Showing papers by "University of Malaya published in 1982"

Daily egg production of Ascaris lumbricoides : the distribution of eggs in the faeces and the variability of egg counts

Abstract: Fifteen children aged from 6 to 12 years who were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides were selected for the study. The number of eggs/g (e.p.g.) of stool was determined using Beaver's direct smear technique, Stoll's dilution egg count technique and Katz's modified thick smear technique. Beaver's direct smear method consistently gave a higher e.p.g. than the other two methods. Results of this study show that Katz's modified thick smear technique was the best of the three methods used. The e.p.g. depends on several factors: the amount of stool passed daily, the concentration of eggs within a stool sample, the daily egg output, the worm load, the age of the worm and the technique used for determining the egg load. The daily average egg output/female A. lumbricoides was estimated to be 238 722 (range 134 462-358 750) with an average e.p.g. of 3540. The estimation of worm load based on egg count is useful in determining the intensity of infection in an individual. The male/female worm ratio was estimated to be 1:1.4.

Structure and seasonality in a Malaysian mudflat community

Abstract: An assessment of community composition and the functional roles of the dominant species has been carried out in two intertidal areas of Malaysian mudflat dominated by natural populations of the arcid bivalve mollusc Anadara granosa . In addition to A. granosa , organisms of numerical importance are the venerid bivalve Pelecyora trigona , the neogastropod Plicarcularia leptospira , the mesogastropods Stenothyra glabrata and Cerithidea cingulata and the hermit crab Diogenes sp. The mesogastropod Natica maculosa and the neogastropod Thais carinifera may be of some importance to community organization but they are not numerically dominant. Annelids are conspicuous by their absence. The following trophic roles are ascribed to specific members of the community: A. granosa —facultative surface deposit feeder; P. trigona —suspension feeder; P. leptospira —scavenger; C. cingulata —deposit feeder/grazer; S. glabrata —deposit feeder/grazer; N. maculosa —predator; T. carinifera —predator; Diogenes sp.—scavenger/predator. S. glabrata is of particular interest because it appears to fill the niche occupied by mud snails of the genus Hydrobia in temperate mudflat systems. There is evidence of seasonality on the mudflats which points to a spawning of certain forms triggered by the major annual salinity depression at the time of the onset of the north-east monsoon in October/November. Concentrations of benthic chlorophyll a show no obvious signs of a seasonal fluctuation and the seasonality of the primary consumers is not thought to be related to food abundance. However there is some evidence of seasonality of reproduction in N. maculosa which preys on the seasonally reproducing bivalves.

Phospholipids of palm oil (Elaeis guineensis).

Abstract: Mesocarp oil ofElaeis guineensis provides 1000~2000 ppm of phospholipids. Thin layer chromatography revealed that the major components are phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Minor components are phosphatidic acid (PA), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), and traces of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and phosphatidylserine (PS) are detectable. An artifact from enzymatic transphosphatidylation in methanolic solvents was isolated and characterized as phosphatidylmethanol (PM). Phospholipids are only present at low levels (20~80 ppm) in commercial crude palm oil and they usually account for a minor part of the total elemental phosphorus of the oil. It is desirable to have low levels of phospholipids in the oil to obtain better oxidative stability and bleaching properties.

Immune responses in human Brugia malayi infections: serum dependent cell-mediated destruction of infective larvae in vitro

Abstract: Serum dependent cell-mediated cytotoxity of subperiodic Brugia malayi infective larvae in vitro was investigated. In vitro cellular adherence of normal human buffy coat cells to infective larvae of B. malayi was promoted by sera from patients with elephantiasis, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) and amicrofilaraemic symptomatic filariasis, as well as by sera from normal subjects from filariasis endemic areas. However, strongest adherence was observed with TPE sera. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies confirmed that the cellular adherence resulted in gross surface damage to the infective larvae. Studies with the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) suggested that IgG and/or IgM might be involved in the process of adherence. Complement did not appear to be important.

Hepatitis B virus surface antigen in glomerular immune complex deposits of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract: In view of a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in the Malaysian population, indirect immunofluorescence examination for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was routinely performed on renal biopsy specimens at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, over a 3-year period. Examination of renal tissue from 259 patients, including 47 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), revealed 43 cases with HBsAg in glomerular immune complexes. A significantly high proportion (30/43) of these were SLE patients. The deposits were granular in nature, situated in both the capiliary walls and mesangium and associated with immunoglobulin deposition. Morphological patterns of lupus nephritis involved were focal pro-liferative (one case), diffuse proliferative (23 cases) and membranous (six cases). None of these patients showed clinical evidence of liver disease. The significance of these findings remains uncertain, but the possibility exists that the hepatitis B virus may have a role in the pathogenesis of SLE in the tropics where both SLE and HBs antigenaemia are common.

Toxicity of diflubenzuron to the grasshopper oxya japonica: effects on reproduction

Abstract: When fed to adult female Oxya japonica Willemse. diflubenzuron was found to retard ovarian development of this grasshopper causing an increase in the percentage of terminal oocyte resorption. The fecundity of the females and egg hatchability were significantly reduced. In addition, treated females showed a characteristic tendency for the hind legs to break off from the body. Ingestion of the compound decreased the life span of adult females. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Toxizitat von Diflubenzuron gegen Oxya japonica: Wirkungen auf die Vermehrung Die Aufnahme von 1 mg Diflubenzuron WS durch 2 Tage und durch 10 Tage alte Weibchen von O. japonica verlangsamte die Ovarialentwicklung. Die Fruchtbarkeit behandelter Weibchen und die Schlupfrate der gelegten Eier waren am Ende des ersten gonadotrophischen Zyklus deutlich vermindert. Die Aufnahme von Diflubenzuron brachte den behandelten Weibchen eine deutliche Schadigung und verkurzte die Lebensdauer der behandelten Tiere betrachtlich.

Scleroderma and Pregnancy

Abstract: Summary: A case of pregnancy complicated by scleroderma is reported Although the disease runs a variable course during pregnancy, maternal mortality is a likely sequel once renal involvement occurs General systemic deterioration occurred in this patient during pregnancy, but there was a remarkable recovery after delivery

Phalangispora constricta gen. et. sp.nov., a sporodochial Hyphomycete with branched conidia

Abstract: A new genus of Hyphomycetes based on Phalangispora constricta is described. The conidioma is a sporodochium bearing a few dark setae. The conidiogenous cells bear one to several branched conidia which are multicellular, and deeply constricted between the cells. The conidia grow by budding at the tips of the arms. Although variable in shape, a typical spore has a curved main axis with two laterals which arise one cell apart near the base of the main axis. Previous records of spores of this fungus are discussed.

Sai Baba, salvation and syncretism: Religious change in a Hindu movement in urban Malaysia

Abstract: Caracteristiques et problemes d'un mouvement religieux neo-hindou dans la Malaisie contemporaine: facteurs de succes et d'echec, tendances a l'innovation. Inspire de la bhakti, ne en Inde autour d'un chef conteste, il a ses racines dans les classes moyennes hindoues, mais se veut syncretique et pratique, et recrute de plus en plus dans les milieux chinois: les rapports de force politiques et ethniques contribuent a expliquer ces faits.

A light and electron microscope study of the gills of larval lampreys (Geotria australis) with particular reference to the water-blood pathway.

Abstract: The gills of ammocoetes of the Southern Hemisphere lamprey Geotria australis have been studied using light and electron microscopy. Emphasis has been placed on describing the structures and vessels involved in gaseous exchange, and on providing quantitative data for the water-blood barrier, including diffusion distance, diffusing capacity and the relative volumes of the component tissues. Although lamprey gills lie inside rather than outside the branchial skeleton as in gnathostomatous fishes. the morphology and ultrastructure of the gill filaments and secondary lamellae of G. australis larvae are very similar to those of teleost fishes. The extensive blood spaces within the secondary lamellae are enclosed by pillar cell bodies and pillar cell flanges which support two layers of epithelial cells. The outer surfaces of the epithelial cells are ridged and covered in a flocculent material which probably represents mucus. Differences were observed in the components of the water-blood barrier at the distal edges and at the surface of the secondary lamellae. At the distal edge, the lining of the marginal channel consisted of an endothelial cell rather than the pillar cell flanges which line the blood spaces of other regions. Based on light micrograph measurements, these differences result in a reduction in the arithmetic mean thickness of the water-blood barrier from 3.62 μm over the pillar cells to 2.22 μm over the marginal channel. Using values for the water-blood barrier obtained from light micrographs, the arithmetic and harmonic mean diffusing capacities were calculated as 1.1046 and 1.7589 ml O2min/mm Hg/Kg.

Determination of rate constants of benzoyl peroxide and azobisisobutyronitrile dissociation via polymerization kinetics

Abstract: A linear expression is derived from Tobolsky's equation related to the dead-end polymerization method to determine the rate constant for the initiator dissociation. This novel graphical method applies remarkably well to the kinetic data collected by dilatometry from the polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile and benzoyl peroxide in toluene at 60°C. Results obtained for these two initiators are consistent with those published in the literature. Applicability of the method is confined to at least 5% and at most 13% decomposition of initiator. However, these limiting values are sensitive to the experimental techniques employed. The effects of induced decomposition of benzoyl peroxide and thermal polymerization of methyl methacrylate are shown to be negligible in the present investigations.

The toxicity of diflubenzuron to Oxya japonica (Willemse) and its effect on moulting

Abstract: A laboratory evaluation of the acute toxicity of diflubenzuron against the final stage of Oxya japonica nymphs showed that it was more effective in preventing the development of the nymphs into the adults when applied topically, than when injected. Histological studies revealed that treated nymphs that subsequently died, before or during ecdysis, suffered from severe endocuticular lesions. Comparable abnormalities and disruption of endocuticular deposition and growth were also seen in nymphs that were treated topically with diflubenzuron at 50 or 200 μg a.i. per insect, although these nymphs appeared normal externally.

Proton-fluoride equilibria in concentrated sodium perchlorate media

Abstract: The stability constant of HF has been measured at 25°C in concentrated sodium perchlorate media at ionic strengths ranging from 2 to 8M. Results were obtained by fluoride ion-selective electrode potentiometry. Agreement with literature values is excellent where comparison is possible.

Sistotrema hamatum sp. nov., the teleomorph of Ingoldiella hamata

Abstract: The teleomorph of Ingoldiella hamata is described as a new species, Sistotrema hamatum. The basidia typically bear 8 basidiospores. Monokaryotic isolates derived from single basidiospores form branched, non-clamped propagules resembling the branched, clamped propagules formed on dikaryotic cultures. Mating experiments indicate a unifactorial mating system with multiple alleles. The occurrence of other aquatic basidiomycete conidia is discussed.

The protein, trypsin inhibitor and lipid of the winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L) DC] seeds

Abstract: The protein, trypsin inhibitor and lipid of the seeds from 15 New Guinea and 15 Thai winged bean varieties grown in Malaysia were analysed. The results show that winged bean seeds have a high protein content, ranging from 27.8 to 47.2% (based on dry seed wt). The trypsin inhibitor contents vary from 1.6 to 3.6 million i.u. 100 g−1 of seeds; these trypsin inhibitor activities could be destroyed almost completely by a simple heat treatment. The oil content varies from 15.2 to 27.8% of the dry seed wt. Saturated fatty acids account for 31–37% of the total fatty acids and behenic acid (22:0) alone constitutes about 14–17% of the saturated fatty acid content. Unsaturated fatty acids account for 63–69% of total fatty acids; oleic and linoleic acids together constitute 57–64% of the unsaturated fatty acids.

Gas chromatography—mass spectrometry analysis of termite defence secretions in the subfamilyNasutitermitinae

Abstract: Mono- and diterpenoid components of severalNasutitermitinae soldier secretions have been characterised by gas chromatographymass spectrometry. Patterns in monoterpene distribution are useful, but not sufficient for chemotaxonomic purposes without determination of the diterpene distribution. Diterpenoids are structurally complex and can have tetracyclic, tricyclic and bicyclic skeletal structures with various degrees of oxygenation. The relative retention indices for several identified diterpenoid compounds have been determined on OV-1 and OV-17 columns. The amount and distribution of the terpenoid components are useful aids to chemotaxonomy forNasutitermitinae termites.

The surface finish of the new microfill restorative materials. A scanning electron microscope study.

Abstract: Summary Surface smoothness is an important requirement for restorative materials. Recently, restorative materials claimed to be inherently smooth in surface characteristics have been developed. Matrix-formed and finished surfaces of five new microfill restorative materials were compared with two composite resins, an acrylic resin and a silicate cement by means of scanning electron microscopy. The results of this investigation indicated that the matrix-formed surfaces of all the restorative materials studied were not altogether perfect. Polishing using sandpaper and cuttlefish discs produced a very smooth surface finish in the new microfill restorative materials, Estic microfill, Estilux microfill, Isopast, Isolux and Silar which was comparable to that of the acrylic resin, Sevriton. The composite resins, Adaptic and Estilux exhibited the worst surface finish and the silicate cement, Bio-trey was intermediate. Finishing, using other finer polishing devices on four of the materials produced a further improvement in the surface finish.

Cryptococcosis in the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur and review of published cases.

Abstract: Between January 1974 and June 1980, 85 cases of cryptococcosis were diagnosed in the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The diagnosis was based on positive culture of the organism in 81 cases; the remaining four were diagnosed on histopathological findings. Cerebral cryptococcosis was the most common presentation and Chinese are particularly susceptible (72% of cases). The incidence of the disease is shown to be far greater than previously suspected. Association with compromised host status is uncommon (14%). The local literature is briefly reviewed and the findings discussed.

Resistance of head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis de Geer) to DDT in Malaysia

Abstract: A survey of 308,101 schoolchildren conducted in 10 of 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia revealed that 10·7% have Pediculus humanus capitis infestation. The results of treatment with 1%, 2% and 5% DDT in coconut oil in 374 cases reveal cure rates of 3·5%, 15·8% and 51·3%, respectively, suggesting that the head louse has probably developed resistance to this insecticide in Malaysia.

Rhizobia in tropical legumes—XIV. Ion uptake differences between fast- and slow-growing strains

Abstract: We compared the uptake of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus (as well as 14C-labelled mannitol, 3H-labelled glutamate, and 32P-labelled phosphate) in three fast- and three slow-growing rhizobia. The fast-growing strains used were Rhizobium meliloti (isolated from Medicago sativa), R. trifolii (from Trifolium subterraneum), and Rhizobium spp from Leucaena leucocephala, while the slow-growing strains were R. japonicum (Glycine max), and two Rhizobium spp (from Centrosema pubescens and Crotolaria anagyroides). Slow-growing organisms preferentially utilized glutamate in the medium. Both fast- and slow-growing strains took up more NH+4-N than NO−3-N on a per cell basis. In the presence of mannitol, fast-growing strains can cause either acid or alkaline reactions, an effect that is dependent only on the N-source (NH+4 or NO−3). Uptake preferences of the fast-growing Leucaena isolate (UMKL 19) resembled those of the slow-growing rhizobia, further strengthening the argument that this organism (and others like it) may be intermediate between the normal fast- and slow-growing groups. Generally, the efficiency of uptake of N (either as NH+4 or NO−3), P, and therefore K, was greater in the fast-growing organisms.

Epidemiology of Malaria in Malaysia

Abstract: Malaria is a major public health problem in Malaysia, particularly in peninsular Malaysia and the state of Sabah. An eradication program started in the states of Sabah and Sarawak in 1961 initially was remarkably successful. A similar but staged program was started in peninsular Malaysia in 1967 and was also quite successful. However, a marked upsurge in incidence in Sabah in 1975-1978 showed that malaria is still a major hazard. The disease leads to great economic losses in terms of the productivity of the labor force and the learning capacity of schoolchildren. The topography, the climate, and the migrations of the people due to increased economic activity are similar in peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. However, the epidemiologic picture differs strikingly from area to area in terms of species of vectors, distribution of parasitic species, and resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine. Likewise, the problems faced by the eradication or control programs in the three regions are dissimilar. Because solutions to only some of these problems are possible, the eradication of malaria in Malaysia is not likely in the near future. However, the situation offers an excellent opportunity for further studies of antimalaria measures.