ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2, which severely affects the morbidity of people living with non-communicable diseases. Therefore, the Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research has taken the initiative to search for plant extracts and phytoconstituents with potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties in vitro. Material(s) and Method(s): The antiviral activities of potential plant-derived candidates against SARS-CoV-2 infection in Vero-E6 cells were assessed. The two steps viral induced-cytopathic effect (CPE) screening approach was used. Firstly, the SARS-CoV-2 was exposed with single doses (10 mug/mL or muM) of plant extracts and compounds after which the extracts and compounds with >=20% viral inhibitory activities were evaluated for dose-response antiviral activities. The dose-response antiviral activity for each extract and compound was quantitatively analyzed via a dose response curve using the Graphpad Prism software. Result(s) and Conclusion(s): From more than 60 plant extracts and compounds screened against the SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, at single dose exposure, 8 plant extracts and compounds showed >20% inhibition. Dose response analysis identified three plant extracts and one compound with potent antiviral activity (EC50<=10 mug/mL or muM) and high selectivity (SI>=10) towards the SARS-CoV-2. One of the extracts with potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was derived from the E. longifolia plant, a Malaysian medicinal plant. Further evaluation on the efficacy of this plant's extract and compounds in SARS-CoV-2 infected human lung cells and a COVID- 19 animal model is warranted.
ABSTRACT
The Covid-19 pandemic that hit the country in early 2020 has changed the lifestyles of people around the world. Day after day, the impact of this pandemic seems to be endless but the number of daily cases in Malaysia is increasing and the situation is very worrying for the country. Based on this scenario, facing this pandemic is an urgency while addressing it is a necessity that all Malaysians, including public university (PU) citizens, should face. The main objective of this paper is to identify the need for product innovation during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as direct involvement of the PU in the East Coast zone of Malaysia namely Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang. Seven PU were selected namely UniSZA and UMT in Terengganu, UiTM, USM and UMK in Kelantan as well as UMP and UIAM in Pahang. The selection was made based on direct involvement in the development of innovative products based on the internet search. It also recognizes the capabilities, expertise, and facilities available especially in the areas of design, technology, and manufacturing. The information presented in this paper is fully obtained through literature studies, direct observations, and findings from previous research. Several examples of innovative products such as sanitation tunnels, personal protective equipment, cubical and disinfectant fluids developed by the seven PU's are presented and clearly described in their manufacturing, technology and uses. This paper concludes that the contribution of the innovative products provided by the PU had a huge impact on the country. This noble effort is a testimony of the love among Malaysians that is very strong in the face of misfortune, and it must be continued for the well-being of the people and the prosperity of the country.
ABSTRACT
Masjid is regarded as one of the most important institutions in Islam. During the post-Hijra phase of Muslim community in Madinah, masjid has been established as the centre for the ummah which significantly contributed to the arisen of Muslim civilitation in the past. Nowadays, most masjid however seem to have narrowed down its function for merely worshipping purposes. Notably, this institution is facing challenges to engage the whole segment of the society particularly Muslim youth, the failure of which would jeopadize the effort to instil the necessary Muslim characters and values in them. Covid-19 pandemic which had started in the first quarter of the year 2020 has further worsen the situation. If this problem persists, the future of masjid as the basic foundation of the ummah is threatened, uncertain and will continue to be less relevant in a community. The primary objective of this study is to analyse the initiatives taken in engaging Muslim youth with masjid before and during Covid-19 pandemic. A online survey was distributed to Muslim youth nationwide and a total of 556 responses were received and analysed. This study found that the initiatives taken to engage Muslim youth with masjid before and during Covid-19 pandemic are barely sufficient and need further improvement. A possibility of serious communication gap between masjid and the Muslim youth was also highlighted. This is the first large scale study on Covid-19 and its implications on the engagement of Muslim youth with masjid. The findings are regarded as relevant and beneficial to all relevant parties particularly the State Religious Authorities in their effort to improve the engagement of Muslim youth with masjid as well as to revive masjid as a prominent institution in the Muslim community in Malaysia. © 2021 Author(s).