A study of factors discriminating between Agents and Higher Level Agents of Shuang Hor product business in Penang

Penjualan langsung menghadaapi perkembangan pesat. Ia adalah pengeluar menjual barang- barang atau perkhidmatan kepada pengguna akhir melalui pengedar bebas atau agen dengan di tempat yang tidak tertentu. Direct selling of commercial products is growing very fast in the recent past. The manufactures of some special products sell their goods through independent distributors or agents to consumers through face-to-face at fixed or non-fixed locations

Iron-based ferritin nanocore as a contrast agent

Self-assembling protein cages have been exploited as templates for nanoparticle synthesis. The ferritin molecule, a protein cage present in most living systems, stores excess soluble ferrous iron in the form of an insoluble ferric complex within its cavity. Magnetic nanocores formed by loading excess iron within an engineered ferritin from Archaeoglobus fulgidus (AfFtn-AA) were studied as a potential magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent. The self-assembly characteristics of the AfFtn-AA were investigated using dynamic light scattering technique and size exclusion chromatography. Homogeneous size distribution of the assembled nanoparticles was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The magnetic properties of iron-loaded AfFtn-AA were studied using vibrating sample magnetometry. Images obtained from a 3.0 T whole-body MRI scanner showed significant brightening of T1 images and signal loss of T2 images with increased concentrations of iron-loaded AfFtn-AA. The analysis of the MR image intensities showed extremely high R2 values (5300 mM^(−1) s^(−1)) for the iron-loaded AfFtn-AA confirming its potential as a T2 contrast agent

Characterization of major and unique Blomia tropicalis mite allergens

Master'sMASTER OF SCIENC

Late widespread skeletal metastases from myxoid liposarcoma detected by MRI only

Background Myxoid liposarcoma is the second most commonly occurring sub-type of liposarcomas. In contrast to other soft tissue sarcomas, it is known to have a tendency to spread toward extrapulmonary sites, such as soft tissues, retroperitoneum, and the peritoneal surface. Bony spread, however, is not as common. Case presentation We report an unusual case of diffuse skeletal metastases from myxoid liposarcoma occurring 13 years after treatment of the primary tumour in the left lower limb. The skeletal spread of the disease was demonstrated on MRI only after other imaging modalities (plain radiography, CT and TC99 bone scans) had failed to detect these metastases. Conclusion MRI is an extremely sensitive and specific screening tool in the detection of skeletal involvement in these types of sarcomas, and therefore, should be a part of the staging proces

Influence of soya lecithin, sorbitan and glyceryl monostearate on physicochemical properties of organogels

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of three different organogelators, sorbitan monostearate (SMS), soya lecithin (SL) and glyceryl monostearate (GMS) prepared at different concentrations (12%, 15% and 18%, w/w) on the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of palm olein (PO)-based organogels. Polarized light microscopy analysis revealed needle-like crystals in SMS-PO, rod-shaped tubules in SL-PO and rosette-like aggregates in GMS-PO organogels. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces were the main drivers for the self-aggregation of these organogelators in PO, as observed in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated β’-type polymorphic structure in SL-PO and GMS-PO. As the concentration of organogelators increased, there was a corresponding increase in the firmness, gel-sol transition (Tgs) and melting temperatures of the organogels. SMS-PO with amorphous structure had the lowest firmness, thus produced weaker gel with lower thermal stability. The oil binding capacity (OBC) of both SL-PO and GMS-PO were over 90%, significantly higher than that of SMS-PO organogels. These findings indicate that crystallization is the key determinant factor to the final properties of the organogel networks. This is influenced by the molecular structure and the concentration of the organogelators used

Magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance arthrography and ultrasonography for assessing rotator cuff tears in people with shoulder pain for whom surgery is being considered

Background Shoulder pain is a very common symptom. Disorders of the rotator cuff tendons due to wear or tear are among the most common causes of shoulder pain and disability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) and ultrasound (US) are increasingly being used to assess the presence and size of rotator cuff tears to assist in planning surgical treatment. It is not known whether one imaging method is superior to any of the others.Objectives To compare the diagnostic test accuracy of MRI, MRA and US for detecting any rotator cuff tears (i.e. partial or full thickness) in people with suspected rotator cuff tears for whom surgery is being considered.Search methods We searched the Cochrane Register of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS from inception to February 2011. We also searched trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles to identify additional studies. No language or publication restrictions were applied.Selection criteria We included all prospective diagnostic accuracy studies that assessed MRI, MRA or US against arthroscopy or open surgery as the reference standard, in people suspected of having a partial or full thickness rotator cuff tear. We excluded studies that selected a healthy control group, or participants who had been previously diagnosed with other specific causes of shoulder pain such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Studies with an excessively long period (a year or longer) between the index and reference tests were also excluded.Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently extracted data on study characteristics and results of included studies, and performed quality assessment according to QUADAS criteria. Our unit of analysis was the shoulder. for each test, estimates of sensitivity and specificity from each study were plotted in ROC space and forest plots were constructed for visual examination of variation in test accuracy. Meta-analyses were performed using the bivariate model to produce summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity. We were unable to formally investigate potential sources of heterogeneity because of the small number of studies.Main results We included 20 studies of people with suspected rotator cuff tears (1147 shoulders), of which six evaluated MRI and US (252 shoulders), or MRA and US (127 shoulders) in the same people. Many studies had design flaws, with the potential for bias, thus limiting the reliability of their findings. Overall, the methodological quality of the studies was judged to be low or unclear. for each test, we observed considerable heterogeneity in study results, especially between studies that evaluated US for the detection of full thickness tears and studies that evaluated MRA for the detection of partial thickness tears. the criteria for a positive diagnostic test (index tests and reference standard) varied between studies.Meta-analyses were not possible for studies that assessed MRA for detection of any rotator cuff tears or partial thickness tears. We found no statistically significant differences in sensitivity or specificity between MRI and US for detecting any rotator cuff tears (P = 0.13), or for detecting partial thickness tears (P = 1.0). Similarly, for the comparison between MRI, MRA and US for detecting full thickness tears, there was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic performance (P = 0.7). for any rotator cuff tears, the summary sensitivity and specificity were 98% (95% CI 92% to 99%) and 79% (95% CI 68% to 87%) respectively for MRI (6 studies, 347 shoulders), and 91% (95% CI 83% to 95%) and 85% (95% CI 74% to 92%) respectively for US (13 studies, 854 shoulders). for full thickness tears, the summary sensitivity and specificity were 94% (95% CI 85% to 98%) and 93% (95% CI 83% to 97%) respectively for MRI (7 studies, 368 shoulders); 94% (95% CI 80% to 98%) and 92% (95% CI 83% to 97%) respectively for MRA (3 studies, 183 shoulders); and 92% (95% CI 82% to 96%) and 93% (95% CI 81% to 97%) respectively for US (10 studies, 729 shoulders).Because few studies were direct head-to-head comparisons, we could not perform meta-analyses restricted to these studies. the test comparisons for each of the three classifications of the target condition were therefore based on indirect comparisons which may be prone to bias due to confounding.Authors' conclusions MRI, MRA and US have good diagnostic accuracy and any of these tests could equally be used for detection of full thickness tears in people with shoulder pain for whom surgery is being considered. the diagnostic performance of MRI and US may be similar for detection of any rotator cuff tears. However, both MRI and US may have poor sensitivity for detecting partial thickness tears, and the sensitivity of US may be much lower than that of MRI. the strength of evidence for all test comparisons is limited because most studies were small, heterogeneous and methodologically flawed, and there were few comparative studies. Well designed studies that directly compare MRI, MRA and US for detection of rotator cuff tears are needed.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, BrazilParker Institute, DenmarkOak FoundationTeesside University, UKUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Orthopaed & Traumatol, BR-04038032 São Paulo, BrazilMonash Univ, Sch Publ Hlth & Prevent Med, Dept Epidemiol & Prevent Med, Monash Dept Clin Epidemiol,Cabrini Hosp, Malvern, AustraliaUniv Birmingham, Birmingham, W Midlands, EnglandUniv Teesside, Hlth & Social Care Inst, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, EnglandUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Orthopaed & Traumatol, BR-04038032 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Re-examining HSPC1 inhibitors

© 2017, The Author(s). HSPC1 is a critical protein in cancer development and progression, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, clinical trial data reporting the effectiveness of HSPC1 inhibitors on several cancer types has not been as successful as predicted. Furthermore, some N-terminal inhibitors appear to be much more successful than others despite similar underlying mechanisms. This study involved the application of three N-terminal HSPC1 inhibitors, 17-DMAG, NVP-AUY922 and NVP-HSP990 on CRC cells. The effects on client protein levels over time were examined. HSPC1 inhibitors were also applied in combination with chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in CRC treatment (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan). As HSPA1A and HSPB1 have anti-apoptotic activity, gene-silencing techniques were employed to investigate the significance of these proteins in HSPC1 inhibitor and chemotherapeutic agent resistance. When comparing the action of the three HSPC1 inhibitors, there are distinct differences in the time course of important client protein degradation events. The differences between HSPC1 inhibitors were also reflected in combination treatment—17-DMAG was more effective compared with NVP-AUY922 in potentiating the cytotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan. This study concludes that there are distinct differences between N-terminal HSPC1 inhibitors, despite their common mode of action. Although treatment with each of the inhibitors results in significant induction of the anti-apoptotic proteins HSPA1A and HSPB1, sensitivity to HSPC1 inhibitors is not improved by gene silencing of HSPA1A or HSPB1. HSPC1 inhibitors potentiate the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents in CRC, and this approach is readily available to enter clinical trials. From a translational point of view, there may be great variability in sensitivity to the inhibitors between individual patients

Perspektif pelajar tahun akhir Fakulti Pendidikan UTM terhadap bentuk-bentuk sokongan pelajar dalam persekitaran sistem E-Learning di UTM

Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengkaji perspektif pelajar tahun akhir Fakulti Pendidikan UTM terhadap bentuk-bentuk sokongan pelajar dalam persekitaran sistem e-learning di UTM. Objektif utama kajian ini adalah untuk mengenal pasti perspektif pelajar terhadap sokongan instruksi, sokongan pengurusan, sokongan motivasi dan sokongan reka bentuk dalam sistem e-learning di UTM. Selain itu, kajian ini juga bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti bentuk-bentuk sokongan pelajar yang diperlukan oleh pelajar dalam persekitaran sistem e-learning. Kajian yang dijalankan adalah berbentuk deskriptif. Instrumen kajian yang terlibat adalah soal selidik. Sampel kajian ini terdiri daripada 79 orang pelajar tahun empat Sarjana Muda Sains dan Komputer serta Pendidikan (Matematik, Fizik dan Kimia) Fakulti Pendidikan,UTM. Dapatan kajian yang diperolehi dianalisis secara kuantitatif. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa perspektif pelajar terhadap bentuk sokongan instruksi, sokongan pengurusan, sokongan motivasi dan sokongan reka bentuk secara keseluruhannya adalah positif. Selain itu, pengkaji mendapati bahawa responden memberi pandangan yang sederhana bahawa mereka suka menggunakan e-forum dan e-chat dalam e-learning untuk berhubung dengan rakan sekursus dan pensyarah. Kajian juga mendapati bentuk sokongan dalam motivasi seperti penilaian iaitu kuiz atau ujian secara online, online tutor dan e-mentor dalam sistem e-learning UTM adalah penting dan amat diperlukan oleh pelajar