Psychological stress among undergraduate students is associated with poor academic results, physical ill-health and psychiatric disorders. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of psychological stress and its associated factors among undergraduate students attending a health programme in a local university. This is a cross-sectional study among undergraduate students attending a health programme in a local university. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to determine the presence of psychological stress at a cut-off point of 4 and above. Analysis was conducted to determine any association between gender, ethnicity, year of study in the university, recent health-seeking contact with a doctor, and psychological stress among the participants. The prevalence of psychological stress among undergraduate students attending a health program in a Malaysian University was 49.3%. There was no significant association with any of the socio-demographic factors studied (p>0.05). The prevalence of psychological stress in this study was significantly high, and irrespective of gender, ethnicity, year of study in the university, and recent health-seeking contact with a doctor. Hence, the findings of this study show that it may be a useful strategy to integrate such health programs regularly in activities of colleges and universities, with the aim of promoting mental health and wellness among the students.
The β-1,6-glucanases are ubiquitous enzymes which appear to be implicated in the morphogenesis and have the ability to become virulence factor in plant-fungal symbiotic interaction. To our knowledge, no report on ß-1,6-glucanases purification from Trichoderma longibrachiatum has been made, although it has been proven to have a significant effect as a biocontrol agent for several diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to purify β-1,6- glucanase from T. longibrachiatum T28, with an assessment on the physicochemical properties and substrate specificity. β-1,3-glucanase enzyme, from the culture filtrate of T. longibrachiatum T28, was successively purified through precipitation with 80% acetone, followed by anionexchange chromatography on Neobar AQ and chromatofocusing on a Mono P HR 5/20 column. (One β-1,6-glucanase) band at 42kDa in size was purified, as shown by the SDS-PAGE. The physicochemical evaluation showed an optimum pH of 5 and optimum temperature of 50°C for enzyme activity with an ability to maintain 100% enzyme stability. Enzyme activity was slightly reduced by 10-20% in the presence of 20 mM of Zn2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Mn2+ and Fe2+. The highest β-1,6-glucanase hydrolysis activity was obtained on pustulan due to the similarity of β-glucosidic bonds followed by laminarin, glucan and cellulose. Therefore, it can be concluded that the characterization of ß-1,6-glucanase secreted by T. longibrachiatum in term of molecular weight, responsed to selected physicochemical factors and the substrate specificity are approximately identical to other Trichoderma sp.
Cancers of the breast and cervix made up 30.4% and 12% of all cancer cases in Malaysia. Thus screening for reproductive organ cancers as women approached menopause becomes exceedingly important. The study reports the baseline assessment tests of 495 disease free urban Malaysian women aged 45 years and above who volunteered in a healthy lifestyle intervention study. The sample comprised of 58.0% premenopaused and 42.0% postmenopaused women with an average age of 51.27±5.35 years old. Over two thirds were Chinese followed by Malays and Indians. Overall, abnormal Pap smears were seen in 7.6% comprising of 1.3% cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), 6.1% human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and 0.2% atypical squmous cells of undetermined significances (ASCUS). Yeast and other infections were found in 6.9% and 1.9% respectively. Comparatively, postmenopausal women had a 2.8 fold higher cancerous changes whereas premenopausal women had a higher infection rate, 11.8% vs. 4.7% respectively (p=0.024) with comparable HPV infection rates in both. This study found 1.3% had breast cancer (BC) with 3.6% requiring a biopsy while 3.4% needed regular follow up. Postmenopaused women had more abnormal mammograms (p
The study was conducted to create specific formulae for stature estimation of adult male population in Malaysia based on measurements of femur, tibia and fibula lengths using radiographic method. A number of thirty two Malaysians from hospitals involved as subjects in this study. The subjects were Malays (14), Chinese (8) and Indians (10) from 25-45 years old. The standing height of the subject was recorded before femur, tibia and fibula were scanned with an x-ray
machine. The bones length was measured on the x-ray film in centimetres (cm) and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0 for Windows. The results showed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between stature and measurements of length of femur, tibia and fibula. Stature of Malays and Indians were significant (p < 0.05) with measurements of length of femur, tibia and fibula but insignificant in Chinese. Simple Linear Regression Analysis was used to derive regression equation for single bone and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used to derive regression equation for combination of femur, tibia and fibula. Six formulae for stature estimation of adult male population in Malaysia were derived. The formulae consist of three formulae for single bone, a formulae for combination bones with unknown race, a formulae for combination bones of Malays population and a formulae for combination bones of Indians population. Formulae for combination bones had the highest correlation coefficient compared to the formula using a single bone. Standard error was found to be high in all the formulae due to small sample size. Extension for this study is essential to provide Malaysia with accurate formulae.
Health impact related to smoking is a critical public health predicament especially in pregnancy. However there is not much data available to describe the magnitude of the problem. Hence this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking and its socioeconomic factors among antenatal mother and their opinion related to tobacco control measures. A cross sectional study was carried out involving newly registered antenatal mothers attending all government health clinics in Penang. Prevalence of ever smoking among antenatal mother is 1.4%, of which 42.4% is still smoking at first antenatal visit. It was found that single mothers are more likely to smoke (OR, 14.23: C12.52-53.27). It was also noted that spouse smoking (OR, 5,14: CI 1.95-17.09), primigravida (OR, 2.7: C1 1.3-5.62), age group less than 30 years old (OR, 2.41; CI 1.03-6.09) and living in urban area (OR, 2.33; CI 1.01 — 6.47) have a higher risk to indulge in smoking behaviour. Muslim OR 0.29; C1 0.14 - 0.60) and Malay (OR 0.22; CI 0.10 - 0.47) pregnant mothers are noted to be less likely to smoke as compared to non Muslim and non Malay. More than 85% of them agreed with the tobacco control measures regardless of their smoking status. Most of respondents agreed the influential people in community L;11T · such as medical personnel, teachers and parents should not smoke.
Ginger extract has been reported previously by our group to exhibit anticancer and an-tioxidant effects by reducing tumour burden and lipid peroxidation respectively in he-patocarcinogenesis induced rats. The current study examined the expression of pro-apoptotic protein caspase-8 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in hepatocarcinogenesis treated rats. Thirty normal male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups based on the diet given: i) control (normal rat chow), ii) olive oil, iii) ginger extract (100mg/kg body weight), iv) choline deficient diet + ethionine, CDE (to induce liver cancer) and v) CDE+ ginger extract. Rats were killed at week 8, and liver tissues were excised for immuno-histochemical study to identify pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, caspase-8 and Bcl-2. The observation on H&E staining confirmed the CDE diet induced liver can-cer as indicated by the presence of numerous oval cells. Identification of Bcl-2 expres-sion showed that 91.6% (11/12) of the samples from the CDE group revealed positive staining while treatment with ginger extract however inhibited the expression with only 8.4% (1/12) samples showing positive staining for Bcl-2. As for caspase-8 protein, 41.7% (5/12) of the samples from CDE group showed positive staining, which in-creased to 100% (12/12) with ginger extract treatment. Our findings suggest that gin-ger extract has an anticancer effect by inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells via up-regulation of the expression of pro-apoptotic protein, caspase-8 and down-regulation of the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.
Membrane technologies have received high interest in the separation gas mixture. The
ceramic inorganic membranes have possessed high permeability, excellent thermal,
chemical and mechanical stabilities compared to conventional polymer membranes.
This work presents the fabrication of silica ceramic membrane by sol dip-coating
method. The tubular support was dipped into the solution of tetrethylorthosilicate
(TEOS), distilled water and ethanol with the addition of nitric acid as a catalyst. The
fabricated silica membrane was then characterized by (Field Emission Scanning
Electron Microscope) FESEM and (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) FTIR to
determine structural and chemical properties at different dipping number. FESEM
images indicate that the silica has been deposited on the surface fabricated ceramic
membrane and penetrate into the pore walls. However, number of dipping did not
affect the intensity peak of FTIR analysis.
The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia is based on the fact that hyperdopaminergic
state is involved in causing psychosis and antipsychotic drugs block the
dopamine receptor. COMT regulates the homeostatic levels of neurotransmitter
dopamine in the synapses and plays a role in the neurocognitive function. The
dysregulation of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex influences the cognitive function and
the severity of the psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. During epigenetic event,
methylated COMT gene may cause reduction in its expression and contribute to the
clinical presentation of schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the
feasibility of using COMT DNA methylation for the prediction of specific psychotic
presentation of schizophrenia. (Copied from article).
Purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-device agreement of ocular
and corneal higher-order aberration measurements using various aberrometers. (Copied from article).
This study focuses on the effect of boronizing medium on the boride layer thickness of pack boronized 304 stainless steel after surface modification. Pack boronizing treatment was conducted in temperature of 900oC for a duration of eight hours. The treatment was performed using two different boronizing mediums which are powder and paste inside a tight box in an induction furnace. The characteristics of the samples were then observed using optical microscopy and XRD analyser. The thickness of boride layer was then measured using MPS digital image analysis software. The results showed that boronizing medium significantly affected the thickness of boride layer as paste boronized samples exhibited thicker boride layer thickness. The enhancement was mainly due to the size of boron particle in the paste medium which was smaller than powder medium that enabled better diffusion. It is expected that the enhancement of the boride layer thickness would result in further improvement of the mechanical and wear properties of this material.
Solitary fibrous tumours of the head and neck region are
extremely rare. The clinical diagnosis is often difficult to
establish, and this lesion may be indistinguishable from other
soft tissue neoplasms. An 18-year old Chinese gentleman
presented with a painless right submandibular swelling which
was increasing in size for eight months. A computed
tomography scan showed a well-defined solid mass measuring
about 2.0 x 2.96 cm in the submandibular region. The tumour
was resected and was confined within its capsule.
Immunohistochemical staining was strongly positive for CD34,
CD 99, and vimentin and negative for desmin, smooth muscle
actin (SMA), cytokeratin, S100 and CD68. The microscopic and
immunohistochemical profile were compatible with solitary
fibrous tumour. Distinguishing solitary fibrous tumours from
various spindle neoplasms can be difficult. In view of the
resemblance, immunohistochemical staining can help
differentiate solitary fibrous tumour from spindle neoplasm.
The occurrence of severe lead (Pb) poisoning has risen in certain countries.
There is increasing evidence that chronic lead exposure disturbs the prooxidant:
antioxidant balance in the brain tissue and alters brain histology. The present
study observed the antioxidant effect of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on brain
tissues of the experimental rats following lead poisoning. Eighteen (n=18) male
Sprague-Dawley rats, 6-weeks old, were randomly divided into control (CTRL)
group and experimental groups; fed with 0.2% w/v lead acetate, as PB2 group;
and fed with 0.2% w/v lead acetate and daily TRF supplementation (200 mg/kg
body weight) as PB2T group. The experiment was conducted for 30 days. At the
end of the study, the brain tissues were harvested and histopathological changes of
the hippocampal region were observed. Biochemical findings such as brain lead,
TRF and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase
(SOD) activity were determined. It was observed that atypical apoptotic-like and
disorganized neurons were present in the hippocampal region of the untreated
PB2 group compared to PB2T group. Biochemical parameters showed a significant
decrease (p < 0.05) in brain lead level in PB2T compared to PB. Even though no
significant difference (p > 0.05) was obtained for MDA level, there was a significant
increase (p < 0.05) in the erythrocyte SOD activity in PB2T compared to PB2 and
CTRL. Supplementation with TRF improved histopathological changes in the brain
tissues caused by lead exposure in drinking water by reducing lead accumulation
in the brain of experimental rats.
The light train (LRT) is one of the important public transportation modes in the congested city of Kuala Lumpur. Train drivers drive the trains within their shift time on similar routes every day. This job activity may lead to stress. Physical fatigue is one of the health problems commonly experienced by the train drivers. There were three methods applied in this study, namely, Nordic Questionnaire, NASA-TLX and observations. There were a total of 52 respondents, consisting of the train drivers from Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary company of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad. The questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Software for the Social Science (SPSS) with a suitable statistical analysis. It was found that, the train drivers experienced pain on their necks, shoulders and lower backs. The main causes of physical fatigue that affect the performance of a train driver are sleep disorder and uncomfortable seating. Moreover, other effects of physical fatigue also prevent the drivers from carrying out activities at home. The industry has improved the drivers’ workstations such as their seats to reduce the rate of physical fatigue. However, more improvements are expected to be done.
Peningkatan masalah muskulosketal di kalangan pemandu bas henti-henti akibat beban kerja fizikal semakin
menjadi perhatian. Oleh itu, tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti jenis beban kerja fizikal yang dihadapi oleh
pemandu bas henti-henti di Kuala Lumpur dan kesannya terhadap prestasi fizikal mereka. Dalam kajian ini, kaedah
rakaman video digunakan untuk melihat dan merakamkan setiap beban kerja fizikal yang dihadapi oleh mereka
semasa memandu dan satu simulasi dibuat untuk melihat kesan beban kerja tersebut terhadap prestasi kerja mereka.
Keseluruhan hasil kajian menunjukkan beberapa jenis beban kerja fizikal yang telah dikenalpasti iaitu seperti menekan
butang suis pada panel kawalan, memberi tiket kepada penumpang, memandang cermin sisi sambil memasukkan
wang ke dalam tabung, menoleh untuk menjawab pertanyaan penumpang dan membelok sambil menarik tombol
isyarat. Demi kesinambungan kajian ini, satu kajian terhadap beban kerja mental perlu dibuat untuk mengetahui secara
menyeluruh beban kerja yang dihadapi oleh pemandu bas.
Working for a minimum of 8 hours, 6 days a week might have exposed the workers of public transportation to
high noise risks. However, occupational exposures in their workplace have not been adequately characterized and
identified. Assessment of occupational noise exposure among workers at five public transportation stations was made
using Sound Level Meter and through questionnaire survey. The data obtained was combined to estimate the work
shift exposure level and health impacts to the workers by using statistical analysis. The respondents participated in the
survey to identify the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss and other health-related problems. Results of the study
indicated that occupational noise exposure among workers for Mean Continuous Equivalent Level, Leq= 76.17 dB(A)
presents small risks of developing a hearing disability. Some of the workers show symptoms of noise-induced hearing
loss and are annoyed by the sources of noise present at the public transportation.
The overall reproductive process consists of both the human sex organs which include the male and female reproductive system. The ability to produce offsprings that have similar characteristic as their parents is the goal of reproduction. The sexual type of reproduction takes place in human and both male and female reproductive system is required. Male reproductive system is mainly concerned with production of semen (whitish viscous fluid emitted from the male reproductive tract that contains sperm and fluids) and transferring it into the female reproductive tract. In this review, we will discuss the latest findings in the research pertaining the male reproductive system and its contribution towards the research in advancement of reproductive physiology.
Transition metals are required constituent in bacterial metabolism to assist in some enzymatic reactions. However, intracellular accumulations of these metal ions are harmful to the bacteria as it can trigger unnecessary redox reactions. To overcome this condition, metalloregulatory proteins assist organisms to adapt to sudden elevated and deprived metal ion concentration in the environment via metal homeostasis. CsoR protein is a copper(I) [Cu(I)] sensing operon repressor that is found to be present in all major classes of eubacteria. This metalloregulatory protein binds to the operator region in its apo state under Cu(I) limiting condition and detaches off from the regulatory region when it binds to the excess cytosolic Cu(I) ion, thus derepressing the expression of genes involved in Cu(I) homeostasis. CsoR proteins exist in dimeric and tetrameric states and form certain coordination geometries upon attachment with Cu(I). Certain CsoR proteins have also been found to possess the ability to bind to other types of metals with various binding affinities in some Gram positive bacteria. The role of this metalloregulatory protein in host pathogen interaction and its relation to bacterial virulence are also discussed.
PET/CT Scan with obGa-labelled analogs is of increasing interest in Nuclear Medicine and currently
is being performed all over the world. However, such labeling procedure requires high purity and
concentrated solutions of°sGa. Here we report the purification and concentration of the eluate of
SnOi-Based obGe/obGa generators via the anion exchange method. Three different anion columns were
selected to purify and concentrate the6SGa eluat.es which are Chromafix, Oasis WAX and AG 1-X8
columns. The different anion columns were compared and evaluated in terms of their capability in
adsorption and desorption of ""Ga from, the generator. While the optimum molarity of Hydrocholric
Acid (HCl) for highest 6dGa retention was also determined starting from the ranges of fM to 7M of
HCl. The results showed that the percentage of 68Ga retention or adsorption .started to be plateau at
molarity of 5.5M for all three anion cartridges. One-way ANOVA analysis proved that there is no
significant difference between 5.5M with 6.0M, 6.5M and 7.0M which means that the retention of
gallium-68 is equal at those molarities. At 5.5M, Chromafix and Oasis WAX cartridges showed the
highest retention of gallium-68 which is 98.30%. The lowest 6"Ga retention was gained by AG 1-X8
column which is 97.07%'. While for desorption of 6bGa, the highest percentage was obtained by using
Oasis WAX cart/ridges which, is 70.f9% followed by Chromafix which, is 70.36%. The lowest desorption
of gallium-68 was obtained by using AG 1-X8 column which is only 58.56%. Therefore, from this
study, the most suitable cartridge and HCl molarity that should be applied in purification and
concentration of Gallium-68 eluate fromÿ a SnOs Based °*Ge/*Ga generator is Oasis® WAX column
with a HCl molarity of 5.5M respectively.
2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) is utilized in the production of wood preservatives, dyes, and also
as a pesticide. Human acute (short-term) exposure to 2,4-DNP in humans by means of oral
exposure are nausea or vomiting, sweating, headaches, dizziness, and weight reduction. Thus, the
removal of this compound is highly sought. A 2,4-DNP-degrading bacterium (isolate 1) was
isolated from a sample soil from Terengganu. This bacterium (isolate 1) was characterized as a
rod Gram positive, non-sporulated, and non-motile bacterium. The bacterium is oxidase negative
and had catalase positive activity and was able to grow aerobically on 2,4-dinitrophenol as the
sole carbon source. This bacterium showed maximal growth on 2,4-DNP at the temperature
optimum of 30 oC, pH 5.0 and was tolerant to 2,4-DNP concentration of up to 0.5 mM (0.092
g/L). This bacterium prefers to use urea as the nitrogen source in addition to yeast extract for
mineral source and vitamin precursors.
Road transport is the movement of passengers or goods on the road. To date, issues concerning the safety of students
and school institutions have continued to attract public attention. The recent spate of incidents inside and outside
the school compound has brought the issue of children safety into our attention. These include the escalating number
of road casualties. This study was conducted to observe road hazard outside the school compound and analyse the
safety risks faced by school children by using the risk matrix. The risks are calculated to include likelihood and
severity of hazard as identified in the Guideline of HIRARC 2008. The area selected was the East Coast state of
Peninsular Malaysia, with over 111 schools randomly selected in Kelantan. Results were then analysed and six
highlighted hazards were discussed. The results show that the main road posed the highest risk due to speeding
vehicles. These vehicles failed to slow down when approaching the school area. The school
administration must enhance the safety of the staff, students, and public while in the school area. In conclusion, road
safety awareness must be instilled among teachers, students, parents and road users alike.