The growing of mortality and morbidity that are related to orthopaedic cases have contributed to the development and innovation of technology which actively seeks for the best treatment options. In order to achieve the goal, animal models have been used as a bridge from in vitro to the clinical study to provide insights both as a precursor and beneficial to human-based research. Many animal models have been developed to investigate bone regeneration, pathological changes and reparation. Besides, animal models are used more commonly in orthopaedic innovation and development. Through the practical application of the 5Rs (reduction, refinement, replacement, reproducibility and responsibility) principles that correlate with the Islamic ethics in this research, this study aimed to provide an ultimate ethical standard on animal use in orthopaedic research. Besides the texts of the Qur’an and the prophetic narrations (hadith), both Muslim jurists (fuqaha) and ethicists’ relevant opinion on these matters would be unveiled. As from the Islamic viewpoints, the usage of animal is permittable for scientific research purposed within the permissible limits described by the Shari’ah and guided by ethical values derived from the Divine Revelations (al-wahy al-Ilahyi). By practising the guidelines, it is hoped that these ethical guidelines will help to educate the Muslim scholars and researchers to substantive improvements in terms of quality and the ethical standards of animal studies in orthopaedic research.
Weedy rice (WR) is found in many direct-seeded rice fields. WR possesses morphological characteristics that are similar to cultivated rice varieties in the early stage of growth, making them more difficult to control than other weeds. A comparative morphological study was conducted by collecting WR accessions from four sites within the Pulau Pinang rice growing areas. The objective of the study was to characterise WR accessions of the Pulau Pinang rice granary by comparing their morphological characteristics to those of commercially grown rice in the area. Their morphometric relations were established by comparing 17 morphological characteristics of the WR accessions and the commercial varieties. A total of 36 WR morphotypes were identified from these 4 sites based on 17 characteristics, which included grain shattering habit and germination rate. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that 45.88% of the variation observed among the WR accessions and commercial varieties were within the first 3 axes. PB6, PP2 and SGA5 WR accessions had a higher number of tillers and longer panicle lengths, culm heights and leaf lengths compared to the commercial rice. The grain
sizes of the commercial varieties were slightly longer, and the chlorophyll contents at 60–70 days after sowing (DAS) were higher than those of the WR accessions. Results from this study are useful for predicting potential WR accession growth, which might improve WR management and agriculture practices that control WR in the future.
Research on natural products has been widely used as a strategy to discover new drugs with potential for applications in complementary medicines because they have fewer side effects than conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of crude aqueous Catharanthus roseus extract on Jurkat cells and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The aqueous extract was
standardised to vinblastine by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and was used to determine cytotoxicity by the MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay. DNA fragmentation assay was employed to determine if cell death was due to apoptosis. The results showed that the aqueous extract induced cell death of Jurkat cells at 24, 48 and 72 hours posttreatment in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, cells treated at 48 and 72 hours produced higher cytotoxic effects with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)values of 2.55 µg/ml and 2.38 µg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the extract induced normal PBMC proliferation, especially after 24 hours treatment with 1000 µg/ml. This result indicates that the C. roseus crude aqueous extract showed differential effects of inhibiting the proliferation of the Jurkat cell line and promoting the growth of PBMCs. These data suggest that the extract may be applicable for modulating the normal and transformed immune cells in leukaemia patients.
This study was conducted to examine the variabilities in the chronology of vegetative and reproductive development of weedy rice (Oryza spp.) in comparison with commercial varieties. Data at different growth stages of 14 weedy rice morphotypes and 4 commercial rice varieties were recorded and analysed. Plant height of all weedy rice morphotypes were observed to be significantly higher compared to the commercial varieties at every growth stages; increase in height was between 10–37 cm for weedy rice morphotype, for every 2 weeks. Initial tillering ability at 14 days after planting (DAP) was higher in weedy morphotypes, however all the commercial rice varieties produced significantly higher number of tillers throughout the rest of the vegetative phases. Correlation between plant height and tiller number detected that taller plants produce fewer tillers than shorter plants. Higher leaf area index (LAI) of all weedy morphotypes except PWR01 at early growth stages indicated the vigorous growth of the morphotypes. Weedy rice morphotypes showed a wide range of anthesis and maturity duration. Accessions from the same weedy rice morphotypes were more heterogeneous in the flowering, anthesis and maturity period than the commercial varieties. These traits enables identification of weedy rice morphotypes at their different growth stages in the field.
Kerengga (Oecophylla smaragdina) adalah satu komuniti serangga yang penting di kanopi pokok. Walau bagaimanapun, kajian tentang aktiviti pencarian makanan kerengga adalah terhad. Oleh sebab itu, satu kajian lapangan dijalankan untuk mengkaji pemilihan makanan dan aktiviti pencarian makanan oleh semut ini dijalankan selama tiga hari. Pemilihan makanan oleh kerengga ini dikaji dengan menggunakan tiga jenis makanan (tuna, kulit ayam, dan susu tepung) yang mengandungi protein, lipid, dan karbohidrat. Aktiviti pencarian makanan dikaji berdasarkan dua parameter iaitu suhu persekitaran dan kelembapan relatif yang direkod sepanjang tempoh experimen. Keputusan experimen menunjukkan O. smaragdina lebih menggemari makanan berprotein berbanding makanan berlipid dan berkabohidrat, serta aktiviti pencarian makanan dipengaruhi oleh suhu persekitaran dan kelembapan relatif. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bagaimana kerengga bertindak balas terhadap tiga jenis makanan yang berbeza dan secara tidak langsung, menunjukkan aktiviti pencarian makanan yang strategik untuk memaksimumkan bekalan makanan kepada koloni mereka.
This study aimed to determine the prevalent site of musculoskeletal pain and its associated risk factors among dental clinicians at the Kulliyyah of Dentistry, IIUM. A validated, pilot-tested self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 160 dental clinicians between March and June 2014 using convenience sampling method. Inclusion criteria includes dentist, clinical supervisors or clinical dental students. Dental clinicians whom were diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders were excluded. Data obtained were recorded and analyzed using statistical package for the social science (SPSS) software version 19. Pearson correlation test was used to determine the association between the risk factors and pain sites. A total of 146 participants completed the questionnaire (91.3% response rate). The sample consist of 40 dentists (27.4%), 36 Year 3 students (24.7%) and 35 participants (24%) respectively from Year 4 and Year 5. There was high prevalence of neck pain (79.5%), back shoulder pain (74.7%) and lower back pain (71.9%) among dental clinicians. Significant correlation was found between physical activities with upper body region pain sites (r = 0.170, p=0.042) and lower body region pain sites (r = 0.221, p=0.008). There was a significant association between repetitive movements and wrist bending with upper and lower body region pain sites (r= 0.320, p =
This paper tries to fathom the perceptions of very last year tourism and hospitality college students regarding their education and the extent of self-belief that infused in them to stand the future tourism industry demanding situations. The use of multivariate measures has furnished four vital elements representing the underlying dimensions of instructional education: training pleasure, learning patterns, preceding experience, and pragmatic gaining knowledge of choices. The studies have proven thrilling correlations between preceding work elements enjoy with other features schooling delight and activist studying. Further high quality and terrible correlations had been recognised between scholar demographics gender and residing arrangements and former work revel in. The study has thrown new light at the student perception and their nature of preceding paintings experience. This has given impetus to research this region because it has findings almost about college students' mastering alternatives and former paintings enjoy.
The Combined Cleft Clinic at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur was organised in 1992. The team consists of Plastic Surgeon, Orthodontists, Speech therapist, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Audiologist, medical officers and the nurses. We attend the clinic on a regular basis. Specialists from other medical and dental disciplines as well as the members of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (CLAPAM) do occasionally participate in this set-up.The team members formulate treatment plans for each cleft patient, monitor the patient's growth and development and manage the patient at different stages according to the individual needs. To date, the idea of team approach and an establishment of a centre towards management of cleft patients seem to be the most ideal as the patients are benefiting total treatment and care from various specialists from only one place. The experience of University Hospital as a centre for cleft patients is discussed.
The functions of dams are for water supply, flood control and hydroelectric power generation. A concrete faced rockfill dam (CFRD) is preferred by dam consultants due to its many advantages. It is designed to withstand all applied loads, namely gravity load due to its massive weight and hydrostatic load due to water thrust from the reservoir. The structural response of the Bakun CFRD which is the second highest dam in the world after the Shuibuya Dam, was analyzed using finite element method. A two-dimensional plane strain finite element analysis of the non-linear Duncan-Chang hyperbolic model was used in the study of the dam in respect to the deformation and stresses of the main dam of Bakun CFRD project. The Dead-Birth-Ghost element technique was used to simulate sequences of the construction of the dam. The comparison of rigid and flexible foundation on the behaviour of the dam is discussed in this study. In the finite element modeling, the concrete slab on the upstream was represented through a six-noded element, while the interface characteristic between the dam body and the concrete slab was modeled using an interface element. The maximum settlement and stresses of the cross-section were found and their distribution was discussed and tabulated in the form of contours. The effect of reservoir filling loading had a gradual effect on the dam response behaviour. Comparisons with no water impoundment in the dam were also discussed.
Introduction: The aim of treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum is to stop vomiting, correction of dehydration, starvation and electrolytes imbalance. The common types of fluid used for fluid replacement are isotonic solutions like normal saline and hartman's solutions. The absence of potassium in normal saline makes hartman's solution superior but there is a possibility that the lactate component in hartman's solution could worsen the starvation state of the patients. This study is to evaluate which of these two solutions is more effective for fluid replacement in hyperemesis gravidarum. The objectives are to compare which solution corrects dehydration, hypokalaemia and acetonuria faster and to evaluate whether the ketosis state is aggravated by lactate component in hartman's solution. Materials and Methods: Patients with hyperemesis gravidarum were randomised to receive either Hartman's solution or normal saline at the rate of 125mls/hour. Blood urea and serum electrolytes, haematocrit, lactate and urine acetone were taken during admission and repeated every 12 hours. The volume of fluid required to correct dehydration, hypokalaemia and acetonuria were compared. Comparison of the pre and post treatment level of serum lactate were also done. Results: Both hartman's solution and normal saline are both effective in correcting dehydration (11.52±3.28 pints versus 11.94 ± 2.30pints respectively) and acetonuria (11.64 ± 2.75 pints versus 11.64 ± 2.54 pints respectively).
A lower volume of hartman's solution was needed to correct hypokalaemia (8.34 ± 2.44 pints versus 8.88 ± 2.63 pints) but was not statistically significant. Ketonaemia was not made worse after treatment with hartman's solution. Conclusion: Normal saline and hartman's solution are equally effective in treating complications of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Female Orgasmic Dysfunction (FOD) focusing on the orgasm domain among female patients attending PPUKM Psychiatric clinic. To compare the prevalence of orgasmic dysfunction between female patients on Escitalopram and on Fluoxetine therapy.
Methods: A validated questionnaire for sexual function was used to assess orgasmic function. A total of 112 women aged between 24 and 57 participated in this study. The orgasmic dysfunction was compared between patients on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) fluoxetine and escitalopram.
Results: The prevalence of female orgasmic dysfunction was 58.9% (33/56) among patients treated with Fluoxetine and 41.1% (23/56) among patients treated with Escitalopram. However, there was no statistically significant difference between these two treatment groups (p=0.059). The odds to have FOD among patients on higher dose of antidepressants was found to be higher compared to those patients who were on lower dose of antidepressants (Odds ratio 5.32, p= 0.001).
Conclusion: There was no significant difference of Female Orgasmic Dysfunction between patients on Fluoxetine and Escitalopram.
Study site: Psychiatric clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kesatuan Ekonomi ASEAN (AEC) merupakan realisasi matlamat akhir integrasi ekonomi yang diasaskan pada pemusatan keinginan negaranegara ASEAN untuk meluaskan intergrasi ekonomi melalui inisiatif baru dan sedia ada dalam kerangka masa yang telah ditetapkan. Dalam merealisasikan salah satu tindakan AEC yang telah dikenal pasti iaitu memperkasakan perlindungan pengguna ASEAN, pengharmonian undang-undang kontrak pengguna dilihat sebagai salah satu agenda penting ASEAN. Dengan berobjektifkan pengharmonian undang-undang kontrak ASEAN yang mengkhusus kepada penggunaan terma tidak adil dalam pasaran pengguna seterusnya mencadangkan ASEAN Model Law on Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts, makalah ini mengadoptasi metodologi analisis kandungan berteraskan literatur undang-undang primer dan sekunder. Mengguna pakai undang-undang kes dan perundangan di enam negara ASEAN terpilih iaitu Malaysia, Singapura, Indonesia, Thailand, Filipina dan Brunei, penyelidikan ini mendapati wujud persamaan dalam mekanisme yang digunakan di negara-negara ASEAN ini dalam menangani permasalahan penggunaan terma tidak adil dalam kontrak pengguna. Namun walaupun perundangan dilihat sebagai mekanisme yang mampu menangani permasalahan ini, wujud perbezaan pendekatan dalam perundangan yang diadaptasi oleh negara-negara ASEAN tersebut. Penggunaan perundangan berorientasikan perlindungan pengguna bagi mengawal penggunaan terma tidak adil dalam kontrak pengguna jelas kelihatan di Malaysia, Singapura, Indonesia, Thailand dan Filipina. Penggunaan perundangan kontrak yang mengkhusus kepada terma tidak adil sebagai instrumen kawalan pula kelihatan di Singapura, Thailand dan Brunei. Dalam aspek ini, keunikan Singapura dan Thailand yang menangani permasalahan terma tidak adil dalam kontrak pengguna dengan mengadakan perlindungan melalui dua jenis perundangan yang berbeza menampakkan korpus perlindungan pengguna yang lebih mapan. Pendekatan yang berbeza yang diamalkan di beberapa negara ASEAN terpilih ini memperlihatkan satu korpus perlindungan pengguna yang unik dalam aspek kontrak pengguna tidak adil.
The finite element method is gaining acceptance in predicting mechanical response of various loading configurations and material orientations for failure analysis of composite laminates. Both fabrication of laminate samples and experimental procedures are often expensive and time consuming, and hence impractical, especially during the initial design stage. Finite element analyses require minimal amounts of input data, and the resulting stress and strain distributions can be determined throughout each individual ply. Using ANSYSTM, a commercially available finite element package, failure loads were predicted by simulating a uniaxial tensile loading on HTS40/977-2 Carbon/Epoxy composite with [+/-4512s lamination scheme. Two built-in failure theories in ANSYSTM features, viz., Maximum Stress and Tsai-Wu were applied in the simulation. The stress-strain and load-extension curves for both actual testing and FEA were then compared and the results are in good agreement. This paper is intended for researchers who have used or are considering using ANSYSTM for the prediction of failure in composite materials.
Tractor rollover occurs when a tractor tips sideways or backwards and overturns, potentially crushing the operator. Rollovers are typically considered to occur more frequently during a sharp turn at a high speed on sloping terrains, although data show that rollovers do occur on flat land after hitting obstacles or through inappropriate use and hitching of implements. It is important to highlight that tractor overturns are the major cause of death in farm operations. The overturns are as a result of interactions between the tractor operator, the tractor and the environment. A review of the relevant literature reveals that more than 800 people are killed each year in tractor accidents, and for every person killed, at least 40 others are injured. This paper focuses on tractor overturns because they account for more than half of all the tractor-related deaths. In addition, farm tractor operational safety principles are also highlighted.
This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of jackfruit puree on probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus FTDC 1295) in terms of cell count, viability and nutritional value of dadih. Four samples of dadih were prepared in this investigation; Control, Jackfruit dadih, Probiotic dadih and Jackfruit Probiotic dadih (Control, ConJD, ConPD and JPD respectively). Results revealed that dadih supplemented with jackfruit puree (JPD) directly improved the probiotic cell counts which are significantly higher than the dadih without jackfruit puree (ConPD). The high probiotic viability in dadih (ConPD 92%; JPD 96%) indicated that it can be an effective probiotic delivery vehicle. The chemical compositions (moisture, total solids, fat, protein, mineral, organic acid, and pH) showed variations in its pattern due to the differential in formulations and the incorporations of probiotic bacteria. In addition, the Total Phenolic Content and the antioxidant capacity were reported to be the highest in dadih supplemented with jackfruit puree and probiotic (JPD) as compared with other dadih samples. These are attributed by the presence of jackfruit puree and probiotic in the samples which effectively increased the total phenolic content which directly increase the antioxidant activity
An aberrant right subclavian artery is the commonest aortic arch anomaly. Majority of them were asymptomatic. An aberrant subclavian artery is a rare cause of dysphagia in adults. This condition is also known as dysphagia lusoria. We report a case of dysphagia in a 49-year-old woman from an aberrant right subclavian artery. Diagnosis of her condition was made with barium swallow and MDCT (multidetector computed tomography) scan. She was managed conservatively.
A 53-year-old Malay man was admitted with intestinal obstruction, fever and lower limb weakness. Initial clinical impression was myelitis causing paralytic ilues and paraperesis. Blood culture showed Burkholderia pseudomallei infection and subsequent MRI showed paravertebral abscess. This case highlights a rare manifestation of melioidosis involving the spine and difficulties in establishing the diagnosis.
Objective: Medical training has always been regarded as a highly stressful environment to students. This article described a preliminary data on impact of a stress-management programme on medical students’ stress level. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental before after comparison study design. The programme was run over half-day and convenient sampling method was applied. Sample size as calculated for this preliminary study was 38. The 12 items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was administered prior to the
programme and four months later. Data was analysed using SPSS version 12. Results: 34 participants were involved in this study. This study found that there was a significant difference in participants’ GHQ-12 scores before and after the programme (p
Objective: Postgraduate medical training has always been regarded as a highly stressful environment to students. This article described an initial finding on prevalence and sources of stress among postgraduate students. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on postgraduate students in the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Sample size as calculated for this preliminary study was 38 and convenient sampling method was applied. The 12 items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Postgraduate Stressors Questionnaire (PSQ) were administered during a workshop involving postgraduate students. Data was analysed using SPSS version 12. Results: Thirty three participants participated in this study. This study found that the prevalence of distressed postgraduate students was 36.4%. The top ten stressors were tests and examinations, large amount of content to be learnt, time pressure to meet deadlines, doing work beyond
ability, work overload, unfair assessment by superior, fears of making mistakes that can lead to serious consequences, doing work that mentally straining, work demands affect my personal and home life, and lack of time to review what have been learnt. Conclusion: This study found that there was a high prevalence of distressed postgraduate students. It also found that the major stressors were related to academic and performance pressure.
Sodium silicate was used to synthesize silica fine particles at room temperature using non-ionic surfactant of triethanolamine (TEA), dissolution salt and precipitating agent. The experiments were conducted by different composition of precursor material, nonionic surfactant and dissolution salt concentrations through the sol-gel process. Various particle sizes in the range 100-300nm were synthesized. The particle size of silica powders were analyzed via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR). The result has demonstrated that the particle size can be controlled by changing the ratio of non-ionic surfactant and dissolution salt or the sodium silicate concentration.