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A prospective case-control study on nutritional status and lifestyle risk factors towards quality of life among colorectal cancer and polyp patients in Malaysia
(2025-08)
Ashari, Lydiatul Shima
In Southeast Asian countries, there is a growing incidence and prevalence rate of disease-related malnutrition colorectal cancer (CRC) and its precursor, colorectal polyp, however there are only few reports of this condition. Treatments and the disease itself may affect and impair the overall quality of life (QOL) of CRC survivors. The study aimed to determine the nutritional status and lifestyle risk factors among CRC and polyp patients and their impact on QOL through a prospective case-control study in Malaysia. This study was conducted in two university hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia from June 2020 until December 2022. Patients were recruited through purposive sampling method and a total of 313 patients consisting of 99 and 74 pathologically confirmed CRC and colorectal polyp cases respectively, and 140 controls were included in the analysis. The following information was gathered pre- treatment: Socio-demographic, family and personal medical history, dietary intake, sedentary behaviour, nutritional risk, smoking, clinicopathological, biochemical parameters, and anthropometric profiles. Six months post-treatment, sedentary behaviour, nutritional risk, biochemical parameters, and anthropometric profiles were gathered again, together with treatment and QOL. Multiple logistic regression model revealed that the Kuala Lumpur state (OR=8.89, 95% CI=3.19-24.83; p<0.001), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (OR=4.91, 95% CI=1.81-13.29, p=0.002), vitamin/mineral supplements (OR=5.15, CI=2.33-11.39, p<0.001), and saturated fatty acids (SFA) (OR=1.19, 95% CI=1.08-1.31, p<0.001) intake were associated with greater risks of CRC while non-Malay (OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.15-0.87, p=0.024), overweight (OR=0.14, 95% CI=0.04-0.48, p=0.002), increased intake of vitamin D (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.55-0.92, p=0.008) and dietary fibre (OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.74-0.89, p<0.001) were associated with reduced risk of CRC after the data were adjusted for age and gender. For colorectal polyp, the Kuala Lumpur state (OR=4.36, 95% CI=2.02-9.41, p<0.001) and high cholesterol (OR=1.003, 95% CI=1.001-1.005, p=0.006) intake were associated with increased risk while high thiamin (OR=0.02, 95% CI= 0.00-0.11, p<0.001) and fruits (OR=0.997, 95% CI=0.995-1.000, p=0.035) intake were found associated with decreased of risk. Multiple linear regression model showed that malnourish (β=-18.40, p<0.001) and abdominal obesity (β=-10.07, p=0.020) were negatively associated with QOL after six months of post-treatment. This study advances current understanding of the nutritional and metabolic pathways underlying colorectal cancer and polyp development, providing a foundation for future mechanistic and intervention studies
A randomized control trial: insertion of peripherally inserted central catheter (picc) in neonates; mathematical formula versus direct measurement
(2023-02)
Jusili, Syamila Huda
Introduction Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) is commonly used in preterm infants. However, many studies have shown a high need for adjustment of their position after insertion. The aim of this study was to test a new method to estimate the ideal catheter depth for cubital PICC insertion in preterm infants. Methods A multi-center randomized, controlled trial was conducted, comparing direct measurement from insertion site to sternal notch (control group) versus a formula based on the length of the infant (intervention group) to estimate the ideal depth of cubital PICC in preterm infants with a birth of less than 1.5kg. The primary outcome was the rate of correctly placed PICCs. Catheter related complications were also monitored. Results There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the intervention group and the control group except for a significant lower birth weight in the intervention group. There was no significant difference in correct placement between the intervention and the control groups (6 out of 25 or 24% vs 10 out of 27 or 37% respectively, p=0.309). There was also no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups. Discussion and conclusion This study did not show benefits of using an alternative formula for estimation of catheter depth for cubital PICC insertion in preterm infants. As in previous studies the rate of correct initial placement was low and there is definitely a need for studies to identify better ways to estimate the depth of PICC insertion for preterm infants.
A study of antibiotic agents prescribed, guideline compliance and associated factor of antibiotic failure among the hospitalised paediatric and adult general medical patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
(2023)
Ramli, Nurshahira
Background: Antibiotic is the commonest drugs used in hospitals. Inappropriate use of antibiotics has been shown to contribute to the occurrence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MROs). Understanding antibiotic prescription patterns is essential for combatting limited access and excessive use of antibiotics and controlling resistance. Thus, we evaluated antibiotic agents prescribed and the associated factor of antibiotic failure among hospitalized adult and pediatric patients in Hospital USM. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of antibiotic patterns among the adult general and pediatric general medical wards. A total of 227 patients were identified after had fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study used descriptive and inferential analysis to find out the objectives. The descriptive analysis includes the frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation, carried out to determine the patient’s demographic, patient’s clinical diagnosis, and patients comorbid. The inferential statistics involving simple logistic and multiple logistic regression are conducted to identify the factors associated with antibiotics failure. Results: Respiratory tract infections were found to be the highest infection sites and treated with antibiotics among all age groups with a total of 163 patients. Among these, 57.7% (94 patients) have been prescribed with penicillin with β-lactamase inhibitor group, followed by 28.8% (47 patients) with macrolide and a balance of 13.5% with other groups. Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were reported to be the commonest among the penicillin with β-lactamase inhibitor group prescribed which was 65.2%. A total of 160 (70.5%) patients' prescription was noted as a single prescription while only 67 (29.5%) were of 2 antibiotics combination prescription. Most of them were given parenterally(75.3%). As of notes, more than half of prescriptions 60.8% (138) were deemed compliance to the guidelines. The rate of antibiotic failure was 12.8% (29) which was quite similar to a few other studies. 3 factors that been identified as the significant associated factor of antibiotic failure in this study were female sex (OR, 3.459; 95% CI, 1.075,11.130), the presence of acute kidney injury (OR, 3.084; 95% CI, 1.021, 9.311) and resistant organisms (OR, 2.961; 95% CI, 3.813,97.916). Conclusion: Most of the antibiotics prescribed in this study were penicillin with β-lactamase inhibitors. Despite this, there was only 12.8% (29) antibiotic failure and only 3 significant associated factors of failure were reported. Further larger scale and longer study needed to look for more antibiotic prescriptions not limited to the medical ward but including all disciplines such as surgical, orthopaedic, obstetrics, and gynaecology to conclude more realistic rate of antibiotic failure and associated factors.
A study on fibre identification and characterization of various headscarf fabrics
(2025-02)
Fahmi, Shazwina Ayna Mohd
This study focuses on the identification and characterisation of fibres from six types of headscarf fabrics, mainly cotton, silk, polyester, lycra, viscose, and moss crepe as potential sources of trace evidence in forensic investigations. Fibre evidence, often transferred during physical contact, plays a crucial role in linking suspects, victims, and crime scenes. Morphological tests revealed that distinct weave patterns and yarn structures significantly influence fabric behaviour, such as porosity and density, aiding in the differentiation of fabric types. Both cotton and viscose exhibited plain weaves, but cotton had a less porous fabric structure than viscose. Polyester and lycra showed dense synthetic structures. Burning tests identified fibres based on their combustion behaviour, residue formation, and odour. Lycra however shows uniqueness in the absence of hard beads although it is synthetic fibre. Moss crepe and viscose displayed mixed traits, confirming their partially synthetic origins. Solubility tests further validated fibre compositions by observing their reactions to various chemical solvents, demonstrating distinct dissolution behaviours influenced by chemical structure and environmental factors. Most fibres did not dissolve in 75% and 60% sulphuric acid, and none dissolved in formic acid, while most fibres dissolved in high-temperature 50% sodium hydroxide solutions. In conclusion, this study successfully classified and identified the six types of fibres using comprehensive fibre identification methods, enhancing their value as trace evidence in forensic applications
Allelic variations in the edar gene and their influence on hair types in Malaysian populations
(2025-02)
Boon, Wendy Tan Lee
Ectodysplasin A Receptor (EDAR) is a tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) that is involved in the development of ectodermal tissues, including hair follicles. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3827760, which encodes EDAR:p.(Val370Ala), is a missense mutation in the EDAR gene that pleiotropically influences phenotypic traits such as hair type, particularly in East Asian populations. However, the genotype distribution and correlation of this SNP with hair type among Malaysian ethnic groups remain largely unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to determine the allelic variation of SNP rs3827760 in the Malaysian population among the Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnic groups. DNA samples (buccal swabs) were collected from 30 participants, with 10 individuals from each ethnic group, and extracted using a silica-based solid-phase extraction (SPE) method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the custom EDAR primers, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA quantification, cycle sequencing, and ethanol precipitation (purification). Sanger sequencing was conducted using the SeqStudio™ Genetic Analyzer, and the chromatograms were analyzed with Chromas and Jalview software to identify nucleotide variations at the SNP loci rs3827760, rs146567337, and rs12623957. A chi-square test was performed to determine the statistical significance of the association between the SNPs and ethnicity or hair type. The analysis showed that SNP rs3827760 was significantly correlated with both ethnicity (P-value <0.001) and hair type (P-value = 0.011). The ancestral allele (allele A) was strongly associated with Indian (curly hair) individuals, while the derived allele (allele G) was strongly associated with Chinese (straight hair) individuals. Malay individuals with straight or wavy hair exhibited a mix of all three genotypes. SNP rs146567337 showed no significant association with ethnicity (P-value = 0.155) or hair type (P-value = 0.432). SNP rs12623957 was not significantly related to ethnicity (P-value = 0.058) but was correlated with hair type (P-value = 0.017). Therefore, SNP rs3827760 in the EDAR gene was the most strongly correlated genetic factor for hair types and ethnicity in this study
An evaluation using fdi criteria to compare full-ceramic crowns, composite resin fillings, ceramic inlays and onlays in posterior teeth after endodontic treatment
(2025-09)
Shiwei, Che
Restoring endodontically treated posterior teeth is a critical challenge due to structural compromises following root canal treatment. This study evaluates the clinical performance of full-ceramic crowns (FCC), composite resin (CR) fillings, and ceramic inlays/onlays in posterior teeth using the World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria. A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 150 patients (194 posterior teeth), assessing functional outcomes such as fracture resistance, marginal adaptation, wear, and patient satisfaction over a mean follow-up period of 58.14 months (SD = 2.93). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in long-term success rates among the three groups, with FCC demonstrating superior durability and marginal adaptation, while CR fillings provided a minimally invasive, cost-effective option with higher wear and marginal deterioration over time. Ceramic inlays/onlays offered a balance between structural conservation and durability, making them suitable for cases with moderate tooth structure loss. Patient satisfaction scores, as measured by the FDI criteria, were highest in the FCC group (mean score: 1.2 ± 0.4), followed by the ceramic inlays/onlays group (1.4 ± 0.5) and the CR fillings group (1.8 ± 0.6), with differences statistically significant (p < 0.05). These findings provide evidence-based recommendations for restorative material selection, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment planning based on clinical conditions and patient needs
Analytical investigation of corrosive agents in relation to cotton textile damage assessment
(2025-02)
Khairi, Siti Nur Aiefika
Acid attacks cases occur commonly with the ill intention to hurt the victim by utilising corrosive substances that are easily obtained and cheap. Clothing fabrics are one of the surfaces that are in contact with the corrosive agents used making identification of the corrosive substances vital to provide clue in connecting the perpetrator to the crime. Therefore, this study investigates the chemical characterization of corrosive agents and the relation to textile damage. Relationships of corrosive substance samples with cotton textile were studied over time interval of every 5 minutes in spend of 15 minutes. The tear area and absorption area occurred to the cotton textile were taken into account as the effect. Lab graded acids and commercial products were included in the analytical investigation, whereby pH measurements and chemical characterization of the corrosive substance samples by using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was performed. Resulting in observation of the acidity trends of the samples through the pH measurement. In addition, the chemical characteristics of the samples was achieved through principal component analysis, clustering the samples according to selected features of each sample unique chemical characteristics. These findings provide implications for acid attack cases in identifying corrosive substances evidence. Furthermore, identifying the corrosive substance by utilising analytical instrument and observation the relationship between corrosive substances with cotton textile in contact
Anti cancer effect of paddy husk extracts in human salivary gland epidermoid cancer cells in vitro model
(2024-02)
Al-Azazi, Entesar Ahmed Abdullah
Global agriculture produces millions of tons of waste yearly. Paddy husk is an inedible agriculture waste obtained during the process of rice milling. Studies reported that it has chemopreventive potential due to the presence of related phytochemicals. The aim of this study is to elucidate the presence of anti-cancer related phytochemicals from paddy husk extract and evaluate its inhibitory and anti-proliferative effects against human submaxillary salivary gland epidermoid carcinoma cells (HTB-41). Two types of solvent for paddy husk extract have been used; water and aqueous methanol. The phytochemical constituents of paddy husk extracts were identified using GC-MS. The inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity analysis was calculated using Trypan Blue Exclusion Assay (TBEA). Apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were evaluated by flow cytometer, and cell morphology post treatment was analysed ultrastructurally, while Western blot was performed for proteomic analysis. Our results showed presence of vitamin E and other phytochemicals in paddy husk extracts. Both water and aqueous methanol extracts demonstrated inhibitory activity on HTB- 41 cells where IC50 dose of water extract (400 μg/ml) managed to reduce cell viability to 53.0 % and IC50 dose of aqueous methanol extract (200 μg/ml) managed to reduce cell viability to 51.12 % without exhibiting any significant cytotoxic effects. Apoptosis analysis revealed that water and aqueous methanol extracts induce apoptosis effect on HTB-41 as supported with microscopic findings of cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing and apoptotic bodies, meanwhile, Hoechst 33342 staining showed nuclear shrinkage and fragmentation. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that paddy husk extracts promote a significant amount of apoptotic cellular population from 76.00% (untreated) to 47.86% (paddy husk water extract) and 43.13% (paddy husk aqueous methanol) and arresting the cells at S-phase from 19.90% (control) to 36.90 % (paddy husk aqueous methanol extract) and 27.86 % (paddy husk water extract). Western blot analysis reveals that apoptosis was induced through caspase 3-mediated intrinsic pathway. Pro-apoptotic and tumour suppressor proteins; Bax, p27kip1 expressed higher (P <0.05), while anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 downregulated after treatment (P <0.01). This leads to increase of caspase 9 expression which in turn activate caspase 3 and 7 leading to cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the presence of phytochemicals in paddy husk especially in aqueous methanol extract successfully showed better inhibitory and anti-proliferative effects on the human submaxillary salivary gland epidermoid carcinoma cells (HTB-41), while it acted in a tumour-selective manner by not inducing any significant changes on human gingival fibroblast cell (HGF-1).
Assessment of the impact of computed tomography (CT) slice thickness on image noise and noise power spectrum (NPS)
(2025-07)
Nadzim, Akma Fatiny Mohammad
Slice thickness in computed tomography (CT) plays a critical role in image quality and diagnostic accuracy. This study aims to assess the impact of CT slice thickness on image noise and the Noise Power Spectrum (NPS) using the IndoQCT software. CT images were acquired using a water phantom at various slice thicknesses, and the resulting data were analyzed using the image analysis module in IndoQCT. Image noise was evaluated by calculating the standard deviation within a uniform region of interest, while the NPS was computed to examine the frequency distribution of the noise. The findings indicate that varying slice thickness significantly affects the level of image noise and its frequency characteristics. Thinner slices tend to produce images with higher noise but better spatial resolution, whereas thicker slices reduce noise at the expense of image detail. In this project, a water phantom was scanned using varying slice thicknesses ranging from 0.6 mm to 10 mm. The resulting images were analysed using IndoQCT software to quantify image noise and evaluate the NPS across the different slice thicknesses. Image noise was measured in terms of standard deviation within a uniform region of interest, while the NPS was used to characterise the spatial frequency distribution of the noise. These results are essential for determining the optimal slice thickness for quality control and clinical scanning purpose.
Automated detection and evaluation of ischemic stroke on ct brain imaging using machine learning techniques
(2025-06)
Sharuddin, Nur Amirah Atikah
This study investigates the application of machine learning algorithms for the detection of ischemic stroke using CT brain images. Stroke, particularly ischemic stroke, remains a leading cause of death and disability globally. The early detection and diagnosis of ischemic stroke are crucial for minimizing long-term damage and improving patient outcomes. Traditional methods of diagnosis rely on the expertise of radiologists, which can be time-consuming and prone to inter-observer variability. This research aims to develop an automated system for ischemic stroke detection by leveraging machine learning techniques such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), and Random Forest (RF), applied to CT brain images. The study uses a dataset consisting of 397 ischemic stroke CT images and 25 normal brain scans. A series of preprocessing steps, including resizing, normalization, and noise reduction, were performed on the CT images to ensure they were suitable for machine learning analysis. Relevant features were extracted from the images, such as intensity, texture, and shape, which were then used to train the machine learning models. The performance of the models was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC. The Random Forest model achieved the highest accuracy at 92.76%, with an AUC of 0.973, outperforming both the KNN and SVM models. The KNN model achieved an accuracy of 93.93% with an AUC of 0.940, while the SVM model achieved an accuracy of 87.87% with an AUC of 0.984. Additionally, the training time for each model was recorded: SVM took 0.0152 seconds, KNN took 0.0114 seconds, and Random Forest took 0.2083 seconds. The results demonstrate that machine learning models, particularly Random Forest and KNN, can provide accurate and consistent stroke detection, offering potential for rapid and reliable clinical application, with KNN being the fastest in training time.
Bloodstain pattern analysis: examining the effect of wind blow on passive bloodstain pattern dropped from different heights
(2025-02)
Sheng, Chia
Bloodstain pattern analysis serves vitally in crime scene investigation by reconstructing the bloodshed events and providing information on the assailant, victim and crime nature. Passive bloodstain pattern enables the estimations of blood source’s height which could potentially correlate with the height of assailant or victim. However, a bloodletting crime occurring at outdoor environment introduces uncontrollable and unpredictable external factors such as wind blow which can interfere with the usual behaviour of blood leaving the body, hindering the correct interpretation of bloodstain evidence. Additionally, limited research has been done on the effect of wind blow on passive bloodstain pattern, especially when incorporating with different heights of blood source. This study aims to examine the effects of wind velocity and height of blood drop fall on the position shift and physical characteristics of passive blood drop stain, as well as how prolonged exposure to wind blow affect the stain’s physical appearance. In this study, a single drop of blood was gently dispensed from the pipette tip using a micropipette onto a smooth white floor tile under each combination of wind velocity category and fall height. The data obtained were statistically analysed using multiple linear regression. The findings showed that wind velocity and its combined effect with fall height caused increase in the horizontal (x) position shift for up to 15.70 cm but had no significant effect on the vertical (y) position shift. The shrinkage observed on majority of the bloodstains obliterated their original physical characteristics, hence no relationship was found between wind velocity and height of fall with width, length, width-to-length ratio, number of spines, number of satellite stains, angle of impact, and glancing angle. The bloodstain’s shape was found to be not distorted from sphericity much and no directionality was revealed on the stain when blood drop fell passively from 60 cm height across different categories of wind velocity. To conclude, this study demonstrates the unpredictable and distortable passive blood drop stain at outdoor environment and suggests careful consideration of wind blow and height of blood drop fall effects by the investigators when dealing with bloodstain evidence, especially at actual outdoor crime scenes
Children with autism at zayed higher organization for-people of determination, Abu Dhabi
(2025-09)
Odat, Abeer Ali Ahmad Al
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder causing social communication impairments, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. A global prevalence of one in every 100 children presents lifelong challenges for affected families. Parents often experience psychological stress due to caregiving issues, inadequate support systems, and societal stigma, especially in Arab countries. This study aims to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, and coping strategies as well as determining factors associated with depression, anxiety, and coping strategies among parents of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children at the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Abu Dhabi. This cross-sectional study involved 200 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), recruited through convenience sampling. Data was collected by inviting available and willing parents of children with ASD at the Zayed Higher Organization in Abu Dhabi to participate in the study by completing an online self-administered questionnaire. The data was collected using a validated online self-administered questionnaire consisting of the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) to measure anxiety and depression and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOC) to measure coping methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 with a chi-square test for categorical data. The results show that the majority of the respondents had moderate anxiety levels n=72 (36%) and high depression levels (48.5%), and most of the respondents were moderate-level copers (81.3%). There was no significant association between the respondents' coping levels and their levels of depression and anxiety. The analysis identifies several factors that are significantly associated with anxiety levels: education level (p = 0.011), employment (p = 0.028), marital status (p = 0.022), number of children (p = 0.001), and children’s sex (p = 0.028). In addition to the children age/year (p = 0.010). Depression levels are associated with marital status (p = 0.035) and the children’s method of education (p = 0.002). For coping levels, the factors associated are the respondent's age (p = 0.019), marital status (p = 0.009), and the children’s method of education (p = 0.002). In addition, Income (p = <0.001) and Children age (p = <0.001). In conclusion, understanding the experiences and concerns of parents can guide the provision of services that help parents identify needs related to the challenges of raising children with autism. It suggests that nursing professionals, psychoeducation, collaboration between practitioners and families, and future research should involve a large population and awareness-raising programs. The practical implications of these findings highlight the need for targeted psychological support, counseling services, and family-centered interventions, especially for parents with limited education, low income, and those managing older children. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, should be trained to provide culturally sensitive psychoeducation and early emotional support. Workplace flexibility, accessible educational resources for children with ASD, and marital support programs may help improve parental well-being. Future research should involve larger, more diverse populations and support awareness-raising programs at the community and institutional levels
Classification of glioma brain tumors in mr images using imagej-based radiomic analysis
(2024-07)
Zafrin, Nurizzatul Hadawiyah Mohamed
The aim of this study is to classify glioma brain tumor grades using ImageJ-based radiomic analysis. This study utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with ImageJ (Fiji) software to perform radiomic analysis, providing a quantitative method to evaluate Glioma tumor without the use of Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs). Gliomas can range from low grade gliomas (LGGs) (Grades I and II) to high grade gliomas (HGGs) (Grades III and IV) tumors. Accurate grading of tumor is vital in determination of the appropriate treatment. This is a retrospective study on 12 T2-weighted (T2W) images (n=12) of patients with pathologically diagnosed glioma of different grades retrieved at the Radiology Department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS). A single slice of T2W image is chosen for analysis and all of the images were analysed for its image quality. Then, a workflow and protocol for image processing were explored using ImageJ. The lesion and normal appearing white matter (NAWM) region of interest (ROI) were selected for histogram analysis, along with lesion to normal tissue ratio (LNR) calculations and standard deviation of lesion (SDL) analysis for the assessment of tumor heterogeneity and intensity. Additionally, color thresholding, lookup table (LUT) images with 3D plot surface images, and midline shift angle measurements were used to assess tumor characteristics such as the margin, edema, and mass effect. The result of this study shows no specific trend for the tumor intensity based on LNR findings; however the SDL of the tumor shows an increasing trend across the glioma grades, which proves the increasing heterogeneity as the glioma grades increase. The margin of the tumor can be depicted by entropy thresholding, the edema is depicted by LUT images. Finally, the mass effect is depicted by the measurement of midline shift angle where higher-grade tumor depicts further deviation from 180.0° and in 3D surface plot images. In conclusion, ImageJ-based radiomic analysis provides an accessible and simple method for classifying glioma brain tumors. This approach may potentially facilitate tumor grading without the use of GBCAs.
Clinical utility of extended red blood cell parameters in the diagnosis of latent iron deficiency and thalassaemia trait in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
(2023)
Sockalingam, Sivanesan
Introduction: Recognition of latent iron deficiency (LID) and thalassemia trait (TT) are challenging with the use of standard red blood cell (RBC) parameters. Accurate diagnosis is vital as the management of iron deficiency and haemoglobinopathy are different. The use of extended RBC parameters - reticulocyte haemoglobin equivalent (RET-He), percentage of microcytic RBC <60fL (MicroR), and percentage of hypochromic RBC <17pg (HYPO-He) may aid in the detection of LID and TT. The study aims to determine the diagnostic ability of these extended RBC parameters to distinguish LID and TT. Methodology: This was a prospective, case-control study conducted in Hospital USM from August 2021 to June 2022. 162 out of 212 blood donors who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were classified into the control group, LID group and TT group based on RBC parameters, serum ferritin and thalassaemia status. Between-group comparisons, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and comparison of area under the curve (AUC) for the RBC parameters were determined. The optimal cut-off was determined using the best Youden index. Result: There were 17 (10.5%) subjects with LID, 26 (16.0%) subjects with TT and 119 (73.5%) subjects in the control group. Standard RBC parameters were within the reference interval for all groups except for RBC (in females), MCV and MCH in the TT group. In LID and TT, RET-He and MicroR were lower and higher than the reference interval respectively, while HYPO-He was within the reference interval in all the groups. Taking into consideration the reference interval, RET-He was the best parameter to distinguish LID (AUC 0.723, 95% CI 0.608-0.839; 76.47% sensitivity and 73.95% specificity at 30.1pg cut-off) and TT (AUC 0.832, 95% CI 0.749-0.914; 84.62% sensitivity and 73.11% specificity at 30.2pg cut-off) from control. MicroR was the best parameter to distinguish TT from LID (AUC 0.742, 95% CI 0.591-0.893; 65.38% sensitivity and 76.47% specificity at 6.5% cut-off). Although the AUC of RET-He and MicroR were not significantly different in all the case comparisons, only MicroR was significantly higher in TT (median 9.1%, IQR 17.5) than LID (median 4.0%, IQR 6.1). Conclusion: Among the extended RBC parameters, RET-He was the best parameter for the detection of LID and TT, while MicroR performed well in differentiating TT from LID. These accessible parameters through modern automated haematology analyzers are low cost, with high throughput and rapid turn-around time can optimize the management of iron deficiency and thalassemia screening in the population.
Comparison among Butterworth, hann and gaussian filter in accurate activity quantification of m99 tc SPECT/CT imaging
(2025-06)
Salimmi, Nadhrah
This study focuses on evaluating the accuracy of activity quantification in 99mTc Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging achieved through three different filters which is Butterworth, Gaussian and Hann filters with different parameters. The primary objective is to determine the optimal filter with optimal parameter for accurate quantification of 99mTc activity in SPECT/CT imaging. Quantitative imaging with 99mTc SPECT/CT faces challenges such as noise, resolution limitations and partial volume effects. Therefore, filters are applied to improve resolution and reduce noise for better diagnostic accuracy. The study utilizes NEMA 2007/IEC 2008 phantoms filled with 99mTc, using the GE Discovery NM/CT 670 Pro SPECT/CT system and tumor-to-background ratios (TBR) of 5:1 and 10:1. The experiment involved scanning with three filter parameters and performing a thorough comparison of the results using the recovery coefficient (RC) to evaluate filter performance across different sphere sizes. The sensitivity calibration was performed first using an activity concentration (AC) of 30 kBq/ml to establish the calibration factor (CF) for 99mTc SPECT activity quantification which is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy of the diagnostic results. Then, image reconstruction and quantification were carried out using QMetrix software and the Xeleris workstation to facilitate detailed analysis. Based on the findings, Butterworth filter with a cut-off frequency (COF) of 0.5 provided the most optimal performance across various spherical diameters and yielded the smallest average quantification error when applied with Partial Volume Correction (PVC).
Comparison study of different activity for image quality of nm/ct 670 pro system using lehr and megp collimators
(2025-06)
Zamri, Ainin Zahraa
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) remains a cornerstone in nuclear medicine for evaluating functional processes within the body. This study aims to compare the image quality of the GE Discovery NM/CT 670 Pro system using two types of collimators consist of Low Energy High Resolution (LEHR) and Medium Energy General Purpose (MEGP) which performs across different activity levels of technetium-99m (Tc-99m), specifically 7 mCi and 12 mCi point source. A NEMA 2012/IEC 2008 Image Quality Phantom was used to simulate clinical conditions. Parameters evaluated included sensitivity, spatial resolution (FWHM), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), with image reconstruction performed using the OSEM algorithm. The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 Pro Gamma Camera was employed for this study. Results demonstrated that MEGP collimators produced higher sensitivity at lower activity (7 mCi), while LEHR collimators consistently outperformed in terms of spatial resolution, SNR, and CNR, especially at higher activity (12 mCi). The findings highlight the trade-off between resolution and sensitivity based on collimator type and radiopharmaceutical activity. At higher activities, MEGP benefited from greater count collection but suffered from reduced image clarity due to scatter, whereas LEHR maintained superior image contrast and noise suppression. This study supports the importance of optimizing collimator choice and activity level based on clinical imaging goals. The results provide valuable insight for improving image quality, dose management, and diagnostic accuracy in SPECT imaging protocols.
Detection and effects of methamphetamine on the lifecycle of sarcophagidae in Malaysia
(2025-02)
Lian, Yong Zi
Forensic investigations often face challenges when determining the time and cause of death, especially in cases where remains are found in advanced decomposition. Forensic entomology, the study of insects that colonize decomposing remains, has become a crucial tool in forensic investigations, providing valuable insights into the post-mortem interval (PMI) and the cause of death. A more specialized field, forensic entomotoxicology, focuses on using insects to detect drugs and other chemical substances in decomposing tissues. Insects, particularly larvae, play a significant role in PMI estimation as they accumulate substances from decomposing bodies, offering a more sensitive method for detecting toxins with fewer interferences from decomposition by-products. The rising prevalence of methamphetamine (MA) abuse has led to numerous overdose deaths, where bodies are typically discovered after several days of decomposition. This delay complicates forensic investigations. To address this, forensic entomotoxicological analysis using insects is increasingly being used to detect the presence of drugs such as MA in decomposing tissues. In this study, pig liver mince was used to simulate the decomposition process and attract necrophagous insects, particularly Sarcophagidae. The liver was minced with two concentrations of MA (5 ng/mg and 10 ng/mg) to examine its impact on the lifecycle and morphology of Sarcophagidae. Samples were collected at various developmental stages for GC-FID analysis to detect MA presence. The results demonstrated that MA exposure delayed the lifecycle of Sarcophagidae, with insects exposed to 10 ng/mg MA taking 26 days to complete their lifecycle compared to 25 days for the 5 ng/mg MA-treated and control groups. Additionally, MA exposure resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the size and weight of larvae and pupae. However, adult flies from the MA-treated groups were slightly lighter compared to the control group. Notably, MA was detected in 3rd instar larvae at both concentrations and in adult flies at higher concentration, suggesting that the 3rd instar larvae are the most suitable stage for toxicological analysis
Detection of 9-bp deletion in COII/tRNALys intergenic region of mitochondrial DNA among murut ethnic group
(2025-02)
Najah Farahin Nadiah Azman
The 9-base-pair (bp) deletion in the COII/tRNALys intergenic region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been an important marker for haplogroup B classification in population group studies especially in Southeast Asia. However, no genetic data from 9-bp deletion was available for indigenous groups in Sabah including the Murut ethnic group due to the lack of population genetic studies done in these groups. The objective of this research is to fill in the research gap by investigating the presence or absence of 9-bp deletion of the COII/tRNALys intergenic region of mtDNA among the Murut ethnic group. A total of 100 unrelated Murut individuals participated in this research and were PCR amplified using a specific primer to generate 211 bp for absence of 9-bp deletion and a DNA band at 202 bp indicates the presence of 9-bp deletion. The finding shows 45% of Murut individuals were identified with 9-bp deletion and 55% were absence of 9-bp deletion. This outcome suggests that the Murut individual shows a considerably higher percentage of 9-bp deletion than other populations such as Papua New Guinea and Malaysian Han. In conclusion, typing of the COII/tRNALys intergenic region was able to provide information about the haplogroup structure among Murut individuals because the deletion at this region was used to confirm for haplogroup B
Detection of lead, cadmium and nickel in children’s plastic toys using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
(2025-02)
Hashim, Hazirah
Exposure to heavy metals present in plastic toys which can pose significant health risks to children is a growing concern particularly through mouthing behaviours like chewing, licking and sucking. The contents of three heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Ni) were analysed in six children’s plastic toys samples by using atomic absorption spectrosocpy (AAS). The plastic toy samples were prepared using dry ashing method and digested with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The analysis showed that all six plastic toy samples contained Cd (0.2026 - 3.5519 mg/kg), five out of six samples contained Ni (0.5581 - 6.8927 mg/kg) and only one sample contained Pb (3.4529 mg/kg). All heavy metal concentrations were below the permissible limits specified in the EN71-3:2019 set by the European Union (EU). Leaching of Pb, Cd and Ni from plastic toy samples was conducted on the plastic toy samples under two different temperature conditions: room temperature and 50°C. Samples exposed to 50°C for four hours exhibited increased levels of Pb, Cd and Ni compared to unheated samples, demonstrating that elevated temperatures facilitated heavy metal leaching from plastic toys. Despite this, the leaching rates remained within the EU limits. These findings emphasised the potential risks of storing plastic toys in high-temperature environments, such as inside vehicles under direct sunlight for extended periods. While the tested toys were deemed safe for children, proper storage practices were strongly recommended
Detection of microplastics in bottled drinking water
(2025-02)
Noor, Farah Mohd
as a significant concern, particularly regarding its potential implications for product safety and consumer health. This study aimed to evaluate the leaching of MPs under different conditions, including temperature variations at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) and peak temperature (60 ± 2°C), mechanical stress at two shaking speeds (30 RPM and 60 RPM), and repeated usage of drinking bottled water. Additionally, the study characterized the morphology of the leached MPs. Results revealed that peak temperatures and increased mechanical stress significantly enhanced MPs release, with peak leaching observed at 60°C and 60 RPM. Repeated use further amplified the release, indicating that thermal and mechanical degradation play critical roles in the fragmentation of MP particles. The most commonly observed MP shapes were pellets, fibers, and filaments, with transparent MPs dominating across all tests, reflecting the material of the bottles. This study highlighted the awareness to the consumer on the critical impact of thermal, mechanical stress and repeated use of drinking bottled water through temperature test at two different temperatures (25 ± 2 and 60 ± 2°C), shaking test at 30 RPM and 60 RPM, and the reusability test, on the release of MPs from single-use bottled drinking water.

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