Browse publications by year: 2017

Fulltext Effect of x-radiation on hyaluronic acid

Faizal Mohamed

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;14(2):18-29.
MyJurnal

The effects of radiation on tissue have generally been investigated in the context of therapeutic
irradiations, radiation protection and exposure to solar radiation. Typically attention has
concentrated primarily on cells, less consideration being given to the extracellular matrix (ECM).
ECM consists of collagen and elastin fibers immersed in a viscoelastic gel composed principally of
hyaluronan (HA) and proteoglycans. The present study examines changes in the physical properties of
the principle matrix micromolecules due to exposure to ionizing radiation. Freeze-dried rooster-comb
HA (Sigma) were used to give doses of 10-100 Gy for HA, to cover the range of irradiation exposure
during radiotherapy. The viscosity of HA (at 1.25% and 0.125% w/v) was measured by both cone and
plate and capillary viscometry, the former providing measurement at uniform shear rate and the latter
providing a more sensitive indication of changes. The Raman microspectrometry was employed to
characterize these changes on ECM molecular conformation. In regard to the viscometry, both
techniques (cone and plate and capillary viscometry) reveal a dose-dependent reduction in viscosity
(from 340 ± 194 cP for controls to 1500 ± 88 cP at a shear rate of 2 s-1 and dose of 75 Gy), again
suggesting depolymerisation.
Fulltext Overview on thorium in research reactors

Abdul Hannan Damahuri, Hassan Mohamed, Abdul Aziz Mohamed

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;14(2):11-17.
MyJurnal

Thorium is a fertile material that can undergo transmutation for it to become a fissile material,
uranium-233. The fissile material can go through a fission process in order to generate heat energy
and eventually electricity. Most nuclear reactors use uranium as their fission source. The use of
thorium as nuclear fuel has been only investigated for few types of reactors such as a high, temperature
gas reactor (HTGR), fast breeder reactor, light water reactor (LWR) and heavy water reactor
(HWR). For research reactors specifically, there are limited academic publications related to the
la,test u.se of thorium. Hence, the main, interest, of this work is to compile and review the latest
academic publications related to the active use of thorium, for research reactors in particular. The
reviewed studies have been, divided into two categories which are experimented and simulation projects.
The experimental projects are a,bold the ongoing thorium fuel tests that have been carried out. in an
actual, research reactor. On the hand, the simulation work: is related to the computational analysis
performed in predicting the neutronic behaviour of thorium based fuel in research reactors. The
experimented study of thorium is currently active for the KAMINI research reactor. Additionally, most,
simulation works focus on finding criticality and neutron spectra.

MeSH terms: Electricity; Hot Temperature; Neutrons; Nuclear Reactors; Publications; Temperature; Thorium; Uranium; Water; Deuterium Oxide
Fulltext Measurement of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic flux in the vicinity of the overhead high voltage transmission line in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Faizal Mohamed, Irman Abdul Rahman, Ngu, Thieng Kui, Syazwani Mohd Fadzil, Firdaus Pozi, Amran Ab. Majid, et al.

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;14(2):1-10.
MyJurnal

Electricity has become one of the necessities for human daily activities. The presence of electric
current produces electromagnetic fields (EMF) at extremely low frequency (ELF). The problem arises
when scientists suggests a possible connection between ELF exposure to human health and safety.
Concerned about the safety and health of students and staff, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
took the initiative to identify possible ELF sources and measure their exposure in various locations
around the UKM main campus in Bangi. This paper reports the results obtained from the monitoring
of the magnetic flux density at three identified locations in the vicinity of the overhead high-voltage
transmission line which transverses the university compound and compare the maximum value results
with the exposure limit suggested by the International Committee on Non Ionising Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) for ELF. Measurements were done with an (Extech) Three Axis
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Meter (Model 430826) to determine the magnetic flux density. The
lateral profile method was applied as the standard measurement methodology. Results showed that the
maximum value of the magnetic flux density was 12.5 mG, which is below the suggested ICNIRP
public exposure limit of 1000 mG, or in percentage ratio, 1.25% of ICNIRP public exposure limit.
Results from the statistical Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there is a significant difference in the
distributions of the magnetic flux densities at the different locations (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the
measured locations are still safe for people in short-term exposure. However, long-term exposure
measurements still need to be done to provide concrete data on the ELF-emission levels in UKM.

MeSH terms: Radiation Exposure; Electricity; Electromagnetic Fields; Humans; Malaysia; Radiation, Ionizing; Radiation, Nonionizing; Students; Universities
Fulltext Hazards of deliriogenic medications used in a high risk patient: a case report

Seed, H.F., Thong, K.S., Siti-Nor Aizah, A.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2017;24(2):0-0.
MyJurnal

Although disturbance of consciousness in delirium patients have been well
established, but sudden drop of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) level to three is
frightening and mysterious. We are reporting a case of a delirious elderly
man with multiple medical illnesses presented with acute precipitous
decrement of GCS with pin point pupils bilaterally after given a course of
benzodiazepines and regained full consciousness spontaneously 32 hours
later. We discussed the use of deliriogenic medications in the context of
delirious elderly gentleman with multiple medical illnesses. We also looked
into the possible differentials of sudden drop of conscious level with bilateral
pin point pupils.

MeSH terms: Aged; Benzodiazepines; Consciousness; Delirium; Fear; Humans; Male; Glasgow Coma Scale; Miosis
Fulltext Awareness and opinion of dentists towards shortened dental arch (SDA)

Abdul Hamid Nor Faharina, Ishak Hayati, Salleh Muhammad Firdaus, Ahmad Amirul Qayyum

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2017;2017(1):1-16.
MyJurnal

Aim: The Shortened Dental Arch (SDA) concept, proposed as a strategy to prevent prosthodontics overtreatment, is defined as a specific type of dentition with an intact anterior region and a reduction in the occluding pairs of posterior teeth. While this concept has been accepted worldwide, little is known about such a situation in Malaysia. This study was undertaken to determine the attitudes, awareness and opinion of dentists working at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia (UiTM) towards the SDA concept. Methods and Methods: All dentists (n=71) working at the Faculty of Dentistry, UiTM were invited to participate in a paper-based questionnaire survey to assess their attitudes, awareness and perception towards the SDA concept. Results: The response rate was 59% (n=42). Overall, 85.7% of respondents were aware of the Kayser’s SDA concept. A majority of them (61.1%) learnt about it through undergraduate studies. Only some respondents reported patients’ dissatisfaction in chewing (29.4%), appearance (8.8%) and comfort (6.3%) following application of the concept. Most participants disagreed that missing molar teeth should be replaced in all patients (52.4%), and supported the application of SDA concept in clinical practice (88.1%). However, some would choose to replace missing molars for older patients in order to provide posterior support (90.5%), prevent anterior wear (52.4%) and improve masticatory function (83.3%). Conclusion: Respondents’ awareness and support for the SDA concept suggested its acceptance as a possible strategy in patient care.
Fulltext Patching up the bone – a case report of autologous fibrin matrix in combination with autogenous bone graft for bone and soft tissue regeneration

Mohd Kherman Suparman, Hazmyr Abdul Wahab, Nazer Berahim, Tengku Intan Baizura Tengku Jamaluddin

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2017;2017(1):1-12.
MyJurnal

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a natural autologous fibrin matrix and is an effective biomaterial product. The application of PRF in oral surgery is not limited to tissue regeneration, but it has been utilized in several minor and major oral surgical procedures. Numerous studies have proven that either alone or in combination with bone graft, PRF acts as bone and soft tissue regeneration and it is able to stimulate physiological wound healing. This case report will introduce the utilization of PRF combined with autogenous bone graft in restoring four walls dental socket defect due to post-surgical extraction complication and plan for implant placement in the future. It acts in the form of a resorbable membrane and stem cell connector to the bone. After 3 months post-surgery review, there was no signs of infection or tissue rejection and the harvested bone was still viable. The PRF is comparable to commercially available membrane in the market, where clinical results can be predicted and possibility of reduction in post-surgical complications is achieved. This is due to 1) its compatibility with bone graft materials notably autogenous type, 2) induced neovascularisation and 3) reduction in inflammatory reaction. Our team is confident that the result of PRF at the edentulous region for rehabilitation purposes is beneficial and cost-effective to our patients.

MeSH terms: Biocompatible Materials; Fibrin; Humans; Stem Cells; Surgery, Oral; Wound Healing; Bone Transplantation; Oral Surgical Procedures
Fulltext The future of dentistry- where is Malaysia heading?

Mas Suryalis Ahmad

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2017;2017(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Perceived and normatic needs for dental treatment is increasing globally, as patients in various parts of the world demonstrate different patterns of oral diseases (1). Some regions showed an increasing demand for aesthetic dentistry (2), while some demonstrated a rise in procedures relating to tooth preservation and functional restoration (3). In spite of the variable market demands, it is evident that utilisation of oral health care services has improved worldwide, regardless of patients’ socioeconomic status and other personal or environmental circumstances (1). (Copied from article)
Microsatellite based Genetic Variation among the Buffalo Breed Populations in Pakistan

Hussain T, Ellahi Babar M, Ali A, Nadeem A, Rehman ZU, Musthafa MM, et al.

J Vet Res, 2017 Dec;61(4):535-542.
PMID: 29978120 DOI: 10.1515/jvetres-2017-0057

Introduction: Eight microsatellite loci were used to define genetic diversity among five native water buffalo breeds in Pakistan.
Material and Methods: Blood samples (10 mL) from 25 buffaloes of each of the Nili, Ravi, Nili-Ravi, Kundhi, and Azi-Kheli breeds were collected aseptically from the jugular vein into 50 ml Falcon tubes containing 200 µl of 0.5 M EDTA. The phenol-chloroform method was used to extract DNA and the regions were amplified for microsatellite analysis. The eight microsatellite markers ETH10, INRA005, ILSTS029, ILSTS033, ILSTS049, ILSTS052, ETH225, and CSSM66 were analysed.
Results: The effective number of alleles across all loci was as usual lower than the observed values with a mean value of 2.52 alleles per locus. The overall allele frequency varied from 0.0041 for alleles B, I, and J over respective loci ILSTS052, INRA005, and ILSTS029 to 0.80 for allele H over locus ILSTS029. The average observed and expected heterozygosity values across all polymorphic loci in all studied buffalo breeds were 0.43 and 0.53, respectively. The overall value for polymorphic information content of considered microsatellite markers was 0.53, suggesting their appropriateness for genetic diversity analysis in buffalo. The mean Fis value was 0.13 and all loci except ILSTS049 were found significantly deviated from HWE, most likely due to non-random breeding. The five buffalo populations were genetically less diverse as indicated by a small mean Fst value (0.07). The average gene flow (Nm) indicative for population migration was calculated as 3.31. Nei's original measures of genetic distance (Ds) revealed ancient divergence of the Nili and Azi-Kheli breeds (Ds = 0.1747) and recent divergence of the Nili and Ravi breeds (Ds = 0.0374).
Conclusion: These estimates of genetic diversity were seen to coincide with phenotypic differentiation among the studied buffalo breeds. The present study reports the first microsatellite marker-based genetic diversity analysis in Pakistani buffalo breeds, and might facilitate similar studies in other livestock breeds of Pakistan.
Fulltext Level of Campylobacter jejuni from naturally contaminated chicken liver and chicken legs in various task: a cross contamination study

New, C.Y., Wong, C.Y., Usha, M., Ubong, A., Son, R., Nakaguchi, Y., et al.

Food Research, 2017;1(2):33-37.
MyJurnal

Cross contamination is one of the most important contributing factors in foodborne illness
originating in household environments. The objective of this research was to determine the
transfer between naturally contaminated chicken liver and leg to cutting board, hand glove,
knife and cucumber, during slicing. The microorganism tested was Campylobacter jejuni and
the results showed that the pathogen transferred to all utensils, at different transfer rate, despite
the low level of the naturally contaminating pathogen. With unknown concentration bacteria in
the naturally contaminated samples, a proportion of the utensils were still contaminated with C.
jejuni and not surprisingly, when the sample were contaminated with higher concentrations of
the pathogen, a higher proportion of the utensils had detectable C. jejuni cells present, though
in many cases cross contamination seems to be a random event. Transfer of the naturally
contaminating C. jejuni from the chicken liver and leg to the utensils were

MeSH terms: Animals; Chickens; Foodborne Diseases; Liver; Campylobacter jejuni; Gloves, Protective; Cucumis sativus
Fulltext Neutron spectrometry of thermal column by various filter/moderating materials at reactor TRIGA PUSPATI for BNCT research

Mohd Rafi Mohd Solleh, Abdul Aziz Mohamed, Abd. Aziz Tajuddin, Faridah Idris, Mohamad Hairie Rabir, Muhammad Rawi Md Zin, et al.

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;12(2):88-93.
MyJurnal

Thermal neutron beam from thermal column was selected for a Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
(BNCT) system utilizing the Malaysian TRIGA MARK II reactor. Determination of shielding
materials for fast and epithermal neutron was conducted. The materials selected were polyethylene,
paraffin and water. For gamma-ray shielding, lead was used. The objective of this paper is to present
the simulation and verification of an optimal design of BNCT collimation at a beam. line viewing the
thermal column. A collimator was made from polyethylene pipe with 8 cm of diameter filled with
paraffin.

MeSH terms: Dental Porcelain; Gamma Rays; Neutrons; Paraffin; Water; Boron Neutron Capture Therapy; Polyethylene
Fulltext Radiation damage in the silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer

Chee, Fuei Pien, Saafie Salleh, Afishah Alias, Haider F. Abdul Amir, Abu Hassan Husin

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;12(2):81-87.
MyJurnal

The most sensitive part of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure to ionizing radiation is the
oxide insulating layer. When ionizing radiation passes through the oxide, the energy deposited creates
electron/hole pairs. Oxide trapped charge causes a negative shift in capacitance-voltage (C-V)
characteristics. These changes are the results of, firstly, incre using trapped positive charge in the
oxide, which causes a parallel shift of the curve to more negative voltages, and secondly, increasing
interface trap density, which causes the curve to stretch-out.

MeSH terms: Electrons; Metals; Oxides; Radiation, Ionizing; Semiconductors; Electric Capacitance; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase
Fulltext Purification and concentration of Gallium-68 via anion exchange method from a SnO2 -based column Germanium-68/Gallium-68 generator

Muhammad Fakhrurazi Ahmad Fadzil, Ng Yen, Siti Najila Mohd Janib, Noor Hasnah M. Khairullah, Mohd Khairul Najah

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;12(2):66-80.
MyJurnal

PET/CT Scan with obGa-labelled analogs is of increasing interest in Nuclear Medicine and currently
is being performed all over the world. However, such labeling procedure requires high purity and
concentrated solutions of°sGa. Here we report the purification and concentration of the eluate of
SnOi-Based obGe/obGa generators via the anion exchange method. Three different anion columns were
selected to purify and concentrate the6SGa eluat.es which are Chromafix, Oasis WAX and AG 1-X8
columns. The different anion columns were compared and evaluated in terms of their capability in
adsorption and desorption of ""Ga from, the generator. While the optimum molarity of Hydrocholric
Acid (HCl) for highest 6dGa retention was also determined starting from the ranges of fM to 7M of
HCl. The results showed that the percentage of 68Ga retention or adsorption .started to be plateau at
molarity of 5.5M for all three anion cartridges. One-way ANOVA analysis proved that there is no
significant difference between 5.5M with 6.0M, 6.5M and 7.0M which means that the retention of
gallium-68 is equal at those molarities. At 5.5M, Chromafix and Oasis WAX cartridges showed the
highest retention of gallium-68 which is 98.30%. The lowest 6"Ga retention was gained by AG 1-X8
column which is 97.07%'. While for desorption of 6bGa, the highest percentage was obtained by using
Oasis WAX cart/ridges which, is 70.f9% followed by Chromafix which, is 70.36%. The lowest desorption
of gallium-68 was obtained by using AG 1-X8 column which is only 58.56%. Therefore, from this
study, the most suitable cartridge and HCl molarity that should be applied in purification and
concentration of Gallium-68 eluate fromÿ a SnOs Based °*Ge/*Ga generator is Oasis® WAX column
with a HCl molarity of 5.5M respectively.
Fulltext Ficus deltoidea enhance glucose uptake activity in cultured muscle cells

Zainah Adam, Shafii Khamis, Amin Ismail, Muhajir Hamid

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2017;12(2):54-65.
MyJurnal

Ficus deltoidea or locally known as Mas cotek is one of the common medicinal plants used in
Malaysia. Our previous studies showed that this plant have blood glucose lowering effect. Glucose
uptake into muscle and adipocytes cells is one of the known mechanisms of blood glucose lowering
effect. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Ficus deltoidea on glucose uptake activity
into muscle cells. The cells were incubated with Ficus deltoidea extracts either a,lone or combination
with insulin. Amount of glucose uptake by L6 myotubes was determined using glucose tracer, 2-deoxy-
[l-:-Hj-glucose. The results showed that Ficus deltoidea extracts at particular doses enhanced basal or
insulin-mediated glucose uptake into muscle cells significantly. Hot aqueous extract enhanced glucose
uptake at the low concentration (10 pg/ml) whereas methanolic extract enhanced basal glucose uptake
at high concentrations (500 and 1000 fig/ml). Meanwhile, ethanolic extract enhanced glucose uptake at
low and high concentrations. Methanolic extract also mimicked insulin activity during enhancing
glucose uptake into L6 muscle cells. Glucose uptake activity of Ficus deltoidea could be attributed by
the phenolic compounds presence in the plant. This study had shown that Ficus deltoidea has the
ability to enhance glucose uptake into muscle cells which is partly contributed the antidiabetic activity
of this plant.

MeSH terms: Methanol; Biological Transport; Blood Glucose; Glucose; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Malaysia; Plants, Medicinal; Adipocytes; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Ficus
Fulltext Efficiency evaluation of developed ozone system in microorganism treatment

Nur Syahirah Zainuddin, Chee, Fuei Pien

ASM Science Journal, 2017;10(1):1-10.
MyJurnal

Ozone generator system using discharge coronas was fabricated to produce ozone gas and
ozonated water of varying concentration. The generated ozone air emitted to the water
through bubble diffuser or venturi injection depending on the input air mass transfer rate.
The concentration of ozonated water was examined using both ozone test strip and Schoenbein
paper. It is found that the production of ozone water by using bubble diffuser technique
facilitates the production of higher concentration of ozonated water with higher ozone transfer
efficiency. The efficiency of ozone gas in microorganism treatment is verified through the
lowest number of microorganism’s colony available compared with other treatment methods.
The half-life of ozonated water in this study was improved by increasing the transfer rate
of water and solubility of ozone in water. The concentration of ozonated water was found
increased through the application of pressurised oxygen input gas.
Fulltext Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a rare complication of dengue fever

Nur Hidayati Mohd Sharif, Nor Arisah Misnan, Norashikin Saidon, Phaik Yee Ooi, Hilwati Hashim

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2017;2(2):54-57.
MyJurnal

A 37-year-old woman presented with a short history of fever and bilateral lower limb
weakness. She also had impaired sensory function up to T4 spine level and lax anal tone.
Laboratory investigations confirmed dengue infection with mild thrombocytopenia. MRI of the
spine showed a spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage from the level of T4 till T9. Despite
medical and surgical interventions, her lower limb weakness persists. A high index of
suspicion is needed to recognise dengue-related neurological complications. This diagnosis
should be considered in any patients from dengue endemic areas presenting with acute
febrile illness with atypical neurological manifestations.

MeSH terms: Adult; Dengue; Female; Fever; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nervous System Diseases; Sensation; Spine; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Thrombocytopenia; Lower Extremity
Fulltext Validation of the communication skills attitude scale (CSAS) questionnaire in a cohort of Malaysian medical students

Baharudin N, Mohamed Yassin MS, Badlishah Sham SF, Mohd Yusof ZY, Ramli AS

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2017;2(2):46-53.
MyJurnal

The Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS) assesses medical students’ attitudes towards learning communication skills and had been widely utilised all over the world.
This questionnaire has 26 items framed within two subscales. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the CSAS among medical students in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
Methods: This was a cross sectional questionnaire validation study among 171 first year medical students from UiTM. The CSAS had undergone content and face validation, followed by psychometric analysis using principal component analysis to assess construct validity. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach alpha.
Results: Factor analysis confirmed the original two-subscale structure of the CSAS (positive attitude scale, PAS and negative attitude scale, NAS). A total of 4 items were removed due to poor factor loading (1 item from PAS and 3 items from NAS). The final validated CSAS consisted of 22 items, 14 and 8 items for the PAS and NAS respectively. Cronbach alphas calculated were 0.862 for the PAS and 0.565 for the NAS.
Conclusion: This study produced a validated and reliable CSAS to measure the attitude of UiTM medical students towards learning communication skills. Given the low internal reliability of the NAS in this study, future studies should include translating and validating the CSAS into the Malay language to improve its psychometric properties. Future studies should also include medical students from the three major ethnic groups and other medical schools in Malaysia to improve the generalisability of the CSAS.

MeSH terms: Adult; Communication*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Students, Medical; Universities
Fulltext The inhibitory effect of lemon juice (citrus limon) on vibrio parahaemolyticus in raw oyster (crassostrea virginica)

Siti Farah Alwani Mohd Nawi, Zaini Mohd Zain, Muhammad Zarif Zahari, Anis Amalina Abdul Hamid, Nur Fakhriah Ahmad Afandi, Siti Nur Fathihah Azmi

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2017;2(2):31-33.
MyJurnal

Serving raw oysters with lemon juice is a delicacy in many restaurants in
Malaysia. Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) live in the seacoast and they share the same
environment as Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Consumption of raw oysters contaminated with V.
parahaemolyticus can lead to severe gastroenteritis. A study was performed to determine
whether lemon (Citrus limon) juice is able to inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus after
being inoculated in raw oysters. Methods: Frozen oysters bought from a local supplier
weighing 6 g each were minced and placed in two bottles using sterile technique.
Approximately 1 ml of 107 CFU of V. parahaemolyticus (ATCC strain 17802) was added and
mixed in both bottles. The mixture was treated with 1 ml of lemon juice in only one of the
bottles and the other bottle served as a control. At every 30 s intervals for 2 min, 1 g of the
sample was taken for enumeration of viable cells onto thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose
(TCBS). Results: After 30 s of treatment with the lemon juice, it was observed that the
number of colonies in the treated samples reduced from 7 Log to 3 Log. Subsequently, no
viable V. parahaemolyticus was seen. It was also observed that there were 3 Log reductions
of V. parahaemolyticus after 30 s in untreated samples, however the number of colonies
remained stable until the end of the experiment. Conclusion: This study therefore shows
that lemon juice has some antimicrobial effect on V. parahaemolyticus in raw oysters.

MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Bile Acids and Salts; Biological Phenomena; Citrates; Citrus; Freezing; Gastroenteritis; Malaysia; Restaurants; Sucrose; Thiosulfates; Vibrio parahaemolyticus; Citric Acid; Crassostrea
Fulltext Outcome of chiropractic therapy in idiopathic scoliosis – a preliminary study

Mohd Nizam Haron, Syahirah Zeti Azham, Lyanna Annura Sallehudin, Nur Firzanie Kamaruddin, Ezreen Elia Izzaty Afindi

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2017;2(2):26-30.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively report the results of scoliosis patients who underwent chiropractic therapy and to evaluate their outcome by looking at the potential to alter the natural progression of scoliosis after therapy.
Methods: Retrospective data collection was conducted at a private chiropractic centre in Kuala Lumpur. The data was collected from patients between the ages of 16 to 19 years old. A total of eight patients with 14 scoliotic curvatures (six thoracic, six lumbar and two thoracolumbar), who met the inclusion criteria, were selected as subjects for this study. All subjects received the same chiropractic therapy program. The outcome of the therapy was assessed by measuring the Cobb’s angle on the erect spine as captured on an x-ray. The Cobb’s angle was measured at the first presentation (to establish a baseline) after 6 and 24 months of therapy.
Results: The mean baseline Cobb’s angle for thoracic, lumbar and thoracolumbar scoliosis were 30.70 ± 19.40, 31.70 ± 12.30 and 25.00 ± 18.40 respectively. After 24 months of chiropractic therapy, there was no discernible effect on the magnitude of the Cobb’s angles on the subjects overall.
Conclusion: Our study showed no significant reduction in spine curvature in patients with scoliosis using chiropractic therapy after 24 months.

MeSH terms: Chiropractic; Humans; Malaysia; Retrospective Studies; Scoliosis*; Private Facilities
Fulltext Selected recommendations from international guidelines on obstructive sleep apnoea

Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2017;2(2):19-25.
MyJurnal

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasingly seen as a major health threat globally.
However, it is still underdiagnosed mainly among Asian population partly due to lack of
understanding on the pathophysiology, and limited access to the diagnostic and management
aspect of the disease. Recurring complete and/or partial collapses of the upper airways define
OSA. Based on the number of apnoeas and/or hypopnoeas per hour of sleep, OSA is
categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Both the American Association of Sleep Medicine
(AASM) and American College of Physicians (ACP) has published guidelines regarding the
management of OSA in adults. Three recommendations have been suggested by the
guidelines which can be used to tailor the management of OSA. The aim of this article is to
select relevant recommendations from these guidelines in epidemiology, pathophysiology,
diagnostic procedures and treatment for proper management of OSA, while considering
specific patient populations, such as hypertensive, diabetic, obese and Asian patients.

MeSH terms: Adult; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Obesity; Sleep; United States; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Fulltext Tocotrienols and oxidative stress in ocytes and developing embryos

Yuhaniza Shafinie Kamsani, Mohd Hamim Rajikin

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2017;2(2):8-18.
MyJurnal

This review summarizes the impact of tocotrienols (TCTs) as antioxidants in minimizing oxidative stress (OS), particularly in embryos exposed to OS causing agents. OS level is increased, for example, by nicotine, a major alkaloid content in cigarette, which is also a source of exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased nicotine-induced OS increases cell stress response, which is a common trigger leading to embryonic cell death. Having more profound anti-oxidative stress effects than its counterpart tocopherol, TCTs improve blastocyst implantation, foetal growth, pregnancy outcome and survival of the neonates affected by nicotine. In reversing cell developmental arrest caused by nicotine-induced OS, TCTs enhances PDK-1 expression in the P13K/Akt pathway and permit embryonic development beyond the 4-cell stage with the production of more morulae. At the cytoskeletal level, TCTs increase the number of nicotine-induced apoptotic cells, through caspase 8 activation in the mitochondria. TCTs facilitate rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) stress-mediated apoptosis and autophagy, resulting from nicotine-induced OS. Reduced vesicular population in TCT supplemented oocytes on the other hand may suggest reduced secretion of apoptotic cell bodies thus probably minimizing vesicular apoptosis during oocyte maturation. Further extensive research is required to develop TCTs as a tool in specific therapeutic approaches to overcome the detrimental effects of OS.

MeSH terms: Animals; Antioxidants; Autophagy; Blastocyst; Female; Mitochondria; Nicotine; Oocytes; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Vitamin E; Apoptosis; Reactive Oxygen Species; Oxidative Stress; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough; Tocopherols; Tocotrienols; Fetal Development; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Caspase 8; Cell Body

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