Copy number variation of FCGR3B gene among severe dengue patient in Malaysia / Umi Shakina Haridan

Fc Gamma Receptor 3B (FcyRIIIB, encoded by the gene FCGR3B) plays a crucial role in immunity triggered by cellular effector and regulatory functions. Copy number variation (CNV) of this gene has been previously reported to affect susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. However, it remains a challenge to accurately determine the copy number of this gene in different individuals. Thus this study aimed to establish the most robust CNV genotyping assay by comparing the accuracy and efficiency of (i) quantative PCR (qPCR), (ii) Sequenom Mass ARRAY, and (iii) Paralogue Ratio Test-Restriction Enzyme Digest Variant Ratio (PRT-REDVR). Subsequently the distribution of FCGR3B CNV among the dengue patients in Malaysia was characterized and its association with the severity of the disease was determined. A total of 237 samples were recruited from various study hospitals, of which 191 samples were included into further experiments. 120 were clinically diagnosed as severe dengue or warning sign, while 71 were dengue fever (DF). In the comparison of the three CNV genotyping assays, qPCR showed a considerably broader distribution of signal intensity compared to the other assays, potentially introducing error in estimation of copy number. Both Sequenom and PRTREDVR showed lesser systematic bias, and estimate copy number within the correct range, although PRT-REDVR appears to be more precise and accurate method when genotype FCGRSB. Collectively PRT-REDVR was considered to be most appropriate in the study of multiallelic CNV of FCGR3B. Multiple independent assays should be considered to accurately genotype the CNV of FCGR3B. In the second part of the study, 168 dengue samples (108 case, defined as dengue patients with signs of vascular leakage, and 60 control, defined as dengue patients without vascular leakage) and 52 of healthy samples genotyped with PRT-REDVR were included in the genetic association study. The analysis revealed statistical significance between CNV of FCGR3B of control, case and dengue sample against CNV of FCGR3B of healthy sample, respectively (p = 0.012, p = 0.007 and p = 0.012). On the other hand, there is no significance association shows between case and control (p = 0.301). However, a trend towards the low copy number (CN <2) in case was observed, hence postulating that lower copy number may be attributed with vascular leakage in dengue. Larger number of samples however, is needed to address this postulation

A comparative study of natural rubber modified with ground tire rubber of truck

The recycling of waste rubber has considerable significance in term of environmental protection and energy conservation. Considering that most of the relevant literature is concerned with tire recycling, the aim of this work was to develop and characterize the elastomeric samples of natural rubber (NR) composites filled with ground tire rubber of truck (GTR) devulcanized by microwave (DGTR). The tire rubber was ground under ambient conditions and subjected to microwave exposure for 3, 5 and 10 minutes. The samples were developed by the incorporation of 10, 30 and 50 phr (parts per hundred of rubber) of the devulcanized GTR-t into the rubber matrix and subsequent revulcanization. The physical mechanical properties: tensile strength, elongation at break, shore A hardness and modulus were determined. The changes in the chemical characteristics were evaluated with cross-link density, sol fraction and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analyses. In addition, the samples have been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results were compared with an unfilled sample of NR submitted to the same condition

WHAT DO SHARIAH BOARDS THINK ABOUT AI?

This paper provides a critical discussion on the functions and capabilities of Shariah boards, considering their ultimate authority in delivering Shariah assurance to stakeholders of Islamic banks. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the proficiency of Islamic banking in the realm of digital finance advancement while ensuring rigorous adherence to Shariah principles. This paper discusses the significance of robo advisory in facilitating real-time Shariah counsel by Shariah boards. Additionally, it highlights the potential of blockchain management systems (BMS) in augmenting the monitoring function of Shariah boards, namely in conducting reviews and audit assessments to ensure Shariah compliance in Islamic banks

Shariah auditing and Shariah compliance assurance in Malaysian Islamic banks

Shariah committees (SCs) of Islamic banks have the crucial governance role of providing Shariah compliance assurance. In order to maintain the integrity of the bank in conforming with religious faith SBs should have the talent and others include contributing to Shariah audit task. To gain an in-depth understanding on the Shariah compliance audit role of SB, our present study has performed semi-structured intrerviews banks. Our study shows that the diverse Shariah and non-Shariah backgrounds of SB members could result in a more holistic view of Shariah issues, being more vocal in giving opinion and critism on the Shariah audit practices undertaken the existence of imbalance competency among SB members and the absence of proper Shariah audit framework in the two banks governance framework. As a result, most of the SB members delegate their Shariah audit role to be mainly performed by their Shariah audit division whose outcome will be submitted to them for approval. We argue that this passive role of SB members triggers concern on their independence and, consequently, compromised the Shariah compliance assurance provided to stakeholders

Governance, religious assurance and Islamic banks: do Shariah boards effectively serve?

This study examines the quality of governance and religious assurance provided by Shariah boards (SBs) when undertaking the crucial compliance review required in fulfilling the expected ethical and social legitimacy of Islamic banks. To better understand the complex behavioural processes, we explore the governance role of SBs and assess issues related to competence, effectiveness and independence in the light of the newly adopted 2011 Malaysian Shariah Governance Framework (SGF). A series of semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key individuals in two well-established fully-fledged Malaysian Islamic banks. Our findings reveal that the newly implemented SGF has generally brought about some of the benefits hoped for by its regulatory architects. We find the quality of religious assurance to have been enhanced due to the emphasis placed on religious audit giving rise to improved credibility. However, we report the compliance review process to be inadequately undertaken with SBs still excessively reliant on internal officers implying possible independence compromise. We highlight concerns relating to (1) the general level of competency of individual SB members; (2) lack of technical banking and finance knowledge; and (3) SB members generally fulfilling a ceremonial role rather than undertaking vigilant monitoring. Our findings lead us to question the full impact of the new 2011 SGF and query the value and effectiveness of SBs. We make the call for the establishment of external religious auditors to render compliance assurance which could provide the much-needed impetus to improve governance and increase market and stakeholder confidence

Financial technology inclusion in Islamic banks: implication on Shariah compliance assurance

The global technology development has made rapid changes and revolution on the financial services landscape that enforce most banking system including Islamic banks to be more innovative and digitalized. In relation to the technology growth, Islamic banks are now collaborating with Financial Technology (FinTech) companies to grow their market shares. Through critical review of the literatures, we highlight that the inclusion of FinTech may provide important avenues for the Islamic banking industry to offer more innovative financial technology products while being conscious on the morality and Shariah compliant aspects. Besides the beneficial impact and value creation on the application of technology system and information, we also critically highlight several issues on financial risk associated from the technology development and Shariah compliance. We also highlight that it is crucial role for Shariah boards to have the necessary knowledge and skills and to be active with the management of Islamic banks in developing new financial technology products

Copy Number Variation of FCGR3B on Negrito-Mendriq / Mohd Helmy Yusof, Umi Shakina Haridan and Muhamad Rahimi Che Hassan

Fc Gamma Receptor 3B (FcγRIIIB, encoded by the gene FCGR3B) plays a crucial role in immunity response activated by cellular effectors and regulatory functions. Copy number variation (CNV) of this gene has been previously reported to affect susceptibility to several diseases such as autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory response. One of the rarest and smallest tribes of Orang Asli which is Negrito-Mendriq sample was used as a subject in this study. Twenty-two (22) Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) of Negrito-Mendriq was obtained from the deposited cell archive, Institute Medical Molecular Biotechnology, IMMB (UiTM Sg Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia) and the LCLs were revived. The DNA was extracted from the LCL and finally PRT – REDVR assay was carried for FCGR3B copy number genotyping. Analysis revealed that copy number 2 demonstrated the highest distribution for FCGR3B (90.9%); whilst no copy number loss was found for FCGR3B. For high copy number (>2), 9.1% was obtained. Copy number greater than 3 (>3) was not found in this study. Finally, it was concluded that no significant difference of CNV of FCGR3B for Orang Asli Negrito-Mendriq when compared with the reported studies. CNV of FCGR3B genes of Negrito-Mendriq was found normal in this study, where the pattern of copy number distribution was almost similar with previously reported studies

Understanding the genomic structure of copy number variants of the low-affinity Fcγ receptor region allows confirmation of the association of FCGR3B deletion with rheumatoid arthritis

Fcγ receptors are a family of cell-surface receptors that are expressed by a host of different innate and adaptive immune cells and mediate inflammatory responses by binding the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG). In humans, five low affinity receptors are encoded by the genes FCGR2A, FCGR2B, FCGR2C, FCGR3A and FCGR3B, which are located in a 82.5kb segmental tandem duplication on chromosome 1q23.3, which shows extensive copy number variation. Deletions of FCGR3B have been suggested to increase the risk of inflammatory diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study we identify the deletion breakpoints of FCGR3B deletion alleles in the UK population and endogamous Native American populations, and show that some but not all alleles are likely to be identical-by-descent. We also localise a duplication breakpoint, confirming that the mechanism of CNV generation is non-allelic homologous recombination, and identify several alleles with gene conversion events using fosmid sequencing data. We use information on the structure of the deletion alleles to distinguish FCGR3B deletions from FCGR3A deletions in whole genome aCGH data. Reanalysis of published aCGH data supports association of FCGR3B deletion with increased risk rheumatoid arthritis in a large cohort of 1982 cases and 3271 controls (Odds Ratio 1.61, p=2.9x10-3)

Self-reported on food allergy among university students in Dengkil, Selangor

Prevalence of allergy is a worldwide issue. The outbreak contributes to social and economic burden of the sufferer as well as the society. In Malaysia, the condition has continued to worsen due to the misconception of certain allergy symptom. It also leads to improper clinical diagnosis which affects the accuracy of treatment and upturns the cost further. This circumstances are corresponded to the level of public awareness and knowledge about the terms, symptoms and allergy prevention. This study highlighted the allergy prevalence among young adults based on self–reported approach. This cross-sectional study involved 138 students between the age of 18 to 19 years old from the Centre of Foundation Studies, UiTM Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Dengkil. Overall, the allergy prevalence reported in this study showed higher occurrence compared to previous study of self-reported and clinical data within the same population. The data indicated that n=80 (58%) of respondents indicating seafood such as shrimp as the most common implicated food allergen at n=43 (31.25%) followed by house dust mite at n=40 (29%) and peanuts at n=14 (10.1%). Pearson correlation between respondents’ knowledge of allergy terms, causes and symptoms with allergy prevention and treatment practice shows high significant correlation with (r = 0.387, P<0.001). Chi Square Test among students with allergies who were getting consultation from health personnel showed significant association (P<0.001) in which 41 (59.4%) of students with allergies do not consult any health personnel. As a conclusion, self-reported is only useful to give surface overview on allergy prevalence, but detailed clinical diagnosis is compulsory to ensure the effectiveness of allergy prevention and treatment in the future

Socio-demographic factors of allergy awareness among pre-university Student in Selangor

Allergic disease is a worldwide public health issues and substantially growing over the past 20 years. Due to drastically changes of environmental and dietary culture within the population, Malaysia as one of the developing country is no exception to face the same problem. This study aimed to assess the awareness of allergy diseases and its prevalence using cross-sectional survey method. This study that has been conducted to 138 students from University Teknologi Mara Cawangan Dengkil, Selangor, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Based on sociodemographic data, the mean of knowledge between science and non-science students showed the significant difference. Respondents from Science course score significantly higher for part B (4.54 ± 1.654) compare with other courses. The outcome of the study also showed that, among 138 respondents, n=80 (58%) of them perceived themselves to suffer allergy diseases and it symptoms. Common food to cause food allergy in this study were identified as seafood with n=43 (31.25%) followed with dust with n=40 (29%), peanuts with n=14 (10.1%). The study also indicated the intricate situation of cross reactivity as n=21(15.2%), n=6 (4.3%) and n=1(0.7) of respondents suffered with two, three and four multi allergy reaction respectively. The factor such as family history which subjected to predisposition of genetic factor was strongly associated with occurrence of allergic among respondents. It determined from Chi Square Test (X²) that showed that, there is high significant association (P<0.001) between parental allergies with respondents allergies. As overall, it can be conclude that the knowledge of allergy term, cause and prevention were relatively low among population under study as compared to the previous study