The present systematic review explores the most sexually dimorphic parameters by using geometric morphometric analysis of human skull. An extended search was conducted in Google Scholars and PubMed (published between 2005 and 2017). The main inclusion criteria were research articles published in English, and studies that used geometric morphometric analysis for classification of human skull. The literature search identified 54 potential relevant articles whereby, five had met the inclusion criteria. Most studies reported positive contribution of geometric morphometric as an alternative and accurate tool for classification of unknown human crania. Geometric morphometric method resulted in a high classification accuracy of sexual dimorphism among different populations. Further studies are required to approach the best method used for varied types of postcranial bones equipped with a more advanced meta-analysis of the results.

INTRODUCTION: Subclinical changes that occur in the heart at an early age may provide valuable information to outline prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases. Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects regulation of autonomic balance, heart, and vascular tone, which are the determinants of blood pressure. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the difference in heart rate variability (HRV) of Malay male young adult with their BMI and adiposity level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 201 Malay male young adult aged between 19 to 24 years old were screened and their BMI and adiposity level were measured. Three non -invasive tests; Valsalva Manoeuvre, orthostatic response and 30/15 ratio of heart rate were performed. Short term HRV time and frequency domains were recorded. RESULTS: Despite few significant differences in HRV parameters of overweight/obese subjects, the result is inconclusive to conclude any reduced variability. However, those with high adiposity regardless of their BMI reported significantly lower mean of R -R SD in time domain and lower mean of LF/HF ratio in frequency domain. The orthostatic reflex results revealed that high adiposity subjects had significantly lower mean of LF and HF. A decrement of -0.28 ms2 HF/LF during Valsalva manoeuvre, -0.35 LF ms2 in orthostatic reflex and 0.33 ms2 in orthostatic reflex per 1% of body fat percentage were observed. CONCLUSION: HRV parameters were inversely proportional to the adiposity level which was suggestive of modulation of sympathetic function can occur at an early age.

Introduction: Currently, there is a lack of clinically feasible and reliable method for discriminating outcome in sepsis. We aimed to derive a new bioscore for predicting mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis using a combination of biomarkers and clinical indexes. Materials and Methods: This was a secondary analysis from a prospective study involving 159 patients with sepsis admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Data for key variables considered for possible inclusion in the score were collected, which included: age, sex, source of admission, comorbidities, microorganism, bacteraemia, site of infection, septic shock status, baseline Simplified Acute Physiological Score II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (total and organ sub-scores), C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Approximate quintiles of each variable were given points as per the strength of their association with 30-day mortality. Results: In accordance with the statistical significance in the logistic regression analysis, the final score utilised candidate variables of age, central nervous system and liver SOFA sub-scores and IL-6. The bioscore predicted 30-day mortality with a very good performance [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.814 (95% confidence interval 0.745-0.871, p <0.0001)] in our sepsis cohort. A bioscore greater than 4 predicted 30-day mortality with 80.4% sensitivity, 69.9% specificity, 2.67 positive likelihood ratio and 0.28 negative likelihood ratio. As the score increased, so did mortality rate. Conclusion: A new bioscore combining age, central nervous system and liver SOFA sub-scores and IL-6 measured on ICU admission potentially improves prediction of mortality in sepsis. Further study is warranted to prospectively validate the clinical utility of this bioscore in risk-stratifying patients with suspected sepsis.

Introduction: Flood disaster is a natural disaster that has unexpectedly occurred again. Community cooperation in terms of managing flood and focusing on families’ needs has become more systematic. It is important for a household to be prepared in any disaster. One of the preparations that should be done is the stockpiling of emergency supplies or flood supply kits during evacuation. This study aimed to develop a specific disaster kit for households for evacuation during a flood disaster based on cultural context. Methods: Data were collected from 75 key informants from every level of households that really have a great experience during the flood disaster that helping family packing for a living needs before evacuation. The development of the disaster kit based on cultural needs and all their views, needs, experiences, challenges, frustration and happiness was obtained from the interview sessions. Results: There are five themes that emerged from this research related to developing a disaster kit. The themes are community preparedness in dealing with flood disaster, hygiene issues during the flood, inadequate food supply, how the community responds to insufficient water supply, and coping method with illness. After being finalized, there are seven kits: a general supplies kit, documentation kit, emergency food and water supply kit, prayer kit, hygiene kit, basic first aid kit, and baby kit. Conclusion: The development disaster kit was created to help the communities to be more aware and prepared before disaster strikes.

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms (HAP) is a result of injury to the hepatic artery and must be treated due to its high risk of rupture. Endovascular treatment of pseudoaneurysm is effective and minimally invasive. We describe four cases of HAPs that presented with gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. The HAPs developed as a consequence of surgery for carcinoma, infection, trauma due to motor-vehicle accident and biliary instrumentation. Diagnoses were made using CT and conventional angiography. Embolisations were done either to the pseudoaneurysm or the parent artery using glue, Onyx or coils via microcatheter systems. Postembolisation runs showed no opacification of the pseudoaneurysms and the GI bleed resolved with no recurrence. The final outcome differs according to each patient’s underlying illness. We highlight our experience in the endovascular management of HAP using various embolic agents and in particular, Onyx. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Onyx embolization of HAP.

Introduction: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a common type of leukaemia in persons of predominantly European descent but is rare in the Asian population. Disparities in CLL incidence among people of Asian and European descent may be related to the genetic make-up of the two different populations. Hypermethylation event might be one of the silencing mechanisms that inactivate the tumour suppressor genes in CLL. The aim of this study was to determine the hypermethylation status of p16INK4a and p15INK4b among CLL patients and normal individuals. Materials & Methods: A total of 25 CLL patients and 25 normal individuals were recruited for this study and their genomic DNA were extracted from the peripheral blood. The hypermethylation status of p16INK4a and p15INK4b were determined using Methylation Specific-PCR (MS-PCR) whereas DNA sequencing method was applied to selected samples for validation of the MS-PCR results. We also evaluated the association between hypermethylation of these genes with the clinical and demographic characteristics of each group of subjects. Results: Among the CLL patients, p15INK4b partialmethylation occurred in 6 (24%) subjects while methylation occurred in 1 (4%) subject. All the remaining patients were unmethylated at p15INK4b. All the samples showed unmethylation at p16INK4a. Statistically significant associations were found between p15INK4b hypermethylation with the presence of CLL (p=0.01) and with race (p=0.02). Conclusion: Further study using a larger sample size is warranted to explore the significance of DNA methylation incidence among the CLL patients of the Malaysian population. Hence, we suggest that hypermethylation at p15INK4b has a huge influence that kick-starts CLL disease among Malaysians and MS-PCR technique is applicable to be used in methylation study.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a rare pancreatic neoplasm. The presentation varies from recurrent pancreatitis, steatorrhea and weight loss to incidental findings during imaging studies. The recognition of IPMN is crucial in deciding for prompt surgical intervention, which is the best treatment modality for this precancerous condition. Here, we report a case of 55-year-old man with massive upper gastro intestinal bleeding arising from a huge fungating duodenal mass. In view of massive bleeding, a decision for emergency Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy was made. Final histological diagnosis confirmed as IPMN. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of IPMN presented with a huge fungating duodenal mass causing massive UGIB requiring surgical intervention.

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended as the optimal method of infant feeding for the first six months, but the rate remains low in many countries, including Malaysia. It is important to understand barriers preventing exclusive breastfeeding, to enable tackling these issues and thereby improving maternal and child health. This study aims to do this by exploring the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of mothers towards breastfeeding in Sarawak, Malaysia. Material and Methods: Qualitative methods were employed, using semi-structured interviews with an interpreter, conducted in Sarawak General Hospital between 16th April and 11th May 2012. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from the maternity wards. Interviews were conducted using a topic guide, were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was based on conventional content analysis, with codes and themes developing from the interviews. Results: Analysis of the 17 interviews identified five major themes; (1) positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, (2) lack of knowledge relating to exclusive breastfeeding, (3) fear of insufficient milk, (4) methods to improve awareness and knowledge of breastfeeding, (5) improvements in the workplace. There is a lack of knowledge amongst mothers in Malaysia regarding breastfeeding, causing anxiety and early discontinuation of breastfeeding. Methods to improve education of mothers and healthcare staff have been suggested, as well as improvements to encourage breastfeeding in the workplace. Conclusion: Focused education for new mothers and widespread community education may help improve breastfeeding continuation rates. The provision of workplace facilities and flexible working hours for new mothers may help overcome physical barriers preventing breastfeeding continuation once back at work.

Introduction: Mak nyahs are locally known male-to-female transgenders in Malaysia. In Western countries, medicalization of transgenderism allows strictly selected patients to undergo sex reassignment surgery. However, a standardized treatment system is not yet available in Malaysia. A number of mak nyahs underwent sex reassignment surgery at their own will. This study aimed to explore mak nyahs’ knowledge and perception on sex reassignment surgery. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research was carried out from 13th July 2016 till 31st August 2016 among 8 adult mak nyahs in Kuantan, Pahang. Snowball sampling was used. Participants who gave verbal consent were interviewed individually and in focus groups. Data obtained was transcribed and used as the primary data source. Results: All informants were Malays and Muslims. They generally had some knowledge about the standard procedures and risks in sex reassignment surgery. All informants expressed their desire to have the surgery, but chose not to. Reasons discouraging them from having the surgery were: i) religion, ii) forbiddance from family, iii) fear of regret, iv) death from surgery, and v) the lack of necessity. Factors driving them to have the surgery: i) more income from sex work, ii) pressure from sex clients, iii) securing a stable relationship, iv) self-satisfaction, and v) hope for a better future. Conclusion: Religion seemed to be the main reason refraining them from undertaking the surgery. Counselling mak nyahs should include the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reassignment surgery. Islamic religious preaching is very important to help reduce high risk behaviours, as well as teaching mak nyahs to cope with challenges in adult life. Further research is necessary to show association between religious knowledge and successful rehabilitation of the mak nyahs’ community.

Stress and anxiety are common among intensive care unit (ICU) patients especially those who are on mechanical ventilation. Non-pharmacological interventions such as music and prayer are recommended because they are opioid sparing, easy to provide, cheap and safe. There is a growing body of evidence on the effects of Holy Quran Recitation (HQR) in reducing stress and anxiety in critically ill Muslim patients. The aim of this review is to evaluate the physiological and psychological effects of HQR specifically in ICU setting. This review was performed on articles published between 2007 and 2018. Extensive search was done using PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus and Google Scholar. Systematic review articles are also assessed and relevant literatures are hand searched based on reference lists and citations made in key publications. Studies related to HQR which were done outside adult ICU setting were excluded. A total of nine articles are included in the final list for detail analysis. Findings of this review revealed six studies with significant results in improving stress responses, hemodynamic stability and conscious levels. HQR is a potential nonpharmacological tool to reduce stress and can also be used as auditory stimulus to improve conscious level in comatose patients. More studies in this area are recommended aiming for low risk of bias, appropriate calculation of sample size and adequately powered to detect significant outcomes.