Cocoa pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen)) is the main fatal pest that destroys cocoa plantations in South East Asia, mainly in Indonesia and Malaysia. Infested cocoa beans stick to each other, the pulp become hard and normal fermentation process to produce flavour precursors cannot be done. This research aimed to utilize the infested cocoa beans as a source of phenolic compounds. Extraction of phenolic compounds was carried out for three infestation levels regarded as low, medium and heavy. Parameters of study were bean size, shell content, fat content, total polyphenol and antioxidant activity. Results of the study showed that the increase in cocoa pod borer infestation significantly decreased cocoa bean size, fat content and total polyphenol; but shell content was increased. Antioxidant activity of the extracted polyphenol was not significantly affected by the infestation. The results clearly indicate that cocoa beans infested by cocoa pod borer can potentially to be used as a source of phenolic compounds for natural antioxidant uses.
Here, we report of the annotated genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTB221/11. The organism was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient in Malaysia.
The exposure of food to ionizing radiation is being progressively used in many countries to
inactivate food pathogens, to eradicate pests and to extend shelf-life of food. To ensure free
consumer choice, irradiated food will be labeled. The availability of a reliable method to detect
irradiated food is important to enforce legal controls on labeling requirements, ensure proper
distribution and increase consumer confidence. This paper reports on the preliminary application
of photostimulated luminescence technique (PSL) as a potential method to detect irradiated food
and perhaps be used for monitoring irradiated food on sale locally in the near future. Thus this
study will be beneficial and relevant for application of food irradiation towards improving food
safety and security in Malaysia.
Horaeomorphus bicornis sp. n., a remarkable species with strongly modified head from Yunnan, Southwest China is described. A distinctly different female from the same locality is also recorded, its identity remains unconfirmed until associated males become available. The previously unknown female of H. hujiayaoi Zhou & Zhang, 2016, is discovered, with its spermatheca and female terminalia illustrated. Horaeomorphus punctatissimus Franz, 1992 is newly recorded from Mount Trus Madi, Malaysia. Two females of H. eumicroides Schaufuss, 1889 were discovered from Singapore, with female terminalia illustrated.
Hypersensitivity to stainless steel sternal sutures are an uncommon occurrence. We present a case of such a patient who developed chronic tissue overgranulation over a sternotomy wound eight weeks post-operatively. Primary suspicion was infection, a more common complication however radiological and laboratory investigation showed otherwise. Conservative management provided limited ephemeral success. After ensuring adequate sternal bone healing, the sutures and granulation tissue were eventually surgically removed without complication and the reoperated wound healed well.
Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rare even in endemic countries. Most of these cases occur as secondary TB due to a concurrent infection. Primary breast TB is diagnosed when it is the only site of disease without other foci of infection. The presentation of primary breast TB may often mimic carcinoma of the breast. While imaging is not specific, histopathology provides a definitive diagnosis. Here, we present a case of primary breast TB in a breast cancer patient and review the literature.
Angioleiomyoma of the nasal cavity is an extremely rare benign neoplasm. It usually occurs in the lower extremities. Up to date, only few cases of angioleiomyoma have been reported. First case of angioleiomyoma of nasal cavity was reported in 1966. We report a rare case of angioleiomyoma arising from the right maxillary sinus.
To establish the three-dimensional (3D) facial soft tissue morphology of adult Malaysian subjects of the Malay ethnic group; and to determine the morphological differences between the genders, using a non-invasive stereo-photogrammetry 3D camera.
This study examines the relationship between religiosity and level of happiness in an Islamic context among Muslim students studying at Malaysian universities. The determinants of happiness included in this research are positive attitudes, self-esteem, and other-esteem. Religiosity has long been considered as the main determinant in increasing happiness, and educational level strengthens its relationship. For this purpose, the researchers sampled 230 Muslim students aged 17-40 years studying at Malaysian universities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The study found a positive and significant correlation between religious commitment and level of happiness. Religious commitment also shows positive and significant correlations with positive attitudes, self-esteem, and other-esteem. The study also concludes that educational attainment moderates the relationship between religious commitment and happiness. Thus, religious commitment plays a very important role in increasing levels of happiness.
Mastering the art of conducting a research along with the competitive era of publishing papers showed the importance of undergraduate research. The purpose of this research was to study the impact of undergraduate research “Special Study Module (SSM)” on Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) medical students and alumni.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study whereby 64 fifth year UKM medical students of academic-session 2014/2015 and 49 alumni of year 2010 were participated on their SSM research activities. The questionnaire administered online which enquired on participants’ level of interest, confidence and SSM research experiences. Frequency and percentage distribution were used for descriptive analysis.
Result: Out of 119 participants,113 responded giving a response rate of 95%. More than 90% respondents in both group felt that SSM experience was enriching and 80%–90% felt SSM experience was pleasant. In both groups 47%–50% respondents believed, SSM experience contributed their high level of interest on research. The most influencing factors on their level of interest were supervisor guidance as reported by73%–80% respondents. It was said that SSM supervisor was academically stimulating, impressive as role model and supportive. The most confidence skill was the ability to function within a group and least confidence skill was manuscript writing.
Conclusion: Undergraduate SSM research showed positive impact on participants’ research activities. More in-depth analysis should be considered especially on manuscript writing as the students were least confident in this skill.
Introduction: Investigation on spiritual issue in healthcare practice received less attention. Muslims valued pray activity or known as salat as one of the important daily activity. However, negligible study is available on salat as the end goal of occupational therapy intervention. This study aims to investigate the awareness and the impact of Muslim-culture on occupational therapists in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted via internet-based and manual paper-and-pencil survey throughout occupational therapists in Malaysia. Descriptive and inferential statistics using percentage, Cronbach’s alpha and Chi-square was implemented on the findings. Results: In total, 119 occupational therapists responded. The questionnaire has overall internal consistency ofα = 0.74. Occupational therapists have positive perceptions on spiritual activity but poorly translated into service implementation and faced challenges. Factors such as level of education, years of experience, religion, working location and work setting were significant on the awareness, perception, practice and challenges. Cultural-based practice is challenging for occupational therapy even in the majority-practice context. Occupational therapists should differentiate between belief and activity in spiritual issue to provide a better assistance for the clients. Conclusion: This study showed continuing education is desired to drive the occupational therapy profession for a better cultural-sensitivity service delivery.
In this study, we have employed a photocatalytic method to restore the liquid effluent from a palm oil mill in Malaysia. Specifically, the performance of both TiO2 and ZnO was compared for the photocatalytic polishing of palm oil mill effluent (POME). The ZnO photocatalyst has irregular shape, bigger in particle size but smaller BET specific surface area (9.71 m2/g) compared to the spherical TiO2 photocatalysts (11.34 m2/g). Both scavenging study and post-reaction FTIR analysis suggest that the degradation of organic pollutant in the TiO2 system has occurred in the bulk solution. In contrast, it is necessary for organic pollutant to adsorb onto the surface of ZnO photocatalyst, before the degradation took place. In addition, the reactivity of both photocatalysts differed in terms of mechanisms, photocatalyst loading and also the density of photocatalysts. From the stability test, TiO2 was found to offer higher stability, as no significant deterioration in activity was observed after three consecutive cycles. On the other hand, ZnO lost around 30% of its activity after the 1st-cycle of photoreaction. The pH studies showed that acidic environment did not improve the photocatalytic degradation of the POME, whilst in the basic environment, the reaction media became cloudy. In addition, longevity study also showed that the TiO2 was a better photocatalyst compared to the ZnO (74.12%), with more than 80.0% organic removal after 22 h of UV irradiation.
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.
Oral health literacy (OHL) is important in empowering people to improve their general and oral health. Carers’ OHL may be associated with their ability to deliver good oral healthcare to their children. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the OHL among carers of special needs children. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of carers in four Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre. Data were collected through a structured face-to-face interview of 40 carers. Oral Health Literacy Malay Version (OHLI-M) was measured using text passages and prompts with a total of 57 items. These items were used to assess comprehension and numerical ability of carers based on domains namely, accessing dental care, understand appointment and following medication instructions. The results showed that majority of the participants had ‘marginal’ and ‘adequate’ OHL level of 32.5% and 52.5%, respectively. Only four (10%) participants had ‘inadequate’ OHL level. The ‘reading comprehension’ and ‘numeracy’ sections’ mean scores were 37.54 (95% CI 35.7-39.4) and 38.17 (95% CI 34.8-41.6). The total OHL mean score was 75.7 (95% CI 71.2-80.2). In conclusion, majority of the carers of special needs children in this sample had moderate OHL. Such information is important to develop more appropriate intervention programmes for carers to match their OHL.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevailing level of adherence to a dosing algorithm and a recall schedule and its relationship with the time in therapeutic range (TTR) among patients with atrial fibrillation.
METHODS: The study was carried out at a regional primary care clinic in Malaysia. Patients on anticoagulation therapy aged older than 18 years were included in the study. The participants have received continuation of their anticoagulation therapy at the primary care clinic for at least 6 months to 1 year after being discharged from a tertiary center. Correlation and multiple regression studies were performed to determine the significance of the predictors of TTR.
RESULTS: A majority (217) of patients with atrial fibrillation received anticoagulation therapy at the clinic followed by patients with mitral valve replacement and aortic valve replacement. The mean TTR for patients with atrial fibrillation was 57.6%. General practitioners (GPs) adhered to 75.5% of the dose protocol but fared poorly in adhering to the recall schedule (36.2%). The concordance to the dose algorithm and recall schedule were significantly related to TTR. Multiple regression analysis proved that the concordance to the dose algorithm and recall schedule were important predictors of the level of TTR in patients with atrial fibrillation.
DISCUSSION: The study provides preliminary evidence on the relationship between a validated dose algorithm that is integrated with a recall schedule in the control of TTR in patients with atrial fibrillation on anticoagulation treatment. A larger multicenter study is needed to confirm the results of this finding.
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Since 1957, there has been major reorganization of health care services in Malaysia. This article assesses the changes and challenges in health care delivery in Malaysia and how the management in health care processes has evolved over the years including equitable health care and health care financing. The health care service in Malaysia is changing towards wellness service as opposed to illness service. The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH), being the main provider of health services, may need to manage and mobilize better health care services by providing better health care financing mechanisms. It is recommended that partnership between public and private sectors with the extension of traditional medicine complementing western medicine in medical therapy continues in the delivery of health care.
Recent fieldwork in southern Tanintharyi revealed the presence of a small Green Crested Lizard in the wet evergreen forest. We generated mtDNA sequence data (ND2) that demonstrates that this population's nearest relative is Bronchocela rayaensis Grismer et al., 2015 of Pulau Langkawi, northwestern Peninsular Malaysia and Phuket Island. Morphologically the Burmese Bronchocela shares many features with Bronchocela rayaensis, which potentially would make this recently described Thai-Malay species a synonym of Bronchocela burmana Blanford, 1878; however, we interpret the genetic and morphological differences to reflect evolutionary divergence and recommend the recognition of both species.
The One Health (OH) approach, which seeks to bring together human and animal health, is particularly suited to the effective management of zoonotic diseases across both sectors. To overcome professional silos, OH needs to be taught at the undergraduate level. Here, we describe a problem-based learning activity using the OH approach that was conducted outdoors for 3(rd)-year veterinary students in Malaysia.
AIM: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a recognised cause of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, and identifying which infants are at risk could optimise care and resources. In this study, we determined if G6PD enzyme activity (EA) and certain gene variants were associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia requiring phototherapy during the first week after birth.
METHODS: Newborn infants with G6PD deficiency and a group with normal results obtained by the fluorescent spot test were selected for analyses of G6PD EA and the 10 commonly encountered G6PD mutations in this region, relating these with whether the infants required phototherapy before discharge from the hospital in the first week.
RESULTS: A total of 222 infants with mean gestation and birth weight of 38.3 ± 1.8 weeks and 3.02 ± 0.48 kg, respectively, were enrolled. Of these, n = 121 were deficient with EA ≤6.76 U/g Hb, and approximately half (43%) received phototherapy in the first week after birth. The mean EA level was 3.7 U/g Hb. The EA had good accuracy in predicting phototherapy use, with area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.81 ± 0.05. Infants on phototherapy more commonly displayed World Health Organization Class II mutations (<10% residual EA). Logistic regression analysis showed that deficiency in EA and mutation at c.1388G>A (adjusted odds ratio, 1.5 and 5.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.31-1.76 and 1.30-25.0, respectively) were independent risk factors for phototherapy.
CONCLUSION: Low G6PD EA (<6.76 U/g Hb) and the G6PD gene variant, c.1388G>A, are risk factors for the need of phototherapy in newborn infants during the first week after birth.
Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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.