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Fulltext Potential applications of horseshoe crab in biomedical research

Najian I,, Kannan TP,, Ahmad A,, Khairani IM,

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2019;4(2):1-7.
MyJurnal

Horseshoe crab is one of the oldest existing living fossils comprising four main species today. Of these, Limulus Polyphemus is found in North America and the other three species, Tachypleus tridentatus, Tachypleus gigas and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda are found in Southeast Asia. Horseshoe crabs play important roles in the regulation of the coastal ecology communities whereby the eggs serve as the main diet of shorebird species during the migrating season. Horseshoe crab is also seen as a versatile organism, useful in the biomedicine field particularly, as its blue blood has been widely integrated to be used for endotoxin tester in vaccines, drugs and injectables. Researchers have explored a material called perivitelline fluid (PVF) from the egg of a fertilized horseshoe crab which is rich in important proteins and amino acids that are crucial for embryogenesis. Previous studies have shown that PVF has the ability to enhance cell growth and differentiation as well as in promoting generation of certain organs. Testing of PVF on many types of cells has shown positive results and hence, it is suggested that PVF could be used as a supplement to support cell growth in future. Highlighting the horseshoe crab as a living fossil, this review brings out the relevance of the blue blood and PVF of the horseshoe crab as sources benefitting molecular research.
An unusual cause of subacute airway obstruction in a hemodialysis patient with brachio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula: A rare presentation of central venous occlusion

Hamzan MI, Hamid AR, Halim AS, Mat Saad AZ

Hemodial Int, 2020 04;24(2):E33-E36.
PMID: 32141217 DOI: 10.1111/hdi.12832

A young lady with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula on hemodialysis was referred for surgical management following a failed endovascular approach to relieve central venous occlusion. She had an obstructed left brachiocephalic vein with a history of numerous central vein catheter placements. Alternative routes for new arteriovenous fistula creation had been exhausted due to previous contralateral upper limb fistula rupture and ligation. To the best of our knowledge, no similar cases of airway obstruction in central venous occlusion occurring in hemodialysis patients with AV fistula have been reported. The importance of identifying the possible emergency red flags in hemodialysis patients with central venous occlusion is important to prevent unwanted consequences.
Fulltext The Influence of Feedback in the Simulated Patient Case-History Training among Audiology Students at the International Islamic University Malaysia

Dzulkarnain AAA, Sani MKA, Rahmat S, Jusoh M

J Audiol Otol, 2019 Jul;23(3):121-128.
PMID: 30857383 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2018.00381

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a scant evidence on the use of simulations in audiology (especially in Malaysia) for case-history taking, although this technique is widely used for training medical and nursing students. Feedback is one of the important components in simulations training; however, it is unknown if feedback by instructors could influence the simulated patient (SP) training outcome for case-history taking among audiology students. Aim of the present study is to determine whether the SP training with feedback in addition to the standard role-play and seminar training is an effective learning tool for audiology case-history taking.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six second-year undergraduate audiology students participated. A cross-over study design was used. All students initially attended two hours of seminar and role-play sessions. They were then divided into three types of training, 1) SP training (Group A), 2) SP with feedback (Group B), and 3) a non-additional training group (Group C). After two training sessions, the students changed their types of training to, 1) Group A and C: SP training with feedback, and 2) Group B: non-additional training. All the groups were assessed at three points: 1) pre-test, 2) intermediate, and 3) post-test. The normalized median score differences between and within the respective groups were analysed using non-parametric tests at 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS: Groups with additional SP trainings (with and without feedback) showed a significantly higher normalized gain score than no training group (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The SP training (with/ without feedback) is a beneficial learning tool for history taking to students in audiology major.
Fulltext The effect of burned liver on the length, weight and development of Megaselia Scalaris (loew) (diptera: phoridae) – a preliminary assessment and implications in forensic entomology

Nur Aqidah Ahmad, Amirah Suhailah Ramli, Raja Muhammad Zuha

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(1):29-33.
MyJurnal

Development of insects in laboratory for minimum post mortem interval estimation (mPMI) or time of colonisation (TOC) in
forensic entomology can be affected by the type and quality of food consumed during larval period. Since mPMI estimation
also involves analysis of larval specimens collected from burned human remains, it is important to study if burned tissues
could affect growth of sarcosaprophagous larvae. This study investigated the effect of burned tissues on the size and
developmental period of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae), a species of forensic importance. Development
of M. scalaris on 75 g burned cow’s liver was compared with control liver in three study replicates. Mean larval length
(2.87 ± 0.11 mm) and weight (0.81 ± 0.08 mg) of M. scalaris larvae in burned liver diets were significantly lower than
larval length (5.03 ± 0.15 mm) and weight (2.85 ± 0.21 mg) of control liver diets (p < 0.001) whilst mean pupal length
(2.53 ± 0.06 mm) and weight (0.92 ± 0.06 mg) in burned liver diets were significantly lower than pupal length (3.52 ±
0.06 mm) and weight (2.84 ± 0.16 mg) in control liver diets (p < 0.001). Development of larvae in burned liver was 5-9
hours slower than those feeding on control liver based on single observation. Although the assessment is preliminary, the
findings indicate physical growth of larvae feeding on burned animal tissues was affected and entomological specimens
recovered from burned remains should be evaluated carefully to avoid errors in mPMI/TOC estimation. Limitations and
suggestions for further research are also presented herein.
Fulltext The effects of PETTLEP and traditional imagery interventions on netball players shooting accuracy

Adilah Mohammad Mazli, Thariq Khan Azizuddin Khan, Ahmad Hashim

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2018;7(2):53-60.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion and Perspective (PETTLEP) and traditional imagery interventions on netball players shooting accuracy. In this study, 48 netball players from Larut Matang and Selama district in Perak were invited to participate. They were tested on imagery ability and divided into three interventions groups consisting, the PETTLEP audio imagery, the PETTLEP audio video imagery and the traditional written imagery script. The participants in the PETTLEP audio and audio video interventions imagery employed the interventions at the netball court. Conversely, the participants in the traditional written imagery scrip group employed the interventions at their own houses. All participants conducted their imagery training based on the imagery training schedule that was provided to them. The imagery training duration was around 30 minutes and scheduled for three times per week for four weeks. The pre-test intervention and post-test study design were employed in this study. The paired t-test results indicated that there were significant differences on the pre and post test data for netball shooting accuracy for both participants in PETTLEP groups, however there was no significant differences were found in the traditional written imagery script group. Furthermore, the One Way ANOVA results indicated that there were significant differences on the data of post-test among both PETTLEP groups compared to the traditional groups. However, there were no significant differences found between PETTLEP groups. The findings showed that the participants in the PETTLEP imagery interventions showed better accuracy netball shooting compared to the participants in the traditional intervention group, however both audio and combination audio and video PETLLEP interventions enhanced similar netball shooting performances. In conclusion, from this study the PETTLEP imagery model was found to improve players’ performance, especially when it was combined with audio imagery and video modelling.
Fulltext Preparation and swelling study of CMC hydrogel as potential superabsorbent

Nur Fitrah Che Nan, Norhazlin Zainuddin, Mansor Ahmad

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(1):489-498.
MyJurnal

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble polymer, which is widely used in various
fields such as food additives, textiles, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. In this study, hydrogel
was prepared from CMC by using calcium chloride as a crosslinking agent. Optimization
of the reaction was done through investigation of four different parameters which had
different percentage of CMC (w/v), percentage of calcium chloride (w/v), reaction time and
temperature. The gel content and swelling properties of the CMC hydrogel were studied.
The highest gel content was 85.33% at 7% of CMC (w/v) with 2% of calcium chloride (w/v)
in 24 hours reaction time at room temperature. The gel content increased with the increasing
concentration of CMC and CaCl2. This was due to the higher number of functional groups
of COO- that were available in more concentrated CMC which could crosslink with CaCl2
to give higher gel content. Increasing the percentage of CaCl2 will increase the electrostatic
attraction between anionic charges of polymer chains and multivalent cation (Ca2+) that
leads to increase in ionic crosslinking of CMC. The swelling properties of CMC hydrogel
showed that the optimum degree of swelling was 45.33 (g/g). The swelling capacity of the
hydrogel in water decreased with the increase of the gel content of CMC hydrogel. This
could be due to the increase in the degree of crosslinking of the CMC hydrogel.
Statistical relationship between activity concentrations of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs and geological formations in surface soil of Jordan

Alomari AH, Saleh MA, Hashim S, Alsayaheen A, Abukashabeh A

Isotopes Environ Health Stud, 2019 May;55(2):211-226.
PMID: 30789050 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2019.1581776

An extensive study was conducted to determine the activity concentrations of natural and artificial radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs in soil samples of each governate of Jordan. A total of 370 samples have been measured using a high-purity germanium detector. The activity concentration for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs has mean values of 42 ± 3, 23 ± 3, 309 ± 21, and 3.7 ± 0.9 Bq kg-1, respectively. The highest mean activity concentration for 226Ra was found to be 138 ± 4 Bq kg-1 in the Alkarak governate. In the Ajloun and Jarash governates, the highest mean activity concentration was 35 ± 3 Bq kg-1 for 232Th, and 14.2 ± 1.9 Bq kg-1 for 137Cs, respectively. Geological influence on the activity concentrations was investigated using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent samples. The ANOVA results indicate that there are strong significant differences between the activity concentrations of 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs based on geological formations the radionuclides occur. The main contribution to gamma dose rate was due to 226Ra activity concentration. Radium equivalent and external hazard index are associated with a mean value of 98 Bq kg-1, and 0.266, respectively.
Fulltext A review of the thermal effects during pregnancy by using ultrasound: doppler mode

Umi Nadrah Amran, Farah Wahida Ahmad Zaiki, Sulaiman Md Dom

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(1):357-370.
MyJurnal

Doppler ultrasound is used in obstetrics and gynecology fields to serve as the complement
mode in the standard prenatal scan. It aids in investigating fetus blood flow in expectant
mothers’ wombs, usually those who come with pregnancy complications. In the conventional
ultrasound beam, the heat produced by attenuation is distributed over the area. However, the
Doppler ultrasound beam is focused at only one point. This leads the heat to accumulate at
that particular area and hence there is an increase in the temperature. Heat is considered as
a teratogen in pregnancy, whereby an increase in the fetal temperature can be fatal to the
fetus. Studies have found that Doppler mode is associated with higher acoustic output as
compared to the conventional two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound mode. Several studies done
on animals have ruled out the evidence of Doppler ultrasound bioeffects. This narrative
review only discusses the thermally induced effect of ultrasound by using Doppler mode.
This study reviews prior studies with keywords such as Doppler ultrasound, bioeffects,
heating effects, rabbit, and pregnancy. Earlier studies noted that the risk of thermal effects
increased with the increase of exposure time. However, Doppler ultrasound wave inducing
fetal hyperthermia is not the main reason for
causing adverse neonatal outcomes without
taking into account other external factors.
Therefore, it is essential for the practitioners
to adopt and adapt the concept of ‘as low as
reasonably achievable’ (ALARA) to avoid
any subtle adverse effects.
Fulltext The influence of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D gene polymorphism on cardiovascular and muscular adaptations following 8 weeks of isometric handgrip training (IHG) in untrained normotensive males

Yusof HA, Aziz AR, Muhamed AMC

Biol Sport, 2019 Mar;36(1):81-94.
PMID: 30899143 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2019.79975

We examined the association between the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D gene polymorphism and isometric handgrip (IHG) training on cardiovascular and muscular responses among normotensive males. Thirty (II = 10, ID = 10, and DD = 10) normotensive untrained males underwent IHG training at 30% of their maximal voluntary contraction 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Cardiovascular and muscular variables were measured before IHG, after a session of IHG and after 8 weeks of IHG. No significant interaction effect was found between ACE I/D genotype and IHG training session on all dependent variables (all p > 0.05). There was a significant main effect of IHG training session on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.002), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p = 0.015) and handgrip strength (HGS) (p = 0.001) scores, while no difference in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure, or heart rate scores was found. A greater improvement in cardiovascular parameters following 8 weeks of IHG training was observed in participants with the D allele than the I allele (SBP reduction: ID+DD genotype group (-5.53 ± 6.2 mmHg) vs. II genotype group (-1.52 ± 5.3 mmHg)); MAP reduction: ID + DD genotype group (-2.80 ± 4.5 mmHg) vs. II genotype group (-1.45 ± 3.5 mmHg). Eight weeks of IHG training improved cardiovascular and muscular performances of normotensive men. Reduction in SBP and MAP scores in D allele carriers compared to I allele carriers indicates that the ACE I/D polymorphism may have an influence on IHG training adaptation in a normotensive population.
Fulltext Common foot deformities among Malaysian women: wearing incorrectly sized shoes

Shaliza Mohd Shariff, Norazmi Shahlal, Suhana Japar, Asma Ahmad Sharif

Journal of Engineering and Science Research, 2019;3(3):28-32.
MyJurnal

Several foot deformities have been identified in Malaysian women due to wearing shoes which do not fit the size and shape of their feet. Hallux valgus (bunions), corn, cellules and ingrown toenail are among the common deformities experienced by Malaysian women. The root of this issue is that the Malaysian footwear market has adopted foreign shoe size standards such as those from the US and UK. This means that Malaysian women face difficulties in obtaining correctly-sized shoes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop and propose a standard shoe sizing system for women in Malaysia based on anthropometric measurements of Malaysian women’s foot sizes and shapes. Women from Malaysia’s primary ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) aged 20 to 60 years old participated in this project, where the anthropometric measurements for their foot size and shapes were obtained using a 3D foot scanner. Regression analysis in the form of Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was performed to determine the association between a few attributes including foot measurements and the existence of the foot deformities. Foot length and Ball girth circumference have significant association with the foot deformities (FL: p = .028 and BG: p = .045). The new standard shoe sizing system has been developed ith more accurate sizes and shapes, it is hoped that the foot deformities problem could be solved or at least reduced the foot pain.
Fulltext Whole effluent toxicity (wet) testing of tin mining effluent and receiving water on Zebrafish, Danio Rerio (Hamilton, 1822)

Farhana Ahmad Affandi, Mohd Yusoff Ishak, Nur Hamizah Samsudin

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(3):1025-1030.
MyJurnal

Mining is one of the anthropogenic activities that can negatively affect the environment especially the waterways. Discharges from mining activities are usually in acidic state and containing elevated concentrations of metals. The exposure to these contaminants may cause several harmful effects not only to aquatic organisms but also to human health. The Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) test was applied to evaluate the toxic effects of tin mining effluents to aquatic organisms. An acute toxicity test with zebrafish (Danio rerio) was conducted where fish was exposed to 3.13%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25% and 50% effluent for 96 hours under static renewal test system. Effects of effluent exposure were determined using endpoints with mortality of median lethal concentration (LC50) value. Results indicated that the LC50 value of zebrafish when exposed, was 14.21% effluent. The physicochemical properties of the effluent were also evaluated in order to assess the cause-effect relationships of the effluent. The low pH values of the mine effluent might be the main reason contributing to the fish mortality. This approach provides additional information of tin mining effect on freshwater fishes as well as to human health.
Fulltext Antecedent factors of self-directed learning in the workplace: a case study in a private organization in Indonesia

Ida Juliana, Hutasuhut, Shahren Ahmad, Zaidi Adruce, Hasbee, Usop

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2019;5(2):41-52.
MyJurnal

Self-directed learning (SDL) is becoming a prominent issue discussed in the workplace
learning topic. Each of the employees needs to be aware that organizations need people who
do not only believe the importance of learning but they must have initiative and capability
to learn effectively. This study aims to examine the antecedent factor of the emergence of
SDL in the workplace. This study using qualitative research design, particularly case study
approach conducted in a prominent motorcycle-manufacturing company in Indonesia that
intentionally set the organizational direction toward a learning organization. A total of thirty
staff and managers were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured
approach. The Data gathered were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Findings
indicate three factors as the antecedent to the emergence of SDL in the workplace, namely:
personal factors, organizational factors, and family support. Discussion and
recommendations based on research findings will be explained later.
Fulltext Application of performance appraisal system (pas) attributes among first rater officers (fro’s): issues and implication

Limasan, Jakheus, Rusli, Ahmad, Nur Fatihah, Abdullah Bandar

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2019;5(2):66-77.
MyJurnal

This study aims to explore the first rater officers’ perspectives on the application of
performance appraisal attributes in performance appraisal system in a higher education
institution in Sarawak. Six attributes were focused on the study namely clarification of the
system, justification of the system, control criteria, employee participation, system
management, and credibility of the assessor. The study uses a qualitative methodology using
semi-structured interview techniques and data analysis in thematic approach. Three
common issues are the limitation of the system’s availability, insufficient scoring
distribution towards lecturers who are involved in administrative work and limited
capability of the server. Along with that, two critical issues are the subjective judgment of
personality traits and limited utilization of the system. The implication raised based on the
issues is work processes are interrupted, employee dissatisfaction and organizational image
are affected. In conclusion, the issues within the performance appraisal system need to be
taken seriously to avoid conflicts.
Sap flow study on two different diameter sizes of Tectona grandis

Marryanna Lion, Siti-Aisah Shamsuddin, Wan Mohd Shukri Wan Ahmad

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:359-363.

Sap flow pattern of Tectona grandis planted at lowland forest assessed. This study aimed to determine the sap movement
of two different diameter sizes T. grandis. Two sizes selected were 16 and 38 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh). Sap
flow meter (SFM) used to assess the sap velocity rates at the interval of 30 min within 24 h for 15 days. Diurnal sap flow
of T. grandis shows that mean velocity is high during day time compared night time. Small diameter has high sap flow
compared to that of bigger diameter. A flow rates was high at the inner layer and less at outer layer for smaller tree. The
variation was vice versa when the tree was getting bigger. Variations in sap flow of T. grandis characterized by several
environmental factors. It was found that size contribute in the differed sap flow of T. grandis.
Kesan penambahan limonena terhadap mikroemulsi asid oleik/Cremophor rh 40/Transcutol/air

Zainuddin N, Ahmad I, Abdul Rahman I, Ramli S

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1797-1805.

Gambar rajah fasa pseudo-ternari sistem mikroemulsi asid oleik/Cremophor rh 40/Transcutol/Air diperoleh melalui pentitratan air pada nisbah surfaktan:kosurfaktan (Km) yang berbeza. Nisbah optimum bagi surfaktan/kosurfaktan adalah Km=2:1. Kesan penambahan limonena sebagai fasa minyak campuran terhadap sistem mikroemulsi diuji pada nisbah limonena:asid oleik (1:1, 2:1 dan 3:1). Penambahan limonena berupaya menghasilkan rantau mikroemulsi yang lebih besar sehingga 70%-80 % bt. air bagi kesemua nisbah limonena:asid oleik. Nisbah limonena:asid oleik (1:1) memberikan rantau mikroemulsi yang paling luas pada nisbah minyak:surfaktan/kosurfaktan (Minyak:S/KoS=1:9). Sifat isotropik mikroemulsi ditentukan dengan menggunakan mikroskopi cahaya polarasi. Mikroemulsi dibangunkan pada nisbah Km=2:1 dan Minyak:S/KoS (1:9) serta limonena:asid oleik (1:1). Kestabilan dan saiz partikel bagi sistem dikaji dan penambahan limonena didapati tidak merubah sifat serta mikro-struktur sistem mikroemulsi. Kajian konduktiviti elektrik dan kelikatan sistem menunjukkan pembentukan mikroemulsi jenis air-dalam-minyak (10% dan 20 % bt. air) dan dwiselanjar (30%-50 % bt. air). Kesemua sistem mempunyai potensi sebagai sistem penghantar bahan aktif dan menunjukkan kestabilan yang baik pada suhu 4, 25 dan 37°C dalam tempoh lebih daripada 6 bulan.
The effect of centella asiatica (l.) urban on the organotypic model of spinal cord injury

Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi, Yogeswaran Lokanathan, Ruszymah Idrus

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2783-2788.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) is a well- known plant used to improve brain and memory functions in traditional
medicine. Scientifically it was proven to show neurogenic effect on neural cell lines and in rat’s hippocampus. Its effect
on spinal cord (SC) neurons, however, have not been studied. Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of raw
extract of CA (RECA) on neurite outgrowths in an organotypic model of SC injury (OMSCI). OMSCI was prepared using SC
slices obtained from postnatal-day 8 rat pups. Spinal cord tissues were embedded in gelatine gel and sliced to produce
300 µm thick slices. These slices were 100% viable for 8 days in culture. RECA, in concentrations of 0-800 µg/mL was
added to the OMSCI media for 7 days, followed by immunostaining for TUJ-1 and GFAP. The investigated parameters
were mean neurite count, mean neurite length, mean longest neurite and growth ratio. The tested RECA concentrations
showed no cytotoxicity. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests showed no significant difference between groups in all the tested
parameters. This may be due to low content of neurotrophic bioactive compounds content in the extract, which probably
due to differences in geographical location, extraction method and absence of neurotrophic factors in the media. In
conclusion, the tested RECA concentration were found to be safe; but without notable neurotrophic effects on the spinal
cord organotypic model as demonstrated in this study.
Fulltext Global economic burden of asbestos related diseases in comparison with the costs of production and consumption

Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Ahmad Munir Qureshi, David B

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2017;17(1):111-125.

Occupational cancers, including mesothelioma and lung cancer are linked to the use of asbestos. Annually, at least 100,000 global deaths are attributed to asbestos exposure putting a heavy burden on national budgets. Expenses incurred on treatment of asbestos related diseases (ARDs) reduce households and national resource savings, while ARDs culminate in terminal burdens. The objective of this study is to measure the economic burden of ARDs and to assess the economic impact of asbestos consumption. The health and economic burden of asbestos was estimated in macro-global consumption-production model using production function frontier-based and generalized least squared approach for asbestos products and cost tabulation. Production, in metric tons (Mt) was adopted as a dependent variable among explanatory variables, including consumption. Information on treatment cost of asbestos related diseases (mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer) was obtained from costing information and published literatures. Annual total economic burden of asbestos is at USD 11.92 billion. Out of this cost, USD 4.34 billion per annum is the economic burden of managing three common ARDs. The cost of compensation for patients suffering ARDs is USD 4.28 billion. From the remaining USD 3.3 billion, USD 2.93 billion is the value of asbestos consumed in 2003 and USD372.15 million is the loss of earning due to hospital visits and admissions. For every USD 1 spent on consumption of asbestos, global economy has to absorb almost USD 4 due to health consequences of ARDs. Banning of asbestos production and usage in production of goods has far-reaching impacts on household welfare, health and economic development. The insights revealed are expected to inform decision makers the need to ban all forms of asbestos, especially in developing countries where usage is increasing.
Foliar Boron spray for improved yield, oil quality and water use efficiency in water stressed sunflower

Shehzad MA, Maqsood M, Abbas T, Ahmad N

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1497-1507.

Boron (B) is a mineral considered essential for improving sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) resistance to drought. B supplements (0, 15-, 30- and 45 mg L-1) under well-watered and variable water deficit levels (64 and 53 mm irrigation depths) were evaluated for their effects on growth, oil quality and water use efficiency (WUE) in a field study for two consecutive years (i.e. 2011 and 2012). The duration of 50% inflorescence emergence, 50% flowering and 50% maturity stages were reduced with increasing moisture stress. All B application rates improved sunflower growth compared to no B control treatment. The moisture deficit treatments of 64 and 53 mm irrigation depths significantly (p<0.05) reduced the yield-related components. Achenes/head, achenes weight and achene yield under water stress conditions were considerably improved by foliar application of B at 30 mg L-1. An increase in protein contents and a decrease in oil contents were observed with B foliar application under moisture deficit treatments. Foliar application of B (30 mg L-1) on water stressed plants also resulted in increased WUE. The highest net benefits were achieved with B concentration of 30 mg L-1 under well-watered and mild deficit water level of 64 mm irrigation depth. The highest application rate of B (45 mg L-1) gave the best results at the most severe water deficit level. In conclusion, the B rates of 30 and 41 mg L-1 performed best for improving drought tolerance in terms of higher sunflower productivity under mild and higher water deficit conditions
Reliability of panoramic-radiograph to determine the position of third-molar from inferior-alveolar-canal

Azizah Ahmad Fauzi, Mohamed Ebrahim Parker, Norval E., Phrabhakaran N

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:59-65.

Cone-beam-computed-tomography (CBCT) has been useful in providing insights of relevant anatomy prior to surgical
procedures, including the assessment of the proximity of impacted mandibular-third-molar to the inferior-alveolar-canal
(IAC). It is important to understand the reliability of conventional panoramic-radiograph in the assessment of this criterion
since it is more commonly used as first line radiographic approach due to its availability and lower radiation dose. This
study aimed to investigate the reliability of conventional panoramic-radiograph in the evaluation of the proximity of
impacted mandibular-third-molar root tip to the IAC by correlating the results with CBCT. A total of 65 root tips of impacted
mandibular-third-molars that had both panoramic radiographs and CBCT images were included in this retrospective study.
Two trained observers participated in all image evaluations. A prepared standard 1 cm ruler was used to measure the
proximity of the third-molar root apices to the IACs. Measurements recorded in this study were categorized into positive
(root apex above a roof of IAC), zero (root apex was superimposed on IAC) and negative (root apex below a roof of IAC).
Data analysis was carried out using student t-test. In this study, both observers recorded statistically significant differences
in the measurement between third-molars root apices and the IAC from panoramic radiographs and CBCT images. The low
reliability of panoramic radiograph to assess the vertical proximity between these two anatomical structures suggests
the importance of additional assessment with CBCT in cases where panoramic radiograph shows superimposition of the
third molar root on the roof of the canal and presence of root below the roof of the IAC.
Effect of chitosan coating on chilling injury, antioxidant status and postharvest quality of japanese cucumber during cold storage

Nur Fatin Afifah Hashim, Paa Kwesi Bordoh, Azhane Ahmad

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:287-294.

Japanese cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) could easily develop chilling injury when held at 7°C or below, thus limiting
its storability and reduces consumer preference. Chitosan coating is known to be one of the methods used for preserving
perishable fresh produce. This work was extended out to look into the efficacy of low molecular weight (LMW) chitosan
coatings on chilling injury (CI), antioxidant levels and shelf life quality of Japanese cucumber. Fruit were coated with
0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% chitosan prior to cold storage at 7°C and 90-95% relative humidity (RH) for 12 days. The result
showed that fruit coated with lowest concentration of chitosan (0.5%) was the most effective in alleviating chilling injury
symptoms and reduced the increase of lipid peroxidation (MDA content) compared to higher concentrations (1.0 and
1.5%). Furthermore, when Japanese cucumbers were coated with 0.5% chitosan, it was able to maintain the postharvest
quality and storability with higher firmness and delayed increase of weight loss. On the other hand, cucumber coated
with 1.5% chitosan demonstrated high level of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activities than in 0.5 and
1.0% chitosan. This finding suggests a role for chitosan coating in alleviating oxidative stress that would lead to CI
problems during cold storage.

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