Prolonged drought conditions have adverse environmental and socio-economic impacts due to unmet water demands. Defining drought is difficult because of its onset and ending time. Therefore, characterisation of drought is essential for drought management operations. Thus, drought indices come in handy and are a practical approach to assimilate large amounts of data into quantitative information which can then be applied for drought forecasting, declaring drought levels, contingency planning and impact assessments. This study analyses drought events using indices, namely SPI and Deciles Index, computed with DrinC software program but are not popular in Malaysia. It is observed that both indices are identical and suitable for drought occurrences.
It is significant for the reverts to have an existing helping organization. Therefore, this study aims to identify organizational issues that are directly and indirectly involved with counsellors at the Council of Islamic Religious Department in Malaysia. This study utilizes a qualitative approach by using the case study method. This study involved five (5) counsellors from Council of Islamic Religious Department in Malaysia. This study used the N'Vivo 10.0 for the data analysis to develop themes and sub-themes that related to this study. The findings showed that there are two (2) sub themes involved both government and non-government. There are six (6) sub-sub themes for the government which are Jabatan Agama Islam, Jabatan Mufti, Pusat Dakwah Islamiah, Pusat Kaunseling MAINS Negeri Sembilan, Jabatan Kehakiman and Baitulmal. While, non-government has ten (10) sub-sub themes; Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia, Unit Saudara Baru, Unit Ukhuwah, Pusat Saudara Baru Darul Saadah, Darul Ukhuwah Yayasan Kasih Sayang, Volunteer Body, Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA), Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM), PERKAMA and Skuad Mubaligh Seremban. In conclusion, this study could be used as a guide for counsellors to provide guidance and counselling services to revert clients.
This research was aimed to study the relationship between attachment style and relationship quality among young couples. A correlational research design was adopted to answer the objectives of this study. A total of 257 students of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Sarawak participated in this study. Two types of questionnaire were used in this study; the Experience in Close Relationship (ECR) to measure the attachment styles, and Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI) to measure the relationship satisfaction of the couples. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between attachment style and relationship quality among the young couples in UNIMAS. Attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety had a significant effect on the relationship quality of the young couples. It is suggested for future studies to consider selecting the samples by using simple random sampling as the targeted population would be able to represent the whole population and the result would be more accurate.
Parental involvement during early childhood development is important especially when the child has learning disabilities. This research aims to study the effectiveness of parental-based speech training programs for preschoolers with Speech Language Impairments (SLI) in a localized setting. The method used was qualitative and data was collected from selected preschoolers (N = 5) with different types of SLI symptoms. Each participant was assessed using a standardized assessment protocol to measure his/her language scale. The participants were given the intervention program by their own parents using the Hanen’s It Takes Two to Talk program. The progress of each subject and observations from these sessions were documented. The participants were assessed again once the intervention had been implemented. Substantial results were achieved when all subjects showed improvements in language comprehension and production skills. These results highlight the importance of parental involvement as first teachers in the early intervention of children with SLI.
Reactive arthritis can be an elusive diagnosis especially in the elderly. A 77-year-old lady, presented with recent history of hip pain. She had been treated for urinary tract infection caused by Chlamydia sp. and had associated weight loss. She was also investigated for possible tuberculosis and occult malignancy. CT scan abdomen/pelvis and MRI revealed peri-articular muscle inflammation. Biopsy of her hip joint failed to find the causative factor. Whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT scan revealed increased FDG uptake at bilateral hip and shoulder joints. She recovered after an intensive course of antibiotics. Thus, she was diagnosed with reactive arthritis. Reactive arthritis is usually a diagnosis of exclusion made by a high index of suspicion and positive serology test. Molecular imaging can be an alternative investigation for joint pains in the elderly, which enables excellent anatomical and functional information to exclude more sinister conditions such as malignancy.
This paper presents the chaotic pulse train (CPT) waveforms of the vertical electric field generated by lightning observed in Malaysia. Focusing on the position where these electric field changes occur in a number of cloud to ground (CG) flashes, these CPTs were detected in different ways of occurrences, durations, intensities and amplitudes. Seventy-six chaotic pulse trains were found in this study from a sum of 172 CG flash records from three thunderstorm days. The fast field antenna was employed to do the field measurements. As opposed to the typical occurrence of chaotic pulse trains prior to subsequent strokes as reported in the literature, this study has found chaotic pulse trains occurring in different places along the CG electric field waveforms.
This research aims to identify the issues among female engineers in the perspective of their career success. The issues that were identified are work-life balance, gender stereotyping and slow progression on the career success. The research design is a qualitative approach by in-depth interview. The research design which consisted of ten items aimed to explore female engineers’ satisfaction of working in the construc-tion industry, unequal employment in the workplace, persistent problems in managing work-life balance, the role of gender in developing career success and also factors that positively and negatively affect the retention of female engineers in the construc-tion industry. Five participants were recruited from various construction companies in Malaysia. Four of them were interviewed via phone calls and one via electronic mail. The findings from this research show that work-life balance issue is the main issue. Other issues include gender stereotype, nature of work and the competition among male and female engineers. From these findings, one recommendation is that the top management of an organization can provide full support to the employees so that they can be more productive in the workplace and are able to balance their work and non-work responsibilities.
The anaerobic treatment of leachate from a municipal waste transfer station in Malaysia was tested using a pilot scale anaerobic biofilm digester system that was operated under HRT sequence of 30-day, 25-day, 20-day and 10-day for 163 days under mesophilic conditions. Despite the leachate's complex characteristics, the system showed great performance given its maximum COD, BOD5 and total phosphorus removal efficiencies of 98 ± 1%, 99 ± 1% and 92 ± 9% respectively. The system was stable throughout its operation and showed optimal average values for the monitored parameters such as pH (7.53 ± 0.14), total VFA (79 ± 66 mg HOAc/L), alkalinity (10,919 ± 1556 mg CaCO3/L) and a non-toxic value for accumulated ammonia (960 ± 106 mg NH3-N/L). Measurement of the average daily biogas production yielded a value of 25 ± 1 m3/day throughout the system's operation with a composition of 57 ± 12% methane and 26 ± 6% carbon dioxide.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims (1) to determine the association between kinesiophobia and pain, muscle functions, and functional performances and (2) to determine whether kinesiophobia predicts pain, muscle functions, and functional performance among older persons with low back pain (LBP).
METHODS: This is a correlational study, involving 63 institutionalized older persons (age = 70.98 ± 7.90 years) diagnosed with LBP. Anthropometric characteristics (BMI) and functional performances (lower limb function, balance and mobility, and hand grip strength) were measured. Muscle strength (abdominal and back muscle strength) was assessed using the Baseline® Mechanical Push/Pull Dynamometer, while muscle control (transverse abdominus and multifidus) was measured by using the Pressure Biofeedback Unit. The pain intensity and the level of kinesiophobia were measured using Numerical Rating Scale and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, respectively. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficients and multivariate linear regressions.
RESULTS: No significant correlations were found between kinesiophobia and pain and muscle functions (all p > 0.05). Kinesiophobia was significantly correlated with mobility and balance (p = 0.038, r = 0.263). Regressions analysis showed that kinesiophobia was a significant predictor of mobility and balance (p = 0.038).
CONCLUSION: We can conclude that kinesiophobia predicted mobility and balance in older persons with LBP. Kinesiophobia should be continuously assessed in clinical settings to recognize the obstacles that may affect patient's compliance towards a rehabilitation program in older persons with LBP.
Blood disease bacterium A2 HR-MARDI was isolated from banana plants infected with banana blood disease and which were planted in Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of blood disease bacterium A2 HR-MARDI, which could provide important information on the virulence mechanism of this pathogen.
The search for novel biomarkers has taken centre stage in the past decades of research in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The purpose of the present study was to determine the correlation of serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) with disease activity, joint damage and functional disability in patients with RA. We consecutively recruited RA patients who were under follow-up at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Information on the RA disease characteristics were obtained from the medical records and all RA patients were
assessed for DAS28 (disease activity score based on 28 joints) and Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) 8-item Disability Index (HAQ-DI). The hand radiographs of the RA patients were assessed for joint damage using the Modified Sharp Score (MSS). Serum MMP-3 levels from RA patients and healthy controls were measured using the ELISA method. We recruited a total of 77 RA patients and 18 healthy controls. The serum MMP-3 levels were significantly higher among the RA patients (p<0.05). There were significant correlations between the serum MMP3 levels and MSS (r =0.327) and HAQ-DI (r=0.256), both p<0.05. The mean serum MMP levels in RA patients with radiographic joint erosions was significantly higher than in patients without erosions (p<0.05). Likewise, the subjects with significant functional impairment i.e HAQ-DI ≥1; had significantly higher mean MMP-3 levels compared to RA patients without significant disability (p<0.05). Using multivariate analysis, HAQ-DI remained the independent predictor of serum MMP-3 in RA patients. Serum MMP-3 is a potential biomarker and predictor of radiographic joint damage and functional disability in RA.
Keywords: acquired joint deformity, matrix metalloproteinases, rheumatoid arthritis
We report here for the first time horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) from Hong Kong (China). Most specimens belong to the genus Chordodes, and can be assigned to C. bipilus, C. caledoniensis and to C. cf. moutoni. Two specimens have a cuticular pattern resembling the South American species C. peraccae or C. bouvieri, but for Southeast Asia this pattern is new. These two specimens are reported here as Chordodes sp. Additionally, Gordionus chinensis was found. One new species, Acutogordius koljai, is described from Malaysia. It has a characteristically-structured region posterior to the postcloacal crescent which sets it apart from previously described species in this genus.
Patients who self-discharge against medical advice (DAMA) are susceptible to life-threatening consequences. By understanding the factors associated with DAMA, healthcare centres can build strategies to assist patients to receive optimal medical care and prevent unfavourable outcome. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with DAMA from the Emergency Department (ED) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). This was a prospective unmatched case control study conducted over a 4-month period. For every DAMA episode, two patients who were admitted on the same day were randomly selected as control. Following patient consent, data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Patients were contacted by the investigator for information regarding hospitalization within two weeks of DAMA. Ninety three patients were recruited; 31 DAMA patients and 62 admitted patients. Payment method was significantly associated with DAMA (OR 3.17 95% CI 1.29-7.98; p=0.01). The likelihood of self-paying patients to take DAMA was three times higher than those who had a guarantor letter from their employer or insurance provider. Other factors which influence DAMA were family obligations (OR 4.08 95% CI 1.09-15.26; p = 0.03) and work problems (OR 3.83 95% CI 1.13-12.94; p=0.03). A total of 19.4% of DAMA patients left following symptomatic pain relief. A total of 80.6% DAMA patients were admitted to hospital within two weeks of the DAMA episode. Payment method significantly influences DAMA. Payment planning, social welfare services, non-governmental organization funds and the introduction of a national health policy scheme may aid hospital payment, alleviate financial limitation of patients and reduce DAMA episodes.
A new species of riffle beetle, Vietelmis jablonskii, from Laos and Thailand is described and illustrated. Differences to other Vietelmis species are discussed and an identification key for the Vietelmis is presented. New faunistic records are provided for V. kovaci Kodada & Čiampor, 2000; the genus Vietelmis is newly recorded for Thailand.
A new species of Asian rock gecko, genus Cnemaspis, is described from Padawan, western Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The new species forms a clade with C. paripari and C. nigridia of the C. nigridia group in a mitochondrial DNA phylogeny and is similar to them morphologically in some characters such as caudal scalation. It differs from the other Asian Cnemaspis species in its unique combination of snout-vent length (up to 62.7 mm), 4-9 precloacal pores in males, keeled subcaudals with an enlarged, smooth, median row, presence of ventrolateral caudal tubercles, and coloration (head and upper flanks dark-yellow; anterior portion of tail black; posterior portion of tail white with black, paravertebral blob). Phylogenetic relationships within the C. nigridia group and the distributional ranges of species within the group suggest allopatric speciation by geographic isolation.
In 2015, a female patient returning to Australia from Sabah, Malaysia, was diagnosed with a suspected sylvatic dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) infection, becoming the second case of imported highly divergent dengue virus infection recorded in Australia. We describe here the complete genome sequencing of the DENV-2 strain isolated from this patient.
Fluid replacement is the mainstay treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Currently, the best choice of fluids is still debatable. An amount of 0.9% sodium chloride is commonly used. Sterofundin® is an alternative crystalloid that is assumed to expedite resolution of acidosis. Advantages in sterofundin content being smaller significant ion difference (SID) to plasma and lower chloride content. The main objective of the study was to compare rate of acidosis resolution in DKA patients between treatment with 0.9% normal saline and Sterofundin over 12 hrs. Other objectives were to compare significant ion difference (SID), 12-hr blood ketone clearance and electrolyte balance between the two groups. The study was a prospective open labelled randomized control trial. This study was conducted over 6 months. Sample size of 18 was obtained with 9 for each arm. Main difference between two groups was initial median 2-hr pH level improvement (NS = +0.006 vs. Sterofundin = +0.05, P=0.063), however not being significant. Ketone, anion gap reduction, bicarbonate normalisation, sodium, chloride, urea and creatinine levels failed to show any significant differences between both groups. Twelve-hour median chloride levels increments were higher in the NS group (+11) compared to the sterofundin group (+6). There was no difference between mortality and morbidity. Comparing the two fluid groups, there was no significant biochemical differences during treatment of DKA. This was a pilot study that can initiate further clinical trials.
Keywords: anion gap, diabetic ketoacidosis, ketone, ph, saline, sterofundin
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is the most common subtype of acute leukaemias with a poor outcome. Msi2 protein is a newly discovered prognostic marker and it has been considered as a new target for therapy in AML. The study of Msi2
protein expression in AML cases has not been performed in Malaysia, to date. The main aim of the present study was to observe the expression of Msi2 protein in AML patients by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and to correlate its expression
with the well-established prognostic and clinical parameters in AML as well as the overall survival (OS). Sixty four bone marrow trephine biopsy sections were immunostained for Msi2 protein. The percentage of blasts with positive reaction
and the intensity of the cytoplasmic and nuclear staining were evaluated. The expression of Msi2 protein was found in 95.3% cases with Msi2 pattern varying between the cases. In 71.9% of cases, the blasts showed total cellular positivity and 23.4% cases showed only cytoplasmic positivity. Majority showed high expression of Msi2 for cytoplasmic staining. Interestingly, there was significant correlation between total cellular staining and the intermediate cytogenetic subgroup (P=0.04). In conclusion, the results showed that the majority of the patients had high expression of Msi2 but this did not correlate to OS. However, the Msi2 expression correlated to the cytogenetic findings. The results suggest future extensive research to be conducted in order to ascertain the exact role of Msi2 positive blast cells in AML in our population and their association with prognosis and outcome.
Keywords: AML, cytogenetics, immunohistochemistry, Msi2 protein
Di Malaysia, timun laut lebih dikenali sebagai Gamat. Di kalangan kaum Melayu,
gamat sering digunakan sebagai ubat tradisional untuk melegakan kesakitan,
merawat luka dan kesan terbakar. Ianya juga digunakan sebagai tonik untuk
memberi sumber tenaga tambahan. Stichopus chloronotus merupakan salah satu
spesies timun laut yang boleh didapati di Malaysia. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk
menentukan dos optimum ekstrak akues Stichopus chloronotus emulsi salap ke
atas luka pada model tikus. Beberapa siri kepekatan iaitu 0.1%, 0.5% dan 1%
ekstrak akues Stichopus chloronotus emulsi salap diberikan ke atas luka eksisi sekali
sehari selama 10 hari. Perubahan pada kawasan luka diukur dengan menggunakan
angkup dan gambar luka diambil pada hari pertama, ke-3, ke-6, ke-8 dan ke-10
selepas pembentukan luka. Keputusan daripada peratusan pengurangan luka dan
pemerhatian makroskopik akan menentukan dos optimum Stichopus chloronotus.
Hasil kajian menunjukkan, kumpulan tikus kajian yang menerima rawatan
Stichopus chloronotus 0.5% mempunyai peratusan pengurangan luka yang lebih
tinggi dan pemerhatian makroskopik yang lebih baik bermula dari hari ke-6 selepas
pembentukan luka berbanding kumpulan yang lain. Kesimpulannya, dos 0.5%
merupakan kepekatan optimum bagi Stichopus chloronotus memberikan kesan
kepada penyembuhan luka dan akan digunakan pada kajian sebenar