Despite publishing and securing research grants being obligatory in research universities, the literature on the factors influencing academic productivity is relatively scarce. Thus, in this study, we aimed to determine the personal and behavioural-related factors that influence the culture of publishing and securing research grants among academicians with lower research-related performance. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 49 academic staff members of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). A self-administered questionnaire consisting of personal, attitude and behavioural (barriers, perceived stress scale, work extrinsic and intrinsic motivation scale, psychological well-being scale, and basic needs satisfaction scale) questions were distributed during a workshop and online. Simple linear regression (SLR) analyses were performed for each variable, followed by multiple linear regression (MLR) to identify the associated factors of research output. After adjusting for covariates, having a doctoral degree (β=0.396, 95% CI=0.221-2.146, p<0.05) and integrated regulation (β=0.574, 95% CI=0.036-3.612, p<0.05) were found to be associated with research grant acquisition (R2=0.273). Moreover, increasing age (β=0.426, 95% CI=0.088-0.397, p<0.05), living alone (β=0.331, 95% CI=0.944-6.626, p<0.05), having a doctoral degree (β=0.248, 95% CI=0.174-6.747, p<0.05), environmental mastery (β=0.318, 95% CI=0.013-0.347, p<0.05), self-acceptance (β=0.284, 95% CI=0.010-0.242, p<0.05), satisfaction incompetence (β=0.273, 95% CI=0.001-0.200, p<0.05) and relatedness (β=0.280, 95% CI=0.001-0.116, p<0.05) were found to be the factors that influence the publications produced among participants (R2 =0.423). The findings of this study could be used by management to formulate effective strategies to increase the productivity of academics in their research-related performance.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the primary vectors of tropical diseases, including dengue fever (DHF), chikungunya, and Zika, particularly in tropical regions such as Malaysia. Vector control efforts are now increasingly focused on biological and environmentally friendly approaches, one of which is using insect growth regulator (IGR)-based insecticides such as pyriproxyfen. Pyriproxyfen works by disrupting the metamorphosis process of mosquito larvae into adults without causing direct death, but it is effective in inhibiting the emergence of adult mosquitoes by more than 90%, depending on the dose and environmental conditions. This study evaluated the concentration-dependent effects of pyriproxyfen on laboratory and field populations of Aedes spp. Laboratory strains exhibited 100% adult mortality at 1.04 ppm (Ae. aegypti) and 1.08 ppm (Ae. albopictus), whereas field populations required 1.15 – 1.71 ppm depending on locality. LC50 values were lowest in laboratory strains (0.267 ppm for Ae. aegypti and 0.236 ppm for Ae. albopictus), while field strains ranged from 0.326 to 0.571 ppm. LC95 values followed a similar trend, with 1.026 ppm (Ae. aegypti) and 1.107 ppm (Ae. albopictus) in laboratory strains. Inhibition of emergence (IE%) was high in laboratory strains, reaching 97.89% at 0.50 ppm in Ae. aegypti and 63.54% at 0.50 ppm in Ae. albopictus. Field populations required higher concentrations for similar suppression, with IE% ranging from 17.68 – 98.23% in Ae. aegypti and 13.14- 98.24% in Ae. albopictus, peaking at 1.50 ppm. From this finding, it is suggested that pyriproxyfen effectively inhibits adult emergence in both laboratory and field populations, with laboratory strains more sensitive at lower concentrations and field strains responding at higher doses. These results provide strong evidence for pyriproxyfen as an effective, adaptive, and sustainable component of integrated vector management in Malaysia.

Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an early marker of atherosclerosis and plays a role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metabolic factors such as adiposity and insulin resistance contribute to early vascular dysfunction, particularly in patients with preserved kidney function. This study aimed to identify factors associated with ED in T2DM and early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) Methodology: This study was conducted at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sungai Buloh, and involved 107 adults with T2DM and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² (CKD stages 1–2). Endothelial function was assessed using ultrasound-based brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), with ≤7.1% defining ED. Clinical, anthropometric, metabolic, and renal parameters were compared between groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the cohort, 48.6% (n = 52) had abnormal FMD. They tended to have higher BMI (31.36 vs 28.38 kg/m², p = 0.020), larger waist circumference (100.48 vs 94.53 cm, p = 0.026), and were more likely to be on insulin therapy (71.2 vs 49.1%, p = 0.020). The total daily insulin dose was higher in the abnormal FMD group (0.48 vs 0.35 U/kg), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.140). There were no significant differences in hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, or renal parameters. In multivariate analysis, BMI (adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00–1.14, p = 0.037) and insulin therapy (adjusted OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.07–5.51, p = 0.034) remained independently associated. Conclusion In patients with T2DM and early CKD, higher BMI and insulin therapy are independently associated with ED. These findings highlight the role of obesity and insulin resistance in early vascular dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of weighttargeted strategies alongside glycemic control and further identifying high-risk individuals to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ;

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of disability, and local data on its impact on quality of life (QoL) remain limited. This study aimed to determine the QoL and its associated factors among patients with KOA. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged 40 years and older with clinically or radiographically confirmed KOA at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia. QoL was assessed using theye validated Malay version of the Osteoarthritis of Knee and Hip Quality of Life (OAKHQoL) questionnaire and the Malay version of the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC- VAS scale). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis identified potential predictors of QoL, and multivariable linear regression was used to determine independent predictors. Of the 166 patients recruited, 152 completed the study (response rate 92%). Participants reported substantial pain and disability, reflected by a high mean WOMAC score of 939.7 ± 484.1 (range 49–2042). The most affected domain of the OAKHQoL was social functioning (59.1 ± 26.3). The overall OAKHQoL score was 41.8 ± 16.2, indicating a moderate reduction in QoL. Univariate analysis revealed that higher BMI (p = 0.033), a history of ischemic heart disease (p = 0.040), glucosamine use (p = 0.009), and higher WOMAC scores (p < 0.001) were associated with poorer QoL. Multivariable linear regression identified higher WOMAC scores (β = 0.025, 95% CI: 0.021–0.028, p < 0.001) and KOA grade 3 and 4 (β = 5.06, 95% CI: 0.048–10.06, p = 0.048) as independent predictors. Specifically, one unit increase in WOMAC score corresponded to a 0.025-unit increase in OAKHQoL score, while KL grades 3 and 4 were linked to a 5.06- unit higher OAKHQoL score. These findings highlight the central role of symptom severity and structural damage in shaping QoL in KOA. Early intervention, symptom management, and psychosocial support are essential to improve outcomes

Malaria is a life-threatening, preventable, and curable vector borne disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles. The WHO Global Report 2010-2016 reported insecticide resistance in malaria. The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of new generation Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) compared to standard LLIN and untreated nets in terms of the mortality rate of adult female Anopheles gambiae. A comprehensive review of the literature was published in three databases (PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO Host) since 2010. Publications were searched with keywords including malaria, long-lasting treated bed net, long lasting insecticide-treated bed net, LLIN, and experimental hut. The search has identified 60 articles. Based on the PRISMA flowchart, 10 articles are qualified for data collection and analysis. The gathered data was analysed using Review Manager. Following meta-analysis between subgroups, a risk difference of 0.31 between standard LLINs versus untreated net (p<0.001, I²=100% 95% CI:0.01,0.60). A comparison of upgraded LLINs with the untreated net has shown a significant difference with a pooled risk difference of 0.54 favours upgraded LLINs (p<0.001, I²=100% 95% CI: 0.54,0.84). Comparison between upgraded LLINs versus standard gave an overall risk difference of 0.24 (p < 0.001, I² = 100%, 95% CI: 0.10–0.39). Upgraded LLINs significantly increase Anophelesmortality compared to standard LLINs and untreated nets, suggesting their potential for improved malaria control. Thus, using upgraded nets in the field and translating them into malaria preventive programs would help achieve the target and improve healthoutcomes for those living in endemic areas.

Biphasic Synovial Sarcoma of the Cheek in a Child: A Rare Case in an Unusual Location Synovial sarcoma (SS) is rare in the head and neck region, accounting for only 10% of all SS, and less than 0.1% of all head and neck malignancies. Head and neck SS in paediatrics is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported worldwide. Here, we report a case of right cheek SS in a child who presented to us with a 5-month history of painless right cheek swelling. On examination, there was a palpable right cheek mass measuring 4 cm × 4 cm in size, firm in consistency, with a smooth surface and a well-defined margin. Examination of the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck was normal. Imaging showed a well defined enhancing lesion with calcifications, with no involvement of the paranasal sinuses, intraorbital, and intracranial extension. Fine needle aspiration for cytology showed a spindle cell lesion. Excision of the right cheek tumour was done via a sublabial approach. stopathological diagnosis of biphasic synovial sarcoma was made. Post-operatively, the patient was referred to an oncologist for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The patient recovered well, and no recurrence was found during the follow-up at six months.

Spectral Transmittance of Soft Contact Lenses Following One Month of Eyedrop Application: An In Vitro Investigation This study investigated the spectral transmittance of six different types of soft contact lenses after exposure to normal eyedrops use over one month. The normal eyedrops were only meant to be instil into the eyes without contact lenses. The objective of this lab study was to look at the effect of the eyedrops on the spectral transmittance of all contact lenses. The two types of eyedrops for dry eye (eyedrop A) and eye irritation (eyedrop B) were applied to the surface of each contact lens (two drops each) at 2-hour intervals (n = 15), following which the lenses were immediately immersed in saline solution. This process was repeated four times daily (eight hours for Eyedrop A) and five times daily (10 hours for Eyedrops B), with the lenses subsequently soaked in Optifree disinfecting solution overnight. This constituted one complete cycle, which was repeated daily for 30 consecutive days. The control group underwent a similar procedure but used a saline solution instead of a disinfecting solution. Spectral transmittance measurements were conducted on Day 0 and Day 30 for both the experimental and control groups. The results were analysed to determine the average of spectral transmittance values, and the absolute differences between the measurements were calculated. All recorded values fell within the tolerance limits outlined in ISO 18369. This study concluded that neither type of eyedrop induced significant changes in spectral transmittance after 30 days of daily use as recommended by the manufacturer. All tested lenses (in the FDA categories) exhibited consistent spectral transmittance values throughout the study. Therefore, the eyedrops evaluated in this trial were deemed not to affect the spectral transmittance of any soft contact lens types.

INNOVATIVE NANOPARTICLE DELIVERY OF TEA POLYPHENOLS FOR ENHANCED COLORECTAL CANCER THERAPY Tea polyphenols have demonstrated potential in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. However, its use in clinical settings has been hampered by drawbacks in terms of stability and bioavailability. This review aims to explore and evaluate the potential of nanoparticles as efficient delivery vehicles for tea polyphenols in the context of colorectal cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize studies on the efficacy of tea polyphenols on colorectal cancer and their limitations for colorectal cancer therapy. Moreover, we also discuss the mechanistic signalling pathway of tea polyphenols and how nanotechnology improves the limitations. Furthermore, the mechanisms performed using nanoparticles in drug delivery and the significance of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery were covered in this review. The future of colorectal cancer therapy may be significantly influenced by the integration of nanotechnology to deliver tea polyphenols. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems promise to overcome inherent challenges associated with the bioavailability and targeted delivery of tea polyphenols. By enhancing solubility, stability, and controlled release, nanotechnology can optimise the therapeutic efficacy of these bioactive compounds.

KNOWLEDGE, VIEWS, PRACTICE AND SELF-EFFICACY REGARDING COPPER INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE USAGE AMONG PUBLIC PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS IN SARAWAK: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Introduction: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion is a reversible and effective way to reduce unplanned pregnancy. Doctors play a key role in IUCD usage. This study aimed to assess knowledge, views, practice and self-efficacy regarding copper IUCD usage among public primary care doctors in Sarawak. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all public primary care clinics in Sarawak. A self-administered online survey form was distributed to doctors in the eligible clinics. Results: A total of 312 doctors participated in the survey. Most of them (81.4%) worked in a clinic where IUCDs were available. The median knowledge score among the medical officers was 15 (maximum score: 20). The knowledge score was correlated with the length of primary care experience and was higher among the doctors who had prior IUCD training and ever had inserted IUCDs. The doctors were concerned about the side effects of IUCDs, especially perforation and pelvic inflammatory diseases, and were negatively influenced by the additional counselling time required when recommending IUCDs. They recognised IUCD usage as a long-term and reversible contraception method. Most (69.2%) doctors had inserted IUCDs before, but only 45.9% had inserted five or more IUCDs. The self-efficacy of the doctors regarding IUCD insertion was moderate (63% of the total score). Conclusion: The knowledge and self-efficacy of the public primary care doctors in Sarawak were moderate. Although IUCDs were widely available, the number of IUCD insertions was relatively small. Further research is warranted to quantify IUCD usage and identify its barriers among nurses and patients.

Aims: The natural coexistence of high humidity and warm temperatures in Malaysia and Nigeria and poor storage facilities used by most poultry feed vendors provide suitable conditions for the proliferation of aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxigenesis. This study aims to characterise and evaluate the toxigenicity of Aspergillus section Flavi (ASF) from Malaysian and Nigerian poultry feeds. Methodology and results: This study utilised standard mycological techniques to determine the bioburden and distribution of mycoflora in 132 and 144 Malaysian and Nigerian poultry feeds, respectively. The ASF isolated from the samples were tested for aflatoxigenicity by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and then characterised by multivariate using attenuated total reflectance fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). A total of 128 and 75 mould fungal isolates belonging to 12 and 11 species were obtained from the Malaysian and Nigerian samples with a bioburden ranging from 2.0 to 6.97 log CFU/g and the highest overall mean count of 5.66 ± 4.51 log CFU/g and 5.6 ± 4.76 log CFU/g, respectively. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus felis, Aspergillus flavus/parasiticus and Fusarium graminearum were predominant in poultry feeds from both countries. Overall, 16 ASF were isolated (Malaysia = 7, Nigeria = 9), of which only three produce aflatoxins. The multivariate cluster analysis of ATR-FTIR spectra showed 97.78% similarity between the toxigenic and atoxigenic ASF with primary differences at 600 to 800 cm-1 and 2927 to 4000 cm-1 only. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The bioburden of fungal flora in the samples was higher than the ICMSF's acceptable range of 2.0 to 5.0 log CFU/g, indicating that they could be hazardous to poultry and necessitate stricter control measures. Irrespective of the country/source of samples, the ATR-FTIR has discriminated the toxigenic from atoxigenic ASF, implying its promising prospects for rapid identification of toxigenic ASF.