MyMedR

Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 652 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Clinical applications of renal arteriography

Ang AH, Lambeth JT, Soo YS, Ong SC

Med J Malaya, 1970 Sep;25(1):8-16.
PMID: 4249503
Global burden of road traffic accidents in older adults: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis

Ang BH, Chen WS, Lee SWH

Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 2017 Sep;72:32-38.
PMID: 28527382 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2017.05.004

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aims to estimate the burden of road traffic accidents and death among older adults.
DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted on 10 electronic databases for articles describing Road Traffic Accident(RTA) mortality in older adults until September 2016. A random-effects meta-regression analyses was conducted to estimate the pooled rates of road traffic accidents and death.
RESULTS: A total 5018 studies were identified and 23 studies were included. Most of the reported older adults were aged between 60 and 74 years, with majority being male gender and sustained minor trauma due to Motor-Vehicle Collision (MVC). The overall pooled mortality rate was 14% (95% Confidence Interval, CI: 11%, 16%), with higher mortality rates in studies conducted in North America (15%, 95% CI: 12%, 18%) and older adults admitted to trauma centers (17%, 95% CI: 14%, 21%). Secondary analysis showed that the very elderly adults (aged >75years) and pedestrians had higher odds of mortality death (Odds Ratio, OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.38; OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.63, 2.66, respectively).
IMPLICATION: A new comprehensive trauma management guidelines tailored to older adults should be established in low and middle-income countries where such guidelines are still lacking.
Fulltext Neonatal malaria presenting as neonatal sepsis: a case report

Lim KY, Ang EL, Tan KK, Mustakim S

Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2016;22(1):48-57.
MyJurnal

Neonatal malaria may be overlooked likely due to its non-specific features and low prevalence in Malaysia. In this case report, we detail a case of neonatal malaria in an 18-day old baby girl of Myanmar origin who presented with 6 days of intermittent fever but was otherwise well. Initially, she was treated as neonatal sepsis. She then developed thrombocytopaenia and severe anaemia with persistent spikes of temperature. This prompted a series of investigations and multiple changes of antibiotics. The diagnosis of neonatal malaria surfaced when her peripheral blood film incidentally revealed the presence of Plasmodium vivax parasites. Peripheral blood smears are simple and inexpensive. Therefore practising especially in endemic areas for malaria, we need to consider this diagnosis when dealing with neonatal sepsis that does not respond to standard treatment.
Fulltext In silico design of potentially functional artificial metallo-haloalkane dehalogenase containing catalytic zinc

Ang TF, Salleh AB, Normi YM, Leow TC

3 Biotech, 2018 Jul;8(7):314.
PMID: 30023146 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1333-9

Artificial metalloenzymes are unique as they combine the good features of homogeneous and enzymatic catalysts, and they can potentially improve some difficult catalytic assays. This study reports a method that can be used to create an artificial metal-binding site prior to proving it to be functional in a wet lab. Haloalkane dehalogenase was grafted into a metal-binding site to form an artificial metallo-haloalkane dehalogenase and was studied for its potential functionalities in silico. Computational protocols regarding dynamic metal docking were studied using native metalloenzymes and functional artificial metalloenzymes. Using YASARA Structure, a simulation box covering template structure was created to be filled with water molecules followed by one mutated water molecule closest to the metal-binding site to metal ion. A simple energy minimization step was subsequently run using an AMBER force field to allow the metal ion to interact with the metal-binding residues. Long molecular dynamic simulation using YASARA Structure was performed to analyze the stability of the metal-binding site and the distance between metal-binding residues. Metal ions fluctuating around 2.0 Å across a 20 ns simulation indicated a stable metal-binding site. Metal-binding energies were predicted using FoldX, with a native metalloenzyme (carbonic anhydrase) scoring 18.0 kcal/mol and the best mutant model (C1a) scoring 16.4 kcal/mol. Analysis of the metal-binding site geometry was performed using CheckMyMetal, and all scores for the metalloenzymes and mutant models were in an acceptable range. Like native metalloenzymes, the metal-binding site of C1a was supported by residues in the second coordination shell to maintain a more coordinated metal-binding site. Short-chain multihalogenated alkanes (1,2-dibromoethane and 1,2,3-trichloropropane) were able to dock in the active site of C1a. The halides of the substrate were in contact with both the metal and halide-stabilizing residues, thus indicating a better stabilization of the substrate. The simple catalytic mechanism proposed is that the metal ion interacted with halogen and polarized the carbon-halogen bond, thus making the alpha carbon susceptible to attack by nucleophilic hydroxide. The interaction between halogen in the metal ion and halide-stabilizing residues may help to improve the stabilization of the substrate-enzyme complex and reduce the activation energy. This study reports a modified dynamic metal-docking protocol and validation tests to verify the metal-binding site. These approaches can be applied to design different kinds of artificial metalloenzymes or metal-binding sites.
Fulltext A Case Series of Bee Sting Keratopathy With Different Outcomes in Malaysia

Ang WJ, Md Kadir SZ, Fadzillah AJ, Zunaina E

Cureus, 2017 Feb 17;9(2):e1035.
PMID: 28357167 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.1035

We report three patients with corneal bee sting at our tertiary care center in a three-year period starting from 2014 to 2016. All patients sustained a bee sting injury to the cornea. All patients received early preoperative topical antibiotics, topical cycloplegic and intensive topical steroids. However, the timing of the initial presentation, the duration, and the location of the retained stinger differed in each case leading to different postsurgical outcomes.
Oil Palm Defensin: A Thermal Stable Peptide that Restricts the Mycelial Growth of Ganoderma boninense

Tan YC, Ang CL, Wong MY, Ho CL

Protein Pept Lett, 2016;23(11):994-1002.
PMID: 27719656

Plant defensins are plant defence peptides that have many different biological activities, including antifungal, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities. A cDNA (EgDFS) encoding defensin was isolated from Elaeis guineensis. The open reading frame of EgDFS contained 231 nucleotides encoding a 71-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight at 8.69 kDa, and a potential signal peptide. The eight highly conserved cysteine sites in plant defensins were also conserved in EgDFS. The EgDFS sequence lacking 30 amino acid residues at its N-terminus (EgDFSm) was cloned into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS and successfully expressed as a soluble recombinant protein. The recombinant EgDFSm was found to be a thermal stable peptide which demonstrated inhibitory activity against the growth of G. boninense possibly by inhibiting starch assimilation. The role of EgDFSm in oil palm defence system against the infection of pathogen G. boninense was discussed.
Connecting Proteomics to Next-Generation Sequencing: Proteogenomics and Its Current Applications in Biology

Low TY, Mohtar MA, Ang MY, Jamal R

Proteomics, 2019 05;19(10):e1800235.
PMID: 30431238 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800235

Understanding the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes is essential to disentangle biological mechanisms and to unravel the molecular basis of diseases. Genes and proteins are closely linked in biological systems. However, genomics and proteomics have developed separately into two distinct disciplines whereby crosstalk among scientists from the two domains is limited and this constrains the integration of both fields into a single data modality of useful information. The emerging field of proteogenomics attempts to address this by building bridges between the two disciplines. In this review, how genomics and transcriptomics data in different formats can be utilized to assist proteogenomics application is briefly discussed. Subsequently, a much larger part of this review focuses on proteogenomics research articles that are published in the last five years that answer two important questions. First, how proteogenomics can be applied to tackle biological problems is discussed, covering genome annotation and precision medicine. Second, the latest developments in analytical technologies for data acquisition and the bioinformatics tools to interpret and visualize proteogenomics data are covered.
Image segmentation of activated sludge phase contrast images using phase stretch transform

Ang RBQ, Nisar H, Khan MB, Tsai CY

Microscopy (Oxf), 2019 Apr 01;68(2):144-158.
PMID: 30496508 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfy134

Activated sludge (AS) is a biological treatment process that is employed in wastewater treatment plants. Filamentous bacteria in AS plays an important role in the settling ability of the sludge. Proper settling of the sludge is essential for normal functionality of the wastewater plants, where filamentous bulking is always a persistent problem preventing sludge from settling. The performance of AS plants is conventionally monitored by physico-chemical procedures. An alternative way of monitoring the AS in wastewater treatment process is to use image processing and analysis. Good performance of the image segmentation algorithms is important to quantify flocs and filaments in AS. In this article, an algorithm is proposed to perform segmentation of filaments in the phase contrast images using phase stretch transform. Different values of strength (S) and warp (W) are tested to obtain optimum segmentation results and decrease the halo and shade-off artefacts encountered in phase contrast microscopy. The performance of the algorithm is assessed using DICE coefficient, accuracy, false positive rate (FPR), false negative rate (FNR) and Rand index (RI). Sixty-one gold approximations of ground truth images were manually prepared to assess the segmentation results. Thirty-two of them were acquired at 10× magnification and 29 of them were acquired at 20× magnification. The proposed algorithm exhibits better segmentation performance with an average DICE coefficient equal to 52.25%, accuracy 99.74%, FNR 41.8% and FPR 0.14% and RI 99.49%, based on 61 images.
Electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)/silk fibroin film is a promising scaffold for bone tissue engineering

Ang SL, Shaharuddin B, Chuah JA, Sudesh K

Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Feb 15;145:173-188.
PMID: 31866541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.149

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polyesters produced by microorganisms, under unbalanced growth conditions, as a carbon storage compound. PHAs are composed of various monomers such as 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx). Silk fibroin (SF) derived from Bombyx mori cocoons, is a widely studied protein polymer commonly used for biomaterial applications. In this study, non-woven electrospun films comprising a copolymer of 3HB and 3HHx [P(3HB-co-3HHx)], SF and their blends were prepared by electrospinning technique. The growth and osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were studied using different types of fabricated electrospun films. The differentiation study revealed that electrospun P(3HB-co-3HHx)/SF film supports the differentiation of hUC-MSCs into the osteogenic lineage, confirmed by histological analysis using Alizarin Red staining, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qPCR). Electrospun P(3HB-co-3HHx)/SF film up-regulated the expression of osteogenic marker genes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN), by 1.6-fold and 2.8-fold respectively, after 21 days of osteogenic induction. In conclusion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hUC-MSCs were enhanced through the blending of P(3HB-co-3HHx) and SF. The results from this study suggest that electrospun P(3HB-co-3HHx)/SF film is a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.
Unlocking the application potential of forward osmosis through integrated/hybrid process

Ang WL, Mohammad AW, Johnson D, Hilal N

Sci Total Environ, 2020 Mar 01;706:136047.
PMID: 31864996 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136047

Study of forward osmosis (FO) has been increasing steadily over recent years with applications mainly focusing on desalination and wastewater treatment processes. The working mechanism of FO lies in the natural movement of water between two streams with different osmotic pressure, which makes it useful in concentrating or diluting solutions. FO has rarely been operated as a stand-alone process. Instead, FO processes often appear in a hybrid or integrated form where FO is combined with other treatment technologies to achieve better overall process performance and cost savings. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the need for hybridization/integration for FO membrane processes, with emphasis given to process enhancement, draw solution regeneration, and pretreatment for FO fouling mitigation. In general, integrated/hybrid FO processes can reduce the membrane fouling propensity; prepare the solution suitable for subsequent value-added uses and production of renewable energy; lower the costs associated with energy consumption; enhance the quality of treated water; and enable the continuous operation of FO through the regeneration of draw solution. The future potential of FO lies in the success of how it can be hybridized or integrated with other technologies to minimize its own shortcomings, while enhancing the overall performance.
Fulltext Postbiotics Applications as Infectious Disease Control Agent in Aquaculture

Yao Ang C, Sano M, Dan S, Leelakriangsak M, M Lal T

Biocontrol Sci, 2020;25(1):1-7.
PMID: 32173662 DOI: 10.4265/bio.25.1

Aquaculture is developing so fast that infectious disease outbreak happens regularly. Antibiotic treatment results in development of antibiotic resistance pathogens, thus cause urgent action in searching of other alternative treatment method. Postbiotic was one of the explored strategies among various proposed alternatives. Due to its benefits in agriculture industry, it may be useful in aquaculture industry. Although many reviews were reported on other alternative strategies, the review on postbiotic in aquaculture is limited. This mini review provides an overview of different postbiotics as aquaculture disease control agents. Peptides and exopolysaccharides have antimicrobial properties against bacterial pathogens. Then, short chain fatty acids have both antimicrobial activities against bacterial pathogens and immunostimulating effects to aquatic organism. Vitamins, peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide are reported as immunostimulants. Finally, cell surface proteins and teichoic acid can act as vaccine.
Factors and challenges of driving reduction and cessation: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on self-regulation

Ang BH, Jennifer O, Chen WS, Lee SWH

J Safety Res, 2019 Jun;69:101-108.
PMID: 31235220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2019.03.007

INTRODUCTION: Older adults are at a greater risk of injury and death in a motor-vehicle accident. While the ability to drive safely can be challenging with aging, the concept of self-regulation and associated support system have attracted more attention in recent years, especially in developed countries. This review describes the mechanism and summarizes the potential factors that influenced self-regulation of driving amongst older adults to provide new insights into a broader framework for transportation and safe mobility.
METHODS: We systematically searched 12 online databases for qualitative studies exploring the experiences of older adults aged 60 years and above on their decision to self-regulate their driving. Thematic synthesis was performed to identify elements influencing driving reduction and cessation. The confidence profile of each findings from the meta-synthesis was appraised using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) tool.
RESULTS: A total of 17 studies representing views of 712 older adults from four countries were included. Three major themes were identified with each representing a transition phase that can either facilitate or hinder older drivers from ceasing completely or reducing their driving, when transitioning from pre-decision phase to post-cessation phase.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that there is a mismatch between the current traffic collation prevention measures, such as age-specific mandatory license renewal system and travel needs of older adults. As such, it is time for the authorities, researchers, and public from various fields and perspectives to collaborate, sustain, and improve safety and mobility in older adults. Practical applications: Adequate regulations and guidelines from the medical community and legal authorities are warranted to assist older adults and caregivers. Social support (e.g., feedback, assurance, or transportation support) from family members, friends, and healthcare professionals are crucial for a smooth transition. Provision of alternative transportations in rural areas are needed and future interventions should focus on engaging and educating older adults to consider alternative transportation modes for mobility. Age-specific mandatory license renewal procedure can be useful in screening for at-risk groups.
Acute myocarditis mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A diagnostic challenge for frontline clinicians

Ang KP, Quek ZQ, Lee CY, Lu HT

Med J Malaysia, 2019 12;74(6):561-563.
PMID: 31929492

The clinical presentation of acute myocarditis is highly variable ranging from no symptoms to cardiogenic shock. Despite considerable progress, it remains a challenge for frontline physicians to discriminate between acute myocarditis and myocardial infarction, especially in the early phase. Our case serves as a reminder that acute presentation of myocarditis could resemble ST elevation myocardial infarction potentially misdirecting the therapeutic decision. The clinical presentation, electrocardiographic and laboratory findings of the patient are not specific enough to distinguish acute myocarditis from myocardial infarction. The gold standard tests such coronary angiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can reliably differentiate the two entities.
Fulltext Pattern of rheumatoid arthritis in West Malaysia

Toh BH, Sengupta S, Ang AH, White JC, Lau KS

Ann Rheum Dis, 1973 Mar;32(2):151-6.
PMID: 4120913 DOI: 10.1136/ard.32.2.151

In West Malaysia RA appears to be less common than in temperate climates, but more common than in tropical Africa; furthermore, the incidence of gout and SLE is comparable. The clinical manifestations of RA are milder than those seen in more temperate climates. Subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules have not been observed. Positive serological tests for RF are significantly higher than in the general Malaysian population, but still lower than those reported for patients with RA in temperate climates. Of the three main ethnic groups, the highest incidence of positive results is found in the Chinese.
Study site: Arthritis Clinic, University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur (University Malaya Medical Centre, UMMC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Quantification of respiratory effort magnitude in spontaneous breathing patients using Convolutional Autoencoders

Ang CYS, Chiew YS, Vu LH, Cove ME

Comput Methods Programs Biomed, 2022 Mar;215:106601.
PMID: 34973606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106601

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous breathing (SB) effort during mechanical ventilation (MV) is an important metric of respiratory drive. However, SB effort varies due to a variety of factors, including evolving pathology and sedation levels. Therefore, assessment of SB efforts needs to be continuous and non-invasive. This is important to prevent both over- and under-assistance with MV. In this study, a machine learning model, Convolutional Autoencoder (CAE) is developed to quantify the magnitude of SB effort using only bedside MV airway pressure and flow waveform.
METHOD: The CAE model was trained using 12,170,655 simulated SB flow and normal flow data (NB). The paired SB and NB flow data were simulated using a Gaussian Effort Model (GEM) with 5 basis functions. When the CAE model is given a SB flow input, it is capable of predicting a corresponding NB flow for the SB flow input. The magnitude of SB effort (SBEMag) is then quantified as the difference between the SB and NB flows. The CAE model was used to evaluate the SBEMag of 9 pressure control/ support datasets. Results were validated using a mean squared error (MSE) fitting between clinical and training SB flows.
RESULTS: The CAE model was able to produce NB flows from the clinical SB flows with the median SBEMag of the 9 datasets being 25.39% [IQR: 21.87-25.57%]. The absolute error in SBEMag using MSE validation yields a median of 4.77% [IQR: 3.77-8.56%] amongst the cohort. This shows the ability of the GEM to capture the intrinsic details present in SB flow waveforms. Analysis also shows both intra-patient and inter-patient variability in SBEMag.
CONCLUSION: A Convolutional Autoencoder model was developed with simulated SB and NB flow data and is capable of quantifying the magnitude of patient spontaneous breathing effort. This provides potential application for real-time monitoring of patient respiratory drive for better management of patient-ventilator interaction.
Fulltext Anaesthetic challenges in a morbidly obese man for cardiac myxoma resection: A case report

Chua CC, Wong TF, Ang CY, Yeap BT

Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2021 Nov;71:102998.
PMID: 34840753 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102998

Background: Cardiac myxoma is a rare neoplasm with female preponderance. It is the commonest benign cardiac neoplasm. We report a case entailing the perioperative anaesthetic challenges in managing a young morbidly obese man with a huge left atrial myxoma, who presented to us with acute symptoms of heart failure.
Case presentation: A young morbidly obese man with a body mass index (BMI) of 43.3 kg/m2 presented to us with acute symptoms of heart failure. An urgent transthoracic echocardiogram showed a huge pedunculated mass which arise from the left atrium, which occasionally completely occludes the mitral valve during each diastole. He underwent a resection of cardiac myxoma, which was complicated with intraoperative hypotension. Fortunately, it was successfully managed by placing the patient in Trendelenburg position for optimum blood pressure control.
Discussion: Tumours of the heart are very rare. Common histopathological findings are myxomas, followed by uncommon types of rhabdomyosarcomas and angiosarcomas. Pedunculated cardiac tumours can cause partial to complete obstructions which may lead to devastating conditions. Anaesthesia for morbidly obese patients with pedunculated cardiac myxoma are extremely challenging. Cardiac anaesthetists should be vigilant in managing these patients as they posed many life-threatening complications.
Conclusion: Cardiac myxoma are uncommon benign tumor of the heart with higher preponderances on the left atrium. Pedunculated mass can cause obstruction by limiting left ventricular filling, mimicking severe mitral stenosis. Positioning the patient Trendelenburg can transiently reduce intracardiac obstruction, improve cardiac output and venous return to the heart. Optimum patient positioning and management will lead to excellent outcomes.
Fibrinolytic response in women on low-dose oral contraceptive

Ishak R, Ahmad R, Gudum HR, Hassan K, Ang ES

Malays J Reprod Health, 1992 Jun;10(1):7-11.
PMID: 12345026

PIP: Long term use of low doses of combination oral contraceptives appears to increase plasminogen level, thereby increasing fibrinolytic activity and reducing the risk of thromboembolism. Blood levels of plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), were measured before and after stress (5 minutes of stair climbing) in a group of 30 women, 23-40 years old, who had taken 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol with 150 mcg of desogestrel or levonorgestrel for at least 1 year. Similar measurements were taken from a control group of 30 women matched for age, height, and weight. Plasminogen and tPA levels in both groups increased significantly after exercise. The level of PAI did not change significantly with stress in either group. The level of plasminogen was significantly higher in the group taking contraceptives, whether before or after exercise, when compared to the control group. Levels of tPA and PAI, although slightly increased in the oral contraceptive group, were not significantly different between the two groups. The increase in plasminogen may be due to the estrogen component of the contraceptives. Stress seems to increase fibrinolytic response.
Effects of nitrogen/bismuth-doping on the photocatalyst composite of carbon dots/titanium dioxide nanoparticles (CDs/TNP) for enhanced visible light-driven removal of diclofenac

Hui KC, Ang WL, Yahya WZN, Sambudi NS

Chemosphere, 2022 Mar;290:133377.
PMID: 34952025 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133377

The present work demonstrates the coupling of titanium dioxide, TiO2 nanoparticles (TNP) with N-doped, Bi-doped, and N-Bi co-doped rice husk-derived carbon dots (CDs) via a facile dispersion method, forming respective photocatalyst composites of CDs/TNP, N-CDs/TNP, Bi-CDs/TNP and N-Bi-CDs/TNP. Characterization analyzes verified the successful incorporation of respective CDs samples into TNP, forming photocatalyst composite with narrowed band gap and quenched photoluminescence intensity. Photocatalytic activity of TNP and the respective composites was investigated for photodegradation of diclofenac (DCF) under both simulated sunlight and natural sunlight irradiation. The as-prepared N-Bi-CDs/TNP composite showed the best photocatalytic performance among all composites, able to completely degrade 5 ppm of DCF within 60 min and 180 min under both types of visible light irradiation, respectively. The N-Bi-CDs/TNP composite also showed a TOC removal efficiency up to 87.63%. N-Bi-CDs, worked as photosensitizer and electron reservoir, contributed to the outstanding photocatalytic activity of N-Bi-CDs/TNP, whereby the recombination was prolonged and light absorption was shifted towards the visible light region. Furthermore, the composite of N-Bi-CDs/TNP also demonstrated good stability and reusability over repeated degradation cycles. The photodegradation of DCF resulted into several intermediates, which were identified from LC-MS analysis. The present work could provide an insight on the application of heteroatoms doped and co-doped carbon dots in semiconductor oxide as high performance photocatalysts.
Assessment of the level of knowledge of colorectal cancer among public at outpatient clinics in Serdang Hospital: a survey based study

Pan Y, Chieng CY, Haris AAH, Ang SY

Med J Malaysia, 2017 12;72(6):338-344.
PMID: 29308770 MyJurnal

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers in the world. In the Asia- Pacific region, it is the fastest emerging gastrointestinal cancer. Level of awareness on CRC warning signs and risk factors in the rural population of Malaysia is reported of very low. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of CRC among the public at medical outpatient clinics in Serdang Hospital. The association between sociodemographic factors with level of knowledge among the respondents was further studied.
STUDY DESIGN: A study was conducted among the non-CRC patients' relatives accompanying their relatives to the medical outpatient clinics in Serdang Hospital from 1st April to 31st August 2016. The study was carried out with cluster sampling method.
METHODS: The respondents were assessed using validated and modified Cancer Awareness Measures (CAM) questionnaire consists of three parts which are knowledge on warning signs, knowledge on risk factors and sociodemographic factors. All data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0.
RESULTS: Altogether 308 subjects completed the questionnaires. It was shown high percentage of good knowledge for warning signs and risk factors of CRC among the respondents. A significant association between age groups and level of income with level of knowledge on warning signs was observed.
CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge of CRC among the general public in Serdang Hospital was sufficient. The respondents with higher income or younger age had higher level of knowledge regarding CRC.
Fulltext Recent development of biodegradable synthetic rubbers and bio-based rubbers using sustainable materials from biological sources

Boon ZH, Teo YY, Ang DT

RSC Adv, 2022 Nov 22;12(52):34028-34052.
PMID: 36545000 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06602e

Rubber is an amorphous hyperelastic polymer which is widely used in this modern era. Natural rubber is considered the ultimate rubber in terms of mechanical performance, but over the years, some limitations and challenges in natural rubber cultivation that could result in serious shortages in the supply chain had been identified. Since then, the search for alternatives including new natural and synthetic rubbers has been rather intense. The initiative to explore new sources of natural rubber which started during the 1940s has been reignited recently due to the increasing demand for natural rubber. The commercialization of natural rubber from the Parthenium argentatum and Taraxacum kok-saghyz species, with the cooperation from rubber product manufacturing companies, has somewhat improved the sustainability of the natural rubber supply chain. Meanwhile, the high demand for synthetic rubber drastically increases the rate of depletion of fossil fuels and amplifies the adverse environmental effect of overexploitation of fossil fuels. Moreover, rubber and plastic products disposal have been a major issue for many decades, causing environmental pollution and the expansion of landfills. Sustainable synthetic rubber products could be realized through the incorporation of materials from biological sources. They are renewable, low cost, and most importantly, biodegradable in nature. In this review, brief introduction to natural and synthetic rubbers, challenges in the rubber industry, alternatives to conventional natural rubber, and recent advances in biodegradable and/or bio-based synthetic rubbers are discussed. The effect of incorporating various types of biologically sourced materials in the synthetic rubbers are also elaborated in detail.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links