Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Impact of Article Page Count and Number of Authors on Citations in Disability Related Fields: A Systematic Review Article
    Ahmed A, Adam M, Ghafar NA, Muhammad M, Ebrahim NA
    Iran J Public Health, 2016 Sep;45(9):1118-1125.
    PMID: 27957456
    BACKGROUND: Citation metrics and total publications in a field has become the gold standard for rating researchers and viability of a field. Hence, stimulating demand for citation has led to a search for useful strategies to improve performance metric index. Meanwhile, title, abstract and morphologic qualities of the articles attract researchers to scientific publications. Yet, there is relatively little understanding of the citation trend in disability related fields. We aimed to provide an insight into the factors associated with citation increase in this field. Additionally, we tried to know at what page number an article might appear attractive to disability researchers needs. Thus, our focus is placed on the article page count and the number of authors contributing to the fields per article.

    METHODS: To this end, we evaluated the quantitative characteristics of top cited articles in the fields with a total citation (≥50) in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Using one-way independent ANOVA, data extracted spanning a period of 1980-2015 were analyzed, while the non-parametric data analysis uses Kruskal-Walis test.

    RESULTS: Articles with 11 to 20 pages attract more citations followed by those within the range of zero to 10. Articles with upward 21 pages are the least cited. Surprisingly, articles with more than two authors are significantly (P<0.05) less cited and the citation decreases as the number of authors increased.

    CONCLUSION: Collaborative studies enjoy wider utilization and more citation, yet discounted merit of additional pages and limited collaborative research in disability field is revealed in this study.

    MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Humans; Publications; Research Personnel; Benchmarking
  2. Influence of Adolescents' Physical Activity on Bone Mineral Acquisition: A Systematic Review Article
    Zulfarina MS, Sharkawi AM, Aqilah-S N ZS, Mokhtar SA, Nazrun SA, Naina-Mohamed I
    Iran J Public Health, 2016 Dec;45(12):1545-1557.
    PMID: 28053920
    BACKGROUND: This study conducted to examine and to provide a systematic literature over the influence of adolescents' physical activity (PA) in maximizing`s peak bone mass (PBM). PBM or the 'bone bank' is an important determinant in achieving healthy bone. PA is one of the bone's lifestyle contributors and high PBM is one of the major strategies for preventing osteoporosis.

    METHODS: A computerized literature search using Medline (Ovid) and Scopus were conducted to identify relevant observational studies on the influence of different level of PA on bone acquisition among the healthy adolescent population. All articles included, were limited to original articles and English language.

    RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Reported bone outcomes were of bone mass, bone structure and bone strength. Eight studies showed positive association between adolescents' PA and high bone variables. The influence of PA may differ according to sex, skeletal sites and bone outcomes.

    CONCLUSION: This study supported the importance of increase adolescents' regular PA in optimizing PBM thus preventing osteoporosis at later life.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Bone and Bones; Humans; Language; Life Style; Osteoporosis; Bone Density; Bone Banks
  3. Fulltext Oral microbes of pet sugar gliders and detection of Salmonella in their faeces
    Nur Diana, H., Saleha, A.A., Azlan, C.M., Bejo, S.K., Zunita, Z., Fauziah, N.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(2):24-25.
    MyJurnal
    Clinically healthy pets may carry zoonotic pathogens and shed them, thus act as potential public health threat. Small, exotic animals are gaining popularity as pets which include iguanas, turtles and sugar gliders. Salmonellosis is an important disease affecting human and animal populations worldwide. It is reported that sugar gliders are becoming popular pets among young Malaysians, not only are they cute and adorable but are easily carried around. Of 35 pet sugar gliders and 17 from a breeder, 15% were positive for salmonellae and the serovars identified were Salmonella enterica serovar Albany (62.5%) and Salmonella enterica serovar London (37.5%). Staphylococcus spp. (41.0%) were most frequently identified from oral mucosae, followed by Enterococcus faecalis (17%), Streptococcus viridians (15.0%), Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (13.0%) and Enterococcus faecium, Pasteurella spp., Staphylococcus delphini and Escherichia coli (2.0–4.0%). The close interaction between infected pet sugar gliders and their owners poses public health risk. Breeders with infected animals present direct risk to pet shops and pet owners.
  4. Fulltext Diagnostic approach to a functional adrenal tumour in a Shih-Tzu Poodle mix
    Tan, L.P., Thong, H.F., Lim, S.Y.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(2):21-23.
    MyJurnal
    Hyperadrenocorticism is the excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal cortex. 15-20% of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs may be due to functional adrenal tumour. Here we present a case of functional adrenal tumour in a 10 years old Shih-Tzu Poodle mixed-breed dog that was presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Physical examination findings include multiple cutaneous myiasis, a pendulous abdomen with comedones on the ventral thoracic region and thinning of the skin. Clinical signs shown were polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia. Serum biochemistry result showed elevated alkaline phosphatase enzyme of 5 folds. Urinary specific gravity was minimally concentrated (1.015). Radiography showed generalised hepatomegaly. Meanwhile, ultrasonography showed unilateral enlargement of the right adrenal gland with mineralisation. Invasion of the right adrenal gland into the caudal vena cava was observed. A differentiation test (high-dose dexamethasone suppression test) was performed and a lack of suppression of the cortisol level was observed. Based on the appropriate clinical signs and physical examination findings, elevated alkaline phosphatase enzyme, minimally concentrated urinary specific gravity, generalised hepatomegaly, unilateral adrenal gland enlargement, and high-dose dexamethasone suppression test, a diagnosis of functional adrenal tumour was made.
    MeSH terms: Abdomen; Adrenal Cortex; Adrenocortical Hyperfunction; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Dexamethasone; Dogs; Hepatomegaly; Hospitals, Animal; Hydrocortisone; Hyperphagia; Malaysia; Myiasis; Physical Examination; Polyuria; Pregnancy; Radiography; Specific Gravity; Ultrasonography; Universities; Polydipsia
  5. Fulltext Isolation and molecular detection of Newcastle Disease virus from an imported meat sample
    Leow, B.L., Syamsiah, A.S., Ong, G.H., Faizul, F.M.Y., Muhammad, R.S., Basirah, M.A., et al.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(2):17-20.
    MyJurnal
    Infected poultry meat plays an important role in the spread of Newcastle Disease (ND). In this study, an imported meat product was found to be positive for ND by both virus isolation and molecular characterization. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the F protein cleavage site showed that the isolate was virulent as indicated by the sequence 112RRQKR116 for the Cterminus of the F2 protein and phenylanine (F) at the N-terminus of the F1 protein, residue 117. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis showed the isolate was 98% identical with China Hebei ND strain. Though the regulations for the importation of poultry meat for human consumption into Malaysia are strict, the possibility of the persistence of ND virus in imported meat is prevalent. Strict enforcement of importing regulations and screening the disease in imported poultry meat is important to ensure food safety and prevent introducing ND strain fInfected poultry meat plays an important role in the spread of Newcastle Disease (ND). In this study, an imported meat product was found to be positive for ND by both virus isolation and molecular characterization. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the F protein cleavage site showed that the isolate was virulent as indicated by the sequence 112RRQKR116 for the Cterminus of the F2 protein and phenylanine (F) at the N-terminus of the F1 protein, residue 117. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis showed the isolate was 98% identical with China Hebei ND strain. Though the regulations for the importation of poultry meat for human consumption into Malaysia are strict, the possibility of the persistence of ND virus in imported meat is prevalent. Strict enforcement of importing regulations and screening the disease in imported poultry meat is important to ensure food safety and prevent introducing ND strain from other countries into Malaysiarom other countries into Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; China; Malaysia; Meat; Meat Products; Newcastle Disease; Newcastle disease virus; Poultry; Prevalence; Food Safety
  6. Fulltext Occurrence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli in veterinary healthcare facilities in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Ng, S.Y., Saleha, A.A, Bejo, S.K., Dhaliwal, G.K.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(2):12-16.
    MyJurnal
    Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) such as multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli are important pathogens associated with nosocomial infections in both human and animal health care facilities. Surfaces of inanimate objects in health care facilities can serve as sources of infection. However, studies on prevalence of these pathogens in veterinary settings are lacking in the country. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of A. baumannii and E. coli and the occurrence of MDR isolates on surfaces of inanimate objects in veterinary health care facilities in Klang Valley, Malaysia. In this study, swab samples were taken from 65 surfaces of inanimate objects that included door knobs, examination tables, labcoats, stethoscopes and weighing scales. The swab samples were cultured and all isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test. The study revealed that the occurrence of A. baumannii was 9.23% and 5 out of 6 (83.33%) A. baumannii isolates were classified as MDR. However, no E. coli was isolated. In conclusion, surfaces of inanimate objects can be a source of MDR A. baumannii in veterinary health care facilities that is of animal and public health concern.
    MeSH terms: Acinetobacter Infections; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cross Infection; Escherichia coli; Health Facilities; Humans; Malaysia; Public Health; Prevalence; Enterococcus; Stethoscopes; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Acinetobacter baumannii; Examination Tables
  7. Fulltext Acute toxicological assessment of seashore mangosteen (Garcinia hombroniana) aqueous extract
    Dyary, H.O., Arifah, A.K., Sharma, R.S.K., Rasedee, A., Mohd Aspollah, M.S., Zakaria, Z.A., et al.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(2):4-11.
    MyJurnal
    Garcinia hombroniana has been used in Malay traditional medicine to treat various disorders such as abdominal pain and gonorrhea, and little is known about its toxicological properties. This study investigated the acute toxicological effects of the plant’s leaves aqueous extract using theoral acute toxic class (ATC) method. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into T1, T2, T3 and control groups. The T1, T2 and T3 rats administered a single oral dose of 300, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg of G. hombroniana leaves aqueous extract, respectively.The animals were checked daily for abnormal clinical signs and mortality rate for 14 days. The body weight, daily food and water consumption were recorded. The haematological and biochemical parameters of blood as well as relative organ weight and tissues histology such as heart, kidney, liver and spleen were evaluated. Results have shown significantly decreased (p< 0.05) food and water consumption in T2 and T3 rats, which returned to normal after 72 hr post administration. No significant differences (p≥ 0.05) in the haematological and serum biochemical parameters in the treated rat groups, compared to the untreated control animals. An increase in the relative weight of spleen was noticed in T3 animals. Congestion of the splenic, hepatic, cardiac and renal tissues was seen in T2 and T3 rats. The oral LD50 was higher than 5000 mg/kg of body weight. Thus, it can be concluded that G. hombroniana aqueous extract shows little toxicity in the laboratory rats and the therapeutic potentials should be further investigated.
  8. Fulltext Serological prevalance of leptospiral infection in captive Malayan porcupiness (Hystrix brachyura)
    Siti-Nurdyana, A.K., Bahaman, A.R., Sharma, R.S.K., Azlan, C.M., Abdul Razak, M.F.A.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(2):1-3.
    MyJurnal
    Leptospirosis is recognised as one of the leading zoonotic diseases and rodents have been implicated as one of the natural reservoirs of the disease. The Malayan porcupines (Hystrix brachyura) which are also a rodent could possibly be a carrier of leptospiral organisms. This study was conducted to determine the serological prevalence of leptospiral infection among captive Malayan porcupines and to disclose the possibility of porcupines as a reservoir for leptospiral infection. Fifty serum samples were obtained from the Malayan porcupines kept in captivity at the Wildlife Conservation Centre, Sungai Dusun, Malaysia. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed on the serum samples to detect the presence of agglutinating antibodies to a panel of 16 Leptospira serovars (Australis, Autumnalis, Ballum, Bataviae, Canicola, Celledoni, Djasiman, Hardjobovis, Hardjopratjino, Hebdomadis, Hurstbridge, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Pomona, Pyrogenes and Sejroe). From the serological test, 18% (n=9/50) of the Malayan porcupines tested had leptospiral antibodies to serovars Javanica (8%), Hurstbridge (4%), Ballum (2%), Celledoni (2%) and Hardjoprajitno (2%). It is seen that this study disclosed a high prevalence of leptospiral infection in the Malayan porcupines tested and indicated that the Malayan porcupines could possibly be a source of leptospirosis to other animals including humans and that they might play an important role in the epidemiology of leptospiral infection in the country.
    MeSH terms: Agglutination Tests; Animals; Animals, Wild; Brachyura; Humans; Leptospira; Leptospirosis; Malaysia; Rodentia; Serologic Tests; Zoonoses; Prevalence; Porcupines; Serogroup
  9. Fulltext Congenital biliary anomaly with secondary cholangiohepatitis in a Siamese cross kitten
    Yiew, X.T., Leong, Z.P., Rahman, N., Watanabe, M., Noordin, M.M., Khor, K.H.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(1):7-11.
    MyJurnal
    A 5-month-old Siamese cross kitten was presented with jaundice and a palpable abdominal mass at the right cranial quadrant. The extra-hepatic biliary system was markedly distended upon abdominal ultrasonography. Complete bile duct obstruction was ruled out due to the presence of urobilinogen, light brown stool, and consistentlynormal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Head tremors developed on the second day of hospitalization. Tentative diagnoses of congenital biliary anomaly and hepatic encephalopathy werederived and exploratory laparotomy revealed a severely distended and tortuous bile duct indistinguishable from the gallbladder with negative duodenal filling. Modified cholechoduodenostomy was performed however the kitten did not recover from general anaesthesia. Secondary cholangiohepatitis and hepatic encephalopathy were confirmed upon histopathologic examination.Primary congenital biliary atresia or choledochal cyst with secondary cholangiohepatitis was suspected. Biliary anomalies are rare in cats with only two cases reported in the literature. These conditions are often challenging to diagnose and due to the limited treatment options, have a poor prognosis.
    MeSH terms: Alkaline Phosphatase; Anesthesia, General; Animals; Bile Ducts; Biliary Atresia; Biliary Tract; Cats; Cholestasis; Female; Gallbladder; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Hospitalization; Jaundice; Laparotomy; Prognosis; Tremor; Ultrasonography; Urobilinogen; Choledochal Cyst
  10. Fulltext Fatal melioidosis in a captive elephant trunk snake (Acrochordus javanicus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Sadiq, M.A., Zakaria, Z., Saharee, A.A., Abba, Y., Hassan, L.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(1):20-26.
    MyJurnal
    An adult female Elephant Trunk Snake (Acrochordus javanicus) was reported to have been weak and inappetent for five days. The following morning the snake found dead, while in the process of shedding its skin. On post mortem examination, there were multiple circumscribed caseous nodules of various sizes distributed all over the liver, along the respiratory tract and on the lungs. Bacteriological analysis of the lungs and liver swab samples yielded Burkholderia pseudomallei, which was confirmed by PCR amplification of specific 16S rRNA. The condition was diagnosed as melioidosis and the organism was genotypically characterized as sequence type 51, a genotype that has been previously characterized in humans in Malaysia. Antibiotic susceptibility by both Disc diffusion or Kirby Bauer and E-test minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed that the organism exhibited susceptibility to meropenem, imipenem, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole and co-amoxyclav; the antibiotics recommended in the treatment of melioidosis.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Autopsy; Ceftazidime; Death; Female; Genotype; Humans; Liver; Malaysia; Melioidosis; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Respiratory System; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Snakes; Thienamycins; Imipenem; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Burkholderia pseudomallei; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination
  11. Fulltext Cholangiocarcioma in a cat
    Lim, M.L., Watanabe, M.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(1):16-19.
    MyJurnal
    A 7-year-old, intact female Domestic Shorthair cat was referred to University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), UPM for diagnostic workup of a hepatomegaly observed on abdominal radiographs. Physical examination revealed no significant findings except for a distended abdomen. Hematology and serum biochemistry findings included a regenerative anaemia, left shift neutrophilia and a 10-fold elevation in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT). Abdominal ultrasound revealed heterechoic liver lobes with irregular margins and presence of nodular and cyst-like structures predominantly affecting the left lobes. A mild ascites was also noted. A fine needle aspiration of the liver was performed and cytology results confirmed a cholangiocarcinoma. Generally, the outcome for cholagiocarcinoma is poor and there is limited information regarding the prognosis for patients with cholangiocarcinoma following chemotherapy or surgery.
    MeSH terms: Abdomen; Anemia; Animals; Ascites; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Cats; Cysts; Digestive System Abnormalities; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Hematology; Hepatomegaly; Hospitals, Animal; Humans; Physical Examination; Prognosis; Universities; Cholangiocarcinoma; Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  12. Fulltext Undiagnosed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in two cats
    Lau , S.F.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(1):12-15.
    MyJurnal
    Two cases of diaphragmatic hernia in cats caused by road traffic accident were undiagnosed during the initial presentation. Both cats showed no evidence of respiratory distress and clinicians did not notice the diaphragmatic hernia on thoracic radiographs. Later on, both cats showed signs of dyspnea and diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed with repeated thoracic radiograph and ultrasound. Diaphragmatic hernia is rather common in veterinary practice, however, its diagnosis can be clinically challenging. This case report highlights the importance to re-evaluate and monitor the patient closely after the traffic accident. Repeated radiograph, different diagnostic modalities and techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography and positive contrast peritoneagraphy should be used in order to diagnose the diaphragmatic hernia conclusively.
    MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic; Animals; Cats; Dyspnea; Hernia, Hiatal; Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital
  13. Fulltext Clinical, biochemical and histological changes during developement of pregnancy ketosis in goats
    Amirul, F.M.A., Mokrish, A., Zuki, A.B., Zamri-Saad, M., Hassim, H.A., Lai, K.S.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(1):1-6.
    MyJurnal
    Thin does or very over-conditioned does and does carrying with multiple pregnancies are more likely to develop pregnancy ketosis (pregnancy toxaemia). Pregnancy ketosis is one of the metabolic disorders in ruminant animal such as does and ewes during the last weeks of pregnancy (5 – 6 weeks before gestation) and beside high ketone body levels characterised by free fatty acids levels (FFA). These FFA are derived from the adipose tissue. The ability of adipocytes to respond to changes in the energy balance, by secretion of FFA makes this parameter a main indicator for disorder that coincide with changes in energy balance. It is biochemically and endocrinologically characterized by ketosis, hypoinsulinemia and an elevation of B- hydroxybtyrate concentration in the plasma, free fatty acids (FFA), and cortisol. However, the effect of plasma free fatty acid on pathophysiology, metabolites and histological changes of this disorder remain poorly understood. Clinical signs, often with a slow onset, are characterised by neuorological signs like teeth grinding, stress and dull eyes. Ketosis also affected on pathological part which characterized by fatty liver. In this review, we are focusing various key aspects of the disease with special reference on the clinical, biochemical and histological changes during development of pregnancy ketosis in goat population.
  14. Fulltext Some international perspectives on legislation for the management of human-induced safety risks
    Niemand A, Jordaan AJ, Minnaar H
    Jamba, 2016;8(2):170.
    PMID: 29955305 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v8i2.170
    Legislation that governs the health and safety of communities near major-hazard installations in South Africa is largely based on existing legislation that had been developed in the United Kingdom and other European Union countries. The latter was developed as a consequence of several major human-induced technological disasters in Europe. The history of the evolution of health-and-safety legislation for the protection of vulnerable communities in European Union (EU) countries, France, Malaysia and the USA is explored through a literature survey. A concise comparison is drawn between EU countries, the USA and South Africa to obtain an exploratory view of whether current South-African legislation represents an optimum model for the protection of the health-and-safety of workers and communities near major-hazard installations. The authors come to the conclusion that South-African legislation needs revision as was done in the UK in 2011. Specific areas in the legislation that need revision are an overlap between occupational health and safety and environmental legislation, appropriate land-use planning for the protection of communities near major-hazard installations, the inclusion of vulnerability studies and the refinement of appropriate decision-making instruments such as risk assessment. This article is the first in a series that forms part of a broader study aimed at the development of an optimised model for the regulatory management of human-induced health and safety risks associated with hazardous installations in South Africa.
    MeSH terms: Disasters; Europe; European Union; France; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; South Africa; Occupational Health; Risk Assessment
  15. Fulltext Irreducible dorsal dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the big toe: a case report
    Ab-Rahman S, Sulaiman AR, Muzaffar T
    Trauma Case Rep, 2016 Apr;3:32-35.
    PMID: 29942842 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2016.05.004
    Irreducible dislocation of the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) big toe is a rare injury Hitori et al. (2006) . We report a case of the right big toe IPJ dislocation following a trauma. The problem was diagnosed and managed at other medical centers with standard treatment of closed manual reduction and splint. The right big toe was splinted accordingly and the patient was referred to our orthopedic outpatient clinic. At the clinic, a repeat plain radiograph was ordered due to high suspicion of the irreducible IPJ.
    Study site: orthopedic clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Hallux; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Radiography; Splints; Toe Joint
  16. Fulltext Risk factors of childhood obesity and overweight in young children and adolescents aged between 5 to 15 years in urban Bangladesh: a scoping review
    Faisal Muhammad, Alauddin Chhowdhury, A.B.M., Sifat Rokhsana Hasin, Mustapha Kabir Musa, Moniruddin, Chowdhury
    Malays J Nutr, 2016;22(3):455-459.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. Risk factors for obesity in this context have not been explored. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with childhood obesity/overweight among young children and adolescents 5-15 years of age in urban Bangladesh.

    Methods: A scoping review based on York methodology was performed. This methodology involves a comprehensive search of published academic articles, conference proceedings and grey literature through PubMed, Bangla JOL, Google and Google scholar, limited to English-written papers.

    Results: Findings revealed that having at least one overweight parent and engaging in sedentary activities for more than 4 h a day were independent risk factors for childhood overweight and/or obesity.Children who spent ≥ 30 min each day in outdoor games at home that involved physical exercise had decreased odds (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.1–0.8) of being overweight or obese compared to children who did not exercise at home.

    Conclusion: Spending much time seated or somewhat inactive were key risk factors for childhood obesity and overweight. More research, prevention and management of childhood obesity/overweight in young children and adolescents in urban Bangladesh should be a policy priority.
  17. Fulltext Metabolic and immunologic alterations of ginger rhizome among streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats
    Mansooreh, Sadat Mojani, Asmah Rahmat, Rajesh, Ramasamy, Vahid, Hosseinpour Sarmadi, Pratheep, Sandrasaigaran, Shalini, Vellasamy, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2016;22(3):421-432.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study was conducted to determine immunological and metabolic effects of different concentrations of ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA) induced diabetic rats.

    Methods: Forty-eight fasted male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced diabetes using a single intraperitoneal injection of NA(110 mg/kg b.w.) and STZ (65 mg/kg b.w, 15 min after NA). Diabetic rats orally received either different concentrations (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg body weight) of ginger rhizome suspension or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg body weight) for 6 weeks. Two control diabetic and normal groups were gavaged with only distilled water as a vehicle.

    Results: The results indicated that the lower concentrations of ginger modulated body weight, fasting blood glucose, level of triglyceride and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) (p
    MeSH terms: Animals; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Fasting; Glyburide; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Male; Niacinamide; Streptozocin; Triglycerides; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Ginger; Rhizome; Rats
  18. Fulltext Associations between personality traits and body weight status with energy intake of adolescents in Hulu Langat district, Malaysia
    Aainaa Syarfa, M.S., Zuriati, I., Mohd Nasir, M.T.
    Malays J Nutr, 2016;22(3):403-412.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Personality traits are divided into five basic dimensions: extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness. These influence our attitudes and behaviours. Studies show that differences in personality traits may influence the dietary intake.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the association between personality traits and body weight status with energy intake was conducted among adolescents in Hulu Langat district of Selangor. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured and respondents completed a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Personality traits were assessed using the Malay version of USM Personality (USMaP-i). A single 24-h dietary recall was used to assess dietary intake.

    Results: A total of 430 adolescents aged 13-16 years (46% male and 54% female) was recruited. Female respondents tended to be more neurotic and agreeable compared to male respondents. A majority of the respondents (67%) were in the normal weight category, 26.7% were overweight and obese, while 19.0% had a high risk of developing abdominal obesity with a mean waist circumference of 72.65 ± 10.93cm. Males significantly had a higher intake of energy (1425±583 kcal), compared to females (1232±462 kcal). Conscientiousness trait (r=-0.158, p
  19. Fulltext Determination of calf circumference cut-off values for Malaysian elderly and its predictive value in assessing risk of malnutrition
    Sakinah, H., Siti NurAsyura, A., Suzana, S.
    Malays J Nutr, 2016;22(3):375-387.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Malnutrition is a growing problem but quite often under-recognised in elderly people. Calf circumference (CC) is a simple measurement that can be used to identify elderly people who are at high risk of malnutrition; however, a population-specific cut-off point must be developed. Therefore, this study aimed to determine suitable cut-off points and evaluate the predictive value of the CC cut-off point for elderly Malaysians.

    Methods: A total of 820 persons comprising 433 men and 387 women were recruited as subjects. The mean age was 69.0 ± 6.8 and ranged between 60 to 97 years. Data were collected from Sabak Bernam, Selangor; Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan; Pasir Mas, Kelantan, and Kodiang, Kedah. A linear regression analysis with the z-score procedure by gender was used to derive the CC prediction equations.

    Results: The CC cut-off points for men and women at risk of malnutrition were 30.1 cm and 27.3 cm, respectively. The final predictive CC equations for men was CC (cm) = 3.69 (z score) + 33.81, R2 = 1 and CC (cm) = 0.7103 (BMI) + 18.54, R2 = 1; and for women, CC (cm) = 4.31 (z score) + 31.63, R2 = 1 and CC (cm) = 0.6698(BMI) + 16.847, R2 = 1. Based on these equations, using the z-score equal to negative 1 for men (BMI 16.30 kg/m2 ) and women (BMI 15.64 kg/m2 ), the mean of the predictive value of the CC cut-off point was 32.0 ± 4.2 cm in men and 30.5 ± 4.6 cm in women.

    Conclusion: It is suggested that these cut-off points be used to screen elderly individuals who are at risk of malnutrition. Further studies should be undertaken to further verify the application of the findings of this study.
  20. Fulltext Assessing physical activity levels of elderly Malays living in semi-rural areas using tri-axial accelerometer
    Nurdiana, A., Ahmad Munir, C.M., Rabindarjeet, Singh, Brown, W.J., Clark, B.
    Malays J Nutr, 2016;22(3):363-374.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Population-based physical activity (PA) data are lacking in multicultural South East Asia. Malaysian elderly Malays, for example, are occupied daily with religious and community activities. Those living in rural areas also have a distinctively different lifestyle in terms of walking habits and leisure-time activities, compared to people from urban areas.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 146 community-dwelling Malay adults aged 60 to 85 years (mean (SD) = 67.6 (6.4) years) living in semi-rural areas in Seberang Perai Utara, Penang, Malaysia. Each participant was interviewed using a questionnaire for their socio-economic background and self-reported PA levels. Then, the participants were invited to wear an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X or GT3X+) during their waking hours for seven consecutive days.

    Results: Daily activity patterns of the participants were dominated by sedentary time (7.9 (SD 2.1) hours/day; 52% of wear time) and light intensity activity (7.0 (1.9) hours/day; 46% of wear time). The participants spent 24 (SD 30) minutes daily in ‘health enhancing’ (i.e. moderatevigorous intensity) activities. Men spent significantly more time in higher intensity acti-vities than women. Average daily step count was more than 10,000 (mean = 12,542 [4,857]) steps/day.

    Conclusion: Based on the accelerometer counts, these elderly Malay participants were assessed to be sedentary for most of the time during the day, though their daily step count exceeded 10,000 on average. Community-living older adults, especially women,should be encouraged to increase their physical activity levels.
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