Cuticular hydrocarbon of pupal cases of Chrysomya megacephala (fabricius) and its possible use for estimating postmortem interval

Although the pupal cases of Chrysomya megacephala have been commonly observed at crime scenes, its utilization for forensic investigation remains nascent. Despite several studies reporting about the use of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) for estimating the age of pupal cases, they were either conducted in laboratory controlled experiments or in environmental conditions peculiar to Malaysia. Hence, this present research that examined the CHCs compositions in the pupal cases of C. megacephala exposed to the natural weathering process in Malaysia (up to 14 days) for providing empirical evidence for age estimation deserves forensic consideration. While confirmation of the identity of CHCs was done using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), Gas Chromatography- Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) was used for quantifying the concentrations. Results revealed that the analysis of the hexane extract of the pupal cases of C. megacephala contained a mixture of odd-numbered high molecular weight aliphatic (i.e. heptacosane (n-C27) and nonacosane (n-C29)) and branched alkanes (i.e. tetradecane, 2, 6, 20-trimethyl- and octadecane, 3-ethyl-5-(2-ethylbutyl)). Significant decrease (P -0.926) with that of the three subsequent weathering intervals. Such findings had enabled formulation of credible mathematical algorithms for relating the concentrations of n-C27 and n-C29 in the pupal cases of C. megacephala versus the natural weathering intervals, a possible means for estimating the age of such pupal cases. Therefore, the findings have to be duly considered whenever interpretations of the pupal cases need to be relied upon in crime situations with similar environmental conditions

Glacie5 Enterprise: Portable Fridge / Nurul Nadhirah Mohd Elias Zulkifli [et al.]

Glacie5 Enterprise is a new company operated and based in Malaysia. The name Glacie is derived and taken from the word Latin which means 'ice', which means that our product is related to cooling and bring coolness to peopl

Information, Motivation and Behavioural Factors in Influencing Diabetes Self-Care: A Conceptual Paper

Globally, diabetes is a major public health concern and has impacted an estimated 425 million adults.  The increasing trend of diabetes incidence has impacted the Malaysian population and healthcare system. Evidence from studies suggested that diabetes can be treated and controlled through behavioural intervention. These include combining lifestyle with pharmacotherapy. Scholars in health behaviour highlighted the importance of assessing and monitoring the behavioural intervention among diabetic patients in terms of psychosocial aspects, such as information, motivation and behavioural factors, in relations with diabetes self-care. This article provides an overview of the empirical evidence regarding the importance of identifying information, motivation and behavioural factors, in relations with diabetes self-care. Information is among the prominent factors in establishing good diabetes management. Motivation can be conceptually defined as factors that predispose one to action and cues to behaviour change. Behavioural factors identified in this review includes compliance towards diabetes self-care. The outcome of this review could provide a better understanding of information, motivation and behavioural factors, and its relations with diabetes self-care

How do you express yourself?

The IIUM SEMINAR SERIES are e-books based on Phase 1 Kulliyyah of Medicine, IIUM, MBBS student seminar presentations. As part of the curriculum, all students are required to present one seminar. Topics covered are varied and not necessarily related to medicine. This e-book is based on the topic of self-expression touching on the definition, importance and various forms of self- expression. It will also cover tips to enhance self-expression and some Islamic input on the topic

Diabetes Knowledge and Perceived Information Needs: The Experiences, Views, and Challenges of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Malaysia (A Qualitative Study) Diabetes Knowledge and Perceived Information Needs Among T2DM Patients

Objective Amidst the increased diabetes prevalence in Malaysia, it is important to look into matters that influence patients’ self-management. Patients’ knowledge has been determined as an initiator for the improvement in diabetes self-management. This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences, views, and challenges in obtaining diabetes knowledge as well as to assess the information needs among patients. Method Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients (n=21) were recruited from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah and Meru Health Clinic in Klang via purposive sampling. In-depth Interviews (IDI) were performed using a semi-structured interview guide comprising open-ended questions. All data were analysed thematically. Results The patients aged between 29 to 79 years old and the majority were male. Most of the patients had T2DM for more than 5 years. Their main sources of information were healthcare providers (HCP) and the media. Although patients obtained the required knowledge on diabetes from the HCP, they still faced certain challenges, including the need for further information, especially on medication and dietary practice. Conclusion T2DM patients mainly sought information from the HCP and media since both sources were easily accessible and approachable. However, certain information, particularly on medication and diet, was vague and redundant. Thus, patients often requested further detailed information to aid the development of their self-management skills. An individual-based diagnostic instrument can be beneficial as it can serve as the guideline to oversee the needs and issues in tackling patients’ issues in DM management. Furthermore, government and other relevant stakeholders can diversify the approaches to improve the information delivery process by optimising effective communication channels (i.e., printed, internet, broadcasting) to cater to T2DM patients’ information needs