Tamarind juice is commonly treated with thermal treatment to inactivate microorganisms.
However, thermal treatment deteriorates the appearance and flavor of tamarind juice. In this
study, the performance of UVC treatment on clear and turbid tamarind juice as an alternative to
thermal treatment was investigated. Results showed that UVC treatment was able to reduce E.
coli O157:H7 by 7-log reduction but unable to completely remove the total bacterial population
as observed in thermally treated clear and turbid tamarind juices. The pH of treated tamarind
juices was comparable to each other. Nonetheless, UVC treatment caused significant changes
on the flavor of the juice as it significantly reduced the total soluble solids of tamarind juices
and decreased the titratable acidity of turbid tamarind juice. However, UVC treatments retained
the appearance i.e. turbidity and color of tamarind juices better than thermal treatment.
Quality and alimental contents of single fruit juice can be ameliorated through mixing or blending process with other fruit juices. Pineapple and mango are the most popular tropical fruits in Malaysia with good characteristic taste. Color properties of pineapple and mango juice blends at ratio of 70P:30M; 50P:50M; 30P:70M was evaluated in term of L*, a*, b* hue, Chroma, color difference (ΔE). Blends ratio 70P:30M juice give the best color performance in terms of hue, chroma and ΔE. Physicochemical properties of juice blends ratio of 70P:30M also give more perishable results of pH (4.32) titratable acidity (0.66% malic acid), total soluble solid (13.67), vitamin C (54.25 mg ascorbic acid/100 ml), and turbidity (438 NTU).
The physicochemical properties of Musa Acuminata cv. Berangan at different ripening stages
(1, 2 and 3) were evaluated in the study. A visual attribute such as colour usually leads to
misclassification as it can be subjected to different individual interpretation. Therefore, various
measurements were conducted to determine the relationship between ripening stages and
physicochemical properties of the fruit such as colour, pH, total soluble solids content (TSS)
and firmness. Results showed that there were significant changes in physicochemical properties
as ripening stages increased. Results also indicated that the correlations between ripening
stages and firmness and pH values were statistically significant compared to other parameters.
These relationships can be used to predict the related quality attributes of Berangan bananas.
Classification of whole grain rice using only amylose content is not practical to predict starch
viscosity for end product recommendation. This study aims to characterize and categorize
whole-grain rice based on pasting profile of Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA). The rice cultivars
showed a wide range of peak viscosity (89.98 to 280.95 RVU), hold viscosity (59.97 to 211.56
RVU), breakdown viscosity (-0.33 to 130.67 RVU), final viscosity (111.25 to 390.75 RVU),
setback viscosity (-44.47 to 205.67 RVU) and pasting temperature (74.17 – 91.15o
C). Stability ratio and final viscosity explained 68.8% of total variance in the RVA profiles. The rice cultivars
could be grouped into high (>0.95), medium (0.65-0.95) and low (< 0.65) stability ratio,
followed by high (>300 RVU), medium (140 – 250 RVU) and low (< 140 RVU) final viscosity.
The classification could serve as a basis for effective rice selection according to functional
properties of whole grain rice.
Food irradiation is a process carried out in order to improve hygienic quality and germination
control, retarding sprouting, also enhancing physical attributes of the food product. In order to
provide for food safety, radiation dosimetry in irradiated foods is required. In present studies
use is made of germanium doped (Ge-doped) optical fibres of various form and dimensions.
The fibres are irradiated using a gamma source irradiator (Gamma Cell 220 Excel), with doses
from 1 kGy up to 10 kGy. For the particular Ge-doped optical fibres, investigation has been
made of linearity with dose, reproducibility, and fading, intercomparisons being made. The
fibres all exhibit TL yields that are linear with dose from 1 kGy up to 10 kGy, exceeding the
dose range of all commercial high dose dosimeters used in the food irradiation industry. In
respect of the flat fibre dosimeters, the mean reproducibility was found to be within 0.53%
to 4.96%, also offering low signal loss (fading), within 13.41% (for fibres of cross-sectional
dimensions 60 x 180 µm) to 20.12% (for fibres of cross-sectional dimensions 200 x 750µm),
after 22 days of storage.
Oleo gum resins are plant exudates commonly used in folk medicine for treating several disease
conditions. Anti-cariogenic properties of essential oil (E. oil) and crude extracts obtained from
Boswellia frereana (B. frereana), Boswellia carterii (B. carterii) and Commiphora myrrha
(C. myrrha) were investigated. Methanol and acetone extracts of the three plants inhibited
Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus spp. growth. Hexane extracts showed
low anti-microbial activity. The average microbial inhibition was 14.6 mm for S. mutans and
13.8 mm for Lactobacillus spp. regardless of solvent type. B. frereana produced 8% E. oil
while B. carterii and C. myrrha gave 5% and 6%. B. frereana E. oil inhibited S. mutans and
Lactobacillus spp. more than B. carterii and C. myrrha E. oils.
An equitable and positive learning environment fosters deep self-directed
learning in students and, consequently, good practice in their profession. Although demotivating
weaknesses may lead to repeated day-to-day stress with a cascade of deleterious consequences at
both personal and professional levels, a possible relationship between these parameters has not been
reported. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between students’ perceptions of
their educational environment and their stress levels.
Methods: Sixty-one first year students at the Dental Faculty, University of Malaya, Malaysia
participated. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) was used to determine
educational environment while self-rated perceived stress level was measured by the Depression
Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS).
Results: Most students (62.39%) showed positive perceptions for the total and five domains of
DREEM. The highest percentage was observed for “Students perception of learning” (64.04%) while
the lowest was for “Students’ social self-perception” (60.32%). At the same time, 61% of students
showed high perceived stress levels. However, this was not associated with their DREEM scores.
Conclusion: Although a positive perception of their educational environment was found,
minor corrective measures need to be implemented. Furthermor
MeSH terms: Anxiety; Depression; Faculty, Dental; Learning; Malaysia; Self Concept; Social Perception; Students
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are classified as a unique adult stem cells that
have capability to propagate, differentiate, and transmit genetic information to the next generation.
Studies on human SSCs may help resolve male infertility problems, especially in azoospermia
patients. Therefore, this study aims to propagate SSCs in-vitro with a presence of growth factor and
detect SSC-specific protein cell surface markers.
Methods: The sample was derived from non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) patient. The
disassociation of SSCs was done using trypsin. Specific cultures in serum-free media with added
basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were developed to support self-renewal division. This
undifferentiated protocol was performed for 49 days. Cells were analysed on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 49.
Results: Human SSCs began to aggregate and form colonies after 14 to 21 days in specific
culture. Then, the cells were successful expanded and remained stable for a duration of 49 days.
Four specifics markers were identified using immunofluorescence in SSCs on day 49: ITGα6, ITGβ1,
CD9, and GFRα1.
Conclusion: This approach of using in vitro culture with additional growth factor is able
to propagate SSCs from non-obstructive azoospermia patient via detection of protein cell surface
markers.
Detecting the active state of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is important
but challenging. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of serum endothelial cell
adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and anti-C1q antibody in discriminating between active
and non-active SLE.
Methods: Using SELENA-SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), 95 SLE patients (45 active
and 50 non-active) were assessed. A score above five was considered indicative of active SLE. The
blood samples were tested for serum ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and anti-C1q antibody using enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: The levels of serum VCAM-1 and anti-C1q antibody were significantly higher in active
SLE patients. Both VCAM-1 and anti-C1q were able to discriminate between active and non-active
SLE (p-value < 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). From the receiver operating characteristic curves
(ROCs) constructed, the optimal cut-off values for VCAM-1 and anti-C1q antibody in discriminating
between active and non-active SLE were 30.5 ng/mL (69.0% sensitivity, 60.0% specificity, PPV 58.5%,
NPV 66.7%) and 7.86 U/mL (75.6% sensitivity, 80% specificity, PPV 77.3%, NPV 78.4%), respectively.
However, serum ICAM-1 level was unable to discriminate between the two groups (p-value = 0.193).
Conclusion: Anti-C1q antibody demonstrated the best diagnostic accuracy in discriminating
between active and non-active SLE patients.
Giant Cell Reparative Granuloma (GCRG) of phalanx is uncommon. It is a benign osteolytic lesion but can be locally aggressive. GCRG has certain radiology and histological features that are similar to other giant cell lesions of the bone. We present a case report of a young patient with giant cell reparative granuloma of proximal phalanx of left third toe. The bone lesion was successfully treated surgically.
A 32 year-old Malay lady presented with a swelling over the dorsal surface of her right thumb for 6 months. The swelling was non-tender, smooth surfaced, mobile and nonfluctuating with no bony involvement. The provisional diagnosis was ganglion cyst. Excisional biopsy did not show features of ganglion cyst as it appeared to be wellencapsulated, multi-lobulated and yellowish in colour. Histopathological examination showed that it was a schwannoma. Schwannomas are relatively rare benign tumours which are frequently misdiagnosed. In this case, it was misdiagnosed both as a ganglion and a lipoma.
Transoral approach to the cervico-medullary junction is a well-established procedure. However oropharyngeal complications in the form of soft tissue morbidity postoperatively do occur. We report a case of a teenage boy with traumatic quadriparesis secondary to compression of the cervico-medullary junction by an os odontoideum. Decompression was done via transoral approach through a tubular retractor system, hence obviating the need for the splitting or separate retraction of the soft palate and minimised the damage and violation of surrounding soft tissues. His neurological status improved and he was able to ambulate with support on fourth post-operative day with no soft tissue morbidity in the oral cavity. To our knowledge this is the first case reported using this technique. We conclude that adoption of this method would improve the traditional transoral approach and reduce the oropharyngeal complications.
Lifestyles such as unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity and smoking are considered fundamental risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Preventive activities have been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular lifestyle risks and cardiovascular preventive activities among healthy government servants in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was done from June to September 2013 among 121 government servants working at the Federal Complex, Kuala Terengganu. A questionnaire which consists of socio-demographic data, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the dietary component of WHO STEPS and cardiovascular screening activities were used as tools. Clustering of cardiovascular lifestyle risks was defined as the presence of two or more of smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. Optimal cardiovascular screening is defined as having done the required screening for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipideamia and obesity. The study response rate was 90.9% (110 of 121). Prevalence of smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet were 20%, 50% and 87% respectively. The prevalence of clustering of cardiovascular lifestyle risks was 57%. The prevalence of optimal cardiovascular screening for age was 49%. The prevalence of cardiovascular lifestyle risks among government servants in Kuala Terengganu is still high. About half of them did not have the optimal screening for cardiovascular disease. Measures need to be done to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in the community. Effort should be made at the primary care level and public health to screen those with multiple cardiovascular lifestyle risks in order to optimize cardiovascular disease prevention.
MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Hypertension; Life Style; Malaysia; Obesity; Primary Health Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Smoking; Exercise; Prevalence; Healthy Lifestyle
The communities settled in this traditional flood-prone area are potentially at risk of frequent inundation. This
compelled the affected population to cope or adapt some strategy to reduce the negative impacts on their lives. The
objective of this study was to explore the coping approach among the residents in a flood affected traditional village in
Kuala Nerus, Terengganu and determine its associated factors. A cross sectional study which involved 210 adults who
lived in traditional village houses was conducted from April to May 2015. Universal sampling was applied. This
community-based study was part of the curriculum requirement for undergraduate medical students of UniSZA. The
participants’ background, experience during the recent flood and their coping response were assessed using selfadministered
validated Malay version Brief COPE inventory that consists of three domains (emotion-focused, problemfocused
and less-useful), 14 subscales and 30 items. The mean (SD) age of participants were 46.7(15.54) years with
almost equal sex ratio. Most of the participants were married (78.1%) and unemployed (54.8%). The most common coping
approach applied by the villagers was emotion-focused followed by problem-focused and less-useful coping. There were
four adjusted variables significantly associated with higher total coping score namely awareness on evacuation site
(b=5.38, 95%CI:1.68,9.08, p=0.005), knowledge on health risk of flood (b=3.79, 95%CI:0.92,6.66, p=0.010), discussed on
flood preparedness with family (b=2.50, 95%CI:0.84,4.16, p=0.003) and stored food before flood (b=4.506, 95%CI
1.67,7.34, p=0.002). The emotion-focused coping was the most preferred coping approach among the villagers. A
significant better coping was associated with the villagers who were aware of the gazetted evacuation site and have
knowledge on the flood health hazard. The villagers who planned with their family and practiced storage of adequate
food as part of household preparedness also demonstrated significant higher coping level.
Aedes mosquito-borne Dengue morbidity is predominantly high in the tropics and subtropics regions. Dengue is also a
public health problem in Malaysia since the first epidemic in 1973. Reducing the vector population and personal
protection still plays an important role in dengue prevention and control. With the information of community’s dengue
knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), the authorities could construct evidence-based, community- empowered vector
control program. Upon the understanding of the value of baseline data, a cross-sectional study was carried out in dengue
hotspot areas in Seberang Takir using universal sampling. The study results showed that 54.6% of the population had high
level of knowledge, 18.6% had good attitude and 91.7% were performing good practices against Dengue infection. After
adjusting confounding variables, age and educational levels of respondents, knowledge as well as attitude were found to
be significant associated factors for having good practice against Dengue. The study findings provide the need for further
information to undertake a holistic approach which is in need of community participation and cooperatio
Job satisfaction is defined as pleasurable or positive emotional state which results from the appraisal of one’s job or job experience. It is often determined by how well outcome meet or exceed expectations. There are many factors which are related to job satisfaction among family physicians. Data on satisfaction among family physicians varies from country to country. This study aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction among family physicians in Malaysia and its associated factors. A cross sectional study was performed among 117 family physicians in Malaysia between July 2012 and December 2012. A questionnaire consists of socio-demographic characteristic, professional and health clinic characteristics and Warr-Cook-Wall job satisfaction scale was used. The results showed that 85% of Malaysian family physicians are satisfied with their job. They are mostly satisfied with hours of work, colleagues and fellow workers, and freedom to choose own method of working. They are least satisfied with physical working condition, rate of pay and recognition. Female gender and less number of health clinics in-charged were associated with increased in overall job satisfaction. Most of the family physicians in Malaysia are satisfied with their job. However there are certain areas that should be looked into which are physical working condition, rate of pay and recognition. Malaysian family physicians should receive equal career opportunity, promotion and salary scale like other specialties
Floods can lead to direct economic and property losses and result not only in physical injuries and deaths but
also in psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a commonly used indicator to evaluate
psychological injuries after disaster. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PTSD prevalence
and related perceived severity of post flood impact by economical, non-economical and flood status severity
domains besides relevant socio-demographic factors according to gender specific analysis. This cross-sectional
study was conducted among community in Kampung Hulu Takir, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia in 2015 two
weeks after flood. It included a total of 98 males and 110 females aged 18 years and above. Data was
collected by interview-guided questionnaire to determine the prevalence of PTSD. SPSS version 21.0 was used
for analysis of the relationship between socio demographic factors, perceived economic, non-economic and
flood severity with PTSD. Finally chi square test was used to assess the predictors of PTSD according to
gender. The prevalence of PTSD was 9.2% in males and 10.9% in females, giving a total of 10.1%. Significantly
higher prevalence of PTSD was found in severely perceived economic and flood impact categories (33.3% and
23.8% in males; 23.8 % and 37.5% in females) and giving in overall 44.0% and 31.3 % respectively. Effective
PTSD management strategies targeting females post flood victims who severely perceived economically and
nature flood impact should be implemented in order to prevent further consequences of PTSD.
Diabetic foot ulcer is a major health care problem leading to hospitalization, morbidity, amputation and mortality in diabetic patients. The aim of this study is to determine the amputation-free probability and prognostic factors of major amputation among hospitalized diabetic foot patients in a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia. A retrospective record review study was conducted among 231 hospitalized diabetic foot patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from 1st January 2007 until 31st December 2011 followed by 1 year follow up. Patients’ medical records were retrieved and reviewed. Socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and amputation endpoint status were recorded. The duration of amputation-free time was measured from the date of being diagnosed as diabetic foot until the date of amputation.Simple and Multiple Cox regression were performed to determine the prognostic factors of major amputation. The patients’ age ranged from 21 to 83, with mean (SD) was 56.9 (10.4) years. Majority were male (51.5%) and Malays (95.7%). The overall proportion of amputation due to diabetic foot was 88.7% which comprised of minor (76.6%) and major amputation (13.7%). The adjusted prognostic factors that were found to be significantly influence the risk of having major amputation among hospitalized diabetic foot patients in HUSM were age at diagnosed of DFU (Adjusted HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.09, P=0.033), gender (Adjusted HR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07,0.66, P=0.007), duration of DM (Adjusted HR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.25, 6.12, P=0.012), smoking status(Adjusted HR: 4.19, 95% CI: 1.12, 15.65, P=0.033) and status of DFU (Adjusted HR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.10, 6.07, P=0.029). Older diabetic patients, female, having diabetes more than 10 years, smoker and recurrent DFU were at higher risk of major amputation.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) may result in progressive visual impairment and blindness which affects the diabetic patients‟ morbidity and quality of life significantly. The objective of this study was to determine the proportions and prognostic factors of DR severity among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A cross sectional study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Clinic in a tertiary hospital using the medical record database from 2005 to 2011. A total of 216DR patients were randomly selected. The study outcome was DR severity which was classified into four grading based on the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Scale. Descriptive statistics and Ordinal Logistic Regression were applied using Stata SE/11. The mean (SD) age of DR
in this study was 56.06 (9.98) years old with almost equal sex ratio. Proportion of mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) was 48.6% (95% CI: 40.0, 60.0), moderate NPDR was 28.2% (95%CI: 22.0, 40.0), severe NPDR was 6.9% (95% CI: 4.0, 11.0) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was 16.2% (95%CI: 10.0, 22.0). Diabetic patients that suffered from diabetes mellitus for more than 10 years, having nephropathy, every increased of HbA1c by 1% and higher total cholesterol were at increased risk of worsening DR.
Note: content of full text inconsistent with title and abstract. Author informed.
Cooperative learning is one of the active learning techniques. There are three commonly recognized types of
cooperative learning groups, namely informal cooperative learning (ICL), formal cooperative learning and
cooperative base groups. There is no study been done on ICL which relate to radiology teaching. The results of this
study will provide evidence to support either traditional lecture (TL) or ICL is a more suitable teaching method for
radiology teaching. This study was aimed to compare students’ attitude and preference towards TL versus ICL in
radiology teaching. This interventional study had been conducted among 52 third year Bachelor of Medicine and
Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin. They underwent both TL and ICL methods
during eleven radiology lectures in classroom setting from September 2013 until July 2014. Subsequently, multiple
items questionnaires regarding students’ attitude and preferences towards TL and ICL were administered. These
questionnaires had undergone validation process and revealed excellent internal consistency with Cronbach’s Alpha
of 0.90, 0.92 and 0.88 respectively. The mean total attitude score towards informal cooperative learning was (90.90)
(SD: 11.73) significantly higher than the score for traditional lecture 85.46 (SD: 11.82) (p= 0.012). Students showed
preference in ICL significantly in six domains. These domains were active involvement in the class, promotion of good
rapport among classmates, getting an opportunity to help others, facilitation of understanding difficult materials,
improvement of communication skills, opportunity for training to be a good leader and follower, and opportunity for
enabling to participate in sharing information, making decision and problem solving. ICL method is recommended in
radiology teaching because students demonstrated better students’ attitude and preferences in the learning sessions
as compared to TL.