Showing papers by "University of Malaya published in 1999"
TL;DR: It is proposed that this Hendra-like virus was the cause of the outbreak of encephalitis among pig-farmers in Malaysia and Clinically and epidemiologically the infection is distinct from infection by the Hendra virus.
657 citations
TL;DR: The review reveals the tremendous prospect of using neural networks in process control and shows the multilayered neural network as the most popular network for such process control applications and also shows the lack of actual successful online applications at the present time.
405 citations
TL;DR: In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that Malaysian medicinal plants, Piper sarmentosum, Andrographis paniculata and Tinospora crispa produced considerable antimalarial effects and chloroform extract in vitro did show better effect than the methanol extract.
230 citations
TL;DR: The presence of at least two potentially virulent EV71 co-circulating in Malaysia during an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in Malaysia in 1997 is suggested.
208 citations
TL;DR: A survey of the Malay ethno-medico botany in the Machang district, Kelantan state, Malaysia, identified 146 species used by the villagers to treat various ailments.
179 citations
TL;DR: Nasopharyngeal and oral carcinoma patients from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka who have very high EBV titres show that there is little, if any, cross-reactivity between antibodies to these two gamma viruses, suggesting that human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) may be either a recently introduced virus or one that has extremely low infectivity.
Abstract: Seroprevalence of HHV-8 has been studied in Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad, Jamaica and the USA, in both healthy individuals and those infected with HIV. Seroprevalence was found to be low in these countries in both the healthy and the HIV-infected populations. This correlates with the fact that hardly any AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma has been reported in these countries. In contrast, the African countries of Ghana, Uganda and Zambia showed high seroprevalences in both healthy and HIV-infected populations. This suggests that human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) may be either a recently introduced virus or one that has extremely low infectivity. Nasopharyngeal and oral carcinoma patients from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka who have very high EBV titres show that only 3/82 (3.7%) have antibody to HHV-8, demonstrating that there is little, if any, cross-reactivity between antibodies to these two gamma viruses.
167 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, seven kinds of building materials were analysed for 238U, 232Th and 40K using a direct γ-counting method, and the results showed that the Ra equivalent activities (Raeq) for all materials are higher than the world average value for soil (89 Bq-kg-1).
154 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative study of wear, friction, viscosity, lubricant degradation and exhaust emissions was carried out on a palm oil and a mineral oil-based commercial lubricating oil.
154 citations
TL;DR: Several Zingiberaceae species used in Malaysian traditional medicine contain naturally occurring non-toxic compounds that inhibit the EBV activation, which, if further investigated, could contribute in the development of cancer prevention methods at the tumour-promoting stage.
Abstract: Zingiberaceae rhizomes commonly used in the Malaysian traditional medicine were screened for anti-tumour promoter activity using the short-term assay of inhibition of 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) in Raji cells The inhibition of TPA-induced EBV-EA was detected using the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blot technique The indirect IFA detected the expression/inhibition of EBV-EA-D (diffused EA antigen), whereas the Western blot technique detected the expression/inhibition of both EBV-EA-D and EA-R (restricted EA antigen) Seven rhizomes were found to possess inhibitory activity towards EBV activation, induced by TPA; they are: Curcuma domestica, C xanthorrhiza, Kaempferia galanga, Zingiber cassumunar, Z officinale, Z officinale (red variety), and Z zerumbet A cytotoxicity assay was carried out to determine the toxicity of the Zingiberaceae rhizome extracts The rhizome extracts that exhibited EBV activation inhibitory activity had no cytotoxicity effect in Raji cells Therefore, the present study shows that several Zingiberaceae species used in Malaysian traditional medicine contain naturally occurring non-toxic compounds that inhibit the EBV activation, which, if further investigated, could contribute in the development of cancer prevention methods at the tumour-promoting stage
134 citations
TL;DR: A survey of the Malay herbal medicine in the Gemencheh settlement, Negri Sembilan state, Malaysia, identified 54 species used by the villagers to treat various ailments.
125 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the development of response models (tool life, surface roughness, and cutting force) for turning inconel 718 utilizing factorial design of experiment and response surface methodology is described.
TL;DR: The in vitro culture method used in the study detected that people who work closely with animals do stand at risk of acquiring Blastocystis infection.
Abstract: The present study investigated whether people working closely with animals were at higher risk of getting infected with Blastocystis hominis. The prevalence of the parasite was determined in two population groups, i.e., animal handlers and normal healthy individuals who did not work with animals. In all, 105 stool samples were collected from animal handlers from 2 local research institutions, a local zoo, and a local abattoir and 163 stool samples were collected from normal healthy individuals residing in high-rise flats in the city. The in vitro culture method used in the study detected that 41% of 105 animal handlers and 17% of 163 flat-dwellers in the city were positive for Blastocystis. This statistically significant finding (P = 0.0000313) shows that people who work closely with animals do stand at risk of acquiring Blastocystis infection.
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis of the case of the Goodwill Accounting Standard is presented, which reveals conflicts and power struggles within the Malaysian accounting profession and the power struggle therein to dominate the standard setting process, within the context of a rapidly developing country.
Abstract: This paper offers insights into the conflicts and tensions within the Malaysian accounting profession and the power struggle therein to dominate the accounting standard setting process, within the context of a rapidly developing country. It shows how interest groups and parochial interests, along with issues of self‐protection, affected the process of standard setting, which was controlled by different interests over the period under study. At one time the profession dominated. But far from being a monolithic body, it was in turn split according to various interests: the Big Six behind the Malaysian Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) and the smaller firms behind the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). At other times big business prevailed. These conflicts and power struggles are revealed through an analysis of the case of the Goodwill Accounting Standard.
TL;DR: The case illustrated here is an application of the frontal sinus identification of a victim in a mass disaster.
Abstract: The uniqueness of anatomical structures and their variations provides the basis for forensic identification of unknown deceased persons. Similar to fingerprints, each frontal sinus is so distinctive and unique that the chances of two individuals having the same morphology of the frontal sinuses is extremely remote. Radiographs, especially the occipitomental view commonly used in the assessment of paranasal pathology, provide excellent records of these sinuses. The case illustrated here is an application of the frontal sinus identification of a victim in a mass disaster. Clin. Anat. 12:16-19, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
TL;DR: The concept and technique of QFD as applied to the construction industry with special focus on a low‐cost housing scheme is described and the benefits of reliability in quality, cost and time for low-cost housing from the customers’ viewpoint are presented.
Abstract: Quality function deployment (QFD) is a design management tool to enhance the quality aspect of products and services as well as to increase customer satisfaction. This paper describes the concept and technique of QFD as applied to the construction industry with special focus on a low‐cost housing scheme. The benefits of QFD on the aspects of reliability in quality, cost and time for low‐cost housing from the customers’ viewpoint are also presented.
TL;DR: The ethanolic extract from the stem bark of Dimocarpus fumatus, showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against KB cells, and compounds belonging to different classes were identified.
TL;DR: Thirteen alkaloids were isolated from the stem-bark extract of Kopsia griffithii, of which three were new, and Harmane, pleiocarpine and buchtienine showed antileishmanial activity.
TL;DR: The study shows that isolates of B. hominis of different geographical origin have different levels of resistance to metronidazole, and the search for more effective drugs to eliminate the parasite appears inevitable.
Abstract: Isolates of Blastocystis hominis from infected immigrant workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh and infected individuals from Singapore and Malaysia were assessed for growth pattern and degree of resistance to different concentrations of metronidazole. Viability of the cells was assessed using eosin-brillian cresyl blue which stained viable cells green and nonviable cells red. The Bangladeshi and Singaporean isolates were nonviable even at the lowest concentration of 0.01 mg/ml, whereas 40% of the initial inoculum of parasites from the Indonesian isolate at day one were still viable in cultures with 1.0 mg/ml metronidazole. The study shows that isolates of B. hominis of different geographical origin have different levels of resistance to metronidazole. The search for more effective drugs to eliminate th parasite appears inevitable, especially since surviving parasites from metronidazole cultures show greater ability to multiply in subcultures than controls.
TL;DR: In this article, the production of forward jets has been measured in deep inelastic ep collisions at HERA in terms of single differential cross sections as a function of the Bjorken scaling variable (x_{Bj}) and as triple differential cross-sections d^3 \sigma / dx{Bj} dQ^2 dp_{t,jet}^2, where q is the four momentum transfer squared and p is the squared transverse momentum of the forward jet.
Abstract: The production of forward jets has been measured in deep inelastic ep collisions at HERA. The results are presented in terms of single differential cross sections as a function of the Bjorken scaling variable (x_{Bj}) and as triple differential cross sections d^3 \sigma / dx_{Bj} dQ^2 dp_{t,jet}^2, where Q^2 is the four momentum transfer squared and p_{t,jet}^2 is the squared transverse momentum of the forward jet. Also cross sections for events with a di-jet system in addition to the forward jet are measured as a function of the rapidity separation between the forward jet and the two additional jets. The measurements are compared with next-to-leading order QCD calculations and with the predictions of various QCD-based models.
TL;DR: The authors provide clinical and histopathologic evidence in the case that suggests the possibility of malignant mesenchymoma arising from a mesenchyal hamartoma.
TL;DR: In this article, the positive charge density of ZrO2 at pH = pHς=0 determined from the amount of PSS adsorbed was in excellent agreement with that obtained from charge titration, and the upper limit of the patch area was estimated from the radius of gyration of the molecule in solution.
Abstract: Adsorbed polystyrene sulphonate (PSS) shifts the pH of the zero zeta potential, pHς = 0, of ZrO2 to a lower pH. The positive charge density of ZrO2 at pH = pHς=0 determined from the amount of PSS adsorbed was in excellent agreement with that obtained from charge titration. Polystyrene sulphonic acid shifts pHς=0 to a greater degree compared with polyacrylic acid because it is a much stronger acid. A patch is likely to just consist of one adsorbed molecule. The patch is negative when the charges of the molecule exceed the underlying positive surface charge. Attraction between the negative patch and the bare positive surface of a second particle is responsible for increasing the yield stress of concentrated ZrO2 dispersions at pHς=0. Its magnitude is only of the order of the van der Waals attraction. Increasing ionic strength and patch misalignment diminish the attraction. The upper limit of the patch area was estimated from the radius of gyration of the molecule in solution. With a known patch area, the patch charged density can be calculated. With the selection of an appropriate patch area, the yield stress due to charged patch attraction increases linearly with the product of the negative and positive patch densities.
TL;DR: In this paper, a voltage collapse proximity indicator is proposed for each line of the power transmission system, which is calculated based on the power flow through that line and then used for predicting contingency outage of the lines and hence study the voltage collapse of the system.
TL;DR: The presenting features, complications and outcome of infants with Salmonella meningitis are reviewed to assess the need for further study.
Abstract: Objective: To review the presenting features, complications and outcome of infants with Salmonella meningitis.
Methodology: Retrospective review of all cultures of cerebrospinal fluid positive for bacteria in children below 12 years of age, processed at the Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur from 1973 to 1997. Records of all cases positive for Salmonella species were retrieved and studied.
Results: Thirteen infants aged 3 days to 9 months with Salmonella meningitis were included. The median age of onset of symptoms was 4 months. The clinical and laboratory features were similar to other causes of bacterial meningitis. Salmonella enteritidis was the commonest serotype isolated. Nine infants developed fits, six of which were difficult to control. Other complications noted were hydrocephalus (five), subdural effusions (four), empyema (three), ventriculitis (two), intracranial haemorrhage and cerebral abscess (one each). The use of ampicillin and/or chloramphenicol and inadequate duration of therapy resulted in recrudescence or relapse in five infants. The overall mortality was 18%. The presence of empyema, intracerebral abscess, ventriculitis, hydrocephalus, and intracranial haemorrhage were associated with adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae or death. More than half of those who survived had normal long-term outcome.
Conclusions: Infants who developed neurological complications as a result of Salmonella meningitis had significant mortality and adverse long-term neurodevelopment outcome.
TL;DR: Summary of clinical and laboratory findings of the 24 cases reviewed Authors Year No.
Abstract: Summary of clinical and laboratory findings of the 24 cases reviewed Authors Year No. of Type of Haemolysis Rhabdomyolysis Hypotension Abn Renal biopsy Dialysis Outcome cases insect LFTsSitprija et al . [17] 1972 1 Wasp NI Yes Absent NI ATN Yes RecoveredChugh et al . [18] 1976 1 Hornet Yes NI NI NI ATN Not known RecoveredLoasombat V et al . [19] 1982 1 Wasp Yes NI Absent NI NI No DiedHumblet et al . [10] 1982 1 Bee Yes Yes Yes Yes NI Yes RecoveredBousquet et al . [20] 1984 1 Yellow jacket Yes Yes Yes Yes NI Yes RecoveredMejia et al . [16] 1986 5 Bee NI Yes (2/2) Yes (4/5) Yes (2/2) ATNaYes (5/5) Recovered (4/5)Died (1/5)Sakhuja et al . [3] 1988 5 Hornet Yes (5/5) Yes (2/2) NI Yes (2/5) ATN(3/5) Yes (5/5) Recovered (3/5)Died (2/5)Barss P [21] 1989 1 Wasp Yes NI Absent NI NI No Died Ramanathan et al . [22] 1990 2 Bee NI Yes (2/2) Absent NI NI Yes (2/2) Recovered (2/2)Nace L. [23] 1992 1 Wasp Absent Absent NI NI NI Yes RecoveredMunoz. [2] 1992 1 Bee Yes NI Absent Yes ATN Yes RecoveredBeccari M
TL;DR: A total of 32 alkaloids were obtained from the stem extract of Kopsia dasyrachis, of which ten were new, viz., kopsiflorine N (4)-oxide, 11-methoxykopsilongine N 4 -oxide,kopsifine, decarbomethoxy kopsifier, kopsinarine, 11,12-methylenedioxykopsine, dasyrusachine, rhazinicine, (+)-19 (R)-hydroxyeburnamine and (−)-19(R)-
TL;DR: In this article, a novel approach was developed to study the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of polymers based on the Ozawa equation, which was applied to a selection of eleven semicrystalline polymers including some biodegradable polyesters.
TL;DR: The data suggest a role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of NPC; therefore, it may prove to be a valuable biomarker molecule for the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.
Abstract: Nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs) of non-keratinizing type are strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV and its gene products induce the synthesis and/or release of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) from human cells and platelets. TGF-beta1 is an immunosuppressive cytokine, and many tumors are known to secrete it, to counter the host immune response. To determine the potential role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of NPC, 53 serum samples from patients with EBV-associated NPC and 20 from healthy donors were analyzed for total and active TGF-beta content using ELISA. Serum samples for TGF-beta content were also analyzed from NPC patients at different clinical stages of the tumors. Significantly higher (p < 0.01) levels of active and total TGF-beta were found in the sera of NPC patients than in control sera. The ratio of active:total TGF-beta was also significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the NPC sera. Levels of this cytokine were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the sera of patients with advanced stages of tumor compared to patients with earlier stages. Furthermore, higher levels were seen in patients with relapsing than with remitting tumors; even higher levels were observed in NPC patients who died of the tumor. Our data suggest a role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of NPC; therefore, it may prove to be a valuable biomarker molecule for the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC. Int. J. Cancer (Pred. Oncol.) 84:396-399, 1999.
TL;DR: In this paper, an overview of the study conducted in the Malacca Straits as part of the GEF/UNDP/IMO Regional Programme on the Prevention and Management of Marine Pollution in the East Asian Seas, in particular pertaining to the identification of land and sea-based sources of pollution in Malaysia which contributes to the pollution load in the Straits, as well as the assessment of the relative contribution of each source.
TL;DR: The potential for botanical and chemical studies and for discovery of novel chemical constituents, especially those possessing useful bioactivities is therefore immense as mentioned in this paper. But the need for such studies has assumed a greater urgency in recent times in the wake of the threat posed by rapid development and with the growing concern that valuable plant substances which may present useful lead compounds for drug discovery may be lost.
Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the alkaloids from Malaysian flora. Malaysia is located in the heart of South East Asia and constitutes part of the Malaysian phytogeographical region. Its position near the Equator confers on it a typically tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures, humidity and rainfall throughout the year. Such conditions are conducive to plant life and have resulted in a rich and thriving flora. The potential for botanical and chemical studies and for discovery of novel chemical constituents, especially those possessing useful bioactivities is therefore immense. The need for such studies has assumed a greater urgency in recent times in the wake of the threat posed by rapid development and with the growing concern that valuable plant substances which may present useful lead compounds for drug discovery may be lost.
TL;DR: In this article, the oil-generating potential of coals and other organic-rich sediments from the Late Oligocene-Early Miocene Nyalau Formation, the offshore extension of which is believed to be a major source rock, is evaluated.