bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flickering Lights and Declaiming Bodies: Semiosis in Film and Theatre
Authors: Nunn Robert
Published: January 2021

Of all the elements that mark the boundary between theatre and film, presence seems to be the most important. This essay seeks to set aside a sterile debate about whether presence renders theatre innately superior or inferior to film, and instead examines how presence in theatre and absence in film function as elements in the process of making meaning, arguing that it is presence which is the condition for theatrical semiosis, the material support for the kinds of meaning-making that constitute theatre, and, conversely, absence which is the condition for the specific kind of semiosis characteristic of film. After comparing how objects signify on stage and in film, the essay seeks to clarify the difference between acting on stage and in film by drawing on Eugenio Barba's distinction between daily and extra-daily behaviour.
Only in Alberta? Angels in America and Canada
Authors: Bennett Susan
Published: January 2021

"Only in Alberta? Angels in America and Canada" provides a Canadian theatre history for Kushner's Pulitzer prize-winning epic. In the context of Angels' critical reception, the paper examines the entry of the play into such a history as both a gay play and a history play. The discussion elaborates the critical discourses which would subsume gay identity under a broader politic of liberal pluralism, an effect of which, it is suggested, is to render the homosexual intolerable. Angels in America, however, is seen as a resistant text which calls into question the very operations of that politic. Following from Alan Sinfield's recent discussion of gay identity claimed by an ethnicity-and-rights model, the essay considers the potentialities of Angels in laying bare the assumptions that make such identifications crucial to the play's reception.
Queer(y)ing the Canadian Stage: Brad Fraser's Poor Super Man
Authors: Blumberg Marcia
Published: January 2021

This article examines Brad Fraser's Poor Super Man: A Play with Captions, "a sexually explicit exploration of diverse friendships and erotic relationships, that constitutes a powerful vehicle for the queer(y)ing of the Canadian stage. Set in an urban Canadian locale synonymous with fragmentation and situated in a liminal space between the worlds of the comics and the theatre, the play refuses the apparent dichotomy of the straight/gay binary and challenges the assumed fixity of heteronormative structures. At this time of the AIDS pandemic, complex interactions mitigate against the surety of superheroes and an ongoing denial of societal issues at the nexus of gender, sexual orientation, and cultural difference.
Offstage Sounds: The Permeable Playhouse of Charles Charles
Authors: Gross Robert F.
Published: January 2021

Provincetown Playhouse manifests a complex thematic interplay of Sameness and Difference, which is rooted in the commonplace misrepresentation of male homosexual desire as a narcissistic formation unable to embrace Difference. Normand Chaurette makes use of this popular prejudice while moving beyond it. The drama not only critiques the inability of a homophobic society to accept alterity, but also critiques a gay identification with a masculinist ideology that perpetuates racism and sexism. Charles Charles's play, "The Sacrificial Slaying of Beauty," is a violent attempt at purging a male society of the feminine. In Charles's comic failure to suppress alterity during the performance of his play, Chaurette gives a model of the many unsuccessful attempts to eradicate Difference throughout Provincetown Playhouse.
Histoire et Historicité, Intertextualité et Réception dans Louis Mailloux (1975) de Calixte Duguay et Jules Boudreau
Authors: Levasseur Jean
Published: January 2021

Profitant du centenaire de la Révolte de Caraquet, les Acadiens Calixte Duguay et Jules Boudreau présentaient, en 1975, Louis Mailloux, drame historique qui obtiendrait un grand succès, et qui serait ensuite fréquemment repris à travers toute l'Acadie. Comme toute fiction historique, cette pièce propose implicitement une interprétation aux lacunes inhérentes à l'Histoire événementielle. Dans cet article, l'auteur y note toutefois une essentielle intertextualité avec d'autres textes canadiens-français du dix-neuvième siècle, contemporains de l'action de la pièce. Par l'analyse de ces textes, il élabore une théorie qui lui permet de déterminer comment la structure particulière de ces écrits avait permis aux auteurs acadiens d'imposer à leur oeuvre théâtrale une philosophie historique originale qui, contrairement à ce que le titre pouvait le laisser suggérer, s'éloignait de la notion de héros national pour se rapprocher plutôt du concept de héros collectif.
"Our Granada": The Granada Theatre, Wellington Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, America, the World and Me
Authors: Rittenhouse Jonathan
Published: January 2021

Built at the height of the atmospheric theatre fad in early 1929, the Granada Theatre of Sherbrooke, Quebec has been many things to many people over the years. Starting as a double-bill house of United Amusements of Quebec (owned by Famous Players of Toronto,in turn owned by Paramount of New York), the Granada eventually became the premier performance space in Sherbrooke in the 1940s and 1950s. It was eventually replaced in this function in the late 1960s by cultural centres at the two local universities. While it was sold off by Famous Players in the early 1970s it still survives relatively intact, at the end of this century a curious architectural reminder of how things once were and perhaps still are. The theatre's past, present and future provide the author with an opportunity to reflect upon his own place in late 20th century Quebec.
Collective Creation and the Changing Mandate of Nightwood Theatre
Authors: Scott Shelley
Published: January 2021

This article traces the development of Toronto's Nightwood Theatre from its origins as a collective in the late 1970s to its current, more conventional, structure. Nightwood is placed within the context of both feminist theatre and the Canadian collective creation tradition. Its development is charted through examples from its production history and changes in leadership.
The Mirror Remade: Cultural Affirmation in the Plays of Herménégilde Chiasson
Authors: Nichols Glen
Published: January 2021

This article, originally published in Les théâtres professionnels du Canada francophone entre mémoire et rupture, examines how the dramaturgy of Herménégilde Chiasson is an extension of his commitment to cultural affirmation in Acadian artistic expression. Chiasson has been a dominant figure in Acadian visual and performance arts for twenty-five years. Despite the remarkable variety of his plays, they consistently hinge on auto-referential and metatheatrical techniques that force the audience into a self-conscious relationship with the images depicted, whether traditional or iconoclastic. The result of this kind of post- Brechtian self-conscious bracketing of representations of Acadia is a thoughtful awakening and reaffirmation of contemporary cultural consciousness in modern Acadia.
A Checklist of Books By and About Canadian Artists in The Performing Arts / Un Répertoire de Publications Sur ou Par les Artistes Canadians Dans les Arts Scenique
Authors: Gardner David
Published: January 2021

This ‘checklist' of 248 books emerged out of a casual conversation with Martha Henry, while we were working together in 1998 on a production of The Crucible for the Manitoba Theatre Centre. Martha decried the paucity of books about Canadian performing artists, while I countered that we were now producing more and more every year. People, rather than theatres or analytic studies of drama, are the main focus of the checklist. I realize, as well, that there are several doubtful titles (books on Boris Karloff, Tyrone Guthrie and Henry Miller, for example), and purely theatrical readers may chafe at the inclusion of musicians, dancers, skaters, and bandleaders, but I was interested in documenting as many entertainment personalities as possible with viable Canadian connections. A section on unpublished works-in-progress is also included. There are bound to be errors and omissions in this preliminary (and primarily English) catalogue, and I would welcome corrections and/or additions at my e-mail address:david.gardner@utoronto.ca
Face to Face with Denis Marleau/ Face à Face avec Denis Marleau, Ottawa, 29 November, 2000
Authors: Ruprecht Alvina
Published: January 2021

In the Spring of 2001, Denis Marleau, artistic director and founder of the Théâtre Ubu (Montreal), became artistic director of French theatre at the National Arts Centre, after performing his plays on all the most important European stages. This interview, the first one he gave upon assuming his new position in Ottawa, tries to establish the general orientation of Marleau's future artistic choices in relation to his own creative work and the programmes he will present at the National Arts Centre (NAC). The interview moves towards Marleau's own research on Modernity through theatre practice, especially as it appears in Maeterlinck's symbolist theatre. He also discusses his staging of Catoblépas, a performance based on a text by Gaëtan Soucy that was presented at the "Theatre Festival of the Americas" in Montreal, May 2001.
Bears and Beavers: Canadian Stage Productions of Russian Plays
Authors: Clayton J. Douglas
Published: January 2021

The author presents a survey and statistical analysis of English and French-language productions of Russian plays in Canada. Although the first production was He Who Gets Slapped by Leonid Andreev, Chekhov came to dominate the repertoire, followed by Turgenev, Gor'kii and Gogol. There were, however, some remarkable experiments with plays such as Roar China! and Erdman's The Suicide.
At Home and Abroad: The Acting Career of Julia Arthur (1869-1950)
Authors: Salter Denis
Published: January 2021

This article reconstructs the career in four countries - Canada, the United States, Germany, and England -of the Canadian actress, producer, and director Julia Arthur, from her birth in Hamilton, Ontario in 1869 until her death in Boston in 1950. Her story illuminates a number of historical and aesthetic issues, including Canada's cultural evolution from colony to nation, early touring conditions, changing critical vocabulary and standards of evaluation, nineteenth- and early twentieth-century styles of performance, and practical problems in theatre company management.
Robin Phillips' Richard III: History and Human Will
Authors: Knowles Richard Paul
Published: January 2021

Robin Phillips' Richard III in 1977 was among the most distinguished productions of Shakespeare during Phillips' six-year tenure as artistic director of the Stratford Festival. Brian Bedford's Richard, presented as a recognizably human study of perverted will, was balanced, not by Richmond, who was played by Tom Wood as a pious Machiavellian, but by the play's chorus of women, presented by Martha Henry, Margaret Tyzack, Maggie Smith and Mary Savidge as the unified voice of time, history and the play's plot.
Lois Reynolds Kerr Recalls the Playwrights Studio Group 1932-1941
Authors: Kerr Lois Reynolds
Published: January 2021

At the 1983 conference of the Association for Canadian Theatre History in Vancouver, Lois Reynolds Kerr recalled her own career as a successful awards-winning playwright and the founding of the Playwrights Studio Group, which was established in 1932 and continued to produce plays at Hart House Theatre and the Dominion Drama Festival until 1941. Other playwrights of the Playwrights Studio Group of Toronto included Dora Conover and Winnifred Pilcher, who also contribute their memoirs to this article, Leonora McNeilly, Rica McLean Farquharson, Virginia Coyne Knight, Marjorie Price, Margaret Ness, Jameson Field and Arthur Burrows. Actors and directors involved with Hart House Theatre contributed their talents to the biannual productions, making the Playwrights Studio Group one of the first Canadian organizations dedicated to playwriting.
Les Circonstances de la fondation du Théâtre National Français de Montréal
Authors: Carrier Denis
Published: January 2021

Après avoir donné une vue d'ensemble de la situation théâtrale à Montréalà la fin du XIXe siècle, cet article décrit les circonstances qui ont mené à la fondation du Théâtre National Français en 1900. Le fondateur, Julien Daoust, à la suite de problèmesfinanciers, cède la direction du théâtre à Georges Gauvreau, qui en assurera le succès avec l'aide du comédien et metteur en scène Paul Cazeneuve.
Paul-André Paiement (1950-1978), Ou le Désespoir du Colonisé
Authors: Gay Paul
Published: January 2021

Cet article étudie le cas, poussé à l'extrême, d'un Franco-Ontarien de Sturgeon-Falls qui s'est enlevé la vie, probablement pour n'avoir jamais admis sa situation de colonisé, et qui a crié - sous le rire et dans le grotesque des gestes comiques - son désir d'indépendance et d'affirmation française dans un milieu anglais.
Le Phénomène des adaptations à la radio Québécoise (1939-1949)
Authors: Blouin Louise , Pagé Raymond
Published: January 2021

De 1939 à 1949 la radio québécoise diffuse des centaines d'adaptations d'oeuvres étrangères. Le Québec devient ainsi un lieu de rencontre de divers réseaux culturels. L'orientation du répertoire et les modifications imposées aux textes originaux révèlent des tensions entre les forces d'acculturation et lesforces d'enculturation.
The Ideological Formation of Political Theatre in Canada
Authors: Filewod Alan
Published: January 2021

An analysis of the parallel development of political theatre in English and French in Canada. In both cultures, political intervention theatre appropriates the theatrical forms and the post-colonial nationalism of the alternative theatre movement. This article seeks to reconcile these points of similarity with the significant differences in ideology between the two cultures.
Robin Phillips' Strange and Wondrous Dream
Authors: Knowles Richard Paul
Published: January 2021

Robin Phillips' 1976-77 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Stratford Festival has been one of the few since Peter Brook's 1970 production to carve out its own vision of the play. By mounting the production as a dream vision in the mind of Elizabeth I, Phillips discovered an extraordinary unity among the worlds of court and forest, and found analogies with the court of Elizabeth that brought out often neglected aspects of the play in a highly theatrical way.
Wolfeville's Mermaid Theatre: The First Fifteen Years
Authors: Lynde Denyse
Published: January 2021

This article is a historical overview of the first fifteen years of children's theatre in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where the Mermaid Theatre was founded. Developing from a local to a major international company, the Mermaid has redefined its mandates and policies and undergone major personnel changes and shifts in repertory that have significant implications for Canadian drama in both a local and national context.
Co-expression of MYC and BCL2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Muhammad Naznin , Samsudin Ahmad Toha , A.Talib Norlelawati , Gyi Aung , Harun Norra , Abdullah Suhaila
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of nonHodgkin lymphoma. The pathogenesis of DLBCL is complex because it involves at least two different pathways, a de novo pathway and a transformation pathway. MYC and BCL2 oncogenes are 2 key regulators implicated in the pathogenesis. DLBCL with concurrent expression of MYC and BCL2 has been shown to be clinically aggressive and confers a worse prognosis. MYC detection by immunohistochemistry is however not performed in a routine diagnostic work up of DLBCL cases. This study examined the presence of MYC and BCL2 proteins by immunohistochemistry in patients diagnosed to have DLBCL. Methods: This retrospective study involved patients diagnosed to have DLBCL at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital, Kuantan, Pahang (Year 2009-2011) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia (Year 2012-2014). Immunohistochemistry for MCY and BCL2 were performed on sections of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks. Results: There were 91 cases analyzed. Forty-nine cases (53.8%) exhibited concurrent expression of MYC and BCL2 proteins. In about one third of the cases, positivity was confined to BCL2. In 4 cases (4.4%) only MYC was expressed while in 9 cases (9.9%) both markers were negative. Overall about 60% and 85% of the cases were positive for MYC and BCL2 respectively. Conclusions: Approximately half of DLBCL case studied co-express MYC and BCL2. Prospective studies to look at the clinical significance and prognostic impact of this finding are advocated.
Clinical and cytogenetic profiles of children with autism in Kuantan Pahang
Authors: Mat Zin Nora , Muhammad Naznin
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorder. The aetiology is not known in 75 to 80 percent of patients while in 20 to 25 percent a genetic cause is identified. There are very few studies on cytogenetic profile of ASD being carried out locally. This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the clinical and cytogenetic profiles of paediatric ASD patients attending the Kuantan branch, National Autistic Society of Malaysia School. Methods: All paediatric patients (up to 18 years of age) attending the school in the year 2009/2010 were recruited. Clinical data was obtained by interviewing the guardians and assessment of the patients. Peripheral blood samples were collected for cytogenetic analysis. Results: Guardians of 14 out of 24 patients (58.3%) agreed for their children to be enrolled into the study. The age range was 5 to 12 years of age. The diagnostic subgroups were autistic disorder (13/14 patients) and Asperger syndrome (1/14). Approximately 80% had learning disability and history of allergy. Five patients had hyperactivity and none had history of seizures. There were family histories of developmental delay, mental retardation, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders and allergy. No structural or numerical chromosomal abnormality was detected. Conclusions: Although no cytogenetic abnormalities were identified, most probably due to the small sample size, it is crucial that genetic studies, including molecular genetic be explored as they would provide useful clinical insights and enhance understanding of the pathogenesis.
Prevalence and intervention of malnutrition risk of Malaysian elderly living in the community: A literature review
Authors: Zainudin Norain , Hamirudin Aliza Haslinda , A. Rahman Nor Azlina , Sidek Suriati
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Malnutrition among the elderly is a concern around the globe, including in Malaysia due to its negative effects to health. The aims of this review are to identify prevalence of malnutrition risk in Malaysian elderly living in the community; and to identify the types of nutrition intervention provided to the elderly following malnutrition risk identification. Methods: Literature searches were undertaken using online databases and a manual search. Main keywords used for literature search strategy were malnutrition, elderly and Malaysia. Inclusion criteria for the literature searches are studies performed in Malaysian community, using either nutrition screening or assessment tool and elderly aged ≥60 years old. Exclusion criteria are studied among hospitalized elderly, conducted in nursing homes, validation and development studies of nutrition screening tool. Results: Four published studies were eligible to be included in the review. The studies showed that prevalence of malnutrition in the Malaysian elderly living in the community is approximately 1.3% - 36.3%. A range of 25.3% to 48.5% elderly was reported to be at malnutrition risk. All of the identified studies were cross-sectional studies; whilst none of the studies provided nutrition intervention to the elderly. Conclusions: Alarming rates of malnutrition risk of Malaysian elderly living in the community has been identified. Appropriate nutrition intervention for malnourished and at risk elderly should be targeted to improve nutritional status and prevent health deterioration. Further evaluation of effectiveness of nutrition intervention following malnutrition risk identification is warranted in future studies.
Assessment on the bioavailability of rare earth elements in rocky shore organisms and their potential effects on human health
Authors: Miskon Mohd Fuad , Faudz Fikriah , Yunus Kamaruzzaman , Rahman Md. Mokhlesur
Published: January 2021

Introduction: This study focuses on the distribution of rare earth elements in rocky shore ecosystem along east coast of Peninsular Malaysia coastal waters using the soft tissue of Saccostrea cucullata, Thais clavigera and Nerita chameleon as bioindicator, and deliberating on interspecies variability. The results were examined in relation to human health as well. Methods: Samples were treated using Teflon Bomb technique and concentrations of 14 naturally occurring REEs were measured using ICP-MS technique, along with selected trace metals for added data. Results:The results were certified using standard reference material BCR 668 with quality control practices. Constant REEs abundance patterns were found in all samples, with enrichment of LREEs over HREEs, which suggests that REEs are transported as a coherent group through aquatic ecosystems. There are variations in the REEs abundance for every site, however, they reveal connections in their REEs distribution patterns, which suggest that they are of parallel origins. As no data on the permissible limits of REEs in biota reported, assessment with permissible limits are quantified by comparing with Hg, Pb and Cd data as REEs concentrations seems to be lower compared with these metal values. Conclusions: Results showed that the values are considerably below the safety limit, with the exception of Ce and Nd in the soft tissue of S. cucullata.
Lifestyles and non-communicable diseases status among primary health care staff in Kuantan, Pahang
Authors: Md Aris Mohd Aznan , Myo Han Tin , Mohd Shukri Nor Azwani , Abdullah Fa'iza
Published: January 2021

Introduction:  Unhealthy lifestyle is one of the risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in our population even among the healthcare provider. They should be as the role model for their NCDs patients in the clinics. Therefore, this study was to determine the lifestyle practice and lifestyle-related NCDs (LR-NCDs) status among primary health care staffs. Methods:  A cross-sectional survey was done among 69 health-staff (20- physicians (PCPs), 16-nurses and 33-Para-Med) aged between 20-60 years from 3 selected governments primary health care clinics in Kuantan on April 2015. A pre-tested questionnaire is used to the collect history of LR-NCDs, smoking, exercise status and 24-hours- dietary recall. The BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the participants were also measured. The Nutritionist-Pro-(g) software was used to extract macronutrients (Carbohydrate, Protein and Total-Fat %) and balance-diet (within recommended %). Results: The most common LR-NCDs among health-staff were overweight (34.8%) and followed by obesity (24.6%), DM (8.7%) and hypertension (3.2%). The majority (95.7%) were non-smokers and 69.6% did not exercise regularly. Diet-recall analysis showed that only 8.9% (2-PCPs, 1-nurse & 3-ParaMed) had balanced-diet. The status of the DM, hypertension and smoking and practicing balance-diet were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the PCPs, registered-nurses and Para-Med except for the exercise. Most PCPs (90%) have inadequate exercise compared to registered-nurses (43.8%) and Para-Med (69.7%) (p<0.05). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, inadequate exercise and having an unbalance-diet were noticed among all levels of health-staff.
Piper sarmentosum induced apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway in human lung adenocarcinoma cells, A549
Authors: Sirajudeen Azila , Mohd Tahir Aisyah Hanani , Abdul Ghani Radiah
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Lung cancer has been reported as one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Current cancer treatments like chemotherapy do not result in a complete cure and are known to cause side effects in the patients. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies are being explored, one of which is to investigate the potential of the local herbs in this regard. Piper sarmentosum (daun kaduk) has received much attention due to its anti-cancer properties in A549 cells. In this study, the cell cycle profile and mechanisms of cell death induced by P. sarmentosum were investigated using a flow cytometer. Methods: The cell cycle profile changes were observed using propidium iodide staining while the type of cell death was analyzed using Annexin-V assay. Caspases -3/7,8 and 9 and cytochrome c assays were elucidated using flow cytometry analysis. Results: P.sarmentosum arrested the growth of A549 cells at G0/G1 phase. The Annexin V analysis revealed that P. sarmentosum exhibited significant induction of apoptosis after 24 h exposure. Caspases analysis showed that P. sarmentosum induced apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway, via the activation of caspase 3 and caspase 9. Meanwhile, cytochrome c analysis revealed that P. sarmentosum induced a mitochondrial pathway of cell death through the release of cytochrome c. Conclusions: Based on these preliminary findings, P. sarmentosum has a great potential as a dietary cancer treatment for lung cancer and may perhaps be used for lung cancer pharmacotherapy in the clinical settings in future.
Patternable polymer microstructure for optical biosensing
Authors: Mohd Salleh Mohd Hazimin , MS Mohd Haziq , Abd Hadi Muhammad Salihi
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Applications of rapid sensing and detection of biological analytes are growing due to the significant environmental monitoring, health screening, cell growth and bio/chemical sensors. These factors influence the research and development on simple, cheap and sensitive functional biomolecular device. The interest in the label-free optical detection has been increased as the optical waveguide has a direct light interaction with surrounding analytes, easy integration with microfluidic system and the capability to provide specific interaction. Methods: In this work, we demonstrate the potential of microstructure as an optical biosensor. Visible wavelength is utilized because it is commonly used in biological and chemical sensing for both label and label-free sensing. The SU8 polymer microstructures waveguides were fabricated on 3.5 µm oxide. The microstructures are simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics. Simulation was recorded based on refractive index that mimic the bioanalytes solution and biological binding. Then the experimental setup is developed to control the optical component and manipulate the liquid samples. The fabricated devices were characterized by using the end-facet technique. Meanwhile, microfluidic channel system was also constructed in order to inject the liquid sample into the sensor surface. Results: The wavelength shift for microresonator structure approximately 41.2 nm for 0.1 increments of surrounding refractive index. The experiments demonstrate that the shift occurred approximately 22.5 nm. In other hand, simulated Bragg grating structure gained the shift at 63.2 nm. Meanwhile, the experimental results achieve approximately 20.3 nm. Conclusions: Thus, both simulation and experimental results strongly indicate that patternable polymer microstructure has a huge potential for optical biosensing applications at visible region.
Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Quorum Sensing Properties of Ethanol and Aqueous Extracts of Orthosiphon Stamineus and Andrographis Paniculata Leaves and Stems
Authors: Abd Talib Farah Adiba bt Yang , Hamzah Hairul Aini , Mustafa Mahmoud Mohammed Imad Al-Deen
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Quorum sensing controls a wide spectrum of processes and phenotypic behaviours including biofilm formation that helps in the survival and virulence of bacteria in hosts. Thus, anti-quorum sensing is suggested to combat bacterial infections. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm forming and anti-quorum sensing activities which may contribute to the anti-bacterial effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus and Andrographis paniculata leaves and stems. Materials and method: General biofilm assay protocol with modification was used for the biofilm assay to test the effect of different concentration (2 mg/ml and 3 mg/ml) of extracts on the biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Optical density of crystal violet/acetic acid solution was measured at 595 nm and the percentage of biofilm inhibition was calculated. In quorum quenching assay, visualization of reporter strain AI1-QQ.1 growth will be used for the detection of bio-molecules interfering with acyl homoserine lactone (AHL). Results: Extracts with the highest ability to inhibit biofilm formation were ethanol extract of O.stamineus stem and A.paniculata leaves with 77.84% at extracts concentration of 3 mg/ml. Aqueous extract of O.stamineus leaves showed the least potential with 13.41% inhibition. However, aqueous extract of A.paniculata showed zero inhibition at 3 mg/ml and two extracts (aqueous extract of O.stamineus and A.paniculata leaves) gave negative value at concentration of 3 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml, respectively. Quorum quenching assay has yet to be done. Conclusion: It could be concluded that most of the extracts possess anti-biofilm property.
The Use of Multimedia as a Distraction to Reduce Anxiety Reaction among Paediatric Patients During Cast Removal at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan
Authors: Kashfil Tengku
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Cast removal procedures can be a daunting experience for children giving rise to anxiety. The objective of this study is to measure the level of anxiety in children during cast removal at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan. Materials and method: An experimental study was conducted with a sample of 40 paediatric patients with upper limb fractures and cast removal were randomly assigned into two groups: with multimedia distraction or without (control). Patient's heart rate was measured using a pulse oximeter before, during and after cast removal. Results: A total number of 20 children were randomized to multimedia distraction and another 20 to control with no distractions. The mean rise in heart rate between preprocedure and during procedure 5.3 beats/min in multimedia distraction group and 16.35 beats/min in control group (P = 0.001). The mean difference in heart rate between the pre-procedure and during the procedure was 5.64 beats/min in the multimedia distraction group and 13.13 beats/ min in the control group (P = 0.05). Conclusion: There was significant decrease in heart rate during cast removal with multimedia distraction. Therefore multimedia distraction is a useful tool in reducing anxiety among children during cast removal.
15 Years Review of Gastrocnemius Flap Done in Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan
Authors: Mohd Yusof Nazri bin
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Gastrocnemius flap is the workhorse for wound coverage in the proximal tibia. It can be perform by general orthopaedic surgeon because it is done without the need of microscopic instrumentation. Its coverage can be extended to cover the knee and midshaft of tibia when skin overlying it is included in the flap. Materials and method: From July 2002 till January 2017, 47 patients underwent gastrocnemius flap in our hospital (26 muscular and 21 musculocutaneous flap). 41 flaps were raised from medial, 5 lateral and 1 from both muscle belly. There were 41 males and 6 females with the mean age of 21.4 years old (range 13-82). The flaps were done to cover upper third (29), upper half (6), midshaft tibia (6), knee (2) and distal femur (1). The initial problems were open fracture (30), infection following plating (9), necrotising fasciitis (4), degloving injury (2), pin site infection (1) and melioidosis (1). Eight patients have underlying Diabetes mellitus, 2 Hepatitis B, 3 HIV or 1 COAD. Two patients have sciatic nerve palsy. Results: There was no flap necrosis. Complications include persistence infection in 6 patients which require repeated debridement (5), below knee amputation (1), advancement of flap (1) and additional fasciocutaneous flap (1). Two patients with gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flap had partial failure of skin graft that heals with dressing. One patient develops transient peroneal nerve palsy following the lateral gastrocnemius transfer. Conclusion: Gastrocnemius flap is a reliable and safe procedure in orthopaedic surgery. Problems that occur are associated with inadequate debridement and underestimate the size of flap required.
A Study of Factors Influencing Eye Screening: Descriptive Findings
Authors: Mat Isa Rif'atunnailah , Saidi Sanisah , Salam Adzura , Soe Jamaluddin Sumaiyah @ Thandar
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are at increased risk for developing diabetic ocular complications. This study was carried out to determine factors influencing eye screening among Diabetes Mellitus patients. The descriptive findings of participants’ sociodemographic data will be discussed. Materials and method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the few selective Primary Health Centers and endocrine clinics, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) in Kuantan, Pahang. A total number of 170 diabetic patients were recruited for the purpose of this study. Questionnaire for this survey was adapted and modified from Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP 2008) with the overall Cronbach Alpha score was 0.5. Descriptive statistics was referred to evaluate the data. Results: Participants’ mean age was 55.5 years old (SD ± 11.22), with age range between 20 years and 79 years old. From 170 participants, 51 male (30%) and 119 female (70%) were involved in this study. Majority of 139 participants (81.8%) were Malay. For educational level, 74 participants (43.5%) have the secondary education, only 12 participants (7.1%) have tertiary education and the rest of 43 participants (25.3%) have no formal education. The majority of participants (71.2%) have the monthly income less than RM 1000 and only 7 (4.1%) have monthly income of RM 4000 and above. Almost all patients (168 participants or 98.8%) have type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The majority of 65 patients (38.2%) were first diagnosed to have diabetes between 1 to 5 years duration, and only 10 patients (5.9%) diagnosed to have diabetes of 15 years and above. Most of the participants (109 or 64.1%) have a family history of DM. As for current treatment, the majority of them are taking oral medication 136 (80.0%). Conclusion: The main background characteristics of DM patients in current study were female, Malay, low household income and family trait with DM.
Characterization of Occult Hepatitis C Virus (Hcv) Infection among Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Abdul Rahman Siti Nurul Fazlin , Hamzah Hairul Aini binti , Mustafa Mohammed Imad , Hasmoni Mohamed Hadzri
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The existence of new entity called occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become a raising and escalating concern among healthcare professionals worldwide. It is defined by the presence of viral RNA in liver and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) within non HCV-infected patients. Previous study had shown the occult HCV is infectious and capable of transmitting the virus to another host. Till today, HCV infection remains common among hemodialysis patients despite having the best preventive plans. Because of this, there is a significant concern about the source of viral transmission. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize occult HCV infection in PBMC sample of hemodialysis patients. This was an observational and cross sectional study. Materials and method: PBMCs were isolated from the whole blood using Ficoll-gradient centrifugation technique. The PBMCs were then subjected for cell counting and stored in -70O C until further used. HCV RNA were extracted from these cells and viral RNA were subjected for molecular assays, immune cells analysis and cells culture. Results: PBMCs were isolated from eleven (11) study patients and five (5) anti-HCV positive (control) patients. By using automated flow cytometry, PBMCs of each sample were counted and the average number of cells obtained range from 2x104 to 5x106 cells/ ml. Viral RNAs were extracted and quantitatively measured by using NanoDrop Spectrophotometers. The viral RNAs concentration obtained were between 24.7 and 258.9 ng/ml. The RNAs would be subjected for purification (ethanol precipitation) and further assays. Conclusion: The final findings might contribute to the clinical management of dialysis patients.
Comparison of Higher-Order Aberration Values between Different Aberrometry Technologies in Preoperative Laser Refractive Surgery Patients
Authors: Syah Md Muziman , Mohd Kamal Khairidzan , Mohd Yusof Najwa Munirah , Sofian Sauri Aminul Hakim , Mad Noor Atikah , Hana Nurul
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-device agreement of ocular and corneal higher-order aberration measurements using various aberrometers. Materials and method: Ocular and corneal higher-order aberrations were measured from 57 eyes. For ocular aberration, the measurements were obtained from WASCA Analyzer (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany), i-Profiler Plus (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) and OPD-Scan III (NIDEK Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Whereas for corneal aberration, an additional measurement was obtained from Atlas Corneal Topographer 9000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). All the measurements were displayed by the Zernike algorithm. Root mean squares of total, 3rd and 4th order of higher-order aberrations were compared between any three devices using repeated measured analysis of variance. The Bland-Altman analysis and Pearson's correlation were employed to assess agreement and strength of relationship between measurements. Results: For ocular aberrations, there were no significant difference (P > 0.05) in all comparisons except for total higher-order aberration, oblique and horizontal trefoil. Whereas for corneal aberrations, vertical coma, spherical aberration and with-therule/against-the-rule secondary astigmatism between devices were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05). The most agreeable device pairs for ocular and corneal aberrations were demonstrated by i-Profiler Plus - OPD Scan III (95% limit of agreement: -0.340 to 0.730) and Atlas Corneal Topographer 9000 - i-Profiler Plus (limit of agreement: 0.196 to 0.520) respectively. The r-values are stronger than 0.70. Conclusion: There were differences in the value of higher-order aberrations between different aberrometry technologies. Clinical impact due to the differences in wavefront measurement between skiascopy, Placido-based and laser technologies need to be investigated further.
Early Effects of High Cholesterol Diet on the Kidney of an Animal Model
Authors: Hamad Mohamed Zenab B. , Hamad Alfarisi Hamad Abdulsalam , Abdullah Nor Zamzila , Harun Norra , Muhammad Naznin , Abdul Rahim Roslina
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Previous studies have proven the existence of a complex association between progressive kidney damage and hypercholesterolemia. Most studies focused on the impact of chronic high blood cholesterol levels on the kidney. Information on the early effect of hypercholesterolemia on the kidney is still lacking. The aim of this study was therefore to determine early effect of high cholesterol diet on the kidney in an animal model. Materials and method: Ten female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups. The control group was fed with commercial rat pellet while the high cholesterol diet (HCD) group was fed with 12% cholesterol diet and 0.3% cholic acid. Biochemical analysis (lipid profile and renal function) was performed at 48 hours, 7 days and 6 weeks of the experiment. The animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks and the kidneys were harvested for histological examination. Results: The HCD group rats had significantly higher levels of serum total cholesterol (at 7 days and 6 weeks). The HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels were however lower at 6 weeks. The mean serum creatinine level of the HCD group were increased after 48 hours and 7 days compared to the control group. Histological examination of the kidney tissue of the HCD group at 6 weeks revealed segmental mesangial hypercellularity and mesangial matrix expansion of the glomeruli. Conclusion: The 12% cholesterol diet induced dyslipidaemia in the animal model. It resulted in acute kidney injury based on the serum creatinine at 48 hours and 7 days. Kidney tissues examined at 6 weeks revealed changes confined to mesangial cells of the renal glomeruli.
Epigenetic Changes of Drd2 Gene in Pathogenesis of Schizophrenia
Authors: Abd Rahim Nour El Huda , Rahim Mohd Nabil Fikri , Ku Zaifah Norsidah , Mohd Noor Hanisah , Abdullah Kartini , A. Talib Norlelawati
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The dopamine hypothesis has earlier dominated the theories for the development of schizophrenia based on the early pharmacologic evidence. The antipsychotic drugs, among others, is thought to interfere with the function of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) resulting in clinical improvement. Accumulating evidence suggest the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Despite this, specific evidence linking the DRD2 DNA methylation with schizophrenia is insufficient mainly due to the poor accessibility and limited brain samples. Of late, new data has suggested the global impact of DNA methylation in the development of schizophrenia, thus methylation in the peripheral blood could infer changes in the brain. The aim of this study was to assess the DRD2 DNA methylation in the peripheral blood of schizophrenia. Materials and method: The case control study consisted of 138 schizophrenia patients and 132 healthy controls. The genomic DNA from the peripheral blood was bisulfite converted. The DRD2 DNA methylation level was quantitatively measured by using the MethyLight Taqman® assay and normalized with the ALU reference control to give the percentage methylation ratio. The demographic data was calculated using descriptive statistics while parametric variables were compared using independent samples t-test or analysis of covariance. Results: There was a significant hypomethylation of DRD2 in schizophrenia compared to the control group (p=0.001). The hypomethylation was also significant in males (p=0.007) and females (p=0.036) patients. Conclusion: This study supports the possible role of DNA methylation of DRD2 gene could contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Functional Outcome 6 Months after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Following Admission to Intensive Care Unit: A Follow-Up Study in Two Neuro-Center Hospitals
Authors: Abdul Rashid Norain , Mat Nor Mohd Basri , Awang Mohamed Saufi , Ludin Salizar Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major medical and socioeconomic problem. Patients with severe TBI shows physical and functional improvement but remain with cognitive and psycho-social problem throughout recovery. Despite all the issues, the impact of TBI on long-term survivors in Malaysia is unknown. The aim of this study is to measure the functional level of ICU survivors with severe TBI within 6 months post injury. Materials and method: A cohort study was employed for this study. 33 participants from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) Kuantan, Pahang and Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ) Kuala Terengganu with severe TBI were included in this study. The functional assessment of Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) was measured in all samples within in a 6 month period. Results: The participants mean age was 31.79 with ranged from 16 to 73 years old. The result of this study showed that within 3 months after discharged from the hospital, all the participants still had poor recovery n=33 (100.0%). Meanwhile, at 6 months after discharge from the hospital, n= 16 (48.5%) participants were scored good recovery. In this case, the SOFA and SAPS II score contributed significantly to the prediction (SOFA score p=0.045, SAPS II score p= 0.028) of functional outcome. Conclusion: The functional outcome of severe TBI improved in six months post injury. The SOFA score and SAPS II score become significant predictors for functional outcome in this study. However, there were some limitations to this study, which are small sample size and short follow-up duration. This study emphasized the importance of SOFA and SAPS II score in predicting functional outcome; thus early care plan should be done if severe TBI have higher SOFA or SAPS II score.
Knowledge of Osteoporosis among Men Attending Primary Care Clinic and the Associated Factors
Authors: Samsudin Suhaiza , Mohd Hashim Syahnaz , Nawi Azmawati
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Osteoporosis has frequently been regards as a disease of women only. However, men are also at risk of developing osteoporosis. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge of osteoporosis among men and its associated factors. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study of 245 male patients aged 50 and above was conducted in the primary care clinic, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. The research instrument used in this study was a validated self-administered questionnaire which consists of socio-demographic data and 16 items of knowledge of osteoporosis among men. Results: The mean score for knowledge was 7.78± 3.32 out of 16 points. Most of the subjects (83 percent) knew the definition of osteoporosis but were not aware that osteoporosis was a silent disease. Only a quarter of subjects (38 percent) recognized family history as a risk factors for osteoporosis. Despite 78 percent of subjects answer correctly regarding importance of calcium intake in their diet however only 7 percent of them knew the recommended dosage of daily calcium intake. Knowledge of osteoporosis was found to be significantly associated with education and total monthly household income. Conclusion: Findings indicate limited knowledge of osteoporosis among the subjects. Public education of osteoporosis among men is important to increase their knowledge. Meanwhile, primary care doctors should also emphasize and educate men regarding osteoporosis to enhance their knowledge of the disease.