High body fat percentage among adult women in Malaysia: the role of lifestyle

Body fat percentage is regarded as an important measurement for diagnosis of obesity. Theaim of this study is to determine the association of high body fat percentage (BF%) andlifestyle among adult women. The study was conducted on 327 women, aged 40-59 years,recruited during a health screening program. Data on socio-demography, dietary intake andphysical activity were collected through validated questionnaires. BF% was measured usingInBody 270 Body Impedance analyzer machine. Association between lifestyle factors andbody fat percentage were investigated using multiple linear regression, adjusted for age andbody mass index (BMI). Intake of protein, calcium and physical activity on householdintensity were the predictors of high BF%.Keywords: body fat; obesity; women; Malaysia; lifestyle

Refinement of Topographical Factor For Estimating Soil Loss and Sediment Yield in Equatorial Regions

This paper aims to improve the Topographical Factor for estimation soil loss and sediment yield in Equatorial region. In the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Topographical factor (LS) is derived as soil loss amount related to gently-inclined plane surface of 72.6ft (22.13m) slope length and 9% slope gradient in United States of America (USA). The terrains in equatorial region (especially at construction sites) comprise of more cone-shaped and pyramid- shaped characterized with steeper slopes and shorter slope lengths as compared to agricultural lands in USA. Topographical Factors (TT, TC & TP) in equatorial region were found as function of sediment yield (SY), surface runoff velocity (RV), and silt and clay compositions (SC). Triangular prism-shaped slope could be used as reference or indicator due to the shape is comparable or almost similar to that of the RUSLE’s gently-inclined plane surface. Cone-shaped and pyramid-shaped showed approximately 80% and 77%, respectively similar to triangular prism-shaped. Therefore, the Topographical Factors for triangular prism-shaped, cone-shaped and pyramid-shaped landscapes in equatorial region: Error! Reference source not found. (Triangular Prism), Error! Reference source not found. (Cone) andError! Reference source not found. (Pyramid)

Assessment of Soil Erosion by Simulating Rainfall on an Equatorial Organic Soil

Soil erosion occurs on construction sites partly due to site clearing that exposes the land to the erosive power of rainfall. A proposed construction project requires the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to assess the impact of the project on the environment. Assessment of soil erosion is included in the EIA, but the equation to estimate soil erosion known as the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) is only applicable to a soil containing up to four percent organic matter. This limitation of USLE requires an alternative that can predict soil erosion on an organic soil. This study attempts to assess erosion that occurs on an organic soil by simulated rainfall. Field soil samples were reconstructed into three shapes and exposed to simulated rainfall. Results indicate that the amount of organic soil loss decreases with increasing duration of rainfall. Particle size distribution shows that particles with sizes finer than coarse sand (1.7 mm) remained on the slopes. Equations were developed from the graphs of soil loss versus duration of simulated rainfall to estimate soil loss occurring on slopes covered by an organic soil. The outcome of this study can be a precursor to developing an equation to estimate soil erodibility of a slope overlain by an organic soil

Development of Rainfall Erosivity (R) In Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) For An Equatorial Region Of Sarawak

The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was developed for the Department of Agriculture of USA for predicting top soil erosion rate and sediment yield from agricultural areas or plantations located in temperate region, with extremely low annual rainfall (1,000 mm/year), as compared to equatorial region of more than 4,000 mm/year such as Sarawak whereby a great portion (>25%) of land area covered with peat. The primary objective of this research was to develop the factors of Rainfall Erosivity (R) for an equatorial region of Sarawak. In order to achieve the objective of this study, soil samples were collected from Sri Aman, Sarawak. The soil samples were tested for physical properties. A rainfall simulator was constructed to conduct six simulated rainfalls on three types of hill slopes; a cone, a pyramid, and a plateau. Photos of raindrops were taken with a high speed camera during simulated rainfalls to determine raindrop sizesand consequently to determine kinetic energy of the raindrops. Runoff samples were taken to determine sediment concentration. From the experimental results, it was observed that the median drop diameter for simulated rainfalls on the plateau-shape hill slope and cone-shaped hill slope was 2.0 mm. For simulated rainfall on pyramid-shaped hill slope, the median drop diameter was 2.5 mm. Values of total kinetic energy of raindrops on plateau-shaped hill slope, cone-shaped hill slope, and pyramid-shaped hill slope were 0.287 MJ/ha.mm, 0.332 MJ/ha.mm and 0.317 MJ/ha.mm, respectively. The rainfall intensities for simulated rainfalls on plateau-shaped hill slope, coneshaped hill slope and pyramid-shaped hill slope were 142.96 mm/h, 142.78 mm/h, and 151.17 mm/h, respectively. An equation of Total Kinetic Energy of rainfall for an equatorial region of Sarawak (Eeqt) was derived from correlations of kinetic energy of rainfall and rainfall intensity. The values of Equatorial Rainfall Erosvity (ER) were determined from multiplication of 30-minute rainfall intensity and Equatorial Kinetic Energy of Rainfall (Eeqt). Results of Equatorial Rainfall Erosivity (ER) and Rainfall Erosivity (R) were compared for the rainfall station of Kuching in the year 2014

Expression analysis and genotyping of DGKZ: a GWAS-derived risk gene for schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a disabling and severe mental illness characterized by abnormal social behavior and disrupted emotions. Similar to other neuropsychological disorders, both genetics and environmental factors interplay so as to develop SCZ. It is acknowledged that genes such as DGKZ are involved in lipid signaling pathways that are the basis of neural activities, memory, and learning and are considered as candidate loci for SCZ. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression level and genotypes of DGKZ in patients with SCZ and controls. We used q-PCR to measure the relative expression of DGKZ in blood. To determine DGKZ�rs7951870 genotypes, tetra-ARMS PCR was used. Our results showed a significant difference in DGKZ mRNA ratio between SCZ patients and healthy controls (P = 2 � 10 �4 ). Also, we showed that rs7951870-TT genotype was strongly associated with increased DGKZ expression level (P = 0.038). In conclusion, our findings revealed dysregulation of DGKZ in SCZ patients and a significant correction between the gene expression and DGKZ variant rs7951870. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V

Prevalence, predictors and clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. in Sebha, Libya

Blastocystis sp. has a worldwide distribution and is often the most common human intestinal protozoan reported in children and adults in developing countries. The clinical relevance of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis infection and its association with gastrointestinal symptoms among outpatients in Sebha city, Libya

The rs1986112 Variant is Associated with Increased RAB8B Gene Expression in Schizophrenic Patients

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a serious mental disorder that interferes with a person's cognitive processes and leads to social disability. A wide range of factors may play important roles in increased risk of SCZ development. Genetic contributors are among the most influential actors involved in different molecular mechanisms leading to the development of the nervous system, thus they play pivotal roles in psychotic disorders and SCZ development. RAB8B is characterized for its key roles in several cellular and molecular mechanisms which are linked with different psychotic disorders, such as SCZ. Methods: In this study, we assessed the expression level of RAB8B gene in blood samples of schizophrenic patients and normal healthy controls by means of quantitative real time PCR. We also investigated the correlation between RAB8B-rs1986112 genotypes and RAB8B expression levels through SNP genotyping by means of the PCR-RFLP method. Results: Our results indicated a significant difference of RAB8B mRNA ratio between SCZ patients and healthy controls. Moreover, we showed significant up-regulation of RAB8B in patients with rs1986112 GG and AG genotype compared to AA genotype. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a role for RAB8B and its regulatory variation, rs1986112 in SCZ development. © 2019 Verlag Klinisches Labor GmbH. All rights reserved

Effect of tapering diameters with microbottle resonator for formaldehyde (CH2O) liquid sensing

In this study, we demonstrate the effect of the microbottle resonator (MBR) based on whispering gallery modes (WGMs) with two different diameters of tapered microfibre and its experiment with the formaldehyde (CH2O) liquid sensor. The MBR with the bottle diameter, Db, of 190 μm was categorized by many spectra of transmission modes. Then, the MBR was energized through two tapered microfibres with different diameters, 8 μm and 10 μm. Differences between the two tapered microfibres with the MBR were determined for different concentration levels of sensing liquid. In addition, p-values and stability levels of the two tapered microfibres were calculated. According to the comparison results, the 8 μm tapered microfiber has a much better competency than the 10 μm tapered microfiber when using the MBR. © 201