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Scoping review for pain mitigation during intralesional injections of corticosteroid for hypertrophic scar and keloid treatment
No full textBackground Intralesional corticosteroid injection (ILCSI) has been proven to successfully treat hypertrophic scars (HTSs) and keloids and attain remission in 50% of keloids. Pain is a significant problem with ILCSI, which can affect treatment compliance and effectiveness. To date, many techniques involving ILCSI have been described and used to achieve scar treatment while reducing side effects. The injection technique remains the most widely available method in many healthcare centres. Objective This scoping review explores strategies for alleviating pain while administering ILCSIs for hypertrophic scarring and keloid management. ILCSI is a second-line treatment for HTSs and a first-line treatment for keloids. Eligibility criteria This scoping review included studies where HTSs and keloids were treated with ILCSI and considered diverse demographics and injection methods. This review excludes other methods of corticosteroid drug delivery where injection is not involved and where the pain assessed is unrelated to injection or infiltration of the scar. Sources of evidence This review systematically searched critical databases from inception to December 2023, including ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science, and handpicked articles traced from available review papers. Only English-language publications focused on pain management during ILCSIs for HTSs and keloids were included. All levels of scientific evidence were considered. An in-depth evaluation of the injection technique, type of analgesia or anaesthesia administered, effectiveness of pain management and overall treatment outcomes was conducted. Charting methods Citations were compiled in an Excel spreadsheet, with three authors screening the titles and abstracts based on inclusion criteria. Decisions were finalised collaboratively, exclusions were documented and results were presented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram. Results 16 prospective studies, 2 retrospective studies, 1 case study and 15 journal articles were included. These studies examined ILCSI for hypertrophic scarring and keloid treatment. No differences in pain intensity between HTSs and keloids were reported. 11 studies systematically explored pain reduction methods such as topical analgesia, cryoanaesthesia, mixing triamcinolone acetonide with local analgesics, slow infiltration techniques, vibration analgesia and needle-free injectors. Conclusion Pain can significantly impact patient compliance and treatment outcomes. This review offers a foundational reference for healthcare providers and researchers in the field of scar management, providing insights into current practices and highlighting areas for future research and development
Comparison of unsaturated behaviour of residual soil in Malaysia and the effect of particle size distribution
No full textThe unsaturated behaviour of residual soil in Malaysia has been studied, yet the impact of particle size distribution (PSD) on soil-water characteristics still needs to be more adequately explored. Previous research highlights the significance of fine particles in controlling geotechnical properties. This study investigates how the PSD of five soil samples influences the Soil-Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC) parameters, water retention, storage properties and permeability. The study involved five samples, four samples from Ibrahim et al., [1] research, such as reserved forest, gravelly sand, silty sand, kaolin and silty clay soil from the Garinono Formation soil. A pressure plate extractor determined the samples' Soil-Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC) and bulk density. The van Genutchen (1980) model fitted experimental data and the hydraulic response was studied on the five soil samples. The results show that Kaolin and silty clay have higher volumetric water content than gravelly and silty sand due to a higher percentage of silty and clay particles. However, the reserve forest sample has volumetric water content like kaolin and silty clay due to its natural location. Reserved forest, kaolin and silty clay samples have higher water storage, i.e., effective soil porosity (ESP) values than gravelly sand due to higher clay and silty contents. Silty sand, reserve forest and gravelly sand have higher shape parameter (n) values due to their higher sand and gravel content. Clay-rich samples had smaller (n) values, indicating a more uniform distribution. Hydraulic conductivity function (K(θ)) is influenced by scale parameter (α), Air-Entry Value (AEV) and Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity K_s. Kaolin and silty clay samples exhibit lower α values, resulting in higher suction at AEV than other soils as they contain high silty and clay contents. Saturated conductivity values directly affect hydraulic conductivity function, while AEV inversely affects the unsaturated flow. Understanding unsaturated hydraulic responses and SWCC characteristics could assist in anticipating slope instability and ground stabilisation in residual soil and soil behaviour during and after rainfall
A review of health information systems in Malaysian public hospitals: current practice, benefits, and barriers
No full textHospital Information System (HIS) is one of the important pillars in current healthcare system practice worldwide. The study initiated after a review revealed a scarcity of applications and studies on HIS in Malaysia’s public hospital setting. This scoping review aims to explore the current practice, benefits, and barriers associated with Health Information Systems (HIS) in Malaysian public hospitals. Utilizing the PRISMA guidelines, relevant literature was sourced from the SCOPUS database, focusing on publications from 2012 to 2022. A total of nine studies were selected for analysis. The review reveals that, despite being introduced early, the implementation and utilization of HIS in Malaysian public hospitals remain limited and slow. HIS offers substantial benefits, including improved clinical documentation, administrative efficiency, and enhanced quality and coordination of care. However, several barriers hinder its successful implementation, categorized into five main areas: financial, organizational, behavioral, technological, and support-related. Addressing these challenges is essential for realizing the full potential of HIS in improving patient care and hospital efficiency. This review serves as a baseline for identifying critical issues and guiding future improvements in Malaysia’s public healthcare sector
The potential and current applications of tapioca (Manihot esculenta crantz) flour and starch as functional ingredients in food products – a review
No full textTapioca, derived from the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta Crantz), stands as a versatile and significant starch source globally. Tapioca flour and tapioca starch present numerous promising opportunities for future applications in the food industry. The review explores tapioca's scientific foundations, examining its chemical composition and potential application in food products. Extensive research showcases tapioca flour's effectiveness as a gluten-free alternative, enhancing texture, moisture retention, and overall quality in gluten-free products. Tapioca's contributions to texture modification in food products, along with its remarkable thickening properties underscore its versatility in diverse food applications. Tapioca's remarkable versatility enhances its reputation as a food ingredient by consistently improving the quality of food products. Additionally, innovations in gluten-free food products using tapioca flour can cater to those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, offering more diverse and nutritious options. In conclusion, while tapioca flour holds significant promise for future applications in the food industry, overcoming these challenges through research, innovation, and strategic planning will be essential for its successful integration into diverse food products
Evaluating the Integration of Sustainability Concepts in Plant Design Projects within the Chemical Engineering Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah
No full textThis paper presents a brief evaluation of the Capstone Chemical Engineering Design Courses, Plant Design Project I & II, offered in the fourth and final year of undergraduate study at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. One main focus is to identify the elements of sustainability as concepts delivered in the courses to align with United Nations’ Sustainability Goals and the latest Engineering Accreditation Standard (2024). Though the concept of sustainability is not explicitly measured, it is found to be substantially linked to the criteria for selecting alternative designs and optimisation of the final design in the project. Strengths and weaknesses of the courses are discussed, with reference to five institutions’ concepts and pedagogy on sustainability, along with recommendations for improvements in the courses in the near future. According to a study by one of the institutions, the subject of process control requires particular attention when designing a plant, as it is highlighted by professional engineers as pivotal in optimising plant operation for sustainability
Development of a novel encystment medium: Enhancing diagnostic potential of Acanthamoeba spp.
No full textBackground and Aim: Acanthamoeba spp. are pathogenic microorganisms linked to severe infections in humans and animals, requiring a deeper understanding of their encystation process for effective diagnostics and research. This study focused on developing a novel encystment medium to induce synchronized encystation of Acanthamoeba spp. efficiently and rapidly. Materials and Methods: The study employed response surface methodology with a central composite design to optimize the encystment medium formulation. The key components included Tris-HCl, NaCl, glucose, and MgCl2 . The optimized liquid medium was spray-dried to produce a dehydrated powder for practical application. The encystation efficiency of different Acanthamoeba strains was assessed using hemocytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Results: The optimized medium, comprising 3.152 g/L Tris-HCl, 5.55 g/L NaCl, 8% (w/v) glucose, and 5.0 mM MgCl2 at pH 9.0, demonstrated exceptional encystation efficiency with rates ranging from 99% to 100%. A spray-dried powdered version of this medium was equally effective, achieving a 98.77% encystation rate for A. castellanii American Type Culture Collection 50739 in glucose-free conditions. Notably, optimal glucose concentrations varied among Acanthamoeba strains, with certain strains reaching maximum encystation at 6–8% glucose. Conclusion: This study successfully developed an innovative encystment medium that promotes rapid and efficient cyst production in Acanthamoeba spp. The medium enhances laboratory research and diagnostic capabilities, paving the way for future advancements in understanding and managing Acanthamoeba infections
Improving EFL non-English majors’ pronunciation via a flipped classroom: A modular approach
No full textDespite common pronunciation challenges faced by Chinese non-English majors, research on incorporating technology-enhanced language learning within a flipped classroom framework to improve their English pronunciation remains scarce. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a flipped classroom module in enhancing the English pronunciation of this demographic group. A quasiexperimental design under the quantitative approach was employed, involving 100 undergraduate students divided into an experimental group with 49 students and a control group with 51 students. The experimental group received 14 weeks of teaching utilizing a flipped classroom module, which included pre-recorded pronunciation lessons for self-study before class and in-class interactive activities such as pronunciation drills. Meanwhile, the control group received the same duration of English pronunciation instruction but through traditional methods, consisting mainly of lectures and minimal practice. Independent samples t-tests and paired samples t-tests were employed to determine any significant differences between the two groups based on the pre-and post-test results evaluating English pronunciation. Results showed that the experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher improvement in English pronunciation after the intervention, with a significant level of 0.008 and a large effect size of 1.043. The study concludes that integrating technology into the flipped classroom model can significantly improve language skills, particularly pronunciation, among EFL learners
Factors predicting learning performance in flipped classroom: A survey study based on RCoI framework
No full textWhile previous studies have focused on the factors affecting flipped learning performance, few have examined these factors through the lens of the Community of Inquiry framework. This study investigated how Teaching Presence, Social Presence, Cognitive Presence, and Emotional Presence, as defined by a revised Community of Inquiry framework, predict flipped learning performance. The analysis employed correlation analysis and two-step hierarchical multiple regression methods and was conducted in a flipped Fundamentals of Computer Application course (N=503) at a private polytechnic university in China. The results revealed that Teaching Presence, Social Presence, Cognitive Presence, and Emotional Presence were all significantly correlated with learning performance. However, only Teaching Presence, Cognitive Presence, and Emotional Presence were significant predictors of flipped learning performance, while Social Presence was not. The findings offer both theoretical insights and practical implications for improving instructional design and classroom organization in flipped learning environments
Naratif politik pembangunan di Sabah, Malaysia: Antara harapan dan realiti
No full textSabah merupakan salah satu wilayah yang membentuk Persekutuan Malaysia. Wilayah ini terletak di bahagian utara pulau Borneo dengan keluasan kawasan sekitar 72,500 kilometer persegi, dan bersempadan dengan Sarawak, serta terpisah dari semenanjung Malaysia (dahulunya dipanggil Tanah Melayu). Sejak mencapai kemerdekaan melalui pembentukan Malaysia pada 16 September 1963, kegiatan politik di wilayah ini telah dicorakkan oleh pelbagai naratif politik. Antara naratif politik yang berterusan digunakan oleh para aktor politik ialah politik pembangunan. Penggunaan naratif politik pembangunan terbukti berjaya mendapat sambutan rakyat Sabah apabila parti politik yang menggunakan naratif ini berjaya menguasai arena politik wilayah Sabah. Persoalannya ialah apakah sebenarnya harapan rakyat dan realiti pelaksanan naratif tersebut di wilayah ini. Sehubungan itu, kajian yang menggunakan kaedah campuran (mixed-method) ini dijalankan bagi tujuan mendedahkan apakah sebenarnya harapan rakyat terhadap naratif politik yang acap kali digunakan oleh aktor-aktor politik bagi menarik sokongan pengundi di Sabah, Malaysia serta realiti pelaksanaan naratif tersebut sejak tahun 1963. Secara keseluruhannya kajian ini mendapati bahawa rakyat di Sabah sejak sekian lama telah meletakkan harapan tinggi supaya naratif politik pembangunan mampu meningkatkan status wilayah ini daripada wilayah mundur kepada wilayah yang maju dalam kerangka persekutuan Malaysia. Namun hakikatnya didapati bahawa naratif politik pembangunan masih tidak berjaya merealisasikan harapan mereka. Pelbagai faktor didapati telah menyumbang kepada kegagalan merealisasikan harapan tersebut. Sehubungan itu, beberapa cadangan dikemukakan untuk memastikan faktor penghalang kepada usaha merealisasikan harapan tersebut dapat ditangani
Exploring Hornstedtia scyphifera: An extensive multimethod phytochemical investigation reveals the chemical composition and bioactive potential
No full textHornstedtia scyphifera (J.Koenig) Steud. represents a lesser-known member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that is used in Malaysia as spice and traditional medicine. The phytochemical investigation of leaves from this species utilizing diverse analytical methods has provided comprehensive insights into its chemical profle for the frst time. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GCMS) and GCMS analyses of essential oil and nonpolar extracts verifed α-pinene, camphene, p-cymene, and camphor as main volatile compounds. Metabolite profling of the crude extract by ultra-high-performance-liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) unveiled terpenoids, favonoids and other phenolics as major compound classes. Isolation and follow-up structure elucidation, involving 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, UV and CD analysis, yielded two new sesquiterpenoids, (1R,5S,6S,7R,10R)-mustak-14-oic acid (1) and (1R,6S,7S,10R)-6-hydroxy-anhuienosol (2), along with 24 known compounds (seven terpenoids, seven favonoids, ten phenolics), 21 of these never reported for H. scyphifera. Additionally, the crude extract and fractions from the purifcation process were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity. This is supplemented by an extensive literature research for described bioactivities of all isolated compounds. Our results support and explain previously detected antimicrobial, antifungal and neuroprotective efects of H. scyphifera extracts and provide evidence for its potential pharmacological importance