A new micro heat exchanger was analyzed using numerical formulation of conjugate heat transfer for single-phase fluid flow across copper microchannels. The flow across bent channels harnesses asymmetric laminar flow and dean vortices phenomena for heat transfer enhancement. The single-channel analysis was performed to select the bent channel aspect ratio by varying width and height between 35-300 μm for Reynolds number and base temperature magnitude range of 100-1000 and 320-370 K, respectively. The bent channel results demonstrate dean vortices phenomenon at the bend for Reynolds number of 500 and above. Thermal performance factor analysis shows an increase of 18% in comparison to straight channels of 200 μm width and height. Alumina nanoparticles at 1% and 3% concentration enhance the Nusselt number by an average of 10.4% and 23.7%, respectively, whereas zirconia enhances Nusselt number by 16% and 33.9% for same concentrations. On the other hand, thermal performance factor analysis shows a significant increase in pressure drop at high Reynolds number with 3% particle concentration. Using zirconia for nanofluid, Nusselt number of the bent multi-channel model is improved by an average of 18% for a 3% particle concentration as compared to bent channel with deionized water.
Primary thyroid lymphoma is a relatively uncommon pathology of the thyroid gland that mainly occurs in elderly females. We describe a rare case of B-cell thyroid lymphoma in a young healthy male. It is an important diagnosis to be considered in patients presenting with a rapidly enlarging neck mass as its management is different from other differentiated thyroid carcinoma which require total thyroidectomy plus adjuvant radioactive iodine ablation. Our report emphasizes the need for clinical awareness leading to early detection, followed by early multidisciplinary management.
In this paper, a simple analysis yet a straight forward method of determining the Planck’s constant by
evaluating the stopping potential of five different colors of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is presented.
The study aimed to identify the Planck’s constant based on the relationship between the potential
difference of LEDs to their respective frequencies under room temperature with low illumination of
ambient light by applying a simple theoretical analysis. The experiment was performed by connecting
the circuit in series connection and the voltage reading of LEDs were recorded and then presented in a
graph of frequency, f versus stopping voltage, Vo. To determine the Planck’s constant, the best fit line
was analyzed and the centroid was also identified in order to find the minimum and maximum errors
due the gradient of the graph. From the analysis, results showed that the Planck constant value was
(5.997 ± 1.520) × 10–34 J.s with approximately 10% of deviation from the actual value. This
demonstrates that a simple analysis can be utilized to determine the Planck’s constant for the purpose
of the laboratory teaching and learning at the undergraduate level and can be served as a starting point
for the students to understand the concept of quantization of energy in Modern Physics more
effectively. This is to further suggest that the Planck’s constant can be identified via a low-cost and
unsophisticated experimental setup.
Novel series of disulfide and sulfone hybrid analogs (1-20) were synthesized and characterized through EI-MS and (1)H NMR and evaluated for β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. All synthesized analogs except 13 and 15 showed excellent β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential with IC50 value ranging in between 2.20-88.16μM as compared to standard d-saccharic acid 1,4 lactone (48.4±1.25μM). Analogs 19, 16, 4, 1, 17, 6, 10, 3, 18, 2, 11, 14 and 5 showed many fold potent activity against β-glucuronidase inhibitor. Structure activity relationship showed that substitution of electron withdrawing groups at ortho as well as para position on phenyl ring increase potency. Electron withdrawing groups at meta position on phenyl ring showed slightly low potency as compared to ortho and para position. The binding interactions were confirmed through molecular docking studies.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare cause of childhood stridor which typically presents before the age of five years and results from the vertical transmission of the human papilloma virus. Genotypes 11 and 6 are commonly implicated in RRP. Following vertical transmission, the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes overgrowth of the airway epithelium which causes partial airway obstruction and the symptoms of stridor. The mainstay management is surgical debridement of the papillomata but the recurrence rate subsequent to surgery is high, such that most children will require repeated surgical procedures at regular interval. Medical adjuvant therapy can be used, but data is limited and the medications are used on an off-label basis. This case highlights the ethical considerations that need to be made when using off-label medications in paediatric patients.
Cardiovascular endurance is considered the most vital aspect of fitness due to its direct impact on
human performance. For any uniform arm units to discharge their duties effectively, they need to
meet up to the requirement of highest physical fitness level in respective of their body characteristics.
This study aims to predict the relationship of physical characteristics and fitness variables on
cardiovascular endurance performance among armed uniform package unit of Universiti Sultan
Zainal Abidin. A total of 26 participants mean age and standard deviation of (±20.45 and 2.0)
randomly selected from the three co-arm units of the university took part in this study. Standard
physical characteristics measurement and fitness tests were conducted, and multiple linear regression
was applied to predict their cardiovascular endurance performance as the dependent variables on their
body characteristics and performance of physical fitness as the independent variable. A significant
regression equation was obtained F (9, 16) = 4.97, p < 0.05, R2
= 0.74 indicating that the model
accounted for approximately 74% variability of the whole data set. Sensitivity prediction analysis of
the contributions of each variable revealed that height, speed, agility, upper body strength and core
body strength are factors to cardiovascular endurance p < 0.05 while, weight, waist circumference,
neck circumference and flexibility were not predictors to cardiovascular endurance p > 0.05. To
improve the cardiovascular performance of uniform arm units, certain physical and fitness variables
have to be considered for an effective discharge of their duties.
Level of heavy metals in marine ecosystem has been intensively studied during recent years as these hazardous substances could be accumulated in the biota. Generally, the presence of contaminants in fish is a result of human activities such as industrial and agricultural wastes. In this study, the marine fish and shellfish from the Straits of Malacca were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) and Flow Injection Mercury System (FIMS) for Cd, As and Pb and Hg, respectively. The Straits of Malacca is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world that make the level of heavy metals potentially high besides the various industrial activities along the west region of Peninsular Malaysia. The range of heavy metals in samples were 1.0-3-6.5-3 µg/ g wet sample for Hg, 0.5-2-47-2 µg/ g wet sample for Cd, 0.01-0.39 µg/ g wet sample for Pb and 0.14-6.57 µg/ g wet sample for As. Most part of the values was below the permitted limit set by FAO/WHO 2004 as well as Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985. Therefore it can be generalized that fish and shellfish from the Straits of Malacca are safe to consume in terms of these heavy metals concentrationand do not constitute a risk for human health.
The preparation, physical and mechanical properties of Al/B4C composites with 5 and 10 wt.% reinforcement content were investigated. In order to obtain the feedstock with a low powder loading, B4C mixtures containing fine powders were investigated to obtain the optimal particle packing. The experimental results indicated that the fine containing 5 and 10 wt.% particles are able to prepare the feedstock with a good flowability. The composites fabricated by powder metallurgy have low densities and homogeneous microstructures. Additionally there is no interface reaction observed between the reinforcement and matrix by XRD analysis. The hardness of Al/B4C composites prepared by powder metallurgy was high.
Background: A randomised single blinded clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of two methods of cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation: extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and phacoemulsification (PEA) was carried out at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) between March 2000 and August 2001. Methods: The effectiveness of cataract surgery was assessed from the quality of life specifically for vision via Visual Function 14 (VF-14) preoperatively, one week, two months and six months after surgery. Results: The result showed that there was a significant increased in VF-14 scores after a week, two months and six months postoperation compared to the score before surgery for both techniques. However there was no significant difference in VF-14 scores when compared between ECCE and PEA. Conclusions: This study indicated that both techniques give equal benefit to cataract patients. Since effectiveness of cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation is unrelated to operative procedures, less costly technique should be promoted.
Background: Safety and health audit study is a part of occupational safety and health risk assesment. Thus, student’s residential audit is important in order tu ensure the safety rules which implemented by the management is appropriate and follow the standard set forth. Furthermore, it also important to determine places, area or situation that might lead to hazard risk so that prevention step could be plan and implement.
Objective: This study was to determine the safety level of students residential in physical aspects.
Methods: Safety inspection or audit conducted is in accordance with criteria and indicators listed in the checklists that have been formed based on the audit forms from the Department of Safety and Health (DOSH), National Institute of Safety and health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Committee of UKMs (JKKP). Several indicators are also included in the audit form as to ensure it covers all the technical aspect and suited with the college conditions. The safety level for each of the blocks in KDO is categorized using points and percentage score obtained.
Results: Based on the overall score, the average safety score in percentage for areas in KDO are preceded by general office with score 85.5% followed by residential blocks with 71.5%, facilities with score 71.2% and administration block with 70.9%. The results of the study show that most of the areas are at least in a safe level.
Conclusion: Roles of employer and college administration, significant OSH programme and safety audit are important factors as to ensure the safety of student's residential college.
This study was conducted to determine the cholesterol and alpha-tocopherol contents of 20 marine fish and four other seafood from the Straits of Malacca. Cholesterol and alphatocopherol contents of the fish and other seafood were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that most of the fish contained low amounts of cholesterol, except sixbar grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus), long-tailed butterfly ray (Gymnura sp.), yellowstripe scad (Selaroides leptolepis), cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), large-scale tongue sole (Cynoglossus arel), and longtail shad (Hilsa macrura) that contained high amounts of cholesterol (119.39-353.97 mg/100 g wet samples). Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), giant seaperch (Lates calcarifer), prawn (Metapenaeus affinis), and moonfish (Trachinotus blochii) had high alpha-tocopherol contents (462-989 μg/100 g wet sample). Regular consumption of fish and other seafood is highly recommended partly due to the high alphatocopherol content. Due to the high cholesterol in certain types of fish, consumption of the fish fillets of sixbar grouper, long-tailed butterfly ray, yellowstripe scad, cuttlefish, and large scale tongue sole should be < 100 g per day and < 50 per day for longtail shad. Validation of the analytical method also showed a high accuracy and reproducibility of the HPLC method.
Vulvo-vaginal haematomas are not an uncommon obstetric complication. Despite advances in obstetric care, practice and technique, vulvo-vaginal haematomas do occur especially in complicated vaginal deliveries. Various management options are available for vulvo-vaginal haematomas. We describe three cases of vulvo-vaginal haematomas with different severity and presentations which were managed in different manners i.e. local haemostasis control, laparotomy with hysterectomy, and transarterial embolisation. The choice of treatment options would mainly depend on the clinical presentations, availability of expertise as well as facilities. Early identification is crucial.
A survey on the diversity of marine macrogastropoda
in Pulau Songsong, Pulau Bidan and Pulau Telor on the
Northern Straits of Malacca was conducted. Specimens
were collected on rocky shores following NaGISA protocol
and the number of marine macrogastropod were recorded.
Distances and the number of the same species were
converted into Relative Abundance unit (individuals per
100 m2
). A total of 15 species of marine macrogastropoda
were found from seven families namely Neritidae,
Trochidae, Ceriitidae, Littorinidae, Turbinidae, Muricidae
and Potamididae. Seven macrogastropoda species were
newly recorded from these three islands. Morula marginatra
was the most dominant species and Pulau Songsong had
the highest genera and species diversity among the three
islands. (Copied from article).
The incidence of cancer can be decreased by chemoprevention using either natural or synthetic agents. Apart from synthetic compounds, numerous natural products have exhibited promising potential to inhibit carcinogenesis in vivo. In this study, α, β-unsaturated carbonyl-based anticancer compounds were used as starting materials to synthesize new oxime analogs. The findings from the antiproliferative assay using seven different human cancer cell lines provided a clear picture of structure-activity relationship. The oxime analogs namely 7a and 8a showed strong antiproliferative activity against the cell lines. The mechanistic effects of compounds on EGFR-TK kinases and tubulin polymerization and BRAF(V)(600E) were investigated. In addition, the efficacy of compounds in reversing the efflux-mediated resistance developed by cancer cells was also studied. The compounds 5a and 6a displayed potent activity on various targets such as BRAF(V)(600E) and EGFR-TK kinases and also exhibited strong antiproliferative activity against different cell lines hence showing potential of multifunctional anticancer agents.
Introduction: Lack of knowledge and negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS may be the risk factors for HIV infection among transsexuals. Research on knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection in transsexual communities is very limited at both local and international levels. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection among the male-to-female transsexual community in Kuantan, Pahang.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to August 2014 among 33 male-to-female transsexuals in Kuantan, Pahang. Convenience sampling was used. Participants who gave consent answered a self-administered questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed with descriptive statistics, χ2-test, and independent sample t test.
Results: The majority of the subjects in this study were 29 years and below (48.5%), Muslims (93.9%), and had completed up to secondary education (60.6%). Most of them were sex workers (60.6%), and had relatively low income (no income to RM 3000, mean of RM1528). A total of 87.9% of the subjects demonstrated good knowledge and also positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Level of education was significantly associated with scores in knowledge (p=0.01).
Conclusions: Despite the positive outcome from this study, misconceptions towards HIV/AIDS still exist among transsexuals. Education and interventions from multiple directions on HIV/AIDS are essential to deliver the correct information to this population, so as to emphasize prevention, early detection, and holistic medical care. Transsexuals also require attention from religious bodies and non-governmental organizations to help them in employment, financial, spiritual, and psycho-social issues.
The incidence of neonatal jaundice among aborigines is increasing with the morbidity and mortality among this group are
well recognized. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude status on neonatal jaundice among Orang Asli in
Sepang, Selangor. Cross-sectional study was conducted within two weeks in Kampung Orang Asli in Sg. Pelek, Sepang,
Selangor. A simple random sample of adults aged 18 years and above was selected. Data were collected by an interviewed
structured questionnaire. Overall, out of 152 residents, 67% were aware about neonatal jaundice. Majority of them were
female (72%), married (78.4%) and respondents who have children (86%). Among those who were aware, almost 68%
have good knowledge, in which 70% recognized jaundice by yellow discoloration on the body. High pitched crying (12.7%)
and not feeding (10.8%) were among symptoms they knew. Almost 50% of the respondents believed neonatal jaundice
may cause mental retardation. As for management of neonatal jaundice at home, majority of them (47%) will expose
the baby under the sun, 7.8% will take herbal medication whereas 2% will continue with breast feeding. Almost eighty
percent of the respondents will send their jaundiced baby to the hospital immediately, whereas 23% prefer management
by nurse at home. Although majority of respondents in Kg. Orang Asli Sg. Pelek have good knowledge & good attitude
on neonatal jaundice, some mothers are still likely to resort to self-treatment with potentially harmful therapies.
Parents or caregivers of children with learning disabilities have been shown to experience increases in stress and greater negative caregiving consequences than those with typically developing children. The current study sought to assess the perceived stress among Malay caregivers of children with learning disabilities in Kelantan. The Malay version of Perceived Stress Scale 10 items was administered to a sample of 40 caregivers of children with learning disabilities who were registered to five Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) in Kelantan. Higher scores indicate higher levels of stress. The caregivers had mean age of 47.68 (SD = 9.18) years old, of whom 90% were fathers or mothers. Ninety percent of them were married, majority were unemployed or housewives and had secondary school education. The majority of children with learning disabilities were males and half of them were Down Syndrome children. The mean total Perceived Stress Scale score of the caregivers was 16.77 (SD = 5.74). There were no significant associations between total perceived stress score and any of the independent variables. The mean total perceived stress score showed that the perceived stress level was in the category of slightly higher than average and health concern level was high, while the average stress level was between score of 12 to 15. In conclusion, this result indicated that the caregivers had slightly higher levels of stress than the average score, and might increase susceptibility to stress-induced illness.
BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a multisystem disease that may present as venous or arterial thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Until today, heterogeneity of pathogenic mechanism fits well with various clinical manifestations. Moreover, previous studies have indicated that genes are differentially expressed between normal and in the disease state. Hence, this study systematically searched the literature on human gene expression that was differentially expressed in Obstetric APS.
METHODOLOGY: Electronic search was performed until 31st March 2015 through PubMed and Embase databases; where the following Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms were used and they had been specified as the primary focus of the articles; gene, antiphospholipid, obstetric, and pregnancy in the title or abstract. From 502 studies retrieved from the search, only original publications that had performed gene expression analyses of human placental tissue that reported on differentially expressed gene in pregnancies with Obstetric APS were included. Two reviewers independently scrutinized the titles and the abstracts before examining the eligibility of studies that met the inclusion criteria. For each study; diagnostic criteria for APS, method for analysis, and the gene signature were extracted independently by two reviewers. The genes listed were further analysed with the DAVID and the KEGG pathways.
RESULTS: Three eligible gene expression studies involving obstetric APS, comprising the datasets on gene expression, were identified. All three studies showed a reduction in transcript expression on PRL, STAT5, TF, DAF, ABCA1, and HBEGF in Obstetric APS. The high enrichment score for functionality in DAVID had been positive regulation of cell proliferation. Meanwhile, pertaining to the KEGG pathway, two pathways were associated with some of the listed genes, which were ErBb signalling pathway and JAK-STAT signalling pathway.
CONCLUSION: Ultimately, studies on a genetic level have the potential to provide new insights into the regulation and to widen the basis for identification of changes in the mechanism of Obstetric APS.
INTRODUCTION: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are autoantibodies that attack phospholipid through anti-beta 2-glycoprotein 1. The actions of aPL are associated with events leading to thrombosis and morbidity in pregnancy. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is diagnosed when a patient is persistently positive for aPL and also has recognised clinical manifestations such as recurrent pregnancy losses, arterial or venous thrombosis and in a catastrophic case, can result in death. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of APS is still not well established. Recently, microRNA expressed in many types of diseased tissues were claimed to be involved in the pathological progression of diseases and has become a useful biomarker to indicate diseases, including APS.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to search for research papers that are focussing on microRNA expression profiles in APS.
METHOD: Three search engines (Ebcohost, ProQuest and Ovid) were used to identify papers related to expression of specific microRNA in antiphospholipid syndrome.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 357 papers were found and screened, out of which only one study fulfilled the requirement. In this particular study blood samples from APS patients were tested. The microRNAs found to be related to APS were miR-19b and miR-20a. No data was found on specific microRNA being expressed in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. Analysis on the microRNA target genes revealed that most genes targeted by miR-19b and miR-20a involve in TGF-Beta Signalling and VEGF, hypoxia and angiogenesis pathways.
CONCLUSION: In view of the limited data on the expressions of microRNA in APS we recommend further research into this field. Characterization of microRNA profile in blood as well as in placenta tissue of patients with APS could be useful in identifying microRNAs involved in obstetric APS.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients suffer from multiple comorbidities and complications as a cause or consequence of kidney disease. Information regarding medication- prescribing patterns in predialysis patients is sparse. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the medication prescription patterns among predialysis patients. Medical records (both paper based and computerized) of patients at CKD Resource Centre, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, were reviewed. A total of 615 eligible cases were included in the study. The mean number of medications prescribed per patient was 8.22 ± 2.81, and medication use was correlated to the renal function (stage 3a < stage 3b < stage 4 < stage 5; P <0.001). The top three prescribed medication groups were found to be lipid-lowering agents, calcium channel blockers, and antiplatelet agents. Some medication classes such as nonaluminum/noncalcium phosphate binders, erythropoietin-stimulating agents, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers, particularly in advanced stage, were found to be underutilized. In conclusion, predialysis patients are prescribed a large number of medications. Our findings highlight the need for assessing the impact of current medication-prescribing patterns on morbidity and mortality rates in Malaysian predialysis population.