Browse publications by year: 2015

Fulltext The association of temporomandibular disorders and orthognathic surgery

Kadir K, KX, Khor, YT, Loh

Ann Dent, 2015;22(1):6-14.
MyJurnal

This retrospective study aimed to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
secondary to orthognathic surgery (OGS) in various types of dentofacial deformities, to access the
relationship of new onset of TMD in different types of OGS to pain-related TMD and intraarticular TMD,
and to evaluate the chronic facial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, and masticatory efficiency
after OGS.
A total of 26 patients who were previously treated with OGS in University Malaya Medical Centre,
Kuala Lumpur from January 2005 to June 2015 agreed to participate. The subjects had either undergone
bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) or bimaxillary osteotomy (BIMAX). All subjects were
assessed using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (DC/TMD). Data collected from
patients’ records showed absence of TMD at presurgical stage. The present study showed 42.3% of 26
patients experienced TMD after OGS in various types of dentofacial deformities, 19.2 % of them presented
with post-operative facial pain, 30.8 % had limitation in mastication, 19.2 % experienced limitation in
mobility of the jaw, and 11.5% of them experienced limitation in verbal and emotional commences. In
conclusion, there was no association between prevalence of TMD secondary to OGS in either type
of dentofacial deformities or type of surgery involved. We also noted that the minority of the patients
suffered chronic facial pain and jaw function limitation after OGS.
Fulltext Oral health literacy among carers of special needs children in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Fabillah NSA, Mustapa N, Rohani MM, Esa R

Ann Dent, 2015;22(1):15-20.
MyJurnal

Oral health literacy (OHL) is important in empowering people to improve their general and oral health. Carers’ OHL may be associated with their ability to deliver good oral healthcare to their children. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the OHL among carers of special needs children. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of carers in four Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre. Data were collected through a structured face-to-face interview of 40 carers. Oral Health Literacy Malay Version (OHLI-M) was measured using text passages and prompts with a total of 57 items. These items were used to assess comprehension and numerical ability of carers based on domains namely, accessing dental care, understand appointment and following medication instructions. The results showed that majority of the participants had ‘marginal’ and ‘adequate’ OHL level of 32.5% and 52.5%, respectively. Only four (10%) participants had ‘inadequate’ OHL level. The ‘reading comprehension’ and ‘numeracy’ sections’ mean scores were 37.54 (95% CI 35.7-39.4) and 38.17 (95% CI 34.8-41.6). The total OHL mean score was 75.7 (95% CI 71.2-80.2). In conclusion, majority of the carers of special needs children in this sample had moderate OHL. Such information is important to develop more appropriate intervention programmes for carers to match their OHL.

MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Caregivers; Disabled Children; Health Literacy*
Fulltext A Preliminary Clinical Study of Lesion-Free and Lesion-Active Patients with Oral Lichen Planus and/or Oral Lichenoid Reactions

SY, Foo, WY, Lee, YC, Goh, CH, Siar

Ann Dent, 2015;22(1):21-29.
MyJurnal

Oral lichen planus (OLP) which belongs to the spectrum of LP, is a commonly encountered
oral mucosal problem among patients seeking treatment in the Oral Medicine clinic. Its counterpart, oral
lichenoid reaction (OLR), which resembled OLP clinically and microscopically, is often encountered in
these patients as well. Although the various clinical forms of OLP/OLR are well-recognized, the disease
pattern in regards to lesion-active and lesion-free periods in these patients remains poorly characterized.
Thus the aim of this study was to determine the clinical and demographic profile of those patients with
active OLP/OLR lesions and compare them with those patients who are clinically lesion-free.
Materials and methods: The study subjects comprised 20 patients who attended the Oral Medicine
Clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya for follow-up appointments/management. They
were interviewed according to a pre-designed questionnaire, and clinical examination was carried out. All
these were conducted under the supervision of Oral Medicine specialists. OLP was diagnosed according
to the internationally accepted criteria.
Results: The cohort consisted of predominantly female (n=14; 70%) and Chinese (n=9; 45%) patients,
with an overall age range of 26-79 years (median, 56 years). Fifteen (75%) patients presented with
active OLP/OLR lesions and the remaining 5 (25%) were lesion-free. The lesion-active group comprised
3 (15%) males and 12 (60%) females whereas the lesion-free had 3 (15%) males and 2 (10%) females.
Reticular LP was the most common type (n=21/35; 60%) and the gingiva was the most prevalent site
(n=21/46; 45.65%). Social habits, medical histories and medications were not significantly different
between lesion-active and lesion-free OLP patients.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that demographic parameters, lifestyle and systemic diseases do not
appear to influence the disease pattern and lesion severity in OLP.
Fulltext Effect of different beverages on the physical properties of sonicfill dental composite

KV, Lee, A, Philip, Yahya NA

Ann Dent, 2015;22(1):30-37.
MyJurnal

To evaluate the effect of several beverages on the physical properties of SonicFill (Kerr Corp.,
USA), a new bulk-fill dental composite, over a period of time. Methods: A total of 28 discs (10 mm x 2
mm) were prepared and randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=7) according to the beverages they would
be immersed in. The beverages chosen were Coca-Cola©, Nescafe© coffee, Lipton tea© and distilled
water (control). Surface roughness, microhardness and colour stability were evaluated using 3D optical
surface texture analyser, Vickers microhardness tester and spectrophotometer respectively. Readings
were recorded at the time intervals of 24 hours, 1 week and 1 moth after immersion. The data obtained
were analysed using one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA and MANOVA. Results: There were
significant differences in surface roughness for only two pairs of groups (distilled water and Coca-Cola,
distilled water and coffee). However, there was no significant difference between the groups within the
chosen time. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in microhardness between time only for
Coca-Cola, with significant differences between 24 hours and 1 week; and 24 hours and 1 month. For
the colour evaluation, there was significant difference between the groups within time. Conclusions:
All the beverages chosen were able to affect the physical properties of the SonicFill. However, no
particular beverage had a higher or lower impact on the surface roughness than the other beverages.
Microhardness was affected by distilled water and Coca-Cola, in ascending order. Colour was affected
most by coffee, followed by tea and Coca-Cola.

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Beverages; Cellulose; Coca; Coffee; Color; Mannitol; Moths; Tea; Water; Lactic Acid; Cola
Is Bax/Bcl-2 ratio considered as a prognostic marker with age and tumor location in colorectal cancer?

Khodapasand E, Jafarzadeh N, Farrokhi F, Kamalidehghan B, Houshmand M

Iran Biomed J, 2015;19(2):69-75.
PMID: 25864810

BACKGROUND: Bax and Bcl-2 are the major members of Bcl-2 family whose play a key role in tumor progression or inhibition of intrinsic apoptotic pathway triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic members of this family can determine the cellular fate.
METHODS: In this study, the relative level of mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes was determined using RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and RT-qPCR technique from 22 tumoral tissues and adjacent non-tumoral tissues from adenocarcinoma colorectal cancer.
RESULTS: The potential prognostic and predictive significance of Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were demonstrated in colorectal cancer. The significant correlation between qPCR data and different clinicopathologic parameters of colorectal carcinoma, including age, gender, tumor size, tumor stage, tumor location, and tumor differentiation was also examined. Interestingly, no significant correlation was seen between Bax and Bcl-2 expressions and clinicopathological parameters of colorectal cancer. However, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was statistically correlated with age and tumor location. Patients with age above 50 showed decreased levels of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Moreover, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was significantly lower in tumors resected from colon compared to sigmoid colon, rectosigmoid and rectum tumors.
CONCLUSION: This study indicates a significant correlation between age and tumor location with Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio, suggesting predictive value as a potential molecular marker of colorectal cancer.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Rectum/pathology; RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis; Colon, Sigmoid/pathology; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*; Colorectal Neoplasms/mortality; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology*; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Treatment Outcome; Apoptosis/genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics*; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics*; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism; Young Adult
Fulltext Analysis of the relations between allergen specific LgG antibody and allergic dermatosis of 14 kinds foods

Yin'e H, Shufang D, Bin W, Wei Q, Junling G, Ashraf MA

Open Med (Wars), 2015;10(1):405-409.
PMID: 28352727 DOI: 10.1515/med-2015-0070

To use food-specific IgG antibody detection to explore its application in the allergy dermatoses. 181 patients were included from January 2014 to September 2014. Fourteen food-specific IgG antibodies were detected by ELISA. The positive rates of IgG antibody of the patient group and the healthy group were significantly different. The positive rates of IgG antibody of egg, milk, shrimp and crab took a large proportion in three groups of patients with three kinds of allergy dermatoses of urticaria, eczema and allergic dermatitis, the proportion of which was respectively 70.2%, 77.8% and 71.7%. There was mild and moderate intolerance of food in the allergic dermatitis group while there was no distribution difference of food intolerance in urticaria group and eczema group. Among urticaria and allergic dermatitis patients with positive antibody, the positive rate of children was significantly higher than that of adults while there was no significant difference between children and adults among eczema patients with positive antibody. Allergy dermatoses are closely related to food-specific IgG antibody and the allergy dermatoses patients have a high incidence rate of food intolerance; detecting IgG antibody in patients is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of allergy dermatoses.

MeSH terms: Adult; Animals; Child; Brachyura; Dermatitis, Atopic; Eczema; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Milk; Urticaria; Incidence; Egg Hypersensitivity
Fulltext Artifacts reduction in strain maps of tagged magnetic resonance imaging using harmonic phase

Wang D, Fu Y, Ashraf MA

Open Med (Wars), 2015;10(1):425-433.
PMID: 28352731 DOI: 10.1515/med-2015-0074

Tagged Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive technique for examining myocardial function and deformation. Tagged MRI can also be used in quasi-static MR elastography to acquire strain maps of other biological soft tissues. Harmonic phase (HARP) provides automatic and rapid analysis of tagged MR images for the quantification and visualization of myocardial strain. We propose a new artifact reduction method in strain maps. Image intensity of the DC component is estimated and subtracted from spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM) tagged MR images. DC peak interference in harmonic phase extraction is greatly reduced after DC component subtraction. The proposed method is validated using both simulated and MR acquired tagged images. Strain maps are obtained with better accuracy and smoothness after DC component subtraction.

MeSH terms: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Myocardium; Artifacts; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Magnets
Fulltext Quaternary ammonium salt of chitosan: preparation and antimicrobial property for paper

Liu P, Meng W, Wang S, Sun Y, Ashraf MA

Open Med (Wars), 2015;10(1):473-478.
PMID: 28352739 DOI: 10.1515/med-2015-0081

A series of 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) was prepared by the reaction of chitosan with glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride. Structure of HACC was characterized by FT IR and 1H NMR spectroscopies, and it was proved that substitution reaction mainly occurs on the N element. Antimicrobial activities of HACC was examined against S. aureus, E. coli, and A. niger. Results indicatd that the inhibitory effects of HACC solutions were varied with HACC concentration, quaternization degrees, pH values, metal ions, and heat treatment. The antimicrobial properties of handsheets prepared from HACC were studied by the inhibition zone method, and the sheets had good antimicrobial properties against S. aureus and E. coli, and low inhibition rate against A. niger.
Fulltext Research on the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in children by macrolide antibiotics

Huang XQ, Deng L, Lu G, He CH, Wu PQ, Xie ZW, et al.

Open Med (Wars), 2015;10(1):479-482.
PMID: 28352740 DOI: 10.1515/med-2015-0082

To observe a therapeutic effect of macrolide antibiotics in children with Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Fifty-four cases of children with Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia were randomly divided into an observation group (n=30) and a control group (n=24). The observation group was treated with macrolide antibiotics and cefoperazone/sulbactam. The control group was treated with cefoperazone/sulbactam during a course of 10-14 days. The total effective rate was 93.3% in the observation group, and 58.3% in the control group, and results in the observation group were superior to the control group notably (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in bacterial clearance rate, adverse reaction rate between two groups (P>0.05). The combined application of cefoperazone/sulbactam with macrolide antibiotics to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in children would be a more effective clinical method.

MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Cefoperazone; Child; Humans; Pneumonia; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Sulbactam; Treatment Outcome; Macrolides; Control Groups
Fulltext Bamboo: an overview on its genetic diversity and characterization

Yeasmin L, Ali MN, Gantait S, Chakraborty S

3 Biotech, 2015 Feb;5(1):1-11.
PMID: 28324361 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-014-0201-5

Genetic diversity represents the heritable variation both within and among populations of organisms, and in the context of this paper, among bamboo species. Bamboo is an economically important member of the grass family Poaceae, under the subfamily Bambusoideae. India has the second largest bamboo reserve in Asia after China. It is commonly known as "poor man's timber", keeping in mind the variety of its end use from cradle to coffin. There is a wide genetic diversity of bamboo around the globe and this pool of genetic variation serves as the base for selection as well as for plant improvement. Thus, the identification, characterization and documentation of genetic diversity of bamboo are essential for this purpose. During recent years, multiple endeavors have been undertaken for characterization of bamboo species with the aid of molecular markers for sustainable utilization of genetic diversity, its conservation and future studies. Genetic diversity assessments among the identified bamboo species, carried out based on the DNA fingerprinting profiles, either independently or in combination with morphological traits by several researchers, are documented in the present review. This review will pave the way to prepare the database of prevalent bamboo species based on their molecular characterization.

MeSH terms: Asia; China; Documentation; Poaceae; India; Phenotype; Genetic Variation; DNA Fingerprinting
Fulltext Agricultural residues for cellulolytic enzyme production by Aspergillus niger: effects of pretreatment

Salihu A, Abbas O, Sallau AB, Alam MZ

3 Biotech, 2015 Dec;5(6):1101-1106.
PMID: 28324400 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-015-0294-5

Different agricultural residues were considered in this study for their ability to support cellulolytic enzyme production by Aspergillus niger. A total of eleven agricultural residues including finger millet hulls, sorghum hulls, soybean hulls, groundnut husk, banana peels, corn stalk, cassava peels, sugarcane bagasse, saw dust, rice straw and sheanut cake were subjected to three pretreatment (acid, alkali and oxidative) methods. All the residues supported the growth and production of cellulases by A. niger after 96 h of incubation. Maximum cellulase production was found in alkali-treated soybean hulls with CMCase, FPase and β-glucosidase yields of 9.91 ± 0.04, 6.20 ± 0.13 and 5.69 ± 0.29 U/g, respectively. Further studies in assessing the potential of soybean hulls are being considered to optimize the medium composition and process parameters for enhanced cellulase production.

MeSH terms: Alkalies; Aspergillus niger; beta-Glucosidase; Manihot; Cellulase; Cellulose; Zea mays; Oryza; Soybeans; Musa; Eleusine; Saccharum; Sorghum
Fulltext Investigation of the head impact power of a sepak Takraw ball on sepak takraw players

Iskandar Hasanuddin, Zahari Taha, NukmanYusof, Norhafizan Ahmad, Raja Ariffin Raja Ghazilla, Husni, et al.

Movement Health & Exercise, 2015;4(2):63-77.
MyJurnal

Sepak takraw is a traditional sport in Asia in which the players use various
parts of their bodies to hit the ball, with the exception of their hands. Unlike
other sports such as soccer, boxing, and rugby, it is observed that none of
the studies in the literature have examined the injuries resulting from the
impact of the sepak takraw ball on the players’ heads during a game. This
study was initiated following the incidents of the 24th SEA Games in Korat,
Thailand, in year 2007, whereby a number of players from the Malaysian
Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) had to withdraw themselves from the
championship. These players suffered from headaches which were believed
to be caused by the impact of the sepak takraw ball, considering the fact that
heading is one of the basic movements used to hit the ball. Moreover, it is
expected that the sepak takraw ball travels at high velocities during the
game. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the
sepak takraw ball and its corresponding level of head injury among sepak
takraw players in Malaysia by means of numerical simulations and
experiments. In order to achieve this objective, a model of the scalp, skull,
cerebrospinal fluid and brain is first developed and simulations are then
carried out using finite element analysis (FEA) software. The results show
that the maximum speed of the sepak takraw ball before heading is 13.581 m/s while the maximum impact force on the head obtained from the simulations is 688.11 N. The maximum displacement and maximum linear acceleration of the brain’s centre of gravity is found to be 0.0080 m and 1674.5 m/s2, respectively, while the head impact power (HIP) is determined to be 11.366 kW. According to Newman, Shewchenko, and Welbourne(2000), the probability of concussion is 39% and based on the resultsobtained in this study, it can be concluded that the players may suffer from mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) due to the high impact of the sepak takraw ball during heading. Hence, it is recommended that the players wear protective headbands to reduce the impact during heading and prevent the occurrence of MTBI in the long term.
Fulltext Comparative efficacy of imagery-based relaxation And abbreviated muscle relaxation training on the Reaction ability of netball players

Srilekha, Saha, Soumendra, Saha, Nurfarrah Ezzaty Mohd Zahir, Foujia Huda

Movement Health & Exercise, 2015;4(2):51-61.
MyJurnal

In this study, we investigated the benefits of differential psychotherapeutic
intervention techniques on the modification of autonomic competence and its
impact on the visual reaction ability of young competitive netball players.
Thirty-six young female netball players with an age range of 18–24 years
were recruited. Upon baseline evaluation of psychomotor (reaction time);
physiological (resting heart-rate and VO2max) and psychobiological (Sc
components: latency, amplitude and recovery time) indices, we categorised
the subjects into three groups: Group I (control group in which the subjects
did not receive any intervention), Group II (experimental group in which the
subjects received abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation (APMR)
training) and Group III (experimental group in which the subjects received
imagery-based relaxation intervention (IRT) training). The subjects from the
experimental groups (Group I and Group II) were subjected to their respective
interventions (APMR and IRT) for 24 sessions following the protocol, viz.,
20 min/day, 2 days/week for 12 weeks). After six weeks of intervention, we
conducted mid-term evaluation on all of the aforementioned parameters that
had been determined during baseline evaluation. Following this, intervention
sessions were continued using the same protocol for six more weeks. At the
end of twelfth week, we conducted post-intervention assessment on all
psychological, psychomotor and psychobiological variables to verify the
effect of training on the dependent measures. Based on the results, we found
that there are improvements in various parameters during the mid-term
evaluation and post-intervention analysis, which can be rationally attributed
to the differential therapeutic interventions introduced to the subjects of the
experimental groups. The results suggest that both of the intervention
techniques facilitate in improving the reaction ability whereas our in-depth
analysis clarifies that netball players with a relatively lower phasic Sc but
with higher extent of amplitude, had faster recovery which will be highly
beneficial since they are able to regulate their task-focus well enough to yield
faster agile reaction performance.
Fulltext Aerodynamic study of a modern sepak takraw ball using Smoke flow visualization technique

Abdul Syakir Abdul Mubin, Norhafizan Ahmad

Movement Health & Exercise, 2015;4(2):19-30.
MyJurnal

It has been shown in previous studies that the flight trajectories of sports balls are influenced by their aerodynamic characteristics. These aerodynamic characteristics are primarily dependent on the physical shape and surface texture of the balls. Even though sepak takraw is well established as a sport, little is known regarding the aerodynamic characteristics of the sepak takraw ball, which has a rather complex shape and surface texture. Hence, the main objective of this research is to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics (specifically the drag and lift coefficients) and flow features of a modern sepak takraw ball commercially available in the market by means of numerical simulations and wind tunnel experiments using the smoke flow visualization technique. The aerodynamic characteristics and flow features of the ball are determined for non-spinning conditions at a wind speed of 3 m/s. It is found that the drag coefficient and lift coefficient of the sepak takraw ball is 0.4868400 and - 0.0130915, respectively. The images captured from the smoke flow visualization experiments reveal that the sepak takraw ball is in the subcritical flow regime at a wind speed of 3 m/s, which is the regime before the drag crisis. The laminar boundary layer separates from the upper and lower surfaces of the ball at points upstream of the equator of the ball, creating a large wake region downstream of the sepak takraw ball and resulting in high drag. This in turn, influences the trajectory of the sepak takraw ball in flight. The flow features observed from the smoke flow visualization experiments are representative of the flow during a sepak takraw game. Owing to the complexity of sepak takraw ball, it is recommended that the aerodynamic characteristics of the sepak takraw ball are investigated for spinning conditions in future studies.

MeSH terms: Research; Smoke; Sports; Tobacco; Wind
The Multidrug-Resistant Gram-negative Superbugs Threat Require Intelligent Use of the Last Weapon

Deris ZZ

Malays J Med Sci, 2015 Sep;22(5):1-6.
PMID: 28239263

The global emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative superbugs, particularly carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, lead to the limited effectiveness of antibiotics for treating nosocomial infections. In most cases, polymyxins are the last resort therapy, and these antibiotics must be used intelligently to prolong their efficacy in clinical practice. Polymyxin B and colistin (polymyxin E) were introduced prior to modern drug regulation, and the majority of the 'old' drug information is unreliable. Recent pharmacokinetic data do not support the renal dose adjustment of intravenous (IV) polymyxin B as suggested by the manufacturer, and this drug must be scaled by the total body weight. Whereas IV colistin is formulated as an inactive prodrug, colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) has different pharmacokinetic profiles than polymyxin B. To achieve maximum efficacy, CMS should be administered as a loading dose scaled to body weight and a maintenance dose according to the renal profiles. Polymyxin combination therapy is suggested due to a sub-therapeutic plasma concentration in a significant proportion of patients and a high incidence of polymyxin hetero-resistance among Gram-negative superbugs. In conclusion, polymyxins must be reserved as a last resort and should be wisely used when truly indicated.

MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Body Weight; Colistin; Cross Infection; Drug and Narcotic Control; Humans; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Mesylates; Polymyxin B; Polymyxins; Prodrugs; United States; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (U.S.); Carbapenems; Incidence; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Acinetobacter baumannii
Fulltext HIV-related stigma and discriminatory attitudes among a semi-urban population

Lugova H, Mon AA, Daher AM, Suleiman A

Malays J Med Sci, 2015 Sep;22(5):64-69.
PMID: 28239270

BACKGROUND: Stigma and discriminatory attitudes (SDAs) have a negative impact on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, testing, and treatment as well as on family and social networks. There is a lack of understanding about HIV-related SDAs among people living outside large cities. This study is aimed to determine the level of HIV-related SDAs among a semi-urban population in Malaysia and to compare the SDA results among people with different sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS: A sample of 106 respondents was generated by convenience sampling during the screening campaign in Alor Gajah, Malaysia. Data collection was carried out based on a pre-tested questionnaire via face-to-face interviews.

RESULTS: More than half of the respondents (62.3%) thought that an HIV-positive teacher should not be allowed to continue teaching at school; 81.1% were unsure or were unwilling to care for their family member with AIDS at home; 81.2% thought children with HIV/AIDS should not continue to be raised in families; and 77.3% thought they would not reveal if a family member had HIV/AIDS.

CONCLUSION: Priority should be given to evidence-based interventions to reduce HIV-related SDAs. This study did not reveal any significant relationship between sociodemographic profiles and HIV-related SDAs. Therefore, further research with a larger sample size is needed to investigate the underlying causes of HIV-related SDAs.

MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Attitude; Child; Cities; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Social Support; Urban Population; HIV Infections; Sample Size; Social Stigma
Why do we still have Helicobacter Pylori in our Stomachs

Abadi AT, Ierardi E, Lee YY

Malays J Med Sci, 2015 Sep;22(5):70-75.
PMID: 28239271

The existence of any infectious agent in a highly acidic human stomach is contentious, but the chance finding of Helicobacter pylori is by no means an accident. Once H. pylori colonises the gastric mucosa, it can persist for a lifetime, and it is intriguing why our immune system is able to tolerate its existence. Some conditions favour the persistence of H. pylori in the stomach, but other conditions oppose the colonisation of this bacterium. Populations with high and extremely low prevalence of H. pylori provide useful insights on the clinical outcomes that are associated with this type of infection. Adverse clinical outcomes including peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer depend on a delicate balance between a harmless inflammation and a more severe kind of inflammation. Is the only good H. pylori really a dead H. pylori? The jury is still out.

MeSH terms: Accidents; Gastric Mucosa; Humans; Immune System; Inflammation; Peptic Ulcer; Stomach Neoplasms; Prevalence; Helicobacter pylori
Fulltext Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences: a step forward towards an international journal

Ghazli NF, Che Annual N, Abdullah JM

Malays J Med Sci, 2015 Nov;22(6):1-4.
PMID: 28223878

In 1986, the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) began as the small and newly established journal Diagnosa, established by the Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Medicine. After 28 years in the publishing industry, we have received the honor of a listing as a local journal in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) created by Thomson Reuters (TR) to spotlight emerging high-quality scientific publications. The editorial team of MJMS looks forward to the next step in the march of progress toward the status of an international journal.

MeSH terms: Industry; Malaysia; Medicine; Publications; Publishing
Blue phase liquid crystal: strategies for phase stabilization and device development

Rahman MD, Mohd Said S, Balamurugan S

Sci Technol Adv Mater, 2015 Jun;16(3):033501.
PMID: 27877782

The blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC) is a highly ordered liquid crystal (LC) phase found very close to the LC-isotropic transition. The BPLC has demonstrated potential in next-generation display and photonic technology due to its exceptional properties such as sub-millisecond response time and wide viewing angle. However, BPLC is stable in a very small temperature range (0.5-1 °C) and its driving voltage is very high (∼100 V). To overcome these challenges recent research has focused on solutions which incorporate polymers or nanoparticles into the blue phase to widen the temperature range from around few °C to potentially more than 60 °C. In order to reduce the driving voltage, strategies have been attempted by modifying the device structure by introducing protrusion or corrugated electrodes and vertical field switching mechanism has been proposed. In this paper the effectiveness of the proposed solution will be discussed, in order to assess the potential of BPLC in display technology and beyond.
A review on powder-based additive manufacturing for tissue engineering: selective laser sintering and inkjet 3D printing

Shirazi SF, Gharehkhani S, Mehrali M, Yarmand H, Metselaar HS, Adib Kadri N, et al.

Sci Technol Adv Mater, 2015 Jun;16(3):033502.
PMID: 27877783

Since most starting materials for tissue engineering are in powder form, using powder-based additive manufacturing methods is attractive and practical. The principal point of employing additive manufacturing (AM) systems is to fabricate parts with arbitrary geometrical complexity with relatively minimal tooling cost and time. Selective laser sintering (SLS) and inkjet 3D printing (3DP) are two powerful and versatile AM techniques which are applicable to powder-based material systems. Hence, the latest state of knowledge available on the use of AM powder-based techniques in tissue engineering and their effect on mechanical and biological properties of fabricated tissues and scaffolds must be updated. Determining the effective setup of parameters, developing improved biocompatible/bioactive materials, and improving the mechanical/biological properties of laser sintered and 3D printed tissues are the three main concerns which have been investigated in this article.

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