Post-traumatic brain injury olfactory dysfunction: factors influencing quality of life

Purpose To evaluate if and how post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) olfactory dysfunction affects the quality of life (QoL). Methods In this case–control observational study, 32 adults with post-TBI olfactory dysfunction (cases) were matched with 32 TBI patients with intact olfactory function (controls). All subjects self-rated their olfactory function using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Cases also underwent objective olfactory function assessment with the Sniffin’ Sticks test, which generated a Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI) score. QoL was assessed with the Questionnaire for Olfactory Disorders (QOD). Factors evaluated included age, gender, smoking, TBI severity and duration, lesion localisation, and Disability Rating Scale (DRS) score. Results Cases had a higher mean QOD score than controls at 26.31 ± 14.37 and 9.44 ± 8.30, respectively (F = 16.426, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.224). The effect size was large (d = 1.07) with an odds ratio of 7.02. The features of QoL most affected were perception of smell changes, adapting to smell changes, and fear of hazardous substance exposure. DRS score and severity of olfactory dysfunction significantly affected QoL (p < 0.05). Conclusion Post-TBI olfactory dysfunction significantly lowered QoL and increased the likelihood of having a low QoL relative to TBI alone

First case of pulmonary acariasis in a pig-tailed macaque in Malaysia

A 15 year-old male, southern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), was found to have a history of bloody urine, inappetance, weight loss, and was weak before death. Multiple yellow to gray nodular-like lesions were observed grossly all over the lung. Some of the nodules were flattened and some were raised and there were also cavitations and tubercles-like lesions on the cut surface. Histopathologically, focal granulomatous lesions were seen throughout the lungs, especially those with the presence of mites. There were moderate alveolar macrophages observed with mild eosinophilic, plasma cells, and slight lymphocytes and neutrophilic cells infiltration. There was also the presence of the brownish mite pigments in the lung tissue as well as in macrophages. Diagnosis was made from the morphological observation of intact mites isolated from lung tissues. This is the first report on pulmonary acariasis in Malaysia

Immuniregulatory response following fluranthene instillation in embryonated chicken eggs

The immunotoxic effect the air pollutant, floranthene in chicken has never been documented. This study was undertaken to determine the possible immunotoxicity of fluoranthene in embryonated chicken eggs. Fifty 9-day-ole embryonated chicken eggs were used in this study where 40 were each inoculated with fluoranthene at the dose of 15 mg/kg via the allantoic route. The remaining 10 eggs were inoculated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and acted as controls. All eggs were incubated at 37°C and candled every day for evidence of embryonic survival. Dead embryos (before 21 days old) were necropsied while the allantoic fluid and yolk collected for the determination of ND-HI titers. Chicks that hatched were sacrificed and blood was collected for ND-HI titer determination and lymphoid organs were procured for histopathology. Postmoetem findins fo fluoranthene inoculated embryos were stunted growth, generalized or localized harmorrahages especially at legs and head. Histopathologically, fluoranthene induced lymphoid hyperplasia in the thymus, spleen and bursa. Such change has led to an increase in antibody production compated to the controls. This study has provided evidence that fluoranthene may cross the egg barrier (in ovo) in avian species

Myxosarcoma in a dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus)

A 1.5 years old female Russian dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) was presented with a large mass at right caudal ventral abdomen. Lumpectomy was performed to remove the growth mass and subjected to histopathological examination. The encapsulated mass was 3 cm x 4 cm, grossly solitary, non-ulcerated and pinkish in colour with presence of mucous-like substances on cut surface. Routine histopathology using hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed presence of pleomorphic, loosely arranged stellate to spindle shaped cells, angiogenesis, abundant neutrophils, necrotized tissues and high number of mitotic figures. Tumour tissue was positive for Alcian blue (pH 2.5) stain but negative for Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining which suggests presence of acid mucin which confirmed the diagnosis of myxosarcoma. One month post-surgery, the hamster showed absence for local recurrence of the tumour, but it died a few months later due to unrelated cause

Science literacy in the Malaysian ESL context

English for Science and Technology (EST) was introduced in 2003 as an elective school subject for the learning of scientific content in English, indicative of Malaysia’s realization of the export value of English for international commerce. EST lays the foundation for the use of English in the fields of science and technology as a preparatory course for students intending to extend into tertiary education where science-based courses are taught in English. The theoretical foundation for language learning of this nature lies in the blending of content and its integration into the learning experience. This approach anchors on the assumption that content learning is facilitated through language exposure. In the context of the interest generated for the learning of Science in English, this study was conceptualized to investigate the relevance of EST to the students in terms of their attitudes towards the subject. The study surveyed a total of 212 secondary four public school students in an urban community. Collection of data was through the use of self-reporting scaled questionnaires administered to students in EST classrooms. The findings revealed a hierarchy of preferred topics and these findings were also correlated to topics found in the textbook. There was also a difference in opinion between male and female respondents in topic selection. The responses of the students towards EST relevance for the school curriculum were also moderated. A systematic study of this nature will help to improve and account for English language learning in school and has implications for maintaining education relevance in effective language learning

Characteristics of Post Traumatic Amnesia among Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Admitted in a Rehabilitation Ward

Introduction:Post traumatic amnesia (PTA) is a recovery process from traumatic brain injury (TBI); characterized by amnesia and confusion with likely behavioural disturbances. A proper assessment of PTA is crucial for rehabilitation planning and prognostication. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of PTA among TBI patients admittedto the rehabilitation ward. Methods: This is a retrospective study on TBI patients who were admitted to the rehabilitation ward, UMMC from December 2016 to May 2018; with a documented Westmead Post Traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS) score on admission. Patients’ characteristics, duration of inpatient rehabilitation stay, duration of PTA and details of WPTAS were analysed. Results: 19 patients were recruited. All of them were male, have severe TBI, with mean age of 27.1 years ±8.3. Motor vehicle accident was the cause of TBI in 18 patients. The mean PTA duration was 49 days ±30. Only 3 patients were out of PTA before discharged. The mean WPTAS score for those discharged while still in PTA was 5.5. During first assessment, the question on examiner’s face in recall component was answered correctly by most patients. Initially, 53% patients showed better performance in recall component. By the end of inpatient stay, most patients (75%) showed better performance in orientation than recall component. 6 patients (32%)had post traumatic agitation that interrupted the WPTAS assessment. 13 patients (68%) showed a temporary drop in WPTAS total score during change of therapist and after long holidays. Conclusion:Orientation component seems to improve first, perhaps due tothe nature of resolution of confusion and enforcement of orientation board in the ward. Post traumatic agitation, change of therapist and long gap in between WPTAS assessment have shown to negatively affect the patient’s PTA recovery. Keywords:Post traumatic amnesia,traumatic brain injury,Westmead Post Traumatic Amnesia Scale,recovery patter

Cutaneous fibroma in a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

This is a case report on the management of a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) with cutaneous fibroma which was managed surgically. An adult common snapping turtle was presented with a pink pendulous mass at the plantar of the left forelimb. The mass was pedunculated, pinkish-red in colour, round to oblong shape, 4 to 5 cm in diameter with central ulceration site. Microscopic examination revealed well-circumscribed and non-encapsulated mass in the dermal layer with stellate to spindle-shape cells dispersed throughout the tumour mass consist of collagen stroma. A diagnosis of cutaneous fibroma was made. In this case, the mass was removed surgically. Post-operatively, the turtle was managed with enrofloxacin antibiotics and carprofen as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment. The snapping turtle recovered uneventfully

Cave swiftlet: a new horizon in Malaysia’s tourism industry

The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of activities as well as the visual effects surrounding the up-keeping and harvesting of swiftlet nests in caves as a new tourism product for Malaysia. As an industry, tourism needs a continuous stream of products, established and emerging ones, to accommodate not only the increasing numbers of tourist arrivals but also increasing demand for new forms of tourism products. Tourists are also increasingly getting sophisticated in their taste of tourism products, including their desire to participate in sustainable forms of tourism which means that the activities they indulge during their visits have little impacts on the environment. This paper is a manifestation of an earlier part of a research exercise to identify and visit caves inhabited by swiftlets. Gomantong, Sabah, set the research journey. Observation and in-depth interviews formed the study’s tool. Rich data collected are also integrated with secondary data. Findings show that harvesting activities on cave ceilings produce a spectacular scene to viewers, inducing a magnet of attraction to tourists. On the other hand, a decline in the amount of nests harvested in the last few years may raise the idea that such activities in its prevalence may not dwell well with the issue of sustainability

The existence of Red Junglefowls (Gallus Gallus) in oil palm plantations in selected states in Malaysia and their morphological characteristics

An investigation was carried out to establish the existence of Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) populations in oil palm plantations and to study their morphological characteristics. This study which commenced from February to August in 2009 and 2010, took place in several oil palm plantations in the state of Johor, Selangor and Pahang, Malaysia. Twenty seven Red Junglefowls which comprised of seven adult males, six adult females, four juvenile males, three juvenile females, four male chicks and three female chicks were successfully captured throughout this study using the scoop netting method. The morphological study highly suggested the purity of the birds based on the characteristics exhibited. The birds were characterised by boat-shape body appearance, white or red ear lobe and slender greyish blue leg. Thus, this study offered some evidence that oil palm plantations are found to be suitable in sustaining and providing ample survivability for the species to exist in the future

Mendepani Cabaran Kerjaya Masa Kini

COVID-19 telah memberi impak ke atas lanskap pekerjaan sehingga isu pengangguran telah menjadi salah satu isu yang menjadi fokus untuk dikendalikan secara menyeluruh. Kesan isu ini bukan hanya memberi impak ke atas diri pekerja malah graduan dan bakal graduan turut terkesan secara langung akibat penularan virus ini. Penggunaan teknologi secara optimum seperti urusan dalam talian dan melakukan pekerjaan yang diluar bidang pengajian di universiti antara perubahan lanskap kerjaya yang perlu dihadapai oleh individu secara langsung. Kemampuan indivdu mengaplikasikan pengetahuan dan kemahiran seperti adaptasi kerjaya, memperkasakan konsep upskilling dan reskilling menjadi elemen penting yang perlu diaplikasikan dalam mendepani cabaran pekerjaan masa kini. Keadaan ini turut memperlihatkan kepentingan beberapa agensi dan organisasi seperti universiti dengan memperkasakan kurikulum semasa agar selari dengan keperluan industri. Sebagai tambahan, kemampuan universiti dan pemain industri mengoptimumkan kepakaran masing-masing menjadi salah satu pendekatan yang mampu memperkasakan graduan semasa