The effectiveness of two different rapid methods involving the 3M™ molecular detection assay Listeria and the 3M™ Petrifilm environmental Listeria Plate were evaluated for the rapid detection of Listeria from naturally contaminated vegetables and chicken-processing environments against the standard culture-based method. A total of 178 samples were examined for the presence of Listeria. A total of 47/178 (26.4%) by standard ISO culture-based method (EN ISO 11290-1), 42/178 (23.6%) by 3M™ MDA Listeria and 40/178 (22.5%) by 3M™ Petrifilm EL Plate showed positive results, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for 3M™ MDA Listeria and 3M™ Petrifilm EL Plate were 97.2, 89.4, 99.3, 97.7, 96.4% and 96.1, 85.1, 100.0, 100.0, 94.9%, respectively. Based on the Cohen's Kappa value, there was a complete and robust concordance between 3M™ MDA Listeria (0.911) and 3M™ Petrifilm EL Plates (0.894) as compared to the standard culture-based method.
Japan's prototype of depression was traditionally a melancholic depression based on the premorbid personality known as shūchaku-kishitsu proposed by Mitsuzo Shimoda in the 1930s. However, since around 2000, a novel form of depression has emerged among Japanese youth. Called 'modern type depression (MTD)' by the mass media, the term has quickly gained popularity among the general public, though it has not been regarded as an official medical term. Likewise, lack of consensus guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment, and a dearth of scientific literature on MTD has led to confusion when dealing with it in clinical practice in Japan. In this review article, we summarize and discuss the present situation and issues regarding MTD by focusing on historical, diagnostic, psychosocial, and cultural perspectives. We also draw on international perspectives that begin to suggest that MTD is a phenomenon that may exist not only in Japan but also in many other countries with different sociocultural and historical backgrounds. It is therefore of interest to establish whether MTD is a culture-specific phenomenon in Japan or a syndrome that can be classified using international diagnostic criteria as contained in the ICD or the DSM. We propose a novel diagnostic approach for depression that addresses MTD in order to combat the current confusion about depression under the present diagnostic systems.
This study investigated the effect of co-culturing microalgae with a floc-forming bacterium. Of the six microalgae isolated from a biofloc sample, only Thalassiosira weissflogii, Chlamydomonas sp. and Chlorella vulgaris were propagated successfully in Conway medium. Hence, these species were selected for the experiment comparing microalgae axenic culture and co-culture with the floc-forming bacterium, Bacillus infantis. Results obtained showed that the co-culture had higher microalgae biomass compared to the axenic culture. A similar trend was also observed concerning the lipid content of the microalgae-bacterium co-cultures. The cell number of B. infantis co-cultured with T. weissflogii increased during the exponential stage until the sixth day, but the other microalgae species experienced a significant early reduction in cell density of the bacteria at the exponential stage. This study represents the first attempt at co-culturing microalgae with B. infantis, a floc-forming bacterium, and observed increased biomass growth and lipid accumulation compared to the axenic culture.
The current differentiation process of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into cardiomyocytes to enhance the purity of hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes requires some purification processes, which are laborious processes. We developed cell sorting plates, which are prepared from coating thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and extracellular matrix proteins. After hPSCs were induced into cardiomyocytes on the thermoresponsive surface coated with laminin-521 for 15 days, the temperature of the cell culture plates was decreased to 8-9 °C to detach the cells partially from the thermoresponsive surface. The detached cells exhibited a higher cardiomyocyte marker of cTnT than the remaining cells on the thermoresponsive surface as well as the cardiomyocytes after purification using conventional cell selection. The detached cells expressed several cardiomyocyte markers, such as α-actinin, MLC2a and NKX2.5. This study suggested that the purification of hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using cell sorting plates with the thermoresponsive surface is a promising method for the purification of hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes without conventional laborious processes.
Recently, microbial-based iron reduction has been considered as a viable alternative to typical chemical-based treatments. The iron reduction is an important process in kaolin refining, where iron-bearing impurities in kaolin clay affects the whiteness, refractory properties, and its commercial value. In recent years, Gram-negative bacteria has been in the center stage of iron reduction research, whereas little is known about the potential use of Gram-positive bacteria to refine kaolin clay. In this study, we investigated the ferric reducing capabilities of five microbes by manipulating the microbial growth conditions. Out of the five, we discovered that Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus outperformed the other microbes under nitrogen-rich media. Through the biochemical changes and the microbial behavior, we mapped the hypothetical pathway leading to the iron reduction cellular properties, and found that the iron reduction properties of these Gram-positive bacteria rely heavily on the media composition. The media composition results in increased basification of the media that is a prerequisite for the cellular reduction of ferric ions. Further, these changes impact the formation of biofilm, suggesting that the cellular interaction for the iron(III)oxide reduction is not solely reliant on the formation of biofilms. This article reveals the potential development of Gram-positive microbes in facilitating the microbial-based removal of metal contaminants from clays or ores. Further studies to elucidate the corresponding pathways would be crucial for the further development of the field.
Generally, pineapple sucker is used as the main planting material for commercial cultivation
of pineapple. Pineapple sucker is usually obtained either from the stalk or the stem of a
pineapple plant. Research to study the effect of planting media using mineral soil as the main
component for the mixture on the growth of sucker by stem cutting technique was conducted. The objective of this research is to study the effects of mineral soil-based mixed planting
media on the growth of pineapple suckers produced cultivated via stem cutting of Madu
pineapple. The research was conducted at the Pineapple Nursery of the Faculty of Sustainable
Agriculture, UMS Sandakan, from March 2019 until September 2019. The treatments used in
this research were, soil as T1 (100%); Soil:coco peat as T2 (1:1,v/v); Soil:peat soil as T3
(1:1,v/v); Soil:sand as T4 (1:1,v/v). The data obtained showed there is a significant difference
in the number of a successfully germinated sucker. However, no significant difference was
detected for the sucker growth parameters. Planting media T3, soil: coco peat recorded the
highest number of successfully germinated suckers (12.25). Meanwhile, for growing media, suggested T2 soil: peat soil were recorded the highest for root length (15.53 cm), leaf number
(18.00), and stem diameter (2.18 cm) at 60 days after transplant (DAT).
The terrestrial Ludisia discolor, also referred to as the jewel orchid is prized for
the quality of its leaves. L. discolor is known as a medicinal herb and is touted for its heatand
pathogen-resisting qualities. L. discolor is valuable in the production of both flavonoids
and anthocyanins, antioxidants that are exalted in the health industry. Plant cell cultures
have emerged as alternative sources of anthocyanin production. Plant protoplast cultures
are used frequently in transient gene expression studies and in the establishment of callus
and cell suspension cultures. Benefits of plant protoplast system include similarity to cells
found in plant tissues, reproduction under controlled conditions, and prevention of masking
of stress responses to previous handling techniques. A study was conducted to assess the
amenability of the stem and leaves of L. discolor to protoplast isolation. The stem and leaf
segments were weighed, sliced into thin layers, immersed in a digestion medium, washed
and then cultured onto a recovery medium. Results indicated that the production of plant
protoplasts from L. discolor may be viewed as an alternative in the generation of cell
cultures and ultimately in the production of anthocyanins from the cell cultures.
The importance of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in microalgae was widely reported. In this study, six isolated microalgae from Teluk Aling, Penang National Park were screened for PUFA contents. Isochrysis maritima showed the best polyunsaturated fatty acids essential for aquaculture species compared to other microalgal species tested. This species is a good choice as aquaculture feed due to its small size (3-7 μm), which is appropriate size for ingestion. The maximum specific growth rate of this species was also high (0.52-0.82 days(-1)) and comparable with many recognised aquaculture microalgae. On the other hand, this species was also able to be cultivated successfully in big volume (1000 L culture medium) with open hatchery condition, which will optimise the production cost. Low ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) recorded in I. maritima at any growth phases (0.32-0.45) also indicate optimal values for feeding.
Continuous automation of conventional industrial operations with smart technology have drawn significant attention. Firstly, the study investigates on optimizing the proportion of industrial biscuit processing waste powder, (B) substituted into BG-11 as a source of cultivation medium for the growth of C. vulgaris. Various percentages of industrial biscuit processing waste powder, (B) were substituted in the inorganic medium to analyse the algal growth and biochemical composition. The use of 40B combination was found to yield highest biomass concentration (4.11 g/L), lipid (260.44 mg/g), protein (263.93 mg/g), and carbohydrate (418.99 mg/g) content compared with all the other culture ratio combination. Secondly, the exploitation of colour acquisition was performed onto C. vulgaris growth phases, and a novel photo-to-biomass concentration estimation was conducted via image processing for three different colour model pixels. Based on linear regression analysis the red, green, blue (RGB) colour model can interpret its colour variance precisely.
Introduction: Depression is the most common psychological sequelae in cancer patients. It is challenging to diagnose depression in cancer patients. Furthermore, the presentation is influenced by the patients’ cultural background. Objectives: This literature review aims to determine the prevalence of depression in cancer patients across regions of different cultural background. Methods: A literature search was undertaken by using Pubmed electronic database. Studies were included in this review if they (a) examined the prevalence of depression in cancer patients and (b) published in English peer-review journal between 2000 and 2009. Results: A total of 59 studies from 21 countries were reviewed and summarised. The prevalence of depression in cancer patients ranged from 3% to 72%. Studies from Asia reported the lowest prevalence (3-39%) and Europe reported the highest prevalence (7-72%). Conclusion: Cultural influence may play a role in the prevalent difference of depression in cancer patients. Somatization and stigmatization are suggested as the possible reasons of lower prevalence of depression in Asia region. The biopsychiatric model of mental illness and western psychologization explain the higher prevalence in Western region. Future research on the cross-cultural variability in the presentation of depression in cancer patients is recommended.
Each organization has a particular culture, due to personal interactions, with certain values shared by its members. Corporate culture is defined as ‘the set of shared, taken-for-granted implicit assumptions that a group holds and that determines how it perceives, thinks about, and reacts to its various environments’. Positive corporate culture is linked to increased staff alignment, advanced level of employee commitment, increased employee productivity, enhanced organizational effectiveness and increased profitability. Researchers claimed that most studies suggesting the associations between culture and performance are methodologically weak. Cultural transformation has been a big part of NHS reforms and health system redesign in United States to deliver improvements in quality and performance. Environment, market competition, technology advancement, information age and government policies will influence the cultural change within the organization. Undesirable culture might emerge if the organization does not act appropriately to manage its corporate culture. There are six critical success factors for the implementation of corporate culture changes: committed and effective leadership, clear definition of the desired goals, rigorous implementation of a change management model, effective mitigation of change resistance, active governance structure and a design model, and effective communication. Among the issues in implementing corporate culture within healthcare organizations are middle managers dilemma, cultural diversity and subcultures within the organization, size of healthcare organization and critical mass.
Over two hundred bacteria were isolated from the halosphere, rhizosphere and endophyte of Malaysian maize plantation and screened for phytases activity. Thirty isolates with high detectable phytase activity were chosen for media optimization study and species identification. Ten types of bacterial phytase producers have been discovered in this study, which provides opportunity for characterization of new phytase(s) and various commercial and environmental applications. The majority of the bacterial isolates with high detectable phytase activity were of endophyte origin and 1.6% of the total isolates showed phytase activity of more than 1 U/ml. Most of the strains produced extra-cellular phytase and Staphylococcus lentus ASUIA 279 showed the highest phytase activity of 1.913 U/ml. All 30 species used in media optimization study exhibit favorable enzyme production when 1% rice bran was included in the growth media.
In developing ergonomically sound furniture, there is a need in evaluating anthropometrics from various aspect such as gender differences. The objectives of this study was to evaluate anthropometrics differences between genders of children in Malaysia in order to determine the need in having specified chairs for each gender. Represented by four states in Malaysia, a total of 2400 children were involved in the study. A custom made measurer and an anthropometer were used to measure the subjects. Six body measurements, which are, sitting shoulder height, sitting subscapular height, shoulder breadth, buttock popliteal length, popliteal height and hip width were documented for evaluation. From this study, there were some significant differences on some body parts while other body parts were similar to male and female. Therefore, chairs are needed to be made according to the suitability of both gender.
Purpose:To investigate the feasibilty of using processed human amniotic membrane (HAM) to support the attachment and proliferation of chondrocytes in vitro which it turn can be utilised as a cell delivery vehicle in tissue engineering applications. Methods: Fresh HAM obtained from patients undergoing routine elective ceasarean sections was harvested., processed and dried using either freez drying (FD) or air drying (AD) methods prior to sterilisation by gamma irradiation. Isolated, processed and characterised rabbit autologous chondrolytes were seeded on processsed HAM and cultured for up to three weeks. Cell attachment and proliferation were examined qualitatively using inverted brightfield microcospy. Results: Processed HAM appeared to allow cell attachment when implanted with chrondocytes. Although cells seeded on AD and FD HAM did not appear to attach as strongly as those seeded on glycerol preserved intact human amniotic membrane, these cells to be proliferated in cell culture conditions. Conclusion: Prelimanary results show that processed HAM chondrocyte attachment and proliferation.
Caring practice is one of the three core values of Corporate Culture of Ministry of Health Malaysia, initiated in 1991. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the extent of hospital healthcare personnel practicing the element of caring. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to all staff working in public hospitals followed by reminder letters and telephone calls. A total of 37,267 responded out of 69,385 personnel working in the hospitals with a response rate of 53.7%. Results showed that about half of the respondents perceived that they practice caring value of the corporate culture (49.5%) and only 33.3% perceived that their colleagues practiced it. The practice of caring value was highest among clinical specialists (65.4%) and lowest among the clerks (22.1%). Nurses perceived that 40.4% of their colleagues practiced caring values while the clerks perceived only 17.0% of their colleagues practice it. In conclusion, caring value is not being well practiced by healthcare staff especially among the support staff. There is a need for further research to study the reasons for poor caring practice by healthcare personnel and develop strategies to improve the situation.
The production of ethanol, from glucose in batch and fed batch culture, was investigated. In the fed batch culture, the glucose feeding was added into the culture at 16th hour of fermentation. The effects of different glucose concentration feeding rates on ethanol fermentation were investigated for fed batch culture. The 2gL-1hr-1 glucose concentration feeding rate was found to give higher ethanol yield (2.47 g ethanol g glucose-1), with respect to substrate consumed as compared to 8 gL-1hr-1 (0.23 g ethanol g glucose-1) and 4 gL-1hr-1 (0.20 g ethanol g glucose-1). The ethanol yield with respect to substrate consumed obtained in batch culture was 0.81 g ethanol g glucose-1. The fed batch culture at 2 gL-1hr-1 glucose concentration feeding rate was proven to be a better fermentation system than the batch culture. The specific growth rate, specific glucose consumption rate and specific ethanol production rate for the fed batch fermentation, at 2 gL-1hr-1 glucose concentration feeding rate, were 0.065 hr-1, 1.20 hr-1 and 0.0009 hr-1, respectively.
Corporate culture can simply be defined as “The way we do things around here". It comprise of assumptions, values, norms and tangible signs. Ministry of Health has started its culture building in 1991. Prior to this study, there have been two studies to evaluate its implementation. There were two types of respondents, where administered questionnaires were sent to all head of departments and all U3 medical ojjicers in public services in Malaysia, About 50% (n=126) of head of departments and only 18% (n=1321) of medical ojjicers responded. The study shows that at least 83% of head of departments perceived that the three core value of corporate culture has been implemented in their departments. However for rites and rituals, less than habf of them have implemented it. Singing of corporate song is done more in hospital as compared to health. As for medical officer, only 28% of them have received training on corporate culture. Among those who have received training, only a quarter understood the meaning of corporate culture. Doctors were also asked to give opinion on how to generate a caring doctor. About one-third suggested to reduce the workload of doctors. Apart from increasing manpower, workload can also be reduced by reengineering the system and upgrading the doctors’ competency.
Dividend policy is one of the most important element to measure changes in stock
prices. The relationship between dividend policy and stock price volatility shows
different results based on different studies. This paper focuses on the relationship
between dividend policy and stock price volatility through seminal literature on both
theoretical and empirical evidences from 1989 to 2016. The various consequences of
this relationship depend upon each country specific characteristics, different data
sample and different methodology techniques which utilized by researchers in
developed and developing countries. Most of the studies found negative relationship
between dividend policy and stock price volatility, while developed countries have
more impact on this relationship as compared to developing countries. Based on the
prior literature, this paper argues that the relationship between dividend policy and
stock price volatility is inconsistent and the organization needs to decide the dividend
policy according to their capability and organizational culture.
Candida pseudohaemulonii is phylogenetically close to the C. haemulonii complex and exhibits resistance to amphotericin B and azole agents. We report here the draft genome sequence of C. pseudohaemulonii UZ153_17 isolated from the blood culture of a neutropenic patient. The draft genome is 3,532,003,666 bp in length, with 579,838 reads, 130 contigs, and a G+C content of 47.15%.