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 ;

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.

One of the most frequent complaints of individuals with hearing impairment is listening comfort in noisy environments. In order to improve listening comforts in background noise, digital noise reduction (DNR) systems are incorporated into hearing aids (HAs). Each hearing aid manufacturer has its proprietary algorithm for the DNR system. The amount of attenuation (dB) provided by the DNR system can be quantified using the hearing aid analyser. However, the standard test signals in the hearing aid analyser could not quantify the attenuation of DNR for speech mixed with noise signals. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) develop speech-plus-noise test signals that incorporate Malay sentences and (ii) quantify the efficacy of DNR systems in commercial hearing aids using the newly developed test signals. Six different brands of hearing aids with identical technology but from different manufacturers were subjected to electroacoustic testing utilising newly created Malay speech-in-noise test signals with and without DNR enabled. The total root-meansquare (RMS) gain reduction for each HA was calculated. The results show that the types of noise, the signal-to-noise ratio and the gender of the speaker have a significant effect (p<0.05) on the amount of gain reduction in the HA output as a result of the DNR system in each HA . In conclusion, the newly developed Malay speech-in-noise test signals can be used to verify the efficacy of DNR system in commercial hearing aids.

Background: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are infrequent, benign, and locally destructive lesions that most commonly occur during the first two decades of life. They usually affect the metaphysis of the long bones, but the pelvis is involved in 8%–12% of the cases. The management of pelvic ABCs is a challenging issue due to difficulties in choosing the appropriate approach, adjacent neurovascular bundles, the risk of intraoperative bleeding with difficulty achieving good hemostasis, and the risk of injury to the hip or sacroiliac joints. Limited data exist concerning the use of denosumab as a non-surgical treatment for pelvic ABCs. Our hypothesis was that denosumab might be an effective and safe solo treatment of cases with ABCs in the pelvis. Methods: We retrospectively assessed 20 patients with ABCs in the pelvis, who were treated by denosumab as a solo agent without surgery. Patients were assessed regarding disease control, the incidence of recurrence and non-oncological complications, and functional outcome. Results: The mean follow-up period was 38.5 months. Disease control was achieved in 16 patients (80%), with no local recurrence. Tolerable drug-related complications occurred in 15% of cases. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 92.3%. Conclusions Denosumab may provide a reliable option in the nonsurgical treatment of ABCs of pelvic origin with expected lower morbidity than the surgical solution and tolerable complications. Further studies on the safety profile and long-term effects of denosumab especially in skeletally immature patients are required.

Background: Alternative and complementary medicines are widely used to treat migraine headaches. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of essential oils as an alternative treatment approach. Methods: A structured search was conducted to identify randomized trials comparing essential oils with a placebo for migraine headaches, using databases (MEDLINE and CENTRAL) to search for articles published between 1966 and 2021. We included trials involving adult males and females diagnosed with migraine headaches according to the International Headache Society. The outcomes included number of attacks, headache severity, associated symptoms, number of days of limited activity, headache duration, use of analgesics, and adverse effects. Seven trials were included with a total of 558 participants. Results: No difference was observed in the number of migraine headache attacks compared to placebo (mean difference [MD], -1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.31 to 0.64; I2=94%; P=0.190; four trials, 242 participants; moderate- quality evidence). There was no difference in this outcome between the essential oils treated group and the placebo (MD, -0.38; 95% CI, -1.76 to 0.99; I2 statistics=86%; P=0.580; five trials, 240 participants; moderate-quality evidence). Conclusion We found no significant difference between the use of essential oils and placebo in managing migraine headaches.

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.