Browse publications by year: 2014

  1. Al-Dabbagh MM, Salim N, Rehman A, Alkawaz MH, Saba T, Al-Rodhaan M, et al.
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:612787.
    PMID: 25309952 DOI: 10.1155/2014/612787
    This paper presents a novel features mining approach from documents that could not be mined via optical character recognition (OCR). By identifying the intimate relationship between the text and graphical components, the proposed technique pulls out the Start, End, and Exact values for each bar. Furthermore, the word 2-gram and Euclidean distance methods are used to accurately detect and determine plagiarism in bar charts.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms*; Artificial Intelligence*; Computer Graphics; Humans; Pattern Recognition, Automated/methods*; Semantics; Plagiarism*; Data Mining/methods*
  2. Azimi M, Bin Adnan A, Sam AR, Tahir MM, Faridmehr I, Hodjati R
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:802605.
    PMID: 25309957 DOI: 10.1155/2014/802605
    The seismic performance of RC columns could be significantly improved by continuous spiral reinforcement as a result of its adequate ductility and energy dissipation capacity. Due to post-earthquake brittle failure observations in beam-column connections, the seismic behaviour of such connections could greatly be improved by simultaneous application of this method in both beams and columns. In this study, a new proposed detail for beam to column connection introduced as "twisted opposing rectangular spiral" was experimentally and numerically investigated and its seismic performance was compared against normal rectangular spiral and conventional shear reinforcement systems. In this study, three full scale beam to column connections were first designed in conformance with Eurocode (EC2-04) for low ductility class connections and then tested by quasistatic cyclic loading recommended by ACI Building Code (ACI 318-02). Next, the experimental results were validated by numerical methods. Finally, the results revealed that the new proposed connection could improve the ultimate lateral resistance, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity.
    MeSH terms: Architecture as Topic/methods*; Computer Simulation; Construction Materials/analysis*; Construction Materials/economics; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Disasters*; Equipment Design; Humans; Materials Testing; Vibration; Earthquakes*; Structure Collapse/prevention & control*
  3. Sakthiswary R, D'Cruz D
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2014 Oct;93(16):e86.
    PMID: 25310743 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000086
    Prepared from the plasma of thousands of blood donors, therapeutic intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) mostly consists of human polyspecific immunoglobulin G (IgG). The use of IVIg in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still considered experimental without any clear indications. The purpose of this systematic review is, therefore, to evaluate the available evidence to determine the therapeutic role of IVIg in SLE. A comprehensive, computerised search was performed in the MEDLINE (Pubmed), Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane controlled trials. The study eligibility criteria were randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective observational studies that examined the efficacy of IVIg in adult patients with SLE who were considered the participants.IVIg therapy was the mode of intervention in these patients. Data abstracted included the study design, study population, changes in the disease activity scores (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, Systemic Lupus Activity Measure, and Lupus Activity Index-Pregnancy), steroid dose, complement levels, autoantibodies, and renal function. Thereafter, data analysis established statistical procedures for meta-analysis. Thirteen studies (including 3 controlled and 10 observational) were eligible for inclusion. There was significant reduction in the SLE disease activity scores with IVIg therapy with a standard mean difference of 0.584 (P = 0.002, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.221-0.947). In terms of rise in complement levels, the response rate was 30.9% (P = 0.001, 95 CI 22.1-41.3). The effects of IVIg on other clinical outcome measures including anti-double-stranded DNA, antinuclear antibody, average steroid dose, and renal function could not be determined because of the limited numbers of trials. The limitations of this review were lack of well-designed controlled trials with adequate sample size on the use of IVIg in SLE. In conclusion, the use of IVIg is associated with significant reduction in SLE disease activity and improvement in complement levels.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Humans; Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use*; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy*; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology; Models, Statistical; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use*; Treatment Outcome
  4. Teo CL, Idris A, Zain NAM, Taisir M
    Bioresour Technol, 2014 Dec;173:284-290.
    PMID: 25310864 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.09.110
    In the study, the relationship between the quality and intensity of LED illumination with FAMEs produced were investigated. Nannochloropsis sp. was cultivated for 14 days under different intensities of 100, 150 and 200 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1) of red, blue and mixed red blue LED. The findings revealed that suitable combination of LED wavelengths and intensity; (red LED: 150, blue: 100 and mixed red blue: 200 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1)) produced maximum biomass growth and lipid content. It was observed that the quality and intensity of LED significantly influenced the composition of FAMEs. FAMEs produced under blue LED has high degree of unsaturation (DU) and low cetane number while those under red LED has low DU but higher CN. The combination of red blue LED has produced FAMEs with high ignition and lubricating property and also good oxidation stability indicated by the DU and CN values which lies midway between the red and blue.
    MeSH terms: Esters; Fatty Acids/analysis*; Light*; Biomass; Stramenopiles/growth & development; Stramenopiles/chemistry*
  5. Hashim R, Roslan NA, Zulkipli FH, Daud JM
    Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2014 Sep;7S1:S150-4.
    PMID: 25312111 DOI: 10.1016/S1995-7645(14)60222-4
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the aphrodisiac property of Aplysia dactylomela (A. dactylomelan), locally known as 'dugu-dugu', which is one of the sea slug species.

    METHODS: Two types of extractions were used; aqueous and lipid. Three doses of each A. dactylomelan extract, respectively; 50, 100, 200 mg/kg were administered (i.p.) to male mice for mounting behavior test. Sildenafil citrate or Viagra® (5 mg/kg) being positive control while negative control received saline solution.

    RESULTS: The animals treated with lipid extract at the respective dose exhibited mounting behavior, but the mounting frequency decreased at higher doses (100 and 200 mg/kg). However, all doses of aqueous extract did not show any mounting behavior. Meanwhile, in all doses of lipid extracts administered displayed significant difference (P<0.05) from the positive control. Despite this, only the lipid extract of 50 mg/kg showed significant difference (P<0.05) with negative control. This signifies that lipid extracts especially in dose 50 mg/kg have a substantial effect of aphrodisiac property. In addition, the presence of steroids was detected in the phytochemical screening of lipid extract.

    CONLUSIONS: The findings from this study provides preliminary scientific evidence that A. dactylomela could be used as an alternative medication of natural product for promoting sexual activity in men.

  6. Coulibaly AY, Hashim R, Sulaiman SF, Sulaiman O, Ang LZ, Ooi KL
    Asian Pac J Trop Med, 2014 Sep;7S1:S553-9.
    PMID: 25312183 DOI: 10.1016/S1995-7645(14)60289-3
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antioxidant activities of seven medicinal plant species and their fractions, and to identify their phenolic compounds.

    METHODS: Two extractions were processed and further fractionated by column chromatography to evaluate the concentration that inhibit 50% of 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-suslfonic acid, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radicals, and their ferric reducing antioxidant power. The identification of the fractions of phenolic compounds was done by ultra performance liquid chromatography.

    RESULTS: The aqueous-acetone extracts of Feretia apodanthera and Ozoroa insignis exhibited the highest antioxidant potentials comparable to those of the standard quercetin. Their subsequently silica gel column fractionation showed three most active fractions from which the major constituents quercetin, myricetin, kampferol, rutin and isoquercetin were identified.

    CONCLUSIONS: These plant species have potent antioxidant profiles and polyphenol compounds that may help to manage with radical related disease and aging.

  7. Ariffin H, Hainaut P, Puzio-Kuter A, Choong SS, Chan AS, Tolkunov D, et al.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2014 Oct 28;111(43):15497-501.
    PMID: 25313051 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1417322111
    The Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) and its variant form (LFL) is a familial predisposition to multiple forms of childhood, adolescent, and adult cancers associated with germ-line mutation in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. Individual disparities in tumor patterns are compounded by acceleration of cancer onset with successive generations. It has been suggested that this apparent anticipation pattern may result from germ-line genomic instability in TP53 mutation carriers, causing increased DNA copy-number variations (CNVs) with successive generations. To address the genetic basis of phenotypic disparities of LFS/LFL, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 13 subjects from two generations of an LFS kindred. Neither de novo CNV nor significant difference in total CNV was detected in relation with successive generations or with age at cancer onset. These observations were consistent with an experimental mouse model system showing that trp53 deficiency in the germ line of father or mother did not increase CNV occurrence in the offspring. On the other hand, individual records on 1,771 TP53 mutation carriers from 294 pedigrees were compiled to assess genetic anticipation patterns (International Agency for Research on Cancer TP53 database). No strictly defined anticipation pattern was observed. Rather, in multigeneration families, cancer onset was delayed in older compared with recent generations. These observations support an alternative model for apparent anticipation in which rare variants from noncarrier parents may attenuate constitutive resistance to tumorigenesis in the offspring of TP53 mutation carriers with late cancer onset.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Animals; Child; Family Characteristics; Female; Heterozygote; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms/genetics*; Pedigree; Phenotype; Genome, Human/genetics; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics; Li-Fraumeni Syndrome/genetics*; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Age of Onset; Germ-Line Mutation/genetics; Mice, Knockout; Genetic Heterogeneity*; Genetic Predisposition to Disease*; Chromosome Segregation/genetics; Anticipation, Genetic*; Comparative Genomic Hybridization; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics; Exome/genetics
  8. Akeiber HJ, Wahid MA, Hussen HM, Mohammad AT
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:391690.
    PMID: 25313367 DOI: 10.1155/2014/391690
    The application of phase change materials (PCMs) in green buildings has been increasing rapidly. PCM applications in green buildings include several development models. This paper briefly surveys the recent research and development activities of PCM technology in building applications. Firstly, a basic description of phase change and their principles is provided; the classification and applications of PCMs are also included. Secondly, PCM models in buildings are reviewed and discussed according to the wall, roof, floor, and cooling systems. Finally, conclusions are presented based on the collected data.
    MeSH terms: Construction Materials/analysis*; Data Collection; Equipment Design/instrumentation; Hot Temperature; Humans; Technology/instrumentation*; Technology/methods
  9. Islahudin F, Ong HY
    J Infect Dev Ctries, 2014 Oct;8(10):1267-71.
    PMID: 25313602 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.4676
    INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly emerging problem. A major concern is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), especially in developing countries where cost-effectiveness is imperative. Restriction of vancomycin usage is necessary to reduce the emergence of vancomycin-resistant organisms. The aim of this study was to look into the appropriate use of vancomycin based on the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) guidelines and to investigate serum levels of vancomycin.
    METHODOLOGY: The study was performed retrospectively. Medical records of patients treated with vancomycin for the past year were identified and selected.
    RESULTS: Overall, 118 patients were treated with vancomycin. Appropriate use of vancomycin was significantly higher than inappropriate use (p = 0.001). Approximately 85% (n = 100) of patients were given vancomycin for treatment, whereas the rest were given it for prophylaxis. Appropriate use of vancomycin was observed in 67% (n = 79) of patients. However, there was still a high rate of inappropriate vancomycin use for prophylaxis and treatment (n = 39, 33.1%). The most common reason for inappropriate use was non-neutropenic and non-line related sepsis (n = 36, 30.8%). Therapeutic drug monitoring of vancomycin was performed in 79 patients (67%). Most patients (n = 53, 67%) demonstrated sub-therapeutic levels during the first measurement. There was no significant difference between trough levels achieved with a higher (> 15 mg/kg) versus a lower dose (< 15 mg/kg).
    CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there was still a high level of inappropriate vancomycin use, which could potentially contribute to vancomycin resistance.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacokinetics; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*; Bacterial Infections/drug therapy*; Bacterial Infections/prevention & control*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Vancomycin/pharmacokinetics; Vancomycin/therapeutic use*; Antibiotic Prophylaxis/methods*; Guideline Adherence*; Serum/chemistry; Young Adult; Tertiary Care Centers
  10. Khode SR, Dwivedi RC, Rhys-Evans P, Kazi R
    J Cancer Res Ther, 2014 Jul-Sep;10(3):492-8.
    PMID: 25313727 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1482.138213
    Squamous cell carcinoma involving the oral cavity (OC) and oropharynx regions are a major cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. The recent discovery of a strong association between human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and OC and oropharyngeal (OP) cancer has prompted world-wide research into the exact etiology and pathogenesis of these cancers in relation to the HPV. HPV-positive OC/OP cancers generally present at a relatively advanced stage (by virtue of cervical nodal involvement) and are more commonly seen in younger patients without significant exposure to alcohol or tobacco. These factors are implicated in prognosis, regardless of HPV association. In this article, we review the biology and epidemiology, risk factors, association, molecular analyses, treatment response and prognosis of HPV-related cancers. Role of HPV vaccination in HPV-related OC/OP cancers has also been discussed.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Mouth Neoplasms/etiology*; Mouth Neoplasms/mortality; Mouth Neoplasms/pathology; Mouth Neoplasms/therapy; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/etiology*; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/mortality; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/therapy; Risk Factors; Tumor Virus Infections/complications*; Treatment Outcome; Papillomavirus Infections/complications*
  11. Swamy KB, Hadi SA, Sekaran M, Pichika MR
    J Med Food, 2014 Nov;17(11):1165-9.
    PMID: 25314134 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2013.3084
    Synsepalum dulcificum or the "miracle fruit" is well known for its taste-modifying ability. The aim of this review was to assess the published medically beneficial as well as potential characteristics of this fruit. A search in three databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, was made with appropriate keywords. The resulting articles were screened in different stages based on the title, abstract, and content. A total of nine articles were included in this review. This review summarized the findings of previously published studies on the effects of miracle fruit. The main studied characteristic of the fruit was its effect on the taste receptors, resulting in the sweet sensation when substances with acidic content were ingested. This effect was shown to be related to a glycoprotein called "miraculin." Other beneficial characteristics of this fruit were its antioxidant and anticancer abilities that are due to the various amides existing in the miracle fruit. Apart from the above, the other observed effect of this fruit was its antidiabetic effect that was tested in rats. Further studies should be conducted to establish the findings. The miracle fruit can be a healthy additive due to its unique characteristics, including sour taste sensation modification as well as its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects.
    MeSH terms: Amides/pharmacology; Amides/therapeutic use; Animals; Antioxidants/pharmacology; Antioxidants/therapeutic use*; Diabetes Mellitus/diet therapy*; Fruit/chemistry*; Glycoproteins/pharmacology; Humans; Neoplasms/diet therapy*; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use; Sweetening Agents/pharmacology*; Taste; Taste Buds/drug effects*; Synsepalum/chemistry*
  12. Gopal K, Nagarajan P, Shankar EM, Kamarul T, Kumar JM
    Eur J Clin Invest, 2014 Dec;44(12):1169-76.
    PMID: 25315426 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12351
    Angiotensin II (Ang II) and high-fat diet are implicated in causing pathological changes in the vascular endothelium, brain, kidney and liver. The association of aneurysm leading to histopathological changes in the splenic compartment remains elusive. Further, the salubrious credentials of antioxidants, especially α-tocopherol and β-carotene in the resolution of splenic pathology have not been investigated.
    MeSH terms: Angiotensin II/toxicity*; Animals; Antioxidants/pharmacology; Apolipoproteins E/deficiency; Male; Splenomegaly/etiology*; T-Lymphocytes/physiology; Vasoconstrictor Agents/toxicity*; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/etiology*; Mice, Knockout; beta Carotene/pharmacology; Dietary Supplements/adverse effects; alpha-Tocopherol/pharmacology; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects*
  13. Gillani SW, Sari YO, Sulaiman SA, Baig MR
    Curr Diabetes Rev, 2014;10(5):311-26.
    PMID: 25316148 DOI: 10.2174/1573399810666141015095004
    Our study objective was to evaluate glucose tolerance and effecting factors among diabetes patients' with home care program (PHCP) in Malaysian community. A 24-week longitudinal quasi-experimental -single blind - pre/post-test study design was used to assess the effectiveness of a diabetes education program to enhance self-care practices. An attrition rate of 25% implied longitudinal design of the study in the calculation of sample size. Hence the sample size of the study was 106 subjects (53 cases and 53 focus group). The level of significance was set at 0.05. Ethical clearance had been made prior to conducting this study. Of the 109 subjects who met the study-entry criteria, 3 subjects declined to participate due to lack of time and interest. No significant parameters were revealed in the demographic and clinical characteristics of participants who completed the study. Focus group showed significant reduction in HbA1c value with mean 1.1% as compared to cases with a mean 0.06%. Similarly, hypothesis on self-care management suggest significantly improved practices among focus group [M=2.94, SD=2.25] for case group M=0.47, SD=1.36; t[127.64]=-8.23, p≤0.001] with moderate effect size [eta squared=0.06]. Total physical activity was defined as the combination of non-leisure and leisure activities. There was a statistically significant difference for increase in total physical levels between the focus [M=14.01, SD=6.41] and case groups [13.21, SD=5.22; t[148.04]=-3.15, p=0.002] with no difference in the non-leisure activity [p=0.43]. As for the case group, there was no significant difference in SMBG practices from baseline [M=0.70, SD=1.35] to follow-up [M=0.47, SD=1.36, t[72]=0.97, P=0.34] and no relationship was found between the number of blood glucose tests done with demographic or clinical variables. This study offered improved self-care practices and physical activity after PHCP but with problematic dietary care. This might be due to social and cultural habits among Malaysian population.
    MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/epidemiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/psychology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology; Follow-Up Studies; Glucose Tolerance Test; Health Education*; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/metabolism; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Longitudinal Studies; Malaysia/epidemiology; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance/psychology; Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data*; Patient Education as Topic*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Care; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Program Evaluation; Single-Blind Method
  14. Parasuraman S, Sujithra J, Syamittra B, Yeng WY, Ping WY, Muralidharan S, et al.
    J Basic Clin Pharm, 2014 Sep;5(4):89-97.
    PMID: 25316988 DOI: 10.4103/0976-0105.141943
    BACKGROUND: In general, organic solvents are inhibiting many physiological enzymes and alter the behavioural functions, but the available scientific knowledge on laboratory solvent induced organ specific toxins are very limited. Hence, the present study was planned to determine the sub-chronic toxic effects of petroleum ether (boiling point 40-60°C), a laboratory solvent in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SD rats were divided into three different groups viz., control, low exposure petroleum ether (250 mg/kg; i.p.) and high exposure petroleum ether (500 mg/kg; i.p.) administered group. The animals were exposed with petroleum ether once daily for 2 weeks. Prior to the experiment and end of the experiment animals behaviour, locomotor and memory levels were monitored. Before initiating the study animals were trained for 2 weeks for its learning process and its memory levels were evaluated. Body weight (BW) analysis, locomotor activity, anxiogenic effect (elevated plus maze) and learning and memory (Morris water navigation task) were monitored at regular intervals. On 14(th) day of the experiment, few ml of blood sample was collected from all the experimental animals for estimation of biochemical parameters. At the end of the experiment, all the animals were sacrificed, and brain, liver, heart, and kidney were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis.

    RESULTS: In rats, petroleum ether significantly altered the behavioural functions; reduced the locomotor activity, grip strength, learning and memory process; inhibited the regular body weight growth and caused anxiogenic effects. Dose-dependent organ specific toxicity with petroleum ether treated group was observed in brain, heart, lung, liver, and kidney. Extrapyramidal effects that include piloerection and cannibalism were also observed with petroleum ether administered group. These results suggested that the petroleum ether showed a significant decrease in central nervous system (CNS) activity, and it has dose-dependent toxicity on all vital organs.

    CONCLUSION: The dose-dependent CNS and organ specific toxicity was observed with sub-chronic administration of petroleum ether in SD rats.

  15. Lam HY, Yusoff K, Yeap SK, Subramani T, Abd-Aziz S, Omar AR, et al.
    Int J Med Sci, 2014;11(12):1240-7.
    PMID: 25317070 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.8170
    Immunotherapy has raised the attention of many scientists because it hold promise to be an attractive therapeutic strategy to treat a number of disorders. In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of low titers of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) AF2240 on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analyzed. We evaluated cytokine secretion and PBMC activation by cell proliferation assay, immunophenotyping and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The proliferation of the human PBMC was measured to be 28.5% and 36.5% upon treatment with 8 hemaglutinin unit (HAU) and 2 HAU of NDV respectively. Interestingly, the percentage of cells with activating markers CD16 and CD56 were increased significantly. Furthermore, the intracellular perforin and granzyme levels were also increased upon virus infection. Human PBMC treated with NDV titer 8 HAU was found to stimulate the highest level of cytokine production including interferon-γ, interleukin-2 and interleukin-12. The release of these proteins contributes to the antitumor effect of PBMC against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Based on the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, activated human PBMC showed high cytolytic efficiency towards human breast tumor cells. In summary, NDV was able to stimulate PBMC proliferation, cytokine secretion and cytolytic activity.
    MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/immunology; Breast Neoplasms/therapy; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; Female; Humans; Immunization/methods; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/cytology; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology*; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/virology; Newcastle disease virus/immunology*; Cytokines/biosynthesis; Cell Proliferation; Oncolytic Virotherapy/methods*; Perforin/metabolism; MCF-7 Cells
  16. Sanderson G, Ariyaratne TV, Wyss J, Looi V
    PMID: 25317075 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6815-14-10
    BACKGROUND: Currently, there is a paucity of data concerning the long-term outcomes, educational placement and quality of life of children implanted with hearing devices from large and representative samples of the population. To address this concern, a large, prospective, multicentre, multinational patient-outcomes registry for paediatric recipients of implantable hearing devices was developed. The benefits of this registry, its approach and methodology are described.

    METHODS/DESIGN: The Cochlear(™) Paediatric Implanted Recipient Observational Study (Cochlear P-IROS) is a prospective international patient-outcomes registry for children who are implanted in routine clinical practice with one or more hearing devices. The study aims to collect data on patient comorbidities, device use, auditory performance, quality of life and health-related utilities, across different types of implantable hearing devices from a range of manufacturers. Patients will be evaluated with a set of standardised and non-standardised questionnaires prior to initial device activation (baseline) and at six-monthly follow-up intervals up to 24 months and annually thereafter. The Cochlear P-IROS utilises a secure web interface to administer electronic case report forms to clinicians and families of implanted children. The web interface is currently available in five languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Russian. The interface also provides printable versions of the case report forms translated into 22 local languages for collection of data prior to entry online; additional languages may be added, as required. Participation in the Cochlear P-IROS registry is investigator-driven and voluntary. To date, the Cochlear P-IROS has recruited implant clinics across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Turkey and Vietnam. The registry also aims to recruit multiple clinics in Cuba, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea and Russia.

    DISCUSSION: The use of a registry such as the Cochlear P-IROS will generate valuable data to support research interests of academics and clinicians around the globe. The data generated will be relevant for a wide range of stakeholders including regulators, payers, providers, policy makers, patients and their families, each with a different perspective for the acceptance and adoption of implantable hearing devices for the treatment of hearing loss.

  17. Hoe SL, Tan LP, Jamal J, Peh SC, Ng CC, Zhang WC, et al.
    Cancer Cell Int, 2014;14(1):101.
    PMID: 25317078 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-014-0101-0
    Side population (SP) assay identifies cells with dye/drug extrusion ability, a characteristic of stem cells. Here, we determined if SP cells exist in a verified cell line originating from recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and a xenograft established from recurrent metastatic NPC. These cells were evaluated for stem-like properties via functional assays as well as for tumourigenicity.
  18. Ng S, Lasekan O, Muhammad K, Sulaiman R, Hussain N
    Chem Cent J, 2014;8(1):55.
    PMID: 25317204 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-014-0055-2
    Proper roasting is crucial to flavor, color, and texture development in the final product. In recent years, several research studies have been carried out to establish the best optimum roasting conditions for some common edible nuts such as; hazelnut, peanut, and pistachio nut. Although roasting is an important process for nuts and oilseeds, there is little or no information on the development of color, aroma, and textural changes in Terminalia catappa nuts during roasting.
  19. Mahdi RI, Gan WC, Abd Majid WH
    Sensors (Basel), 2014;14(10):19115-27.
    PMID: 25317763 DOI: 10.3390/s141019115
    Ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) copolymer 70/30 thin films are prepared by spin coating. The crystalline structure of these films is investigated by varying the annealing temperature from the ferroelectric phase to the paraelectric phase. A hot plate was used to produce a direct and an efficient annealing effect on the thin film. The dielectric, ferroelectric and pyroelectric properties of the P(VDF-TrFE) thin films are measured as a function of different annealing temperatures (80 to 140 °C). It was found that an annealing temperature of 100 °C (slightly above the Curie temperature, Tc) has induced a highly crystalline β phase with a rod-like crystal structure, as examined by X-ray. Such a crystal structure yields a high remanent polarization, Pr = 94 mC/m2, and pyroelectric constant, p = 24 μC/m2K. A higher annealing temperature exhibits an elongated needle-like crystal domain, resulting in a decrease in the crystalline structure and the functional electrical properties. This study revealed that highly crystalline P(VDF-TrFE) thin films could be induced at 100 °C by annealing the thin film with a simple and cheap method.
    MeSH terms: Body Temperature; Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated; Radiography; Temperature; Vinyl Compounds; X-Rays
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