The mangrove ecosystem of Malaysia remains yet to be fully explored for potential microbes that produce biologically active metabolites. In the present study, a mangrove-derived Streptomyces sp. strain MUSC 14 previously isolated from the state of Pahang, Malaysia Peninsula, was studied for its potential in producing antioxidant metabolites. The identity of Streptomyces sp. strain MUSC14 was consistent with the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of the Streptomyces genus. The antioxidant potential of Streptomyces sp. strain MUSC 14 was determined through screening of its methanolic extract against sets of antioxidant assays. The results were indicative of Streptomyces sp. strain MUSC 14 displaying strong antioxidant activity against ABTS, DPPH free radicals and metal chelating activity of 62.71 ± 3.30%, 24.71 ± 2.22%, and 55.82 ± 2.35%, respectively. The result of ferric reducing activity measured in terms of dose was equivalent to 2.35-2.45 μg of positive control ascorbic acid. Furthermore, there was a high correlation between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activities with r = 0.979, r = 0.858, and r = 0.983 representing ABTS, DPPH, and metal chelation, respectively. Overall, the present study suggests that Streptomyces sp. strain MUSC 14 from mangrove forest soil has potential to produce antioxidant metabolites that can be further exploited for therapeutic application.
The main objective of this study is to compare the execution times produced by fending off techniques of Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia (SSCM), Kaedah A for different movement trajectories. Three kind of movement trajectories for Kaedah A were carried out, which were Trajectory A (normal path), Trajectory B (curve path) and Trajectory C (starting by pulling the hand to the back and continue as Trajectory A). The experiments were conducted using a motion capture system. The movement position of the left hand during the execution of Kaedah A were recorded by a Kinect sensor, prior to storing and processing via Virtual Sensei (VS) Lite software. A total of four (4) experienced practitioners from SSCM were selected to perform Kaedah A techniques. The data acquired were further analyzed to determine their kinematic characteristics. The results showed that the execution of Kaedah A using Trajectory A produced the shortest time and highest velocity with averages of 0.071±0.007s and 6.438±0.863ms-1 respectively, compared to Trajectory B (0.087±0.011s, 5.230±0.578 ms-1) and Trajectory C (0.149±0.015s, 2.903±0.273ms-1). Therefore, Trajectory A is considered to be more efficient than Trajectory B and Trajectory C in terms of execution times and maximum velocity produced by Kaedah A.
The genus Senyumia was previously known from a single species, S.minutiflora (Ridl.) Kiew, A.Weber & B.L.Burtt, from a limestone karst, Gunung Senyum, in Pahang, Malaysia. Senyumiagranitica Kiew, here described and illustrated, is the second species of the genus. It differs from S.minutiflora, not only in its habitat, but also in its shorter leaves, larger, non-resupinate or only partially resupinate flowers and smaller seeds. It is known from a small, fragmented population from a low range of hills. Therefore, under the IUCN Red List Categories & Criteria, it is assessed as Critically Endangered.
Caring for an elderly person is not an easy job and it requires understanding, patience, tolerance, full attention and dedication on the part of the caregiver. The effects on the caregiver in terms of his mental, emotional, physical and financial aspects are tremendous. Due to all these stresses, the caregiver's mental health would possibly be affected. This study explored the relationship between the mental and physical health of the elderly person and the caregiver, in forty-three elderly persons and their caregivers. Analyses of the results indicated that the caregivers' burden was related to their mental health status. In addition, the elderly persons' depressive symptoms, memory and behavior problems were the two main causes of these caregivers' burden.
Clinically, Hb H disease presents as alpha thalassaemia intermedia. The majority have a clinical course of well compensated chronic haemolytic anaemia with exacerbations caused by oxidant haemopoietic stress. Haematological and DNA studies have identified the common molecular defects associated with Hb H disease in West Malaysia. Patients were shown to have α0 - thalassaemia of the South-East Asian type (--/SEA) in association with α+ thalassaemia or with Hb Constant Spring. In a study of 32 patients with Hb H disease, 50% were shown to have α+ thalassaemia (-α 3.7, 87.5%; -α 4.2, 12.5%). Growth and development were normal in all patients, and cholelithiasis was seen in 50% of the patients with the non-deletional type of Hb H disease. Comparisons of the clinical parameters (the necessity of blood transfusion, thalassaemia facies), haemoglobin and bilirubin levels show that the non-deletional type of Hb H disease in West Malaysia is associated with a more severe clinical state than the deletional type.
A study was done in 1987 to find out the attitudes and perceptions of patients toward treatment in the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). A similar study was repeated five years later covering both patients and relatives of patients. In 1987, 17% of patients were not satisfied with the treatment mainly because of poor patient-staff relationship. In 1991, 5% of the patients were dissatisfied. The reasons attributed for their dissatisfaction were rudeness of staff, the presence of medical students and attitude of the patients and public of the nurses. There was a positive change of attitude of the aptients and public towards the hospital services after five years. Factors that lead to this improvement like education and better public relations is discussed.
A case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome induced by clindamycin resulting in total shedding of all the nails is reported to highlight the rarity and severity of the drug reaction.