The influence of sonoluminescence transesterification on biodiesel physicochemical properties was investigated and the results were compared to those of traditional mechanical stirring. This study was conducted to identify the mechanistic features of ultrasonication by coupling statistical analysis of the experiments into the simulation of cavitation bubble. Different combinations of operational variables were employed for alkali-catalysis transesterification of palm oil. The experimental results showed that transesterification with ultrasound irradiation could change the biodiesel density by about 0.3kg/m(3); the viscosity by 0.12mm(2)/s; the pour point by about 1-2°C and the flash point by 5°C compared to the traditional method. Furthermore, 93.84% of yield with alcohol to oil molar ratio of 6:1 could be achieved through ultrasound assisted transesterification within only 20min. However, only 89.09% of reaction yield was obtained by traditional macro mixing/heating under the same condition. Based on the simulated oscillation velocity value, the cavitation phenomenon significantly contributed to generation of fine micro emulsion and was able to overcome mass transfer restriction. It was found that the sonoluminescence bubbles reached the temperature of 758-713K, pressure of 235.5-159.55bar, oscillation velocity of 3.5-6.5cm/s, and equilibrium radius of 17.9-13.7 times greater than its initial size under the ambient temperature of 50-64°C at the moment of collapse. This showed that the sonoluminescence bubbles were in the condition in which the decomposition phenomena were activated and the reaction rate was accelerated together with a change in the biodiesel properties.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate Malaysian dyslipidemic patient treatment practices and outcomes. Factors contributing to success in reaching treatment goal were determined. A retrospective review of the records of dyslipidemic patients who attended the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in 2007 was conducted. All the patients were receiving standard recommended doses of statins. Records were analysed for 890 patients. Patients were divided into three categories: 384 patients (43.1%) had coronary heart disease or coronary heart disease risk equivalents, 216 patients (24.3%) had moderate risk for coronary heart disease and 290 patients (32.6%) had low risk. Statins were the most commonly prescribed drug group (92%), of which atorvastatin was the most commonly prescribed drug (50.6%). The overall success rate for reaching goal was 64.2%. The percentages of patients achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets in the coronary heart disease and coronary heart disease risk equivalents, moderate, and low-risk groups were 50.5, 66.7, and 80.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed achievement of therapeutic goal declined with increasing risk group. The baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol value was inversely related to therapeutic goal attainment. An inadequate proportion of dyslipidemic patients achieved the National Cholesterol Education Program therapeutic goals for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, especially those in the coronary heart disease and coronary heart disease risk equivalent group. The achievement of this goal was dependent on baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
The importance of serum lipids as cardiovascular risk factors is well recognized. However, most published studies have focused on western countries. The present study aimed to describe and analyze the lipid profile parameters in Malaysian dyslipidemic patients, and to identify concomitant clinical problems and risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) among such patients.
Percutaneous epiphysiodesis for arresting growth is a useful method for equalising moderate lower limb-length discrepancy. This paper reviews the result of this procedure performed at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgowfrom 1989 to 1993. There were 8 children (5 girls and 3 boys) ranging in age (chronological) from 10 years 3 months to 13 years 3 months. Limb-length discrepancies (LLD) at the time of surgery were between 2.5 cm to 5.5 cm. The predicted LLD at maturity was obtained using the Moseleys graph. This ranged from 3.9 cm to 8.3 cm. The cause of discrepancy were hemihypertrophy (5), neurofibromatosis (1), AV malformation (1) and neonatal osteomyelitis (1). Bone age in 3 patients corresponded to their chronological age. In 2 patients their bone age were less than their chronological age by 1 year. In the remaining 3 patients their bone were less than their chronological age by 1 to 3 years. All patients had percutaneous epiphysiodesis of both the distal femur and proximal tibia. All patients except one had afinal LLD of 1 cm or less. There were 2 unsatisfactory results: one girl had a valgus knee due to asymmetric physeal closure. Another boy had a final LLD of 3.3 cm as the procedure was done near skeletal maturity. This technique is useful even with LLD greater than 5 cm in children whose predicted height is above average. The difference between chronological age and bone age ranged from I to 3 years.
This paper describes a system using lensed optical fiber sensors that are arranged in the form of two orthogonal projections. The sensors are placed around a process vessel for upstream and downstream measurements. The purpose of the system is for on-line monitoring of particles and droplets being conveyed by a fluid. The lenses were constructed using a custom heating fixture. The fixture enables the lenses to be constructed with similar radii resulting in identical characteristics with minimum differences in transmitted intensity and emission angle. By collimating radiation from two halogen bulbs, radiation can be obtained by the sensors with radiation intensity related to the nature of the media. Each sensor interrogates a finite section of the measurement section. Each sensor provides a view. Parallel sensors provide a projection. Signal processing is carried out on the measured data in the time and frequency domains to investigate the latent information present in the flow signals.
Distinguishing physiologic and pathologic genu varus is challenging among children below age 3. They can be assessed by measuring intercondylar distance (ICD), clinical tibiofemoral angle (cTFA) or radiologic TFA (rTFA). We aim to determine the knee measurement values among three groups of children. Medline (1946-) and EMBase (1947-) were searched until 31 July 2020 using a search strategy. Studies with original data which reported knee measurements among children with normal alignment, physiologic and pathologic bowing between the ages of 0-3 years were included. In total 1897 studies were identified, and 16 studies included after title and abstract screening. These studies involved 1335 patients with normal alignment, 286 with physiologic and 184 with pathologic bowing. Five studies provided data on ICD, seven on cTFA and eight on rTFA which were pooled for meta-analyses. Normal children had neither measurable ICD nor demonstrable varus on cTFA after 19 months old. The mean (95% confidence interval) ICD for children with pathologic genu varus at 18 months was 4.41 (4.19-4.63). The rTFA for children with pathologic compared to the physiologic bowing by age groups was; 11-20 months: 24.74°(23.22°-26.26°) vs. 19.44°(17.05°-21.84°), 21-30 months: 20.35°(18.13°-22.56°) vs. 14.72°(12.32°-17.12°) and 12-36 months: 32.60°(26.40°-38.80°) vs. 19.14°(17.78°-20.50°). Children above the age of 18 months with genu varus should be closely monitored clinically using ICD or cTFA. An ICD of more than 4 cm may warrant further investigation for pathologic cause. rTFA has limited use in the detection of pathologic varus.
We report a case of a broken K-wire migrating to the cervical spine from the right clavicle in a 9-year-old child. The initial diagnosis, fracture of the clavicle with an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, was treated by open reduction and K-wiring. One K-wire broke and migrated to the neck, posterolateral to the C6 vertebra. The K-wire was removed percutaneously under image intensification. Acromioclavicular joint dislocation in children is rare since the distal clavicle does not ossify until the age of 18 or 19 years meaning that almost all closed fractures of the clavicle in children can be treated nonoperatively.
This study was conducted to evaluate the kinetic characteristics of proteolytic activity of proteases on Channa striatus protein fractions. Degree of hydrolysis (DH), amino acid composition and kinetic parameters of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins were investigated when incubated with proteinase K and thermolysin, separately. After 30 min incubation with proteases, a decrease in DH of sarcoplasmic protein was observed whereas, hydrolysis of myofibrillar protein with proteases took 2 h with an increase in DH. The major amino acids were glutamic acid (16.6%) in thermolysin- myofibrillar hydrolysate followed by aspartic acid (11.1%) in sarcoplasmic protein fraction with no enzyme treatment and lysine (10%) in thermolysin-myofibrillar hydrolysate. The apparent Michaelis constant of proteinase K was lower than thermolysin for both sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins. However, rate of turnover and enzyme efficiency suggested that sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins are suitable substrates for proteinase K and thermolysin hydrolytic reaction, respectively.
Kenaf belongs to the family Malvaceae noted for their economic and horticultural importance. Kenaf seed is a valuable component of kenaf plant. For several years, it has been primarily used as a cordage crop and secondarily as a livestock feed. The potential for using kenaf seeds as a source of food-based products has not been fully exploited. Consumers are becoming more interested in naturally healthy plant-based food products. Kenaf seed, the future crop with a rich source of essential nutrients and an excellent source of phytocompounds, might serve suitable roles in the production of value-added plant-based foods. At present kenaf seed and its value-added components have not been effectively utilized for both their nutritional and functional properties as either ingredient or major constituent of food products. This review focuses on the possible food applications of kenaf seed and its value-added components based on their nutritional composition and functional properties available in literature, with the purpose of providing an overview on the possible food applications of this underutilized seed. The review focuses on a brief introduction on kenaf plant, nutritional function, lipids and proteins composition and food applications of the seed. The review elaborately discusses the seed in terms of; bioactive components, antioxidants enrichment of wheat bread, antimicrobial agents, as edible flour, as edible oil and a source of protein in food system. The review closes with discussion on other possible food applications of kenaf seed. The need for food scientists and technologists to exploit this natural agricultural product as a value-added food ingredient is of great significance and is emphasized.
This study investigated the potential use of microalgae as partial cement replacement to heal cracks in cement mortar. Microbially induced calcite (CaCO3) precipitation (MICP) from Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) (UMACC162) was utilised for crack-healing applications. Microalgae was cultivated in Kosaric Media (KM) together with filtered cement water (FCW), and used as a cement replacement material. The microalgal species was further evaluated for its capacity and adaptability towards large-scale culturing. The results showed that A. platensis could adapt and survive in cement water solution and cement mortar, suggesting the potential for self-healing in cement mortar. Further, the cultured species grown in both conditions (KM and KM & FCW) were harvested and incorporated into the cement mortar as a partial cement replacement material at different levels of 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of cement weight. The cement mortars partially replaced with microalgae were cured in water for 28 days. Pre-cracks were induced in the cured mortar with the 75% of their ultimate load. It took just 14 days for the microalgae-incorporated mortar to heal the cracks. The specimens with microalgae cultured in FCW showed a better performance and recovered 59% of their strength, with a maximum healed crack width of 0.7 mm. In terms of water tightness and porosity, they are comparable to the control mortar. The compressive strength measurements indicated the formation of calcite aggregate (crystal) that sealed the surface cracks, which was confirmed by a microstructural analysis. The results also demonstrate that the incorporation of microalgae into cement produced a self-healing effect, providing a new direction for crack healing. Additionally, the investigation indicated that replacing cement with microalgae reduced CO2 emissions by as much as 30%, with a substitution of 30% of microalgae. Exploring microalgae as a cement replacement could reduce carbon emissions and improve the state of the environment.
Numerous analytical approaches have been developed to determine histamine levels in food samples due to its health consequences. Consuming histamine over the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated 50 mg kg-1 limit would result in chronic toxicity. Consequently, the present study discusses a novel electrochemical approach to evaluate histamine levels in fish products via a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on an electrode surface. The film was produced with electropolymerized polyurethane (PU), which maintained the histamine compound. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to verify the MIP manufactured in this study. The capability of the polymer was measured by assessing its electron shifts with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was also employed to validate the sensing method. The MIP/screen-printed electrode (SPE) and non-imprinted polymer (NIP)/SPE recorded a linear response ranging from 1 to 1000 nmol L-1 at the 1.765 and 709 nmol L-1 detection limits. The sensing technique was subsequently utilized to determine the histamine levels in selected samples at room temperature (25 °C). Generally, the sensor allowed the accurate and precise detection of histamine in the fish samples. Furthermore, the approach could be categorized as a simple technique that is low-cost and suitable for on-site detections.
Inflammatory cascades of the dysregulated inflammatory pathways in COVID-19 can cause excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines leading to cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). The molecular cascades involved in the pathways may be targeted for discovery of new anti-inflammatory agents. Many plant extracts have been used clinically in the management of COVID-19, however, their immunosuppressive activities were mainly investigated based on in silico activity. Dietary flavonoids of the extracts such as quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, isorhamnetin, baicalein, wogonin, and rutin were commonly identified as responsible for their inhibitory effects. The present review critically analyzes the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals, including dietary compounds against cytokine storm (CS) and hyperinflammation via inhibition of the altered inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2, published since the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019. Only a few phytochemicals, mainly dietary compounds such as nanocurcumin, melatonin, quercetin, 6-shagoal, kaempferol, resveratrol, andrographolide, and colchicine have been investigated either in in silico or preliminary clinical studies to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects against COVID-19. Sufficient pre-clinical studies on safety and efficacy of anti-inflammatory effects of the phytochemicals must be performed prior to proper clinical studies to develop them into therapeutic adjuvants in the prevention and treatmemt of COVID-19 symptoms.
This paper aims at investigating the influence of ultrasound power amplitude on liquid behaviour in a low-frequency (24 kHz) sono-reactor. Three types of analysis were employed: (i) mechanical analysis of micro-bubbles formation and their activities/characteristics using mathematical modelling. (ii) Numerical analysis of acoustic streaming, fluid flow pattern, volume fraction of micro-bubbles and turbulence using 3D CFD simulation. (iii) Practical analysis of fluid flow pattern and acoustic streaming under ultrasound irradiation using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). In mathematical modelling, a lone micro bubble generated under power ultrasound irradiation was mechanistically analysed. Its characteristics were illustrated as a function of bubble radius, internal temperature and pressure (hot spot conditions) and oscillation (pulsation) velocity. The results showed that ultrasound power significantly affected the conditions of hotspots and bubbles oscillation velocity. From the CFD results, it was observed that the total volume of the micro-bubbles increased by about 4.95% with each 100 W-increase in power amplitude. Furthermore, velocity of acoustic streaming increased from 29 to 119 cm/s as power increased, which was in good agreement with the PIV analysis.
Introduction: Osteosynthesis of the femur using an interlocking nail is the gold standard for treating diaphyseal fractures of the femur. There are two established entry points for the antegrade interlocking nails which is the piriformis fossa or the greater trochanter. It has been reported that varus malalignment was frequently seen in proximal femur fracture which were treated with interlocking nail utilizing the greater trochanter entry point. The study was done to find out if the problem was of significance. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study which included 179 patients with femur fractures which were treated from January 2013 till September 2015 in one Hospital. They were treated with interlocking nail either by utilizing the piriformis fossa (PF) or the greater trochanter (GT) entry points. Post-operative radiographs of the femur were used to measure the varus deformity. Results: Out of 179 patients, there were 5 patients who were reported to have unacceptable varus malalignment (2.79%). These 5 patients were out of the 88 (5.68%) patients utilizing the greater trochanter as the entry point. The same 5 patients were out 90 patients that were diagnosed with proximal femur shaft fractures (5.55%). Analysis with logistic regression was statistically not significant. Conclusion: There was higher rate of varus malalignment seen in proximal femur shaft fractures treated with interlocking nails utilizing the greater trochanter entry point. The incidence of varus malalignment was not significant statistically.
Hydroxyapatite (HA; Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), is one of the significant implant materials used in Orthopaedics and Dental applications. However, synthetically produced HA may not be stable under ionic environment, which it will unavoidably encounter during its applications. In this paper, the in vitro effects of three HA materials derived from different resources, i.e. commercial HA (HAC), synthesised HA from pure chemicals (HAS) and synthesised HA from kapur sireh; derived traditionally from natural limestone (HAK), were studied. The HA disc samples were prepared and immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 31-day period. The evaluation conducted focuses on the changes of the pH and the Calcium ion (Ca-ion) and Phosphate ion (P-ion) concentrations in the SBF solution, as well as the XRD and SEM data representing the reactions on the HA materials. From the XRD, it was found that HAK has the smallest crystallite sizes, which in turn affect the pH of the SBF during immersion. The Ca and P-ion concentrations generally decrease over time at different rates for different HA. Upon 1-day immersion in SBF, apatite growth was observed onto all three surfaces, which became more pronounced after 3-day immersion. However, the appetites formed were observed to be different in shapes and sizes. The reasons for the difference in the apatite-crystals and their subsequent effects on cells are still being investigated.
The plant Typhonium flagelliforme, commonly known as "rodent tuber" in Malaysia, is often used as a health supplement and traditional remedy for alternative cancer therapies, including leukemia. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro anti-leukemic activity of dichloromethane extract/fraction number 7 (DCM/F7) from T. flagelliforme tuber on human T4 lymphoblastoid (CEMss) cell line. The DCM extract of tuber has been fractionated by column chromatography. The obtained fractions were evaluated for its cytotoxicity toward CEMss cells as well as human primary blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Assessment of apoptosis produced by the most active fraction was evaluated by various microscopic techniques and further confirmation of apoptosis was done by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Phytochemical screening was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results shows that 7 out of 12 fractions showed significant cytotoxicity against the selected cell line CEMss, in which fractions DCM/F7, DCM/F11 and DCM/F12 showed exceptional activity with 3, 5 and 6.2 μg ml(-1), respectively. Further studies in the non-cancerous PBL exhibited significant selectivity of DCM/F7 compared to other fractions. Cytological observations showed chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, abnormalities of cristae, membrane blebbing, cytoplasmic extrusions and formation of apoptotic bodies as confirmed collectively by double-staining of acridine orange (AO)/propidium iodide (PI), SEM and TEM. In addition, DCM/F7 has increased the cellular DNA breaks on treated cells. GC-MS revealed that DCM/F7 contains linoleic acid, hexadecanoic acid and 9-hexadecanoic acid. The present results indicate that T. flagelliforme possess a valuable anti-leukemic effect and was able to produce distinctive morphological features of cell death that corresponds to apoptosis.
We report a case of a 13-year-old girl with an osteosarcoma of the right humerus, which had been diagnosed as an aneurysmal bone cyst at our institution. She underwent curettage and bone grafting of the lesion, which resulted in implantation metastasis of the tumour to the ilium. She died 15 months after presentation owing to pulmonary metastases. This report highlights the possibility of metastasis occurring by direct implantation to a graft donor site. We strongly recommend that a biopsy be performed in cases of presumed benign lesions before proceeding with the definitive surgery.
Zingiber and Alpinia species (family: Zingiberaceae) are popularly used in food as spices and flavoring agents and in ethnomedicine to heal numerous diseases, including immune-related disorders. However, their ethnomedicinal uses have not been sufficiently supported by scientific investigations. Numerous studies on the modulating effects of plants and their bioactive compounds on the different steps of the immune system have been documented. This review aimed to highlight up-to-date research findings and critically analyze the modulatory effects and mechanisms of the extracts and secondary compounds of several Zingiber and Alpinia species, namely, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Z. cassumunar Roxb., Z. zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm., Alpinia galanga Linn., A. conchigera Griff, A. katsumadai Hayata, A. oxyphylla Miq., A. officinarum Hance, A. zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith, and A. purpurata (Viell.) K. Schum. on the immune system, particularly via the inflammation-related signaling pathways. The immunomodulating activities of the crude extracts of the plants have been reported, but the constituents contributing to the activities have mostly not been identified. Among the extracts, Z. officinale extracts were the most investigated for their in vitro, in vivo, and clinical effects on the immune system. Among the bioactive metabolites, 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerols, 6-shogaol, and zerumbone from Zingiber species and cardamomin, 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate, yakuchinone, rutin, 1,8-cineole, and lectin from Alpinia species have demonstrated strong immunomodulating effects. More experimental studies using cell and animal models of immune-related disorders are necessary to further understand the underlying mechanisms, together with elaborate preclinical pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, bioavailability, and toxicity studies. Many of these extracts and secondary metabolites are potential candidates for clinical development in immunomodulating agents or functional foods to prevent and treat chronic inflammatory disorders.
ICTs (information and communication technologies) have emerged as a potent new force. Digitalization, modernization, and automation of the manufacturing process are expected to facilitate ICT adoption, resulting in increased genuine environmental concerns. This research aims to examine the impact of ICTs on environmental quality and the relationship between ICTs, environmental quality, and economic growth. Dynamic panel threshold regression was employed, and the sample countries comprised 69 developing countries from 2010 to 2019. The threshold technique will identify the precise threshold value of ICTs and highlights the impacts of ICTs on the environmental quality nexus when above and below the threshold value in developing countries. Empirical evidence suggests that ICTs positively impact environmental quality (CO2) when above the ICTs threshold value. However, ICTs provide a positive but insignificant impact on environmental quality when below the ICTs threshold value of 4.699. Additionally, ICTs affect the economic growth and environmental quality nexus, with increasing economic growth resulting in a decrease in CO2 emissions in developing countries when ICTs are below the threshold value. Thus, the ICTs threshold value should be used to ensure that ICTs adoption promotes sustainable economic growth and resolves environmental degradation issues in developing nations.