Analysis of the association between polymorphism in DHFR and SLC19A1 genes, clinical factors and methotrexate-related side effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients from HUSM, Kelantan

Methotrexate (MTX) is folic acid antagonist that widely used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) nowadays. Despite its proven efficacy in RA patients, the occurrence of adverse effects is a major reason for drug discontinuation. Generally, more than 30% of patients on MTX are susceptible to risk of MTX-related adverse effects (AEs) in which 19% of them had discontinued the drug. In clinical setting, it is currently challenging to predict which patients on MTX are possibly developing drug toxicity. Most studies speculate demographic characteristics and clinical factors are associated with risk of MTX-related AEs. Besides that, the genetic polymorphisms in the folate pathway are also implicated in MTX outcome. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (i.e; rs12517451) and solute carrier family 19 folate transporter member 1, SLC19A1 (i.e: rs1050266) genes were reported as promising predictive genetic markers for MTX toxicity. Until now, no genetic association study among Malaysian population has explored the influence of both SNPs on MTX toxicity. Therefore, we aim to study the association of SLC19A1 rs1051266 and DHFR rs12517451 variants, together with other clinical factors on MTX-related AEs among RA patients from HUSM, Kelantan. This is a case-control study, and involves 72 RA patients, 27 patients were assigned as cases and 45 patients were classified as control. All information regarding demographics and clinical characteristics of patients were obtained through examination of patient’s medical records. The genotyping of selected archived DNA samples of RA samples were performed by using PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) technique and followed by sequencing. The results indicated that, the most frequent MTX toxicity was Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity (37%), followed by haematological toxicity (29.6%), skin toxicity (18.5%), pulmonary toxicity (14.8%), fatigue (11.1%) and only one patient with elevated liver enzyme level was identified. The results also indicated that there were no difference in demographic variables and clinical factors analysed between cases and controls. Besides that, no significant different in the genotype and allele frequencies for both DHFR rs12517451 and SLC19A1 rs1051266 variant between cases and controls was found suggesting that both SNPs were not associated to the risk of MTX-related AEs. Due to small sample size, our finding warrant further investigation and replication in larger patient cohort and in multicentre trials

Estimation of Burst Pressure of Corroded Pipeline Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Pipelines are used to transmit fluid from one point to another. One major concern of maintaining pipelines integrity is failure due to corrosion defects. Corrosion is one of the common defects in pipes which can be observed externally or internally. Several methods and codes had been established to provide solutions in assessing the corroded pipes. This includes the assessment of remaining strength of the corroded pipeline which has been used for used in decades, ASME B31G. This code is referred in evaluation of metal loss in pressurized pipes and piping systems. Another code, the recommended practice DNV-RP-FlOl is used to evaluate the remaining strength of corroded pipes which has single defect, multiple defects and complex shape defects. This study is associated with the process to estimate the burst pressure of corroded pipeline by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The corroded pipe undergoes UTScan and the thickness along the pipe's internal surface is measured and the corrosion profile is plotted. FEA is used to resemble the experimental procedure of actual burst test. Several models are built and simulated by considering defect shape, defect depth and analysis type as parameter to distinguish every simulations. All models are properly constraint and pressurized internally thus, the maximum allowable burst pressure (Ph) of corroded pipeline is determined. The result obtained by FEA is analyzed, studied and compared with the actual burst test, ASME B31G and DNV-RP-FlOl. Lastly, the best model of ANSYS simulation is determined from the simulation

Current issue in corporate waqf in Malaysia

Corporate waqf is still new for the contemporary Islamic studies in Malaysia. There are limited resources and guidance to explain about corporate waqf. The purposes of this study are to explore the issues, concept and development of corporate waqf. Current structure for corporate waqf also being explored as part of case studies. This paper provides several perspectives and suggestions to this issue. The methodology for this study is secondary data approach by using the data analysis from the related journal and paper. The subject for this study is Selangor Muamalat. This paper come out with the concept and development of the contemporary waqf focused on corporate waqf and there are five current issues identified in the contemporary waqf. Next, seven proposed action plans are suggested to cover the issues. Lastly, the structure of Selangor Muamalat is analyses by focusing on the management structure, financial and operational framework and the Shariah consideration towards Selangor Muamalat structure

Physico-chemical properties of shallow and deep peat soils planted with pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) / Ahmad Azam Mohamad Zahari

The physico-chemical properties of peat soil are dynamically altered after several years of utilization. This study aims to assess the physico-chemical properties of shallow and deep peat soils at two different depths after several years of pineapple cultivation. In this study, soil samples from shallow and deep peats were collected at Pontian, Johor using a random sampling method. Samples were taken at two different depths, 0-25 cm and 25-50 cm, and were analysed for selected physical and chemical properties. Results showed that the colour of shallow peat soils is dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) whereas the colour is very dark greyish brown (10YR 3/2) for deep peat. Soil bulk density is higher (0.61 g/cm3) in deep peat compare to shallow peat (0.58 g/cm3) with a water table of 21.8 cm and 74 cm from the soil surface, respectively. Shallow peat is more acidic compare to deep peat, with higher concentration of Mg saturated in former peat. In comparison, shallow peat soils have a lesser concentration of all elements except for Mg, compared to deep peat. From this study, it is suggested that management of peat soils must consider the thickness of the peat layer as nutrient behave differently at different peat depth

REMOTE CONTROLLING PRESENTATION USING ANDROID APPLICAITON

The numbers of smartphone users are increasing day by day. One of the popular operating system used to power the smartphone is Android. Android is maintained and developed by Google which they are providing Android SDK that contains the tools and API needed to develop a custom application. By manipulating the capability to access built-in sensors and reading of the smartphones such as touch screen, phone orientation, accelerometer and GPS, a custom presentation remote controlling application can be developed. This will be proven useful as the users will not have to buy extra remote devices to assist them when they are doing presentation as they can install this application directly to their phones. The application will be designed and develop using Android SDK and coded in Java programming language. Result shows that by manipulating the available sensors on the smartphones, we can utilize the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functionality of the smartphones to connect with remote computer thus communicating with it. The application will send the data based on user input which then will be interpreted by the server application on the remote computer to control the slide presentation. The elements in this report contain introduction, problem statement, objectives, literature review and methodology which are used to develop the application. The discussion of the obtained results will be looked further in this project

Crack Propagation Trajectory For Kenaf Fibre Composite Under Quasi Static Loading

The cracking of the composites are worthy the attention in order to expect in which manner of failure might occur. This matter should be not underestimated because of a safe structure may fail with even microscopic flaws. The crack propagation trajectory and effects of the hole in woven and non-woven fibre orientations for epoxy based kenaf composites under quasi static loading are investigated. The shape of the work specimens is square thin plate with thickness of 3 mm. There are two types of orientations of work specimen used which are the non-woven random and plain woven with 0° and 90° fibre orientation. These work specimens made by hand lay-up method. There are three setting conditions of the work specimen used in this research such as single edge crack, single edge crack with hole, and double edge crack with two holes. The experiments of tensile tests were carried out to determine the strength of the epoxy based kenaf composites. The specimens were subjected to a concentrated load at the upper edge and fixed at the lower edge. From the data attained, indicated that fibre orientation has a significant role in defining the ultimate tensile strength. The main objective of this research is to investigate the crack propagation trajectory for epoxy based kenaf composites under quasi static loading. It shows that from the results obtained, the crack trajectories for single edge crack is a straight line. However, the existence of the hole rearrange the stress or strain field. The crack will curved towards the hole. Meanwhile, for double edge cracks with two holes, the cracks move to the near hole. The cracks then reoriented horizontally as the cracks have reformed the stress distribution at each other’s tip. After that, the cracks then captivated again by the opposite holes and curved toward s the holes. It was found that there is no significant difference between the crack propagation for non-woven and woven fibre orientation samples

Simulation of ant colony optimization on hole making performance

Hole making operation one of machining process widely used in industrial industry. One of the main criteria in determining the efficiency of machining performance in hole making operation is shortest machining time. In this paper, simulation approach based on Ant colony optimization (ACO) has been done on hole making operation in order to minimize the machining time. The result based on ACO has been compared with the result obtain based on Genetic Algorithm (GA). Based on the simulation results, the ACO is enhance the performance of hole making process by reducing 13.5% of machining time. The results show that ACO is capable to minimize the machining time of hole making procees

Application of Micro-learning In Structured OER (SOER) for Online Learning

In today’s world, learners who are rapid in a self-pacing, tight schedule, and involves in a multiple tasks job are in favour to types of learning that is short with a quickly absorbs learning resources at a specific learning point. The content delivery relies on the complexity of the concept of the content itself. The learning structure needs to reflect the ordered relationship of intellectual skill (as stated by Jonassen, Hannum & Tessmer, 1989 p. 38). The tasks laid out in the learning structure depend on the complexity of the content. The content that reflects the skill and knowledge needs to be organized in an orderly and logical manner based on the level to create a clear learning path. The need for direct guidance is crucial in online learning. Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006) conversely define direct guidance instruction as “providing information that fully explains the concepts and procedures that students are required to learn.” (As stated in Hmelo-Silver, Duncan & Chinn, 2007) The project aims to design a MOOC course that will be delivered entirely online. The project is also intent on exploring the microlearning techniques applied in the course design. Most of the content in the courses are OER that are structured (structured OER) through a scaffolding technique. The numbers of topics are limited to two (2) subjects for each course. Most of the content in the learning structure contains OER by creative commons (CC) license that can be shared, reused and remix. Microlearning techniques are used to formulate the framework of the entire instructional system from enrolment to certification. The outcome of this project is an initial learning prototype on an instructional design course delivered via a Moodle-based learning management system , so-called as TippingMind School of Learning (TMSOL). (Abstract by authors

A Fifty-year challenge in managing drug addiction in Malaysia

The history of substance abuse in Malaysia can be divided into pre- and post-independent era. In pre-independence, the main drug of abuse was opium which was initially consumed by immigrants from China who were introduced by the British colonialist to work in \ud Malaya. The post-independence era began in the 1960s when young adults were inß uenced by the “Hippy” subculture. At this time, consumption patterns changed where more Malays were involved in drug abuse compared to other ethnic groups (1, 2). \ud By the early 1980s, the prevalence of drug addiction increased and this increasing trend made the Malaysian government consider heroin addiction as a national threat. The national anti-drug task force was formed to control trafÞ cking and to rehabilitate addicts who \ud were involved in heroin addiction (3). Legislation was introduced where mandatory death sentence was implemented for those who smuggled more than 15 grams of heroin. Drug addicts found to be positive for heroin were forced to undergo compulsory \ud rehabilitation for two years (4). Nationwide, up to 28 government drug rehabilitation centres were established, and at any particular period, each centre accommodated up to 500 inmates. Approximately RM50 million a year was spent to run these centres (5). The centres were initially managed on a total abstinence philosophy; however this approach produced poor results. The latest survey showed that 85% of drug addicts relapsed after completing their rehabilitation at these centres (4, 6). In view of the poor results, substitute treatment with methadone was introduced recently to these centres (7).One of the visions of the Malaysian government was to create a drug addiction free nation by the year 2015. However, the increasing number of drug addicts has caused a surge in demand for rehabilitation centres, resulting in the inability of these centres to cope. For example, the number of drug addicts increased by 1% from year 2001 to 2002, but the number of drug addicts detected in year 2003 was 36,996, a 16% jump from the previous year (31,893). Furthermore, the National Drug Agency reported that 45% of the cases were repeat addicts. As for distribution of new cases, by ethnic group the Malays constituted 71%, Chinese 10.6% and Indian 8.2%. The majority (70%) were in the socially and economically most productive age group (20-39 years) and almost 98% of the addicts who occupied these rehabilitation centres were male. Currently, the number of drug users in the country is estimated to be 250,000 but the number is predicted to reach half a million by year 2015 (3, 8-10). The resulting economic,human resource and social loss is not quantiÞ able as the vacuum left by these people in various employment sectors are currently being Þ lled by migrant workers. Thus, it is evident that the increasing trend in drug addiction poses a threat to the future of the nation (1, 6, 9)

Functional evaluation of members of the LIV-1 family of proteins and their role in breast cancer

All nine members of the LZT subfamily have similarities to members of the ZIP superfamily, especially in the region associated with their ability to transport zinc intracellular. Computer analysis of the nine sequences suggests that they are all members of this subfamily, however, in phylogenetic tree some members group separately, suggesting differences in function. The LZT-Hs7, LZT-Hs8 and LZT-Hs9 were cloned into a vector suitable for expression of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells. For the first time, this demonstration showed, a plasma membrane location for LZT-Hs7 and LZT-Hs8 which similar finding to LIV-1, and an intracellular location for LZT-Hs9, similar to that observed previously for LZT-Hsl. In addition, zinc transport capability was investigated. Affymetrix U133A analysis of LZT-Hsl, LIV-1, LZT-Hs4, LZT-Hs5 and pS2 confirmed that LZT-Hsl, LIV-1 and LZT-Hs4 were regulated by estradiol. This study was extended to investigate the expression of all nine family members in breast cancer cells treated with oestradiol, anti- oestrogens and additionally in tamoxifen and faslodex resistant cells, using semi-quantitative PCR. Differential expression of these family members was seen with some members constitutively expressed whilst others either elevated or reduced in the different conditions. This analysis demonstrated that LZT-Hsl was considerably elevated in tamoxifen resistance. In an effort to investigate a possible role for LZT-Hsl in tamoxifen resistant cells, it was reduced by siRNA. Interestingly, in the presence of siRNA for LZT-Hsl, it was not possible to demonstrate the activation of EGFR or Src as previously observered in the tamoxifen resistant phenotype using Western blotting analysis. This is an exciting result, which suggests a role for LZT-Hsl in driving the growth of tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo