Displaying publications 3021 - 3040 of 9872 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Impact of treatment planning and delivery factors on gastrointestinal toxicity: an analysis of data from the RADAR prostate radiotherapy trial
    Yahya N, Ebert MA, Bulsara M, Haworth A, Kearvell R, Foo K, et al.
    Radiat Oncol, 2014;9:282.
    PMID: 25498565 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-014-0282-7
    To assess the impact of incremental modifications of treatment planning and delivery technique, as well as patient anatomical factors, on late gastrointestinal toxicity using data from the TROG 03.04 RADAR prostate radiotherapy trial.
    Matched MeSH terms: Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Radiotherapy, Conformal/methods*
  2. The optimal number of heifer calves to be reared as dairy replacements
    Mohd Nor N, Steeneveld W, Mourits MC, Hogeveen H
    J Dairy Sci, 2015 Feb;98(2):861-71.
    PMID: 25497803 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8329
    Dairy farmers often keep almost all their newborn heifer calves despite the high cost of rearing. By rearing all heifer calves, farmers have more security and retain flexibility to cope with the uncertainty in the availability of replacement heifers in time. This uncertainty is due to mortality or infertility during the rearing period and the variation in culling rate of lactating cows. The objective of this study is to provide insight in the economically optimal number of heifer calves to be reared as replacements. A herd-level stochastic simulation model was developed specific for this purpose with a herd of 100 dairy cows; the biological part of the model consisted of a dairy herd unit and rearing unit for replacement heifers. The dairy herd unit included variation in the number of culled dairy cows. The rearing unit incorporated variation in the number of heifers present in the herd by including uncertainty in mortality and variation in fertility. The dairy herd unit and rearing unit were linked by the number of replacement heifers and culled dairy cows. When not enough replacement heifers were available to replace culled dairy cows, the herd size was temporarily reduced, resulting in an additional cost for the empty slots. When the herd size reached 100 dairy cows, the available replacement heifers that were not needed were sold. It was assumed that no purchase of cows and calves occurred. The optimal percentage of 2-wk-old heifer calves to be retained was defined as the percentage of heifer calves that minimized the average net costs of rearing replacement heifers. In the default scenario, the optimal retention was 73% and the total net cost of rearing was estimated at €40,939 per herd per year. This total net cost was 6.5% lower than when all heifer calves were kept. An earlier first-calving age resulted in an optimal retention of 75%, and the net costs of rearing were €581 per herd per year lower than in the default scenario. For herds with a lower or higher culling rate of dairy cows (10 or 40% instead of 25% in the default scenario), it was optimal to retain 35 or 100% of the heifer calves per year. Herds that had a lower or higher cost of empty slots (€50 or €120 per month instead of €82 in the default scenario) had an optimal retention of 49 or 83% per year; the optimal retention percentage was dependent on farm and herd characteristics. For Dutch dairy farming conditions, it was not optimal to keep all heifer calves.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animal Husbandry/methods; Dairying/methods
  3. Fulltext α-Thalassemia with Haemoglobin Adana mutation: prenatal diagnosis
    Zainal NZ, Alauddin H, Ahmad S, Hussin NH
    Malays J Pathol, 2014 Dec;36(3):207-11.
    PMID: 25500521
    Thalassaemia carriers are common in the Asian region including Malaysia. Asymptomatic patients can be undiagnosed until they present for their antenatal visits. Devastating obstetric outcome may further complicate the pregnancy if both parents are thalassaemia carriers leading to hydrophic fetus due to haemoglobin Bart's disease. However in certain cases where unexplained hydrops fetalis occur in parents with heterozygous thalassaemia carrier,mutated α genes should be suspected. We report a twenty-nine year old woman in her third pregnancy with two previous pregnancies complicated by early neonatal death at 21 and 28 weeks of gestation due to hydrops fetalis. DNA analysis revealed the patient to have heterozygous (--SEA) α-gene deletion, while her husband has a compound heterozygosity for α(3.7) deletion and codon 59 (GGC → GAC) mutation of the α-gene. This mutation, also known as hemoglobin Adana, can explain hydrops fetalis resulting from two alpha gene deletions from the patient (mother) and a single alpha gene deletion with mutation from the father. The third pregnancy resulted in a grossly normal baby boy with 3 α-gene deletions (HbH disease). We postulate that, in view of heterogenisity of the α-thalassaemia in this patient with severely unstable haemoglobin Adana chains from her husband, there will be a 25% possibility of fetal hydrops in every pregnancy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Testing/methods*; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods*
  4. Fulltext Virtual reality based support system for layout planning and programming of an industrial robotic work cell
    Yap HJ, Taha Z, Dawal SZ, Chang SW
    PLoS One, 2014;9(10):e109692.
    PMID: 25360663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109692
    Traditional robotic work cell design and programming are considered inefficient and outdated in current industrial and market demands. In this research, virtual reality (VR) technology is used to improve human-robot interface, whereby complicated commands or programming knowledge is not required. The proposed solution, known as VR-based Programming of a Robotic Work Cell (VR-Rocell), consists of two sub-programmes, which are VR-Robotic Work Cell Layout (VR-RoWL) and VR-based Robot Teaching System (VR-RoT). VR-RoWL is developed to assign the layout design for an industrial robotic work cell, whereby VR-RoT is developed to overcome safety issues and lack of trained personnel in robot programming. Simple and user-friendly interfaces are designed for inexperienced users to generate robot commands without damaging the robot or interrupting the production line. The user is able to attempt numerous times to attain an optimum solution. A case study is conducted in the Robotics Laboratory to assemble an electronics casing and it is found that the output models are compatible with commercial software without loss of information. Furthermore, the generated KUKA commands are workable when loaded into a commercial simulator. The operation of the actual robotic work cell shows that the errors may be due to the dynamics of the KUKA robot rather than the accuracy of the generated programme. Therefore, it is concluded that the virtual reality based solution approach can be implemented in an industrial robotic work cell.
    Matched MeSH terms: Robotics/methods*; Manufacturing Industry/methods*
  5. Improving detection of obstructive sleep apnoea by overnight oximetry in children using pulse rate parameters
    Sahadan DZ, Davey MJ, Horne RS, Nixon GM
    Sleep Breath, 2015 Dec;19(4):1409-14.
    PMID: 25739713 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-014-1108-4
    PURPOSE: Overnight oximetry is a simple tool for investigation of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children, but only severe cases will be detected, and children with obstructive events resulting in arousal, but not desaturation, will have a normal (inconclusive) result. We hypothesised that pulse rate rises using pulse rate indices per hour (PRI) and pulse rate standard deviation (PR-SD) automatically calculated from commercially available software would improve oximetry as a diagnostic tool.

    METHODS: Children having home overnight oximetry for suspected OSA were identified over 12 months, and those with a normal result who went on to have polysomnography (PSG) were included. Oximetry, including PR-SD and PRI (rises of 8, 10 and 15 beats/min per hour), was analyzed using commercially available software. PR parameters were compared between those with OSA (obstructive apnoea-hypopnoea index (OAHI) >1 event/h) and those without OSA.

    RESULTS: One hundred sixteen children had normal oximetry, of whom 93 (median age 4.5 years; 55 % M) had PSG. Fifty-seven of 93 (61 %) children had OSA (median OAHI 4.5 events/h, range 1.1-24). PR-SD was not different between the OSA and non-OSA groups (p = 0.87). PRI tended to be higher in those with OSA, but there was considerable overlap between the groups: PRI-8 (mean ± SD 58.5 ± 29.0/h in OSA group vs 48.6 ± 20.2/h in non-OSA group, p = 0.07), PRI-10 (45.1 ± 25.0 vs 36.2 ± 16.7, p = 0.06) and PRI-15 (24.4 ± 14.5 vs 18.9 ± 9.0, p = 0.04). A PRI-15 threshold of >35/h had specificity of 97 % for OSA.

    CONCLUSION: The PRI-15 shows promise as an indicator of OSA in children with normal oximetry.

    Matched MeSH terms: Oximetry/methods*; Polysomnography/methods*
  6. Fulltext Automatic frequency controller for power amplifiers used in bio-implanted applications: issues and challenges
    Hannan MA, Hussein HA, Mutashar S, Samad SA, Hussain A
    Sensors (Basel), 2014;14(12):23843-70.
    PMID: 25615728 DOI: 10.3390/s141223843
    With the development of communication technologies, the use of wireless systems in biomedical implanted devices has become very useful. Bio-implantable devices are electronic devices which are used for treatment and monitoring brain implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, retinal implants and so on. The inductive coupling link is used to transmit power and data between the primary and secondary sides of the biomedical implanted system, in which efficient power amplifier is very much needed to ensure the best data transmission rates and low power losses. However, the efficiency of the implanted devices depends on the circuit design, controller, load variation, changes of radio frequency coil's mutual displacement and coupling coefficients. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on various power amplifier classes and their characteristics, efficiency and controller techniques that have been used in bio-implants. The automatic frequency controller used in biomedical implants such as gate drive switching control, closed loop power control, voltage controlled oscillator, capacitor control and microcontroller frequency control have been explained. Most of these techniques keep the resonance frequency stable in transcutaneous power transfer between the external coil and the coil implanted inside the body. Detailed information including carrier frequency, power efficiency, coils displacement, power consumption, supplied voltage and CMOS chip for the controllers techniques are investigated and summarized in the provided tables. From the rigorous review, it is observed that the existing automatic frequency controller technologies are more or less can capable of performing well in the implant devices; however, the systems are still not up to the mark. Accordingly, current challenges and problems of the typical automatic frequency controller techniques for power amplifiers are illustrated, with a brief suggestions and discussion section concerning the progress of implanted device research in the future. This review will hopefully lead to increasing efforts towards the development of low powered, highly efficient, high data rate and reliable automatic frequency controllers for implanted devices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Electronics, Medical/methods*; Telemetry/methods
  7. MicroRNAs: association with radioresistant and potential uses of natural remedies as green gene therapeutic approaches
    Jothy SL, Chen Y, Vijayarathna S, Kanwar JR, Sasidharan S
    Curr Gene Ther, 2015;15(1):15-20.
    PMID: 25478696
    Radiotherapy plays an essential primary role in cancer patients. Regardless of its significant advances in treatment options, tumor recurrence and radio-resistance in cancer cells still occur in a high percentage of patients. Furthermore, the over expression of miRNAs accompanies the development of radio-resistant cancer cells. Consequently, miRNAs might serve as therapeutic targets for the treatment of radio-resistance in cancer cells. The findings of the current research also signify that the use of a natural anti-miRNA substance could inhibit specific miRNAs, and, concurrently, these natural remedies could exhibit radioprotective activity against the healthy cells during radiotherapy. Therefore, in this review, we have reported the association of miRNAs with radio-resistance and the potential uses of natural remedies as green gene therapeutic approaches, as well as radioprotectors against the adverse effects of irradiation on healthy cells during radiotherapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Radiotherapy/methods; Genetic Therapy/methods*
  8. Assessment of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction conditions for gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification of organic compounds in honey
    Moniruzzaman M, Rodríguez I, Rodríguez-Cabo T, Cela R, Sulaiman SA, Gan SH
    J Chromatogr A, 2014 Nov 14;1368:26-36.
    PMID: 25441341 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2014.09.057
    The suitability of the dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) technique for gas chromatography (GC) characterization of minor organic compounds in honey samples is evaluated. Under optimized conditions, samples were pre-treated by liquid-liquid extraction with acetonitrile followed by DLLME using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 0.075 mL) as extractant. The yielded settled phase was analyzed by GC using high resolution time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). The whole sample preparation process is completed in approximately 10 min, with a total consumption of organic solvents below 4 mL, relative standard deviations lower than 12% and with more than 70 organic compounds, displaying linear retention index in the range from 990 to 2900, identified in the obtained extracts. In comparison with HS SPME extraction, higher peak intensities were attained for most volatile and semi-volatile compounds amenable to both extraction techniques. Furthermore, other species such as highly polar and water soluble benzene acids, long chain fatty acids, esters and flavonoids, which are difficult to concentrate by HS SPME, could be identified in DLLME extracts. Some of the compounds identified in DLLME extracts have been proposed as useful for samples classification and/or they are recognized as markers of honeys from certain geographic areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods*; Liquid Phase Microextraction/methods*
  9. Optimisation of ultrasound-assisted extraction of oil from papaya seed by response surface methodology: oil recovery, radical scavenging antioxidant activity, and oxidation stability
    Samaram S, Mirhosseini H, Tan CP, Ghazali HM, Bordbar S, Serjouie A
    Food Chem, 2015 Apr 1;172:7-17.
    PMID: 25442517 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.08.068
    The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) condition on the yield, antioxidant activity and stability of the oil from papaya seed. The studied ultrasound variables were time, temperature, ultrasound power and solvent to sample ratio. The main goal was to optimise UAE condition providing the highest recovery of papaya seed oil with the most desirable antioxidant activity and stability. The interaction of ultrasound variables had the most and least significant effects on the antioxidant activity and stability, respectively. Ultrasound-assisted extraction provided a relatively high oil recovery (∼ 73%) from papaya seed. The strongest antioxidant activity was achieved by the extraction at the elevated temperature using low solvent to sample ratio. The optimum ultrasound extraction was set at the elevated temperature (62.5 °C) for 38.5 min at high ultrasound power (700 W) using medium solvent to sample ratio (∼ 7:1 v/w). The optimum point was practically validated.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chemical Fractionation/methods*; Ultrasonics/methods*
  10. Variability and repeatability of quantitative, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography Doppler blood flow in young and elderly healthy subjects
    Tayyari F, Yusof F, Vymyslicky M, Tan O, Huang D, Flanagan JG, et al.
    Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2014 Dec;55(12):7716-25.
    PMID: 25335983 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-14430
    The purpose of this study was to determine the within-session variability and between-session repeatability of spectral Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (Doppler FD-OCT) Doppler retinal blood flow measurements in young and elderly subjects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Laser-Doppler Flowmetry/methods*; Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods*
  11. Effects of a brief mindfulness-based intervention program for stress management among medical students: the Mindful-Gym randomized controlled study
    Phang CK, Mukhtar F, Ibrahim N, Keng SL, Mohd Sidik S
    Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract, 2015 Dec;20(5):1115-34.
    PMID: 25697124 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-015-9591-3
    Pursuing undergraduate medical training can be very stressful and academically challenging experience. A 5-week mindfulness-based stress management (MBSM/Mindful-Gym) program was developed to help medical students cope with stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing stress among students in a medical school in Malaysia. Seventy-five medical students participated in the program. They were stratified according to years of studies and randomly allocated to intervention (N = 37) and control groups (N = 38). The following outcome variables were measured at pre- and post-intervention: mindfulness (with Mindful Awareness Attention Scale); perceived stress (with Perceived Stress Scale); mental distress (with General Health Questionnaire), and self-efficacy (with General Self-efficacy Scale). Hierarchical multiple regressions were used to analyse the effect of group (intervention vs. control) on changes in the outcome variables. There were significant improvements at one week post-intervention in all outcome variables: mindfulness (β = 0.19, ΔR2 = 0.04, p = .040, f (2) = 0.05), perceived stress (β = -0.26, ΔR2 = 0.07, p = .009, f (2) = 0.10); mental distress (β = -0.28, ΔR2 = 0.10, p = .003, f (2) = 0.15); and self-efficacy (β = 0.30, ΔR2 = 0.09, p < .001, f (2) = 0.21). Six months after the intervention, those who had joined the program reported higher self-efficacy compared to those in the control group (β = 0.24, ΔR2 = 0.06, p = .020, f (2) = 0.08); but there was no difference in other outcome measures. More than 90% of the participants found the program applicable in helping patients and all reported that they would recommend it to others. This study indicates that the program is potentially an effective stress management program for medical students in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cognitive Therapy/methods*; Mindfulness/methods*
  12. Challenges, alternatives, and paths to sustainability: better public health promotion using social networking pages as key tools
    Zaidan AA, Zaidan BB, Kadhem Z, Larbani M, Lakulu MB, Hashim M
    J Med Syst, 2015 Feb;39(2):7.
    PMID: 25631841 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-015-0201-y
    This paper discusses the possibility of promoting public health and implementing educational health services using Facebook. We discuss the challenges and strengths of using such a platform as a tool for public health care systems from two different perspectives, namely, the view of IT developers and that of physicians. We present a new way of evaluating user interactivity in health care systems from tools provided by Facebook that measure statistical traffic in the Internet. Findings show that Facebook is a very promising tool in promoting e-health services in Web 2.0. Results from statistical traffic show that a Facebook page is more efficient than other pages in promoting public health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Education/methods*; Health Promotion/methods*
  13. Fulltext Imaging of skin birefringence for human scar assessment using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography aided by vascular masking
    Gong P, Chin L, Es'haghian S, Liew YM, Wood FM, Sampson DD, et al.
    J Biomed Opt, 2014 Dec;19(12):126014.
    PMID: 25539060 DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.19.12.126014
    We demonstrate the in vivo assessment of human scars by parametric imaging of birefringence using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). Such in vivo assessment is subject to artifacts in the detected birefringence caused by scattering from blood vessels. To reduce these artifacts, we preprocessed the PS-OCT data using a vascular masking technique. The birefringence of the remaining tissue regions was then automatically quantified. Results from the scars and contralateral or adjacent normal skin of 13 patients show a correspondence of birefringence with scar type: the ratio of birefringence of hypertrophic scars to corresponding normal skin is 2.2 ± 0.2 (mean ± standard deviation ), while the ratio of birefringence of normotrophic scars to normal skin is 1.1 ± 0.4 . This method represents a new clinically applicable means for objective, quantitative human scar assessment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods*
  14. The role of student surgical interest groups and surgical Olympiads in anatomical and surgical undergraduate training in Russia
    Dydykin S, Kapitonova M
    Anat Sci Educ, 2015 Sep-Oct;8(5):471-7.
    PMID: 25688979 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1523
    Traditional department-based surgical interest groups in Russian medical schools are useful tools for student-based selection of specialty training. They also form a nucleus for initiating research activities among undergraduate students. In Russia, the Departments of Topographical Anatomy and Operative Surgery play an important role in initiating student-led research and providing learners with advanced, practical surgical skills. In tandem with department-led activities, student surgical interest groups prepare learners through surgical competitions, known as "Surgical Olympiads," which have been conducted in many Russian centers on a regular basis since 1988. Surgical Olympiads stimulate student interest in the development of surgical skills before graduation and encourage students to choose surgery as their postgraduate specialty. Many of the participants in these surgical Olympiads have become highly qualified specialists in general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, gynecology, and emergency medicine. The present article emphasizes the role of student interest groups and surgical Olympiads in clinical anatomical and surgical undergraduate training in Russia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Education, Medical, Undergraduate/methods*; Teaching/methods*
  15. Fulltext Recent advances in Toxoplasma gondii immunotherapeutics
    Lim SS, Othman RY
    Korean J Parasitol, 2014 Dec;52(6):581-93.
    PMID: 25548409 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.6.581
    Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii is widespread globally and causes severe diseases in individuals with impaired immune defences as well as congenitally infected infants. The high prevalence rate in some parts of the world such as South America and Africa, coupled with the current drug treatments that trigger hypersensitivity reactions, makes the development of immunotherapeutics intervention a highly important research priority. Immunotherapeutics strategies could either be a vaccine which would confer a pre-emptive immunity to infection, or passive immunization in cases of disease recrudescence or recurrent clinical diseases. As the severity of clinical manifestations is often greater in developing nations, the development of well-tolerated and safe immunotherapeutics becomes not only a scientific pursuit, but a humanitarian enterprise. In the last few years, much progress has been made in vaccine research with new antigens, novel adjuvants, and innovative vaccine delivery such as nanoparticles and antigen encapsulations. A literature search over the past 5 years showed that most experimental studies were focused on DNA vaccination at 52%, followed by protein vaccination which formed 36% of the studies, live attenuated vaccinations at 9%, and heterologous vaccination at 3%; while there were few on passive immunization. Recent progress in studies on vaccination, passive immunization, as well as insights gained from these immunotherapeutics is highlighted in this review.
    Matched MeSH terms: Immunization/methods*; Immunotherapy/methods*
  16. Panoramic radiography in evaluating the relationship of mandibular canal and impacted third molars in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography
    Ishak MH, Zhun OC, Shaari R, Rahman SA, Hasan MN, Alam MK
    Mymensingh Med J, 2014 Oct;23(4):781-6.
    PMID: 25481601
    This study evaluated the validity of panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the assessment of mandibular canal and impacted third molar. In this descriptive-analytical study, 58 mandibular third molars from 42 patients who showed a close relationship between impacted third molar and canal on panoramic radiographs were selected. They were then classified into seven radiographic markers in panoramic radiographs (superimposition, darkening of the root, interruption of the white lines, root narrowing, canal diversion, canal narrowing, and also closed distance in OPG <1mm). The groups of markers were further assessed with CBCT to see presence or absence of contact. The three most common markers seen in panoramic images are superimposition, interruption of white line and root darkening. In CBCT, superimposition marker always presented higher frequency of contact with canal compared to non-contact group. There are 31% of teeth presented with interruption of white lines and there are 29.3% of teeth presented with superimposition. About 55.6% and 35.3% of the impacted mandibular third molars which indicated interruption of white lines and superimposition also indicated contact in the CBCT respectively. Presence or absence of radiological sign in panoramic radiography was not properly predict a close relationship with third molar and it is suggested that in case of tooth-canal overlapping, the patient should be referred for CBCT assessment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Radiography, Panoramic/methods*; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography/methods*
  17. Conventional methods and emerging wastewater polishing technologies for palm oil mill effluent treatment: a review
    Liew WL, Kassim MA, Muda K, Loh SK, Affam AC
    J Environ Manage, 2015 Feb 1;149:222-35.
    PMID: 25463585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.10.016
    The Malaysian palm oil industry is a major revenue earner and the country is ranked as one of the largest producers in the world. However, growth of the industry is synonymous with a massive production of agro-industrial wastewater. As an environmental protection and public health concern, the highly polluting palm oil mill effluent (POME) has become a major attention-grabber. Hence, the industry is targeting for POME pollution abatement in order to promote a greener image of palm oil and to achieve sustainability. At present, most palm oil mills have adopted the ponding system for treatment. Due to the successful POME pollution abatement experiences, Malaysia is currently planning to revise the effluent quality standards towards a more stringent discharge limits. Hence, the current trend of POME research focuses on developing tertiary treatment or polishing systems for better effluent management. Biotechnologically-advanced POME tertiary (polishing) technologies as well as other physicochemical methods are gaining much attention as these processes are the key players to push the industry towards the goal of environmental sustainability. There are still ongoing treatment technologies being researched and the outcomes maybe available in a while. However, the research completed so far are compiled herein and reported for the first time to acquire a better perspective and insight on the subject with a view of meeting the new standards. To this end, the most feasible technology could be the combination of advanced biological processes (bioreactor systems) with extended aeration, followed by solids separation prior to discharge. Chemical dosing is favoured only if effluent of higher quality is anticipated.
    Matched MeSH terms: Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods*; Water Purification/methods*
  18. Fulltext A coumarin-based fluorescent probe as a central nervous system disease biomarker
    Yap AC, Mahamad UA, Lim SY, Kim HJ, Choo YM
    Sensors (Basel), 2014 Nov 10;14(11):21140-50.
    PMID: 25390405 DOI: 10.3390/s141121140
    Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid are important biomarkers for diseases associated with an impaired central nervous system (CNS). A new chemoassay utilizing coumarin-based fluorescent probe 1 to detect the levels of homocysteine is successfully implemented using Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' blood serum. In addition, a rapid identification of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels in blood serum of PD patients was also performed using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results obtained from both analyses were in agreement. The new chemoassay utilizing coumarin-based fluorescent probe 1 offers a cost- and time-effective method to identify the biomarkers in CNS patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spectrometry, Fluorescence/methods*; Biosensing Techniques/methods
  19. Optimizing supercritical carbon dioxide in the inactivation of bacteria in clinical solid waste by using response surface methodology
    Hossain MS, Nik Ab Rahman NN, Balakrishnan V, Alkarkhi AF, Ahmad Rajion Z, Ab Kadir MO
    Waste Manag, 2015 Apr;38:462-73.
    PMID: 25636860 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.01.003
    Clinical solid waste (CSW) poses a challenge to health care facilities because of the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, leading to concerns in the effective sterilization of the CSW for safe handling and elimination of infectious disease transmission. In the present study, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) was applied to inactivate gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, and gram-negative Escherichia coli in CSW. The effects of SC-CO2 sterilization parameters such as pressure, temperature, and time were investigated and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Results showed that the data were adequately fitted into the second-order polynomial model. The linear quadratic terms and interaction between pressure and temperature had significant effects on the inactivation of S. aureus, E. coli, E. faecalis, and B. subtilis in CSW. Optimum conditions for the complete inactivation of bacteria within the experimental range of the studied variables were 20 MPa, 60 °C, and 60 min. The SC-CO2-treated bacterial cells, observed under a scanning electron microscope, showed morphological changes, including cell breakage and dislodged cell walls, which could have caused the inactivation. This espouses the inference that SC-CO2 exerts strong inactivating effects on the bacteria present in CSW, and has the potential to be used in CSW management for the safe handling and recycling-reuse of CSW materials.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sterilization/methods*; Medical Waste Disposal/methods*
  20. Fulltext Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology International Workshop 2014
    Park JY, Ngan HY, Park W, Cao Z, Wu X, Ju W, et al.
    J Gynecol Oncol, 2015 Jan;26(1):68-74.
    PMID: 25609163 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2015.26.1.68
    The Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology International Workshop 2014 on gynecologic oncology was held in Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea on the 23rd to 24th August 2014. A total of 179 participants from 17 countries participated in the workshop, and the up-to-date findings on the management of gynecologic cancers were presented and discussed. This meeting focused on the new trends in the management of cervical cancer, fertility-sparing management of gynecologic cancers, surgical management of gynecologic cancers, and recent advances in translational research on gynecologic cancers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Translational Medical Research/methods; Fertility Preservation/methods
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links