bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Risk Associated with Diverse Bacterial Species in a Salt Lick in Kapit, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: C Farahfaiza , L Samuel , J Mohd Azlan , R Scholastica 
Published: November 2022

Salt licks are naturally occurring areas in the forest with high concentrations of minerals which supply nutrients to animals and plants in their vicinity [1, 2]. Microbes, on the other hand, are widespread in the environment, and their presence always has an influence on the habitat in which they thrive. This study was conducted to analyse the diversity of bacteria species in the water of a salt lick in the area of Kapit, Sarawak. The analysis was carried out to determine if there is the presence of the potentially pathogenic species and therefore determine the risk associated with the bacteria in the salt licks environments.

Different volumes of samples (2.0 mL and 4.0 mL) were used to determine the fecal coliform count (FCC) and total coliform count (TCC). Molecular identification was carried out using 16S RNA sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR product of the bacterial genomic DNA of the water samples were examined using 1% (w/v) agarose gel electrophoresis and a single band was observed in all lanes after the agarose gel electrophoresis of the PCR product was done. The PCR products were sent for sequencing in Serdang, West Malaysia. The species were then identified by comparing their sequences with the sequences deposited in the GenBank, NCBI using basic local alignment search tools (BLAST).

Table 1 shows the fecal and total coliform count in the water from the salt lick. Both sample dilutions yielded colony counts in the required range. The average reading of both sample dilutions was calculated in which Station 2 had a larger number of FCC (312.5 count/mL) compared to Station 1 (215.5 count/mL). Subsequently, Station 2 also had a higher TCC reading of 8412.5 count/mL compared to Station 1 which had TCC reading of 8237.5 count/mL. This study has revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Aeromonas sp., Aeromonas hydrophila, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter soli and Enterobacter lignolyticus in the water samples from the salt lick (Table 2).
The presence of the Enterobacteriaceae family indicates the potential presence of pathogenic bacteria in the salt lick water, hence, the salt lick water could be the reservoir for the transmission of bacterial diseases to animal and human. Although fecal coliform bacteria are not necessarily disease agents, their presence may indicate the existence of disease-carrying organisms that live in the same surroundings as the fecal coliform bacteria. The presence of coliform does not necessarily suggest wastewater pollution or the existence of another sanitation-related health problems, but it does signal the necessity for an examination of all water system infrastructure and activities to determine the path of organisms entering the water system. This study is significant in term of public health.
Effect of Extraction Techniques on Yield, Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Content and its Antioxidant Activity of Leaves, Stems and Roots from Cassia alata Linn
Authors: Bunya Scholastica Ramih , Lihan Samuel 
Published: November 2022

Cassia alata Linn. (Senna alata) or commonly known as “gelenggang” in Malaysia, has been reported to have therapeutic properties and introduced as a resource for traditional remedies for thousand years. Its therapeutic properties were including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antilipogenic, antidiabetic, dermatophytic, and anti-hyperlipidemic [1].

In this study, the use of soxhlet extraction and ultrasonic assisted extraction for different parts of C. alata were investigated. For each extraction techniques, the amount of sample, volume of solvent extraction and extraction period were different. Hexane was used as the extraction solvent. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and its antioxidant activities were evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu’s method, aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively.

The experimental results showed the highest yield of extract in leaves (4.86±0.24%), stems (0.75±0.09%) and roots (0.59±0.01%) were achieved by using soxhlet extraction technique. The results of TPC and TFC were varied from 0.049±0.004 mg GAE/g DW to 0.185±0.004 mg GAE/g DW and 0.023±0.001 mg QE/g DW to 0.203±0.007 mg QE/g DW, respectively. The highest were recorded from the soxhlet extraction for both of TPC and TFC results. Meanwhile, the radical scavenging activity was the highest from the roots of C. alata, by soxhlet extraction at 21.663±2.097% (60 µg/ml), with the IC50 value at 9.96 µg/ml (Table 1).
These findings suggest that the selection of soxhlet extraction as a technique to extract C. alata using hexane was more effective in comparison to ultrasonic assisted extraction. For the further references on the potential of this technique, it is suggested that this study is further analyzed for the identification of its bio-active compounds.
Cytotoxicity and Antiviral Activity of Kyllinga nemoralis Methanolic Extract
Authors: Mohd Saidi Syamila Izzati , Abd Wahab Noor Zarina 
Published: November 2022

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus in the Herpesviridae family. The most prevalent in humans is Human Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). It can reach the brain without causing the symptoms [1]. Currently, the most antiviral drug used is Acyclovir (ACV); nucleotide analogues target DNA polymerase inhibiting viral replication. However, ACV drug-resistant occurs, especially in immunocompromised patients [2]. Therefore, alternate therapy for patients with established resistance was required. Plant extract is commonly used as antiviral agent. Kyllinga nemoralis is known as White Spike Head had antiviral, antibacterial, antibleeding and anti-poisoning properties [3]. It contains antiviral sources such as the highest flavonoid and flavonol concentrations [4].

The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the potential of K. nemoralis methanolic extract as antiviral agent against HSV-1. The root of K. nemoralis methanolic plant extract, Vero Cells and HSV-1 were used in this study. The Cytotoxic Concentration (CC50) of the K. nemoralis methanolic extract against Vero Cells and the antiviral activity of K. nemoralis methanolic extract against HSV-1 by using post-treatment, pre-treatment and virucidal assay were performed in this study.

Results showed that the percentage of cell population versus concentration of root of K. nemoralis methanolic extract (figure 1). The CC50 of this extract was determined at 0.91 mg/mL. This showed that the root of K. nemoralis methanolic extract was considered not toxic to the cells as the CC50 of extract showed more than 4 µg/mL [5].

The results indicate that the root of K. nemoralis methanolic extract was more effective in protecting the Vero cells. In pre-treatment, the SI value of the extract was 8.27. This finding shows that the root of K. nemoralis methanolic extract had a moderate ability to bind to the Vero cells and inhibited the binding of HSV-1 to the cell surface of the Vero cells. In a virucidal test, the root extract towards HSV-1 showed the SI value was 8.125. This data suggests that the root of the extract was moderately inactivates the extracellular component of HSV-1.
In conclusion, the findings of this study show that K. nemoralis methanolic extract was non-toxic to the Vero cells and has the potential to be an antiviral agent against HSV-1.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Infection Control amongst Dental Assistants in Private Dental Clinics in Kelantan: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Abas Nurul Asniza , Mohd Adnan Munirah , Abd Rahman Normastura 
Published: November 2022

Dental assistant plays an important role in dental practice, performing both clinical and clerical duties to ensure the operation of dental clinic run smoothly and efficiently. As their daily tasks frequently involve the handling and cleaning of instruments contaminated with blood and saliva, they pose a significant risk to contracting infectious diseases due to the nature of their job[1]. A disparity exists in the educational qualifications of dental assistants working in various public and private dental facilities[2]. The knowledge related to infection control was questionable while the attitude and compliance towards practicing infection control measures need to be assessed. The study aimed to determine the mean score of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards infection control among dental assistants working in private dental clinics in Kelantan.

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 89 dental assistants who worked in the private dental clinics at all districts in Kelantan. The knowledge, attitude, and practice towards infection control were assessed using a newly developed questionnaire. The questionnaire was content and face validated, with CVI and FVI scores of 0.9 and 0.99, respectively. The questionnaire was administered to the dental assistants as a Google form. The maximum scores of knowledges, attitude, and practice were 33, 25 and 210, respectively. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows Version 26.0.

Result showed that the mean age was 28.7(SD=6.98). All of them were Malay and more than a third of respondents (34.8%) completed secondary school. The mean (SD) scores of knowledges, attitude, and practice towards infection control were 25.4(3.10), 23(2.25), and 176.2(14.77), respectively.
This study revealed that dental assistants in private dental clinics have limited knowledge at certain aspects of infection control. It is recommended that continuous training should be done regularly to maximize and enhance the compliance of dental assistants towards implementing infection control measures in the dental clinics. As employers, the dentists are responsible to ensure that their employees have adequate knowledge and continuous training in infection control procedures.
Association between Home-Cooking Frequency and Nutrient Intake Adequacy among Working Women in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Hisham Ain Syaqirah , Harith Sakinah 
Published: November 2022

Women, especially those already married, usually will manage most household chores, including cooking. However, more significant percentage of married women have worked for a living in addition to doing household chores now [1]. Due to the long hours of working, it is hard for the women to frequently prepare meals at home, resulting in a lower quality of nutrient intake. The convenience meals, fast food, and other foods cooked outside the house are linked with a significantly greater calorie, sodium, and fat intake and a poorer intake of micronutrients [2].
This cross-sectional study aims to determine the association between home cooking frequency and nutrient intake adequacy among working women in Malaysia. A total of 131 working women in Malaysia aged 18 to 60 were recruited using a convenience sampling method after excluding 9 participants due to the underreported dietary intake. The participants must answer the questionnaire regarding the frequency of cooking at home in a week. The nutrient intake is determined based on the 24-hours dietary recall and analyzed using Nutritionist Pro™ version 5.4.0 software. The participants were able to track their daily nutrient intake and home cooking frequency within a week.
The participants (median age: 27.0 ± 17 years) were aged between 18 to 60 years old, predominantly married (51.1%), Malay (96.9%), and full-time workers (92.4%), with monthly income for most of the participants (78.6%) are ≤ RM 4 850. Also, 52% of the participants work in the government sector and most current work at Terengganu (48.1%). Also, the majority of the participants do not have any children below 18 years old (70.2%). Most of them live together with their husband and children (41.2%), followed by parents (29%).
Most participants reported that they only tended to cook at home between zero to twice a week. Nevertheless, this study indicates that the median energy consumption is somewhat lower, at 1362 kcal, compared to the median energy intake of women from the 2014 Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS), which is 1445 kcal [3]. More than half of the individuals (54.2 %) had a poor diet, with scores of less than 51.

To conclude, from this study, it is reported that most working women do not get a proper nutrient intake due to the long working hours and other responsibilities. This study revealed that adequate nutritional intake differed considerably between working women who regularly cooked throughout the week and those who did not. Understanding healthy food and ingredient selection along with healthy preparation may improve dietary habits while cooking food at home. Hence, simply devoting time to cooking food at home may not result in a healthy diet since other variables such as socioeconomic position, attitudes, and family preparation abilities may impact diet quality.
Assessing the Change in Pattern of Dental Visits and Treatment Performed at Primary Care Centre (PCC) in Selangor During the Pre-pandemic and During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mat Said Suhaila , Sinor Mohd Zulkarnain , Ahmad Basaruddin , Omar Kamariah 
Published: November 2022

Emerging of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the delivery of healthcare services, including oral healthcare services. All dental procedures generate aerosol, and droplet from infected patients may lead to virus transmission [1]. Thus, dental visits and treatment during COVID-19 outbreak in primary care were restricted to only emergency cases. Dental visits provide a true picture of utilisation of dental services. Utilisation of dental services is vital for an individual life because underutilisation can lead to poor oral health. This study sought to explore and elucidate the changing pattern of dental visits and treatment performed in Primary Care Centres (PCC) during the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic.

This retrospective record review of dental visits and treatment was conducted by retrieving the Monthly Workload State Report of Dental Officer (PG 207) and Dental Therapist (PG 206) at the Oral Health Division in Selangor from January 2018 to December 2021. The data was the total number of each month’s dental visit and treatment performed. A descriptive analysis was reported in frequency, percentage, and graph. Chi-Square was used to test the association with the significance level set at p˂0.05, was carried out in OpenEpi online software.

During pre and pandemic COVID-19, dental visits at the PCC were higher among schoolchildren (67.0%), followed by adults (24.3%) and antenatal mothers (2.6%). The most common dental treatment recorded during the pre-pandemic was filling (85.5%), and tooth extraction (27.3%). The changing pattern of dental visits and treatment given was observed during the pandemic. The spiking points identified were correlated with changes in policies implemented nationwide during the MCO phase, as declared by the National Security Council. The number of dental visits was low (14.4%) during MCO 2. Due to the closure of schools in MCO 2 in January 2021, the number of dental visits was found to be low. There is an association in the number of dental visits with the phase of MCO (p˂0.01).

The pattern of dental visits and treatments performed changed during the pandemic. The number of dental visits and dental treatment performed at the PCC was reduced during the pandemic, particularly in the Movement Control Order (MCO) phase in Selangor.
Antiviral Activity of Syzygium polyanthum Extract against Herpes Simplex Virus-Type 1 (HSV-1)
Authors: Mohd Jaafar Nur Sahira , Abd Wahab Noor Zarina 
Published: November 2022

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is part of the alpha subfamily of human herpesviruses. Several antiviral medications can be prescribed for treating HSV-1 which is usually first line antiviral agents such as acyclovir (ACV). But there are several cases that have been reported on ACV resistance to HSV, thus, researchers tend to develop the antiviral agent from plants extract. Syzygium polyanthum is one of the plants that has been traditionally used as a drug which is rich in bioactive compounds, including essential oils, terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids [1]. These phytochemical compounds, which have strong antioxidant action, can aid in the inhibition of viral genome replication which disables the viral lipid envelope [2].

The objective of this study is to determine the cytotoxic concentration (CC50) and antiviral activity of S. polyanthum methanolic extract. Cytotoxicity was performed using the method described by [3]. The absorbance readings were analysed using microplate reader (Infinite M200 Pro). The 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) was defined as the sample concentration that able to reduce 50% of cell viability compared to the untreated cells. Antiviral activity was performed by using plaque reduction assay with three different treatments [3] which are post- treatment, pre-treatment and virucidal assay.

Based on Figure 1, cytotoxicity screening against Vero cells using MTT assay showed that the CC50 values for extract was 0.135 mg/mL which considered not in the range of cytotoxic compounds. Any CC50 or IC50 of a substance less than 4 µg/mL was considered an active cytotoxic effect [4].
Based on Figure 2, post treatment assay showed the most anti-HSV-1 activity of S. polyanthum extract which the EC50 and SI value were 0.015mg/mL and 9.03, respectively. The extract showed to be slightly effective in reducing HSV-1 replication after 2-hour incubation which might be due to the inhibition in the early phase of the attachment. For pre-treatment, EC50 and SI values were 0.019 mg/mL and 7.12, which the extract showed to be moderately effective in inhibiting the attachment of HSV-1 before the replication can occur. This might occur as Vero cells bind to the extract that could interfere with the cell membrane's glycoprotein receptors which prevented HSV-1 from attaching to the cell surface [5]. The EC50 and SI value for virucidal assay was 0.018 mg/mL and 7.28 as the result showed moderately effective inhibited the viral replication. S. polyanthum has been shown to directly inactivate HSV-1 virions within 30 minutes of exposure in this study. An SI value greater than 10 (SI>10) indicates that any antimicrobial compound has the potency to become an antiviral treatment agent [6].
In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrate that S. polyanthum extract seems to have moderate antiviral effects and non-toxic to Vero cells.
The Use of Adeno-associated virus (AAV) in Vaccine Development
Authors: Xuan Keh Min , Mohd Asri Nur Ain , Suppian Rafeah , Mohd Nor Norazmi , Azlan Maryam , Camacho Frank 
Published: November 2022

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a very tiny (20-26 nm) icosahedral and non-enveloped virus, and it belongs to the Parvoviridae family. AAV vectors are the most widely used option for gene therapy and delivery of therapeutic antibodies due to their relatively low immunogenicity, high safety profile, broad tropism, and their tendency to maintain long-term gene expression [1]. AVV vectors are developed by transfection of human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 T cells with transgene, packaging and helper plasmids [2]. Several clinical studies have investigated the use of AAV vectors for gene therapy in treating of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and prostate cancer [3]. AAV vectors have previously been used to treat muscular diseases, but in recent years, their usage as vaccine vectors to cure or prevent infectious diseases including HIV, HPV, and influenza has expanded [4].

Here, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of AAV in vaccine development, and future approaches in improving the drawbacks caused by AAV-based vaccines. Numerous animal investigations have been conducted to explore vaccine vectors against various illnesses, suggesting a possibility for AAV-based vaccinations. Clinical studies on humans are, however, uncommon because, in contrast to other viral vectors, AAV induces a poor humoral and cellular immune response. Additionally, infectious vaccinations often target a large group of healthy individuals across a variety of ages, including children and teenagers. Therefore, compared to AAV-based gene therapies, vaccinations based on AAV vectors need to be more cost-effective and need more robust safety control.

According to several research, AAV vector vaccines have been shown to induce a stronger or longer lasting antibody response in comparison to other vaccination approaches, such as DNA, recombinant proteins, inactivated viruses, or virus-like particles (VLPs) [5]. However, AAV vectors are thought to have a low immunogenic profile in comparison to other viral vectors. The main limitations of AAV vectors are their low transgenic capacity and widespread pre-existing immunity in humans [6]. Currently, strategies for improving AAV immunogenicity and circumventing pre-existing immunity are actively being investigated. The research undertaken so far have highlighted numerous significant benefits of AAV vectors for immunisation. Despite all the advantages, there are still a variety of challenges that limit the use of these vectors as a vaccine in humans. Thus, it is necessary to overcome these challenges in order to make AAV-based vaccines effective.
A Critique of the Theory of Comparative Propensity
Authors: Robinson Peter 
Published: November 2022

The law of propensity evidence is in a state of flux in Australia as various State jurisdictions decide on their responses to recommendations of the Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Controversy persists about the probative value of such evidence, not limited to child sexual assault cases. An influential theory in this area is the theory of comparative propensity, advocated by Professor Hamer, and approved in a qualified way by the Royal Commission. The theory employs a mathematical model based on Bayes’ equation to estimate the probative value of such evidence. This article critiques the theory and concludes that it does not reflect the real world factors that impact the probative value of such evidence.
Mid-infrared Polarization of the Diffuse Interstellar Medium toward CygOB2-12
Authors: Telesco Charles M. , Varosi Frank , Wright Christopher , Draine Bruce T. , Fernández Acosta Sergio José , Packham Christopher 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
We present the first mid-IR detection of the linear polarization toward the star CygOB2-12, a luminous blue hypergiant that, with A

V
≈ 10 mag of foreground extinction, is a benchmark in the study of the properties of dust in the diffuse interstellar medium. The 8–13 μm spectropolarimetry, obtained with the CanariCam multimode camera at the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS shows clear trends with wavelength characteristic of silicate grains aligned in the interstellar magnetic field. The maximum polarization, detected with 7.8σ statistical significance near 10.2 μm, is (1.24 ± 0.28)% with position angle 126° ± 8°. We comment on these measurements in the context of recent models for the dust composition in the diffuse interstellar medium.
Survivre : Notre ultime sabotage. Ravensbrück, Mémoires pour l’avenir , Paris, éditions Tirésias – Michel Reynaud, 2022
Authors: Bouchery Dominique 
Published: November 2022

Cet article, propose un compte rendu du récent ouvrage Survivre. Notre ultime sabotage. Ravensbrück. Mémoires pour l’avenir (Paris, éditions Tirésias – Michel Reynaud, 2022). Après avoir présenté brièvement la figure de Germaine Tillion, l’auteur revient sur les différentes contributions de cet ouvrage collectif composite consacré à l’expérience concentrationnaire et aux engagements de la résistante et ethnologue française.