Displaying publications 241 - 260 of 680 in total

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  1. Keng PS, Basri M, Ariff AB, Abdul Rahman MB, Abdul Rahman RN, Salleh AB
    Bioresour Technol, 2008 Sep;99(14):6097-104.
    PMID: 18243690 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2007.12.049
    Lipase-catalyzed production of palm esters by alcoholysis of palm oil with oleyl alcohol in n-hexane was performed in 2L stirred-tank reactor (STR). Investigation on the performance of reactor operation was carried out in batch mode STR with single impeller mounted on the centrally located shaft. Rushton turbine (RT) impellers provide the highest reaction yield (95.8%) at lower agitation speed as compared to AL-hydrofoil (AL-H) and 2-bladed elephant ear (EE) impellers. Homogenous enzyme particles suspension was obtained at 250 rpm by using RT impeller. At higher impeller speed, the shear effect on the enzyme particles caused by agitation has decreased the reaction performance. Palm esters reaction mixture in STR follows Newtons' law due to the linear relation between the shear stress (tau) and shear rate (dupsilon/dy). High stability of Lipozyme RM IM was observed as shown by its ability to be repeatedly used to give high percentage yield (79%) of palm esters even after 15 cycles of reaction. The process was successfully scale-up to 75 L STR (50 L working volume) based on a constant impeller tip speed approach, which gave the yield of 97.2% after 5h reaction time.
  2. Loo CS, Zaki M, Sulaiman AB, Sukanya AB, Voon YC, Kua SL
    Med J Malaysia, 1994 Mar;49(1):36-43.
    PMID: 8057988
    Functional renal reserve is a measure of the capacity of the kidney to increase the glomerular filtration in response to the stimulus of a protein meal or amino acid infusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of protein meal test to measure functional renal reserve in normal subjects and various groups of renal patients. One hundred and twenty five subjects from the Nephrology Clinic, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital were subjected to a protein loading test to measure their renal reserve. Each subject had to eat a 100 gram cooked chicken meat and timed 2 hours urine collections before and after the test meal were done to measure the creatinine clearances. The 62 healthy subjects showed a mean renal reserve (creatinine clearance after protein loading-baseline creatinine clearance) of 31.0 ml/min. The 31 subjects with various kidney diseases showed a mean renal reserve of 13.5 ml/min. The 19 renal transplant recipients showed renal reserve of 13.2 ml/min. The 12 nephrectomised donors showed renal reserve of 5.4ml/min. Renal reserve may be used to assess suitability of living related transplant donor for nephrectomy.

    Study site: Nephrology Clinic, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital
  3. Low LL, A B Rahim FI, Hamzah NAR, Ismail MS
    PLoS One, 2021;16(1):e0245125.
    PMID: 33428645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245125
    BACKGROUND: In combating the increasing trend of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over the last two decades in the country, the Ministry of Health Malaysia developed the Enhanced Primary Health Care (EnPHC) initiative to improve care management across different levels of the public service delivery network. An evaluation research component was embedded to explore the implementation issues in terms of fidelity, feasibility, adaptation and benefit of the initiative's components which were triage, care coordination, screening, risk management and referral system.

    METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted at 20 participating EnPHC clinics in Johor and Selangor, two months after the intervention was initiated. Data collected from self-reported forms and a structured observation checklist were descriptively analysed. In-depth interviews were also conducted with 20 participants across the clinics selected to clarify any information gaps observed in each clinic, and data were thematically analysed.

    RESULTS: Evaluation showed that all components of EnPHC intervention had been successfully implemented except for the primary triage counter and visit checklist. The challenges were mainly discovered in terms of human resource and physical structure. Although human resource was a common implementation challenge across all interventions, clinic-specific issues could still be identified. Among the adaptive measures taken were task sharing among staff and workflow modification to match the clinic's capacity. Despite the challenges, early benefits of implementation were highlighted especially in terms of service outcomes.

    CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation study disclosed issues of human resource and physical infrastructure when a supplementary intervention is implemented. To successfully achieve a scaled-up PHC service delivery model based on comprehensive management of NCDs patient-centred care, the adaptive measures in local clinic context highlight the importance of collaboration between good organisational process and good clinical practice and process.

  4. A. B. M. Tofazzal Hossain, Shaila Kabir, Charissa Winston, Loo Yizhan, Sadia Choudhury Shimmi, M. Tanveer Hossain Parash, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction:A unilateral enlarged tonsil always is a suspicion of carcinoma. Especially if it is with fungating ulcer-ative surface. Neoplasms in unilaterally enlarged tonsil include squamous cell carcinomas and lymphomas. Lym-phomas in oropharynx are not common specially with fungating surface. Usually lymphomas in these areas are Non-Hodgkin’s type. Case description: A 62-year-old woman was admitted in the tertiary level hospital of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, with the complaint of sore throat, odynophagia and right neck swelling. She was treated as a case of acute tonsillitis by general practitioner without any noticeable improvement. Oral cavity examination revealed a hugely enlarged right tonsil with fungating ulcerative surface and almost obstructing the oropharynx. Trismus was seen which make the examination difficult. A non-tender right upper neck swelling was palpable. All baseline lab-oratory investigations were normal. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed a heterogeneously enhancing mass at oropharynx compromising the airway, right supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Histology of biop-sy from right tonsillar mass showed High grade B-cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy was planned. First cycle of chemo-therapy was administered, Patient was discharged home with the complete plan of chemotherapy. Conclusion: This patient was clinically suspicious of carcinoma of palatine tonsil. But later proven as high grade B-cell lymphoma. All unilateral enlarged tonsils are not always carcinoma.
  5. Shaila Kabir, A B M Tofazzal Hossain, Liew, Constance Sat Lin, M. Tanveer Hossain Parash, Chandrika Murugaiah, A. H. M. Delwar, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Besides the common respiratory symptoms or viral pneumonia, COVID-19 is also presented with different neurological symptoms. Olfactory dysfunction (OD) or impairment of the sense of smell is one of the common neurological symptoms being reported in infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The severity varies from anosmia to microsmia or hyposmia. OD could have a potential early screening and diagnostic value besides other neurological and common respiratory symptoms. In our descriptive concise review, we aimed to elicit the manifestation of olfactory dysfunction as an early predictor of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We are also aiming to establish, OD as a quick and reliable assessment tool of COVID-19 risk, among the healthcare workers and contact tracers, which can justify self-quarantine of the person as well as recommendation for testing on a priority basis. We have also focused on, any effect to produce this symptom by the drug used for treatment in COVID-19, and if the old age of the patient showing any extra influence to develop OD in COVID-19.
  6. Nur Syazwani, M. N., Baba, M. D., Mohd Nizam, A.R., Ezrin Hani, S., Norani, N., Shamsul Bahri, M.T., et al.
    MyJurnal
    Oil palm workers are exposed to ergonomics problems in their routine works. Although many technological advances have been developed, a large number of workers are still using manual handling tools in their daily work. A study was done to identify and solve the problems or issues of material handling effect on oil palm collectors and loaders during their daily work activities. A cross sectional study was done in an oil palm plantation in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Twenty five workers were selected randomly to participate in this study. Musculoskeletal symptoms were recorded using Modified Nordic Questionnaires and awkward postures of the workers were assessed using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Result showed that 61% of workers were exposed to high risk level and 39% to very high risk level of working posture problems. In conclusion, majority of oil palm collectors and loaders need to correct their working posture as soon as possible. The manual handling activities need to be improved with respect to correct procedure for health and safety concerns.
  7. Lee PY, Abang Taha AB, Lin K, Ghazali SR, Syed Ahmad Al-Mashoor SH
    Asia Pac Fam Med, 2007;6(1).
    Aims: To evaluate the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients who attended three randomly selected primary care clinics over 4 months from January to April 2004. Results: A total of 198 patients were recruited. One hundred and eighty-one (91.4%) patients agreed to participate by answering the anonymous questionnaire. Results: Ninety (51.4%) patients used CAM of which 43 (47.8%) patients used more than one type of CAM. Utilization rates of CAM were found to be associated with employment status but not with other socio-demographic factors. The common types of alternative medicine used were massage (n = 63; 36.2%) and herbal medicine (n = 44; 25.1%). Forty-two (46%) of the CAM users, used CAM for the problems that led to their current clinic visit. Thirty-four (37.8%) were using alternative and modern medicine at the same time. The reasons for CAM usage given by about half of the patients were that CAM was more effective and better for emotional or mental health problems. Conclusions: Usage of CAM was common in patients who visited primary care clinics. It is important to recognize this fact as combined use of CAM can create potentially dangerous interactions with pharmacotherapies Key words: complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), primary care
  8. Muhammad, I. N., Saifullah, K., Hassan, B., Yasrul, I., Norizan, A./G., Ahmed Zubaidi, A. L., et al.
    MyJurnal
    A normal health status is highly depends on body weight. Many health problems may occur or impose risk for
    extremely obese individuals. Etiopathology of obesity includes interaction of several factors inclusive of
    genetic and non-genetic factors such as lifestyle changes. This study aimed to launch Malaysian Obesity
    DNA Bank and determine the prevalence of obesity along with anthropometric measurements of the subjects.
    The cross-sectional study was conducted on total of 340 subjects (obese = 95, overweight = 122 and normal =
    123), aged 19-60 years, in Terengganu. The BMI and well appropriate anthropometric measurements (waist
    circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio, fat percentage and ASindex) were determined through
    standard protocols and formulae. The mean difference of anthropometrics was determined by independent ttest. Data was analysed using SPSS ver.16.0.0. The BMI was determined for all subjects and it was found that
    out of 340 subjects, a total of 95 (27.9%) subjects were obese , followed by a total of 122 (35.8%) subjects
    were overweight and normal individuals were 123 (36.1%). The mean of the BMI, WHR, Fat% and ASindex,
    in Malay obese were 32.83, 0.88, 33.5 and 13.21 respectively, while in normal healthy individuals were 22.1,
    0.78, 24.2 and 20.1 respectively. The difference of mean of BMI, WHR, Fat% and ASindex was calculated to
    be 10.73, 0.1, 9.3 and 6.89 respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in Malaysia,
    reporting that this is very first Obesity DNA Bank in South East Asia region and prevalence of obesity in
    Terengganu, Malaysia to be 27.9%. In addition, it indicates a significant mean difference for anthropometric
    measurements among obese and normal individuals. For Asindex calculations suggest that the prevalence of
    genocide obesity is greater 89.9% of android obesity in Malay obese attributes
    .
  9. Azmi, H., Sanuddin, A. B., Zakimi, M. Z., Jamali, M. S., Radhwan, H., Khalilf , A. N. M., et al.
    MyJurnal
    A coconut de-husking machine comprising of two rollers with spikes, chain drives,
    presser, clearers, shafts and belting system was developed for small-scale production in rural areas.
    Performance test analysis showed that the machine de-husks coconut fruits without any nut breakage
    or distortion of the extracted fibre length. The objective of this project is to improve the efficiency and
    productivity in producing coconut fruits without husks by using the best selection of mechanical
    mechanisms with minimum costs. One electric motor (2hp, 1500rpm) is used to drive two shafts using
    a combination of pulley and belt. In between the motor and the shafts, one box of worm gears is used
    to reduce the rotation speed from 1500rpm to 21rpm (ratio 70:1). Two metal cylinders with a series of
    spikes are used to remove the husks from the coconut fruit and are attached to the rotary shaft. The
    machine’s average de-husking efficiency and capacity are 90.42% and 222 coconuts per hour,
    respectively. In addition, the development of the machine is also a solution to the constraint of space,
    whereby a compact-size machine is more suitable for small and medium enterprises (SME’s). Plus, it
    operates with lesser noise, which also contributes to a more viable operating condition for the
    environment.
  10. Nurul Najian AB, Engku Nur Syafirah EA, Ismail N, Mohamed M, Yean CY
    Anal Chim Acta, 2016 Jan 15;903:142-8.
    PMID: 26709307 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2015.11.015
    In recent years extensive numbers of molecular diagnostic methods have been developed to meet the need of point-of-care devices. Efforts have been made towards producing rapid, simple and inexpensive DNA tests, especially in the diagnostics field. We report on the development of a label-based lateral flow dipstick for the rapid and simple detection of multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (m-LAMP) amplicons. A label-based m-LAMP lateral flow dipstick assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of target DNA template and a LAMP internal control. This biosensor operates through a label based system, in which probe-hybridization and the additional incubation step are eliminated. We demonstrated this m-LAMP assay by detecting pathogenic Leptospira, which causes the re-emerging disease Leptospirosis. The lateral flow dipstick was developed to detect of three targets, the LAMP target amplicon, the LAMP internal control amplicon and a chromatography control. Three lines appeared on the dipstick, indicating positive results for all representative pathogenic Leptospira species, whereas two lines appeared, indicating negative results, for other bacterial species. The specificity of this biosensor assay was 100% when it was tested with 13 representative pathogenic Leptospira species, 2 intermediate Leptospira species, 1 non-pathogenic Leptospira species and 28 other bacteria species. This study found that this DNA biosensor was able to detect DNA at concentrations as low as 3.95 × 10(-1) genomic equivalent ml(-1). An integrated m-LAMP and label-based lateral flow dipstick was successfully developed, promising simple and rapid visual detection in clinical diagnostics and serving as a point-of-care device.
  11. Sanaei R, Abu J, Nazari M, Zuki MA, Allaudin ZN
    Vet Surg, 2015 Jul;44(5):603-12.
    PMID: 25656987 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.12292
    To evaluate avian allogeneic demineralized bone matrix (DBM) in the healing of long bone defects as a function of geometry and time in a pigeon model.
  12. Pirouzi G, Abu Osman NA, Oshkour AA, Ali S, Gholizadeh H, Abas WA
    Sensors (Basel), 2014;14(9):16754-65.
    PMID: 25207872 DOI: 10.3390/s140916754
    The suspension system and socket fitting of artificial limbs have major roles and vital effects on the comfort, mobility, and satisfaction of amputees. This paper introduces a new pneumatic suspension system that overcomes the drawbacks of current suspension systems in donning and doffing, change in volume during daily activities, and pressure distribution in the socket-stump interface. An air pneumatic suspension system (APSS) for total-contact sockets was designed and developed. Pistoning and pressure distribution in the socket-stump interface were tested for the new APSS. More than 95% of the area between each prosthetic socket and liner was measured using a Tekscan F-Scan pressure measurement which has developed matrix-based pressure sensing systems. The variance in pressure around the stump was 8.76 kPa. APSS exhibits less pressure concentration around the stump, improved pressure distribution, easy donning and doffing, adjustability to remain fitted to the socket during daily activities, and more adaptability to the changes in stump volume. The volume changes were adjusted by utility of air pressure sensor. The vertical displacement point and reliability of suspension were assessed using a photographic method. The optimum pressure in every level of loading weight was 55 kPa, and the maximum displacement was 6 mm when 90 N of weight was loaded.
  13. Zawani MK, Abu HA, Sazaly AB, Zary SY, Darlina MN
    Genet. Mol. Res., 2014;13(4):8184-96.
    PMID: 25299203 DOI: 10.4238/2014.October.7.13
    The mosquito Aedes albopictus is indigenous to Southeast Asian and is a vector for arbovirus diseases. Studies examining the population genetics structure of A. albopictus have been conducted worldwide; however, there are no documented reports on the population genetic structure of A. albopictus in Malaysia, particularly in Penang. We examined the population genetics of A. albopictus based on a 445-base pair segment of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase 1 gene among 77 individuals from 9 localities representing 4 regions (Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah, Northeast, and Southwest) of Penang. A total of 37 haplotypes were detected, including 28 unique haplotypes. The other 9 haplotypes were shared among various populations. These shared haplotypes reflect the weak population genetic structure of A. albopictus. The phylogenetic tree showed a low bootstrap value with no genetic structure, which was supported by minimum spanning network analysis. Analysis of mismatch distribution showed poor fit of equilibrium distribution. The genetic distance showed low genetic variation, while pairwise FST values showed no significant difference between all regions in Penang except for some localities. High haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity was observed for cytochrome oxidase 1 mtDNA. We conclude that there is no population genetic structure of A. albopictus mosquitoes in the Penang area.
  14. Pirouzi G, Abu Osman NA, Eshraghi A, Ali S, Gholizadeh H, Wan Abas WA
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:849073.
    PMID: 25197716 DOI: 10.1155/2014/849073
    Socket is an important part of every prosthetic limb as an interface between the residual limb and prosthetic components. Biomechanics of socket-residual limb interface, especially the pressure and force distribution, have effect on patient satisfaction and function. This paper aimed to review and evaluate studies conducted in the last decades on the design of socket, in-socket interface pressure measurement, and socket biomechanics. Literature was searched to find related keywords with transtibial amputation, socket-residual limb interface, socket measurement, socket design, modeling, computational modeling, and suspension system. In accordance with the selection criteria, 19 articles were selected for further analysis. It was revealed that pressure and stress have been studied in the last decaeds, but quantitative evaluations remain inapplicable in clinical settings. This study also illustrates prevailing systems, which may facilitate improvements in socket design for improved quality of life for individuals ambulating with transtibial prosthesis. It is hoped that the review will better facilitate the understanding and determine the clinical relevance of quantitative evaluations.
  15. Siti Sarah M, Nor Aini U, Nurismah MI, Hafiza A, Khalidah M, Mokhtar AB, et al.
    Clin Ter, 2014;165(1):35-9.
    PMID: 24589949 DOI: 10.7471/CT.2014.1659
    Paraproteinemia is one of the diagnostic features of multiple myeloma. A commonly used method is the detection of paraprotein by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) followed by by immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) to confirm monoclonality. Due to their smaller size, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and light chain only paraproteins may appear at the beta or even alpha 2 protein fractions. Here, we discuss a case report of a 47-year-old man who presented with pathological fracture of third thoracic (T3) vertebra. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) was initially reported as no paraprotein detected. However, a bone biopsy was reported to show plasma cell proliferation with light chain restriction. A repeat sample for protein electrophoresis together with IFE revealed lambda light chain paraprotein co-migrating at the beta region. The beta band plus paraprotein was quantitated as 4.3 g/L (7.0%), which was within normal limits of the beta protein fraction. Hence, it has to be remembered that if the SPE is negative, it does not necessarily mean that the paraprotein is absent in cases which are highly suspicious.
  16. Shaddad RQ, Mohammad AB, Al-Gailani SA, Al-Hetar AM
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:170471.
    PMID: 24772009 DOI: 10.1155/2014/170471
    The optical fiber is well adapted to pass multiple wireless signals having different carrier frequencies by using radio-over-fiber (ROF) technique. However, multiple wireless signals which have the same carrier frequency cannot propagate over a single optical fiber, such as wireless multi-input multi-output (MIMO) signals feeding multiple antennas in the fiber wireless (FiWi) system. A novel optical frequency upconversion (OFU) technique is proposed to solve this problem. In this paper, the novel OFU approach is used to transmit three wireless MIMO signals over a 20 km standard single mode fiber (SMF). The OFU technique exploits one optical source to produce multiple wavelengths by delivering it to a LiNbO3 external optical modulator. The wireless MIMO signals are then modulated by LiNbO3 optical intensity modulators separately using the generated optical carriers from the OFU process. These modulators use the optical single-sideband with carrier (OSSB+C) modulation scheme to optimize the system performance against the fiber dispersion effect. Each wireless MIMO signal is with a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz carrier frequency, 1 Gb/s data rate, and 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The crosstalk between the wireless MIMO signals is highly suppressed, since each wireless MIMO signal is carried on a specific optical wavelength.
  17. Nine MJ, Chung H, Tanshen MR, Osman NA, Jeong H
    J Hazard Mater, 2014 May 30;273:183-91.
    PMID: 24735805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.03.055
    A pre- and post experimental analysis of copper-water and silver-water nanofluids are conducted to investigate minimal changes in quality of nanofluids before and after an effective heat transfer. A single loop oscillating heat pipe (OHP) having inner diameter of 2.4mm is charged with aforementioned nanofluids at 60% filling ratio for end to end heat transfer. Post experimental analysis of both nanofluids raises questions to the physical, chemical and thermal stability of such suspension for hazardless uses in the field of heat transfer. The color, deposition, dispersibility, propensity to be oxidized, disintegration, agglomeration and thermal conductivity of metal nanofluids are found to be strictly affected by heat transfer process and vice versa. Such degradation in quality of basic properties of metal nanofluids implies its challenges in practical application even for short-term heat transfer operations at oxidative environment as nano-sized metal particles are chemically more unstable than its bulk material. The use of the solid/liquid suspension containing metal nanoparticles in any heat exchanger as heat carrier might be detrimental to the whole system.
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