A field evaluation on the effectiveness of a modified approach of chemical fogging of insecticides against the conventional method was carried out in the Seremban district within the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia from 7th February 2003 to 7th September 2003. In the 3 months period, November 2002 to January 2003, prior to institution of modified approach of chemical fogging, 27 of 42 (64.3%) dengue outbreaks were successfully controlled within the stipulated time frame of 14 days by the conventional approach of thermal chemical fogging. However, during the period when the modified approach of chemical fogging was instituted, 25 of 27 (92.6%) dengue outbreaks within the same district were successfully controlled within the 14-days time-line. Statistically, the modified approach of chemical fogging significantly improved the success rate of achieving dengue outbreak control within the stipulated time frame (chi2 = 5.65, p = 0.01745). The modified approach of chemical fogging also appeared to reduce the number of dengue cases recorded in the same district. This small pilot study shows that the modified approach of chemical fogging reduced cost in carrying out each fogging activity to control dengue outbreak. It also substantially reduced the required time taken to complete each fogging activity in comparison to the conventional approach. Thus, it enabled similar number of workers to cover more localities simultaneously affected by the outbreaks. In addition, the modified approach reduced the exposure time to hazardous insecticides for each worker doing hand-held thermal fogging.
The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease (PVD) who had elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels, as well as to determine the latter's significance as a risk factor for PVD in the local population.
Isolated internal iliac aneurysms are rare. We report a case of an uncommon presentation of perineal pain and tenesmus in a man caused by the pressure effects of the aneurysm. He had a successful endovascular exclusion and thrombosis of his aneurysm. On follow up of more than 3 years he remains free of all symptoms and no recurrence of the aneurysm.
Despite being more popular for biofuel, microalgae have gained a lot of attention as a source of biomolecules and biomass for feed purposes. Algae farming can be established using land as well as sea and strategies can be designed in order to gain the products of specific interest in the optimal way. A general overview of the contributions of Algae to meet the requirements of nutrients in animal/aquaculture feed is presented in this study. In addition to its applications in animal/aquaculture feed, algae can produce a number of biomolecules including astaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, phycobiliprotein, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), beta-1,3-glucan, and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds which have been reviewed with respect to their commercial importance and current status. The review is further extended to highlight the adequate utilization of value added products in the feeds for livestock, poultry and aquaculture (with emphasis in shrimp farming).
A prospective study of patients with acute aortic occlusion (AAO) admitted to the Vascular Unit, Hospital Kuala Lumpur was carried out over a 12 month period. There were a total of 11 patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of AAO. There was a male preponderance with 10 patients. The median age was 58 years (40-70 years). Hypertension was the commonest underlying medical illness (n = 7). All patients had painful lower limb paraparesis or paraplegia with bilateral absent limb pulses from the groin downwards on admission to the vascular unit. The majority of patients (10 patients) were referred from other hospitals, of which 6 patients came from outside the Klang Valley. Only eight (8) patients underwent an operative procedure with seven (7) having an initial bilateral balloon catheter thromboembolectomy. There was one (1) aorta-bifemoral bypass after failed embolectomy. An aneurysectomy with inlay-graft was done as the initial procedure in one (1) patient. Mortality was 82% (9/11). The two survivors were in the group that had vascular reconstructive surgery. Acute aortic occlusion is an uncommon but catastrophic event with a high mortality. Clinicians must have a high index of suspicion in patients who present with painful paresis or paraplegia. Clinical examination of peripheral pulses in these patients is mandatory. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to improve the outcome of this disease.
Many intrusion detection techniques have been developed to ensure that the target system can function properly under the established rules. With the booming Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the resource-constrained nature of its devices makes it urgent to explore lightweight and high-performance intrusion detection models. Recent years have seen a particularly active application of deep learning (DL) techniques. The spiking neural network (SNN), a type of artificial intelligence that is associated with sparse computations and inherent temporal dynamics, has been viewed as a potential candidate for the next generation of DL. It should be noted, however, that current research into SNNs has largely focused on scenarios where limited computational resources and insufficient power sources are not considered. Consequently, even state-of-the-art SNN solutions tend to be inefficient. In this paper, a lightweight and effective detection model is proposed. With the help of rational algorithm design, the model integrates the advantages of SNNs as well as convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In addition to reducing resource usage, it maintains a high level of classification accuracy. The proposed model was evaluated against some current state-of-the-art models using a comprehensive set of metrics. Based on the experimental results, the model demonstrated improved adaptability to environments with limited computational resources and energy sources.
Gilbert syndrome is caused by defects in the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene. These mutations differ among different populations and many of them have been found to be genetic risk factors for the development of neonatal jaundice.
This article describes the data of raw material compositions for formulating the diet for Indonesian short-fin eel, Anguilla bicolor Anguilla bicolor McClelland, 1844 elver. The data on growth performance, survival and feed utilization of eel elver from the formulated diet test results are also presented here. Four formulated diets and one commercial feed were tested for the eel elver. The formulated diet was formulated from animal and plant based protein sources such as; fish meal, cornmeal, soybean meal, fine bran, ebi-shrimp meal, golden snail meal, bloodmeal, and tapioca flour. Vitamins and minerals were added into the diet. In addition, probiotics and papain enzyme and its combination were also included into the experimental diets to boost the growth performance, survival and feed utilization of the fish. The tested treatments were; (A) commercial diet without probiotic and papain enzyme, (B) experimental diet without probiotic and papain enzyme, (C) experimental diet with probiotic 10 ml kg-1 feed, (D) experimental diet with papain enzyme 10 g kg-1 feed, (E) experimental diet with probiotic 10 ml kg-1 + papain 10 g kg-1 feed, (F) experimental diet with probiotic 5 ml kg-1 + papain 5 g kg-1 feed. Each experimental fish group was fed on an experimental diet twice a day at 08.00 AM and 06.00 PM at feeding level of 10% body weight for 60 days. The results showed that the weight gain ranged between 4.60 g to 5.92 g, daily growth rate between 0.063 g day-1 and 0.098 g per day-1, the specific growth rate varies from 0.72% day-1 to 1.35% day-1, survival rate 50.00% to 73.33%, feed conversion ratio from 2.35 to 4.17, and feed efficiency between 41.82% to 58.98%. The best treatment was found in fish fed on the experimental diet with papain enzyme 10 g kg-1 of feed.
This study determined the prevalence of ocular manifestation of vitamin A deficiency in Orang Asli (Aborigine) children. Night blindness was found in 16.0% of the children, conjunctiva xerosis in 57.3%, Bitot's spot in 2.8%, corneal xerosis in 0.5% and corneal scars in 5.6%. These findings show that history of night blindness had sensitivity, specificity and predictive value (positive) of 47.2, 98.1 and 96.2%, respectively, compared with the standard diagnosis procedure using luxometer readings.
Sperm quality is preserved through the crucial involvement of antioxidants, which play a vital role in minimizing the occurrence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the cryopreservation process. The suitability of the type and concentration of antioxidants are species-dependent, and this study is crucial in order to improve the quality of the climbing perch sperm post-cryopreservation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the best type and concentration of antioxidants for cryopreservation of climbing perch Anabas testudineus sperm. To achieve this, 6 types of antioxidants, namely, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, glutathione, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), myo-inositol, and alpha-tocopherol, with inclusion of a control were tested in 3 replications at three concentration levels of 0 mg/L (control), 20 mg/L, 40 mg/L, and 60 mg/L. Sperm was diluted in a glucose-base extender at a ratio of 1:60 (sperm: glucose base), then 10 % DMSO and 5 % egg yolk was added before cryopreservation for two weeks. The results showed that the type and concentration of antioxidants had a significant effect on the motility and viability of cryopreserved climbing perch sperm (P
The complex climatic and geological history of Southeast Asia has shaped this region's high biodiversity. In particular, sea level fluctuations associated with repeated glacial cycles during the Pleistocene both facilitated, and limited, connectivity between populations. In this study, we used data from two mitochondrial and three anonymous nuclear markers to determine whether a fresh/brackish water killifish, Aplocheilus panchax, Hamilton, 1822, could be used to further understand how climatic oscillations and associated sea level fluctuations have shaped the distribution of biota within this region, and whether such patterns show evidence of isolation within palaeodrainage basins. Our analyses revealed three major mitochondrial clades within A. panchax. The basal divergence of A. panchax mitochondrial lineages was approximately 3.5 Ma, whilst the subsequent divergence timings of these clades occurred early Pleistocene (~2.6 Ma), proceeding through the Pleistocene. Continuous phylogeographic analysis showed a clear west-east dispersal followed by rapid radiation across Southeast Asia. Individuals from Krabi, just north of the Isthmus of Kra, were more closely related to the Indian lineages, providing further evidence for a freshwater faunal disjunction at the Isthmus of Kra biogeographic barrier. Our results suggest that Sulawesi, across the Wallace Line, was colonised relatively recently (~30 ka). Nuclear DNA is less geographically structured, although Mantel tests indicated that nuclear genetic distances were correlated with geographic proximity. Overall, these results imply that recent gene flow, as opposed to historical isolation, has been the key factor determining patterns of nuclear genetic variation in A. panchax, however, some evidence of historical isolation is retained within the mitochondrial genome. Our study further validates the existence of a major biogeographic boundary at the Kra Isthmus, and also demonstrates the use of widely distributed fresh/brackishwater species in phylogeographic studies, and their ability to disperse across major marine barriers in relatively recent time periods.
Conventional open repair for Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAA) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Spinal cord ischemia (SCI), renal failure, bowel ischemia and mortality are established complications following this procedure. With the advent of endovascular stent technology, various novel approaches have been described to reduce these complications, namely fenestrated stent graft and hybrid procedure. We present a case of hybrid procedure in a pseudoaneurysm of descending thoracic aorta done in Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
A systematic approach to death registration and reporting is essential for studies and comparison within or between countries. One of the accepted methods in the system is to have medically certified death. The objective of this study was to improve the proportion of medically certified death (MCD) in the state of Malacca. Structured questionnaires were used by Medical Assistants (MAs) in the investigation of the cause of death for non-medically certified deaths. Data on certification of death by MAs in Malacca was analysed and compared with the total deaths obtained from the Department of Statistics. Possible determinants of deaths were investigated. Total deaths in the state of Malacca during the study period from 2000 - 2001 were 5941. About 35% (883/2493) of the total deaths in year 2000 and 45% (1550/3448) in 2001 certified by MAs were examined. By districts, 50.6% were certified in the district of Malacca Tengah, 13.4% Jasin and 36.0% Alor Gajah in 2000; 65.9% occurred in Malacca Tengah, 11.0% Jasin and 23.2% Alor Gajah in 2001. This project helped to increase the percentage of the medically certified deaths in Malacca from 49.8% in year 1998, 49% in 1999 to 73% in 2000 and 85% in 2001. The proportion of MCD in Malacca in 2000 (73%) may be increased to 93% if all MCDs done by MAs were accepted by the Department of Statistics. There is still a high proportion (23.6%) of ill-defined conditions such as old age and sudden death being diagnosed by MAs. The study shows that the quality of mortality data particularly in the percentage of medically certified deaths can be improved.
Major congenital malformations occur in about 3% of newborn. Several studies have suggested that homozygosity for the C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variant is a potential risk factor for neural tube defects (NTDs). It has been hypothesized that the maternal folic acid supplementation prevents NTDs by partially correcting reduced MTHFR activity associated with the variant form of the enzyme. This association has not been found in some ethnic groups. In this study, we attempted to assess the association between NTDs and MTHFR C677T in Malaysian Malay population. Results show that MTHFR 677TT genotype was absent in both patient and control groups.
A 16-year-old boy was referred with features of Parkes Weber syndrome (PWS) involving the right lower limb. He had presented at birth with cutaneous vascular malformations (VM) in the right thigh and at the age of 7 years developed congestive cardiac failure, which was controlled with drugs. He received alpha interferon and steroids during this period without any benefit. He defaulted follow-up and at 12 years of age presented with further enlargement of the VM in the right thigh and leg with skin and soft tissue thickening. At this stage, embolization and subsequent excision of the VM were tried, but the surgery was abandoned because of massive hemorrhage. Over the next 4 years, the boy became totally bedridden because of massive increase in the size of the limb, repeated hemorrhages, and secondary infection of the VM. Right hip disarticulation was considered the best option to improve his quality of life. To prevent uncontrollable hemorrhage during surgery, the disarticulation was done under cardiopulmonary bypass with low circulatory flow. Postoperatively, the patient required intensive care nursing for a week. He is presently ambulatory with crutches. Cardiopulmonary bypass with low flow has been used for treating posttraumatic arteriovenous malformations. However, its use in surgery for PWS has not been reported earlier.
Loss of auditory hair cells is a major cause of deafness. The presence of auditory progenitor cells in the inner ear raises the hope for mammalian inner ear cell regeneration. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of growth factor supplementations, namely a combination of epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and beta (β)-fibroblast growth factor (βFGF), on the expression of hair cell-specific markers by cells harvested from the cochlear membrane. This would provide an insight into the capability of these cells to differentiate into hair cells.
Color is one of the most prominent features of an image and used in many skin and face detection applications. Color space transformation is widely used by researchers to improve face and skin detection performance. Despite the substantial research efforts in this area, choosing a proper color space in terms of skin and face classification performance which can address issues like illumination variations, various camera characteristics and diversity in skin color tones has remained an open issue. This research proposes a new three-dimensional hybrid color space termed SKN by employing the Genetic Algorithm heuristic and Principal Component Analysis to find the optimal representation of human skin color in over seventeen existing color spaces. Genetic Algorithm heuristic is used to find the optimal color component combination setup in terms of skin detection accuracy while the Principal Component Analysis projects the optimal Genetic Algorithm solution to a less complex dimension. Pixel wise skin detection was used to evaluate the performance of the proposed color space. We have employed four classifiers including Random Forest, Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine and Multilayer Perceptron in order to generate the human skin color predictive model. The proposed color space was compared to some existing color spaces and shows superior results in terms of pixel-wise skin detection accuracy. Experimental results show that by using Random Forest classifier, the proposed SKN color space obtained an average F-score and True Positive Rate of 0.953 and False Positive Rate of 0.0482 which outperformed the existing color spaces in terms of pixel wise skin detection accuracy. The results also indicate that among the classifiers used in this study, Random Forest is the most suitable classifier for pixel wise skin detection applications.
Oil palm is an important economic crop for Malaysia. Genetic engineering could be applied to produce transgenic oil palms with high value-added fatty acids and novel products to ensure the sustainability of the palm oil industry. Establishment of a reliable transformation and regeneration system is essential for genetic engineering. Biolistic was initially chosen as the method for oil palm transformation as it has been the most successful method for monocotyledons to date. Optimization of physical and biological parameters, including testing of promoters and selective agents, was carried out as a prerequisite for stable transformation. This has resulted in the successful transfer of reporter genes into oil palm and the regeneration of transgenic oil palm, thus making it possible to improve the oil palm through genetic engineering. Besides application of the Biolistics method, studies on transformation mediated by Agrobacterium and utilization of the green fluorescent protein gene as a selectable marker gene have been initiated. Upon the development of a reliable transformation system, a number of useful targets are being projected for oil palm improvement. Among these targets are high-oleate and high-stearate oils, and the production of industrial feedstock such as biodegradable plastics. The efforts in oil palm genetic engineering are thus not targeted as commodity palm oil. Due to the long life cycle of the palm and the time taken to regenerate plants in tissue culture, it is envisaged that commercial planting of transgenic palms will not occur any earlier than the year 2020.