Showing papers by "National University of Malaysia published in 1987"
TL;DR: Goniothalamin (1) and its oxide (2) have been isolated as the active embryotoxic and teratogenic components of the title plant as discussed by the authors, and their structure has been established from its spectral data and its synthesis together with an isomer (3) by epoxidation of goniothalamina.
80 citations
TL;DR: The immunomodulatory effects of morphine and the active components of marijuana, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol, on various aspects of the host immune parameters include alterations in humoral, cell-mediated and innate immunity.
57 citations
TL;DR: It is revealed that problem‐based learning can be as efficient as lectures in content coverage and it is concluded that the lecture method be retained provided the topics are selective and are derived and sequenced appropriately with clinical problems.
Abstract: Required learning of the basic medical sciences based on five clinical problems was compiled by teachers and subsequently derived as 'learning needs' by students during the problem-solving process. These lists of topics were compared in terms of number of lecture-hours and when these were taught in the traditional curriculum. The findings indicate that learning from problems is not entirely free-rein and can be largely determined by teachers; topics taught earlier in the course appeared more frequently than latter topics and there was a tremendous overlap of topics in both the traditional and problem-based list. Regardless of whether lectures have been given or not, students recalled facts better if they had encountered the related clinical problem. This study also reveals that problem-based learning can be as efficient as lectures in content coverage and concludes that the lecture method be retained provided the topics are selective and are derived and sequenced appropriately with clinical problems. Problem-solving should be adopted as a teaching strategy.
45 citations
01 Dec 1987
TL;DR: In this review, an overview is given of the microbiology of Pseudomonas pseudomallei, including original studies on the presence of fimbriae, factors influencing pathogenicity of the organism discussed and details of an ELISA technique for the detection of toxin are described.
Abstract: Human melioidosis is endemic in South East Asia and tropical Australia. However, increasing numbers of case reports are coming from other parts of the world. Increasing world travel and the potential for person-to-person infection in non-endemic areas make the likelihood of physicians and medical microbiologists encountering the disease far greater than heretofore. Both the disease, melioidosis, and the causative organism,Pseudomonas pseudomallei, have unusual features which render them worthy of consideration. In this review, an overview is given of the microbiology ofPseudomonas pseudomallei. Original studies on the presence of fimbriae are presented and factors influencing pathogenicity of the organism discussed. Descriptions of the properties of the various ‘exotoxins’ are presented. Current veterinary and medical knowledge relating to the disease is outlined. Attention is drawn to those features—prolonged latency, multiplicity of presenting conditions and lack of a specific diagnostic characteristic—which make diagnosis difficult. Finally, details of an ELISA technique for the detection ofPseudomonas pseudomallei toxin are described. This may represent a method for rapid screening of patients allowing appropriate therapy to begin at the earliest moment.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the trace element content of hair samples from selected population groups within Malaysia was evaluated by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis after the hair samples were carefully washed according to standard procedures.
Abstract: The content of the trace elements As, Br, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Sb and Zn has been evaluated in hair samples from selected population groups within Malaysia. Each population group was formed of individuals selected to be representative of the adult population living in a well-defined community. The groups were chosen from distinct regions with different socio-economical living habits in order to detect variability of the trace element burden among Malaysian. All the measurements were performed by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis after the hair samples were carefully washed according to standard procedures. The results for all elements investigated do not differ significantly from reported values for other regions of the world. The levels of As, Hg, and Sb are significantly different for the various groups and is strongly linked to local environmental factors.
17 citations
TL;DR: A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of endogenous opioids on blood pressure of laboratory rats during stress and found that endogenous opioids increased blood pressure in rats under stress while morphine decreased blood pressure under stress.
Abstract: SUMMARY
1. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of endogenous opioids on blood pressure of laboratory rats during stress.
2. Rats subjected to 120 min immobilization showed a significant drop in systolic pressure which could be prevented by pretreatment injections of naloxone.
3. Adrenalectomized rats subjected to the same kind of stress showed a drop in systolic pressure equivalent to only 30% of the systolic pressure drop in the intact animals. This decrease in systolic pressure could also be prevented by pretreatment injections of naloxone.
4. It was concluded that the decrease in systolic pressure in intact rats during immobilization was mostly due to endogenous opioids released from the adrenal glands, whereas opioids of other origins such as the pituitary gland, were also important.
16 citations
TL;DR: Data from many studies on the antibacterial effects of cephalosporins are reviewed and the activity against resistant strains is specified, as far as the data allow, for the mechanisms of resistance exhibited.
Abstract: Data from many studies on the antibacterial effects of cephalosporins are reviewed. Variations in reports from different workers occur because of the composition of the strains used to carry out determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). For this reason, standard MIC50/MIC90 data are used sparingly. Where data are available, the activity has been expressed as the mode activity against fully sensitive strains of a species; and the activity against resistant strains is specified, as far as the data allow, for the mechanisms of resistance exhibited.
16 citations
TL;DR: Etude du baculum de 10 especes du genre Hipposideros, le Baculum est en caractere specifique.
Abstract: Etude du baculum de 10 especes du genre Hipposideros, le baculum est en caractere specifique
13 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: 90% of the types reported in this study are included in the 23 valent pneumococcal vaccines.
Abstract: A total of 90 cases of pneumococcal infections were identified at a major referral hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during a study period of four years. Pneumonia was the most common clinical presentation (41 cases) followed by meningitis (19 cases). Of 48 patients who were followed-up during the microbiology consultation round, 11 died, 9 were children below two years old. Capsular typing was carried out on 57 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from blood and body fluids of 43 children and 14 adults. 38 strains isolated from pharyngeal specimens were also typed. Types 6A (11 strains), 6B (7 strains), 14 (8 strains) and 19A (8 strains) predominated in children. The strains from older patients comprised 3 isolates from cerebrospinal fluid (types 18B, 6B and 14), five from blood (4 strains, type 1 and 1 strain, type 4) and six from pus (1 strain, type 14, 3 strains type 23F and 2 strains type 34). The isolates from pharyngeal specimens belonged to capsular type similar to those implicated in infections. 90% of the types reported in this study are included in the 23 valent pneumococcal vaccines. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of penicillin, cefuroxime, chloramphenicol and rifampicin were determined for selected strains. 4.1% of isolates were resistant to penicillin (3/74), 4.5% to cefuroxime (2/44), 6.5% to chloramphenicol (3/46) and 14.6% to rifampicin (6/41).
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the results of a beehive kiln from rubberwood, acacia, eucalyptus and pine with those from mangrove woods (Rhyzophorae).
12 citations
TL;DR: A combined enzyme immunoassay (micro-ELISA) technique was established for measuring autoantibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid microsome, involving the immuno-dot blot technique, which is highly specific and sensitive.
Abstract: A combined enzyme immunoassay (micro-ELISA) technique was established for measuring autoantibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid microsome, involving the immuno-dot blot technique. Thyroglobulin and thyroid microsome antigens (1 g/L each) prepared from normal thyroids were spotted separately onto nitrocellulose membrane filter discs. Results by this method and those by immunofluorescence correlated well. The percentages of confirmed positives were 30% and 48% and the negatives were 58% and 46% (n = 50) for thyroglobulin and microsome, respectively. Testing these samples by gelatin agglutination gave a high percentage of false positives (up to 20%, n = 128) and hemagglutination testing yielded a high percentage of false negatives (up to 20%, n = 45). The titer of autoantibodies by the micro-ELISA technique was greater than by agglutination. This technique is highly specific and sensitive.
TL;DR: An enzyme immunoassay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ELISA) to detect mouse antibody to exotoxin of Pseudomonas pseudomallei was developed and appears to provide a sensitive, specific, and practical method.
Abstract: An enzyme immunoassay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ELISA) to detect mouse antibody to exotoxin of Pseudomonas pseudomallei was developed in which exotoxin preparations were used to coat the solid phase. The specificity of the assay was supported by inhibition assays with the toxin preparations. Sera from immunised mice and supernatants from antitoxin-producing hybridoma cells were tested by this technique, and the ELISA described appears to provide a sensitive, specific, and practical method for the determination of (a) antibody to exotoxin, and (b) concentration of exotoxin. Both systems may prove invaluable in the diagnosis of melioidosis and in epidemiological studies of melioidosis in endemic areas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the roles of steroids and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, in the reversal of experimental hypotensive shock were studied in normal and adrenalectomized rats.
Abstract: The roles of, and interactions between, steroids and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, in the reversal of experimental hypotensive shock were studied in normal and adrenalectomized rats. In normal rats treated with dexamethasone or deoxycorticosterone or 17-hydroxyprogesterone the hypotension and shock caused by 1% bodyweight and 2% bodyweight haemorrhage could be substantially reversed by naloxone in a dose-related manner. In contrast, the reversal of hypotension by naloxone was markedly less in adrenalectomized rats. It is concluded that there is a co-ordinate release of pressor catecholamines and depressor enkephalins from adrenal glands in hypovolaemic shock. Eventually, the use of naloxone would be of much less value in the treatment of hypotension or shock in patients with Addison's disease.
TL;DR: A significant difference was found in the two groups with regard to the postoperative refractive error and uncorrected visual acuity in the Sinsky style intraocular lenses.
Abstract: A total of 94 patients underwent extracapsular cataract extraction and insertion of Sinsky style two-loop posterior chamber intraocular lenses. Forty-six eyes received a standard power IOL and 48 eyes were given a preoperatively calculated IOL. A significant difference was found in the two groups with regard to the postoperative refractive error and uncorrected visual acuity.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors acknowledge the salience of modern technology, albeit other factors, in the determination of Malaysia's economic development, and emphasise the complexity of the relationship between economic development and socio-cultural changes, most notably with explicit reference to FELDA schemes.
Abstract: In this article the writers acknowledge the salience of modern technology, albeit other factors, in the determination of Malaysia's economic development. They emphasise the complexity of the relationship between economic development and socio-cultural changes, most notably with explicit reference to the FELDA schemes. The point being made is that an appreciation of the process of change is essential to a proper understanding of the nature of development. ABSTRAK Penulis-penulis di dalam artikel ini, mengakui sumbangan teknologi moden bersama-sama faktor-faktor yang lain dalam proses pembangunan di Malaysia. Mereka menegaskan betapa rumitnya perhubungan antara pembangunan ekonomi dan perubahan-perubahan sosio-budaya, yang telah dikaitkan dengan rancangan-rancangan FELDA sebagai contoh. Pokok perbincangan ialah suatu penilaian terhadap proses perubahan penting sekali untuk memahami fenomena yang disebutkan sebagai pembangunan.
TL;DR: Seven types of water‐insoluble adhesives were evaluated in sticky traps for collecting adults of Musca domestica L. and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) or mosquito larvae.
Abstract: . 1. Seven types of water-insoluble adhesives were evaluated in sticky traps for collecting adults of Musca domestica L. and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) or mosquito larvae (Aed.es aegypti (L.) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say).
2. Adhesive viscosity affected the tackiness of the glues and this determined their trapping efficiency in air or water.
3. From the ‘Hyvis’ range of adhesives tested, ‘Hyvis 200’ was most effective for trapping adult flies.
4. With 24 h exposure to fourth instar Ae.aegypti larvae in tapwater, submerged plates coated with ‘Hyvis 10’, ‘Hyvis 30’ or ‘Hyvis 200’ formulations trapped the majority of larvae. In polluted water the highest rates of trapping were 17.3% of Ae. aegypti and 18.7% of Cx quinquefasciatus with ‘Hyvis 200’. Floating traps were consistently less productive than submerged traps under laboratory conditions.
5. In a heavily polluted natural breeding-site of Cx quinquefasciatus, floating traps were more productive than submerged sticky traps with four of seven adhesives tested, the most efficient being ‘Hyvis 200’ (4.2 mosquitoes per hour) and Hyvis:polyethylene 90:10 (4.5/h). Despite the relative inefficiency of aquatic traps, emergent adults, pupae and second to fourth instars of larvae were collected quickly from the habitat.
TL;DR: The effects of corticosteroid pretreatment on the contraction caused by acetylcholine or electrical stimulation of guinea‐pig ileum and duodenum were studied.
Abstract: SUMMARY
1. The effects of corticosteroid pretreatment on the contraction caused by acetylcholine or electrical stimulation of guinea-pig ileum and duodenum were studied.
2. The acetylcholine dose-response curves for steroid pretreated ileum but not duodenum were significantly shifted to the right; evidence that pretreated ileum required higher dose of acetylcholine than normal to cause 50% maximal contraction.
3. Naloxone enhanced the contraction of normal ileum caused by acetylcholine given at the dose of ED50, but not that of normal duodenum.
4. The dose of morphine required to abolish electrically induced contraction was higher in steroid pretreated ileum than in normal ileum.
5. Hence, corticosteroid pretreatment may affect intestinal contractility via opioidergic mechanisms which are found in the ileum but not in the duodenum.
TL;DR: In this paper, a double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of trimethoprim-polymyxin B sulfate (TP) and fusidic acid cream (FA) for primary or secondary superficial pyoderma.
Abstract: One hundred patients with a clinical diagnosis of a primary or secondary superficial pyoderma were entered into a double-blind study. They were allocated treatment with either trimethoprim-polymyxin B sulfate cream or fusidic acid cream according to a fully randomized treatment code. Data suitable for evaluation were obtained from 87 patients, and statistical analysis revealed trimethoprim-polymyxin B sulfate (TP) cream to be significantly better than fusidic acid cream in alleviating several of the individual signs and symptoms associated with pyogenic infection of the skin as well as in reducing the overall severity score at the end of the 2-week study period.
TL;DR: The diagnosis of mullerian duct or utricular cyst should be considered in a child with urinary difficulties and a palpable midline, anterior rectal mass and the transvesical, transtrigonal approach is found to be highly satisfactory.
Abstract: The diagnosis of mullerian duct or utricular cyst should be considered in a child with urinary difficulties and a palpable midline, anterior rectal mass. Endoscopic cannulation of the cyst has been found to be the most useful diagnostic test. Infection should be treated with die appropriate antibiotics before definitive treatment. Surgical excision offers the best result. The transperitoneal and posterior parasacral approaches have been described but we favour the transvesical, transtrigonal approach which we find highly satisfactory. The risk of malignancy at a later age is an added indication for surgery.
TL;DR: A microcomputer-based system for testing photovoltaic module under field operating conditions is presented in this article, where currentvoltage curves for each module, taken at different insolation level, are obtained by using a circuit of an electronic load with sweep control circuit combined with a 16-bit microcomputer as controller.
TL;DR: Argon laser trabeculoplasty may become the preffered method of treating open angle glaucoma in the Asian population.
Abstract: Twenty two Asian eyes suffering from open angle glaucoma were treated by argon laser trabeculoplasty and were followed for an average of eleven months. 77.27% of eyes were controlled with ALT alone. The pressure lowering effect of argon laser trabeculoplasty in this series was found to be consistent. Argon laser trabeculoplasty may become the preffered method of treating open angle glaucoma in the Asian population.
TL;DR: The sucrase ofSchizosaccharomyces pombe is a repressible enzyme and its location and Km values were found to be dependent on growth conditions, suggesting a precursor-product relationship between the two isoenzymes.
Abstract: The sucrase ofSchizosaccharomyces pombe is a repressible enzyme and its location and Km values were found to be dependent on growth conditions. When cells were grown under repressive conditions, the enzyme activity was predominantly internal and the total sucrase activity exhibited two Km values, indicating the presence of isoenzymes. When grown under derepressive conditions, the sucrase activity was predominantly external and the total activity exhibited only one Km value which was smaller than those of the repressed sucrase. In resting cells, all of the activity was external. When RNA synthesis in cells growing under a repressive condition was inhibited, the sucrase activity became predominantly external after 7 h and its Km value was similar to that of the derepressed sucrase. The results suggest a precursor-product relationship between the two isoenzymes.
TL;DR: In this paper, a Gaussian non-Markov process is associated with a stochastic field, which appears to be a hybrid of euclidean and minkowskian field if the usual value of the diffusion parameter is taken.
TL;DR: In this paper, a computational analysis of the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's atmosphere is presented, and the analysis can be used at any known location on Earth on known data.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The study of the normal flora and its pattern of antibiotic susceptibility could provide useful information in the prevention and treatment of post-surgical infections.
Abstract: The eye harbours bacteria from the time of birth throughout life. Owing to its antibacterial properties, the normal conjunctival flora plays a significant role in the defence against superficial ocular infections. In view of its protective action as well as its probable role in causing ocular disease under certain circumstances, the study of the normal flora and its pattern of antibiotic susceptibility could provide useful information in the prevention and treatment of post-surgical infections. While several such surveys have been reported from various parts of the world, no data is available for the Malaysian population.
TL;DR: The effects of atropine administration during anticholinesterase poisoning on heart rate, blood pressure and electrocardiographic changes (ECG) were studied in the cat.
Abstract: SUMMARY
1. The effects of atropine administration during anticholinesterase poisoning on heart rate, blood pressure and electrocardiographic changes (ECG) were studied in the cat.
2. Administration of atropine intravenously during anticholinesterase poisoning caused a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure; ECG changes were also seen.
3. The simultaneous intravenous administration of atropine and labetalol during anticholinesterase poisoning abolished the increase in blood pressure and heart rate; ECG readings remained normal.
4. It is suggested that labetalol may be a useful adjuvant in the treatment of anticholinesterase poisoning especially in patients with compromised heart function.