Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 142 in total

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  1. Application of multivariate membership function discrimination method for lithology identification
    Jun Zhao, Feifei Wang, Yifan Lu
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:2223-2229.
    Formation lithology identification is an indispensable link in oil and gas exploration. Precision of the traditional recognition method is difficult to guarantee when trying to identify lithology of particular formation with strong heterogeneity and complex structure. In order to remove this defect, multivariate membership function discrimination method is proposed, which regard to lithology identification as a linear model in the fuzzy domain and obtain aimed result with the multivariate membership function established. It is indicated by the test on lower carboniferous Bachu group bioclastic limestone section and Donghe sandstone section reservoir on T Field H area that satisfactory accuracy can be achieved in both clastic rock and carbonate formation and obvious advantages are unfold when dealing with complex formations, which shows a good application prospect and provides a new thought to solve complex problems on oilfield exploration and development with fuzzy theory.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  2. Fulltext Influence of CO2 flux on the properties of carbonate apatite synthesized by solid state reaction
    Jamuna, K., Noorsal, K., Zakaria, F.A., Hussin, Z.H.
    ASM Science Journal, 2010;4(1):41-47.
    MyJurnal
    Introducing CO2 flux as the carbonate source had an effect on the carbonate content of carbonate apatite (CAp) synthesized by solid state reaction. The reactants were CaCO3 and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and the heat treatment in air was performed at 1250ºC followed by instant cooling in CO2 flux for temperatures ranging from 800ºC room temperature (RT) . The influence of CO2 flux at various temperature drop differences in the cooling process (1250ºC RT, 1250ºC–500ºC, 1250ºC–600ºC, 1250ºC–700ºC, and 1250ºC–800ºC) was tested to optimize the carbonation degree and subsequent effects on the physical and mechanical properties of CAp. Thermally treated samples revealed an increasing degree of carbonation, achieving a maximum of 5.2 wt% at the highest (1250ºC RT) and a minimum of 2.7 wt% at the lowest (1250ºC–800ºC) temperature drop differences, respectively. This showed that the carbonate content was correlated with the increase in exposure to CO2 flux. However, consistent compressive strength, tensile strength, density and porosity were observed against increasing temperature drop differences which indicated that the degree of carbonation exerted no influence on the physical and mechanical properties of CAp. This method enabled the synthesis of solid state CAp simply by exposing calcium phosphate mixtures to CO2 flux. It also allowed the control of carbonate content for desired medical applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  3. Asplenium merapohense (Aspleniaceae), a new species from the Peninsular Malaysia
    Jaman R, Kamin I, Kiew R
    PhytoKeys, 2017.
    PMID: 29118651 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.89.20875
    A new species of Asplenium is described from two collections made on limestone hills in Peninsular Malaysia. Conspicuous by its extremely narrow pinnae, it is probably allied to A. salignum but differs in sufficient characters (scale size, size and shape of lamina, venation and sorus length, position and orientation) to be a species in its own right.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  4. Dynamic behaviour of Cd2+ adsorption in equilibrium batch studies by CaCO3(-)-rich Corbicula fluminea shell
    Ismail FA, Aris AZ, Latif PA
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2014 Jan;21(1):344-54.
    PMID: 23771443 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1906-4
    This work presents the structural and adsorption properties of the CaCO3(-)-rich Corbicula fluminea shell as a natural and economic adsorbent to remove Cd ions from aqueous solutions under batch studies. Experiments were conducted with different contact times, various initial concentrations, initial solution pH and serial biosorbent dosage to examine the dynamic characterization of the adsorption and its influence on Cd uptake capacity. The characterization of the C. fluminea shell using SEM/EDX revealed that the adsorbent surface is mostly impregnated by small particles of potentially calcium salts. The dominant Cd adsorption mechanism is strongly pH and concentration dependent. A maximum Cd removal efficiency of 96.20% was obtained at pH 7 while the optimum adsorbent dosage was observed as 5 g/L. The Langmuir isotherm was discovered to be more suitable to represent the experimental equilibrium isotherm results with higher correlation coefficients (R(2) > 0.98) than Freundlich (R(2) 
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate/chemistry*
  5. Fulltext Seeded Growth Route to Noble Calcium Carbonate Nanocrystal
    Islam A, Teo SH, Rahman MA, Taufiq-Yap YH
    PLoS One, 2015;10(12):e0144805.
    PMID: 26700479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144805
    A solution-phase route has been considered as the most promising route to synthesize noble nanostructures. A majority of their synthesis approaches of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) are based on either using fungi or the CO2 bubbling methods. Here, we approached the preparation of nano-precipitated calcium carbonate single crystal from salmacis sphaeroides in the presence of zwitterionic or cationic biosurfactants without external source of CO2. The calcium carbonate crystals were rhombohedron structure and regularly shaped with side dimension ranging from 33-41 nm. The high degree of morphological control of CaCO3 nanocrystals suggested that surfactants are capable of strongly interacting with the CaCO3 surface and control the nucleation and growth direction of calcium carbonate nanocrystals. Finally, the mechanism of formation of nanocrystals in light of proposed routes was also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate/chemistry*
  6. Fulltext Microstrain, particle size and lattice constant of CaCO3 ceramic by Rietveld analysis
    Irzaman, Jamal, Z., Idris, M.S., Kurnia, D., Barmawi, M.
    Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2007;2005(1):43-46.
    MyJurnal
    The specimens used were CaCO3 (Sigma Aldrich, purity 99.9 %). We have 23 parameters and 20 iterations, including two theta zero error, scale factor, thermal effect, coefficients for polynomial describing the background; U, V, W and mixing parameters of the profile peak function, lattice constants, positional parameters and overall isotropic temperature factors. Most the samples show that the crystal structure are rhombohedral with lattice constants a = b = 4.981 Å, c = 17.044 Å and space group is R3C. The microstrain (K) and the particle size (V) of CaCO3 ceramic were calculated using 10 the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of diffraction peaks from (0 1 2), (1 0 4), (0 0 6), (1 1 0), (1 1 3), (2 0 2), (0 1 8), (1 1 6), (2 2 1 ), (1 2 2) crystal planes are 2.1 x 10-2 and
    362 nm, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  7. Fulltext Bio-Cementation in Construction Materials: A Review
    Iqbal DM, Wong LS, Kong SY
    Materials (Basel), 2021 Apr 23;14(9).
    PMID: 33922871 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092175
    The rapid development of the construction sector has led to massive use of raw construction materials, which are at risk of exhaustion. The problem is aggravated by the high demand for cement as binding powder and the mass production of clay bricks for construction purposes. This scenario has led to high energy consumption and carbon emissions in their production. In this regard, bio-cementation is considered a green solution to building construction, because this technology is environmentally friendly and capable of reducing carbon emissions, thus slowing the global warming rate. Most of the previously published articles have focused on microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), with the mechanism of bio-cementation related to the occurrence of urea hydrolysis as a result of the urease enzymatic activity by the microbes that yielded ammonium and carbonate ions. These ions would then react with calcium ions under favorable conditions to precipitate calcium carbonate. MICP was investigated for crack repair and the surface treatment of various types of construction materials. Research on MICP for the production of binders in construction materials has become a recent trend in construction engineering. With the development of cutting edge MICP research, it is beneficial for this article to review the recent trend of MICP in construction engineering, so that a comprehensive understanding on microbial utilization for bio-cementation can be achieved.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  8. Fulltext Pharmacokinetics of Free Oxytetracycline and Oxytetracycline Loaded Cockle Shell Calcium Carbonate-Based Nanoparticle in BALB/c Mice
    Idris SB, Abdul Kadir A, Abdullah JFF, Ramanoon SZ, Basit MA, Abubakar MZZA
    Front Vet Sci, 2020;7:270.
    PMID: 32613011 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00270
    The development and utilization of nano-antibiotics is currently gaining attention as a possible solution to antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the pharmacokinetics of free oxytetracycline (OTC) and oxytetracycline loaded cockle shell calcium carbonate-based nanoparticle (OTC-CNP) after a single dose of intraperitoneal (IP) administration in BALB/c mice. A total of 100 female BALB/c mice divided into two groups of equal number (n = 50) were administered with 10 mg/kg OTC and OTC-CNP, respectively. Blood samples were collected before and post-administration from both groups at time 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min and 1, 2, 6, 24, and 48 h, and OTC plasma concentration was quantified using a validated HPLC-UV method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using a non-compartment model. The Cmax values of OTC in OTC-CNP and free OTC treated group were 64.99 and 23.53 μg/ml, respectively. OTC was detected up to 24 h in the OTC-CNP group as against 1 h in the free OTC group following intraperitoneal administration. In the OTC-CNP group, the plasma elimination rate of OTC was slower while the half-life, the area under the curve, and the volume of the distribution were increased. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic profile of OTC in the OTC-CNP group differs significantly from that of free OTC. However, further studies are necessary to determine the antibacterial efficacy of OTC-CNP for the treatment of bacterial diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  9. Fulltext Cockle Shell-Derived Aragonite CaCO3 Nanoparticles for Co-Delivery of Doxorubicin and Thymoquinone Eliminates Cancer Stem Cells
    Ibiyeye KM, Zuki ABZ
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Mar 10;21(5).
    PMID: 32164352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051900
    Cancer stem cells CSCs (tumour-initiating cells) are responsible for cancer metastasis and recurrence associated with resistance to conventional chemotherapy. This study generated MBA MD231 3D cancer stem cells enriched spheroids in serum-free conditions and evaluated the influence of combined doxorubicin/thymoquinone-loaded cockle-shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Single loaded drugs and free drugs were also evaluated. WST assay, sphere forming assay, ALDH activity analysis, Surface marker of CD44 and CD24 expression, apoptosis with Annexin V-PI kit, cell cycle analysis, morphological changes using a phase contrast light microscope, scanning electron microscopy, invasion assay and migration assay were carried out; The combination therapy showed enhanced apoptosis, reduction in ALDH activity and expression of CD44 and CD24 surface maker, reduction in cellular migration and invasion, inhibition of 3D sphere formation when compared to the free drugs and the single drug-loaded nanoparticle. Scanning electron microscopy showed poor spheroid formation, cell membrane blebbing, presence of cell shrinkage, distortion in the spheroid architecture; and the results from this study showed that combined drug-loaded cockle-shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles can efficiently destroy the breast CSCs compared to single drug-loaded nanoparticle and a simple mixture of doxorubicin and thymoquinone.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate/chemistry*
  10. Physico-chemical method for ammonia removal from synthetic wastewater using limestone and GAC in batch and column studies
    Hussain S, Aziz HA, Isa MH, Adlan MN, Asaari FA
    Bioresour Technol, 2007 Mar;98(4):874-80.
    PMID: 16716587
    The purpose of the present study was to examine the removal of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4-N) from synthetic wastewater using limestone (LS) and granular activated carbon (GAC) mixture as low cost adsorbent. In batch study, optimum shaking and settling times were 150 and 120 min, respectively. The LS-GAC mixture ratio of 25:15 removed about 58% NH4-N. The smaller particle size of medium yielded higher adsorption capacity. The equilibrium adsorption data followed the Freundlich isotherm (R2 > 0.98) but it showed weak bond. Adsorption kinetics were well described by the pseudo second-order rate model (R2 > 0.93). The upflow column showed that higher flow rate and initial concentration resulted in shorter column saturation time. The study showed that the usage of GAC could be reduced by combining GAC with LS for the removal of NH4-N from wastewater; thus reducing the cost of treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate*
  11. In vitro differences of hydroxyapatite from different resources in simulated body fluid
    Hashim N, Sabudin S, Ibrahim S, Zin NM, Bakar SH, Fazan F
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 May;59 Suppl B:103-4.
    PMID: 15468839
    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.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  12. Evaluation of in vitro efficacy of docetaxel-loaded calcium carbonate aragonite nanoparticles (DTX-CaCO3NP) on 4T1 mouse breast cancer cell line
    Hammadi NI, Abba Y, Hezmee MNM, Razak ISA, Kura AU, Zakaria ZAB
    In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim, 2017 Dec;53(10):896-907.
    PMID: 28916966 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-017-0197-3
    Cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles have shown promising potentials as slow drug-releasing compounds in cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro efficacy of docetaxel (DTX)-loaded CaCO3NP on 4T1 cell line. This was achieved by evaluating the following: cytotoxicity using MTT assay, fluorescence imaging, apoptosis with Annexin V assay, cell cycle analysis, scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scratch assay. Based on the results, DTX-CaCO3NP with a DTX concentration of 0.5 μg/mL and above had comparable cytotoxic effects with free DTX at 24 h, while all concentrations had similar cytotoxic effect on 4T1 cells at 48 and 72 h. Fluorescence and apoptosis assay showed a higher (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate/chemistry
  13. Formulation of a Sustained Release Docetaxel Loaded Cockle Shell-Derived Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles against Breast Cancer
    Hammadi NI, Abba Y, Hezmee MNM, Razak ISA, Jaji AZ, Isa T, et al.
    Pharm Res, 2017 06;34(6):1193-1203.
    PMID: 28382563 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-017-2135-1
    PURPOSE: Here, we explored the formulation of a calcium carbonate nanoparticle delivery system aimed at enhancing docetaxel (DTX) release in breast cancer.

    METHODS: The designed nano- anticancer formulation was characterized thorough X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) methods. The nano- anticancer formulation (DTX- CaCO3NP) was evaluated for drug delivery properties thorough in vitro release study in human body simulated solution at pH 7.4 and intracellular lysosomal pH 4.8.

    RESULTS: Characterization revealed the successful synthesis of DTX- CaCO3NP, which had a sustained release at pH 7.4. TEM showed uniformly distributed pleomorphic shaped pure aragonite particles. The highest entrapment efficiency (96%) and loading content (11.5%) were obtained at docetaxel to nanoparticles ratio of 1:4. The XRD patterns revealed strong crystallizations in all the nanoparticles formulation, while FTIR showed chemical interactions between the drug and nanoparticles with negligible positional shift in the peaks before and after DTX loading. BET analysis showed similar isotherms before and after DTX loading. The designed DTX- CaCO3NP had lower (p  0.05) effects at 48 h and 72 h. However, the DTX- CaCO3NP released less than 80% of bond DTX at 48 and 72 h but showed comparable effects with free DTX.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the developed DTX- CaCO3NP released DTX slower at pH 7.4 and had comparable cytotoxicity with free DTX at 48 and 72 h in MCF-7 cells.

    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate/chemistry*
  14. Fulltext Modified methods of nanoparticles synthesis in pH-sensitive nano-carriers production for doxorubicin delivery on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line
    Hamidu A, Mokrish A, Mansor R, Razak ISA, Danmaigoro A, Jaji AZ, et al.
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2019;14:3615-3627.
    PMID: 31190815 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S190830
    Purpose: Modified top-down procedure was successfully employed in the synthesis of aragonite nanoparticles (NPs) from cheaply available natural seawater cockle shells. This was with the aim of developing a pH-sensitive nano-carrier for effective delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Methods: The shells were cleaned with banana pelts, ground using a mortar and pestle, and stirred vigorously on a rotary pulverizing blending machine in dodecyl dimethyl betane solution. This simple procedure avoids the use of stringent temperatures and unsafe chemicals associated with NP production. The synthesized NPs were loaded with DOX to form DOX-NPs. The free and DOX-loaded NPs were characterized for physicochemical properties using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The release profile, cytotoxicity, and cell uptake were evaluated. Results: NPs had an average diameter of 35.50 nm, 19.3% loading content, 97% encapsulation efficiency, and a surface potential and intensity of 19.1±3.9 mV and 100%, respectively. A slow and sustained pH-specific controlled discharge profile of DOX from DOX-NPs was observed, clearly showing apoptosis/necrosis induced by DOX-NPs through endocytosis. The DOX-NPs had IC50 values 1.829, 0.902, and 1.0377 µg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 hrs, while those of DOX alone were 0.475, 0.2483, and 0.0723 µg/mL, respectively. However, even at higher concentration, no apparent toxicity was observed with the NPs, revealing their compatibility with MCF-7 cells with a viability of 92%. Conclusions: The modified method of NPs synthesis suggests the tremendous potential of the NPs as pH-sensitive nano-carriers in cancer management because of their pH targeting ability toward cancerous cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate/chemistry
  15. Optimization of complex fermentation media for glucose oxidase production using statistical approach
    Gunny AA, Arbain D, Sithamparam L
    Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Sep 15;16(18):960-4.
    PMID: 24502155
    Production cost of enzyme is largely determined by the type of the strain and raw material used to propagate the strain. Hence, selection of the strain and raw materials is crucial in enzyme production. For Glucose oxidase (GOx), previous studies showed Aspergillus terreus UniMAP AA-1 offers a better alternative to the existing sources. Thus, a lower production cost could be logically anticipated by growing the strain in a cheaper complex media such as molasses. In this work, sugar cane molasses, supplemented with urea and carbonate salt and a locally isolated strain Aspergillus terreus UniMAP AA-1 were used to produce a crude GOx enzyme in a small scale. A statistical optimization approach namely Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the media components for highest GOx activity. It was found that the highest GOx activity was achieved using a combination of molasses, carbonate salt and urea at concentration 32.51, 4.58 and 0.93% (w/v), respectively. This study provides an alternative optimized media conditions for GOx production using locally available raw materials.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate/metabolism
  16. Two new Bent-toed Geckos of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex from Peninsular Malaysia and multiple instances of convergent adaptation to limestone forest ecosystems
    Grismer LL, Wood PL, Anuar S, Grismer MS, Quah ES, Murdoch ML, et al.
    Zootaxa, 2016 Apr 25;4105(5):401-29.
    PMID: 27394789 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4105.5.1
    A new species of limestone cave-adapted gecko of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex, C. hidupselamanya sp. nov., is described from an isolated karst formation at Felda Chiku 7, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. This formation is scheduled to be completely quarried for its mineral content. From what we know about the life history of C. hidupselamanya sp. nov., this will result in its extinction. A new limestone forest-adapted species, C. lenggongensis sp. nov., from the Lenggong Valley, Perak was previously considered to be conspecific with C. bintangrendah but a re-evaluation of morphological, color pattern, molecular, and habitat preference indicates that it too is a unique lineage worthy of specific recognition. Fortunately C. lenggongensis sp. nov. is not facing extinction because its habitat is protected by the UNESCO Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley due to the archaeological significance of that region. Both new species can be distinguished from all other species of Cyrtodactylus based on molecular evidence from the mitochondrial gene ND2 and its flanking tRNAs as well as having unique combinations of morphological and color pattern characteristics. Using a time-calibrated BEAST analysis we inferred that the evolution of a limestone habitat preference and its apparently attendant morphological and color pattern adaptations evolved independently at least four times in the C. pulchellus complex between 26.1 and 0.78 mya.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  17. The identity of the semiterrestrial crab Terrathelphusa kuchingensis (Nobili, 1901) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae), with descriptions of four new species from southwestern Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia
    Grinang J, Ng PK
    Zootaxa, 2015;3946(3):331-46.
    PMID: 25947695 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3946.3.2
    Four new species of semiterrestrial gecarcinucid crabs are described from limestone and sandstone habitats in southwestern Sarawak, Malaysia: Terrathelphusa aglaia n. sp., T. cerina n. sp., T. kundong n. sp., and T. mas n. sp. The taxonomy of T. kuchingensis (Nobili, 1901) is discussed, its precise identity ascertained from fresh material, and its actual distribution determined. This increases the number of Terrathelphusa species in Borneo to eight.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  18. Fulltext Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for the Treatment of Hyperphosphatemia in Predialysis Patients: Calcium-Based versus Noncalcium-Based Phosphate Binders
    Goh BL, Soraya A, Goh A, Ang KL
    Int J Nephrol, 2018;2018:2138528.
    PMID: 30327732 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2138528
    Background: Hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is often treated with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) despite the fact that CaCO3 is associated with increased calcium load and potentially increased cardiovascular risk. Alternative treatments with noncalcium-based phosphate binders do not increase the calcium load but are more costly. This study analyzes the cost-effectiveness of sevelamer versus CaCO3 for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in stage III-V predialysis CKD patients in Malaysia.

    Methods: A Markov decision model was adapted to simulate a hypothetical cohort of CKD patients requiring treatment for hyperphosphatemia. Survival was estimated by using efficacy data from the INDEPENDENT-CKD clinical trial. Cost data was obtained from Malaysian studies while health state utilities were derived from literature. Analysis was performed over lifetime duration from the perspective of the Ministry of Health Malaysia with 2013 as reference year.

    Results: In the base case analysis, sevelamer treatment gained 6.37 life years (5.27 QALY) compared to 4.25 life years (3.54 QALY) with CaCO3. At 3% discount, lifetime costs were RM159,901 ($48,750) and RM77,139 ($23,518) on sevelamer and CaCO3, respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER) of sevelamer versus CaCO3 was RM47,679 ($14,536) per QALY, which is less than the WHO threshold of three times GDP per capita (RM99,395) per QALY. Sensitivity analyses, both using scenario sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, showed the result to be robust.

    Conclusions: Our study finds that sevelamer is potentially cost-effective compared to CaCO3, for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in predialysis CKD III-V. We propose that sevelamer should be an option in the treatment of Malaysian predialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia, particularly those with high calcium load.

    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  19. Fulltext Diversity and biogeography of land snails (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in the limestone hills of Perak, Peninsular Malaysia
    Foon JK, Clements GR, Liew TS
    Zookeys, 2017.
    PMID: 28769723 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.682.12999
    Limestone hills are now gaining global conservation attention as hotspots for short-range endemic species. Levels of land snail endemism can be high at limestone hills, especially at hill clusters that are geographically isolated. In the State of Perak, Peninsular Malaysia, limestone hills have been opportunistically surveyed for land snails in the past, but the majority have yet to be surveyed. To address this knowledge gap, we systematically surveyed the terrestrial malacofauna of 12 limestone hills that, based on our opinion, are a representation of the limestone land snail assemblages within the State. Our inventory yielded high sampling completeness (>85%). We found 122 species of land snails, of which 34 species were unique to one of the surveyed hills. We identified 30 species that are potentially new to science. The number of land snail species recorded at each hill ranged between 39 and 63 species. Four of the sampled limestone hills namely, Prk 01 G. Tempurung, Prk 55 G. Pondok, Prk 47 Kanthan, and Prk 64 Bt Kepala Gajah, have high levels of species richness and unique species, representing 91% of the total species recorded in this study. We identified two clusters of limestone hills in central Perak with distinct differences in land snail species composition - a northern hill cluster on elevated granite bedrock and southern hill cluster in a low-lying valley surrounded by alluvial soils. As limestone hills continue to be quarried to meet the cement demand, the four identified limestone hills, along with other hills from the two clusters, warrant urgent conservation attention in order to maintain high species diversity within Perak's terrestrial malacofauna.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
  20. Scale morphologies of freshwater fishes at Tembat Forest Reserve, Terengganu, Malaysia
    Farah Ayuni Farinordin, Wan Seribani Wan Nilam, Shahril Mod Husin, Abdullah Samat, Shukor Md. Nor
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1429-1439.
    Scales are calcium carbonate and collagen-contained structures embedded within the fish epidermis and useful for
    species identification. This study aimed to describe morphological characteristics of scales and use the differences to
    prepare keys to species. Fishes were sampled from selected rivers of Tembat Forest Reserve, Hulu Terengganu. Specimens
    caught were from 3 families (Cyprinidae, Channidae, Nandidae) and 17 species. Each species was represented by ten
    individuals (size ranges 2.5 - 50 cm TL). The scales were removed, soaked in H2
    O2
    (0.5%), NH3 (0.3%), DH2
    O and
    mounted between a pair of glass slides for digital photographing. The morphological descriptions were based on types
    of scales, distinctiveness of radii arrangement at the anterior field, radii cover, radii distribution, overall shape, focus
    position and focus pattern. Keys to species were constructed based on these scale morphological characters described.
    Measurements of scale total length (L), total width (W), rostral field length (L1) and caudal field length (L2) of the scales
    were taken using Image J software. The inter-specific variation among scales was indicated by L1/L, L2/L, L1/L2 and
    W/L indices through multiple comparison tests (ANOVA). It was found that all 17 species showed significant differences
    with at least one other species in all four indices. Pristolepis grootii (Bleeker 1852) was the only one that significantly
    different (p<0.05) from other 16 species in the first three indices. Species that showed the least significant differences
    among species was Probarbus jullieni (Sauvage 1880). The differences among the scales were primarily due to the
    different types of scale that was either ctenoid or cycloid.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium Carbonate
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