A resistant variety with high yielding potential is key for increasing crop production to
fulfill the food requirement of the ever increasing world populations. Consequently, the aim of plant
breeders is to develop high yielding varieties or cultivars that are resistant or tolerant to specific
diseases or insects. For developing a resistant variety, it is enormously indispensable to incorporate or
introgress the specific resistant genes of that particular disease into the recipient. Suppression
subtractive hybridization (SSH) is a powerful technique for the identification of disease specific
differentially expressed genes that are expressed in a resistant or susceptible variety. This paper
presents a brief review on the SSH technique with examples focusing on the identification of the
wheat disease specific differentially expressed genes and their defense mechanisms against fungal
pathogens in global wheat cultivars. This review is helpful for wheat researchers for the updated
information on the SSH technique for the identification of differentially expressed genes in the global
wheat cultivars and varieties. Eventually, the identified genes could be used to develop the disease
resistance variety through marker-assisted backcrossing programme or conventional breeding.
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate inter-session repeatability, inter-examiner
reproducibility and inter-device agreement of corneal power measurements from manual keratometer,
autokeratometer, topographer, Pentacam high resolution and IOLMaster. Methods: Two sets of mean
corneal power measurements (n=40) were compared for inter-session repeatability and inter-examiner
reproducibility in each instrument. Repeatability and reproducibility were evaluated by within-subject
standard deviation (Sw), coefficient of variation (COV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A oneway
repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to compare differences in the corneal power
between each instrument pair. The Bland and Altman analysis and Pearson’s correlation were employed to
assess agreement and determine strength of relationship between measurements. Results: There were no
significant differences in mean corneal power measurements between 2 different visits (p > 0.05). The Sw
and COV values between 2 visits were lower than 0.09 D and 0.20 % respectively. The ICCs were stronger
than 0.99 in all instruments. For reproducibility of each instrument, differences of the measurements
between 2 different examiners were also insignificant (p > 0.05). The Sw and COV values between 2
examiners were lower than 0.11 D and 0.23 % respectively. The ICCs were 0.99 and above in all instruments.
The 95% limit of agreement between instruments ranged from -0.29 to 1.13 D and the r-values were stronger
than 0.84. Conclusion: The corneal power measurements using these 5 instruments were repeatable and
reproducible. These instruments can also be used interchangeably, however the topographer should be used
with caution.
This study was conducted to determine and compare the muscle activity during step forward lunge (SFL) and jump forward lunge (JFL) in badminton. Fifteen university badminton players (mean age = 22.07 ± 1.39 years old) were recruited and were assigned to perform SFL and JFL while holding a badminton racquet using their preferred hand. Muscle activation of vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GM), medial gastrocnemius (MG), and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) were analysed and compared between SFL and JFL and also between dominant and non-dominant lower limb in each lunge protocol. Results showed for both the dominant and non-dominant lower limb, all the muscle activation was greater during JFL compared to SFL except for the MG muscle. All the muscle activation was also found to be greater in the dominant compared to non-dominant lower limb for both lunge protocols. Overall, findings demonstrated the existence of differences in muscle activation across difference protocols of movement and different site of limbs. This should be taken into consideration for developing training program in order to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
Ludwig’s angina is a grave, fatal cellulitis usually occurs in adults. If it is diagnosed early along with
immediate treatment planning can save a life. In this case, it is a widespread dental infection which
extends to the neck and chest, therefore elevation of floor of mouth which causes respiratory
obstruction. Airway protection techniques along with proper parenteral antibiotics and meticulous
surgical drainage are the mainstay of treatment in a case of advanced staged Ludwig’s angina.
Objective: The objective of this study is to identify stroke patients’ adherence toward nurses’ advice and quality of life.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a medical ward in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang; it used the Quality of Life Index Stroke Version-III and Medical Outcome Study Measure of Patient Adherence. The data were collected using the purposive sampling method and were analysed using SPSS version 19.
Results: A total of 54 respondents, ranging in age from 50 to 80 years old, (46.3% male and 53.7% female) with 94.4% being Malays. Returned surveys indicated that 50% of the respondents have no formal education. A total of 64.8% patients adhered to the nurss’ advice and the remaining 35.2% were non-adherents. There is a positive correlation between adherence and the quality of life. Male patients demonstrated a better adherence level compared to women (p=0.019). However, there was no association between age, race and education level with adherence.
Conclusion: Healthcare professionals, such as nurses, have substantial roles in ensuring stroke patients adhere to rehabilitation guidelines with a view to maximising quality of life.
Objective: The present study is designed to investigate the occurrence of Acanthamoeba in air ventilation and air-conditioning systems in selected buildings in Kuantan.
Methods: Acanthamoeba was isolated from dust samples taken from filters of air ventilation systems in selected buildings in Kuantan. The dusts were collected by using sterile cotton swabs, cultured in a xenic culture medium on non-nutrient agar (NNA) plates and incubated at 37º C. The plates were examined daily for any presence of Acanthamoeba cysts up to 7 days of incubation.
Results: Based on the results obtained, there were no cysts or trophozoites of Acanthamoeba successfully isolated from all 75 dust samples. After three days of incubation, all culture plates examined show negative findings.
Conclusions: The negative findings of this study were probably due to the limitations of the sampling method. It is recommended that future studies use the method proposed by National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for indoor air quality monitoring.
Many studies have indicated that hearing-impaired (HI) children have poor oral hygiene mainly
contributed by difficulties in communication. The objectives of the study were to assess the difficulties
experienced by HI children during dental visit and the effectiveness of “Oral Health Care for the HearingImpaired”
(OCHI) programme in improving the oral health knowledge and practice, and reducing the dental
plaque maturity scores among HI children. A community intervention study was conducted and training of trainers
(TOT) was done to train the teachers in delivering oral health education (OHE) and practices by using developed
booklet and video. The difficulties faced by the HI children during dental visit, and the oral health knowledge and
practice (OHKP) were assessed by face-to-face interview with HI children whilst the dental plaque maturity was
assessed using GC Tri Plaque ID Gel™ (TPID) during pre-intervention, post-intervention-1 and postintervention-2.
Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. Among the teachers, there was an increase in the
mean (SD) total knowledge and attitude score during post-TOT compared to pre-TOT, 46.1 (2.44) and 43.7
(4.01); (p
Introduction: Leptospirosis is a preventable zoonosis of public health importance. Due to increasing incidence of leptospirosis and seasonal floods affecting Kuantan community, a study was conducted to identify the determinants of leptospirosis preventive practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Perkampungan Sungai Isap, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, which obtained 568 respondents by stratified proportionate random sampling technique. Data was collected using a modified guided questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS version 22.0. Results: Majority of the respondents were females (52.6%), Malay ethnicity (98.8%), attended up to secondary school (57.2%), worked in low-risk occupational group (96.0%) and reside in moderate-risk stratum (55.6%). Overall, majority (68%) of the respondents had good knowledge. However, only 38% of the respondents had satisfactory attitude and 18% had satisfactory practice. There were significant associations between stratum and leptospirosis preventive practices (χ2=11.84, df=2, p=0.003), age group and leptospirosis preventive practices (χ2=7.41, df=2, p=0.03) and personal income and leptospirosis preventive practices (χ2=6.32, df=1, p=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the predictors of satisfactory leptospirosis preventive practices were high-risk stratum (aOR: 3.69, 95% CI: 1.71-8.00, p=0.001) and monthly personal income of less than RM1000 (aOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05-2.59, p=0.03). Conclusions: Leptospirosis can be prevented by having adequate awareness regarding the disease through health promotional activities especially before, during and after flooding, targeting more on those in low to moderate risk areas and higher income group to prevent potential outbreaks.
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is generally known to cause severe disease in the neonate and immunocompromised adults. GBS in the pregnant mother is rare and can potentially be fatal. Clinical presentation can be as mild as an uncomplicated urinary tract infection or serious invasive disease in the form of bacteremia, chorioamnionitis, endometritis and septic abortion. We report a case of a 46-year-old Para 3 lady, post-partum day 12, whom was found dead at home. Prior to her death, she had intermittent fever and abnormal lochia. Autopsy findings indicate GBS endometritis and bacteraemia. She was never screened for GBS. The cost-effectiveness of universal GBS screening needs to be explored to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity due to GBS.
A digit 8-shaped resonator inspired metamaterial is proposed herein for sensor applications. The resonator is surrounded by a ground frame and excited by a microstrip feedline. The measurement of the sensor can be performed using common laboratory facilities in lieu of using the waveguide, as the resonator, ground frame, and feedline are all on the same microstrip. To achieve metamaterial properties, more than one unit cell is usually utilized, whereas, in this work, a single cell was used to achieve the metamaterial characteristics. The properties of the metamaterial were investigated to find the relationship between the simulation and measurements. The proposed metamaterial sensor shows considerable sensitivity in sensor application. For the sensor application, FR4 and Rogers RO4350 materials were used as the over-layer. The sensor can measure dielectric thickness with a sensitivity of 625 MHz/mm, 468 MHz/mm, and 354 MHz/mm for the single over-layer, double over-layers, and multiple over-layers, respectively. The proposed prototype can be utilized in several applications where metamaterial characteristics are required.
Aim: A once-daily formulation of tacrolimus, Advagraf®, is increasingly being used in place of twice-daily
tacrolimus, Prograf®, as a standard immunosuppressive agent for transplant patients. In this study, the
clinical safety and efficacy of Advagraf® were compared with Prograf®, among multi-ethnic Malaysian renal
transplanted population.
Method: This retrospective study identified renal transplant patients who were converted from Prograf® to
Advagraf® at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) (n=69). Clinical notes and laboratory records,
including tacrolimus daily dose and trough levels, were obtained for one-year, pre-and post-conversion. Causality
assessment of suspected adverse events were based on the WHO-Uppsala Monitoring Center criteria. Renal
biopsy records were re-evaluated based on the updated Banff 2007 classification for biopsy-confirmed acute
rejection (BPAR).
Results: Following conversion to Advagraf®, the mean tacrolimus trough level and daily dose decreased
significantly (p
This study sought to investigate understanding of obesity among registered nurse e-PJJ student semester 9 UiTM in Puncak Alam, in Selangor, Malaysia. A survey research design was used for the study. 100 nurses were randomly selected from 130 nurses in e-PJJ student semester 9. Study of this population was done by systematic sampling. The target groups for this study are matrons, sisters and staff nurses. 100% nurses showed understanding of obesity. Eating habits of the nurses contributed to this obesity. It was recommended among others, that nurses should practice theoretical knowledge base and the need to more opportunities for physical activities at hospital sites was emphasized.
Keywords: Obesity, Registered Nurses, Knowledge and attitude
Citation: Hussin S, Lai CC, Md Firdaous H, Abu Talib P. Smoking among teenagers in Malaysia - a socio-psychological study. Shah Alam, Selangor: Karisma Publication; 2004
Discolouration of microhybrid composite resin is a common problem faced by both dental practitioners and patients. The accumulation of plaque, penetration of colourant particles from foods and beverages, dietary habits and the smoothness of restorations have been known to influence the quality of the aesthetic restoration. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of polishing systems on surface roughness that led to discolouration of the microhybrid composite resin. Methods: Forty five samples of microhybrid composite resin (Filtex Z100) restorations were polished with two different polishing systems; one-step polishing (OP) system on the distal surface and multiple-step polishing (MP) system on the mesial surface. All samples were then immersed in two common beverages: black coffee and cocoa, for 20 minutes daily throughout 28 days of the experimental period. Results: Data on visual colour measurement and spectrometer colour spectrum was subjected to one-way ANOVA test at a significance level of 0.05. Both solutions were found to cause a significant colour change (p=0.0195) on the microhybrid composite resin. Black coffee solution obtained the highest score (71.6) of visual colour change and the lowest reflectance value (62.818) on the distal surface. Surface roughness evaluation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) had presented that both polishing systems used produced low level of surface roughness. Conclusion: Although MP system produced a smoother surface compared to OP system, a prolonged exposure to colourant particle found to cause an unacceptable discolouration of microhybrid composite resin.
Eleven marine sediment samples from Sg. Tengi Estuary, Tanjung Karang were analysed for their major elements in the oxides form (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Na2O3, MgO, CaO, K2O, TiO2, P2O5 and MnO) and trace elements (Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Zn, and Zr) contents. The muddy marine sediment was collected at the left and right side of the river mouth as far as one kilometre away and about 25-30 meters from the edge of existing growth. Some of the mud sample appears to have cockleshell flakes in them. The mean of major elemental content (oxides form) in the sediment in decreasing order were dominated by SiO2 (56.3%), followed by Al2O3, (15.5%), Fe2O3 (4.1%), Na2O (2.7%), CaO (2.6%), MgO (2.3%), K2O (1.8%), TiO2 (0.5%), P2O5 (0.14%) and MnO (0.06%). Volatile substances represented by loss on ignition (LOI) (13.9%) occupied substantial amounts of the sediment volume. The most abundant trace elements displayed as mean was Zr (222 mgkg-1), followed by Ba (200 mgkg-1), Sr (172 mgkg-1), Rb (131 mgkg-1), Zn (103 mgkg-1), V (l02mgkg-1), Cr (84 mgkg-1), Pb (40 mgkg-1), Ni (34 mgkg-1), Cu (31 mgkg-1) and Co (22 mgkg-1). Correlation analysis showed that Cr, Pb and Zn were positively related to the Fe203 and Al2O3 content whereas increase in pH immobilised Cr and Zn in the sediment. The mean of Cr (84 mgkg-1) and Zn (103 mgkg-1) content in sediment were higher than the lower limit of their respective threshold concentration.
Sebanyak 11 sampel sedimen marin daripada muara Sg. Tengi, Tanjung Karang telah dianalisis untuk menentukan kandungan unsur major dalam bentuk oksida (SiO2, Al2O3 Fe2O3, Na2O3, MgO, CaO, K2O, TiO2, P2O5 and MnO) dan unsur surih (Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Zn, and Zr). Sedimen marin berlumpur dikutip daripada bahagian kiri dan kanan muara sungai dalam jarak sejauh kira-kira 1 km dan 25-30 meter ke arah laut daripada kawasan pertumbuhan yang sedia ada. Sebahagian daripada sampel lumpur tersebut mempunyai kandungan serpihan kulit kerang. Purata kandungan unsur major di dalam sedimen mengikut urutan menurun adalah didominasi oleh SiO2 (56.27%) diikuti oleh Al2O3 (15.5%), Fe2O3 (4.1 %), Na2O (2.7%), CaO. (2.6%), MgO (2.3%), K2O (1.8%), TiO2 (0.5%), P2O5 (0.14%)dan MnO. (0.06%). Sebatian mudah meruap diwakili oleh kehilangan menerusi pembakaran (LOI) (13.9%) mengisi isipadu yang agak besar di dalam komposisi sedimen. Purata kandungan unsur surih yang terbanyak ditunjukkan. oleh Zr (222 mgkg-1), diikuti oleh Ba (200 mgkg-1), Sr (172 mgkgÂ-1), Rb (131 mgkg-1), Zn (103 mgkg-1), V (l02 mgkg-1), Cr (84 mgkg-1), Pb (40 mgkg-1), Ni (34 mgkg-1), Cu (31 mgkg-1) dan Co (22 mgkg-1). Analisis korelasi menunjukkan Cr, Pb dan Zn mempunyai hubungan positij yang signijikan dengan Fe2O3 dan Al2O3, manakala peningkatan pH memegunkan Cr dan Zn dalam sedimen. Purata kandungan Cr (84 mgkg-1) dan Zn (103 mgkg-1) di dalam sedimen lebih tinggi daripada paras yang dikira berpotensi toksik di dalam sedimen.
Sel fuel mikrob (SFM) merupakan peranti yang menggunakan bakteria sebagai biomangkin untuk mengoksidakan bahan organik dan bukan organik bagi menjanakan arus elektrik. Tujuan utama kajian ini ialah menguji kebolehan SFM skala makmal dengan menggunakan enapcemar yang mengandungi kultur campuran yang hidup dalam air sisa buangan kilang pemprosesan sawit (POME). Kajian ini juga bertujuan membina reka bentuk SFM yang sesuai dan mengkaji keaktifan kultur campuran yang boleh menghasilkan kuasa elektrik. POME telah digunakan dalam bentuk yang dicairkan dengan kandungan COD bersamaan dengan 3750 mg-COD L-1. Prestasi penghasilan kuasa elektrik dan kecekapan rawatan yang dinilai daripada segi penyingkiran COD, nitrogen dan jumlah karbohidrat dalam SFM dwi-ruang telah dicatat dan dianalisis setiap hari selama 15 hari. Hasil padanan uji kaji dan model kekutuban adalah memuaskan dan telah menjelaskan ketumpatan kuasa elektrik yang dapat dihasilkan pada setiap hari. Ketumpatan kuasa didapati meningkat dari hari pertama 1.607 mW m-2 (3.816 mA m-2) ke nilai maksimum pada hari ketiga 1.979 mW m-2 (4.780 mA m-2) dan mula turun sehingga minimum pada hari ketujuh 1.311 mW m-2 (3.346 mA m-2). Peringkat rawatan air sisa kilang sawit oleh SFM boleh dibahagikan kepada tiga tahap yang berbeza. Kecekapan rawatan yang rendah walaupun ketumpatan kuasa meningkat pada tahap pertama, manakala pada tahap kedua kecekapan rawatan lebih tinggi dan akhirnya pada tahap ketiga penghasilan kuasa SFM mula turun. Kecekapan rawatan paling tinggi berlaku pada tahap ketiga semasa penghasilan kuasa elektrik yang terhasil agak malar. Kecekapan rawatan yang dinilaikan dalam bentuk penyingkiran COD, penggunaan nitrogen dan karbohidrat paling tinggi berlaku pada hari ke-15 dengan nilai masing-masing adalah 54.9, 100 dan 98.9%. Hubungan penghasilan kuasa elektrik dan kecekapan rawatan telah berjaya dimodelkan dalam persamaan linear matematik berdasarkan kepada tahap-tahap penghasilan kuasa elektrik ini.
The use of antibiotics in poultry feed can cause antibiotic resistance in integrated poultry-fish farming pond environment.
Therefore, the goal of this study was to monitor the prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria in pond water associated with
poultry-fish farming in Bangladesh. The results showed that the prevalence rate of tetracycline (TC) and ampicillin (AMP)
resistant bacteria were 0.24 to 2.59% and 0.16 to 1.0%, respectively. The higher prevalence rate of TC and AMP-resistant
bacteria was found in site 3 followed by site 4 and 2 compared with control site 1. Site 2, 3 and 4 were adjacent to the
integrated poultry farm. On the other hand, higher TC and AMP-resistant bacteria were found in the rainy season than
in the winter. The minimum inhibitory concentration result showed quite high level of TC and AMP-resistant bacterial
distribution in the pond water. Seven genera of resistant bacteri¡a were identified in pond water samples by 16S rRNA
gene analysis. Among them Acinetobacter sp. was predominant followed by Enterococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus,
Staphylococcus sp., Enterobacter sp. and Brevibacillus sp.
Sixteen topsoil samples from Bukit Jernih, Gua Kelam and Bukit Merah were analysed for their major elements and heavy metal composition, together with several physico-chemical parameters. Major elements determined were SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, P2O5, whereas heavy metals determined were As, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn. Physico-chemical parameters determined were percentage of organic matter, clay, silt and sand composition, pH and electrical conductivity. The results showed that the average soil pH in limestone soil was between 6.38 to 6.93, whereas average soil pH in quartzite soil was 6.23. The average soil electrical conductivity for all sampling stations was below 1.7 mScm-1. High organic matter content average was shown in soil samples from Bukit Jernih (7.45%), followed by Gua Kelam (5.21%) and Bukit Merah (3.31%). Soil samples from Bukit Jernih and Gua Kelam showed a clayey texture with more than 35% clay content, whereas soil from Bukit Merah was sandy in texture with more than 67% sand content. In general, soil samples from limestone area of Bukit Jernih and Gua Kelam recorded higher content of heavy metals compared to quartzite soil from Bukit Merah. The average concentration of Cr and Co at Bukit Jernih at 413 µg/g and 88 µg/g, respectively, whereas the concentration at Gua Kelam was 152 µg/g dan 76 µg/g. These concentrations exceeded the potential toxic concentration in soil. The main major elements were SiO2 followed by Al2O3 and Fe2O3. SiO2 content in quartzite soil from Bukit Merah(89.45%) was higher compared to limestone soil from Bukit Jernih (59.74%) and Gua Kelam (53.16%). Nevertheless, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 content in limestone soil was higher compared to quartzite soil. The percentage of easily ignited content in limestone soil was two fold higher than quartzite soil. Other major elements were less than 2.5%. The study showed that enrichment of Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni and Cu in soil was influenced by the presence of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3.
Keywords: Enrichment; heavy metals; limestones hill; major elements; toxicity
Oleh sebab kejadian jenayah bersenjata api semakin berleluasa, pengecaman senjata api yang digunakan oleh penjenayah amat diperlukan sebagai bahan bukti dalam mahkamah. Beberapa sistem pengecaman senjata api telah diutarakan sebagai pengganti kepada cara penyiasatan tradisional yang amat bergantung kepada kepakaran ahli balistik. Pemetakan rantau tumpuan (ROI) berdasarkan kedudukan titik sauh (PAP) sempadan bulatan kesan pin peletup pada tapak kelongsong peluru merupakan langkah yang amat penting dalam sistem pengecaman senjata api automatik. Walau bagaimanapun, kaedah yang digunakan dalam kajian lepas bagi mengesan PAP sempadan bulatan tersebut adalah sangat kompleks dan memerlukan masa pemprosesan yang panjang. Kajian ini menerokai algoritma yang efisien dan berkemampuan untuk mengesan PAP sempadan bulatan secara automatik. Algoritma yang diutarakan merupakan gabungan daripada penapis penajaman reruang, penormalan histogram, pengambangan dan penganggar kuasa dua terkecil tak berpemberat. Dua kaedah pengambangan yang terkenal telah diuji dan dibandingkan, iaitu kaedah pengambangan berasaskan pengelompokan dan kaedah berasaskan entropi. Di samping itu, penerokaan kesan saiz dan bentuk ROI terhadap kadar pengelasan senjata api turut dipersembahkan. Sebanyak 747 imej kesan pin peletup jenis sempadan bulatan peletup yang dihasilkan oleh lima pucuk pistol yang berlainan daripada jenis yang sama digunakan untuk menguji algoritma yang diutarakan. Kadar pengelasan imej kesan pin peletup yang memberangsangkan (> 95%) telah dicapai dengan algoritma yang dicadangkan. Kajian juga mendapati bahawa saiz dan bentuk pemetakan ROI mempunyai kesan langsung terhadap kadar pengelasan senjata api.
In Malaysia, nests of Aerodramus fuciphagus (white-nest swiftlet) and Aerodramus maximus (black-nest swiftlet) are
harvested for commercial purposes, as one of the most valuable animal products. The taxonomy of a species is crucial,
as delineating species boundaries is fundamental to discover life’s diversity. However, swiftlet taxonomy has been
controversial, due to numerous undefined parameters. Although there are these limitations, morphological taxonomy
cannot be the unique approach for species identification and it is a valuable component in taxonomy studies. We have
undertaken a morphological approach to analyse community relationships among species of swiftlets. In this study, we
selected three different swiftlet species to generate two sets of comparisons: Within species and among different habitats.
This study found that A. fuciphagus from man-made habitats is generally larger in size compared to the natural habitat and
A. maximus is larger compared with A. fuciphagus. We postulate the difference in body size is due to dietary behaviour
and genetic variations of the swiftlets.