No abstract available

[en] Despite progress in understanding cancer biology, this knowledge has not translated into comparable advances in the clinic. Two fundamental problems currently stalling the efficient treatment of cancer have been detecting cancer early enough for successful treatment and avoiding excessive toxicity to normal tissues. In view of this, cancer still remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, affecting over 10 million new patients every year. Clearly the development of novel approaches for early detection and treatment of cancer is urgently needed to increase patient survival. Recently, nano technology-based systems have emerged as novel therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment. Tiny man made nanoparticles, much smaller than a virus, are being developed to package, transport, and deliver imaging and therapeutic agents. Co-inclusion of these agents, into nano carriers might be advantageous because they increase solubility of hydrophobic drugs, enhance permeability across physiological barriers, alter drug biodistribution, increase local bioavailability and reduce side effects. Initial findings have been promising and nanoparticles have been shown to deliver therapeutic agents to target cells and effect tumor growth. To this end our lab is investigating a class of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers known as elastin-like polypeptides (ELP). Elastin like polypeptide is a bio polymer derived from the structural motif found in mammalian elastin protein and has a sequence dependent transition temperature that can be used as nano carriers to treat diseases. ELPs are characterized by the pentameric repeat VPGXG, where X can be any amino acid. All functional ELPs undergo inverse phase transition whereby below its transition temperature, they exist in a solubilized form while above its transition temperature they undergo phase separation which leads to their aggregation in solution. This process is reversible. Phase transition can also be triggered by other external stimuli such as changes in ionic strength, pH, solvent, magnetic fields etc. As nano carriers, ELPs has the potential for co-incorporating bioactive peptides, proteins, drugs, and imaging agents. Furthermore they are attractive as carriers as they are non-toxic, immunologically silent and have readily tunable properties. With the availability of improved treatment options able to detect malignant cells sooner, deliver drugs safely while reducing side effects and also enabling the monitoring of treatment efficacy, it would certainly be advantageous in the battle against cancer. (author)

[en] The contents of this chapter are follows - Mechanism of damage: direct action of radiation, indirect action of radiation. Classification of effects: somatic effect, induction of cancer, factors, affecting somatic effects, genetic effect, inherited abnormalities, induced effects, early effects, late effects, deterministic effect, stochastic effect. Effect of specific group: development abnormality, childhood Cancer, fertile women, risk and uncertainty, comparison of risk

[en] Approximately 12 million liters of human plasma are fractionated world-wide annually. However, with the market for clotting factors and other haemoderivatives steadily increasing from year to year, the amount processed will also increase correspondingly to keep up with the demand. In Malaysia, part of the need for the blood products are obtained commercially but a major portion of the requirement involves sending the plasma collected by the National Blood Centre to Australia for processing. Following purification and isolation of the blood products, they are sent back to Malaysia for local consumption. As yet there are no plasma fractionation plants in the South East Asia region, it would be advantageous to establish a local fractionation plant as it would be able to cater for local demands of the haemoderivatives and thus reduces the cost of importing these products. Besides, this facility will be able to provide contract fractionation services to the surrounding region. Early work in MINT has started in trying to purify plasma obtained from rats. Purification of the plasma was performed by using Sephadex G-25 column. Short term objective of this project is to develop the technique of extraction, fractionation and purification of blood products such as albumin, globulin and clotting factors (Factor VIII and Factor IX). The long term emphasis will be to scale up the production facility to a pilot plant stage and eventually to a national fractionation and purification plant. (Author)

[en] Chromatography is a powerful technique used in the separation as well as purification of proteins for use as biopharmaceuticals or medicines. Scientists use many different chromatographic techniques in biotechnology as they bring a molecule from its initial identification stage to the stage of it becoming a marketed product. The most commonly used of these techniques is liquid chromatography (1,C). This technique can be used to separate the target molecule from undesired contaminants, as well as to analyse the final product for the requisite purity as established by governmental regulatory groups such as the FDA. Some examples of LC techniques include: ion exchange (IEC), hydrophobic interaction (HIC), gel filtration (GF), affinity (AC) and reverse phase (RPC) chromatography. These techniques are very versatile and can be used at any stage of the purification process i.e. capture, intermediate purification phase and polishing. The choice of a particular technique is dependent upon the nature of the target protein as well as its intended final use. This paper describes the preliminary work done on the chromatographic purification of factor VIII (FVIII), factor IX (FIX), albumin and IgG from plasma. Results, in particular, in the isolation of albumin and IgG using IEC, have been promising. Preparation and production of cryoprecipitate to yield FVIII and FIX have also been successful. (Author)

[en] Medical radioisotope is a small quantity of radioactive substance used in safe, cost effective, for the purpose of diagnostic and therapy of various diseases. In Malaysia, the emerging of new nuclear medicine centers or institutions in both government and private sectors rose abruptly for the past few years. Currently, there are no data available on the usage and demand of medical radioisotope or radiopharmaceuticals. Understanding the usage trending and demand of radiopharmaceuticals and medical radioisotope is essential when related to technology changes in order to meet the market size of these radiopharmaceuticals. Survey result found out that the highest demand and the highest usage among all radioisotopes are Technetium-99m and Radioiodine isotopes such as the Iodine-1331, Iodine131 MIBG, Iodine-123 and Iodine-123 MIBG. Currently, most of the medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals are currently imported. Technetium-99m is the backbone of nuclear medicine whereby more than 80 % of Nuclear Medicine services utilize this radioisotope. Technetium-99m supply chain is unstable globally and in coming future, two main reactors (Canada and Holland) that produces 60 % of world Molybdenum-99 will shut down the operation and supply of Molybdenum-99 will be disrupted. As for radioiodine services, currently, Iodine-123 can't be obtained in Malaysia and neighboring countries due to its short half-life, Iodine-123 is useful in diagnostic of thyroid related diseases. As for PET services, the highest demands are F-18 FDG and Gallium-68 Generator for the moment. However the survey data still did not include most of the PET centers in the Klang Valley, northern area (Penang) and the new upcoming PET center in Southern Region (Malacca and Johor). It is important for Malaysia to self-produced medical radioisotope and radiopharmaceuticals to meet the market and local demand of these medical isotopes. (author)

[en] Diplomacy has always been the instrument to forge partnerships between nations and since many of the issues facing the world presently need scientific solutions, science diplomacy has evolved as an effective tool to further the aims of international cooperation. In recent years, science diplomacy has demonstrated its potential to help countries address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Many countries use science diplomacy to forge collaboration in areas of common interest while promoting national interests in the international arena. This can be very direct, such as using science to promote influence, to access technologies, to promote security or to advance trade. Or it can be utilized where science has an important part to play in bilateral or regional issues such as common resource management, where it can be deployed to address common global interest such as climate change, public health concerns, and nuclear proliferation. Nuklear Malaysia has been engaging in this process since its inception in 1972. From extending technical assistance through international organizations, exchanging experiences and knowledge by way of the South-South Cooperation network, and having strong advocacy for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament via its commitment to the NPT, SEANWFZ and CTBT, Nuklear Malaysia has been very strategic in deploying science diplomacy to advance its mandate of advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear technology for national development. Most if not all of these are achieved by Malaysia's and by extension Nuklear Malaysia's participation in the diplomatic process be it at the negotiating table, as a member of the various multilateral groups such as the Group 77 and China, NAM, SEAP or at the policy-making level of international organizations. In addition, Malaysia's representation at the various international forums goes a long way in establishing our credibility, authority, and influence. In conjunction with its 50th anniversary, this paper will discuss the role of science diplomacy in Nuklear Malaysia's success, relevancy and sustainability moving forward into the next 50 years. (author)

[en] Medical radioisotope is a small quantity of radioactive substance used for the purpose of diagnostic and therapy of various diseases. In Malaysia, the emerging of new nuclear medicine centers or institutions in both government and private sectors rose abruptly for the past few years. Currently, there are no data available on the usage and demand of these medical radioisotope or radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of this study is to assess current medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals usage and also to provide data on current medical radioisotope and radiopharmaceuticals demand for both private and government hospitals or institutions in Malaysia. A survey for a period of 3 months was conducted across Malaysia. The survey was divided into five (5) main parts and it was distributed among health care professionals involved working with medical radioisotope and radiopharmaceuticals in private, government and university based hospitals or institutions and was distributed manually either by hand, mail or e-mail. Data is presented in either pie chart or bar chart. Survey results found out that the highest demand and the highest usage among all radioisotopes are Technetium-99m and radioiodine isotopes such as the iodine-131, iodine-131 MIBG, iodine-123 and iodine-123 MIBG. Technetium-99m is the backbone of nuclear medicine whereby more than 80 % of Nuclear Medicine services utilize this radioisotope. Technetium-99m supply chain is unstable globally and in coming future, two main reactors that produce 60 % of world Molybdenum-99 will shut down and the supply of molybdenum-99 will be disrupted. In radioiodine services, currently, Iodine-123 cannot be obtained in Malaysia and neighboring countries due to its short half-life. Iodine-123 is useful in diagnostic of thyroid related diseases. As for PET services, the highest demands are F-18 FDG and gallium-68 Generator. It is important for Malaysia to self-produced medical radioisotope and radiopharmaceuticals to meet the local market demand. (author)

[en] Due to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD), it has been placed as a global priority in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Specifically, target 3.4 under Goal 3, addresses the challenges of reducing premature mortality caused by NCD by 30 % by the year 2030. Reducing the risk factors of NCDs will save lives and lift a countries' economic development. In recent decades Malaysia's population has witnessed a dramatic surge of NCD as a consequence of the prevalence in unhealthy diets and lifestyles. NCD's currently accounts for approximately 74 % of all deaths in the country. Nuclear medicine plays an important role in the diagnosis and the management of complications associated with NCDs. Recognizing the specificity and sensitivity of positron emission tomography (PET) and its utility in the early and accurate detection of diseases, Malaysia installed the country's first PET/ CT camera in 2005. In the following year, the first cyclotron was commissioned. From this humble beginning it has led to the growth of accelerators in healthcare in the country. To date five cyclotron facilities (< 18 MeV) specifically for use in nuclear medicine have been established. The use of accelerator-based radiopharmaceuticals in Malaysia is growing significantly owing to the demand for non-invasive diagnosis and effective cancer treatment. A surge in incidences of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic diseases, as wea rise in the geriatric population, and increasing demand for targeted cancer treatment is propelling the need for nuclear imaging techniques and radiopharmaceuticals. To be current with existing medical procedures and accelerator technology, Malaysia has plans to expand to higher energy accelerator for healthcare. With the establishment of such a facility in the country, it can further broaden Malaysia's capability to produce various types of radioisotopes that will be used in nuclear medicine. This enhances the accuracy and allows diversification of the types of treatments that can be offered to patients. (author)

[en] PET/CT Scan with "6"8Ga-labelled analogs is of increasing interest in Nuclear Medivcine and currently is being performed all over the world. However, such labelling procedure requires high purity and concentrated solutions of "6"8"Ga. Here we report the purification and concentration of the aluate of SnO_2-Based "6"8"Ge/ "6"8"Ga generators via the anion exchange method. Three different anion columns were selected to purify and concentrate the "6"8"Ga eluates which are Chromafix, Oasis WAX and AG 1-X8 columns. The different anion columns were compared and evaluated in terms of their capability in adsorption and desorption of "6"8"Ga from the generator. While the optimum molarity of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) for highest "6"8"Ga retention was also determined starting from the ranges of 4M to 7M of HCl. The results showed that the percentage of "6"8"Ga retention or adsorption atarted to be plateau at molaruty of 5.5M for all three anion cartridges. One-way ANOVA analysis proved that there is no significant difference between 5.5M with 6.0M, 6.5M and 7.0M which means that the retention of "6"8"Ga is equal at those molarities. At 5.5M, Chromafix and Oasis WAX cartridges showed the highest retention of "6"8"Ga which is 98.30 %. The lowest "6"8"Ga retention was gained by AG 1-X8 column which is 97.07 %. While for desorption of "6"8"Ga, the highest percentage was obtained by using Oasis WAX cartridges which is 70.49 % followed by Chromafix which is 70.36 %. The lowest desorption of "6"8"Ga was obtained by using AG 1-X8 column which is only 58.56 %. Therefore, from this study, the most suitable cartridge and HCl molarity that should be applied in purification and concentration of Gallium-68 eluate from a SnO_2 based "6"8"Ge/ "6"8"Ga generator is Oasis WAX column with a HCl molarity of 5.5M respectively. (author)