence has been paramount importance in the forensic inves- tigation since it is an effective tool in establishing a standard that could be employed to differentiate ensuing destruc- tive tests of bio-fluids upon sample division between the plaintiff and defendant. Species identification of bloodstain found at the crime scene is very crucial in routine forensic work as this can assist the initial investigation by incor- porating or excluding stain that is not human and to identify its origin if animal blood is involved. Methods: In this research, identification and discrimination of various blood species collected from seven domestic animals namely chicken, cow, deer, duck, fish, goat, and pig were investigated using non-destructive analytical techniques; ATR- FTIR and visible spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis (PCA- LDA) for classification purposes. Results: ATR-FTIR FTIR spectroscopic study demonstrated a higher rate of successful classification ( 90%) as compared to visible spectroscopic technique. Conclusion: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy has been an ideal, robust, and suitable tool for determining the blood species of domestic animals. The predictive model from PCA-LDA analysis can be utilised to produce higher classification rate for species determination from blood traces.
Fulltext Platelet Aggregation Pattern on Light Transmission Aggregometry Among Malaysian Healthy Individuals

Azlina Muhsin, Eusni Rahayu Mohd. Tohit, Sabariah Md. Noor, Faraizah Abd. Karim

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(109):33-37.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Platelet aggregation test using light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is considered as the gold
standard for evaluation of platelet function. Variations of platelet aggregation had been reported in apparently
healthy individuals whereby a normal cut–off value established locally is highly recommended. This study aims
to determine the platelet aggregation pattern and the preliminary findings on reference values for
multiple agonists–induced platelet aggregation among Malaysian healthy individuals in a single centre.
Method: A total number of 63 informed consented healthy individuals consisted of Malay, Chinese and Indian
were recruited among staff and blood donors at National Blood Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Platelet aggregation was
measured using LTA against adenosine diphosphate 10 µM (ADP10), collagen 0.19 mg/mL (COL), ristocetin 1.5
mg/mL (RIS), arachidonic acid 1 mM (AA) and epinephrine 10 µM (EPI). Results were expressed as percent final
aggregation (%FA). Reference values were calculated from mean±2SD. Results: Age, gender and ethnic groups had
no significant effect on platelet aggregation. A variability of platelet aggregation response to EPI was observed among
the healthy individuals. Ten of 33 respondents (30%) had impaired aggregation with
Fulltext Superficial angiomyxoma of the eyelid. a case report and review of the literature

Nadzrin Md Yusof, Noraini Mohd Dusa, Norhafizah Mohtarrudin, Razana Mohd Ali

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(109):134-136.
MyJurnal

Superficial angiomyxoma (SA) is an angiomyxoid cutaneous tumour. It has predilection for the head and neck, torso, limbs and genital tract. Our case is a 27-year-old female, presented with painless right medial canthal mass for two years. It was associated with tearing when the lesion grew larger. We received a nodular brownish tissue measuring 25x20x15mm with homogenous brownish cut surface. Microscopically, the tumour was partially circumscribed, exhibiting bland stellate to spindle cells of moderate cellularity with pale eosinophilic cytoplasm, indistinct border, in a loose collagenous myxoid matrix with numerous blood vessels of different calibre. The lesional cells were present at the resected margin and were nonreactive towards CD34, SMA and S100. SA of the eyelid is sometimes mistaken clinically as dermoid cyst or lipoma. Reports have shown increased risks of local recurrence following incomplete excision. Close association with Carney’s complex is an important feature. Careful clinicopathologic correlation and proper investigations are needed for optimal patient care.
Fulltext Effects of rainfall intensities and aggregate size on sediment concentration and hydraulic parameters

Zuliziana Suif, Maidiana Othman, Mohd Asri Md Nor, Siti Zulaikha Baharom

ZULFAQAR International Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 2021;4(1):60-67.
MyJurnal

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the effects of rainfall intensity and aggregate sizes on sediment concentration and hydraulic parameters. Flow velocity, flow width, shear stress and stream power are the hydraulic parameters. The impact of various rainfall intensities with differing aggregate sizes (D1.18 mm and D2.00 mm) was also studied. Under the rainfall simulator, the different aggregate sizes, D1.18 mm and D2.00 mm, were set up at a slope angle of 20o. The flow of runoff was collected for 2 hours at several intervals (30, 60, 90 and 120 min). Then, the hydraulic parameters and concentration of the sediment were measured. As a result, the increased rate of rainfall creates a higher concentration of sediment on a steep slope from 7.988 to 3233.569 gm-3 and 2.954 to 976.736 gm- 3 for aggregate sizes D1.18 mm and D2.00 mm, respectively. Generally, as the flow depth and shear stress were reduced, the estimated sediment concentration was higher. On the other hand, flow velocity and unit stream power were directly related to the sediment concentrations.
Fulltext Biologically active secondary metabolites from medicinal plants

Julenah Ag Nuddin, Lo, Chor Wai, Farnidah Jasnie, Fatimah Salim, Matsain Md Buang

Borneo Akademika, 2021;5(1):1-12.
MyJurnal

Plants have sustained the life of man since the beginning of the time. Their functionalities go beyond being wood for fire, instead, they are able to protect, provide and nourish. The many purposes of plants have been described by many. In this article, we will describe functional plants through the chemical perspective particularly the biologically active secondary metabolites. The initiatives in natural products studies can be traced to the early years of man when plants were used for health and treatment management as documented in traditional materia medica. In modern days, numerous phytochemicals have become the main ingredients in drugs, foods, cosmetics and many more after detailed and rigorous research programs which determine their safety and efficacy. In Malaysia, and Sabah in particular, efforts are planned and carried out to identify potential traditional plants that will be beneficial in their truest forms.
Fulltext Performance of HEC-HMS and ArcSWAT models for assessing climate change impacts on streamflow at Bernam River Basin in Malaysia

Habibu Ismail, Md Rowshon Kamal, Lai Sai Hin, Ahmad Fikri Abdullah

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2020;28(3):1027-1048.
MyJurnal

Hydrological models are reliable tools that have been extensively used for hydrological studies. However, the complexity of some of these models has been a major setback, which affects their performance. This study compared Hydrologic Engineering Corps Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) with most widely applied Soil Water Assessment Tool (ArcSWAT) model and used to assess impacts of climate change on streamflow at Bernam Basin, Malaysia for 2010-2039, 2040-2069 and 2070-2099 to the baseline period (1976- 2005) using an ensemble of ten GCMs under three RCP scenarios (RCPs 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5). The models performed satisfactorily. However, HEC-HMS performed better compared to ArcSWAT with 0.74, 0.71, 4.21 and 0.37; and 0.71, 0.69, 5.32 and 0.31 for R2 , NSE, PBIAS and RSR, respectively, during the calibration and validation periods. Future periods suggest a decreasing pattern in streamflow, with a higher percentage (−5.94%) expected for the RCP 8.5 scenario in the late century (2080s) during dry season period. In the wet season, streamflow decreases in all future periods except for RCP4.5 where it is expected to increase (0.36%). Therefore, the Basin may likely experience tremendous pressure in the late century due to low streamflow, particularly in dry season months.

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