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  1. Rasheed MK, Hasan SS, Babar ZU, Ahmed SI
    Lancet Infect Dis, 2019 03;19(3):242-243.
    PMID: 30833059 DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30051-9
  2. Khattak MT, Supriyanto E, Aman MN, Al-Ashwal RH
    Med Biol Eng Comput, 2019 Jul;57(7):1417-1424.
    PMID: 30877513 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-019-01969-0
    Congenital anomalies are not only one of the main killers for infants but also one of the major causes of deaths under 5. Among congenital anomalies, Down syndrome or trisomy 21 (T-21) and neural tube defects (NTDs) are considered the most common. Expectant mothers in developing countries may not have access to or may not afford the advanced prenatal screening tests. To solve this issue, this paper explores the practicality of using only the basic risk factors for developing prediction models as a tool for initial risk assessment. The prediction models are based on logistic regression. The results show that the prediction models do not have a high balanced classification rate. However, these models can still be used as an effective tool for initial risk assessment for T-21 and NTDs by eliminating at least 50% of the cases with no or low risk. Graphical Abstract Prenatal Risk Assessment of Trisomy-21 and Neural Tube Defects.
  3. Shaukat HR, Hashim F, Shaukat MA, Ali Alezabi K
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Apr 17;20(8).
    PMID: 32316487 DOI: 10.3390/s20082283
    Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are often deployed in hostile environments, where an adversary can physically capture some of the sensor nodes. The adversary collects all the nodes' important credentials and subsequently replicate the nodes, which may expose the network to a number of other security attacks, and eventually compromise the entire network. This harmful attack where a single or more nodes illegitimately claims an identity as replicas is known as the node replication attack. The problem of node replication attack can be further aggravated due to the mobile nature in WSN. In this paper, we propose an extended version of multi-level replica detection technique built on Danger Theory (DT), which utilizes a hybrid approach (centralized and distributed) to shield the mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) from clone attacks. The danger theory concept depends on a multi-level of detections; first stage (highlights the danger zone (DZ) by checking the abnormal behavior of mobile nodes), second stage (battery check and random number) and third stage (inform about replica to other networks). The DT method performance is highlighted through security parameters such as false negative, energy, detection time, communication overhead and delay in detection. The proposed approach also demonstrates that the hybrid DT method is capable and successful in detecting and mitigating any malicious activities initiated by the replica. Nowadays, crimes are vastly increasing and it is crucial to modify the systems accordingly. Indeed, it is understood that the communication needs to be secured by keen observation at each level of detection. The simulation results show that the proposed approach overcomes the weaknesses of the previous and existing centralized and distributed approaches and enhances the performance of MWSN in terms of communication and memory overhead.
  4. Tan CL, Yahaya MH, Ahmad NS, Lim CH
    BMJ Case Rep, 2020 Mar 12;13(3).
    PMID: 32169986 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-233330
    An 18-year-old male adolescent presented with prolonged high spiking temperature, photosensitive rash, oral ulcers and reduced hearing bilaterally of recent onset. Examination revealed malar rash, vasculitis rash over bilateral palms and soles, oral and buccal ulcers, palpable posterior auricular and inguinal lymph nodes, and reduced hearing bilaterally. His further investigations noted pancytopaenia, elevated transaminases, hyperferritinaemia, low C3 and C4 levels, positive antinuclear antibody, double-stranded DNA and direct Coombs test, while bone marrow aspiration revealed active phagocytic activity suggestive of hemophagocytic syndrome. We made a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus with macrophage activation syndrome. We treated him with pulse intravenous methylprednisolone and his condition improved drastically. Temperature resolved on the next day after intravenous methylprednisolone; bilateral sensorineural hearing loss improved to near-normal hearing after treatment. He remained well during follow-up with a tapering dose of prednisolone.
  5. Fahad Masoud Wattoo, Rashid Mehmood Rana, Sajid Fiaz, Syed Adeel Zafar, Mehmood Ali Noor, Shoaib ur Rehman, et al.
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:295-302.
    Maize is an imperative grain crop used as a staple food in several countries around the world. Water deficiency is a serious
    problem limiting its growing area and production. Identification of drought tolerant maize germplasm is comparatively
    easy and sustainable approach to combat this issue. Present research was conducted to evaluate 50 maize genotypes
    for drought tolerance at early growth stage. Drought tolerance was assessed on the basis of several morphological
    and physiological parameters. Analysis of variance showed significant variation among the tested maize genotypes for
    recorded parameters. Principal component analysis revealed important morpho-physiological traits that were playing
    key role in drought tolerance. Correlation studies depicted significant positive correlation among the attributes such as
    fresh shoot length (FSL), fresh root length (FRL), dry shoot weight (DSW), dry root weight (DRW), relative water contents
    (RWC) and total dry matter (TDM) while a strongly negative correlation was observed among RWC and excised leaf
    water loss. Results concluded that the parameters fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, FRL, DRW, TDM, cell membrane
    thermo stability (CMT) and RWC can be useful for rapid screening of maize germplasm for drought tolerance at early
    growth stages. Furthermore, the genotypes 6, 16, 18, 40, 45 and 50 can be used as a drought tolerant check in breeding
    programs. Moreover, biplot analysis along with other indices was proved to be a useful approach for rapid and cost
    efficient screening of large number of genotypes against drought stress condition.
  6. Yunus MH, Arifin N, Balachandra D, Anuar NS, Noordin R
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2019 08;101(2):432-435.
    PMID: 31218996 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0053
    The conventional method of detecting Strongyloides stercoralis in fecal samples has poor diagnostic sensitivity. Detection of Strongyloides-specific antibodies increases the sensitivity; however, most tests are ELISAs that use parasite extract which may cross-react with the sera of other helminth infections. To improve the serological diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, this study aimed at developing a sensitive and specific lateral flow rapid dipstick test. Two recombinant proteins, recombinant NIE (rNIE) and recombinant Ss1a (rSs1a), were used in preparing the dipstick, with gold-conjugated antihuman IgG4 as detector reagent. In parallel, the corresponding ELISA was performed. Both assays demonstrated diagnostic sensitivity of 91.3% (21/23) when tested with serum samples of patients with Strongyloides infection, and 100% specificity with 82 sera of asymptomatic (healthy) and those with other parasitic infections. The ELISA and dipstick test results were positively correlated to each other (r = 0.6114, P = 0.0019). The developed lateral flow dipstick test may improve the serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis and merit further validation studies.
  7. Mohd Asihin MA, Bajuri MY, Ganaisan PK, Ahmad AR
    Front Surg, 2019;6:71.
    PMID: 31921885 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2019.00071
    Background: The study aims to evaluate the short-term functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of extraarticular scapular neck and body fractures treated at our center over a period of 2-year duration at a tertiary referral center. Patients and Methods: Between October 2015 and October 2017, we operated on 20 extraarticular scapular neck and body fracture. Ten were available for a one-off assessment. The mean time to surgery was 10 days (range, 3-19 days) and one-off assessment was done within 6-24 months (mean, 13 months). Indications includes (1) medial/lateral displacement (M/L) ≥ 20 mm, (2) M/L ≥ 15 mm if angular deformity ≥ 30°, (3) Angular deformity ≥ 45°, (4) Double lesion of superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC), with displacement ≥10 mm in both lesion, (5) Glenopolar angle (GPA) ≤ 22°, and (6) open scapular fracture. The functional outcome was measured using range motion and strength. Patient-reported outcome was assessed using Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and Short-Form-36 (SF-36) version 1. Results: All patients achieved radiological union at time of assessment. None of the patients had post-operative complications. The mean DASH score was 19.3 (range, 1.7-39.3). All subcategories of SF-36 questionnaire scores between 70 and 89.6, with exception to REE (role limitations due to emotional problems) and REP (role limitations due to physical health). The average range of motion for the injured shoulders; forward flexion 157°, abduction 114°, and external rotation 42°. The strength of operated and non-operated shoulders, respectively, 6.5 and 8.1 kgF of forward flexion, 5.5 and 7.2 kgF of abduction, and 4.1 and 6.3 kgF of external rotation. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of surgically indicated scapular neck and body fracture is feasible with predictably good functional outcome. The reduced external rotation ROM and strength may be due to the use of Classic Judet approach, however we do not enough data to support this.
  8. Mohd Suan MA, Tan WL, Ismail I, Abu Hassan MR
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2020 May 01;21(5):1253-1258.
    PMID: 32458630 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.5.1253
    BACKGROUND: Patients with positive immunochemical faecal occult blood test results were found to have poor compliance for a subsequent colonoscopy procedure. This study was conducted to explore patients' perceived deterrence for colonoscopy following a positive stool test.

    METHODS: Using qualitative study method, a phone interview was conducted with 16 patients to elicit their views on the reasons for failure to attend the colonoscopy procedure following a positive stool test. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated before proceeded with the data analysis. Content analysis was made on the translated interview, followed by systematic classification of data by major themes.

    RESULTS: Reasons for nonattendance were categorized under five main themes; unnecessary test, fear of the procedure, logistic obstacles (subthemes; time constraint, transportation problem), social influences, and having other health priority. Lacking in information about the procedure during the referral process was identified to cause misperception and unnecessary worry towards colonoscopy. Fear of the procedure was commonly cited by female respondents while logistic issues pertaining to time constraint were raised by working respondents.

    CONCLUSIONS: More effective communication between patients and health care providers are warranted to avoid misconception regarding colonoscopy procedure. Support from primary care doctors, customer-friendly appointment system, use of educational aids and better involvement from family members were among the strategies to increase colonoscopy compliance.

  9. Chaudhry SM, Ahmed R, Shafiullah M, Duc Huynh TL
    J Environ Manage, 2020 Jul 01;265:110533.
    PMID: 32421559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110533
    This paper empirically investigates the effect of carbon emissions on sovereign risk? To answer this question, we use fixed effects model by using annual data from G7 advanced economies, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and USA, for the period from 1996 to 2014. We employ a novel extreme value theory to measure sovereign risk. The results indicate that climate change (carbon emissions) are likely to increase sovereign risk significantly. We also expand our analysis to some specific sectors, as some of the sectors emit more carbon than others. Specifically, we take top three polluting sectors namely: transportation, electricity and industry and show that they are more likely to increase the sovereign risk. Our results are robust to change in risk measures, estimation in differences and dynamic version of econometric models. Therefore, we have robust consideration that the carbon emissions significantly explain the sovereign risk.
  10. Noordin MAM, Noor MM, Aizat WM
    Mini Rev Med Chem, 2020;20(13):1287-1299.
    PMID: 32348218 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200429101942
    It is expected that in 2050, there will be more than 20% of senior citizens aged over 60 years worldwide. Such alarming statistics require immediate attention to improve the health of the aging population. Since aging is closely related to the loss of antioxidant defense mechanisms, this situation eventually leads to numerous health problems, including fertility reduction. Furthermore, plant extracts have been used in traditional medicine as potent antioxidant sources. Although many experiments had reported the impact of various bioactive compounds on aging or fertility, there is a lack of review papers that combine both subjects. In this review, we have collected and discussed various bioactive compounds from 26 different plant species known to affect both longevity and fertility. These compounds, including phenolics and terpenes, are mostly involved in the antioxidant defense mechanisms of diverse organisms such as rats, mites, fruit flies, roundworms, and even roosters. A human clinical trial should be considered in the future to measure the effects of these bioactive compounds on human health and longevity. Ultimately, these plant-derived compounds could be developed into health supplements or potential medical drugs to ensure a healthy aging population.
  11. Shehzad M, Asghar A, Ramzan N, Aslam U, Bello MM
    Waste Manag Res, 2020 Nov;38(11):1284-1294.
    PMID: 32347191 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X20916843
    Biomass is considered as the largest renewable energy source in the world. However, some of its inherent properties such as hygroscopicity, lower energy content, low mass density and bio-degradation on storage hinder its extensive application in energy generation processes. Torrefaction, a thermochemical process carried out at 200-300°C in a non-oxidative environment, can address these inherent problems of the biomass. In this work, torrefaction of bagasse was performed in a bench-scale tubular reactor at 250°C and 275°C with residence times of 30, 60 and 90 mins. The effects of torrefaction conditions on the elemental composition, mass yield, energy yield, oxygen/carbon (O/C) and hydrogen/carbon (H/C) ratios, higher heating values and structural composition were investigated and compared with the commercially available 'Thar 6' and 'Tunnel C' coal. Based on the targeted mass and energy yields of 80% and 90% respectively, the optimal process conditions turned out to be 250°C and 30 mins. Torrefaction of the bagasse conducted at 275°C and 90 min raised the carbon content in bagasse to 58.14% and resulted in a high heating value of 23.84 MJ/kg. The structural and thermal analysis of the torrefied bagasse indicates that the moisture, non-structural carbohydrates and hemicellulose were reduced, which induced the hydrophobicity in the bagasse and enhanced its energy value. These findings showed that torrefaction can be a sustainable pre-treatment process to improve the fuel and structural properties of biomass as a feedstock for energy generation processes.
  12. Abdul Shakor AS, Pahrol MA, Mazeli MI
    J Environ Public Health, 2020;2020:1561823.
    PMID: 32351580 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1561823
    Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10) pollution poses a considerable threat to human health, and the first step in quantifying health impacts of human exposure to PM10 pollution is exposure assessment. Population-weighted exposure level (PWEL) estimation is one of the methods that provide a more refined exposure assessment as it includes the spatiotemporal distribution of the population into the pollution concentration estimation. This study assessed the population weighting effects on the estimated PM10 concentrations in Malaysia for years 2000, 2008, and 2013. Estimated PM10 annual mean concentrations with a spatial resolution of 5 kilometres retrieved from satellite data and population count obtained from the Gridded Population of the World version 4 (GPWv4) from the Centre for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) were overlaid to generate the PWEL of PM10 for each state. The calculated PWEL of PM10 concentrations were then classified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and the national Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) and interim targets (IT) for comparison. Results revealed that the annual mean PM10 concentrations in Malaysia ranged from 31 to 73 µg/m3 but became generally lower, ranging from 20 to 72 µg/m3 after population weighting, suggesting that the PM10 population exposure in Malaysia might have been overestimated. PWEL of PM10 distribution showed that the majority of the population lived in areas that complied with the national AQG, but were vulnerable to exposure level 3 according to the WHO AQG and IT, indicating that the population was nevertheless potentially exposed to significant health effects from long-term exposure to PM10 pollution.
  13. Irfan HM, Khan NAK, Asmawi MZ
    Arch Physiol Biochem, 2020 May 15.
    PMID: 32412306 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2020.1762661
    Background:Moringa oleifera Lam. has been used traditionally for the treatment of different cardio-metabolic disorders. So, the aim was to assess its leaf extracts in metabolic syndrome rat model.Methods: Out of the total 36-rats, 6 rats were given normal matched diet (NMD) while the rest were provided high-fat diet and 20% fructose (HFD-20%F). Moringa oleifera leaf extracts were administered orally for 30 days. Body weight, blood glucose, BMI, blood pressure, lipids, insulin, insulin resistance, MCP-1, visceral fat and liver weight were evaluated.Results: Sixty-days feeding with HFD-20%F produced the metabolic syndrome features like hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), visceral fat, and liver weight significantly (p
  14. Feng Z, Hu X, Jiang Z, Song H, Ashraf MA
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2016 Mar;23(2):189-97.
    PMID: 26980999 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.10.008
    The recognition of protein folds is an important step in the prediction of protein structure and function. Recently, an increasing number of researchers have sought to improve the methods for protein fold recognition. Following the construction of a dataset consisting of 27 protein fold classes by Ding and Dubchak in 2001, prediction algorithms, parameters and the construction of new datasets have improved for the prediction of protein folds. In this study, we reorganized a dataset consisting of 76-fold classes constructed by Liu et al. and used the values of the increment of diversity, average chemical shifts of secondary structure elements and secondary structure motifs as feature parameters in the recognition of multi-class protein folds. With the combined feature vector as the input parameter for the Random Forests algorithm and ensemble classification strategy, we propose a novel method to identify the 76 protein fold classes. The overall accuracy of the test dataset using an independent test was 66.69%; when the training and test sets were combined, with 5-fold cross-validation, the overall accuracy was 73.43%. This method was further used to predict the test dataset and the corresponding structural classification of the first 27-protein fold class dataset, resulting in overall accuracies of 79.66% and 93.40%, respectively. Moreover, when the training set and test sets were combined, the accuracy using 5-fold cross-validation was 81.21%. Additionally, this approach resulted in improved prediction results using the 27-protein fold class dataset constructed by Ding and Dubchak.
  15. Kamil K, Yazid MD, Idrus RBH, Kumar J
    PMID: 32575426 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124404
    Recent advances in phytomedicine have explored some potential candidates for nerve regeneration, including hydroxytyrosol (HT). This study was undertaken to explore the potential effects of HT on human Schwann cells' proliferation. Methods: The primary human Schwann cell (hSC) was characterized, and the proliferation rate of hSC supplemented with various concentrations of HT was determined via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell cycle analysis and protein expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and p75 nerve growth factor receptor (p75 NGFR) were evaluated via the immunofluorescence technique. Results: In vitro culture of hSCs revealed spindle-like, bipolar morphology with the expression of specific markers of hSC. Hydroxytyrosol at 10 and 20 ng/mL significantly increased the proliferation of hSCs by 30.12 ± 5.9% and 47.8 ± 6.7% compared to control (p < 0.05). Cell cycle analysis showed that HT-treated hSCs have a higher proliferation index (16.2 ± 0.2%) than the control (12.4 ± 0.4%) (p < 0.01). In addition, HT significantly increased the protein expression of GFAP and p75NGFR (p < 0.05). Conclusion: HT stimulates the proliferation of hSCs in vitro, indicated by a significant increase in the hSC proliferation index and protein expression of hSCs' proliferation markers, namely p75 NGFR and GFAP.
  16. Shamim A, Khan AA, Qureshi MA, Rafique H, Akhunzada A
    PMID: 34639652 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910352
    Traditional taxi services have now been transformed into e-hailing applications (EHA) such as Uber, Careem, Hailo, and Grab Car globally due to the proliferation of smartphone technology. On the one hand, these applications provide transport facilities. On the other hand, users are facing multiple issues in the adoption of EHAs. Despite problems, EHAs are still widely adopted globally. However, a sparse amount of research has been conducted related to EHAs, particular in regards to exploring the significant factors of intention behind using EHAs Therefore, there is a need to identify influencing factors that have a great impact on the adoption and acceptance of these applications. Hence, this research aims to present an empirical study on the factors influencing customers' intentions towards EHAs. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was extended with four external factors: perceived mobility value, effort expectancy, perceived locational accuracy, and perceived price. A questionnaire was developed for the measurement of these factors. A survey was conducted with 211 users of EHAs to collect data. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the collected data. The results of this study exposed that perceived usefulness, perceived price, and perceived ease of use affect behavior intention to use EHAs. Furthermore, perceived ease of use was impacted by effort expectancy, perceived locational accuracy, and perceived mobility. The findings of the study provide a foundation to develop new guidelines for such applications that will be beneficial for developers and designers of these applications.
  17. Singh DKA, Goh JW, Shaharudin MI, Shahar S
    JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 2021 10 12;9(10):e23663.
    PMID: 34636740 DOI: 10.2196/23663
    BACKGROUND: Recent falls prevention guidelines recommend early routine fall risk assessment among older persons.

    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a Falls Screening Mobile App (FallSA), determine its acceptance, concurrent validity, test-retest reliability, discriminative ability, and predictive validity as a self-screening tool to identify fall risk among Malaysian older persons.

    METHODS: FallSA acceptance was tested among 15 participants (mean age 65.93 [SD 7.42] years); its validity and reliability among 91 participants (mean age 67.34 [SD 5.97] years); discriminative ability and predictive validity among 610 participants (mean age 71.78 [SD 4.70] years). Acceptance of FallSA was assessed using a questionnaire, and it was validated against a comprehensive fall risk assessment tool, the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). Participants used FallSA to test their fall risk repeatedly twice within an hour. Its discriminative ability and predictive validity were determined by comparing participant fall risk scores between fallers and nonfallers and prospectively through a 6-month follow-up, respectively.

    RESULTS: The findings of our study showed that FallSA had a high acceptance level with 80% (12/15) of older persons agreeing on its suitability as a falls self-screening tool. Concurrent validity test demonstrated a significant moderate correlation (r=.518, P

  18. Singh DKA, Goh JW, Shaharudin MI, Shahar S
    JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 2021 Oct 28;9(10):e34368.
    PMID: 34710052 DOI: 10.2196/34368
    [This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/23663.].
  19. Abeer MM, Mohd Amin MC, Martin C
    J Pharm Pharmacol, 2014 Aug;66(8):1047-61.
    PMID: 24628270 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12234
    The field of pharmaceutical technology is expanding rapidly because of the increasing number of drug delivery options. Successful drug delivery is influenced by multiple factors, one of which is the appropriate identification of materials for research and engineering of new drug delivery systems. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is one such biopolymer that fulfils the criteria for consideration as a drug delivery material.
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