The fermentation of Pleurotus pulmonarius (non-irradiated) and Pleurotus pulmonarius (irradiated) were carried out in Erlenmeyer flask 500 mL (working volume 250 mL) and screened for the presence of β-glucan (1, 3:1, 6). The biomass obtained was extracted using Modified Mizuno Method to get the endopolysaccharide. The endopolysaccharides of Pleurotus pulmonarius (irradiated) contained higher content of β-glucan (1, 3:1, 6) with 16.7 g/100g crude polysaccharide compared to the non-irradiated strain. The irradiated strain was chosen for further investigation. Fractionation of endopolysaccharide Pleurotus pulmonarius (irradiated) using column chromatograph yielded 7 fractions. The first fraction (F1) contained high molecular weight fraction ~ 105 Da which potential immunomodulation characteristics. The Pleurotus pulmonarius (irradiated) was produced in a 5 L air-lift bioreactor. The highest biomass was obtained at air flowrate of 2 L/min, yielding productivity of 2.56 g/L.d.
The particleboards were fabricated using Rhizophora spp. wood particles with particles size less than 74 μm. The corn starch was used as a bio-adhesive in the fabrication of Rhizophora spp. particleboards. The corn starch bonded particleboards were fabricated at 5% and 10% corn starch based on dry mass of Rhizophora spp. wood particles. The measurement of mass attenuation coefficients of the particleboards were made at low and intermediate photon energies. The mass attenuation coefficient at low photon energy was measured using X-ray fluorescent (XRF) configuration based on attenuation of Kα1 X-ray energies between 16.59 and 25.26 keV given by niobium, molybdenum, palladium and tin metal plates. The calculated mass attenuation coefficients of samples were compared to the theoretical values mass attenuation coefficients of water calculated using the photon cross-section database (XCOM). The results showed that mass attenuation coefficients of 10% corn starch added Rhizophora spp. particleboards were in good agreement of water within 7.96 and 4.94% for 5% and 10% corn starch Rhizophora spp. Particleboards, respectively compared to 14.57 and 16.16% in binderless Rhizophora spp. particleboards and raw Rhizophora spp. wood, respectively.
The Malaysian’s PUSPATI TRIGA Reactor (RTP) achieved its initial criticality on June 28, 1982. The reactor is designed to effectively implement various fields of basic nuclear research, manpower training, and production of radioisotopes. Several past activities on neutronics modelling development and validation of the RTP were carried out using Monte Carlo Code MCNP. In this work, the developed model was used to characterise in-core and beam-ports irradiation facilities of the reactor. The thermal and fast neutron flux distributions in these facilities were determined using MCNP mesh tally method. It was found that the flux as well as its spectral characteristics depended very much on the position of the irradiation facility in the reactor core or in the beam-ports. The maximum neutron flux was found to be in the Central Thimble facility with 1.98E13 nv of thermal neutron. The thermal-to-total flux ratio varies significantly from 0.41 for the in-core facility, 0.58 in the reflector and up to 0.88 in the beam-ports.
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is one of the world’s most economically important fiber crops particularly in Asia-Pacific region. Mutation induction is a method to increase genetic divergence associated with selection, recombination, or a combination of these approaches in plant breeding. One of preliminary procedures for an execellent mutation breeding program is the radiosensitivity study to determine the optimal doses for irradiation. A total of 10 different doses of acute gamma rays (0, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 1700 and 2000 Gy) from ceasium-137 source were applied to the seeds of V 36 kenaf variety. The irradiated seeds including the control were planted in trough for 30 days. The gamma irradiation effects on several parameters such as seedling survival percentages, plant height, root length, shoot fresh weight, root frest weight, shoot dry weight and root dry weight were analysed. From the radiosensitivity curve, the LD50 and LD25 values were estimated at 810 and 310 Gy, respectively. Two doses (200 Gy and 300 Gy) based on LD25 were chosen for evaluating the effects of gamma irradiation on morphological traits in M1 generation. Irradiated and non-irradiated seeds were planted in the field at Beseri, Perlis. About 10 phenotypic traits of irradiated plants were observed and evaluated against the controls. Cluster analysis on M1 progenies showed that the mutation could be classified into eight genotypic groups. The first two components from principal component analysis explained about 77.99% of variation. Number of seeds per pod, weight of seeds per plant and dry stem biomass play an important role in explaining the variation since they showed positive correlated values for the first component analysis. Morphological changes such as flower shape, flower colour, and leaf shape were also observed in M1 generation. The findings of this study are important in determining the effectiveness of these doses in generating mutations on kenaf plant and subsequent breeding program to develop new kenaf varieties with enhanced quality traits.
This study evaluates the ImageJ software as dosimetric tools for analyzing the film dosimeter in high energy photons and electrons. The percentage depth dose of photons of 6 and 10 MV and electrons of 6 and 9 MeV were measured using the Gafchromic EBT2 film dosimeter. The films were scanned and analyzed using the Verisoft software and ImageJ. The beam profiles at nominal photon and electron beam parameters were also evaluated using the two methods. The PDD measured in ImageJ at high energy photons were in good agreement within 1% percentage of discrepancy at all depths in comparison to the Verisoft software. The PDD measured in ImageJ at high energy electrons also showed good agreement to Verisoft software within 8% percentage of discrepancy at all depths. The measured flatness of beam profiles at Dmax, R50, R80 and R90 in ImageJ were also in good agreement to Verisoft software with flatness value between 4 and 8%. The results indicated the suitability of ImageJ software as dosimetric tool for analyzing EBT2 film dosimeter at high energy photon and electrons.
MeSH terms: Electrons; Film Dosimetry; Radiometry; Software; Photons; Radiation Dosimeters
In this paper a study on the relationship between axial speed va, radial shock speed vs, piston speed
vp and pinch temperature with the variation of pressure P0 was carried out. The Lee’s 5 phase
model code was used in this study by configuring the India Bhabha Atomic Research Center
(BARC) plasma focus machine to operate in the pressure (P0) range from 1 Torr to 14 Torr. The
relationships between these parameters were obtained as follows:
Va ≈ 9Po-0.37, Vs ≈ 45P0-0.48, Vp ≈ 30P0-0.47 and Tpinch(max) ≈ 11P0-1
The objective of this study was to measure indoor radon concentrations in the expected high risk area around Ipoh in Kinta Valley, Perak. The area was chosen based on its own special characteristics. The measurements were carried out by means of long term exposure (3 months) using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector. The mean indoor radon concentration in Ipoh was 45 Bq/m3 which is equivalent to effective dose of 1.1 mSv/y. This value was higher compared to low or normal area in Bangi, Selangor but comparable to the world average value reported by UNSCEAR. The maximum value of indoor radon concentration measured was 87 Bq/m3.
MeSH terms: Air Pollutants, Radioactive; Radiometry; Radon
A safety evaluation test on human for latex films made from Radiation Prevulcanized Natural Rubber Latex (RVNRL) with sulfur-containing antioxidant was studied. Sulfur test has confirmed that there was sulfur compound presence in RVNRL derived from antioxidant used in this study. Two types of safety evaluation test were being adopted which are Patch Test and Modified Draize-95 test and this test proved that there is no clinical evidence on the presence of sulfur compound in RVNRL that may induce Type IV allergy in the unsensitized general user population. Both clinical test shows that the highest score value produced by test subjects is 1 and not exceed the allowable limit.
Mixed organic liquid waste generated from health-care and research activities containing tritium, carbon-14, and other radionuclide posed specific challenges in its management. Often, this waste becomes legacy waste in many nuclear facilities and being considered as ‘problematic’ waste. One of the most important recommendations made by IAEA is to perform multistage processes aiming at declassification of the waste. At this moment, approximately 3000 bottles of mixed liquid waste, with estimated volume of 6000 litres are currently stored at the National Radioactive Waste Management Centre, Malaysia and some have been stored for more than 25 years. The aim of this study is to develop a characterization protocol towards reclassification of these wastes. The characterization protocol entails waste identification, waste screening and segregation, and analytical radionuclides profiling using analytical procedures involving gross alpha beta, and gamma spectrometry. The results obtained from the characterization protocol are used to establish criteria for speedy classification of the waste.
A study to determine whether Radiological Impact Assessment (RIA) is needed for landfill disposal of treated sludge (slag) from oil and gas industries has been carried out. Radioactivity level of slag and soil samples have been measured using gamma spectrometry system and its Total Activity Concentration (TAC) has been calculated. It was found that TAC (inclusive background) was within the control limit set by the AELB i.e. 3 Bq/g as stipulated in LEM/TEK 58 (AELB, 2009). Therefore, as a result from this study, RIA is not required and the allocated area can be used for the landfill disposal of treated sludge (slag).
This study was conducted to evaluatethe nitrogen use efficiency and 13C isotope discrimination of rice mutant lines viz.NMR151 and NMR152. Both cultivars are developed under rice radiation mutagenesis programme for adaptability to aerobic conditions. In the present study, NMR151 and NMR152 were grown under conditions of varying water potentials and nitrogen levels in a shade house. The rice mutant lines were planted on sandy loam soil. Three watering regimes and three nitrogen levels in a completely randomized design with three replications were carried out. The rice mutants were grown for 110 days under three water potentials, (i) Field capacity from 0 to 40 DAS and saturated from 41 to 110 DAS [ST], (ii) Field capacity from 0 to 110 DAS [FC], and (iii) Field capacity from 0 to 40 DAS and 70% of field capacity from 41 to 110 DAS [SS]. Direct 15N isotopic tracer method was used in this study, whereby the 15N labelled urea fertilizer 5.20% atom excess (a.e) was utilized as a tracer for nitroge nuse efficiency study (NUE)by the test crops. 15Nisotope presence in the samples was determined using emission spectrometry and percentage of total nitrogen was determined by the Kjeldahl method. 15N a.e values of the samples were used in the determination of the efficiency of N used by the mutant varieties. The 13C isotope discrimination (Δ13C) technique was used as a tool to identify drought resistance rice species with improves water use efficiency (WUE). WUE is the ratio of the biomass produced by the water consumed. For 13C discrimination analysis, a sample of rice leaf was analyzed for 13C content by using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS).The parameter, viz. plant height, number of tillers, grain yield, 1000 grain weight, NUE, Δ13Cand WUE were recorded. Results from this study showed nitrogen rates imparted significant effects on plant height, number of tillers, grain yield, 1000 grain weight and WUE, while water potentials had significant effects on plant height, grain yield, 1000 grain weight, NUE, Δ13Cand WUE. Δ13C has a low but significantly negative relationship with WUE. Rice mutants NMR151 and NMR152 were found to be not significantly different except for their NUE.
Objective: This case reported highlighted psychotic disorder due to dengue fever
is rare. Hence we describe a case which clearly presented with psychotic
symptoms during the illness.
Methods: We reported a case of psychotic disorder
due to dengue fever who presented with psychotic symptoms of auditory and
visual hallucination, and persecutory delusion, which had significant temporal
correlation with dengue fever symptoms. There were no neurological deficits
noted, no altered sensorium and cognitive impairment during the episode. He
has no past and family history of mental illness and there was no evidence of
encephalitis and metabolic disturbances.
Results: Our case suggests that
prominent psychotic symptoms can occur during an episode of dengue fever,
which remitted when one recovering from dengue fever.
Conclusion: We
demonstrated that patients who presented with the acute onset of psychosis
accompanied by symptoms of viral fever should be screened for dengue fever,
particularly if the person lived in or visited the area where dengue fever is
endemic.
Objective: Pathological laughter, pseudobulbar affect or a myriad of its other synonyms, is a condition common secondary to neurological injury, presenting with uncontrolled laughing or crying, appearing to be mood-incongruent and significantly debilitating. The objective of this case report is to highlight a rare case of pathological laughter associated with Cerebral Lupus.
Methods: We report a case of a 27-year-old lady presenting with signs and symptoms of stroke with dysarthria progressing to aphasia and then pathological laughter, with an underlying poorly controlled Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, manifesting as Cerebral Lupus.
Results: An improvement in affect congruency followed by decreased frequency of outbreaks among bouts of pathological laughter.
Conclusion: The combination of Escitalopram and Topiramate is effective in the symptomatic treatment of Pathological Laughter.
MeSH terms: Aphasia; Crying; Disease Outbreaks; Dysarthria; Fructose; Humans; Laughter; Malaysia; Citalopram; Stroke; Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System
Objective: The psychological impact of care giving responsibility for dementia patients is significant regardless of the cultural background. Most of the current advanced caregivers’ interventions, originating from developed western countries, do not necessarily apply to local settings. Hence, there is a need for an effective culturally competent psychological intervention for these caregivers. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the cultural-based support group for Malay caregivers of dementia patients in Kelantan towards their burden, anxiety and depression level, and quality of life.
Methods: This was an experimental study, without control, investigating pre and post support group intervention effectiveness in reducing caregiver burden, anxiety and depression, and improving the quality of life. Sixteen caregivers completed the program, which involved seven fortnightly support group sessions with duration of 2 hours each, conducted over twelve weeks. Caregivers’ burden was assessed using Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) while their psychological well-being was objectively assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). WHO Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the quality of life. The validated Malay versions of the questionnaires were used.
Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the level of caregiver burden (p = or < 0.001). Measurement of both scores of anxiety and depression comparing pre and post intervention also showed improvement, but statistically were not significant. Assessment of caregivers’ quality of life showed statistically significant improvement in the domains of social, psychological and physical (all with the p-value <0.05). Discussion: Our cultural-based support group is an effective intervention to improve burden, psychological well-being and quality of life among local caregivers of dementia patients.
Keyword: Dementia Caregivers, Support Group, Malay, Burden, Quality of Life
Study site: Memory clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive disorder
and its association with perceived social support among patients with HIV
attending the Infectious Disease Clinic in HTJS.
Methods: A cross-sectional
study was conducted, and systematic random sampling method was employed
for the selection of participants. Socio-demographic and clinical details were
obtained through a self-rated questionnaire and participants’ medical records.
Depressive disorder was screened and diagnosed using the Mini International
Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) and perceived social support was
determined using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support
(MSPSS). Appropriate statistical analyses were used to determine the prevalence
of depressive disorder and its association with perceived social support.
Results:
A total of 99 patients participated in this study. The mean age of participants
was 38.16 ± 1.01 years, and the majority of participants were male (69.7%). Most
of the participants were Malay (58.6%), followed by Indians (20.2%), Chinese
(17.2%) and others (4.0%). The majority had completed secondary education
(54%), and most were employed (79.8%). Most of the participants were single
(45.5%) or married (45.5%). The lifetime and point prevalence of depressive
disorder was 24.2% and 17.2%, respectively. About 64.7% of patients with
depressive disorder were undiagnosed. Out of the 3 sources of perceived social
support, perceived social support from a significant other (OR=0.53, p=0.042,
Cl=0.29, 0.98) and perceived social support from friends (OR=0.49, p=0.015,
Cl=0.27, 0.87) were found to be negative predictors for depressive disorder.
Conclusion: This study reports that the prevalence disorder among patients with
HIV in HTJS is higher than that of the general population. Patients without
depressive disorder reported significantly higher perceived social support scores.
Perceived social supports from significant others and friends were found to be
important associated factors for lower depressive disorder vulnerability. Hence,
physicians should routinely screen for depressive disorder in this vulnerable
group and explore and mobilize their social support to reduce patients’
vulnerability to develop depressive disorder.
Objective: The main aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of early
readmissions to inpatient care in Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta and the associated
socio-demographic and clinical factors.
Methods: This is an observational study
for all patients with readmissions within 3 months from the last discharge, dated
from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013. Related socio-demographic and
clinical details are obtained from the medical records and compared between the
patients who were readmitted within the first month after discharge to those who
were readmitted later in the second and third month.
Results: Total of 149
records of patients who were readmitted within 3 months of last discharge were
analyzed. Majority of them were from the same state of Perak (83.9%), male
(74.5%), single (71.1%), unemployed (85.9%), taken care by family (75.2%),
achieved secondary education level (59.7%) with mean age of 37.89 years (SD
11.53). They were discharged for a mean of 32.52 days (SD 26.48) before
readmission with a mean duration of 72.98 days in the previous admission, and
mean previous admissions of 10.17 times. 69.8% of the patients were treated for
psychotic disorders and the main reason for readmission was relapse (84.6%).
Up to 34.2% of the patients reported to have substance abuse while 25.5% had
medical co-morbidities. Most of the patients (63.8%) were not compliant to the
treatment from the last discharge. Socioeconomic and clinical factors did not
show statistical significance when the readmissions within the first month after
discharge were compared to those who were admitted later at the second and
third month.
Conclusions: Due to limitations, further studies need to be done to
identify risk factors associated with readmissions and adequate measures need to
be taken to prevent these readmissions.
Background: Synthetic biology is emerging as a viable alternative for the production of
recombinant antigens for diagnostic applications. It offers a safe alternative for the synthesis of
antigenic principles derived from organisms that pose a high biological risk.
Methods: Here, we describe an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the
synthetic recombinant LipL32 (rLipL32) protein expressed in Escherichia coli for the detection of
Leptospira-specific antibodies in human serum samples. The rLipL32-based ELISA was compared
with a microscopic agglutination test (MAT), which is currently used as the gold standard for the
diagnosis of leptospirosis.
Results: Our results showed that all the MAT-positive serum samples were positive for
Leptospira-specific IgG in an ELISA, while 65% (n = 13) of these samples were also positive for
Leptospira-specific IgM. In the MAT-negative serum samples, 80% and 55% of the samples were
detected as negative by an ELISA for Leptospira-specific IgM and IgG, respectively.
Conclusion: An ELISA using the synthetic rLipL32 antigen was able to distinguish
Leptospira-specific IgM (sensitivity 65% and specificity 80%) and IgG (sensitivity 100% and
specificity 55%) in human serum samples and has the potential to serve as a rapid diagnostic test
for leptospirosis.
Kateter Vena Cenral boleh tercabut dengan senang daripada tubuh badan.
Artikel ini membincang tiga teknik terperinci yang berinovasi untuk mengelakkan
berlakunya insiden kateter tercabut. Penempatan leher kateter kira-kira 1cm dari
tempat kateter keluar pada bahagian kulit dengan jahitan tambahan di bahagian
leher kateter membantu mencegah insiden kateter tercabut.
Bisep brachii (BB) adalah salah satu otot yang mempunyai pelbagai variasi.
Terkini, kebanyakan maklumat adalah berkenaan variasi asal otot, namun terdapat
beberapa kes yang melaporkan variasi dalam sisipan BB. Dibentangkan di sini
kes BB otot yang mempunyai kedua-dua varian asal dan sisipan dalam otot yang
sama. Varian asal BB adalah panjang dan besar di kepala ketiga (10.2 cm lebar
dan 4.9 cm tebal) yang timbul dari pertengahan badan humerus. Lebih signifikan
lagi, bahagian tengah kepala meliputi dan menyembunyikan bahagian bawah
saraf median dan arteri brachial sebagai gerbang yang berterusan medially untuk
disisipkan ke epicondyle medial humerus. Dalam laporan ini, kami membincangkan
mekanisma yang mungkin untuk pemampatan neurovaskular oleh kepala ketiga
otot BB yang tidak normal dan perubahan BB dari asal dan sisipan. Memahami
perubahan ini adalah sangat penting dalam prosedur pembedahan di sekeliling
sendi siku dan lengan atas dan ia juga memberi ruang untuk diagnosis pembezaan
sindrom perangkap saraf
The Morel-Lavallee lesion is a rare soft tissue injury that occurs due to traumatic shearing force on skin surface causing separation of skin and subcutaneous tissue resulting in hematoma. This case report depicts a 22-year-old gentleman who was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He complained of pain and swelling over lower back. He was treated for soft tissue injury and admitted for pain control. One day post-trauma, he complained of increased swelling over the back. His hemoglobin dropped from 12.2g/dL to 10.7g/dL. Diagnosis of Morel-Lavallae lesion was made. Initially no surgical intervention was planned. However, in view of worsening of swelling, bedside aspiration was performed and subsequently a pigtail catheter was inserted to drain the hematoma. In total, 2.05 litre of liquefied hematoma was drained. Thus, Morel-Lavallee lesion is an uncommon soft tissue injury that can cause significant bleeding following trauma.
Keywords: degloving injuries, hematoma, trauma