Browse publications by year: 2014

1. Effect of deprotenizing agent and quantification of donepezil hydrochloride in human plasma

   Liew KB, Peh KK, Fung Tan YT

   Pak J Pharm Sci, 2014 Sep;27(5):1303-7.

   PMID: 25176366

   Abstract

   The effect of deprotenizing agents on recovery of donepezil hydrochloride in the development of a simple, rapid, selective and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography method for quantification of donepezil hydrochloride in human plasma was described. The deprotenizing agents were comprised of, perchloric acid, methanol, acetonitrile, chloroform and their mixtures. The chromatographic separation was carried out using reversed phase C18 column (Agilent Eclipse Plus C18) with UV detection at 268 nm. The mobile phase was comprised of 0.01 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer, methanol and acetronitrile (50:30:20, v/v) adjusted to pH 2.7 with phosphoric acid (80%). A combination of perchloric acid and methanol gave a cleaner sample with a good recovery of donepezil hydrochloride of above 96%. The method showed intraday precision and accuracy in the range of 6.82% to 1.5% and 3.13% to 1.12% respectively, while interday precision and accuracy ranged between 1.06% to 4.71% and 13.01% to 6.43% respectively. The standard calibration curve was linear from 30ng/mL to 4000ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9965±0.0034. The retention time of donepezil was 5.9 min with a run time of 7.0 min. The method can be applied to analyze large batch plasma samples in pharmacokinetic studies.

   MeSH terms: Blood Proteins/isolation & purification; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*; Humans; Indans/blood*; Piperidines/blood*
2. Anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties of Spirulina platensis and Spirulina lonar: a comparative study

   Somchit MN, Mohamed NA, Ahmad Z, Zakaria ZA, Shamsuddin L, Omar-Fauzee MS, et al.

   Pak J Pharm Sci, 2014 Sep;27(5):1277-80.

   PMID: 25176383

   Abstract

   Spirulina spp. is a blue-green algae belongs to the family of Oscillatoriaceae, which having diverse biological activity. The aim of this current study was to evaluate and compare the anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of Spirulina platensis/SP and Spirulina lonar/SL extracts. In the anti-pyretic study, the ability to reduce the rectal temperature of rats induced pyrexia with 2g/kg Brewer's Yeast (BY) was performed. Rats were dosed either 2 or 4 mg/kg SP or SL. Rectal temperature was taken every hour for 8 hours. Results shown that there were significant dose-dependent (p<0.05) reduction of both treatments. However, SP treatment revealed faster reduction in rectal temperature. For anti-inflammatory activity, the reduction in the volume of paw edema induced by Prostaglandin E2 (100 IU/rat intraplantar) was measured. Rats were dosed orally with 2 or 4 mg/kg SP or SL. The paw edema was measured every 30 minutes for 4 hours using plethysmometer. Results had shown a significant dose dependent reduction in diameter of paw edema (p<0.05). The finding suggests that SP and SL extracts have anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, SP was found to be more effective than SL as anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory agent.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*; Body Temperature/drug effects; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Rats; Spirulina*; Antipyretics/pharmacology*
3. Fulltext Severe Plasmodium falciparum infection mimicking acute myocardial infarction

   Sulaiman H, Ismail MD, Jalalonmuhali M, Atiya N, Ponnampalavanar S

   Malar J, 2014;13:341.

   PMID: 25176417 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-341

   Abstract

   This case report describes a case of presumed acute myocardial infarction in a returned traveler who was later diagnosed to have severe malaria. Emergency coronary angiography was normal and subsequent peripheral blood film was positive for Plasmodium falciparum.

   MeSH terms: Blood/parasitology; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis*; Myocardial Infarction/pathology*; Plasmodium falciparum/isolation & purification*; Malaria, Falciparum/diagnosis*; Malaria, Falciparum/pathology*; Coronary Angiography
4. Esterified sago waste for engine oil removal in aqueous environment

   Ngaini Z, Noh F, Wahi R

   Environ Technol, 2014 Nov-Dec;35(21-24):2761-6.

   PMID: 25176478 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2014.920051

   Abstract

   Agro-waste from the bark of Metroxylon sagu (sago) was studied as a low cost and effective oil sorbent in dry and aqueous environments. Sorption study was conducted using untreated sago bark (SB) and esterified sago bark (ESB) in used engine oil. Characterization study showed that esterification has successfully improved the hydrophobicity, buoyancy, surface roughness and oil sorption capacity of ESB. Sorption study revealed that water uptake of SB is higher (30 min static: 2.46 g/g, dynamic: 2.67 g/g) compared with ESB (30 min static: 0.18 g/g, dynamic: 0.14 g/g). ESB, however, showed higher oil sorption capacity in aqueous environment (30 min static: 2.30 g/g, dynamic: 2.14) compared with SB (30 min static: 0 g/g, dynamic: 0 g/g). ESB has shown great poTENTial as effective oil sorbent in aqueous environment due to its high oil sorption capacity, low water uptake and high buoyancy.

   MeSH terms: Adsorption; Agriculture; Esterification; Oils/chemistry*; Waste Products; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry*; Plant Bark/chemistry*; Arecaceae*; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Recycling
5. Fulltext Nephrogenic adenoma of the urethra presenting as hematuria

   Krishna Kumar G, Malcomson R, Chandran H

   Indian J Surg, 2014 Jun;76(3):228-9.

   PMID: 25177122 DOI: 10.1007/s12262-013-0932-2
6. Sport Psychology Service Provision: Preferences for Consultant Characteristics and Mode of Delivery among Elite Malaysian Athletes

   Ponnusamy V, Grove JR

   J Sports Sci Med, 2014 Sep;13(3):638-44.

   PMID: 25177193

   Abstract

   Factors relevant to the working alliance between athletes and sport psychology consultants were investigated in a sample of elite Malaysian athletes (n = 217). The athletes represented a variety of team and individual sports, and they provided information about the perceived importance of seven consultant characteristics/behaviors as well as seven program delivery options. At a full-sample level, general preferences were expressed for consultants to lead a physically active lifestyle, regularly attend training sessions and competitions, and have prior experience as an athlete or coach. General preferences were also expressed for program content to be determined by the coach or consultant, and for regular, small doses of mental skills training to be delivered in a face-to-face context throughout the year. At a sub-group level, team sport athletes had stronger preferences than individual sport athletes for program delivery on a group/team basis, while individual sport athletes had stronger preferences than team sport athletes for having a role in determining program content. Findings are discussed in relation to dominant value themes within Malaysian society and the reinforcement of these themes within specific sport subcultures. Key pointsConsultant characteristics and program delivery methods have an impact on the effectiveness of sport psychology services.Preferred consultant characteristics and preferred methods of delivery may be affected by cultural and subcultural values.Elite Malaysian athletes prefer consultants to lead a physically active lifestyle; to regularly attend training/competition; and to have prior experience as an athlete or coach.Elite Malaysian athletes also prefer that the coach or consultant determine program content, and that mental skills training take place in a face-to-face context throughout the year.
7. Fulltext Optical properties of ZnO/BaCO3 nanocomposites in UV and visible regions

   Zak AK, Hashim AM, Darroudi M

   Nanoscale Res Lett, 2014;9(1):399.

   PMID: 25177218 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-9-399

   Abstract

   Pure zinc oxide and zinc oxide/barium carbonate nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs and ZB-NPs) were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The prepared powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Auger spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD result showed that the ZnO and BaCO3 nanocrystals grow independently. The Auger spectroscopy proved the existence of carbon in the composites besides the Zn, Ba, and O elements. The UV-Vis spectroscopy results showed that the absorption edge of ZnO nanoparticles is redshifted by adding barium carbonate. In addition, the optical parameters including the refractive index and permittivity of the prepared samples were calculated using the UV-Vis spectra.

   MeSH terms: Barium; Carbon; Carbonates; Powders; Refractometry; Spectrum Analysis; X-Ray Diffraction; Zinc; Zinc Oxide; Zinc Compounds; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanoparticles
8. Fulltext Sensing and identification of carbon monoxide using carbon films fabricated by methane arc discharge decomposition technique

   Akbari E, Buntat Z, Enzevaee A, Yazdi MK, Bahadoran M, Nikoukar A

   Nanoscale Res Lett, 2014;9(1):402.

   PMID: 25177219 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-9-402

   Abstract

   Carbonaceous materials have recently received attention in electronic applications and measurement systems. In this work, we demonstrate the electrical behavior of carbon films fabricated by methane arc discharge decomposition technique. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of carbon films are investigated in the presence and absence of gas. The experiment reveals that the current passing through the carbon films increases when the concentration of CO2 gas is increased from 200 to 800 ppm. This phenomenon which is a result of conductance changes can be employed in sensing applications such as gas sensors.
9. Fulltext Layered double hydroxide nanocomposite for drug delivery systems; bio-distribution, toxicity and drug activity enhancement

   Kura AU, Hussein MZ, Fakurazi S, Arulselvan P

   Chem Cent J, 2014;8(1):47.

   PMID: 25177361 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-014-0047-2

   Abstract

   The production of layered double hydroxide(LDH) nanocomposite as an alternative drug delivery system against various ailments is on the increase. Their toxicity potential is usually dose and time dependent with particle sizes, shapes and surface charge playing some role both in the in vitro and in vivo studies. The reticular endothelial system of especially the liver and spleen were shown to sequestrate most of these nanocomposite, especially those with sizes greater than 50 nm. The intracellular drug delivery by these particles is mainly via endocytotic pathways aided by the surface charges in most cases. However, structural modification of these nanocomposite via coating using different types of material may lower the toxicity where present. More importantly, the coating may serve as targeting ligand hence, directing drug distribution and leading to proper drug delivery to specific area of need; it equally decreases the unwanted nanocomposite accumulation in especially the liver and spleen. These nanocomposite have the advantage of wider bio-distribution irrespective of route of administration, excellent targeted delivery potential with ease of synthetic modification including coating.
10. Fulltext Diagnostic Value of (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in Liver Metastases of Neuroendocrine Tumours of Unknown Origin

    Tan TH, Lee BN, Hassan SZ

    Nucl Med Mol Imaging, 2014 Sep;48(3):212-5.

    PMID: 25177378 DOI: 10.1007/s13139-013-0258-9

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: In neuroendocrine liver metastases of unknown primary, a multimodality approach is usually adopted and consists of transabdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine techniques, endoscopy and exploratory surgery. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of (68)Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography (PET)/CT as part of a multimodality approach in neuroendocrine liver metastases of unknown primary.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients (M:F = 5:1, age range 28-56 years) with immunohistochemically proven neuroendocrine liver metastases but inconclusive initial CT work-up were retrospectively analysed. Clinical finding, histopathology, comparative imaging and follow-up were used to validate the results when ethically justified.

    RESULTS: (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT identified the primary tumour in five out of six (83.3 %) patients: pancreas (n = 4) and stomach (n = 1). Out of three patients with indeterminate primary on initial CT, two patients were confirmed by (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. Absence of uptake in indeterminate primary of one patient was later confirmed negative by histopathology. In another three patients with undetected primary on initial CT, primary site was demonstrated in all patients with unsuspected metastases in two patients on (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/ CT. No further work-up was done to confirm the primary in patients with distant metastases. Change of management was observed in three out of six (50 %) patients.

    CONCLUSION: Our small study indicates that (68)Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT is a promising diagnostic option in the multimodality approach to neuroendocrine liver metastases of unknown primary origin.
11. Fulltext Susuk - black magic exposed "white" by dental radiographs

    F AT, Mohammed F

    J Clin Diagn Res, 2014 Jul;8(7):ZD03-4.

    PMID: 25177646 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/8671.4546

    Abstract

    Susuk or charm needles are a facial cum body art widely practiced among women of Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. These are small, needle-shaped metallic talismans inserted subcutaneously in different parts of the body. The concealed art of susuk was "exposed" by routine radiographic examination in the oral and maxillofacial region. This paper reports two such cases of unusual incidental radiographic finding in dental radiographs which were taken on a routine basis as part of the diagnostic work up. This article will also primarily enlighten the importance of radiographs in detecting such charm needles as the wearer keeps the body art a "hidden secret" thereby avoiding misdiagnosis.

    MeSH terms: Brunei; Cosmetic Techniques; Diagnostic Errors; Female; Humans; Indonesia; Malaysia; Needles; Radiography; Radiography, Dental; Singapore; Thailand; Incidental Findings
12. Fulltext Comparative transcriptome analysis of leaves and roots in response to sudden increase in salinity in Brassica napus by RNA-seq

    Yong HY, Zou Z, Kok EP, Kwan BH, Chow K, Nasu S, et al.

    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:467395.

    PMID: 25177691 DOI: 10.1155/2014/467395

    Abstract

    Amphidiploid species in the Brassicaceae family, such as Brassica napus, are more tolerant to environmental stress than their diploid ancestors.A relatively salt tolerant B. napus line, N119, identified in our previous study, was used. N119 maintained lower Na(+) content, and Na(+)/K(+) and Na(+)/Ca(2+) ratios in the leaves than a susceptible line. The transcriptome profiles of both the leaves and the roots 1 h and 12 h after stress were investigated. De novo assembly of individual transcriptome followed by sequence clustering yielded 161,537 nonredundant sequences. A total of 14,719 transcripts were differentially expressed in either organs at either time points. GO and KO enrichment analyses indicated that the same 49 GO terms and seven KO terms were, respectively, overrepresented in upregulated transcripts in both organs at 1 h after stress. Certain overrepresented GO term of genes upregulated at 1 h after stress in the leaves became overrepresented in genes downregulated at 12 h. A total of 582 transcription factors and 438 transporter genes were differentially regulated in both organs in response to salt shock. The transcriptome depicting gene network in the leaves and the roots regulated by salt shock provides valuable information on salt resistance genes for future application to crop improvement.

    MeSH terms: Transcription Factors/genetics; Transcription Factors/metabolism*; Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/physiology; Plant Leaves/physiology*; Plant Roots/physiology*; RNA, Plant/genetics*; Brassica napus/physiology*; Salinity; Salt-Tolerance/physiology*; Transcriptome/physiology*
13. Fulltext Robust fuzzy logic stabilization with disturbance elimination

    Danapalasingam KA

    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:171597.

    PMID: 25177713 DOI: 10.1155/2014/171597

    Abstract

    A robust fuzzy logic controller is proposed for stabilization and disturbance rejection in nonlinear control systems of a particular type. The dynamic feedback controller is designed as a combination of a control law that compensates for nonlinear terms in a control system and a dynamic fuzzy logic controller that addresses unknown model uncertainties and an unmeasured disturbance. Since it is challenging to derive a highly accurate mathematical model, the proposed controller requires only nominal functions of a control system. In this paper, a mathematical derivation is carried out to prove that the controller is able to achieve asymptotic stability by processing state measurements. Robustness here refers to the ability of the controller to asymptotically steer the state vector towards the origin in the presence of model uncertainties and a disturbance input. Simulation results of the robust fuzzy logic controller application in a magnetic levitation system demonstrate the feasibility of the control design.

    MeSH terms: Fuzzy Logic*; Mathematical Concepts
14. Fulltext Essential oil content of the rhizome of Curcuma purpurascens Bl. (Temu Tis) and its antiproliferative effect on selected human carcinoma cell lines

    Hong SL, Lee GS, Syed Abdul Rahman SN, Ahmed Hamdi OA, Awang K, Aznam Nugroho N, et al.

    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:397430.

    PMID: 25177723 DOI: 10.1155/2014/397430

    Abstract

    Curcuma purpurascens Bl., belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, is known as temu tis in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In this study, the hydrodistilled dried ground rhizome oil was investigated for its chemical content and antiproliferative activity against selected human carcinoma cell lines (MCF7, Ca Ski, A549, HT29, and HCT116) and a normal human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC5). Results from GC-MS and GC-FID analysis of the rhizome oil of temu tis showed turmerone as the major component, followed by germacrone, ar-turmerone, germacrene-B, and curlone. The rhizome oil of temu tis exhibited strong cytotoxicity against HT29 cells (IC50 value of 4.9 ± 0.4 μg/mL), weak cytotoxicity against A549, Ca Ski, and HCT116 cells (with IC50 values of 46.3 ± 0.7, 32.5 ± 1.1, and 35.0 ± 0.3 μg/mL, resp.), and no inhibitory effect against MCF7 cells. It exhibited mild cytotoxicity against a noncancerous human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC5), with an IC50 value of 25.2 ± 2.7 μg/mL. This is the first report on the chemical composition of this rhizome's oil and its selective antiproliferative effect on HT29. The obtained data provided a basis for further investigation of the mode of cell death.

    MeSH terms: Humans; Oils, Volatile/pharmacology*; Oils, Volatile/chemistry; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry; HT29 Cells; Rhizome/chemistry*; Curcuma/microbiology; Curcuma/chemistry*; HCT116 Cells; Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/analysis; Cell Proliferation/drug effects; Cytostatic Agents/pharmacology*; Cytostatic Agents/chemistry; MCF-7 Cells
15. Fulltext Quorum sensing activity of Mesorhizobium sp. F7 isolated from potable water

    Yong PL, Chan KG

    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:874764.

    PMID: 25177734 DOI: 10.1155/2014/874764

    Abstract

    We isolated a bacterial isolate (F7) from potable water. The strain was identified as Mesorhizobium sp. by 16S rDNA gene phylogenetic analysis and screened for N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) production by an AHL biosensor. The AHL profile of the isolate was further analyzed using high resolution triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) which confirmed the production of multiple AHLs, namely, N-3-oxo-octanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C8-HSL) and N-3-oxo-decanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C10-HSL). These findings will open the perspective to study the function of these AHLs in plant-microbe interactions.

    MeSH terms: RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Quorum Sensing*; Acyl-Butyrolactones/metabolism; Mesorhizobium/genetics; Mesorhizobium/metabolism; Mesorhizobium/physiology*; Drinking Water/microbiology*
16. Fulltext The influence of green surface modification of oil palm mesocarp fiber by superheated steam on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of oil palm mesocarp fiber/poly(butylene succinate) biocomposite

    Then YY, Ibrahim NA, Zainuddin N, Ariffin H, Yunus WM, Chieng BW

    Int J Mol Sci, 2014;15(9):15344-57.

    PMID: 25177865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915344

    Abstract

    In this paper, superheated steam (SHS) was used as cost effective and green processing technique to modify oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) for biocomposite applications. The purpose of this modification was to promote the adhesion between fiber and thermoplastic. The modification was carried out in a SHS oven at various temperature (200-230 °C) and time (30-120 min) under normal atmospheric pressure. The biocomposites from SHS-treated OPMFs and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) at a weight ratio of 70:30 were prepared by melt blending technique. The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the biocomposites were evaluated. This study showed that the SHS treatment increased the roughness of the fiber surface due to the removal of surface impurities and hemicellulose. The tensile, flexural and impact properties, as well as dimensional stability of the biocomposites were markedly enhanced by the presence of SHS-treated OPMF. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed improvement of interfacial adhesion between PBS and SHS-treated OPMF. This work demonstrated that SHS could be used as an eco-friendly and sustainable processing method for modification of OPMF in biocomposite fabrication.

    MeSH terms: Butylene Glycols/chemistry*; Fruit/chemistry; Hydrolysis; Polymers/chemistry*; Polysaccharides/chemistry*; Steam*; Temperature*; Tensile Strength*; Arecaceae/chemistry*; Green Chemistry Technology/methods
17. Fulltext Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Dosage Based on Body Weight Enhances Ovulatory Responses and Subsequent Embryo Production in Goats

    Rahman MR, Rahman MM, Wan Khadijah WE, Abdullah RB

    Asian-Australas J Anim Sci, 2014 Sep;27(9):1270-4.

    PMID: 25178370 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2013.13786

    Abstract

    An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of porcine follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH) dosage based on body weight (BW) on ovarian responses of crossbred does. Thirty donor does were divided into 3 groups getting pFSH dosages of 3, 5, and 8 mg pFSH per kg BW, respectively, and were named as pFSH-3, pFSH-5 and pFSH-8, respectively. Estrus was synchronized by inserting a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device and a single injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). The pFSH treatments were administered twice a day through 6 decreasing dosages (25, 25, 15, 15, 10, and 10% of total pFSH amount; decreasing daily). Ovarian responses were evaluated on Day 7 after CIDR removal. After CIDR removal, estrus was observed 3 times in a day and pFSH treatments were initiated at 2 days before the CIDR removal. All does in pFSH-5 and pFSH-8 showed estrus signs while half of the does in pFSH-3 showed estrus signs. No differences (p>0.05) were observed on the corpus luteum and total ovarian stimulation among the treatment groups, while total and transferable embryos were higher (p<0.05) in pFSH-5 (7.00 and 6.71) than pFSH-3 (3.00 and 2.80) and pFSH-8 (2.00 and 1.50), respectively. In conclusion, 5 mg pFSH per kg BW dosage gave a higher number of embryos than 3 and 8 mg pFSH per kg BW dosages. The results indicated that the dosage of pFSH based on BW is an important consideration for superovulation in goats.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Body Weight; Corpus Luteum; Embryo Transfer; Estrus; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Goats; Superovulation; Swine; Dinoprost; Drug Liberation
18. Toward understanding Malaysian fishermen's decision making on the use of fishing technology: a mental model approach

    Hamzah A, Krauss SE, Shaffril HA, Suandi T, Ismail IA, Abu Samah B

    Int J Psychol, 2014 Oct;49(5):397-403.

    PMID: 25178962 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12010

    Abstract

    The vast majority of Malaysia's fishermen are located in rural areas, specifically in the Western and Eastern coastal regions of Peninsular Malaysia and the Sabah and Sarawak central zones. In these areas, the fishing industry is relied upon as a major economic contributor to the region's residents. Despite the widespread application of various modern technologies into the fishing industry (i.e., GPS, sonar, echo sounder, remote sensing), and the Malaysian government's efforts to encourage their adoption, many small-scale fishermen in the country's rural areas continue to rely on traditional fishing methods. This refusal to embrace new technologies has resulted in significant losses in fish yields and needed income, and has raised many questions regarding the inputs to decision making of the fishermen. Drawing on multiple literatures, in this article we argue for the use of a mental model approach to gain an in-depth understanding of rural Malaysian fishermen's choices of technology adoption according to four main constructs--prior experience, knowledge, expertise and beliefs or values. To provide needed inputs to agricultural specialists and related policy makers for the development of relevant plans of action, this article aims to provide a way forward for others to understand dispositional barriers to technology adoption among fishermen who use traditional methods in non-Western contexts.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Culture; Decision Making*; Diffusion of Innovation*; Fisheries*; Humans; Malaysia; Models, Psychological*; Technology*; Knowledge
19. Fulltext Developing and evaluating health education learning package (HELP) to control soil-transmitted helminth infections among Orang Asli children in Malaysia

    Al-Delaimy AK, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Lim YA, Nasr NA, Sady H, Atroosh WM, et al.

    Parasit Vectors, 2014;7:416.

    PMID: 25179100 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-416

    Abstract

    This study was carried out to develop a health education learning package (HELP) about soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, and to evaluate what impact such a package could have in terms of reducing the incidence and intensity of STH infections among Orang Asli schoolchildren in Pahang, Malaysia.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Anthelmintics/therapeutic use; Child; Feces/parasitology; Female; Health Education/methods*; Helminthiasis/drug therapy; Helminthiasis/prevention & control*; Humans; Hygiene; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Schools; Socioeconomic Factors; Soil/parasitology*; Albendazole/therapeutic use; Prevalence
20. International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 43 countries for 2007-2012. Device-associated module

    Rosenthal VD, Maki DG, Mehta Y, Leblebicioglu H, Memish ZA, Al-Mousa HH, et al.

    Am J Infect Control, 2014 09;42(9):942-56.

    PMID: 25179325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.05.029

    Abstract

    We report the results of an International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2007-December 2012 in 503 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. During the 6-year study using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) U.S. National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI), we collected prospective data from 605,310 patients hospitalized in the INICC's ICUs for an aggregate of 3,338,396 days. Although device utilization in the INICC's ICUs was similar to that reported from ICUs in the U.S. in the CDC's NHSN, rates of device-associated nosocomial infection were higher in the ICUs of the INICC hospitals: the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection in the INICC's ICUs, 4.9 per 1,000 central line days, is nearly 5-fold higher than the 0.9 per 1,000 central line days reported from comparable U.S. ICUs. The overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was also higher (16.8 vs 1.1 per 1,000 ventilator days) as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (5.5 vs 1.3 per 1,000 catheter days). Frequencies of resistance of Pseudomonas isolates to amikacin (42.8% vs 10%) and imipenem (42.4% vs 26.1%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to ceftazidime (71.2% vs 28.8%) and imipenem (19.6% vs 12.8%) were also higher in the INICC's ICUs compared with the ICUs of the CDC's NHSN.

    MeSH terms: Africa/epidemiology; Asia/epidemiology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.); Cross Infection/epidemiology*; Cross Infection/prevention & control*; Europe/epidemiology; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Latin America/epidemiology; Prospective Studies; United States/epidemiology; Infection Control/methods; Infection Control/statistics & numerical data*