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Women are at a higher risk of metabolic syndrome in rural Malaysia

Jan Mohamed HJ, Mitra AK, Zainuddin LR, Leng SK, Wan Muda WM

Women Health, 2013;53(4):335-48.
PMID: 23751089 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2013.788120

Metabolic syndrome has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to determine gender differences in the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in a rural Malay population. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Bachok, Kelantan, involved 306 respondents aged 18 to 70 years. The survey used a structured questionnaire to collect information on demographics, lifestyle, and medical history. Anthropometric measurements, such as weight, height, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Venous blood samples were taken by a doctor or nurses and analyzed for lipid profile and fasting glucose. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 37.5% and was higher among females (42.9%). Being unemployed or a housewife and being of older age were independently associated with metabolic syndrome in a multivariate analysis. Weight management and preventive community-based programs involving housewives, the unemployed, and adults of poor education must be reinforced to prevent and manage metabolic syndrome effectively in adults.
Fulltext Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal helminth infection among rural malay children

Huat LB, Mitra AK, Jamil NI, Dam PC, Mohamed HJ, Muda WA

J Glob Infect Dis, 2012 Jan;4(1):10-4.
PMID: 22529621 DOI: 10.4103/0974-777X.93753

Soil-transmitted intestinal helminth infection is prevalent in rural communities of Malaysia. Risk factors contributing to helminth infections are largely unknown in the country.
Fulltext Higher Parental Age and Lower Educational Level are Associated with Underweight among Preschool Children in Terengganu, Malaysia

Mohamad RH, Hakim BNA, Mitra AK, Shahril MR, Mohamed WMIW, Wafa SWWSST, et al.

J Gizi Pangan, 2022 Mar;17(1):11-18.
PMID: 37559878 DOI: 10.25182/jgp.2022.17.1.11-18

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the determinants of underweight among preschool children. A total of 218 preschool children were enrolled. Their sociodemographic data were collected using self-reported questionnaires whilst body weight and height were measured, recorded and the BMI for-age z-score was calculated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Of all preschool children participants, 47.7% were male and 53.3% were female. Most of them were Malays (99.5%), aged 4 to <5 years (40.8%) and came from low-income household (92.7%). Overall, the prevalence of underweight, normal, overweight and obese was 17.9%, 73.8%, 4.6% and 3.7% respectively. The underweight prevalence was higher than the national prevalence (13.7%). Of all parent participants, 12.4% were male and 87.6% were female. Most of them aged 30-39 years (55.5%) and did not hold a degree (89.4%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that parental age and their level of education were the determinants of childhood underweight. The risk of being underweight increased with the age of parents (p=0.033) and lower level of education of parents (p=0.042). In conclusion, this study found that underweight among preschool children was mainly associated with parental factors. Hence, designing a special nutritional intervention program involving older parents and lower education levels could overcome this problem.
Fulltext Marvels of Bacilli in soil amendment for plant-growth promotion toward sustainable development having futuristic socio-economic implications

Mukhopadhyay M, Mukherjee A, Ganguli S, Chakraborti A, Roy S, Choudhury SS, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1293302.
PMID: 38156003 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1293302

Microorganisms are integral components of ecosystems, exerting profound impacts on various facets of human life. The recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Science Summit emphasized the critical importance of comprehending the microbial world to address global challenges, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In agriculture, microbes are pivotal contributors to food production, sustainable energy, and environmental bioremediation. However, decades of agricultural intensification have boosted crop yields at the expense of soil health and microbial diversity, jeopardizing global food security. To address this issue, a study in West Bengal, India, explored the potential of a novel multi-strain consortium of plant growth promoting (PGP) Bacillus spp. for soil bioaugmentation. These strains were sourced from the soil's native microbial flora, offering a sustainable approach. In this work, a composite inoculum of Bacillus zhangzhouensis MMAM, Bacillus cereus MMAM3), and Bacillus subtilis MMAM2 were introduced into an over-exploited agricultural soil and implications on the improvement of vegetative growth and yield related traits of Gylcine max (L) Meril. plants were evaluated, growing them as model plant, in pot trial condition. The study's findings demonstrated significant improvements in plant growth and soil microbial diversity when using the bacterial consortium in conjunction with vermicompost. Metagenomic analyses revealed increased abundance of many functional genera and metabolic pathways in consortium-inoculated soil, indicating enhanced soil biological health. This innovative bioaugmentation strategy to upgrade the over-used agricultural soil through introduction of residual PGP bacterial members as consortia, presents a promising path forward for sustainable agriculture. The rejuvenated patches of over-used land can be used by the small and marginal farmers for cultivation of resilient crops like soybean. Recognizing the significance of multi-strain PGP bacterial consortia as potential bioinoculants, such technology can bolster food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate the adverse effects of past agricultural activities.
Unveiling Curvularia tuberculata-induced leaf anomalies in Rhododendron ferrugineum: implications in cultural-ecological conservation and harnessing microbial intervention in socio-economic advancement

Dhar J, Hazra A, Patra R, Kumar V, Subramaniyan V, Kumarasamy V, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1280120.
PMID: 38274748 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1280120

INTRODUCTION: The research focuses on Rhododendron ferrugineum L., Nepal's national flower and Uttarakhand's state tree, thriving in high-altitude mountain ecosystems.
METHODOLOGY AND RESULT: A study conducted in Himachal Pradesh (Latitude: N 31° 6' 2.0088", Longitude: E 77° 10' 29.9136") identified leaf anomalies resembling rust-like manifestations in R. ferrugineum. These anomalies were traced back to the pathogenic fungus Curvularia tuberculata, marking the first documented case of its impact on R. ferrugineum in India.
DISCUSSION: This discovery emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring, disease management research, and conservation efforts to protect the cultural and ecological significance of this iconic shrub. Beyond its immediate findings, the study introduces a novel dimension to Indian flora by associating C. tuberculata with R. ferrugineum, historically linked to monocotyledonous crops. The research methodology combines traditional microscopic examination with advanced genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, enhancing pathogen identification accuracy.
FUTURE PROSPECT: In a broader context, this research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the importance of environmental preservation, conservation, and sustainable management. It underscores the intricate interplay between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the need for holistic solutions. Overall, this study calls for proactive measures to protect R. ferrugineum's cultural and ecological heritage and emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing emerging ecological threats.