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Fulltext Plasmodium knowlesi in humans, macaques and mosquitoes in peninsular Malaysia

Vythilingam I, Noorazian YM, Huat TC, Jiram AI, Yusri YM, Azahari AH, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2008;1(1):26.
PMID: 18710577 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-1-26
Fulltext Prevalence of intestinal protozoa in an aborigine community in Pahang, Malaysia

Noor Azian MY, San YM, Gan CC, Yusri MY, Nurulsyamzawaty Y, Zuhaizam AH, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2007 Jun;24(1):55-62.
PMID: 17568378 MyJurnal

The objective was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal protozoa among the aborigines and to determine the problems regarding the infection. The study was carried out in January 2006 in Pos Senderut, Pahang, Malaysia. Samples of faeces were collected from children and adults and these were fixed in PVA and trichrome staining was carried out. From the 130 individuals studied, 94 (72.3%) were positive with at least one intestinal protozoa. Nine intestinal protozoa namely Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba hartmani, Entamoeba polecki, Iodamoeba butschlii and Chilomastix mesnili were detected. The prevalent species were B. hominis (52.3%), followed by G. lamblia (29.2%), E. coli (26.2%) and E. histolytica (18.5%). The other species ranged from 1.5 to 10.8%. Among the positive samples, mixed infection with E. histolytica and G. lamblia was 3.8%, E. histolytica and B. hominis was 15.4%, G. lamblia and B. hominis was 17.7%. Triple infection of E. histolytica, G. lamblia and B. hominis was 3.1%. The infection was more prevalent in children below 10 years age group (45.4%) and lowest in the age above 60 years (3.8%). The high prevalence was attributable to poor environmental management, poor personal hygiene and lack of health education.
Ruminant farmers' knowledge, attitude and practices towards zoonotic diseases in Selangor, Malaysia

Sadiq MB, Hamid NA, Yusri UK, Ramanoon SZ, Mansor R, Affandi SA, et al.

Prev Vet Med, 2021 Nov;196:105489.
PMID: 34536805 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105489

This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices about zoonotic diseases and associated factors among ruminant farmers in Selangor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2018 and December 2020. The survey was developed in English and Malay, validated, administered to ruminant farmers in Selangor. A total of 84 farmers completed the structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component factor analysis and binary logistic regression models. Only 42 % (35/84) had heard of the term "zoonotic diseases" before this study but the majority of farmers (52/84; 61.9 %) were aware that certain diseases could be transmitted between humans and animals. A higher proportion was aware of rabies (20.8 %), followed by tuberculosis (17.8 %) and brucellosis (15.7 %), and most respondents identified the diseases as zoonotic. The majority of farmers stated (60 %) that zoonosis could be prevented and they preferred to learn more about such diseases through veterinary personnel. Higher proportions (>80 %) agreed to practices such as hand washing, proper cooking of meat, and keeping animal health records. However, the need to pasteurise milk before drinking and selling were the least items that farmers agreed to, which was reflected in their practices. Sixty-four per cent of the farmers had stray animals on their farm with dogs (45.5 %) being predominant. Overall, 34.5 % (29/84), 51.1 % (43/84), and 60.7 % (51/84) were considered to have satisfactory knowledge, attitude and practices regarding zoonotic diseases, respectively. Farmers with higher education (odds ratio; OR = 16.6; 95 % CI 3.7-71.4) and rearing exotic breeds of animals (OR = 6.0; 95 % CI 1.3-27.7) were more likely to have satisfactory knowledge about zoonoses, but less likely for those with small herd size (51-100 animals) (OR = 0.19; 95 % CI 0.04-0.95). The odds of having satisfactory attitude towards preventive measures against zoonoses were higher in farmers with higher education (OR = 3.2; 95 % CI 1.1-8.9). Farms with herd health programs were more likely to engage in satisfactory practices towards zoonoses (OR = 3.2; 95 % CI 1.2-10.0) relative to farms lacking programs. These areas might need to be considered by public health authorities to improve the current knowledge and attitude of ruminant farmers about zoonotic diseases in the Malaysian context.
Fulltext A Review of Food Texture Modification among Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: The Challenges among Cerebral Palsy Families

Kamal S, Kamaralzaman S, Sharma S, Jaafar NH, Chern PM, Hassan NI, et al.

Nutrients, 2022 Dec 09;14(24).
PMID: 36558401 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245241

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently present with multiple feeding problems, which may require food texture modification to ensure safe feeding. This review aims to explore the challenges individuals with CP and their caregiver's face and recommend modified food textures to ensure safety and improve the quality of life and nutritional status. A systematic search was carried out through four databases (i.e., EBSCO (Medline), PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science) between January 2011 and May 2022. Out of 86 articles retrieved, seven were selected based on keywords and seven other studies through manual search-five cross-sectional studies, two qualitative studies, one correlational study, one mixed method study, one case-control study, two sections of books, and two educational materials. The findings suggest that preparation and intake of food with modified texture play a necessary role in the safety of swallowing in addition to physical, social, and environmental aspects. Safety was found to be the crucial part of the food texture modification provision besides considering the stress of the caregivers and the nutritional status of individuals with CP. Currently, there are no standard guidelines available pertaining to food texture modification. This led to uncertainties in the dietary provision among caregivers, which may lead to undernourishment. Hence, standard guidelines relating to food texture modification that focuses on food preparation and menus with calorie and nutrient information are timely to be developed.
Fulltext Nutritional status as predictors for quality of life among caregivers of children with severe cerebral palsy

Kamal S, Hamzaid NH, Kamaralzaman S, Sharma S, Jaafar NH, Chern PM, et al.

Transl Pediatr, 2023 Sep 18;12(9):1601-1618.
PMID: 37814717 DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-195

BACKGROUND: Individuals with severe cerebral palsy (CP) often experience various health issues, including feeding difficulties, which can adversely affect their nutritional status and caregivers' quality of life, e.g., more time spent for feeding rather than own selfcare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor nutritional status among individuals with severe CP and explore its role as predictors for caregivers' quality of life.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a government hospital (Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital), Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program, and Spastic Centre [non-profit organization (NGO)] in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Seventy-one participants with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level IV and V were recruited. Sociodemographic data, health-associated data, and anthropometric data were collected. Caregivers' quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) CP module version 3.0 which included domains such as Movement and Balance, Eating Activities, and School Activities.
RESULTS: Most participants were males (60.6%), with 61 classified as level IV in the GMFCS classification. According to the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS), 59 children were at level IV. In total, 40.8% were underweight according to CP growth chart and 49.3% had mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) readings below the 5th percentile. The lowest scores in the PedsQL CP module version 3.0 were observed in the Daily Activities (5.34±10.87), and School Activities domains (8.15±18.65). Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, including body mass index (BMI)-for-age, MUAC, body fat, triceps, and subscapular skinfold measurement, were predictors for the School Activities domain [F (11, 44)=3.981, P<0.005, R2=0.499].
CONCLUSIONS: Poor nutritional status in individuals with severe CP has been shown to negatively impact caregivers' quality of life. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving nutritional intervention is essential to improve dietary provision and the nutritional status of children with CP.
Fulltext I-Tag: Patients stretcher innovation as a solution to injured patients mobilization

Kim Sooi Law, Noor Khairiah A. Karim, Noor Khairiah A. Karim, Nor Samsinar Abu Talib, Norhaliza Abd Hamid, Nur Arzuar Abdul Rahim, et al.

Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;3(2):100-107.
MyJurnal

The paramedic team of Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is often involved in providing medical assistance for various activities organised by the university such as during PIMPIN siswa outdoor training and sport events. Paramedics often faced difficulty in saving injured patients as the current stretcher is rather heavy (5.8 kg) and is not able to be folded to a smaller size. To overcome this problem, i-TAG, a stretcher made of durable two-layer canvas cloth with the size of 170.0 cm x 74.0 cm and equipped with 10 user-friendly rubber handle, has been invented. The upper part of the stretcher has a zip to insert the spinal board if the victim has spinal and head injuries. The i-TAG is also very light with only 1.2 kg in weight, easy to be folded and stored in emergency bags, and can be easily carried by paramedics. The i-TAG innovative product has a positive impact on health and safety services. Using i-TAG, the task to carry patients or injured victims becomes easier, faster, saves energy and subsequently increases the efficacy of the rescue and medical aid tasks by paramedics.
Fulltext Proteomic profiles of young adults with acute myocardial infarction.

Mohamed Bakrim N, Mohd Shah AS, Mohd. Shah ANS, A. Talib N, A.Rahman J, Muhamad Bunnori N, et al.

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(3):112-119.
MyJurnal

Proteomic profiling is essential in understanding the pathophysiological process of multifactorial diseases such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Despite the increasing incidence of AMI in young adults, proteomic-based study focusing on young AMI remains limited. This study aimed to examine the plasma proteomic profiles of young adults with AMI compared to control subjects. We also hope to identify disease-specific protein biomarkers that contribute to the development of AMI in the young. Methods:Pooled plasma protein from 10 AMI patients aged 18 to 45 years and 10 age, gender and race-matched volunteers were separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). The spots proteins were analysed using the PD Quest analysis software. The spots proteins that were found to have been expressed differently between the two groups were identified by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry. Results:There were three differently expressed proteins namely Apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI), Apolipoprotein AIV (Apo AIV) and Haptoglobin (p < 0.05). The expressions of these proteins were found to be increased in young patients with AMI compared to control subjects. Conclusion: The up regulation of Apo AI, Apo AIV and Haptoglobin in AMI patients indicate their important roles in the development of atherosclerotic disease. Thus, Apo AI, Apo AIV and Haptoglobin are potential disease biomarkers for young AMI.
Fulltext Comparison between two recovery methods: cold water immersion versus progressive muscle relaxation in reducing doms among young athletes

Mohd Hafiz Muhd Ghoth, Nurul Hidayah Amir, Jamilah Ahmad Radzi, Ellail Ain Mohd Aznan, Siti Jameelah Md Japilus, Muhammad Yusri Mohd Ramle

Movement Health & Exercise, 2019;8(2):67-80.
MyJurnal

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of cold water immersion (CWI) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on DOMS markers among young athletes. A total of 30 young athletes with mean age of 18.57 ± .504 years old, weight 61.92 ± 7.96 kg and height 170.67 ±7.57 cm volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were required to perform 20 reps x 5 sets drop jump (DJ) to induce muscle damage. They were randomly assigned into three groups: CWI (n = 10), PMR (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Immediately following damage-inducing exercise protocol, CWI group were required to submerge lower body until iliac crest level in 15°C±1°C of cold water for 16 minutes; whereas control group applied the same position without immersed in cold water for 16 minutes. Perceived muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM) thigh circumference and the 20 meter sprint have been used as DOMS markers in this study. Markers were measured pre-exercise, post-exercise, post-intervention, and after 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours. The results of mixed ANOVA revealed a significant interaction (p < 0.05) in 20-meter sprint between groups and measurements at 24 hours and post-interventions, respectively. Conversely, no significant interactions were found in perceived muscle soreness, ROM and thigh circumference (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a single bout of CWI and PMR are not beneficial to elicit positive effects on DOMS markers used in this study.
Fulltext The effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) as supplementation on quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer patients

Law KS, Azman N, Omar EA, Musa MY, Yusoff NM, Sulaiman SA, et al.

Lipids Health Dis, 2014;13:139.
PMID: 25163649 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511X-13-139

Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst Malaysian women. Both the disease and its treatment can disrupt the lives of the woman and adversely affect all aspects of life and thus can alter a woman's quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on the quality of life (QOL) of patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
Treatment of Terasil Red R and Cibacron Red R wastewater using extracted aluminum from red earth: factorial design

Alkarkhi AF, Lim HK, Yusup Y, Teng TT, Abu Bakar MA, Cheah KS

J Environ Manage, 2013 Jun 15;122:121-9.
PMID: 23570974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.03.010

The ability of aluminum coagulant extracted from red earth to treat Terasil Red R (disperse) and Cibacron Red R (reactive) synthetic dye wastewater was studied. The effects of extractant concentration, soil-to-volume of extractant ratio, and the types of extracting agents (NaOH vs. KCl) on the concentration of aluminum extracted were also investigated. In addition, the efficiency of extracted aluminum was compared with aluminum sulfate, in terms of its capability to reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and to remove synthetic color. Factorial design was applied to determine the effect of selected factors on the amount of aluminum extracted from red earth (i.e., pH, dose of coagulant, type of coagulant on COD reduction, and color removal). It was found that only selected factors exhibited a significant effect on the amount of aluminum extracted from red earth. It was also determined that all factors and their interactions exhibited a significant effect on COD reduction and color removal when applying the extracted aluminum in a standard coagulation process. The results were also compared to aluminum sulfate. Furthermore, NaOH was found to be a better extractant of aluminum in red earth than KCl. Therefore, the best extracting conditions for both extractants were as follows: 2 M NaOH and in a 1:5 (soil/volume of extractant) ratio; 1 M KCl and 1:5 ratio. In treating synthetic dye wastewater, the extracted coagulant showed comparable treatment efficiency to the commercial coagulant. The extracted coagulant was able to reduce the COD of the dispersed dye by 85% and to remove 99% of the color of the dispersed dye, whereas the commercial coagulant reduced 90% of the COD and removed 99% of the color of the dispersed dye. Additionally, the extracted coagulant was able to reduce the COD of the reactive dye by 73% and to remove 99% of the color of the reactive dye. However, the commercial coagulant managed to reduce the COD of the reactive dye by 94% and to remove 96% of the color for the reactive dye.
Entomologic investigation of Plasmodium knowlesi vectors in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia

Jiram AI, Vythilingam I, NoorAzian YM, Yusof YM, Azahari AH, Fong MY

Malar J, 2012;11:213.
PMID: 22727041

The first natural infection of Plasmodium knowlesi in humans was recorded in 1965 in peninsular Malaysia. Extensive research was then conducted and it was postulated that it was a rare incident and that simian malaria will not be easily transmitted to humans. However, at the turn of the 21st century, knowlesi malaria was prevalent throughout Southeast Asia and is life threatening. Thus, a longitudinal study was initiated to determine the vectors, their seasonal variation and preference to humans and macaques.
Fulltext A simple route to vertical array of quasi-1D ZnO nanofilms on FTO surfaces: 1D-crystal growth of nanoseeds under ammonia-assisted hydrolysis process

Ali Umar A, Abd Rahman MY, Taslim R, Mat Salleh M, Oyama M

Nanoscale Res Lett, 2011 Oct 25;6:564.
PMID: 22027275 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-6-564

A simple method for the synthesis of ZnO nanofilms composed of vertical array of quasi-1D ZnO nanostructures (quasi-NRs) on the surface was demonstrated via a 1D crystal growth of the attached nanoseeds under a rapid hydrolysis process of zinc salts in the presence of ammonia at room temperature. In a typical procedure, by simply controlling the concentration of zinc acetate and ammonia in the reaction, a high density of vertically oriented nanorod-like morphology could be successfully obtained in a relatively short growth period (approximately 4 to 5 min) and at a room-temperature process. The average diameter and the length of the nanostructures are approximately 30 and 110 nm, respectively. The as-prepared quasi-NRs products were pure ZnO phase in nature without the presence of any zinc complexes as confirmed by the XRD characterisation. Room-temperature optical absorption spectroscopy exhibits the presence of two separate excitonic characters inferring that the as-prepared ZnO quasi-NRs are high-crystallinity properties in nature. The mechanism of growth for the ZnO quasi-NRs will be proposed. Due to their simplicity, the method should become a potential alternative for a rapid and cost-effective preparation of high-quality ZnO quasi-NRs nanofilms for use in photovoltaic or photocatalytics applications.PACS: 81.07.Bc; 81.16.-c; 81.07.Gf.
Fulltext Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Data on higher education

Al-Rahmi W, Aldraiweesh A, Yahaya N, Bin Kamin Y, Zeki AM

Data Brief, 2019 Feb;22:118-125.
PMID: 30581914 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.11.139

The data presented in this article are based on provides a systematic and organized review of 219 studies regarding using of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in higher education from 2012 to 2017. Consequently, the extant, peer-reviewed literature relating to MOOCs was methodically assessed, as a means of formulating a classification for MOOC-focused scholarly literature. The publication journal, country of origin, researchers, release data, theoretical approach, models, methodology and study participants were all factors used to assess and categorise the MOOC. These data contribute to materials required by readers who are interested in different aspects related to the literature of using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in higher education. Intention to use, interaction, engagement, motivations and satisfaction were five dynamics assessed in relation to the improvement of MOOCs. Students' academic performance can be influenced by MOOC which has the advantage of facilitating the learning process through offering materials and enabling the share of information.
Fulltext Brachytherapy of tongue carcinoma in a patient with difficult airway: anesthetic considerations

Ghaffar ZA, Chong SE, Tan KL, Appalanaido GK, Musa MY, Hussin HB, et al.

J Contemp Brachytherapy, 2018 Dec;10(6):573-576.
PMID: 30662482 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2018.79856

The practice of brachytherapy in unresectable tongue carcinoma is gaining popularity. However, this procedure poses specific anesthetic challenges, particularly challenges of airway sharing and a higher rate of difficult airway. We report a 74-year-old chronic smoker, chronic alcoholic with history of stroke, who had undergone brachytherapy for tongue carcinoma. Apart from a huge tongue tumor, he had an epiglottic mass but refused elective tracheostomy. This had led to a few critical states throughout the process of treatment, including a metabolic crisis due to thiamine deficiency and difficult airway crisis. To our best knowledge, there have been no reported case on a patient with vocal cord mass undergoing tongue brachytherapy. We hope sharing of this experience may aid the management of similar patients in future.
Fulltext Standardized Uptake Value from Semiquantitative Bone Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography in Normal Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae of Breast Cancer Patients

Rohani MFM, Yonan SNM, Tagiling N, Zainon WMNW, Udin Y, Nawi NM

Asian Spine J, 2020 Oct;14(5):629-638.
PMID: 32213791 DOI: 10.31616/asj.2019.0308

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.
PURPOSE: This study aims to semiquantitatively evaluate the standardized uptake value (SUV) of 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) radionuclide tracer in the normal vertebrae of breast cancer patients using an integrated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) scanner.
OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Molecular imaging techniques using gamma cameras and stand-alone SPECT have traditionally been utilized to evaluate metastatic bone diseases. However, these methods lack quantitative analysis capabilities, impeding accurate uptake characterization.
METHODS: A total of 30 randomly selected female breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study. The SUV mean (SUVmean) and SUV maximum (SUVmax) values for 286 normal vertebrae at the thoracic and lumbar levels were calculated based on the patients' body weight (BW), body surface area (BSA), and lean body mass (LBM). Additionally, 106 degenerative joint disease (DJD) lesions of the spine were also characterized, and both their BW SUVmean and SUVmax values were obtained. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was then performed to determine the cutoff value of SUV for differentiating DJD from normal vertebrae.
RESULTS: The mean±standard deviations for the SUVmean and SUVmax in the normal vertebrae displayed a relatively wide variability: 3.92±0.27 and 6.51±0.72 for BW, 1.05±0.07 and 1.75±0.17 for BSA, and 2.70±0.19 and 4.50±0.44 for LBM, respectively. Generally, the SUVmean had a lower coefficient of variation than the SUVmax. For DJD, the mean±standard deviation for the BW SUVmean and SUVmax was 5.26±3.24 and 7.50±4.34, respectively. Based on the ROC curve, no optimal cutoff value was found to differentiate DJD from normal vertebrae.
CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the SUV of 99mTc-MDP was successfully determined using SPECT/CT. This research provides an approach that could potentially aid in the clinical quantification of radionuclide uptake in normal vertebrae for the management of breast cancer patients.
Fulltext Data on the absorbance of glucose during the acid hydrolysis of the sugarcane bagasse

Alkarkhi AFM, Alqaraghuli WAA, Yusup Y, Abu Amr SS, Mahmud MN, Dewayantoa N

Data Brief, 2019 Jun;24:103894.
PMID: 31011604 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.103894

This article presents data relating to the changes in absorbance of glucose during the acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse using sulphuric acid. This dataset also contains the moisture content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon of the sugarcane bagasse. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the interaction plots between reaction time, temperature, and ratio are also presented. The data revealed that absorbance of glucose is increasing by increasing the temperature and time. Moreover, the best ratio for the highest absorbance of glucose was achieved at 1:20.
Fulltext The Association between Tea Consumption and Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Okekpa SI, S. M. N. Mydin RB, Ganeson S, Gopalan S, Musa MY

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2020 08 01;21(8):2183-2187.
PMID: 32856842 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.8.2183

Heated debates have been on-going about tea consumption and the incidence of cancer, especially in head and
neck cancer types. This study aimed to review the association between tea consumption habits and nasopharyngeal
cancer (NPC). Methods: This review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA-P protocol. Literature search
for journal articles that published studies on the relationship between tea consumption and NPC was performed via
databases, such as Elsevier, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Google, and Google Scholar, for 10 years from
2008 to 2018. Relevant studies were obtained by applying the pre-determined keywords, such as nasopharyngeal cancer,
tea consumption and NPC, risk factors of NPC and benefits of tea consumption. Results: A total of 126 articles was
retrieved. These articles were subjected to eligibility assessment. Six articles remained after applying the inclusion
criteria. Results suggest that habitual tea consumption reduces NPC. Tea consumption significantly reduces NPC with
all the studies having a p-value ≤0.05. Meta-analysis showed statistical association between tea consumption and NPC
risk with OR=0.865 at 95% CI (0.806-0.929). Conclusion: This study suggests that habitual tea consumption could
be associated with prevention of NPC development. Additional studies are needed to further understand the molecular
role of bioactive compound and potential health benefit of tea consumption in NPC prevention.
Fulltext Mechanical Performance of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Modified with Waste Frying Oil and Crumb Rubber

Bilema M, Aman MY, Hassan NA, Memon ZA, Omar HA, Yusoff NIM, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 May 24;14(11).
PMID: 34073812 DOI: 10.3390/ma14112781

Researchers are exploring the utilisation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as a recycled material to determine the performance of non-renewable natural aggregates and other road products such as asphalt binder, in the construction and rehabilitation stage of asphalt pavements. The addition of RAP in asphalt mixtures is a complex process and there is a need to understand the design of the asphalt mixture. Some of the problems associated with adding RAP to asphalt mixtures are moisture damage and cracking damage caused by poor adhesion between the aggregates and asphalt binder. There is a need to add rejuvenators to the recycled mixture containing RAP to enhance its performance, excepting the rutting resistance. This study sought to improve asphalt mixture performance and mechanism by adding waste frying oil (WFO) and crumb rubber (CR) to 25 and 40% of the RAP content. Moreover, the utilisation of CR and WFO improved pavement sustainability and rutting performance. In addition, this study prepared five asphalt mixture samples and compared their stiffness, moisture damage and rutting resistance with the virgin asphalt. The results showed enhanced stiffness and rutting resistance of the RAP but lower moisture resistance. The addition of WFO and CR restored the RAP properties and produced rutting resistance, moisture damage and stiffness, which were comparable to the virgin asphalt mixture. All waste and virgin materials produce homogeneous asphalt mixtures, which influence the asphalt mixture performance. The addition of a high amount of WFO and a small amount of CR enhanced pavement sustainability and rutting performance.
Fulltext Emphysematous aortitis: report of two cases and CT imaging findings

Md Noh MSF, Abdul Rashid AM, Ar A, B N, Mohammed Y, A R E

BJR Case Rep, 2017;3(3):20170006.
PMID: 30363220 DOI: 10.1259/bjrcr.20170006

Emphysematous aortitis is a rare condition that manifests through the presence of air within or surrounding the inflamed aorta. Aortic inflammation may result from either an infective or a non-infective cause. Recognition of this rare condition is important as the resultant clinical deterioration may be rapid and lead to inevitable death. Cross-sectional imaging, with its relatively wide availability, proves an important tool in the diagnosis and subsequent management of this condition. We report two such cases encountered in our centre, with particular focus on the imaging findings on CT.
Absolute Configuration of Alkaloids from Uncaria longiflora through Experimental and Computational Approaches

Salim F, Yunus YM, Anouar EH, Awang K, Langat M, Cordell GA, et al.

J Nat Prod, 2019 11 22;82(11):2933-2940.
PMID: 31686505 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00380

The structure elucidation of three new alkaloids named isoformosaninol (1), formosaninol (2), and longiflorine (3), isolated from the leaves of Uncaria longiflora var. pteropoda (Miq.) Ridsdale, along with their biosynthetic pathways are discussed. Their absolute structures were determined through a combination of physical data interpretation and quantum chemical calculations using the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method.

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