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  1. Compositional engineering of VOPcPhO-TiO2nano-composite to reduce the absolute threshold value of humidity sensors
    Azmer MI, Aziz F, Ahmad Z, Raza E, Najeeb MA, Fatima N, et al.
    Talanta, 2017 Nov 01;174:279-284.
    PMID: 28738579 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.06.016
    This research work demonstrates compositional engineering of an organic-inorganic hybrid nano-composites for modifying absolute threshold of humidity sensors. Vanadyl-2,9,16,23-tetraphenoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (VOPcPhO), an organic semiconductor, doped with Titanium-dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) has been employed to fabricate humidity sensors. The morphology of the VOPcPhO:TiO2nano-composite films has been analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The sensors have been examined over a wide range of relative humidity i.e. 20-99% RH. The sensor with TiO2(90nm) shows reduced sensitivity-threshold and improved linearity. The VOPcPhO:TiO2(90nm) nano-composite film is comprised of uniformly distributed voids which makes the surface more favorable for adsorption of moisture content from environment. The VOPcPhO:TiO2nano-composite based sensor demonstrates remarkable improvement in the sensing parameter when equated with VOPcPhO sensors.
  2. Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Thermal Properties of Longitudinal Basalt/Woven Glass Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Hybrid Composites
    Haris NIN, Ilyas RA, Hassan MZ, Sapuan SM, Afdzaluddin A, Jamaludin KR, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Sep 29;13(19).
    PMID: 34641159 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193343
    This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of basalt/woven glass fiber reinforced polymer (BGRP) hybrid polyester composites. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to explore the chemical aspect, whereas the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermomechanical analysis (TMA) were performed to determine the mechanical and thermal properties. The dynamic mechanical properties were evaluated in terms of the storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping factor. The FTIR results showed that incorporating single and hybrid fibers in the matrix did not change the chemical properties. The DMA findings revealed that the B7.5/G22.5 composite with 7.5 wt% of basalt fiber (B) and 22.5 wt% of glass fiber (G) exhibited the highest elastic and viscous properties, as it exhibited the higher storage modulus (8.04 × 109 MPa) and loss modulus (1.32 × 109 MPa) compared to the other samples. All the reinforced composites had better damping behavior than the neat matrix, but no further enhancement was obtained upon hybridization. The analysis also revealed that the B22.5/G7.5 composite with 22.5 wt% of basalt fiber and 7.5 wt% of glass fiber had the highest Tg at 70.80 °C, and increased by 15 °C compared to the neat matrix. TMA data suggested that the reinforced composites had relatively low dimensional stabilities than the neat matrix, particularly between 50 to 80 °C. Overall, the hybridization of basalt and glass fibers in unsaturated polyester formed composites with higher mechanical and thermal properties than single reinforced composites.
  3. Surgical site infection and development of antimicrobial sutures: a review
    Chua RAHW, Lim SK, Chee CF, Chin SP, Kiew LV, Sim KS, et al.
    Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 2022 Feb;26(3):828-845.
    PMID: 35179749 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202202_27991
    Sutures are used to facilitate wound healing and play an important role in ensuring the success of surgical interventions in healthcare facilities. Suture-associated surgical site infection (SSI) may develop when bacterial contaminants colonize the suture surface and establish biofilms that are highly resistant to antibiotic treatment. The outcome of SSI affects postoperative care, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and increased financial burden. Antimicrobial sutures coated with antiseptics such as triclosan and chlorhexidine have been used to minimize the occurrence of SSI. However, as the efficacy of antiseptic-based sutures may be affected due to the emergence of resistant strains, new approaches for the development of alternative antimicrobial sutures are necessary. This review provides an update and outlook of various approaches in the design and development of antimicrobial sutures. Attaining a zero SSI rate will be possible with the advancement in suturing technology and implementation of good infection control practice in clinical settings.
  4. Recent advances of thermal properties of sugar palm lignocellulosic fibre reinforced polymer composites
    Asyraf MRM, Ishak MR, Norrrahim MNF, Nurazzi NM, Shazleen SS, Ilyas RA, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Dec 15;193(Pt B):1587-1599.
    PMID: 34740691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.221
    Biocomposites are materials that are easy to manufacture and environmentally friendly. Sugar palm fibre (SPF) is considered to be an emerging reinforcement candidate that could provide improved mechanical stiffness and strength to the biocomposites. Numerous studies have been recently conducted on sugar palm biocomposites to evaluate their physical, mechanical and thermal properties in various conditions. Sugar palm biocomposites are currently limited to the applications of traditional household products despite their good thermal stability as a prospective substitute candidate for synthetic fibres. Thus, thermal analysis methods such as TGA and DTG are functioned to determine the thermal properties of single fibre sugar palm composites (SPCs) in thermoset and thermoplastic matrix as well as hybrid SPCs. The biocomposites showed a remarkable change considering thermal stability by varying the individual fibre compositions and surface treatments and adding fillers and coupling agents. However, literature that summarises the thermal properties of sugar palm biocomposites is unavailable. Particularly, this comprehensive review paper aims to guide all composite engineers, designers, manufacturers and users on the selection of suitable biopolymers for sugar palm biocomposites for thermal applications, such as heat shields and engine components.
  5. Fulltext Compression Behaviour of Bio-Inspired Honeycomb Reinforced Starfish Shape Structures Using 3D Printing Technology
    Saufi SASA, Zuhri MYM, Dezaki ML, Sapuan SM, Ilyas RA, As'arry A, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Dec 14;13(24).
    PMID: 34960939 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244388
    The bio-inspired structure (e.g., honeycomb) has been studied for its ability to absorb energy and its high strength. The cell size and wall thickness are the main elements that alter the structural ability to withstand load and pressure. Moreover, adding a secondary structure can increase the compressive strength and energy absorption (EA) capability. In this study, the bio-inspired structures are fabricated by fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology using polylactic acid (PLA) material. Samples are printed in the shape of a honeycomb structure, and a starfish shape is used as its reinforcement. Hence, this study focuses on the compression strength and EA of different cell sizes of 20 and 30 mm with different wall thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. Subsequently, the deformation and failure of the structures are determined under the compression loading. It is found that the smaller cell size with smaller wall thickness offered a crush efficiency of 69% as compared to their larger cell size with thicker wall thickness counterparts. It is observed that for a 20 mm cell size, the EA and maximum peak load increase, respectively, when the wall thickness increases. It can be concluded that the compression strength and EA capability increase gradually as the cell size and wall thickness increase.
  6. Prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection and colonization in a tertiary hospital and elderly community of North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia
    Zainul NH, Ma ZF, Besari A, Siti Asma H, Rahman RA, Collins DA, et al.
    Epidemiol Infect, 2017 Oct;145(14):3012-3019.
    PMID: 28891459 DOI: 10.1017/S0950268817002011
    Little is known about Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Asia. The aims of our study were to explore (i) the prevalence, risk factors and molecular epidemiology of CDI and colonization in a tertiary academic hospital in North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia; (ii) the rate of carriage of C. difficile among the elderly in the region; (iii) the awareness level of this infection among the hospital staffs and students. For stool samples collected from hospital inpatients with diarrhea (n = 76) and healthy community members (n = 138), C. difficile antigen and toxins were tested by enzyme immunoassay. Stool samples were subsequently analyzed by culture and molecular detection of toxin genes, and PCR ribotyping of isolates. To examine awareness among hospital staff and students, participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. For the hospital and community studies, the prevalence of non-toxigenic C. difficile colonization was 16% and 2%, respectively. The prevalence of CDI among hospital inpatients with diarrhea was 13%. Out of 22 C. difficile strains from hospital inpatients, the toxigenic ribotypes 043 and 017 were most common (both 14%). In univariate analysis, C. difficile colonization in hospital inpatients was significantly associated with greater duration of hospitalization and use of penicillin (both P < 0·05). Absence of these factors was a possible reason for low colonization in the community. Only 3% of 154 respondents answered all questions correctly in the awareness survey. C. difficile colonization is prevalent in a Malaysian hospital setting but not in the elderly community with little or no contact with hospitals. Awareness of CDI is alarmingly poor.
  7. Unexplained ascites, a sign for neuroendocrine carcinoma
    Mohd Kamil MK, Ngiu CS, Md Isa N, Yaacob Y Y, Deborah Chew CH, Wong ZQ, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 02;73(1):60-62.
    PMID: 29531208 MyJurnal
    Neuroendocrine neoplasm is an epithelial neoplasm with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation that can arise from many organs in the body. We reported a rare case of gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma which accounts for less than 1% of all gastric tumours that is associated with poor prognosis. The recognition of this rare tumour in early stage is challenging and high suspicious into it might bring to early detection and so forth might improve the prognostication.
  8. Antioxidant, Wound Healing Potential and In Silico Assessment of Naringin, Eicosane and Octacosane
    Balachandran A, Choi SB, Beata MM, Małgorzata J, Froemming GRA, Lavilla CA, et al.
    Molecules, 2023 Jan 20;28(3).
    PMID: 36770709 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031043
    1. Diabetic chronic wounds, mainly foot ulcers, constitute one of the most common complications of poorly managed diabetes mellitus. The most typical reasons are insufficient glycemic management, latent neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and neglected foot care. In addition, it is a common cause of foot osteomyelitis and amputation of the lower extremities. Patients are admitted in larger numbers attributable to chronic wounds compared to any other diabetic disease. In the United States, diabetes is currently the most common cause of non-traumatic amputations. Approximately five percent of diabetics develop foot ulcers, and one percent require amputation. Therefore, it is necessary to identify sources of lead with wound-healing properties. Redox imbalance due to excessive oxidative stress is one of the causes for the development of diabetic wounds. Antioxidants have been shown to decrease the progression of diabetic neuropathy by scavenging ROS, regenerating endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, and reversing redox imbalance. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play vital roles in numerous phases of the wound healing process. Antioxidant and fibroblast cell migration activity of Marantodes pumilum (MP) crude extract has previously been reported. Through their antioxidant, epithelialization, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast migration activities, the authors hypothesise that naringin, eicosane and octacosane identified in the MP extract may have wound-healing properties. 2. The present study aims to identify the bioactive components present in the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of M. pumilum and evaluate their antioxidant and wound healing activity. Bioactive components were identified using LCMS, HPTLC and GCMS. Excision wound on STZ-induced diabetic rat model, human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell line and colorimetric antioxidant assays were used to evaluate wound healing and antioxidant activities, respectively. Molecular docking and pkCMS software would be utilised to predict binding energy and affinity, as well as ADME parameters. 3. Naringin (NAR), eicosane (EIC), and octacosane (OCT) present in MP displayed antioxidant action and wound excision closure. Histological examination HDF cell line demonstrates epithelialization, collagen production, fibroblast migration, polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration (PNML), and fibroblast movement. The results of molecular docking indicate a substantial attraction and contact between MMPs. pkCMS prediction indicates inadequate blood-brain barrier permeability, low toxicity, and absence of hepatotoxicity. 4. Wound healing properties of (NEO) naringin, eicosane and octacosane may be the result of their antioxidant properties and possible interactions with MMP.
  9. Fulltext Development of Protein Rich Pregelatinized Whole Grain Cereal Bar Enriched With Nontraditional Ingredient: Nutritional, Phytochemical, Textural, and Sensory Characterization
    Allai FM, Dar BN, Gul K, Adnan M, Ashraf SA, Hassan MI, et al.
    Front Nutr, 2022;9:870819.
    PMID: 35464008 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.870819
    This study was aimed to use extrusion cooking as a pretreatment for non-conventional seeds (Indian horse chestnut flour) to blend them with whole grain flours (whole wheat flour, whole barley flour, and whole corn flour) for the development of a pregelatinized cereal bar (PCB). In this study, date paste (7.5-17.5%) and walnut grits (2.5-12.5%) were incorporated at varying levels to prepare PCB. The PCB was evaluated for its nutritional, color, textural (both three-point bending test and TPA), antioxidant activity, and sensory attributes. The flexural modulus, rupture stress, and fracture strain of PCB increased with the incorporation of a higher proportion of date paste. The protein and fiber content in PCB increased from 7.74 to 9.13% and 4.81 to 5.59% with the incorporation of walnut grits and date paste, respectively. The DPPH, total phenolic content, and water activity of PCB were determined, which progressively enhanced with increased levels of walnut grits and date paste. The correlation between sensory attributes and instrumental texture on PCB was also investigated. The correlation results showed a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between texture analysis and sensory hardness, springiness, adhesiveness, and negatively correlated to instrumental and sensory cohesiveness. For sensorial attributes, all PCB samples presented average scores of 7/10 and 4/5 for buying intention. Therefore, whole grain extrudates, date paste, and walnut grits can be efficiently used to develop PCB with improved nutritional, nutraceutical, and economic values.
  10. Fulltext Management of Hypertension in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Structured Review
    Rahman ARA, Magno JDA, Cai J, Han M, Lee HY, Nair T, et al.
    Am J Cardiovasc Drugs, 2024 Mar;24(2):141-170.
    PMID: 38332411 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00625-1
    This article reviews available evidence regarding hypertension management in the Asia-Pacific region, focussing on five research questions that deal with specific aspects: blood pressure (BP) control, guideline recommendations, role of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors in clinical practice, pharmacological management and real-world adherence to guideline recommendations. A PubMed search identified 2537 articles, of which 94 were considered relevant. Compared with Europeans, Asians have higher systolic/diastolic/mean arterial BP, with a stronger association between BP and stroke. Calcium channel blockers are the most-commonly prescribed monotherapy in Asia, with significant variability between countries in the rates of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis)/angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) and single-pill combination (SPC) use. In clinical practice, ARBs are used more commonly than ACEis, despite the absence of recommendation from guidelines and clinical evidence supporting the use of one class of drug over the other. Ideally, antihypertensive treatment should be tailored to the individual patient, but currently there are limited data on the characteristics of hypertension in Asia-Pacific individuals. Large outcome studies assessing RAAS inhibitor efficacy and safety in multi-national Asian populations are lacking. Among treated patients, BP control rates were ~ 35 to 40%; BP control in Asia-Pacific is suboptimal, and disproportionately so compared with Western nations. Strategies to improve the management of hypertension include wider access/availability of affordable treatments, particularly SPCs (which improve adherence), effective public health screening programs targeting patients to drive health-seeking behaviours, an increase in physician/patient awareness and early implementation of lifestyle changes. A unified Asia-Pacific guideline on hypertension management with pragmatic recommendations, particularly in resource-limited settings, is essential.
  11. Improving routine health data in Indonesia: Utilising the WHO data quality tool for Aplikasi Satu Data Kesehatan
    Sanjaya GY, Fauziah K, Pratama RA, Fitriani NA, Setiawan MY, Fauziah IA, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(2):176-183.
    PMID: 38553923
    INTRODUCTION: Assessment of data quality in the era of big data is crucial for effective data management and use. However, there are gaps in data quality assessment for routine health data to ensure accountability. Therefore, this research aims to improve the routine health data quality that have been collected and integrated into Aplikasi Satu Data Kesehatan (ASDK) as the primary health data system in Indonesia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study utilises a desk review approach and employs the WHO Data Quality Assurance (DQA) Tool to assess data quality of ASDK. The analysis involves measuring eight health indicators from ASDK and Survei Status Gizi Indonesia (SSGI) conducted in 2022. The assessment focuses on various dimensions of data quality, including completeness of variables, consistency over time, consistency between indicators, outliers and external consistency.

    RESULTS: Current study shows that routine health data in Indonesia performs high-quality data in terms of completeness and internal consistency. The dimension of data completeness demonstrates high levels of variable completeness with most variables achieving 100% of the completeness.

    CONCLUSION: Based on the analysis of eight routine health data variables using five dimensions of data quality namely completeness of variables, consistency over time, consistency between indicators, outliers. and external consistency. It shows that completeness and internal consistency of data in ASDK has demonstrated a high data quality.

  12. The relationships between West Nile and Kunjin viruses
    Scherret JH, Poidinger M, Mackenzie JS, Broom AK, Deubel V, Lipkin WI, et al.
    Emerg Infect Dis, 2001 Jul-Aug;7(4):697-705.
    PMID: 11585535
    Until recently, West Nile (WN) and Kunjin (KUN) viruses were classified as distinct types in the Flavivirus genus. However, genetic and antigenic studies on isolates of these two viruses indicate that the relationship between them is more complex. To better define this relationship, we performed sequence analyses on 32 isolates of KUN virus and 28 isolates of WN virus from different geographic areas, including a WN isolate from the recent outbreak in New York. Sequence comparisons showed that the KUN virus isolates from Australia were tightly grouped but that the WN virus isolates exhibited substantial divergence and could be differentiated into four distinct groups. KUN virus isolates from Australia were antigenically homologous and distinct from the WN isolates and a Malaysian KUN virus. Our results suggest that KUN and WN viruses comprise a group of closely related viruses that can be differentiated into subgroups on the basis of genetic and antigenic analyses.
  13. Fulltext Recent Developments in Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Based Biocomposites and Their Potential Industrial Applications: A Comprehensive Review
    Abotbina W, Sapuan SM, Ilyas RA, Sultan MTH, Alkbir MFM, Sulaiman S, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2022 Oct 09;15(19).
    PMID: 36234333 DOI: 10.3390/ma15196992
    The rapid use of petroleum resources coupled with increased awareness of global environmental problems associated with the use of petroleum-based plastics is a major driving force in the acceptance of natural fibers and biopolymers as green materials. Because of their environmentally friendly and sustainable nature, natural fibers and biopolymers have gained significant attention from scientists and industries. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a plant that has various purposes for use. It is the primary source of food in many countries and is also used in the production of biocomposites, biopolymers, and biofibers. Starch from cassava can be plasticized, reinforced with fibers, or blended with other polymers to strengthen their properties. Besides that, it is currently used as a raw material for bioethanol and renewable energy production. This comprehensive review paper explains the latest developments in bioethanol compounds from cassava and gives a detailed report on macro and nano-sized cassava fibers and starch, and their fabrication as blend polymers, biocomposites, and hybrid composites. The review also highlights the potential utilization of cassava fibers and biopolymers for industrial applications such as food, bioenergy, packaging, automotive, and others.
  14. Advanced functional materials based on nanocellulose/Mxene: A review
    Al-Fakih GOA, Ilyas RA, Atiqah A, Atikah MSN, Saidur R, Dufresne A, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Sep 03.
    PMID: 39256123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135207
    The escalating need for a sustainable future has driven the advancement of renewable functional materials. Nanocellulose, derived from the abundant natural biopolymer cellulose, demonstrates noteworthy characteristics, including high surface area, crystallinity, mechanical strength, and modifiable chemistry. When combined with two-dimensional (2D) graphitic materials, nanocellulose can generate sophisticated hybrid materials with diverse applications as building blocks, carriers, scaffolds, and reinforcing constituents. This review highlights the progress of research on advanced functional materials based on the integration of nanocellulose, a versatile biopolymer with tailorable properties, and MXenes, a new class of 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides known for their excellent conductivity, mechanical strength, and large surface area. By addressing the challenges and envisioning future prospects, this review underscores the burgeoning opportunities inherent in MXene/nanocellulose composites, heralding a sustainable frontier in the field of materials science.
  15. Morphological and phenotypical characteristics of human osteoblasts after short-term space mission
    Kapitonova MY, Kuznetsov SL, Salim N, Othman S, Kamauzaman TM, Ali AM, et al.
    Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., 2014 Jan;156(3):393-8.
    PMID: 24771384 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-014-2357-8
    Morphological and phenotypical signs of cultured readaptation osteoblasts were studied after a short-term space mission. The ultrastructure and phenotype of human osteoblasts after Soyuz TMA-11 space flight (2007) were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, and ELISA. The morphofunctional changes in cell cultures persisted after 12 passages. Osteoblasts retained the drastic changes in their shape and size, contour deformation, disorganization of the microtubular network, redistribution of organelles and specialized structures of the plasmalemma in comparison with the ground control cells. On the other hand, the expression of osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin (bone metabolism markers) increased; the expression of bone resorption markers ICAM-1 and IL-6 also increased, while the expression of VCAM-1 decreased. Hence, space flight led to the development of persistent shifts in cultured osteoblasts indicating injuries to the cytoskeleton and the phenotype changes, indicating modulation of bone metabolism biomarkers.
  16. Fulltext Identification of psychosocial factors of noncompliance in hypertensive patients
    Hassan NB, Hasanah CI, Foong K, Naing L, Awang R, Ismail SB, et al.
    J Hum Hypertens, 2006 Jan;20(1):23-9.
    PMID: 16177812 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001930
    This cross-sectional study was aimed to identify the predictors of medication noncompliance in hypertensive patients. The study was conducted at the Family Medicine Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, which is a university-based teaching hospital. All hypertensive patients aged 40 or over-registered from January to June 2004, who had been on treatment for at least 3 months, were screened. Previously validated self-administered questionnaires were used to assess the compliance and psychosocial factors. A total of 240 hypertensive patients were recruited in the study. Of these, 55.8% were noncompliant to medication. Logistic regression showed that age (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92-0.997; P: 0.035), patient satisfaction (adjusted OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.93-0.998; P: 0.036) and medication barrier (adjusted OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91-0.987; P: 0.009) were significant predictors of medication noncompliance. Therefore, younger age, poor patient satisfaction and medication barrier were identified as independent psychosocial predictors of medication noncompliant in hypertensive patients.
  17. Fulltext Bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns in children with urinary tract infection in a Malaysian tertiary hospital
    Noor Shafina MN, Nor Azizah A, Mohammad AR, Faisal MF, Mohamad Ikhsan S, Hafizah Z, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Jun;70(3):153-7.
    PMID: 26248777 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection affecting children and therefore, prompt recognition and accurate antimicrobial management are vital to prevent kidney damage. This study aims to determine the bacterial pathogens and their patterns of antimicrobial resistance in children presenting with UTI.
    METHODS: A retrospective study of 721 cases, involving children between the ages of 1-day old to 13 years old with culture-proven UTI in Selayang Hospital, Malaysia between January 2007 and December 2011. The bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns in the total population, prophylaxis and no prophylaxis groups were studied.
    RESULTS: The 3 most common organisms isolated in the total population were E.Coli (41.6%), Klebsiella spp. (21.2%) and Enterococcus spp. (11.0%). With regards to the antibiotic resistance, E.Coli resistance rates to ampicillin, cefuroxime and gentamicin were 67.7%, 15.3% and 7.3% respectively. Ampicillin-resistance was also highest in Klebsiella spp. (84.3%), Enterococcus spp. (15.5%) and Proteus spp. (55.5%).
    CONCLUSION: E.coli remains to be the leading bacterial pathogen causing UTI in children, with ampicillin-resistance occurring in more than half of these cases. Therefore, accurate choice of antibiotics is important to ensure optimal outcome. In our study, cefuroxime and gentamicin have lower antibiotic resistance rates and can be used in the treatment of UTI in children.
  18. Improved functional assessment of osteoarthritic knee joint after chondrogenically induced cell treatment
    Ude CC, Ng MH, Chen CH, Htwe O, Amaramalar NS, Hassan S, et al.
    Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2015 Aug;23(8):1294-306.
    PMID: 25887366 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2015.04.003
    OBJECTIVES: Our previous studies on osteoarthritis (OA) revealed positive outcome after chondrogenically induced cells treatment. Presently, the functional improvements of these treated OA knee joints were quantified followed by evaluation of the mechanical properties of the engineered cartilages.
    METHODS: Baseline electromyogram (EMGs) were conducted at week 0 (pre-OA), on the locomotory muscles of nine un-castrated male sheep (Siamese long tail cross) divided into controls, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), before OA inductions. Subsequent recordings were performed at week 7 and week 31 which were post-OA and post-treatments. Afterwards, the compression tests of the regenerated cartilage were performed.
    RESULTS: Post-treatment EMG analysis revealed that the control sheep retained significant reductions in amplitudes at the right medial gluteus, vastus lateralis and bicep femoris, whereas BMSCs and ADSCs samples had no further significant reductions (P < 0.05). Grossly and histologically, the treated knee joints demonstrated the presence of regenerated neo cartilages evidenced by the fluorescence of PKH26 tracker. Based on the International Cartilage Repair Society scores (ICRS), they had significantly lower grades than the controls (P < 0.05). The compression moduli of the native cartilages and the engineered cartilages differed significantly at the tibia plateau, patella femoral groove and the patella; whereas at the medial femoral condyle, they had similar moduli of 0.69 MPa and 0.40-0.64 MPa respectively. Their compression strengths at all four regions were within ±10 MPa.
    CONCLUSION: The tissue engineered cartilages provided evidence of functional recoveries associated to the structural regenerations, and their mechanical properties were comparable with the native cartilage.
    KEYWORDS: Cartilage; Cell therapy; Function; Osteoarthritis; Regeneration
  19. Fulltext Natural Fiber Reinforced Composite Material for Product Design: A Short Review
    Azman MA, Asyraf MRM, Khalina A, Petrů M, Ruzaidi CM, Sapuan SM, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jun 09;13(12).
    PMID: 34207597 DOI: 10.3390/polym13121917
    Natural fibers have attracted great attention from industrial players and researchers for the exploitation of polymer composites because of their "greener" nature and contribution to sustainable practice. Various industries have shifted toward sustainable technology in order to improve the balance between the environment and social and economic concerns. This manuscript aims to provide a brief review of the development of the foremost natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite (NFRPC) product designs and their applications. The first part of the manuscript presents a summary of the background of various natural fibers and their composites in the context of engineering applications. The behaviors of NFPCs vary with fiber type, source, and structure. Several drawbacks of NFPCs, e.g., higher water absorption rate, inferior fire resistance, and lower mechanical properties, have limited their applications. This has necessitated the development of good practice in systematic engineering design in order to attain optimized NRPC products. Product design and manufacturing engineering need to move in a mutually considerate manner in order to produce successful natural fiber-based composite material products. The design process involves concept design, material selection, and finally, the manufacturing of the design. Numerous products have been commercialized using natural fibers, e.g., sports equipment, musical instruments, and electronic products. In the end, this review provides a guideline for the product design process based on natural fibers, which subsequently leads to a sustainable design.
  20. Fulltext International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) database: Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) Pilot Project [IDAPP]
    Chhabra HS, Sachdeva G, Kovindha A, Hossain MS, Hasnan N, Thapa E, et al.
    Spinal Cord Ser Cases, 2018;4:45.
    PMID: 29844928 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-018-0076-5
    Study design: Global mapping project of ISCoS for traumatic spinal cord injury (T-SCI) highlighted paucity of data from low and middle income countries (LMICs). Recognizing this gap, IDAPP study of one year duration was proposed as the first step to develop an International SCI database.

    Objectives: Primary objective was to assess database variables, processes involved and web platform for their suitability with a view to provide guidance for a large scale global project. Secondary objective was to capture demographic and selected injury/safety data on patients with T-SCI with a view to formulate prevention strategies.

    Setting: Nine centers from Asia.

    Methods: All patients with T-SCI admitted for first time were included. International SCI Core Data Set and especially compiled Minimal Safety Data Set were used as data elements. Questionnaire was used for feedback from centers.

    Results: Results showed relevance and appropriateness of processes, data variables and web platform of the study. Ease of entering and retrieval of data from web platform was confirmed. Cost of one year IDAPP study was USD 7780. 975 patients were enrolled. 790 (81%) were males. High falls (n = 513, 52%) as a cause and complete injuries (n = 547, 56%) were more common. There was a higher percentage of thoracic and lumbar injuries (n = 516, 53%).

    Conclusions: The study confirms that establishing the SCI database is possible using the variables, processes and web platform of the pilot study. It also provides a low cost solution. Expansion to other centers/regions and including non-traumatic SCI would be the next step forward.

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