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- PublicationDevelopment and evaluation of a hybrid tobacco cessation curriculum (HTCC programme) for Malaysian medical students(2018-12)Doctors should be knowledgeable in tobacco cessation, should have positive attitudes towards tobacco cessation, and should be confident and competent in tobacco cessation counselling skills. Studies identified lack of tobacco cessation education and formal training in worldwide medical schools including Malaysia. A community trial of the hybrid approach of web-based tobacco cessation (TC) curriculum intervention was conducted among 204 third year medical students from two private medical universities of Northern Malaysia. from 2012 to 2013. They were assigned into the intervention group ( l 04) and control group ( I 00) from a different medical university. Universal sampling method was applied. The objectives of the study were to compare pre-intervention and post-intervention mean scores of within each group and between groups. WTCC program comprised of 9 interactive web-based modules and face-to-face practical sessions. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. A validated self-administered questionnaire was administered. Statistical analysis was done by Generalised Estimated Equations (GEE) by SPSS version 19.There were statistical significant improvements between before and 6 months after the intervention of the intervention group in total general knowledge scores in TC and TCC (MD +6.68, 95%CI 2.85-10.51), p<0.001),specific knowledge scores in TC and TCC interventions (5A's and 5R's brief clinical interventions and motivational interviewing) (MD +2.10, 95%Cl l.20-3. I 0, p<0.001), tobacco legislation and enforcement (MD + 1.68, 95%CI 0.85-2.50, p<0.001), positive attitudes towards role of doctors in TC (MD +3.20, 95%CI 1.16- 9.94, p<0.001), self-efficacy scores in basic clinical skills of TCC (MD +4.64, 95%CI 0.59-8.70, p<0.05), acquired training scores in TCC (MD +3.0l,95%CI 2.43- 3.60, p<0.001). There were statistical significant differences between groups in terms of specific knowledge on TC and TCC interventions (p<0.001), knowledge on tobacco legislation and enforcement (p<0.001) and perceived barriers of doctors in TC (p<0.05) positive attitudes towards TC (p<0.001), positive attitudes towards role of doctors in TC (p<0.001) and self-competency in communication skills of TCC (p<0.05). The hybrid delivery of a comprehensive, interactive, web-based tobacco cessation curriculum (WTCC) for third year medical students was effective in improving knowledge, positive attitudes, self-efficacy in basic counselling skills and self-competency in communication skills of TCC. Hence, it should be adopted and integrated in undergraduate medical school curricula in Malaysia.
- PublicationGene And Protein Analyses Of Selected Drug-resistan Breast Cancer Cell Lines Treated With Thymoquinone-nanoparticle(2018-12)Chemotherapy is an important option for the treatment of breast cancer. Nevertheless, drug resistance is one of the major obstacles. There is a need to address this challenge with a new drug using nanotechnology. Nanomedicine is used for drug delivery in the current cancer therapy. Free thymoquinone (TQ) is a potential active compound of Nigella sativa seed extract that exhibits medicinal value. Therefore, present study aimed to synthesise and characterise the TQ encapsulated poly (d 1- lactide-co-glycolide) polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) nanoparticles to conserve its bioavailability and also to develop MCF-7 cell line resistance to tamoxifen (TAМ). Subsequently, the resistance breast cancer cell line were treated with TQ-nanoparticle to determine the modulation of targeted protein, and gene expression. TQnanoparticles were prepared by solvent displacement technique.It was then characterised with different techniques which involved Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR), entrapment efficiency and drug release analysis. In this study, two type of breast cancer cell lines are used which were MCF-7 and UACC 732 to study effectiveness of TQnanoparticle. The MCF-7 is estrogen receptor positive (ER +) cell line from the luminal A subtype. Development of Tamoxifen (TAM) resistance MCF-7 was done using pulse method. Resistance index was determined after treatment with TAM using MTS assay. The UACC-732 cell line is human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpress and resistance to trastuzumab and lapatinib. Genetic and proteomic modulation caused by TQ-nanoparticles in drug-resistant cancer subtypes were investigated. TQ-nanoparticle structure characterisation by DLS and TEM revealed particle diameter between 50-100 nm. Zeta potential estimation revealed that the TQ-nanoparticle formulations were negatively charged (-25 mV). This would confer facilitated cellular uptake. The success of drug encapsulation within polymer was confirmed with ATR-IR technique. Encapsulation efficiency of TQ was 79.9% and drug release showed a maximum release of TQ at 50.3 %. Development of drug resistant MCF-7 cells showed that the 8 µM TamR MCF-7 cells achieved the highest resistance index compared to parental MCF-7 and cells exposed to other concentrations. It was further supportted by proteomic analysis, in which MDR1 expression was significantly upregulated (p<0.05).Findings indicated TQnanoparticle significantly reduced expression of MDR1, HER2 and MRP4 protein in UACC 732 cell (p<0.05). Similarly, resistant TamR MCF-7 cells showed reduction in expression, however they were not significant (p>0.05). Gene expression analysis was done to compare effect of TQ-nanoparticles with doxorubicin. Study showed significant decrease in expression of two drug resistant genes (ABCC5 and HER2/ERBB2) and cancer proliferation gene (BCL2). In conclusion, this study show that TQ-nanoparticle based on PLGA-PEG can reduce the expression of drug resistant gene and protein. Application of TQ-nanoparticle potentially can be used as new treatment to HER2 breast cancer.
- PublicationAnti-angiogenic Properties Of Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review(2018)Introduction: Angiogenesis develops new blood vessels from the old ones, and this process is controlled by balancing the angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. The domination of angiogenic leads to pathological angiogenesis that causes diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and cancer. Anti-angiogenesis therapy targets angiogenesis to treat these diseases. Hence, nanoparticles appear to be one of the most promising agents that offer efficacy in therapy. The objective of this research is to review systematically studies that have probed into the effect of nanoparticles on angiogenesis. Methodology: The literature was searched electronically (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, and Springer) to identify as many relevant articles as possible for the topic at hand, which is the effect of nanoparticles on angiogenic. The inclusion criteria, such as articles published in the English language during the period from January 2008 until January 2018, were strictly adhered to. The Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) (nanoparticles) and anti-angiogenesis or angiogenesis were used to extract articles from PubMed and Medline, while search terms or keywords of the title had been applied to retrieve more journals and articles from other databases. Additionally, references that were cited in the initial search were sought to identify more potential articles. Next, articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria and those duplicate were discarded. Results: Out of the 218 articles obtained from the literature search, only 22 seemed to conform to the inclusion criteria. The spherical shape is the most common shape employed to investigate the role of nanoparticles in angiogenesis therapy. The size of nanoparticles appears to play a crucial role for efficacy on angiogenesis, in which 20 nm emerged as the preferred size. Gold nanoparticle exhibit the most promising type as an anti-angiogenesis agent. The nanoparticles were active for both in vitro and in vivo models. The biosynthesis of nanoparticles is safer than chemical synthesis. The toxicity was adjustable based on the dosages applied. Conclusion: Nanoparticles are a promising treatment for angiogenesis-related diseases. Nanoparticles inhibit angiogenesis in different pathways. Size and shape play a role in the anti-angiogenesis effects of nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticle exhibit higher anti-angiogenesis properties.
- PublicationAdded Value Of 99mtc-sestamibi Spect/CT Over Dual Phase Planar Scintigraphy In Patients With Hyperparathyroidism In Hospital Pulau Pinang(2023-05)Purpose: This study aims to investigate the added value of 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT and SPECT/CT for pre-operative localisation of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands. Methods: Retrospective data analysis was performed on 22 eligible patients with biochemical evidence of hyperparathyroidism who underwent 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT/CT from 1st September 2019 to 31st March 2021 in Hospital Pulau Pinang and had a histopathological diagnosis of surgically excised lesions. The imaging findings were compared to histopathological examination as reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated according to standard formulas. Agreement of diagnostic performance between planar, SPECT and SPECT/CT was analysed by Fleiss kappa test. Results: Sensitivity, PPV, and NPV were the highest in SPECT/CT; 100%, 90.4% and 100% respectively, followed by SPECT (sensitivity 89.5%, PPV 89.5% and NPV 33.3%) and the lowest in planar (sensitivity 84.2%, PPV 88.8% and NPV 25.0%). All imaging techniques showed the same specificity (33.3%). Fleiss’ kappa analysis showed that there was a moderate overall agreement of diagnostic performance between planar, planar with SPECT and planar with SPECT/CT, κ=0.573 (95% CI, 0.332 to 0.815), p < 0.001. Conclusion: SPECT and SPECT/CT have significant incremental diagnostic value over planar scintigraphy in the pre-operative localisation of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, particularly in posteriorly located glands. SPECT/CT has also shown additional benefit in cases with slow thyroidal washout and especially crucial for surgical planning.
- PublicationThe Imраст Оf Malocclusion On Selfesteem And Oral Health Related Quality Of Life(2018-08)Background: By further understanding the impact of malocclusion on self-esteem and different domains of Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) such as functional, physical, social and psychological in school children, it will aid in planning a realistic treatment, as expected by patients. Aim: To determine the impact of the severity of malocclusion on self-esteem and OHRQoL among Malay ethnic students. This study also evaluated the relationship of malocclusion severity with self-esteem and OHRQoL. Method: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 252 Malay students aged 13 to 16 years old. Rosenberg self-esteem Scale (RSE scale) and Oral Health Impact Profile14 questionnaires (OHIP-14) were used for assessing the children's self-esteem and OHRQoL respectively. Oral examination was performed by the use of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) ruler to examine the severity of malocclusion. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between severity of malocclusion, selfesteem, and OHRQoL. Regression analysis was done to determine the effects of the severity of malocclusion on self-esteem and OHRQOL. Result: 139 (55.2%) of participants were male and 113 (44.8%) were female. 133 (52.8%) aged 13 to 14 and 119 (47.2) were 15 to 16 years old. Mean scores and standard deviation of the RSES and OHIP-14 were 33.64 (±3.40) and 9.72 (±8.39) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in malocclusion severity between male/female and students age group (p>0.05). A weak positive relationship was observed between OHIP-14 and IOTN DHC (r = 0.186; p < 0.01). OHIP-14 was significantly and positively associated with sex, females have higher impact scores than males (B =2.413;p <0.05), indicating the significant association between sex and OHIP-14 score. This association became stronger in multivariate model [B = 2.673; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.639-4.707; р < 0.05]. There was а significant association between (IOTN-DHC) and OHIP-14. (B=1.235 p <0.05). Conclusion: Female exhibited more negative impact of malocclusion on their OHRQoL. A weak positive correlation was found between malocclusion and OHRQoL. In the present study the OHRQoL of the students was affected by malocclusion severity. This study provided information that low quality of life was associated with severity of malocclusion.
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- PublicationLegalisation Process And Rights Of Persons Of Indonesian Descents (Pids) Residing In Mindanao, Philippines(2023-09)This research study focuses on the legalisation process and rights of persons of Indonesian descent (PIDs) residing in Mindanao, Philippines, using the concepts of legalisation and push and pull theory. The study explores the challenges faced by PIDs in obtaining legal recognition and protection of their rights, and investigates the factors that influence their decision to stay in Mindanao even after obtaining Indonesian nationality. The research methodology utilized for this study involved conducting interview sessions and administering mini-questionnaires to collect primary data from PIDs who have undergone the legalisation process and obtained the status of Registered Indonesian Nationals (RINs). The collected data were analyzed using qualitative methods to identify patterns and themes.The findings of the study reveal that the legalisation process for PIDs in Mindanao, Philippines is arduous, involving navigating through bureaucratic procedures, documentation requirements, and legal complexities. PIDs face challenges related to language barriers, lack of knowledge about legal processes, and limited access to legal assistance, which pose significant barriers to their legalisation process. Despite these challenges, a significant number of PIDs obtain Indonesian nationality and become RINs. However, the study finds that many of them choose to remain residing in Mindanao even after obtaining Indonesian nationality. This phenomenon can be attributed to various push and pull factors. The push factors influencing the decision of PIDs to stay in Mindanao include economic challenges, lack of job opportunities, poverty, and social discrimination in Indonesia, which may discourage them from returning to their home country
- PublicationMicrocontroller-based inverter with loading feedback(2010-04-01)The primary goal of this project is to implement and test a design of microcontroller-based single phase inverter with loading feedback. The type of switching technique used in this project is sinusoidal pulse-width modulation switching technique. The input voltage is 24 Vdc, and the output voltage is 240 Vrms without filtering circuit. The frequency of an output voltage is 50 Hz and output power around 100 W. The microcontroller, PIC16F877A is used to directly generate the sinusoidal pulse-width-modulated switching signals and to detect the loading feedback of an inverter. The complete design is simulated by using PESIM software and PIC Simulator IDE software. The schematic circuit is also draw using Eagle software. The simulation results are compared with the measurement obtained from the hardware testing. The output of this inverter is modified square-wave and contained harmonic. A second order LC filter is used in order to eliminate the unwanted harmonics that occur at the output of an inverter. The simulation result shown this design can produce the high efficiency. However, the practical implementation fails to yield a desired output.
- PublicationUjian model gegaran cerucuk - kesan parameter kedalaman penusukan cerucuk(2005-04-01)Tests on pile with various depths of penetration were conducted for this research. The 10 kg hammer was choosen to drive in 80 mm diameter piles. Ground vibrations were recorded while driving the piles and the level coressponding to each depth were recorded. It was difficult to simply relate depth to the level of vibration. The resulting ground vibration was found to vary based on the strength of soil being penetrated by the pile. For this particular test, the soft soil in the intermidiate depth has caused the low vibrations while the initial and the final part of piling had caused the higher vibrations.
- PublicationPengaruh Pengetahuan Dan Sikap Pengintegrasian Teknologi Guru Sains Sekolah Rendah Terhadap Amalan Pedagogi Pendidikan Stem, Multidisiplin Dan Pengajaran Isu Global Alam Sekitar(2025-03)Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti pengaruh pengetahuan dan sikap pengintegrasian teknologi guru sains sekolah rendah terhadap amalan pedagogi pendidikan stem, multidisiplin dan pengajaran isu global alam sekitar. Selain itu, pengalaman mengajar sebagai moderator terhadap amalan pedagogi pendidikan stem, multidisiplin dan pengajaran isu global alam sekitar turut dikaji. Sehubungan itu, seramai 464 orang guru sains sekolah rendah di tujuh buah negeri di malaysia telah terpilih secara rawak dengan menggunakan kaedah pensampelan berstrata tidak berkadar untuk memilih sekolah sebagai sampel kajian. Manakala data pula diperoleh daripada responden dengan menggunakan soal selidik yang terdiri daripada lima bahagian utama iaitu pengetahuan pengintegrasian teknologi, sikap pengintegrasian teknologi, amalan pedagogi pendidikan stem dan amalan pengajaran isu global alam sekitar. Kesemua 140 item kajian memperoleh nilai cronbach’s alpha yang tinggi dan tinggi iaitu .98.
- PublicationEvaluation of central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth and axial length among juvenile open angle glaucoma patients(2022)INTRODUCTION Juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) is a subset of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), characterized by a pattern of autosomal dominant inheritance. Diagnosed at early age, patients with JOAG are expected to have longer life expectancy. They are usually associated with more severe and rapidly progressive disease. JOAG has insidious onset and is usually detected late stage of the disease with typically advance optic nerve damage and intraocular pressure of more than 40mmHg. Early detection particularly due to screening of family members with positive family history of JOAG. Literature on morphologic features of JOAG is limited. By studying those features will help clinician in determining which morphologic features associated with progression of the disease. While family members with positive morphologic features particularly will be screened more regularly, preventing late detection of the disease. OBJECTIVE The study aims to evaluate central cornea thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and axial length (AL), in JOAG patients, and its association with JOAG severity. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2020 until November 2021 involving 3 tertiary ophthalmology centres. The study involved 2 groups of patients which is JOAG groups and control group (age-sex matched). They were grouped into mild, moderate and severe group using modified AGIS scoring system with reliable and reproducible SITA standard 24-2 Humphrey visual field results. A-scan was performed in order to measure ACD, and AL. AS-OCT was performed to measure CCT. RESULTS A total of 120 patients were recruited in this study, whereby 60 patients were included in JOAG group and 60 patients without ocular comorbidities were included in control group. Slightly more male patients 53.3% (n = 32) in JOAG group, and 51.7% (n = 31) in control group. Mean age is 27.97±7.1 in both groups. From the JOAG group, at their first presentation, majority were from severe stage 68.3% (n = 41) followed by early stage 26.7% (n = 16), and moderate stage 5% (n = 3). While at recruitment, majority were from severe stage as well which increased to 70% (n = 42), followed by early stage 16.7% (n = 10), and moderate stage 13.3% (n = 8). We found that statistically significant changes of severity from first presentation and at recruitment (p=<0.001). There was significant difference in CCT (556.23±28.93mm, p=0.008) and AL (25.16±1.63mm, p= <0.001) between JOAG and control group. Multiple linear regression showed that presenting IOP, and AL were associated with severity of JOAG. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant mean difference in CCT and AL between JOAG and control groups. There was a significant positive linear relationship between CCT and AL with JOAG. We concluded that presenting IOP and AL were associated with severity of JOAG