Introduction: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological change in
life that occurs as a result of struggle with highly challenging life crises. There is
a growing need to explore posttraumatic growth (PTG) in cancer patients, as
higher PTG may enhance well-being of patients.
Objectives: The aim of this
study was to translate the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGISF)
into the Malay language and evaluate its psychometric properties for
assessing Malaysian cancer patients in future studies.
Methods: Two parallels
forward and backward translations of the PTGI-SF into the Malay language
were conducted. The test was administered to 195 cancer patients. Reliability
was evaluated by testing internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) and calculating the
test-retest intra-class correlation coefficient, and validity was examined by
determining face, convergent, and discriminant validities and using
confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Results: The Malay version of the PTGI-SF
and its five domains demonstrated good internal consistencies and acceptable
test-retest reliability. All 10 items of this version were highly correlated with
their own domains and thus exhibited convergent validity. Discriminant validity
was achieved, as all domains of the Malay PTGI-SF was not highly correlated
with the domains of the Source of Social Support Scale. CFA resulted in a bestfitting
5-factor model.
Conclusion: The Malay version of the PTGI-SF is a
suitable tool for measuring PTG in Malaysian cancer patients.
The great potential of biodegradable polymers in orthopaedic surgery is
gradually being recognized. PLGA is one of the common polymers used. However, long
term outcomes, with regards to PLGA, are still not well documented. Hence, we
attempted to study the outcome of PLGA and also its combination with fibrin. (Copied from article).
Kinetic estimate of GFR (keGFR) is a more accurate estimate of GFR in the
acute settings with rapidly changing kidney functions. It takes into account the changes
of creatinine over time, creatinine production rate, and the volume of distribution,
however needs serial measurement of creatinine. We evaluated which methods of the
conventional eGFR measurement best correlates with keGFR. This could assist clinicians
in using a simpler method of calculation and is useful in the absence of serial plasma
creatinine. (Copied from article).
A Severe encephalitis with an uncontrolled seizure may produce impairment in a variety
of cognitive functions. The appropriate treatment for cognitive impairment postencephalitisis
are currently unknown. We are reporting a case of depression and cognitive impairment post- encephalitis with an uncontrolled seizure. (Copied from article).
Solitary fibrous tumours of the head and neck region are
extremely rare. The clinical diagnosis is often difficult to
establish, and this lesion may be indistinguishable from other
soft tissue neoplasms. An 18-year old Chinese gentleman
presented with a painless right submandibular swelling which
was increasing in size for eight months. A computed
tomography scan showed a well-defined solid mass measuring
about 2.0 x 2.96 cm in the submandibular region. The tumour
was resected and was confined within its capsule.
Immunohistochemical staining was strongly positive for CD34,
CD 99, and vimentin and negative for desmin, smooth muscle
actin (SMA), cytokeratin, S100 and CD68. The microscopic and
immunohistochemical profile were compatible with solitary
fibrous tumour. Distinguishing solitary fibrous tumours from
various spindle neoplasms can be difficult. In view of the
resemblance, immunohistochemical staining can help
differentiate solitary fibrous tumour from spindle neoplasm.
In order to prepare Malaysia to be nuclear ready, the Malaysian 1 MW TRIGA MARK II research
reactor (RTP) located at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency was premeditated with the aim to effectually
actualize the multitude areas of basic nuclear research, labor training and education. To meet the
modern safety standards, analyses of a strong interaction between the thermal-hydraulic system
behavior and the space-dependent neutron kinetics are needed as mere thermal-hydraulics codes are
said to be incapable to succeed the present safety standards. This could be achieved through the
coupling of neutronic and thermal-hydraulic codes of the reactor. Previous studies had shown that the
coupled codes are able to successfully be employed for the correlation between thermal-hydraulic
analysis and neutron kinetics at transient and steady state. In this study, the coupling was achieved
through MCNP and TRIGLAV codes for neutronic and thermal-hydraulic respectively. Core-15 of
RTP was modeled for both of the codes; hence calculating the criticality, analysis of power and
neutron flux distribution. The consistency and accuracy of the developed Core-15 MCNP model was
established by comparing calculations to the experimental results and TRIGLAV code. The criticality
predictions for both codes are in very good agreement with the experimental results. The core reached
its criticality after 66 fuels. The highest hot rod power peaking factor was found to be 1.28. The
results are conservative and can be applied to show the reliability of MCNP and TRIGLAV codes.
This work main aim is to study the analysis of slow neutrons which include thermal and
epithermal neutrons and also analysis on fast neutrons. The outcome from this work showed that
the comparison result between fast and slow neutrons. The safety assessment at reactor TRIGA
FUSFATI (RTF) is one of the main objectives of the work and there is a detailed discussion on it
which helped in accomplishing the task. Gamma Rays produced in this experiment was high and in
the experiment and it is realized that the shielding plays a vital role in the success of this
experiment which prevents all the radiations. From the results of the experiment it is realized that
these gamma rays are not suitable for the application of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
(BNCT). However, these radiations are suitable for the application of Neutron Radiography (NR).
The study on this work will help in study of nuclear applications such as BNCT, NR, SANS etc.
These applications are using in medical and nuclear fields. The electronic device used in the
experiment to detect neutron is Neutron Spectrometer. The results from Neutron Spectrometer
and TLDs are very similar which showed that the experiment is a success. Numerical results were
compared with those available in literature for validation.
The overall reproductive process consists of both the human sex organs which include the male and female reproductive system. The ability to produce offsprings that have similar characteristic as their parents is the goal of reproduction. The sexual type of reproduction takes place in human and both male and female reproductive system is required. Male reproductive system is mainly concerned with production of semen (whitish viscous fluid emitted from the male reproductive tract that contains sperm and fluids) and transferring it into the female reproductive tract. In this review, we will discuss the latest findings in the research pertaining the male reproductive system and its contribution towards the research in advancement of reproductive physiology.
Marjolin’s ulcer is a malignant cutaneous ulcer
that undergoes transformation from a previously
traumatized or chronically inflammed skin.1 Causes
leading to ulcerations can be burn injury, trauma,
chronic osteomyelitis and varicose ulcers.2 It is named
after a French surgeon, Jean Nicolas Marjolin, who
first described the condition in patients who developed
malignant ulcers from burn scars.3 We report a case of
a chronic non-healing foot ulcer that has become a
Marjolin’s ulcer after 12 years. (Copied from article).
This study aims to assess the level of Knowledge, Attitude and
Practices (KAP) on Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) from employer perspectives
in Malaysia industries. A developed KAP questionnaires were distributed and
returned by 39 employers. Most employer show good scores to majority of items in
Knowledge and Attitude sections. However, good practices are still lacking as the
scores are quite low for half of the items. Kruskal-Wallis test for independent sample
was used to test the relationship between gender and KAP scores. It was found out
that gender is linked with few items in Knowledge and Attitude section (r < 0.05)
while no indication of relationship with Practice scores. As the number of reported
MSDs cases are increasing in Malaysia, hence understanding of KAP factors are
crucial in order to tackle the problem.
The association between nutrition and cancer in general had been a controversial issue between scientists in the last
three decades, because some argued that there is a relationship and some nutrients can help in preventing cancer
occurrence, although this has not been a consistent finding by other studies. Studies were identified through a
systematic review of literature available on PubMed in between 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2013. We
included all studies that assessed nutrition or diet with occurrence or mortality of breast cancer. Out of 42 articles,
we included 8 articles in our screening and discussion. Among these 8 studies, there were 2 case-controls, 3 cohort
and 3 randomized control trials (RCT) studies. Although most studies reported that nutrition isassociated with
decreased risk, some reported the contrary,whereas others reported no relation. It was demonstrated a conflict
between the included papers in regards of the association between nutrition and breast cancer. These finding needs
to be re-evaluated in future studies.
2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) is utilized in the production of wood preservatives, dyes, and also
as a pesticide. Human acute (short-term) exposure to 2,4-DNP in humans by means of oral
exposure are nausea or vomiting, sweating, headaches, dizziness, and weight reduction. Thus, the
removal of this compound is highly sought. A 2,4-DNP-degrading bacterium (isolate 1) was
isolated from a sample soil from Terengganu. This bacterium (isolate 1) was characterized as a
rod Gram positive, non-sporulated, and non-motile bacterium. The bacterium is oxidase negative
and had catalase positive activity and was able to grow aerobically on 2,4-dinitrophenol as the
sole carbon source. This bacterium showed maximal growth on 2,4-DNP at the temperature
optimum of 30 oC, pH 5.0 and was tolerant to 2,4-DNP concentration of up to 0.5 mM (0.092
g/L). This bacterium prefers to use urea as the nitrogen source in addition to yeast extract for
mineral source and vitamin precursors.
Road transport is the movement of passengers or goods on the road. To date, issues concerning the safety of students
and school institutions have continued to attract public attention. The recent spate of incidents inside and outside
the school compound has brought the issue of children safety into our attention. These include the escalating number
of road casualties. This study was conducted to observe road hazard outside the school compound and analyse the
safety risks faced by school children by using the risk matrix. The risks are calculated to include likelihood and
severity of hazard as identified in the Guideline of HIRARC 2008. The area selected was the East Coast state of
Peninsular Malaysia, with over 111 schools randomly selected in Kelantan. Results were then analysed and six
highlighted hazards were discussed. The results show that the main road posed the highest risk due to speeding
vehicles. These vehicles failed to slow down when approaching the school area. The school
administration must enhance the safety of the staff, students, and public while in the school area. In conclusion, road
safety awareness must be instilled among teachers, students, parents and road users alike.
Background: Obesity is major contributor to diseases and mortality. Constant
weight loss significantly reverses diseases related to obesity and helps
prolong human life expectancy. To date, there has been limited scientific
evidence comparing the effectiveness of the Aqua Zumba® Fitness program
and conventional aqua jog among obese women. Thus, the purpose of this
study is to compare the effects between 12 weeks of Aqua Zumba® Fitness
and aqua jog on health parameters among middle-age women. Methods: A
total of sixty sedentary obese women (BMI >30 kg/m2), aged 40-59 years old
were randomized to either Aqua Zumba® Fitness (AZ, n=20), aqua jog (AJ,
n=20) or control group (C, n=20). Exercise groups were involved in different
12-week aqua exercise programs, 3 times per week, 60 minutes per session,
with an intensity of 50-75% of maximum heart rate. Body mass (BM),
skeletal muscle mass (SMM), body fat percentage (BF%), waist
circumference (WC), upper and lower body strength (UBS and LBS),
cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and flexibility were measured at baseline
(week-0) and post-exercise intervention (week-13). Result: The AZ group
demonstrated significant changes (p
Ionising radiation (IR) has been extensively used as therapy and diagnostic modality to detect abnormalities inside a human body. Interaction between IR and cells can lead to production of free radicals. This study aims to evaluate radioprotective properties of 50% watermelon juice against low dose ionising radiation (LDIR)-induced stress in mice lung and liver tissues following 14 days of juice supplementation. Eighteen (18) ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups, negative control (Cx), radiation (Rx) and treatment group (Tx). The Cx group was treated with normal diet and filtered water while the Rx group was given a normal diet, filtered water and irradiated with 100 µGy x-ray; Tx group was fed a normal diet, 50% watermelon juice and irradiated with 100 µGy x-ray. After 14 days, level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung and liver tissues were evaluated. The SOD inhibition activity revealed a significant decrease in Rx and Tx compared with Cx (p
The return of ex-prisoners who were released from prison into an environment filled with fellow
friends could lead to negative influences such as drug addiction and crime repetition among former
prisoners. This paper has been derived from a doctorate study studying the repeatition of crimes that
occurred among former prisoners in Malaysia. The findings of the study have found that former
prisoners often return to their fellow members due to family absence. This study has been used
qualitative methods by interviewing 16 ex-prisoners identified through the technique of snowball
sampling. The finding revealed that all these former prisoners from different state were concentrated
around the Chow Kit road. Addiction, as a result of invitation process by friends. This situation are
make the study to proven relationship between the influence of friends and drug abused among the
former prisoners.
Stereospermum fimbriatum or locally known as "Chicha" is traditionally used for itchy skin, earache, stomachache and postpartum treatments. This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of S. fimbriatum's stem bark against 11 pathogens and isolate its bioactive compound. Successive soxhlet extraction was conducted using n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol. Disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC & MBC) assays were done to examine the antimicrobial activity. Bioassay-guided isolation was conducted on S. fimbriatum's extract. The DCM extract of stem bark (DS) was the most potent extract followed by n-hexane extract of the stem bark (NS). A novel compound was isolated and coded as C1 which demonstrated potent antibacterial effects with the MIC values as low as 3.13 µg/mL to 6.25 µg/mL, against S. epidermidis, MRSA and S. aureus. Thus, S. fimbriatum could be a potential source of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of skin infections, specifically, MRSA.
Water treatment plants generate vast amounts of sludge and its disposal is one of the most expensive and environmentally problematic challenges worldwide. As sludge from water treatment plants contains a considerable amount of titanium, both can create serious environmental concerns. In this study, the potential to recover titanium from drinking water treatment residue was explored through acid leaching technique. Statistical design for the optimization of titanium recovery was proposed using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a five-level central composite design (CCD). Three independent variables were investigated, namely the acid concentration (3 M-7 M), temperature (40 °C - 80 °C) and solid/liquid ratio (0.005-0.02 g/mL). According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the p-value (<0.0001) indicated the designed model was highly significant. Optimization using RSM gave the best fit between validated and predicted data as elucidated by the coefficient of determination with R2 values of 0.9965. However, acid concentration and solid/liquid ratio showed an initial increase in titanium recovery followed by recovery reduction with increasing concentration and ratio. Quadratic RSM predicted the maximum recovery of titanium to be 67.73% at optimal conditions of 5.5 M acid concentration, at a temperature of 62 °C with a solid/liquid ratio of 0.01 g/mL. The verification experiments gave an average of 66.23% recovery of titanium, thus indicating that the successfully developed model to predict the response. This process development has significant importance to reduce the cost of waste disposal, environmental protection, and recovery of economically valuable products.
The Karnaphuli River estuary, located in southeast coast of Bangladesh, is largely exposed to heavy metal contamination as it receives a huge amount of untreated industrial effluents from the Chottagram City. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of five heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) and their bioaccumulation status in six commercially important fishes, and also to evaluate the potential human health risk for local consumers. The hierarchy of the measured concentration level (mg/kg) of the metals was as follows: Pb (13.88) > Cu (12.10) > As (4.89) > Cr (3.36) > Cd (0.39). The Fulton's condition factor denoted that fishes were in better 'condition' and most of the species were in positive allometric growth. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of the contaminants observed in the species were in the following orders: Cu (1971.42) > As (1042.93) > Pb (913.66) > Cr (864.99) > Cd (252.03), and among the specimens, demersal fish, Apocryptes bato appeared to be the most bioaccumulative organism. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) assessed for potential human health risk implications suggest that the values were within the acceptable threshold for both adults and children. However, calculated CR values indicated that both age groups were not far from the risk, and HI values demonstrated that children were nearly 6 times more susceptible to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects than adults.
A series of 9-(2-(1-arylethylidene)hydrazinyl)acridine and its analogs were designed, synthesized and evaluated for biological activities. Various biochemical assays were performed to determine the free radical scavenging capacity of synthesized compounds (4a-4j). Anticancer activity of these compounds was assessed against two different human cancer cell lines viz cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and liver cancer cells (HepG2) as well as normal human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293). Compounds 4b, 4d and 4e showed potential anti-proliferative effects on HeLa cells. Based on results obtained from antioxidant and cytotoxicity studies, 4b, 4d and 4e were further studied in detail for different biological activities. 4b, 4d and 4e reduced the cell growth, inhibited metastatic activity and declined the potential of cell migration in HeLa cell lines. Topoisomerase1 (Top1) treated with compounds 4b, 4d and 4e exhibited inhibition of Top1 and prevented DNA replication. Molecular docking results validate that interaction of compounds 4b, 4d and 4e with Top1-DNA complex, which might be accountable for their inhibitory effects. Further it was concluded that compounds 4b, 4d and 4e arrests the cells at S phase and consequently induces cell death through DNA damage in HeLa cells.