Abstract
Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate patient’s satisfaction regarding the orthodontic treatment
provided by the Faculty of Dentistry Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and to determine the factors that
affected their satisfaction level.
Methods: : A cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients treated with full fixed appliances in the
faculty’s orthodontic clinic using a validated questionnaire.
Results: : The final sample consisted of 105 subjects (response rate 76%) which comprises of 26 males and 79
females were chose with 97% of the respondents are Malay. Most subjects had orthodontic treatment duration
of more than 1.5 years (100%) and were still wearing fixed appliances (89%). Items included in the
questionnaire: reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment, questions relevant to satisfaction with orthodontic
treatment, doctor-patient relationship and pain experience during orthodontic treatment. Concerning the doctor
patient relationship, 91% of the respondents were contented with their orthodontist. Respondents answered
‘Yes’ to the treatment plan explained prior to the procedure (91.4%), questions answered promptly (94.3%),
gentleness of the orthodontist (91.4%) and dental assistant (88.6%), orthodontist honesty about treatment
duration (90.5%) and cost (97.1%), and recommendation to others (90.5%).
Conclusion: Generally, patients who had received orthodontic treatment from the orthodontic clinic in Faculty
of Dentistry UiTM were satisfied with the overall treatment outcomes. However, there were still some aspects of
the service that can be improved in the future in order to provide a better healthcare services specifically in
orthodontic treatment.
Management of disturbed wounds, large skin defects and the areas where skin tension precludes wound closure is of high clinical importance. Healing in wounds occurs through epithelization and contraction processes (second-intentions healing) that may result in certain undesirable complications including keloid and formation of a fragile epithelial layer.Materials and methods: 27 white New Zealand rabbit included in this study divided into 3 groups; one group of 9 rabbits received Flaxseed gel topically for three time intervals (1, 7, and 14 days); a second group received Fucidin cream as positive control, while a third group has not received any treatment as negative control, Skin elasticity measurements were performed using the DermaLab system. Results: Throughout the study, skin elasticity was significantly greater in Flaxseed group than in others. Flaxseed decrease elasticity value from (3.46 ± 2.05). Hence, Young's modulus of skin elasticity in flaxseed group was (2.46 ± 1.02) after 14 days (p = 0.003), while no significant differences were evident in both Fucidin group (1.16 ± 0.77) and non-treated group (1.86 ± 1.40) (p = 0.019), accordingly flaxseed extract more reproducible than other groups demonstrating comparable efficacy in skin elasticity and distensibility.Conclusions: This study showed the therapeutic effect of flaxseed on biologic tissue. Elasticity evaluation demonstrated increased density and firmness in the network of collagen fibers in the dermis and subcutis during wound healing process promise in generating therapeutic gel to be used in wound healing process.
SOX9, a members of SOX family, plays a significant roles in developmental processes during embryogenesis, including brain tissue. Few studies have shown that SOX9has been involved in tumourigenesis of several types of cancer including brain tumour. However, such studies are still lacking in the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to determine SOX9expression level in several types of brain tumours in East Coast Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Five formalin-fixed pariffin-embedded brain tumour samples of Malay descendants were sectioned by using microtome. RNA extraction was performed with slight modification by adding Trizol during tissue lysis. The RNA was converted to cDNA using reverse transcription technique before SOX9expression was detected using RT q-PCR assay in brain tumours normalized to non-neoplastic brain tissues. Results: Overall results displayed that SOX9gene in all samples were up-regulated. SOX9overexpression was found in both high and low grade glioma (anaplastic and pilocytic astrocytoma respectively). This is consistence with both low grade (benign) and atypical meningioma. Secondary brain tumour also showed up-regulation when compared to normal brain tissue. Conclusion: Up-regulation in SOX9expression in selected brain tumours in Malay patients revealed its significant roles in brain tumourigenesis. Functional studies should be carried out to observe the SOX9functions and mechanism whether they should reflect their diverse roles in Malaysia population.
Tooth restoration is a common, routine procedure among dentists but still has its own difficulties especially for posterior teeth. As it is a straightforward procedure, some dentists are not aware of the difficulties that may contribute in reducing the longevity of the filling. The aim of the study is to determine the difficulties encountered during and after placement of restorative materials in deep cavities. Materials and methods:Standardized questionnaires were divided randomly among general private dental practitioners in Kuala Lumpur. Chi-square test was used to determine any significant factors associated with difficulties of material placement. Results:This study showed that the most frequent difficulties encountered among practitioners were to obtain good moisture control (39.0%). No significant association was found between obtaining good moisture control and year of clinical experience (p= 0.286) and also place of graduation with the manipulation of the materials (p= 0.542). Conclusion:Dental practitioners claimed that it was difficult to obtain good moisture control in placement of posterior restoration. Thus, it is an obligation of dental practitioners to practice proper isolation and good manipulation of materials on posterior restoration.
Suatu kajian mengenai pemencilan dan pengenalpastian mikroflora bakteria dari kolam air panas telah dilakukan di kolam air panas Bentong, Pahang. Kebanyakan bakteria yang dipencil dari kolam air panas adalah dari Bacillus sp. kerana ia mempunyai ciri adaptasi yang membolehkannya hidup di kawasan suhu yang tinggi dengan pembentukan endospora. Objektif kajian adalah untuk mengenal pasti spesies bakteria selain daripada spesies Bacillus sp. yang boleh dipencilkan dari kolam air panas. Tiga buah kolam air panas (A, B dan C) dikenal pasti dengan julat suhunya antara 36°C-52°C dan nilai pH antara 7.88-8.65. Kajian ini telah berjaya memencilkan dua pencilan bakteria kokus Gram positif dan tiga spesies basilus Gram negatif. Spesies Gram positif tersebut adalah dari genus Streptococcus dan Staphylococcus, manakala bagi Gram negatif pula terdapat masalah dalam pengenalpastian dan hanya dikenali sebagai X, XI and XII.
Introduction: Iontophoresis of vasoactive substances such as acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) combined with Laser Doppler fluximetry (LDF) is a non-invasive tool used to determine microvascular endothelial function. This study aims to test the effect of sodium chloride on
non-specific vasodilatation when used as a vehicle in the process of iontophoresis. This study also aims to define the number of current pulses needed to get the maximum effect during iontophoresis with ACh and SNP using low current strength. Methods: The experiment was conducted in five healthy females. Baseline skin perfusion was taken before administration of seven current pulses. Current strength of 0.007 mA and current density of 0.01 mA/cm2 were used. Acetylcholine was used to assess endothelial dependent vasodilatation, while SNP was used to assess endothelial independent vasodilatation. The mean skin perfusion (AU) responses to the iontophoresis of ACh at the anodal and SNP at the cathode leads were recorded. Sodium chloride (0.9%) was used as a vehicle to obtain concentration of 1% for both ACh and SNP. Iontophoresis of pure vehicle (NaCl) was conducted on a separate day to observe the effect of vehicle only on the iontophoresis process at both anode and cathode. Results: Iontophoresis of NaCl showed no significant increase in perfusion compared to baseline at both anode and cathode. Significant increases in skin perfusion were observed with SNP and ACh; a plateau of ACh was reached from the 3rd pulse onwards; while the plateau of SNP was reached from the 4th pulse onwards. Conclusion: NaCl could be used as a vehicle for Ach and SNP during iontophoresis as it did not cause non-specific vasodilatation. Using five current pulses are adequate for iontophoresis of ACh and SNP to assess microvascular endothelial function.
Forty three (n=43) genomic DNA of Escherichia coli (11 isolates from eggs and 32 isolates from imported beef meats) were characterized by shiga toxin 1 (stx1), enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) analyses. In the shiga toxin 1 (stx1) gene detection with primer stx 1F (5’-TTCTTCGGTATCCTATTCCC-3’) and stx 1R (5’- CTGTCACAGTAACAACCGT-3’), 9 E. coli of beef meats isolates were positive toward sxt1 gene. The results of the ERIC-PCR and RAPD-PCR were analyzed using GelCompar II software. ERIC-PCR with primer ERIC1 (5’-CACTTAGGGGTCCTCGAATGTA -3’) and ERIC2 (5’-AAGTAAGTGACTGGGGTGAGCG-3’) discriminated the E. coli into 6 clusters and 10 single isolates at 80% similarity. RAPD-PCR with primer Gen8 and Gen9, produced 10 clusters and 15 single isolates and 12 clusters and 14 single isolates of 80%, respectively. These results demonstrated that both ERIC-PCR and RAPD-PCR are useful and suitable tools for molecular typing of those isolates examined.
Patient’s belief towards pain management may affect pain management outcomes and quality of life. The main aim of the present study was to determine the impact of a pre-operative pain education package towards pain belief among patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery in a tertiary hospital. A one-group pre-test post-test design study was conducted on orthopaedic surgery patients. Thirty respondents were recruited and pre-operative pain education was administered individually before surgery. Pre-operative and post-operative pain belief, management scores and side effects were measured using the Barrier Questionnaire (BQ-13). The results reported significant differences between pre-test scores (Mean = 41.87, Standard Deviation = 11.467) and post-test scores (Mean=34.80, Standard Deviation=13.026) of pain belief (t = 2.84, p = 0.004). There were also significant differences between pre-test scores (Mean = 37.10, Standard Deviation = 10.610) and post-test scores (Mean=30.80, Standard Deviation = 11.424) of pain management (t = 3.856, p = 0.0005). Respondent’s gender (t = -2.403, p = 0.023) and ethnicity (F = 5.038, p=0.014) reported significant differences with p value < 0.05, respectively. However, there were no significant differences between educational level, ethnicity, prior surgical history with pain belief (p> 0.05). There was positive impact of the pain education package towards pain belief and painmanagement among respondents who underwent orthopaedics surgery in a tertiary hospital. Reinforcement of pain educational program is pivotal in order to achieve optimal post-operative pain management.
Keywords: pain, education, orthopaedics, patient, surgery
The reconstruction of the upper eyelid with medial canthal involvement post extensive removal of malignant tumour remains a challenge. Proper eyelid reconstruction is necessary to reestablish anatomic integrity, restoration of its functions and to maintain the best cosmetic appearance. These case reports illustrate an alternative reconstructive technique for large upper eyelid full thickness defect with medial canthal involvement. Two cases of upper eyelid tumours involving medial canthal region underwent staged reconstruction by glabellar flap advancement and reconstruction of the posterior lamellar with autologous graft using buccal mucosa and ear cartilage. The posterior lamellar graft and flap survived without any complication except for mild eyelid margin notching in one of the two cases. The staged reconstruction with glabellar flap advancement provides adequate defect coverage, excellent blood supply, maintains eyebrow contour and function of the eyelid. The flap also perfectly matches the surrounding tissue with minimal donor site morbidity.
Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of substance abuse for alcohol, cannabis, opiates, stimulants, solvent and other substances among patients with schizophrenia in Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK), Perak , Central Peninsular of Malaysia. This study also aims to determine the association of substance abuse with aggression, the demographic characteristics and total duration of hospitalization.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study whereby the first 194 subjects diagnosed to have schizophrenia based on International Classification of Disease, 10th edition (ICD-10) criteria were taken from data registry of patients admitted to HBUK from January until February 2004. The subjects’ medical files were examined for documentation of substances abuse, aggression and accumulative duration of hospitalization.
Results: The results showed the prevalence of substances misuse among patients with schizophrenia in general (including alcohol) was 24.7%. Cannabis 16.7%, alcohol 13.4%, opiates(heroin) 6.7%, Amphetamine type stimulants (amphetamine, metamphetamine, ecstacy) 5.7%, and other substances (benzodiazepine, solvents) 1.5%.
Conclusion: There is higher prevalence of substance misuse in patients with schizophrenia as compared to general population. Male patients with history of substance misuse are more likely to have aggression than female. This group needs special precaution and probably in need of specialist help.
Radiation Monitoring System aims to limit the exposure dose to personnel to the lowest level
referring to the concept of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). Atomic Energy Licensing
(Basic Safety Radiation Protection) Regulations 2010 is useful to control employee and public
radiation protection program and guideline. This paper discussed the methodology and
implementation of the radiation protection program at PUSPATI TRIGA Reactor (RTP) which is
implemented in Nuklear Malaysia, Complex Bangi.
Obesity is a growing epidemic due to an accelerated phase of industrialization and urbanization with the overfed people
now outnumbered the underfed. It is the major public health problem with a lot of research interest as it is associated
with many complicated chronic disorders such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancers. A global
estimation of 2.8 million deaths per year is due to obesity and there are tremendous on-going efforts to identify hosts
and environmental factors that infl uence the cause and pathogenesis of obesity. Concerted efforts from different research
groups had successfully shown that obese subjects have altered composition of gut microbiota and transplantation of this
microbiota infl uences body weight in the germ-free recipient mice. The advancement of technology had made possible
the study of gut microbiota which was unculturable for better understanding of their impact to human health. Rapid
deep sequencing of DNA at reasonable cost through various options of platforms followed by data analysis using robust
bioinformatic tools are an important way of analysing the gut microbiome. Here we review the role of gut microbiota
which modulates host’s metabolic functions and gene expression, facilitating the extraction and storage of energy from the
ingested dietary substances and leading to body-weight gain. We will discuss on the different techniques used, focusing
on the high-defi nition technologies for the determination of the composition, function and ecology of gut microbiota. This
allows the appropriate selection of platform which becomes the key for success of subsequent research.
A clinical descriptive study was done to determine the sociodemographic, laboratory and clinical characteristics of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) referred to Hospital Putrajaya, a tertiary endocrine centre in Malaysia. Electronic laboratory data of 51 CAH patients were obtained. The demographics and clinical details of the study population were acquired from a questionnaire completed by parents of participants. There were 25 males (49%) and 26 females (51%), of which, 58.8% were Malays. Median age of participants was 4 years whilst median age at diagnosis of CAH was two years. Parental consanguinity was documented in three patients (5.9%). Patients originated from Johor (19.6%), Selangor (19.6%), Negeri Sembilan (17.6%) and Kedah (13.7%). Majority of patients were diagnosed after one week of life (80.4%) although more females were diagnosed under the age of one week compared to males (p=0.041). Most females presented with ambiguous genitalia (42.3%) [p=0.001] whereas 72% of males presented with salt wasting (p=0.003). No significant associations between race and all other variables, though interestingly three Malay patients presented with ambiguous genitalia and hypertension. Equal gender distribution noted as expected in an autosomal recessive condition, although not in keeping with other Asian countries. Early diagnosis in females attributed to obvious genital ambiguity at birth. Varied clinical presentation, although in minority, necessitates genetic studies for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Considering that majority of patients presented with salt wasting and the age at diagnosis was delayed, the introduction of a neonatal screening programme is essential in Malaysia.
The aims of this study were to fabricate cellulose acetate (CA) film from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OP-EPB), as well as to characterize and evaluate their biocompatibility. Several processes were carried out, and these included prehydrolysis-soda method, chlorine free bleaching method, including oxygen, ozone and peroxide, to produce the cellulose pulp. Then, a liquid phase acetylation method was applied through acetic acid-acetic anhydride-sulphuric acid. Triethyl citrate (TEC) ester was used as additive at different percentages of 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt%. The film produced was characterized by FTIR to identify the functional group of the CA film and their tensile properties were further characterized. Biocompatibility of the film was evaluated using cytotoxicity test. Stem cell derived from human deciduous teeth (SHED) was used with MTS assay. The results showed at 30% of TEC, the tensile strength and elongation of CA (OP-EFB) film was at the optimum and is therefore suitable to be used in dental application. The cytotoxicity evaluated showed that the fabricated CA (OP-EFB) films were non-toxic up to the concentration tested, and are thus compatible with SHED.
An investigation on the properties of Tenun Pahang fabric performances using alternative yarns was conducted. The studies were made in order to evaluate whether the Tenun Pahang fabric could be produced economically and at the same time maintain the fabric quality. Traditional Tenun Pahang fabric uses silk for both warp and weft. For this project, two alternative yarns were used which were bamboo and modal, which were a little lower in cost compared to silk. These yarns were woven with two variations, one with the yarns as weft only while maintaining the silk warp and the other with both warp and weft using the alternative yarns. Four (4) physical testing and three (3) mechanical testing conducted on the fabric samples. The fabric samples were evaluated including weight, thickness, thread density, crease recovery angle, stiffness and drapability. The results show that modal/silk and bamboo silk fabrics are comparable in terms of stiffness and drapability, hence they have the potential to replace 100% silk Tenun Pahang.
Food irradiation is a process carried out in order to improve hygienic quality and germination
control, retarding sprouting, also enhancing physical attributes of the food product. In order to
provide for food safety, radiation dosimetry in irradiated foods is required. In present studies
use is made of germanium doped (Ge-doped) optical fibres of various form and dimensions.
The fibres are irradiated using a gamma source irradiator (Gamma Cell 220 Excel), with doses
from 1 kGy up to 10 kGy. For the particular Ge-doped optical fibres, investigation has been
made of linearity with dose, reproducibility, and fading, intercomparisons being made. The
fibres all exhibit TL yields that are linear with dose from 1 kGy up to 10 kGy, exceeding the
dose range of all commercial high dose dosimeters used in the food irradiation industry. In
respect of the flat fibre dosimeters, the mean reproducibility was found to be within 0.53%
to 4.96%, also offering low signal loss (fading), within 13.41% (for fibres of cross-sectional
dimensions 60 x 180 µm) to 20.12% (for fibres of cross-sectional dimensions 200 x 750µm),
after 22 days of storage.
Cardiovascular endurance is considered the most vital aspect of fitness due to its direct impact on
human performance. For any uniform arm units to discharge their duties effectively, they need to
meet up to the requirement of highest physical fitness level in respective of their body characteristics.
This study aims to predict the relationship of physical characteristics and fitness variables on
cardiovascular endurance performance among armed uniform package unit of Universiti Sultan
Zainal Abidin. A total of 26 participants mean age and standard deviation of (±20.45 and 2.0)
randomly selected from the three co-arm units of the university took part in this study. Standard
physical characteristics measurement and fitness tests were conducted, and multiple linear regression
was applied to predict their cardiovascular endurance performance as the dependent variables on their
body characteristics and performance of physical fitness as the independent variable. A significant
regression equation was obtained F (9, 16) = 4.97, p < 0.05, R2
= 0.74 indicating that the model
accounted for approximately 74% variability of the whole data set. Sensitivity prediction analysis of
the contributions of each variable revealed that height, speed, agility, upper body strength and core
body strength are factors to cardiovascular endurance p < 0.05 while, weight, waist circumference,
neck circumference and flexibility were not predictors to cardiovascular endurance p > 0.05. To
improve the cardiovascular performance of uniform arm units, certain physical and fitness variables
have to be considered for an effective discharge of their duties.
Background & Objective: Modulation of cortical excitability by low frequency repetitive transcranial
magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has demonstrated therapeutic use in epilepsy. This study aimed to evaluate
the efficacy of low-frequency rTMS on refractory epilepsy in a group of Malaysian subjects. Methods:
Nine patients with refractory epilepsy completed the study. All patients received 10 sessions of 1Hz
rTMS (1000 pulses per session) at 90% of resting motor threshold. Outcome measures included seizure
frequency, Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II) and Quality of
Life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31). Responders were defined as having ≥ 50% seizure reduction. Results:
The mean age was 33.8 years (SD 11.7), with 4 male. Three patients had mesial temporal sclerosis
(MTS); 4 with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and two lesion-negative. Three patients achieved >50%
seizure reduction at 8 weeks post-treatment, with 2 of them had improvement in the number of IED.
All of the responders had FCD. The responders were younger (mean 24.7 vs. 38.3 years old), had
shorter duration of illness (mean 15.7 vs. 30.5 years) and had less frequent seizure frequency prior to
treatment (mean 5.5 vs. 10.8 attacks per week), as compared to the non-responders. Six patients had
improvement in BDI-II scores, two in QOLIE-31 and four in SCL-90 post treatment, irrespective of
seizure control. The mean scores in BDI-II improved significantly with treatment (p
Sepak takraw is a traditional sport in Asia in which the players use various
parts of their bodies to hit the ball, with the exception of their hands. Unlike
other sports such as soccer, boxing, and rugby, it is observed that none of
the studies in the literature have examined the injuries resulting from the
impact of the sepak takraw ball on the players’ heads during a game. This
study was initiated following the incidents of the 24th SEA Games in Korat,
Thailand, in year 2007, whereby a number of players from the Malaysian
Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) had to withdraw themselves from the
championship. These players suffered from headaches which were believed
to be caused by the impact of the sepak takraw ball, considering the fact that
heading is one of the basic movements used to hit the ball. Moreover, it is
expected that the sepak takraw ball travels at high velocities during the
game. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the
sepak takraw ball and its corresponding level of head injury among sepak
takraw players in Malaysia by means of numerical simulations and
experiments. In order to achieve this objective, a model of the scalp, skull,
cerebrospinal fluid and brain is first developed and simulations are then
carried out using finite element analysis (FEA) software. The results show
that the maximum speed of the sepak takraw ball before heading is 13.581 m/s while the maximum impact force on the head obtained from the simulations is 688.11 N. The maximum displacement and maximum linear acceleration of the brain’s centre of gravity is found to be 0.0080 m and 1674.5 m/s2, respectively, while the head impact power (HIP) is determined to be 11.366 kW. According to Newman, Shewchenko, and Welbourne(2000), the probability of concussion is 39% and based on the resultsobtained in this study, it can be concluded that the players may suffer from mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) due to the high impact of the sepak takraw ball during heading. Hence, it is recommended that the players wear protective headbands to reduce the impact during heading and prevent the occurrence of MTBI in the long term.
The processing of cocoyam tubers for industrial or human use involves different operations
of which peeling is the major problem. This study was aimed at designing, fabricating and
carrying out performance evaluation of a cocoyam peeling machine, taking into consideration
some physical and mechanical properties of the cocoyam tubers. The machine was evaluated
based on the following parameters which includes; throughput capacity and peeling efficiency
at the speeds of 400 rpm, 700 rpm and 933 rpm. Results revealed that, for all the speeds tested
in the experiment, the corresponding peeling efficiencies of the machine were 50%, 64% and
68% respectively while that of the throughput capacities were 63.20 kg/hr, 84.90 kg/hr and
112.92 kg/hr respectively. It was observed that 933 rpm speed was the most suitable speed for
the operation of this machine, as it had higher peeling efficiency of 68% with a throughput
capacity of 112.92 kg/hr. These results showed appreciable improvement over manual method
which is 20 – 35 kg/hr.