Recent Developments in Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Based Biocomposites and Their Potential Industrial Applications: A Comprehensive Review

The rapid use of petroleum resources coupled with increased awareness of global environmental problems associated with the use of petroleum-based plastics is a major driving force in the acceptance of natural fibers and biopolymers as green materials. Because of their environmentally friendly and sustainable nature, natural fibers and biopolymers have gained significant attention from scientists and industries. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a plant that has various purposes for use. It is the primary source of food in many countries and is also used in the production of biocomposites, biopolymers, and biofibers. Starch from cassava can be plasticized, reinforced with fibers, or blended with other polymers to strengthen their properties. Besides that, it is currently used as a raw material for bioethanol and renewable energy production. This comprehensive review paper explains the latest developments in bioethanol compounds from cassava and gives a detailed report on macro and nano-sized cassava fibers and starch, and their fabrication as blend polymers, biocomposites, and hybrid composites. The review also highlights the potential utilization of cassava fibers and biopolymers for industrial applications such as food, bioenergy, packaging, automotive, and others.

Review on grain size effects on thermal conductivity in ZnO thermoelectric materials

Thermoelectric materials have recently attracted a lot of attention due to their ability to convert waste heat into electricity. Based on the extensive research in this area, the nanostructuring approach has been viewed as an effective strategy for increasing thermoelectric performance. This approach focuses on the formation and growth of the superfine, pure and uniform grain size. Since the grain size has a strong influence on the thermal conductivity, this can be reduced by increasing the phonon scattering at grain boundaries and refining the grain sizes. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the mechanism of reduction in thermal conductivity in small-grain zinc oxide (ZnO) and the optimization techniques for obtaining ZnO nanoparticles with desirably low thermal conductivity and excellent thermoelectric performance.

Successful surgical repair of pulmonary dominant common arterial trunk without aortic arch obstruction in a neonate

The pulmonary dominant variant of the common arterial trunk has always been reported to be associated with aortic coarctation, or interruption of the aortic arch, along with a duct-dependent systemic circulation. This mandates a complex surgical repair with attendant high surgical mortality. We report a 23-day-old baby with a pulmonary dominant trunk with mild aortic hypoplasia but with an arch free of coarctation or interruption, who underwent successful surgical repair. In the preoperative evaluation of a common arterial trunk, pulmonary dominance may not necessarily denote an adverse risk factor when the aorta is only mildly hypoplastic.

Effect of plant growth regulators on in vitro culture of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr) MD2 variety

Pineapples (Ananas comosus L. Merr) are fruits that belong to the Bromeliaceae family. Pineapple variety MD2 is one of the varieties that has gained a place in the market among pineapple farmers due to its high value and quality. However, it is difficult to meet the demand for planting materials using conventional propagation techniques. Hence, plant tissue culture technology is one of the methods that has been widely used in the agriculture industry that boosts up the production of pineapple planting materials within a short period and is cost-efficient. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of plant growth regulator concentration to in vitro culture of MD2 variety pineapple. In this study, the various concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and α-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) for in vitro culture of MD2 pineapple were studied. The plantlets were effectively initiated from MD2 pineapple crown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salt containing 30.0 g/L sucrose, and 2.0 mg/L BAP in two months of culture. Next, the pineapple plantlet was subculture on shooting medium containing full strength solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with vitamins with various concentration BAP (0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 mg/L) and NAA (0, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L). The result obtained showed that the solid MS medium added with 30.0 g/L sucrose, without any BAP and NAA (T1) had the highest in vitro shoot regeneration. Meanwhile, the solid MS medium with 30.0 g/L sucrose with 1.0 mg/L NAA (T1) recorded the highest plantlet height (cm). The mean value for in vitro shoot regeneration in T1 and plantlet height (cm) in T1 were 2.80 (±0.5) and 4.40 (±0.3). To conclude, less amount plant hormone regulator required to obtain the mass quantity of in vitro clonal pineapple that can help solve the problem of lack of plant material in the pineapple crop industry.

Evaluation of peptones from chicken waste as a nitrogen source for micro-organisms

In this study, chicken peptone was produced by hydrolysing inedible parts derived from chickens using endo-protease and exo-protease. The usefulness of chicken peptone as a nutrient source for bacteria was evaluated in comparison with other commercially produced peptones (animal, soy and casein-derived peptone). Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were used as test strains to determine the effect of peptones from different sources on their growth ability. Both bacteria were successfully cultured in chicken peptone solution, which is similar to peptone solution containing commercial peptones apart from animal peptone. In chemical analysis, chicken peptone contained 12·0% nitrogen; this was similar to the nitrogen content from other commercial peptone sources, except for the 9·0% nitrogen found in soy peptones. The molecular weight of the peptone was determined by gel filtration chromatography, and those of all peptone, except animal-derived peptone, were found to be <5000 Da. In addition, when B. subtilis was cultured in a medium containing chicken peptone, it was shown that the protease activity was highest as compared with other commercial peptones. From these results, it is suggested that chicken peptone can be utilized for microbial culture, and this is an effective method to reuse chicken waste.

Risk perception and knowledge regarding diabetes among offspring of type 2 diabetics at a tertiary institution

INTRODUCTION

The rapid increase in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among the younger age groups is a growing concern worldwide. Thus, assessing the perception of risk and knowledge among those at risk may provide an opportunity for early intervention, delay or even prevent the onset.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the perceived risk of developing T2DM and its knowledge among the offspring of diabetic patients.

METHODS

A cross sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among university students whose parents had type 2 diabetes to determine their perceived risk and knowledge on T2DM.

RESULTS

A total of 336 university students participated in this study and 56.5% of them correctly identified themselves at risk of developing T2DM. About half of them (52.7%) had higher knowledge of T2DM. Male students appeared to have better risk perception (p=0.024) compared to females while those with mothers affected by T2DM appear to have higher knowledge regarding diabetes (p=0.007). Most of their information regarding T2DM was obtained from the internet (87.5%) and other family members (77.9%).

CONCLUSION

The students whose mothers had T2DM appear to have better knowledge and information regarding T2DM and this was mostly obtained from the internet and family members. Awareness regarding diabetes and healthy lifestyles advice through primary patients may be beneficial for their offspring.

Microstructural, Tribology and Corrosion Properties of Optimized Fe3O4-SiC Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Hybrid Nano Filler Composite Fabricated through Powder Metallurgy Method

Hybrid reinforcement’s novel composite (Al-Fe₃O₄-SiC) via powder metallurgy method was successfully fabricated. In this study, the aim was to define the influence of SiC-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on microstructure, mechanical, tribology, and corrosion properties of the composite. Various researchers confirmed that aluminum matrix composite (AMC) is an excellent multifunctional lightweight material with remarkable properties. However, to improve the wear resistance in high-performance tribological application, hardening and developing corrosion resistance was needed; thus, an optimized hybrid reinforcement of particulates (SiC-Fe₃O₄) into an aluminum matrix was explored. Based on obtained results, the density and hardness were 2.69 g/cm³, 91 HV for Al-30Fe₃O₄-20SiC, after the sintering process. Coefficient of friction (COF) was decreased after adding Fe₃O₄ and SiC hybrid composite in tribology behaviors, and the lowest COF was 0.412 for Al-30Fe₃O₄-20SiC. The corrosion protection efficiency increased from 88.07%, 90.91%, and 99.83% for Al-30Fe₃O₄, Al-15Fe₃O₄-30SiC, and Al-30Fe₃O₄-20SiC samples, respectively. Hence, the addition of this reinforcement (Al-Fe₃O₄-SiC) to the composite shows a positive outcome toward corrosion resistance (lower corrosion rate), in order to increase the durability and life span of material during operation. The accomplished results indicated that, by increasing the weight percentage of SiC-Fe₃O₄, it had improved the mechanical properties, tribology, and corrosion resistance in aluminum matrix. After comparing all samples, we then selected Al-30Fe₃O₄-20SiC as an optimized composite.

P2822Seasonal variation in in-hospital cardiac arrest and associated mortality

Background

Previous reports have documented seasonal variation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), with peak incidence in winter months, regardless of geographical region. However, seasonal variation in in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has not been well studied.

Purpose

To assess seasonal variation in incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrest, as well as gender and mortality differences.

Methods

We queried the 2014 National Inpatient Service (NIS) database for the total numbers of inpatient hospitalizations and in-hospital cardiac arrests for each month, as identified by ICD-9 codes (99.60 and 99.63). The trend for each month was plotted to assess seasonal variations in hospitalizations, IHCA, and mortality.

Seasonal Variations in IHCA

Results

The mean age of the study population was 57.3±0.2 years and 58.9% were female. Out of 29,717,872 total inpatient hospitalizations in 2014, the overall IHCA event for the year was 0.38%. Females were more likely to be hospitalized; however, males were more likely to have IHCA. These gender differences persisted throughout the year. Overall, more hospitalizations and IHCA were seen in the winter compared to the summer, and this trend was seen in both men and women. The highest incidence of in-hospital cardiac events occurred in January and the lowest incidence occurred in June. There was no seasonal variation in mortality in both male and female patients who suffered IHCA.

Conclusion(s)

In this observational study, seasonal variation is present in in-hospital cardiac arrest. Cardiac events are highest in the winter months as compared to the summer months; however, the mechanism of this variation is unknown and warrants further study.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

One-Stop Postmenopausal Bleeding Clinics Reduce Patient Waiting Times and Theatre Costs

Background. Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is a common problem and reason for referral to gynaecology clinics. Aims. The aim of this study was to compare patient management and outcomes from a newly developed one-stop clinic for women with PMB with traditional gynaecology outpatient clinics. Methods. Retrospective studying running from January to July 2003 comparing the one-stop clinic with four traditional consultant-led outpatient gynaecology clinics also seeing women with PMB running concurrently in the same hospital. Results. In the study period, 95 and 51 women were seen in each type of clinic. There was no difference in patient demographics but the time from referral to first consultation was shorter in the PMB clinic (p<0.001) and women had fewer visits (p<0.001). The mean time from first consultation to definitive treatment or discharge was also shorter (p<0.001). Fewer hysteroscopies were generated from the PMB clinic (p<0.001) and yet there was no difference in the rates of abnormal histology between the two groups. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that one-stop investigation of PMB, compared to traditional outpatient clinics, reduced waiting times and theatre costs by reducing the number of hysteroscopies.

An anatomical study of the superficial palmar communicating branch between the median and ulnar nerves

The palmar communicating branch between the median and ulnar nerves was investigated in 98 hands with the aim of outlining its most common branching patterns and describing its relationship to well-defined anatomical landmarks, including the bistyloid line, wrist crease and flexor retinaculum. Five branching patterns were identified and classified based on their proximal and distal attachments. The palmar communicating branch was found to lie between 26%-79% of the total distance between the metacarpophalangeal joint of the long finger and the wrist crease, and 35%-75% of the total distance between the metacarpophalangeal joint of the long finger and the middle of the bistyloid line. With the aid of the morphometric indices obtained from this study, a risk area where the palmar communicating branch is most likely to be found is outlined. Knowledge of the branching patterns and location of the palmar communicating branch can help clinicians to better assess variations in the patterns of sensation, preserve the nerve during surgical interventions to the palm and better assess post-operative complications involving the branch.

Residual effects of TMOF-Bti formulations against 1(st) instar Aedes aegypti Linnaeus larvae outside laboratory

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and residual effects of trypsin modulating oostatic factor-Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (TMOF-Bti) formulations against Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) (L.) larvae at UKM Campus Kuala Lumpur.

METHODS

Twenty first instar Ae. aegypti larvae were added in each bucket containing 4 L of water supplied with crushed dried leaf powder as their source of food. Combination of TMOF-Bti in rice husk formulation with the following weights viz 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg, respectively in duplicate was distributed in the buckets; while TMOF-Bti in wettable powder formulation each weighing viz 2, 5, 10 and 20 mg, respectively in duplicate was also placed in the buckets. The control buckets run in duplicate with 4 L of water and 20 first instar Ae. aegypti larvae. All buckets were covered with mosquito netting. Larval mortality was recorded after 24 hours and weekly for five weeks. A new batch of 20 1(st) instar larvae Ae. aegypti was introduced into each bucket weekly without additional TMOF-Bti rice husk formulation or wettable powder. The experiment was repeated for four times.

RESULTS

The result of the study showed that all formulations were very effective on the first two weeks by giving 100% larval mortality for all concentrations applied. The TMOF (2%) + Bti (2%) had a good residual effect until the end of 3(rd) week, TMOF (4%) + Bti (4%) until 4(th) week, wettable powder TMOF (20%) + Bti (20%) until the third week.

CONCLUSIONS

From the results it can be concluded that the TMOF-Bti formulations can be utilized in dengue vector control.

Comparison of nested and ELISA based polymerase chain reaction assays for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis in pregnant women with preterm complications

Identification of pregnant women infected with Chlamydia trachomatis is essential to allow early antibiotic treatment in order to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this study, two nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) namely nested PCR (BioSewoom, Korea) and Amplicor CT/NG (Roche Diagnostic, USA) were evaluated in terms of sensitivity and specificity for the detection of C. trachomatis DNA in pregnant women with preterm complications. A cross-sectional study was carried out in two public hospitals in Southern Selangor, Malaysia. Endocervical swabs obtained were subjected to DNA amplification using nested PCR (BioSewoom, Korea) and Amplicor CT/NG (Roche Diagnostic, USA). A total of 83 endocervical swabs obtained from pregnant women of less than 37 weeks gestation and presented with preterm complications were subjected to chlamydial DNA detection using both assays. The study shows that Amplicor CT/NG assay is more effective in the detection of C. trachomatis DNA from endocervical swabs compared to Biosewoom nested PCR kit. Agreement between the two assays were poor (kappa=0.094) with nested PCR showing a low sensitivity of 10.81% and a 97.83% specificity when compared to Amplicor CT/NG. The results obtained indicated that BioSewoom nested PCR was less sensitive than Amplicor CT/ NG for detecting C. trachomatis in endocervical specimens and that another more reliable test is required for confirmatory result.

Optimization of Axial Rake Angle for Face Milling Using Taguchi Method and Finite Element Analysis

This study employed the Taguchi approach in combination with finite element analysis (DEFORM3D) to investigate face milling process onto AL6061. The factors studied in this investigation were cutting speed, feed rate, and axial rake angle. The simulation of flank wear was generated according to Usuis wear model though the L9(34) of the orthogonal array experiment. ANOVA analysis and F test were conducted to find the significant factor that contributes to tool wear in the signal to noise ratio. Finally, the confirmation test has been carried out at optimal parameter.

Optimization of Parameter for HSS Tool Wear by Using Taguchi Method and Finite Element Method

This paper presents the combination between the simulation analysis of FEM (DFORM 3D) and Taguchi method approach. The Taguchi method was used to find the optimize parameter design contribute to Flank wear. The parameters were evaluated are coated surface treatment, cutting speed and feed rate. The Usuis model carried out to measure the flank wear size. Furthermore, ANOVA analysis was used out to identify the influence factors contribute to tool wear in the signal to noise ratio. The experiments were conducted on AL6061 by using High Speed Steel Tool (HSS) in face milling cutting. It shown that, the coated surface treatment is the most significant parameter which can reduce the tool wear value.

Evaluation of Melaleuca cajuputi (Family: Myrtaceae) Essential Oil in Aerosol Spray Cans against Dengue Vectors in Low Cost Housing Flats

BACKGROUND

Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil in aerosol spray was evaluated against the dengue vectors Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus at low cost housing flats in Section 10, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

METHODS

ESSENTIAL OIL IN AEROSOL VIZ: 5% and 10% of concentrations were sprayed for 5 seconds each towards hung mosquitoes in 5 cylindrical net cages. Aerosol weights were recorded before and after spraying to determine discharge rates. Knockdown and mortality number were observed and compared to MS standard aerosol which contain 0.07% prallethrin and 0.05% d-phenothrin as positive control and aerosol contain 40% kerosene and 60% LPG was used as negative control.

RESULTS

High knockdown and mortality was observed in both species of mosquitoes towards MS standard aerosol. There was a significant difference (P< 0.05) of mortality and knockdown between 5% and 10% of essential oil aerosol and 5% and 10% essential oil between MS standard. For 5% essential oil, mean percentage (%) of knockdown and mortality of Ae. aegypti displayed slightly higher compared to Ae. albopictus. Spraying with 5% M. cajuputi essential oil aerosol indicated a knockdown of Ae. aegypti 5.60±1.18 and mortality of 22.90±4.22 while Ae. albopictus showed 4.60±0.89 knockdown and 20.00±2.85 mortality. The 10% essential oil concentration gave 23.60±1.68 knockdown and 48.05±0.37 mortality for Ae. aegypti. Ae. albopictus gave 23.00±3.16 knockdown and 44.20 ± 2.10 mortality respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracts of essential oils does possessed an adulticidal effects and could be considered and utilized for future dengue vectors control.

Domiciliary cockroaches found in restaurants in five zones of Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, peninsular Malaysia

The following domiciliary cockroaches were collected from restaurants in five zones of Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, Malaysia using 1L glass beaker traps baited with ground mouse-pellets: Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) (n = 820), Periplaneta brunnea Burmeister (n = 46), Blattella germanica (Linnaeus) (n = 12504), Supella longipalpa (Fabricius) (n = 321), Symploce pallens Stephens (n = 29) and Neostylopyga rhombifolia (Stoll) (n = 5). The following bacteria were isolated from 10 cockroach specimens: Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. rhinoscleromatis and Serratia liquefaciens from 5 B. germanica; Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus, Citrobacter diversus/amalonaticus, Escherichia vulneris and K.p. pneumoniae from 3 P. brunnea; and Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter agglomerans 4, Escherichia adecarboxylate, E. vulneris, K. p. pneumonia, K. p. rhinoscleromatis and Proteus vulgeris from 2 P. americana.

Field observation on the efficacy of Toxorhynchites splendens (Wiedemann) as a biocontrol agent against Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larvae in a cemetery

This study explored the efficacy of Toxorhynchites splendens, predator of Aedes albopictus as a biocontrol agent. There was a negative correlation between Ae. albopictus larval population and Tx. splendens larval population in ovitraps (r=-0.287, R²=0.0821). The correlation is higher between the mean number of Ae. albopictus larvae per ovitrap and the number of Tx. splendens larvae in an ovitrap (r=-0.987, R²=0.9737). Larvae of Tx. splendens were observed to co-exist with larvae of Ae. albopictus and Culex fuscocephala in the ovitraps placed in the study area. The existence of Tx. splendens larvae in the study area coincides with their habit, preferring to breed in bamboo stumps. A total of 480 ovitraps were inspected for 30-week study period and 281 ovitraps were positive with Ae. albopictus larvae respectively. There was a significant difference between numbers of ovitrap positive for Ae. albopictus larvae with number of Tx. splendens larvae in the ovitraps (ANOVA, F((4,475)) 2.655, p<0.05). Of 281 ovitraps positive with Ae. albopictus larvae, 255 ovitraps contained only one Tx. splendens larva each. Only one ovitrap contained four, the most number of Tx. splendens larvae (p< 0.05). Thus, Tx. splendens could be utilised as an alternative for dengue vector control programme.

The contribution of reproductive factors and family history towards premenopausal breast cancer risk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian women. This study aimed to determine the reproductive for premenopausal breast cancer risk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A case-control study was conducted in 216 histopathologically confirmed cases of premenopausal breast cancer and 216 community-based controls that were matched by age within a 5-year period and ethnicity. The results of this study showed that premenopausal breast cancer risks were strongly related to parity, number of live births and family history of breast cancer. Premenopausal women with these known reproductive and family history risk factors should take extra measures to undergo appropriate screening method for early detection of breast cancer.

The Effectiveness of Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor (TMOF) and Combination of TMOF with Bacillus thuringiensis Against Aedes aegypti Larvae in the Laboratory

BACKGROUND

Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor (TMOF) terminates trypsin biosynthesis in adult and larval mosquito gut. It will inhibit the growth and development of mosquito larvae feeding on it resulting in death by starvation. The objective of this study is to determine the effective dose of Pichia-TMOF and the combination of Pichia-TMOF with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as larvicide on Ae. aegypti larvae.

METHODS

Aedes aegypti first-instar larvae were exposed to various doses of Pichia-TMOF, Bt and combination of Pichia-TMOF and Bt. The development of the larvae were observed and recorded daily during the bioassay larval test until the adult emergence.

RESULTS

The results showed that 400 ppm Pichia-TMOF and 300 ppm Pichia-TMOF were able to cause 100% and 67% cumulative mortality on Ae. aegypti larvae on 8(th) day respectively. At 200 ppm, 100 ppm and 50 ppm concentration Pichia-TMOF showed obvious stunted effect on Ae. aegypti larvae. Moreover, the combination of 400 ppm Pichia-TMOF with 0.1 ppm Bt showed synergistic effect on Ae. aegypti.

CONCLUSION

Pichia-TMOF inhibited trypsin biosynthesis is potential to act in larval gut causing stunted growth and larval development and causing mortality. The combination of Pichia-TMOF and Bt increased the effectiveness in causing larval mortality.

Categorization of potential breeding sites of dengue vectors in Johor, Malaysia

This cross-sectional study was to compare and categorize potential breeding sites of dengue vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus at three different places, namely, an urban (Taman Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru, Johor), a suburban (Kg. Melayu Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru, Johor) and a rural (Felda Simpang Waha, Kota Tinggi, Johor) habitats in Malaysia. Larval surveys were conducted once in every two months at each habitat over a period of 11 months from August 2000 until June 2001. There was a significant difference between the three study sites in terms of potential breeding sites inspected (p<0.001). There were more potential breeding sites found in the rural area when compared to the urban and suburban habitats. The mean Potential Container Index (PCI) values in descending order were as follows: rural habitat (57.72)>suburban (29.35)>urban habitat (16.97). Both breeding sites and potential breeding sites were the nominator and the total number of containers inspected as the denominator in the formula of PCI, thus the latter could be a potential indicator to initiate anti-dengue campaign at the community level to rid off potential Aedes breeding sites. The three most common potential breeding sites of Aedes species were similar for urban and suburban habitats (flower pots, pails and bowls respectively). However, flower pots, vases and tyres were the three most common potential breeding sites for the rural habitat. Another finding in this study was that various types of larval habitats were found indoors and outdoors for both species.

Lower ministernotomy and fast tracking for atrial septal defect

We report our experience with a 3-5-cm lower ministernotomy incision for closure of atrial septal defect in 53 patients. Fibrillatory arrest was used in 19 patients, and crossclamping with cardioplegia in 33. One patient had to be converted from fibrillatory arrest to crossclamping with cardioplegic arrest. The mean bypass time was 39.6 +/- 13.1 min, arrest time was 9.9 +/- 4.5 min, and crossclamp time was 20.7 +/- 8.69 min. All patients recovered without adverse events. They were fast tracked to recovery and extubated after 63.4 +/- 9.2 min. The mean intensive care unit stay was 1.07 +/- 0.33 days, and hospital stay was 3.07 +/- 0.38 days. The ministernotomy approach was used successfully in 51 patients; in the other 2, it had to be converted to a full sternotomy because of technical difficulties. Our experience confirms that this technique offers satisfactory cosmetic results, stable sternal reconstruction, good surgical exposure, minimal interference with respiratory mechanics, and minimal pain, allowing extubation in the operating room and a speedy recovery.

Evaluation of Piper aduncum Linn. Essential Oil (Fam:Piperaceae) against Periplaneta americana (L.)

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of Piper aduncum essential oil was evaluated against Periplaneta americana adults and nymphs in the laboratory.

METHODS

The plant essential oil at varying concentrations ranging between 10,000 to 80,000 ppm were placed inside glass beakers, rolled horizontally to ensure the essential oil covers all sides of the beakers and exposed to adults and nymphs of P. americana. Resigen (R) 1ppm was used as positive control and distilled water as negative control. The LT50 and LT90 was obtained using Log Probit programme.

RESULTS

Exposure of essential oil to females P. americana at concentrations between 10,000 to 80,000 ppm indicated the LT50 and LT90 values between 5.31 h-189.19 h and 14.90 h-2105.31 h, respectively. Treatment with the same concentrations against males P. americana ,the LT50 and LT90 were 2.08 h-181.73 h and 5.4 h-8460.51 h, respectively. Treatment against the nymphal stage with the same range of concentrations indicated the LT50 and LT 90 of 4.68 h-381.02 h and 28.71 h-5313.36 h, respectively.The nymphs and males were more susceptible than the females cockroaches. Treatment with Resigen (R) at 1ppm indicated much lower LT 50 and LT 90 values of 2.54 h-9.47 h for the females, 1.47 h-4.22 h for the males and 4.69 h-8.92 h for the nymphs.The negative control indicated no mortality for all stages of the cockroach.

CONCLUSION

Piper aduncum essential oil can be used as an alternative natural product for controlling the cockroach Peripatetic americana.

Pulmonary atelectasis from compression of the left main bronchus by an aortic aneurysm

Pulmonary atelectasis may be caused by endobronchial lesions or by extrinsic compression of the bronchus. However, lung collapse due to compression from a thoracic aneurysm is uncommon. We report a 76-year-old hypertensive female patient who has pulmonary atelectasis due to an extrinsic compression from a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, and discuss possible treatment options.

Markedly-elevated serum CA125 in a woman with pulmonary tuberculosis

A 26-year-old Chinese woman first presented to the Singapore Anti-Tuberculosis Association with fever and cough, and was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. She was then referred to KK Women's & Children's Hospital to exclude a gynaecological pathology when she was found to have abnormally high levels of cancer antigen CA125 in a health screening done concomitantly. Pelvic examination and pelvic ultrasonography were normal. Other tumour markers (CA19-9, CEA, AFP and BHCG) were normal. The level of CA125 was monitored and returned to normal levels with anti-tuberculosis treatment. A non-gynaecological diagnosis like pulmonary tuberculosis must always be considered as one of a differential diagnosis in a woman presenting with a markedly-raised CA125.

Infrared tomography: data distribution system and software development for real-time velocity measurement

The data distribution system of this project is divided into two types, which are a Two-PC Image Reconstruction System and a Two-PC Velocity Measurement System. Each data distribution system is investigated to see whether the results' refreshing rate of the corresponding measurement can be greater than the rate obtained by using a single computer in the same measurement system for each application. Each system has its own flow control protocol for controlling how data is distributed within the system in order to speed up the data processing time. This can be done if two PCs work in parallel. The challenge of this project is to define the data flow process and critical timing during data packaging, transferring and extracting in between PCs. If a single computer is used as a data processing unit, a longer time is needed to produce a measurement result. This insufficient real-time result will cause problems in a feedback control process when applying the system in industrial plants. To increase the refreshing rate of the measurement result, an investigation on a data distribution system is performed to replace the existing data processing unit.

A preliminary report on pulmonary tuberculosis in patient travelers to a rural hospital of South India

BACKGROUND

Occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among patient travelers in private rural hospitals are often unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were to know the occurrence of PTB among patient travelers visiting PES hospital and to create an information and awareness in the establishment of revised national tuberculosis control program (RNTCP) in PES hospital.

PATIENT AND METHODS

Adult patients (18-49yr) with TB-like chest symptoms traveling from different regions to Kuppam were included. Children, pregnant women and critically ill were excluded. Between January-December 2004, 372 such patients visited PES hospital. Two consecutive sputum samples were screened for AFB detection by Ziehl-Neelsen. Presence of AFB in both the smears was considered smear positive TB. Negative smears with X-ray abnormality was considered smear-negative TB. Anti-tubercular drugs were prescribed for TB patients.

RESULTS

Of 372 patients visited, 29% were diagnosed as TB. Smear-positive and smear-negative TB were 16.6% and 12.3%, respectively. TB among females (31/113) and males (77/259) were 27.4% and 29.7%, respectively. The peak input of patients was in the months of May (53), March (48) and December (35).

CONCLUSION

There is an urgent need for establishment of RNTCP in PES hospital.

Field evaluation of cypermethrin and cyfluthrin against dengue vectors in a housing estate in Malaysia

Cynoff 25ULV (cypermethrin 25 g/l) and Solfac UL015 (cyfluthrin 1.5% w/v) were evaluated against the sentinel sugar-fed adults and 4th-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti in a housing estate endemic of dengue in Malaysia. The impact of both pyrethroids on field populations of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti larvae was monitored weekly using bottle containers. Both Cynoff 25ULV and Solfac UL015 showed adulticidal effects and larvicidal effects. This field trial using Cynoff 25ULV against dengue vectors showed its potential for use in dengue vector control programs.

Breast carcinoma in Pakistani females: a morphological study of 572 breast specimens

OBJECTIVE

To study the morphological features in breast carcinoma which have proven prognostic value.

METHODS AND SETTING

A retrospective analysis of 572 mastectomy specimens received over a period of three years at the department of pathology, The Aga Khan University Hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 572 mastectomy specimens were analyzed which were received over a period of three years. Most of the patients were in the 5th and 6th decades of life. The mean age at diagnosis was 48 years. The most common tumour was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (81%). Tumour size was > 2 cms. in 80% of the cases. According to Modified Bloom and Richardson system most of the tumours were in grade II (65%) followed by grade III (24%). The number of cases with > 3 lymph node metastasis was significantly higher (70%) in tumours of > 2 cms size. High grade tumours also showed increased number of lymph node involvement.

CONCLUSION

In Pakistani females breast carcinoma occurs at a younger age group. They are of large size at the time of presentation and show more frequent axillary lymph node metastasis. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most common type of tumour with predominance of high grade lesions.