Open globe injury in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia- a 10-year review

AIM:To identify the aetiology of open globe injuries at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia over a period of 10y and the prognostic factors for visual outcome.METHODS:Retrospective review of medical records of open globe injury cases that presented from January2000 to December 2009.Classification of open globe injury was based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology(BETT).Records were obtained with hospital permission via the in-house electronic patient management system,and the case notes of all patients with a diagnosis of open globe injury were scrutinised.Patients with prior ocular trauma,pre-existing ocular conditions affecting the visual acuity,contrast sensitivity,central vision or corneal thickness,as well as those with a history of previous intraocular or refractive surgery were excluded.Analysis of data was with SPSS version20.0.Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between prognostic factors and visual outcome.RESULTS:This study involved 220 patients(n=222eyes).The most common place of injury was the home(51.8%),followed by the workplace(23.4%).Among children aged less than 16y of age,domestic-related injury was the predominant cause(54.6%),while in those aged 16y and above,occupational injuries were the most common cause(40.0%).Most eyes(76.5%)had an initial visual acuity worse than 3/60,and in half of these,the visual acuity improved.The visual outcome was found to be significantly associated with the initial visual acuity(P【0.005),posterior extent of wound(P【0.001),length of wound(P【0.001),presence of hyphaema(P【0.001)and presence of vitreous prolapse(P【0.005).CONCLUSION:The most common causes of open globe injury are domestic accidents and occupational injuries.Significant prognostic factors for final visual outcome in patients with open globe injury are initial visual acuity,posterior extent and length of wound,presence of hyphaema and presence of vitreous prolapse.Awareness of the factors predicting a poor visual outcome may be helpful during counselling of patients with open globe injuries.

Hybridized Intelligent Neural Network Optimization Model for Forecasting Prices of Rubber in Malaysia

Rubber producers,consumers,traders,and those who are involved in the rubber industry face major risks of rubber price fluctuations.As a result,decision-makers are required to make an accurate estimation of the price of rubber.This paper aims to propose hybrid intelligent models,which can be utilized to forecast the price of rubber in Malaysia by employing monthly Malaysia’s rubber pricing data,spanning from January 2016 to March 2021.The projected hybrid model consists of different algorithms with the symbolic Radial Basis Functions Neural Network k-Satisfiability Logic Mining(RBFNN-kSAT).These algorithms,including Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm,Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm,and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm were utilized in the forecasting data analysis.Several factors,which affect the monthly price of rubber,such as rubber production,total exports of rubber,total imports of rubber,stocks of rubber,currency exchange rate,and crude oil prices were also considered in the analysis.To evaluate the results of the introduced model,a comparison has been conducted for each model to identify the most optimum model for forecasting the price of rubber.The findings showed that GWO with RBFNN-kSAT represents the most accurate and efficient model compared with ABC with RBFNNkSAT and PSO with RBFNN-kSAT in forecasting the price of rubber.The GWO with RBFNN-kSAT obtained the greatest average accuracy(92%),with a better correlation coefficient R=0.983871 than ABC with RBFNN-kSAT and PSO with RBFNN-kSAT.Furthermore,the empirical results of this study provided several directions for policymakers to make the right decision in terms of devising proper measures in the industry to address frequent price changes so that the Malaysian rubber industry maintains dominance in the international markets.

Insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Malaysia(2010 to 2022):A review

This review aimed to determine the prevalence of the insecticide resistance status of the field-collected Aedes(Ae.)aegypti and Ae.albopictus in Malaysia from 2010 to 2022 towards carbamates,organochlorines,organophosphates and pyrethroids.Biological and environmental controls were summarized with an emphasis on the mosquito vector control strategies in Malaysia.The information in this review was extracted from several databases such as PubMed(MEDLINE),Science Direct and Scopus by using keywords including“insecticide resistance”,“carbamate resistance”,“organochlorine resistance”,“organophosphate resistance”,“pyrethroid resistance”,“Aedes”and“Malaysia”,between January 2022 and December 2022.Distribution of resistant Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus in Malaysia was mapped using QGIS software.Insecticide resistance in both Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus is widespread in Malaysia,although the rates vary by states.The most notable was the steep increase in permethrin resistance of Ae.aegypti in Selangor,Malaysia,over the past decade.Ae.albopictus also displayed moderate resistance to permethrin,though not as widespread as Ae.aegypti in Selangor,but showed sign of resistance in Sarawak,East Malaysia.Resistance towards four main classes of insecticides have been widely documented in Malaysia.The extensive resistance towards permethrin in Malaysia which is one of the current insecticides used in Malaysia suggested that policies supporting the widespread use of permethrin fogging needs further evaluation.

Antibiotic resistance and molecular typing of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Malaysian military hospital

Objective:To determine the antibiotic resistance profile(ARP)of Staphylococcus(S.)aureus isolates and molecular typing of the methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA)isolates from Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital(TMAFH),Kuala Lumpur.Methods:The ARP and presence of the pvl gene were determined for 209 S.aureus isolates from clinical specimens.Of these,123 were methicillin-susceptible S.aureus(MSSA)isolates and 86 were MRSA isolates.All MRSA isolates were characterized using SCCmec typing and spa typing.Descriptive analysis was performed to compare the demographic data with the phenotypic and genotypic variables of the S.aureus isolates.Results:No vancomycin-intermediate and-resistant S.aureus(VISA and VRSA,respectively)were detected among the study isolates.The MSSA isolates showed low resistance rates to all tested antibiotics,were commonly invasive(28/42,66.7%),and mostly harboured pvl(35/42,83.3%).Meanwhile,MRSA isolates showed high resistance to penicillin(86/86,100%),ampicillin(86/86,100%),sulbactam/ampicillin(86/86,100%),cefuroxime(81/86,94.19%),cefoperazone(76/86,88.37%),azithromycin(56/86,65.12%),and erythromycin(54/86,62.79%).The majority of MRSA isolates were of SCCmec type IVh(65/86,75.58%),spa type t032(55/85,63.95%),and grouped into spaCC-t022(66/85,77.65%).The t032 type was found to be associated with resistance traits to azithromycin and erythromycin(P<0.05).We also found several spa types that are typically associated with hospital-,community-,and livestock-associated MRSA co-existing in our MRSA population.Conclusions:This study reflected the consistent absence of VISA and VRSA and corroborated the clonal shifting of MRSA isolates in the Malaysian MRSA isolates.

肝癌病人肝切除术后难治性胸腔积液风险预测模型的构建

目的:分析原发性肝癌病人行肝切除术后发生难治性胸腔积液的危险因素,建立肝切除术后难治性胸腔积液的早期风险预测模型。方法:回顾性分析2018年1月—2019年7月在广西医科大学第一附属医院肝胆外科行肝切除术的原发性肝细胞癌病人的临床资料,采取Logistic回归分析筛选术后难治性胸腔积液的独立影响因素并建立风险预测模型,通过Hosmer-Lemeshowχ^(2)检验和受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线下面积评价模型的预测效能。结果:617例肝切除术病人中,54例(8.8%)病人发生术后难治性胸腔积液。多因素分析显示,肝硬化[OR=1.985,95%CI(1.071,3.681)]、手术时间≥234 min[OR=1.986,95%CI(1.031,3.828)]、开腹手术[OR=7.927,95%CI(1.876,33.494)]、术中出血量≥300 mL[OR=2.934,95%CI(1.488,5.785)]是术后难治性胸腔积液的独立危险因素;据此构建的预测模型的Hosmer-Lemeshow检验显示,χ^(2)=5.953,P=0.652;ROC曲线下面积为0.775[0.719,0.832]。结论:构建的预测模型具有较好的预测效能,可为医务人员术后早期筛查高危病人并采取相应预防措施以减少术后难治性胸腔积液的发生提供参考。

CRX-527 as a candidate adjuvant in a recombinant BCG-based malaria vaccine

Objective:To investigate the role of CRX-527,a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist,as the possible adjuvant for recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin expressing merozoite surface protein 1C(BCG-MSP-1C).Methods:The mice were immunized with BCG and BCG-MSP-1C in the presence and absence of CRX-527.The untreated mice(injected with PBS-T80 only)were the negative control.The ability of CRX-527 to enhance IgG and its subclasses,as well as IL-4 and IFN-γproduction in the serum and spleen supernatant was evaluated using ELISA.Results:Mice immunized with BCG-MSP-1C exhibited the highest production of IgGs,IL-4 and IFN-γafter third immunization.In addition,CRX-527 further promoted the production of total IgG and IgG subclasses as well as IFN-γand IL-4 in the serum and splenocytes of immunized mice.Conclusions:CRX-527 has the potential as an adjuvant candidate for the candidate vaccines.Further study is needed to verify appropriate dosage for immunization and its efficacy.

Blade Wrap Angle Impact on Centrifugal Pump Performance:Entropy Generation and Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis

The centrifugal pump is a prevalent power equipment widely used in different engineering patterns,and the impeller blade wrap angle significantly impacts its performance.A numerical investigation was conducted to analyze the influence of the blade wrap angle on flow characteristics and energy distribution of a centrifugal pump evaluated as a low specific speed with a value of 69.This study investigates six impellermodels that possess varying blade wrap angles(95°,105°,115°,125°,135°,and 145°)that were created while maintaining the same volute and other geometrical characteristics.The investigation of energy loss was conducted to evaluate the values of total and entropy generation rates(TEG,EGR).The fluid-structure interaction was considered numerically using the software tools ANSYS Fluent and ANSYSWorkbench.The elastic structural dynamic equation was used to estimate the structural response,while the shear stress transport k–ωturbulence model was utilized for the fluid domain modeling.The findings suggest that the blade wrap angle has a significant influence on the efficiency of the pump.The impeller featuring a blade wrap angle of 145°exhibits higher efficiency,with a notable increase of 3.76%relative to the original model.Variations in the blade wrap angle impact the energy loss,shaft power,and pump head.The model with a 145°angle exhibited a maximum equivalent stress of 14.8MPa and a total deformation of 0.084 mm.The results provide valuable insights into the intricate flow mechanism of the centrifugal pump,particularly when considering various blade wrap angles.

IoT Smart Devices Risk Assessment Model Using Fuzzy Logic and PSO

Increasing Internet of Things(IoT)device connectivity makes botnet attacks more dangerous,carrying catastrophic hazards.As IoT botnets evolve,their dynamic and multifaceted nature hampers conventional detection methods.This paper proposes a risk assessment framework based on fuzzy logic and Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)to address the risks associated with IoT botnets.Fuzzy logic addresses IoT threat uncertainties and ambiguities methodically.Fuzzy component settings are optimized using PSO to improve accuracy.The methodology allows for more complex thinking by transitioning from binary to continuous assessment.Instead of expert inputs,PSO data-driven tunes rules and membership functions.This study presents a complete IoT botnet risk assessment system.The methodology helps security teams allocate resources by categorizing threats as high,medium,or low severity.This study shows how CICIoT2023 can assess cyber risks.Our research has implications beyond detection,as it provides a proactive approach to risk management and promotes the development of more secure IoT environments.

Hepatic and renal effects of oral stingless bee honey in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model

BACKGROUND Diabetes is known damage the liver and kidney,leading to hepatic dysfunction and kidney failure.Honey is believed to help in lowering the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients and reducing diabetic complications.However,the effect of stingless bee honey(SBH)administration in relieving liver and kidney damage in diabetes has not been well-studied.AIM To investigate the effect of SBH administration on the kidney and liver of streptozotocin-induced(STZ;55 mg/kg)diabetic Sprague Dawley rats.METHODS The rats were grouped as follows(n=6 per group):non-diabetic(ND),untreated diabetic(UNT),metformin-treated(MET),and SBH+metformin-treated(SBME)groups.After successful diabetic induction,ND and UNT rats were given normal saline,whereas the treatment groups received SBH(2.0 g/kg and/or metformin(250 mg/kg)for 12 d.Serum biochemical parameters and histological changes using hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)and periodic acid–Schiff(PAS)staining were evaluated.RESULTS On H&E and PAS staining,the ND group showed normal architecture and cellularity of Bowman’s capsule and tubules,whereas the UNT and MET groups had an increased glomerular cellularity and thickened basement membrane.The SBH-treated group showed a decrease in hydropic changes and mild cellularity of the glomerulus vs the ND group based on H&E staining,but the two were similar on PAS staining.Likewise,the SBME-treated group had an increase in cellularity of the glomerulus on H&E staining,but it was comparable to the SBH and ND groups on PAS staining.UNT diabetic rats had tubular hydropic tubules,which were smaller than other groups.Reduced fatty vacuole formation and dilated blood sinusoids in liver tissue were seen in the SBH group.Conversely,the UNT group had high glucose levels,which subsequently increased MDA levels,ultimately leading to liver damage.SBH treatment reduced this damage,as evidenced by having the lowest fasting glucose,serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to other groups,although the levels of liver enzymes were not statistically significant.CONCLUSION The cellularity of the Bowman’s capsule,as well as histological alteration of kidney tubules,glomerular membranes,and liver tissues in diabetic rats after oral SBH resembled those of ND rats.Therefore,SBH exhibited a protective hepatorenal effect in a diabetic rat model.

Elucidating the molecular basis of ATP-induced cell death in breast cancer: Construction of a robust prognostic model

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a multifaceted and formidable disease with profound public health implications.Cell demise mechanisms play a pivotal role in breast cancer pathogenesis,with ATP-triggered cell death attracting mounting interest for its unique specificity and potential therapeutic pertinence.AIM To investigate the impact of ATP-induced cell death(AICD)on breast cancer,enhancing our understanding of its mechanism.METHODS The foundational genes orchestrating AICD mechanisms were extracted from the literature,underpinning the establishment of a prognostic model.Simultaneously,a microRNA(miRNA)prognostic model was constructed that mirrored the gene-based prognostic model.Distinctions between high-and low-risk cohorts within mRNA and miRNA characteristic models were scrutinized,with the aim of delineating common influence mechanisms,substantiated through enrichment analysis and immune infiltration assessment.RESULTS The mRNA prognostic model in this study encompassed four specific mRNAs:P2X purinoceptor 4,pannexin 1,caspase 7,and cyclin 2.The miRNA prognostic model integrated four pivotal miRNAs:hsa-miR-615-3p,hsa-miR-519b-3p,hsa-miR-342-3p,and hsa-miR-324-3p.B cells,CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells,endothelial cells,and macrophages exhibited inverse correlations with risk scores across all breast cancer subtypes.Furthermore,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that genes differentially expressed in response to mRNA risk scores significantly enriched 25 signaling pathways,while miRNA risk scores significantly enriched 29 signaling pathways,with 16 pathways being jointly enriched.CONCLUSION Of paramount significance,distinct mRNA and miRNA signature models were devised tailored to AICD,both potentially autonomous prognostic factors.This study's elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of AICD in breast cancer enhances the arsenal of potential therapeutic tools,offering an unparalleled window for innovative interventions.Essentially,this paper reveals the hitherto enigmatic link between AICD and breast cancer,potentially leading to revolutionary progress in personalized oncology.

Synergistic Swarm Optimization Algorithm

This research paper presents a novel optimization method called the Synergistic Swarm Optimization Algorithm(SSOA).The SSOA combines the principles of swarmintelligence and synergistic cooperation to search for optimal solutions efficiently.A synergistic cooperation mechanism is employed,where particles exchange information and learn from each other to improve their search behaviors.This cooperation enhances the exploitation of promising regions in the search space while maintaining exploration capabilities.Furthermore,adaptive mechanisms,such as dynamic parameter adjustment and diversification strategies,are incorporated to balance exploration and exploitation.By leveraging the collaborative nature of swarm intelligence and integrating synergistic cooperation,the SSOAmethod aims to achieve superior convergence speed and solution quality performance compared to other optimization algorithms.The effectiveness of the proposed SSOA is investigated in solving the 23 benchmark functions and various engineering design problems.The experimental results highlight the effectiveness and potential of the SSOA method in addressing challenging optimization problems,making it a promising tool for a wide range of applications in engineering and beyond.Matlab codes of SSOA are available at:https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/153466-synergistic-swarm-optimization-algorithm.

中国传统文化元素在现代园林景观设计中的应用分析

中国文化有着悠久的历史及丰富的内涵,对我国的建筑设计风格产生了深远的影响。在现代园林景观设计中,中国传统文化元素得到了广泛应用,不仅体现了中华民族独特的审美观念,也推动了多元化景观设计风格的发展。现代园林景观设计者应当有效结合现代艺术风格与传统文化元素,形成新型的园林景观设计理念,使园林景观设计能够满足大众的审美需求,促进现代景观设计水平的提高。文章主要针对中国传统文化元素在现代园林景观设计中的应用进行了深度分析。

Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori among multiracial community in Northern Peninsular,Malaysia:effect of age across race and gender

Objective:To study the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection according to age group.Methods:H.pylori infection data among 1 965 consecutive patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit collected at Sungai Petani Hospital for oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy(OGD). The patients were divided into 9 age groups(10-19,20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69,70-79, 80-89 and 90-99 years).In addition these groups were further divided into three minor group namely young adults(10-39),older adults(40-69) and geriatric groups(70-99).Results:Overall prevalence of infection of H.pylori was analyzed and found that the prevalence increase with age (P【0.05).When the patients divided by ethnic and gender group with age,prevalence rate among young adults and older adults significantly higher(P【0.05) compared to geriatric groups across all races and gender(P【0.05).Furthermore,significantly higher number of males were infected compared to female(P【0.05) but such trend was only observed among older adult groups.In addition,there is a significant differences in H.pylori infection prevalence rates among ethnic groups(highest in Indians adults,followed Chinese and low in Malays,P【0.05).Conclusions: The overall prevalence of H.pylori did increase with age group across ethnicity and gender,in Northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Risk modification of colorectal cancer susceptibility by interleukin-8-251T>A polymorphism in Malaysians

AIM: To investigate the allele and genotype frequencies and associated risk of interleukin (IL)-8-251T>A polymorphism on colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility risk. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of 255 normal controls and 255 clinically and histopathologically confirmed CRC patients were genotyped for IL-8-251T>A polymorphism employing allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. The relative association of variant allele and genotypes with CRC susceptibility risk was determined by calculating the odds ratios (ORs). Corresponding χ 2 tests on the CRC patients and controls were carried out and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using Fisher's exact test. The allele frequencies and its risk association were calculated using FAMHAP, haplotype association analysis software. RESULTS: On comparing the frequencies of genotypesof patients and controls, the homozygous variant AA was significantly higher in CRC patients (P = 0.002) compared to controls. Investigation on the association of the polymorphic genotypes with CRC susceptibility risk, showed that the homozygous variant IL-8 -251AA had a significantly increased risk with OR 3.600 (95% CI: 1.550-8.481, P = 0.001). In the case of allele frequencies, variant allele A of IL-8 -251 showed a significantly increased risk of CRC predisposition with OR 1.32 (95% CI: 1.03-1.69,P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Variant allele and genotype of IL-8 (-251 T>A) was significantly associated with CRC susceptibility risk and could be considered as a high-risk variant for CRC predisposition.

Germline mutation analysis of MLH1 and MSH2 in Malaysian Lynch syndrome patients

AIM: To investigate the protein expression profi le of mismatch repair (MMR) genes in suspected cases of Lynch syndrome and to characterize the associated germline mutations. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor samples was performed to determine the protein expression profile of MMR protein. Germline mutation screening was carried out on peripheral blood samples. The entire exon regions of MLH1 and MSH2 geneswere amplifi ed by polymerase chain reaction, screened by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC) and analyzed by DNA sequencing to characterize the germline mutations. RESULTS: Three out of 34 tissue samples (8.8%) and four out of 34 tissue samples (11.8%) showed loss of nuclear staining by immunohistochemistry, indicating the absence of MLH1 and MSH2 protein expression in carcinoma cells, respectively. dHPLC analysis followed by DNA sequencing showed these samples to have germline mutations of MSH2 gene. However, no deleterious mutations were identifi ed in any of the 19 exons or coding regions of MLH1 gene, but we were able to identify MLH1 promoter polymorphism, -93G > A (rs1800734), in 21 out of 34 patients (61.8%). We identified one novel mutation, transversion mutation c.2005G > C, which resulted in a missense mutation (Gly669Arg), a transversion mutation in exon 1, c.142G > T, which resulted in a nonsense mutation (Glu48Stop) and splice-site mutation, c.2006-6T > C, which was adjacent to exon 13 of MSH2 gene. CONCLUSION: Germline mutations were identified in four Malaysian Lynch syndrome patients. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissue proved to be a good pre-screening test before proceeding to germline mutation analysis of DNA MMR genes.

Zeylanicobdella arugamensis,the marine leech from cultured crimson snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus),Jerejak Island,Penang,Malaysia

Objective:To investigate the prevalence,phylogenetics and DNA barcoding of Zeylanicobdella arugamensis(Z.arugamensis) from crimson snapper(Lutjanus erythropterus),Jerejak Island,Penang,Malaysia.Methods:Experiment was conducted with 200 fish specimens of cultured Lutjanus erythropterus from Jerejak Island,Penang,Peninsular Malaysia.The water temperature and length for each fish were measured prior to parasites examination.Next,the morphological identification of parasites was performed.Genomic DNA from parasites was extracted for further molecular analysis.After PCR amplification,phylogenetic tree was constructed.The lowest Bayesian information criterion scores showed that the most compatible model is Tajima and Nei.Finally,data sets of cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequence and trace file have been submitted to Barcode of Life Data System.Results:The prevalence rate of Z.arugamensis was recorded to be 11.5%,and the intensity was 1.48.The low intensity was due to the water temperature recorded in this study(32.9–33.2 C).All the individuals of Z.arugamensis recorded in this study showed a close relationship with species that were recorded in NCBI database(Z.arugamensis DQ414344,Aestabdella leiostomi DQ414305,Pterobdella amara DQ414334 and Cystobranchus meyeri DQ414315) but less relationship with Aestabdella abditovesiculata DQ414300.Finally,the DNA sequences submitted to Barcode of Life Data System in accordance to species have already obtained Barcode Index Number as BOLD:ACM3477.Conclusions:This study has provided an overview of sequence divergence at cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene,DNA barcodes and parasite prevalence of Z.arugamensis.

The biology and demographic parameters of Aedes albopictus in northern peninsular Malaysia

Objective:To generate life table characteristics for the dengue vector Aedes albopictus(A. albopictus) under uncontrolled conditions,incorporating both the aquatic and the adult stages. Methods:Ten females derived from wild pupae were allowed to fully blood-feed on restrained mice.774 eggs were hatched in seasoned water.F1 larvae were followed for development until their F2 counterparts emerged as adults.Some population parameters were monitored(Fl) or estimated(F2).Results:A.albopictus exhibited increased fecundity and egg hatch success. Immature development was quick.Immature survival was high,with lowest rate in the pupal stage.Adult emergence was about 81%and sex ratio was close to 1:1.Generational mortality(K) was about 28%.A high proportion of females completed a reproductive cycle and the obtained parity rate was predicted to lead to higher fecundity in the next generation.Conclusios:It can be concluded that natural A.albopictus populations in Penang seem largely determined by quick development in combination with low immature loss and increased oviposition.

Contribution of public places in proliferation of dengue vectors in Penang Island,Malaysia

Objective: To determine abundance, distribution and diversity of potential breeding container habitats of the dengue vectors in public places including schools, restaurants,mosques and parks in southwest areas of Penang Island, Malaysia.Methods: Premises at restaurants, schools, parks and mosques were surveyed simultaneously and inspected visually for container habitats and production of immature mosquitoes from March 2015 to March 2016. Abundance(mean ± SE) of breeding containers between sites was compared using One-way ANOVA. Independent sample ttest was used to compare total number of Aedes albopictus(Ae. albopictus) and Aedes aegypti(Ae. aegypti) surveyed.Results: The surveyed locations yielded a total of 3 741 breeding containers and 19 537 immature mosquitoes from four areas. Concurrent artificial and natural containers produced 78.4% immature Ae. albopictus and 6.3% Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in wet season,with 14.2% Ae. albopictus and 1.1% Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in dry season. Artificial containers accounted for 98.1% of the total containers recorded, with restaurants being the most productive locations(8 012) and schools being the least productive(2 234).Conclusions: It was concluded that public places are good sources of potential container habitats of Aedes mosquitoes in Penang Island, Malaysia and Ae. albopictus has exclusively replaced the home-grown Ae. aegypti even in urban areas. Therefore, treatment of artificial containers in such locations is critical in Aedes mosquito control campaigns during dengue outbreaks.

Antihyperlipidemic activity of the medicinal plants among Kadazan and Dusun communities in Sabah,Malaysia:a review

Sabah is one of the 13 states within the Federation of Malaysia and is located in the northernmost part of Borneo.It is the second largest state in Malaysia with a landmass of approximately 7.4million hectares.The total forested area is 4.7 million hectares.Sabah,being part of Borneo,is rich in plant biodiversity.There is also an abundance of medicinal plants and other plants for everyday use.There is a great awarness regarding association between low density lipoprotein reduction and decreased cardiovascular disease mortality.The antihyperlipidaemic activity of herbs plays an important role in the reduction of cardiovascular diseases,which is the top disease that causes mortality all over the world.Lipid-lowering activity of medicinal plant for phytomedicine research and drug development for such a disease are now focused all over the world.A plant-based diet rich in fruit,vegetables,and legumes and low in saturated fat is an effective prescription for anyone with more severe atherosclerosis.Howerver,there are few herbs available that provide some protection for persons with the above disease.The antihyperlipidaemia property in plant plays a vital role to reduce atherosclerosis.Thus,there is an increasing search for the lipid lowering agents from natural origin.In this review an attempt has been made to give an overview of the antihyperlipidemic activity in traditional medicinal plants found widely in Kadazan and Dusun communities in Sabah,Malaysia.The antihyperlipidemic activity of the traditional medicinal plants in these communities is more helpful for the development of new drugs used in the protection against dyslipidemia or atherosclerosis.

Bee pollen extract of Malaysian stingless bee enhances the effect of cisplatin on breast cancer cell lines

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of methanolic bee pollen extract(BPE) of Malaysian stingless bee [Lepidotrigona terminata(L. terminata)]and its synergistic effect with cisplatin(a chemotherapeutic drug) on MCF-7 cancer cell line.Methods: The antioxidant activity of BPE from L. terminata was measured by using1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical(DPPH) assay. Antiproliferative activity at different concentrations of BPE and cisplatin was determined through using MTT assay on MCF-7 and L929 cell lines. An interaction effect(synergistic, additive and antagonistic) between BPE and cisplatin was determined by Compu Syn software based on MTT assay data.Results: The EC50(50% decrement of DPPH inhibition) of BPE was 0.5 mg/m L.L. terminata BPE exhibited antiproliferative activity on both cancer and normal cell lines.The IC50(concentration of drug that was required for 50% of cell inhibition in vitro) of BPE on MCF-7 was 15 mg/m L whereas in normal cell line L929 was 26 mg/m L. The IC50 for cisplatin on MCF-7 was 20 mmol/L. The combination effect of BPE and cisplatin on MCF-7 cells showed that BPE at 15 mg/m L was able to potentiate the inhibitory effect of cisplatin at all different concentrations(2.5–20.0 mg/m L). The average of cancer cells inhibition which was potentiated by BPE was around 50%. A combination index values of less than 1 reported in the Compu Syn software further proved the synergistic effect between BPE and cisplatin, suggesting that BPE was working synergistically with cisplatin.Conclusions: Our study therefore suggested that BPE of Malaysian stingless bee,L. terminata is a potential chemopreventive agent and can be used as a supplementary treatment for chemotherapy drugs. BPE might be able to be used to potentiate the effect of chemotherapy drugs with the possibility to reduce the required dose of the drugs. The molecular mechanisms of how the BPE exerts antiproliferative activity will be a much interesting area to look for in future studies.