Journals of Universiti Kuala Lumpur
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NUMERICAL STUDIES FOR SOLVING ABEL\u27S DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION
No full textThis paper uses the Abel\u27s Equation, often used in various fields including physics and engineering, represents a mathematical model that can be complex to solve analytically. This research focuses on solving the Abel\u27s Equation using several numerical methods: Euler\u27s method, Taylor series method, Adomian decomposition method, and Runge-Kutta method. Each method has its advantages and applicability depending on the specific characteristics of the equation being solved
Practices Contributing to Healthy Longevity among Elderly Population in Ipoh, Perak
Full text linkBackground: Healthy longevity refers to living a long life while maintaining good health, influenced by genetics, lifestyles, and overall well-being. Aim: This study examines lifestyle, social, and spiritual practices contributing to longevity among elderly individuals aged 80 years and above in Perak. Materials and method: A mixed method study was conducted, involving interviews of 5 elderly individuals aged 85 an above, for the qualitative component, and 55 elderly individuals were subjected to a self-administered questionnaire for the quantitative component. The questionnaires aimed to obtain information on sociodemographic and health information, along with details on lifestyle, social, and spiritual practices. Results: The study found that healthy aging and longevity were associated with proper diet, active living and adequate sleep. Early healthcare interventions helped reduce disease-related morbidity. Social interactions improved mental health, and high spirituality, including feelings of gratitude played a crucial role in well-being. Quantitative data showed 56.4% of respondents () had a normal body mass index (BMI), 61.8% were physically active. Most consumed rice regularly (78.2%), along with meat (89.1%), seafood (92.7%), dairy products (83.7%), vegetables (63.6%). and fruits (>80%). Majority never smoke (70.9%) or drink alcohol (76.4%). However, almost 90% had comorbidities, especially hypertension (78.2%), diabetes mellitus (56.4%) and dyslipidemia (54.5%), with 87.3% on medication and 76.4% showing good disease control. Most respondents had good relationships with relatives and friends (60%) and had moderate to high social engagements (more than 60%). High spirituality was practiced by 72%. Those under 85 had significantly higher social engagements (p<0.03), while higher education was significantly associated with high spirituality. Conclusion: Proper diet, active lifestyles, social interactions, spiritual well-being, no smoking, and non-excessive alcohol consumption contribute to healthy aging and longevity. 
The Malay Version of Dialysis Specific Nutrition Literacy Scale (DSNLS): Translation and Face Validation
Full text linkBackground: Nutrition literacy is essential for understanding, assessing, and utilising nutritional information, particularly in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, to improve their overall wellbeing. A suitable tool is necessary to assess their level of nutrition literacy. Unfortunately, there is a lack of a specific nutrition literacy scale in the Malay language for the hemodialysis patients’ population. Therefore, the aim of this study is to translate and validate the Dialysis-Specific Nutrition Literacy Scale (DSNLS) into Malay. Methods: The questionnaire was forward and backward translated by experts in dietetics and linguistics following established guidelines, resulting in a pre-harmonised Malay translation and two backward English translations. An expert committee reviewed and harmonised these translated questions. The questionnaire was then evaluated through a cognitive interview and face validity assessment among 15 hemodialysis patients. Results: During the expert committee assessment, several phrases underwent revisions to improve clarity and comprehension. Respondents preferred that certain terms be replaced during pre-testing with common phrases used in nutrition education. All questions achieved a face validity index value greater than the acceptable value, indicating good validity (≥0.87). Conclusion: The Malay version of the DSNLS underwent translation and face validation, and the findings demonstrate that it is clear and comprehensible for evaluating nutrition literacy among local hemodialysis patients. 
Influenza A-associated Bronchospastic Pneumonia: A Case-based Review
Full text linkPneumonia is the commonest influenza-associated respiratory complication in adults. The clinical presentation varies from mild to severe and may be complicated by secondary bacterial coinfection. Influenza can affect different areas of the respiratory tract (upper, lower, respiratory zones), giving rise to mixed symptoms and signs. This is due to the distribution of different types of sialic acid receptors within the respiratory tract, acting as viral binding sites with relative subtype specificity.
We present a case of an 87-year-old woman with multiple co-morbidities, diagnosed with primary influenza A pneumonia upon her return from Umrah. She had a prominent wheeze and was hypoxic, requiring bronchodilators with supplemental oxygen. Additional therapy consisted of oseltamivir, with antibiotic cover. She required a protracted hospital stay prior to recovery. This article will discuss the pathophysiology of influenza-associated respiratory complications, chest x-ray changes in influenza and related viral pneumonias, secondary bacterial co-infection management and the evolution of specific influenza antiviral therapy. We will also briefly touch upon novel antiviral agents awaiting clinical evaluation
Burkitt Lymphoma of Oral Cavity in Myanmar
Full text linkBurkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive but curable lymphoma, composed of monomorphic medium sized B cells with basophilic cytoplasm and numerous mitotic figures. It has endemic, sporadic, and human immunodeficiency-associated subtypes. The African or endemic variants frequently involves the maxilla and other facial bones, while head and neck manifestations in sporadic Burkitt lymphoma are rare. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman with a rapidly growing buccal mucosal growth, leading to swallowing difficulties within one month. There was no palpable lymphadenopathy or organomegaly. Serology tests for HBs antigen, HCV antibody, and HIV antibody were negative. The histological section of the biopsy tissue from the buccal mucosal growth showed infiltrating diffuse sheets of neoplastic cells. These cells appeared as monotonous, medium-sized lymphoid cells, displaying numerous apoptotic bodies and numerous tangible body macrophages, indicative of a high proliferation rate. Immunohistochemical staining of the tumor cells revealed positivity for CD20, CD10, BCL6, and CMYC, while BCL2 was negative. Additionally, the Ki67 proliferation index was exceptionally high, nearly 100%, consistent with Burkitt Lymphoma. The true incidence of Burkitt lymphoma in Myanmar is unknown due to a lack of reported cases. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and immediate, appropriate management of the disease. The definitive diagnosis was confirmed through a meticulous histopathological examination combined with immunohistochemistry
The Secret Garden of Skin Health: A Mini Review of Centella asiatica and Salvia Rosmarinus
Full text linkAmidst increasing demands for skin care solutions, extensive research has been devoted to exploring the properties of natural ingredients, particularly Centella asiatica and Salvia rosmarinus. Centella asiatica is known for its high content of triterpenoids and flavonoids, which provide multiple benefits for the skin, including soothing sensitive skin, reducing inflammation, and improving skin hydration. On the other hand, Salvia rosmarinus contains antioxidant metabolites and has emerged as a potent antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial agent, helping to protect skin from redness and premature ageing. This review employed a systematic approach, involving meticulous research articles and a selection of narrative reviews based on specific inclusion criteria. Databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Research Gate were utilized for this mini-review. A bibliometric analysis was also employed using Bibliometrix software, providing insight into literature trends. Phytochemical analyses shed light on the active compounds in Centella asiatica and Salvia rosmarinus, offering a comprehensive understanding of their roles in promoting skin health, such as collagen synthesis and skin rejuvenation. Furthermore, pharmacological studies supported the efficacy of these compounds in wound healing, inflammation reduction, and UV damage prevention. The bibliometric analysis underscored a global interest in this field, highlighting top institutions, journals, and highly cited articles. Emerging trends, such as “autophagy” and “composites” in Centella asiatica and “enhancement” and “product” in Salvia rosmarinus, indicate evolving research directions. This mini-review consolidates existing knowledge, emphasising the potential of these natural ingredients to meet the ever-evolving demands within the skincare industry
The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Stress among Engineering Students of Bells University in Nigeria during the COVID-19 Movement Control Order (MCO)
Full text linkThe novel coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have taken the world by storm, forcing dramatic alterations to daily living and generating a considerable degree of worry, fear, and concern among university students. The pandemic has disrupted the education of over one billion students in 129 countries around the world. As universities worldwide shifted to emergency remote teaching (ERT) via online platforms, this has further caused anxiety amongst the students. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stress among Engineering students at Bells university in Nigeria during the pandemic. Four hundred engineering students were randomly selected from Bells university during the movement control order. A cross-sectional online survey, using Cohen’s perceived stress scale questionnaire, was distributed among the students to measure their perception of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic characteristics and stress-related variables. It was found that of the 400 respondents, 13.8%, 74.8%, and 11.5% experienced low, moderate, and high levels of stress, respectively. Female gender (p < 0.05), Igbo ethnicity (p < 0.05) and smoking (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with higher levels of stress. Age group, regular exercise, and average daily sleeping hours were not associated with stress levels. Negative changes were reported in family income status (44.3%), internet connection status (54.3%), and satisfaction with online classes (55.0%). However, negative changes to family income, internet status, and online classes were not associated with higher stress levels. It was then concluded that there is a significant association between gender, ethnicity, smoking and stress among Bells university students during MCO
Severe Influenza Pneumonia Complicated with Bacterial Coinfection in a Healthy Young Man: A Case Report
Full text linkInfluenza is a contagious viral respiratory infection of significant public health concern given its association with recurring global pandemics and substantial disease burden worldwide. It typically causes an abrupt-onset febrile illness with cough, rhinitis, sore throat and other constitutional symptoms. With increased awareness of vaccination and better treatment strategies, influenza is often uncomplicated and self-limiting in majority of the healthy individuals. However, there are various factors which can increase the susceptibility of the host to severe infection. This report aims to describe a case of severe influenza pneumonia in a healthy young man and to highlight a coinfection with an unexpected opportunistic microorganism, Burkholderia multivoran
Chronic Knee Pain Demystified: The Pellegrini-Stieda Syndrome Case Report
Full text linkThis case report describes a man who initially presented to a primary care clinic with recurrent chronic left knee pain for four years. He had a history of trauma from a motor vehicle accident in 2002 and sustained left femur fracture with no knee injury and had undergone a left total hip replacement due to avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Physical examination did not reveal significant abnormality like arthritis, ligamentous injury, or tumour. There was no tenderness or bony irregularity noted at the medial side of the left knee. Over a four-year period, the patient\u27s knee pain worsened and became increasingly dysfunctional. No X-ray was performed as the patient was just treated for musculoskeletal pain. A knee radiographic examination finally done during the latest visit to primary care raised, concern for a potential bone malignancy, leading to a referral to a tertiary centre. Further investigations, including a CT scan, raised suspicion of benign periosteal thickening and an avulsed fragment adjacent to the medial femoral condyle, where he was diagnosed with a chronic left medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury with a large concomitant Pellegrini-Stieda lesion and a chronic partial anterior cruciate ligament injury. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges at the primary care level in differentiating between a benign chronic MCL injury and other common causes of knee pain, as the presenting symptoms are similar. An accurate diagnosis can be achieved with a thorough history, clinical examination, and the use of additional imaging techniques. Prompt recognition of this uncommon knee problem is essential for delivering suitable therapy and preventing unwarranted delays in referral and treatments
A Review of the Experience of Clinical Attachment among Undergraduate Nursing Students and Clinical Instructors.
Full text linkIntroduction: Clinical attachments benefit nursing students but present with challenges. This 2018-2023 review looks at the experience of instructors and students with clinical attachments to identify areas for development. Aims: This literature review aims to look for literature related to the experience of nursing students and clinical instructors during clinical attachment as well as how the ratio of student-to-clinical instructor affects both parties. Methods: The studies included in this study were identified through two databases: Google Scholar and ScienceDirect with keywords such as “experience”, “clinical attachment”, “clinical instructors”, “challenges”, “effect”, “inadequate”, “insufficient”, “ratio”, and “nursing students”. The published studies from 2018 onwards were included. Results: A total of 14 articles were analysed in this review after screening over 2639 articles available online. It was found that students were tasked with workload, unclear goals, and negative staff interactions. Instructors struggle to balance student needs, self-care, and workload. High student-to-teacher ratios affect both groups. Conclusion: Understanding these experiences improves clinical learning and prepares future nurses for practice