Disaster can strike at any time on a small or large scale, but if an institution is prepared, the damage may be reduced or avoided. A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a society, causing widespread human, material, or environmental losses which exceed the ability of affected society to cope using only its own resources. Disasters are often classified according to their speed of onset (sudden or ‘slow burning’), or according to their cause (natural or man-made). There is no single and specific method in handling a disaster. The application and method of disaster management do not only depend on types, location and levels of disaster, but also depend on the effectiveness and good system of management as well as the total commitment of first responders and disaster managers involved in handling a disaster. National Security Council Directive No. 20 is both a proactive and reactive generic plan to manage disasters in Malaysia. It is an integrated disaster management plan in mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
Mediastinal mature cycstic teratomas are rare germ cell tumors most commonly found in the anterior mediastinum, and constitute about 3-12% of all mediastinal tumors. They grow slowly and are usually diagnosed incidentally. This is a rare presentation of a young lady with mediastinal mature cystic teratoma (dermoid cyst) presenting with chronic cough and haemoptysis.
In forensic entomology practice, it is more common to use raw animal tissue to breed dipteran larvae and it often brings unpleasant odour in the laboratory. Few studies suggested the use of synthetic diets, mainly agar-based media, as alternatives to animal tissue but it is rarely being practiced in forensic entomology laboratory. The present study observed the growth of a forensically important fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew) on raw cow’s liver, nutrient agar, casein agar and cow’s liver agar. A total of 100 M. scalaris eggs were transferred each into the different media and placed in an incubator at 30°C in a continuous dark condition. Data on length and developmental period were collected by randomly sampling three of the largest larvae from each rearing media, twice a day at 0900 and 1500 hours until pupariation. M. scalaris larvae reared on raw cow’s liver recorded the highest mean length (4.23 ± 1.96 mm) followed by cow’s liver agar (3.79 ± 1.62 mm), casein agar (3.14 ± 1.16 mm) and nutrient agar (3.09 ± 1.11 mm). Larval length in raw liver and liver agar were significantly different from those in nutrient and casein agar (p < 0.05). Larvae bred in liver agar and raw liver recorded the shortest larval duration before entering the post-feeding stage (89 hours), followed by nutrient agar (119 hours) and casein agar (184 hours). Total developmental time from oviposition until adult emergence for M. scalaris in liver agar and raw liver was approximately 163 hours. All puparia in nutrient agar and casein agar failed to hatch. This research highlighted the potential use of cow’s liver agar as an alternative diet of raw liver to culture M. scalaris in laboratory.
Individual identification is an important and challenging task in forensic investigation. Lip print on drinking glass or cigarette butt found at crime scenes may link to a suspect. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in lip print between sexes or races, differences in lip measurement between sexes or races and determine a way to estimate sex and race by using lip print or lip measurements for main races in Malaysia. A total of 134 subjects (67 males and 67 females) of Malay, Chinese and India were recruited from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Campus Kuala Lumpur (UKMKKL), Malaysia. Lip prints were taken by using a lipstick and a transparent cellophane tape. Lip measurements were taken by using electronic digital callipers. Lip prints were classified according to Tsuchihashi classification. Statistical analysis indicated that there was a significant difference in lip print between sexes (p < 0.001) but not in races (p > 0.05). Width of oral opening and the height of lower lip both indicated significant differences between sexes (p < 0.001) while the height of upper lip and lower lip each indicated significant differences between races (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant interaction between sexes and races for all lip measurements. Formulae for sex and race determination were calculated with Classification Tree when there was significant difference between every comparison. Tables of accuracy percentage and performance evaluation for method in categorizing sex or race by using lip print or lip measurement were made. For validation of method in sex determination based on the formulae formed, accuracy in females is 90% and 65% in males. Therefore, overall percentage of accuracy in sex determination was 77.5%. This study can provide a preliminary idea about the use of lip prints in sex or race determination among Malaysian population.
Myogenic tone is the response of the vascular smooth muscle to an increase in intraluminal pressure with vasoconstriction and with vasodilation when the pressure is decreased. Such myogenic tone contributes a level of physiological basal tone in response to neurohumoral stimuli. In spite of myogenic tone discovery by Sir William Bayliss 100 years ago, questions still remain regarding the underlying signaling mechanism of the myogenic response. Studies have shown that increased intraluminal pressure or wall tension leads to membrane depolarization, voltage-operated calcium channel (VOCC), stretch-activated cation (SAC) channels, extracelullar matrix (ECM) and actin cytoskeleton. Recently, evidence has shown a potential role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a key signalling mediator in the genesis of myogenic tone. The identification of the primary mechanosensors in the initiation of pressure-dependent myogenic tone is essential as these components could be potential therapeutical targets in the future.
Many studies have shown that probiotic strains added to a number of probiotic products are not compatible to that of
claimed. It is thus of note to validate probiotic strains added to probiotic products. In this study, three probiotic drinks,
A, B and C, were cultured on MRS agar and the number of bacterial colonies was enumerated. The bacterial counts
recovered from A (9.3 ± 6.9 log CFU/ml) and C (9.0 ± 6.9 log CFU/ml) were signifi cantly higher than B (5.2 ± 3.5 log
CFU/ml) and achieved the minimal amount recommended for probiotic bacteria. All of the isolates appeared as gram
positive rods microscopically and were proven to be catalase negative. However, there were only A1, A2, B4 and C1 that
were highly tolerant to the gastrointestinal pH 3 to 6. The four isolates produced and secreted antimicrobial substances
which inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). C1 showed the greatest
growth inhibition by forming 17.50-mm and 17.85-mm inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The
16s rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed to further identify the twelve isolates. The twelve isolates
were found to be Lactobacillus (L.), particularly L. casei and L. paracasei. However, the bacteria isolated from drink B
were incompatible to the labelled ones. In conclusion, probiotic drinks are possible to contain different bacterial counts
and probiotic strains from the labelled ones. These differences might affect health benefi ts rendered by probiotic strains
to consumers.
Ocular abnormalities have apparent effects on brain activation. However, neuroimaging data about the ocular characteristics of healthy participants are still lacking to be compared with data for patients with ocular pathology. The objective of this multiple participants’ functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies was to investigate the brain activation characteristics of healthy participants when they view stimuli of various shapes, pattern and size. During the fMRI scans, the participants view the growing ring, rotating wedge, flipping hour glass/bow tie, quadrant arc and full checker board stimuli. All stimuli have elements of black-and-white checkerboard pattern. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used in generating brain activation via fixed-effects (FFX) and conjunction analyses. The stimuli of various shapes, pattern and size produce different brain activation with more activation concentrated in the left hemisphere. These results are supported by the conjunction analysis which indicated that the left pre-central, post-central, superior temporal and occipital gyrus as well as the left cingulate cortices were involved when the participants viewed each given stimulus. Differential activation analysis showed activation with high specificity in the occipital region due to the stimuli of various shapes, pattern and size. The activation in the right middle temporal gyrus was found to be significantly higher in response to moving stimuli as compared to stationary stimuli. This confi rms the involvement of the right middle temporal gyrus in the observation of movements. The black-and-white checkerboard stimuli of various shapes, pattern and size, stationary and moving was found to 1) activate visual as well as other cortices in temporal and parietal lobes, 2) cause asymmetry in brain function and 3) exhibit functional integration characteristics in several brain areas.
Keywords: fMRI; SPM; visual stimulus; occipital gyrus; middle temporal gyrus
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stimulus sweep direction on the fine structure of the 2f1-f2 distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). It was hypothesised that the DPOAE fine structure could be shifted if the stimulus sweep changed from one direction to the other. In the present study, ascending, descending and random frequency sweeps were used, with f2 frequency varying between 992 Hz and 2496 Hz and f2/f1 fixed at 1.22. DPOAE fine structure was recorded at 16 Hz intervals. Screening, spontaneous otoacoustic emission (SOAE) and DPOAE measurements were carried out on 19 ears of 19 subjects aged between 22 and 30 years. Data from 14 ears that had at least one significant peak or valley in their DPOAE fine structure were included in the main analysis. Of these, five ears showed at least one occurrence of SOAE over the frequency span 600 Hz to 2500 Hz. Data for ears with and without SOAEs were grouped and analysed separately. The results showed no effect of sweep direction on DPOAE fine structure. No significant differences were observed in peak or valley frequencies, peak height or valley depth between the three stimulus sweep conditions (p > 0.05). There was also no significant effect of stimulus sweep direction on DPOAE level at the point at which SOAE frequency equalled DPOAE frequency (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the study found no effect of stimulus sweep direction on the fine structure of the 2f1-f2 DPOAE, either in ears with or without SOAEs. Therefore, future measurements of this fine structure may use either sweep direction.
This paper outlines the past five decades of scientific interests and advances in medicinal plant research in Malaysia. Initially the prime interest of research programmes has been on phytochemical studies leading to the discovery of biologically active compounds as chemical templates to produce new drug candidates. As the Malaysian herbal medicine market experiences an extraordinary growth, the research approaches taken have recently included activities to develop herbal medicines into quality, efficacious and safe products for human consumption. Advances in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques have had a tremendous impact on the isolation and structure elucidation of the constituents of medicinal plants. The development of a series of bioassay methodologies and utilization of bioassay-guided isolation techniques have contributed significantly to the progress of medicinal plant research in Malaysia. Research work on some medicinal plants carried out by the local scientists will be illustrated as examples.
There has been a significant increase in research on probiotics-associated health benefits in the last 20 years. Many studies carried out in vitro and clinically show that consumption of probiotics inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the consumption of probiotics also enhances the host immune response and decreases the levels of carcinogenesis-inducing enzymes. These positive outcomes have led to the use of probiotics in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases like bacterial or antibiotic associated diarrhea, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer. This review summarises literature pertaining to mechanistic actions of probiotics in improving the well-being of hosts.
The emergence of research about the biological effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) have growing concern among
researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on the brain of rats periodically exposed to 0.1 mT EMF.
Total 24 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subdivided randomly to 4 groups: 2 control groups (C1 6 hours: 6 h/
day for 5 days; C2 20 hours: 20 h/day for 5 days) and 2 treatment groups which exposed to 0.1 mT EMF (T1 6 hours:
6 h/day for 5 days; T2 20 hours: 20 h/day for 5 days). A significant decrease in the pyramidal cell number was higher
as the exposure duration to EMF was extended (T1, p
The most commonly used techniques of alpha and gamma spectrometry were performed to measure
210Pb activity in marine sediment core as a comparison. Alpha analytical technique measured the
activity of 210Pb from it’s in-grow grand-daughter 210Po after a chemical separation, assuming
radioactive equilibrium between the two radionuclides. Meanwhile, gamma analysis technique
allows direct measurement, non-destructive and no preliminary chemical separation. Through the
comparison, it is found that both alpha and gamma analysis techniques were slightly difference.
Overall, the results from alpha analytical technique were basically higher than those from the
gamma analytical techniques. Some logical argument had been discussed to explain this situation.
In routine analysis, the analytical technique used should be chosen carefully based on advantages
and disadvantages of the each technique and analysis requirements. Therefore, it is recommended to
determine exactly the needs and purpose of analysis and to know the sample history before decide
the appropriate analytical technique
Nuclear grade (high-purity) graphite for fuel element and moderator material in Advanced Gas
Cooling Reactors (AGR) displays large scatter in strength and a non-linear stress-strain response from the damage accumulation. These responses can be characterized as quasi-brittle behaviour. Current assessments of fracture in core graphite components are based on the linear elastic approximation and thus represent a major assumption. The quasi-brittle behaviour gives challenge to assess the real nuclear graphite component. The selected test method would help to bridge the gap between microscale to macro-scale in real reactor component. The small scale tests presented here can contribute some statistical data to manifests the failure in real component. The evaluation and choice of different solution design of biaxial test will be discussed in this paper. The ball on-three ball test method was used for assessment test follows by numerous of analytical method. The results shown that biaxial strength of the EY9 grade graphite depends on the method used for evaluation. Some of the analytical methods use to calculate biaxial strength were found not to be valid and therefore should not be used to assess the mechanical properties of nuclear graphite.
Detection and analysis of resin is particularly significant since the commercial value of agarwood is related to the quantity of resins that are present. This article explores the potential of a scanning electron microscope in combination with new non-destructive 3D visualization technique, X-ray micro-computed tomography, as imaging tools to visualize micro-structure resin in agarwood. These techniques were used to compare two samples of agarwood chips: high grade and low grade. From the results, it can be concluded that a wood cell filled with resin deposit have a higher attenuation. It can be shown that the combination of scanning electron microscopy and micro-CT can offer high resolution images concerning the localization and structure of resin inside Agarwood. While the second allows the 3D investigation of internal structure of agarwood, the first technique can provide details 2D morphological information. These imaging techniques, although sophisticated can be used for standard development especially in grading of agarwoodlbr commercial activities.
Nur Humaira’ Lau Abdullah, Zal U’yun Wan Mahmood, Norfaizal Mohamed @ Muhamad, Nazaratul Ashifa Abdullah Salim, Ahmad Nazrul Abd Wahid, Nor Dalila Desa, et al.
A glasshouse experiment was performed to evaluate the uptake of grasses viz. Napier and Vetiver
in radiophytoremediation of caesium-contaminated soil. The radiophytoremediation experiment
was designed according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The grasses were
grown in troughs filled with soil mixed with a known specific activity of 134Cs. Initial Cs activity and
activity after different cultivation time intervals of 1, 3, 6 and 9 months were analyzed using gamma
spectrometer direct measurement. The results showed the uptake of caesium by Napier and Vetiver
after 9 months with the transfer factors (TF) were 4.70 and 6.25, respectively. The remediation of
caesium from the contaminated soil during the study period was 98.08% for Napier and 98.21% for
Vetiver. Both grasses have been found to accumulate caesium, with Vetiver accumulating higher
than Napier. Thus, the present study suggests that Vetiver could be used as a potential plant for
radiophytoremediation of caesium.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples require good judgment from the analysts. These two aspects in gamma spectrometric analysis of Proficiency Test and solid radioactive waste samples for the determination of radionuclides are discussed. It is vital to judge and decide what energy peaks belong to which radionuclides prior to the creation of customized radionuclide library for the analysis of specific samples. Corrections due to radionuclide decay and growth, and the half-life assigned to a particular radionuclide in the uranium and thorium series are also discussed. Discussion on judgment to confirm the presence of thorium in food samples based on gamma spectrometry and neutron activation analysis is also provided.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a two week reduction in training load on selected physiological and performance among junior cyclist. Twenty seven male junior cyclists (age= 16.6±0.7 years, height=165.6±6.1 cm, weight= 54.1±8.1 kg) were matched into either the control group (n=13) or the experimental group (n=14) using their initial VO2max values. Both groups followed a 12-week progressive endurance training program and subsequently, the experimental group (EXP) engaged in a two week tapering (recovery via a reduction in training loads) phase. The control group continued with their normal training routine. A simulated 20 km time trials performance and a graded exercise test on cycle ergometer were performed before and after endurance training and after the two week tapering protocol. Following the conclusion of the two week intervention or no intervention program both groups undertook a TT20km. Results showed no significant difference in the TT20km performance. Compared to the CON group, the EXP group showed significant changes in all the selected physiological variables tested, p
Sports coaching and especially high performance coaching has long existed in some sort of duality. On one hand, sport coaching has been regarded by many as a prestigious and rewarding job, whereas on the other, sport coaching still lacks a reputation as a career opportunity mostly due to the fact that coaching is yet to receive its full professional recognition in the society. Given the vast variety of coaching qualifications, coaching roles and coaching occupations available within sport infrastructure in the society, the situation has got progressively complicated with the recognition of coaching qualifications. In addition, the growing popularity of high performance and participation sports in the society started drawing more attention from the public to the issues of coach education, competence and qualifications. Malaysian scenario on the issue is quite complicated as well, and growing demand to uplift the country’s performance in SEA, Asian, Commonwealth and Olympic Games requires interference from the higher education institutions and NGOs.
Tissue regeneration is a rapidly growing field providing a beacon of hope in the field of restorative and endodontics. Root canal treatment involves the removal of pulp tissue and replacement by an inorganic materials where as regenerative endodontics deals with replacement with healthy pulp to revitalize the teeth .Research in the field of tissue engineering and material science have lead to significant progress but still is plague with lots of drawbacks and failures, hence it is still not being adapted as routine clinical procedures .The purpose of this article is to review the advances made in regenerative endodontics and the future scopes.
Introduction: Amniotic fluid (AF) consists of heterogenous population of cells with high diagnostic
and therapeutic values. The study of rat amniotic fluid cells is very limited, despite the extensive use
of this animal model in biomedical research. Primary culture of rat AF cells, especially from full term pregnancies has not been well established. Here we attempt to determine the suitable medium in
culturing rat AF cells that would enhance the cell viability, growth rate and heterogeneity. Methods:
The cell viability, growth rate and heterogeneity of rat AF cells were compared upon culturing the
primary cells in two different media; Amniomax or RPMI. Cell viability study was carried out using
trypan blue staining, while the growth rate was monitored based on the time required to passage the cells (population doubling time in hour). The heterogeneity of cells was examined based on the morphology of the cells. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test. Results: Amniomax was observed to provide a better culture condition in culturing rat AF cells as the cells are more viable, grow faster and more heterogenous as compared to the cells grown in RPMI. Conclusion: Amniomax is a more suitable medium for high quality and viability of full term rat AF cell culture, as compared to RPMI. Thus, warranting propagation of more rat AF cells for biomedical research.