Browse publications by year: 2016

  1. Loong, S.K., Che Mat Seri, N.A.A., Mahfodz, N.H., Teoh, B.T., AbuBakar, S., Ahmad Nasrah, S.N.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):837-841.
    MyJurnal
    Motile enterococci such as Enterococcus gallinarum has the ability to acquire
    and transfer antibiotic resistance genes to other enterococci. Even though infections caused
    by E. gallinarum are rare, the discovery of this bacteria in food sources and in clinical
    environments is disturbing. Here, we report the isolation and identification of E. gallinarum
    from the wound of a hospital in-patient. The isolate was identified using 16S rDNA sequencing.
    Isolate 146 harboured the vanA and vanC1 gene clusters, was vancomycin-susceptible, and
    displayed resistance to ampicillin, penicillin, erythromycin and teicoplanin. This isolate also
    showed intermediate resistance to linezolid and sequencing of the 23S rRNA peptidyl
    transferase region did not unveil any known mutations associated to the conferment of
    linezolid resistance. The presence of vanA did not confer resistance to vancomycin. Structural
    analyses into the Tn1546 transposon carrying the vanA gene revealed distinct genetic variations
    in the vanS, vanY and vanS-vanH intergenic region that could be associated to the atypical
    antibiotic resistance phenotypes of isolate 146. Finding from this study are suggestive of the
    occurrence of interspecies horizontal gene transfer and that similarities in genotypic
    characteristic may not necessarily correlate with actual antibiotic resistance pattern of E.
    gallinarum.
    MeSH terms: Linezolid; Ampicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; DNA, Ribosomal; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Erythromycin; Multigene Family; Humans; Mutation; Penicillin G; Penicillins; Phenotype; Transferases; Vancomycin; Genetic Variation; Enterococcus; Teicoplanin; DNA, Intergenic; Gene Transfer, Horizontal
  2. Wan Nor Amilah, W.A.W., Mohammad Lukman, Y., Noor Izani, N.J., Siti Suraiya, M.N.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):814-823.
    MyJurnal
    Rapid and inexpensive assays for drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium
    tuberculosis (MTB) are urgently required especially in developing countries where tuberculosis
    cases are prevalent. In response to this necessity, a direct microplate-based colorimetric
    assay which excludes the use of pre-testing culture isolate was evaluated. MTB susceptibility
    to the first line anti-tuberculosis drugs was tested directly on sputum specimens using
    tetrazolium microplate assay (TEMA) method and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy as
    well as mean turn-around time of TEMA were compared to the standard absolute concentration
    method (ACM). TEMA was performed on 41 acid fast bacilli (AFB) positive sputum specimens
    by direct inoculation of the processed specimens into the microplate wells containing serialdiluted
    first line anti-tuberculosis drugs using tetrazolium dye as growth indicator. Indirect
    TEMA was performed on MTB isolates of the corresponding samples. The minimum inhibitory
    concentrations (MICs) of isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), ethambutol (EMB) and streptomycin
    (SM) were obtained for direct and indirect TEMA with reference to the absolute concentration
    method (ACM). After establishing the breakpoint MIC of each drug using receiver operating
    characteristics (ROC) curve, reliable results from direct TEMA were obtained for INH and
    SM, with excellent levels of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (more than 90%). The
    predictive values for susceptibility were 100% for INH, EMB and SM as well as 96% for RMP.
    A shorter mean turn-around time of 14 days was observed for direct TEMA (P < 0.05). Thus
    direct TEMA is potentially rapid, reliable and inexpensive DST screening method of MTB in
    countries with high prevalence rates of drug resistance tuberculosis.
    MeSH terms: Antitubercular Agents; Colorimetry; Developing Countries; Drug Resistance; Ethambutol; Isoniazid; Lactobacillus casei; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium; Rifampin; Sputum; Streptomycin; Tuberculosis; Prevalence; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant
  3. Teh, D., Azira, S.A., Hassan, M., Loo, A.V.P., Iqbal, T.B., Subrayan, V.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):799-806.
    MyJurnal
    This time-framed study describes the spectrum of ocular manifestations in patients
    with dengue fever and the association between maculopathy with the stages of dengue
    fever. This cross sectional prospective study involved 145 dengue inpatients recruited from
    University Malaya Medical Centre. Observed parameters were stages of dengue infection,
    abnormal fundus and types of maculopathy. Retinal abnormalities involved the peripheral
    region in 3 patients (1.03%) and the macula in 13 patients (4.48%). The types of maculopathy
    encountered were macular oedema 7 (53.8%), cystic appearance 4 (30.8%), macular
    haemorrhage 1 (7.7%) and yellow spots 1(7.7%). Reduced distance VA, visual scotoma and
    metamorphopsia and abnormal Amsler grid test correlated with maculopathy, p< 0.05.
    Maculopathy correlated well with dengue with severe leakage (p= 0.025). Our study found
    the prevalence of maculopathy in dengue infection to be 4.48% in UMMC. The significant
    predictors of maculopathy were dengue with severe leakage, visual scotoma, metamorphopsia,
    distance VA impairment and abnormal Amsler grid test.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Dengue; Humans; Inpatients; Macula Lutea; Macular Edema; Malaysia; Prospective Studies; Retinal Diseases; Scotoma; Universities; Vision Disorders; Prevalence; Visual Field Tests
  4. Zainudin, N.S., Nasarudin, S.N.S., Periyasamy, P., Moktar, N., Noordin, R., Osman, E.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):761-770.
    MyJurnal
    Disseminated microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients is life-threatening. The
    incidence may be actually higher than what has been reported. This is due to non-specific
    presentations of the disseminated cases and also the insensitivity of routine diagnostic
    technique which contribute to delay in the treatment of the disease. In the present study, we
    report the use of blood specimens to detect circulating microsporidia DNA, which has not
    been reported for diagnosis of disseminated microsporidiosis. Blood samples from HIV/AIDSpositive
    patients were collected over a period of one year. These samples were subjected to
    PCR assay using species-specific primer EBIEF1/EBIER1. Out of 100 patients, seven were
    confirmed positive for E. bieneusi by PCR. A fragment of 607 bp was successfully amplified.
    Identification of circulating microsporidia DNA in blood samples may aid in early diagnosis,
    thereby allows timely administration of anti-parasitic treatment.
    MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; DNA; Humans; Incidence; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; DNA Primers; Early Diagnosis
  5. Lim, L.L., Ibrahim, L., Paramasivam, S.S., Ratnasingam, J., Chan, S.P., Tan, A.T.B., et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):746-752.
    MyJurnal
    Dengue infection is endemic in South East Asia and parts of the Americas. Dengue
    hemorrhagic fever is characterized by vascular permeability, coagulation-disorders and
    thrombocytopenia, which can culminate in hypotension i.e. dengue shock syndrome.
    Hypopituitarism arising as a complication of dengue is extremely rare. Hemorrhagic pituitary
    apoplexy of pre-existing pituitary adenomas has been rarely reported in dengue. We describe
    an uncommon case of hypopituitarism in a dengue shock syndrome survivor without known
    pituitary adenoma. A 49 years old nulliparous lady (from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) presented
    with typical symptoms of hypocortisolism. Postural hypotension was evident with normal
    secondary sexual characteristics. Further history revealed that she survived an episode of
    dengue shock syndrome 6 years ago where premature menopause developed immediately
    after discharge, and subsequently insidious onset of multiple hormonal deficiencies indicative
    of panhypopituitarism. There were no neuro-ophthalmological symptoms suggestive of pituitary
    apoplexy during hospitalization for severe dengue. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary
    6 years later revealed an empty sella. Autoimmune screen and anti-thyroid peroxidase
    antibodies were negative. We describe a rare possible causative association of severe dengue
    with panhypopituitarism without known pituitary adenoma, postulating pituitary infarction
    secondary to hypotension (mimicking Sheehan’s syndrome), or a direct viral cytopathic effect.
    Subclinical pituitary apoplexy secondary to asymptomatic pituitary hemorrhage however
    cannot be excluded. Future research is required to determine the need for and timing of
    pituitary axis assessment among dengue shock syndrome survivors.
    MeSH terms: Capillary Permeability; Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; Empty Sella Syndrome; Female; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Malaysia; Menopause, Premature; Middle Aged; Patient Discharge; Pituitary Apoplexy; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary Neoplasms; Severe Dengue; Stroke
  6. Wong, W.K., Lim, B.H., Hamid Jan, J.M., Foo, P.C., Dony, J.F., Zeehaida, M., et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):739-745.
    MyJurnal
    Entamoeba species are commonly detected in stool samples of Orang Asli due to
    their substandard living conditions and poor hygiene. Among the Entamoeba spp., Entamoeba
    histolytica is the only known primary pathogenic species. This study determined the prevalence
    and distribution of anti-amoebic IgG antibody among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. The
    results would reflect the prevalence of amoebiasis in the population. This study analysed a
    total of 375 serum samples from archives of two Orang Asli projects conducted between 2011
    and 2014. They were from six different states in Malaysia, namely Johor, Kedah, Kelantan,
    Pahang, Perak, and Selangor. Anti-amoebic IgG antibody was detected using an enzymelinked
    immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with crude soluble antigen produced from axenically
    grown E. histolytica trophozoites. From the analysis, the overall seropositivity was
    approximately 71% (266/375), while the seropositivity rates for each of the three Orang Asli
    tribes i.e. Senoi, Negrito and Proto-Malay, were 66% (137/208), 92% (103/112), and 43% (17/
    41) respectively. Orang Asli from Kedah [95% (52/55)] showed the highest seropositivity,
    followed by Kelantan [79% (54/68)], Perak [73% (78/107)], Pahang [60% (57/95)], Selangor
    [56% (14/25)], and Johor [48% (10/21)]. Orang Asli from rural [76% (192/254)] and peripheral
    urban [65% (69/106)] areas showed significantly higher seropositivity (p=0.002) than those
    from urban areas [36% (4/11)]. The high prevalences of anti-amoebic IgG antibody in these
    Orang Asli populations comprised both active and past infections. This study provides current
    insights of amoebiasis in selected Orang Asli settlements in Peninsular Malaysia. The high
    seropositivity of anti-amoebic IgG antibody suggests that the settlements are endemic for
    amoebiasis and there is a high risk of acquiring E. histolytica infection among the dwellers.
    MeSH terms: Amebiasis; Animals; Dysentery, Amebic; Entamoeba; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Hygiene; Immunoglobulin G; Immunosorbents; Malaysia; Social Conditions; Prevalence; Population Groups; Trophozoites
  7. Rufa'i AA, Muda WAMW, Yen SH, Abd Shatar AK, Murali BVK, Tan SW
    BMJ Glob Health, 2016;1(1):e000015.
    PMID: 28588911 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2015-000015
    BACKGROUND: Participation in physical activity has a positive impact on the overall health and quality of life, whereas physical inactivity is associated with a poor prognosis among breast cancer survivors. Despite the health-enhancing benefits of physical activity, the majority of Malaysian breast cancer survivors are not physically active. This paper presents the design of a randomised study to evaluate the feasibility and effect of exercise therapy intervention using light resistance dumbbell exercise to promote active lifestyle and improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors in Malaysia.

    METHODS/DESIGN: This is an intervention study of a 12-week exercise therapy that will explore and compare the effects of light resistance and aerobic exercise on physical activity level and quality of life components in 102 female breast cancer survivors. Major eligibility criteria include histologically confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer stages I-III, 3-12 months post-diagnosis, and absence of any disorder contraindicating exercise. Participants will be stratified based on menopausal status (pre-menopause vs post-menopause) and then assigned randomly to one of three groups. Participants in group A will participate in a three-times weekly supervised resistance exercise using light resistance dumbbells; participants in group B will participate in a three-times weekly supervised aerobic exercise; while participants in group C (control group) will be given aerobic exercise after completion of the intervention. The primary end points include physical activity level and quality of life components. The secondary end points are body mass index, body composition, total caloric intake, and waist-to-hip ratio.

    DISCUSSION: Although there have been many studies of resistance exercise in breast cancer survivors, this is the first study using this specific mode of resistance. Findings will contribute data on the feasibility and effects of light resistance dumbbell exercises, and provide knowledge on the physical activity intervention programme that will maximally promote better overall health and well-being of survivors.

  8. Hii, S.Y.F., Ahmad, N., Kee, C.C.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):697-701.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Melioidosis is endemic in Malaysia but prevalence data is limited.
    Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, sera suspected for melioidosis were received
    from local hospitals from year 2013 to 2014. These data were grouped into different age
    groups with more focus in children aged
    MeSH terms: Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals; Humans; Malaysia; Melioidosis; Oxidation-Reduction; Prevalence; Burkholderia pseudomallei
  9. Al-Obaidi, Q.T., Mohd Mokhtar, A., Al-Sultan, I.I., Mohd Azam, K.G.K., Azlinda, A.B.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):619-631.
    MyJurnal
    Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is global disease of equids affect the international
    movement of horses and their industry. This work was conducted on a random collection of
    blood samples from a total of 306 equids (horses and ponies) comprising both clinically
    healthy (n=276) and clinically suspected animals (n=30) for EP from 53 stables in eight
    districts at Kelantan, Malaysia. Competitive-inhibition enzyme linked immunosorbent test
    (cELISA) was applied to detect the antibodies for Theileria equi and Babesia caballi and their
    titers in the serum. Hemato-biochemical parameters were analyzed from blood and serum
    samples from clinical and subclinical cases in comparison to healthy animals (n=25) a control
    group. The overall prevalence of EP infections (T. equi, B. caballi and both infections) in
    subclinical and clinical infected equids was 70.26 and 9.80 per cent, respectively. The
    subclinical infection in equids was statistically higher than that of clinical infection (P
    MeSH terms: Animals; Babesia; Babesiosis; Cattle; Communicable Diseases; Horses; Immunosorbents; Malaysia; Theileriasis; Prevalence; Theileria; Equidae; Serum; Asymptomatic Infections
  10. Aklilu, E., Shaharulnizim, N., Francis, J.J., Anurrdin, S.H.
    Trop Biomed, 2016;33(4):608-612.
    MyJurnal
    Mycoplasma haemofelis (M. haemofelis) is a gram-negative, epicellular bacteria
    that infects feline red cells (RBC). The pathogen appears as small blue cocci, rings, or rods on
    the edges or across the surface of RBCs and often causes haemolytic anemia. However, the
    epizootiology of M. haemofelis is still poorly understood. So far, there are only a few studies
    that have been carried out to determine the prevalence of M. haemofelis. Most of the studies
    were conducted in Europe and other continents and the epidemiology of M. haemofelis in
    Malaysia, particularly in stray cats have not been reported. In this study, 60 blood samples
    were collected from stray cats in Kota Bharu and were examined by using thin blood smear
    and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. This study showed that seven out of the 60
    blood samples were positive for M. haemofelis by using PCR. Thus the prevalence rate of M.
    haemofelis in stray cats in Kota Bharu from this study was 11.7%. However, more studies with
    larger sample size and diverse sample distribution should be conducted to better understand
    the occurrence of this pathogen in both housed and stray cats. Moreover, the genetic variability
    of M. haemofelis infecting domestic and wild animals need to be conducted to verify the
    relationship among geographic distribution, genetic diversity and the potential threats to
    animal and human health.
    MeSH terms: Anemia, Hemolytic; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; Cats; Erythrocytes; Europe; Malaysia; Mycoplasma; Genetic Variation; Prevalence; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sample Size
  11. Lee WS, Ng RT, Chan KW, Lau YL
    World J Gastroenterol, 2016 Dec 28;22(48):10653-10662.
    PMID: 28082818 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i48.10653
    AIM: Infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IO-IBD) with the onset of disease before 12 mo of age, is a different disease entity from childhood IBD. We aimed to describe the clinical features, outcome and role of mutation in interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-10 receptors (IL-10R) in Asian children with IO-IBD.

    METHODS: All cases of IO-IBD, defined as onset of disease before 12 mo of age, seen at University Malaya Medical Center, Malaysia were reviewed. We performed mutational analysis for IL10 and IL10R genes in patients with presenting clinical features of Crohn's disease (CD).

    RESULTS: Six [13%; CD = 3, ulcerative colitis (UC) = 2, IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) = 1] of the 48 children (CD = 25; UC = 23) with IBD have IO-IBD. At final review [median (range) duration of follow-up: 6.5 (3.0-20) years], three patients were in remission without immunosuppression [one each for post-colostomy (IBD-U), after standard immunosuppression (CD), and after total colectomy (UC)]. Three patients were on immunosuppression: one (UC) was in remission while two (both CD) had persistent disease. As compared with later-onset disease, IO-IBD were more likely to present with bloody diarrhea (100% vs 55%, P = 0.039) but were similar in terms of an associated autoimmune liver disease (0% vs 19%, P = 0.31), requiring biologics therapy (50% vs 36%, P = 0.40), surgery (50% vs 29%, P = 0.27), or achieving remission (50% vs 64%, P = 0.40). No mutations in either IL10 or IL10R in the three patients with CD and the only patient with IBD-U were identified.

    CONCLUSION: The clinical features of IO-IBD in this Asian cohort of children who were negative for IL-10 or IL-10R mutations were variable. As compared to childhood IBD with onset of disease after 12 mo of age, IO-IBD achieved remission at a similar rate.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Biological Products/therapeutic use; Child; Child, Preschool; Colectomy; Colitis, Ulcerative/complications; Colitis, Ulcerative/genetics; Colitis, Ulcerative/epidemiology; Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy; Crohn Disease/complications; Crohn Disease/genetics; Crohn Disease/epidemiology; Crohn Disease/therapy; Diarrhea/etiology; Diarrhea/epidemiology*; DNA Mutational Analysis; Enteral Nutrition/methods; Female; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/epidemiology*; Humans; Immunosuppression; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mutation; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/genetics*; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/epidemiology*; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy; Interleukin-10/genetics*; Age of Onset; Hepatitis, Autoimmune/etiology; Hepatitis, Autoimmune/epidemiology*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Receptors, Interleukin-10/genetics*
  12. Beaudrot L, Kroetz K, Alvarez-Loayza P, Amaral I, Breuer T, Fletcher C, et al.
    Ecol Appl, 2016 Jun;26(4):1098-1111.
    PMID: 28581662 DOI: 10.1890/15-0935
    The conservation of tropical forest carbon stocks offers the opportunity to curb climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and simultaneously conserve biodiversity. However, there has been considerable debate about the extent to which carbon stock conservation will provide benefits to biodiversity in part because whether forests that contain high carbon density in their aboveground biomass also contain high animal diversity is unknown. Here, we empirically examined medium to large bodied ground-dwelling mammal and bird (hereafter "wildlife") diversity and carbon stock levels within the tropics using camera trap and vegetation data from a pantropical network of sites. Specifically, we tested whether tropical forests that stored more carbon contained higher wildlife species richness, taxonomic diversity, and trait diversity. We found that carbon stocks were not a significant predictor for any of these three measures of diversity, which suggests that benefits for wildlife diversity will not be maximized unless wildlife diversity is explicitly taken into account; prioritizing carbon stocks alone will not necessarily meet biodiversity conservation goals. We recommend conservation planning that considers both objectives because there is the potential for more wildlife diversity and carbon stock conservation to be achieved for the same total budget if both objectives are pursued in tandem rather than independently. Tropical forests with low elevation variability and low tree density supported significantly higher wildlife diversity. These tropical forest characteristics may provide more affordable proxies of wildlife diversity for future multi-objective conservation planning when fine scale data on wildlife are lacking.
  13. Leelavathi, M., Norazirah, M.N., Nur Amirah, A.P.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2016;11(1):18-21.
    MyJurnal
    Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare malignant disorder of the skin, which was described
    in as early as the nineteenth century. EMPD usually occurs as a single lesion in the apocrine sweat
    gland–bearing skin with abundant hair follicles. Here, we present an elderly man who suffered from
    a non-resolving chronic genital pruritus for 8 months. Initially, he was managed for recurrent fungal
    infection and eczema. Later, a diagnosis of the rare condition multiple primary EMPD was made
    based on the histopathology findings and appropriate treatment was given.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Eczema; Genitalia; Humans; Male; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Paget Disease, Extramammary; Pruritus; Skin; Sweat; Hair Follicle; Rare Diseases
  14. Norzila, A.B., Wong, M.P.K.
    MyJurnal
    Malignant pedunculated (exophytic) hepatocellular carcinoma (P-HCC) is a rare entity of hepatocellular
    carcinoma. Due to its unique characteristics, it gives a different spectrum of clinical findings, radiological
    presentation and different management approach with reported better outcome to the patients. We
    present a case report of a lady diagnosed with malignant pedunculated hepatocellular carcinoma.
    MeSH terms: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Radiography; Radiology
  15. Ahmad Nabil, M.R., Saini, S.M., Sharip, S., Nasrin, N., Bahari, R.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The mainstay of treatment of depression relies on pharmacological and psychological treatments. On top of that, evidence also recognizes the vital role of spirituality for human wellness which leads to growing interest in its utilization to treat depression. However, research on spirituality among Muslims in relation to depression is relatively scarce. The aim of this study is to explore the understanding of spirituality among Muslim patients with depression, and to explore their spiritual needs.
    Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted on 10 depressed Muslim patients at the UKM Medical Centre. Purposive sampling was done to ensure diversity of subjects. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaire guidelines. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.
    Result: Out of 10 patients, almost all of them expressed spiritual needs. Two major themes emerged in relation to the spiritual needs which are (i) religious needs; need for worship, religious knowledge and guidance, religious reminders, and (ii) existential needs; need for calmness, sensitivity and empathy, self-discipline, certainty, hope , physical help, ventilate and meaning of illness. These needs are essential for patients during the time of crisis.
    Conclusion: The majority of patients expressed spiritual needs which are required during the process of recovery and this provides an opportunity to incorporate spiritual approaches in the treatment of depression. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate its scientific basis and to design an effective psycho-spiritual treatment modality so that the ‘holistic’ or ‘biopsychosocial-spiritual’ treatment can be integrated by health care professionals to those in need.
    Study site: hospital database at the department of psychiatry (in-patient and outpatient), Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Adult; Depressive Disorder; Hospitals, University; Humans; Islam; Malaysia; Religion; Spirituality; Qualitative Research
  16. Nazlin, H.A., Siti Zawiah, M.D.
    MyJurnal
    This study focuses on the application of the Malaysian Driving Behaviour Questionnaire(DBQ). The aim of this study is
    to investigate and analyse the significant driving behaviour of the ageing Malaysian automobile drivers. The sets of
    questionnaire was completed by a total number of 102 ageing drivers consists of 58 males (56.86%) and 44 females
    (43.14%). The age of respondents ranges from 50 to 75 years (M = 57.21) and (SD = 5.60). The DBQ contains 12 items
    of demographic questions and 41 items measuring driving behaviour in traffic. The driving behaviours were classified
    into four factors which are driving distractions, violations, errors and lapses. The most significant correlation
    coefficient is between age and distractions (r = 0.456, p
    MeSH terms: Aging; Automobile Driving; Automobiles; Demography; Female; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Distracted Driving
  17. Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, Nor MaizuraYusoff, Anita Abd Rahman, Dayana Hazwani, M.S.N., Mansour A. Balkhyour
    MyJurnal
    The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of hand-arm vibration (HAVS) among the automobile
    assembly workers and the associated risks. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of
    HAVS and also ascertain the association between HAVS and reduction in VPT among workers using vibration hand held
    tool in automobile industry. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
    (HAVS) among vibrating hand held tool exposed workers. A cross sectional study design using structured
    questionnaire and invasive measurement of vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) at the fingertips was conducted
    in one of the automobile company in Klang Valley. All the respondents were hand arm vibration exposed workers. A
    total 109 assembly line workers with at least one year job tenure participated in this study. The finding revealed
    that 27.5% of workers reported HAVS through questionnaire. This study consisted of 109 respondents. All of them
    were male. The mean age was 32.9 years. The mean daily vibration exposure for 8-hours was 1.41m/s2. There was
    11% of the tools measured were above the Action Level recommended by European Union Directive 2002. The overall
    prevalence of HAVS based on reported symptom through questionnaire was 27.5%. None of the respondent reported
    any whiteness at their fingers due to exposure to vibration. However, 36.7% of the respondent reported tingling
    sensation and 57.8 % reported the feeling of numbness in their hands. Only 10.1% claim that the pain was
    persistence. Since this study was done among exposed workers without control group, the thresholds were measured
    by comparing the observed VPT with the VPT of healthy population provided by ISO 13091-2. The result showed that
    98.2% of the respondent in this study having positive threshold which indicate the percentage of respondent that
    having deterioration in finger tactile perception. The positive threshold from comparison above showed that the
    respondent of this study was affected with the vibration exposure. The value proven that the exposure has caused
    the deterioration of tactile sensitivity in 98.2% of respondent in this study which showed by having positive threshold
    compared to healthy population. The result also showed that there was a significant correlation between daily
    vibration exposure A (8) and VPT at both frequency tested which was 31.5Hz (r = 0.417, p = 0.002) and 125Hz (r =
    0.480, p = 0.001). Even though the mean daily vibration exposure for 8-hours was low and below the recommended
    level, the workers still exposed to the effect of hand arm vibration.
    MeSH terms: Automobiles; Cross-Sectional Studies; European Union; Fingers; Hypesthesia; Male; Pain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sensation; Vibration; Prevalence; Control Groups; Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome; Touch Perception
  18. Mukhopadhyay S, Mukherjee S, Hayyan A, Hayyan M, Hashim MA, Sen Gupta B
    J Contam Hydrol, 2016 Nov;194:17-23.
    PMID: 27697607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2016.09.007
    Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a class of green solvents analogous to ionic liquids, but less costly and easier to prepare. The objective of this study is to remove lead (Pb) from a contaminated soil by using polyol based DESs mixed with a natural surfactant saponin for the first time. The DESs used in this study were prepared by mixing a quaternary ammonium salt choline chloride with polyols e.g. glycerol and ethylene glycol. A natural surfactant saponin obtained from soapnut fruit pericarp, was mixed with DESs to boost their efficiency. The DESs on their own did not perform satisfactory due to higher pH; however, they improved the performance of soapnut by up to 100%. Pb removal from contaminated soil using mixture of 40% DES-Gly and 1% saponin and mixture of 10% DES-Gly and 2% saponin were above 72% XRD and SEM studies did not detect any major corrosion in the soil texture. The environmental friendliness of both DESs and saponin and their affordable costs merit thorough investigation of their potential as soil washing agents.
    MeSH terms: Choline/chemistry; Glycerol/chemistry; Lead/chemistry*; Saponins/chemistry*; Soil/chemistry; Soil Pollutants/chemistry*; Solvents*; Surface-Active Agents/chemistry*; Ethylene Glycol/chemistry; Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods*
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