Browse publications by year: 2016

Fulltext Motorcycle deliveryman’s perceptions on riding conditions

Khamis, N.K., Deros, B.M., Ismail, F.R., Tahir, N.H.M.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(10):1-5.
MyJurnal

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable when compared to large vehicles on the road. This study was conducted to gather feedbacks from motorcycle deliveryman regarding their riding conditions. A self-rated questionnaire was used to determine prevalence of riding symptom and its association with Whole Body Vibration and other associated factors among motorcycle deliveryman in Malaysia. A set of questionnaire was developed, pilot tested for its reliability and validity and distributed to 100 respondents. An interview was conducted after gathering the data from the respondents through the questionnaire. Survey findings show majority of the respondents preferred to ride according to the standard riding posture. Large majority of them agreed handlebar and foot peg/rest exposed them directly to the vibration. In addition, majority of them felt discomfort at the lower back and felt fatigue after long hours of riding. These findings are in-line with past studies regarding the road users.

MeSH terms: Back; Foot; Malaysia; Motorcycles; Posture; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vibration; Reproducibility of Results; Prevalence
Consolidated Checklist of Hard Corals of the Genus Acropora Oken, 1815 (Scleractinia: Acroporidae) in North Borneo, East Malaysia

Robert R, Lee DJ, Rodrigues KF, Hussein MA, Waheed Z, Kumar SV

Zootaxa, 2016 Nov 29;4200(2):zootaxa.4200.2.2.
PMID: 27988618 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4200.2.2

Acropora is the most biologically diverse group of reef-building coral, and its richness peaks at the Indo-Malay-Philippine Archipelago, the centre of global coral reef biodiversity. In this paper, we describe the species richness of Acropora fauna of North Borneo, East Malaysia, based on review of literature and as corroborated by voucher specimens. Eighty-three species of Acropora are reported here; four species are literature based and 79 are supported by voucher specimens that were subsequently photographed. New records for North Borneo were recorded for 12 species, including Acropora suharsonoi Wallace 1994 that was previously thought to be confined to a few islands along Lombok Strait, Indonesia. The diversity of Acropora in North Borneo is comparable to that of Indonesia and the Philippines, despite the area's smaller reef areas. This further reinforces its inclusion as part the global hotspot of coral biodiversity.

MeSH terms: Animals; Borneo; Malaysia; Anthozoa/classification*; Biodiversity; Coral Reefs
A new species of Chirothripoides (Thysanoptera: Tubulifera) from India and Malaysia

Tyagi K, Mound LA, Kumar V

Zootaxa, 2016 Nov 29;4200(2):zootaxa.4200.2.8.
PMID: 27988624 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4200.2.8

Chirothripoides brahmaputrai sp.n. is described based on a holotype female from Assam State, India, and a paratype female from Peninsular Malaysia. A key to the six species of Chirothripoides is provided, and partial sequence data of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (mtCOI) from the holotype of the new species is generated and submitted to Barcode of Life Database.

MeSH terms: Animals; Female; India; Malaysia; Species Specificity; Thysanoptera/anatomy & histology; Thysanoptera/classification*; Animal Distribution
Time for responsible peatland agriculture

Wijedasa LS, Page SE, Evans CD, Osaki M

Science, 2016 11 04;354(6312):562.
PMID: 27811262
MeSH terms: Agriculture*; Asia, Southeastern; Plant Oils*; Soil*
Synthesis, Antiphospholipase A₂, Antiprotease, Antibacterial Evaluation and Molecular Docking Analysis of Certain Novel Hydrazones

El-Sayed NN, Alafeefy AM, Bakht MA, Masand VH, Aldalbahi A, Chen N, et al.

Molecules, 2016 Dec 02;21(12).
PMID: 27918459

Some novel hydrazone derivatives 6a-o were synthesized from the key intermediate 4-Chloro-N-(2-hydrazinocarbonyl-phenyl)-benzamide 5 and characterized using IR, ¹H-NMR, 13C-NMR, mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The inhibitory potential against two secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂), three protease enzymes and eleven bacterial strains were evaluated. The results revealed that all compounds showed preferential inhibition towards hGIIA isoform of sPLA₂ rather than DrG-IB with compounds 6l and 6e being the most active. The tested compounds exhibited excellent antiprotease activity against proteinase K and protease from Bacillus sp. with compound 6l being the most active against both enzymes. Furthermore, the maximum zones of inhibition against bacterial growth were exhibited by compounds; 6a, 6m, and 6o against P. aeruginosa; 6a, 6b, 6d, 6f, 6l, 6m, 6n, and 6o against Serratia; 6k against S. mutans; and compounds 6a, 6d, 6e, 6m, and 6n against E. feacalis. The docking simulations of hydrazones 6a-o with GIIA sPLA₂, proteinase K and hydrazones 6a-e with glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase were performed to obtain information regarding the mechanism of action.

MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemical synthesis; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Bacillus/growth & development; Benzamides/chemistry; Hydrazones/chemical synthesis*; Hydrazones/pharmacology*; Protease Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/growth & development; Serratia/growth & development; Enterococcus faecalis/growth & development; Streptococcus mutans/growth & development; Structure-Activity Relationship; Endopeptidase K/antagonists & inhibitors*; Molecular Docking Simulation; Phospholipase A2 Inhibitors/chemical synthesis; Phospholipase A2 Inhibitors/pharmacology*; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Review of the genus Signoretia (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Signoretiinae) of the Oriental region with description of nine new species

Viraktamath CA

Zootaxa, 2016 Nov 17;4193(3):zootaxa.4193.3.3.
PMID: 27988690 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4193.3.3

Species of Signoretia Stål from the Oriental region are reviewed and types of five species described by Baker, two species described by Distant and one species described by Schmidt are illustrated. A checklist of 20 species of the genus from the Oriental region including 9 new species is given. The new species described and illustrated are Signoretia dulitensis sp. nov. (Malaysia: Mt Dulit), S. lunglei sp. nov. (India: Mizoram), S. mishmiensis sp. nov. (Myanmar: Mishmi Hills), S. quoinensis sp. nov. (Malaysia: Quoin Hill), S. rubra sp. nov. (Thailand: Chiang Mai), S. sahyadrica sp. nov. (India: Kerala), S. similaris sp. nov. (Vietnam: Fyan), S. sinuata sp. nov. (India: West Bengal) and S. takiyae sp. nov. (India: Andaman Is.). Both S. aureola Distant and S. maculata Baker are redescribed and illustrated. Lectotypes are designated for S. greeni Distant and S. aureola Distant.

MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Asia; Female; Hemiptera/anatomy & histology*; Hemiptera/classification*; Hemiptera/growth & development; Male; Organ Size; Body Size; Checklist; Animal Distribution
Fulltext Spinal fusion for chronic low back pain: A 'magic bullet' or wishful thinking?

Dhillon KS

Malays Orthop J, 2016 Mar;10(1):61-68.
PMID: 28435551

Chronic low back pain is a common, disabling and costly health problem. The treatment of chronic low back is difficult and is often ineffective. For treatment to be effective the cause of the pain has to be established but unfortunately in 80% to 95% of the patients the cause cannot be determined despite the existence of modern imaging techniques. A pathoanatomical diagnosis which fits into a classical disease model where successful treatment can be carried out, can only be made in 5% to 7% of the patients. The back pain in the rest of the patients where no pathoanatomical diagnosis can be made is often labelled, unscientifically, as chronic low back pain. Despite the existence of sophisticated imaging techniques and a plethora of diagnostic test the source of pain in patients with nonspecific back pain cannot be established. There exist no causal relationship between imaging findings of degenerated disc, lumbar facet arthritis, spondylosis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, to the pain in these patients. Surgical treatment of non-specific back pain where no pathoanatomical diagnosis has been established is bound to fail. Therefore the outcome of spinal fusion in these patients can be no better than nonsurgical treatment. Spinal fusion is a major surgery which can be associated with significant morbidity and occasionally with mortality. Yet there is rapid rise in the rates of spinal fusion. There is a growing tension between ethics and conflicts of interest for surgeons. The spine, unfortunately, has been labelled as a profit centre and there are allegations of conflicts of interest in the relationship of doctors with the multi-billion dollar spinal devices industry. The devices industry has a significant influence on not only research publications in peer review journals but also on decisions made by doctors which can have a detrimental effect on the welfare of the patient.

MeSH terms: Arthritis; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Lumbosacral Region; Peer Review; Spinal Diseases; Spinal Fusion; Spine; Spondylolisthesis; Spondylolysis; Low Back Pain; Surgeons
A Simple Cable Method for Intraoperative Limb Alignment Assessment

Chan CK, Shanmugam R

Malays Orthop J, 2016 Mar;10(1):69-70.
PMID: 28435552
Fulltext Acute phase protein mRNA expressions and enhancement of antioxidant defense system in Black-meated Silkie Fowls supplemented with clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) extracts under the influence of chronic heat stress

Bello AU, Sulaiman JA, Aliyu MS

J Anim Sci Technol, 2016;58:39.
PMID: 28435688 DOI: 10.1186/s40781-016-0122-4

BACKGROUND: The current study investigates the anti-stress effects of clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) extracts (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) on serum antioxidant biomarkers, immune response, immunological organ growth index, and expression levels of acute phase proteins (APPs); ovotransferrin (OVT), ceruloplasmin (CP), ceruloplasmin (AGP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid-A (SAA) mRNA in the immunological organs of 63-d-old male black-meated Silkie fowls subjected to 21 d chronic heat stress at 35 ± 2 °C.
RESULTS: The results demonstrated that clove extract supplementation in the diet of Silkie fowls subjected to elevated temperature (ET) improve growth performance, immune responses, and suppressed the activities of glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD); reduced serum malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations when compared with fowls raised under thermoneutral condition (TC). Upon chronic heat stress and supplementation of clove extracts, the Silkie fowls showed a linear increase in GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, and TXNRD activities (P = 0.01) compared with fowls fed diets without clove extract. ET decreased (P
Fulltext A need for new accident theories in Malaysia?

Saravanan Dhanabal, Karmegam Karuppiah, Kulanthayan K.C Mani, Irniza Rasdi, Sivasankar Sambasivam

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):1-4.
MyJurnal

Workplace accident is a big challenges for a safety professional. Workplace accidents may lead from minor to serious
effects to both employees and employers alike. Accident is an unexpected and undesirable event, especially those
resulting in damage, harm or unforeseen incidents. This paper also discussed all available accident theories that are
commonly used in workplace as fundamental to mitigating accident. Throughout this paper, the author justified that a
new or updated accident theory is needed in Malaysia. The author stated that current accident theories are based on
different environments and are different in terms physical of the employee who involved in the accident. This author
also stated that technology changes is also another factor which can be supporting the new or updated accident
theory needed in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Accidents, Occupational; Humans; Malaysia; Occupations; Workplace
Fulltext A study on user’s comfort level and seat mismatch in a lecture theatre

Ahmad Kamal, S., Baba, M.D., Nor Kamaliana, K., Ahmad Rasdan, I., Abu, A.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):5-13.
MyJurnal

The furnishings provided by the Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) are not suitable with the diverse student’s body
shapes. This could leads to lack of comfort in usage of the furnishings as well as affecting the effectiveness of the
delivery of the lectures. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to evaluate the student’s comfort level in the
current seat of the Lecture Theatre (LT) and to gather student’s anthropometry data. Two hundred and twenty one
students were involved in this study from one of the IHL in Selangor. A few similar design of LT were chosen for this
study. The Standard Nordic Questionnaire was used to identify the comfort level of students. Eleven body parts
measurements of all participated students were collected by using measurement apparatus such as callipers and
ruler. Based on the findings, it showed that the current seat in LT is uncomfortable to be used, in line with the
results from surveys and mismatch of the seat and student measurement data.
Fulltext Assessing the reliability of subjective evaluation for comfortable driving postures

Darliana Mohamad, Dian Darina Indah Daruis, Baba Md Deros, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):14-19.
MyJurnal

Drivers’ posture is one of the factors that can contribute to driving discomfort. Subjective evaluation is needed in determining the driving discomfort problem. The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability of different driving postures that may lead to drivers’ discomfort. A total of thirty-four healthy Malaysian drivers were involved in this study. Respondents were required to sit on the driver’s seat with the required adjustments of three different postures and fill-in the given subjective evaluation form. The same procedure was repeated for each respondent after three days for purpose of conducting test retest evaluation. The reliability statistical analysis result shows the study was reliable and valid with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient equal to 0.827. The comparison means that ANOVA analysis also shows significance difference between these three groups of postures for all measured parameters. In conclusion, the result from this study shows the subjective evaluation conducted is reliable and can be used for drivers’ posture discomfort study.

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Automobile Driving; Posture; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results
Fulltext Association of pm10 and pm2.5 exposure with respiratory health of the children living near palm oil mill, Dengkil

Farah Syawani Hussin, Juliana Jalaludin

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):20-26.
MyJurnal

Waste and by-products form palm oil trees are versatile and can be used as biomass fuel, but the processes of producing electricity by using low pressure boilers are causing air pollution. The objective of this study is to determine the association between PM10 and PM2.5 exposure with respiratory symptoms and lung function among children living near to palm oil mill. A cross- Sectional comparative study was carried out among school children at Dengkil and Kerling. Questionnaires adopted from ATS-DLD-78-C were distributed to the respondents’ parents. PM10 and PM2.5 was measured. Lung function of the respondents was evaluated by using Chest Graph Spirometer; results were compared with standards of lung function, by ATS (1991). There was a significant difference for Mean±SD PM10 and PM2.5 in studied and comparative area, (p
Fulltext Design specifications of ergonomic sofa through sofa makers perception: a case study in Malaysia

Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Khairul Azhar Mat Daud, Ahmad Hafizi Abdul Nasir, Suriatini Ismail, Baba Md Deros

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):27-35.
MyJurnal

Development of ergonomic sofa design is a design process that has the basic framework specification and type of
material that is applied on the sofa design. This is due to human consumption that is closely related to ergonomic
design of this specification which will affect human physical. To achieve this goal, a survey involving 30 respondents
of sofa makers was conducted to get feedback regarding the sofa design specifications. Survey questions emphasize
on the basic specifications and material dimensions of sofa materials used. The results of data analysis show that the
size of basic dimensions and materials is essential in designing an ergonomic sofa. The survey is very important to
find out the basic specifications in the development of ergonomic design through perception of sofa maker.

MeSH terms: Feedback; Goals; Humans; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires
Fulltext Development of an anthropometry database for the malaysian population: problems and challenges

Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff, Siti Zawiah Md. Dawal, Dian D.I. Daruis, Siti Nurani Hassan

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):36-43.
MyJurnal

Ergonomics is generally to design for human use and optimizing the working and living conditions. The comfort, safety and ease of use of systems, products and machines require the principles of ergonomics to be incorporated into the design. Anthropometry is a part of ergonomics which deals with the measurement of body dimensions, its capability and limitations of the human ability. Studies have indicated that body dimensions differ for various populations, depending on ethnic group, sex and age. The measurement of physical characteristics and abilities of people provides information that is essential for the appropriate design of occupational and non- occupational environments, as well as for the design of consumer products, clothing, tools and equipment. It has been considered as the very basic core of ergonomics in an attempt to resolve the dilemma of 'fitting people to machines'. It has also been regarded as a branch of anthropology which deals with physical characteristics of the man in time and space, particularly with individual variation, ontogenesis and generic development. Knowledge about man from the point of view of physical anthropometry is very useful for the purpose of ergonomics and design. Thus it is important that an anthropometric database for each nation is developed to ensure design of products and systems are compatible with the user population. In Malaysia, many researchers have conducted anthropometric studies on various groups of people, focused on a small sample size and used for specific designs. Unfortunately, the measurements are not representatives of the population. The work has been individually based, confined to certain group of researchers in various universities and there is no concerted effort towards developing a national anthropometric database.This paper discusses some of the anthropometry work conducted in Malaysia, the problems and challenges in developing the national database, the importance of anthropometry and the roles that the government has to play in developing the database.

MeSH terms: Anthropology; Anthropometry; Clothing; Ethnic Groups; Government; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Social Conditions; Universities; Sample Size
Fulltext Ergonomic risk assessment of manual handling tools by oil palm collectors and loaders

Nur Syazwani, M. N., Baba, M. D., Mohd Nizam, A.R., Ezrin Hani, S., Norani, N., Shamsul Bahri, M.T., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):56-60.
MyJurnal

Oil palm workers are exposed to ergonomics problems in their routine works. Although many technological advances have been developed, a large number of workers are still using manual handling tools in their daily work. A study was done to identify and solve the problems or issues of material handling effect on oil palm collectors and loaders during their daily work activities. A cross sectional study was done in an oil palm plantation in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Twenty five workers were selected randomly to participate in this study. Musculoskeletal symptoms were recorded using Modified Nordic Questionnaires and awkward postures of the workers were assessed using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Result showed that 61% of workers were exposed to high risk level and 39% to very high risk level of working posture problems. In conclusion, majority of oil palm collectors and loaders need to correct their working posture as soon as possible. The manual handling activities need to be improved with respect to correct procedure for health and safety concerns.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Malaysia; Posture; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk
Fulltext Future research on manual lifting tasks in the automotive industry

Mirta Widia, Siti Zawiah Md Dawa, Nukman Yusoff

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):61-68.
MyJurnal

It is known that lifting tasks are one of the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in the automotive industry.
Extensive research has been carried out over the years to develop guidelines and determine safe limits in which an
individual can lift. For this reason, the objective of this study is to determine the significant risk factors of
musculoskeletal discomfort among manual lifting task workers in the automotive industry, and propose a
methodological framework for future research on manual lifting tasks. The subjects of this study comprise 211
manual material handling workers from the automotive industry. The subjects completed a set of questionnaires
which are used to elicit information on their demographic characteristics, as well as physical factors and the
prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. The Chi-Square test was used to determine the relationship between the
risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort. The findings of the study show that the following postures (trunk bent
slightly forwards, hands above the knee level (p < 0.05), trunk twisted (over 45o) and bent sideways (p < 0.05) are
the significant risk factors of musculoskeletal discomfort among manual lifting task workers in the automotive
industry. A methodological framework on manual lifting task in the automotive industry is proposed based on the
findings of this study. The framework is developed based on the need to model human lifting capabilities so that task
demands can be designed to fit the workers’ capacity when performing lifting tasks.
Fulltext Needlestick and sharp injuries among health care workers in saudi hospitals: a review

Al Johani Abdulrahman, A., Karmegam Karuppiah, Al Mutairi Alya, O., Kulanthayan K.C. Mani, Sivasankar Sambasivam

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):69-72.
MyJurnal

This paper explains Needlestick and Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Hospitals. Presently there are number of factors that are responsible for health care workers injuries. Lack of secure environment and ignorance to safety measures can lead to injuries due to Needlestick and Sharp objects. There is a significant need of providing better working environment for health care workers in Saudi Arabia. Following daily practices and World Health Organization’s measures for taking the preventive steps for these injuries is necessary. Trying to avoid utilizing needles whenever secure and efficient substitutes are present, providing needle containers, avoiding re-capping and wearing gloves on both hands are some of the measures that could be taken to make sure these problems do not recur.

MeSH terms: Health Personnel*; Hospitals; Humans; Saudi Arabia; Needlestick Injuries*
Fulltext Mastoid osteoma: a case report

Sethu Thakachy Subha, Mohamad Doi, Hemalata Kumari

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2016;12(1):71-73.
MyJurnal

Mastoid osteoma is a rare benign neoplasm of mesenchymal origin. Osteomas of the temporal bone are
infrequent, and these mastoid osteomas are a definite rare occurrence. These tumours can present with
cosmetic deformity and sometimes with pain. In this report we describe a patient with mastoid osteoma
who presented with cosmetic deformity and experienced retro auricular pain.

MeSH terms: Humans; Mastoid; Neoplasms; Osteoma; Pain; Temporal Bone
Fulltext Plunging epidermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth mimicking a ranula

Anusha Balasubramanian, Irfan Mohamad, Purushotman Ramasamy, Avatar Singh Mohan Singh, Lina Ling Chooi, Ferdinand Jesudian Kovilpillai

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2016;12(1):67-69.
MyJurnal

Plunging epidermoid cyst of the floor of mouth is indeed an uncommon entity. A 34-year old Malay
gentleman had presented to our centre with a floor of mouth lesion that extended into the submental
region. Clinical findings and imaging studies pointed towards the impression of a plunging ranula.
Histopathological examination of a completely excised mass via intraoral approach, confirmed the
diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst. He was well on follow up with no subsequent recurrence. We discuss
the nature of epidermoid cyst and its surgical management.

MeSH terms: Epidermal Cyst; Follow-Up Studies; Malaysia; Male; Mouth Floor; Ranula; Salivary Gland Diseases; Oral Ulcer; Pain Management

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