Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment that employs the production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), subsequently triggering tumor apoptosis and tumor size reduction. However, this approach suffers from insufficient light penetration depth. In order to mitigate this issue, pollen-structured gold clusters (PSGCs) were designed for mediating X-ray-induced PDT for radiotherapy enhancement. The structure of PSGCs provides a large surface area that is able to generate ROS upon X-ray irradiation. The synthesized PSGCs were exposed to different X-ray doses and the generated ROS was then quantified by dihydroethidium (DHE) assay. Furthermore, at the cellular level, the PDT efficacy of PSGCs was evaluated via immunofluorescence staining with γ-H2AX and comet assay. The results demonstrated that PSGCs possess a significantly high ROS-generating capacity and a remarkable PDT efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer cells, thus showing potential clinical uses in deep-tissue cancer treatment.
The paper presents the results of ample investigations performed on industrial and traditional ceramics of fired clay used in processes of water potabilization in the last stage of filtration, after that of active charcoal. Using the data obtained through the scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and pH analyses, on the basis of the atomic composition and free concentration of hydronium ions, the normal caustic (Si/Al) and summative [(Si+Ti+FeIII+Cl)/(Al+Ca+Mg+Na+K)] modules were assessed, which were correlated with the free acidity and, respectively, the capacity of absorption and ionic exchange of the Fe3+ and Al3+ ions. The study allowed the selection, on the basis of the caustic module, of the ceramics with high capacity for ionic exchange.
The tunability of semi-conductivity in SrTiO3 single crystal substrates has been realized by a simple encapsulated annealing method under argon atmosphere. This high temperature annealing-induced property changes are characterized by the transmission spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption (XAS). We find the optical property is strongly influenced by the annealing time (with significant decrease of transmittance). A sub gap absorption at ~427 nm is detected which is attributed to the introduction of oxygen vacancy. Interestingly, in the SEM images, annealing-induced regularly rectangle nano-patterns are directly observed which is contributed to the conducting filaments. The XAS of O K-edge spectra shows the changes of electronic structure by annealing. Very importantly, resistance switching response is displayed in the annealed SrTiO3 single crystal. This suggests a possible simplified route to tune the conductivity of SrTiO3 and further develop novel resistance switching materials.
A geopolymer has been reckoned as a rising technology with huge potential for application across the globe. Dolomite refers to a material that can be used raw in producing geopolymers. Nevertheless, dolomite has slow strength development due to its low reactivity as a geopolymer. In this study, dolomite/fly ash (DFA) geopolymer composites were produced with dolomite, fly ash, sodium hydroxide, and liquid sodium silicate. A compression test was carried out on DFA geopolymers to determine the strength of the composite, while a synchrotron Micro-Xray Fluorescence (Micro-XRF) test was performed to assess the elemental distribution in the geopolymer composite. The temperature applied in this study generated promising properties of DFA geopolymers, especially in strength, which displayed increments up to 74.48 MPa as the optimum value. Heat seemed to enhance the strength development of DFA geopolymer composites. The elemental distribution analysis revealed exceptional outcomes for the composites, particularly exposure up to 400 °C, which signified the homogeneity of the DFA composites. Temperatures exceeding 400 °C accelerated the strength development, thus increasing the strength of the DFA composites. This appears to be unique because the strength of ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and other geopolymers composed of other raw materials is typically either maintained or decreases due to increased heat.
The aim of this study was to prepare β-wollastonite using a green synthesis method (autoclaving technique) without organic solvents and to study its bioactivity. To prepare β-wollastonite, the precursor ratio of CaO:SiO₂ was set at 55:45. This mixture was autoclaved for 8 h and later sintered at 950 °C for 2 h. The chemical composition of the precursors was studied using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), in which rice husk ash consists of 89.5 wt % of SiO₂ in a cristobalite phase and calcined limestone contains 97.2 wt % of CaO. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns after sintering showed that only β-wollastonite was detected as the single phase. To study its bioactivity and degradation properties, β-wollastonite samples were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for various periods of time. Throughout the soaking period, the molar ratio of Ca/P obtained was in the range of 1.19 to 2.24, and the phase detected was amorphous calcium phosphate, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) and XRD. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that the peaks of the calcium and phosphate ions increased when an amorphous calcium phosphate layer was formed on the surface of the β-wollastonite sample. A cell viability and proliferation assay test was performed on the rice husk ash, calcined limestone, and β-wollastonite samples by scanning electron microscope. For heavy metal element evaluation, a metal panel that included As, Cd, Pb, and Hg was selected, and both precursor and β-wollastonite fulfilled the requirement of an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM F1538-03) standard specification. Apart from that, a degradation test showed that the loss of mass increased incrementally as a function of soaking period. These results showed that the β-wollastonite materials produced from rice husk ash and limestone possessed good bioactivity, offering potential for biomedical applications.
e effects of biological pretreatment on the rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), was evaluated after cultivation of white rot fungi Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, Trametes versicolor, and a mixed culture of C. subvermispora and T. versicolor. The analysis of chemical compositions indicated that C. subvermispora had greater selectivity for lignin degradation with the highest lignin and hemicellulose loss at 45.06% and 42.08%, respectively, and lowest cellulose loss (9.50%) after 90 days among the tested samples. X-ray analysis showed that pretreated samples had a higher crystallinity than untreated samples. The sample pretreated by C. subvermispora presented the highest crystallinity of all the samples which might be caused by the selective degradation of amorphous components. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy demonstrated that the content of lignin and hemicellulose decreased during the biological pretreatment process. A study on hydrolysis of rubberwood treated with C. subvermispora, T. versicolor, and mixed culture for 90 days resulted in an increased sugar yield of about 27.67%, 16.23%, and 14.20%, respectively, as compared with untreated rubberwood (2.88%). The results obtained demonstrate that rubberwood is a potential raw material for industrial applications and white rot fungus C. subevermispora provides an effective method for improving the enzymatic hydrolysis of rubberwood.
In this work, untreated bovine cortical bones (BCBs) were exposed to a range of heat treatments in order to determine at which temperature the apatite develops an optimum morphology comprising porous nano hydroxyapatite (nanoHAp) crystals. Rectangular specimens (10 mm × 10 mm × 3-5 mm) of BCB were prepared, being excised in normal to longitudinal and transverse directions. Specimens were sintered at up to 900 °C under ambient pressure in order to produce apatites by two steps sintering. The samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attached to an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector. For the first time, morphology of the HAp particles was predicted by XRD, and it was verified by SEM. The results show that an equiaxed polycrystalline HAp particle with uniform porosity was produced at 900 °C. It indicates that a porous nanoHAp achieved by sintering at 900 °C can be an ideal candidate as an in situ scaffold for load-bearing tissue applications.
Textile industries consume large volumes of water for dye processing, leading to undesirable toxic dyes in water bodies. Dyestuffs are harmful to human health and aquatic life, and such illnesses as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, and hinder the photosynthetic activity of aquatic plants. To overcome this environmental problem, the advanced oxidation process is a promising technique to mineralize a wide range of dyes in water systems. In this work, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared via an advanced chemical reduction route, and its photocatalytic activity was tested by photodegrading Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye in aqueous solution. rGO was synthesized by dispersing the graphite oxide into the water to form a graphene oxide (GO) solution followed by the addition of hydrazine. Graphite oxide was prepared using a modified Hummers' method by using potassium permanganate and concentrated sulphuric acid. The resulted rGO nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to further investigate their chemical properties. A characteristic peak of rGO-48 h (275 cm-1) was observed in the UV spectrum. Further, the appearance of a broad peak (002), centred at 2θ = 24.1°, in XRD showing that graphene oxide was reduced to rGO. Based on our results, it was found that the resulted rGO-48 h nanoparticles achieved 49% photodecolorization of RB5 under UV irradiation at pH 3 in 60 min. This was attributed to the high and efficient electron transport behaviors of rGO between aromatic regions of rGO and RB5 molecules.
Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the use of ultrasound in diagnosis of infection and tumour of long bones. Methodology: Patients referred from the orthopaedic unit with doubt regarding long bone clinical and/or radiological signs which could be tumour or infection were enrolled in this study. Analysis of ultrasound characteristics included presence of pericortical fluid over normal cortex well away from the primary lesion, wavy contour sign (fluid tracking in and out muscle planes), subperiosteal fluid and soft tissue mass displacing adjacent muscle planes. Results: Fourteen out of 15 patients with confirmed osteomyelitis were diagnosed by ultrasound examination. Ultrasound as a diagnostic tool has a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 100%. The most accurate indicator was pericortical fluid noted up to several centimetres from the long bone abnormality seen on plain x-rays. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a safe, fast, cost-effective imaging modality that can play an important role in diagnosis of osteomyelitis as it then serves as a tool for ultrasound guided aspiration.
We evaluated the efficacy of a cement gun to improve the depth of cement penetration in total knee arthroplasty. Ninety-one consecutive patients from two hospitals were recruited for this study. For Group I cement was applied to the tibial baseplate and the proximal tibia with fingers. Group 2 had similar application of cement to the tibial baseplate but cement was pressurized into the proximal tibia using a cement gun.. The knee was kept extended until the cement hardened. Standard post-operative x-rays were reviewed to assess cement penetration into the proximal tibia. The mean cement penetration was 2.1 mm in Group 1 and 3.1 mm in Group 2 and the difference was statistically significant. The use of the cement gun improves cement penetration into the proximal tibia and facilitates early stability of the implant fixation to the bone.
This study aims to determine the relationship between calcium intake and lifestyle factors with bone health status among 56 postmenopausal women in the Evergreen Senior Citizens Club, Petaling Jaya. Purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur proximal and lumbar L2-L4 was measured based on the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptionmetry (DEXA) technique at KVOTC Clinic, Subang Jaya. The interview sessions were conducted using a questionnaire followed by anthropometric measurements. The results revealed that the average age of the respondents was 64.0 years old. The average weight and height of the respondents were 53.68 kg and 1.55 meters, respectively. Overall, the average body mass index (BMI) of the respondents was quite satisfactory (22.4 kg/m²) with only 17.9% of them categorized as overweight (>25 kg/m²). The average total calcium intake was 807.31 mg and about 76.2% was contributed by food intake. About 83.9% of the respondents met the recommended calcium intake according to the Malaysian RDA. The average BMD of the lumbar, neck, wards and trochanter was 9.983 ± 0.178 g/cm², 0.745 ± 0.126 g/cm², 0.604 ± 0.150 g/cm² and 0.674 ± 0.127 g/cm², respectively. About 32.1% of the respondents were categorized as osteoporotic at the femoral wards, while 10.7% respectively was at the lumbar L2-L4 and femoral neck. Half of the respondents had osteopenia at the femoral neck (53.6%) and wards (50.0%) and at the lumbar L2-L4 (53.6%). Pearson correlation test showed significant negative correlations between age and BMD in the neck (r = -0.419, p
It remains a challenge to diagnose aortic dissection in primary care, as classic clinical features are not always present. This case describes an atypical presentation of aortic dissection, in which the patient walked in with pleuritic central chest pain associated with a fever and elevated C-reactive protein. Classic features of tearing pain, pulse differentials, and a widened mediastinum on chest X-ray were absent. This unusual presentation highlights the need for a heightened level of clinical suspicion for aortic dissection in the absence of classic features. The case is discussed with reference to the literature on the sensitivity and specificity of the classic signs and symptoms of aortic dissection. A combination of the aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS) and D-dimer test is helpful in ruling out this frequently lethal condition.
In primary care, chest X-rays are commonly performed to assess patients presenting with a prolonged
cough. However, the extent to which the flms are accurately interpreted depends on the skill of the
doctors. Doctors with insufcient experience may miss an exact diagnosis when evaluating a flm,
especially in patients with nonspecifc symptoms, such as in the case discussed in this paper.
( Copied from article ).
Nursemaid's elbow is a radial head subluxation caused by axial traction on the extended arm while the forearm is pronated, allowing for slippage of the radial head. A 2-year-old boy presented with pain, swelling and reduced range of movement of the right elbow for 4 days. The mother noted that the child was moving the right upper limb less often and there was tenderness over the right elbow. X-ray of the right elbow showed subluxation of the elbow joint with no obvious fracture. A trial of conservative management was decided upon and the patient was placed on a right elbow backslab with the right forearm in a supine position. On follow-up, there was no swelling, tenderness or neurological deficit noted. A repeate x-ray revealed normal findings.
Nursemaid’s elbow is a radial head subluxation caused by axial traction on the extended arm while
the forearm is pronated, allowing for slippage of the radial head. A 2-year-old boy presented with
pain, swelling and reduced range of movement of the right elbow for 4 days. The mother noted that
the child was moving the right upper limb less often and there was tenderness over the right elbow.
X-ray of the right elbow showed subluxation of the elbow joint with no obvious fracture. A trial of
conservative management was decided upon and the patient was placed on a right elbow backslab
with the right forearm in a supine position. On follow-up, there was no swelling, tenderness or
neurological deficit noted. A repeate x-ray revealed normal findings.
This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted to assess patient's satisfaction by evaluating the waiting time experienced by 27 (54%) inpatients and 23 (46%) outpatients who sought treatment at a private hospital in Selangor from 15th of May 2006 until 3rd of]une 2006. Majority of the patients (78%) were in the range between Z 1 - 40 years old and well»educated. Almost half (48%) were in the human resources employment category, 20% were in administration and marketing and 10% were professionals. Majority of them earned from RM1000-1999 (34%) and RMZ000-3999 (32%). Almost all of them (96%) agreed that the medical care that they had been receiving in the hospital was just about perfect. 98% agreed that the doctors treated them in a very friendly and courteous manner and 96% rated the care given by nurses as g0od/ excellent. 88% to 92% said that their communication with the doctors, nurses and other staff were good/ excellent. 80% waited less than 15 minutes at the registration counter, 52% waited less than 15 minutes to see the doctor and 44% waited less than 15 minutes at other places such as pharmacy and x-ray. Overall, 94% rated the level of services in the hospital as good/ excellent, Almost all (90%) would like to recommend the hospital to their friends and relatives. Our study demonstrated that the majority of the patients were satisfied with the doctors, nurses and environment of the private hospital. The average waiting time of patient before being attended to by a doctor was less than 30 minutes.
Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)
Treating tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health challenge in many developing countries. Treatment success rate in Malaysia is on declining pattern from 78% in 2000 to 48% in 2006. This study will determine factors associated with unsuccessful treatment among pulmonary TB patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on notified and treated pulmonary TB cases in Kota Bharu district Kelantan between January 2006 and December 2007. To identify the associated factors, univariate comparison and multiple logistic regressions were performed. Among the 765 patients identified, 472 (61.7%) cases fulfilled the criteria and were analyzed. There were 316 males and 156 females and their mean (SD) age was 45 (17.9) years. In univariable analysis, age, gender, educational level, employment status, family incomes as well as coexistence of extra-pulmonary TB, smoking, co-morbid disease (diabetes mellitus), HIV status, sputum cultures, chest X-ray findings and duration of delay for diagnosis were all found to have significant relationship with unsuccessful pulmonary TB treatment outcome. After adjusted for the confounders, the significant predictors for unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment were age (Adj. OR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-1.15), HIV positive (Adj. OR 23.04; 95% CI: 3.01-176.22) and advanced chest X-ray findings (Adj. OR 6.51; 95% CI: 1.50-28.23). A large proportion of unsuccessfully treated cases could be identified at entry
by screening for age, chest X-rays and HIV status and specially targeted measures could be taken. The use of directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) should be given more focus and priority among this high risk group of patients.
Scurvy resulting from dietary deficiency of vitamin C is characterized by anaemia, tender limbs swelling and hemorrhagic manifestations such as petechiae and bruises. We report a case of scurvy in a 13 years old boy with cerebral palsy who presented with history of limbs bruising and swelling for 2 months. On examination, he was cachexic and pale with poor dentition and swollen gum. There were extensive bruises and swollen limbs as well. His platelet count and coagulation profile were normal. Limbs X-ray revealed classical scorbutic changes in the long bones. Serum ascorbic acid level was low
Sol-gel barium titanate (BaTiO3) and erbium doped barium titanate (Er-BaTiO3) were deposited on SiO2/Si substrates. The phase and crystallinity of the thin films were identified using x-ray diffractometer (XRD). The effect of Er dopant into BaTiO3 thin film on its grain size and surface roughness was studied using atomic force microscope (AFM) in tapping mode. XRD patterns revealed that the films were crystallized with perovskite structure. At the same time, it was shown that introducing Er dopant into BaTiO3 thin film caused the dominant peak to shift towards higher angle. AFM micrographs indicated that the films had well distributed grains, dense and crack-free surface. In general, substitution of Er dopant into Ba-site reduced the grain sizes and roughness parameter of the BaTiO3 which was attributed to the smaller ionic radius of Er.
Introduction: Varicella pneumonitis is a rare but lethal complication of varicella zoster infection. Case description:We report a case of a 42 year old gentleman who presented with fever, rash, cough and worsening shortness of breath after exposure to his daughter who just recovered from varicella zoster infection. He is an active smoker with no comorbidities. He presented on day 4 of illness with generalised vesicular eruption and respiratory examination revealed reduced vesicular breath sounds bilaterally. He was intubated in view of worsening respiratory distress and was transferred to ICU. Chest X-ray and ABG was suggestive of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). He was treated with IV Acyclovir and broad spectrum antibiotics in view of subsequent hospital acquired infection. He was discharged well after 3 weeks of hospitalisation. Discussion: Varicella zoster infection is caused by Human alpha-herpesvirus 3, one of eight herpes viruses known to infect humans. Diagnosis of varicella pneumonitis with ARDS was made on the basis of rash, respiratory symptoms and contact with a child who just recovered from varicella zoster infection and rapid worsening of radiological changes. The risk factor of developing severe pneumonitis can be attributed to active smoking. Conclusion: High degree of suspicion and timely diagnosis is crucial for a favourable outcome in a patient with this rare complication.