Kanta sentuh merupakan alat optikal yang sepatutnya selamat digunakan untuk pembetulan ralat refraksi atau kosmetik. Namun demikian terdapat permasalahan berkaitan kesihatan mata yang timbul akibat sikap pemakai yang tidak patuh kepada garis panduan penjagaan kanta yang disaran oleh pengamal kesihatan mata. Justeru itu satu soal selidik berkaitan penjagaan kanta sentuh dilakukan di kalangan pemakai kanta sentuh di sekitar Kuala Lumpur. Ia berdasarkan 22 set soalan terfokus kepada penjagaan kanta sentuh termasuklah tatacara pembersihan dan disifeksi, rawatan enzim, penggunaan agen pembasah dan kekerapan menghadiri pemeriksaan lanjutan. Di samping itu, terdapat enam soalan yang diaju untuk meninjau pengetahuan pemakai berkaitan penjagaan kanta sentuh yang selamat. Seramai 104 pemakai kanta sentuh mengambil bahagian dalam kajian ini. Lebih kurang 86% daripada mereka adalah wanita dengan min umur 24 ± 6 tahun. Lebih setengah daripada mereka memakai kanta sentuh jenis pakai buang. Hampir kesemuanya (98%) menggunakan sistem disinfeksi kimia. Hanya 68% pemakai yang dikaji mencuci kanta mereka setiap kali sebelum memakai dan selepas menanggalkannya. Tiga puluh peratus (30%) pemakai kanta sentuh menggunakan agen pembasah dan 40% menggunakan tablet protein. Enam puluh satu peratus (61%) daripada mereka menyatakan tidak membuat temu janji untuk pemeriksaan lanjutan. Enam soalan tertumpu kepada pengetahuan pemakai mengenai penjagaan kanta yang selamat dan min jawapan yang betul ialah 61.4%. Sebahagian pemakai kanta sentuh tidak mengikut arahan penjagaan kanta sentuh seperti yang disaran oleh pengamal kesihatan mata. Ramai yang tidak faham akan garis panduan pemakaian kanta yang selamat. Kajian ini menunjukkan sebahagian daripada pemakai kanta sentuh tidak mempunyai pengetahuan yang cukup mengenai risiko dan bahaya ke atas mata mereka kerana ketidakpatuhan pada arahan yang disaran oleh pengamal kesihatan mata. Pengamal kanta sentuh perlu memikirkan semula strategi untuk memastikan pemakai patuh kepada arahan berkaitan penjagaan kanta sentuh supaya komplikasi dapat dikurangkan.
Despite a vast number of studies that were focused on the roles of superior temporal gyrus (STG) and cerebellum as sensory
area, little is known about their involvement in cognitive function such as attention and perception. The present fMRI
study aimed to identify this cognitive role from brain activation profile of STG and cerebellum obtained from an arithmetic
addition task. Eighteen healthy right hand dominance male adults participated in this study. They were instructed to solve
single-digit addition tasks in quiet and noisy background during the fMRI scan. Both the in-quiet and in-noise addition
tasks activated the bilateral STG and cerebellum (lobule VI and lobule VII) significantly but differentially. In both quiet
and noisy conditions, STG activation is dominant in the left hemisphere while cerebellum showed a right hemisphere
dominance. Bilateral STG and cerebellum (lobule VI) activation decreasedin noise, conversely cerebellum (lobule VII)
activation increased in noise. These asymmetrical activation indicated hemispheric lateralization and differential behaviors
of both brain areas in different environment while performing simple arithmetic addition task.
Excess added sugar consumption is related to poor health outcomes in older adults. The sugar content of local food is limited. However, this information is imperative for understanding potential risks from overconsumption of sugars among older adults. This study was carried out to determine the type and total sugar contents in 70 types of local desserts, snacks and cooked foods, using high performance liquid chromatography. The type of food chosen was based on the highly consumed food by the older adults in Malaysia. The samples were collected in triplicates from local restaurants or stalls located in Selangor, Perak and Johor, stored at -20°C and freeze dried prior to analysis. Results showed that average sugar in each 100 g of local desserts, snacks and cooked foods were 13.69 ± 5.94 g, 8.41 ± 6.15 g and 2.1 ± 1.87 g respectively. The highest sugar content per 100 g samples was found to be in sweet potato donut (kuih keria), mashed banana fritter (cekodok pisang) and noodles with sweet potato gravy (mee rebus). The lowest sugar content per 100 g samples was found to be baked glutinous rice (pulut panggang), vadai and noodle soup (mee sup). Meanwhile, the highest sugar content per standard portion was found to be noodles with sweet potato gravy (mee rebus), peanut pancake (kuih apam balik) and banana savoury (pengat pisang). Percentage of recovery for the sugar analysis was 95.2 ± 6.8%. The main type of sugar found in this analysed food samples was sucrose followed by maltose, glucose, fructose and lactose. Sucrose was the most common added sugars in local desserts, snacks and cooked foods of this study. However, compliance with low added sugar recommendations may not be achievable for the general public. Thus, these findings can be utilised in raising public awareness and assist in better estimation of sugar contents and intake.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of methanol, acetone and distilled water stem
bark extracts from Canarium odontophyllum against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus ATCC 6633,
Escherichia coli ATCC 25932, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Acinetobacter baumannii strain sensitive, Candida
albicans ATCC 64677, Candida glabrata ATCC 90028, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani M2781. The extracts from
C. odontophyllum stem bark from 3.125 mg/ml to 25 mg/ml were screened against the tested microorganisms using disc
diffusion method. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the
extracts against susceptible organisms were determined using microbroth dilution method and streak-plate technique,
respectively. From the antibacterial screening assay, the growth of S. aureus, B. cereus and A. baumannii were inhibited
by methanol extract whereas the acetone extract was capable of inhibiting all the tested microorganisms except E.coli,
F. solani and A. niger. The lowest MIC value for methanol extract was against A. baumannii (0.195 mg/ml) whereas
its MBC value was twice its MIC value (0.391 mg/ml), indicating that methanol extract was bacteriostatic against A.
baumannii. While for acetone extract, S. aureus showed bactericidal effect with equal MIC and MBC values at 0.195 mg/
ml. In conclusion, stem bark of C. odontophyllum has the potential to be the source of antibacterial agent and can be
exploited as an alternative phytoantimicrobial.
The study was conducted to create specific formulae for stature estimation of adult male population in Malaysia based on measurements of femur, tibia and fibula lengths using radiographic method. A number of thirty two Malaysians from hospitals involved as subjects in this study. The subjects were Malays (14), Chinese (8) and Indians (10) from 25-45 years old. The standing height of the subject was recorded before femur, tibia and fibula were scanned with an x-ray
machine. The bones length was measured on the x-ray film in centimetres (cm) and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0 for Windows. The results showed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between stature and measurements of length of femur, tibia and fibula. Stature of Malays and Indians were significant (p < 0.05) with measurements of length of femur, tibia and fibula but insignificant in Chinese. Simple Linear Regression Analysis was used to derive regression equation for single bone and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used to derive regression equation for combination of femur, tibia and fibula. Six formulae for stature estimation of adult male population in Malaysia were derived. The formulae consist of three formulae for single bone, a formulae for combination bones with unknown race, a formulae for combination bones of Malays population and a formulae for combination bones of Indians population. Formulae for combination bones had the highest correlation coefficient compared to the formula using a single bone. Standard error was found to be high in all the formulae due to small sample size. Extension for this study is essential to provide Malaysia with accurate formulae.
Kajian ini dijalankan untuk membentuk formula demi menganggar ketinggian tubuh badan dan menentukan jantina dengan menggunakan panjang dan lebar kaki. Seramai 150 orang subjek yang berumur 20-30 tahun diambil dari Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kampus Kuala Lumpur (UKMKKL). Subjek tersebut adalah Melayu (45 lelaki dan 45 perempuan) dan Cina (30 lelaki dan 30 perempuan). Ketinggian, panjang dan lebar kaki diukur menggunakan alatan antropometrik dalam ukuran milimeter. Hasil statistik menunjukkan bahawa pelbagai ukuran kaki kanan dan kiri tidak mempunyai perbezaan yang signifikan (Panjang kaki/FL: t(298) = -0.235, p = 0.815; Lebar kaki/FW: t(298) = 0.932, p = 0.352). Perbezaan yang signifikan pada semua ukuran pula dapat dilihat pada jantina (Tinggi/S: t(148) = 12.550, p < 0.05; FL:t(148) = 11.692, p < 0.05; FW:t(148) = 8.321, p < 0.05). Bagi kaum, ketinggian tubuh badan kaum Cina adalah lebih tinggi berbanding kaum Melayu secara signifikan (t(148) = -3.103, p < 0.05) tetapi tiada perbezaan yang signifikan diperhatikan pada ukuran kaki (FL: t(148) = 0.002, p = 0.999; FW:t(148) = 1.362, p = 0.175). Korelasi yang paling tinggi telah ditunjukkan antara ketinggian tubuh badan dengan panjang kaki pada semua kumpulan. Analisis Regresi Garis Lurus dan Regresi Berganda telah digunakan untuk membentuk formula menganggar ketinggian tubuh badan. Walau bagaimanapun, didapati formula yang dibentuk dari Regresi Berganda adalah lebih tepat kerana kombinasi panjang dan lebar kaki menghasilkan korelasi koefisen yang lebih tinggi dalam semua formula (S = 585.298+(4.898xFL)-(1.453xFW), F(2,149 = 149.324, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.670). Formula untuk penentuan jantina juga telah dibina menggunakan Analisis Pokok Klasifikasi. Keputusan menunjukkan ketepatan untuk menentukan jantina seseorang adalah di antara 86.3-87.5% bagi perempuan dan 85.2-85.7% bagi lelaki dengan menggunakan panjang kaki manakala di antara 68.4-76.8% bagi perempuan dan 77.8-81.0% bagi lelaki dengan menggunakan lebar kaki.
Pelbagai bentuk pendekatan pengendalian pergerakan lipatan vokal paradoksikal (PLVP) telah dibincangkan dalam kajian-kajian sebelum ini, tetapi adalah penting untuk mengiktirafkan sifat kompleksiti kecelaruan ini dan perlunya diagnosis yang betul bagi membolehkan pengendalian yang sewajarnya dijalankan. Dapatan penyelidikan mendapati bahawa kecelaruan ini lazimnya berlaku di kalangan wanita muda yang mempunyai sejarah masalah perubatan yang berkaitan. Artikel ini membincangkan tentang kajian kes tunggal tentang seseorang kanak-kanak lelaki berumur 11 tahun yang mempunyai kecelaruan PLVP. Keadaan PLVP ini telah didiagnosis oleh pakar Otorinolaringologi di Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Ujian nasendoskopi menunjukkan pergerakan lipatan vokal adalah normal dalam pernafasan senyap dan sewaktu serangan episodik. Kanak-kanak ini kemudiannya dirujuk untuk terapi pertuturan; kecelaruan PLVPnya dikendalikan khususnya menggunakan rehabilitasi pertuturan. Pengurusan kecelaruan bagi kanak-kanak lelaki ini dibincangkan daripada mula rawatan sehingga beliau didiscaj daripada rawatan.
The present study examines the factors affecting fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in Malaysia. A nationally representative data that consists of a large sample size is used. Hence, the findings can provide inferential information. The present study uses secondary data from the Malaysian Household Expenditure Survey 2009/2010. The survey was carried out using a two-stage stratified sampling. The first stage was based on Enumeration Blocks, while the second stage was based on Living Quarters. A lognormal hurdle model is used to estimate the consumption decision and amount decision of FV across ethnic groups. The results suggest that household size, income, gender, marital status, age and education play significant roles in FV consumption. The probability of consuming FV and amount spent increase with household size (p
Snacks are required for athletes to fuel their higher demand of energy. Meanwhile, social influences and multimedia can
affect the athletes’ choices of snacks. Social influences are divided into three categories: Compliance (sports dietitian/
nutritionist & medical officer), Conformity (friend) and Obedience (parent & coach), while multimedia refers to internet,
magazines and newspaper. The objective of this study was to investigate the different sources of social influence and
multimedia on athletes’ preferred snacks. Out of 26 snack choices, 3 most preferred snacks were chosen by 69 endurance
athletes from the National Sports Institute (NSI) through a questionnaire. They are Popiah & Mixed Fruit Jelly, Chicken
Salad and Egg & Cheese Sandwich. Out of the 6 choices of beverages, the top 3 preferred beverages were sports drinks,
orange smoothie and apple smoothie. Social influence from parent (p = 0.041) has significant effect on the athlete’s most
preferred snack choice, followed by influence from dietitian (p = 0.02) on their second preferred snack choice and lastly
internet (p = 0.024), has its effect on the third preferred snack. Other social influences such as friends, medical officer
and coach show no significance effect on the preferred snack choices. The parent factor also has significant effect on
the most preferred beverage choices with p = 0.043. To conclude, parent influence is strongly related to both snack and
beverage choices of the athletes, followed by dietitian and internet on the athlete’s preferred snack choices.
The occasional influenza pandemics and the seasonal influenza epidemics have destroyed millions of lives since
the last century. It is therefore necessary to understand the virus replication patterns as this provides essential
information on the virus infectivity, pathogenicity and spread patterns. This study aimed to investigate the replication
of avian influenza A virus H5N1 (A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004) in MDCK cells. In this study, the TCID50 (50% tissue
culture infectious dose) of AIV H5N1 was first determined. The MDCK cells were then infected with AIV H5N1 at TCID50
for 0-48 h. The CPE (cytopathic effect) was observed and cell death was determined hourly. The virus-infected cells
and media were subsequently collected for gene analysis. The results showed that the TCID50 of AIV H5N1 was 10-9
dilution. The CPE percentage showed a strong and positive correlation with the infection period (r = 1.0, n = 9, p <
0.01). The amount of a highly conserved influenza viral gene, M2 gene amplified from infected media (r = 0.471, n =
9, p= > 0.05) and infected cell (r = 0.73, n = 9, p < 0.05) were also positively correlated with the infection period. In
conclusion, although CPE started to be observed in the early time points of infection, however, the M2 gene was only
amplified from the infected media and cells after 48 h and 24 h, respectively. This signifies that AIV H5N1 used in this
study is pathogenic and it is able to cause severe cytopathology to host cells even at low virus load.
Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is a practical tool for the measurement of usual food intake in large surveys because it gives a quick approximation to 'true' dietary intake. This study was carried out to compare the semiquantitative FFQ with three day 24-hour diet recalls (24-hr DR) in assessing intake of energy, total fat, fatty acids and vitamin A, C and E among Malaysian women. This semi-quantitative FFQ which was developed specifically for the Malay and Indian ethnicities has 200 food items and categorized according to three mealtimes namely breakfast, lunch or dinner and morning or afternoon snacks. A total of 51 Malay and 28 Indian women aged between 30 to 60 years were selected as study subjects. The result of the study shows that majority of study subjects were within the normal EI/BMR ratio when their energy intake was assessed by semi-quantitative FFQ (70%) and 24-hr DR (74%). However, 10% of study subjects became over-reporters when their intakes were assessed using the semi-quantitative FFQ. Analysis of t-test shows there is no significant difference (p > 0.05) on the mean intake of energy, total fats, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A, C and E between semi-quantitative FFQ and 24-hr DR. Percent mean differences were also less than 10% for all nutrients included in this study. This indicates that the semi-quantitative FFQ can produce comparable results with 24-hr DR. Energy adjusted correlation coefficient values for all studied nutrients were total fat (r = 0.64, p = 0.02), saturated fatty acids (r = 0.59, p = 0.01), monounsaturated fatty acids (r = 0.52, p = 0.03), polyunsaturated fatty acids (r = 0.57, p = 0.02), vitamin A (r = 0.69, p = 0.01), retinol (r = 0.55, p = 0.01), beta carotene (r = 0.74, p = 0.01), vitamin C (r = 0.64, p = 0.02) and vitamin E (r = 0.69, p = 0.01). Cross-classification for both methods into quartiles of intake resulted in correct classification into the same or adjacent quartile from 82% to 96% of the study subjects. Only 3% of the subjects were grossly misclassified. As a conclusion, this semi-quantitative FFQ gives estimation as good as 24-hr DR for intakes of energy, total fat, fatty acids and vitamin A, C and E among Malaysian women specifically for the Malay and Indian ethnicities. This semi-quantitative FFQ is a useful tool in dietary intake assessment for research use especially for epidemiological study on diet and disease relationship such as cardiovascular, cancer and diabetes.
This study was conducted to determine the score of self-reported visual function index (VF-14) and its correlation with
best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the elderly population. Participants were elderly aged 60 years and above recruited
from the on-going population-based longitudinal study on neuroprotective model for healthy longevity (TUA). Visual
acuity was measured using logMAR chart. A self-reported visual function assessment was measured using modified
Bahasa Malaysia Visual Functioning Index (VF-14). A total of 482 (93.05%) from 518 subjects participated in this study.
Mean age was 69.18 ± 5.67 years old and mean best corrected VA was 0.21 ± 0.17 logMAR. Mean VF-14 score was 89.65
± 13.19. Female had lower mean score of self-reported visual function scores compared to male (meanfemale89.21 ± 12.76,
meanmale90.11 ± 13.65) but it was not statistically significant (z = -1.09,p = 0.277). There was a moderate but significant
correlation between VF-14 score and best corrected VA (r = -0.412, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the best corrected visual
acuity alone was not able to become as an indicator to describe changes in VF14 score. This study showed that it only
contributes 17.2% to changes in VF14 score. The combination of many other factors such as socio-demographic factors
(race, educational status, and health problems), contrast sensitivity and stereopsis should be taken into account when
assessing visual function as measured by VF14.
While cancer is considered to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, there is a growing scientific and public interests on selenium as a dietary and antioxidant of many diseases, in particular, cancer. Despite advanced technology and significant improvement of surgical, chemical, hormonal and radio therapies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still common in Asia and Africa and is increasing in the developed countries. Prognosis of HCC at an early stage is still challenging. At the moment, combination of Alpha feto protein (AFP) and ultrasonography tests offers more accurate and sensitive results for the diagnosis of HCC. Selenium (also known as the moon element) has been recognized for almost 49 years as an antioxidant and anti cancer agent. The weight of evidence supports the position of selenium as an anti cancer agent for HCC but the molecular mechanism of how selenium inhibits HCC is still unknown. Numerous theories have been proposed and selenium induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest is the predominant one so far.
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common disorder among older adults, with a global prevalence between 2% to 58%. UI has been associated with social isolation, increased morbidity and reduced quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive and physical function risk factors of UI among Malaysian community dwelling older adults. This study is part of a larger scale population based longitudinal study on neuroprotective model for healthy longevity among older adults (LRGS TUA). A total of 1560 Malaysian community dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above were screened in this phase III LRGS study. Participants sociodemographic and clinical history were obtained. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and Digit Span tested cognitive function. Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Hand Grip Strength Test, Chair Stand Test and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living tested physical function. The overall prevalence of UI was 15.7% (n = 245) in this study, with 11.8% (n = 88) in men and 19.3% (n = 157) in women. Logistic regression analysis showed that TUG (Adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.071; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.13), MMSE (OR, 0.93; CI, 0.90-0.97), weight (OR, 1.02; CI, 1.00-1.03), and constipation (OR 0.60; CI, 0.46-0.78) (p < 0.005) were significant risk factors of UI. The results indicate, decreased physical and cognitive function; increase in weight and having constipation increased the risk of UI. Maintaining optimum mobility, cognitive function, body weight and constipation prevention are vital in the prevention and management of UI among older adults.
The purpose of this study was to identify the most common forms of age-related cataracts and to estimate possible risk factors for age-related cataracts in a sample of cataract patients at the National University of Malaysia Hospital. Thirty five patients (17 males and 18 female) with cataracts were recruited from the ophthalmology ward and clinic at the hospital. The age range of the patients was between 39 to 93 years (mean 64.9 11.5 years). The Lens Opacities Classification System (Locs) III was used to grade nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular lens opacities. Grading of the cataract was carried out and the following information was collected: initial visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity, demographic details, health history, dietary intake of antioxidants and lifetime ocular ultraviolet B exposure. Analyses were conducted using a standard case-control design. T-tests were used to assess the significance of continuous variables and chi-squared tests were used for categorical variables. The overall prevalence of cortical cataract was 34.4% (12 patients), nuclear cataract was 60.0% (21 patients), and posterior subcapsular cataract was 57.1% (20 patients). No significant potential risk factor was found for nuclear cataracts. In the case of posterior subcapsular cataract, hypertension was the only potential significant risk factor (x2 = 4.38, p = 0.036), and in the case of cortical cataract, cigarette smoking was the only significant risk factor. Although lifetime effective ocular UV-B exposure was found to be not a significant potential risk factor, but it was seen that for cortical cataracts, the mean difference of lifetime effective ocular UV-B exposure between those with cortical and those without cortical cataracts was larger compared to others with nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Hypertension was found to be a potential significant risk factor for posterior subcapsular cataract whereas cigarette smoking was a potentially significant risk factor for cortical cataract. Although not statistically significant, lifetime effective ocular UV-B exposure maybe a potential risk factor for cortical cataract.
Self-injury is a significant predictor of future self-harm and suicide, and is associated with significant psychological morbidity. However, despite an
apparent increase in prevalence, very little research on this behaviour has been conducted within Malaysia. This paper reviews the definitional issues
pertinent to the study of self-injury including the need to adopt a consistent nomenclature for the behaviour, separate self-injury which occurs with and
without suicidal intent, and to address role of culture in defining self-injurious behaviour. A review and critique of research exploring the prevalence, function, aetiology, and correlates of self-injury across both clinical and community samples is provided. Finally, in light of the current international knowledge regarding self-injurious behaviour, recommendations to guide future research in Malaysia are proposed.
The development of writing ability is not only important in building a child’s self-esteem, but also essential for academic success in school. Handwriting is an important skill that could affect students’ performance in most academic areas. This study aimed to review the effect of occupational therapy intervention in improving handwriting skills among preschool children. Relevant studies were systematically searched by using standardized keywords across three databases. The initial search identified 1,386 references. Of these studies, there were five quantitative studies that met the inclusion criteria and were methodologically appraised using the McMaster Critical Review Form–Quantitative Studies. All studies reported that preschool children with or without disabilities showed significant improvements in handwriting skills after receiving occupational therapy intervention. One study involved collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists in implementing intervention program to preschool students. Collaboration between teachers and occupational therapists was able to provide teachers with tools and skills that they can use to help students, with or without direct presence of occupational therapists. Overall, findings of this review indicated that preschool children could gain improvement in handwriting skills regardless of their conditions after receiving occupational therapy intervention programs.
Inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) are two important brain regions for the default mode
network (DMN). IPL has been known to be involved in the control of attention and responding to given information while
ITG is involved in the processing and perception awakened by visual stimuli. These two key DMN regions are highly
interconnected as determined from white matter and fiber tracking studies. However, little is known about their nature
of connectivity while the brain is at rest, whether it is linear, bilinear or nonlinear and whether it is of mono- or bidirection. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) data were obtained from 7 healthy male and
female participants (average age = 20.7 ± 4.5 years) and were concatenated. Data were analyzed using statistical
parametric mapping (SPM12). Endogenous brain signals were modelled by Fourier series at 0.01 – 0.08 Hz. IPL-ITG
connected linear, bilinear and non-linear causal models in both hemispheres were constructed and estimated by means of
stochastic dynamic causal modelling (sDCM) and were compared using Bayesian Model Selection (BMS) for group studies.
Group fixed-effects results indicated that bilateral IPL and ITG exhibited high neural activity at a corrected significant
level (pFWE < 0.05). Neural activity was centered in ITG (-32/2/-38) in the left hemisphere but shifted to IPL (32/-38/50) in
the right hemisphere indicating different control center for both hemispheres. BMS selected bilinear model as the optimal
model for both hemispheres (model posterior probability ~ 1.0; log evidence > 1000) which has the best balance between
model accuracy and difficulty. The minimum free energy (F) = -4.41 × 104
and -4.09 × 104
for left and right hemisphere
bilinear models respectively. From BMS and DCM results, it was found that IPL and ITG do have a dynamic collaboration
between each other, a connectivity that belongs to a greater network when the brain is at rest. The intrinsic connections
between them are negative in both directions i.e. IPL and ITG mutually inhibited each other. The effective connectivity
was modulated by the endogenous fluctuation of the brain signal.
Phorid flies play an important role in forensic cases and can cause myiasis in humans. Studies on phorid flies species diversity are still limited in Malaysia. This research was carried out to collect information about species and frequency distribution of phorid flies as to provide more information on their roles in forensic and medical entomology. Bait trap was used with 100 g beef liver as baits. The species of the flies were identified using identification keys from Disney as well as Brown and Oliver. There were 449 phorid flies found in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur including Megaselia scalaris, Megaselia spiracularis, Megaselia sp. and phorid flies of genus X. Female phorid flies (98.89%) were found more prone to be trapped compared to male phorid flies (1.11%). Most phorid flies trapped in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur were from genus Megaselia and consisted of female flies. A total of five species of phorid flies probably new to science were also discovered. This study showed that Megaselia flies were found indoors rather than in open spaces. This was corresponding to their discoveries among the decomposing corpse found inside premises.
Nutritional diet plays an important roles in the health of an individual. One of the simplest and suitable approach followed by certain individual especially older adults are Sunnah fasting. Sunnah fasting is reported to have a positive impact in maintaining public health and aids to prolong the life span of older adults. This study aimed to examine the relationship of Sunnah fasting in repairing DNA damage of older adults who suffer from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study design was comparative cross sectional study that comparing two phases (baseline and 36 months). A total of 99 subjects of MCI aged ≥ 60 years and have no terminally ill diseases involved in the study. Ten ml of whole blood, socio-demographic and cognitive assessment data was taken. The blood collected is used to determine DNA damage using the Alkaline Comet Assay. MMSE, IADL, ADL and GDS was conducted to determine the cognitive function. The study found that the percentage of DNA in tail (TD) for the subjects who practice Sunnah fasting for both phases is significantly lower than in subjects who did not practice Sunnah fasting (Baseline, TD: 12.49 ± 0.24% vs 17.40 ± 0.43%; 36 months, TD: 8.21 ± 0.43% vs 15.23 ± 1.16%). The percentage of tail moment (TM) for the subjects who practice Sunnah fasting for both phases is significantly lower than in subjects who did not practice Sunnah fasting (Baseline, TM: 0.92 ± 0.05% vs 1.46 ± 0.08%; 36 months, TM: 0.4 ± 0.03% vs 1.32 ± 0.13%). In conclusion, this shows the Sunnah fasting can reduce DNA damage among the older adult of MCI subjects. Thus, further research is warranted to determine the metabolomes in MCI subjects that related with Sunnah fasting to produce a predictive model of healthy diet to be used in the future.