Objective: To evaluate feasibility of hand gloves as a rubber dam isolation alternative, in respect of physical properties. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial study design was used. Three types of gloves were tested with two types of a rubber dam used as the control group. Cut-out pattern of dumb-bell shapes were made from 35 samples for each type of groups and tensile strength were tested using Universal Testing Machine and the Trapezium X software. All tests for physical requirements were performed in accord-ance with American Society for Testing and Materials D412, Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension. Findings were analyzed by analysis of vari-ance (ANOVA) and differences were compared using a Tukey-Kramer interval calculated at the 0.05 signifi-cance level. Results: Heavy gauge rubber dam has the highest Mean (calculated at the 0.05 significance level) except for maximum stress calculated at entire area. Medium-gauge rubber dam has significantly higher tensile strength (44.5075 N/mm2) when compared to heavy-gauge rubber dam (35.7787 N/mm2) although it was 0.09mm thinner. Discovery 2020 Powder Free Latex Examination Gloves with tensile strength value of 28.5922 N/mm2 (±3.27366) is more than the minimum requirement specified by American Federal Specification ZZ-R90B Rubber Dam (Dental, 1985) (4000 pounds per square inch or 27.6 N/mm2). For all variable tested, all groups are significantly different from each other. The mean square between the groups was quite large. Conclusion: This study shows that there are significant differences between the physical strength of latex gloves when com-pared to rubber dam. However, the comparison between thickness and tensile strength among various rubber dam, did not correspond proportionately. Only one type of rubber gloves met the minimum requirement but that is just one aspect. In view of these mixed results, more research is needed before we can conclude that it is feasable that we use hand gloves to replace rubber dam.
Cases of penile siliconoma are unusual and less commonly present to medical practitioners. The siliconoma is a subsequence of injecting high viscous solution into the penis; commonly sillicone with the aim to enhance its size and performance. This case will look at a patient who developed penile siliconoma after a dubious penile implant injection gone wrong. It will also look at what surgical options are available to the unfortunate patients to ease their suffering. Physician should have a high index of suspicion on the use of such substances to enhance sexual perfor- mances in patients presenting with atypical penile swelling.
Infection on plant caused by Aspergillus niger leads to the destruction of quantity and quality of crop yields. Normally, this disease is solved by the chemical fungicides. Therefore, this study was carried out to seek a potential natural fungicide from fruit waste which is safer and economical to inhibit Aspergillus niger. Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) seeds and Punica granatum (pomegaranate) peels were extracted using maceration method with 80% ethanol. Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BLSA) was used to test the presence of bioactive components in the extracts at concentration of 10 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL and they are expressed in terms of LC50 (Median Lethal Concentration) respectively. The study revealed that Cucurbita maxima extract was inactive, while Punica granatum extract and the mixture of both extracts at ratio 1:1 were active at 1000 µg/mL. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of Cucurbita maxima extract, Punica granatum extract, and mixture of both extracts were further tested using well-diffusion method against A. niger at 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/mL, 75 mg/ml and 100 mg/mL respectively. The findings revealed the mixture of both extracts were exerted effectively against A. niger at the lowest concentration with 20.67±2.52 mm and this gave significant zone of inhibition. The result of the study indicates that the mixture extraction of pomegranate peels and pumpkin seeds at 25 mg/mL has a great potential to be formulated as commercial bio-fungicide.
In the present work, the influence of microwave power and heating times on the quality
degradation of corn oil was evaluated. Microwave heating test was carried out using a domestic
microwave oven for different periods at low- and medium-power settings for the corn oil sample.
The changes in physicochemical characteristics related to oil degradation of the samples during
heating were determined by standard methods. In this study, refractive index, free fatty acid
content, peroxide value, p-anisidine value, TOTOX value, viscosity and total polar compound
of the oils all increased with increasing heating power and time of exposure. In GLC analysis,
the percentage of linoleic acid tended to decrease, whereas the percentage of palmitic, stearic
and oleic acids increased. The C18:2/C16:0 ratio decreased in all oil samples with increasing
heating times. Exposing the corn oil to various microwave power settings and heating periods
caused the formation of hydroperoxides and secondary oxidation products. The heating reduced
the various tocopherol isomers in corn oil and highest reduction was detected in γ-tocopherol.
Longer microwave heating times resulted in a greater degree of oil deterioration. Microwave
heating caused the formation of comparatively lower amounts of some degradative products in
the oil samples heated at low-power setting compared to medium-power setting. The present
analysis indicated that oil quality was affected by both microwave power and heating time.
Objective: This case report aims to highlight the importance of parental contribution to the school refusal problem. Methods: We report a case of a 9- year old boy who presented with school refusal behaviour. Results: There was no psychiatry diagnosis made in this patient. Parental issues such as ineffective and inconsistent parenting, and parental marital disharmony contribute significantly to the school refusal behaviour. Conclusion: Parents in particular are important team players in the management of school refusal. Parental issues need to be explored and managed accordingly to ensure good outcome. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 83-85.
Objective: This case report aims to discuss the diagnosis of mental retardation as insanity defence in a crime offender. Methods: We report a gentleman who committed murder and rape 9 years ago, and currently being treated at a mental institution. Results: Patient was certified to have mental retardation, and was pleaded on the defence of unsoundness of mind because he had defect of reason at the time of alleged offence. Conclusion: Mental retardation does fulfil the McNaughton’s rule. Unsoundness of mind becomes the insanity defence even for murder under section 84 of the Penal Code. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 97-100.
Negative pressure if applied in topical manner to a wound surface has been reported to enhance wound healing due to increase in local blood flow, reduction of tissue oedema, and by stimulating angiogenesis. An air-tight film covering the wound is connected by suction tube to a control unit by which negative pressure is applied to the surface of the wound in the range of 80-125 mm Hg. This method has been called negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or vacuum assisted closure (VAC). It has been recommended for virtually all kinds of complex wounds. The duration of the therapy varies from several days to several months. This technology promotes formation of granulation tissue, enhances healing of diabetic foot, and significantly reduces the size of the acute and chronic wounds and ulcers. It lowers the morbidity of Fournier’s gangrene, ensures better healing of lower limb wounds and ulcer of ischemic origin, and can serve as temporary wound cover when no closure technique is available. The limitations to using NPWT are presence of dead tissue, exposed vital structures, untreated osteomyelitis, unexplored fistulae and malignant wounds. The cost of the equipment may constitute another factor in limiting the use of this new technology. In conclusion the NPWT under certain circumstances is more effective than other available local wound treatments.
Objective: This case report highlights the psychosocial complications of chronic mania in a mother and the role of CMHT in improving the condition’s outcome. Methods: We report a case of a Malay mother who had underlying chronic mania for 20 years. Results: She was aggressive and abusive towards her children causing tremendous trauma in them, had lost her child custody and almost lost her husband to another woman. Lithium with multiple psychosocial interventions delivered to the patient and her family had improved her mood symptoms significantly and improved the family’s quality of life. Conclusion: Chronic mania causes tremendously high illness burdens, and with extra care, the outcome of the condition can be improved. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 217-219.
Wearing kneepads is the best defence against occupational knee injury. It has been reported that the use of knee pads can reduce injuries and increase performance. Knee pads provide protection by disbursing pressure on the knees and preventing puncture wounds. This study focuses on the effect of knee pads on muscle activity and gait analysis. As a case study, measurement of muscle activities whilst kicking a ball was conducted. The normalized mean of the EMG data shows that the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles are highly active when wearing a knee pad. Gait analysis was conducted on six subjects with and without wearing knee pad. Results shows that wearing knee pads increases the force (950 '— 1150N) acting on the ground, compared with not wearing knee pads (800 —900 N).
Kajian rintis telah dilakukan di Kuala Lumpur dalam kalangan 30 orang kanak-kanak berumur 10-18 tahun bagi mengumpulkan pandangan mereka mengenai strategi pemasaran kempen anti-merokok. Hasil kajian menunjukkan kempen tersebut kurang berkesan mencegah kanak-kanak daripada merokok. Faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan kempen ini kurang berjaya mengurangkan tabiat merokok dalam kalangan kanak-kanak adalah kanak-kanak tidak merasa takut dengan poster dan gambar penyakit kritikal yang dipaparkan (60%), mereka dengan mudah boleh mendapatkan rokok (66%), serta kekurangan kerjasama semua sektor masyarakat dalam menyokong kempen ini (77%). Strategi pemasaran kempen anti-merokok dari aspek produk, harga, aksesibiliti, promosi, dasar sosial dan perkongsian komuniti perlu diperbaiki dan diberi penekanan seimbang untuk menjamin keberkesanan kempen secara komprehensif.
High frequency oscillating ventilation (HFOV) provides a rescue therapy for patients with refractory hypoxaemia in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). HFOV utilizes high mean airway pressures to maintain an open lung and low tidal volumes at a high frequency that allows for adequate ventilation while at the same time preventing alveolar overdistension. This seems to be an ideal lung protective ventilation strategies to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI)2. We reported a case of severe extrapulmonary ARDS secondary to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia responding to the use of HFOV.
Tuberkulosis merupakan penyakit yang masih meigadi masalah kesihatan di seluruh dunia amnya dan di Malaysia khasnya. Kajian telah dilakukan ali Cheras, Kuala Lumpur menggunakan aplikasi GIS untuk mengenalpasti taburan geografi dan tren tuberkulosis daripada tahun 1996 sehingga tahun 2000. Kajian ini juga dilakukan untuk melihat kebolehan GIS sebagai alat surveilan penyakit beyangkit. Hasil kajian dengan menggunakan aplikasi GIS mendapati tren peningkatan tuberkulosis di kawasan·kawasan yang tertentu di Cheras. Penumpuan kes-kes tuberkulosis dapat dilihat di kawasan taburan penduduk yang kepadatan tinggi dan sederhana tinggi terutama di kawasan Kampung Pandan, kawasan penempatan Jalan Cheras dan Bandar Tun Razak. Kes—kes tersebut juga kebanyakannya adalah dalam lingkungan 100 meter ke 200 meter di antara satu sama lain. Kesimpulannya secara am, aplikasi GIS memberikan dimensi baru dalam kawalan penyakit dan ia pasti dapat digunakan dalam membantu aktiviti surveilan penyakit tuberkulosis.
Farm sustainability issues are diverse but interconnected and complex. Many organizations
have begun to promote packaged sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs). Some of these
bundled SAPs (i.e. organic agriculture and integrated pest management) have long been
employed by farmers, and studied by scientists seeking to understand their response to these
alternative agricultural approaches. This paper reviews and synthesizes recent research in this
area. It identifies key explanatory factors, which frequently lead to the adoption of bundled
SAPs. Vote count analysis reveals that variables implying economic motivation and facilitation
regularly explain farmers’ behaviour. In addition, a new finding emerged, in which factors
inferring higher learning and superior management capacity provided further indicators to
adoption. In particular, the training that provided by non-governmental organizations and rural
institutions complements change agents (i.e. public extension services). While this finding is
novel, more research is required to generate better understanding of farmer reaction to bundled
SAPs, particularly dynamic ones (i.e. private standards) in which farm business sustainability
depends upon good agricultural practices being implemented.
One of the most important and debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus is foot problem such as ulcers, infections and amputations. However, these complications are preventable by simple intervention such as regular foot care practice. This study aims to assess the foot care practice and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending primary health clinics in Kuantan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at four primary health clinics in Kuantan involving 450 study participants who were selected by using universal sampling method. Level of awareness and practice toward diabetic foot care was assessed using validated self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with poor foot care practice among the respondents. RESULTS:About 59.6% of respondents had poor foot care practice and 50.9% had poor awareness level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that, increasing age (OR0.97, 95% CI: 0.955-0.993) and good awareness towards foot problem (OR0.43, 95%CI: 0.289-0.643) were less likely to have poor foot care practice. However, Malay ethnicity (OR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.002-3.271) and obesity (OR1.9, 95% CI: 1.225-2.976) were associated with poor foot care practice after controlling other variables. CONCLUSION:Majority of the respondents had poor foot care practice and poor awareness. Respondents who are older and have better awareness are less likely to have poor foot care practice. Diabetic patients who are Malays and/or obese are predicted to have poor diabetic foot practice and hence must be prioritized for a sustainable patient education and compliance towards foot care practice at primary care level.
There was lack of local study assessing the oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) of patients with periodontal diseases. Hence, this study aims to assess the OHRQOL and its associated factors in adult patients who were diagnosed with gingivitis and periodontitis. Material and method: This was a cross sectional study conducted from May to December 2018 among 100 participants attended Periodontal Clinic, Kulliyyah of Dentistry of International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) using purposive sampling methods. Clinical parameters of participants were recorded by a single examiner then followed by a selfadministered questionnaire using the validated short version of Oral Health Impact Profile(S-OHIP) (Malay) to assess the OHRQOL and its associated factors. The OHRQOL of participants were reported using mean and standard deviation. The factors associated with OHRQOL were determined using independent t-test and Spearman correlation test. Results: The mean score for S-OHIP was 14.73 ± 9.24. Participants with periodontitis have higher S-OHIP score compared to those with gingivitis. There were significant association between OHRQOL and underlying diabetes mellitus, self-perceived oral health status and self-perceived oral health satisfaction with p value < 0.05. This shows that those with underlying diabetes mellitus have higher S-OHIP score indicated poorer OHRQOL. Meanwhile, those who perceived they have either good or very good oral hygiene and satisfied with their oral health have lower S-OHIP score indicated better OHRQOL. Conclusion: This study found that periodontal diseases have significant association with the OHRQOL. Therefore, reinforcement of oral health education by the dentists is crucial.
Smartphones has now become a common and almost essential tool in our daily living activities. Students are among those who uses smartphones regularly which could lead to addiction if overused. This study aims to measure the prevalence of smartphone addiction and its relationship with psychological health among clinical year medical students in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan. Materials and method: A total of 203 Medical students in their clinical years were recruited via quota sampling method. The students filled in a four part online-based questionnaire consisted of questions on sociodemographic characteristics, smartphone usage information, Smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV) and WHOQOL-BREF. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Result: The prevalence of smartphone addiction among clinical year Medical students in IIUM was 51%. Bivariate analysis showed that majority of students chose social networking as their primary purpose of smartphone usage and this is significantly associated with smartphone addiction (p-value:0.037). Following multiple logistic regression analysis, students who had chosen games as their primary purpose of smartphone usage are 88% less likely to be related with smartphone addiction (p-value: 0.009, 95% CI: 0.025-0.595) compared to those who used it for academic performance tasks. Students who are not addicted to smartphones reported significantly better psychological quality of life compared to those who are addicted (p-value
Introduction: Caregiving for stroke patients is a challenging task both emotionally and physically. Studies have shown that caregiving can affect caregivers’ wellbeing that could lead to depression. Objective: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of depression amongst caregivers of stroke patients attending Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kelantan over a 6 month period. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study at the primary care clinic in HUSM over a period of 6 months. A total of116 caregivers of medically documented stroke patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited via convenience sampling. The brief patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess their depression. Descriptive statistics and bivariable analysis was used using SPSS version 23.Results: 63.8% of the caregivers of stroke patients are depressed. Caregiver’s burden, ethnicity and patient’s ethnicity were found to be significant associated risk factors for depression.Conclusion: Screening for depression in caregivers especially those with risk factors must be carried out in the clinic in order to detect and intervene early. Coping mechanisms especially in the religious aspect should be elicited in future studies.
The diabetic foot at risk is the diabetic foot which is at risk of ulceration, hence the importance of identifying the foot at this stage. This study aims to assess the prevalence of diabetic foot at risk and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients’ attending primary health clinics in Kuantan.Methods and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at four primary health clinics in Kuantan involving 450 study participants who were selected by using universal sampling method. Foot examination was carried out and foot at risk was classified based on the Kings’ Classification. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify the predictors for diabetic foot at risk. Results: The prevalence of diabetic foot at risk was 31.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06), smoker (OR 4.11, 95% CI: 1.96-8.63) and duration of diabetes more than 10 years (OR1.77, 95% CI: 1.05-2.98) as risk factors for diabetic foot at risk. Respondents with higher diabetic foot practice score (OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.98) have lesser risk of developing diabetic foot at risk. Conclusion: Patients who are older, smoker and/or have chronic diabetes are predicted to be at higher risk to develop the diabetic foot at risk. This study also showed that patients with better foot care practice has lesser risk. Therefore, these are the groups of patients that need to be targeted for early detection and intervention to prevent serious complications.
INTRODUCTION: One of the most important and debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus is foot
problem such as ulcers, infections and amputations. However, these complications are preventable by simple
intervention such as regular foot care practice. This study aims to assess the foot care practice and its
associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending primary health clinics in Kuantan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at four primary health clinics in
Kuantan involving 450 study participants who were selected by using universal sampling method. Level of
awareness and practice toward diabetic foot care was assessed using validated self-administered
questionnaire. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with poor foot care
practice among the respondents. RESULTS: About 59.6% of respondents had poor foot care practice and
50.9% had poor awareness level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that, increasing age
(OR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955-0.993) and good awareness towards foot problem (OR 0.43, 95%CI: 0.289-0.643)
were less likely to have poor foot care practice. However, Malay ethnicity (OR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.002-3.271) and
obesity (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.225-2.976) were associated with poor foot care practice after controlling other
variables. CONCLUSION: Majority of the respondents had poor foot care practice and poor awareness.
Respondents who are older and have better awareness are less likely to have poor foot care practice.
Diabetic patients who are Malays and/or obese are predicted to have poor diabetic foot practice and hence
must be prioritized for a sustainable patient education and compliance towards foot care practice at primary
care level.
Gallic acid (GA) is a phenolic compound found in almost all plants and has been reported to possess powerful health benefits such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. However, GA suffers a short half-life when administered in vivo. Recent studies have employed graphene oxide (GO), a biocompatible and cost-effective graphene derivative, as a nanocarrier for GA. However, the toxicity effect of this formulated nano-compound has not been fully studied. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the toxicity and teratogenicity of GA loaded GO (GAGO) against zebrafish embryogenesis to further advance the development of GA as a therapeutic agent. GAGO was exposed to zebrafish embryos (n ≥ 10; 24hr post fertilization (hpf)) at different concentrations (0-500 μg/ml). The development of zebrafish was observed and recorded twice daily for four days. The toxicity of pure GO and GA was also observed at similar concentrations. Distilled water was used as control throughout the experiment. A significantly high mortality rate, delayed hatching rate and low heartbeat were recorded in embryos exposed to GO at concentrations of ≥ 150 μg/ml at 48 hr (p