Showing papers by "Universiti Sains Malaysia published in 1992"
TL;DR: In this article, trace-metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for Al, Fe and Mn, while Cd, Cr, Ag, Au, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Sn were analyzed using an induced-couple plasma/mass spectrogotometer.
170 citations
TL;DR: The antidiarrhoeal action of the extract may be due, in part, to the inhibition of the increased watery secretions that occur commonly in all acute diarrhoeal diseases and cholera.
102 citations
TL;DR: Among the seaweeds tested, the Ulva spp.
84 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the densities and viscosities of the methyl esters of hexanoic, heptanoic and octanoic acids were determined at temperatures ranging from 10 to 80°C at 5°C intervals.
Abstract: The densities and viscosities of the methyl esters of hexanoic, heptanoic, octanoic, decanoic and dodecanoic acids were determined at temperatures ranging from 10 to 80°C at 5°C intervals. The densities of the methyl esters vary linearly with temperature. When fluidities were plotted against molal volumes of the esters, smooth curves were obtained. Intrinsic volumes were determined by extrapolation to zero fluidity. Based upon Hildebrand's equation, the B values, which represent a measure of the molecules resisting transport of momentum, were calculated for each ester and found to be exponentially related to the temperatures. A modified equation relating the fluidity with temperature was formulated. Excellent agreement was obtained between calculated and experimental fluidities.
80 citations
TL;DR: Water quality, source of drinking water, reported hand washing behaviour, indiscriminate defecation by children, cup use and the absence of a functional latrine were not associated with diarrhoea.
Abstract: In response to a recorded increasing incidence of diarrhoea in Tumpat District, Malaysia, a case-control study was performed to identify modifiable risk factors for the transmission of diarrhoea, in children aged 4-59 months. Ninety-eight pairs of children, matched on age and sex, were recruited prospectively from health centres. Exposure status was determined during a home visit. Interviewers were 'blinded' as to the disease status of each child. Odds ratios were measured through matched pair analysis and conditional logistic regression. Risk factors for diarrhoea identified were: reported--drinking of unboiled water, storage of cooked food before consumption and bottle feeding; and observations--animals inside the house and absence of washing water in latrines. Water quality, source of drinking water, reported hand washing behaviour, indiscriminate defecation by children, cup use and the absence of a functional latrine were not associated with diarrhoea. Nonsignificant associations were found for: accessibility of washing water source, type of water storage container and use of fly covers for food.
64 citations
TL;DR: The outcome of 109 patients with severe head injury was studied in relation to clinical and computed tomographic criteria on admission, after resuscitation and prognostic value of midline shift and mass effect were influenced by concomitant presence of diffuse brain injury.
Abstract: The outcome of 109 patients with severe head injury was studied in relation to clinical and computed tomographic (CT) criteria on admission, after resuscitation. Age, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and state of pupils strongly correlated with outcome. The presence of hypothalamic disturbances, hypoxia and hypotension were associated with an adverse outcome. The CT indicators associated with poor outcome were perimesencephalic cistern (PMC) obliteration, subarachnoid haemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury and acute subdural haematoma. The prognostic value of midline shift and mass effect were influenced by concomitant presence of diffuse brain injury. For the subset of patients aged <20 years, with GCS 6–8 and patent PMC (n = 21), 71.4% correct predictions were made for a good outcome. For the subset of patients aged <20 years, with GCS 3–5 and partial or complete obliteration of PMC (n = 28), 89.3% correct predictions were made for a poor outcome.
54 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the compositon of the essential oil of rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga L. growing in Malaysia has been investigated by capillary GC, GC-MS and 1H-NMR.
Abstract: The compositon of the essential oil of rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga L. growing in Malaysia has been investigated by capillary GC, GC-MS and 1H-NMR. The oil contained 54 components, of which the major constituents were ethyl trans-p-methoxycinnamate (51.6%), ethyl cinnamate (16.5%), pentadecane (9.0%), 1,8-cineole (5.7%), γ-car-3-ene (3.3%) and borneol (2.7%). Terpenoid constituents amounted to 16.4%.
50 citations
TL;DR: Only in pregnant goats was there a positive linear regression between prolactin levels and faecal egg counts and there was no significant difference in the mean egg counts in the 6 week post-partum period.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the densities of pure methyl and ethyl esters of n-fatty acids were determined at temperatures between 10° to 80°C and the molal volumes of these esters and the long-chain fatty acids were correlated with temperature and chain length.
Abstract: The densities of some pure methyl and ethyl esters ofn-fatty acids were determined at temperatures between 10° to 80°C. The molal volumes of these esters and the long-chain fatty acids were correlated with temperature and chainlength. The reciprocals of the average methylene contribution at long-chain and the end group contribution to the molal volumes were found to be linear functions of the temperature. With the introduction of a correction term to account for mutual interaction of the end groups, three equations, one for each of the esters and the acids, were developed. These equations were used to calculate the molal values of the acids with carbon numbers up to 30 and up to 20 for the esters at temperatures ranging from 10° to 100°C. Excellent agreements were obtained between the molal volumes calculated by the equations and those obtained from the literature and experimental data.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how science education becomes institutionalized in Third World countries using Malaysia as a case study and found that the development of science education in Malaysia has been greatly influenced by international trends and the country's socio-political development.
Abstract: This paper examines how science education becomes institutionalized in Third World countries using Malaysia as a case study. The findings shows that the development of science education in Malaysia has been greatly influenced by international trends and the country's socio‐political development. Science gained a place in the school curriculum in the midst of British colonial rule. The strong colonial influence on school science continued throughout the early independence period but, in the 1980s, external influences on science education came from both Western and Islamic countries. In each of the historical periods, external world cultural forces interacted with internal socio‐political forces resulting in a national science curriculum which is in accord with world cultural rules but at the same time quite indigenous in character. This study also suggests that while each nation‐state aspires to develop an indigenous form of science education that would best suit the national context, the outcome tends to ...
34 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The study shows that using AFRIMS results as the reference point, the CF format described here has a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 96% and is reasonable to use in situations where hemagglutinins and normal human serum are difficult to obtain.
Abstract: The highly sensitive AFRIMS format IgM capture ELISA for the diagnosis of dengue virus infections requires the use of mouse brain derived hemagglutinins and consequently also the use of 20% acetone extracted normal human serum to eliminate high background. These reagents are not always easily available and we have thus compared the AFRIMS format with another published format which uses cell culture derived antigens (culture fluid, CF, format) in order to determine if it is reasonable to use cell culture derived antigens in situations where hemaggIutinins and normal human serum are difficult to obtain. The study shows that using AFRIMS results as the reference point, the CF format described here has a sensitivity of 90"10 and a specificity of 96%.
TL;DR: In addition to affecting the survival of the mosquito larvae, infection with the parasite was found to shorten larval development time and Selected strains of A. culicis may be useful as a biological control agent against Ae.
Abstract: The susceptibility of three strains of Aedes aegypti (L.) to four strains of Ascogregarina culicis were studied under laboratory conditions. The parasite was found to be pathogenic to the mosquito; although pathogenicity varied among geographical strains of A. culicis and susceptibility varied among geographical strains of Ae. aegypti . In addition to affecting the survival of the mosquito larvae, infection with the parasite was found to shorten larval development time. Selected strains of A. culicis may be useful as a biological control agent against Ae. aegypti .
TL;DR: In this article, the feasibility of converting dry oil palm trunks into charcoal was investigated and it was found that holding time does not affect the quantity and quality of the charcoal produced, while heating rate has a minor influence.
TL;DR: In this article, steam-distilled volatile constituents from chempedak (Artocarpus polyphema Pers.) fruit and jackfruit grown in Malaysia were analysed by capillary GC and GC-MS.
Abstract: Steam-distilled volatile constituents from chempedak (Artocarpus polyphema Pers.) fruit and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) grown in Malaysia were analysed by capillary GC and GC-MS. Chempedak fruit volatiles contained 54 components of which 37.4%, were alcohols and 32.2% carboxylic acids. The main constituents were 3-methylbutanoic acid (28.2%) and 3-methylbutan-1-ol (24.3%). Other important flavour compounds include 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and the tentatively identified 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone. Jackfruit volatiles contained 45 components of which 32 have not been reported previously. Esters represented a high proportion (31.9%) of the jackfruit volatiles and are important contributors to the flavour of this fruit.
TL;DR: In this paper, a study of the reaction between lime and amorphous silica obtained from rice-husk (93-94% SiO2) under hydrothermal conditions, in the range 80-140°C, was conducted in stainless steel bombs.
TL;DR: In this article, measurements of salinity and current velocity, taken at four stations at the mouth of a Malaysian mangrove estuary over a period of 31 tidal cycles, have been analyzed.
Abstract: Measurements of salinity and current velocity, taken at four stations at the mouth of a Malaysian mangrove estuary over a period of 31 tidal cycles, have been analysed. It is shown that the two methods transpose the values of the transverse and vertical shear terms. It is concluded that the method of Rattray & Dworski should be preferred. The results illustrate the dynamic coupling between the transverse and vertical contributions on a tidal and a tidally averaged basis. During the river discharge event there was an outflow of salt associated with the vertical oscillatory shear until the gravitational circulation became fully developed. Also as river discharge diminished an outflow of salt occurred on the vertical oscillatory shear as the gravitational circulation diminished. The lag in the response was 2–3 tides. The magnitude of the transverse mean shear term was about half that of the vertical mean shear term. Towards spring tides the vertical gravitational circulation diminished rapidly as the estuary destratified. Dispersion coefficients calculated for the entire cross section reached 340 m 2 s −1 during the discharge event, but 100 m 2 s −1 for neap tides and 140 m 2 s −1 for spring tides.
TL;DR: In this article, a reverse-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to determine the vitamin A values of 40 foods of animal origin from various food groups and several processed foods.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Findings provide evidence to support the suggestion that B2 receptor might be involved in the regulation of the hypotensive actions of BK and captopril and support the idea that Kinins should also have valuable functions in the antihypertensive property ofCaptopril-like drugs.
Abstract: We have evaluated the effects of a B2 receptor antagonist (B5630) of kinins on BK and captopril-induced acute hypotensive responses in anaesthetized SHR. Intravenous treatment of BK (1.0 microgram) and captopril (0.3 mg/kg) caused significant (p 0.05) alterations in HR during the entire investigation. These findings provide evidence to support the suggestion that B2 receptor might be involved in the regulation of the hypotensive actions of BK and captopril. Kinins should also have valuable functions in the antihypertensive property of captopril-like drugs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple equation which correlates the molar volume with the carbon number and temperature of the alcohols is presented, and the density of the n-alcohols from 1-propanol to 1-octadecanol including the odd carbon number 1-drinks in the temperature range studied can be made using the equation.
Abstract: Densities of seven even carbon number n-alcohols from 1- hexanol to 1-octadecanol from 15 to 80°C were determined at 5° intervals. The density was found to be a linear function of the temperature within this temperature range. A simple equation which correlates teh molar volume with the carbon number and temperature of the alcohols is presented. Excellent agreements between the calculated, measured, and literature values were obtained. Accurate predictions of the molar volume and hence the density of the n-alcohols from 1-propanol to 1-octadecanol including the odd carbon number 1-alcohols in the temperature range studied can be made using the equation.
TL;DR: The results showed a wide range of misinterpretation with respect to drug name, dose schedule, and auxiliary labels, and both physicians and pharmacists may wish to review their traditional prescribing and dispensing procedures to help out‐patients make better use of potent medication.
Abstract: This study examined out-patients' interpretation of prescription instructions at a community hospital. The results showed a wide range of misinterpretation with respect to drug name, dose schedule, and auxiliary labels. Age level, education and financial status emerged as the most significant variables associated with the patient's response. Therefore, both physicians and pharmacists may wish to review their traditional prescribing and dispensing procedures to help out-patients make better use of potent medication.
TL;DR: Parasite-related disease outbreaks in intensive fish culture are becoming a serious problem in Asia and the fish-farming industry needs proper parasite-treatment and control methods in order to be economically viable.
TL;DR: All three oysters species have an upper lethal temperature of 40–42°C and respond to emersion by tight shell valve closure, and the rock oyster Saccostrea cannot “afford” to take up oxygen from air becaue of the risk of desiccation.
TL;DR: In this article, the Schiff bases with N-(4-hydroxybenzalidene)-o-methoxyaniline and N-(n-hydroxbenzinedene)-p-methyltheniline result in the formation of tin(IV) anionic complexes.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The role of kinin and its interacting inflammatory mediators would soon start to clarify the detailed questions they revealed in clinical and experimental models of chronic inflammatory joint diseases, and this may lead to significant advances in knowledge of the mechanisms and therapeutics of rheumatic diseases.
Abstract: Kinins are potent mediators of rheumatoid inflammation. The components of the kinin-forming system are hyperactive in RA. Excessive release of kinins in the synovial fluid can produce oedema, pain and loss of functions due to activation of B1 and B2 receptors. These receptors could be stimulated via injury, trauma, coagulation pathways (Hageman factor and thrombin) and immune complexes. The activated B1 and B2 receptors might cause release of other powerful non-cytokines and cytokines mediators of inflammation, for example, PGE2, PGI2, LTs, histamine, PAF, IL-1 and TNF derived mainly from polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells and synovial tissue. These mediators are capable of inducing bone and cartilage damage, hypertrophic synovitis, vessels proliferation, inflammatory cells migration, and possibly angiogenesis in pannus formation. These pathological changes, however, are not yet defined in human model of chronic inflammation (RA). Hence, the role of kinin and its interacting inflammatory mediators would soon start to clarify the detailed questions they revealed in clinical and experimental models of chronic inflammatory joint diseases. Several B1 and B2 receptor antagonists are being synthesized in an attempt to study the molecular functions of kinins in inflammatory processes (RA, periodontitis and osteomyelitis), and they represent and important area for continued research in rheumatology. Future development of specific, potent and stable B1 and B2 receptor antagonists or combined B1 and B2 antagonists with y-IFN might serve as pharmacological basis of more effective rationally-based therapies for RA. This may lead to significant advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms and therapeutics of rheumatic diseases.
01 Sep 1992
TL;DR: Given an ordered set of data points lying in a plane on one side of one or more given curves, schemes are presented for generating a non-parametric C 1 planar curve which interpolates the given data points and lies on the same side of these constraint curves as the data points.
Abstract: Given an ordered set of data points lying in a plane on one side of one or more given curves, schemes are presented for generating a non-parametric C 1 planar curve which interpolates the given data points and lies on the same side of these constraint curves as the data points. Both straight lines and quadratic curves are considered as constraint curves. The interpolating curve is represented by a piecewise rational cubic. A default curve is first generated and the curve segments which have crossed over any of the constraint curves are subsequently modified. In the case of a quadratic constraint curve, two methods of modification are discussed, one by changing the weights of the rational cubic segments of the interpolating curve and the other by the addition of new interpolation points. In the case of a straight line constraint, modification may be achieved by just changing the weights. A number of examples are presented.
TL;DR: In this article, the association constants of 1 : 1 complexes formed in water between six aromatic hydrocarbons (o-,m-, andp-xylene, naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene) andα- andβ-cyclodextrin were determined by the transport method.
Abstract: The association constants of 1 : 1 complexes formed in water between six aromatic hydrocarbons (o-,m-, andp-xylene, naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene) andα- andβ-cyclodextrin were determined by the transport method. The values are in good agreement with those determined by other methods.
TL;DR: One hundred and fifty-five children with childhood deafness were examined over a period of 4 years in order to assess the aetiology of hearing disorder.
TL;DR: The faecal coliform test was an excellent predictor of the presence of E. coli in these water samples, while the H2S test was very inadequate, and false positive and false negative rates were highest for both well and drinking water samples.
Abstract: The H2S water screening test and the membrane filtration faecal coliform count were compared with Escherichia coli counts for water samples collected from household water sources and domestic drinking water in rural Malaysia. Water samples were taken from 151 wells, 44 taps supplying water from the treated municipal supply and 192 domestic stored water supplies. E. coli were detected in 20% of the samples (42% of wells, 7% of tap water and 6% of drinking water). Excellent correlation (Spearman's rank correlation rs = 0 · 93) was found between the faecal coliform and E. coli counts for all sample types. The H2S method was poorly correlated whether read at 18 or 30 h. False positive rates were highest for well water, and false negative rates were highest for both well and drinking water samples, with low E. coli counts. The faecal coliform test was an excellent predictor of the presence of E. coli in these water samples, while the H2S test was very inadequate.
TL;DR: Several dimethyltin(IV) salts have been synthesized as discussed by the authors, where L represents the Schiff bases N -(2methoxy-1-naphthalidene)-2-methoxyaniline.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A review of the toxic properties of cassava is presented together with discussion on the methods of its preparation, its adverse effects on man, its detoxification in the body, and the treatment of its poisoning.
Abstract: Three sisters with cassava poisoning are described. A review of the toxic properties of cassava is presented together with discussion on the methods of its preparation, its adverse effects on man, its detoxification in the body, and the treatment of its poisoning.