Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CFRE) is commonly been used in automotive and aviation industries. However, CFRE composite exhibits the problem of adherence between fiber and matrix. The interface between carbon fiber (CF) and epoxy becomes a weak zone and leads to the debonding defect of fiber and low mechanical properties of composites. The main focus of this study is to fabricate CFRE using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as the hybrid reinforcement with CF. Ultrasonic method is used to disperse CNTs in distilled water for 20 minutes, followed by deposition of CNTs on CF using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. Hand lay-up assisted vacuum bagging is employed to fabricate CNTs/CF/Epoxy composite. From morphologies, surface topography and peel off testing, it can be confirmed that 30 minutes deposition allowed more CNTs to deposit on CF. The flexural properties shows that 30 minutes deposition inherited high flexural strength, 67.4 MPa and modulus, 8490 MPa.
Mangosteen is a native fruit from Southeast Asia. It is rich in phenolic compounds like xanthones, anthocyanins and phenolic acids and also a good source of fibre and minerals. The present study aim to investigate the effects of mangosteen aril supplementation on the histopathological changes of liver and kidney in rats fed with high fat diet. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=8), which consisted of normal control group (NC), obese control group (OC), obese supplemented with 200 mg/kg mangosteen group (M200), obese supplemented with 400 mg/kg mangosteen group (M400) and obese supplemented with 600 mg/kg mangosteen group (M600). At the end of seven weeks, obese groups supplemented with mangosteen aril were force feed to correspond mangosteen dosage while the control groups were force feed with distilled water as placebo. At the end of seven weeks of supplementation period, all rats were sacrificed and liver and kidney were collected. All data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and the differences between groups were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results showed that supplementation of mangosteen aril in obese rats able to ameliorate the abnormalities in their liver and kidney tissue caused by high fat diet.
Coracoid process (CP) bone quality and quantity are two important variables in many successful shoulder surgeries. The goal of this study was to determine the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and morphometry of CP in Malaysian population using a non-invasive imaging data. Sixty-six (66) shoulders’ computed tomographic (CT) examinations of 132 potential sites were selected. BMD and morphometry of CP was evaluated using e-film. The present study found that there are significant (P
Atherosclerosis is initiated by damage to the endothelium followed by accumulation of inflammation tissue, foam cell formation, migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell and rupture of the plaque causing formation of thrombus. The study aims to determine the anti-atherogenic or inflammatory effect of BVFCE and its underlying mechanism in in vivo model. Five groups of four rabbits were treated with normal diet (Group I), Berberis vulgaris fruit aqueous extract [25mg/kg(group II), 50mg/kg (group III) bodyweight], aspirin 30mg/kg bodyweight (group IV) and cholesterol 2% (group V) for 10 weeks of treatments. At the end of the study, the rabbits blood were collected and aorta harvested post euthanized. Serum of the blood tested for cytokines (interleukin- 6 and tumour necrosis factor – alpha while aortic plaque composition of intimal and medial cell population in aorta was assessed by macrophages specific antibody called monoclonal mouse antibody directed against RAM-11 using immunohistology-staining techniques. The fatty streak lesion were analysed macroscopically by Sudan IV and microscopically by using the Olympus Cell ^F Imaging software and served to compute intimal area. The total macrophage-rich (RAM-11-positive) area measured using a manual contrast-based, area analysis function of the Olympus Cell ^F Imaging software. Macrophage density calculated as the ratio between macrophage and intimal areas. The RAM-11– positive were cells identified by brown staining, were divided by the total number of intimal and medial cells. Macrophage infiltration into the aorta wall showed dose dependent inhibition RAM11- positive cells in the vessel wall from 1.1 ± 1.2% of total cells with Berberis vulgaris 25mg/kg to 0.58 ±1.8% with Berberis vulgaris extract (50mg/kg) while positive control showed 1.9 ± 1.1%. This study demonstrates that Berberis vulgaris fruit aqueous extract is associated with changes in rabbit aorta plaque composition that favor lesion stability, by a reduction in lipid content and inflammation, in this case, interleukin -6 and macrophages, which gave an effect of anti -inflammation.
Women of childbearing age with epilepsy are often concerned about hazards of antiepileptic drugs exposure on their baby, during pregnancy and lactation. Valproic acid (VPA) is a well-established human teratogen that is frequently prescribed in the treatment of epilepsy, migraines, and bipolar affective disorder. We investigate the protective effect of Nigella sativa (NS) oil extract on the spinal neurons and glia cells damage induced by prenatal VPA administration on the morphology of mice embryos spinal cord and placenta. Five groups of six pregnant mice each were used for the study. Group 1 was administered VPA 600mg/kg/day, group 2 and 3 had VPA 600mg/kg/day and 0.1ml and 0.2ml of NS oil respectively, group 4 received VPA 600mg/kg and folic acid 400µg daily. The fifth group had saline only and served as control. The treatment were given orally from GD 9 to GD 11. The dams were sacrificed on GD 15 and the embryos with the placenta were explanted from the uterus and fixed in 4% formaldehyde and processed for H&E and examine with Nikon image analyser. The histopathological changes in the spinal cord of VPA exposed embryos include distortion in the central canal and gray matter of the spinal cord, which were found to be prevented by administering NS with VPA. Necrosis that was recorded in the placenta of VPA only treated dams was also prevented by NS. In conclusion we proposed NS oil extract can be used in preventing histopathological effects of VPA on the spinal cord cell of mice embryos and placenta.
In the formation of ZrO2 (zirconia) nanotubes (ZNTs) by anodisation of zirconium, a balance between chemical etching at the surface of the nanotubes and inward growth inside the nanotubes is required. This can be achieved by using fluorinated organic electrolyte like ethylene glycol with the addition of small volume of oxidant. In this work, carbonate was selected as the oxidant and NH4F as the source of fluoride for chemical etching process. Two sets of electrolytes were studied EG/fluoride/Na2CO3 and EG/fluoride/K2CO3. It appears that in the presence of carbonate evolution of gas at the anode during the anodisation process was rather severe. The gas which is likely to be CO2 was found to weaken the adherence between the oxide film with the underlying Zr foil. This induced the formation of free standing ZNTs. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) was used to investigate the crystallinity of the nanotubes where the majority crystal phase of ZNTs was tetragonal/cubic. The ZNTs were used as photocatalysts to oxidize methyl orange dye.
Thirty-six adult male SD rats, weighing 200-250 g were used in this study. Dietary obesity was induced by feeding high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. One group of animal (n=6) served as normal control which received normal diet from the beginning to the end of the study. The other 30 male obese animals induced by HFD were randomly divided into five experimental groups: The group which received high-fat diet considered as a negative control and the other four groups were treated with saffron extract and crocin in low and high dosages of 40 and 80 mg/kg for 8 weeks. At the end of treatment period, kidney and pancreas were removed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). There were significant histopathological changes, such as tubular degenerative, vascular congestion and interstitial inflammation in the kidney and extensive pancreatic adipose tissue infiltration in high-fat diet rats group when compared with normal control. The results showed less significant histopathological changes of the kidney and also moderate pancreatic adipose tissue infiltration in the groups treated with crocin. Interestingly saffron extract dose-independently displayed significant renal protective effect while a significant decrease in pancreatic adipose tissue infiltration was observed in obese rat treated with high dose of saffron extract (80 mg/kg). From these results, it can be concluded that consumption of saffron extract reduced the untoward effects of high-fat diet in kidney and pancreas of high-fat diet induced obese rats.
Ultrastructural study was carried out 2 groups of pollen with numerous, arranged and spirals on convex. Five species was studied; Desmos chinensis Lour. Fl., Desmos cochinchinensis Lour Fl. , Desmos dumonsus (Roxb.) Safford. , Desmos dunalii (Hk. F. et Th.) Safford. and Desmos dasymaschalus (Bl.) Safford. Pollen was collected from UKM Herbarium specimens and fresh specimen was collected at difference area in the Malaysia. They were acetolysis and dried by CPD method. Parameter studied via scanning electron microscope are mounted pollen, were stamen material; shape, P/E, size, surface structure and calpus ornamentation. Results obtained showed that pollen was inaperturate with needle structure and solitary globus. The morphology of pollen grains of all the species is presented and an identification key base on scanning electron microscope observations is tested.
MeSH terms: Drug Hypersensitivity; Malaysia; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Pollen; Annonaceae
Betacyanins are water soluble pigment commonly detected in plants. The most studied betacyanins pigment is betanin group. Betanin has been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation and heme decomposition, suggesting that these pigments may provide protection against certain oxidative stress-related disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in hepatic and heart structure in high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-induced obese rats following supplementation of betanin. A total of 48 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: corn-starch group (C), corn-starch + betanin group (CB), high-carbohydrate, high fat group (H) and high-carbohydrate, high fat + betanin (HB).The intervention with 50 mg betanin/kg of food was started for 8 weeks after 8 weeks initiation of the diet. Liver and cardiac structures were defined by histology. Results showed that betanin supplemented rats showed normalized inflammatory state with no change in collagen deposition in the heart but did not normalize the macrovesicular steatosis in the liver. The effects of betanin supplementation were more prominent in corn starch fed rats suggesting its potential in preventing fat accumulation possibly by its potent scavenging ability from the pigment, but not reversing the abnormalities related to obesity.
Melissopalynology (pollen analysis) allows the identification of floral sources, botanical and geographical origin of selected Kelulut honey samples. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the origin of selected Kelulut honey by Geniotrigona thoracica and Heterotrigona itama farmed and harvested at Lenggong (Perak). Briefly, the honey was diluted in ddH2O and filtered to obtain the pollens. Subsequently, the morphology of the pollens was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the frequency classes of species were determined. Based on qualitative and quantitative analysis, G. thoracica honey was demonstrated to be a uni-floral honey and H. Itama honey as a multi-floral honey. A total of 7 types of pollens were observed in G. thoracica honey while 9 types in H. Itama honey. Some of the pollen were identified with the aid of pollen atlas while some were unidentified. Furthermore, the results obtained in this study suggested that the pollens present in Kelulut honey are crucial in identifying botanical resource of stingless bee honey, which assist in preserving the ecosystem.
K.alvarezii is a macro algae that claimed to have beneficial effect on reducing risk of cardiovascular disease. The present study investigated the effects of K. alvarezii on the histology of the heart in hypertensive and hypercholesterolemic induced rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: normal, negative control, positive control (Captopril 30mg/kg + Simvastatin 2 mg/kg), 5% and 10% K. alvarezii. All groups were fed with NaCl-high fat diet (NaCl-HFD) for 6 weeks except the normal group and treated for 4 weeks after the induction period. The body weight, blood pressure and total cholesterol were measured on week 0, 6 and 10. Body weight, blood pressure and total cholesterol was significantly increased after induction period compared to normal group (p
Cervical intumescence (CI) and lumbosacral intumescence (LI) are bird spinal enlargements having large spinal grey areas in correlation to forelimbs (wings) and hindlimbs (legs). This study compared CI and LI ventral horn motor neurons responsible for limbs innervations for flying and flightless birds. Abstracted spinal cords of six birds from each species (Corvus splendens and Acridotheres javanicus representing flying birds vs. Gallus domesticus and Coturnix japonica representing flightless birds) were processed for neurohistological Nissl’s staining procedure following cardiac perfusion and fixation with 10% formalin solution, and further immersion fixation. Observation and analysis of slides used Olympus BX50 light microscope with the aid of AnalySIS Soft Imaging System software. Large motor neurons with varied shapes located at lamina IX of ventrolateral spinal grey were observed. They were counted at selected levels and ANOVA test was done on the data. The average counts of CI and LI motor neurons in each group were not significantly different, indicating similar importance of motor neurons at CI and LI levels for both bird types. However, analysis of CI:LI motor neuron counts ratio hinted different types of control over the limbs; hence, quantity alone did not fully reflect the function of motor control innervation.
It is not uncommon for lateral cephalometric radiographs to be outsourced for orthodontic treatment, as not all orthodontic clinics in Malaysia have their own cephalometric radiograph machine. Since the quality of outsourced radiographs is not within the governance of the clinician, there is a need to monitor the quality of cephalometric radiographs received. Aim: To audit the quality of lateral cephalometric radiographs received at the Orthodontic Specialist Unit, Klinik Pergigian Cahaya Suria, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methodology: Lateral cephalometric records of patients with registration numbers up to 200 in 2015 were selected and assessed using a light box. The quality of good radiographs were based on 15 parameters: correct head position; presence of the scale; important structures centered on the film; patient’s name; date taken; patient’s identifier; label not obscuring radiograph; soft tissue visible; teeth in occlusion; good contrast; ‘A’ point identifiable; ‘B’ point identifiable; nasion identifiable; sella identifiable; incisors visible and their angulation measureable. Standard was set at 100%, as radiographs received should contain all parameters. Results: Five records were excluded (2 had no radiographs, 2 had digital radiographs, and 1 record could not be traced). 64.5% radiographs had all 15 parameters, 30.3%, 3.9% and 1.3% with 14, 13 and 12 parameters, respectively. Patient’s name, identifier, date taken, soft tissue visible, ‘B’ point identifiable, nasion identifiable were present in all radiographs (100%). Incisor visible and their angulation measurable were present in 99%; good contrast and ‘A’ point identifiable in 98%; presence of scale, important structures centred on films and sella identifiable in 97%, label not obscuring radiographs in 96%; correct head position in 86%; and teeth in occlusion in 88% of radiographs. Conclusion: There is a need to liaise with the radiology unit to improve the quality of radiographs taken.
MeSH terms: Dental Clinics; Malaysia; Medical Audit*; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Radiography*
People with hearing and/or speech impairments (HSI) reported having difficulty communicating with the dental team, indicating the need for the profession to develop an effective communication strategy when dealing with these patients. This paper discusses the development of a toolkit designed to guide delivery of oral hygiene instruction, oral health education and dental consultation for patients with HSI, and how its use had resulted in an improved oral health outcome in a patient with such disabilities.
MeSH terms: Dental Care; Health Education, Dental; Hearing Tests; Humans; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Referral and Consultation; Speech; Speech Disorders
Aim: To assess the prevalence and clinical features of aggressive periodontitis in newly referred patients to the Periodontal Clinic in Seremban.
Methodology: Sample size calculation was done using Epi Info software with minimum sample estimated at 279. 583 new patients who were referred to this clinic from year 2013 to July 2015 were examined clinically and radiographically. Patients were diagnosed using American Academy of Periodontology workshop 1999 definition.
Results: Thirty-one (5.3%) patients were identified as having aggressive periodontitis with 28 (90%) of these patients exhibiting generalized form of aggressive periodontitis. Mean age of these patients was 34.9 years. In terms of gender and ethnicity, 21 females and 18 Malays were diagnosed with Aggressive periodontitis. First molars had the highest amount of clinical attachment loss (CAL=5.4mm). The number of missing teeth at the first visit was at median 2 (Interquartile range=4). The number of prognostically hopeless teeth at first visit was at median 1 (Interquartile range=2). Canines were preserved in most of the patients.
Conclusion: Aggressive periodontitis was found in 5.3% of our samples. It was diagnosed at mean age of 34.9 years old.
Collaborative teaching is an educational approach that seeks to involve participation of teachers and learners in achieving learning goals and outcomes in an interactive manner (1). Such approach has been effective in equipping students with knowledge and/or skills via high levels of learning, while allowing interpersonal development such as teamwork, time management, as well as communication and written competencies (2, 3). (Copied from article)
MeSH terms: Communication; Goals; Learning; Students; Writing; Time Management; Knowledge
The aim of this literature review is to review the current care setting for conscious sedation for dentistry in the primary and secondary care sectors in the United Kingdom (UK) and to recommend a plan for setting up a service for the provision of conscious sedation in Malaysia based on the UK models. An electronic search using various databases and web-based search engines were conducted during the period from January to March 2016. Various combinations of keywords were used to help the literature search including dental care settings, conscious sedation, equipment for conscious sedation, referral pathway for sedation and training in sedation. The findings have shown that, although there are specific requirements for the facilities practising sedation, the majority of the requirements are common to all dental practices, such as health and safety, infection control, emergency drugs etc. The good integration between primary and secondary care in providing conscious sedation relies on the compliance with the referral pathway. It is recommended that the practice of conscious sedation in the dental setting in Malaysia begins at the Special Needs Dentistry (SND) Unit, Kajang Hospital because the unit has been partly equipped for conscious sedation and the specialist in charge has received appropriate training in Conscious Sedation for Dentistry at King’s College London Dental Institute. Ensuring safety, effectiveness and appropriateness of the sedation techniques used are the major aims when delivering care to fit individual needs. It is highly recommended to look into the country in which the service has been well established such as United Kingdom as a reference for future development of the conscious sedation service in Malaysia.
In nowadays world, aesthetic dentistry has becoming a trend with the improvement of dental technology and materials. Composite resin becomes the material of choice as it offers good aesthetics, longevity and allow for minimally intervention approach. There are various ways of composite restorative techniques recommended to make out the best restorative outcome. Direct restorative technique promise acceptable cost, appointment time and color matching but it is a challenge for the clinician especially for extensive cavities. Indirect technique is good for extended cavity and providing less operator error, however, it requires multiple appointments, higher cost and laboratory involvement. Computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology might reduce the number of appointments, however, it will cause more financial burden to the patient and the clinician. Therefore, semi-direct technique was introduced, it combines the benefits of direct and indirect technique and this technique can be done without the use of any advanced technology and give out a good treatment outcome.
Cosmetic surgery and aesthetic dentistry go hand in hand. As dentists, we are trained to analyze aesthetics from the features of the skeletal pattern and dental malocclusion, symmetry of the face, measurement of golden proportions and the features of the smile line. However, several facial ethnic features such as a ‘single eyelid’ may cause a person to be deemed as aesthetically challenged due to Western influence. This article reviews the prevalence of single and double eyelid in Asians and explains why some present with either one or double eyelids. The readers are also introduced to the term “Asian Blepharoplasty”.
Delayed eruption of permanent upper incisors is a cause for concern to patients. It causes aesthetic, function and speech problems. This case report describes a technique of managing impacted dilacerated maxillary central incisors using removable appliances over one and a half year. It is a simple, operator- friendly and economical treatment option with favorable result.