This study explored the impact of online lectures that were developed using principles of cognitive load theory (CLT) and cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) on health profession students' lecture comprehension, cognitive load, cognitive engagement, and intrinsic motivation in learning. A total of 215 first-year undergraduate students in medical, dentistry, and nutrition programs participated in this pre-post quasi experimental study. The students attended a typical face-to-face lecture on Day-1 of the intervention, followed by a CLT-based online lecture 8 weeks thereafter. Their comprehension of the lecture topics was measured through pre- and post-lecture assessments, and their cognitive load, cognitive engagement, and motivation were measured immediately after each lecture session. The analysis revealed that the CLT-based online lectures promoted the students' comprehension of the lecture content (p < 0.001), self-perceived learning (p < 0.001), engagement toward the learning material, and motivation to learn (p = 0.025). It was also effective at reducing the students' intrinsic and extraneous cognitive loads (p < 0.001). Hence, designing online lectures using CLT and CTML principles could be an effective method to promote students' knowledge and comprehension, cognitive engagement, and learning motivation. However, further research is needed to investigate the applicability and impact of CLT-based online lectures in non-health profession disciplines.

Hypertension is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and has been associated with about 13% of global deaths worldwide. Oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contribute to the development of endothelial dysfunction and subsequently hypertension. N ɷ-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) inhibits NO synthesis; leading to hypertension. Piper sarmentosum (PS) is an herb with antioxidant, antiatherosclerosis and antiinflammation properties. PS also stimulated NO production by endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (AEPS) on blood pressure, oxidative stress and the level of nitric oxide in L-NAMEinduced hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced by oral administration of L-NAME (100 mg/L) in drinking water for four weeks. The rats were concurrently treated with AEPS by oral gavage in serial doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day). Blood pressure was measured using non-invasive tail-cuff method at baseline and fortnightly thereafter. Serum level of NO and an oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment. The results showed that treatment with three different doses of AEPS successfully reduced systolic blood pressure (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.05) and mean arterial pressure (p<0.05) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Treatment with AEPS also reduced MDA level (p<0.001) and increased serum NO (p<0.001) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. The findings showed that AEPS decreased blood pressure by protecting against oxidative stress and increasing NO in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.

Purpose – Mucosal lesions of the oral cavity are common findings at dental clinic worldwide. Regardless of the severity and diagnosis, oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) affect an individual’s general health, as the oral cavity serves as the main route for nutrients intake that is crucial for human survival. Data on the prevalence and distribution of OMLs is imperative to aid in the diagnosis and management of OMLs. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of OMLs amongst patients attending dental clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM). Design and methodology - A cross-sectional study using secondary data was conducted. Dental records of patients receiving oral examination and treatment in dental clinic from January to December 2014 were obtained. Data were analysed using Chi-square test. Throughout 2014, 43 records of patients presented with OMLs were obtained. Findings - The most common lesion was ulcerative lesions (37.3%), followed by oral lichen planus (27.4%). Patients with exophytic lesions contributed 15.7%, while candida-related lesion and keratotic lesion contributed 11.8% and 7.8% respectively. Except for keratotic lesion, which was significantly associated with smoking, none other OMLs were associated with any of the risk habits (smoking, betel quid chewing or alcohol consumption). Originality/Value - Data from this study serve as a basis for OMLs epidemiology studies on larger scale that will further aid in the detection, diagnosis and better management of the oral lesions. Findings from this study further emphasize the importance of quit-smoking program to reduce the risk of developing oral keratotic lesion, among other diseases that have been associated with smoking habit.