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Fulltext Optimum Plant Design for Relief Safety System

Aini Aliah Yusoff, Zulfan Adi Putra, Risza Rusli, M Roil Bilad, Nik Abdul Hadi Md Nordin, M Dzul Hakim Wirzal

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2020;28(101):0-0.
MyJurnal

Pressure relief system is a system to prevent overpressure inside protected equipment that exceeds its maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) to disposal treatment. Relief system is designed on two different plant case studies, which are dimethyl-ether and ethylbenzene plants by using conventional design procedure. Nevertheless, the conventional design steps are not considering cost optimization of plant installed with relief system. Thus, the design pressure of protected equipment, piping diameter, and disposal treatment is set to be manipulated variables to determine the cost minimization. Pressure drops of inlet piping and backpressure are as constraint variables due to standard requirements. The standards state that inlet piping pressure drops should be below 3% of set pressure and outlet piping pressure drop to set pressure percentage based on range to determined types of the relief valve to be used. From that, optimum plant design with consideration of pressure relief system’s installation can be achieved by calculating the total cost of plant designed with relief system when set pressures are changed. As a result, dimethyl-ether plant shows a minimum point of the total cost at 170% of set pressure increment, which is lower than its original design. On the other hand, ethylbenzene plant gives optimum point at original design as the total cost is higher at set pressure increment.
Fulltext The needs of islamic health-related quality of life instrument: a review

Najwa Haneem Binti Mohamad, Harmy Mohamed Yusoff, Rahmah Mohd Amin, Wan Mohd Yusof Wan Chik, Mahadzirah Mohamad

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(102):253-265.
MyJurnal

One of the best ways to evaluate persons’ health quality is through measuring their Quality of Life (QoL). The QoL concept gained rapid popularity over the last four decades in assessing health. It has been used as the sole endpoint in studies designed specifically to develop a positive physical or mental well-being of sick people. The purpose of this review is to address the needs of a new Islam-specific health-related QoL instruments for Muslim patients. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases. For the purpose of the review, QoL domains from WHOQOL SRPB instrument was referred. The identified QoL instruments were then reviewed for their domains and dimensions included in it. At present, there is no specific QoL instrument to assess health-related QoL among Muslim patients’ despite being fastest-growing religion and contribute 23% of the world population. Muslims believes that Islam is a comprehensive way of life which puts religiosity and spirituality as an essential part of life. In addition, QoL is regarded as an important aspect in health care by the World Health Organization (WHO) and spiritual well-being is one of the WHO QoL dimensions. To date, no instrument has been developed to measure QoL specifically according to Islamic perspective. Hence a specific assessment tool of health-related QoL for this growing world population is highly needed. Islam is not only a religion but it’s a way of life and QoL should be beyond the religion perspectives. Therefore, this paper will present the gap found in the review of the existing QoL instruments. Identifying this gap will enable us to develop a tool which is more sensitive to the Muslim population.
Strategi pembelajaran pelajar perubatan dan pergigian di institusi pengajian tinggi

Fadzilah Siraji, Yong Zulina Zubairi, Abdul Razak Saleh, Rohana Jani, Md. Yusoff Abu Bakar, Md. Radzi Johari

CREAM : Current Research in Malaysia (Penyelidikan Terkini di Malaysia), 2012;1(1):73-88.
MyJurnal

Learning Strategy and Study Inventory (LASSI) merupakan suatu instrumen laporan kendiri yang digunakan untuk menilai strategi pembelajaran berdasarkan model umum pembelajaran kognitif dan model strategik pembelajaran. untuk mendapatkan maklumat tentang strategi pembelajaran pelajar Perubatan dan Pergigian di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam (IPTA) dan Swasta (IPTS). Instrumen yang telah dibangunkan oleh LASSI diadaptasi dan digunapakai. Tiga komponen utama yang diukur dalam LASSI iaitu KEMAHuAn, KEMAHIrAn dan PErATurAn KEnDIrI. Populasi kajian merangkumi pelajar lepasan STPM dan Matrikulasi dari IPTA dan IPTS yang mengikuti program Perubatan serta Pergigian atau program Perubatan sahaja. Secara keseluruhannya, persepsi pelajar menunjukkan keperihatinan pelajar untuk mempelajari maklumat baru, sikap dan minat terhadap bidang yang dipelajari dan disiplin diri amat rendah berbanding pelajar di negara maju. Perbandingan skor pelajar IPTA dan IPTS menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan bagi faktor Kebimbangan, Pemprosesan Maklumat dan Strategi Pengujianan. Perbandingan skor pelajar lepasan Matrikulasi dan STPM pula menunjukkan tiada perbezaan signifikan bagi hampir semua skor bagi faktor LASSI kecuali Mat Bantu Pembelajaran dan Pengujian Kendiri. Perbandingan skor pelajar Perubatan dan Pergigian pula menunjukkan strategi pembelajaran bagi kedua dua kumpulan pelajar yang mengikuti bidang kritikal tersebut adalah sama dengan tiada sebarang perbezaan yang signifikan dalam sebarang faktor LASSI. Dapatan kajian juga menunjukkan bahawa keseluruhan pelajar yang mengikuti program kritikal mempunyai strategi pembelajaran yang kurang baik. Sehubungan itu pihak pengurusan perlu mengambil inisiatif untuk membantu pelajar dalam memperkemaskan strategi pembelajaran mereka. Strategi pembelajaran yang kurang efektif akan mengundang kesan sampingan yang tidak sihat seperti kemurungan atau stress di kalangan pelajar.
Fulltext The ethics of managing recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in children: a case study

Fahisham Taib, Muhammad Yusoff Mohd Ramdzan, Mavinkurve, Meenal, Subramaniam, Shamini, Mohd Anas Che Nik, Hazama Mohamad, et al.

Education in Medicine Journal, 2016;8(4):83-87.
MyJurnal

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare cause of childhood stridor which typically presents before the age of five years and results from the vertical transmission of the human papilloma virus. Genotypes 11 and 6 are commonly implicated in RRP. Following vertical transmission, the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes overgrowth of the airway epithelium which causes partial airway obstruction and the symptoms of stridor. The mainstay management is surgical debridement of the papillomata but the recurrence rate subsequent to surgery is high, such that most children will require repeated surgical procedures at regular interval. Medical adjuvant therapy can be used, but data is limited and the medications are used on an off-label basis. This case highlights the ethical considerations that need to be made when using off-label medications in paediatric patients.
Fulltext Investigation of the head impact power of a sepak Takraw ball on sepak takraw players

Iskandar Hasanuddin, Zahari Taha, NukmanYusof, Norhafizan Ahmad, Raja Ariffin Raja Ghazilla, Husni, et al.

Movement Health & Exercise, 2015;4(2):63-77.
MyJurnal

Sepak takraw is a traditional sport in Asia in which the players use various
parts of their bodies to hit the ball, with the exception of their hands. Unlike
other sports such as soccer, boxing, and rugby, it is observed that none of
the studies in the literature have examined the injuries resulting from the
impact of the sepak takraw ball on the players’ heads during a game. This
study was initiated following the incidents of the 24th SEA Games in Korat,
Thailand, in year 2007, whereby a number of players from the Malaysian
Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) had to withdraw themselves from the
championship. These players suffered from headaches which were believed
to be caused by the impact of the sepak takraw ball, considering the fact that
heading is one of the basic movements used to hit the ball. Moreover, it is
expected that the sepak takraw ball travels at high velocities during the
game. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the
sepak takraw ball and its corresponding level of head injury among sepak
takraw players in Malaysia by means of numerical simulations and
experiments. In order to achieve this objective, a model of the scalp, skull,
cerebrospinal fluid and brain is first developed and simulations are then
carried out using finite element analysis (FEA) software. The results show
that the maximum speed of the sepak takraw ball before heading is 13.581 m/s while the maximum impact force on the head obtained from the simulations is 688.11 N. The maximum displacement and maximum linear acceleration of the brain’s centre of gravity is found to be 0.0080 m and 1674.5 m/s2, respectively, while the head impact power (HIP) is determined to be 11.366 kW. According to Newman, Shewchenko, and Welbourne(2000), the probability of concussion is 39% and based on the resultsobtained in this study, it can be concluded that the players may suffer from mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) due to the high impact of the sepak takraw ball during heading. Hence, it is recommended that the players wear protective headbands to reduce the impact during heading and prevent the occurrence of MTBI in the long term.
Fulltext Evaluation of medical students' perception towards the BigSib Programme in the School of Medical Sciences, USM

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff, Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahim, Abdul Rahman Noor, Nor Azwany Yaacob, Zabidi Azhar Mohd Hussin

Education in Medicine Journal, 2010;2(1):2-11.
MyJurnal

Objective: BigSib Students' Peer-Group Mentoring Programme was implemented as an innovative, interactive and integrated instructional method in the Universiti Sains Malaysia medical school curriculum designed to enhance and strengthen medical students training in soft skills and professional development. This study was conducted to evaluate first- and second-year medical students’ perceptions of and attitudes towards the Programme.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried on 314 medical students. Questionnaires assessing medical students' perceptions and attitudes towards the Programme were administered. Data were analysed by using SPSS version 12.

Results: 45.9 % of the students perceived the BigSib Students' Peer-Group Mentoring Programme as successful. More than 50% of the students are willing to participate in the Programme. About 60% of the students perceived it as an effective Programme in developing their soft skills and professionalism.

Conclusion: Medical students have positive attitudes toward the Programme and it is perceived as a successful and effective Programme in developing students' personal attributes. Similar peer-group mentoring programme may be considered relevant to be incorporated into the medical curriculum in the future.
Fulltext Functional specialisation and connectivity in cerebral motor cortices : a single subject study using fMRI and statistical parametric mapping

Ahmad Nazlim Yusoff, Mohd Harith Hashim, Mohd Mahadir Ayob, Iskandar Kassim, Nur Hartini Mohd Taib, Wan Ahmad Kamil Wan Abdullah

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2006;2(2):37-60.
MyJurnal

Objective: A baseline functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was carried out on a healthy right-handed male subject to attain further insights into the basic neuronal control mechanisms of bimanual and unimanual movements of hand fingers, an area that is still not fully understood. Methods : The study used the basic unimanual and bimanual movements of the left- and right-hand fingers to stimulate neuronal activity in the cerebral cortices. The subject was instructed to sequentially press his fingers either unimanually (UNI) or bimanually (BIM), against the thumb in a consistent alternative manner during the functional scans. The data were analysed using the MATLAB and SPM2 software packages. Results : Brain activations obtained via the F-test indicate a larger activation area as compared to that obtained from the T-test. The results showed that, the activated brain regions due to the self-paced finger movements are the precentral and postcentral gyrii covering the primary motor, premotor and somatosensory primer areas. The activestate signal intensity was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the resting-state. For UNI, brain activation showed contra-laterality with a larger activation area and a higher signal intensity at the point of maximum intensity for the left-hand finger
movement (UNIleft) compared to the right-hand finger movement (UNIright). Small ipsilateral activations were observed during UNIright and UNIleft. For BIM, the activation was observed in both hemispheres with the right hemisphere showing a higher signal intensity and coverage. The results support the fact that for a right-handed person performing either UNI or BIM type of movement, the activated motor area on the right hemisphere of the brain (movement of the left hand fingers) experience a higher intensity and larger coverage of hemodynamic response compared to the left hemisphere of the brain (movement of the right hand fingers). Analyses performed on the activated regions of interest (ROI) by
comparing the unimanual and bimanual types of activations revealed that during BIM, there are voxels in the left hemisphere controlling the movement of the left hand fingers (BIMleft) and voxels in the right hemisphere controlling the movement of the right hand fingers (BIMright). The interactions observed in this study resemble the existence of interhemispheric connection between both hemispheres during BIM. Conclusion : Although this is a single subject study, the hemodynamic response and the neuronal control mechanism in the cerebral cortices based on the BOLD mechanism can be studied and evaluated using fMRI and SPM.
Fulltext A cross-sectional evaluation of nutritional status among paediatric oncology patients in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. [Kajian rintis penilaian status pemakanan di kalangan pesakit onkologi pediatrik di Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia]

Noor Aini Mohd. Yusoff, Zalina Abu Zaid, Raiza Sham, Rosita Jamaluddin, Suzana Shahar, A. Rahman A. Jamal

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2007;5(1):47-58.
MyJurnal

Malnutrition is common among pediatric oncology patients. Factors contributing to malnutrition include physiological abnormalities, response to the tumors and side effects of the treatment. A pilot study was carried out to determine the nutritional status of 17 pediatric oncology patients aged 4 to 12 years old in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The
nutritional status was assessed via anthropometric measurements and dietary intake through 3 days repeatitive 24 hours diet recall with subjects and their carers. Biochemical profiles (serum albumin and hemoglobin) were reviewed from the medical record. Through anthropometry measurements, weight and height were used to calculate Z-scores and further determine the percentile weight-for-age, height-for-age using NCHS percentile charts (WHO 1983). Frisancho’s standards (1981) were used to define malnutrition based on MUACfor- age. Underweight as determined using z scores below -2 for weight-for-age was observed in 70.6% of the subjects. Whilst, 76.5% of the subjects were classified as stunted (z score < –2) for height-for-age. Based on MUAC-for-age percentile, the sign of severe malnutrition category (<5 percentile) was observed in 35.3% of the subject and 23.6% of the subject were in the moderate malnutrition (>5 – <10 percentile). About 70.6% of the subject had low haemoglobin (< 11 g/dl) and 29.4% of the subject were hypoalbuminemia (< 35 g/dl) . Total macronutrient intake was assessed and compared with the individual requirement (Seashore 1984) for energy and protein intake were satisfactory, except for subjects in age group 10 – 12 years who achieved only 70% of the individuals requirements. As a conclusion, although food intake of the subjects was satisfactory but chronic malnutrition was prevalent. Early recognition of malnutrition is essential in order to plan for a nutritional intervention and further enhancing the quality of life.
Key words: Nutritional status, pediatric oncology, anthropometric, dietary intake, biochemical profile.
Fulltext Construct validity of postgraduate conjoint assessment of master of surgery program of School of Medical Sciences at USM

Shahid Hassan, Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahim, Mohamad Najib Mat Pa, Mohd Nor Gohar Rahman, Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff

Education in Medicine Journal, 2012;4(2):65-79.
MyJurnal

Introduction: A clear concept and understanding about the measure and the measuring tools is essential for good practice of assessment. Assessors need to have information about the full range of assessment tools inclusive of psychometric validity and purpose of its use. Subjective inferences drawn from the readily available data as numbers of summative scores over the years and statistical evidences of reliability and validity of assessment tools used to measure student’s performance are good sources of feedback for competent assessment program. It also provides meaningful evaluation of learning and teaching in medical education. Method: A retrospective study of 119 candidates was carried out to analyze the summative assessment scores of their certifying examination of Masters of Surgery in School of Medical Sciences (SMS) at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Subjective judgment of raw data followed by internal consistency as reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity as constructs of individual assessment tool was analyzed. Finally each assessment tool as a measure of written or clinical construct was evaluated against six aspects of Messick’s criteria for quality control. Result: The correlation coefficient for validity and Cronbach’s alpha for reliability was evaluated for clinical measures. However, the test of internal reliability was not possible for essay being the only measure in written construct of summative assessment in surgery. All measures of clinical construct were found highly reliable with Cronbach’s alpha between 0.962-0.979. Long case and the short cases have shown excellent correlations (r=0.959 at p
Fulltext Activation characteristics of the primary motor (M1) and supplementary motor (SMA) areas during robust unilateral finger tapping task

Ahmad Nazlim Yusoff, Mazlyfarina Mohamad, Khairiah Abdul Hamid, Aini Ismafairus Abd Hamid, Hanani Abdul Manan, Mohd Harith Hashim

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2010;8(2):43-49.
MyJurnal

This study investigated the functional specialisation characteristics of brain in multiple right-hand dominant subjects pertaining to the activation of the cerebral motor cortices evoked by unilateral finger tapping, especially in primary motor (M1) and supplementary motor (SMA) areas. This multiple-subject study used unilateral (UNIright and UNIleft) selfpaced tapping of hand fingers to activate the M1 and SMA. Brain activation characteristics were analysed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Activation for UNIright and UNIleft showed the involvement of contralateral and ipsilateral M1 and SMA. A larger activation area but with a lower percentage of signal change (PSC) were observed in the left M1 due to the control on UNIright (4164 voxels at a = 0.001, PSC = 1.650) as compared to the right M1 due to the control on UNIleft (2012 voxels at a = 0.001, PSC = 2.377). This is due to the influence of the tapping rate effects which is greater than what could be produced by the average effects of the dominant and sub-dominant hands. The significantly higher PSC value observed in the right M1 (p < 0.05) is due to a higher control demand used by the brain in coordinating the tapping of the sub-dominant fingers. The findings obtained from this study showed strong evidence of the existence of brain functional specialisation and could be used as baseline references in determining the most probable motor pathways in a sample of subjects.
Fulltext Do pregnant women in Penang smoke? A cross sectional study among antenatal mothers attending Penang government health clinic in the year 2002

Mohd Yusoff Hasim, Rokiah Mohd, Rafidah Md Noor, Azizah Abd. Manan, Abd. Jamil Ahmad, Munsyi Abdullah, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2003;3(1):36-41.
MyJurnal

Health impact related to smoking is a critical public health predicament especially in pregnancy. However there is not much data available to describe the magnitude of the problem. Hence this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking and its socioeconomic factors among antenatal mother and their opinion related to tobacco control measures. A cross sectional study was carried out involving newly registered antenatal mothers attending all government health clinics in Penang. Prevalence of ever smoking among antenatal mother is 1.4%, of which 42.4% is still smoking at first antenatal visit. It was found that single mothers are more likely to smoke (OR, 14.23: C12.52-53.27). It was also noted that spouse smoking (OR, 5,14: CI 1.95-17.09), primigravida (OR, 2.7: C1 1.3-5.62), age group less than 30 years old (OR, 2.41; CI 1.03-6.09) and living in urban area (OR, 2.33; CI 1.01 — 6.47) have a higher risk to indulge in smoking behaviour. Muslim OR 0.29; C1 0.14 - 0.60) and Malay (OR 0.22; CI 0.10 - 0.47) pregnant mothers are noted to be less likely to smoke as compared to non Muslim and non Malay. More than 85% of them agreed with the tobacco control measures regardless of their smoking status. Most of respondents agreed the influential people in community L;11T · such as medical personnel, teachers and parents should not smoke.
Fulltext Functional specialisation and effective connectivity in cerebral motor cortices: an fMRI study on seven right handed female subjects

Ahmad Nazlim Yusoff, Mazlyfarina Mohamad, Aini Ismafairus Abd Hamid, Wan Ahmad Kamil Wan Abdullah, Mohd Harith Hashim, Nurul Zafirah Zulkifli

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2010;6(2):71-92.
MyJurnal

Objective: This study investigates functional specialisation in, and effective connectivity between the
precentral gyrus (PCG) and supplementary motor area (SMA) in seven right handed female subjects.
Methods: Unimanual (UNIright and UNIleft) and bimanual (BIM) self-paced tapping of hand fingers were
performed by the subjects to activate PCG and SMA. Brain activations and effective connectivity were
analysed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM), dynamic causal modeling (DCM) and Bayesian
model selection (BMS) and were reported based on group fixed (FFX) and random (RFX) effects
analyses. Results: Group results showed that the observed brain activation for UNIright and UNIleft fulfill contralateral behavior of motor coordination with a larger activation area for UNIright. The activation for BIM occurs in both hemispheres with BIMright showing higher extent of activation as compared to BIMleft. Region of interest (ROI) analyses reveal that the number of activated voxel (NOV) and percentage of signal change (PSC) on average is higher in PCG than SMA for all tapping conditions. However, comparing between hemispheres for both UNI and BIM, higher PSC is observed in the right PCG and the left SMA. DCM and BMS results indicate that most subjects prefer PCG as the intrinsic input for UNIright and UNIleft. The input was later found to be bi-directionally connected to SMA for UNIright. The bi-directional model was then used for BIM in the left and right hemispheres. The model was in favour of six out of seven subjects. DCM results for BIM indicate the existence of interhemispheric connectivity between the right and left hemisphere PCG. Conclusion: The findings strongly support the existence of functional specialisation and integration i.e. effective connectivity in human brain during finger tapping and can be used as baselines in determining the probable motor coordination pathways and their connection strength in a population of subjects.
Fulltext Using computational fluid dynamics in the determination of solar collector orientation and stack height of a solar induced ventilation prototype

Yusoff, W. F. M., Sapian, A. R., Salleh, E., Adam, N. M., Hamzah, Z., Mamat, M. H. H.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2014;22(1):273-288.
MyJurnal

Stack ventilation in the hot and humid climate is inherently inefficient due to minimal air temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environment of a naturally ventilated building. Solar induced ventilation is a viable alternative in enhancing this stack ventilation. This paper aims to demonstrate investigations on the effective solar collector orientation and stack height for a solar induced ventilation prototype that utilizes roof solar collector and vertical stack. The orientation of the solar collector is significant as it determines the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the solar collector. Meanwhile, the height of the vertical stack influences the creation of the stack pressure in inducing air movement. Investigations were executed using a simulation modelling software called FloVENT. The validation of the simulation modelling against physical experiment indicated a good agreement between these two results. Analyses were executed on the air temperature increments inside the solar collector. A high increment of the air temperature resulted in the effective orientation. Meanwhile, the air temperature and mass flow rate of the various heights of the vertical stack were also analyzed. The findings concluded that the recommended orientation for the prototype’s solar collector is the west-facing orientation. It was also found that the higher the vertical stack, the lower the air temperature inside the stack would be, but with greater induced mass flow rate.
Fulltext Local oscillator parameter estimation of collaborative beamforming nodes

Umar Suleiman Dauda, Nik Noordini Nik Abdl Malik, Mazlina Esa, Mohd Fairus Mohd Yusoff, Mohamed Rijal Hamid

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2017;6(1):1-8.
MyJurnal

Parameter estimation of complex exponential signals corrupted by additive white
Gaussian noise (AWGN) is crucial in the study of distributed beamforming in a practical
scenario. Near zero (0) phase offset are expected at the receiver end which rely on the
smoothing and correction of the frequency and phase estimates. Neither
computational complexity nor the processing latency has an effect on the expected
zero phase offset but the estimation accuracy does. Thus, the maximum likelihood
estimator (MLE) using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) approach is being considered for
cases with none and post processing in locating of the maximum peaks. Details on how
the phase estimates are arrived at is not always covered in literatures but explained in
the article. Numerical results obtained showed that global maximum peaks are arrived
at by employing a fine search with higher values of FFT.
Fulltext Hb E syndrome with co-inheritance of Hb H-Constant Spring and compound beta thalassaemia: a diagnostic challenge

Wan Zuhairah Wan Embong, Rosnah Bahar, Wan Zaidah Abdullah, Marini Ramli, Noor Haslina Mohd Noor, Shafini Mohamed Yusoff

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):49-51.
MyJurnal

An 11- month-old girl with accidental findings of pale and hepatosplenomegaly. She was the last child of three siblings from a non-consanguineous marriage. The father and the mother were Hb E trait and Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS) trait respectively. Clinically the child was small for age with frontal bossing and hepatosplenomegaly. Sytemic examination was unremarkable. Her full blood picture showed moderate hypochromic microcytic anaemia with marked anisopoikilocytosis (Hb of 7.1g/dl, MCV of 44.6 fl, with MCH of 13.8 pg and RDW-CV of 24.0%). Quantitation of haemoglobin by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and gel electrophoresis report showed that the patient has compound heterozygous E/ß+ thalassaemia with Hb H-CS. She had increased of Hb A2/E (28.9%), and Hb F (11.2%) with presence of pre-run peak and a tiny peak at C window. Gel Electrophoresis by using agarose gel at alkaline pH discovered prominent A2 band and fast band to the left of Hb A band. H inclusions were positive. Further confirmation of diagnosis was done by molecular study. Alpha molecular study using Multiplex GAP PCR showed heterozygous --/SEA deletion (Fig. 1), while beta molecular study using Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation Systems (ARMS) revealed Cd 26 (G-A) and CAP +1 (A-C) mutations [Fig. 2]

Hemoglobin (Hb) E is common in Southeast Asia [1]. HbE disorders may be found heterozygous (AE) which usually asymptomatic, homozygous (EE) and compound heterozygous state with widely variable clinical features, ranging from transfusion dependence to a complete absence of symptoms [2]. Considering her history, clinical findings and investigations, the most likely diagnosis in our case is Compound heterozygous E/ß+ thalassaemia with Hb H-CS. She had moderate hypochromic microcytic anaemia, raised Hb A2/E and Hb F with presence of pre-run peak and a tiny peak at C window support the diagnosis. Unfortunately, we’re unable to confirm the presence of Hb CS in view of no modalities available in our setting. However, with the family history of mother with Hb CS trait, the presence of Hb CS in this patient cannot be denied as a factor contributing to Hb H disease. Previous study reported Hemoglobin Constant Spring is often missed by routine laboratory testing, especially in subjects with co-inheritance of β-thalassaemia or β-variants. Hb CS detection clearly seen in capillary electrophoresis compared to HPLC [3]. As in this case only a very tiny peak of Hb CS noted on the HPLC. The molecular analysis for detection of Hb CS should be performed as for confirmation test. Hb H-CS has a severe phenotype than a deletional Hb H disease [4]. The diagnosis was confirmed by molecular analysis. Hence, genetic testing and family study are of particular importance to establish the exact genetic defect causing the abnormal Hb in this patient.

In view of thalassaemia is common in our region, it is important to identify complete genotyping to provide proper management, make clinical predictions and improve genetic counseling.
Fulltext The Haemoglobin G Makassar (Codon 6 GAG>GCG) cases in Malaysia: molecular identification and characterization

Khor, Sok Fang, Ezalia Esa, Nur Aisyah Aziz, Faidatul Syazlin Abdul Hamid, Yuslina Mat Yusoff, Zubaidah Zakaria

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):52-53.
MyJurnal

The aims of this study are to identify and characterize the Haemoglobin G Makassar. Haemoglobin G Makassar was identified in Makassar, Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia in 1969 and has been reported in a family of Thai origin in 2002. Haemoglobin G Makassar was found to share identical properties with haemoglobin S in routine haemoglobin separation by cation-exchange HPLC. It is therefore, patients with Haemoglobin G Makassar and Haemoglobin S may sometimes be mistakenly identified for each other.

There were four cases identified from year 2015 to 2016 in Peninsular Malaysia by Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Medical Research. All patients were asymptomatic with mild hypochromic microcytic anaemia. All patients were analysis with Haemoglobin S trait. Analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis showed that these patients had 39.9 to 44.0% of haemoglobin variant in zone S. Alpha and Beta globin gene analysis were performed on these samples.

DNA sequence analysis, revealed a single nucleotide substitution GAG to GCG at codon 6 of the beta-globin gene (Glu>Ala), indicating of Haemoglobin G Makassar for all the patients (Fig. 1). All patients were positive with Haemoglobin S trait. Multiple Amplification Refractory Mutation System (MARMS) PCR for Haemoglobin S was negative in all cases. However alpha-globin gene analysis showed that two of them had single alpha deletion (α3.7). The mean reading for HGB is 11.95 g/dL, for MCV is 72.1 fL and for MCH is 23.65 pg which all are lower than normal peoples.

The screening method may mistakenly identify Haemoglobin G Makassar as Haemoglobin S. Therefore identification and characterization of Haemoglobin G Makassar by several molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis are necessary for confirmation of the diagnosis.
Fulltext Residence time distribution (RTD) in operating plant:a review

Noraishah Othman, Nor Pa’iza Mohamad Hasan, Nazrul Hizam Yusoff, Mohd Amirul Syafiq Mohd Yunos, Engku Mohd Fahmi Engku Chik

Jurnal Sains Nuklear Malaysia, 2016;28(2):30-36.
MyJurnal

Radiotracer technology is a technique of radioactive injection into the systemand the detection is done using radiationdetector.It is alsoa tool for investigating and solving plant process problems namely process malfunctions andmechanical damages. Radiotracer is the most preferred stimulus response techniques in the industries due to its non-invasive application and on line monitoring capabilities, which avoid shut down of the plant. Radiotracer techniques have many advantages, such as high detection sensitivity, in-situ detection, availability of a wide range of compatible radiotracers for different phases, rapid response and high reliability and accuracy of the results. The residence time distribution (RTD) is one of the important parameters that can provide information on the characteristics or hydrodynamics of the nuclear reactor. In this paper, the overall review is presented in brief regarding radiotracer technology in plant operation.
Fulltext A study of occupational noise exposure among public transportation workers in Malaysia

Siti Norhafiza Abd Razak, Nurul Hazwani Mohd Yusoff, Farah Hana Mukhtar, Norsehah Abdul Karim, Noor Hasyimah Abu Rahim

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(1):69-72.
MyJurnal

Working for a minimum of 8 hours, 6 days a week might have exposed the workers of public transportation to
high noise risks. However, occupational exposures in their workplace have not been adequately characterized and
identified. Assessment of occupational noise exposure among workers at five public transportation stations was made
using Sound Level Meter and through questionnaire survey. The data obtained was combined to estimate the work
shift exposure level and health impacts to the workers by using statistical analysis. The respondents participated in the
survey to identify the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss and other health-related problems. Results of the study
indicated that occupational noise exposure among workers for Mean Continuous Equivalent Level, Leq= 76.17 dB(A)
presents small risks of developing a hearing disability. Some of the workers show symptoms of noise-induced hearing
loss and are annoyed by the sources of noise present at the public transportation.
Fulltext Male reproductive system

Assi, Mohammed Abdulrazzaq, Abdul Wahid Haron, Md Sabri Mohd Yusoff, Mohammed Ali Rajion, Mohd Hezmee Mohd Noor

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2017;3(1):1-16.
MyJurnal

The overall reproductive process consists of both the human sex organs which include the male and female reproductive system. The ability to produce offsprings that have similar characteristic as their parents is the goal of reproduction. The sexual type of reproduction takes place in human and both male and female reproductive system is required. Male reproductive system is mainly concerned with production of semen (whitish viscous fluid emitted from the male reproductive tract that contains sperm and fluids) and transferring it into the female reproductive tract. In this review, we will discuss the latest findings in the research pertaining the male reproductive system and its contribution towards the research in advancement of reproductive physiology.
Fulltext Metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in women exposed to secondhand smoke

Siti Hajar MH, Zulkefli S, Juwita S, Norhayati MN, Siti Suhaila MY, Rasool AHG, et al.

PeerJ, 2018;6:e5758.
PMID: 30356972 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5758

Background: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure has adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to determine the effects of SHS on the cardiovascular disease biomarkers, namely the metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in healthy adult women.
Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among healthy women. The cases included those women exposed to SHS, and the controls included those women not exposed to SHS. SHS exposure was defined as being exposed to SHS for at least 15 min for 2 days per week. Venous blood was taken to measure the metabolic markers (high molecular weight adiponectin, insulin level, insulin resistance, and nonesterified fatty acids), oxidative stress markers (oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol and 8-isoprostane), and inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6). A hair nicotine analysis was also performed. An analysis of covariance and a simple linear regression analysis were conducted.
Results: There were 101 women in the SHS exposure group and 91 women in the non-SHS exposure group. The mean (with standard deviation) of the hair nicotine levels was significantly higher in the SHS exposure group when compared to the non-SHS exposure group [0.22 (0.62) vs. 0.04 (0.11) ng/mg; P = 0.009]. No significant differences were observed in the high molecular weight adiponectin, insulin and insulin resistance, nonesterified fatty acids, 8-isoprostane, oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol, interleukin-6, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein between the two groups. The serum high molecular weight adiponectin was negatively associated with the insulin level and insulin resistance in the women exposed to SHS. However, no significant relationships were seen between the high molecular weight adiponectin and nonesterified fatty acids, 8-isoprostane, oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the SHS group.
Discussion: There were no significant differences in the metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers between the SHS exposure and non-SHS exposure healthy women. A low serum level of high molecular weight adiponectin was associated with an increased insulin level and resistance in the women exposed to SHS.

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