Author: Pei Kuan Lai

Author: Sivalingam Nalliah

ABSTRACT

This is a cross sectional study conducted in July 2010 at the International Medical University, Seremban, Malaysia. The objective of this study was to ascertain the relationship between working memory capacity of final MBBS medical students using the digit span backward test and their academic achievement based on the total score at the modified essay questions (MEQ) which was the principal component of the theory examination. Seventy eight final year medical students were recruited, 41 (52.6%) were females and remaining 37 (47.4%) were males. Working memory capacity was measured by digit span backward test (DSBT) which ranged from 3 to 8 digits. The mean digit score was 6.6 ± 1.1 falling under the category of ‘above average’ score. There was no significant difference between working memory capacity and gender (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in the MEQ mean score and the different categories of working memory capacity (p>0.05). The DBST shows uniformity in working memory adequate to pass the modified essay questions. Medical students appear to use encoding and retrieval process in problem solving based on functionality and pattern recognition in tackling the problems in the MEQ.

Keywords: Working memory, digit span backward test, academic performance, modified essay question.

Citation: IeJSME 2012: 6 (Suppl 1): S87-S102

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.6.Suppl1.S87

Author: Kandasami Palayan

ABSTRACT

The only potential curative therapy for gastric cancer is the resection of both the tumor and the regional lymph nodes at the early stage of the disease. The majority of patients with gastric cancer in Malaysia have an advanced disease at initial diagnosis, and curative surgery is possible in less than 20% of operated cases. Acurate preoperative staging is crucial in determining the most suitable therapy and avoiding unnecessary attempts at curative surgery. While computed tomography remains as the most widely used imaging modality for gastric cancer staging, its ability to detect local invasion, peritoneal and liver metastases is limited. In the recent years laparoscopy has become an important component in the staging algorithm of gastric cancer. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of routine preoperative laparoscopic staging in the management of gastric cancer, and in particular describe the Malaysian experience.

Keywords: Gastric cancer, staging, laparoscopy.

Citation: IeJSME 2012: 6 (Suppl 1): S103-105

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.6.Suppl1.S103

Author: Allan Kah-Heng Pau

ABSTRACT

Oral health diseases are common in all regions of the world and their impact on anatomical and social functioning is widely acknowledged. Their distributions are unequal between and within countries, with the greatest burden falling on disadvantaged and socially marginalized populations. The risk factors and social determinants for oral diseases have been comprehensively documented, and the evidence base for their prevention is growing. However, decisions on health care are still often made without a solid grounding in research evidence. Translation of research into policy and practice should be a priority for all. Both community and individual interventions need tailoring to achieve a more equal and person-centered preventive focus and reduce any social gradient in health. The major challenges of the future will be to translate knowledge and experiences in oral disease prevention and health promotion into action programmes. The international oral health research community needs to engage further in research capacity building and in strengthening the work so that research is recognized as the foundation of oral health policy at global level.

Keywords: dental public health, oral epidemiology, oral health promotion.

Citation: IeJSME 2012: 6 (Suppl 1): S106-S112

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.6.Suppl1.S106

Author: Ammu Kutty Radhakrishnan

ABSTRACT

The immune system is the host natural defence against cancer. Cancers are caused by progressive growth of the progeny of a single transformed host cell. The immune system is generally not able to mount immune responses to “self-antigens”, due to various mechanisms of immunological tolerance that are in place. This means that despite possessing a natural defence against tumours, many of the cancer patients may not be able to mount an effective immune response to fight the tumours. Dendritic cells (DC) are highly specialised in antigen presenting that can initiate and stimulate immune responses. These cells have the ability to stimulate naïve T cell proliferation and perform specific stimulatory and tolerogenic functions respectively. When the DC are activated by antigens, these cells undergoes further maturation and migrate to secondary lymphoid tissues, present antigen to T cells and finally
induce an immune response. The ability of the DC to activate naïve and primed T-lymphocytes makes these cells a good candidate to be explored as a potential immunotherapeutic agent that can modulate antitumour immune responses in the affected host.

Keywords: dendritic cells, immunotherapy, anti-tumour.

Citation: IeJSME 2012: 6 (Suppl 1): S113-S117

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.6.Suppl1.S113

Author: Michael John Rathbone

ABSTRACT

This article presents an overview of long acting products used in animal health, production and reproduction. The topic represents a niche field of controlled release that few formulation scientists become specialists and experts in, but it is a field which has made significant contribution to the area of controlled release technology, and one which is of major importance to human kind due to their dependence on farmed animals as a source of hide, protein, milk and eggs.

Keywords: Intravaginal drug delivery, veterinary drug delivery, animal health, controlled release, oestrous control.

Citation: IeJSME 2012: 6 (Suppl 1): S118-S128

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.6.Suppl1.S118

Author: Davendralingam Sinniah

ABSTRACT

Shock, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children, is the the most anxiety-provoking emergency that needs to be addressed urgently and effectively by the attending paediatrician. It is a state where the metabolic demands of the tissue are not met due to circulatory dysfunction. Unlike adults, hypotension is a very late feature of shock in children. As the child’s condition worsens, the clinical presentation of the different causes of shock become similar, and nullify any aetiological differences. Regardless of the type of shock, the final common pathway is inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen supply to meet cellular demands. Delayed recognition and treatment result in progression from compensated reversible shock to uncompensated irreversible shock with widespread multiple system organ failure to death. This paper reviews the physiological basis, and pathophysiological classification of the various types of shock and their respective aetiologies. The clinical features of the different types of shock are described, and current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are applied for the most effective and appropriate treatment for resuscitating the child in shock. A strong index of suspicion, early recognition, timely intervention and transfer to an intensive care unit are critical for successful outcomes in the management of paediatric shock.

Keywords: shock, child, aetiology, treatment, management.

Citation: IeJSME 2012: 6 (Suppl 1): S129-S136

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.6.Suppl1.S129