Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from different tissue sources, and show a high differentiation capacity towards osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, neurogenic and myogenic lineages upon a specific induction. Although the retrieval of MSCs from normal tissues is very straightforward, yet it could be challenging in degenerative conditions that limit the expansion of stem cells such as osteoarthritis. Thus, this study aimed to establish human MSCs culture from osteoarthritic cartilage (OA hC-MSCs) by optimising the sample processing and culture techniques. Methods: Human osteoarthritis knee cartilage samples were obtained (2-4 g) from 8 patients with a mean age of 62.75 years old during the joint replacement surgery. A conventional culture method carried along with the modified method where the period of enzyme digestion and serial plating culture procedure were incorporated. Results: The modified culture method has significantly increased the number of single cells twice after the sample processing. The time taken to form colonies and achieve confluence was also reduced when samples subjected to the modified method. The number of cell yields after passage 0 for the conventional and modified methods were 3.05±0.31 and 6.10±0.42 million cells, respectively. The adherent cells generated under these two conditions comply with criteria for MSCs in term of immunophenotyping and mesodermal differentiation. Conclusions: The current modified method enhances the production of MSCs and could be opted for samples that known to have reduced or defective stem cell pool which may impede the in vitro cell expansion.
Introduction: Measuring the competence of nurses in spiritual care and their ability to provide spiritual care is im- portant and check the validity and reliability of the instrument is recommended in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate the translation of the spiritual care competence (SCC) scale to the Malay language version. Methods: Data were collected from staff nurses at the hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. A total of 270 nurses par- ticipated in the study (female: 92.6%, male: 7.4%), with the mean age of 35 years (SD = 8.4). Spiritual care compe- tence was assessed with the 27-item SCC-M. Standard forward–backward translation was performed to translate the English version of the SCC into the Malay version (SCC-M). All the participants completed the SCC-M. Results: The initial measurement models tested (6-factor models) did not result in a good fit to the data. Subsequent investigation of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results recommended some modifications, including adding correlations between the item residuals within the same latent variable. These modifications resulted in acceptable fit indices for the 6-factor model (RMSEA = .050, CFI = .900, TLI = .885, SRMR = .065). The final measurement models comprised all 27 SCC-M items, which had significant factor loadings of more than .40. The composite reliability was .696-.853 for 6-factors model. These results suggest that the subscales in 6-factor SCC-M model are unique, the factors do not overlap much, and each factor explains different variance than the other factors. Conclusions: The translated version of the SCC-M was valid and reliable for assessing the level of spiritual care competence among hospital nurses in Malaysia.
Osteochondral fracture fixation could be challenging due to the low healing capacity of cartilage especially when the case is delayed. There are various fixation options available. The personality of the fractured fragment would determine which fixation method is more suitable. This is a case of a 14-year-old girl with right knee patellar osteo- chondral fracture fixed with suture passed through drilled holes after four weeks of injury. The outcome at eighteen months follow up shows a painless knee with a full range of motion and patient is asymptomatic. Knee radiograph shows union of the fragment and MRI did not show evidence of necrosis.
Introduction: Nutrition is an issue of great academic and public importance. However, there is evidence that parents do not have family breakfast, lunch or dinner with their children. This study aims to assess the prevalence of having regular family breakfast, lunch, dinner among primary school children age 7 to 12 years in Kota Kinabalu and its association with children’s weight status. Methods: The study is based on 485 children (mean age: 11.5+/-0.7 years, 54% girls) randomly selected in five primary schools in Kota Kinabalu who participated in a cross-sectional school- based survey in 2019. Data on family meals were self-reported by the parents by answering a validated question- naire. Children’s height and weight were measured to determine BMI status. Binary regression analyses assessed the associations of having regular family meals with children’s obesity status and to assess potential differences in having family meals according to gender and parental education. Results: The mean BMI male gender 24.3 ± 4.05 versus mean BMI female gender 17.9 ± 3.62 from 7 to 12 years old. The father mean BMI was 33.2 ± 8.24 versus 26.17 ±
9.63 mean BMI in mother from 32 to 52 years old. The prevalence of obesity within five (5) selected schools in Kota Kinabalu was only 13.2%. Regarding potential socio-demographic determinants, children of higher educated parents (STPM, DIPLOMA)[OR = 1.85 (95% CI 1.20–2.85)] were more likely to have breakfast together, while children of lower educated parents (SRP, SPM) [OR = 1.08 (95% CI 0.91–1.44)] were more likely to have dinner together. No significant associations of having family meals with gender observed. The prevalence of regular family meals was 94.6%, 74.17% and 93.8% for breakfast, lunch and dinner respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that having regular family breakfast, lunch and dinner was associated with children normal BMI between 18.50-24.99.
Introduction: Muscle denervation is a process where muscles lose nerve supply due to neural damage and this may lead to paralysis in human. Muscle denervation is mainly caused by peripheral nerve injuries especially in the lower extremities that resulted in devastating effect on human daily functions and routines. Tocotrienol Rich Fraction (TRF) consist of 75% of tocotrienols have shown potential neuroprotective properties. The objective of this study is to ob- serve motor coordination and histological characteristics on muscles that underwent sciatic nerve crush injury and supplemented with TRF. Methods: A total of 104 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups; normal group (n=8) with no sciatic nerve crush injury, negative control (n=32) with sciatic nerve crush injury at hindlimb without treatment, positive control (n=32) sciatic nerve crush injury treated with 500 µg/kg/day of methylcobalamin, and experimental group (n=32) of rats that underwent sciatic nerve crush injury and treated with 200 mg/kg/day of TRF. Result: Skeletal muscles which located at hind limb; Soleus Muscle and Extenstor Digitorum Longus Muscle (EDL) muscle have shown an increasing in weight when it is supplemented with TRF 200 mg/kg/day and improved myelin layer of nerve. Conclusion: This study showed that TRF has the potency to improve reinnervation rate and neuron supply in hind muscle.
Insights into molecular karyotyping using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays enable the identification of copy number variations (CNVs) at a higher resolution and facilitate the detection of copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) otherwise undetectable by conventional cytogenetics. The applicability of a customised CGH+SNP 180K DNA microarray in the diagnostic evaluation of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in comparison with conventional karyotyping was assessed in this study. Methods: Paired tumour and germline post induction (remission sample obtained from the same patient after induction) DNA were used to delineate germline variants in 41 AML samples and compared with the karyotype findings. Results: After comparing the tumour versus germline DNA, a total of 55 imbalances (n 5-10 MB = 21, n 10-20 MB = 8 and n >20 MB = 26) were identified. Gains were most common in chromosome 4 (26.7%) whereas losses were most frequent in chromosome 7 (28.6%) and X (25.0%). CN-LOH was mostly seen in chromosome 4 (75.0%). Comparison between array CGH+SNP and karyotyping revealed 20 cases were in excellent agreement and 13 cases did not concord whereas in 15 cases finding could not be confirmed as no karyotypes available. Conclusion: The use of a combined array CGH+SNP in this study enabled the detection of somatic and germline CNVs and CN-LOHs in AML. Array CGH+SNP accurately determined chromosomal breakpoints compared to conventional cytogenetics in relation to presence of CNVs and CN-LOHs.
Parotid tumours represent one of many groups of tumours in the field of
Otorhinolaryngology. However, a local demographical evaluation of parotid tumours and its annual incidences has never been undertaken. This study intends to review local demography in relation to incidence of parotid tumour seen in Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) clinic, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Negeri Sembilan from the year 2007 till 2012. Methods: A retrospective demographical study on parotid cases seen in ORL clinic, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban between 2007 till 2012 involving 56 cases. Data that was collected include patient details, facial nerve involvement on presentation, type of surgery performed, site of tumour, facial nerve injury post operation and final histopathological diagnosis. Results: An average of 10 cases per year was noted from 2007 to 2012. Male to female ratio was found to be 1.4:1. Age range of sample population were 9 to 79 years old with a mean age of 47 at time of diagnosis. Superficial lobe was found to be the most common tumour site (63%). Majority of cases consists of benign tumours in 51 out of 56 cases with Warthin’s tumour and Pleomorphic Adenoma being the most common histopathological finding. Post operative facial nerve injury were noted in 17 cases in which 13 cases were temporary while 4 others were permanent.
Introduction: Diet quality is an essential factor in determining the adherence towards dietary guidelines. This study aims to assess the diet quality among community-dwelling older adults and identify the factors associated with the diet quality. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted among 138 community-dwelling older adults living in PPR flats, Kuala Lumpur. Subjects were randomly recruited in this study. Diet Quality Index (DQI) was used to identify diet quality index of elderly. The Chi-square Test of Independence and Pearson’s correlation test were used to determine the association between tested covariates with DQI. Results: Majority of the respondents were report- ed with good diet quality (74.6%), whereas quarter of them (25.6%) had poor diet quality. Significant difference between the diet quality and the adherence on the food groups were observed for all food groups (p
Introduction: Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) is the commonly used intervention for opioid dependents among Malays in FELDA settlements. However, relapse is common. Since majority of Malays are Muslims, Islamic Rehabilitation Intervention Module (ISRIM) using Health Belief Model (HBM) can be implemented as an intervention for reduction of relapse among opioid dependents in FELDA community. The objective of this study were to develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of ISRIM in the reduction of relapse among opioids dependent Malay males in FELDA communities in Jengka, Pahang. Methods: A single blind, cluster randomized controlled trial utilizing simple randomization was conducted, involving 10 MMT clinics. Intervention group received ISRIM for one session per week for four consecutive weeks, while control group were put on wait-list. Outcome was relapse, measured monthly for 6 months follow-up by the positive urine for drugs rapid test. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) was used as the main effectiveness analysis. Intention-to-treat (ITT), per protocol (PP) analysis, interaction terms, construct terms and key assumption terms were utilized. Results: Individual participation rate was 88.3%. All group comparisons at baseline were not significant (p>0.05). Cumulative relapse after 6-months follow-up for intervention and control group was 13.8% and 31.2%. There was significant difference in relapse between baseline, post-inter-vention and 6-months follow-up within intervention and control group (Q=29.06 vs 61.39,p
Introduction: Depressive symptoms are major public health issues with significantly increasing rates during adoles- cence. Specific factors and mechanisms associated with depressive symptoms still need to be identified. The present study aimed to examine direct relationships between paternal attachment and negative life events (NLE) to depres- sive symptoms. Indirect effect of automatic thoughts on the relationships was also examined. Methods: A sample of 1030 adolescents aged between 13 and 19 years (mean=15.36) was recruited using probability proportional to size cluster sampling from selected states in Peninsular Malaysia to complete self-report measures on the study variables. Results: Structural equation modelling indicated that paternal attachment in terms of secure, approachability and anxious fearful were directly associated to depressive symptoms. Broadly, increases in secure and approachability attachments followed by decreases in depressive symptoms. Adolescents who experienced anxious fearful attach- ment seemed to be more vulnerable to depressive symptoms. Moreover, results from mediation analyses revealed that automatic thoughts mediated the effect of two attachment variables (i.e., anxious fearful and responsiveness) and NLE to depressive symptoms. Conclusion: These findings shed light on the concurrent effects of attachment and life events on depressive symptoms, providing evidence on how to reduce depressive symptoms among adolescents. The current study also expands knowledge on the role of automatic thoughts as potentially relevant mediator. Interven- tion and prevention programs aimed at preventing adolescents from the deleterious effects of depressive symptoms should involve both parents and adolescents in order to promote optimal attachment relationships and minimize depressive cognitions in adolescents.
Introduction: In this study, we evaluated the kinematics of lower limb during early and late phases of 2km time trial on stationary rowing ergometer among Malaysian male rowers. Methods: Seventeen national-level rowers voluntari- ly participated. Three dimensional lower limb kinematics data were collected to represent the first 400 m (i.e., early) and the last 400m (i.e., late) phases of 2km time trial on a stationary ergometer. The kinematics data at sagittal, frontal and transverse planes of dominant leg during catch and finish positions were compared across early and late phases of the time trial using paired T-test. Results: The kinematics of lower limb joints at three planes were not significantly different during early versus late phases of 2km time trial among male senior rowers except for hip flexion at finish (p=0.411), ankle rotation at catch (p=0.779) and ankle abduction at finish (p=0.677). Conclusion: Lower limb kine- matics particularly the hip flexion, ankle rotation and ankle abduction may change across early and late phases of 2km time trial due to fatigue. Coaches and rowers should monitor these motions during fatiguing rowing piece and develop necessary injury prevention measures.
Introduction: Exposure to total inhalable dust has become a public concern because constant exposure to the dust
concentration exceeding workplace exposure limit may cause decline in lung function. This study aims to compare
the total inhalable dust exposure among rice mill, sawmill, furniture factory and non-exposed workers as well as
to correlate the dust exposure with lung function. Methods: A total of 77 exposed and 39 non-exposed workers
were recruited into this study utilising purposive sampling method. The total inhalable dust concentration was
collected using Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) personal airborne sampler loaded with glass microfibre
filter connected to a sampling pump via tygon tubing which was attached to the workers. Post-shift lung function
test was also measured. Results: There was a significant difference in the dust concentration between rice mill,
sawmill, furniture factory and non-exposed workers (p = 0.001) with the highest median value of 2.4 x 103
µg/m3
(IQR: 1.1 x 103
– 5.8 x 103
) among sawmill workers. Significant difference (p = 0.001) was shown between
workers for measured forced expiratory value in one second (FEV1), measured forced expiratory value in one second
and forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) and predicted FEV1/FVC. Among the exposed workers, weak negative
significant correlations were portrayed between total inhalable dust with the predicted forced vital capacity (FVC)
(r = -0.282, p = 0.013) and predicted FEV1 (r = -0.241, p = 0.035). Conclusion: Dust concentration might be attributable to the lung function decline among exposed workers especially sawmill workers.
Introduction: Moringa oleifera Lam. is a miracle tree that has been widely utilised in folklore medicine due to its immense amount of phenolic constituents that could treat various ailments. Different techniques have been imple- mented to extract the phenolic but the parameters may not be optimised to further enhance the amount of phenolic extracted. Thus, the work aimed to enhance phenolic content and antioxidant activity of M. oleifera through RSM methodology, which is rapid and convenience. Methods: At first, antioxidant activity of different parts of M. oleifera (leaves, stem, pod and seed) were investigated. The plant part with the highest antioxidant activity was selected for the optimisation of extraction condition using RSM. In RSM, temperature (XA), extraction time (XB) and solid-liquid ratio (XC) were employed to study the effects on yield, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Then, the optimum extraction condition obtained via RSM was utilised in LC-MS and HPLC analysis to determine the poten- tial bioactive constituents. Results: The leaves of M. oleifera displayed the highest antioxidant activity as compared to other plant parts. The optimum extraction condition obtained for the leaves extract was: temperature (XA): 82°C, extraction time (XB): 48 min and solid-liquid ratio (XC): 1:30 g/mL (w/v). Meanwhile, LC-MS revealed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and 3-O-glucoside kaempferol. HPLC analysis detected six compounds; gallic acid, epicatechin gallate, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol. Conclusion: The optimisation are promising to improve yield and antioxidant activity in M. oleifera as compared to non-conven- tional extractions.
Introduction: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a clonal haematological neoplasm characterised by proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow resulting in impairment normal cell development in bone marrow. This leads to anaemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. AML primarily affects older adults, with a median age at diagnosis of 69 years but is also seen in all other age groups. AML is recognized as a kind of cancer with marked heterogeneity in both biology of the cells and reactions to treatment. Treatment with intensive chemotherapy regi-mens of adult AML patients who are ≤ 60 years old results in hematologic remission in about 35% of patients, but at least 30% of these patients will experience a relapse. Mechanism leading to early relapse is still unclear. Leukaemia stem cell (LSC) is shown to correlate with poor prognosis. Biomarkers such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and CD34+CD38- have been identified as potential LSC biomarkers in previous studies. The objective of this study is to examine the expression of such markers for LSC and determine the association. Methods: Peripheral blood or bone marrow samples from untreated, newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemias of all age, gender and race were collect-ed from Hospital Melaka and Kelang. Diagnosis of AML is based on WHO classification which include morphology, cytochemistry, immunophenotyping and cytogenetics. Mononuclear cells were isolated from bone marrow aspirate samples by gradient density centrifugation on Ficoll-Hypaque. Immunophenotyping using CD13, CD14, CD33, CD34, CD38 and ALDH were carried out to identify the presence and proportion of the various populations of inter-est. Results: There was a strong, positive correlation between ALDH and CD34+CD38- cell population, which was statistically significant (rs = 0.5989, p< 0.05). Conclusion: The strong correlation of ALDH activity and CD34+CD38- expression supported the potential of these biomarkers to identify LSCs cell in AML patients. However, due to the heterogeneity of AML, further studies using more markers and larger sample size are needed to determine the validity and to correlate with disease-free survival rate of AML patients.
Introduction: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of artificial light exposures on the survivals and life traits of adult Aedes aegypti. Methods: This is an experimental research where triplication of each cage filled with a ratio of 20 male : 20 female mosquitoes were exposed under three different light artificial light which are; yellow light, white light and blue light along with three different photoperiod regimes (light:dark) – (14h:10h, 12h:12h and 8h:16h). During this study, life traits data observed were duration of the females to complete a gonotrophic cycle, mean number of days was calculated as well as fecundity rate each cycle was also observed by calculating its number of eggs. Results: In general, gonotrophic cycle of this species is significantly affected by the exposure of the artificial lights where the white light has allowed this species to complete a gonotrophic cycle faster than yellow and blue light with post hoc Tukey’s HSD p = 0.026, however the gonotrophic cycle is found not affected by the different photoperiod regimes. The fecundity of this species is found not to be affected by the artificial light exposure but is affected by the different photoperiod regimes with p = 0.049. Conclusion: In conclusion, artificial light can signifi- cantly affect the gonotrophic cycle of Aedes aegypti species while on the other hand, the fecundity of this species is affected by the different photoperiod instead of different artificial light exposure.
Early pregnancy losses occur in 10-20% of all pregnancies. Surgical evacuation has always been the mainstay of management of miscarriages. The main aim of this study was to understand the success rate of expectant management of miscarriage with regards to gestational sac size and period of gestation. The secondary outcome was to measure the satisfaction level and the rate of pregnancy after 6 month of expectant management. Patients diagnosed with missed miscarriages were requested to choose between expectant or surgical management. Those decided for expectant management on “wait and watch” approach were assessed weekly up to 5 completed weeks until complete miscarriage was achieved spontaneously. Surgical evacuation was performed if medically indicated or requested by the patients at any time or at the end of fifth week if complete miscarriage was not achieved. Out of 212 cases, 75 (35.4%) opted for expectant management. Complete miscarriage was achieved in 85.3% of subjects by the end of fifth weeks respectively. Mean of Gestational sac size and period of gestation was not found to influence the success rate of complete spontaneous miscarriage in the expectant management. No morbidity was recorded during the five weeks of the study period. Mean satisfaction score was 9.7±8.3. Pregnancy occurred in 47% of patients within 6 months follow up. The Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested the end of second week as the cut off for surgical intervention. This study revealed that expectant management of missed miscarriage is a reliable management of missed miscarriage within the first two weeks.
Introduction: Diabetic control depends partially on self-management. Diabetes self-care is reported to be a strong predictor of glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Factors contributing to better self-care include self-efficacy and social support. We aim to determine effects of these factors on glucose control in T2DM patients in a primary care clinic. Methods: This study utilised data from a bigger study looking into factors affecting social support and self-efficacy and their correlation in T2DM patients. This study was done among 329 T2DM pa- tients attending a primary care clinic in Selangor, Malaysia between November 2013- January 2014. Systematic ran- dom sampling was used. Instruments used were the MOS Social Support Survey and the Diabetic Management Self Efficacy Scale (DMSES). Patients’ socio-demographic data and glucose monitoring records were obtained. The asso- ciation between social support and self-efficacy with blood glucose control was determined using logistic regression. Results: The mean age of the respondents is 54.6 (+11.2), mostly female (55.3%) and Malay ethnicity (63.5%). Being older and retired were predictors for good glucose control (OR=1.05,p=0.01 and OR=2.2,p=0.023) respectively. There is also significant correlations between number of close friends/relatives with social support and self-efficacy (r=0.162,p=0.030 and r=0.190,p=0.01) respectively. The correlation of social support and self-efficacy with HbA1c levels are r= -0.044(p=0.426) and r= -0.08(p= 0.744) respectively. Conclusion: There were no correlations between social support and self-efficacy with the level of HbA1c among patients with T2DM in this study. We found older aged and retired patients to have better HbA1c levels.
Introduction: In first six months of life, breastfeeding is the recommended form of feeding by the World Health Organisation for the growing child. To enable the working mother to continue this noble practice, adequate workplace breastfeeding support and self- efficacy is needed. This study aims to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding among working mothers of children aged three months to two years and factors associated with breastfeeding practice including workplace support and mother’s self-efficacy. Method: This is a cross sectional questionnaire study carried out in a rural Health Clinic in Selangor using socio-demographic data, Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS), and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF). This study was conducted for a period of three months from April to June 2015. The respondents were employed Malaysian mothers of healthy infants aged three months to two years. A total of 84 participants were involved in the study. Data analysis was done with SPSS 22.Results: The prevalence of breastfeeding among working mothers were high at 97.6%. We found significant association of breastfeeding practice with workplace breastfeeding support (p=0.005) and self-efficacy (p= 0.017). We also noted a significant correlation between breastfeeding workplace support and breast feeding self-efficacy (r= 0.40, p
Introduction: The phenotype and genotype of cancer cells portray hallmarks of cancer which may
have clinical value. Cancer cell lines are ideal models to study and confirm these characteristics. We
previously established two subtracted cDNA libraries with differentially expressed genes from an
acute myeloid leukaemia patient with poor prognosis (PP) and good prognosis (GP). Objective: To
compare gene expression of the leukaemia associated genes with selected biological characteristics
in leukaemia cell lines and normal controls. Methodology: Expression of 28 PP genes associated
with early fetal/embryonic development, HOX-related genes, hematopoiesis and aerobic glycolysis/
hypoxia genes and 36 GP genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, protein synthesis, chromatin
remodelling and cell motility were examined in B-lymphoid (BV173, Reh and RS4;11) and myeloid
(HL-60, K562) leukaemia cell lines after 72h in culture as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells
from healthy controls (N=5) using semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Cell
cycle profiles were analysed on flow cytometry while MTT cytotoxicity assay was used to determine
drug resistance to epirubicin. Results: Genes expressed significantly higher in B-lymphoid leukaemia
cell lines compared to healthy controls were mostly of the GP library i.e. oxidative phosphorylation
(3/10), protein synthesis (4/11), chromatin remodelling (3/3) and actin cytoskeleton genes (1/5). Only
two genes with significant difference were from the PP library. Cancer associated genes, HSPA9 and
PSPH (GP library) and BCAP31 (PP library) were significantly higher in the B-lymphoid leukemia cell
lines. No significant difference was observed between myeloid cell lines and healthy controls. This
may also be due heterogeneity of cell lines studied. PBMC from healthy controls were not in cell cycle.
G2/M profiles and growth curves showed B-lymphoid cells just reaching plateau after 72 hour culture
while myeloid cells were declining. IC50 values from cytotoxicity assay revealed myeloid cell lines had
an average 13-fold higher drug resistance to epirubicin compared to B-lymphoid cell lines. Only CCL1,
was expressed at least two-fold higher in myeloid compared to B-lymphoid cell lines. In contrast,
MTRNR2, EEF1A1, PTMA, HLA-DR, C6orf115, PBX3, ENPP4, SELL, and IL3Ra were expressed
more than 2-fold higher in B-lymphoid compared to myeloid cell lines studied here. Conclusion: Thus,
B-lymphoid leukaemia cell lines here exhibited active, proliferating characteristics closer to GP genes.
Higher expression of several genes in B-lymphoid compared to myeloid leukaemia cell lines may be
useful markers to study biological differences including drug resistance between lineages.
Introduction: Drug abuse is a prevalent issue in Malaysia, and a constant struggle to eradicate even among substance abusers who have received prior rehabilitation. Drug abuse has also been known to affect the quality of life of an individual, due to the stigma it carries. This research emphasized on studying the life quality of relapsed and first-time substance abusers in rehabilitation centres including their tendency towards aggression. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the current inpatients in Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centres (CCRC) in Peninsular Malaysia. Primary data was acquired using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic (Part A), quality of life (Part B) and aggression related questions (Part C). 417 individuals were selected through purposive sampling from five different centres. A statistical analysis was conducted using independent t-test, single linear re- gression and Kruskal-Wallis using SPSS version 25.0. Results: An analysis of the data presented no significant asso- ciation between quality of life and tendency of aggression among relapsed and first time substance abusers (p>0.05). Based on the analysis and the outcome, age influences the level of aggression (p=0.018) while quality of life is af- fected by education level (p=0.017). Marital status is a factor that affects both the level of aggression (p=0.015) and quality of life (p=0.043). Conclusion: The findings may contribute to law enforcements in reducing violent crimes committed by drug abusers and rehabilitation efforts by rehabilitation centres, by establishing demographic profiles in relation to quality of life and aggression.