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- PublicationImpact of under-filled k2edta coated blood collection tube on test results of complete blood count, reticulocyte count and white blood cell differential count(2025-01)High blood sample rejection rate is a prominent issue faced by hematology laboratories these days due to insufficient sample collection especially in pediatric, geriatric and oncology patients where venous access is difficult. Under-filled blood collection tubes affect the blood-to-anticoagulant ratio negatively leading to inaccurate results. This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of complete blood count, reticulocyte count and white blood cell differential count parameters from under-filled blood collection tubes compared to standard volumes tubes. In this study, the aim is to compare hematological parameters across different collection volumes; 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, and 2.0 ml in 2.0 ml standard lavender top K2EDTA tubes. The results have shown that most parameters remain consistent and were within clinically acceptable ranges in volumes as low as 1.5 ml. Some parameters, such as red blood cell (x1012/l), hematocrit (%) and lymphocyte (x109/l) remain stable even at 1.0 ml. This excludes hemoglobin, which has significant differences to all lower volumes. Therefore, under-filled tubes may be used as an alternative, reducing sample rejections and reducing overall healthcare costs. Future studies should include diverse populations and different analysers to support the findings
- PublicationEffects of individual and combination treatment of azithromycin and doxycycline on U87 malignant glioma cell line(2024-10)Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent malignant primary brain tumour in adults. Conventional treatment, which includes concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy and radiotherapy, provides only marginal survival benefits. Resistance to these therapies is both common and anticipated. Given the compelling evidence that azithromycin (AZI) and doxycycline (DOXY) induce apoptosis-related cytotoxicity in various cancer models in vitro and in vivo, these drugs were chosen for the present study. Their anticancer potential, both alone and in combination, was evaluated using the U87 malignant glioma cell line, specifically GBM. This in vitro study assessed cell viability, colony numbers, cytotoxic interactions, cell cycle distributions, nuclear morphology, cell death fractions, cytochrome C levels, and gene expression related to cytotoxicity and apoptosis. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that AZI (IC50: 92.0 µg/ml) exhibited greater potency compared to TMZ (IC50: 151.0 µg/ml) and DOXY (IC50:147.0 µg/ml) in U87 cells. Compared to single-drug treatments, AZI+DOXY (92.0+147.0 µg/ml) did not show increased cytotoxicity across various concentrations and time points, and evidence indicated an antagonistic interaction. Based on the cell survival assay, AZI exhibited a statistically significant antiproliferative effect compared to the negative control (NC) and DOXY, but only to NC under TMZ. Flow cytometric analysis using propidium iodide (PI) labelling revealed that AZI did not interfere with the cell cycle, whereas TMZ and DOXY or AZI+DOXY arrested cells in the S/G2/M and G0/G1 phases, respectively. Hoechst 33342 staining revealed apoptotic features in cell nuclei across all treatment groups; however, a larger nuclear area was observed than that of NC. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis using Annexin V/PI labelling indicated that apoptosis was the predominant form of cell death induced by TMZ and AZI. In contrast, DOXY and AZI+DOXY induced both apoptosis and necrosis. Spectrophotometric analysis of cytochrome C protein levels exhibited an increase across all treatment groups. At the transcriptional level, all treatments enhanced TP53 and NFκβ1 mRNA expression levels, with AZI+DOXY significantly inducing both genes. PRKDC levels markedly increased with TMZ, DOXY, and AZI+DOXY. In contrast, γH2AX levels were higher in the AZI group than in any of the other treatments. DRP1 and MFN2 mRNA expression levels were elevated across all treatment groups, with AZI+DOXY substantially induced MFN2. Moreover, only AZI enhanced both BAX and BAK levels, whilst BCL2 significantly increased in the AZI and AZI+DOXY groups, and AZI+ DOXY showed the lowest BCLXL levels among the treatment groups. Additionally, AZI increased the ratios of BAX/BCL2, BAK/BCL2, and BAX/BCLXL, whereas AZI+ DOXY exhibited the highest ratio of BAK/BCLXL. In short, AZI shows anticancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, in part through the induction of apoptosis. On the other hand, DOXY and AZI+DOXY induce cell cycle arrest and both apoptosis and necrosis as part of their anticancer mechanisms. However, the experimental drugs appear to yield optimal anticancer effects when given alone rather than concurrently.
- PublicationErgonomic risk and its association with musculoskeletal disorders among computer users at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus(2024-06)Computers are widely used in every field of modern society. It was the greatest invention of science that changed the lifestyle in the last two decade. In Malaysia, computer users have increased up to 85%. Furthermore, the range of computer use has been reported to be from 6 to 12 hours per day which can contribute to the development of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This have been recognised as a threat to the health of the workers. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MSDs and their association with ergonomic risk factors among computer users at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Health Campus, Kelantan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among three hundred and forty-six computer staff with 92% response rate. Participants were selected through random sampling method among those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaires and researcher direct observation by Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) to determine the ergonomic risk level for each workstation. The data were analysed using SPSS "Statistical Package for the Social Sciences" version 26 for descriptive, simple and multipl logistic regrision analyses. The mean of ROSA was 3.81(1.058). The prevalence of self-reported Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WRMSDs) was 86.3%, 81% of the participants experiencing discomfort in the lower back (62.8%), right shoulder (53.4%), hip buttock (46.6%) and left shoulder (45.3%). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that left wrist MSDs (r = -0.018, p = 0.034), hip buttock MSDs (r = -0.116, p = 0.038), and left thigh MSDs (r = -0.124, p = 0.030), were significantly correlated with scores related to the use of mouse and keyboard, as well as the final ROSA score were significantly correlated with hip buttock MSDs (r = -0.114, p = 0.041) and left shoulder MSDs (r = 0.124, p = 0.027). Based on multiple logistic regression modelling, age was significantly associated with WRMSDs (Adjusted OR = 6.944, CI: 1.238-39.017, p = 0.028). Age and gender were significantly associated with neck MSDs (Adjusted OR = 3.908, 95% CI 1.342, 11.377, p = 0.012), (Adjusted OR = 2.042, 95% CI 1.199, 3.475, p = 0.009), respectively. Gender, age (51 - 60 years) , healthty and overweight (BMI) were significantly associated with right upper arm MSDs (Adjusted OR = 1.795, 95% CI 1.091, 2.950, p = 0.021), (Adjusted OR = 3.303, 95% CI 1.006, 10.849, p = 0.049), (Adjusted OR = 0.092, 95% CI 0.010, 0.814, p = 0.046), (Adjusted OR = 0.127, 95% CI 0.014, 1.123, p = 0.032), respectively. Only computer use (7 - 8 hours) was significantly associated with lower back MSDs (Adjusted OR = 2.045, 95% CI 1.149, 3.638, p = 0.015). In conclusion, computer users in USM Health Campus experienced high occurrence of MSDs in various parts of the body. Therefore, appropriate ergonomic and personal preventive control needs to be implemented to improve the health and wellbeing of the computer users on USM Health Campus.
- PublicationEvaluation of novel nano zirconia and nano graphene modified calcium silico phosphate biomaterial(2024-12)The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of nano graphene calcium silico phosphate and nano zirconia calcium silico phosphate with commercially available Biodentine and analyze their chemistry using FTIR and SEM. Four groups were made, they are as follows: group 1: Biodentine (control group), group 2: nano graphene calcium silico phosphate (70% Biodentine+20% nano graphene+10% calcium phosphate), group 3: nano zirconia calcium silico phosphate (70% Biodentine+20% nano zirconia+10% calcium phosphate) and group 4: nano zirconia modified Biodentine (80% Biodentine+20% nano zirconia). Twenty samples were prepared, which consist of five samples of each group. All the powder contents of dental material were weighted on a digital weight machine and transferred to an airtight container for centrifugation and ultrasonication. Liquid was then added to powder content as per the manufacturer’s instruction and amalgamator was used to mix the powder and liquid. The mixture was then transferred to disk shaped acrylic molds and allowed to set at room temperature overnight followed by placing the samples in an incubator for 24 hours at 37⁰C and 100% humidity. After the initial set of all the groups, samples were demoulded and crushed with pestle and mortar into fine powder. Crushed samples were used for FTIR and SEM EDX analysis. The Vickers microhardness tester was used to measure the microhardness and universal Instron testing machine was used to check the compressive strength of samples. Data analysis was done using One-way ANOVA test and Games-Howell post-hoc test. Significance level was p<0.05. It was noted in the spectra of Biodentin and its modified groups 2,3, and 4 that the stretching vibration shifted from 3461.10 cm-1 to 470.84 cm- 1.SEM EDX analysis shows even distribution of splintered particles (1 - 10 μm) in conjunction with round (1 - 10 μm) and with particles smaller than 0.1 μm were observed. Group 3 (nano zirconia calcium silico phosphate) and group 4 (nano zirconia modified Biodentine) had higher microhardness than group 1 (Biodentine). Least microhardness value was recorded by group 2 (nano graphene calcium silico phosphate). Highest compressive strength was noticed by group 3 (nano zirconia calcium silico phosphate) followed by group 1 (Biodentine) and group 2 (nano graphene calcium silico phosphate) and the least value was recorded by group 4. Biodentine is an innovative biomimetic material applied in various fields of dentistry due to its suitable biological properties and higher physical and mechanical characteristics like natural dentine. Nano zirconia calcium silico phosphate group in this study showed favorable results. There was a noticeable increase in microhardness and compressive strength with the addition of nanozirconia and tricalcium phosphate to Biodentine. Further research is required to evaluate the toxicity, biocompatibility and osteoconductive nature of novel material.
- PublicationArt-based psychoeducation module in improving psychological functioning among children with dyslexia(2024-07)One of the most common Specific Learning Difficulties is dyslexia. Children diagnosed with dyslexia often have to face many psychological problems due to their limited ability to do reading, spelling, and writing. Hence, this study aims to develop, validate, and evaluate Art-based Psychoeducation in improving psychological functioning among children with dyslexia. This study consisted of three phases that involved children with dyslexia aged 7 to 12 years old and their respective teachers, purposively sampled from rehabilitation Unit at HUSM and the selection of special needs school in Kelantan. In phase I, a study was conducted to assess and compare psychological functioning among children identified as having dyslexia and to compare it with typically developed children. Those who participated in this research had dyslexia as their primary diagnosis. Forty (n=40) children with dyslexia and fifty (n=50) typically developing children without reading problems were subjected for assessment from their primary school teachers, whom should have known the children for at least one year. For assessment of behaviour problems and emotional problems, the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were filled out. The results indicate an existence of a significant greater degree of total score for behavioural problems, the mean score for children in the dyslexia group was significantly higher (Mean = 88.3; SD = 31.0) compared to the control group (Mean = 31.2; SD =32.8). Then an Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model was used to guide the development and validation of Art-based Psychoeducation module in phase II. Overall, the content validity of this module is 97% . Based on all the percentage of scores as given by the experts, this module can be considered as having good content validity. In phase III, a quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted on 33 children with dyslexia to evaluate the effectiveness of art-based psychoeducation module as compared to a control group (n=31). PedsQL Present Functioning Visual Analogue Scale (PedsQL-VAS) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure the psychological functioning. The main effect comparing the intervention and control group over pre- and post-assessment level was significant, suggesting the art-based psychoeducation intervention was effective in enhancing children with dyslexia in improving psychological functioning, [F (1,62) = 5.59, p<0.05]. There was a substantial major effect for time in the intervention group, [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.42, F (1,62) = 83.2, p<0.00]). There was significant interaction between the group conditions and time [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.63, F (1,62) = 37.2, p<0.001]. Specifically, there are decreases in score at post-assessment for both groups especially in intervention group. Overall, children with dyslexia have higher tendency to be depressed, anxious, and had disturbance in behavioural problems compared to their peers who are typically developing. The decrease in all emotional distress score was found at post-assessment compared to control group after completing art-based psychoeducation intervention. This study also suggests that future longitudinal studies should be carried out using this module to ensure its effectiveness in the long run.
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- PublicationDesign of a retrofit inferarm cruthes(2008-04-01)The walking stick is a great aid when the person had an accident and his walking is impaired. It provides steadiness and stability, allowing the user to get around pretty well. By the way, for a person that unable to walk, the easiest way to help them to get around is using a wheelchair. It would help them hanging around easily with no burden to walk. But, wheelchair is not able to use in all aspect. For example, the user can't use the wheelchair to go up the staircase. Furthermore, if a person always sits on the wheelchair s without exercise, the bones of legs will get weaker. The main objective of this project is to design a crutch that can assist the disable or leg's injury person to climb up the staircase. It would help to prevent further damage or accidents when the user climbs up the staircase. Besides, the user is able to maintain proper posture, relieves damaging. stress, and reduces the overall chance of injury when climbing staircase. The project has completed with 3D solid modeling of the designed crutches with SolidWork 2007. Furthermore. COSMOS analysis was done on the critical parts of the designed crutches to make sure the factor of safety required was achieved.
- PublicationEvaluation of captopril and nefediplne in Treatment of hypertension secondary to Post streptococcal acute Glomerulonephritis - A randomized control trial.(2012)Post-streptococcal Acute Glomerulonephritis (PSAGN) is still common in Malaysia. Hypertension is one of its main complications which can lead to severe morbidity in children. Conventional method in treating hypertension in these patients was to use nifedipine to reduce the blood pressure. Recent study in the pathophysiology of the disease had shown apart from water and sodium retention, inappropriate production of angiotensin II could also contributes to the development of hypertension. Captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor can help to reduce the production of angiotensin II which can cause blood pressure reduction. To compare the effectiveness of captopril versus nifedipine in controlling blood pressure in children with PSAGN with hypertension. This was a double blinded randomized controlled trial, registered with ANZCTR (Trial No: ACTRN12611000778987) All children admitted to Wad 6 Selatan HUSM diagnosed clinically with PSAGN with hypertension during a one year study period are eligible for the study. Subjects were randomized either to receive nifedipine (control) or captopril (intervention). Outcomes measured are blood pressure changed in the first 4 hours and blood pressure changes until Day 3 of starting the medication, duration of days to achieve blood pressure control, total duration of admission and the need to use additional medication. Blood urea and serum creatinine levels are compared from before starting treatment and at Day 3 after starting treatment. Out of 40 patients who were recruited and randomized, only 19 from the nifedipine treatment group and 13 from the captopril treatment group completed the study. Both treatment groups had no difference in their baseline data. Nifedipine produces a more significant reduction in SBP and DBP compared to captopril in the first 4 hours of starting treatment (SBP p= 0.001, DBP — 0.016). There was no difference in reduction of SBP and DBP after 8 hours of treatment between the groups (SBP p=0.630, DBP p=0.497). There were no significant differences in the duration of blood pressure normalization (nifedipine: 2.7 days, captopril 2.9 days, p= 0.803) and duration of admission (nifedipine: 6.9 days, captopril: 5.4 days; p=0.183) and the need for additional medication to control the blood pressure (p=0.32) between the groups. Changes of blood urea and serum creatinine levels were not significant before and after treatment (Blood urea changes, /?= 0.564; serum creatinine changes, p- 0.236). Nifedipine produces more significant blood pressure reduction in SBP and DBP in the first 4 hours of starting treatment.
- PublicationDiet quality and predictor factors of body weight status among children with learning disabilities in Kelantan(2022-08)Evidence suggests that children with Learning Disabilities (LD) have unhealthy Body Weight Status (BWS) and poor dietary patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the diet quality and the predictors of Body Mass Index (BMI) of LD children. This study recruited LD children who attended the Special Education Integration Program from nine schools located in districts with high, moderate and low socio-economic status in Kelantan. Parents completed a Malay language self-administered questionnaire on demographic and socio-economic background, child’s feeding problems, food frequency questionnaire and comprehensive parental feeding practices. Height and weight of children were measured by researcher to determine BWS. Diet quality was assessed using The Malaysian Healthy Eating Index. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test the research hypothesis. A total of 259 children with LD aged 10.54±1.69 years (68.0% males, 32.0% females) participated in this study. Their average BMI was 18.38±4.79 kg/m2; males (18.79±4.76 kg/m2) had significantly higher BMI than females (17.52±4.77 kg/m2), p= 0.046. The prevalence of underweight, thin and severely thin were 11.9%, while 28.1% were overweight and obese. The diet quality average score was 48.15±9.23%, where 40.5% of the children were at risk of poor diet quality. The total daily energy intake was 1831.96±542.15 kcal with a mean carbohydrate intake (241.80±74.75g), protein intake (76.10±25.54g) and fat intake (63.42±21.33g), respectively. Majority of children had a higher score for the occurrence of rapid eating (2.00±1.32), food refusal (1.47±1.35), and food selectivity (1.26±1.13) during mealtimes in the past six months. Parental feeding practice including pressure to eat (Beta =-0.282), restriction of weight control (Beta =0.351) and modelling (Beta =-0.162), child age (Beta =0.222), and childbirth weight (Beta =0.137) were significantly related to BMI (R=0.561, R2=0.315; F(5,217) =19.972, p<0.001). The current findings suggested that early detection of nutrition issues in children with LD and regular positive feeding practice by parents during mealtime is essential to address the poor nutritional status of LD children.
- PublicationAir flow in an air conditioning car(2002-03-01)It is necessary for cars in Malaysia to have air-conditioning due to its environment and weather. Basically, this final year project covers the analysis of airconditioning in a model of general shape cabin of a car. For this computer assisted analysis, it involves computation of airflow in the cabin from different sources of airflow positions. The title of my project is “ Airflow In An Air-Conditioning Car”. The analysis was carried out in a standard basic shape of car cabin design which is available in Malaysia. Analysis was in three dimensional (3D) case.
- PublicationModelling and simulation of bio-oil production from palm oil biomass via fast pyrolysis using aspen plus(2021-07-01)The increase in energy consumption, limited fuel resources, massive dependency on fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emission has resulted in increased research development on renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is the best option for meeting the current energy demands and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. In this final year project, three palm oil biomass, namely empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fibre (MF), and palm kernel shell (PKS) were optimized to produce bio-oil via fast pyrolysis. Process modelling and simulation were carried out using ASPEN PLUS V10.0. The simulation includes pre-treatment, fast pyrolysis section, gas-solid separation, and bio-oil refining section. The model developed was successfully validated with the experimental data obtained from literature. Then, the effect of pyrolysis temperature and residence time during the fast pyrolysis of oil palm biomass were studied to maximize the yield of bio-oil product. Based on the results, the maximum bio-oil yields for EFB, MF, and PKS were 56.46 wt.%, 47.39 wt.%, and 44.03 wt.%, respectively, obtained at a temperature of 550 °C and residence time of 2 s. PKS achieved the highest biochar and gas yield of 49.77 wt.% and 37.21 wt.% at 450 °C and 600 °C, respectively due to its highlignin content. The obtained yields in this study are consistent with experimental results found in the literatures. Therefore, the model developed can be used to optimize fast pyrolysis process for different biomass sources without the need to perform complex experimental investigations. Such model will make an important contribution on the improvement and intensification of fast pyrolysis of biomass.