Burkholderia pseudomallei are Gram negative highly pathogenic bacteria of humans and
animals causing a multisystemic disease called melioidosis. They have recently gained a lot of interest
from the research community and public health organisations because of their great potential to be
used as an agent of bioterrorism. This has made the search for simple, rapid, accurate and the most
definitive means of their detection, identification and discrimination very critical and necessary. This
article aimed to review the molecular techniques used for detection, identification and differentiation
of B. pseudomallei. Although, culture and isolation techniques maintained their usefulness in
confirming cases of melioidosis, their time limitation (can take up to a week for confirming diagnosis)
leads to the search for rapid and simple techniques. Consequently, serology-based tests have been
developed which are both faster and less sophisticated. However, the presence of high background
titre levels and cross-reaction with other organisms make it less reliable. Thus, efforts have been
directed to explore rapid and accurate molecular techniques and resulting in the development and
validation of various PCR-based identification techniques targeting either single or multiple genes.
Although requiring some level of instrumentation and expertise, PCR-based techniques have been
reported to be very useful in diagnosis of melioidosis. We recommend the 16S rRNA PCR (especially
augmented with other molecular methods such as gene sequencing and analysis) and MLST
techniques for timely detection, identification and differentiation of B. pseudomallei for routine
diagnosis and epidemiological studies respectively.
Agriculture is one of the latest industries that uses robotic technologies. Cultivation of crops
with high yield and quality can be enhanced when technological sustenance is involved. Pests are
nuisance and cannot be completely eliminated, but with effective control and management. damages
caused by pests could be minimized below economic threshold. Automation in agriculture is stable and
accurate and is mainly incorporated in mechanized farming system. However its numerous application in
different agricultural practices is not well noticed. Hence this paper attempts to provide profound
awareness on robotic technology in agriculture. Robots could have a specific or multiple functions and,
most commonly, they are made up of five basic components; sensors, effectors, actuators, controller and
arms. Use of automation in weeding, weed mapping, micro spraying, seeding, irrigation and harvesting
are progressions which promote sustainable agriculture and food security. In future, solar robots with
battery inverter may be invented.
– Feedback is one of the most influential tools in the learning of writing. However, there are
divided views on its impact on ESL writing. This article reviews past studies to explore the various
types of written feedback and its effectiveness. Firstly, it discusses the feedback role in ESL students’
writing, followed by the types of feedback. Furthermore, it highlights the type of feedback which is
useful and effective in the writing process. Next, it presents the different views on the effectiveness of
feedback in ESL writing due to the type of feedback and the way it is given. Lastly, it concludes that
feedback acts as a scaffold by providing a meaningful and impactful learning to students.
Robotic navigation has remained an open issue through the last two decades. Mobile robot
is required to navigate safely to goal location in presence of obstacles. Recently the use of mobile
robot in unknown dynamic environment has significantly increased. The aim of this paper is to offer a
comprehensive review over different approaches to mobile robots in dynamic environments,
particularly on how they solve many issues that face the researchers recently. This paper also explains
the advantages and drawbacks of each reviewed paper. The authors decide to categorize these articles
based on the entire content of each paper into ten common challenges which have been discussed in
this paper, including: traveling distance, traveling time, safety, motion control, smooth path, future
prediction, stabilization, competence, precision, and low computation cost. Finally, some open areas
and challenging topics are offered according to the articles mentioned.
MeSH terms: Face; Goals; Motion; Research Personnel; Robotics; Safety
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the leading nosocomial
pathogen that is also emerging as a zoonotic pathogen. In this review, it was observed that rapid
emergence of new MRSA clones at a higher frequency has ushered in a new knowledge on the clonality
and epidemic potentials of MRSA. Secondly, the success of treatment and management of MRSA
infection is threatened by the diversity in the clonal types. This is because different clones harbours
different antibiotics resistance characteristics and as such respond differently to treatment. Furthermore,
clonal replacement of hospital-acquired MRSA with community -acquired MRSA has also been
observed. Thirdly, the transmission of MRSA even though previously thought to be exclusively within
the hospital setting through hand contact and nasal colonization has now spread to the community and in
addition human to animal and animal to human transmission has also been observed. Similarly, pet
owners, veterinarians and farmers have been described as high-risked group with potentials of becoming
reservoirs of MRSA. Furthermore, the adoption of hand hygiene in healthcare setting have to a great
extent reduced the incidence of MRSA in the hospital. And lastly, the advent of molecular typing such as
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), Staphylococcal protein
A typing (Spa typing) and Double Locus Sequence Typing (DLST) have proven to be a useful tool in
providing valuable information on the evolution and clonal diversity of MRSA. These in turn help
researchers to answer some pertinent questions on the epidemiology of MRSA.
Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) is a cosmopolitan scuttle fly of medical and forensic importance. This
species is generally small, humpbacked and is a prominent decomposer of corpses indoors. Taxonomically, adult sexes
can be distinguished based on the characteristics of the terminal segments of the abdomen. In this report, the terminalia
of adult male and female M. scalaris were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The terminal segment
of an adult female is less complex compared to male, consisting of an ovipositor and cerci. In male, the hypopygium
consists of epandrium, hypandrium, anal tube and penis complex. A pair of long and feathered setae was attached to the
tip of the anal tube and tapered. The application of SEM to identify this species isuseful and can be expanded to other
species in this fly group.
Despite a vast number of studies that were focused on the roles of superior temporal gyrus (STG) and cerebellum as sensory
area, little is known about their involvement in cognitive function such as attention and perception. The present fMRI
study aimed to identify this cognitive role from brain activation profile of STG and cerebellum obtained from an arithmetic
addition task. Eighteen healthy right hand dominance male adults participated in this study. They were instructed to solve
single-digit addition tasks in quiet and noisy background during the fMRI scan. Both the in-quiet and in-noise addition
tasks activated the bilateral STG and cerebellum (lobule VI and lobule VII) significantly but differentially. In both quiet
and noisy conditions, STG activation is dominant in the left hemisphere while cerebellum showed a right hemisphere
dominance. Bilateral STG and cerebellum (lobule VI) activation decreasedin noise, conversely cerebellum (lobule VII)
activation increased in noise. These asymmetrical activation indicated hemispheric lateralization and differential behaviors
of both brain areas in different environment while performing simple arithmetic addition task.
Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (roselle) is a polyphenol rich fruit. This study aimed to identify the neuroprotective effect of
roselle on LPS-induced cell proliferation and nitric oxide-induced free radical in microglia and neuroblastoma cells.
MTT assay was used to identify the appropriate concentration of roselle and LPS for microglia and neuroblastoma cells
proliferation study. Griess assay were used to determine the level of nitric oxide accumulated based on the reaction of
Griess to estimate the activity of iNOS in nitric oxide production. The results showed that roselle at the concentration of
50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL and LPS at concentration of 1 μg/mL does not give cytotoxic effect towards microglia C8-B4 and
neuroblastoma LN18 cells. The roselle treatment at 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL showed a protective effect on LPS-induced
microglia C8-B4 cells. However, in neuroblastoma LN18 cells, no protective effect was seen on both 50 μg/mL and 100
μg/mL of roselle treatment following induction with 1 μg/mL of LPS. On the other hand, the production of nitric oxide
(NO) was reduced when LPS-induced microglia C8-B4 cells were treated with 50 μg/mL of roselle. Treatment of roselle
at concentration 100 μg/mL on LPS-induced neuroblastoma LN18 cells also reduced the production of nitric oxide. As a
conclusion, roselle had the ability to give neuroprotective effect by the inhibition of LPS induction activity on microglia
activation for normal and cancer cells at different concentrations
The aims of this study are (1) to determine the scattered radiation dose levels in routine fluoroscopy procedures and (2) to compare them with the equivalent chest x-rays and also (3) to monitor common techniques and radiation safety measures taken by the medical officers. The study covered a sample of 105 fluoroscopic procedures performed by 18
medical officers. Each officer wore a personal pocket dosimeter inside the lead gown during each procedure. A digital dosimeter was placed near the detector of the fluoroscopy unit while a survey meter was positioned at the control panel area to record the dose levels. There were 14 types of examination included in this study. The total number of images
captured was found to be the highest in barium swallow examination with 115 images, almost five times higher compared to the common practices. The longest screening time was observed in barium enema examination which is 9.15 seconds. The median of the scattered dose level was the highest in barium meal examination (165.50 µSv) which is equivalent
to 8.28 times of average dose impart by chest x-ray examinations. The number of images and the length of screening time depend on the competency levels of the medical officers. They capture as many images as possible to avoid missing any abnormalities, therefore it will always be better if the fluoroscopist is consulted during each case. They should also
consistently practice essential protection by minimizing exposure time, maximizing distance from the source tube and utilizing the radiation shielding.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a technique used to teach children with autism a variety of skills. In ABA, children with autism often do not receive reinforcers because they have difficulty performing their targeted behaviors, which consequently leads to challenging behaviors. Objectives of this study are to increase spontaneous request and decrease challenging behavior among children with autism by introducing a secondary reinforcer during therapy based on ABA model. Secondary reinforcer has lower reinforcing value than the primary reinforcer. When the children tried but were unable to produce their targeted behavior, they were given the secondary reinforcer. The children were divided into two groups, five children in the intervention group and four children in the control group, and they were taught specific target requesting behavior (TRB) to request for a preferred item. Three children in the intervention group recorded an increase in spontaneous request and a reduction in challenging behaviors. Only two children from the control group recorded an increase in spontaneous request and a decrease in challenging behaviors. However, only children from the intervention group were able to maintain their performance during the generalization sessions. The results suggest that children respond differently to specific prompts and interventions. Future studies should focus on how prompts affect children’s performance and also on reinforcer selection. Bigger scale studies are still needed to further determine the effectiveness of a secondary reinforcer in assisting the learning of requesting skill and in reducing challenging behaviors among children with autism during therapy based on ABA model.
In this study, morphometric and gravimetric indices were used to determine the impact of cadmium exposure on a sentinel
species. Scaling coefficient, condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), renosomatic index (RSI) and gonadosomatic
index (GSI) were compared between rice frogs (Fejervarya limnocharis) exposed to different environmental cadmium levels.
The result showed that frogs caught from the contaminated site had significantly higher CF (10.296), RSI (0.413) and female
GSI (7.594) than frogs from the contaminated site (7.594, 0.380 and 1.594, respectively). For Scaling Coefficient and HSI,
albeit being statistically insignificant, these indices showed a similar trend. On the other hand, the male GSI showed a
reverse trend where frogs from contaminated site showed higher values than their counterpart from the reference site.
However, the differences were not statistically significant. This research concluded that there is a relationship between
cadmium contamination with morphometric and gravimetric indices. Therefore, it is suggested that the use of these data
could give an idea on the effect of cadmium exposure on the rice frog
This study aimed to assess the nutritional and physical activity status among adults living in low-cost housing area. This cross-sectional study involved 115 adults aged from 18 to 59 years old (46 male and 69 female). Anthropometric and body composition measurements of height, weight, body fat percentage, waist and hip circumference were taken. Biochemical measurements included blood glucose, blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Dietary intake was evaluated by interviewing subjects using Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ). Physical activity status was determined by interviewing subjects using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Most of the subjects were found to be mainly on low socioeconomic status and working as blue collar workers. The mean body mass index (BMI) for men and women were 27.3 ± 6.3 kg/m2 and 28.5 ± 5.3 kg/m2, respectively. The waist-hip ratio of men and women were 0.92 ± 0.07 and 0.86 ± 0.06, respectively. Mean blood pressure observed was 128.8 ± 18.8 mmHg (systolic) and 78.2 ± 12.1 mmHg (diastolic). Mean blood glucose was reported to be 6.6 ± 3.2 mmol/L while the mean blood cholesterol was 5.2 ± 1.0 mmol/L. Overall energy intake was 2705 ± 603 kcal with the contribution of 53.4% carbohydrate, 13.5% protein and 32.5% fat to overall energy intake. The nutrients that did not achieve Malaysia’s Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) were calcium (73.1%), thiamine (70.5%), folate (25.0%) and vitamin A (19.6%). The mean physical activity of subjects was 6739.8 ± 8135.6 MET-min/week (high physical activity). In conclusion, the adults living in low-cost housing have unsatisfactory nutritional status yet they have good physical activity level which might be contributed by their occupation.
MeSH terms: Adult; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Exercise*; Nutrition Assessment; Diet Records; Body Mass Index; Body Fat Distribution; Waist Circumference
Resin-bonded fibre-reinforced composite bridges provide many advantages over the conventional
bridges or implant treatment in the management of a traumatically or congenitally missing anterior tooth.
Furthermore, there is an increasing demand towards providing a metal free resin-bonded bridges over the alloybased
restorations in order to meet the aesthetic needs especially in the anterior region. Advances in the
adhesive technology and tooth colored materials offer improved bonding system and better aesthetic outcome.
Nevertheless, careful selection of cases to receive this type of approach is also one of the key factor to ensure
the clinical survival of fibre-reinforced composite bridges. This report aims to present the use of fibre-reinforced
composite to construct indirect cantilever fibre-reinforced composite bridges as part of minimum intervention
dentistry.
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL) is relatively a rare tumour of head and
neck region. Without histopathological confirmation, it appears and behaved as like malignant epithelial tumor of
the head and neck region as will be illustrated in the present case. Cutaneous involvement of the tumor with
distant metastasis has made the prognosis unfavorable. This isolated case of head and neck PC-ALCL was
highlighted as it has a tendency to behave aggressively and early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to avoid poor
survival outcome.
MeSH terms: Head; Neck; Prognosis; Early Diagnosis; Lymphoma, Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell
Prolonged work with highly repetitious flexion and extension of the wrist and forceful grip task were shown to increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among dental personnel. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence, risk factors and coping strategies of probable CTS among clinical dental support staff in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). A cross-sectional study was conducted and a set of questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic status, work-related and psychosocial risk factors and coping strategies was distributed. Ninety-five clinical dental support staff completed and returned the questionnaire with a response rate of 80.5%. The prevalence of probable CTS was 38.9%, with the highest prevalence was found among dental surgery assistants (40.5%) followed by dental technologists (29.7%). There was no significant association between work-related or psychosocial risk factors with probable CTS (p>0.05). Most of the respondents with symptoms of CTS chose religion as the coping mechanism; mean 7.11 (SD 1.13). Awareness training should be emphasized among clinical dental support staff on the prevention of CTS.
Study site: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
Perivitelline fluid, extracted from the fertilized eggs of horseshoe crabs, has been reported to play a
vital role in supporting embryogenesis as well as cell proliferation. The present study aims to evaluate the effect
of PVF on the expression of COL1A1 in human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The cells were grouped into two;
untreated (control) and treated with a single dose of PVF (0.019 mg/ml). Gene expression was quantified for
COL1A1 on day 1, 3 and 7 using reverse transcriptase PCR. The expression of COL1A1 on day 3 of treated
group with PVF was the highest though there was a decline of COL1A1 expression on day 7. Mann Whitney test
was utilized to determine the significance of COL1A1 expression between treated and untreated groups.
Significant difference in the expression of COL1A1 was observed between the treated and untreated groups on
day 3 though there was no significance in the expression on day 7. The present study indicates that PVF may
have the potential to increase cell proliferation in human DPSCs.
Discovery of drugs from medicinal plants continues to provide major leads against various
pharmacological targets, particularly in cancer diseases. Hence, there are increasing demands to discover
more therapeutic agents from various species of medicinal plants. Chemical compounds in plants are
important for human beings due to their therapeutic properties. Goniothalamus umbrosus, Typhonium
flagelliforme, Myrmecodia pendens, Strobilanthes crispus and Clinacanthus nutans, are among the herbal
species, which are consumed by cancer patients in order to combat against the growth of cancer cells. The
present review aims to highlight on the anti-cancer properties of the listed Malaysian herbs.
The unilateral nasal symptom should trigger a treating physician to a certain diagnosis. The differential
diagnosis includes foreign body, rhinolith and tumour. The chronicity of symptom helps a lot with the diagnosis.
Foreign body for example, tends to present with positive history of insertion, mainly by children or the acute
symptom of local infection. In the presence of prolonged symptom, rhinolith should be suspected especially when
the patient presents with pathognomonic nasal obstruction with foul smelly discharge. A referral should be made
for a nasoendoscopy evaluation whenever a rhinitis-like symptoms remain after a period of medical treatment for
allergy. We share a case of a missed diagnosis of a rhinolith after six years of symptoms.
Perivitelline fluid (PVF) of the horseshoe crab embryo has been reported to possess an important role
during embryogenesis by promoting cell proliferation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PVF on the
expression of cell cycle regulatory genes from human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) between different cell
passages viz. 4, 5, 6. The cells were treated with a single dose of PVF (26.89 mg/ml) PVF. Gene expression was
quantified for CDKNA2A, PTEN, MDM2 and TP53 genes using reverse transcriptase PCR. CDKN2A and MDM2
expression for treated and untreated DPSCs, expressed a similar pattern of expression. The higher expression of
CDKN2A showed that the treatment increased cell proliferation and prevented cell senescence. DPSCs with PVF
treatment showed increased expression of MDM2 at passage 4 and drastically declined expression at passage 5
and slightly increased at passage 6. TP53 expression of DPSCs treated group showed a higher expression
compared to untreated group. On the other hand, the expression of PTEN in DPSCs treated group started to
increase from passage 5 to 6. However, on the whole, the PTEN expression was higher than the untreated group
in all the passages studied here. The results showed that PVF could enhance cell cycle regulatory gene
expression in DPSCs as indicated by the higher expression of all the genes considered in this study at different
cell passages in the treated group compared to the untreated group. Mann Whitney test was utilized to determine
the significance of cell cycle regulatory genes expression between treated and untreated group. Significant
difference in expression of genes between the treated and untreated groups were found at all passages except
for CDKN2A gene whereby, its expression was not significantly different at passage 5 though it did express
slightly higher in PVF treated DPSCs.
Surgical removal of impacted lower wisdom tooth has become increasingly costly to patient while still remains as the most common dental surgical procedure that is performed on outpatient basis. In the present study, a total of 23 patients with impacted lower wisdom tooth were surgically removed under local anaesthesia by using different irrigating solution namely, normal saline, distilled water and chlorhexidine. The samples underwent standard operating procedures and medication. Post operative complications in terms of pain, swelling, infection and delayed wound healing were assessed and compared on Day 1 and Day 7 after surgery. The result of this study showed that there is no significant difference between the three irrigating solution used in surgical removal of impacted lower wisdom tooth in terms of postoperative complication. A bigger scale of research with more samples is recommended to evaluate the most efficacy irrigating solution during surgical removal of impacted lower wisdom tooth.
Study site: Oral surgery clinic, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia