A study was conducted at five selected rivers around Bukit Merah Reservoir,
Perak, Malaysia for eight weeks in order to determine the fish diversity and distribution. A
total of 28 species comprised of 9 families were identified. The study depicted that there
were significant changes to the fish composition when compared to previous study which
had captured 36 species due to different areas covered and different types of sampling
gear used between both studies.
Acute glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidney mediated by an immunological process. Group A β-haemolytic streptococcal infection is common in children aged 5-12 years old and can lead to acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis which may develop after recovery from a streptococcal throat infection or skin infection (impetigo). 97% of cases occur in less developed country. The incidence has decreased in industrialized nations due to improved hygienic condition. A 7-year-old boy, the eldest child of 4 siblings from a divorced parent, was admitted to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan Kuantan in March 2015 due to facial puffiness for 1 day duration. There was also dark colored urine. Patient had history of productive cough for 3 days and fever for 2 days. Father also complained of skin ulcer on patient’s right feet for about 1 month. There was hypertension (198/80 mmHg). Urine examination showed hematuria, proteinuria, and leucocyturia. Anti-streptolysin O titre was high (1:800) and complement C3 level was low (0.29). Patient was treated with antibiotic, diuretic, and anti-hypertension. The child is entrusted to the parents who will be called by the Almighty, who will ask them about this trust. Parents play vital role in maintaining and promoting the good health of the children. Parents should also pay attention to cleanliness, personal hygiene and the prevention of disease, especially infection. Islam paid attention to washing hands and cleansing the air inhaled into the lungs by regular cleaning of the nose as part of ablution before performing prayer. Parents are responsible in preserving life, health and growth of their children. Caring for cleanliness and hygiene is not only deemed a good habit in Islam but also rendered into rituals that constitute part of the faith itself.
The primary goals of resuscitation are to preserve life, restore health, relieve suffering and limit disability. As nurses, executing the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a patient experiencing cardio-pulmonary arrest is essential in preserving life. However nurses face a dilemma in the decision making to either preserve the patient’s life or let the patient die naturally, if the patient’s autonomy as well as his family’s wish for a “do not resuscitate (DNR)” order. In this dilemma, the sanctity of life and the right to die is the main concern of this discussion. Islamic moral judgment, as the major concern here, should be studied as an alternative to analyse and provide a guideline that is in accordance with the Islamic teaching. Thus, this research is to provide the Islamic moral judgment on the resuscitation issue and its implication in nursing practices. The western ethics that represent the current practices on resuscitation is not included. The comparison was then made with the ultimate origin of Islamic teaching iethe Qur’an and Sunnah, as well as the notions of Muslim scholars on the subject. As the physician opines that CPR is to be beneficial to rescue a life, therefore refusing it may be considered as immoral. However, the DNR order is entirely acceptable if the doctor believes that CPR is futile and gives no benefit to the patient. The doctor has the authority to issue a DNR order if he is certain that the patient would not benefit from CPR without getting consent from the patient or his relative. Nursing implications: As nurses facilitate patients and family members in forming a decision about end of life hence engaging a comprehensive view of DNR based on Islamic teaching would provide an informed choice when advising a Muslim patient and family. The area to investigate would be on the degree of knowledge among nurses regarding the Islamic moral judgement on this matter is highly recommended for future management.
The demand for enzyme as biocatalyst is increasing for biotechnological based industry. This is due to their ability to catalyze specific biochemical reactions and able to generate products that have significant commercial value. Some of these enzymatic reactions cannot be replicated using conventional organic synthesis process. On the other hand, insects have evolved and established various enzymatic pathways that are not only important for their survival but also valuable. Therefore, scientists and engineers are searching a way to utilize insect’s enzyme for industrial processing as an alternative for greener technology. A high-level idea about how the biological systems work, evolve and interconnect in nature is essential in order to put the application into the industry. A new field of innovation to increase performance and reliability, discoveries are in turn solving some of technology’s greatest challenges as the demand for cleaner and greener technology is rising. This paper will review on the application of insect’s enzyme as a biocatalyst in the field of biopharmaceutical, agricultural, food and pulp and paper industry.
SOX9, a members of SOX family, plays a significant roles in developmental processes during embryogenesis, including brain tissue. Few studies have shown that SOX9has been involved in tumourigenesis of several types of cancer including brain tumour. However, such studies are still lacking in the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to determine SOX9expression level in several types of brain tumours in East Coast Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Five formalin-fixed pariffin-embedded brain tumour samples of Malay descendants were sectioned by using microtome. RNA extraction was performed with slight modification by adding Trizol during tissue lysis. The RNA was converted to cDNA using reverse transcription technique before SOX9expression was detected using RT q-PCR assay in brain tumours normalized to non-neoplastic brain tissues. Results: Overall results displayed that SOX9gene in all samples were up-regulated. SOX9overexpression was found in both high and low grade glioma (anaplastic and pilocytic astrocytoma respectively). This is consistence with both low grade (benign) and atypical meningioma. Secondary brain tumour also showed up-regulation when compared to normal brain tissue. Conclusion: Up-regulation in SOX9expression in selected brain tumours in Malay patients revealed its significant roles in brain tumourigenesis. Functional studies should be carried out to observe the SOX9functions and mechanism whether they should reflect their diverse roles in Malaysia population.
Chemical composition of fine (PM2.5) aerosol samples collected for the 5 years period (2001- 2005) using Gent Stacked filter unit sampler at Klang Valley (3 o 10 ’ 30 ’’ N, 101 o 43 ’ 24 ’’ E) were analysed using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Results of the study show that the major component of the fine aerosol was black carbon and sulfur with the mass concentration ranged from 4.4 - 6.7µg m -3 and 1.2 - 1.9µg m -3 , respectively. The total fine aerosol mass concentration were in the ranged of 25 - 31µg m -3 with the reconstructed mass was about 50% as relative to the gravimetric mass. Statistical method, factor analysis with varimax approach has been applied to the aerosol composition data for the fingerprint identification. The analysis produces five identified fingerprint represent soil, industry, motor vehicles/biomass burning and Pb and Zn sources. There is also an unidentified source that could be related to unknown industrial activities.
A novel thermostable glucoamylase cDNA without starch binding domain (SBD) of Aspergillus flavus NSH9 was successfully identified, isolated, and overexpressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. The complete open reading frame of glucoamylase from Aspergillus flavus NSH9 was identified by employing PCR that encodes 493 amino acids lacking in the SBD. The first 17 amino acids were presumed to be a signal peptide. The cDNA was cloned into Pichia pastoris and the highest expression of recombinant glucoamylase (rGA) was observed after 8 days of incubation period with 1% methanol. The molecular weight of the purified rGA was about 78 kDa and exhibited optimum catalytic activity at pH 5.0 and temperature of 70°C. The enzyme was stable at higher temperature with 50% of residual activity observed after 20 min at 90°C and 100°C. Low concentration of metal (Mg(++), Fe(++), Zn(++), Cu(++), and Pb(++)) had positive effect on rGA activity. This rGA has the potential for use and application in the saccharification steps, due to its thermostability, in the starch processing industries.
The evolution in lifestyle and dietary habits of the Malaysian people that have taken place over the last few decades can be largely attributed to both family and social environment. These factors are known to affect the nutritional status of the community, in both children and adults. Reduced physical activity and changes in their diet have been one of the contributing factors to the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. However, in Malaysia, in which nutrition transition has been a norm, it is worrying when the trends of overweight and obesity have been rising steadily over the years especially among children. Although numerous strategies to control obesity in Malaysia have been taking place, many had shown little effect. Analysing strategies implemented at national level is thus crucial in order to ascertain reasons for the shortfalls of these strategies especially among children. Obesity most commonly begins as early as the ages of 5 and 6 years, or during adolescence. Obesity is indeed a major public health concern due to its huge negative impact on the society at large which is well supported by evidence-based literatures. Managing this issue is complex and holistic approach is thus crucial in reducing its incidence and prevalence.
A clinical descriptive study was done to determine the sociodemographic, laboratory and clinical characteristics of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) referred to Hospital Putrajaya, a tertiary endocrine centre in Malaysia. Electronic laboratory data of 51 CAH patients were obtained. The demographics and clinical details of the study population were acquired from a questionnaire completed by parents of participants. There were 25 males (49%) and 26 females (51%), of which, 58.8% were Malays. Median age of participants was 4 years whilst median age at diagnosis of CAH was two years. Parental consanguinity was documented in three patients (5.9%). Patients originated from Johor (19.6%), Selangor (19.6%), Negeri Sembilan (17.6%) and Kedah (13.7%). Majority of patients were diagnosed after one week of life (80.4%) although more females were diagnosed under the age of one week compared to males (p=0.041). Most females presented with ambiguous genitalia (42.3%) [p=0.001] whereas 72% of males presented with salt wasting (p=0.003). No significant associations between race and all other variables, though interestingly three Malay patients presented with ambiguous genitalia and hypertension. Equal gender distribution noted as expected in an autosomal recessive condition, although not in keeping with other Asian countries. Early diagnosis in females attributed to obvious genital ambiguity at birth. Varied clinical presentation, although in minority, necessitates genetic studies for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Considering that majority of patients presented with salt wasting and the age at diagnosis was delayed, the introduction of a neonatal screening programme is essential in Malaysia.
Over 114 countries in the world grow rice and more than 50 countries have an annual rice production of 100,000 tonnes or more. Asian farmers produce about 90% of the global total rice production. Generally, there are two most common varieties of rice; cultivated and hill rice. Nowadays a lot of agriculture land is contaminated with toxic elements owing to the use of sludge or municipal compost, pesticides, fertilizers and emissions from municipal waste incinerators, car exhausts, residues from metalliferous mines, and smelting industries. The distribution and concentration of several toxic elements in grains particularly rice has lately become a big concern. A study to determine the concentrations of some elements in a few varieties of rice in our local market using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis has been performed by Waste and Environmental Technology Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency. A total of 15 elements were measured. The method was validated by analysing the Standard Reference Material SRM-1568a (Rice Flour) and SRM-1573a (Tomato Leaves) of NIST. The measured concentrations of major and minor elements were analysed in terms of the average intake of nutrient content and comparison of several toxic elements to other studied values.
Vitex trifolia or locally known as lemuni, is well documented for its medicinal properties including
anticancer, antibacterial and wound healing. For years, the leaves and flowers were consumed for antiaging
and general well-being. It is also commonly served as nutraceuticals to post-partum women during
their confinement period. Previous study showed that V. trifolia possesses high antioxidant properties that
could prevent oxidative stress related diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes and many more.
From the literature, V. trifolia leaves are used as poultice for rheumatic pains, sprains, antithelmintics and
inflammations. Meanwhile, the fruits are utilised in amenorrhea. The roots, on the other hand, are used for
the treatment of cough and fever. The plant is known to possess pharmacologically-active constituents such
as the essential oil, halimane-type diterpenes, flavonoids, triterpenes, lignans, iridoids and ecdysteroids.
Review papers were consistently published to justify the non-exhaustive biological exploration of this genus.
Nevertheless, only 11 per cent of the total Vitex species were phytochemically examined. Apart from being
eaten raw or blanched, Vitex is also taken as a food colourant in preparing lemuni rice. The process of
making lemuni rice is quite tedious. First, the leaves and flowers are picked and washed. Both parts are then
ground with water and sieved to give a bluish extract which is then mixed with rice and boiled to cook.
Hence, the Vitex pouch is introduced to provide an easy way to prepare lemuni rice. This packaging is
designed to enclose Vitex samples in a pouch that simply can be placed together with rice and boiled to
cook. Such instant preparation will hopefully promote the consumption of lemuni rice among busy locals.
Future plans include international marketing and production of other Vitex nutritional products.
Mobile phone distraction is a global issue in road safety perspective especially involving the pedestrians. A lot of
research findings had suggested that the use of mobile phone increase the risk for pedestrians while crossing the
road, but there have been very few studies that could explain the said threat in Malaysia’s situation. This study aims
to identify the distracted pedestrian behaviour via the video recording method. More than 300 samples were
observed as involved in mobile phone distractions while crossing the roads from a total of approximately 1,500
analysed samples. The study also found that the highest mode of distraction observed among pedestrians was the
“handheld usage” (conversing) as compared to the “hands-free” and “application usage” modes. In addition, the
distractions had significantly affected the time to cross and the observed road users who were involved in
“application usage” took longer time to cross. These results provide a prevalence material that may be useful in the
development of countermeasures.
Validity test is important during the development of ergonomics measurement. Failure to conduct validity tests will result in the measurement method being developed to be incapable of providing reliable ergonomics measurements. The objective of this study is to conduct validity test on the simple method ergonomics measurement which was developed. The method named Simple Ergonomics Risks Assessment (SERA). Content validity test and criterion validity test were conducted. The content validity test consists of 6 ergonomics experts who actively provide inputs and positive feedbacks to improve the measurement method being developed. Meanwhile, the criterion validity test involves data collection of complaints on body parts among oil palm workers which were derived from Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and ergonomics risk assessment scores obtained from SERA. Both findings were tested with the Chi-square test to explore possible relations between the two findings. Results from the test conducted showed that there are significant relations in the scores of neck posture; hip, right and left shoulder, right and left wrists and the right hand associated with fresh fruit bunch (FFB) harvesting activities. In the loose fruits collection, the Chi-square test showed significant relations in the scores of neck posture, hip, right and left shoulders, right wrist, right arm and the left hand. However, there are body parts such as the legs which showed no significant relation. More tests should be conducted to further explore the validity of the method being developed. Findings from both validity tests show that SERA were verified by the experts and tested with validated method so that it is valid to be applied in the future.
Demodex sp. merupakan ektoparasit kulit dan dikenali sebagai tungau folikel yang selalu didapati pada manusia pada semua peringkat umur, kaum dan kumpulan geografi. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk menentukan prevalens infestasi Demodex sp. di kalangan orang dewasa berumur antara 20 hingga 29 tahun di kawasan Lembah Klang dan menentukan kaitan infestasi ektoparasit ini dengan jantina dan masalah jerawat. Kajian ini merupakan kajian pertama penentuan prevalens infestasi Demodex sp. di Malaysia. Seramai 350 orang subjek telah dikaji yang mana pemilihan sampel dilakukan secara pensampelan rawak berstrata. Pengambilan spesimen dilakukan secara kikisan kulit pada kawasan muka iaitu dahi, hidung, pipi dan dagu. Spesimen dititiskan dengan medium Hoyer dan pemerhatian dijalankan di bawah mikroskop cahaya. Borang soal selidik diedarkan untuk mengetahui kehadiran jerawat pada kulit muka. Hasil kajian mendapati prevalens keseluruhan infestasi Demodex sp. adalah 18.9% dan lelaki menunjukkan infestasi lebih tinggi (25.7%) berbanding perempuan (12.0%) manakala tiada perbezaan bermakna antara masalah jerawat dan infestasi Demodex sp. Kesimpulannya, infestasi Demodex sp. hadir di kalangan satu perlima dari subjek dengan lelaki didapati lebih bermasalah.
Great importance has been attributed to birth weight all over the world because it is considered as one of the best predictors of prenatal survival and a good indicator of quality life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight babies (LBW) and factors related to it in Baghdad city. A cross sectional study was carried out in four general hospitals in Baghdad city, Iraq. A total of 225 newborn babies, alive, singleton and without congenital malformation were selected randomly from these four general hospitals.The result of the study showed the prevalence rate of low birth weights was 21.3%. Mothers’ educational level, monthly family income, mothers with chronic hypertension, mothers with history of previous low birth weight infants and anemic mothers were significantly associated with low birth weight babies (P= 0.03, 0.01, 0.02,
The use of microemulsion in the development of nanoparticle based on acrylated palm oil product is demonstrated. Acr ylated palm oil microemulsions were prepared using ionic surfactant. Combination methods of emulsion polymerization and radiation crosslinking were applied to the microemulsion system for synthesizing nanoparticle. The ionizing radiat ion technique was introduced to generate a crosslinking reaction in the development of nanoparticle. The nanoparticle was evaluated in terms of particle diameter, surface charge, pH and conductance. Their image was captured using Tra nsmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results show that the size, charge and shape of the particles are influenced by c oncentration of surfactants, monomer concentration, radiation dose and time of storage. The study showed a promising method to produced nanoparticle. This nano-sized product has the potential to be utilized as controlled-drug-release-carrier.
Health impact related to smoking is a critical public health predicament especially in pregnancy. However there is not much data available to describe the magnitude of the problem. Hence this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking and its socioeconomic factors among antenatal mother and their opinion related to tobacco control measures. A cross sectional study was carried out involving newly registered antenatal mothers attending all government health clinics in Penang. Prevalence of ever smoking among antenatal mother is 1.4%, of which 42.4% is still smoking at first antenatal visit. It was found that single mothers are more likely to smoke (OR, 14.23: C12.52-53.27). It was also noted that spouse smoking (OR, 5,14: CI 1.95-17.09), primigravida (OR, 2.7: C1 1.3-5.62), age group less than 30 years old (OR, 2.41; CI 1.03-6.09) and living in urban area (OR, 2.33; CI 1.01 — 6.47) have a higher risk to indulge in smoking behaviour. Muslim OR 0.29; C1 0.14 - 0.60) and Malay (OR 0.22; CI 0.10 - 0.47) pregnant mothers are noted to be less likely to smoke as compared to non Muslim and non Malay. More than 85% of them agreed with the tobacco control measures regardless of their smoking status. Most of respondents agreed the influential people in community L;11T · such as medical personnel, teachers and parents should not smoke.
In this paper, the application of the method of lines (MOL) to the Forced
Korteweg-de Vries-Burgers equation with variable coefficient (FKdVB) is presented.
The MOL is a powerful technique for solving partial differential equations by typically
using finite-difference approximations for the spatial derivatives and ordinary differential
equations (ODEs) for the time derivative. The MOL approach of the FKdVB
equation leads to a system of ODEs. The solution of the system of ODEs is obtained
by applying the Fourth-Order Runge-Kutta (RK4) method. The numerical solution
obtained is then compared with its progressive wave solution in order to show the
accuracy of the MOL method.
Purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-device agreement of ocular
and corneal higher-order aberration measurements using various aberrometers. (Copied from article).
Objective: It is important to investigate the association between spousal support
and psychology of cancer patients, thus a validated instrument to measure the
degree of perceived spousal support is required. We translated and evaluated the
psychometric properties of the Sources of Social Support Scale-Malay version
(SSSS-Malay) among Malaysian cancer patients.
Methods: In this study, the
SSSS-Malay and Hope Scale-Malay [used to compare with the SSSS-Malay to
assess discriminant validity] were administered to 195 Malaysian cancer patients
during baseline assessment. The SSSS-Malay was re-administered 2 months
after the baseline assessment during follow-up.
Results: The SSSS-Malay total
score (Cronbach’s α = 0.70, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.72) and
its domains (Cronbach’s α ranging from 0.70 to 0.83, intraclass correlation
coefficient ranging from 0.6 to 0.76) exhibited good internal consistencies and
good test-retest reliability. The SSSS-Malay also demonstrated good convergent
and discriminant validities. However, confirmatory factor analysis of the SSSSMalay
showed that it was best fit into a 3-factor model instead of the 4-factor
model of the original English version.
Conclusion: The SSSS-Malay
demonstrated good psychometric properties for use in Malaysian cancer
patients.