The aim of this study was to investigate the level of miR-744 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumour tissue and to provide initial clue on its potential as biomarkers for early detection of NPC in a preliminary analysis. Total miRNAs was extracted from NPC tissue as well as normal nasopharynx tissue taken from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan and converted into cDNA. The level of miR-744 expression in the cDNA was quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymserase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technique. The expression level of SNORD48 was measured simultaneously for each sample, which served as endogenous control. The difference in the expression of miR-744 in NPC and normal nasopharynx tissue were analysed using relative quantification, 2-ΔΔCT. In this preliminary analysis, this study found that miR-744 was upregulated in NPC as compared to normal nasopharynx tissue by 2.5 fold changes, respectively suggesting it may involve in progression of tumour. However, the finding is not significant and may not accurately reflect the overall population, due to small sample size involved in the study. Findings from the current study suggest the potential of miR-744 to serve as useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in NPC.
Soda lime silica (SLS) waste as the source of silica (SiO2) and ark clamshell (ACS) as the foaming agent has been utilized to fabricate the low-cost and lightweight foam glass-ceramics. A series of 1 and 6 wt% foam glass-ceramics were successfully prepared by the conventional solid-state sintering method at various sintering temperatures for 60 min. The bulk density of the samples has achieved minimum density (1.014 g/cm3) with maximum expansion (62.31%) at 6 wt% of the ACS content sintered at 800 °C for 60 min. The bulk density increases while the linear shrinkage and total porosity decrease with the progression of ACS contents and sintering temperature, where the results correspond with the FESEM micrograph. The result of XRD and FTIR transmittance spectra have shown that the formation of wollastonite crystal has occurred starting at 6 wt% of the ACS content sintered at 800 °C for 30 min. The highest mechanical performance (3.90 MPa) with an average total porosity (8.04%) is observed for the sample containing 1 wt% of ACS. It can be concluded that the composition of foam glass-ceramics (1 and 6 wt%) and sintering temperatures give significant results to the structural, physical, and mechanical properties of the fabricated foam glass-ceramics.
Introduction: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is endemic especially in the under-developed and developing countries and is a major public health concern. Improving nutrition is one of the ways to alleviate this condition. Consumption of locally available and affordable food such as date palm and goat milk which are rich in iron is one of the ways to overcome IDA. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of date palm and goat milk supplementation on hae- matological parameters and iron bioavailability in IDA rats. Methods: 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control and IDA group. The normal control was fed with normal diet and water ad libitum while the IDA group were fed on iron-deficient diet for two weeks to induce iron deficiency. The IDA rats were further divided into subgroups; each being supplemented with date palm, goat milk, a combination of date palm and goat milk, and ferrous fumarate as positive control. Blood were collected after 28 days for haematological parameters and iron profile determination. Iron bioavailability was assessed using the haemoglobin regeneration efficiency (HRE) index. Data was analysed by Student T Test and ANOVA using SPSS 23.0 software with p value < 0.05 considered as sta- tistically significant. Results: Supplementation of date palm and goat milk for 28 days significantly improved Hb, RBC, PCV, MCV, MCH, serum iron and transferrin saturation (p
Food insecurity is normally associated with lower socioeconomic status and improper feeding practices which may consequently affect growth and development of young children. This study aims to assess household food security status and its association with child feeding practices and children’s weight status among low income mothers in Terengganu. A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted at four public maternal and child health clinics (MCH) located in Terengganu. A total of 107 of low-income mothers between ages of 18 to 45 years with net household income less than RM 3000 who has at least one child aged two years and above were recruited. The instruments used were Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) and weight-for-age child growth chart for children’ weight status at aged one year. Descriptive statistic and non-parametric tests were employed (SPSS 20). Majority of the households were food secure (85.0%). Yet, it is also important to note that about 15% of the household had experienced some degree of food insecurity. There was no significant correlation between household food security and all child feeding practice domains. Most of the mothers had children with normal weight (mean Z-score =-0.72+0.99). There was statistically significant association between household food security status and weight of children at one year of age (p=0.01). In conclusion, majority of the households experienced food secure. Household food security were associated with children’s weight status at early age but not correlated with parent’s child feeding practice.
Introduction: Rooted form the ancient times, having a white and a delicate skin has been a dream of all women as it is perceived as a perfect beauty. Due to this high desideratum, the global beauty industry had taken an advantage to this target group promising an instant white skin for as early as three days. Global industry analysts (GIA) pre- dicted that this year 2020 the global market for skin lighteners will reach $23 billion. Despite the effectiveness of using skin-lightening, some had reported of having adverse effect including dermatological as well as neurological. Methods: This is a quantitative study using descriptive analysis approach to all nursing students in Sabah. The type of sampling is using snowball sampling methods. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to all nursing colleges in Sabah. Results: A total of 161 nursing students responded. Based on this study, most of students start are using cos- metic product in the age of15years old. Using an open-ended question, the top three cosmetic products containing skin-lightening ingredients use by students are Safi(27.9%), Garnier (25.5%)and Simple(16.1.%). Majority experience acne (47.5%) and skin irritation (18.8%)after using cosmetic products containing skin-lightening ingredients while 36.6% did not experience any skin problem. It is about80% concern about safety when choosing skin care contain skin-lightening ingredients,76.9% will make an effort to read leaflet provided prior to purchasing, 69.4% aware about the list of dangerous ingredients in choosing skin care contain skin-lightening ingredients, 78.1% aware about its side effect. Conclusion: The outcome of this preliminary study lead to the conclusion that nursing students in Sa- bah are aware that using a cosmetic product contain skin-lightening ingredient is harmful for them.
The concentrations of airborne particulate matter (PM) is often measured as a mass concentration. However, the other way to express particulate matter is by using the Particle Number Count ([PNC]) concentrations. This study aims to analyse the seasonal variation of airborne particulate matter in terms of [PNC] by using R packages and the Boosted Regression Trees (BRTs) technique. The study was conducted at IOES, Universiti of Malaya in Bachok, Kelantan. The monitoring was important to understand the variability of seasonal effects due to different seasons. In this work, only the datasets for three seasons (Inter Monsoon, North East Monsoon and South-West Monsoon) were analysed involving 25,958 data. The air quality monitoring equipment involved was the particle counter Environment Dust Monitor GRIMM Model 180 and a weather station for recording the meteorological parameters. The data analysis was completed by using R software and its package for evaluating seasonal variability and providing the statistical analysis. The relationship between variables was studied by using the Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) technique. The interaction between independent variables towards the [PNC] in different seasons was discussed. The best setting result of BRT model evaluation R² is 0.22 (North-East Monsoon), 0.87 (Intern monsoon 1), and 0.59 for South West Monsoon which indicated that the model developed is acceptable except for NEM and intern monsoon seasons. Temperature (57 %) and wind direction (67%) were found to be the highest factor influenced by the formation of [PNC] concentrations in this area. Finally, good results indicated that BRT technique is an acceptable way to analysed air pollution data.
Introduction: cAMP Response Element Binding (CREB) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) protein levels tend to be a critical mediator for the beneficial effects of diet on neurogenesis and cognitive function. Increased fruit intake has been associated with improved cognitive function. However, in Malaysia, most adolescents still haven't met the recommended intake of fruits and far less is known on how their adequacy of fruit intake can be affected to their protein levels of CREB and BDNF. Methods: A cross sectional study was done on 352 students aged 14 and 16 years old involving 11 secondary schools in Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Hulu Terengganu Districts. A validated MyUM adolescent FFQ was used for fruit intake assessment. Blood sample to determine the level of CREB and BDNF proteins. Results: A total of 53.7% of adolescents consumed an adequate intake ( 2 servings/day) of fruits. Serum level BDNF was significantly (p
The number of small and medium-sized accommodations (SMSAs) has increased in Malaysia in tandem with the growth of the tourism industry worldwide. The states involved in this study were Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang. The SMSAs in these states are rated using Orchid rating, namely 1-Orchid, 2-Orchid and 3-Orchid, generated by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). This study applied the Resource-based View (RBV) theory to investigate four factors (marketing management, human resourcesmanagement, innovation capability management and information technology) assumed to be competitive capabilities that may influence accommodation’s performance. The objective of the study is to examine whether the four factors influence the performance of Orchid-rated accommodations located in the East Coast of West Malaysia. The results revealed that the four factors do not have any relationship with the accommodation’s performance. The analysis also singled out one argument of the director of SMSA that competitive capabilities are not important to their business. This argument coincides with the results of the analysis that the four factors are not significant with regards to the accommodations’ performance.
Halal products must be healthy and safe for consumers. With nowadays technologies, the media sometime manipulates the old stories and invalid news to become viral through media social that fast delivered to consumers that make consumers more believes to the story that is not true. With the existence of the application of online Halal label system in Malaysia, the consumers can check the authenticity of the news. The intention level can be increased regarding the application of online Halal label system among consumers intention toward Halal label system in Malaysia. Application of online Halal label system in Malaysia influenced by many factors among consumer intention toward halal label. The present study has assessed to investigate the application of online Halal label among consumers intention toward the Halal label system in Malaysia based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Data were gathered from a self-reported questionnaire completed by 108 consumers on the questionnaire paper located at Malaysia International Halal Show (MIHAS) on Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Four underlying factors were assumed and extracted, including attitudes toward the application of online Halal label system in Malaysia, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control and intention among consumers. There is significantly relationship found between sociodemographic and intention of consumers toward Halal label in Malaysia. Relationship between different demographic information with intention of consumers was observed. The study contributes positive feedback of the application of online Halal label system among consumer intention toward the Halal label system in Malaysia and the TPB.
Introduction: Overweight currently has become a major global burden. Salmon is one of the major sources for fish oil to treat inflammatory related cardiovascular diseases. Yellow-stripe scad (YSS) on the other hand, is a local Malaysian fish which can be a good substitute for salmon; however, the therapeutic effects of YSS is still unclear. Objective: Therefore, this study compared the nutritional values EPA+DHA of YSS and salmon on body mass index (BMI), leptin and activation markers for both platelet and endothelial cell. Methods: Healthy overweight Malaysian adults (n=45), aged 21-55 years old, were recruited for 6-months cross-over trial study. They were randomised equally to receive eight weeks of either steamed whole YSS fish or salmon fillet, for three days per week, obtaining approximately 7000 mg EPA+DHA weekly. The diets were switched after an eight-week washout period. Baseline dietary fish intakes were similar in the two groups. Results: Significant differences observed in serum leptin for YSS-baseline group I and salmon-baseline group II (p0.05) on time and treatment in all variable after 16 week, but there was a significant effect of treatment on sCD40L from YSS and vWF from salmon (p
Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess parental acceptance and factors that influenced their per- ceptions towards the use of dental therapists in providing treatment to children in private dental practice settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected parents of 11-year-old schoolchildren in Se- langor using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The survey consisted of three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, dental service utilisation and parental acceptance towards dental therapists in providing seven types of preventive and operative dental procedures. Results: The response rate was 83.1%. Overall, most parents regarded dental therapists providing dental care to their children in private dental care settings as acceptable, particularly on preventive treatment, namely ‘seeking advice on oral hygiene care' (87.8%) and ‘applying topical fluoride' (83.2%). In the multivariate analysis, younger parents and those who had preferences over private sectors were most likely to accept at least four dental procedures to be rendered to their children by dental therapists. Overall, respondents who were younger (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.62, 1.92), lived in urban locality (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.28, 2.45) and had a recent dental visit (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.10, 2.07) were more likely to have an overall positive perceptions towards dental therapists. Conclusion: Most parents regarded dental therapists providing care to their children in private dental settings as acceptable and this was associated with their age, place of residence and past dental experiences.
Introduction: Non-destructive analysis of biological evidence has been paramount importance in the forensic inves- tigation since it is an effective tool in establishing a standard that could be employed to differentiate ensuing destruc- tive tests of bio-fluids upon sample division between the plaintiff and defendant. Species identification of bloodstain found at the crime scene is very crucial in routine forensic work as this can assist the initial investigation by incor- porating or excluding stain that is not human and to identify its origin if animal blood is involved. Methods: In this research, identification and discrimination of various blood species collected from seven domestic animals namely chicken, cow, deer, duck, fish, goat, and pig were investigated using non-destructive analytical techniques; ATR- FTIR and visible spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis (PCA- LDA) for classification purposes. Results: ATR-FTIR FTIR spectroscopic study demonstrated a higher rate of successful classification ( 90%) as compared to visible spectroscopic technique. Conclusion: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy has been an ideal, robust, and suitable tool for determining the blood species of domestic animals. The predictive model from PCA-LDA analysis can be utilised to produce higher classification rate for species determination from blood traces.
Abnormal malignant growth of breast cells often occurs among women after menopause. But, recently, breast cancer (BC) is increasing in trend among young women, mainly in Asian countries. Breast cancer in young women (BCYW) usually presented with higher grades, advanced stage, and aggressive subtype. The survival of BCYW is poor with a more progressive and higher chance of recurrence and metastasis. Treatment for BCYW usually is more intensive and extensive, which causes more side effects that potentially lead to psychosocial issues. This article review highlights the unique and complex issues of BCYW in Malaysia and around the world.
Introduction: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anaemia. The diagnosis of IDA, however, remains a challenge and is a problem worldwide. Serum iron study is commonly used for IDA diagnosis but there are some limitations. This study was conducted to evaluate reticulocyte-haemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) as a screening tool for IDA diagnosis in adults. Method: This is a comparative case control study conducted in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan consisting of adult patients with iron deficiency anaemia and a healthy control group. Hae- matological parameters (Hb, RBC count, MCV, MCH, RDW) inclusive of Ret-He and serum iron parameters (serum iron, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin) were measured. Correlation between Ret-He with other haematological and serum iron parameters were analysed. Results: There were 103 IDA adult patients with majority of them being female (85.4%) with median age of 36 years old. Malay ethnicity (79.6%) contributed to the larger proportion of adult IDA patients. The Ret-He value for patient and control groups were 16.50 ± 4.90 pg and 34.80 ± 1.97 pg, re- spectively. Ret-He was 89.32% sensitive and 100% specific with 100% positive predictive value (PPV) and 73.11% negative predictive value (NPV) when compared to transferrin saturation. There was significant correlation between Hb, MCH, MCV, RDW and serum iron, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin parameters with Ret-He. Conclusion: Ret-He together with a complete blood count, may serve as an alternative to the serum iron parameters for screening of IDA in adults.
Introduction: According to the predefined 2010 World Health Organisation criteria, serrated colonic polyps (SCP)
are pathologically classified into hyperplastic polyp (HP), sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) with or without
cytological dysplasia and traditional serrated adenoma (TSA). Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp is acknowledged as
a precursor of colorectal carcinoma through the serrated neoplastic pathway. Hyperplastic polyps display similar
histological features to SSA/P, in comparison to other types of SCP. It is noteworthy to discriminate between HP and
SSA/P, since only the latter has a malignant potential. Method: A total of 198 cases of SCP were identified and the
slides were reexamined and reclassified accordingly. Analysis on the proportion of SSA/P among SCP and underdiagnosed cases of SSA/P was performed. The association between SSA/P and non-SSA/P with demographic data and
colonoscopic findings were also studied. Results: From the 198 cases of SCP, 164, 29 and five cases were reclassified
as HP, SSA/P and TSA respectively. Sixteen cases of SSA/P were underdiagnosed as HP. From among 29 cases of
SSA/P, the majority were ≥ 65 years old (17; 58.6%), male (21; 72.4 %) and Chinese (17; 58.6%). Most of the SSA/P
(16; 55.2 %) were located in the right colon and measured ≥ 10mm (9; 31%) in size. Location (p=0.004) and size
(p=0.013) of the colonoscopic findings were significantly associated with SSA/P. Conclusion: Underdiagnosed cases
of SSA/P among HP were identified most likely because of the resemblance of their histological features. The location
and size of SCP may suggest the probability of SSA/P.
Introduction: Platelet aggregation test using light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is considered as the gold
standard for evaluation of platelet function. Variations of platelet aggregation had been reported in apparently
healthy individuals whereby a normal cut–off value established locally is highly recommended. This study aims
to determine the platelet aggregation pattern and the preliminary findings on reference values for
multiple agonists–induced platelet aggregation among Malaysian healthy individuals in a single centre.
Method: A total number of 63 informed consented healthy individuals consisted of Malay, Chinese and Indian
were recruited among staff and blood donors at National Blood Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Platelet aggregation was
measured using LTA against adenosine diphosphate 10 µM (ADP10), collagen 0.19 mg/mL (COL), ristocetin 1.5
mg/mL (RIS), arachidonic acid 1 mM (AA) and epinephrine 10 µM (EPI). Results were expressed as percent final
aggregation (%FA). Reference values were calculated from mean±2SD. Results: Age, gender and ethnic groups had
no significant effect on platelet aggregation. A variability of platelet aggregation response to EPI was observed among
the healthy individuals. Ten of 33 respondents (30%) had impaired aggregation with
Despite the wide accessibility to internet, pornography activities among youths are not well described in conservative countries like Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, elicit gender differences and identify associated factors of pornographic exposure including perceived realism among college students. This cross-sectional study was conducted among students aged 18 to 25 years from seven colleges in Penang, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics, pornography exposure, pattern of use, sexual exposure and perceived realism. Among 986 participants, the prevalence of lifetime pornography exposure was 74.5%. More males (71.7%) were exposed to pornography, had started at earlier age, were frequent users and using the internet alone at home (p
Karsinoma tiroid biasanya didiagnoskan berdasarkan kriteria morfologi tertentu. Dalam sesetengah kes, diagnosis yang tepat mungkin sukar apabila ciri-ciri morfologi adalah tidak ketara. Kajian ini menilai kegunaan Hector Battifora Mesothelial-1 (HBME-1) sebagai penanda immunohistokimia untuk membezakan tisu tiroid barah dengan bukan barah dan untuk membandingkan ekspresi HBME-1 dalam pelbagai jenis tisu tiroid. Sensitiviti dan spesifisiti HBME-1 sebagai penanda khusus untuk karsinoma tiroid juga dikaji. Sejumlah 54 kes barah dan 54 kes bukan barah tiroid yang didiagnos di Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia untuk tempoh tujuh tahun telah dikumpul. Semua kes diwarnai dengan HBME-1 dan dinilai oleh tiga pemerhati bebas. Kes-kes tersebut diberi skor berdasarkan nisbah pewarnaan dan dinilai sebagai skor 0 (kurang daripada 10%), 1+ (10-25%), 2+ (26-50%) atau 3+ (lebih daripada 50%). Di samping itu, perkaitan antara skor bagi kes barah dengan peringkat patologi tumor juga dikaji. HBME-1 menunjukkan ungkapan pewarnaan yang lebih signifikan dalam kes barah berbanding bukan barah (P
Introduction: This study aimed to compare the nutritional characteristics and clinical outcomes among critically ill patients with diabetes (DM) and without diabetes (WDM). Methods: Mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients who were admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU) within 48 hours and remained in ICU 72 hours were prospec- tively recruited and followed for up to 12 days. They were stratified to DM or WDM, depending on their diabetes status at ICU admission and comparison were made for nutritional characteristics and clinical outcomes including 60-day mortality. Results: A total of 154 patients were included with 73 (47.4%) DM patients. In comparison to WDM, patients with DM were older, more severely ill, had higher nutritional risk and body mass index, presented with a higher blood glucose level, and required more insulin. DM was fed relatively earlier but had lower energy adequacy. They experienced more frequent EN interruption. Both groups had comparable ICU and hospital stay, ventilation support duration and mortality. In multivariable logistic regression, no association was found between diabetes status and for ICU and hospital mortality. However, There was a trend towards an increase in 60-day mor- tality in DM patients (Odds Ratio: 2.220, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.764-6.452; p=0.143). Conclusion: Critically ill patients with DM had higher nutritional risks, were fed relatively earlier, but with frequent EN interruption leading to lower energy adequacy than patients WDM. Diabetes status does not affect clinical outcomes.