Browse publications by year: 2017

  1. Noorfarahzilah, M., Mansoor, A.H., Hasmadi, M.
    Food Research, 2017;1(3):89-96.
    MyJurnal
    Tarap seed (Artocarpus odoratissimus) is one of the popular snacks among Borneo Island
    people especially in Sabah, Malaysia. Their flesh and seed are such a potential food source but
    they are not fully exploited. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine its nutritional
    composition, mineral content and functional properties of Tarap seed flour (TSF). The
    proximate analysis (protein, carbohydrate, fat, crude fiber, ash, moisture), minerals content
    and functional properties (powder particle size, bulk density, oil and water absorption capacity,
    emulsion capacity, foaming ability, least gelling concentration, swelling ability and pasting
    properties) were determined. The proximate analysis results obtained showed that TSF had
    49.65% carbohydrate, 15.60% crude fat, 12.3% crude fibers, 8.8% crude protein, 1.17 % ash
    and 12.5% moisture. Most abundant mineral found in Tarap flour was potassium, followed
    by magnesium, calcium, and natrium. The results showed that TSF has an average particle
    size of 166.02µm with low bulk density (0.57g/cm3
    ) as compared to wheat flour. Water and
    oil absorption capacities of TSF were 2.61 and 1.69g/g, respectively, while the efficiency of
    emulsification was 14.8%. Least gelation concentration was found to be 12% while foaming
    ability was 7%. Swelling ability results showed a steady increment from 60°C to 70°C but
    sharp increased observed from 70°C to 80°C. From the results presented, it can be concluded
    that TSF has a great potential for use in the formulation of composite flours to be used as
    ingredients in the food industry.
  2. Gindi, A.A., Abdullah, A.M., Ismail, M.M., Nawi, N.M.
    Food Research, 2017;1(3):77-82.
    MyJurnal
    Using Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework, this study examines Stimulus–
    Response relationships of fresh vegetable consumers’ behavior in Klang Valley, Malaysia. In
    particular, the study focused on how loyalty drivers affect retail formats choice by the fresh
    vegetable (FV) consumers. The Stimuli that pertain to loyalty drivers include promotional
    activities, perceived price and social interaction and the Response is the retail format choice.
    Three hypotheses were developed and tested with the data collected from a survey using
    simple random sampling technique. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used in analyzing
    the data. Results of the study revealed that Stimuli (loyalty drivers) influence Response (retail
    format choice) for the different FV markets in Malaysia. Based on the finding of the research,
    Malaysian retailers have different marketing strategies to be considered with regards to loyalty
    drivers.
  3. Premarathne J.M.K.J.K., New, C.Y., Ubong, A, Nakaguchi, Y., Nishibuchi, M., Son, R.
    Food Research, 2017;1(3):67-76.
    MyJurnal
    Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a major food-borne pathogen that has resulted in numerous
    outbreaks around the world. Widespread distribution of the organism in various ecological
    niches impedes the control measures. This study aimed to detect and quantify E. coli O157:H7
    in beef sold in wet markets and hypermarkets in Malaysia and to determine the risk of E. coli
    O157:H7 infection linked to consumption of beef. The rfbO157 and flicH7 primers targeted on
    somatic antigen (O157) and flagellar antigen (H7) respectively of E. coli O157:H7 was used for
    the MPN-PCR method. A total of 99 beef samples were collected from local wet markets and
    hypermarkets. The highest E. coli O157:H7 contamination rate was observed in beef samples
    collected from wet markets (89.50%), whereas the contamination rate in hyper market A and B
    were compratively low (35.35 and 20% respectively). However, the microbial load was highest
    in the beef samples from hypermarket A (1100 MPN/g) while E. coli O157:H7 bacterial load
    in beef samples from hypermarket B and wet market ranged from 3 to 93 MPN/g and 3 to 240
    MPN/g, respectively. Using the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) approach
    the risk was estimated incorporating the findings of the prevalence study and predictions
    based on home storage, cooking and consumption patterns. Three different exposure pathways
    were investigated to estimate the risk associated with contaminated beef and Monte Carlo
    simulation was used to determine the level of uncertainty. The developed model predicated that
    consumption of contaminated beef can be accountable for 1.83E+06 E. coli O157:H7 cases per
    year in Malaysia. The reliability of the model, data gaps and further research needs, is discussed.
    Through continuous improvement Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment provides valuable
    insight into controlling and prevention strategies.
    MeSH terms: Red Meat; Animals; Cattle; Cooking; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease Outbreaks; Malaysia; Reproducibility of Results; Polymerase Chain Reaction; DNA Primers; Risk Assessment; Escherichia coli O157; Uncertainty; Bacterial Load
  4. Sultan S, Nasir MI, Rafiq S, Baig MA, Akbani S, Irfan SM
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):149-154.
    PMID: 28866696
    BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion safety commences with healthy donor recruitment. The threat of transfusion transmitted infections is greatly minimized by serological tools but not entirely eliminated. Recently, nucleic-acid testing for blood donor screening has virtually eliminated this jeopardy.

    METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from February 2015 to February 2016. Samples from seronegative donors were run on multiplex assay (Cobas, S-201 system platform, Roche) in a batch of six [MP-NAT]. In case of reactive pool, tests were run on every individual sample [IDNAT].

    RESULTS: Of 16957 donors, 16836 (99.2%) were replacement donors and the remaining 121 (0.7%) were voluntary donors, with a mean age of 29.09 ± 7.04 years. After serologic screening of all 16957 donors, 955 (5.6%) were found to be reactive; 291(1.71%) were reactive for hepatitis-B surface antigen, 361 (2.12%) for antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), 14 (0.08%) for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus, 287 (1.69%) for syphilis and 2 (0.01%) for malaria. 14 (0.08%) NAT reactive donors were identified after testing the 16002 seronegative donors, with an overall NAT yield of one reactivity out of 1143 blood donations; 10 donors for HBV-DNA (HBV NAT yield-1:1600) and remaining 4 for HCV-RNA (HCV-NAT yield-1:4000). None were HIV positive.

    CONCLUSION: NAT has improved the safety attributes in blood products. Although the positivity rate for NAT testing is low but in view of the high prevalence of transfusion transmitted infections in our country, we recommend the parallel use of both serology and NAT screening of all donated blood.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Blood Donors*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pakistan; Virus Diseases/blood*; Virus Diseases/epidemiology*; Young Adult; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*
  5. Sharma A, Sikka M, Bhankar H, Gomber S, Sharma S
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):155-159.
    PMID: 28866697
    Sepsis is a common cause of death in infants and children. Haemostatic abnormalities have been reported in such patients. There is scant information on the nature and frequency of these abnormalities in children especially from India. Our aim was to evaluate the nature and frequency of haematological and haemostatic abnormalities in children with sepsis. Fifty children between 1-10 years of age admitted with sepsis and 50 age-matched, healthy controls were included in the study. Complete blood counts, examination of stained peripheral blood film, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), plasma fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, liver function tests and serum creatinine were done in all patients and controls. Prolonged PT and APTT were seen in 9 (18%) and 24 (48%) patients respectively. Plasma fibrinogen was decreased in 6% and increased in 8% patients. One or more haemostatic parameter was abnormal in 35 (70%) patients and in all patients who died.
    MeSH terms: Blood Coagulation Disorders/etiology*; Blood Coagulation Disorders/epidemiology; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hemostasis*; Humans; India; Infant; Male; Sepsis/blood*; Tertiary Care Centers
  6. Tang PY, Khor LY, Takano A
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):171-174.
    PMID: 28866700
    Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid carcinoma and is derived from thyroid follicular cells. In contrast, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is rare and originates from the parafollicular C-cells. Synchronous occurrence of these two carcinomas is uncommon and occurs as either discrete lesions or as a mixed lesion. The current case report describes a 50-year-old woman with synchronous multiple discrete MTC and PTC with lymph nodes metastasis. Pathologists and treating physicians should be aware of the synchronous coexistence of these entities to avoid possible misdiagnosis.
    MeSH terms: Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology*; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology; Middle Aged; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology*; Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology*; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology*
  7. Vallonthaiel AG, Walia R, Pramanik R, Sharma MC, Jain D
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):175-179.
    PMID: 28866701
    p40, one of the two isomers of p63, is nowadays widely used for diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, especially in subtyping non-small cell carcinoma on lung biopsies. We describe a case in which lung tumour was misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma due to p40 immunopositivity. A 36-year-old lady presented with cough and left sided chest pain of 2 months duration. Chest imaging revealed a lesion in left lower lobe of the lung and biopsy was suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma. However, past history revealed amputation of great toe for non-healing discharging ulcer which on histopathology was diagnosed as choriocarcinoma. She also had a history of hysterectomy five years ago, details of which were not available. Post-amputation β-hCG levels were high and she had been treated with multimodality chemotherapy for choriocarcinoma. She had good response to chemotherapy initially, however became resistant later on. Review of the lung biopsy in the light of the past history along with extensive literature review led to the final diagnosis of metastatic trophoblastic tumour to lung. Hence, awareness that p40 immunopositivity can be seen in trophoblastic tumours is essential to avoid misdiagnosis, especially in sites like the lung where squamous cell carcinoma is common.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnosis*; Choriocarcinoma/secondary*; Diagnostic Errors; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Lung Neoplasms/secondary*; Membrane Proteins/analysis; Membrane Proteins/biosynthesis*; Pregnancy; Toes/pathology; Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis; Uterine Neoplasms/secondary
  8. Liu KT, Lee CW
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):189-192.
    PMID: 28866703
    We report a case of symptomatic bradycardia caused by consumption of a Chinese herbal medicine which was initially undisclosed to the attending emergency physician. The scientific name of the herb is Panax japonicus. Electrocardiogram revealed sinus bradycardia. Laboratory tests were normal except for the detection of a high serum digoxin level. Further interrogation of the patient eventually disclosed ingestion of the herb which, however, did not contain any digoxin. Other active ingredients in the herb include various types of ginsenoside. These are digoxin-like substances that had caused the observed false-positive detection of digoxin by fluorescence polarization immunoassay due to cross-reactivity. Our case-report provides an important insight about a blind-spot in the field of laboratory medicine (clinical pathology), namely, the false positive detection of digoxin due to crossreactivity in the immunoassay when we come across digoxin-like substances in clinical scenarios, which has barely received attention in the medical literature. It also conveys a clear educational message that with full understanding of the laboratory methodology and its mechanistic rationale there are actually some tricks-of-the-trade that allow us to optimize the specificity of the biochemical tests and the treatment of digoxin-like substances overdose.
    MeSH terms: Bradycardia/chemically induced*; Cross Reactions; Digoxin/analysis; Digoxin/immunology; False Positive Reactions; Panax/adverse effects*; Panax/immunology; Humans; Immunoassay; Male; Middle Aged
  9. Ben Khelil M, Chkirbene Y, Mlika M, Haouet S, Hamdoun M
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):193-196.
    PMID: 28866704
    Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) often presents with non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, anaemia or infection. Pulmonary involvement is uncommon in AML during the course of the disease and is usually caused by infection, haemorrhage, leukaemic pulmonary infiltrates and leukostasis. Lung localization of AML is very uncommon and potentially life threatening if not diagnosed and treated rapidly. The authors describe the sudden death of an asymptomatic five-month-infant because of a misdiagnosed lung localization of AML. Autopsy examination followed by histopathological studies showed an extensive leukostasis and extramedullary leukaemic infiltrating the lungs. Special stains and immunohistochemical studies revealed findings consistent with acute myelogenous leukaemia. This case suggests that underlying acute leukaemia should be considered as a cause of flu-like symptoms in infants. Medical personnel are urged to be alert to fever, sore throat, weakness and dyspnea that may be characteristic of serious systemic diseases.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Infant; Lung/pathology*; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology*; Leukemic Infiltration/pathology*; Fatal Outcome; Infant Death/etiology*
  10. Motevalli D, Tavangar SM
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Aug;39(2):201-205.
    PMID: 28866706
    Liposarcoma is regarded as the second most common soft tissue malignant tumour. Metastasis of liposarcoma to the heart is very rare, and to date, less than 40 cases have been reported in the literature. We report a 46 year-old male with myxoid liposarcoma of the lower extremity who developed extensive metastasis to the left ventricle, pulmonary artery, and pericardium. The patient presented with acute symptoms of dyspnea 16 years after surgical resection of the primary tumour, and his dyspnea progressed to cardio-respiratory arrest within the first few days of hospital admission.
    MeSH terms: Heart Neoplasms/secondary*; Heart Ventricles/pathology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pericardium/pathology*; Pulmonary Artery/pathology*; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology*; Fatal Outcome; Liposarcoma, Myxoid/secondary*
  11. Okubo Y
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 08;39(2):207-208.
    PMID: 28866707
    No abstract available.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cryptococcosis; Phosphoglycerate Kinase/genetics*; Phosphoglycerate Kinase/metabolism; Virulence/genetics*; Virulence Factors/genetics*; Virulence Factors/metabolism; Mice; Cryptococcus gattii/genetics; Cryptococcus gattii/pathogenicity*
  12. Moulin PA, Nivaggioni V, Saut N, Grosdidier C, Bernot D, Baccini V
    Ann. Biol. Clin. (Paris), 2017 Dec 01;75(6):699-702.
    PMID: 29043981 DOI: 10.1684/abc.2017.1291
    Southeast asian ovalocytosis (SAO) is characterized by macro-ovalocytes and ovalo-stomatocytes on blood smear. SAO is common in Malaisia and Papua-New-Guinea where upwards to 40 per cent of the population is affected in some coastal region. Inherited in an autosomal dominant way, illness results from deletion of codons 400-408 in SLC4A1 gene which encodes for band 3 erythrocyte membrane protein. This deletion is responsible for an unusual erythrocyte stiffness and oval shape of the cells on blood smear. Heterozygous carriers are usually asymptomatic whereas homozygous are not viable without an intensive antenatal care. Here, we describe 4 patients diagnosed incidentally by cytogram appearance of the Advia® 2120i (Siemens) representing hemoglobin concentration according to red blood mean cellular volume (GR/VCH).
    MeSH terms: Adult; Blood Cells/pathology*; Cytodiagnosis/methods; Cytodiagnosis/standards; Elliptocytosis, Hereditary/blood; Elliptocytosis, Hereditary/diagnosis*; Elliptocytosis, Hereditary/pathology; Erythrocyte Indices; Female; Hematologic Tests; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic/blood; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic/diagnosis; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic/pathology; Incidental Findings*; Young Adult
  13. Milaneschi Y, Lamers F, Peyrot WJ, Baune BT, Breen G, Dehghan A, et al.
    JAMA Psychiatry, 2017 12 01;74(12):1214-1225.
    PMID: 29049554 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.3016
    Importance: The association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity may stem from shared immunometabolic mechanisms particularly evident in MDD with atypical features, characterized by increased appetite and/or weight (A/W) during an active episode.

    Objective: To determine whether subgroups of patients with MDD stratified according to the A/W criterion had a different degree of genetic overlap with obesity-related traits (body mass index [BMI] and levels of C-reactive protein [CRP] and leptin).

    Design, Setting, and Patients: This multicenter study assembled genome-wide genotypic and phenotypic measures from 14 data sets of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Data sets were drawn from case-control, cohort, and population-based studies, including 26 628 participants with established psychiatric diagnoses and genome-wide genotype data. Data on BMI were available for 15 237 participants. Data were retrieved and analyzed from September 28, 2015, through May 20, 2017.

    Main Outcomes and Measures: Lifetime DSM-IV MDD was diagnosed using structured diagnostic instruments. Patients with MDD were stratified into subgroups according to change in the DSM-IV A/W symptoms as decreased or increased.

    Results: Data included 11 837 participants with MDD and 14 791 control individuals, for a total of 26 628 participants (59.1% female and 40.9% male). Among participants with MDD, 5347 (45.2%) were classified in the decreased A/W and 1871 (15.8%) in the increased A/W subgroups. Common genetic variants explained approximately 10% of the heritability in the 2 subgroups. The increased A/W subgroup showed a strong and positive genetic correlation (SE) with BMI (0.53 [0.15]; P = 6.3 × 10-4), whereas the decreased A/W subgroup showed an inverse correlation (-0.28 [0.14]; P = .06). Furthermore, the decreased A/W subgroup had a higher polygenic risk for increased BMI (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.12-1.25; P = 1.6 × 10-10) and levels of CRP (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13; P = 7.3 × 10-3) and leptin (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.12; P = 1.7 × 10-3).

    Conclusions and Relevance: The phenotypic associations between atypical depressive symptoms and obesity-related traits may arise from shared pathophysiologic mechanisms in patients with MDD. Development of treatments effectively targeting immunometabolic dysregulations may benefit patients with depression and obesity, both syndromes with important disability.

    MeSH terms: Adult; C-Reactive Protein/analysis; Female; Humans; International Cooperation; Male; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Weight Gain*; Body Mass Index; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Genome-Wide Association Study; Craving*
  14. Rozano, A.S., Asman, N., Zubaidah Z.A., Lim, G.S.
    Ann Dent, 2017;24(2):33-38.
    MyJurnal
    Prescription of flexible denture (FD) is non preference by the clinician in Ministry of Health Malaysia and it was not included in the curriculum of public university. However, among private dental practitioner (PDP) this treatment modality is highly favourable. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge and perception on the flexible dentures by the PDP. The level of perception and knowledge on FD was analysed using validated questionnaire. 42 PDP had participated. An independent t-test was employed to determine the statistical difference between genders. One Way ANOVA was used to evaluate the statistical difference between their years of experience in private sector on knowledge and perception of flexible denture. There was no significant different in knowledge between female and male (p=0.892) and years of experience (p=0.617). Perceptions of flexible denture, was not significantly influence by genders (p=0.068) but by year of experiences between group A and B (p=0.039), and between group B and group C (p=0.039). P value was set at 0.05. In conclusion, there is a correlation between perceptions of flexible denture and years of experience of private dental practitioner.
    MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Curriculum; Dentures; Dentists; Female; Malaysia; Male; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities; Private Sector
  15. Tan, S.L., Choong, Y.W., Kutty, M.G.
    Ann Dent, 2017;24(2):24-32.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of this study was to assess the viability of coating collagen to Hydroxyapatite (HA) coated commercially pure Titanium (cpTi) samples. Five samples of cpTi were immersed in a simulated body fluid (Tas-SBF) after stages of gritting, sandblasting and acid etching. One sample was taken out after 3, 5 and 7 days of immersion in Tas-SBF respectively. The 7 days Tas-SBF coated sample was coated with collagen by physical adsorption method. Analysis was performed to study the surface roughness, morphology and elemental analysis of the coated surfaces.The equipment used wereAlicona, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Process of sand blasting and acid etching were able to produce desired morphology and surface roughness. The average surface roughness, Sa of sand blasted cpTi surface and acid etched cpTi were 2.17 ± 0.75 µm and 2.12 ± 0.15 µm respectively. Immersion in Tas-SBF produced a crystalline coating and morphology that were similar to bone-like apatite. Roughness value of cpTi after being immersed in SBF for 7 days was 2.23 ± 0.31 µm and the Ca/P ratio was 7.076. Collagen coated samples had the highest Sa value which was 3.91 ± 0.31 µm and the Ca/P ratio was 1.190. This study showed that it is possible to achieve apatite and collagen coating on a modified cpTi surface using physical adsorption method.
  16. Lim, K.H., Salahudin, M.S., Hariri, F.
    Ann Dent, 2017;24(2):16-23.
    MyJurnal
    The objectives of this study is to evaluate the suitability of full cup test (FCT), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess pain after surgical removal of lower third molar and to identify which of these three pain scales is the easiest to use. A total of 50 patients, age between 18 to 30 years who underwent minor oral surgery for removal of impacted third molar were sampled in Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya. The patients were provided with forms containing three pain scales and they were required to mark each pain scales – FCT, NPRS and VAS daily for three consecutive post-operative days. The forms were collected a week later when patients came back for review. The validity between NPRS with VAS, FCT with NPRS and FCT with VAS were tested using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results showed that the correlation coefficient values for each pair were very high and significant. The findings when comparing Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 and the combination for those three days showed no significant differences. No evidences indicated that the findings for Day 1 were more superior in comparison with other days. In conclusion, FCT was as valid as NPRS and VAS. The pain scale which was claimed to be the easiest to use by patients was NPRS, followed by FCT and VAS. However, further studies are needed to investigate the reliability and sensitivity of FCT.
  17. Chang, S.V., Ooi, X.D., Ismail, S.M., Rahman, M.T., Radzi, Z.
    Ann Dent, 2017;24(2):9-15.
    MyJurnal
    The information of biomechanical properties is crucial in the study of biological tissue and its clinical relevance. 3mm x 3mm free gingival human tissues was taken using disposable punch biopsy (Accu sharp blade, India) and stored in 0°C Freezer. The sample was sectioned to a thickness of 10μm using high profile microtome blade (Leica 818, Germany) and cryostat (Leica CM1850UV, United Kingdom). The sample was analysed using Atomic Force Microscope (Nanowizard® 3, JPK Instruments, Germany) at room atmosphere. The collagen fibrils of the free gingival tissues appeared to be stacked in basket weave like structure. The mean value of free gingival collagen fibrils width and the length of D-band were 106.71±11.18nm and 65.82 ± 3.04nm respectively. The Young’s modulus of collagen fibrils for human free gingival tissue at overlap region was 212.88 ± 242.58 MPa, whereas at the gap region was 207.00 ± 230.71 MPa. Within the limitation of the study, the collagen fibrils appeared to be stacked in basket weavelike structure. The length and width of the collagen fibril were similar to the values investigated using other techniques. There was significant linear relationship between Young’s modulus of overlap and gap regions.
  18. Asli, N., Ahmad Nizam, N.D.S., Che Ab Aziz, Z.A., Azami, N.H.
    Ann Dent, 2017;24(2):1-7.
    MyJurnal
    This study aimed to evaluate the coronal microleakage of different thickness of different restorative materials (glass ionomer cement (GIC, GC Gold Label 2), composite restoration (SDR, Dentsply Sirona) and (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE)) used as final restoration in endodontically treated teeth. 72 sound maxillary incisors were used. Following instrumentation, all canals were obturated with gutta-percha (Dentsply Maillefer) and Roth sealer (Roth International Ltd). After 2mm of gutta-percha removal below cemento-enamel junction, the crown was cut until length of 6mm from the gutta-percha to the incisal edge was achieved. The teeth were divided into four experimental groups (n=18) and access restorations were placed in different thickness combinations. Group 1 (G1): 2mm SDR + 4mm Filtek; Group 2 (G2): 4mm SDR + 2mm Filtek; Group 3 (G3): 2mm GIC + 2mm SDR + 2mm Filtek; Group 4 G4): 6mm SDR. All samples were thermocycled (500 thermal cycles between 5o and 55o C and dwell time of 30s), coated with nail varnish leaving 1mm margin around the filling material, immersed in 2% Rhodamine B solution and sectioned longitudinally. The dye penetration was observed under a stereomicroscope (Olympus SZX7) with 1.25x magnification. The data were analysed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, ANOVA test and post-hoc Tukey’s HSD test. There was significant difference of microleakage among all groups. G1 showed least microleakage but with no significant difference between G1 and G3 (p=0.513) and G1 and G4 (p=0.477). G2 showed significant microleakage compared to G1, G3 and G4 (p
  19. Deng X, Shi W, Sunarso J, Liu M, Shao Z
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2017 May 17;9(19):16280-16287.
    PMID: 28453932 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b03933
    Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are considered one of the most promising alternatives for large-scale energy storage due largely to the abundance and low cost of sodium. However, the lack of high-performance cathode materials at low cost represents a major obstacle toward broad commercialization of SIB technology. In this work, we report a green route strategy that allows cost-effective fabrication of carbon-coated Na2FePO4F cathode for SIBs. By using vitamin C as a green organic carbon source and environmentally friendly water-based polyacrylic latex as the binder, we have demonstrated that the Na2FePO4F phase in the as-derived Na2FePO4F/C electrode shows a high reversible capacity of 117 mAh g-1 at a cycling rate of 0.1 C. More attractively, excellent rate capability is achieved while retaining outstanding cycling stability (∼85% capacity retention after 1000 charge-discharge cycles at a rate of 4 C). Further, in operando X-ray diffraction has been used to probe the evolution of phase structures during the charge-discharge process, confirming the structural robustness of the Na2FePO4F/C cathode (even when charged to 4.5 V). Accordingly, the poor initial Coulombic efficiency of some anode materials may be compensated by extracting more sodium ions from Na2FePO4F/C cathode at higher potentials (up to 4.5 V).
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