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Hubungan di antara Jejari Spektrum dan Faktor Pengenduran Berlebihan untuk Masalah Nilai Sempadan Berkala dalam Persamaan Pembeza Separa Eliptik (Relationship Between Spectral Radius and Overrelaxation Factor for a Periodic Boundary Value Problem in the Second-order Linear Self-adjoint Ellliptic Partial Differential Equation)

Mohd Idris Jayes

Sains Malaysiana, 1996;25.

The discretization of the second-order linear self-adjoint ellliptic partial differential equation problem subject to periodic boundary conditions results in a system of linear equations of the form Mu = s, where M is a block cyclic tridiagonal square matric. In this paper, the relationship between the spectral radius and overrelaxation factor for the problem is derived.
Pendiskretan masalah persamaan pembeza separa (PPS) eliptik swadampingan linear peringkat kedua menghasilkan satu sistem persamaan linear bentuk Mu = s, dengan M merupakan satu matriks segiempatsama tiga pepenjuru berkitar blok. Dalam kertas ini, hubungan di antara jejari spektrum dan faktor pengenduran berlebihan untuk masalah itu akan dirumuskan.
Integrating palm oil biomass waste utilization in coal-fired power plants for meeting near-term emission targets

Mohd Idris MN, Hashim H

J Environ Manage, 2021 Oct 15;296:113118.
PMID: 34216903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113118

Biomass co-firing with coal can be adopted in the electricity sector to promote greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy production, and resource efficiency improvement toward environmental sustainability. This realization, however, requires effective management of supply chain issues, such as the collection of biomass feedstock, the transportation of biomass, and the localization of biomass processing plants to deliver the co-firing scales needed. This work addresses these issues by providing a techno-economic assessment conducted in a spatially-explicit manner to investigate the opportunity for scaling up the co-firing deployment at the national scale. The modeling approach is applied to the case of Malaysia's coal and palm oil biomass industries. The number of cases involving the impact of energy decarbonization targets, economic policy instrument, and supply chain cost parameter variations on the co-firing scales deployed are assessed. The findings show that densified biomass feedstock can substitute significant shares of coal capacities to deliver up to 29 MtCO2/year of carbon dioxide reduction. Nevertheless, this would cause a surge in the electricity system cost by up to 2 billion USD/year due to the substitution of up to 40% of the coal plant capacities. In facilitating the maximal deployment of co-firing at the national scale, more than 100 solid biofuel production plants would need to be built to support a maximum of 41 TWh/year of co-firing capacity. Actions to minimize the specific cost elements of the biomass co-firing supply chain are thus needed in the near term to increase the effectiveness of economic policy instrument to promote co-firing and reduce environmental emissions.
Fulltext It is not depression: A case report of a 37-year-old firefighter with frontotemporal dementia

Abdullah F, Abd Razak AA, Mohd Idris UK

Malays Fam Physician, 2023;18:46-100.
PMID: 37719694 DOI: 10.51866/cr.348

A 37-year-old married, right-handed active firefighter presented to the primary care clinic with a self-report of difficulties in memorising and recalling information associated with declining work performance. Collaborative history-taking revealed that he also experienced emotional and social withdrawal, apathy, irritability and distractibility. He was initially diagnosed with major depressive disorder but showed no improvement with an antidepressant. This young man with no history of hereditary neurodegenerative disorder had further deterioration in cognitive function, predominantly executive behaviours, with progressive aphasia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebral atrophy predominant over the frontotemporal lobe. Positron emission tomography showed fluorodeoxyglucose hypometabolism at the bifrontal and left parietal and temporal cortices, consistent with frontotemporal dementia. He required institutionalisation with full nursing care less than 24 months after the onset of the symptoms. This case highlights the need for diagnostic consideration of dementia in young individuals presenting with cognitive impairment among other symptoms. It also emphasises the importance of obtaining collateral information from close relatives to avoid misdiagnosis and addresses the psychosocial impact of dementia at a young age.
Fulltext Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy Increased Erythropoietin Level Affecting Differentiation Potency of Haematopoietic Stem Cell of Umbilical Cord Blood

Mohd Idris MR, Nordin F, Mahdy ZA, Abd Wahid SF

Front Med (Lausanne), 2021;8:727179.
PMID: 34490314 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.727179

Background: The in utero environment has many factors that can support cell differentiation. Cytokines, chemokines and growth factors play big roles in haematopoietic mechanisms. Some diseases like gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) might affect the environment and haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quality. The aim of this study is to investigate the adverse effects of GDM on umbilical cord blood (UCB) HSC in terms of differentiation potency including the UCB parameters used for banking and transplantation purposes. Methods: UCB-HSC was collected from 42 GDM and 38 normal pregnancies. UCB-HSC was isolated and further enriched using immuno-magnetic separation beads (MACS). The UCB-HSC were cultured in methylcellulose media to investigate the differentiation potency. The level of erythropoietin (EPO) and insulin in the UCB plasma was measured using enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) technique. Result: The UCB parameters; volume, total nucleated count (TNC) and total CD34+ cells were significantly reduced in the GDM group compared to the control group. The number of HSC progenitors' colonies were significantly reduced in the GDM group except for progenitor BFU-E, which was significantly increased (GDM = 94.19 ± 6.21, Control = 73.61 ± 2.73, p = 0.010). This data was associated with higher EPO level in GDM group. However, the insulin level in the GDM group was comparable to the Control group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the changes in the in utero environment due to abnormalities during pregnancy such as GDM might affect the differentiation potency of UCB-HSC. These findings can be considered as an additional parameter for the inclusion and exclusion criteria for UCB banking, particularly for mothers with GDM.
Fulltext Enhancing Microwave Absorbing Properties of Nickel-Zinc-Ferrite with Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) Loading at Higher Gigahertz Frequency

Fadzidah Mohd Idris, Khamirul Amin Matori, Idza Riati Ibrahim, Rodziah Nazlan, Mohd Shamsul Ezzad Shafie

Malaysian Journal of Science, Health & Technology, 2021;7(1):1-7.
MyJurnal

The rapid growth of electronic systems and devices operating within the gigahertz (GHz) frequency range has increased electromagnetic interference. In order to eliminate or reduce the spurious electromagnetic radiation levels more closely in different applications, there is strong research interest in electromagnetic absorber technology. Moreover, there is still a lack of ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation in a broad frequency range using thin thickness. Thus, this study examined the effect of incorporating magnetic and dielectric materials into the polymer matrix for the processing of radar absorbing materials. The experiment evaluated the sample preparation with different weight percentages of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) mixed with Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (Nickel-Zinc-Ferrite) loaded into epoxy (P) as a matrix. The prepared samples were analysed by examining the reflectivity measurements in the 8 – 18 GHz frequency range and conducting a morphological study using scanning electron microscopy analyses. The correlation of the results showed that different amounts of MWCNT influenced the performance of the microwave absorber. As the amount of MWCNTs increased, the reflection loss (RL) peak shifted towards a lower frequency range and the trend was similar for all thicknesses. The highest RL was achieved when the content of MWCNTs was 2 wt% with a thickness of 2 mm with an RL of – 14 dB at 16 GHz. The 2.5 GHz bandwidth corresponded to the RL below -10 dB (90% absorption) in the range of 14.5 – 17 GHz. This study showed that the proposed experimental route provided flexible absorbers with suitable absorption values by mixing only 2 wt% of MWCNTs.
Fulltext Pricing warrant by using binomial model: Comparison between historical and implied volatility

Khairu Azlan Abd Aziz, Mohd Fazril Izhar Mohd Idris, Muhammad Nasruddeen Mazlan, Wan Suhana Wan Daud

Borneo Akademika, 2020;4(2):12-19.
MyJurnal

A warrant is a security that allows the holder to buy and sell the underlying share at a
fixed price until expiry date. Warrant price will always fluctuates since the underlying
share also fluctuates. Hence, determining the warrant price is the main problem
among the investors in Malaysia. This research is focusing on pricing the warrant for
five companies that were listed in Bursa Malaysia. The companies were chosen
randomly from UiTM DataStream. The selected companies were Boon Koon Sdn
Bhd, Hovid Bhd, Kelington Bhd, ML Global Bhd and Tropicana Corporation Bhd.
The data contained underlying share, interest rate, exercise price and actual warrant
price. This research aims to define the price of warrant by using Binomial model.
Historical volatility and implied volatility were used in this research whereby
volatility is the movement of the underlying share price. This research aims at
comparing the actual warrant price with the calculated warrant price. The data were
computed manually by using Microsoft Excel and the comparison was made between
the two type of volatilities to give the nearest value of calculated warrant price to the
actual warrant price. The nearest value was assumed the best value for this research.
The result was made by analyzing the line graphs and comparing between historical
volatility and implied volatility with actual warrant price. Mean Square Error was
used to support the results that were obtained from the line graphs. In the end, implied
volatility yielded better results compared to historical volatility.
Fulltext Consumers’ behaviour in decision making towards bakery products in section 13, Shah Alam

Rahman, Abdullah Abdull, Albattat, Ahmad Rasmi, Nurul Fadhillah, Ahmad Fakhry, Nur Syafiqah, Mohd Idris

Journal of Management & Science, 2019;17(2):10-22.
MyJurnal

Bakery industry in Malaysia is a very dynamic and fast-moving industry, where the use of bakery products has become common among society. The purpose of this study is to understand the behaviour of consumers as well as their purchase decision process. Two objectives of this research are to identify consumer’s behaviour towards bakery product in Section 13, Shah Alam, and to study the factors that influence consumers behaviour in their decision making. Researcher has developed a questionnaire to collect the primary data. A survey consisted of a quantitative method and the data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Science using descriptive statistics. The data were derived from self-administrated questionnaires consisted of structured questions related. A survey is performed by involving 400 bakery consumers. The theoretical framework focusing on the developed marketing mix, consisting of product, price, place, and promotion that resulted positively, and significantly related to consumers’ behaviour in their decision making. Based on the results of this study, it show that the freshness of bakery products leads to the tendency of weekly purchase among consumers. Although consumers’ monthly income is ranging between RM1000-RM4000, the amount of RM51-RM100 as the cost of buying bakery products is considered as preferable and valuable. Moreover, consumers tend to spend their time in bakery within 20 to 30 minutes. Bagus Bakery has become the most visited bakery because of its status as the preferred convenient place with promotional offers during festive season. The most common reason of buying bakery products is determined because of the variety selection. As the study has achieved its objectives, it can be concluded that consumers are having their impression while making the decision towards bakery products during the pre-purchase and post purchase.
Total nucleated cell count and cd34+ cell is reduced in preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies: viable affix criteria for cord blood banking

Mohd Razif Mohd Idris, Fazlina Nordin, Fadilah Abd Wahid S, Zaleha Abdullah Mahdy

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2491-2499.

The aim of this study to determine the numbers of CD34+ cells and total nucleated cell (TNC) in umbilical cord blood (UCB)
collected from pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE), following statistical
analysis of both maternal and perinatal factors which affect UCB parameters. Most of studies explored the influence of
obstetric factors on the number of UCB cell collection and only a few looked at the effects on UCB haematopoietic stem
cell (UCB-HSC) of common disorders complicating pregnancy. A total of 112 UCB samples (32 PE, 42 GDM and 38 nondiseased) were collected. CD34+ cell and NC count were enumerated using FACS Calibur. The TNC and CD34+ cells were
significantly reduced in both PE and GDM groups as compared to the control group. The PE group shows significantly
lower birth weight and higher BP which led to a lower UCB volume and CD34+ count. Gestational age shows significant
correlation with nucleated cell count (NCC) and TNC. GDM group shows significantly lower systolic BP, NCC and TNC count,
including low placental weight and birth weight. Conclusively, some obstetrics factors have significant influences to the
numbers and quality of UCB-HSC in both PE and GDM groups, which could guide in the selection criteria for CB banking.
Absorption, distribution and elimination behaviours of cadmium treated by in vitro DIN from WLP residue using SAAM II modeling

Yasmin Mohd Idris Perama, Nur Shahidah Abdul Rashid, Syazwani Mohd Fadzil, Khoo Kok Siong

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:611-618.

Mathematically, the human alimentary tract organs were simplified in the model structure as separate compartments with
pathways of transfer that are kinetically homogenous and equally distributed. The development of gastro-compartment
model follows the first order kinetics of differential equations to describe cadmium absorption, distribution and elimination
in the human digestive system. With the aid of in vitro DIN assay, an artificial gastric and gastrointestinal fluid were
prepared using water leach purification (WLP) residue as a sample that contained toxic metals cadmium. The Simulation,
Analysis and Modelling II (SAAM II) V2.1 software is employed to design models easily, simulate experiments quickly and
analyze data accurately. Based on the experimental inputs and fractional transfer rates parameter incorporated to the
gastro-compartment model, the concentration of cadmium against time profile curves were plotted as the model output.
The curve presented concentration of cadmium in both gastric and gastrointestinal fluid where initially absorption phase
(first hour) occurred followed by the distribution phase (second to third hours) and elimination process (third to fifth
hours). The concentration of cadmium obtained from the simulated model structures was in good agreement with the
fitted model predicted measurements as statistical t-test conducted showed the values were not significantly different.
Therefore, modeling approach with SAAM II software gave realistic and better estimation of cadmium dissolution into
the human gastrointestinal tract.
Fulltext Effects of CNC Machining on Surface Roughness in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Products

Lalegani Dezaki M, Mohd Ariffin MKA, Ismail MIS

Materials (Basel), 2020 Jun 08;13(11).
PMID: 32521663 DOI: 10.3390/ma13112608

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) opens new ways across the industries and helps to produce complex products, yielding a prototype or finished product. However, it should be noted that the final products need high surface quality due to their better mechanical properties. The main purpose of this research was to determine the influence of computer numerical control (CNC) machining on the surface quality and identify the average surface roughness (Ra) and average peak to valley height (Rz) when the specimens were printed and machined in various build orientations. In this study, the study samples were printed and machined to investigate the effects of machining on FDM products and generate a surface comparison between the two processes. In particular, the block and complex specimens were printed in different build orientations, whereby other parameters were kept constant to understand the effects of orientation on surface smoothness. As a result, wide-ranging values of Ra and Rz were found in both processes for each profile due to their different features. The Ra values for the block samples, printed samples, and machined samples were 21, 91, and 52, respectively, whereas the Rz values were identical to Ra values in all samples. These results indicated that the horizontal surface roughness yielded the best quality compared to the perpendicular and vertical specimens. Moreover, machining was found to show a great influence on thermoplastics in which the surfaces became smooth in the machined samples. In brief, this research showed that build orientation had a great effect on the surface texture for both processes.
Fulltext Aqua zumba versus aqua jogging: comparative effects on health parameters among obese middle aged women

Sarina Md. Yusof, Maisarah Shari, Zulkifli Kadir, Aishah Adam, Teh, Lay Kek, Suhana Aiman, et al.

Movement Health & Exercise, 2018;7(2):11-21.
MyJurnal

Background: Obesity is major contributor to diseases and mortality. Constant weight loss significantly reverses diseases related to obesity and helps prolong human life expectancy. To date, there has been limited scientific evidence comparing the effectiveness of the Aqua Zumba® Fitness program and conventional aqua jog among obese women. Thus, the purpose of this study is to compare the effects between 12 weeks of Aqua Zumba® Fitness and aqua jog on health parameters among middle-age women. Methods: A total of sixty sedentary obese women (BMI >30 kg/m2), aged 40-59 years old were randomized to either Aqua Zumba® Fitness (AZ, n=20), aqua jog (AJ, n=20) or control group (C, n=20). Exercise groups were involved in different 12-week aqua exercise programs, 3 times per week, 60 minutes per session, with an intensity of 50-75% of maximum heart rate. Body mass (BM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat percentage (BF%), waist circumference (WC), upper and lower body strength (UBS and LBS), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and flexibility were measured at baseline (week-0) and post-exercise intervention (week-13). Result: The AZ group demonstrated significant changes (p
Fulltext Elucidating lineage-specific myelotoxicity and chromosomal aberration status in hydroquinone- exposed hematopoietic STEM / progenitor cells

Julia Mohd Idris, Zariyantey Abd Hamid, Ng, Khen Eng, Chow, Paik Wah, Salwati Shuib, Mathialagan, Ramya Dewi

Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):14-21.
MyJurnal

Benzene exposure has been associated with hematotoxicity and leukemogenicity. However, the impact of benzene exposure on complex microenvironment of Hematopoetic Stem Cells (HSCs) niche, comprising of HSCs and lineage-specific progenitors remains elusive. Thus, a study on benzene-targeting HSCs niche could uncover mechanism linking benzene to HSCs niche alteration. This study evaluates the lineage-specific responses following exposure to a benzene metabolite, namely hydroquinone (HQ) in targeting HSCs and myeloid-committed progenitors. Freshly isolated murine bone marrow cells (BMCs) were exposed to HQ at series of concentrations (0 – 50 μM) for 24 hours; followed by cell viability analysis using MTT assay. Chromosomal aberration (CA) status was determined using karyotyping analysis. Expression of surface antigen for HSCs (Sca-1) was confirmed by flow cytometer. Lineage-specific myelotoxicity was studied using the colony-forming unit (CFU) assay for the following myeloid progenitors: CFU granulocyte /erythrocyte /macrophage /megakaryocyte (CFU-GEMM), CFU-granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM), CFU-granulocyte (CFU-G), CFU-macrophage (CFU-M), CFU-erythroid (CFU-E) and Burst-forming unit erythroid (BFU-E). HQ reduced (p
Fulltext Aqua Zumba versus Aqua Jogging: Comparative effects on health parameters among obese middle age women

Sarina Md. Yusof, Maisarah Shari, Zulkifli Kadir, Suhana Aiman, Norizzati Mohd Idris, Aishah Adam, et al.

Movement Health & Exercise, 2018;7(2):11-22.
MyJurnal

Background: Obesity is major contributor to diseases and mortality. Constant
weight loss significantly reverses diseases related to obesity and helps
prolong human life expectancy. To date, there has been limited scientific
evidence comparing the effectiveness of the Aqua Zumba® Fitness program
and conventional aqua jog among obese women. Thus, the purpose of this
study is to compare the effects between 12 weeks of Aqua Zumba® Fitness
and aqua jog on health parameters among middle-age women. Methods: A
total of sixty sedentary obese women (BMI >30 kg/m2), aged 40-59 years old
were randomized to either Aqua Zumba® Fitness (AZ, n=20), aqua jog (AJ,
n=20) or control group (C, n=20). Exercise groups were involved in different
12-week aqua exercise programs, 3 times per week, 60 minutes per session,
with an intensity of 50-75% of maximum heart rate. Body mass (BM),
skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat percentage (BF%), waist
circumference (WC), upper and lower body strength (UBS and LBS),
cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and flexibility were measured at baseline
(week-0) and post-exercise intervention (week-13). Result: The AZ group
demonstrated significant changes (p
Fulltext Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on strength and batting velocity of female collegiate softball players

Raja Nurul Jannat Raja Hussain, Kee, Kang Mea, Rizal Razman, Shariman Ismadi Ismail, Maisarah Shari, Norizzati Mohd Idris

Movement Health & Exercise, 2019;8(1):175-184.
MyJurnal

Batting velocity is an important component for successful hitting. Previous research has shown that batting velocity is influenced by increased muscular strength. Resistance training is broadly applied by strength and conditioning coaches to increase strength. However, recently, Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has been proven to be able to increase muscular strength in high performance athletes. This study aimed to examine the effects of eight weeks of dynamic WB-EMS training on muscular strength and batting velocity among female collegiate softball players. Forty softball players were randomly assigned to two groups: DS-EMS (n = 20) and DS (n = 20). Both groups performed 100 basic dry swings per session using a standard bat. Additionally, DS-EMS group performed whole body electromyostimulation after the dry swing training. The training program was conducted three times a week and all participants were tested before (baseline) and after (week-8) the training programs. Both groups showed statistically significant increases in predicted 1RM torso rotational strength (p ≤ 0.01) and batting velocity (p ≤ 0.01) after 8 weeks of training. The WB-EMS group showed significant increase in predicted 1RM bench press, and predicted 1RM squat (p ≤ 0.01). The WB-EMS group showed greater increases (p ≤ 0.01) in batting velocity compared to control group. These data indicate that an 8-week of dry swing training supplemented by dynamic WB-EMS sessions may significantly increase strength and batting velocity among female collegiate softball players.
Fulltext Timing and predictive factors of developing chronic kidney disease in childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: an Asian experience

Mohd Idris SS, Nasir A, Nik Ismail NZA, Rostenberghe HAV, Ilias MI

Singapore Med J, 2020 Sep;61(9):483-486.
PMID: 31489435 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019096

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is the commonest type of nephrotic syndrome in children, and a majority of cases have favourable outcomes. A small proportion of INS cases progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the time to CKD and predictive risk factors associated with progression of CKD in these children.
METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was done to investigate the demographic variables, and biochemical and histological changes in children with INS aged 12 months to 18 years between 2001 and 2016 at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. The median renal survival time for progression to CKD stage III or higher was determined using survival curve analysis. Multiple Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors for CKD.
RESULTS: The total number of participants was 112 (boys: n = 71; girls: n = 41) and a majority had steroid-sensitive INS. Only about 10% of INS progressed to CKD Stage III or higher, with an overall median renal survival time of 19 years. Median renal survival time in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) was 13 years. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was predominant in SRNS. The predictors of progression to CKD were steroid resistance (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] 23.8 [2.8-200.9]) and the presence of hypertension at presentation (adjusted HR [95% CI] 8.1 [1.2-55.7]).
CONCLUSION: The median renal survival time in our study was comparable to other studies. SRNS and the presence of hypertension at presentation were the main predictors for developing CKD in our population.
Fulltext Comparison of reduced-intensity and myeloablative conditioning regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a meta-analysis

Abdul Wahid SF, Ismail NA, Mohd-Idris MR, Jamaluddin FW, Tumian N, Sze-Wei EY, et al.

Stem Cells Dev, 2014 Nov 1;23(21):2535-52.
PMID: 25072307 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0123

Currently, the indications to perform reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (RIC-HCT) are based on data derived mainly from large registry and single-centre retrospective studies. Thus, at the present time, there is limited direct evidence supporting the current practice in selecting patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for RIC versus myeloablative conditioning (MAC) transplants. To determine the relationship between dose intensity of conditioning regimen and survival outcomes after allografting in AML/ALL patients, we performed a meta-analysis of 23 clinical trials reported between 1990 and 2013 involving 15,258 adult patients that compare survival outcomes after RIC-HCT versus MAC-HCT. RIC-HCT resulted in comparable <2-year and 2-6 year overall survival (OS) rates post-transplantation even though the RIC-HCT recipients were older and had more active disease than MAC-HCT recipients. The 2-6 year progression-free survival (PFS), nonrelapse mortality, acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and chronic GvHD rates were reduced after RIC-HCT, but relapse rate was increased. Similar outcomes were observed regardless of disease type and status at transplantation. Odds ratio for all outcomes remained comparable with or without performing separate analyses for the year of HCT and for retrospective versus prospective studies. Among RIC-HCT recipients, survival rates were superior if patients were in CR at transplantation. Significant inter-study heterogeneity for aGvHD data and publication bias for PFS data were observed. This meta-analysis showed no OS benefit of MAC-HCT over RIC-HCT across the entire cohort of patients suggesting that RIC-HCT could be an effective therapeutic option for AML/ALL patients who are ineligible for MAC-HCT and CR status is preferred before RIC-HCT.
Fulltext Autologous mononuclear cells from different sources are seen to improve wound healing in patients with haematological malignancies

Wan Jamaludin WF, Mohamad Yusoff F, Ismail NA, Mohd Idris MR, Palaniappan S, Ng CKK, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2018 Apr;40(1):61-67.
PMID: 29704386 MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Immunosuppressive state due to haematological malignancies and chemotherapy may cause disruption to wound healing despite optimum conventional treatment and standard wound dressing. Non-healing wounds are predisposed to infection whereas chemotherapy dose reductions or interruptions are associated with poor survival.
BACKGROUND: Mononuclear cells contain progenitor cells including haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells and fibroblasts which facilitate wound healing through cytokines, growth factor secretions, cell-cell interactions and provision of extracellular matrix scaffolding. Clinical applications of autologous mononuclear cells therapy in wound healing in non-malignant patients with critical limb ischaemia have been reported with remarkable outcome.
METHODS: We report three patients with haematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy, who received autologous mononuclear cells implantation to treat non-healing wound after optimum conventional wound care. The sources of mononuclear cells (MNC) were from bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood (PB) and mobilised PB cells (mPB-MNC) using granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The cells were directly implanted into wound and below epidermis. Wound sizes and adverse effects from implantation were assessed at regular intervals.
RESULTS: All patients achieved wound healing within three months following autologous mononuclear cells implantation. No implantation adverse effects were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Autologous mononuclear cells therapy is a feasible alternative to conventional wound care to promote complete healing in non-healing wounds compounded by morbid factors such as haematological malignancies, chemotherapy, diabetes mellitus (DM), infections and prolonged immobility.
Fulltext Readiness of school teachers to accept notifications about causes and preventive measures on food poisoning

Marzo RR, Bhattacharya S, Niranjan V, Shagaran K, Mohd Idris MAB, Clement BJ, et al.

J Educ Health Promot, 2020;9:43.
PMID: 32318611 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_505_19

INTRODUCTION: In this era of globalization, urbanization, and rapidly expanding unhygienic food corners across the globe, the incidence of food poisoning is very common nowadays.
AIM: The aim of our study was to investigate the perceptions and readiness of schoolteachers to accept notifications on food poisoning as a part of education to the students.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with the help of a validated questionnaire for data collection. Our research involved schoolteachers from both primary and secondary schools in Muar. The questionnaire was pretested among the eligible trainee teachers and yielded an internal consistency reliability coefficient (c = Cronbach's alpha) of 0.082. This study was conducted from October 29, 2017, to December 14, 2018, in Muar. Our sample size was 259. Ethical consent was obtained from the Institution Ethical Committee.
RESULTS: A total of 259 schoolteachers from both primary and secondary schools in Muar were included in this study. In our study, 81.1% of the teachers responded that they can easily educate their students about food poisoning. Most of them (93.1%) were ready to receive notifications on food poisoning in any mode, and about 72% of the teachers preferred WhatsApp as their mode of receiving notification. The least (1.2%) preferred mode of notification was LINE (a social app). Teachers' willingness to disseminate the information regarding food poisoning was also higher (98.5%).
CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that majority of the schoolteachers had a good perception and were ready to receive the notifications on food poisoning through WhatsApp as a part of education to the students.
Fulltext Identification of Y Chromosomal Material in Turner Syndrome by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation (FISH)

Reena Rahayu Md Zin, Sharifah Noor Akmal, Zubaidah Zakaria, Haut, Clarence Ko Ching, Siti Mariam Yusof, Julia Mohd Idris, et al.

Medicine & Health, 2008;3(1):22-29.
MyJurnal

Turner syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities affecting newborn females. More than half of patients with Turner syndrome have a 45X karyotype The rest of the patients may have structurally abnormal sex chromosomes or are mosaics with normal or abnormal sex chromosomes. Mosaicism with a second X sex chromosome is not usually of clinical significance. However, Turner syndrome patients having a second Y chromosome or Y chromosomal material are at risk of developing gonadoblastoma later in life. The aim of this study is to compare the results of conventional (karyotyping) and molecular cytogenetics (FISH), and discuss the advantages and limitations in the diagnosis of Turner syndrome. We also aim to compare the degree of mosaicism identified using conventional cytogenetics and FISH techniques. Conventional cytogenetics and FISH analyses were performed on eight peripheral blood samples of patients with Turner syndrome collected between 2004 and 2006. From this study, two out of eight patients with Turner syndrome were found to have the sex determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) gene by FISH analysis. Our results showed that the rate of detection of mosaic cases in Turner syndrome was also increased to 88% after using the FISH technique. We concluded that FISH is more superior to conventional cytogenetics in the detection of the Y chromosomal material. FISH is also a quick and cost effective method in diagnosing Turner syndrome and assessing the degree of mosaicism.
Fulltext A Study on Microwave Absorption Properties of Carbon Black and Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 Nanocomposites by Tuning the Matching-Absorbing Layer Structures

Ibrahim IR, Matori KA, Ismail I, Awang Z, Rusly SNA, Nazlan R, et al.

Sci Rep, 2020 Feb 21;10(1):3135.
PMID: 32081972 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60107-1

Microwave absorption properties were systematically studied for double-layer carbon black/epoxy resin (CB) and Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4/epoxy resin (F) nanocomposites in the frequency range of 8 to 18 GHz. The Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via high energy ball milling with subsequent sintering while carbon black was commercially purchased. The materials were later incorporated into epoxy resin to fabricate double-layer composite structures with total thicknesses of 2 and 3 mm. The CB1/F1, in which carbon black as matching and ferrite as absorbing layer with each thickness of 1 mm, showed the highest microwave absorption of more than 99.9%, with minimum reflection loss of -33.8 dB but with an absorption bandwidth of only 2.7 GHz. Double layer absorbers with F1/CB1(ferrite as matching and carbon black as absorbing layer with each thickness of 1 mm) structure showed the best microwave absorption performance in which more than 99% microwave energy were absorbed, with promising minimum reflection loss of -24.0 dB, along with a wider bandwidth of 4.8 GHz and yet with a reduced thickness of only 2 mm.

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