Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 340 in total

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  1. Sharip NS, Ariffin H, Yasim-Anuar TAT, Andou Y, Shirosaki Y, Jawaid M, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jan 27;13(3).
    PMID: 33513876 DOI: 10.3390/polym13030404
    The major hurdle in melt-processing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposite lies on the high melt viscosity of the UHMWPE, which may contribute to poor dispersion and distribution of the nanofiller. In this study, UHMWPE/cellulose nanofiber (UHMWPE/CNF) bionanocomposites were prepared by two different blending methods: (i) melt blending at 150 °C in a triple screw kneading extruder, and (ii) non-melt blending by ethanol mixing at room temperature. Results showed that melt-processing of UHMWPE without CNF (MB-UHMWPE/0) exhibited an increment in yield strength and Young's modulus by 15% and 25%, respectively, compared to the Neat-UHMWPE. Tensile strength was however reduced by almost half. Ethanol mixed sample without CNF (EM-UHMWPE/0) on the other hand showed slight decrement in all mechanical properties tested. At 0.5% CNF inclusion, the mechanical properties of melt-blended bionanocomposites (MB-UHMWPE/0.5) were improved as compared to Neat-UHMWPE. It was also found that the yield strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, toughness and crystallinity of MB-UHMWPE/0.5 were higher by 28%, 61%, 47%, 45% and 11%, respectively, as compared to the ethanol mixing sample (EM-UHMWPE/0.5). Despite the reduction in tensile strength of MB-UHMWPE/0.5, the value i.e., 28.4 ± 1.0 MPa surpassed the minimum requirement of standard specification for fabricated UHMWPE in surgical implant application. Overall, melt-blending processing is more suitable for the preparation of UHMWPE/CNF bionanocomposites as exhibited by their characteristics presented herein. A better mechanical interlocking between UHMWPE and CNF at high temperature mixing with kneading was evident through FE-SEM observation, explains the higher mechanical properties of MB-UHMWPE/0.5 as compared to EM-UHMWPE/0.5.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  2. Mani S, Sharma S, Singh DK
    J Telemed Telecare, 2021 Feb;27(2):88-97.
    PMID: 31272309 DOI: 10.1177/1357633X19861802
    INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of telerehabilitation (TR)-based evaluation of the cervical spine among adults with non-specific neck pain (NS-NP).

    METHODS: A total of 11 participants with NS-NP were recruited. Pain intensity, active range of motion (AROM), posture, deep neck flexor (DNF) endurance, combined neck movements and disability were measured using face-to-face and TR methods, with a one-hour break in between. TelePTsys, an image-based TR system, was used for TR assessment.

    RESULTS: A high degree of concurrent validity for pain (bias = 0.90), posture (bias = 0.96°), endurance (bias = -2.3 seconds), disability (bias = 0.10), AROM (extension bias = -0.60 cm, flexion bias = 1.2 cm, side flexion bias = -1.00, rotation bias = -0.30 cm) was found. Standard error of measurement and coefficient of variation (CV) values were within the acceptable level for concurrent validity, except the CV for cervical flexion and endurance. There was a high degree of reliability demonstrated for pain, posture, AROM, endurance and disability measurements. The average-measure interclass correlation coefficient (ICC(3,1)) ranged from 0.96 to 0.99 for inter-rater, and 0.93 to 0.99 for intra-rater reliabilities. There was moderate agreement for combination movement for validity (78.5%, p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  3. Lau PL, Allen RW, Styring P
    Beilstein J Org Chem, 2013;9:2886-97.
    PMID: 24367454 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.9.325
    The palladium metal catalysed Heck reaction of 4-iodoanisole with styrene or methyl acrylate has been studied in a continuous plug flow reactor (PFR) using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as the solvent, with THF and methanol as modifiers. The catalyst was 2% palladium on silica and the base was diisopropylethylamine due to its solubility in the reaction solvent. No phosphine co-catalysts were used so the work-up procedure was simplified and the green credentials of the reaction were enhanced. The reactions were studied as a function of temperature, pressure and flow rate and in the case of the reaction with styrene compared against a standard, stirred autoclave reaction. Conversion was determined and, in the case of the reaction with styrene, the isomeric product distribution was monitored by GC. In the case of the reaction with methyl acrylate the reactor was scaled from a 1.0 mm to 3.9 mm internal diameter and the conversion and turnover frequency determined. The results show that the Heck reaction can be effectively performed in scCO2 under continuous flow conditions with a palladium metal, phosphine-free catalyst, but care must be taken when selecting the reaction temperature in order to ensure the appropriate isomer distribution is achieved. Higher reaction temperatures were found to enhance formation of the branched terminal alkene isomer as opposed to the linear trans-isomer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  4. Vandenplas Y, Alarcon P, Fleischer D, Hernell O, Kolacek S, Laignelet H, et al.
    J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 2016 Jan;62(1):22-35.
    PMID: 26513620 DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000001014
    Partially hydrolyzed formulas (pHFs) are increasingly used worldwide, both in the prevention of atopic disease in at-risk infants and in the therapeutic management of infants with functional gastrointestinal manifestations. Because prevention is always preferable to treatment, we reviewed the literature aiming to find an answer for the question whether pHF may be recommended for feeding all infants if breast-feeding is not possible. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched up to December 2014. In addition, to search for data that remained undetected by the searches, we approached authors of relevant articles and major producers of pHFs asking for unpublished data. Because few data were found, nonrandomized, controlled trials and trials in preterm infants were included as well. Overall, only limited data could be found on the efficacy and safety of pHF in healthy term infants. Available data do not indicate that pHFs are potentially harmful for healthy, term infants. With respect to long-term outcomes, particularly referring to immune, metabolic and hormonal effects, data are, however, nonexistent. From a regulatory point of view, pHFs meet the nutrient requirements to be considered as standard formula for term healthy infants. Cost, which is different from country to country, should be considered in the decision-making process. Based on limited available data, the use of pHF in healthy infants is safe with regard to growth. The lack of data, in particular for metabolic consequences and long-term outcomes, is, however, the basis for our recommendation that health authorities should develop and support long-term follow-up studies. Efficacy and long-term safety data are required before a recommendation of this type of formula for all infants can be made.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  5. Loo JL, Keng SL, Ramírez-Espinosa IG, Nor Hadi NM, Ramírez-Gutiérrez JA, Shoesmith W
    Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2021 Mar;13(1):e12437.
    PMID: 33188568 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12437
    BACKGROUND: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) contributes to suicide-related morbidity and mortality and requires more intensive psychotherapeutic resources due to its high mental health service usage. Accessibility to an evidence-based treatment program is a cornerstone to support patients with BPD and part of broader suicide prevention efforts as well as improving their quality of life.

    AIMS: In this article, the authors aim to discuss and review available dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and DBT-informed services of selected countries in the Asia-Pacific Rim, namely Singapore, Malaysia, and Mexico.

    MATERIALS & METHODS: We contacted providers of different services and gathered information on the process of setting up the service and adapting the treatment, in addition to reviewing the available literature published in the countries.

    RESULTS: To date, there have been a pair of DBT-informed services in Singapore, four in Malaysia, and several in Mexico with a few of them offering standard DBT. Different efforts have been put in place to increase the accessibility to training and also the number of DBT practitioners.

    DISCUSSION: Important considerations during the process of setting up new services include the use of domestic examples and local language that are contextually appropriate for the local community. Selected challenges faced in common include shortage of workforce, affordability of training programs, and the need for language adaptation with or without translation.

    CONCLUSION: Further long-term evaluation of locally adapted DBT-informed mental health services will help to elucidate the effectiveness and efficacy of the program which will potentially serve as a guide for other resource-scarce regions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  6. Razak KAA, Ghani KHA, Musa AA
    Injury, 2021 Jan;52(1):90-94.
    PMID: 33168201 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.11.004
    BACKGROUND: Acetabular fractures in childhood are rare and the literature is scarce to describe a standard protocol in surgical management of these injuries. As the patient is still growing, it warrants a detailed assessment with a sound surgical plan if operative intervention is deemed necessary to prevent late complications. Throughout literature, most fixation rely on using pins, screws, plates or combination of the three which require large surgical exposure and risk of secondary physeal injury, hence we come up with a method of using the Titanium Elastic Nail System (TENS) to overcome this issue. We describe a novel technique in managing acetabular fractures in this group of patients using the TENS.

    METHOD: An 8 year old girl with a diagnosis of right anterior column posterior hemitransverse acetabular fracture was fixed with 3 TENS for supra-acetabular, anterior column and posterior column fragments. Surgery was performed in a minimally invasive manner. No drilling was performed during the surgery and implant insertion is done manually.

    RESULTS: Advantages of this procedure include minimally invasive surgery with smaller wounds, minimal intraoperative bleeding and theoretically reduces the risk of premature fusion of the triradiate cartilage. Patient is allowed early rehabilitation with this method.

    CONCLUSION: This novel method provides an alternative to traditional usage of wires, pins, plates and screws as is described in most literature. However, it requires the surgeon to appreciate that the safe corridors for the implant are much narrower than adults. We recommend this technique for fractures that are deemed suitable for intramedullary fixation and further research in the future will be needed.

    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  7. Wahab NZA, Azizul A, Ibrahim N
    Iran J Microbiol, 2020 Oct;12(5):460-465.
    PMID: 33604002 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v12i5.4608
    Background and Objectives: Catharanthus roseus is generally used to treat many diseases in folklore remedies. The present study is aimed at determining phytochemical constituents, cytotoxicity and antiviral activities for crude extract of the plant.

    Materials and Methods: The whole plant of C. roseus was extracted using methanol extraction method. Phytochemical qualitative screening was carried out for C. roseus extract according to standard procedures used to test for the presence of alkaloid, saponin, terpenoid and steroid. Cytotoxicity was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Plaque reduction assays were carried out to evaluate the antiviral activity of C. roseus extract against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). These include post-treatment, pre-treatment and virucidal assays.

    Results: C. roseus extract contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, saponin and terpenoid but does not contain steroid. Cytotoxicity screening against Vero cells using MTT assay showed that the CC50 values for crude extract of C. roseus was 0.5 mg/mL. The extract prepared from C. roseus possesses phytochemical compound that was non-cytotoxic to the cell with potential antiviral activity. Plaque reduction assays against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed that the selective indices (SI = CC50 / EC50) of C. roseus extract in post-treatment, pre-treatment and virucidal assays were 36, 20 and 4.7 respectively. The results revealed that the extract prepared from C. roseus possesses phytochemical compound that was non-cytotoxic to the cell with potential antiviral activity.

    Conclusion: This study showed that C. roseus extract has promising potential to be explored as anti-HSV-1 agent regardless of the mode of treatment.

    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  8. Chen YL, Shi L, Agbo F, Yong SH, Tan PS, Ngounou Wetie AG
    J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2020 Oct 25;190:113493.
    PMID: 32795778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113493
    A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of apomorphine and its metabolites apomorphine sulfate and norapomorphine in human plasma for supporting clinical development of a novel apomorphine sublingual thin film (APL) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Analytes and internal standards (IS) were extracted from human plasma by Oasis HLB SPE cartridge, followed by a reversed phase LC-MS/MS analysis using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive mode (m/z 268 → 237 for apomorphine, 348 → 237 for apomorphine sulfate, and 348 → 237 for norapomorphine). Stable isotope-labeled compounds were used as IS for respective analytes. The validated curve ranges were 0.02-20 ng/mL, 10-1000 ng/mL, and 0.5-20 ng/mL for apomorphine, apomorphine sulfate and norapomorphine, respectively. Extraction recoveries were found to be 73.4 % (apomorphine), 81.1 % (apomorphine sulfate), and 58.6 % (norapomorphine). Established long-term plasma frozen storage stabilities were 504 days at -20 °C and276 days at -60 °C, respectively. The method has been successfully used for analyzing pharmacokinetics (PK) samples collected from a comparative bioavailability study of APL and the marketed apomorphine subcutaneous (s.c.) product Apo-go®. The results demonstrated that the 15-mg APL film administrated via sublingual produced comparable PK characteristics of apomorphine when compared to the commercial product Apo-go (2-mg) via s.c. administration, hence establishing the dose regimen for this sublingual formulation. It was also noticed that the sublingual 15-mg APL film produced a significantly higher apomorphine sulfate metabolite level than the 2-mg s.c. Apo-go, and both treatments yielded a negligible level of norapomorphine metabolite in humans.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  9. Umi Mardhiyyah Mat Ali, Asma Alhusna Abang Abdullah, Nurul Asyikin Yahya
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Delivering oral hygiene instruction is one of the integral parts of orthodontic treatment. However, there is scarce information regarding the impact of audiovisual method on knowledge retention among orthodontic patients. This study aimed to assess knowledge retention of the patient after instruction delivered in audiovisual (AV) method and compare it to the standard written and verbal (WV) method. Methods: This prospective clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients aged 13 to 40 years. They were randomized into the audiovisual group (n=30) and written & verbal group (n=30). Patients’ knowledge retention was measured using a self-administered questionnaire in Google form, immediately after instruction given as short-term retention and long-term retention for three time- point, i.e., 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month. Results: There was a significant improvement in knowledge for both AV and WV methods at immediate and 1-month assessment and the knowledge retained until 6-month follow up. The AV method demonstrated a significantly higher increase in knowledge retention at immediate and 1-month than the WV method. Conclusion: The AV method was significantly more effective in improving patient's knowledge reten- tion compared to the written & verbal methods. Repetition of instruction also influence the retention of knowledge.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  10. Ali H Abusafia, Zakira Mamat Mohamed, Nur Syahmina Rasudin, Mujahid Bakar, Rohani Ismail
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Measuring the competence of nurses in spiritual care and their ability to provide spiritual care is im- portant and check the validity and reliability of the instrument is recommended in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate the translation of the spiritual care competence (SCC) scale to the Malay language version. Methods: Data were collected from staff nurses at the hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. A total of 270 nurses par- ticipated in the study (female: 92.6%, male: 7.4%), with the mean age of 35 years (SD = 8.4). Spiritual care compe- tence was assessed with the 27-item SCC-M. Standard forward–backward translation was performed to translate the English version of the SCC into the Malay version (SCC-M). All the participants completed the SCC-M. Results: The initial measurement models tested (6-factor models) did not result in a good fit to the data. Subsequent investigation of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results recommended some modifications, including adding correlations between the item residuals within the same latent variable. These modifications resulted in acceptable fit indices for the 6-factor model (RMSEA = .050, CFI = .900, TLI = .885, SRMR = .065). The final measurement models comprised all 27 SCC-M items, which had significant factor loadings of more than .40. The composite reliability was .696-.853 for 6-factors model. These results suggest that the subscales in 6-factor SCC-M model are unique, the factors do not overlap much, and each factor explains different variance than the other factors. Conclusions: The translated version of the SCC-M was valid and reliable for assessing the level of spiritual care competence among hospital nurses in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  11. Mohd Yusop AY, Xiao L, Fu S
    Drug Test Anal, 2021 May;13(5):965-976.
    PMID: 32441056 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2861
    The lucrative market of herbal remedies spurs rampant adulteration, particularly with pharmaceutical drugs and their unapproved analogues. A comprehensive screening strategy is, therefore, warranted to detect these adulterants and, accordingly, to safeguard public health. This study uses the data-dependent acquisition of liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) to screen phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in herbal remedies using suspected-target and non-targeted strategies. For the suspected-target screening, we used a library comprising 95 PDE5 inhibitors. For the non-targeted screening, we adopted top-down and bottom-up approaches to flag novel PDE5 inhibitor analogues based on common fragmentation patterns. LC-QTOF-MS was optimised and validated for capsule and tablet dosage forms using 23 target analytes, selected to represent different groups of PDE5 inhibitors. The method exhibited excellent specificity and linearity with limit of detection and limit of quantification of <40 and 80 ng/mL, respectively. The accuracy ranged from 79.0% to 124.7% with a precision of <14.9% relative standard deviation. The modified, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction provided insignificant matrix effect within -9.1%-8.0% and satisfactory extraction recovery of 71.5%-105.8%. These strategies were used to screen 52 herbal remedy samples that claimed to enhance male sexual performance. The suspected-target screening resulted in 33 positive samples, revealing 10 target analytes and 2 suspected analytes. Systematic MS and tandem MS interrogations using the non-targeted screening returned insignificant signals, indicating the absence of potentially novel analogues. The target analytes were quantified from 0.03 to 121.31 mg per dose of each sample. The proposed strategies ensure that all PDE5 inhibitors are comprehensively screened, providing a useful tool to curb the widespread adulteration of herbal remedies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  12. Nur Syamimi Zainudin, Nur Aqilah Abdul Rahman
    MyJurnal
    Dyes are aromatic organic compound which have an affinity towards the substrate to which they are being applied to. The presence of dyes in wastewater samples is not safe for human even at low level. The presence of dyes in wastewater which are discharged from textile industry must be analysed. Hence, a precise, fast, accurate, simple and inexpensive analytical method with low detection limit is needed for the determination of dyes in wastewaters. The differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric (DPASV) technique using bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as a working electrode and phosphate buffer at pH 4.2 as a supporting electrolyte has been proposed for Reactive Black 5 (RB5) determination. Several experimental voltammetric parameters were being optimized for obtaining a maximum response before analytical validation of the proposed technique being carried out. The optimum parameters were initial potential (Ei) = +0.3 V, end potential (Ef) = +1.0 V, scan rate (v) = 0.04 V/s, accumulation time (tacc) = 50 s, accumulation potential (Eacc) = 0.4 V and pulse amplitude = 0.075 V. The well-defined anodic peak appeared at 0.77972 V. The response was linear from 0.5 to 1.25 mg/L (R2=0.9986) with LOD of 0.050 mg/L. The relative standard deviation (RSD) achieved were 0.08 %, 0.62 % and 0.50 %, respectively for three consecutive days. The % recovery range achieved was from 89.71 % to 111.15 %. It can be concluded that the proposed technique is precise, accurate, inexpensive, fast and has a potential to be an alternative analytical technique for RB5 analysis. The proposed method will in the future be tested for the amount of RB5 in the wastewater samples from textile industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  13. Muthanna FMS, Karuppannan M, Hassan BAR, Mohammed AH
    Osong Public Health Res Perspect, 2021 Apr;12(2):115-125.
    PMID: 33980002 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.2.09
    Objective: Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom experienced by cancer patients and has a profound effect on their quality of life (QOL). The study aimed to determine the impact of fatigue on QOL among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to identify the risk factors associated with severe fatigue incidence.

    Methods: This was an observational prospective study carried out at multiple centers. In total, 172 breast cancer patients were included. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Questionnaire was used to measure QOL, while the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was used to assess the severity of fatigue.

    Results: The total average mean and standard deviation of QOL were 84.58±18.07 and 4.65±1.14 for BFI scores, respectively. A significant association between fatigue and QOL was found in linear and multiple regression analyses. The relationships between fatigue severity and cancer stage, chemotherapy dose delay, dose reduction, chemotherapy regimen, and ethnicity were determined using binary logistic regression analysis.

    Conclusion: The findings of this study are believed to be useful for helping oncologists effectively evaluate, monitor, and treat fatigue related to QOL changes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  14. Muhammad Aa’zamuddin Ahmad Radzi, Majdah Zawawi, Munirah Sha’ban, Nur Syamimi Mohd. Azharuddin, Azran Azhim, Abdurezak Abdulahi Hashi
    MyJurnal
    Presently, there is no specific federal legislation governing articular cartilage tissue engineering (ACTE) experimenta- tion practices in Malaysia. However, there are related regulations and guidelines provided by government agencies to oversee and guide such practices. The rules and regulations provided in the documents have the essential aim of safeguarding public health through ensuring that non-clinical studies reach a certain quality, efficient and safe for hu- man use. There are themes identified when scrutinising relevant documents which includes, the need for authorised personnel and the establishment of facilities in conducting such experiments, the aspect of cell-scaffold construct development, the use of human materials, the aspect of biosafety, animal care and use during the experiments, and considerations on the impact on the environment. The individual laboratory or facility shall adopt and adapt these standards as deemed appropriate by the ACTE researchers to ensure that non-clinical studies are conducted in a proper and ethical manner.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  15. Yang FC, Huang W, Yang W, Liu J, Ai G, Luo N, et al.
    Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther, 2021 04 30;10(2):75-83.
    PMID: 34040965 DOI: 10.4103/GMIT.GMIT_81_20
    Cervical cancer surgery has a history of more than 100-years whereby it has transitioned from the open approach to minimally invasive surgery (MIS). From the era of clinical exploration and practice, minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons have never ceased to explore new frontiers in the field of gynecologic surgery. MIS has fewer postoperative complications, including reduction of treatment-related morbidity and length of hospital stay than laparotomy; this forms the mainstay of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. However, in November 2018, the New England Journal of Medicine had published two clinical studies on cervical cancer surgery (Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer [LACC]). Following these publications, laparoscopic surgery for early-stage cervical cancer has come under intense scrutiny and negative perceptions. Many studies began to explore the concept of standardized surgery for early-stage cervical cancer. In this article, we performed a review of the history of cervical cancer surgery, outlined the standardization of cervical cancer surgery, and analyzed the current state of affairs revolving around cervical cancer surgery in the post-LACC era.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  16. Chin Yit Siew, Tee E Siong, Zawiah Hashim, Rasyedah Ahmad Raqi, Norimah A Karim
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This paper discussed the effectiveness of “Healthy Kids Programme (HKP)”, specifically in improving the body weight status as well as knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the children. Methods: In this longi- tudinal intervention study, a total of 12 primary schools in Klang Valley were randomly selected and divided into intervention and control groups. There were 386 standard three children participated at baseline. All children in the intervention group participated in the HKP that was conducted by nutritionists. The evaluations included the pre- and post-Immediate Impact survey (IIS) (every topic), and changes in nutrition KAP survey and anthropometric assess- ment of the children at the beginning and end of every year for three years. Results: School children in intervention group reported with an increased in the IIS score for each topic and achieved a significantly higher mean nutrition knowledge score than those in the control group over time. There were no significant differences in mean attitude and practice scores between two groups after the intervention. Children in the intervention group had lower rates of overweight and obesity (pre-test: 27.3%; post-test: 32.5%) than their counterpart (pre-test: 26.6%; post-test: 44.0%). Conclusions: The HKP is effective in improving nutrition knowledge of the children. A lower rate of overweight and obesity was observed in intervention group than control group. This approach will contribute towards inculcating healthy eating and active lifestyle habits among Malaysian children that bring about long-term health benefits.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  17. Saadatian-Elahi M, Alexander N, Möhlmann T, Langlois-Jacques C, Suer R, Ahmad NW, et al.
    Trials, 2021 May 30;22(1):374.
    PMID: 34053466 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05298-2
    BACKGROUND: In common with many South East Asian countries, Malaysia is endemic for dengue. Dengue control in Malaysia is currently based on reactive vector management within 24 h of a dengue case being reported. Preventive rather than reactive vector control approaches, with combined interventions, are expected to improve the cost-effectiveness of dengue control programs. The principal objective of this cluster randomized controlled trial is to quantify the effectiveness of a preventive integrated vector management (IVM) strategy on the incidence of dengue as compared to routine vector control efforts.

    METHODS: The trial is conducted in randomly allocated clusters of low- and medium-cost housing located in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. The IVM approach combines: targeted outdoor residual spraying with K-Othrine Polyzone, deployment of mosquito traps as auto-dissemination devices, and community engagement activities. The trial includes 300 clusters randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio. The clusters receive either the preventive IVM in addition to the routine vector control activities or the routine vector control activities only. Epidemiological data from monthly confirmed dengue cases during the study period will be obtained from the Vector Borne Disease Sector, Malaysian Ministry of Health e-Dengue surveillance system. Entomological surveillance data will be collected in 12 clusters randomly selected from each arm. To measure the effectiveness of the IVM approach on dengue incidence, a negative binomial regression model will be used to compare the incidence between control and intervention clusters. To quantify the effect of the interventions on the main entomological outcome, ovitrap index, a modified ordinary least squares regression model using a robust standard error estimator will be used.

    DISCUSSION: Considering the ongoing expansion of dengue burden in Malaysia, setting up proactive control strategies is critical. Despite some limitations of the trial such as the use of passive surveillance to identify cases, the results will be informative for a better understanding of effectiveness of proactive IVM approach in the control of dengue. Evidence from this trial may help justify investment in preventive IVM approaches as preferred to reactive case management strategies.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN ISRCTN81915073 . Retrospectively registered on 17 April 2020.

    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  18. Akhtar MN, Khan M, Khan SA, Afzal A, Subbiah R, Ahmad SN, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2021 May 18;14(10).
    PMID: 34070060 DOI: 10.3390/ma14102639
    In the present investigation, the non-recrystallization temperature (TNR) of niobium-microalloyed steel is determined to plan rolling schedules for obtaining the desired properties of steel. The value of TNR is based on both alloying elements and deformation parameters. In the literature, TNR equations have been developed and utilized. However, each equation has certain limitations which constrain its applicability. This study was completed using laboratory-grade low-carbon Nb-microalloyed steels designed to meet the API X-70 specification. Nb- microalloyed steel is processed by the melting and casting process, and the composition is found by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). Multiple-hit deformation tests were carried out on a Gleeble® 3500 system in the standard pocket-jaw configuration to determine TNR. Cuboidal specimens (10 (L) × 20 (W) × 20 (T) mm3) were taken for compression test (multiple-hit deformation tests) in gleeble. Microstructure evolutions were carried out by using OM (optical microscopy) and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The value of TNR determined for 0.1 wt.% niobium bearing microalloyed steel is ~ 951 °C. Nb- microalloyed steel rolled at TNR produce partially recrystallized grain with ferrite nucleation. Hence, to verify the TNR value, a rolling process is applied with the finishing rolling temperature near TNR (~951 °C). The microstructure is also revealed in the pancake shape, which confirms TNR.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  19. Oyedele DT, Sah SA, Kairuddinand L, Wan Ibrahim WM
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2015 Dec;26(2):27-44.
    PMID: 26868708 MyJurnal
    Studies of habitat suitability (HS) are essential when animals' habitats have been altered or when animals migrate to a habitat different from their natural habitat. This study assessed HS and used an integrated geographic information system in the assessment of Rattus norvegicus in a highly developed urban environment. Using data from the Campbell market and the police quarters of George Town, Malaysia, home range (through the use of 100% Minimum Convex Polygon [MCP], 95% MCP and 95% Harmonic Mean [HM]) was estimated. Home range for male rats at Campbell market reached an asymptote, with a slight increase, at 96 radio fixes (home range = 133.52 m(2); core area = 29.39 m(2)). Female rats reached an asymptote at 62 radio fixes (home range = 13.38 m(2); core area = 9.17 m(2)). At Campbell market, male rats emerged at 1900 hours every day, whereas females emerged at 2000 hours; at police quarters, the most common time of emergence for males was 2000 hours and for females was 2200. Raster charts of R. norvegicus showed that rat hot spots can be grouped into 4 zones (market, shop houses, settlement and general places). The standardised raster chart isolated the market as the major rallying points of the rats (hot spots) by producing the highest rats frequencies of 255. All of the habitat suitability thresholds, including the built-up points, skip bins, water source and nature of the site explored in this study, produced a structural pattern (monotonic increase or decrease) of habitat suitability.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
  20. Mohd-Hassan NH, Noordin R, Arifin N
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):578-586.
    PMID: 33612773 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.578
    Strongyloidiasis is a mysterious yet important parasitic disease that is hard to diagnose. While microscopic examination remains a "controversial" gold standard method, improved diagnosis is achieved through confirmatory assays with serological and/or molecular diagnostic approaches. In the current serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis, recombinant proteins have been adopted in place of the use of native parasite antigens, although the availability of diagnostically potential proteins are still limited. Here, we introduce a novel Strongyloides recombinant protein that is uniquely attached to two different short peptide tags as a potential diagnostic biomarker for serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis, namely lysine (7K) and aspartic acid (7D). The work presented focus on improving the yield and purity of the previously unexpressed recombinant protein. Preliminary diagnostic evaluation of the recombinant favors Ss3a7K protein owing to its higher antigenicity performance with 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reference Standards
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