Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Lespedeza cuneata in Coal fly ash-induced murine alveolar macrophage cells

Lespedeza cuneata (LC) is a perennial plant used in herbal medicine to treat numerous diseases, including prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, early atherosclerosis, and hematuria. Reference collections of bioactive compounds of LC are crucial for the determination of their pharmacological properties. However, little is known regarding its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in alveolar macrophage (MH-S) cells. This study examined whether LC can inhibit reactive oxygen species and Coal fly ash (CFA) induced inflammation in MH-S cells. The anti-oxidative effects of LC were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, anti-inflammatory effects were examined using nitric oxide (NO) assay, and cytotoxicity was analyzed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokine genes was assessed through a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Our results revealed that LC exhibited high radical scavenging activity and a dose-dependent (7.8–1,000 μg/mL) inhibition of oxidation as compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox. It also inhibited CFA-induced NO production in MH-S cells. Moreover, it suppressed the CFA exposure-mediated expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. These results suggest that LC is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that can be useful as a nutraceutical product.

A Review on Finite Element Modelling and Simulation for Upper Limb of Human Bone and Implant

@#Medical implants are normally used in clinical practice to treat most orthopaedics situations involving bone fractures, deformities, dislocation, and lengthening. It should be noted that specific measures regarding biomechanical and biomaterial characteristics are required for a successful post-surgery procedure. Biomechanical evaluations on the medical implants could be performed by utilising computer and engineering technology. One of them is in silico studies using finite element method that could be simulated in high-performance computer. However, various assumptions are required in computer simulation, such as the constraints on data input and computer resources. This review paper discusses current approaches of constructing a finite element model of human bone with specific material properties for upper limb such as the shoulder joint, humerus, elbow joint, radius and wrist joint. Previous related literatures were reviewed from selected keywords and search engines. To narrow the literature search in this study, inclusion and exclusion criteria of the literature searching were applied. We looked at the current level of knowledge in this field and offered recommendations for future study. In conclusion, studies from previous literature have demonstrated several ways for developing mathematical models and simulating medical implants.

Assessment of corona-phobia in university students with the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S): A cross-sectional analysis / Evaluación de la corona-fobia en estudiantes universitarios mediante la Escala de Fobia COVID-19 (C19P-S): Un análisis transversal

Abstract Introduction Disease phobia may impose distressing manifestations along with compromised quality of life, particularly in young age. COVID-19 caused substantial psychological concerns in general population which required the attention of health authorities to address the issue as soon as possible. Objective This study was aimed to determine COVID-19 phobia in Pakistani youth during the current pandemic. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted to ascertain the extent of fear of COVID-19 among university students in Lahore, Pakistan using the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S). Psychological, somatic, social, and economic factors were ascertained among students. The relationship of demographics with the phobia score was determined through appropriate statistical tests. Result This study included 374 students with a male preponderance (64.7%). The mean C19P-S score was 59.08 ± 14.44 (IQR: 50 - 70), with no significant difference among demographics except gender (male 57.65 ± 14.77 vs female 61.70 ± 13.47; p = .009). The mean psychological, psycho-somatic, economic, and social subscale scores were 19.59 ± 5.00 (25th percentile = 16 and 75th percentile = 24), 12.29 ± 4.56 (25th percentile = 10 and 75th percentile = 15), 11.22 ± 3.67 (25th percentile = 8 and 75th percentile = 14) and 15.97 ± 4.04 (25th percentile = 13.75 and 75th percentile = 19), respectively. Male students had a significantly lower score on social and psychological subscales than females (p< .05). Discussion and conclusion One fourth of the students achieved a fear score > 70 on C19P-S. These results indicate the need of dire maneuvers for reducing corona-phobia among university students.

Resumen Introducción La fobia a las enfermedades puede imponer malestar psicológico y comprometer la calidad de vida, particularmente en edades tempranas. El COVID-19 causó serias preocupaciones psicológicas en la población en general y éstas requieren la atención de las autoridades de salud para abordar el problema cuanto antes. Objetivo Este estudio buscó determinar la fobia al COVID-19 en jóvenes paquistaníes durante la pandemia actual. Método Se realizó un estudio transversal basado en la web para evaluar el miedo al COVID-19 entre los estudiantes universitarios en Lahore; para esto se utilizó la Escala de Fobia COVID-19 (C19P-S). Se evaluaron factores psicológicos, somáticos, sociales y económicos entre los estudiantes. La relación de la demografía con la puntuación de fobia se determinó mediante pruebas estadísticas apropiadas. Resultados Este estudio incluyó a 374 estudiantes con preponderancia masculina (64.7%). La puntuación media de C19P-S fue 59.08 ± 14.44 (IQR: 50 - 70), sin diferencias significativas entre los datos demográficos, excepto el género (hombres 57.65 ± 14.77 versus mujeres 61.70 ± 13.47; p = .009). Las puntuaciones medias de las subescalas psicológicas, psicosomáticas, económicas y sociales fueron 19.59 ± 5.00 (percentil 25 = 16 y percentil 75 = 24), 12.29 ± 4.56 (percentil 25 = 10 y percentil 75 = 15), 11.22 ± 3.67 (percentil 25) = percentil 8 y 75 = 14) y 15.97 ± 4.04 (percentil 25 = 13.75 y percentil 75 = 19), respectivamente. Los estudiantes varones obtuvieron una puntuación significativamente menor en las subescalas sociales y psicológicas que las mujeres (p< .05). Discusión y conclusión Una cuarta parte de los estudiantes obtuvo una puntuación de miedo > 70 en la C19P-S. Estos resultados indican la necesidad de aplicar medidas extremas para reducir la fobia al Coronavirus entre los estudiantes universitarios.

In vitro anti-Candida activity of Melaleuca cajuputi extracts

Aims@#The rise of drug-resistant infectious diseases worldwide has spurred experts' interest in developing safe and effective alternative medicine. Melaleuca cajuputi extracts have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity in vitro against various bacterial species. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of local M. cajuputi leaf extracts (MCEs) against Candida albicans.@*Methodology and results@#Phytoconstituents of aqueous and ethanolic MCEs were screened conventionally using chemical tests. Broth microdilution assay and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed to study the anti-Candida activity of the extracts. Both MCEs contained terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids and tannins. Aqueous and ethanolic MCEs showed good fungicidal activity against the tested organism with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 50 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL, respectively and a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) to MIC ratio of less or equal to 2. Scanning electron micrographs revealed yeast cell surface morphology alterations when treated with both MCEs at 1× MIC.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#In conclusion, MCEs have anti-Candida properties and thus, M. cajuputi extract could be an excellent potential source of natural antimicrobial agents for disease remedies.

Quantitative Assessment of Dentine Sialophosphoprotein, Aspartate Aminotransferase and Lactate Dehydrogenase in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Teeth with Root Resorption

ABSTRACT@#Root resorption is a shortening of root dentine which occurs physiologically in deciduous teeth. The present study aimed to quantify dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during the physiological process of root resorption of deciduous teeth. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 25 children aged between 4 and 10 years old. GCF was collected from the gingival sulcus using periopaper strips from the upper first deciduous molar (n = 45). The samples were divided equally into three groups, no resorption (R0), moderate resorption (RM) and severe resorption (RS), based on the existing radiographs taken. The GCF samples were then analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit to determine the DSPP concentration levels and BioAssays System kit for AST and LDH. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the statistical differences between the means of the DSPP, AST and LDH concentration level in the three groups. A difference was considered significant when p < 0.05. High concentration levels of DSPP were significantly noted in RS (p < 0.05), compared to RM and R0. AST also portrayed significant high activity level (p < 0.05) similar to DSPP but LDH showed no significant changes between groups (p > 0.05). The high quantification of DSPP and AST levels in the severe and moderately resorbed roots indicated the potential use of this protein as a biomarker for detecting moderate-severe stages of root resorption.

Natural DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors from Myristica cinnamomea King

@#The NS2B/NS3 protease is crucial for the pathogenesis of the DENV. Therefore, the inhibition of this protease is considered to be the key strategy for the development of new antiviral drugs. In the present study, malabaricones C (3) and E (4), acylphenols from the fruits of Myristica cinnamomea King, have been respectively identified as moderate (27.33 ± 5.45 μM) and potent (7.55 ± 1.64 μM) DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors, thus making this the first report on the DENV-2 NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitory activity of acylphenols. Based on the molecular docking studies, compounds 3 and 4 both have π-π interactions with Tyr161. While compound 3 has hydrogen bonding interactions with Gly151, Gly153 and Tyr161, compound 4 however, forms hydrogen bonds with Ser135, Asp129, Phe130 and Ile86 instead. The results from the present study suggests that malabaricones C (3) and E (4) could be employed as lead compounds for the development of new dengue antivirals from natural origin.

Isolation of Klebsiella pneumoniae from Sungai Skudai and in silico analysis of putative dehalogenase protein

Aims@#The surplus use of herbicide Dalapon® contains 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (2,2-DCP) poses great danger to human and ecosystem due to its toxicity. Hence, this study focused on the isolation and characterization of a dehalogenase producing bacteria from Sungai Skudai, Johor, capable of utilizing 2,2-DCP as a carbon source and in silico analysis of its putative dehalogenase.@*Methodology and results@#Isolation of the target bacteria was done by using 2,2-DCP-enriched culture as the sole carbon source that allows a bacterium to grow in 20 mM of 2,2-DCP at 30 °C with the corresponding doubling time of 8.89 ± 0.03 h. The isolated bacterium was then designated as Klebsiella pneumoniae strain YZ based on biochemical tests and basic morphological examination. The full genome of K. pneumoniae strain KLPN_25 (accession number: RRE04903) which obtained from NCBI database was screened for the presence of dehalogenase gene, assuming both strains YZ and KLPN_25 were the same organisms. A putative dehalogenase gene was then identified as type II dehalogenase from the genome sequence of strain KLPN_25. The protein structure of the type II dehalogenase of KLPN_25 strain was then pairwise aligned with the crystal structure of L-2-haloacid dehalogenase (L-DEX) Pseudomonas sp. strain YL as the template, revealing the existence of conserved amino acids residues, uniquely known to participate in the dehalogenation mechanism. The finding thus implies that the amino acid residues of type II dehalogenase possibly shares similar catalytic functions with the L-DEX.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of the study@#In conclusion, this study confirmed the presence of new dehalogenase from the genus Klebsiella with potential to degrade 2,2-DCP from the river water. The structural information of type II dehalogenase provides insights for future work in designing haloacid dehalogenases.

Antioxidative mechanism of Quercus infectoria gall aqueous extract against Candida albicans

Aims@#The effect of Quercus infectoria (QI) gall extract on the fungal expression of antioxidant defense enzymes of Candida albicans was studied in an effort to unravel its anti-fungal mechanism.@*Methodology and results@#Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), and time kill assays were conducted to analyse the antifungal activity of the extract against C. albicans. Total protein profiles of C. albicans were determined by SDS-PAGE and real-time PCR was used to quantify the genes expression level of superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX3) following treatment with aqueous QI gall extract. The MIC and MFC values of the extract against C. albicans were 8 mg/mL and 16 mg/mL respectively. Fungistatic and fungicidal activities of the extract were observed after 24 h at 1× MIC and 2× MIC from the time-kill assay. A lower total protein bands density of extract-treated C. albicans was visualized when compared to the untreated cells at concentrations of 1× MIC and 2× MIC. A significant reduction in the expression of GPX3 (p 0.05).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#In conclusion, QI gall extract exerted an anti-Candida activity and it is apparently effective in downregulating the gene expression of GPX3 in C. albicans. Of note, the present findings elucidated a preliminary mechanism associated with the organism’s survival resilience which represents a key target for the development of anti-Candida agents in future.

Penggunaan Aplians Penahan Ortodontik Boleh Tanggal Bagi Pengekalan Hasil Rawatan Ortodontik - Ulasan The Use of Removable Retainers to Maintain the Results of Post-Orthodontic Treatment – A Review / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Retention phase is fundamental in orthodontic treatment. Around 70% of patients are subjected to relapse postorthodontic treatment. The risk of relapse can be minimized by prescribing a retainer suitable to a patient’s pre-treatment clinical condition and based on retention characteristics of retainers. When removable retainers are prescribed, responsibility of maintaining tooth stability lies on patients. Recent idea has been proposed that removable retainer should be worn indefinitely in order to maintain the treatment result. Therefore, the understanding of retention characteristics of removable retainers is important for promoting patient compliance and satisfaction. This article focuses on reviewing the use of removable retainers in relation to preferences among clinicians, patient acceptability, effectiveness, compliance, as well as retention regimes. An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and Scopus database. The search was performed up to June 2020 using a variety of keywords including orthodontic retainers, Hawley, vacuum formed and retention. Among the 248 publications that were initially searched, total of 56 publications were finally included. Twenty-seven were observational (6 prospective; 16 cross-sectional, 4 retrospective, and 1 case series), fourteen experimental, fourteen review articles, and one opinion piece. Although quite a number of reviews on removable retainers were available, several significant papers have been published recently. Furthermore, a guideline on retention regime is warranted.

Pharmacist in Media: Role in Healthcare and Public Perception (Ahli Farmasi dalam Media: Peranan dalam Penjagaan Kesihatan dan Persepsi Awam) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#The use of Internet and social media for health information sharing is expanding among public, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals over the past few years. Research investigating the use of Internet and social media in the practice of pharmacy is growing, however, little is known on the delivery of pharmacy services through these media platforms. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the roles of pharmacist in media in providing healthcare information, to evaluate public perception and acceptance towards pharmacist using media as a platform information sharing and to find out public expectation towards pharmacy services in media. A total of 200 respondents were recruited by random sampling in this cross-sectional study. Study duration was from October until November 2019. The self-administered questionnaire was adapted from previous study investigating the public preferred source of healthcare advices. Majority of the respondents agree that media platforms can be used by pharmacist to improve patient-pharmacist communication with 76.5% expected that social media has the potential to become an established channel for patient-pharmacist communication. 61.0% of the respondents also acknowledged pharmacist to be very knowledgeable on health-related information by providing accurate information. This study provided insights into the public view towards the roles of pharmacist and their expectation towards pharmacist sharing health-related information in media platforms. Participants recognized the potential use of media platforms for healthcare information sharing. To enhance pharmacist presence and impact on public health through digital media platforms, it is important to start incorporating digital medium into their pharmacy services.

TMJ Arthritis

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) arthritis affects the joint and the surrounding musculature. Like any other joints, causes of temporomandibular joint arthritis could be rheumatoid arthritis, osteo arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis. Severity of the disease differs from each other ranging from mild to severe. In case of temporomandibular joint trauma, it may lead to degeneration of the joint which may result in ankylosis of the joint if it is left untreated. In case of inflammatory arthropathies, even after the treatment, inflammation of the joint still persists. To suppress the inflammation, patients can be prescribed immunosuppressive treatment. Long term use of immunosuppressants is deleterious and may lead to failure of organs. One more adverse effect of immunosuppressive drugs is that it makes the patient prone for infections if the patient undergoes surgery. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint arthritis include pain on involved side, restricted mouth opening, and difficulty in eating. Origin of pain may be from the joint itself or from the muscles attached to it or from both. The patient will complain of mild to severe pain. The objective of this study is to assess TMJ arthritis in those with above said inflammatory arthropathies. This article is to highlight the peculiarities of TMJ arthritis secondary to those inflammatory arthropathies and how to best manage these ailments, which should guide when referral to a specialist TMJ surgeon is appropriate. The aim of this review is to discuss about the various causes of TMJ arthritis, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, investigations and the management of temporomandibular joint Arthritis.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Anaesthetic Efficacy of 15 % Lidocaine Spray and 20 % Benzocaine Gel during Removal of Arch Bars

Application of arch bar is considered as a gold standard for intermaxillary fixation (IMF) in the management of mandibular fractures. Both the application and removal of arch bars can inflict pain for patients who require IMF. For removal of the arch bars, local anaesthesia (local infiltration or conduction block) is often indicated. The study aimed at comparing and validating the efficacy of topical lidocaine spray and benzocaine gel in patients undergoing removal of arch bars. METHODS30 subjects were included in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Maxillary arch was chosen as the test site. 10 patients (Group A) were anaesthetized in the upper gingiva with 15 % lidocaine spray and remaining 10 patients (Group B) were anaesthetized with 20 % benzocaine gel, following which removal of arch bar was done. 10 patients were included in the control group (Group C) where 2 % lignocaine infiltration was offered only on request. Visual analog scale and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale was used to measure the pain perceived by the patient during the procedure. RESULTSThe mean and standard deviation of the pain scores of Group A was 2.5 ± 0.70, Group B was 2.7 ± 0.67 and Control group was 5.5 ± 0.85. Both the test groups had a significant pain reduction when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONSTopical application of both 15 % lidocaine spray and 20 % benzocaine gel provided equally efficient analgesia and can be useful alternatives to conventional local anaesthetic infiltration during arch bar removal.

Plasmodium falciparum protein kinase as a potential therapeutic target for antimalarial drugs development

@#Malaria is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases due to its high infection and mortality rates, especially in the tropical belt. Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), the most virulent malaria parasite in humans, was recently reported to develop resistance against the final efficient antimalarial drug, artemisinin. Little is known about the resistance mechanisms, which further complicates the problem as a proper counteraction is unable to be taken. Hence, the understanding of drug mode of action and its molecular target is valuable knowledge that needs to be considered to develop the next generation of antimalarial drugs. P. falciparum protein kinase (Pf PK) is an attractive target for antimalarial chemotherapy due to its vital roles in all P. falciparum life stages. Moreover, overall structural differences and the presence of unique Pf PKs that are absent in human kinome, suggesting specific inhibition of Pf PK without affecting human cells is achievable. To date, at least 86 eukaryotic protein kinases have been identified in P. falciparum kinome, by which less than 40 were validated as potential targets at the erythrocytes stage. In this review, recent progress of the furthest validated Pf PKs; Pf Nek-1, Pf CDPK1, Pf CDPK4, Pf PKG, and Pf CLK-3 will be briefly discussed.

A Scoping Review of the Prevalence of Fascioliasis in Malaysia and Risk Factors for Infection

@#This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of ruminant and human fascioliasis in Malaysia and to identify research gaps in knowledge of the prevalence of fascioliasis in Malaysia and risk factors for the disease using available evidence-based data. We conducted a scoping review based on the framework of Arksey and O’Malley. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used to guide the review process. The citation search was performed between May and September 2018. Using specific keywords, literature published between 1998 to September 2018 was retrieved from electronic databases. Six articles related to fascioliasis in Malaysia were included in the final review from 1,932 screened articles and reports. Five studies focused on ruminants, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats in the states of Terengganu and Perak. The most frequent ruminant fascioliasis outbreaks involved cattle and goats, with a prevalence of 82%–95% and these outbreaks occurred in Terengganu. Only one study examined the risk of fascioliasis in cattle. In the study, the age and sex of the cattle were important risk-related parameters. The search returned only one documented report of a suspected case of human fascioliasis with an atypical clinical presentation. At present, human fascioliasis in Malaysia remains under-reported and its prevalence remains unknown. The data summarised in this review based on existing evidence identifies research gaps on fascioliasis in ruminants and humans.

Classifying DLBCL according cell of origin using Hans algorithm and its association with clinicopathological parameters: A single centre experience

@#Introduction: In recent years, "double hit" and "double protein" involving gene rearrangement and protein expression of c-MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 are the most used terms to describe poor prognostic factors in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This study was to determine the frequency of double or triple protein expression by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and comparing the result with clinicopathological features and cell of origin (COO) classification. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by using 29 archived formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks of DLBCL. All the samples were evaluated for the subgrouping of COO DLBCL was determined by expression of CD10, BCL6 and MUM1 based on Hans classification. In addition, expressions of c-MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 were detected by IHC. Results: Among the 29 cases, MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 proteins were detected in 72.4%, 62.1% and 62.1% of patients, respectively. Concurrent expression (c-MYC positive/BCL2 positive and/or BCL6 positive) was present in 58.6% of patients. 34.5% were categorised as germinal centre like (GCB) subgroup and 65.5% were categorised as nongerminal centre like (non-GCB) subgroup. Among the clinicopathological features, the double/triple protein expression lymphoma was significantly associated with elevated LDH level (p=0.018), IPI score (p=0.003), Ann Arbor stage (p=0.011) and complete response rate (p=0.011). Conclusion: Double/triple protein lymphoma was strongly associated more adverse clinical risk factors. Thus, analyses of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 expression by IHC represents a rapid and inexpensive approach to risk-stratify patients with DLBCL at diagnosis.

Thermal Profiling Analysis for Asymmetrically Embedded Tumour with Different Breast Densities

@#Introduction: Detecting breast cancer at earlier stage is crucial to increase the survival rate. Mammography as the golden screening tool has shown to be less effective for younger women due to denser breast tissue. Infrared Thermography has been touted as an adjunct modality to mammography. Further investigation of thermal distribution in breast cancer patient is important prior to its clinical interpretation. Therefore, thermal profiling using 3D computational simulation was carried out to understand the effect of changes in size and location of tumour embedded in breast to the surface temperature distribution at different breast densities. Methods: Extremely dense (ED) and predominantly fatty dense (PF) breast models were developed and simulated using finite element analysis (FEA). Pennes’ bioheat equation was adapted to show the heat transfer mechanism by providing appropriate thermophysical properties in each tissue layer. 20 case studies with various tumour size embedded at two asymmetrical positions in the breast models were analysed. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed by recording the temperature values along the arc of breast, calculating of temperature difference at the peaks and comparing multiple thermal images. Results: Bigger size of tumour demands a larger increase in breast surface temperatures. As tumour is located far from the centre of the breast or near to the edge, there was a greater shift of temperature peak. Conclusion: Size and location of tumour in various levels of breast density should be considered as a notable factor to thermal profile on breast when using thermography for early breast cancer detection.

Development patterns of necrophagous flies infesting rabbit carcasses decomposing in Mount Kapur Cave and its surrounding primary forest in Kuching, Sarawak

@#In addition to the scarcity of forensic entomology baseline data on oviposition of necrophagous insects and completion of their life cycles in the Borneo region, similar data derived from caves remain unreported. Since entomological baseline data can differ from one biogeoclimatic region to another, the lack of such data would limit the practical values of applying entomological evidence in estimating minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). Therefore, this present research that investigated oviposition and completion of life cycles of necrophagous flies infesting rabbit carcasses decomposing in Mount Kapur Cave and its surrounding forest habitat in Kuching, Sarawak merits forensic consideration. In general, 13 taxa of necrophagous flies were identified viz. Hypopygiopsis violacea, Hypopygiopsis fumipennis, Hemipyrellia ligurriens, Hemipyrellia tagaliana, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya villeneuvi, Chrysomya rufifacies, Chrysomya chani, Chrysomya pinguis, Chrysomya nigripes, Ophyra spinigera and Ophyra chalcogaster, as well as unidentified Sarcophagidae. In addition, Hyp. violacea and Hyp. fumipennis were the two earlier necrophagous flies that oviposited in all rabbit carcasses decomposing in both habitats. While all these necrophagous flies were observed infesting carcasses in Mount Kapur Cave, Hem. ligurriens and Hem. tagaliana were not found infesting carcasses in the surrounding forest habitat. Complete life cycles for six and five different necrophagous fly species were successfully observed in Mount Kapur Cave and its surrounding forest habitat, respectively. Significant delay in oviposition, as well as longer durations for completing the life cycles in several necrophagous fly species were observed in Mount Kapur Cave when compared with those of surrounding forest habitat (p < 0.05). These findings deserve consideration as the first ever forensic empirical baseline data on oviposition and completion of life cycles for necrophagous flies in Sarawak as well as in a cave habitat, in view of its practical values for estimating mPMI for forensic practical caseworks.

The Effectiveness Of An Incentive-Based Weight Reducing Technique Among University Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Students, Malaysia

@#Increasing overweight and obesity prevalence are growing health concerns globally and in Malaysia due to various contributing factors such as life style, dietary intake (high sugar & high fat diets), less physical activities etc. In order to explore an effective weight reducing strategy for overweight and obese students; this study aimed to examine the significance of offering a monetary reward to students for weight reduction at the University Pendidkan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia. An experimental study was conducted among Forty Eight (48) University students selected based on criteria of Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25. The convenient sampling was used for 3-months weight reduction experimental program comprised of "repeated measure design" which involved multiple measurement of each subject and their exposure to all study conditions. Participants were divided into two groups: 12-pairs and 24-individuals to further compare results. Three introductory lectures were given to students by a nutritionist to educate both groups on ' nutritional aspects of everyday eating'. Participants were requested to attend follow-ups every two weeks to record their weight. ANOVA repeated measure with fixed effects were used to analyze data. Results indicated that "offering monetary reward" brought significant change in both groups students' weight reduction (F (3.09, 142.24) = 18.16, p <0.05.), and hasn't found significant comparative difference between two groups' weight reduction (F (1, 46) =2.74, p =0.10). The study reveals that offering monetary incentive or reinforcement to University-level students is an effective strategy in weight reduction either incentive is given to the groups or individuals. A similar long-term research project needs to be implemented and/or further research is required with large sample size to examine sustainability of weight loosing behavior reinforced by monetary incentives.

Identification and Characterization of Various Pseudomonas Species from Distinct Clinical Specimens: Antibiogram and Resistance Pattern

P. aeruginosa accounts for a significant proportion of nosocomial infections. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, levels of antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance mechanisms of Pseudomonas from various clinical samples. P. aeruginosa accounts for a significant proportion of nosocomial infections. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, levels of antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance mechanisms of Pseudomonas from various clinical samples. Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, over a period of 1 year. After identification of genus Pseudomonas, the speciation was done by biochemical tests and by VITEK 2. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion method. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) production were detected by the combined disc diffusion test. Results: They were predominantly isolated from pus (44.3%), followed by blood (24.05%), body fluids (13.92%) and sputum (12.03%). The highest number of isolates were pseudomonas aeruginosa (64.56%) followed by p. fluroscence 19.62%, p. putida 7.6%, p. stutzeri 1.9%, p. alcaligens 1.9%, burkhelderia cepacia complex (BCC) (previous designation: pseudomonas cepacia) 1.9% and 2.53% isolate of burkhelderia pseudomallei (previous designation: pseudomona spseudomallei). Conclusion: This study examined the prevalence of pseudomonl infections, and its susceptibility patterns to different antibiotics. The presence of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates could be attributed to β-lactamase production and the use of multiple drug resistance efflux pump. It therefore calls for a very judicious, rational treatment regimens prescription by the physicians to limit the further spread of antimicrobial resistance among the P. aeruginosa strains.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthmatic Patients on Inhaled Corticosteroids: An Observational Study

Introduction: Corticosteroids play a pivotal role in thetreatment of the asthma. They rapidly reduce the numberof eosinophils in the blood and tissues and inhibit theirdegranulation, suggesting that sputum eosinophilia could be agood predictor of response to inhaled corticosteroids. Chronicdiseases like asthma have significant effects on patients'health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL measuresadditional indices as compared to objective measurements likespirometry. Objective: To assess and compare disease-specificquality of life in asthma patients using St. George's RespiratoryQuestionnaire (SGRQ) receiving inhaled corticosteroids.Material and Methods: Patients were enquired for theirduration of illness, other co morbidities (if present), historyof smoking and familial history of the illness. Pattern ofasthma was duly assessed. For Health-related Quality oflife assessment, Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire(SGRQ) was used in the study after obtaining due permissionfrom the concerned authority at St George’s, University ofLondon.Results: Mean age of the study population was found tobe 36.17 ± 18.77 years. Mean duration of illness for theasthmatics was 10.19 ± 11.08 years. Majority i.e. 69% deniedof having any familial history of asthma, while 31% confirmedhaving the same. Smoking status was enquired among thestudy subjects, which revealed that 85% were non-smokers,while 9% were past smokers and 6% were current smokers.Pattern of asthma was found to be seasonal for 65% patientswhile perennial for 35% patients. Baseline symptoms scorewas 61.45± 15.78, which was reduced to 48.19±18.73 after 3months on inhaled corticosteroids therapy. Baseline activityscore was 49.67± 15.34, which was reduced to 41.51±18.52after 3 months on inhaled corticosteroids therapy. Baselineimpact score was 48.79± 16.85, which was reduced to38.69±18.14 after 3 months on inhaled corticosteroids therapy.Conclusion: There was evidence for an early QoLimprovement on inhaled corticosteroids in moderate andsevere persistent asthma.