IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
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Muslims Responses to Pandemics: Lessons from the Best Generation
Get PDFThe world is currently suffering from another episode of respiratory disease pandemic as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) spares no continent. The disease which is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, has so far claimed many lives in multiple countries, including Muslim majority nations like Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. The situation has become a significant public health concern with several measures being carried out in an attempt to break the chain of the virus transmission. These include the introduction of movement control order and total lock down across the world. The closure of places of worship including mosques have raised concerns and inconvenience to Muslims. Pandemics are not unprecedented in the history of mankind as several documented outbreaks like the plague pandemic in the mid fourteenth century also known as ‘the Black Death’, caused a demographic decline in both Muslim and Christian countries which led to millions of lives loss worldwide. We attempt to identify the parallels between the current COVID-19 pandemic with the experiences of previous Muslim generations, and draw lessons on general and practical responses to pandemics with special reference to the generation of the Prophet’s companion. 
Proboscis Lateralis: A Case Report of Nasal Aplasia with Complete Agenesis of Maxilary and Ethmoidal Sinuses
Get PDFWe report a child with Proboscis Lateralis with nasal aplasia and complete agenesis of maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses. This is a rare congenital malformation. Embryological basis has not been proven, and it is often associated with facial malformation. However, no such abnormality was noted in our patient. This condition is diagnosed clinically and confirmed radiologically of which CT scan plays a pivotal role. Reconstructive surgery is planned at the age of fifteen years
Effect of Porosity on Compressive Strength of Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Luting Cements
Get PDFIntroduction: The purpose of this study was to decide on the relation between types of mixing and the porosity of diameter (1-100) µm and compressive strength of RMGIC. Methods: Fifteen specimens 6mm height and 4mm in diameter were prepared for each type of luting cement and were stored in distilled water at 37° C for 24 hours. The compressive strength was determined. The fractured surfaces of 10 randomly selected specimens of each cement type were analyzed using SEM at 250 times magnification, and five photomicrographs were taken at five random places. All the photomicrographs were analyzed using image analyzer software to determine the amount and size of porosity present. Results: There was no significant difference in compressive strength between different mixing methods, but it had a significant impact by increasing the percentage of porosity of diameter (1-100) µm in diameter of RMGIC. There was no linear relationship between compressive strength and porosity (1-100) µm in diameter for both types of luting cements (P>0.05). Conclusion: No significant differences in compressive strength were found using different mixing methods. The size and number of porosity in the specimens of encapsulated cements were greater than those of hand-mixed cements. The porosity (1-100) µm in diameter and the compressive strength bore no linear relationship to each other
Internet Addiction among Undergraduate Students: Evidence from a Malaysian Public University
Get PDFIntroduction: Internet addiction is an increasingly worrying phenomena affecting people globally especially the youths. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction among undergraduate students in a Malaysian public university and its associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 322 undergraduate students, identified through cluster sampling was conducted using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire includes socio-demography, use of information technology gadgets and internet usage. Internet Addiction test (IAT) was used to identify internet addiction. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: From 322 respondents, 25 (7.8%) were categorised as addictive internet users, while 182 (56.5%) were problematic internet users. The commonest online activity includes social networking (86.6%), entertainment (77.3%) and educational purposes (77.0%). From multivariate analysis, problematic and addictive internet use was significantly more common among male students (AOR=2.47, 95% CI [1.43, 4.26]), those who received study loan (AOR=1.93, 95% CI [1.10, 3.39]) and other types of funding (AOR=3.95, 95% CI [1.59, 9.80]) compared to those on scholarships, and those who spent between four to ten hours a day accessing the Internet (AOR=2.43, 95% CI [1.13, 5.23]) compared to those using the Internet for two hours or less a day. Conclusion: The prevalence of problematic and addictive internet use among respondents were higher compared to previous researches among Malaysian adolescents. It is recommended that an awareness programme on responsible use of the internet be conducted to prevent students from becoming addicted which may impact negatively on their educational performance and social life
Cytotoxicity Effect of Quercus infectoria Based Vaginal Cream on Hela Cells and its Preliminary in Vivo Toxicity Evaluation Towards Female Rats
Get PDFIntroduction: Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among females in less developed countries. Drugs used in the treatment of cervical cancer were reported to exert a cytotoxic effect on the normal cells. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Quercus infectoria (QI) vaginal cream towards cervical cancer cell, HeLa and its toxicity effect on the female rat model. Methods: MTT assays were utilized to determine the median concentration (IC50) for cell cytotoxicity of QIA and QI vaginal cream against cervical cancer cells, HeLa. Expression of HPV E6 and E7 protein in HeLa cells treated with QI vaginal cream for 24 hours were conducted by Western blot analysis. In separate experiments, the toxicity of QI vaginal cream on a lower reproductive tract of the female rat model has been assessed by histopathological examination after application for three weeks. The antioxidant activity of QIA extract and QI vaginal cream were assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Results: A moderate cytotoxicity activity exerted by QIA extract and QI vaginal cream against HeLa cell with IC50 values of 13.90 ± 2.27, and 20.80 ± 1.94 respectively. Furthermore, QI vaginal cream suppressed the expression of HPV E6 and E7. Daily application of QI vaginal did not exert any inflammation to the vaginal mucosa and cervix. QIA extract and QI vaginal cream demonstrated high DPPH radical scavenging activity. Conclusion: Formulated QI vaginal cream has cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells without causing an adverse effect on the lower reproductive tract in female rat model
Satisfaction, Anxiety, Depression and Stress among Family Members of Patients in Malaysian Intensive Care Unit
Get PDFIntroduction: Family satisfaction has been identified as a quality indicator in critical care area. The impact of family satisfaction level was also found to be associated with symptoms of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression and stress among family members. We evaluated the satisfaction level and prevalence, risk factor and correlation of psychological distress symptoms with the satisfaction level among family members in Malaysian Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Materials and Method: This is a cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted in ICU at Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru and International Islamic University Medical Centre. Family members were enrolled 3 days after ICU admission, and they completed a modified version of Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS). Results: A total of 176 family members were enrolled in this study. We found 116 (66%) of the family members scores ≥ 3 denoting satisfaction with the mean CCFNI score was 3.11 (SD=0.3). Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were of 30.1%, 41.4% and 28.9% respectively. Risk factor for psychological distress symptoms were female sex, spousal relationship, lower education, median income less than RM 4000, staying with patient and younger patient age. Negative correlation between depression, anxiety and stress with CCFNI score were found (p< 0.05) but with low correlation coefficient (r=-0.178 to -0.209). Family members without symptoms of psychological distress were more satisfied (higher CCFNI score) with ICU care compared to those with symptoms of psychological distress (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Family members of ICU patient were satisfied with the care provided in the ICU. High rates of psychological distress symptoms in this study and its correlation with the satisfaction level highlight the need to identify and implement preventive and management strategies for family members to improve the overall ICU care
Mechanisms of Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis Inhibition By Carp-1 Functional Mimetic-4
Get PDFIntroduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide and in Malaysia. Due to high recurrence rate and toxic side effects associated with radiation and chemotherapies, new agents are urgently needed. CARP-1 is a peri-nuclear phospho-protein which plays a dynamic role in regulating cell growth and apoptosis. CARP-1 functional mimetics (CFMs) are a class of compounds that stimulate CARP-1. CFM-4, a lead compound, was shown to suppress growth and metastasis of various cancers, other than CRC. We hypothesized that CFM-4 inhibits proliferation and metastasis in CRC. Materials and method: CFM-4 anti-cancer effects of on CRC cells were investigated using MTT assay, Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Antimetastatic activities were assessed by migration, colony formation and invasion assays. Results: CFM-4 inhibited CRC cell proliferation and was much more potent than the classical anti-CRC 5-fluorouracil. These effects were shown to be mediated at least in part by stimulating apoptosis, as indicated in our Annexin V/PI assay results. Cell cycle analysis showed that CFM-4 induced G2/M phase arrest. Molecularly, qRT-PCR results revealed that CFM-4 promoted intrinsic apoptosis by upregulating expression of caspase-8 and -9 , p53, PUMA and Noxa, and stimulated extrinsic apoptosis by enhancing expression of death receptors (DR4 and DR5). CFM-4 upregulated NF- k B signaling inhibitor A20-binding inhibitor protein and the PI3K negative regulator PTEN. Western blot analysis results revealed that CFM-4 enhanced expression of CARP1, caspase-8 and executioner caspase-3. Metastatic properties of the CRC cells were reduced by CFM-4 through blocking their capabilities to form colonies, migrate and invade through the matrix-coated membranes. Conclusion: The potent antitumor and anti-metastatic properties of CFM-4 against CRC are due to collective pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities. Together our data warrants further investigations of CFM-4 as potential anti-tumor agent for CRC malignancy and metastasis
Colon Cancer in Patients Younger Than Age 50 in Kuantan: Case Series
Get PDFIntroduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Malaysia. In general, patients aged > 65 years comprise the majority of the population with CRC. However, recent reports indicate its increasing incidence in younger populations. We describe 4 cases of early onset colorectal cancer in Kuantan. Materials and method: This is a descriptive study of a small series of patients. Data between 2018 and 2019 were obtained from medical charts. Results: We diagnosed four patients under the age of 50 with colon cancer (75% male), the median age was 36 (23-47), with no comorbidities. None of the patient had family history of colorectal cancer. The majority of our patients presented with complication of tumour (2 perforation, 1 obstruction) required emergency surgeries. Only one patient presented with with rectal bleeding and was found to have tumor of the rectosigmoid junction. Two patients had tumor at descending colon and one at the splenic flexure. From this case series, we found there were one patient for every stage of colorectal cancer. Carcinoembryonic (CEA) levels were elevated at baseline in only two patients. Conclusion: Incidence of colon cancer rises among young patients in Kuantan. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical and biological characteristics of colon cancer, improve its treatment strategies, and promote better outcomes in young patients
The Potential Effect of Coconut Water as Natural Healer in Adult Patient with Chronic Periodontitis: A Preliminary Clinical Study
Get PDFIntroduction: Mechanical and chemical debridement had been practiced as one of the management for chronic periodontitis. Recent interest and advances in the field of alternative medicine has promoted the use of various herbal and natural products for multiple uses in the field of medicine. As for it, coconut water is one of the potential natural sources that have various health benefits. Materials and method: Randomized control study was chosen as study design in this research project. 12 patients who have moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were selected from patients whom attended Polyclinic Kulliyyah of Dentistry, IIUM Kuantan Campus from November 2016 to January 2018. After stratified random sampling done, the subjects divided into 2 groups; Intervention Group and Control Group. All patients will go for ultrasonic scaling and root planning by using hand instruments. 6 patients in Intervention Group were given fresh coconut water to drink during daytime. The first re-assessment was done after 6 weeks. The control group of another 6 patients didn’t receive any medicament. Paired sample t-test was used to analyse the pre and post intervention data. The study had obtained ethical approval from IREC (IREC 849). Results: Probing depth (PD) at mid-buccal site and bleeding on probing (BoP) shown significant result (p<0.05 ) in intervention group. There is no significant difference noted in the control groups, which are for PD, BoP and Plaque Score (PS) variables. Conclusion: Coconut water has potential benefit in reducing the periodontal pockets with chronic periodontitis as an adjunct after mechanical debridement
Foot Care Practices And Its Associated Factors among Type 2 Diabetes Patients attending Health Care Clinics in Kuantan
Get PDFIntroduction: Diabetes patients are predisposed to several micro as well as macrovascular complications. One most important and debilitating complication of diabetes are foot problems. However, it is preventable by simple intervention such as foot screening and foot care education to detect early problem so that early intervention can be done. This study aims to assess foot care practice among Type 2 diabetes patient attending primary health clinics in Kuantan. Materials and method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at four primary health clinics in Kuantan involving 450 study participants who were selected by using convenient sampling method. Level of awareness and practice towards diabetic foot care was assessed using validated self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with foot care practice among the respondents. Results: Mean age of respondents involved was 56.36 (SD±10.9) years. About 59.6 % of respondents had poor foot care practice. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that, increasing age (aOR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955-0.993) and good awareness towards foot problem (aOR 0.43, 95%CI: 0.289-0.643) were associated with good foot care practice. However, Malay patients (aOR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.002-3.271) and obese patients (aOR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.225-2.976) were associated with poor foot care practice after controlling other variables. Other factors such as education level, diabetes control as well as overweight did not show any significant association with foot care practice. Conclusion: Based on the result, majority of respondents had poor foot care practice. Poor awareness was associated with poor foot care practice. It can be concluded that sustainable patient education and compliance towards foot care practice at primary care level should be emphasized more to ensure good foot care practice implementation