Phylogenomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 from third wave clusters in Malaysia reveals dominant local lineage B.1.524 and persistent spike mutation A701V

@#The emergence of a third wave of COVID-19 infection in Malaysia since September 2020 has led to imminent changes in public health prevention and control measures. As high as 96.2% of registered COVID-19 cases and 88.5% of confirmed deaths in Malaysia occurred during this third wave of infection. A phylogenomic study on 258 SARS-CoV-2 full genomes from February 2020-February 2021 has led to the discovery of a novel Malaysian lineage B.1.524. This lineage contains another spike mutation A701V that co-exists with the D614G spike mutation that was predominant in most of the third-wave clusters. The study provides vital genomic insights on the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Malaysia in conjunction with the presence of a dominant SARS-CoV-2 lineage during the third wave of COVID-19 infection.

The Influence Of Income Level And Remuneration Scheme On Job Satisfaction Among Professional Driving Instructors In Malaysia

@#This study aims to determine the job satisfaction (JS) level among professional driving instructors (PDIs) in the driver training and licensing system in Malaysia. Specifically, it looks at the influence of income level and remuneration scheme on PDI’s satisfaction. The average income of PDI is relatively low with three remuneration schemes: fixed income; fixed income plus commission; and commission only. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey using the 20-item Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) (short-form) with end-specified 10-point scale. Analysis of the data revealed that PDIs with higher income are more satisfied with their job, t (179) = -3.248, p = 0.001. Similarly, three level One-way ANOVA of JS scores with three remuneration schemes revealed a significant difference of JS across these schemes, F (2,178) = 3.51, p ≤ 0.032. Researchers’ further exploration found a significant interaction between these two variables (income level vs. remuneration scheme), F (5,175) = 4.88, p = 0.001. In general, PDIs with higher income are more satisfied with their job only if they received it as a fixed income (regardless of having commission or not). This insightful finding can be a basis for relevant stakeholders in understanding the influence of income and remuneration scheme towards JS among PDIs in Malaysia.

Influence of salivary pH on the sorption rate of nano-filled composite resin.

Background: Physical properties of a resin composite are as important for the longevity of composite material as the mechanical properties are for its survival in the oral environment. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of artificial saliva with different pH (4.6, 5.1, 5.7, 6.3, 6.9, 7.5 & 8.1) on the sorption of dental nano-filled composites. Material and Methods: 5 disc shaped specimens were made for each group of pH with nano-filled composite resin and immersed for four weeks. Optical density was measured in Ultraviolet Vis Spectrophotometer. Statistical one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used throughout this study. Results: No significant differences were detected in specimens of any group of pH. Conclusions: Salivary pH has no effect on the nano-filled dental composite material. Future research needs to test more experimental designs that could depict the clinical behavior of the restorative material in vitro environment.

Decay in intact DNA recovery in blood samples kept at room temperature.

Blood Samples were kept at room temperature for a period of 3-6 months at room temperature to know the amount of quantitative DeoxyriboNucleic Acid [DNA] recovery from these samples. We are able to recover good amount of DNA for about first 3-6 weeks after which the DNA is decreased drastically and after two months there hardly any chance of intact DNA recovery from these samples. It has been concluded that blood samples recovered from scene of crime after about 1-2 months is a waste. The samples must be recovered as early as possible to recover intact DNA from them. The samples must be collected within 1-2 months from scene of crime until and unless the climate is cold enough to increases decay time. This study is very useful for the investigating authorities which can make errors while collecting blood samples for DNA analysis.

Pattern of Ptosis in Kano North-West Nigeria

Objective: Epidemiological data on ptosis are generally lacking in the developing nations. The aim of this study was to assess the seven years pattern of ptosis in a Nigerian Specialist Hospital; Kano North-West Nigeria. Method: The records of patients' diagnosis as ptosis between 2000 and 2006 were scrutinized. Data such as age; sex; cause; socioeconomic status; side of ptosis and management were obtained. Result: A total number of 104 patients were recorded. High prevalence was found as follows: male 102(65.4); right side (61.5); trauma (RTA) (60.9); civil servants (38.5.8) and age group: 51-60 years (25.6). Conclusion: It was concluded that trauma from road traffic accident (RTA) is the major aetiological factor and the right side mostly affected. Recommendation: It is recommended that surgical training and facilities for ptosis correction is off priority