MyMedR

In this paper, we report a compact and ultra-wide band antenna on a flexible substrate using the 5-(4-(perfluorohexyl)phenyl)thiophene-2-carbaldehyde compound for microwave imaging. In contrast to other microwave based imaging systems, such as an array of 16 antennas, we proposed a bi-static radar based imaging system consisting of two omnidirectional antennas, which reduces complexity and the overall dimension. The proposed compact antennas are 20 × 14 mm2 and designed for operating at frequencies from 4 to 6 GHz. To allow for implantation into a bra, the electromagnetic performances of the antennas must be considered in bending conditions. In comparison with the recently reported flexible antennas, we demonstrated both electromagnetic performance and imaging reconstruction for bending conditions. For the proof of concept, the electromagnetic performances both at flat and bending conditions have been verified using a homogeneous multilayer model of the human breast phantom. Our results demonstrate that the antenna, even at bending conditions, exhibits an excellent omni-directional radiation pattern with an average efficiency above 70% and average gain above 1 dBi, within the operational frequency band. The comprehensive aim of the realized antenna is to design a biodegradable and wearable antenna-based bra for early breast cancer detection in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext Primary causes for tooth extraction among patients attending the IIUM Kulliyyah of Dentistry Polyclinic

Suhaila Muhammad Ali, Nazih Shaaban Mustafa, Muhannad Ali Kashmoola

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(21):46-46.

MyJurnal

To investigate the pattern and major causes of tooth extraction among patients
attending IIUM Kulliyyah of Dentistry Polyclinic. (Copied from article).

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext Salivary enzymological profile of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tartrate resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) during orthodontic treatment

Ainuddin Yushar Yusof, Rohaya Megat Abdul Wahab, Shahrul Hisham Zainal Ariffin

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(21):18-18.

MyJurnal

Orthodontic tooth movement is a complex process involving tooth and periodontal
tissue, which release enzymes and biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate enzymes
activities of salivary fluid during orthodontic treatment, (Copied from article).

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext GPU implementation of Sub-Iris technique in Iris recognition system

Shahrizan Jamaludin, Nasharuddin Zainal, W. Mimi Diyana W. Zaki

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(103):263-274.

MyJurnal

Iris recognition has become a widely popular biometric system. The stable textures and features of the human iris have made such biometric systems efficient and accurate for purposes of verification and identification. The term non-ideal iris refers to a situation in which the iris is occluded by noise, including reflections, eyelashes, eyelids and so on. Most current iris recognition algorithms assume that the iris is not occluded, which is less accurate. A method using only some parts of the iris may be suitable to deal with a non-ideal iris. The current application of iris recognition systems are plagued by weaknesses such as slow processing times, especially when dealing with many irises. In this study, a sub-iris recognition technique is proposed to deal with the non-ideal iris, while reducing execution time via an embedded system using a graphical processing unit (GPU). The experiment revealed that the proposed method was accurate and fast.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext The relationship between symptomatic assessment and clinical signs of dryness in dry eye subjects. [Abstract]

Ithnin MH, Ariffin AE, Mohd Kamal K

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(11):47.

MyJurnal

Introduction: There was no previous study to assess relationship between dry eye symptoms and signs in the local population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship of symptomatic assessment and clinical signs of dryness in dry eye subjects.
Materials and method: A Cross-sectional study with convenient sampling involving 321 subjects with 642 eyes was done. Subjects were divided into non-dry eye (NDE) and dry eye (DE) groups. The division of NDE and DE groups were done using two types of classification. In Classification 1(symptoms-based), DE was defined if the score of Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score was more than 33. The value of tear film break-up time (TFBUT) less than 5 seconds and Schirmer test with anaesthesia (STA) less than 5mm/5 minutes were considered as DE for Classification 2 (signs based).
Results: There were poor correlations between OSDI and clinical signs of dryness in all subjects involved (p > 0.05). Similar findings were also noted within NDE subjects in Classification 1 and Classification 2. OSDI score was also not significantly correlated with the signs of dryness within DE subjects except with ocular protection index (OPI) (r = - 0.14, p = 0.047) in Classification 1 and with conjunctival lissamine green staining (CLGS) (r = 0.23, p = 0.040) in Classification 2.
Conclusion: There were no significant correlation between the symptoms of dry eye and the clinical signs of dry eye. Therefore, the clinical diagnosis of dry eye can be made based on either just on the symptoms or the signs.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext Compressive optic neuropathy due to a large Onodi air cell: A case report and literature review

See WYN, Sumugam K, Subrayan V

Allergy Rhinol (Providence), 2016 Jan 01;7(4):223-226.

PMID: 28683249 DOI: 10.2500/ar.2016.7.0178

BACKGROUND: To report an unusual case of compressive optic neuropathy secondary to a large onodi air cell.
METHOD: Case report.
RESULTS: A 50 year-old gentlemen presented to the eye clinic with left eye painless loss of vision for one day. Visual acuity was counting finger in the left eye with a positive relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). Dilated left fundus examination revealed a pale optic disc. A computed tomography of orbit and brain showed a large left sphenoid sinus with onodi-cell-like projection on the left superior margin of left optic canal impinging on the left optic nerve. He was referred to the otorhinolaryngology team and subsequently underwent left optic nerve decompression. Post-operatively, his left visual acuity improved to 6/60 with reversal of RAPD.
CONCLUSION: There are many causes of optic neuropathy and compressive optic neuropathy due to large onodi air cell is uncommon. Acute unilateral loss of vision heralds from a multitude of sinister causes and junior residents should be vigilant that onodi air cell pneumotisation could be one of them.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Cavernous sinus fungal infection: a rare case

Ng BHK, Kho GS, Sim SK, Liew DNS, Tang IP

Br J Neurosurg, 2017 Jun 09.

PMID: 28597698 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2017.1335857

Intracranial fungal infection of the cavernous sinus is a condition that usually affects immunocompromised individuals and is rarely seen in immunocompetent individuals. It is a potentially life threatening condition which requires prompt treatment. Here we present a case of an immunocompetent patient with a fungal infection of the cavernous sinus.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext Telemedicine for the management of glycemic control and clinical outcomes of type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Lee SWH, Ooi L, Lai YK

Front Pharmacol, 2017;8:330.

PMID: 28611672 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00330

Importance: Telemedicine has been shown to be an efficient and effective means of providing care to patients with chronic disease especially in remote and undeserved regions, by improving access to care and reduce healthcare cost. However, the evidence surrounding its applicability in type 1 diabetes remains scarce and conflicting. Objective: To synthesize evidence and quantify the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions for the management of glycemic and clinical outcomes in type 1 diabetes patients, relative to comparator conditions. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched for published articles since inception until December 2016. Study Selection: Original articles reporting the results of randomized controlled studies on the effectiveness of telemedicine in people with type 1 diabetes were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two reviewers independently extracted data, assessed quality, and strength of evidence. Interventions were categorized based upon the telemedicine focus (monitoring, education, consultation, case-management, and peer mentoring). Main Outcome and Measure: Absolute change in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to follow-up assessment. Results: A total of 38 studies described in 41 articles were identified. Positive effects on glycemic control were noted with studies examining telemedicine, with a mean reduction of 0.18% at the end of intervention. Studies with longer duration (>6 months) who had recruited patients with a higher baseline HbA1c (≥9%) were associated with larger effects. Telemedicine interventions that involve individualized assessments, audit with feedback and skill building were also more effective in improving glycemic control. However, no benefits were observed on blood pressure, lipids, weight, quality of life, and adverse events. Conclusions and Relevance: There is insufficient evidence to support telemedicine use for glycemic control and other clinically relevant outcome among patients with type 1 diabetes.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext Inconclusive relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and schizophrenia: How to move forward?

Nur Shafawati AR, Sulong S, Wan Ghazali WS, Abdul Talib N, Wan Taib WR

Buletin Persatuan Genetik Malaysia, 2015;21(1):15-19.

MyJurnal

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory polyarthritis disease predominantly involving synovial tissue of the joints and characterized by destructive and debilitating arthritis (Choy et al., 2012; Weyand, 2000; reviewed by Worthington, 2005; Gabriel et al., 1999). It can cause progressive and irreversible destruction of tendons, cartilage and bone, which leads to lack of ability to perform daily activities (Singh et al., 2015). Although the aetiology of RA remains unsolved, the strength of the genetic component in RA is estimated based on familial aggregation and information about epidemiology and population prevalence (reviewed by Gregersen, 1999, Choy et al., 2012). (Copied from article).

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Essential Oils: Extraction Techniques, Pharmaceutical And Therapeutic Potential - A Review

Aziz ZAA, Ahmad A, Setapar SHM, Karakucuk A, Azim MM, Lokhat D, et al.

Curr Drug Metab, 2018;19(13):1100-1110.

PMID: 30039757 DOI: 10.2174/1389200219666180723144850

BACKGROUND: Essential oils are liquid extracts from aromatic plants, which have numerous applications in multiple industries. There are a variety of methods used for the extraction of essential oils, with each method exhibiting certain advantages and determining the biological and physicochemical properties of the extracted oils. Essential oils from different plant species contain more than 200 constituents which are comprised of volatile and non-volatile components. The application of essential oils as antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral agents is due to their effective and efficient properties, inter alia.

METHOD: Several advanced (supercritical fluid extraction, subcritical extraction liquid, solvent-free microwave extraction) and conventional (hydrodistillation, steam distillation, hydrodiffusion, solvent extraction) methods have been discussed for the extraction of essential oils. Advanced methods are considered as the most promising extraction techniques due to less extraction time, low energy consumption, low solvent used and less carbon dioxide emission.

CONCLUSION: This manuscript reviewed the major research studies in the field and discussed several research findings on the chemical composition of essential oils, methods of oil extraction, and application of these oils in pharmaceutical and therapeutic fields. These essential oils can be used as anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, and as skin permeation enhancer agents.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext Inculcating research culture among members of the dental fraternity

Mas Suryalis Ahmad

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2015;38(2):1-4.

MyJurnal

In 2013, the Malaysian Education Blueprint (Higher Education) was developed by the Ministry of Education to guide the transformation process of the education system in this country for the next decade, starting from 2015 (1). The blueprint highlighted core aspirations for Malaysian higher education, which includes rapid expansion of research output and quality (1). This effort is in line with the nation's aspiration to uplift the standard of service provision among healthcare professionals, whose practice should advance on the essence of high quality scientific evidence.(Copied from article)

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext Asthma insights and management in India: lessons learnt from the Asia Pacific - Asthma Insights and Management (AP-AIM) Study

Salvi SS, Apte KK, Dhar R, Shetty P, Faruqi RA, Thompson PJ, et al.

J Assoc Physicians India, 2015 Sep;63(9):36-43.

PMID: 27608865

BACKGROUND: Despite a better understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma, presence of reliable diagnostic tools, availability of a wide array of effective and affordable inhaled drugs and simplified national and international asthma management guidelines, asthma remains poorly managed in India.
OBJECTIVE: The Asia-Pacific Asthma Insight and Management (AP-AIM) study was aimed at understanding the characteristics of asthma, current management, level of asthma control and its impact on quality of life across Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. This paper describes the results of asthma management issues in India in detail and provides a unique insight into asthma in India.
METHODOLOGY: The AP-AIM India study was conducted in eight urban cities in India, viz: Ajmer, Delhi, Kolkata, Rourkela, Chennai, Mangalore, Mumbai and Rajkot from February to July 2011. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in adult asthmatics and parents of asthmatic children between the ages of 12 and 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis or a treatment history of 1 year for asthma.
RESULTS: Four hundred asthmatics (M:F::1:1.273), with a mean age of 50 ± 17.8 years, from across India were studied. 91% of the asthmatics in India perceived their asthma to be under control, however, none of the asthmatics had controlled asthma by objective measures. Asthmatics in India believed that their asthma was under control if they have up to 2 emergency doctor visits a year. The quality of life of these patients was significantly affected with 93% school/work absenteeism and a loss of 50% productivity. Seventy-five percent of the asthmatics have never had a lung function test. The common triggers for asthmatics in India were dust (49%) and air pollution (49%), while only 5% reported of pollen as triggers. Eighty-nine percent of Indian asthmatics reported an average use of oral steroids 10.5 times a year. Only 36% and 50% of Indian asthmatics used controller and rescue inhalers with a majority preferring the oral route of asthma medication.
CONCLUSIONS: This study has clearly highlighted the fact that asthma management in India remains very poor, with a significant proportion of patients experiencing bothersome symptoms and worsened quality of life. There is a need for an urgent review of this situation and initiate active measures at local as well as national levels to improve asthma care in India.
Study site: Home visits

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

Fulltext A review of stroke research in Malaysia from 2000 - 2014

Cheah WK, Hor CP, Abdul Aziz Z, Looi I

Med J Malaysia, 2016 Jun;71(Suppl 1):58-69.

PMID: 27801388

Over 100 articles related to stroke were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all literature with original data involving the Malaysian population between years 2000 and 2014. Stroke is emerging as a major public health problem. The development of the National Stroke Registry in the year 2009 aims to coordinate and improve stroke care, as well as to generate more data on various aspects of stroke in the country. Studies on predictors of survival after strokes have shown potential to improve the overall management of stroke, both during acute event and long term care. Stroke units were shown to be effective locally in stroke outcomes and prevention of stroke-related complications. The limited data looking at direct cost of stroke management suggests that the health economic burden in stroke management may be even higher. Innovative rehabilitation programmes including braincomputer interface technology were studied with encouraging results. Studies in traditional complementary medicine for strokes such as acupuncture, Urut Melayu and herbal medicine were still limited.

Matched MeSH terms: Humans

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