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Fulltext An Exploratory Study on Resistance Spot Welding of Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V

Fatmahardi I, Mustapha M, Ahmad A, Derman MN, Lenggo Ginta T, Taufiqurrahman I

Materials (Basel), 2021 Apr 30;14(9).
PMID: 33946335 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092336

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is one of the most effective welding methods for titanium alloys, in particular Ti-6Al-4V. Ti-6Al-4V is one of the most used materials with its good ductility, high strength, weldability, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance. RSW and Ti-6Al-4V materials are often widely used in industrial manufacturing, particularly in automotive and aerospace industries. To understand the phenomenon of resistance spot weld quality, the physical and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V spot weld are essential to be analyzed. In this study, an experiment was conducted using the Taguchi L9 method to find out the optimum level of the weld joint strength. The given optimum level sample was analyzed to study the most significant affecting RSW parameter, the failure mode, the weld nugget microstructure, and hardness values. The high heat input significantly affect the weld nugget temperature to reach and beyond the β-transus temperature. It led to an increase in the weld nugget diameter and the indentation depth. The expulsion appeared in the high heat input and decreased the weld nugget strength. It was caused by the molten material ejection in the fusion zone. The combination of high heat input and rapid air cooling at room temperature generated a martensite microstructure in the fusion zone. It increased the hardness, strength, and brittleness but decreased the ductility.
The feasibility and acceptability of hypnotherapy among overweight and obese individuals in a Malaysia's public university

Roslim NA, Ahmad A, Mansor M, Aung MMT, Hamzah F, Lua PL

J Complement Integr Med, 2021 Apr 02;18(3):561-568.
PMID: 33794082 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0177

OBJECTIVES: The global epidemic of overweight and obesity presents a major challenge in the health status of the society. Their prevalence is at an alarming rate worldwide due to poor compliance with conventional treatment and high rates of relapse, thus increasing demand for an effective and safe alternative approach such as hypnotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of hypnotherapy for weight loss and to compare these among selected socio-demographics.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 students and staff of a public university in Terengganu, Malaysia using convenience sampling. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 23.0.
RESULTS: Among the respondents (age = 26.17 ± 8.23 years; female = 66.7%; students = 63.3%), 40.0% were overweight and 60.0% were obese. Results indicated excellent feasibility as determined by participants' satisfaction towards the clarity of hypnotherapist's voice (93.3%), the suitability of content (86.7%) and time spent for the session (90.0%). Good overall acceptability (>60.0%) was also reported regarding hypnotherapist professionalism, the environment and perceived usefulness of hypnotherapy. Obese individuals were significantly more satisfied towards the hypnotherapist environment than overweight respondents (p=0.015). Additionally, no adverse effects were reported after the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS: This evidence signalled that hypnotherapy is a promising alternative tool in assisting overweight and obese individuals to lose weight. Extensive research is needed to substantiate its role in weight management programs for its full benefits.
Patient Factors in Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Emergency Department

Ahmad A, Nor J, Abdullah AA, Tuan Kamauzaman TH, Yazid MB

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Apr;28(2):72-83.
PMID: 33958962 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.7

Background: Emergency departments (EDs) are frequently misused for non-emergency cases such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Flooding of these cases may contribute to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The aim of this study was to determine the patient factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for URTIs in the EDs.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved patients over age 3 years old who presented with URTI to the green zone of the ED of a tertiary hospital on the east coast of Malaysia in 2018-2019. Convenient sampling was done. The patients were categorised into two groups according to their McIsaac scores: positive (≥ 2) or negative (< 2). Antibiotics given to the negative McIsaac group were considered inappropriate.
Results: A total of 261 cases were included - 127 with positive and 134 with negative McIsaac scores. The most common symptoms were fever and cough. About 29% had inappropriate antibiotic prescribing with a high rate for amoxycillin. Duration of symptoms of one day or less (OR 18.5; 95% CI: 1.65, 207.10; P = 0.018), presence of chills (OR 4.36; 95% CI: 1.13, 16.88; P = 0.033) and diagnosis of acute tonsillitis (OR 5.26; 95% CI: 1.76, 15.72; P = 0.003) were significantly associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescription.
Conclusion: Factors influencing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing should be pointed out to emergency doctors to reduce its incidence.
Fulltext Malaysian clinical practice guidelines for management of diabetic foot: A synopsis for the primary care physician

Tharumaraja T, Che-Ahmad A, Wong PF, Ahmad Hamid AH, Hasan MI, Bajuri MY, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):103-113.
PMID: 33948148 DOI: 10.51866/cpg0001

Diabetic foot requires careful attention and coordinated management by a dedicated team. Screening, prevention, adequate assessment, and appropriate referral are crucial to prevent complications. Multimodal treatment and rehabilitation are recommended to ensure a better quality of life and reduction of amputation rate in people with diabetic foot.
Inhibition of L-NAME-induced hypertension by combined treatment with apocynin and catalase: the role of Nox 4 expression

Chia TY, Murugaiyah V, Khan NA, Sattar MA, Abdulla MH, Johns EJ, et al.

Physiol Res, 2021 03 17;70(1):13-26.
PMID: 33728924

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide (O2-) generated by NAD(P)H oxidases have emerged as important molecules in blood pressure regulation. This study investigated the effect of apocynin and catalase on blood pressure and renal haemodynamic and excretory function in an L-NAME induced hypertension model. Forty Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (n=8 per group) were treated with either: vehicle (WKY-C); L-NAME (WKY-L, 15 mg/kg/day in drinking fluid); WKY-L given apocynin to block NAD(P)H oxidase (WKY-LApo, 73 mg/kg/day in drinking water.); WKY-L given catalase to enhance ROS scavenging (WKY-LCat, 10000 U/kg/day i.p.); and WKY-L receiving apocynin plus catalase (WKY-LApoCat) daily for 14 days. L-NAME elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), 116+/-1 to 181±4 mmHg, reduced creatinine clearance, 1.69+/-0.26 to 0.97+/-0.05 ml/min/kg and fractional sodium excretion, 0.84+/-0.09 to 0.55+/-0.09 % at day 14. Concomitantly, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) increased six fold, while plasma total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), plasma nitric oxide (NO) and plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were decreased by 60-70 % and Nox 4 mRNA expression was increased 2-fold. Treatment with apocynin and catalase attenuated the increase in SBP and improved renal function, enhanced antioxidative stress capacity and reduced the magnitude of Nox4 mRNAs expression in the L-NAME treated rats. This study demonstrated that apocynin and catalase offset the development of L-NAME induced hypertension, renal dysfunction and reduced oxidative stress status, possibly contributed by a reduction in Nox4 expression during NOS inhibition. These findings would suggest that antioxidant compounds such as apocynin and catalase have potential in treating cardiovascular diseases.
Fulltext Early Experience of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in a Public Hospital in Malaysia

Sam CX, Anwar AZ, Ahmad AR, Solayar GN

Malays Orthop J, 2021 Mar;15(1):119-123.
PMID: 33880158 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2103.018

Introduction: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides a surgical alternative to standard total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy, arthritis and fracture sequelae. This study aimed to assess the short-term outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for patients in a large public hospital in Malaysia.
Materials and Methods: We identified and performed five primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasties between 1 May 2019 and 1 June 2020. All patients were contactable and available for analysis. Assessment of functional outcomes was performed using the Constant-Murley score, the patient satisfaction score (PSS), and imaging studies. The mean follow-up from operation to the time of reporting was 9.6 months (range, 3 to 14 months).
Results: The median age for our patients was 58 years (±11.91). The most common indication for surgery was post-traumatic arthritis, followed by rotator cuff arthropathy and osteoarthritis. The mean Constant score improved from 9.0 pre-operatively to 52.3 post-operatively at a mean of 9.6 months. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the surgery as the post-operative range of motion, especially anterior elevation and abduction, improved in four of our patients and there were no short-term complications, for example, of infection or revisions, reported at the last follow-up.
Conclusion: This study has shown that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can yield good short-term outcomes for the treatment of complex shoulder problems in addition to cuff tear arthropathy. It should be considered a treatment for rotator cuff tears, severe arthritis and ≥ 3 parts proximal humeral fractures.
Teaching reaction kinetics through isomerization cases with the basis of density-functional calculations

Rusydi F, Madinah R, Puspitasari I, Mark-Lee WF, Ahmad A, Rusydi A

Biochem Mol Biol Educ, 2021 03;49(2):216-227.
PMID: 32897655 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21433

The fundamental mechanism of biochemistry lies on the reaction kinetics, which is determined by the reaction pathways. Interestingly, the reaction pathway is a challenging concept for undergraduate students. Experimentally, it is difficult to observe, and theoretically, it requires some degree of physics knowledge, namely statistical and quantum mechanics. However, students can utilize computational methods to study the reaction kinetics without paying too much attention but not wholly neglecting the comprehension of physics. We hereby provided an approach to study the reaction kinetics based on density-functional calculations. We particularized the study of the isomerization case involving five molecules at three different temperatures and emphasized the importance of the transition state in the study of reaction kinetics. The results we presented were in good agreement with the experiments and provided useful insights to assist students in the application of their knowledge into their research.
Fulltext Salivary and imaging-based biomarkers of radiation therapy-induced xerostomia

Atif S, Wahab NA, Ghafoor S, Saeed MQ, Ahmad A

J Pak Med Assoc, 2021 Mar;71(3):938-942.
PMID: 34057953 DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.1115

Biomarkers are anatomical characteristics or naturally occurring measurable molecules indicating physiological or pathological state of an individual. These biomarkers have the potential to detect or predict diseases at an early stage, which is particularly beneficial in timely management of common complications of radiation therapy done in head and neck cancer treatment regime. Xerostomia is one of the most common oral complaints of radiation therapy. Saliva has an abundance of protein biomarkers; however, those related to post-radiation therapy xerostomia need to be explored further. Textural and imaging-based biomarkers are helpful in predicting xerostomia in such patients. This narrative review provides an account of salivary protein and imaging-based biomarkers of radiation therapy-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.
Fulltext Characterization of putative pathogenic Shewanella algae isolated from ballast water

Ibrahim NNN, Nasir NM, Sahrani FK, Ahmad A, Sairi F

Vet World, 2021 Mar;14(3):678-688.
PMID: 33935414 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.678-688

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Shewanella algae is ubiquitous in marine-associated environments and has been increasingly recognized as a significant human pathogen that can cause serious infections mainly associated with exposure to seawater and ingestion of raw seafood. This study aimed to isolate and characterize S. algae from ballast water of ships berthed at Port Klang, Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ballast water was sampled from nine ships docked at Port Klang, Malaysia. The isolates were identified and characterized based on biochemical and enzymatic properties, 16S rRNA and gyrB sequencing, biofilm formation capability, and antibiotic susceptibility.
RESULTS: A total of four S. algae isolates were isolated from four ballast water samples tentatively name Sa-BW1, Sa-BW2, Sa-BW7, and Sa-BW8. All isolates showed positive reaction for cytochrome oxidase, catalase, high tolerance to NaCl (6% and 8%), ability to grow at 42°C, and on Salmonella-Shigella agar. The strains also exhibited b-hemolytic activity on sheep blood and human blood agar, positive reaction for lipase, protease, DNase and gelatinase, strong biofilm adherence capabilities and multiple antibiotic resistances against ampicillin, carbenicillin, cephalothin, colistin, novobiocin, oxacillin, penicillin, rifampicin, and tobramycin which suggested their potential pathogenicity.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the occurrence of putative pathogen S. algae in ballast water of ships docked at Malaysian port.
Fulltext The Effect of Welding Current and Electrode Force on the Heat Input, Weld Diameter, and Physical and Mechanical Properties of SS316L/Ti6Al4V Dissimilar Resistance Spot Welding with Aluminum Interlayer

Taufiqurrahman I, Ahmad A, Mustapha M, Lenggo Ginta T, Ady Farizan Haryoko L, Ahmed Shozib I

Materials (Basel), 2021 Feb 27;14(5).
PMID: 33673716 DOI: 10.3390/ma14051129

Welding parameters obviously determine the joint quality during the resistance spot welding process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of welding current and electrode force on the heat input and the physical and mechanical properties of a SS316L and Ti6Al4V joint with an aluminum interlayer. The weld current values used in this study were 11, 12, and 13 kA, while the electrode force values were 3, 4, and 5 kN. Welding time and holding time remained constant at 30 cycles. The study revealed that, as the welding current and electrode force increased, the generated heat input increased significantly. The highest tensile-shear load was recorded at 8.71 kN using 11 kA of weld current and 3 kN of electrode force. The physical properties examined the formation of a brittle fracture and several weld defects on the high current welded joint. The increase in weld current also increased the weld diameter. The microstructure analysis revealed no phase transformation on the SS316L interface; instead, the significant grain growth occurred. The phase transformation has occurred on the Ti6Al4V interface. The intermetallic compound layer was also investigated in detail using the EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) analyses. It was also found that both stainless steel and titanium alloy have their own fusion zone, which is indicated by the highest microhardness value.
Fulltext Assessment of DSM Based on Radiometric Transformation of UAV Data

Chaudhry MH, Ahmad A, Gulzar Q, Farid MS, Shahabi H, Al-Ansari N

Sensors (Basel), 2021 Feb 27;21(5).
PMID: 33673425 DOI: 10.3390/s21051649

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is one of the latest technologies for high spatial resolution 3D modeling of the Earth. The objectives of this study are to assess low-cost UAV data using image radiometric transformation techniques and investigate its effects on global and local accuracy of the Digital Surface Model (DSM). This research uses UAV Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data from 80 meters and UAV Drone data from 300 and 500 meters flying height. RAW UAV images acquired from 500 meters flying height are radiometrically transformed in Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB). UAV images from 300 meters flying height are processed for the generation of 3D point cloud and DSM in Pix4D Mapper. UAV LIDAR data are used for the acquisition of Ground Control Points (GCP) and accuracy assessment of UAV Image data products. Accuracy of enhanced DSM with DSM generated from 300 meters flight height were analyzed for point cloud number, density and distribution. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value of Z is enhanced from ±2.15 meters to 0.11 meters. For local accuracy assessment of DSM, four different types of land covers are statistically compared with UAV LIDAR resulting in compatibility of enhancement technique with UAV LIDAR accuracy.
Fulltext Free-Radical Photopolymerization of Acrylonitrile Grafted onto Epoxidized Natural Rubber

Whba R, Su'ait MS, Tian Khoon L, Ibrahim S, Mohamed NS, Ahmad A

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 23;13(4).
PMID: 33672185 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040660

The exploitation of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) in electrochemical applications is approaching its limits because of its poor thermo-mechanical properties. These properties could be improved by chemical and/or physical modification, including grafting and/or crosslinking techniques. In this work, acrylonitrile (ACN) has been successfully grafted onto ENR- 25 by a radical photopolymerization technique. The effect of (ACN to ENR) mole ratios on chemical structure and interaction, thermo-mechanical behaviour and that related to the viscoelastic properties of the polymer was investigated. The existence of the -C≡N functional group at the end-product of ACN-g-ENR is confirmed by infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. An enhanced grafting efficiency (~57%) was obtained after ACN was grafted onto the isoprene unit of ENR- 25 and showing a significant improvement in thermal stability and dielectric properties. The viscoelastic behaviour of the sample analysis showed an increase of storage modulus up to 150 × 103 MPa and the temperature of glass transition (Tg) was between -40 and 10 °C. The loss modulus, relaxation process, and tan delta were also described. Overall, the ACN-g-ENR shows a distinctive improvement in characteristics compared to ENR and can be widely used in many applications where natural rubber is used but improved thermal and mechanical properties are required. Likewise, it may also be used in electronic applications, for example, as a polymer electrolyte in batteries or supercapacitor.
Fulltext Highly conductive anion exchange membranes based on polymer networks containing imidazolium functionalised side chains

Abouzari-Lotf E, Jacob MV, Ghassemi H, Zakeri M, Nasef MM, Abdolahi Y, et al.

Sci Rep, 2021 Feb 12;11(1):3764.
PMID: 33580110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83161-9

Two novel types of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) having imidazolium-type functionalised nanofibrous substrates were prepared using the facile and potentially scalable method. The membranes' precursors were prepared by graft copolymerization of vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) onto syndiotactic polypropylene (syn-PP) and polyamide-66 (PA-66) nanofibrous networks followed by crosslinking with 1,8-octanediamine, thermal treatment and subsequent functionalisation of imidazolium groups. The obtained membranes displayed an ion exchange capacity (IEC) close to 1.9 mmol g-1 and ionic (OH-) conductivity as high as 130 mS cm-1 at 80 °C. This was coupled with a reasonable alkaline stability representing more than 70% of their original conductivity under accelerated degradation test in 1 M KOH at 80 °C for 360 h. The effect of ionomer binder on the performance of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in AEM fuel cell was evaluated with the optimum membrane. The MEA showed a power density of as high as 440 mW cm-2 at a current density is 910 mA cm-2 with diamine crosslinked quaternized polysulfone (DAPSF) binder at 80 °C with 90% humidified H2 and O2 gases. Such performance was 2.3 folds higher than the corresponding MEA performance with quaternary ammonium polysulfone (QAPS) binder at the same operating conditions. Overall, the newly developed membrane was found to possess not only an excellent combination of physico-chemical properties and a reasonable stability but also to have a facile preparation procedure and cheap ingredients making it a promising candidate for application in AEM fuel cell.
Fulltext Pressure Sensor System for Customized Scoliosis Braces

Fuss FK, Ahmad A, Tan AM, Razman R, Weizman Y

Sensors (Basel), 2021 Feb 06;21(4).
PMID: 33562166 DOI: 10.3390/s21041153

Hard-shell thoracolumbar sacral orthoses (TLSOs) are used for treating idiopathic scoliosis, a deformation of the spine with a sideways curvature. The pressure required inside the TLSO for ideal corrective results remains unclear. Retrofitting TLSOs with commercially available pressure measurement systems is expensive and can only be performed in a laboratory. The aim of this study was to develop a cost-effective but accurate pressure sensor system for TLSOs. The sensor was built from a piezoresistive polymer, placed between two closed-cell foam liners, and evaluated with a material testing machine. Because foams are energy absorbers, the pressure-conductance curve was affected by hysteresis. The sensor was calibrated on a force plate with the transitions from loading to unloading used to establish the calibration curve. The root mean square error was 12% on average within the required pressure range of 0.01-0.13 MPa. The sensor reacted to the changing pressure during breathing and different activities when tested underneath a chest belt at different tensions. The peak pressure reached 0.135 MPa. The sensor was further tested inside the scoliosis brace during different activities. The measured pressure was 0.014-0.124 MPa. The results from this study enable cheaper and mobile systems to be used for clinical studies on the comfort and pressure of braces during daily activities.
Metformin mitigates impaired testicular lactate transport/utilisation and improves sexual behaviour in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Nna VU, Abu Bakar AB, Ahmad A, Mohamed M

Arch Physiol Biochem, 2021 Feb;127(1):51-60.
PMID: 31072137 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2019.1610778

CONTEXT: Lactate is the preferred energy substrate for developing testicular germ cells. Diabetes is associated with impaired testicular lactate transport/utilisation, and poor sexual behaviour.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of metformin on parameters involved in testicular lactate production, transport/utilisation, and sexual behaviour in diabetic state.
METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), and metformin-treated diabetic group (n = 6/group). Metformin (300 mg/kg b.w./day) was administrated orally for 4 weeks.
RESULTS: Intra-testicular glucose and lactate levels, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity increased, while the mRNA transcript levels of genes responsible for testicular glucose and lactate transport/utilisation (glucose transporter 3, monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), MCT2, and LDH type C) decreased in DC group. Furthermore, penile nitric oxide increased, while cyclic guanosine monophosphate decreased, with impaired sexual behaviour in DC group. Treatment with metformin improved these parameters.
CONCLUSIONS: Metformin increases testicular lactate transport/utilisation and improves sexual behaviour in diabetic state.
Fulltext The Incidence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Pahang State of Malaysia from 2012 to 2017

Ahmad A, Yassin WM, Rahman NAA, Leman WI, Rosla L, Paul M, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Feb;28(1):66-74.
PMID: 33679222 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.1.9

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the fifth most common cancer among Malaysians. While several studies have reported the trend of NPC in other states in Malaysia, no studies have reported the trend of NPC in Pahang state. This study was designed to report the number and distribution of newly diagnosed NPC cases in Pahang.
Methods: NPC cases that were diagnosed between 2012 and 2017 in two referral hospitals in Pahang were traced. The crude incidence rate (CR) and age-standardised rate (ASR) were calculated to investigate the NPC incidence.
Results: There were 143 new cases of NPC reported from the two hospitals. The mean age at diagnosis was 52.0 ± 13.7 years old. The majority of cases involved males (74.1%) with a male to female ratio of 2.9:1. Chinese males were found to have the highest incidence with a mean ASR of 4.7 per 100,000 population. Overall, the mean ASR for Pahang was 2.4 per 100,000 population for males and 0.9 per 100,000 population for females.
Conclusion: The total number of NPC cases reveals an increasing trend from 2012 to 2014 and then a slightly decreasing trend from 2015 to 2017. The incidence of NPC in Pahang was intermediate in males and low in females.
Fulltext Carbon Based Polymeric Nanocomposites for Dye Adsorption: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application

Ali Khan M, Govindasamy R, Ahmad A, Siddiqui MR, Alshareef SA, Hakami AAH, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jan 28;13(3).
PMID: 33525497 DOI: 10.3390/polym13030419

Agglomeration and restacking can reduce graphene oxide (GO) activity in a wide range of applications. Herein, GO was synthesized by a modified Hummer's method. To minimize restacking and agglomeration, in situ chemical oxidation polymerization was carried out to embed polyaniline (PANI) chains at the edges of GO sheets, to obtain GO-PANI nanocomposite. The GO-PANI was tested for the adsorptive removal of brilliant green (BG) from an aqueous solution through batch mode studies. Infrared (FT-IR) analysis revealed the dominance of hydroxyl and carboxylic functionalities over the GO-PANI surface. Solution pH-dependent BG uptake was observed, with maximum adsorption at pH 7, and attaining equilibrium in 30 min. The adsorption of BG onto GO-PANI was fit to the Langmuir isotherm, and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qm) of 142.8 mg/g. An endothermic adsorption process was observed. Mechanistically, π-π stacking interaction and electrostatic interaction played a critical role during BG adsorption on GO-PANI.
Fulltext Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among breast cancer survivors in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Shahril MR, Amirfaiz S, Lua PL, Nurnazahiah A, Zakarai NS, Kow VL, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2021 01 28;21(1):238.
PMID: 33509143 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10288-9

BACKGROUND: To date, limited data are available on metabolic syndrome prevalence among breast cancer survivors in Malaysia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and abnormal metabolic syndrome components among breast cancer survivors in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 95 breast cancer survivors (age 53.7 ± 7.6 years) who have completed main cancer treatments for ≥6 months. Cancer survivors were recruited from two main government hospitals in Kelantan and Terengganu using a purposive sampling method.
RESULTS: According to the Harmonized criteria, the metabolic syndrome prevalence was 50.5%. Among those with metabolic syndrome, the most prevalent abnormal metabolic components were triglycerides (91.2%), fasting blood glucose (79.6%) and HDL-c level (78.4%). Except for total cholesterol and LDL-c, all other metabolic syndrome components were significantly different (p
Fulltext Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hydroxyapatite nanorods reinforced with polypropylene for biomedical application

Khan FSA, Mubarak NM, Khalid M, Walvekar R, Abdullah EC, Ahmad A, et al.

Sci Rep, 2021 01 12;11(1):843.
PMID: 33437011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80767-3

Modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) and hydroxyapatite nanorods (n-HA) were reinforced into polypropylene (PP) with the support of a melt compounding approach. Varying composition of f-MWCNTs (0.1-0.3 wt.%) and nHA (15-20 wt.%) were reinforced into PP, to obtain biocomposites of different compositions. The morphology, thermal and mechanical characteristics of PP/n-HA/f-MWCNTs were observed. Tensile studies reflected that the addition of f-MWCNTs is advantageous in improving the tensile strength of PP/n-HA nanocomposites but decreases its Young's modulus significantly. Based on the thermal study, the f-MWCNTs and n-HA were known to be adequate to enhance PP's thermal and dimensional stability. Furthermore, MTT studies proved that PP/n-HA/f-MWCNTs are biocompatible. Consequently, f-MWCNTs and n-HA reinforced into PP may be a promising nanocomposite in orthopedics industry applications such as the human subchondral bone i.e. patella and cartilage and fabricating certain light-loaded implants.
Hypnotherapy for overweight and obese patients: A narrative review

Roslim NA, Ahmad A, Mansor M, Aung MMT, Hamzah F, Hassan H, et al.

J Integr Med, 2021 Jan;19(1):1-5.
PMID: 33162374 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2020.10.006

Obesity and overweight problems are serious global health issues today and despite many efforts, the prevalence has continued to rise for decades. Interestingly, hypnotherapy has been gaining recognition as an effective treatment for obesity and overweight problems. This review compiles contemporary scientific research on the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for weight reduction. Scopus, PubMed and EBSCO Host databases were applied in the study. The search identified 119 articles, of which seven met the inclusion criteria. A total of 539 respondents (82.7% women and 17.3% men) between the ages of 17 and 67 years were represented in the seven studies. Most studies incorporated lifestyle changes, such as changes of dietary habit and behavioral recommendations in the hypnotic procedure. Their results suggested that the use of hypnotherapy not only promoted weight reduction during the treatment period but also after treatment cessation, and in some cases, one to ten kilograms were lost during follow-up periods. In addition, one study even showed increased physical activity among the hypnotised individuals. This use of hypnotherapy also improved respondents' eating behavior and quality of life. However, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn due to several methodological flaws and the limited number of published studies in this area. Therefore, further well-designed studies are needed to substantiate the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for this modern-day health problem.

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