Amitraz poisoning is rare and there has been no reported cases in the Malaysian literature. Ingestion of this compound carries many life threatening side effects. We describe a case of Amitraz poisoning in an 18 years old young adult. He developed hypotension, required ventilatory support and a day of intensive care unit stay. He had a quick recovery after he was treated symptomatically and was discharged well after 3 days.
The Malaysian skincare industry is growing rapidly with a vast number of new sunscreens being produced annually. Inadequate skincare regulations and lack of enforcement have resulted in the overrating of sunscreens’ quality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the local and international sunscreens and to determine the effects of adding concentrated antioxidants into them. Three local and three internationally manufactured sunscreens were tested for the in vitro Ultraviolet A protection factor (UVAPF), Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and photostability. The creams were spread onto roughened polymethylmethacrylate plates where the absorbance was measured using a spectrophotometer before and after two hours of sunlight irradiation. The procedure was repeated combining available concentrated vitamin C and E creams. International sunscreens were found to have more accurate SPF labels (p=0.009) while local sunscreens were found to be more photostable (p=0.003). However, both sunscreens had inadequate UVAPF (p=0.471). Vitamin C enhanced the SPF values (p= 0.04) of both groups of sunscreens while vitamin E enhanced their photostability (p=0.000). Interestingly, combining vitamins C and E rich creams with the sunscreens had no effect on the SPF and UVAPF values as compared to the use of a single vitamin. More importantly, the combination of vitamins decreased the photostability (p=0.002) of sunscreens as compared to the addition of vitamin E alone. In conclusion, photoprotection is best achieved when sunscreens are used together with creams containing either vitamin C or E alone.
The consequence of postoperative infections associated with orthopaedic or biomaterial-associated implants is devastating to both the patients and the surgeons. Bacterial microcolonies adhere to the surface of implants, forming biofilms and then detaching part of itself into free-floating planktonic forms may be the cause of recurrent and persistent infections. These bacteria are very resistant towards antibiotics and require a higher drug concentration than usual in order to eradicate them. Quorem-sensing is regarded as one mechanism of communication or integration between these microorganisms in the biofilm and may even be in the transfer of resistant genes. Disruption of this pathway is regarded as one method of inhibiting its growth and formation. Implant design, technique and stability of fixation as well as the surface characteristics, the material and its biocompatibility may also influence bacterial adhesion. It has been suggested that multi-prong strategies such as prevention and disruption of biofilm formation, parenteral antibiotics, use of antibiotic-impregnated construction materials and altering the intrinsic properties of the implant surface may help to eradicate this menace.
Introduction: A prebiotic such as inulin is a well-known functional plant food ingredient. It is capable of stimulating growth of beneficial bifidobacteria in the intestine thus protecting against intestinal infections, preventing constipation, increasing mineral absorption, reducing the incidence of colon cancer, and producing B vitamins. Inulin added to food therefore has to be stable during food processing especially against heat treatment, low pH and Maillard reaction. Methods: Newly developed dark chocolate, DC-1, containing inulin (replacing sugar component) as an added value, was stored at 18oC, 60% relative humidity and 25oC, 80% relative humidity (RH) to determine shelf life stability compared to control dark chocolate, DC-0 (with high content of sugar). Sensory evaluation (quantitative descriptive analysis), water activity (aw), microbiological content and presence of inulin after storage of the prebiotic chocolate under both conditions were evaluated to determine shelf life. Results: The DC-1 chocolate had at least 12 months of shelf life at 18oC, 60% RH with better acceptance than DC-0; moreover, it did not experience microbiological and inulin content changes. At 25oC, 80% RH, the growth of Aspergillus sp. was observed on the surface of both DC-0 and DC-1 with aw >0.50 after a 2-month storage. Conclusion: Shelf life stability of DC-1 is almost similar to DC-0.
A longitudinal study was conducted to relate basal metabolic rate (BMR) with growth during adolescence. Subjects comprise 70 boys and 69 girls aged between ten and thirteen years at the time of recruitment. Parameters studied include anthropometric measurements and BMR, which was measured by indirect calorimetry using the Deltatrac metabolic monitor. Measurements were carried out serially once every six months, with a total of 713 BMR data points collected over three years. Mean BMR of boys aged 11, 12, 13 and 14 years were 4.96 ± 0.63 MJ/day, 5.28 ± 0.71 MJ/day, 5.73 ± 0.68 MJ/day and 5.92 ± 0.63 MJ/day, respectively; while mean BMR of girls in the 10, 11, 12 and 13 year age groups were 4.96 ± 0.63 MJ/day, 4.85 ± 0.63 MJ/day, 5.05 ± 0.55 MJ/day and 4.94 ± 0.51 MJ/day, respectively. Comparison of measured BMR with BMR values predicted from the FAO/WHO/UNU (1985) equations shows that the predictive equations overestimated the BMR of Malaysian boys by 3% and that of girls by 5%. The Henry & Rees (1991) equations for populations in the tropics underestimated BMR of boys and girls by 1% and 2%, respectively. Linear regression equations to predict BMR based on body weight were derived according to sex and age groups. It is recommended that these predictive equations be used for the estimation of BMR of Malaysian adolescents.
To describe a quick and simple diagnostic approach to monocular diplopia. Diplopia is a common visual complain in casualty departments, general practice clinics, neurologic clinics as well as ophthalmic clinics. Monocular diplopia, however, is uncommon. Many well established clinical examination methods are available to address diplopia. Some require special equipments which are not easily available or unfamiliar outside of ophthalmic clinic. We describe a simple two-minute diagnostic approach to monocular diplopia. Basic knowledge and understanding of simple clinical examination techniques enhances diagnostic skill and allow proper localization of underlying disorders.
Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves a lot of emotional suffering which may be hidden behind the complex and controversial nature of the condition and treatment. The condition is still largely under-diagnosed, undertreated and stigmatized. This paper described the emotional battle faced by a patient living with the disorder and the application of psychosocial treatments in helping her to recover.
This short report aims to describe the Circle of Care (COC) Project in Malaysia. This is an example of smart partnership between the Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA) and Johnson and Johnson which began in 2003. By means of philanthropic funds from an industrial company, many people have benefited in many different aspects through the project. It consists of three main psychosocial activities: education and support programme for carers and families of people with mental illness; psychosocial rehabilitation for patients with mental illness; and mass education for the people in promoting mental health and prevention of mental health problems and illness. To date, the project has either fully or partially funded hundreds of activities along the line of these three objectives. While there has been growth of psychosocial interventions in the country contributed by the project, it is faced with a few challenges which are becoming the next focus of actions of MPA.
This case series reports four patients who used religion and spirituality to relieve symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following motor vehicle accidents. Their symptoms subsided after a few weeks and the recovery is sustained after one month. This demonstrates that in a country where psychological help is still scarce and religion is central to its culture, intervention based on spirituality and religion can be used as an alternative early intervention to relieve symptoms of PTSD and hence protects them from developing the condition.
Clubfoot is associated with leg length inequality, with the affected leg being shorter as a consequence of the hypoplasia. Early treatment of a minimally hypoplastic clubfoot usually allows catchup growth and both legs equalise in length after a few years. Late treatment however is associated with a shortening of the affected foot. A case is described where late treatment of a severe clubfoot is assocated with lengthening of the affected leg.
Introduction: Amniotic fluid (AF) consists of heterogenous population of cells with high diagnostic
and therapeutic values. The study of rat amniotic fluid cells is very limited, despite the extensive use
of this animal model in biomedical research. Primary culture of rat AF cells, especially from full term pregnancies has not been well established. Here we attempt to determine the suitable medium in
culturing rat AF cells that would enhance the cell viability, growth rate and heterogeneity. Methods:
The cell viability, growth rate and heterogeneity of rat AF cells were compared upon culturing the
primary cells in two different media; Amniomax or RPMI. Cell viability study was carried out using
trypan blue staining, while the growth rate was monitored based on the time required to passage the cells (population doubling time in hour). The heterogeneity of cells was examined based on the morphology of the cells. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test. Results: Amniomax was observed to provide a better culture condition in culturing rat AF cells as the cells are more viable, grow faster and more heterogenous as compared to the cells grown in RPMI. Conclusion: Amniomax is a more suitable medium for high quality and viability of full term rat AF cell culture, as compared to RPMI. Thus, warranting propagation of more rat AF cells for biomedical research.
Balance and motor skills are essential prerequisites for physical development of a child. The aims of this study were to measure anthropometrics, postural balance and motor skills; and examine their correlation among healthy preschool children. Forty nine healthy preschool children aged between 3 to 4 years old participated from PERMATA preschool organization. Pediatric Balance Scale and Peabody Development Motor Scale-2nd Edition (PDMS-2) were administered to measure balance skills for both fine and gross motor skills respectively. Mann-Whitney U test demonstrated that there was no significant difference in balance (p=0.72) and motor skill (p=0.33) between boys and girls. Spearman correlation coefficient demonstrated that there was significant correlation between balance skills with height (r=0.45, p=0.001) and body mass index(r=0.47, p=0.001). No significant correlation was found between balance skills and motor skills (r=0.11, p=0.44). The present study suggests that balance skills in healthy preschool children aged 3-4 years old are correlated with their physical growth such as height and weight but not motor skills.
Mental health is a growing concern in the field of occupational health globally due to its social, health, and economic implications on the individual and the community at large. As universities in Malaysia are advancing towards becoming world-class research universities, academicians are now faced with more pressures, making them more vulnerable to burnout. A cross sectional study was conducted among 194 randomly sampled academicians from a faculty of a public university. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, occupational characteristics and burnout. Analysis was done using SPSS version 21. The response rate was 87.1%. The overall prevalence of burnout was 10.7% with significant associations between gender (χ2 = 4.61; p = 0.03), teaching experience (χ2 = 0.83; p = 0.02), job satisfaction (χ2 = 11.33; p = 0.001). Female academicians have a higher prevalence of burnout (14.3%). Academicians who have fewer years of teaching experience (
Tissue regeneration is a rapidly growing field providing a beacon of hope in the field of restorative and endodontics. Root canal treatment involves the removal of pulp tissue and replacement by an inorganic materials where as regenerative endodontics deals with replacement with healthy pulp to revitalize the teeth .Research in the field of tissue engineering and material science have lead to significant progress but still is plague with lots of drawbacks and failures, hence it is still not being adapted as routine clinical procedures .The purpose of this article is to review the advances made in regenerative endodontics and the future scopes.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a two week reduction in training load on selected physiological and performance among junior cyclist. Twenty seven male junior cyclists (age= 16.6±0.7 years, height=165.6±6.1 cm, weight= 54.1±8.1 kg) were matched into either the control group (n=13) or the experimental group (n=14) using their initial VO2max values. Both groups followed a 12-week progressive endurance training program and subsequently, the experimental group (EXP) engaged in a two week tapering (recovery via a reduction in training loads) phase. The control group continued with their normal training routine. A simulated 20 km time trials performance and a graded exercise test on cycle ergometer were performed before and after endurance training and after the two week tapering protocol. Following the conclusion of the two week intervention or no intervention program both groups undertook a TT20km. Results showed no significant difference in the TT20km performance. Compared to the CON group, the EXP group showed significant changes in all the selected physiological variables tested, p
Sports coaching and especially high performance coaching has long existed in some sort of duality. On one hand, sport coaching has been regarded by many as a prestigious and rewarding job, whereas on the other, sport coaching still lacks a reputation as a career opportunity mostly due to the fact that coaching is yet to receive its full professional recognition in the society. Given the vast variety of coaching qualifications, coaching roles and coaching occupations available within sport infrastructure in the society, the situation has got progressively complicated with the recognition of coaching qualifications. In addition, the growing popularity of high performance and participation sports in the society started drawing more attention from the public to the issues of coach education, competence and qualifications. Malaysian scenario on the issue is quite complicated as well, and growing demand to uplift the country’s performance in SEA, Asian, Commonwealth and Olympic Games requires interference from the higher education institutions and NGOs.
The most commonly used techniques of alpha and gamma spectrometry were performed to measure
210Pb activity in marine sediment core as a comparison. Alpha analytical technique measured the
activity of 210Pb from it’s in-grow grand-daughter 210Po after a chemical separation, assuming
radioactive equilibrium between the two radionuclides. Meanwhile, gamma analysis technique
allows direct measurement, non-destructive and no preliminary chemical separation. Through the
comparison, it is found that both alpha and gamma analysis techniques were slightly difference.
Overall, the results from alpha analytical technique were basically higher than those from the
gamma analytical techniques. Some logical argument had been discussed to explain this situation.
In routine analysis, the analytical technique used should be chosen carefully based on advantages
and disadvantages of the each technique and analysis requirements. Therefore, it is recommended to
determine exactly the needs and purpose of analysis and to know the sample history before decide
the appropriate analytical technique
Nuclear grade (high-purity) graphite for fuel element and moderator material in Advanced Gas
Cooling Reactors (AGR) displays large scatter in strength and a non-linear stress-strain response from the damage accumulation. These responses can be characterized as quasi-brittle behaviour. Current assessments of fracture in core graphite components are based on the linear elastic approximation and thus represent a major assumption. The quasi-brittle behaviour gives challenge to assess the real nuclear graphite component. The selected test method would help to bridge the gap between microscale to macro-scale in real reactor component. The small scale tests presented here can contribute some statistical data to manifests the failure in real component. The evaluation and choice of different solution design of biaxial test will be discussed in this paper. The ball on-three ball test method was used for assessment test follows by numerous of analytical method. The results shown that biaxial strength of the EY9 grade graphite depends on the method used for evaluation. Some of the analytical methods use to calculate biaxial strength were found not to be valid and therefore should not be used to assess the mechanical properties of nuclear graphite.
Detection and analysis of resin is particularly significant since the commercial value of agarwood is related to the quantity of resins that are present. This article explores the potential of a scanning electron microscope in combination with new non-destructive 3D visualization technique, X-ray micro-computed tomography, as imaging tools to visualize micro-structure resin in agarwood. These techniques were used to compare two samples of agarwood chips: high grade and low grade. From the results, it can be concluded that a wood cell filled with resin deposit have a higher attenuation. It can be shown that the combination of scanning electron microscopy and micro-CT can offer high resolution images concerning the localization and structure of resin inside Agarwood. While the second allows the 3D investigation of internal structure of agarwood, the first technique can provide details 2D morphological information. These imaging techniques, although sophisticated can be used for standard development especially in grading of agarwoodlbr commercial activities.
Nur Humaira’ Lau Abdullah, Zal U’yun Wan Mahmood, Norfaizal Mohamed @ Muhamad, Nazaratul Ashifa Abdullah Salim, Ahmad Nazrul Abd Wahid, Nor Dalila Desa, et al.
A glasshouse experiment was performed to evaluate the uptake of grasses viz. Napier and Vetiver
in radiophytoremediation of caesium-contaminated soil. The radiophytoremediation experiment
was designed according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The grasses were
grown in troughs filled with soil mixed with a known specific activity of 134Cs. Initial Cs activity and
activity after different cultivation time intervals of 1, 3, 6 and 9 months were analyzed using gamma
spectrometer direct measurement. The results showed the uptake of caesium by Napier and Vetiver
after 9 months with the transfer factors (TF) were 4.70 and 6.25, respectively. The remediation of
caesium from the contaminated soil during the study period was 98.08% for Napier and 98.21% for
Vetiver. Both grasses have been found to accumulate caesium, with Vetiver accumulating higher
than Napier. Thus, the present study suggests that Vetiver could be used as a potential plant for
radiophytoremediation of caesium.