The objective of this study was to determine the Immunoglobulin E-binding proteins (IgE) and major allergens of Scomberomorus commerson Lacepede (Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel). Allergen extracts were obtained from uncooked and cooked fish by homogenization in phosphate-buffered saline followed by continuous extraction at 4oC or on ice. Protein profiles and IgEbinding patterns were then detected by means of sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from patients sensitized to the fish. SDS-PAGE of the uncooked fish extracts revealed 26 protein bands in the range of about 11 to >175 kD, while the cooked extracts produced fewer protein bands. Immunoblotting demonstrated 17 IgE-binding bands, ranging in molecular weight from 11 to 151 kD. Two components with molecular weight of about ~50 and 42 kD showed the highest frequency of IgE-binding (62.2 and 51.4% respectively) and were identified as the major allergens of this fish allergy. Other IgE-binding proteins including a protein at ~12 kD which was equivalent in size to parvalbumin were identified as the minor allergens.
This paper reports a clinical case study on the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT) in treating panic attack with agoraphobia in a local health psychology clinic. M.N., a 24 year old male, complained of nightmares, heart palpitations, sweating, tremors and fearful feelings for the past one and a half years. He felt anxious about going to crowded places such as bus stations, night markets, supermarkets, and mosques and being left alone in any place which he was not familiar with. This case study adopted an ABC design whereby the subject was assessed at three different phases: pre-treatment, mid-treatment and post-treatment. Four standard assessment measures were administered: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Anxiety Scale of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The subject responded well to 12 sessions of intervention employed in the study based on CBT model and this could be noticed by minimal score on the entire psychological test administered. The application of behavioral and cognitive strategies became more effective due to patient’s ability to understand and also due to his cooperative behavior. He responded well to imagery exposure and in-vivo gradual exposure and successfully went to shopping malls, used lifts at Kuala Lumpur Tower, went to night markets and used public transport.
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of argan oil with the exposure of low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) on open wound healing in mice. Eighteen male mice (20-40 g) were divided into three groups: phosphate buffer saline (PBS) as negative control, solcoseryl gel as positive control, and argan oil with the exposure of low frequency EMF, 1.2 mT (treatment group). Full thickness wounds (4 mm diameter) were induced on the shaved dorsal of the mouse. All mice were sacrificed on day 12 after the final treatment. Macroscopic observation, wound contraction rate, histopathology analysis and total protein content were examined in this study. Results showed that wounds treated with argan oil and exposed to low frequency EMF has a significant increase in wound contraction rate (p < 0.05) and total protein content (p < 0.05). Moreover, histopathological analysis on the wound tissues displayed complete re-epithelization with thick and dense collagen fibers in the argan oil with low frequency EMF exposure treated group. In conclusion, topical treatment of argan oil with low frequency EMF exposure yield a better healing progress and showed the ability to accelerate wound healing
Herbal-based slimming products which are consumed orally may be contaminated with heavy metals as well as
microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the safety level of these slimming products by determining heavy metals
and microbial contamination in different batch production. Six different brands of herbal-based slimming products (A, B,
C, G, H and I) with three different batch productions (1, 2 and 3) were investigated (n =18). Five heavy metals Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Copper and Zinc were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
(ICP-MS). The presence of microorganisms was determined by total aerobic count and the bacteria were identified. The
samples’ moisture content was determined by calculating the percentage of water loss after drying process. All batches
of samples A and B had high content of zinc, over the permissible level of 5ppm while, 6 samples contained Chromium
above the permissible level (1.5 ppm). All 3 batches of sample A presented with the highest total daily intake of heavy
metals. Bacteria were present in all the samples tested with the highest numbers in samples G, H and A followed by
B, I and C. The highest number of fungi was found in product A while product I was free from fungal contamination.
Aspergillus spp. was the predominant fungus present in the samples. There was a weak correlation between moisture
content and bacteria (r = 0.087) and fungal (r = 0.253) presence in the samples. As some herbal slimming products
contain heavy metals as well as microorganisms, consumers need to be more vigilant and discerning when selecting
products to be consumed.
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3
) plays a crucial role in influencing the growth of osteoblast. This study was conducted
to compare the performance of alginate/cockle shell powder nanobiocomposite (nCP) bone scaffold developed from
naturally occurring CaCO3 with alginate/calcium carbonate (CC) bone scaffold developed using synthetic CaCO3. The
study compares the performance of the scaffold in supporting the growth of osteoblast through in vitro evaluations as
well as initial biocompatibility observations through in vivo methods. Both scaffolds were developed using the mixture
of 40% alginate solution with either 60% of nano cockle shell powder or synthetic CaCO3 to obtain a three dimensional
scaffold structure. In vitro evaluation on calcium release and ALP enzyme activity was conducted on both scaffolds seeded
with osteoblast on day’s three, five and seven using commercial kits. In vivo observations using histological methods
were further conducted by implanting osteoblast seeded scaffold subcutaneously at the dorsum of 8 albino mice for 21
days. Findings from in vitro studies showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the release of calcium and ALP enzyme
activity in nCP scaffolds on day seven compared to days three and five of CC scaffold. Histological observations using
H&E and von Kossa staining showed infiltration and proliferation of osteoblast on both scaffolds as well as early stage
bone tissue formation. Formation of new blood vessels within the scaffolds was also observed in nCP scaffold. Both the
developed scaffolds were noted to support osteoblast growth and new tissue formation with better potentials displayed by
nCP scaffolds comparatively. This study shows that naturally occurring CaCO3 obtained from cockle shells in the form
of nano powder has good potentials to be used as a biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications.
The assessment of exclusive breastfeeding is important to invest the efforts to promote and support breastfeeding practices. Hence this study was carried out to compare breastfeeding practices among mothers using deuterium dose to mother technique with maternal recall breastfeeding practice. A total of 30 mother-infant pairs from a university hospital and government health clinics in Klang Valley participated and completed the study. Mother-infant pairs were recruited into the study when infants were aged 3 months ± 1 week. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference for mother; length and weight for infant) were carried out. Socio-demographic questionnaire was self-administered while breastfeeding practices were interview administered using maternal recall breastfeeding practice questionnaire (MRBF). This was followed by baseline saliva collection of mother-infant pairs before dose and 6 days after mothers were given 30 ± 0.01 g of D2 O. The post dose saliva sample of mother-infant pairs were collected 6 times at day 1,2,3,4,13 and 14.The results showed that majority of mothers (57%) were university graduates but majority were stay at home mothers. Meanwhile, mothers had BMI with mean 25 ± 4 kg/m2 . The results from MRBF questionnaire showed that all mothers were practicing exclusive breastfeeding and their infant never received any water sources other than their breast milk. However, the deuterium dose to mother technique revealed only 3% of mothers were actually practicing exclusive breastfeeding. From the isotopic data, the calculated mean intake of milk was 721 ± 243 g/day while the mean non-milk oral intake of 122 ± 22 g/ day. In contrast exclusive breastfeeding infants received only 10 g/day non milk oral intake, demonstrating exclusive breastfeeding practice of mothers. There were different breastfeeding practice reported from mother using deuterium oxide dose to mother technique with maternal recall breastfeeding practice.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal condition that leads to decreased physical performance and falls among older adults. However, there is limited information comparing physical performances among older adult fallers with and without knee OA. The aim of this study was to compare physical performance between older adult fallers with and without knee OA. Participants were divided into two groups using the clinical diagnosis of knee OA based on National Institute of Health and Care Excellence guidelines; with and without knee OA. Participants performed a battery of physical performance tests that included chair sit and reach, back scratch, dominant handgrip strength, timed up and go (TUG), 30 seconds chair stand and 2 min walk. Independent t-test was used to compare physical performance between groups. Thirteen older adult fallers with knee OA (mean age = 70.92 ± 8.83 years) and 20 older adult fallers without knee OA (76.4 ± 7.92 years) participated in this study. There were no significant differences in sociodemographic profiles and physical performance among older adult fallers with and without knee OA (p > 0.05). However, hamstring flexibility was not within norm in 64% of older adult fallers with knee OA compared to 42% without OA. Physical performance between fallers with and without clinically diagnosed knee OA was similar. Hence, physiotherapy interventions for both groups may be similar and focused on strength and endurance training. In addition, to minimize falls risk and further improve physical performance, hamstring stretching must be emphasized among older adults with knee OA.
It is possible that different techniques used to measure axial length (AL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) is the cause of discrepancy in refractive outcomes of cataract surgery. This study evaluated the agreement and repeatability of AL and ACD measurements using immersion and contact A-scan biometry techniques and compared the refractive outcomes from both techniques. Twenty four patients were evaluated for agreement and repeatability of AL and ACD measurements using the two different methods. The results were analyzed using Bland and Altman plots. Another 60 patients with age-related cataract were selected to compare the refractive outcomes between both methods. The IOL power was calculated using Sanders- Retzlaff- Kraff- Theoretical (SRK-T) equation. Refraction was determined between four to six weeks postoperatively and the results were analyzed using paired t-test. The results of this study showed good agreement between both techniques was noted with no significant difference detected between measurements (p > 0.05). Significant correlation was found in all parameters (AL: r = 0.99; p < 0.01, r = 0.99; p < 0.01) ACD: r = 0.91; p < 0.01, r = 0.97; p < 0.01). No significant difference in refractive outcomes of post cataract surgery was detected between the two techniques (p = 0.07). This study concludes that contact A-scan biometry and immersion techniques provide reliable results and should not be the cause of discrepancy in the refractive planned and outcome of cataract surgery.
This article discusses on the natural compounds from the ant plant (Myrmecodia species, family: Rubiaceae). The ethyl
acetate (EtOAc) extract from the tuber of M. platytyrea was fractionated by using medium pressure liquid chromatography,
giving eight fractions (F1-F8). Those fractions were evaluated using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)
assay. Fraction F5 was recorded as potent (EC50 = 21.57 ± 1.40 µg/mL). Then, it was purified by using column
chromatography (CC) (mobile phase = chloroform: EtOAc). From the CC, ten fractions (F5F1-F5F10) were obtained
and compound (1) was isolated from F5F3 via preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC). After spraying with
anisaldehyde-sulphuric reagent, compound (1) gave a green TLC spot (Rf
= 0.65, 100% CHCl3
, multiple development).
The 1
H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (500 MHz, CDCl3
) was performed to determine the chemical
framework of (1). This compound was identified as morindolide, having an iridoid structure. Meanwhile, the mass
spectra for compounds (2) and (3) were analysed. The data presented the molecular ion at m/z 375 [M-H]- and 255,
suggesting the formulation of 2-(2-methylbutyryl)phloroglucinol glucoside and a flavanone, respectively. From the
literature, compound (1) was firstly isolated from a Chinese natural medicine, the dried root of Morinda officinalis
(family: Rubiaceae). The flavonoids are also included as the biologically active compounds from Myrmecodia. In
short, this is the first occurrence of morindolide from the ant plant.
In the search for universal vaccine candidates for the prevention of avian influenza, the non-structural (NS)-1 protein of avian influenza virus (AIV) H5N1 has shown promising potential for its ability to effectively stimulate the host immunity. This study was aimed to produce a bacterial expression plasmid using pRSET B vector to harbour the NS1 gene of AIV H5N1 (A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004 (H5N1)) for protein expression in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The NS1 gene (687 bp) was initially amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then cloned into a pGEM-T Easy TA vector. The NS1 gene was released from pGEM-T-NS1 using EcoRI and XhoI restriction enzymes (RE). The pRSET B vector was also linearized using the same RE. The digested NS1 gene and linearized pRSET B were ligated using T4 DNA ligase to form the expression plasmid, pRSET B-NS1. The NS1 gene sequence in pRSET B-NS1 was confirmed by DNA sequencing. To prepare recombinant bacterial cells for protein expression in the future, pRSET B-NS1 was transformed into E. coli strain BL21 (DE3) by heat-shock. Colonies bearing the recombinant plasmid were screened using PCR. The DNA sequencing analysis revealed that the NS1 gene sequence was 97% homologous to that of AIV H5N1 A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004 (H5N1). These results indicated that the NS1 gene of influenza A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004 (H5N1) was successfully amplified and cloned into a pRSET B vector. Bacterial colonies carrying pRSET B-NS1 can be used for the synthesis of NS1-based influenza vaccine in the future and thereby aid in the prevention of avian influenza.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ammonio methacrylate copolymer (Eudragit RS 100) were used as models in binary mixture tablets of direct compression study. Eudragit RS 100 is a copolymer synthesized from acrylic and methacrylic acid esters with a low content of quaternary ammonium groups. Combination of PVC and Eudragit RS 100 of different polarities and knowing the surface free energy values allow the possibility of predicting the tensile strength of the tablets. Specimens of 500 mg in the form of thin plates (25 mm x 12.5 mm), were made by compressing each powder at 20 000 MP a compression pressure using a special punch and die set. A Howden Universal Testing Machine was used to compress the powder. Contact angle measurements of the samples were carried out using a Wilhelmy balance, ran by a Cahn Dynamic Contact Angle Machine while different test liquids media such as water, glycerol, formamide and PEG 200 were used in the study. The surface free energy values of the solid materials were calculated using Wu's equation. The results showed large differences between the advancing and receding contact angle values for both materials when tested with glycerol: PVC (0) and PVC (0,) were 93.2 and 65.24 while Eudragit RS 100 (0) and Eudragit RS 100 (0) were 94.56 and 68.18 respectively. The surface free energy values for PVC using PEG 200-glycerol liquid pair were Is: 38.01, ysci: 33.42, ysP: 4.59 and for Eudragit RS 100 using formamide-glycerol liquid pair were ys: 75.03, yd: 51.66, ysP : 23.37, respectively. The results showed harder solid material like Eudragit RS 100 had higher surface free energy compared to elastic material like PVC.
The purpose of this study is to determine the standard value of corneal thickness (CCT) and its relationship with the degree of myopia amongst one sample of myopic students in Malaysia. Eighty-four myopic subjects (168 eyes) were examined in this study. Ocular examination included subjective refraction, keratometry (Shin-Nippon, Japan) and optical pachometry (Sonogage INC). Corneal thickness was measured at five different locations i.e. central, superior, inferior, nasal and temporal of the cornea. However, only association of CCT with myopia is reported in this article. Mean age of subjects was 21.42 ± 1.47 years old (20.34 ± 1.15; 22.46 ± 0.88). Mean refractive error in spherical equivalent for the whole sample was –3.50 ± 2.10 DS. Mean corneal curvature for the all subjects was 7.74 ± 0.52 mm and mean value of CCT was 594.62 ± 66.51 mm. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between mean CCT of low myopes (-4.00DS and below) and higher ones (-4.25DS and above), but not with mean of keratometer readings. Poor correlations were obtained between refractive error and CCT (r = 0.125, p > 0.05) and between refractive error and corneal curvature (r = 0.24, p > 0.05). It was concluded from this study that high myopic subjects has significantly thinner CCT than lower ones. Measurement of CCT should be considered when undertaking procedures such as LASIK and orthokeratology.
Patients who lost their eyes as results of accidents or diseases (e.g. retinoblastoma) usually underwent enucleation or evisceration. They were then fi tted with ocular prosthesis to prevent collapse of the globe and also for cosmetic effects. Custom made ocular prosthesis is almost unheard of in this country for most hospitals supply ready-made (stock) prosthesis. The cosmetic results of stock prosthesis are often unsatisfactory. Besides being uncomfortable, stock prosthesis may also induce allergic reaction that may lead to papillary conjunctivitis. The Optometry Clinic at UKM started its custom made prosthetic service in 2010. We described here two cases of patients who complained of discomfort with their old stock prosthesis and re-fitted with custom made prosthesis. We also highlight the importance of proper hygiene and maintenance so that ocular prosthesis can be used for as long as possible. This article aims to create awareness among eye care practitioners and showcase the cosmetic benefi ts of custom made ocular prosthesis.
Study site: Optometry clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pesticides and chemical fertilizers are widely used in agriculture to increase crop productivity among farmers. However, exposure to pesticides will give potential risk to human health. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of micronucleus (MN) and binucleus (BNu) formation in buccal cells from farmers who were exposed to pesticides using the MN assay. Buccal swabs were collected from the farmers in Tanjung Karang (n = 32) and Kelantan (n = 43) using wooden tongue depressor. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data of the farmers. Cytogenetic analysis was carried out by Acridin Orange (AO) staining 0.0025% (w/v). The frequency of MN and BNu as the biomarkers for cytogenetic damage was observed by using a fluorescence microscope. Comparison of frequency of MN and BNu is conducted in two areas namely Tanjung Karang, Selangor and Kelantan because of the agricultural activity and the type of pesticides used are different. Results showed that the frequencies of both MN and BNu among farmers in Tanjung Karang were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to farmers in Kelantan. Meanwhile, for the socio-demographic factors (age, smoking status, working period), MN and BNu frequencies among farmers in Tanjung Karang were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) as compared to farmers in Kelantan. While in the aspect of pesticide exposure, the frequencies of MN and BNu showed no significant difference between the frequency of pesticide spraying (p > 0.05) and the practices of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) (p > 0.05). This may suggests that cytogenetic changes were not influenced by these factors. In addition, correlation study shows positive correlation between the frequency of MN with the pesticide exposure of farmers in Tanjung Karang (p > 0.05, r = 0.015) and Kelantan (p > 0.05, r = 0.0158). Besides, the frequency of BNu also has a positive correlation with the pesticide exposure among farmers in Tanjung Karang (p > 0.05, r = 0.036) and farmers in Kelantan (p > 0.05, r = 0.013). Hence, this present study demonstrated that exposure to pesticides increased the formation of MN and BNu among farmers and the prolonged use of pesticides may induce genotoxicity and DNA damage to human
Biocompatibility and growth of osteoblast on bone scaffolds play an important role towards their therapeutic application.
The presence of oxidative stress generated by bone scaffolds highly influences osteoblast growth and its functional
performance. In this study in-vitro interaction of developed Alginate/Cockle Shell powder nanobiocomposite bone scaffold
on osteoblast with regards to cytotoxicity and oxidative stress are evaluated. Cytotoxicity studies using MTT assays
revealed a significant increase in viability of cultured osteoblast in the presences of the scaffold extracts. The growth of
osteoblast on the scaffold were not deterred with the presence of any major oxidative stress factors as determined through
oxidative stress profile studies using SOD, GSH and ROS assays. The nanobiocomposite scaffold evaluated in this study
shows promising use in regards to facilitating osteoblast proliferation, growth and viability.
Traditionally, Clinacanthus nutans (CN) or locally named as ‘Belalai Gajah’ is one of the herbal plant claimed to be
able to treat cancer. The aimd of this study are to extract, isolate and characterize the active anticancer compound
from CN and to determine the mode of cell death induced by the compound. Bioassay guided fractionation was done on
the CN extract by using column chromatography. The cytotoxicity activities of these fractions toward HeLA cells were
examined by MTT assay. The nuclear morphology was examined by Hoechst 33258 staining and the cell cycle arrest
was evaluated by propium iodide staining using flow cytometry. The presence of active compound in the chosen fraction
was determined by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). Out of 16 fractions collected, Fraction 11(F11)
showed the lowest IC50 value with 27 ± 2.6 µg/mL. The value of IC50 for F11 towards normal cell, NIH 3T3 cell and L929
cell, were 70 ± 4.0 µg/mL and 45 ± 1.5 µg/mL respectively. These values were higher than tamoxifen, therefore indicating
that tamoxifen is more toxic towards normal cells compared to F11. Nuclear morphology of HeLA cell displayed DNA
fragmentation, nuclear condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies upon treatment with F11 for 24 hours. The cell
cycle distribution of HeLA cell treated with F11 was arrested at G1 phase. The active compound identified to potentially
possess the anticancer property is 19-Oxo-all-trans-retinoic acid. In conclusion, 19-Oxo-all-trans-retinoic acids from
F11 of the CN extract, is a potential anticancer agent for cervical cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the commonest cancers among women. Conventional therapies cause adverse side effects in patients. Cytokine immunotherapy such as interleukin-27 (IL-27) has been sought as an alternative cancer treatment in recent years. IL-27 has been shown to improve anticancer immunity and anti-angiogenesis in cancers, however, its effect on apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression especially in breast cancers is yet to be explored. Cytotoxicity of IL-27 in non-cancerous (184b5) and cancerous (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) breast cell lines was first determined for 24-72 h in this study. The results indicated that IL-27 treatment did not retard 184b5 cell growth, however, did inhibit MCF-7 (48 h) and MDA-MB-231 (72 h) cell growth with IC50 at 442 and 457 ng/ml, respectively. Apoptotic (TRAIL, FADD, FAS, caspase-3 and caspase-8) and anti-apoptotic (BCL-2, AKT, and COX-2) genes were then amplified from untreated (control) and treated breast cancer cells and studied. TRAIL, caspase-3, caspase-8 gene expression was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in treated MCF-7 (442 ng/ml) and MDA-MB-231 (457 ng/ml) cells. Expression of FADD and FAS genes was not detected in both control and treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. COX-2 gene was also not expressed by MCF-7 cells, but reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in treated MDA-MB-231 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, IL-27 treatment seemed to slightly enhance the expression of AKT and BCL-2 genes which, on the other hand, was downregulated in treated MCF-7 cells. Conclusively, IL-27 is able to inhibit breast cancer cell growth and regulate apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression in breast cancer cells.
DNA damaging effect of the salted and fermented food products (salted fishes, dried shrimps and shrimp pastes) collected from three different locations in Malacca namely Pantai Puteri, Batang Tiga and Kelemak on the DNA of the Chang liver cells were evaluated via Alkaline Comet Assay. Treatment at 62.5 mg/ml following 24 hours of incubation was used based on the preliminary cytotoxicity data. Percentage of damage to the DNA was calculated using software for scoring based on the tail moment and tail intensity (severity of the DNA damage). Hydrogen peroxide was used as positive control at 0.1 mM following 30 minutes of incubation in 4 C. The results showed that the methanol extracts of shrimp pastes and salted fish from Pantai Puteri, exhibited a higher DNA damage (shrimp pastes - TM - 8.33 ± 2.19; TI - 31.67 ± 5.84, salted fishes - TM - 2.25 ± 0.86; TI - 9.25 ± 1.55) and were expressed as (shrimp pastes) 56.66 ± 8.74% of DNA damage and methanol salted fish extracts from the same location showed 13.00 ± 2.84% of the DNA damage on Chang liver cells compared to the other extracts. Values for methanol extract of shrimp pastes from Pantai Puteri were comparable to the positive control - Hydrogen peroxide (TM- 9.50 ± 1.50; TI - 30.50 ± 2.50). On the other hand, aqueous salted fishes extract from Pantai Puteri (TM - 1.33 ± 0.42; TI - 8.67 ± 2.42) and shrimp pastes extracts from Kelemak (methanol extract - TM -1.75 ± 0.15; TI -7.50 ± 0.50, aqueous extract - TM - 1.00 ± 0.00; TI - 5.00 ± 0.00) showed slightly high value for tail moment and tail intensity as compared to negative control (TM - 0.29 ± 0.05; TI - 2.50 ± 0.29). Values for methanol extracts of shrimp pastes from Pantai Puteri were comparable to the positive control (TM- 9.50 ± 1.50; TI - 30.50 ± 2.50). In conclusion, our results demonstrate genotoxic damage induced by few salted and fermented food extracts in Chang liver cell.
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan data normatif timpanometri di kalangan kanak-kanak Melayu prasekolah dan membandingkannya menurut jantina. Ini kerana faktor bukan patologi seperti umur, jantina dan bangsa mempengaruhi data normatif timpanometri. Sehubungan itu, garis panduan saringan telinga tengah oleh American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) yang menggunakan data normatif timpanometri kanak-kanak Kaukasian mungkin tidak sesuai untuk populasi kanak-kanak Melayu. Parameter timpanometri yang diukur ialah puncak statik admitan akustik dikompensasi (puncak Ytm), isipadu salur telinga luar (Vea) dan kelebaran timpanogram (TW). Seramai 161 orang kanak-kanak Melayu (80 orang kanak-kanak lelaki dan 81 orang kanak-kanak perempuan) berumur antara 4 hingga 6 tahun terlibat di dalam kajian ini. Bagaimanapun, hanya seramai 45 orang kanak-kanak lelaki dan 46 orang kanak-kanak perempuan (163 dari keseluruhan 182 telinga) memenuhi kriteria inklusi iaitu lulus pemeriksaan otoskopi dan saringan pendengaran serta menunjukkan refleks akustik ipsilateral pada 1000 Hz. Ujian ANOVA Campuran dua-hala untuk membandingkan min parameter timpanometri kanak-kanak lelaki dan perempuan menunjukkan tiada perbezaan yang signifikan; min puncak Ytm (p > 0.05), min Vea (p > 0.05), dan min TW (p > 0.05). Oleh itu, data kedua-dua kumpulan ini digabungkan. Secara keseluruhan, nilai min puncak Ytm ialah 0.55 ± 0.28mmhos, min Vea ialah 0.90 ± 0.39 cm3, dan min TW ialah 104.68 ± 32.08 daPa. Julat normal persentil ke-90 bagi puncak Ytm ialah antara 0.27 hingga 1.18 mmhos, Vea antara 0.45 hingga 1.65 cm3 dan TW antara 59.60 hingga 149.80 daPa. Hasil kajian mencadangkan data normatif timpanometri ini sesuai digunakan ke atas kanak-kanak Melayu prasekolah namun ianya tidak perlu dibezakan mengikut jantina. Sekiranya setiap satu nilai TW > 200 daPa dan Vea > 1.0 cm3 oleh ASHA diaplikasi ke atas kanak-kanak Melayu prasekolah, maka masing-masing akan menyebabkan kadar rujukan yang rendah dan kadar rujukan yang berlebihan.
A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the level of dental knowledge among senior medical, pharmacy and nursing students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and to determine self-reported practices of oral care. Students were invited to complete a set of questionnaires on knowledge related to causes, prevention, signs and treatment of dental caries and periodontal disease; and practices related to oral hygiene and dental visits. A total of 206 questionnaire forms were distributed. 204 forms were returned complete (response rate = 99%). Dental knowledge scores ranged from 0 (no correct answer given) to 16 (gave all correct answers). The mean knowledge scores between the groups were statistically different (p < 0.05): pharmacy students scored highest (mean = 12.29, 95% CI 11.44, 13.14) followed by the medical students (mean = 12.02, 95% CI 11.33, 12.71) and nursing students (mean = 10.83, 95% CI 10.40, 11.26). Areas that had lowest knowledge scores were signs and treatment of gum disease. With regard to oral care practices, majority cited that they brushed teeth at least twice a day (94.6%) and used toothbrush and toothpaste (97.5%). Not many (21.8%) used dental floss and about half (54.2%) reported visiting the dentist more than twelve months ago. Reasons for dental visits included getting check-ups (64.6%), restorations (45.6%) and emergency care such as extractions (24.0%). In general students had at least a moderate level of dental knowledge but demonstrated poor knowledge in some areas. While most reported good oral hygiene habits, behaviour related to dental visits need to be improved. Findings suggest a need for inclusion of oral health education in the medical, pharmacy and nursing curriculum.