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The effectiveness of bismuth breast shielding with protocol optimization in CT Thorax examination

Karim MKA, Rahim NA, Matsubara K, Hashim S, Mhareb MHA, Musa Y

J Xray Sci Technol, 2019;27(1):139-147.
PMID: 30584178 DOI: 10.3233/XST-180397

BACKGROUND: Numerous techniques had been proposed to reduce radiation exposure in computed tomography (CT) including the use of radiation shielding.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate efficacy of using a bismuth breast shield and optimized scanning parameter to reduce breast absorbed doses from CT thorax examination.
METHODS: Five protocols comprising the standard CT thorax clinical protocol (CP1) and four modified protocols (CP2 to CP5) were applied in anthropomorphic phantom scans. The phantom was configured as a female by placing a breast component on the chest. The breast component was divided into four quadrants, where 2 thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD-100) were inserted into each quadrant to measure the absorbed dose. The bismuth shield was placed over the breast component during CP4 and CP5 scans.
RESULTS: The pattern of absorbed doses in each breast and quadrant were approximately the same for all protocols, where the 4th quadrant > 3rd quadrant > 2nd quadrant > 1st quadrant. The mean absorbed dose value in CP3 was reduced to almost 34% of CP1's mean absorbed dose. It was reduced even lower to 15% of CP1's mean absorbed dose when the breast shield was used in CP5.
CONCLUSION: This study showed that CT radiation exposure on the breast could be reduced by using a bismuth shield and low tube potential protocol without compromising the image quality.
Gold nano-urchin integrated label-free amperometric aptasensing human blood clotting factor IX: A prognosticative approach for "Royal disease"

Letchumanan I, Gopinath SCB, Md Arshad MK, Anbu P, Lakshmipriya T

Biosens Bioelectron, 2019 Apr 15;131:128-135.
PMID: 30826647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.02.006

This article is clearly presenting the development of a biosensor for human factor IX (FIX) to diagnose the blood clotting deficiency, a so-called 'Royal disease' using an interdigitated electrode (IDE) with the zinc oxide surface modification. Gold nano-urchins (GNUs) with 60 nm in diameter was integrated into a streptavidin-biotinylated aptamer strategy to enhance the active surface area. Two different comparative studies have been done to validate the system to be practiced in the current work holds with a higher capability for the high-performance sense. Whereby, the presence and absence of GNUs in the aptasensing system for FIX interaction were investigated using the amperometric measurement, using a linear sweep voltage of 0-2 V at 0.01 V step voltage. The detection limit was 6 pM based on 3σ calculation when GNUs integrated aptamer assay was utilized for FIX detection, which shows 8 folds sensitivity enhancement comparing the condition in the absence of GNU and 50 folds higher than sensitive radio-isotope and surface plasmon resonance assays. Albeit, the surface and molecular characterizations were well demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, 3D nano-profilometry and further supports were rendered by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA). Furthermore, the spiking experiment was done by FIX-spikes in human blood serum in order to demonstrate the stability with a higher non-fouling.
A review of aortic disease research in Malaysia

Tan GJS, Khoo PLZ, Sailesh MK, Chan KMJ

Med J Malaysia, 2019 02;74(1):67-78.
PMID: 30846666

INTRODUCTION: Aortic disease includes conditions such as chronic aortic aneurysms, acute aortic syndromes and congenital aortic abnormalities, amongst others. This paper reviews all research on aortic disease performed in Malaysia and published between 2000-2016.
METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, MyJurnal and the UKM Journal Repository. The search process was based on a previously published methodology. The medical subject headings (MeSH) search terms used were "aortic", "aorta" and "Malaysia".
RESULTS: Two-hundred-thirteen papers were identified, of which 60 papers were selected and reviewed on the basis of their relevance. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, case reports, investigations, treatment and outcomes of aortic disease in Malaysia were reviewed and summarised. The clinical relevance of the studies performed are discussed.
CONCLUSION: The review provided an insight into the pathophysiology, prevalence and epidemiology of aortic diseases in Malaysia, how the condition is managed, and the outcomes of treatment. Limitations of the research performed in Malaysia to date were identified and recommendations for further research and improvement in clinical practice were recommended.
Appropriateness of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis use among medical inpatients: a DVT risk alert tool (DRAT) study

Diana Yap FS, Ng ZY, Wong CY, Muhamad Saifuzzaman MK, Yang LB

Med J Malaysia, 2019 02;74(1):45-50.
PMID: 30846662

INTRODUCTION: Increasing incidence of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) has complicated treatment courses for hospitalised patients. Despite recommendation to support deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk assessment and appropriate use of prophylaxis in medical inpatients, it is either neglected or prescribed unnecessarily by the clinicians. This study aimed to assess and compare the appropriateness of DVT prophylaxis prescribing between usual care versus a pharmacist-driven DVT Risk Alert Tool (DRAT) intervention among hospitalised medical patients.
METHODS: A prospective pre- and post-intervention study was conducted among medical inpatients in a Malaysian secondary care hospital. DVT and bleeding risks were stratified using validated Padua Risk Assessment Model (RAM) and International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE) Bleeding Risk Assessment Model. Pharmacist-driven DRAT was developed and implemented post-interventional phase. DVT prophylaxis use was determined and its appropriateness was compared between pre and post study using multivariate logistic regression with IBM SPSS software version 21.0.
RESULTS: Overall, 286 patients (n=142 pre-intervention versus n=144 post-intervention) were conveniently recruited. The prevalence of DVT prophylaxis use was 10.8%. Appropriate thromboprophylaxis prescribing increased from 64.8% to 68.1% post-DRAT implementation. Of note, among high DVT risk patients, DRAT intervention was observed to be a significant predictor of appropriate thromboprophylaxis use (14.3% versus 31.3%; adjusted odds ratio=2.80; 95% CI 1.01 to 7.80; p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The appropriateness of DVT prophylaxis use was suboptimal but doubled after implementation of DRAT intervention. Thus, an integrated risk stratification checklist is an effective approach for the improvement of rational DVT prophylaxis use.
Fulltext Real Time Microwave Biochemical Sensor Based on Circular SIW Approach for Aqueous Dielectric Detection

Mohd Bahar AA, Zakaria Z, Md Arshad MK, Isa AAM, Dasril Y, Alahnomi RA

Sci Rep, 2019 04 02;9(1):5467.
PMID: 30940843 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41702-3

In this study, a critical evaluation of analyte dielectric properties in a microvolume was undertaken, using a microwave biochemical sensor based on a circular substrate integrated waveguide (CSIW) topology. These dielectric properties were numerically investigated based on the resonant perturbation method, as this method provides the best sensing performance as a real-time biochemical detector. To validate these findings, shifts of the resonant frequency in the presence of aqueous solvents were compared with an ideal permittivity. The sensor prototype required a 2.5 µL volume of the liquid sample each time, which still offered an overall accuracy of better than 99.06%, with an average error measurement of ±0.44%, compared with the commercial and ideal permittivity values. The unloaded Qu factor of the circular substrate-integrated waveguide (CSIW) sensor achieved more than 400 to ensure a precise measurement. At 4.4 GHz, a good agreement was observed between simulated and measured results within a broad frequency range, from 1 to 6 GHz. The proposed sensor, therefore, offers high sensitivity detection, a simple structural design, a fast-sensing response, and cost-effectiveness. The proposed sensor in this study will facilitate real improvements in any material characterization applications such as pharmaceutical, bio-sensing, and food processing applications.
Fulltext Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (E)-3-(2-chloro-phen-yl)-1-(2,5-di-chloro-thio-phen-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one

Murthy TNS, Atioğlu Z, Akkurt M, Veeraiah MK, Quah CK, Chidan Kumar CS, et al.

Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2019 Feb 01;75(Pt 2):124-128.
PMID: 30800435 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989018018066

The mol-ecular structure of the title compound, C13H7Cl3OS, consists of a 2,5- di-chloro-thio-phene ring and a 2-chloro-phenyl ring linked via a prop-2-en-1-one spacer. The dihedral angle between the 2,5-di-chloro-thio-phene and 2-chloro-phenyl rings is 9.69 (12)°. The mol-ecule has an E configuration about the C=C bond and the carbonyl group is syn with respect to the C=C bond. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by two intra-molecular C-H⋯Cl contacts and one intra-molecular C-H⋯O contact, forming S(5)S(5)S(6) ring motifs. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked along the a-axis direction through van der Waals forces and along the b axis by face-to-face π-stacking between the thio-phene rings and between the benzene rings of neighbouring mol-ecules, forming corrugated sheets lying parallel to the bc plane. The inter-molecular inter-actions in the crystal packing were further analysed using Hirshfield surface analysis, which indicates that the most significant contacts are Cl⋯H/ H⋯Cl (28.6%), followed by C⋯H/H⋯C (11.9%), C⋯C (11.1%), H⋯H (11.0%), Cl⋯Cl (8.1%), O⋯H/H⋯O (8.0%) and S⋯H/H⋯S (6.6%).
Current and future envision on developing biosensors aided by 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) productions

Dalila R N, Md Arshad MK, Gopinath SCB, Norhaimi WMW, Fathil MFM

Biosens Bioelectron, 2019 May 01;132:248-264.
PMID: 30878725 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.03.005

Two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials have triggered an intensive interest due to the fascinating physiochemical properties with the exceptional physical, optical and electrical characteristics that transpired from the quantum size effect of their ultra-thin structure. Among the family of 2D nanomaterials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) features distinct characteristics related to the existence of direct energy bandgap, which significantly lowers the leakage current and surpasses other 2D materials. In this overview, we expatiate the novel strategies to synthesize MoS2 that cover techniques such as liquid exfoliation, chemical vapour deposition, mechanical exfoliation, hydrothermal reaction, and Van Der Waal epitaxial growth on the substrate. We extend the discussion on the recent progress in biosensing applications of the produced MoS2, highlighting the important surface-to-volume of ultrathin MoS2 structure, which enhances the overall performance of the devices. Further, envisioned the missing piece with the current MoS2-based biosensors towards developing the future strategies.
Gold interdigitated triple-microelectrodes for label-free prognosticative aptasensing of prostate cancer biomarker in serum

Ibau C, Md Arshad MK, Gopinath SCB, Nuzaihan M N M, M Fathil MF, Estrela P

Biosens Bioelectron, 2019 Jul 01;136:118-127.
PMID: 31054519 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.04.048

A simple, single-masked gold interdigitated triple-microelectrodes biosensor is presented by taking the advantage of an effective self-assembled monolayer (SAM) using an amino-silanization technique for the early detection of a prostate cancer's biomarker, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Unlike most interdigitated electrode biosensors, biorecognition happens in between the interdigitated electrodes, which enhances the sensitivity and limit of detection of the sensor. Using the Faradaic mode electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique to quantify the PSA antigen, the developed sensing platform demonstrates a logarithmic detection of PSA ranging from 0.5 ng/ml to 5000 ng/ml, an estimated LOD down to 0.51 ng/ml in the serum, and a good sensor's reproducibility. The sensor's detection range covers the clinical threshold value at 4 ng/ml and the crucial diagnosis 'grey zone' of 4-10 ng/ml of PSA in serum for an accurate cancer diagnosis. The selectivity test revealed an excellent discrimination of other competing proteins, with a recorded detection signals at 5 ng/ml PSA as high as 7-fold increase versus the human serum albumin (HSA) and 8-fold increase versus the human glandular kallikrein 2 (hK2). The stability test showed an acceptable stability of the aptasensor recorded at six (6) days before the detection signal started degrading below 10% of the peak detection value. The developed sensing scheme is proven to exhibit a great potential as a portable prostate cancer biosensor, also as a universal platform for bio-molecular sensing with the versatility to implement nanoparticles and other surface chemistry for various applications.
A systematic review of the computerized tools and digital techniques applied to fabricate nasal, auricular, orbital and ocular prostheses for facial defect rehabilitation

Farook TH, Jamayet NB, Abdullah JY, Rajion ZA, Alam MK

J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2020 Jun;121(3):268-277.
PMID: 31610244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2019.10.003

A systematic review was conducted in early 2019 to evaluate the articles published that dealt with digital workflow, CAD, rapid prototyping and digital image processing in the rehabilitation by maxillofacial prosthetics. The objective of the review was to primarily identify the recorded cases of orofacial rehabilitation made by maxillofacial prosthetics using computer assisted 3D printing. Secondary objectives were to analyze the methods of data acquisition recorded with challenges and limitations documented with various software in the workflow. Articles were searched from Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar based on the predetermined eligibility criteria. Thirty-nine selected papers from 1992 to 2019 were then read and categorized according to type of prosthesis described in the papers. For nasal prostheses, Common Methods of data acquisition mentioned were computed tomography, photogrammetry and laser scanners. After image processing, computer aided design (CAD) was used to design and merge the prosthesis to the peripheral healthy tissue. Designing and printing the mold was more preferred. Moisture and muscle movement affected the overall fit especially for prostheses directly designed and printed. For auricular prostheses, laser scanning was most preferred. For unilateral defects, CAD was used to mirror the healthy tissue over to the defect side. Authors emphasized on the need of digital library for prostheses selection, especially for bilateral defects. Printing the mold and conventionally creating the prosthesis was most preferred due to issues of proper fit and color matching. Orbital prostheses follow a similar workflow as auricular prosthesis. 3D photogrammetry and laser scans were more preferred and directly printing the prosthesis was favored in various instance. However, ocular prostheses fabrication was recorded to be a challenge due to difficulties in appropriate volume reconstruction and inability to mirror healthy globe. Only successful cases of digitally designed and printed iris were noted.
A DNA based visual and colorimetric aggregation assay for the early growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation by using unmodified gold nanoparticles

Ramanathan S, Gopinath SCB, Arshad MKM, Poopalan P, Anbu P

Mikrochim Acta, 2019 07 18;186(8):546.
PMID: 31321546 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-019-3696-y

A genomic DNA-based colorimetric assay is described for the detection of the early growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, which is the protruding reason for non-small cell lung cancer. A DNA sequence was designed and immobilized on unmodified gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The formation of the respective duplex indicates the presence of an EGFR mutation. It is accompanied by the aggregation of the GNPs in the presence of monovalent ions, and it indicates the presence of an EGFR mutation. This is accompanied by a color change from red (520 nm) to purple (620 nm). Aggregation was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The limit of detection is 313 nM of the mutant target strand. A similar peak shift was observed for 2.5 μM concentrations of wild type target. No significant peak shift was observed with probe and non-complementary DNA. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of high-specific genomic DNA sequence on gold nanoparticle (GNP) aggregation with sodium chloride (NaCl). It illustrates the detection method for EGFR mutation on lung cancer detection. Red and purple colors of tubes represent dispersed and aggregated GNP, respectively.
The effects of mis-centering on radiation dose during CT head examination: A phantom study

Isa INC, Rahmat SMS, Dom SM, Kayun Z, Karim MKA

J Xray Sci Technol, 2019;27(4):631-639.
PMID: 31205011 DOI: 10.3233/XST-190491

There are several factors that may contribute to the increase in radiation dose of CT including the use of unoptimized protocols and improper scanning technique. In this study, we aim to determine significant impact on radiation dose as a result of mis-centering during CT head examination. The scanning was performed by using Toshiba Aquilion 64 slices multi-detector CT (MDCT) scanner and dose were measured by using calibrated ionization chamber. Two scanning protocols of routine CT head; 120 kVp/ 180 mAs and 100 kVp/ 142 mAs were used represent standard and low dose, respectively. As reference measurement, the dose was first measured on standard cylindrical polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom that positioned at 104 cm from the floor (reference isocenter). The positions then were varied to simulate mis-centering by 5 cm from isocenter, superiorly and inferiorly at 109 cm, 114 cm, 119 cm, 124 cm and 99 cm, 94 cm, 89 cm, 84 cm, respectively. Scanning parameter and dose information from the console were recorded for the radiation effective dose (E) measurement. The highest mean CTDIvol value for MCS and MCI were 105.06 mGy (at +10 cm) and 105.51 mGy (at - 10 cm), respectively which differed significantly (p
Fulltext Aluminosilicate Nanocomposites from Incinerated Chinese Holy Joss Fly Ash: A Potential Nanocarrier for Drug Cargos

Ramanathan S, Gopinath SCB, Md Arshad MK, Poopalan P, Anbu P, Lakshmipriya T

Sci Rep, 2020 Feb 25;10(1):3351.
PMID: 32099019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60208-x

An incredible amount of joss fly ash is produced from the burning of Chinese holy joss paper; thus, an excellent method of recycling joss fly ash waste to extract aluminosilicate nanocomposites is explored. The present research aims to introduce a novel method to recycle joss fly ash through a simple and straightforward experimental procedure involving acidic and alkaline treatments. The synthesized aluminosilicate nanocomposite was characterized to justify its structural and physiochemical characteristics. A morphological analysis was performed with field-emission transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy revealed the size of the aluminosilicate nanocomposite to be ~25 nm, while also confirming a uniformly spherical-shaped nanostructure. The elemental composition was measured by energy dispersive spectroscopy and revealed the Si to Al ratio to be 13.24 to 7.96, showing the high purity of the extracted nanocomposite. The roughness and particle distribution were analyzed using atomic force microscopy and a zeta analysis. X-ray diffraction patterns showed a synthesis of faceted and cubic aluminosilicate crystals in the nanocomposites. The presence of silica and aluminum was further proven by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the functional groups were recognized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal capacity of the nanocomposite was examined by a thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, the research suggested the promising application of aluminosilicate nanocomposites as drug carriers. The above was justified by an enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay, which claimed that the limit of the aptasensing aluminosilicate-conjugated ampicillin was two-fold higher than that in the absence of the nanocomposite. The drug delivery property was further justified through an antibacterial analysis against Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Bacillus subtilis (gram-positive).
Fulltext Aluminosilicate Nanocomposite on Genosensor: A Prospective Voltammetry Platform for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutant Analysis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Ramanathan S, Gopinath SCB, Arshad MKM, Poopalan P, Anbu P, Lakshmipriya T, et al.

Sci Rep, 2019 11 19;9(1):17013.
PMID: 31745155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53573-9

Lung cancer is one of the most serious threats to human where 85% of lethal death caused by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) induced by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. The present research focuses in the development of efficient and effortless EGFR mutant detection strategy through high-performance and sensitive genosensor. The current amplified through 250 µm sized fingers between 100 µm aluminium electrodes indicates the voltammetry signal generated by means of the mutant DNA sequence hybridization. To enhance the DNA immobilization and hybridization, ∼25 nm sized aluminosilicate nanocomposite synthesized from the disposed joss fly ash was deposited on the gaps between aluminium electrodes. The probe, mutant (complementary), and wild (single-base pair mismatch) targets were designed precisely from the genomic sequences denote the detection of EGFR mutation. Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis was performed at every step of surface functionalization evidences the relevant chemical bonding of biomolecules on the genosensor as duplex DNA with peak response at 1150 cm-1 to 1650 cm-1. Genosensor depicts a sensitive EGFR mutation as it is able to detect apparently at 100 aM mutant against 1 µM DNA probe. The insignificant voltammetry signal generated with wild type strand emphasizes the specificity of genosensor in the detection of single base pair mismatch. The inefficiency of genosensor in detecting EGFR mutation in the absence of aluminosilicate nanocomposite implies the insensitivity of genosensing DNA hybridization and accentuates the significance of aluminosilicate. Based on the slope of the calibration curve, the attained sensitivity of aluminosilicate modified genosensor was 3.02E-4 A M-1. The detection limit of genosensor computed based on 3σ calculation, relative to the change of current proportional to the logarithm of mutant concentration is at 100 aM.
The anatomical locations of postoperative pain and their recovery trajectories following Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) surgery in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients

Chiu CK, Chong KI, Chan TS, Mohamad SM, Hasan MS, Chan CYW, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2020 01;75(1):12-17.
PMID: 32008013

INTRODUCTION: This study looked into the different anatomical locations of pain and their trajectories within the first two weeks after Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).
METHODS: We prospectively recruited patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) scheduled for PSF surgery. The anatomical locations of pain were divided into four: (1) surgical wound pain; (2) shoulder pain; (3) neck pain; and (4) low back pain. The anatomical locations of pain were charted using the visual analogue pain score at intervals of 12, 24, 36, 48 hours; and from day-3 to -14. Patient-controlled analgesia (morphine), use of celecoxib capsules, acetaminophen tablets and oxycodone hydrochloride capsule consumption were recorded.
RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were recruited. Patients complained of surgical wound pain score of 6.2±2.1 after surgery. This subsequently reduced to 4.2±2.0 by day-4, and to 2.4±1.3 by day-7. Shoulder pain scores of symptomatic patients peaked to 4.2±2.7 at 24 hours and 36 hours which then reduced to 1.8±1.1 by day-8. Neck pain scores of symptomatic patients reduced from 4.2±1.9 at 12 hours to 1.8±1.1 by day-4. Low back pain scores of symptomatic patients reduced from 5.3±2.3 at 12 hours to 1.8±1.1 by day- 12.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the presence of different anatomical locations of pain after surgery, surgical wound was the most significant pain and other anatomical locations of pain were generally mild. Surgical wound pain reduced to a tolerable level by day-4 when patients can then be comfortably discharged. This finding provides useful information for clinicians, patients and their caregivers.
Molybdenum disulfide-gold nanoparticle nanocomposite in field-effect transistor back-gate for enhanced C-reactive protein detection

Dalila NR, Arshad MKM, Gopinath SCB, Nuzaihan MNM, Fathil MFM

Mikrochim Acta, 2020 10 05;187(11):588.
PMID: 33015730 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-020-04562-7

Nanofabricated gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) on MoS2 nanosheets (Au-NPs/MoS2) in back-gated field-effect transistor (BG-FET) are presented, which acts as an efficient semiconductor device for detecting a low concentration of C-reactive protein (C-RP). The decorated nanomaterials lead to an enhanced electron conduction layer on a 100-μm-sized transducing channel. The sensing surface was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-power microscopy (HPM). The BG-FET device exhibits an excellent limit of detection of 8.38 fg/mL and a sensitivity of 176 nA/g·mL-1. The current study with Au-NPs/MoS2 BG-FET displays a new potential biosensing technology; especially for integration into complementary metal oxide (CMOS) technology for hand-held future device application.
Preparation and characterizations of oil palm fronds cellulose nanocrystal (OPF-CNC) as reinforcing filler in epoxy-Zn rich coating for mild steel corrosion protection

Azani NFSM, Haafiz MKM, Zahari A, Poinsignon S, Brosse N, Hussin MH

Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Jun 15;153:385-398.
PMID: 32145234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.03.020

Oil palm frond (OPF) is one of largest contributions to the biomass waste from oil palm plantation. In this work, OPF has been successfully utilized to prepare cellulose nanocrystal (OPF-CNC) by acid hydrolysis. OPF was initially treated with autohydrolysis treatment. The obtained OPF-CNC was characterized via complementary analyses. The produced OPF-CNC showed a high crystallinity index value (60%) and high BET surface area (26.10 m2 g-1) as compared to α-cellulose (crystallinity index: 54% and BET surface area:7.14 m2g-1). The surface analyses via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the OPF-CNC has a smooth surface with a needle-like shape, where the average length and diameter are 95.09 nm and 6.81 nm, respectively. The corrosion analyses via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PD) illustrate that the coated mild steel with the inclusion of 0.5 wt% OPF-CNC has managed to sharply reduce the corrosion (99%). The coated mild steel with the inclusion of 0.5 wt% OPF-CNC showed the highest hydrophobicity (100.5 ± 0.7°) and has lowest amount of O via water contact angle and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses respectively, indicating lowest corrosion rate.
Fulltext Comparative Analysis on Dielectric Gold and Aluminium Triangular Junctions: Impact of Ionic Strength and Background Electrolyte by pH Variations

Letchumanan I, Md Arshad MK, Gopinath SCB, Rajapaksha RDAA, Balakrishnan SR

Sci Rep, 2020 Apr 22;10(1):6783.
PMID: 32321969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63831-w

Field of generating a surface thin film is emerging broadly in sensing applications to obtain the quick and fast results by forming the high-performance sensors. Incorporation of thin film technologies in sensor development for the better sensing could be a promising way to attain the current requirements. This work predominantly delineates the fabrication of the dielectric sensor using two different sensing materials (Gold and Aluminium). Conventional photolithography was carried out using silicon as a base material and the photo mask of the dielectric sensor was designed by AutoCAD software. The physical characterization of the fabricated sensor was done by Scanning Electron Microscope, Atomic Force Microscope, High Power Microscope and 3D-nano profiler. The electrical characterization was performed using Keithley 6487 picoammeter with a linear sweep voltage of 0 to 2 V at 0.01 V step voltage. By pH scouting, I-V measurements on the bare sensor were carried out, whereby the gold electrodes conducts a least current than aluminium dielectrodes. Comparative analysis with pH scouting reveals that gold electrode is suitable under varied ionic strengths and background electrolytes, whereas aluminium electrodes were affected by the extreme acid (pH 1) and alkali (pH 12) solutions.
Fulltext Lethal Morel-Lavallée lesion: A forensic radiology-pathology correlation

Rashid A, Singh MK, Feng SS, Yatim NM, Sahak MY, Mahmud R

Radiol Case Rep, 2020 Aug;15(8):1280-1284.
PMID: 32577147 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2020.04.054

Morel Lavallée lesion or closed degloving injury is normally associated with severe trauma and occurs when the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue traumatically and abruptly separated from the underlying fascia thus creating a potential space filled with fluid. MVA is the commonest etiology but large or lethal Morel Lavallée is extremely rare. A 35 years old, female pillion rider was involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustained injuries to the left pelvis and thigh. Emergency laparotomy and intra-op abdominal and bilateral lower limb arteriogram revealed no significant finding. Her general condition and vital signs continued to deteriorate despite aggressive resuscitation and eventually died. Post-Mortem Computed Tomography and Post-Mortem Computed Tomography Angiogram was performed and revealed a large cavity in the left thigh suggestive of a lethal Morel Lavallée lesion. Findings were confirmed by conventional autopsy.
Fulltext Parental perception of children's weight status and sociodemographic factors associated with childhood obesity

Noor Shafina MN, Abdul Rasyid A, Anis Siham ZA, Nor Izwah MK, Jamaluddin M

Med J Malaysia, 2020 05;75(3):221-225.
PMID: 32467536

INTRODUCTION: The trend of childhood obesity is on the rise and hence leading towards the increase in obesity related complications. Early recognition of obesity in children and accurate parental perception of the status of the weight of their children is vital. Furthermore, identification of sociodemographic risk factors contributing to obesity is crucial in order to identify children who are in the risk group and thus prevent potential complications. This study is aimed to establish the parental perception of the status of the weight of their children. Secondly, the study also to identify the sociodemographic risk factors associated with obesity in children.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 245 children from 5 to 12 years of age. Following informed consent, the children were classified into either normal (body mass index (BMI) >5th to <85th percentile), overweight (BMI >85th to <95th percentile) or obese (BMI >95th percentile) groups. Parents responded to questionnaires which assessed their perception and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS: A total of 157 participants (64.1%) had normal BMI while 41(16.7%) were overweight and 47(19.2%) were obese. More parents of overweight and obese group had misperceptions of their children's weight status (p=0.001). Families with higher household income, children with higher birth weight, higher education of mothers and family history of obesity and type 2 diabetes had increased risk of higher BMI among their children (p=0.029, p=0.013, p=0.041 and p=0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Most parents of either overweight or obese children had inaccurate perception of the status of weight of their children. Higher household income, birth weight and education level of the mothers as well as history of diabetes and obesity in the family are associated with increased risk of childhood obesity.
Immunosensing prostate-specific antigen: Faradaic vs non-Faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis on interdigitated microelectrode device

Ibau C, Arshad MKM, Gopinath SCB, Nuzaihan M N M, Fathil MFM, Shamsuddin SA

Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Nov 01;162:1924-1936.
PMID: 32822729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.125

This work explores Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) detection for a highly-sensitive quantification of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in Faradaic (f-EIS) and non-Faradaic modes (nf-EIS). Immobilization of monoclonal antibody specific to PSA (anti-PSA) was performed using 1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxysuccinimide crosslinking agents in order to conjugate carboxylic (-COOH) terminated group of 16-Mercaptoundecanoic acid with amine (-NH3+) on anti-PSA epitope. This approach offers simple and efficient approach to form a strong, covalently bound thiol-gold (SAu) for a reliable SAM layer formation. Studies on the topographic of pristine Au-IDE surface were performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy techniques, meanwhile a 3-dimensional optical surface profiler, Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy techniques were used to validate the successful functionalization steps on the sensor transducer surface. Detection of PSA in f-EIS mode was carried out by measuring the response in charge transfer resistance (Rct) and impedance change (Z), meanwhile in nf-EIS mode, the changes in device capacitance was monitored. In f-EIS mode, the sensor reveals a logarithmic detection of PSA in a range of 100 ng/ml down to 0.01 ng/ml in Phosphate Buffered Saline with a recorded sensitivity of 2.412 kΩ/log10 ([PSA] ng/ml) and the limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.01 ng/ml. The nf-EIS detection mode yields a logarithmic detection range of 5000 ng/ml down to 0.5 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 8.570 nF/log10 ([PSA] ng/ml) and an LOD of 0.5 ng/ml. The developed bio-assay yields great device stability, specificity to PSA and repeatability of detection that would pave its way for the future development into portable lab-on-chip bio-sensing system.

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