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Fulltext Evaluating the impacts of land use/land cover changes across topography against land surface temperature in Cameron Highlands

How Jin Aik D, Ismail MH, Muharam FM, Alias MA

PLoS One, 2021;16(5):e0252111.
PMID: 34019599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252111

The Cameron Highlands has experienced multiple land encroachment activities and repeated deforestation, leading to extensive land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) during the past six decades. This study aims to determine the LULCC against topography in Cameron Highlands between 2009 and 2019 by using geospatial techniques to analyze Landsat 7 (ETM+) and 8 (OLI/TIRS), ASTER GDEM and MODIS imaging sensors. The results showed a decline of 35.98 km2 in primary forests over ten years across the Cameron Highlands, while agricultural lands and urban areas flourished by a rise of 51.61 km2 and 11.00 km2 respectively. It can be noted that the elevation most affected is between 1000 and 1500 m, across all classes. Further results showed the expansion of both agriculture and urban development onto slopes above 35°, leading to an instability of soil structure. In a comparison of the base years of 2009 with 2019, mean LST results have shown temperatures rising by 7.5°C, while an average between 3 and 4°C across the region is recorded. The results obtained provide new information for government bodies and land planners to coordinate their actions without further jeopardizing the environment of the Cameron Highlands.
Fulltext In silico gene knockout prediction using a hybrid of Bat algorithm and minimization of metabolic adjustment

Man MY, Mohamad MS, Choon YW, Ismail MA

J Integr Bioinform, 2021 Aug 04;18(3).
PMID: 34348418 DOI: 10.1515/jib-2020-0037

Microorganisms commonly produce many high-demand industrial products like fuels, food, vitamins, and other chemicals. Microbial strains are the strains of microorganisms, which can be optimized to improve their technological properties through metabolic engineering. Metabolic engineering is the process of overcoming cellular regulation in order to achieve a desired product or to generate a new product that the host cells do not usually need to produce. The prediction of genetic manipulations such as gene knockout is part of metabolic engineering. Gene knockout can be used to optimize the microbial strains, such as to maximize the production rate of chemicals of interest. Metabolic and genetic engineering is important in producing the chemicals of interest as, without them, the product yields of many microorganisms are normally low. As a result, the aim of this paper is to propose a combination of the Bat algorithm and the minimization of metabolic adjustment (BATMOMA) to predict which genes to knock out in order to increase the succinate and lactate production rates in Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Fulltext Biomarker characteristics of Montney source rock, British Columbia, Canada

Barham A, Ismail MS, Hermana M, Zainal Abidin NS

Heliyon, 2021 Nov;7(11):e08395.
PMID: 34825096 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08395

Montney Formation (MF) source rock located in northeastern British Columbia (BC), Canada, was analyzed to determine its depositional conditions and organic matter source input other than to determine their level of thermal maturity. The high total sulfur (TS) (2.23-20.86 wt.%) and good to very good total organic carbon (TOC) content (0.3-5.87 wt.%) in the analyzed samples give good evidence that the deposition of MF source rock was in a marine environment under reducing conditions. A mixed marine-terrestrial derived organic matter (OM) for the Montney source rock that was deposited in a marine dysoxic environment is deduced from the composition and distribution of different biomarker traces. Thus, the previous result is supported by the high short-chain n-alkanes ratio, accompanied by carbon preference index (CPI) around unity, high concentration of tricyclic terpanes, high C24 tricyclic/C24 tetracyclic, hopane/sterane ratios ranging from low to moderate, as well as the relationship between regular sterane compositions. During deposition of the MF source rock, it can be noticed that more land organic materials this was deduced according to the high waxiness index. From maturity ratios of Ts/(Ts + Tm), C32 22S/(22S + 22R) homohopane, moretane/hopane and 20S/(20S + 20R) and ββ/(ββ + αα) C29 it can give a conclusion that the source rock is mature to postmature of hydrocarbon generation.
Quality of Life Among Malaysian Parents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Child: The Double ABCX Model Approach

Ismail MF, Safii R, Saimon R, Rahman MM

J Autism Dev Disord, 2022 Jan;52(1):113-123.
PMID: 33635421 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04929-6

This paper reported the quality of life (QoL) of 260 Malaysian parents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and factors which influencing it. About half of these parents reported to having good QoL. The factors identified in the double ABCX model showed that perceived social support and sense of coherence (SOC) were mediated by coping strategies and had a positive direct and indirect effect on parents' QoL. These finding reiterate the importance of social support, coping skills, and strong SOC reflection skills in influencing the QoL of parents with ASD child. We therefore suggest parents to utilize the widely available social and organization supports to gain good QoL, which is also important for the wellbeing of their child.
Evaluation of extraction methods for the identification of proteins from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seed and flesh

Lee HX, Ahmad F, Saad B, Ismail MN

Prep Biochem Biotechnol, 2017 Nov 26;47(10):998-1007.
PMID: 28857669 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2017.1365250

Date fruits are well known to be very nutritious. Nevertheless, the protein contents of the fruit, particularly the seed and flesh, are still understudied, largely due to their difficult physical characteristics. This study was conducted to compare three different protein extraction methods which were the trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-acetone (TCA-A), phenol (Phe), and TCA-acetone-phenol (TCA-A-Phe), and to perform proteomic analysis on date palm seed and flesh. Phe extraction method showed the highest protein yields for both seed (8.26 mg/g) and flesh (1.57 mg/g). Through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Phe, and TCA-A-Phe extraction methods were shown to be efficient in removing interfering compounds and gave well-resolved bands over a wide range of molecular weights. Following liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, about 50-64% of extracted proteins were identified with known functions including those involved in glycolysis, Krebs cycle, defense, and storage. Phe protein extraction method was proven to be the optimal method for date flesh and seed.
Fulltext Recent insights on gene expression studies on Hevea Brasiliensis fatal leaf fall diseases

Mohd Afandi NS, Habib MAH, Ismail MN

Physiol Mol Biol Plants, 2022 Feb;28(2):471-484.
PMID: 35400887 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-022-01145-z

Hevea brasiliensis is one of the most important agricultural commodities globally, heavily cultivated in Southeast Asia. Fatal leaf fall diseases cause aggressive leaf defoliation, linked to lower latex yield and death of crops before maturity. Due to the significant consequences of the disease to H. brasiliensis, the recent gene expression studies from four fall leaf diseases of H. brasiliensis were gathered; South American leaf blight, powdery mildew, Corynespora cassiicola and Phytophthora leaf fall disease. The differential analysis observed the pattern of commonly expressed genes upon fungi triggers using RT-PCR, DDRT-PCR, Real-time qRT-PCR and RNA-Seq. We have observed that RNA-Seq is the best tool to seek novel genes. Among the identified genes with defence-against fungi were pathogenesis-related genes such as β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase, the reactive oxygen species, and the phytoalexin biosynthesis. This manuscript also provided functional elaboration on the responsive genes and predicted possible biosynthetic pathways to identify and characterise novel genes in the future. At the end of the manuscript, the PCR methods and proteomic approaches were presented for future molecular and biochemical studies in the related diseases to H. brasiliensis.
Fulltext Rare cause of cardioembolic stroke and central retinal artery occlusion

Johari MI, Ismail MN, Mohamad F, Yusof MA

BMJ Case Rep, 2021 Jan 18;14(1).
PMID: 33461997 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-236420

Primary cardiac valve tumours are rare. This is a case report of a 32-year-old non-smoker man with a history of stroke 1 year prior and no other cardiovascular risk factors. The patient was admitted to our acute stroke ward for recurrent left hemiparesis, slurring of speech, facial asymmetry and central retinal artery occlusion. Initial laboratory investigations and ECG were normal. An urgent CT brain showed a large hypodense area at the right frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital region with effaced sulci and right lateral ventricle with midline shift and cerebral oedema in keeping with acute infarction. We proceeded with CT angiography of the cerebral and carotid on the following day, which revealed no evidence of thrombosis, aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation. There were no abnormal beaded vessels to suggest vasculitis. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large mobile mass in the left atrium. Meanwhile, MRI cardiac confirmed a large ill-defined mobile solid mass attached to the mitral valve's inferoseptal component suggestive of mitral valve myxoma. This case report highlights the significance of considering a cardiogenic source of emboli in patients with large cerebral infarcts and other cardiac embolic phenomena. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography and cardiac MRI will help detect treatable conditions, such as valvular myxoma and prevent further complications.
Fulltext Phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9)

Paul A, Ismail MN, Tang TH, Ng SK

Mol Biol Rep, 2023 Apr;50(4):3909-3917.
PMID: 36662450 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08253-3

BACKGROUND: IRF9 is a transcription factor that mediates the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) through the Janus kinase-Signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. The JAK-STAT pathway is regulated through phosphorylation reactions, in which all components of the pathway are known to be phosphorylated except IRF9. The enigma surrounding IRF9 regulation by a phosphorylation event is intriguing. As IRF9 plays a major role in establishing an antiviral state in host cells, the topic of IRF9 regulation warrants deeper investigation.
METHODS: Initially, total lysates of 2fTGH and U2A cells (transfected with recombinant IRF9) were filter-selected and concentrated using phosphoprotein enrichment assay. The phosphoprotein state of IRF9 was further confirmed using Phos-tag™ assay. All protein expression was determined using Western blotting. Tandem mass spectrometry was conducted on immunoprecipitated IRF9 to identify the phosphorylated amino acids. Finally, site-directed mutagenesis was performed and the effects of mutated IRF9 on relevant ISGs (i.e., USP18 and Mx1) was evaluated using qPCR.
RESULTS: IRF9 is phosphorylated at S252 and S253 under IFNβ-induced condition and R242 under non-induced condition. Site-directed mutagenesis of S252 and S253 to either alanine or aspartic acid has a modest effect on the upregulation of USP18 gene-a negative regulator of type I interferon (IFN) response-but not Mx1 gene.
CONCLUSION: Our preliminary study shows that IRF9 is phosphorylated and possibly regulates USP18 gene expression. However, further in vivo studies are needed to determine the significance of IRF9 phosphorylation.
Fulltext Bioactive Proteins in Channa striata Promote Wound Healing through Angiogenesis and Cell Proliferation

Kwan SH, Abdul Aziz NHK, Ismail MN

Protein Pept Lett, 2020;27(1):48-59.
PMID: 31362651 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190730121711

BACKGROUND: Channa striata are speculated to contain bioactive proteins with the ability to enhancing wound healing. It is commonly consumed after surgery for a faster recovery of the wound.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the bioactive proteins and evaluate their ability in cell proliferation and angiogenesis promotion.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Freeze-Dried Water Extracts (FDWE) and Spray-Dried Water Extracts (SDWE) of C. striata were tested with MTT assay using EA.hy926 endothelial cell line and ex-vivo aortic ring assay. Later the proteins were fractionated and analysed using an LC-QTOF mass spectrometer. The data generated were matched with human gene database for protein similarity and pathway identification.
RESULTS: Both samples have shown positive cell proliferation and pro-angiogenic activity. Four essential proteins/genes were identified, which are collagen type XI, actin 1, myosin light chain and myosin heavy chain. The pathways discovered that related to these proteins are integrin pathway, Slit-Robo signalling pathway and immune response C-C Chemokine Receptor-3 signalling pathway in eosinophils, which contribute towards wound healing mechanism.
CONCLUSIONS: The results presented have demonstrated that C. striata FDWE and SDWE protein fractions contain bioactive proteins that are highly similar to human proteins and thus could be involved in the wound healing process via specific biological pathways.
Optimizing timber transportation planning for timber harvesting using bees algorithm in Malaysia

Jamaluddin J, Kamarudin N, Ismail MH, Ahmad SA

J Environ Manage, 2023 Apr 20;340:117977.
PMID: 37086558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117977

Suitable extraction technique and the least cost while reducing the environmental impact is the primary concern in timber transportation planning in undulate topography. Two types of extraction machines with unique characteristics to be applied in timber harvest area in Malaysia is combined for timber harvesting with the aim each machine will extract timber suitable to their ability. A Bees Algorithm (BA) was proposed to find an optimum TTP for timber extraction, forest road, and landing locations with grid cell-sized 10 m × 10 m and attributed with fixed and variable costs. The result shows the log fisher (1351 timbers) as a preferable extraction technique with total cost of RM 86,551.73 than the crawler tractor (206 timbers); the timber extraction route is 2630 m for the log fisher and 9860 m for the crawler tractor with total cost of RM 10,453.03. The model finds a suitable timber extraction technique and estimates the extraction costs. Further studies are required to compare the BA with other optimization methods for better results.
Fulltext Evaluation of the antigen relatedness and efficacy of a single vaccination with different infectious bronchitis virus strains against a challenge with Malaysian variant and QX-like IBV strains

Ismail MI, Tan SW, Hair-Bejo M, Omar AR

J Vet Sci, 2020 Nov;21(6):e76.
PMID: 33263227 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e76

BACKGROUND: The predominant infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains detected in chickens in Malaysia are the Malaysian variant (MV) and QX-like, which are associated with respiratory distress, nephropathy, and high mortality. On the other hand, the antigenic relatedness and efficacy of IBV vaccines against these 2 field IBV strains are not well characterized.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the antigen relatedness and efficacy of different IB vaccine strains against a challenge with MV and QX-like strains.
METHODS: The antigen relatedness and the ability of different IB vaccine strains in conferring protection against MV and QX-like were assessed based on the clinical signs, macroscopic lesions, and ciliary activity.
RESULTS: The MV strain IBS037A/2014 showed minor antigenic subtype differences with the vaccine virus Mass H120 and 4/91 strains but showed major antigenic subtype differences with the K2 strain. The Malaysian QX-like strain IBS130/2015 showed major antigenic subtype differences with the MV strain IBS037A/2014 and the vaccine strains except for K2. Chickens vaccinated once with Mass (H120) or with non-Mass (4/91 and K2) developed antibody responses with the highest antibody titer detected in the groups vaccinated with H120 and 4/91. The mean ciliary activities of the vaccinated chickens were between 56 to 59% and 48 to 52% in chickens challenged with IBS037A/2014 and IBS130/2015, respectively. The vaccinated and challenged birds showed mild to severe lesions in the lungs and kidneys.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the minor antigenic subtype differences, a single inoculation with Mass or non-Mass vaccines could not protect against the MV IBS037A/2014 and QX-like IBS130/2015.
Fulltext An EPQ Model for Delayed Deteriorating Items with Two-Phase Production Period, Exponential Demand Rate and Linear Holding Cost

Malumfashi ML, Ismail MT, Ali MKM

Bull Malays Math Sci Soc, 2022;45(Suppl 1):395-424.
PMID: 35698582 DOI: 10.1007/s40840-022-01316-x

The economic production quantity (EPQ) model for delayed deteriorating items considering two-phase production periods, exponential demand rate and linearly increasing function of time holding cost is proposed to solve a production problem similar to the one caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Without shortages, the necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality of this model are characterized through a theorem and lemmas while a solution methodology based on differential calculus is adopted. This paper determines the best replenishment cycle length corresponding to the optimal total variable cost and production quantity of imperfect production industry. To illustrate this model, a numerical experiment is conducted. The results demonstrate that a higher carrying charge decreases the production quantity and a longer demanding period decreases the total variable cost of an industry with a distracted production period. Finally, managerial insights are discussed using sensitivity analysis and future research directions are exposed.
Fulltext Genotypic Detection of rpoB and katG Gene Mutations Associated with Rifampicin and Isoniazid Resistance in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Isolates: A Local Scenario (Kelantan)

Ismail NA, Ismail MF, Noor SS, Camalxaman SN

Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Jan;23(1):22-6.
PMID: 27540322 MyJurnal

Drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) remains a public health issue that is of major concern on a global scale. The characterisation of clinical isolates may provide key information regarding the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance, and helps to augment therapeutic options. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of gene mutations associated with Rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid (INH) resistance among nine clinical isolates.
Fulltext Sleep deprivation is related to obesity and low intake of energy and carbohydrates among working Iranian adults: a cross sectional study

Parvaneh K, Poh BK, Hajifaraji M, Ismail MN

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2014;23(1):84-90.
PMID: 24561976 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2014.23.1.02

Sleep deficiency is becoming widespread in both adults and adolescents and is accompanied by certain behaviors that can lead to obesity. This study aims to investigate differences in sleep duration of overweight/obese and normal weight groups, and the association between sleep deprivation and obesity, dietary intake and physical activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 Iranian working adults (109 men and 117 women) aged 20 to 55 years old who live in Tehran. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured, and BMI was calculated. Questionnaires, including the Sleep Habit Heart Questionnaire (SHHQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and 24-hour dietary recall, were interview-administered. Subjects were categorized as normal weight (36.3%) or overweight/obese (63.7%) based on WHO standards (2000). Overweight/ obese subjects slept significantly (p<0.001) later (00:32±00:62 AM) and had shorter sleep duration (5.37±1.1 hours) than normal weight subjects (23:30±00:47 PM and 6.54±1.06 hours, respectively). Sleep duration showed significant (p<0.05) direct correlations to energy (r = 0.174), carbohydrate (r = 0.154) and fat intake (r = 0.141). This study revealed that each hour later in bedtime (going to bed later) increased the odds of being overweight or obese by 2.59-fold (95% CI: 1.61-4.16). The findings in this study confirm that people with shorter sleep duration are more likely to be overweight or obese; hence, strategies for the management of obesity should incorporate a consideration of sleep patterns.
Knowledge and Confidence Level Among Emergency Healthcare Workers in Airway Management and Resuscitation of Suspected COVID-19 Patients: A Cross Sectional Study in Malaysia

Abd Samat AH, Isa MH, Sabardin DM, Jamal SM, Jaafar MJ, Hamzah FA, et al.

Ann Acad Med Singap, 2020 Sep;49(9):643-651.
PMID: 33241252

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and confidence of emergency healthcare workers (EHCW) in facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online study using a validated questionnaire was distributed to doctors (MD), assistant medical officers (AMO), and staff nurses (SN) at an urban tertiary Emergency Department. It comprised of 40 knowledge and 10 confidence-level questions related to resuscitation and airway management steps.
RESULTS: A total of 135 from 167 eligible EHCW were enrolled. 68.9% (n = 93) had high knowledge while 53.3% (n = 72) possessed high confidence level. Overall knowledge mean score was 32.96/40 (SD = 3.63) between MD (33.88±3.09), AMO (32.28±4.03), and SN (32.00±3.60), P= 0.025. EHCWs with a length of service (LOS) between 4-10 years had the highest knowledge compared to those with LOS <4-year (33.71±3.39 versus 31.21±3.19 P = 0.002). Airway-related knowledge was significantly different between the designations and LOS (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively). Overall, EHCW confidence level against LOS showed significant difference [F (2, 132) = 5.46, P = 0.005] with longer LOS showing better confidence. MD showed the highest confidence compared to AMO and SN (3.67±0.69, 3.53±0.68, 3.26±0.64) P = 0.049. The majority EHCW were confident in performing high-quality chest-compression, and handling of Personal Protective Equipment but less than half were confident in resuscitating, leading the resuscitation, managing the airway or being successful in first intubation attempt.
CONCLUSIONS: EHCW possessed good knowledge in airway and resuscitation of COVID-19 patients, but differed between designations and LOS. A longer LOS was associated with better confidence, but there were some aspects in airway management and resuscitation that needed improvement.
Fulltext The Malaysian Food Barometer Open Database: An Invitation to Study the Modernization of Malaysian Food Patterns and Its Economic and Health Consequences

Poulain JP, Tibère L, Mognard E, Laporte C, Fournier T, Noor IM, et al.

Front Nutr, 2021;8:800317.
PMID: 35127788 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.800317
Fulltext Acceptance of medical drone technology and its determinant factors among public and healthcare personnel in a Malaysian urban environment: knowledge, attitude, and perception

Za'im Sahul Hameed M, Nordin R, Ismail A, Zulkifley MA, Sham ASH, Sabudin RZAR, et al.

Front Public Health, 2023;11:1199234.
PMID: 38045974 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1199234

INTRODUCTION: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used for commercial, medical, public safety, and scientific research purposes in various countries.
METHODS: This study aimed to explore the acceptance of medical delivery drones among medical practitioners as well as the public community in Malaysia using a knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) model and statistical analysis to decrease uncertainty. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of the results were performed in SPSS.
RESULTS: A total of 639 respondents took part in the survey, of which 557 complete responses were finally analyzed. The results showed that the overall acceptance rate for medical delivery drones was positive. The acceptance rate was significantly correlated with knowledge, attitude, and perception scores but not with sociodemographic factors.
DISCUSSION: Raising awareness and educating the medical as well as public communities regarding the potential role and benefits of drones are therefore important in garnering support for drone usage for medical purposes.
Recurrent parent genome recovery analysis in a marker-assisted backcrossing program of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Miah G, Rafii MY, Ismail MR, Puteh AB, Rahim HA, Latif MA

C. R. Biol., 2015 Feb;338(2):83-94.
PMID: 25553855 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2014.11.003

Backcross breeding is the most commonly used method for incorporating a blast resistance gene into a rice cultivar. Linkage between the resistance gene and undesirable units can persist for many generations of backcrossing. Marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) along with marker-assisted selection (MAS) contributes immensely to overcome the main limitation of the conventional breeding and accelerates recurrent parent genome (RPG) recovery. The MABC approach was employed to incorporate (a) blast resistance gene(s) from the donor parent Pongsu Seribu 1, the blast-resistant local variety in Malaysia, into the genetic background of MR219, a popular high-yielding rice variety that is blast susceptible, to develop a blast-resistant MR219 improved variety. In this perspective, the recurrent parent genome recovery was analyzed in early generations of backcrossing using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Out of 375 SSR markers, 70 markers were found polymorphic between the parents, and these markers were used to evaluate the plants in subsequent generations. Background analysis revealed that the extent of RPG recovery ranged from 75.40% to 91.3% and from 80.40% to 96.70% in BC1F1 and BC2F1 generations, respectively. In this study, the recurrent parent genome content in the selected BC2F2 lines ranged from 92.7% to 97.7%. The average proportion of the recurrent parent in the selected improved line was 95.98%. MAS allowed identification of the plants that are more similar to the recurrent parent for the loci evaluated in backcross generations. The application of MAS with the MABC breeding program accelerated the recovery of the RP genome, reducing the number of generations and the time for incorporating resistance against rice blast.
Fulltext Daily physical activity and screen time, but not other sedentary activities, are associated with measures of obesity during childhood

Lee ST, Wong JE, Shanita SN, Ismail MN, Deurenberg P, Poh BK

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2015 Jan;12(1):146-61.
PMID: 25546277 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120100146

Childhood obesity is related to low physical activity level and a sedentary lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity level and sedentary behaviour of Malaysian children aged 7 to 12 years and to examine their association with body mass index (BMI), BMI-for-age Z-score (BAZ), body fatness (%BF) and waist circumference (WC). A total of 1736 children, representing all ethnic groups were recruited from six regions of Malaysia. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, height and waist circumference. Body fat percentage (%BF) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance. Physical activity was assessed by a physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) in all children and by pedometers in a subsample (n = 514). PAQ score and pedometer step counts were negatively associated with BMI, BAZ, %BF and WC after adjusting for covariates. Screen time was positively associated with BAZ and WC. However, other sedentary activities were not significantly related with any anthropometric indicators. Strategies to promote active living among children in Malaysia should focus not only on increasing physical activity but also emphasise reduction in sedentary behaviours.
MESH: screen time
Advances to improve the eating and cooking qualities of rice by marker-assisted breeding

Phing Lau WC, Latif MA, Y Rafii M, Ismail MR, Puteh A

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2016;36(1):87-98.
PMID: 24937109 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2014.923987

The eating and cooking qualities of rice are heavily emphasized in breeding programs because they determine market values and they are the appealing attributes sought by consumers. Conventional breeding has developed traditional varieties with improved eating and cooking qualities. Recently, intensive genetic studies have pinpointed the genes that control eating and cooking quality traits. Advances in genetic studies have developed molecular techniques, thereby allowing marker-assisted breeding (MAB) for improved eating and cooking qualities in rice. MAB has gained the attention of rice breeders for the advantages it can offer that conventional breeding cannot. There have been successful cases of using MAB to improve the eating and cooking qualities in rice over the years. Nevertheless, MAB should be applied cautiously given the intensive effort needed for genotyping. Perspectives from conventional breeding to marker-assisted breeding will be discussed in this review for the advancement of the eating and cooking qualities of fragrance, amylose content (AC), gel consistency (GC) and gelatinization temperature (GT) in rice. These four parameters are associated with eating and cooking qualities in rice. The genetic basis of these four parameters is also included in this review. MAB is another approach to rice variety improvement and development in addition to being an alternative to genetic engineering. The MAB approach shortens the varietal development time, and is therefore able to deliver improved rice varieties to farmers within a shorter period of time.

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