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Fluxes of ions in precipitation, throughfall and stemflow in an urban forest in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Radzi Abas M, Ahmad-Shah A, Nor Awang M

Environ Pollut, 1992;75(2):209-13.
PMID: 15092035

A study was carried out to determine the chemical composition of bulk precipitation, throughfall and stemflow in an urban forest in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The mean weekly rainfall recorded during the period of study was 63.2 mm. Throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception of incident precipitation were 77.1%, 1.2% and 21.7% respectively. Bulk precipitation, througfall and stemflow were acidic, the pH recorded being 4.37, 4.71 and 4.15 respectively. In all cases the dominant ions were NO3, SO4, Cl, NH4, K, Ca and Na. Of the ions studied Ca, K, Cl, SO4, Mg and Mn showed net increases in passing through the forest canopy, while NH4, Na, NO3, Zn, H and Fe showed net retention. This study shows that the urban environment of Kuala Lumpur contributes considerable amounts of materials to the atmosphere, as reflected by the high ionic contents in bulk precipitation, throughfall and stemflow.
Solvent extraction of lanthanum(III), europium(III) and lutetium(III) with fluorinated 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolones into chloroform

Saleh MI, Ahmad M, Darus H

Talanta, 1990 Jul;37(7):757-9.
PMID: 18965016

A series of chelating reagents, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(2-fluorobenzoyl)-5-pyrazolone, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(3-fluorobenzoyl)-5-pyrazolone and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-5-pyrazolone, has been synthesized. The extraction of Ln(III), (Ln = La, Eu and Lu) into chloroform with these reagents at 30 +/- 1 degrees has been studied. The composition of the complexes extracted has been determined by the slope method, and the extraction constants K(ex), were measured. The presence of the fluorine atom in the reagents does not make the K(ex), values much different from those obtained with the parent pyrazolone.
Fulltext Hyperbilirubinaemia and erythrocytic glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Malaysian children

Hon AT, Balakrishnan S, Ahmad Z

Med J Malaysia, 1989 Mar;44(1):30-4.
PMID: 2626111

Cord blood from 8,975 babies delivered in Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru over a period of eight months (1st August 1985 to 31st March 1986) were screened for G6PD deficiency. The overall incidence was 4.5% in Chinese, 3.5% in Malays and 1.5% in Indian babies. One hundred of these babies were observed in the nursery for seven days and their daily serum bilirubin recorded. The serum bilirubin peaked at 96 hours to a value of 12mg%. None of the babies in the nursery developed a serum bilirubin level of more than 15mg%. Six of the babies with G6PD deficiency that were sent home were readmitted with hyperbilirubinaemia that needed exchange transfusion.
Fulltext Cardiac surgery in General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur: review of all open-heart operations. April 1982 to February 1987

Awang Y, Haron A, Sallehuddin A

Med J Malaysia, 1987 Jun;42(2):81-5.
PMID: 3503194

The Cardiothoracic Department, General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur which was set up in April 1982, deals with a wide range of cardiac disease, general thoracic and also vascular cases. A total of 2,450 operations were performed from April 1982 to February 1987, and 79.3% of these were for cardiac cases (open and closed heart). This paper reports a review of the 1,110 consecutive open heart operations performed by the Department during the stated period.
Fulltext Intussusception among infants and children in Malaysia

Laidin AZ, Goon HK

Med J Malaysia, 1982 Jun;37(2):150-6.
PMID: 7132834

The results of a 10-year study of intussusception seen in the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur is presented. Incidence among Indians was found to be the lowest in comparison to the other two major racial groups. In 63.5 percent of infants there was no pain. A large number of patients presented with diarrhoea (21.8 percent), constipation (31 percent) and abdominal distension. (43.7 percent). Overall mortality rate was high (14.4 percent). This could be attributed to late presentation (only 30.8 percent) of cases were seen within 24 hours of onset of symptoms) which also accounted for a higher resection rate. A high incidence of lead points (28.7 percent) was also seen. The usefulness of barium enema reduction in this country is discussed. Mainstay of management in the majority of cases is operation with adequate pre and postoperative care.
Fulltext A qualitative study on the effect of gam e board strategy on the stud ent's motivation of learning statistics course

Nurul Aityqah Yaacob, Rosemawati Ali, Foo, Kien Kheng, Nadiah Mohamed, Mardiana Ahmad, Siti Noor Dina Ahmad, et al.

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(101):142-145.
MyJurnal

An interactive teaching tool that utilizes a game board strategy to facilitate the learning of statistics has been developed and employed. This study aims to determine the impact of the board game on the motivation of diploma students towards learning statistics. Data are collected from 7 respondents using a face to face interview. Responses are qualitatively analysed. Results show that respondents are generally positive about the effectiveness of the board game as a teaching tool to enhance le arning and understanding. More importantly, respondents have shown a change in attitude towards statistics and are more motivated to learn statistics under this innovative learning environment. Some suggestions for future research are outlined.
Fulltext Dental students’ interaction with clinical instructors: students’ perspective and dental school’s administrator dean’s response

Al-Jaf, Nagham Mohammed Abdullah, Budi Aslinie Md Sabri, Muhamad Faizran Looszen Bin Fadly Loo, Ahmad Aizat Bin Ahmad Shaifuddin

Compendium of Oral Science, 2017;4(1):28-39.
MyJurnal

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the clinical instructor communication on dental students’ clinical training in Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM). Materials and Methods: A sample of 174 undergraduate clinical dental students were recruited to complete the Clinical Education Instructional Quality Questionnaire (ClinEd IQ) which consists of forty-five questions, forty-three multiple choice questions and two open-ended. The multiple-choice questions consist of 3 subscales which were measured on a six-point Likert Scale from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. The open-ended responses were analysed using thematic analysis. This paper discusses the Subscale of interaction with clinical instructors and the open-ended responses. Results: The responses of 150 students were evaluated. The students rated their interaction with instructors with a mean score of 4.64 on a six -point scale. There was a significant difference between mean scores for each academic level with year five students’ score being highest. There were four areas of concern identified through the open-ended responses. Conclusion: While the quality of supervision in terms of interaction with clinical instructors is considered satisfactory and the students generally reported positive experiences, there is room for improvements especially regarding areas of concern.
Fulltext Sociodemographic and psychological study on performance of students for the COVID-19 aftermath dataset

Fesol SFA, Arshad MM

Data Brief, 2020 Dec;33:106421.
PMID: 33102666 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106421

This paper presents the dataset of undergraduates learning habits during and before the occurrence of pandemic COVID-19 under the scope of sociodemographic and psychological aspects. This dataset consists of four (4) main sections which are students' demographic, psychological disruption, students' learning habits and integration of online sessions with sustainability topics. A total of 37 variables were distributed via an online survey platform. The link of the online survey was circulated to the students using few social media platforms such as WhatsApp groups, Telegram, and faculties' Facebook starting from June 1 until June 31, 2020. There was a total of 668 respondents accompanied by consent were agreed to join the survey. This dataset can have an important role for research and education in identifying the impact on learning performance among the undergraduate students during COVID-19 pandemic based on different sociodemographic and psychological aspects.
Fulltext Blending the appearance of all-ceramic crowns in fluo-rosis condition with direct chair-side technique

Siti Mariam Ab Ghani, Ahmad Syahir Ahmad Zu Saifudin, Muhammad Aliff Ikram Noor Zari, Teh Adilla Mustaza

Compendium of Oral Science, 2015;2(1):47-51.
MyJurnal

Dental fluorosis incidence had been reported to be affecting children widely, especially in water-fluoridated ar-ea. As these children grow into young adults, perceived aesthetic problems arise mainly due to their concern with generalized mottled and stained teeth appearance. Fixed prosthodontics treatment involving single anterior tooth in patients with generalized fluorosis condition had been found challenging due to aesthetic restorability to blend with fluorosis condition. Clinical considerations: A simplified procedural direct chair-side technique of mimicking fluorosis condition onto anterior all-ceramic crowns are discussed in this paper. The mimicked fluoro-sis is reversible and has the opportunity to be adjusted according to the patient’s fluorosis condition thus hinder-ing the need to redo the crown in the future. Conclusions: The appearance of anterior all-ceramic crowns with direct chair-side staining technique provided blended and harmonized well with the dental fluorosis condition in both patients thus, giving natural looking smile.
The α5-Containing GABAA Receptors-a Brief Summary

Mohamad FH, Has ATC

J Mol Neurosci, 2019 Feb;67(2):343-351.
PMID: 30607899 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1246-4

GABAA receptors are the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the human brain. The receptors are assembled from combination of protein subunits in pentameric complex which may consist of α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, ρ1-3, δ, ε, θ, or π subunits. There are a theoretical > 150,000 possible assemblies and arrangements of GABAA subunits, although only a few combinations have been found in human with the most dominant consists of 2α1, 2β2, and 1γ2 in a counterclockwise arrangement as seen from the synaptic cleft. The receptors also possess binding sites for various unrelated substances including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anesthetics. The α5-containing GABAARs only make up ≤ 5% of the entire receptor population, but up to 25% of the receptor subtype is located in the crucial learning and memory-associated area of the brain-the hippocampus, which has ignited myriads of hypotheses and theories in regard to its role. As well as exhibiting synaptic phasic inhibition, the α5-containing receptors are also extrasynaptic and mediate tonic inhibition with continuously occurring smaller amplitude. Studies on negative-allosteric modulators for reducing this tonic inhibition have been shown to enhance learning and memory in neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, Down syndrome, and autism with a possible alternative benzodiazepine binding site. Therefore, a few α5 subunit-specific compounds have been developed to address these pharmacological needs. With its small population, the α5-containing receptors could be the key and also the answer for many untreated cognitive dysfunctions and disorders.
Applications of packed and capillary supercritical fluid chromatography in the separation of tocochromanols

Ng MH, Din AK

J Sep Sci, 2020 Jan;43(1):285-291.
PMID: 31294513 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201900342

Tocochromanols consisting of tocopherols and tocotrienols, is collectively known as vitamin E. Similarity in their structures, physical and chemical properties rendered the tocochromanols to be subject of chromatography interest. Supercritical fluid chromatography is a highly efficient tool for the separation and analysis of tocochromanols. Separation and analysis of tocochromanols using supercritical fluid chromatography had been carried out in the past using capillary or packed columns. Each of these techniques offer their own advantages and drawbacks. Besides being used for analysis, packed column supercritical fluid chromatography found applications as a purification and content enrichment tool. Emergence of new equipment and stationary phase technologies in recent years also helped in making supercritical fluid chromatography a highly efficient tool for the separation and analysis of tocochromanols. This paper gives an insight into the use of capillary and packed columns in supercritical fluid chromatography for the separation and/or analysis of tocochromanols. The types of stationary phase used, as well as chromatographic conditions are also discussed.
Oxidative stress and sperm function: A systematic review on evaluation and management

Dutta S, Majzoub A, Agarwal A

Arab J Urol, 2019;17(2):87-97.
PMID: 31285919 DOI: 10.1080/2090598X.2019.1599624

Objective: To review and present the most distinct concepts on the association of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with male reproduction. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to search PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane electronic databases for studies investigating the role of oxidative stress (OS) on sperm function. Results: The literature search yielded 1857 studies, of which 1791 articles were excluded because of irrelevance of data, non-English language, non-human nature or because they were case reports or commentaries. All included studies were reviews (46), meta-analyses (one), original research studies (18) and guideline articles (one). The studies were published between 1984 and 2018. Under normal physiological conditions, ROS are vital for sperm maturation, hyperactivation, capacitation, acrosome reaction, as well as fertilisation. However, a number of endogenous and exogenous causes may induce supra-physiological levels of ROS resulting in lipid peroxidation, sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptosis, and consequently infertility. Several laboratory testing methods can be used in infertile men to diagnose OS. Treatment usually involves antioxidant supplementation and, when possible, elimination of the causative factor. Conclusion: OS is an important cause of male factor infertility. Its assessment provides essential information that can guide treatment strategies aimed at improving the male's reproductive potential. Abbreviations: bp: base-pair; CAT: catalase; LPO: lipid peroxidation; MDA: malondialdehyde; MiOXSYS: Male Infertility Oxidative System; mtDNA: mitochondrial DNA; NAD(PH): nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate); NO: nitric oxide; 8-OHdG: 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine; ORP: oxidation-reduction potential; OS: oxidative stress; PKA: protein kinase A; PLA2: phospholipase A2; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; PUFA: poly-unsaturated fatty acid; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SOD: superoxide dismutase; TAC: total antioxidant capacity; TBA: thiobarbituric acid.
Fulltext Absorption study of triangular and rectangular slotted on hollow pyramidal absorber

Mohamad Faisal Asmadi, Hasnain Abdullah, Mas Izzaty Binti Fazin, Ahmad Rashidy Razali, Mohd Nasir Taib, Azizah Ahmad, et al.

ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2020;16(2):21-30.
MyJurnal

Today, electromagnetic wave theory is commonly used in many engineering devices. However, such devices produce electromagnetic (EM) radiation, damaging people's health and the impact of other electronic device's operation. Therefore, Microwave Absorber has been widely used in anechoic chamber to measure equipment radiation and prevent unwanted radiation and electromagnetic interference. This research investigates the absorption performance of pyramidal absorbers with a slotted method design. This research used rectangular and triangular slotted on the hollow pyramidal absorber. There are six types of slotted: Design 1, Design 2, and Design 3
which have triangular shapes, and Design 4, Design 5, and Design 6, have rectangular shapes. The pyramidal absorber is produced using CST Microwave Studio Suite. Afterward, the fabrication process is performed using cardboard and coated with Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC). Measurement had been done successfully via far-field measurement using an arch method at 1 GHz to 12 GHz. The slotted pyramidal absorber's absorptivity was taken in each frequency band and was tabulated in figure 10. The result is compared with their maximum absorption in each of the four frequency bands. Comparison based on slot design, triangular and rectangular each had its own advantages at a certain frequency. However, small rectangular slot of Design 1 shows consistent absorption performance at all frequency band.
Fulltext Medicinal properties screening of Mallotus paniculatus extract

NA Bahaman, Raha Ahmad Raus, Yusilawati Ahmad Nor, Al Mamun, Abdullah, Noor Suhana Adzahar, Dayang Fredalina Basri

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2020;19(1):5-12.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Traditionally, Mallotus paniculatus (Balik Angin) plant is used in the treatment of various
diseases in rural areas such as remedy after childbirth, wound healing and fever. In this present study, four
medicinal properties of the plant were investigated which included antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and
antioxidant activities. Materials and Methods: Potential medicinal compounds were extracted from the plant
leaves by sonication with 3 different solvents namely ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane respectively. The
antibacterial and antifungal properties were determined using disc diffusion agar and broth dilution assay,
the antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging assay and the anticancer effect by MTT assay. Results: From the
screening of the medicinal properties, M. paniculatus leave extracts were shown to possess antibacterial,
antioxidant and anticancer properties but not antifungal properties. Ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of
the leave were active against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) but not
gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The antioxidant activity of the
ethanolic crude extract was high; with IC50 of 30 μg/ml comparable with the positive controls; ascorbic acid
and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Both ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts were cytotoxic against breast
cancer (MCF7), colon cancer (HT-29), cervix cancer (Hela) cell lines. Conclusion: M. paniculatus leave
extract has many potential medicinal values for further studies.
Fulltext Advances in Nanocomposite Membranes

Goh PS, Ismail AF

Membranes (Basel), 2021 Feb 25;11(3).
PMID: 33668700 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11030158

The design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials have been extensively explored over the last decade, primarily due to their exceptional physico-chemical properties [...].
Superior long term functional and scar outcome of Meek micrografting compared to conventional split thickness skin grafting in the management of burns

Lee SZ, Halim AS

Burns, 2019 09;45(6):1386-1400.
PMID: 31054957 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2019.04.011

INTRODUCTION: Autologous skin grafting is the mainstay of treatment in burn patients. Extensive full thickness burns remains a challenge to the burns surgeon due to the lack of autologous skin donor sites. The conventional split thickness skin grafting (SSG) and the Meek micrografting (Meek) technique are part of the armamentarium of the burns surgeon to curtail the challenge of paucity of donor sites. With advances in burn care, mortality rates of burn patients have reduced. As a result, with more patients surviving acute burn, there is a paradigm shift of research towards assessment of functional outcomes and quality of life of the burn survivors. As there is lack of research regarding the functional outcome of the Meek technique, this study was designed to examine the long term functional outcome of the Meek technique and SSG in burns.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia to assess patients with burns between 10 to 40% total body surface area (TBSA) and with at least one year after injury. The Burn Specific Health Score-brief (BSHS-B) was utilized to compare the functional outcome whilst the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used for comparison on the scar outcome of the two skin grafting techniques.
RESULTS: Forty three patients (Meek,15; SSG,28) were included. The mean current age (years old) of Meek and SSG was 24.7 (range, 7-75) and 25.9 (range, 7-65) respectively. The mean TBSA (%) of the Meek group was 26.7 (range, 13-40) while that of the SSG group was 16.1 (range, 10-32). A simplified domain structure was used for the BSHS-B questionnaire. The work and sexuality subscale were analyzed separately due to missing data. There mean scores of affect and relations was higher in Meek compared to SSG (Meek, 3.86; SSG, 3.75; p > 0.05). Function domain was also better in Meek compared to SSG (Meek, 3.88; SSG, 3.73; p > 0.05). The Meek group displayed superior scar outcome compared to SSG as evidenced by the statistically significant difference in score for the pigmentation, pliability, height and total VSS score.
CONCLUSION: The Meek group showed more favorable BSHS-B scores compared to the SSG group. The scar outcome of the Meek technique is significantly superior to SSG. Therefore, the Meek technique is superior in the management of burns because the long term scar and functional outcome of this technique is better compared to conventional SSG.
Fulltext Predictors of cyberbullying among Malaysian youth

Asnarulkhadi, Abu Samah, Akmar Hayati, Ahmad Ghazali, Siti Zobidah, Omar, Haslinda, Abdullah, Aminah, Ahmad, Hayrol Azril, Mohamed Shaffril

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2020;6(1):67-80.
MyJurnal

Cyberbullying has emerged of late as a serious issue, especially among the most active internet users in Malaysia – youths. As the number of related studies is still lacking, the present study aims to determine the predictors of cyberbullying among youths in Malaysia. The study is quantitative in nature and in total had involved 400 youths aged between 18 to 40 years old. The findings suggest that predictors such as age, loneliness, self-esteem, and empathy yielded significant relationship with cyberbullying, while males were predominantly reported to perpetrate cyberbullying than females. Several recommendations were highlighted and hopefully, it can assist any concerned parties in developing concrete strategies to reduce cyberbullying cases among youths in Malaysia further.
Role of the cell envelope in the antibacterial activities of polymyxin B and polymyxin B nonapeptide against Escherichia coli

Sahalan AZ, Dixon RA

Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2008 Mar;31(3):224-7.
PMID: 18083010

The role of membrane permeabilisation and disruption in the mechanism of action of some polymyxin analogues against Gram-negative organisms is contentious. The effects of polymyxin B (PMB) and its analogue polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN) on Escherichia coli envelopes should correlate, but previous work by other workers suggests that PMBN has a different mode of action. This study has reassessed the biochemical techniques used previously and has shown that, in contrast to previous studies, PMBN (a well-characterised antibacterial synergist) readily releases periplasmic proteins and lipopolysaccharide from treated E. coli at subinhibitory concentrations in normal physiological buffer conditions. We conclude that, when tested with appropriate methodology, PMBN closely correlates with the early effects of PMB on the cell envelope of E. coli and this study shows that it is now consistent with the accepted interactions of membrane-active agents against Gram-negative cells.
Fulltext Fluid structure interaction of renal arteries of abdominal aorta subjected to single and double stenosed complication

Adi Azriff Basri, S.M Abdul Khader, Cherian Johny, Raghuvir Pai B, Mohammed Zuber, Zainuldin Ahmad, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(108):35-41.
MyJurnal

Introduction: In this study, Renal artery (RA) stenosis of Single Stenosed (SS) and Double Stenosed (DS) with the condition of Normal Blood Pressure (NBP) and High Blood Pressure (HBP) were investigated using the aid of Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) approach. Methods: Numerical analysis of 3D model patient’s specific abdominal aorta with RA stenosis was conducted using FSI solver in software ANSYS 18. Results: The results of velocity profile, pres- sure drop, time average wall shear stress (TAWSS), Oscillatory shear index (OSI) and total deformation of SS and DS with the condition of NBP and HBP were compared in terms of blood flow and structural wall tissue behaviour. The results concluded SS-NBP produced the highest value of velocity profile, TAWSS and OSI parameter compared to the others. Meanwhile, SS-HBP indicates the highest value pressure drop. On the other hand, SS-HBP and DS-HBP have a higher distribution of deformation contour and also maximum VMS compared to SS-NBP and DS-HBP. Conclusion: With the aid of FSI approach, this studied has proven that the existence of SS at RA location has a higher impact on the velocity magnitude, higher pressure drop, higher TAWSS and OSI value compared to the DS case. This is due to a high concentration of pressure acting at the narrow blood vessel of SS compared to DS cases which most of the blood flow will pass to the lower part of abdominal aorta.
Fulltext Biological Water Quality Indices Performance Based on Aquatic Insects in Recreational Rivers

Jumaat AH, Hamid SA

Trop Life Sci Res, 2021 Mar;32(1):91-105.
PMID: 33936553 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2021.32.1.6

Abundance and distribution of aquatic insects respecting to several water chemical parameters from six rivers were studied in order to determine the performance of biological index in monitoring the water quality. A total of 960 individuals of aquatic insects from nine orders were recorded using kick and drag sampling techniques. Lubok Semilang had the greatest number of aquatic insects with 250 individuals, followed by Telaga Tujuh (181 individuals) and Sungai Durian Perangin (171 individuals). EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) order were the most dominant order recorded in all six rivers. Lata Kekabu had more diverse and richer aquatic insect assemblages based on ecological indices compared to the other five rivers. In order to evaluate the water quality of recreational rivers in Malaysia, Family Biotic Index (FBI), Malaysian Family Biotic Index (MFBI) and Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) were used and compared with Water Quality Index (WQI) to determine the water quality at the study areas. Results demonstrated that the biotic indices were more sensitive towards changes in water parameters than the WQI. Among all the biological indices, MFBI was the most suitable index to be adopted in Malaysian river water assessment as it is more reliable in assessing the status of water quality.

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