Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 177 in total

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  1. Fulltext Food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice toward compliance with abattoir laws among the abattoir workers in Malaysia
    Abdullahi A, Hassan A, Kadarman N, Saleh A, Baraya YS, Lua PL
    Int J Gen Med, 2016;9:79-87.
    PMID: 27110137 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S98436
    Foodborne diseases are common in the developing countries due to the predominant poor food handling and sanitation practices, particularly as a result of inadequate food safety laws, weak regulatory structures, and inadequate funding as well as a lack of appropriate education for food-handlers. The most frequently involved foods in disease outbreaks are of animal origin. However, in spite of the adequate legislation and laws governing the abattoir operation in Malaysia, compliance with food safety requirements during meat processing and waste disposal is inadequate. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice toward compliance with abattoir laws among the workers in Terengganu, Malaysia.
  2. Fulltext A cross-sectional assessment of health-related quality of life among type 2 diabetes patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
    Al-Aboudi IS, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Hassan A, Alrasheedy AA
    SAGE Open Med, 2015;3:2050312115610129.
    PMID: 26770806 DOI: 10.1177/2050312115610129
    This study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life profile among type 2 diabetes patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  3. Effect of hydrolysed cellulose nanowhiskers on properties of montmorillonite/polylactic acid nanocomposites
    Arjmandi R, Hassan A, Haafiz MK, Zakaria Z, Islam MS
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2016 Jan;82:998-1010.
    PMID: 26592699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.11.028
    Polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites reinforced with hybrid montmorillonite/cellulose nanowhiskers [MMT/CNW(SO4)] were prepared by solution casting. The CNW(SO4) nanofiller was first isolated from microcrystalline cellulose using acid hydrolysis treatment. PLA/MMT/CNW(SO4) hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by the addition of various amounts of CNW(SO4) [1-9 parts per hundred parts of polymer (phr)] into PLA/MMT nanocomposite at 5 phr MMT content, based on highest tensile strength values as reported previously. The biodegradability, thermal, tensile, morphological, water absorption and transparency properties of PLA/MMT/CNW(SO4) hybrid nanocomposites were investigated. The Biodegradability, thermal stability and crystallinity of hybrid nanocomposites increased compared to PLA/MMT nanocomposite and neat PLA. The highest tensile strength of hybrid nanocomposites was obtained by incorporating 1 phr CNW(SO4) [∼ 36 MPa]. Interestingly, the ductility of hybrid nanocomposites increased significantly by 87% at this formulation. The Young's modulus increased linearly with increasing CNW(SO4) content. This is due to the relatively good dispersion of nanofillers in the hybrid nanocomposites, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the formation of some polar interactions. In addition, water resistance of the hybrid nanocomposites improved and the visual transparency of neat PLA film did not affect by addition of CNW(SO4).
  4. Fulltext Pollination Services of Mango Flower Pollinators
    Huda AN, Salmah MR, Hassan AA, Hamdan A, Razak MN
    J Insect Sci, 2015;15.
    PMID: 26246439 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iev090
    Measuring wild pollinator services in agricultural production is very important in the context of sustainable management. In this study, we estimated the contribution of native pollinators to mango fruit set production of two mango cultivars Mangifera indica (L). cv. 'Sala' and 'Chok Anan'. Visitation rates of pollinators on mango flowers and number of pollen grains adhering to their bodies determined pollinator efficiency for reproductive success of the crop. Chok Anan failed to produce any fruit set in the absence of pollinators. In natural condition, we found that Sala produced 4.8% fruit set per hermaphrodite flower while Chok Anan produced 3.1% per flower. Hand pollination tremendously increased fruit set of naturally pollinated flower for Sala (>100%), but only 33% for Chok Anan. Pollinator contribution to mango fruit set was estimated at 53% of total fruit set production. Our results highlighted the importance of insect pollinations in mango production. Large size flies Eristalinus spp. and Chrysomya spp. were found to be effective pollen carriers and visited more mango flowers compared with other flower visitors.
  5. Fulltext Ferrocene-Based Terpolyamides and Their PDMS-Containing Block Copolymers: Synthesis and Physical Properties
    Mushtaq I, Jabeen E, Akhter Z, Javed F, Hassan A, Khan MSU, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2022 Nov 23;14(23).
    PMID: 36501482 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235087
    Aromatic polyamides are well-known as high-performance materials due to their outstanding properties making them useful in a wide range of applications. However, their limited solubility in common organic solvents restricts their processability and becomes a hurdle in their applicability. This study is focused on the synthesis of processable ferrocene-based terpolyamides and their polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing block copolymers, using low-temperature solution polycondensation methodology. All the synthesized materials were structurally characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The ferrocene-based terpolymers and block copolymers were soluble in common organic solvents, while the organic analogs were found only soluble in sulfuric acid. WXRD analysis showed the amorphous nature of the materials, while the SEM analysis exposed the modified surface of the ferrocene-based block copolymers. The structure-property relationship of the materials was further elucidated by their water absorption and thermal behavior. These materials showed low to no water absorption along with their high limiting oxygen index (LOI) values depicting their good flame-retardant behavior. DFT studies also supported the role of various monomers in the polycondensation reaction where the electron pair donation from HOMO of diamine monomer to the LUMO of acyl chloride was predicted, along with the calculation of various other parameters of the representative terpolymers and block copolymers.
  6. Endoscopic sphincterotomy with balloon dilatation versus sphincterotomy alone for common bile duct stones removal: a randomised controlled trial
    Ooi JS, Ikhwan SM, Azem Fathi MA, Leow VM, Syed Hassan AZ
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(2):133-140.
    PMID: 38553916
    INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) plus endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation (EPLBD) has been reported as a valid alternative to EST alone in removing common bile duct (CBD) stone. The aim of this study is to compare efficacy, and safety of these two groups of patients in removing CBD stone in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective single centre randomised single blinded comparative study conducted in HUSM. The primary endpoints for this study are the overall complete stone clearance rate and complication rate, while the secondary outcome for this study are duration of procedure and rate of usage of adjunct methods. Objective data analysis is conducted using independent sample t-test and chi-squared test.

    RESULTS: A total of 66 patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis which is CBD stone. 34 patients were allocated to EST plus EPLBD arm (n=34), and 32 patients were in EST alone arm (n=32) using randomisation method. For intention to treat, patients from EST alone arm that unable to achieve complete stone clearance will be switched to EST plus EPLBD arm. The overall complete stone removal rate for both groups were comparable (EST plus EPLDB: 100% versus EST alone: 93.8%; p= 0.139). The two patients from EST alone group (6.2%) that unable to achieve complete stone clearance were converted to EST plus EPLBD group for intention to treat and able to achieve complete stone clearance by EST plus EPLBD. For procedural time, both arms are comparable as well (EST plus EPLDB: 15.8 minutes vs EST alone: 15.5 minutes; p= 0.860). Complications such as pancreatitis occurred in one patient in EST plus EPLBD arm (EST plus EPLDB: 2.9 % vs EST alone: 0 %; p= 0.328), and bleeding occurred in one patient in EST alone arm (EST plus EPLDB: 0 % vs EST alone: 3.1 %; p= 0.299) , but it is not statistically significant. No perforation or cholangitis complication occurred in both groups. No adjunct usage was observed in both groups.

    CONCLUSION: In this study with limited sample size, both EST plus EPLBD and EST alone are effective and has comparable procedural time in removing CBD stone. Even though both methods are equally effective, EPLBD plus EST is an alternative solution if complete stone clearance is unable to achieve via EST alone.

  7. Fulltext Unmasking the challenges in ideological and political education in China: A thematic review
    Ouyang S, Zhang W, Xu J, Mat Rashid A, How SP, Bin Hassan A
    Heliyon, 2024 Apr 30;10(8):e29176.
    PMID: 38644869 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29176
    China's distinctive educational approach, particularly its emphasis on ideological and political education, has garnered considerable academic attention for its impact on shaping individual values, fostering citizenship, and maintaining social stability. Despite the Chinese government's prioritization of ideological and political education, academic research in this field appears constrained, with existing studies predominantly focusing on normative and descriptive aspects. Normative research delineates how ideological and political education should be executed, while descriptive research illustrates its practical implementation. The effectiveness of these approaches is significantly diminished if they are not adequately interconnected-when only the current reality is explained without providing tools for improvement or when prescribed steps for improvement lack a basis in specific contexts. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of research on ideological and political education using ATLAS. ti 9 for thematic analysis. The review aims to unveil the intricate landscape of current research in China and address key questions: What are the primary trends in the literature on ideological and political education between 2021 and July 2023? What challenges does ideological and political education face? Through a direct exploration of these issues, this paper seeks to optimize the ideological and political education system, elevate its adaptability and effectiveness, and open avenues for research, fostering a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient development of ideological and political education.
  8. Factors Influencing Tooth Sensitivity: Insights From the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia Using Bootstrap-Enhanced Ordinal Regression
    Mat Lazin MA, Wan Zainon WN, Humayun A, Madawana AM, Hassan A, Zhang Y, et al.
    Cureus, 2024 Jul;16(7):e64641.
    PMID: 39149669 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64641
    Introduction Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity (DH), is characterized by sharp, sudden pain in response to stimuli such as cold, heat, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. In Malaysia, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological aspects of tooth sensitivity, necessitating focused research. The condition results from the exposure of dentinal tubules transmitting stimuli to nerves within the pulp, with contributing factors including gingival recession, enamel erosion, and periodontal disease. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with tooth sensitivity among patients at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) using advanced statistical methods. Methods This study employed a computational research design to develop an ordinal regression and bootstrap methodology using the RStudio software (Posit PBC, Boston, MA) to analyze secondary data from the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Six variables were analyzed: tooth wear severity, patient's age, gender, smoking status, alcohol status, and type of toothbrush. The study was conducted in three phases: 1) the development of an ordinal regression model, 2) the development of algorithms for ordinal regression and bootstrap method, and 3) validation using tooth sensitivity data. Results The analysis revealed that the replication with 1000 samples provided the most precise estimates with small standard errors (SE) and consistently significant effects across variables. Tooth sensitivity was influenced by age, toothpaste type, toothbrush type, and brushing frequency. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of considering multiple variables such as age, toothpaste type, toothbrush type, and brushing frequency in understanding tooth sensitivity. The combined ordinal regression and bootstrap technique significantly improved the model's accuracy, providing valuable insights for dental health professionals. These findings underscore the need for specific guidelines on oral hygiene practices to manage and reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity.
  9. Influence of personal and career burnout on female employers' subjective evaluation of workplace acoustic environment
    Beitelmal WH, Carbon CC, Khozaei F, Ul Islam Q, Lesan M, Ramayah T, et al.
    Work, 2025 Jan;80(1):96-106.
    PMID: 39422979 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230607
    BACKGROUND: Burnout is an increasingly common problem in modern work settings that significantly affects people's health and well-being. Several studies have emphasized the impact of career burnout on employees' performance and efficiency. It is unknown whether career burnout mediated by personal burnout may affect employees' perception of their workplace physical environment attributes.

    OBJECTIVES: This research aims to understand if personal and career burnout can affect employers' acoustic environment evaluation of their workplace.

    METHOD: Considering commonly experienced or highly experienced personal and career burnout among working women, the study targeted female university faculty members. The research involved stratified sampling and employed data from 272 individuals across five public and private universities in Tehran. Collected data were analyzed using SmartPLS (latest release 4.1).

    RESULTS: The results revealed a significant link between personal and career burnout and the subjective evaluation of workplace acoustic environment. Career burnout mediated the relationship between personal burnout and negative evaluation of the workplace acoustic environment.

    CONCLUSION: This study provides compelling evidence that experiences of burnout, whether related to personal or career aspects, substantially impact the subjective assessment of the acoustic environment within the workplace. The results underscore the complex interplay between an individual's degree of burnout and their subjective perception of the acoustic dimensions of their work environment. The findings extend our understanding of how psychological factors might shape our interpretation of the physical workplace.

  10. Does Mouthwash Use Affect Oral Cancer Risk? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    M Madawana A, Awang Nawi MA, Tang L, Hassan A, Khamis MF
    Cureus, 2025 Jan;17(1):e77123.
    PMID: 39925579 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.77123
    Studies indicate a strong correlation between the length and degree of alcohol and tobacco use and the risk of oral cancer (OC). However, there has been debate concerning the usage of mouthwashes and associated higher risk of OC for many years. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how using mouthwash influenced the risk of OC. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was used when searching the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Observational studies that addressed the relationship between mouthwash use and OC and involved adult or older adult populations were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was employed to check the methodological quality, and random effects meta-analysis, along with other subgroup analyses and meta-regression, were utilized to synthesize quantitative data. Out of 5,132 papers identified, 15 case-control studies comprising 6,515 cases and 17,037 controls were included in the review. Seventeen effect measures from these 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. For individuals who used mouthwash three or more times a day, the pooled OR for OC was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.79-1.26; n = 17 studies). Among those who had used mouthwash for more than 40 years, the OR was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.58-4.82; p = 0.05; n = 2 studies). Some studies suggest that frequent mouthwash use may increase the risk of OC. Given the biological plausibility of this link, we exercise caution in interpreting these findings. It is important to note the limited research on the frequency and duration of mouthwash use. Thus, for the strengthening of the evidence for a possible dose-response effect of mouthwashes on OC risk, we suggest that future research should be focused on the frequency, duration, and substance of mouthwashes in depth.
  11. Influence of bioaugmented fungi on tolerance, growth and phytoremediation ability of Prosopis juliflora Sw. DC in heavy metal-polluted landfill soil
    Hassan A, Hamid FS, Pariatamby A, Ossai IC, Ahmed A, Barasarathi J, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(19):28671-28694.
    PMID: 38561536 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33018-1
    The research aimed to determine the influence of endophytic fungi on tolerance, growth and phytoremediation ability of Prosopis juliflora in heavy metal-polluted landfill soil. A consortium of 13 fungal isolates as well as Prosopis juliflora Sw. DC was used to decontaminate heavy metal-polluted landfill soil. Enhanced plant growth (biomass and root and shoot lengths) and production of carotenoids, chlorophyll and amino acids L-phenylalanine and L-leucine that are known to enhance growth were found in the treated P. juliflora. Better accumulations of heavy metals were observed in fungi-treated P. juliflora over the untreated one. An upregulated activity of peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase was recorded in fungi-treated P. juliflora. Additionally, other metabolites, such as glutathione, 3,5,7,2',5'-pentahydroxyflavone, 5,2'-dihydroxyflavone and 5,7,2',3'-tetrahydroxyflavone, and small peptides, which include Lys Gln Ile, Ser Arg Ala, Asp Arg Gly, Arg Ser Ser, His His Arg, Arg Thr Glu, Thr Arg Asp and Ser Pro Arg, were also detected. These provide defence supports to P. juliflora against toxic metals. Inoculating the plant with the fungi improved its growth, metal accumulation as well as tolerance against heavy metal toxicity. Such a combination can be used as an effective strategy for the bioremediation of metal-polluted soil.
  12. Field application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Alocasia calidora (Schott) G.Don for effective remediation of heavy metal/metalloid-polluted landfill soil
    Hassan A, Azid A, Hamid FS, Pariatamby A, Ossai IC, Aboudi-Mana SC
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2025 Apr;32(18):11443-11465.
    PMID: 40220159 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-025-36374-8
    The research aimed to assess the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on the growth, tolerance, and phytoremediation capacity of Alocasia calidora (Schott) G.Don used in heavy metal/metalloid-polluted soil under field conditions. Five new, young A. calidora plants were planted in each treatment and control plot (1 m × 1 m). AMF inoculum was supplemented on days 0, 30, 60, and 90 in the treatment plot, and the experiment was conducted for 120 days. Substantial growth was observed in the roots and shoots of AMF-inoculated A. calidora. In the shoots of treated A. calidora, a high accumulation of Cu, As, Ni, Mn, and Pb was observed. The AMF-treated plant exhibited a higher accumulation of Cu, Fe, and Ni in the roots (P < 0.05). The removal efficiencies in the AMF-treated soil were 84.67, 74.82, 81.61, 80.77, 88.21, 92.26, 92.35, and 67.32% for As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, correspondingly, while, for control, the corresponding values were 61.24, 52.42, 62.95, 33.46, 57.89, 61.45, 71.19, and 54.98%. AMF-treated A. calidora demonstrated an increased tolerance and metal/metalloid accumulation in response to a variety of compounds, including tryptophan, S-(4-nitrobenzyl) glutathione, 5,7,2',3'-tetrahydroxy flavone, 5,2-dihydroxy flavone, indole-acrylic acid, and various tripeptides. A. calidora proliferation, tolerance, and metal/metalloid accumulation were enhanced by the inoculated AMF. Therefore, treating soil contaminated with heavy metals/metalloids can be accomplished by combining AMF with plants.
  13. Fulltext The Role of Alternative Medicine in Managing Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review
    McBenedict B, Orfao AL, Goh KS, Yau RCC, Alphonse B, Machado Lima J, et al.
    Cureus, 2024 Jun;16(6):e61965.
    PMID: 38978922 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61965
    Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood glucose levels, is increasingly prevalent globally, significantly impacting health-related quality of life. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production, presents a substantial public health challenge, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. Conventional treatments, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, are essential for glycemic control and preventing complications. However, adherence to these treatments is often limited, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers potential cost-effective and accessible approaches for managing T2DM. Key herbal remedies like cinnamon, fenugreek, and bitter melon, along with dietary supplements like chromium, magnesium, and vanadium, have shown promise in glycemic control. Mind-body therapies, including yoga, tai chi, and meditation, contribute to improved hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose levels. Research supports the integration of CAM with conventional therapies, demonstrating enhanced clinical efficacy and reduced economic burden. However, challenges such as standardization, quality control, and potential risks of herbal medicines need careful consideration. Regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations are essential to ensure patient safety and informed decision-making. Patient education and effective communication between healthcare providers and patients are crucial for integrating CAM into diabetes management. Empowerment-based interventions and collaborative approaches can enhance self-management skills and clinical outcomes. Overall, integrating CAM with conventional treatments offers a holistic approach to managing T2DM, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
  14. Design, synthesis, in vitro Evaluation and docking studies on dihydropyrimidine-based urease inhibitors
    Iftikhar F, Ali Y, Ahmad Kiani F, Fahad Hassan S, Fatima T, Khan A, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2017 10;74:53-65.
    PMID: 28753459 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.07.003
    In our previous report, we have identified 3,4-dihydropyrimidine scaffold as promising class of urease inhibitor in a structure based virtual screen (SBVS) experiment. In present study, we attempted to optimize the scaffold by varying C-5 substituent. The elongation of the C-5 chain was achieved by the reaction of C-5 ester with hydrazine leading to C-5 carbohydrazides which were further used as building blocks for the synthesis of fifteen new compounds having diverse moieties. A significantly higher in vitro urease inhibitory activity with IC50 values in submicromolar range was observed for semithiocarbazide derivatives (4a-c, 0.58-0.79µM) and isatin Schiff base derivative 5a (0.23µM). Docking analysis suggests that the synthesized compounds were anchored well in the catalytic site and extending to the entrance of binding pocket and thus restrict the mobility of the flap by interacting with its key amino acid residues. The overall results of urease inhibition have shown that these compounds can be further optimized and developed as lead urease inhibitors.
  15. Fulltext Post-treatment impact and needs of prostate cancer survivors in Malaysia; a qualitative study
    Lee PY, Ng CJ, Ong TA, Lee YK, Khatijah Lim A, Cheong AT, et al.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2017;12(3):18-24.
    PMID: 29527275 MyJurnal
    Introduction: There are limited studies conducted on the needs of cancer survivors in developing countries like Malaysia. This qualitative study aimed at exploring the post-treatment impact and needs of prostate cancer survivors.

    Methods: A qualitative study design was used. One in-depth interview and four focus group discussions were conducted with 24 prostate cancer survivors (age range: 58-79 years) from government and private hospitals in Malaysia in 2013. Trained researchers used a topic guide to guide the interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, checked and managed with Nvivo 10 software. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data.

    Results: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (a) impact of prostate cancer on the survivors, (b) support needed for coping and (c) information needs. Prostate cancer has an important impact on the survivors' lifestyle after treatment. Some of them have to live with the post-treatment side effects. They were anxious about the possibility of relapse. In addition to family and peer support, there were participants who felt that spiritual support was important in helping them cope with the possibility of relapse. The survivors felt that they did not receive enough information about post-treatment care, dietary measures and supplements for relapse prevention, treatment and prognosis.

    Conclusion: Prostate cancer has a significant impact on the survivor's lifestyle, emotional and physical health. They need information and emotional support from the healthcare professionals, family and peers. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to explore the needs of prostate cancer survivors and provide the necessary support.
  16. Seasonal influenza activity based on laboratory surveillance in Malaysia, 2011-2016
    Sam IC, Noraini W, Sandhu SS, Norizah I, Selvanesan S, Thayan R, et al.
    J Med Virol, 2019 03;91(3):498-502.
    PMID: 30199092 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25313
    Influenza seasonality in equatorial countries is little understood. Seasonal and alert influenza thresholds were determined for Malaysia, using laboratory-based data obtained from the Malaysia Influenza Surveillance System and a major teaching hospital, from 2011 to 2016. Influenza was present year-round, with no clear annual seasons. Variable periods of higher transmission occurred inconsistently, in November to December, January to March, July to September, or a combination of these. These coincide with seasons in the nearby southeast Asian countries or winter seasons of the northern and southern hemispheres. Changes in the predominant circulating influenza type were only sometimes associated with increased transmission. The data can provide public health interventions such as vaccines.
  17. Fulltext Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Montmorillonite-Reinforced Polypropylene/Rice Husk Hybrid Nanocomposites
    Majeed K, Ahmed A, Abu Bakar MS, Indra Mahlia TM, Saba N, Hassan A, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2019 Sep 25;11(10).
    PMID: 31557811 DOI: 10.3390/polym11101557
    In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the use of natural fibers as potential reinforcing fillers in polymer composites despite their hydrophilicity, which limits their widespread commercial application. The present study explored the fabrication of nanocomposites by melt mixing, using an internal mixer followed by a compression molding technique, and incorporating rice husk (RH) as a renewable natural filler, montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay as water-resistant reinforcing nanoparticles, and polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) as a compatibilizing agent. To correlate the effect of MMT delamination and MMT/RH dispersion in the composites, the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were studied. XRD analysis revealed delamination of MMT platelets due to an increase in their interlayer spacing, and SEM micrographs indicated improved dispersion of the filler(s) from the use of compatibilizers. The mechanical properties were improved by the incorporation of MMT into the PP/RH system and the reinforcing effect was remarkable as a result of the use of compatibilizing agent. Prolonged water exposure of the prepared samples decreased their tensile and flexural properties. Interestingly, the maximum decrease was observed for PP/RH composites and the minimum was for MMT-reinforced and PP-g-MAH-compatibilized PP/RH composites. DSC results revealed an increase in crystallinity with the addition of filler(s), while the melting and crystallization temperatures remained unaltered. TGA revealed that MMT addition and its delamination in the composite systems improved the thermal stability of the developed nanocomposites. Overall, we conclude that MMT nanoclay is an effective water-resistant reinforcing nanoparticle that enhances the durability, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of composites.
  18. Fulltext Cluster Analysis Evaluating PM2.5, Occupation Risk and Mode of Transportation as Surrogates for Air-pollution and the Impact on Lung Cancer Diagnosis and 1-Year Mortality
    Abdul Wahab S, Hassan A, Latif MT, Vadiveel Y, Jeyabalan T, Soo CI, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2019 07 01;20(7):1959-1965.
    PMID: 31350951 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.7.1959
    Objective: Epidemiological studies have reported the close relationship between risk for lung cancers and air pollution
    in particular, for non-smoking related lung cancers. However, most studies used residential address as proxies which may
    not estimate accurately an individual’s air pollution exposure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify risk factors
    such as occupation and mode of transportation associated with lung cancer diagnosis and death. Methods: Subjects
    with lung cancer (n=514) were evaluated both by chart reviews for clinical data and interviews to determine residential
    address for ten years, main occupation and main mode of transportation. Annual particulate matter with diameter size
    less than 2.5 micrometre (PM2.5) concentration were calculated based on particulate matter with diameter size less than
    10 micrometre (PM10) data recorded by Malaysian Department of Environment. Logistic regression analysis, cluster
    analysis and the Cox regression analysis were performed to the studied variables. Results: This study concurred with
    previous studies that lung adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in predominantly younger, female non-smokers compared
    to the other types of lung cancers. Lung adenocarcinoma subjects had annual PM2.5 that was almost twice higher than
    squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma and other histological subtypes (p=0.024). Independent of smoking,
    the κ -means cluster analysis revealed two clusters in which the high risk cluster involves occupation risk with air
    pollution of more than four hours per day, main transportation involving motorcycle and trucks and mean annual PM2.5
    concentration of more than 30 based on residential address for more than ten years. The increased risk for the high-risk
    cluster was more than five times for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (OR=5.69, 95% CI=3.14-7.21, p<0.001).
    The hazard ratio for the high-risk cluster was 3.89 (95% CI=2.12-4.56, p=0.02) for lung adenocarcinoma mortality at
    1 year. Conclusion: High-risk cluster including PM2.5, occupation risk and mode of transportation as surrogates for
    air-pollution exposure was identified and highly associated with lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis and 1-year mortality.
  19. Environmental effects on the oxygen consumption rate in juvenile Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskal, 1775)
    Okomoda VT, Mithun S, Chatterji A, Effendy MAW, Oladimeji AS, Abol-Munafi AB, et al.
    Fish Physiol Biochem, 2020 Aug;46(4):1497-1505.
    PMID: 32378001 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00807-7
    This study was designed to optimize the culture conditions of juvenile Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775) under laboratory conditions. To this effect, the rate of oxygen consumption was monitored as an index of stress under different temperature, salinity, pH, photoperiod, and urea concentrations. The result obtained after 12 h of exposure suggests the preference of the juvenile E. fuscoguttatus to a temperature range of 15-25 °C and salinity of 30 ppt. Based on this study, temperature was found to be the most lethal as 100% mortality was observed after 6 h in fish exposure to temperatures above the optimal (≥ 30 °C). However, the oxygen consumption rate was similar under the different pH, photoperiod, and urea concentration tested. It was concluded that water temperature was most critical in terms of respiration physiology of the juvenile E. fuscoguttatus given the range and levels of environmental factors tested in this study.
  20. Fulltext Dataset for the morphological and erythrocytes parameters of Clarias gariepinus, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, and their reciprocal hybrids
    Okomoda VT, Koh ICC, Hassan A, Oladimeji AS, Ikhwanuddin M, Abol-Munafi AB, et al.
    Data Brief, 2020 Oct;32:106151.
    PMID: 32904264 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106151
    Discrimination of different fishes can be done through different means which includes morphological appearance. When two fishes are successfully hybridized, they produce progenies that have shared morphology between their pure parent, hence, making morphometric characterization an important aspect of hybrid discrimination. However, erythrocyte characterization is also a simpler method for characterization. The dataset presented in this article represents the traditional morphological data, truss network data and erythrocyte data of pure and novel hybrids from reciprocal crosses of African catfish Clarias gariepinus and Asian catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Breeding of the broodstocks was done to produce pure and hybrid progenies which were maintained for a period of four to six months. Based on the cross combinations and morphotypes, traditional measurement of twenty-five morphological characters and five meristic counts were recorded. Thereafter pictures of the different fish groups were used to determine values of thirty-six distances between ten landmark points. The morphological abnormality of the hybrids at market size is also presented in this data article for the very first time. Blood was then collected from the caudal peduncle of ten fish per group and smeared on a slide for observation under a compound microscope (at 100 × magnification). Data gotten included erythrocytes parameters such as cell major axis, cell minor axis, nucleus major axis, nucleus minor axis cell area, nucleus area, cell volume, and nucleus volume. Data recording was through the Microsoft excel spreadsheet; which was also used to process the data to get the exclusive ranges of values for paired progenies. The data as presented is associated with the research article "Morphological characterization of the progenies of pure and reciprocal crosses of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)" [1]. The dataset presented in this article can be used for easy identification of the novel hybrid progenies of the African Catfish and Asian Catfish.
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