Indoor Air Quality Level at Medical Clinics, University Hospital in Klang Valley, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Patient health can be influenced by indoor air quality (IAQ) level, where the risks of IAQ pollution are proportionate with the occupant number in the clinic. This research aims to determine the level of IAQ in Medical Clinic 1 and 2 of University Hospital in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: The indoor exposure to physical (temperature, relative humidity and air movement), chemical (formaldehyde, CO2 , CO, TVOC and PM10) and biological (bacterial and fungal count) parameters following Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) IAQ (2010) were assessed in the morning and afternoon using relevant equipment. Data was analysed with One-Sample T Test and Independent T Test using SPSS Version 25. Results: No statistically significant mean difference (p>0.05) of IAQ parameters between both Medical Clinics (morning & afternoon) except for Rh and CO by Independent T Test analysis. In contrast, the One-Sample T Test showed there was statistically significant mean difference (p<0.01) of all parameters as compared to the ICOP (2010) standard in both Medical Clinics (morning and afternoon). There was a positive correlation of CO2 , CO and formaldehyde with bacterial counts (TBC) for both Medical Clinics. Meanwhile, CH2 O concentration was slightly higher in the morning due to the usage of cleaning products which may have released CH2 O gas killing the bacteria, thus lower the rate of bacterial growth in the afternoon. Fungal counts showed no significant impact. Conclusion: All measured parameters were complied with the ICOP (2010) standard except air movement and CO2 in both Medical Clinics.

Application Progress of Texture Analyzer in Pharmaceutical Preparation Research / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Texture analyzer is a multifunctional physical property analyzer. Through a variety of test modes such as compression， puncture， shearing and stretching， hardness， adhesion， elasticity， cohesiveness and other physical property parameters are characterized. The results are objective， sensitive， and accurate， which can provide theoretical basis and reference for interpretation of basic theoretical， optimization of prescription technology and quality control research of pharmaceutical preparations. Firstly， the principles， test modes， measurement indexes and measurement data analysis methods of texture analyzer were summarized in this paper. Secondly， the application progress of texture analyzer in solid preparations， semi-solid preparations， liquid preparations， traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces and their intermediates was described in detail， and compared with the commonly used measurement methods of physical property indicators. Finally， the application prospects of texture analyzer and its research contents to be improved were reviewed， so as to facilitate the use of texture analyzer by pharmaceutical researchers to promote the development of related fields of pharmaceutics， and to provide new ideas and methods for the research and development of pharmaceutical preparations.

Physico-chemical Characterization of Palm Kernel Oil Extracted from the Seeds of Two Varieties of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) for Possible Use in Feed or Food

This study was carried out in order to assess the quality of the type of palm kernel oil suitable for the alternative in animal oil in feed or food. To reach this objective, oil D and oil T extracted respectively from the seeds of the varieties Dura and Tenera of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) by the Soxhlet method using hexane as a solvent were analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics. The results obtained show that the values for the physical parameters (Oil yield, density and percentage of impurities) of both oils were similar and fell in those of the standards of Codex Alimentarius 2015. However, for the chemical parameters (Acid value, percentage of free fatty acids, peroxide value, saponification value and ester value), the values obtained for oil D were the highest, but for both oils, the values were above those recommended by the standards of Codex Alimentarius 2015, excepted the Saponification values and the Ester values which were below these standards. The determination of fatty acids composition by Gas Chromatography showed that these oils were not significantly different. Indeed, the totals saturated fatty acids were in amounts of 87.92% ± 0.17 and 87.53% ± 0.24, while the totals unsaturated fatty acids were in amounts of 12.08% ± 0.02 and 12.47% ± 0.02 respectively for oil D and oil T. The predominant fatty acid was lauric acid in amounts of 36.87% and 37.84% respectively for oil D and oil T. Thus, these palm kernel oils could be used as ingredients and preservatives in feed due to their content in lauric acid which is known to possess antimicrobial properties and also to their content in unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) which are an indicator of oil quality. However, oil T seems to be more suitable for the alternative in animal oil in feed due to its percentage of free fatty acid which is less than that of oil D.

Relationship Between Parameters of Development and Functional Compounds of Yacon Leaves

Abstract Yacon is a tuberous root from the Andean region being increasingly grown across the world due to the low caloric values of their roots and the functional properties of extractions of its leaves. However, there is still a gap in the knowledge of how the plant develops, and if physical and chemical changes are noticed regarding maturity. The subject of this work was to investigate the dynamics of a group of parameters and to establish correlations across them. To achieve this goal, leaves collected from three different parts of the plant in three months were assessed regarding size (plant height and leaf area), color and the presence of sesquiterpene lactones. Different methods of extraction were also studied and the total phenolic content was analyzed. The analysis of the results revealed different patterns in the quantity, size and leaf distribution according to the age of the plant. From three different methods of extraction studied, decoction seems to be the most appropriate one to obtain phenolic compounds with greater yield and safety. Besides, the greenness of yacon leaves showed a linear correlation to the total phenolic content, being a simple and promising estimator of the corresponding bioactive group. Sesquiterpene lactones were identified in all extracts, indicating the ease of their extractability even in simple procedures of tea-making.

Establishment of physical fingerprint of Shengmai Injection and its quality evaluation / 中草药

Objective To establish the physical fingerprint of Shengmai Injection and evaluate its quality. Methods The physical fingerprint was visually showed by the radar map consisting of eight indexes (conductivity, pH, turbidity, refractive index, solid content, relative density, kinematic viscosity, and osmolality). Correlation coefficient method was used to calculate the similarity between the fingerprints and the control fingerprints. Results The products physical fingerprints and parameters of the same species from different manufacturers were quite different. In some companies, the quality of the same product was also unstable among different batches and specifications, mainly reflected in the three indicators of osmolality, conductivity, and turbidity. Conclusion Physical fingerprints can be used to evaluate the quality of Shengmai Injection and provide some ideas for the quality re-evaluation of Chinese medicine injection.

Monitoring Spatial and Temporal Seaweeds Variation Using Remote Sensing Data in Al-Shoaiba Coast, Red Sea.

Aims: Spatial variability and temporal dynamics of benthic seaweeds using the field investigation and Landsat Thematic Mapper images Place and Duration of Study: Al-Shoaiba area, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea was investigated and the study area was divided into four sites extending about 10 km. The study period extended seasonally from summer 2011 to spring 2012. Methodology: The assessment of seaweeds abundance and distribution were performed using quadrate method. Methodology includes analyses of the Enhanced Landsat Thematic Mapper (ETM+) images. Results: A total of 46 seaweed taxa were collected from Al-Shoaiba region belonging to three different algal phyla to extend on reef flat to hundreds of yards to open sea. The field observations showed the broad macroalgal groups as optically mixture. The main confusion was distinguished between macroalgal groups. The contribution of seaweeds varied significantly not only between seasons, but also between sites. The physical parameters showed a close relationship between air and sea water temperatures. Generally, the weather tends to be warm at the selected sites. The pH values were slightly alkaline. Water salinity was relatively high especially in summer and autumn. Diverse of macroalgal communities was shown pronounced seasonal changes. Image classifications of remote sensing data showed large visual appearance of algal vegetation in summer and autumn on the reef flat than in winter and spring. High temperature and evaporation during summer and autumn may causes decline in sea water level. In contrary, low temperature leads to increasing the sea water level to cover most of the reef flat in winter and spring. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the significant impact of seasonal variations, especially temperature, on the spatial and temporal distribution of seaweeds in Al- Shoaiba coast, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea.

Studies on phytoplankton characteristics in Ayyampattinam coast, India.

Physico-chemical variables in the marine environment are subjected to wide spatio-temporal variations. The various physico-chemical parameters viz: temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrients of the environment are the factors which mainly influence the production and successful propagation of planktonic life in the coastal biotopes. The ranges of values of surface water temperature (0°C), salinity (‰), pH and dissolved oxygen (ml l-1) were: 25.5 - 33.4; 23 - 35; 7.8 - 8.2; 3.6 - 5.2, respectively. The values (Cg l-1) of nutrients were: nitrate 3.21 - 6.34, nitrite 0.74 - 0.896, phosphate 0.22 and 1.16, silicate 24.85 - 61.92 and ammonia 0.05 - 0.32. The recorded values of primary productivity (mgcm-3hr-1) ranged between 16 – 116 and the chlorophyll “a” varied from 3.74 – 8.52. A total number of 51 species of phytoplankton representing different classes viz: Bacillariophyceae (40); Dinophyceae (8); Chlorophyceae (1) and Cyanophyceae (2) was recorded. Among the four classes, Bacillariophyceae appeared to be the dominant group in respect of total species and cell numbers. The population density of phytoplankton was high during summer season and quite low during monsoon season.

A Pilot Project on Health Assessment of PAC Jawans.

Objective: To determine if changes in the life style bring any positive changes in various physical and psychological parameters. Material & Methods : An arbitrarily selected group of Jawans (32 in number and ranging in age from 35 to 58 years) were assessed in the Department of Psychiatry and other departments like Medicine, Ophthalmology, ENT and Physiology for various baseline investigations. Following this, they were subjected to one month of life style changes including regular exercises, Yoga and dietary modifications. After seventy one days a follow through check-up was done in post- intervention period for the same parameters. Results: The reductions in number of subjects having abnormal BMI(Body Mass Index)71.87% to 46.87%, abnormal GHQ-12 (12 items General Health Questionnaire) score- 37.5% to 21.87%, VC(Vital Capacity)- 15.62% to 6.25%, ECG(Electro Cardio-Gram)- 28.12% to3.12%, S. Total Cholesterol- 50% to 18.7%, and S. Triglycerides- 81.25% to 50% were statistically significant on a repeat check post-intervention. Subjectively 25% Jawans reported a feeling of wellbeing at the base investigations whereas 87.5% reported a reduction in mental tensions and enhancement of positive thinking during the feed back. They also reported benefits in various existing health problems and an increase in the self confidence. With special dietary regimes most of the jawans reported reduction in their obesity and various Gastro-intestinal disturbances. With regular Yoga and Pranayam, most of the jawans reported a benefit in their working capacity and occupation as a whole. All in all it can be inferred that such an intervention brings a positive change in the health status of PAC Jawans and no further deterioration has been observed.

Effects of Foot Reflexo-massage on Physical, Psychological, Physiological Parameters in Patients with Osteoarthritis / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of foot reflexo-massage on physical, psychological, and physiological parameters in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. METHOD: This study was employed non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest time series experimental design. The subjects of this study were 47 elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the knee from two different nursing homes in Deajeon. The patients were divided into two groups; 26 patients in experimental group, the rest in control group. Each patient in experimental group received the 30-minute foot reflexo-massage, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The dependent variables of each patient were measured before treatment, after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks during the treatment session. The collected data was analyzed using the Social Package Social Science(version 10.0) software program. RESULT: There were significant differences in the flexion angle of both knees; the flexion and extension muscle strength of both knees; systolic blood pressure; POMS; plantaris skin temperature and blood velocity of dorsalis pedis artery between the two groups over different the three measurement times. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that foot reflexo-massage could be an effective intervention to improve physical, psychological and physiological parameters for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Physical Parameters of the Elderly

OBJECTIVE: To obtain the mean value of physical parameters of those over 65- years of age. METHODS: Physical parameters including body weight, height, chest circumference, length of upper limb and lower limb, hand power, and range of motion of cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral spines and other major joints were measured in two hundred fourteen elderly subjects. RESULTS: Subjects were divided into three groups according to age (group 1, 65~74 years; group 2, 75~84 years; group 3, above 85 years) and sex (male; female). Descriptive statistical analysis of data provided the following results. 1) Mean measurement in order of group 1-men, group 2-men, group 3-men followed by women of each group: Body weight (kg) - 60.2, 59.6, 54.9, 56.8, 51.6, 47.2; Standing height (cm) - 156.7, 160.8, 156.6, 151.2, 146.9, 142.2; Sitting height (cm) - 99.8, 100.8, 103.1, 100.9, 104.9, 97.0; Chest circumference (cm) - 91.5, 93.5, 91.4, 92.1, 89.5, 86.4; Upper limb length (cm) - 72.3, 72.5, 71.3, 67.1, 66.9, 65.4; Lower limb length (cm) - 82.3, 82.1, 81.4, 77.3, 76.1, 74.6. 2) The hand power of grasping, tip pinch, lateral pinch, palmar pinch showed a decreasing trend in older age group in both sexes. 3) The range of motion of cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine in group 1 had limitation of about 50% compared to normal range. 4) Of the major joints, limitation of motion or deformity was most common in the shoulder and knee joints. CONCLUSION: These data and knowledge of physical parameters of the elderly can aid in design of living environment and assistive devices for elderly.