Neuroplasticity has been subjected to a great deal of research in the last century. Recently, significant emphasis has been
placed on the global effect of localized plastic changes throughout the central nervous system, and on how these changes
integrate in a pathological context. The present study aimed to demonstrate the functional cortical reorganization before
and after surgery using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a participant with brain tumor. Results of Visual Evoked
Magnetic Field (VEF) based on functional MEG study revealed significantly different of MEG N100 waveforms before and
after surgery. Larger and additional new locations for visual activation areas after the surgery were found suggesting
neuroplasticity. The present study highlight a physiological plasticity in a teenage brain and the alterations regarding
neural plasticity and network remodeling described in pathological contexts in higher-order visual association areas.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease that results in pain and disability in many people. Cultural practice may influence patients’ views about their condition, its related issues and management. The aim of our study was to explore the perspective about knee OA and its related issues among Malaysian patients with knee OA. Twelve patients diagnosed with knee OA (8 females and 4 males) attending physiotherapy sessions at a University Hospital, mean age (SD): 67.1(9.4) years and median visual analog scale score of 5/10 participated in this qualitative study. One to one in-depth interviews were conducted, audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Three main themes were identified from the transcribed data; knee pain and its’ related issues (reason and aggravating factors of knee pain, coping strategies), impact of knee pain (impact on daily activities and emotions) and physiotherapy management (effects and expectations of physiotherapy, compliance and adherence towards home exercises). Most participants expressed that their knee pain was aggravated by certain movements that had an effect on their daily activities namely squatting. The findings also suggested that physiotherapy management was perceived as secondary prevention rather than a cure. Findings from this study provides information about the perceptions and related issues of patients with knee OA. This information may help health professionals in tailoring patient-centered care and provide better management.
Study site: Physiotherapy department, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Excellent treatment setup accuracy with highly conformal radiation technique will improve oral mucosal sparing by
limiting uninvolved mucosal structures from receiving high dose radiation. Therefore, a study was conducted to identify
the ideal immobilization device for interfraction treatment setup accuracy improvement. A total of twelve oral cancer
patients underwent volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) was categorized into three different group depending on
immobilization device they used for treatment. HFW: headFIX® mouthpiece molded with wax, SYR: 10 cc/ml syringe and
TDW: wooden tongue depressor molded by wax. Each patient underwent image-guided radiotherapy with a total of 292
cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data sets for position treatment setup errors measurement. The variations in
translational (lateral, longitudinal, vertical) and rotational (pitch, yaw, roll) in each CBCT image were calculated. Patient
positioning errors were analyzed for time trends over the course of radiotherapy. CTV-PTV margins were calculated from
the systematic (Σ) and random (σ) errors. Mean ± SD for absolute treatment setup error was statistically significant
(p < 0.001) lower for all translational errors and yaw direction in HFW. The interfraction 3D vector errors were 1.93 ±
0.66, 3.84 ± 1.34 and 2.79 ± 1.17 mm for the HFW, SYR and TDW respectively. There are positive increments between 3D
vector errors over the treatment fraction for all devices. The calculated CTV-PTV margins were 3.08, 2.22 and 0.81 mm,
3.76, 6.24 and 5.06 mm and 3.06, 3.45 and 4.84 mm in R-L, S-I and A-P directions, respectively. HFW shows smaller errors
in almost all comparison indicating higher accuracy and reproducibility of the immobilization device in maintaining
patient’s position. All margins calculated did not exceed hospital protocol (5 mm) except S-I and A-P directions using
SYR. However, in some special situations, such as re-irradiation or the close proximity of organs at risk and high-dose
regions or lower (i.e., 3 mm) margins could benefit from daily image guidance.
This paper is the first record of cigarette beetles collected from dried fish crackers (also known as “keropok ikan” in Malay) in Malaysia. The dead cigarette beetles were firstly isolated from a packet of dried fish crackers and were subsequently kept in 70% ethanol. The beetles were then identified as Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius 1792) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae). They are common pests of stored products such as tobacco, flour, and cocoa beans but there is no record of ,his beetle infestation on dried fish crackers in Malaysia.
Two species of plants, Andrographis paniculata and Euphorbia hirta were screened for antibacterial activities against three Gram positives and Gram negatives. The leaves from both plants were extracted by methanol extraction. The antibacterial activity was detected with spread plate well diffusion method. The extracts of both plants demonstrated inhibitory activity against both Gram negative and positives bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus epidemidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC determination using micro dilution method showed that the A/tic of A. paniculata for the tested bacteria were 1.56 mg/ml (Staph. aureus), 3.13 mg/ml (Bacillus subtilis), 3.13 mg/ml (Strept. epidemidis), 1.56 mg/ml (Escherichia cob), 12.50 mg/ml (Klebsiella pneumoniae) and 3.13 mg/ml (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) respectively. The MIC value for E. hirta was 6.25 mg/ml (Staph. aureus) and 3.13 mg/ml (Bacillus subtilis), 3.13 mg/ml (Strept. Epidemidis), 3.13 mg/ml (Pseudomonas aeruginosa),12.5 mg/ml (Escherichia coli), and 6.25 mg/ml (Klebsiella pneumoniae). Both plants represent a potential for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications and are worthy of further study.
Suatu kajian pemencilan dan pengenalpastian mikroflora bakteria daripada kolam air panas telah dilakukan di kolam
air panas Bentong, Pahang. Kebanyakan bakteria yang dipencil dari kolam air panas adalah dari Bacillus sp. kerana ia
mempunyai ciri adaptasi yang membolehkannya hidup di kawasan ekstrem suhu tinggi dengan pembentukan endospora.
Objektif kajian adalah untuk mengenal pasti spesies bakteria selain dari spesies Bacillus sp. yang mampu mandiri dalam
kolam air panas ini. Tiga buah kolam air panas dikenal pasti sebagai A, B dan C. Julat suhu berada antara 36°C-52°C
dan nilai pH antara 7.88-8.65. Kajian ini telah berjaya memencilkan dua isolat bakteria kokus Gram positif bersama
tiga spesies Gram negatif. Spesies Gram positif tersebut adalah dari spesies Streptococcus sp. dan Staphylococcus sp,
manakala Gram negatif pula dikenal pasti sebagai Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp. dan Proteus sp.. Sebagai kesimpulan,
bakteria tak berspora yang bukan Bacillus sp. mampu mandiri dalam kolam air panas.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease which is characterized by hyperglycemia. There is either disturbance in insulin secretion or defective insulin action or even a combination of both. Usually, there are few confounding factors like genetic, obesity, sedentary life style, atherosclerosis, and even faulty dietary habits which lead or aggravate DM. Usually, the individual does not care and often the complications resulting from hyperglycaemia are fatal. Complications in DM involve the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, endocrine, renal and neurological systems in the body. Treatment of diabetic complications is not only costly but it is also a burden on the affected families. The present review discusses the challenges faced in DM with special concern on diet and food habits. Knowledge of proper food consumption may also help an individual combat complication in DM and reduce the mortality and morbidity.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; complications; food; habits; mortality; morbidity
This paper aims to describe a Malay version of the Boston Naming Test (MBNT) and its normative data. The M-BNT follows closely the general administration procedures of the original Boston Naming Test (BNT) but is different in terms of item content. A total of 29 items from the original 60 items on the test were deemed culturally and linguistically valid for the Malay population and were thus retained. A total of 41 additional items were added to make a total list of 70 items for pilot testing. These items were first vetted by a panel of experts and then trialed on a sample of 40 Malay adults. Based on the item analysis from the pilot study, the M-BNT was reduced to a 50 item test. This was administered to 230 normal Malay subjects in five age groups (20 - 29 years, 30 - 39 years, 40 - 49 years, 50 - 59 years, and 60 - 69 years), split into two main educational levels (i.e. < 12 years of education, and 12 years or more) and across gender. The Malay subjects were chosen representative of the four major geographical regions in West Malaysia. Initial normative data was computed according to the five age groups and two educational levels. It is hoped that the M-BNT will become a test useful in the identification of patients with an expressive language word-finding disorder.
Knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology of swallowing is fundamental in the identification of individuals with or
at risk for swallowing disorders. Learning anatomy and physiology however, is not an easy task thus, computer-assisted
learning (CAL) approaches have been incorporated into the learning of the topics to enhance understanding. Although
evidence exists on the benefits of using CAL in education, more studies are necessary in the field of swallowing. While
courseware for the learning of anatomy and physiology of swallowing exist, they are not comprehensive. Therefore, this
study aimed to develop a comprehensive CAL courseware for anatomy and physiology of swallowing. The current study
used a designed-based research following the ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation)
model to create a multimedia courseware, incorporating the use of text, still images, animations, audio narrations,
and presented on a simple graphical user interface. The courseware was evaluated by 27 undergraduate students in
terms of its usefulness, ease of use, and users’ satisfaction. Results indicate that the participants were satisfied with the
courseware and that they perceived the courseware as useful, easy to learn and easy to use. The study represents an
initiative to investigate the use of CAL in the subject and to establish the basis for further work which includes assessment
on the learning outcomes from the usage of the CAL courseware. It is hoped that the use of this courseware in teaching
and learning of anatomy and physiology of swallowing can enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the area
efficiently and effectively.
A preliminary field study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a mosquito trap; Mosquito Killing System (MKS) in
capturing mosquitoes and other insects. MKS has an automatic activation by the use of a photocell. It is also supplemented
with carbon dioxide and heat as attractants for mosquitoes and other insects. Three units of MKS were employed at three
different locations within two study sites for ten days. The mosquitoes and other insects that were trapped in MKS were
collected and morphologically identified daily in the laboratory. A total of 1,928 mosquitoes and other insects were
trapped in all units of MKS. High numbers of mosquitoes (93.05%), particularly Aedes sp. and Culex sp. were captured
from MKS. Among these, Culex quinquefasciatus (91.81%) was most abundant species collected. Only 0.84% of Aedes
aegypti and Aedes albopictus trapped in MKS. Female mosquitoes (83.44%) were found to be more attracted to MKS
compared to male mosquitoes of various species. These findings illustrated the potency of MKS utilization in surveillance
and control activities of Cx. quinquefasciatus; a nuisance mosquito and also potential vector of urban brancroftian
filariasis in Malaysia.
This paper attempts to examine the real values of Malaysian herbal products in the aspects of quality, safety and efficacy as curing agents. In so doing it will also determine the driving force behind the intense public interest for herbal medicine as alternative or complementary to conventional medicine. Most herbal products in the Malaysian market are not sufficiently provided with information on their ingredients, indications, dosage, pharmacology, contraindications and possible side-effects. Most published information on the products on evidence of safety and efficacy is not supported with scientific evidence. The present practice of traditional medicine still depend heavily on information obtained through ethnopharmacological experiences. However, the herbal product market is experiencing a tremendous growth and there is an increased trend of incorporating herbal therapy into modern medical practice by many mainstream health professionals. Unfortunately, the popularity of herbal products is more associated with consumer attitudes and the ability of the herbalists to influence rather than their true quality as medicinal agents. Many people are exploited due to ignorance on the real value of herbals as therapeutic agents. It is especially disappointing when popular media, promotional literature and talk shows by individuals promoting quackery are given much publicity. Even worse, many individuals trained in the health sciences are promoting quackery. This has often left the consumers with the perception that the authority condones the improper use of herbal products. Thus, it is important for pharmacists and physicians to be trained in traditional herbal medicine so that they can educate the public on the benefits, quality, safety and proper use of herbal products.
This paper outlines the past five decades of scientific interests and advances in medicinal plant research in Malaysia. Initially the prime interest of research programmes has been on phytochemical studies leading to the discovery of biologically active compounds as chemical templates to produce new drug candidates. As the Malaysian herbal medicine market experiences an extraordinary growth, the research approaches taken have recently included activities to develop herbal medicines into quality, efficacious and safe products for human consumption. Advances in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques have had a tremendous impact on the isolation and structure elucidation of the constituents of medicinal plants. The development of a series of bioassay methodologies and utilization of bioassay-guided isolation techniques have contributed significantly to the progress of medicinal plant research in Malaysia. Research work on some medicinal plants carried out by the local scientists will be illustrated as examples.
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.
The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the casemix reimbursement on the hospital revenue at three selected hospitals (Type B, C and D) reimbursed using 602 groups from 14,749 cases. The results of the study showed that the hospitals received 32.4% higher income when reimbursed with Indonesia Case Bases Groups (INA-CBG) as compared to fee-for-service. Type D hospitals is the biggest gainer with 81.0% increased in income followed by Type B hospital that obtained 34.7% higher revenue. In conclusion, the use of INA-CBG as a prospective payment method has benefitted the hospitals by the increase in the revenues. It is hope that additional resources gained in this programme will allow the hospitals to provide optimum care to the population. It is recommended that the JKA management will use the INA-CBG casemix data to monitor the performance of the hospitals to ensure that quality and efficiency of the services provided to the population is continuously maintained.
Kajian garis pangkal pengimejan resonans magnet kefungsian (fMRI) telah dijalankan di Jabatan Radiologi, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia ke atas seorang subjek lelaki sihat berumur 25 tahun menggunakan sistem pengimejan resonans magnet (MRI) 1.5 T. Kajian ini menggunakan gerakan jari tangan kanan dan kiri untuk merangsang aktiviti neuron di dalam korteks serebrum. Subjek diarahkan supaya menekan jari-jari pada ibu jari secara bergilir-gilir semasa imbasan kefungsian dilakukan. Paradigma 5 kitar aktifrehat digunakan dengan setiap kitar masing-masing mengandungi 20 siri pengukuran. Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa rantau otak yang aktif akibat gerakan jari adalah girus presentral merangkumi kawasan motor primer. Pengaktifan otak adalah secara kontralateral terhadap gerakan jari tangan kanan dan kiri. Keamatan isyarat keadaan aktif didapati lebih tinggi daripada keamatan isyarat keadaan rehat. Analisis yang dilakukan ke atas beberapa rantau pengaktifan yang diminati (ROI) pada beberapa hirisan menunjukkan perbezaan yang bererti (p < 0.05) antara keamatan keadaan aktif dan rehat untuk nilai ambang statistik (Z) = 1.0 dan 1.5. Perbezaan purata antara kedua-dua purata keamatan isyarat keadaan aktif dan rehat pada manamana hirisan untuk kedua-dua nilai Z menunjukkan magnitud pengaktifan yang lebih tinggi pada hemisfera kanan otak iaitu apabila subjek menggerakkan tangan kirinya. Bilangan voksel yang aktif juga didapati lebih tinggi pada hemisfera kanan berbanding pada hemisfera kiri otak. Keputusan ini menyokong fakta bahawa bagi subjek yang tidak kidal, kawasan pengaktifan motor pada hemisfera kanan otak semasa gerakan jari tangan kiri mengalami rangsangan hemodinamik yang lebih tinggi berbanding dengan hemisfera kiri otak semasa gerakan jari tangan kanan. Fenomena rangsangan hemodinamik yang diperhatikan dalam kajian ini dibincangkan berdasarkan kepada kebergantungan kontras isyarat kepada aras oksigen darah (BOLD).
Kajian garis pangkal pengimejan resonans magnet kefungsian (fMRI) telah dijalankan ke atas 2 orang subjek lelaki sihat (kidal dan tidak kidal) masing-masing berumur 22 dan 25 tahun. Imbasan fMRI dijalankan menggunakan sistem pengimejan resonans magnet (MRI) 1.5 T di Jabatan Radiologi, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Kajian ini menggunakan gerakanjari tangan kanan dan kiri untuk merangsang aktiviti neuron di dalam korteks serebrum. Paradigma 5 kitar aktifIrehat digunakan dengan setiap kitar mengandungi satu blok aktif dan satu blok rehat yang masing-masing mengandungi 10 siri pengukuran. Imej fMRI dianalisis menggunakan pekej perisian MatLab dan pemetaan statistik berparameter 2 (sPM2). Proses pendaftaran jasad tegar menggunakan penjelmaan afin 6 parameter dilakukan ke atas kesemua imej kefungsian berwajaran T2*. Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa pergerakan subjek adalah minimum sama ada dalam arah translasi (< 1 mm) atau putaran (< 1 ). Kesemua imej dinormalkan melalui proses peledingan tak linear menggunakan penjelmaan afin 12 parameter dan didapati sepadan dengan pencontoh yang telahpun mematuhi ruang anatomi piawai. Walau bagaimanapun, bentuk, resolusi dan kontras imej kefungsian telah berubah sedikit berbanding dengan imej asal. Pelicinan imej menggunakan kernel Gaussian isotropik 6 mm menyebabkan data imej lebih bersifat parametrik dengan kehilangan yang ketara dalam resolusi dan kontras. Pengasingan struktur yang dilakukan ke atas imej berwajaran T1 mengklaskan tisu otak kepadajirim kelabu, jirim putih dan bendalir serebrospina. Pasca pemprosesan ruang bagi imej kefungsian dan struktur menjadikan data imej bersifat parametrik dengan taburan jenis Gaussian dan sedia untuk dianalisis menggunakan model linear am dan teori medan rawak Gaussian.
Kajian garis pangkal pengimejan resonans magnet kefungsian (fMRI) telah dijalankan ke atas 2 orang subjek lelaki sihat dominan tangan kanan dan kiri. Kajian ini menggunakan gerakan jari tangan kanan dan kiri untuk merangsang aktiviti neuron di dalam korteks serebrum. Subjek diarahkan supaya menekan jari-jari pada ibu jari secara bergilir-gilir semasa imbasan fMRI dilakukan. Paradigma 5 kitar aktif-rehat digunakan dengan setiap kitar mengandungi satu blok aktif dan satu blok rehat dengan 10 siri pengukuran untuk setiap blok. Seratus isipadu imej fMRI bagi setiap subjek dianalisis menggunakan pekej perisian MatLab dan SPM2. Model linear am (GLM) digunakan untuk menganggar secara statistik parameter yang mencirikan model rangsangan hemodinamik bagi gerakan jari. Kesimpulan mengenai pengaktifan otak yang diperhatikan dijana secara statistik berasaskan teori medan rawak (RFT) Gaussian. Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa rantau otak yang aktif akibat gerakan jari adalah pada girus presentral merangkumi kawasan motor primer. Pengaktifan otak adalah secara kontralateral terhadap gerakan jari tangan kanan dan kiri. Keamatan isyarat keadaan aktif didapati lebih tinggi secara bererti (p < 0.001) daripada keamatan isyarat keadaan rehat. Bilangan voksel yang aktif didapati lebih tinggi pada hemisfera otak yang mengawal gerakan jari bagi tangan yang tidak dominan untuk kedua-dua subjek. Keputusan ini menyokong fakta bahawa kawasan pengaktifan motor pada hemisfera otak semasa gerakan jari tangan yang tidak dominan mengalami rangsangan hemodinamik yang lebih tinggi dan kawasan pengaktifan yang lebih luas berbanding dengan kawasan pengaktifan pada hemisfera otak yang mengawal gerakan jari bagi tangan yang dominan.
Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein belonging to a family of proteins that act as regulators of apoptosis in mammalian cells. Bcl-2 expression has previously been reported in normal breast ductal cells and its involvement in the hormonal regulation of hyperplasia and involution was further suggested, and it was thought to be expressed through hormonedependent pathways. Bcl-2 is a cytoplasmic oncoprotein which is highly expressed in human solid tumours. In breast cancer cells, however, Bcl-2 expression is down regulated, the exact mechanism and the effects of which are not clearly defined, as bcl-2 expression appears to be inversely correlated with the presence of p53 mutations. This work aimed at investigating the expression of bcl-2 in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast utilizing an immunohistochemistry assay as well as studying the clinical correlations of bcl-2. Bcl-2 was detected in 43.7% of 382 invasive ductal carcinoma study cases. Its expression correlated positively, with lower age of patients, higher histological grades, large tumour sizes, estrogen receptor positivity and progesterone receptor negativity. However, the statistical correlations were weak. With the data obtained, it was found that the expression of bcl-2 correlated with unfavourable prognoses. Furthermore, bcl-2 detection alone may not be very helpful in consolidating a clinical diagnosis.
The effect of low power 0.95 mW He-Ne laser irradiation (? = 632.8 nm) on the subpopulations of human blood parameters such as hemoglobin concentration (HGB), mean cellular volume of red blood cell (MCV), and mean cellular hemoglobin (MCH) were investigated by electronic sizing at the Wellness Centre of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). These parameters were correlated with human characteristics such as age, gender, ethnic, and blood types. The correlations were obtained by finding patterns in changes of blood parameters after radiation, non-parametric tests using SPSS version 11.5, centroid and peak positions, and flux variations. The analysis revealed significant changes according to human characteristics, for age (p = 0.067), gender (p = 0.044), ethnic (p = 0.094), and blood types (p = 0.099). This finding shows that the centroid and peak positions, flux peak and total flux, were highly correlated with human characteristics and can become a significant indicator for blood analysis. Furthermore, the encircled flux analysis demonstrated a good future prospect in blood research, thus leading the way as a vibrant diagnosis tool to clarify diseases associated with blood.
Parents or caregivers of children with learning disabilities have been shown to experience increases in stress and greater negative caregiving consequences than those with typically developing children. The current study sought to assess the perceived stress among Malay caregivers of children with learning disabilities in Kelantan. The Malay version of Perceived Stress Scale 10 items was administered to a sample of 40 caregivers of children with learning disabilities who were registered to five Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) in Kelantan. Higher scores indicate higher levels of stress. The caregivers had mean age of 47.68 (SD = 9.18) years old, of whom 90% were fathers or mothers. Ninety percent of them were married, majority were unemployed or housewives and had secondary school education. The majority of children with learning disabilities were males and half of them were Down Syndrome children. The mean total Perceived Stress Scale score of the caregivers was 16.77 (SD = 5.74). There were no significant associations between total perceived stress score and any of the independent variables. The mean total perceived stress score showed that the perceived stress level was in the category of slightly higher than average and health concern level was high, while the average stress level was between score of 12 to 15. In conclusion, this result indicated that the caregivers had slightly higher levels of stress than the average score, and might increase susceptibility to stress-induced illness.