The ideal imaging system that is providing a good quality image of minimal radiation dose. There are many parameters that influenced image quality and radiation dose on clinical radiography. This study has identified some of the problems whereby there are practitioners do not select the proper size of image receptor (IR) and collimation during the examination. The re-usable of the IR and imaging plate also need to be concerned whether multiple exposures may affect the image
quality or not. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different exposure settings; kVp, mAs, collimation field sizes and different IR’ sizes for image quality and radiation dose. Methods: The wall-mounted x-ray machine act as a sources of radiation which exposed the acrylic cylinder that placed over the IR. The examination is repeated with different kVp, mAs, collimation field sizes and IR’s sizes. The source to image distance (SID) is fixed to 100 cm distance and put Nano dot dosimeter similar level with the top of acrylic to measure the dose. The result analysed by using software ImageJ to measure the Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR). Results: The percentage of CNR1 and CNR2 reduced as the kVp is increased from (CNR1=77.25, CNR2=64.45), (CNR1=73.47, CNR2=61.22) and (CNR1=62.80, CNR2=57.32) for 50 kVp, 75 kVp and 100 kVp respectively and fluctuate when mAs increased. The CNR and entrance skin dose (ESD) shows higher when x-ray beam collimate according to IR’s size. Conclusions: Overall, the manipulative effect of exposure settings on image quality and ESD shows some positive results. The result also shows inconsistent readings in the CNR and ESD. The percentage of CNR decreased when kVp increases and slightly fluctuate when mAs increased. The ESD reading depicts higher when the kVp and mAs increase as well as when x-ray beam collimated according to IR’s sizes.
Breast cancer is commonest disease amongst women throughout the world and the second leading cause of women’s death. Since 2014, it was reported that approximately 5000 women
were diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Malaysia. Adoption of mammography screening
amongst Malaysian women remains under-utilized because it depends on self-initiatives of
individuals. Amongst the perceived barriers are low knowledge, cost, embarrassment and pain which may then give a negative psychological aspect to health behavior actions. The study aims to determine the level of knowledge and perceived barriers pertaining to mammography amongst female lecturers in Kulliyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A survey was carried out on female lecturers aged 35 years and above in KAHS, IIUM Kuantan. A self-administered questionnaire which consists of three sections; demographic factors, knowledge about breast cancer and perceived barriers pertaining to
mammography were distributed to 30 respondents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19.0.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 39.9 years old (SD ± 5.15). Majority of respondents possessed good knowledge of breast cancer. The perceived barriers pertaining to mammography amongst respondents were pain and the procedure being expensive. Conclusions: This study found that most female lecturers in KAHS, IIUM Kuantan possessed good knowledge on breast cancer but have fair knowledge pertaining to breast lumps and the best time for breast screening. The perceived barriers amongst respondents were pain and cost of the procedure.
MeSH terms: Adult; Demography; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Mammography; Mass Screening; Pain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities; Health Behavior; Early Detection of Cancer
Carabiner is one of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is used to protect the users from hazards by reducing any chance of serious injury. Thus, it is very important to detect even a small
defect on the component before it becomes worse that could give harm to the users. The aim of this paper is to find out the appropriate imaging technical factors of steel carabiner by using computed radiography (CR). Methods: Radiographic images of carabiner were obtained by manipulating the values of kVp and mAs with respect to contrast and density. A preliminary study was carried out to determine the exposure factor combination in order to produce perceptible visual quality of radiographic images. Positioning techniques applied in this study were whole view (open-gate and close-gate position) and screw view (open-gate and close-gate position). An assessor was invited to evaluate the radiographs by using Image Quality Criteria Scoring (ICS) adapted from European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Diagnostic Radiographic Images. Results: Findings showed that the optimum values of kVp and mAs in imaging whole view (open-gate and close-gate) carabiner were 133 kVp and 28 mAs while, for screw view (opengate and close-gate) the range of kVp and mAs preferred were 121 kVp to 133 kVp and 28 mAs to 36 mAs respectively. Conclusion: This study has found that the use of medical CR to expose metal steel such as
carabiner is accepted. By manipulating the imaging parameters, CR can produce a good quality image of carabiner.
MeSH terms: Personal Protective Equipment; Bone Screws; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Radiography; Steel
In ultrasound imaging there is compromise between the penetration of signal at certain depths into the object and image resolution as the ultrasound probe only can transmit single frequency signals in one transmission. Using curvilinear ultrasound probe with 2 to 5 MHz frequency bandwidth, this study investigated the use of multi-frequency imaging to enhance the quality of phantom images.
Methods: Siemen Acuson X150 with curvilinear ultrasound transducer was used to scan the organs of interest (kidney, gallbladder and pancreas) of the ultrasound abdominal phantom. Different images at the different selected frequencies (2.5, 3.6 and 5.0 MHz) were created by fixing the position and the orientation of the transducer in each of the scanning process. Different-frequency images were generated and combined to produce composite (multi-frequency) image. Results: In this study, the quality of the composite image was evaluated based on signal-to noise ratio (SNR) and the obtained results were compared with the single frequency images. Besides, the comparison was also made in terms of overall image quality (noise and sharpness of organ outline) through perceived image quality analysis. Based on calculated SNR, the composite image of the kidney, gallbladder and pancreas recorded higher SNR value as compared to the single frequency images. However, through perceived image quality, most of the observers viewed that the quality of the composite image of the kidney, gallbladder and pancreas is poor as compared to the single frequency image. Conclusions: Image quality of ultrasound imaging is improved by combining multiple ultrasound frequency images into a single composite image. This is achieved as high SNR is obtained in the composite image. However, through perceived image quality, the overall image quality of the composite image was poor.
MeSH terms: Gallbladder; Transducers; Ultrasonography; Phantoms, Imaging; Signal-To-Noise Ratio
In medical imaging practice, the act of removing any clothes from the region of interest is justified as to prevent the presence of artefacts on radiographs. However, by doing so, the ‘aurah’ of the patients, especially for the Muslims, are not observed and can be considered as violating their privacy if they are not well-informed beforehand. Previous studies have proved that radiographs with the presence of some fabric materials on the region of interest are radiographically acceptable. Therefore, the aims of this study are to tackle the issue of exposing one’s ‘aurah’ for a knee x-ray examination to take place and also to add insufficiency from the previous studies.
Food contamination is a crucial health problem as it could result in food-borne illness. This research aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) fried rice dishes sold at different type of food premises in Kuantan city, Pahang. Total Plate Count (TPC), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Aeromonas spp. bacteria were used as microbiological contamination indicators. About 52 samples were collected stratified randomly from four types of food premises (restaurant, cafeteria, food stall and night market) where about 13 samples were respectively collected from each type of the food premises. The results showed that TPC had medium mean count (6.30x105±1.47x105 cfu/g), S. aureus and B. cereus had high mean counts (7.70x104±2.22x105 cfu/g and 3.85x105±1.67x106 cfu/g respectively), while Aeromonas spp. had medium mean count (7.13x104±2.42x105 cfu/g). The mean counts of TPC in the samples collected from cafeteria were highest compare to other food premises.
Increasing risk of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria has led to the exploration of alternative antibiotics derived from leaves of medicinal plants such as the fig (Ficus carica L.). The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract of fig leaves grown under Malaysian tropical environment against pathogenic bacteria linked to antibiotic resistance namely the Staphylococcus aureus and Escherechia coli. The methanolic extraction was performed by using soxhlet apparatus. The disc diffusion method was used to measure inhibition zone diameter on the Mueller-Hinton agar plate. Staphylococcus aureus displayed the highest diameter of inhibition zone against the extract at concentration of 900 mg/ml whilst Escherechia coli displayed the highest diameter of inhibition zone against both the 100% crude extract and 700 mg/ml, respectively. This study therefore highlighted the potential of developing alternative antibiotics derived from the methalonic extract of locally grown fig plant.
Bauxite mining in Kuantan district of Pahang has raised health concerns of communities residing near the mining areas. Bauxite mining and transportation activities have contributed a lot to the pollution of environment. There is a fear among the residents of the areas that whether the soil is free from naturally occurring radioactive substances or not. Therefore, the objective of this study was to detect the presence of natural radioactive elements in the soil of bauxite mining field at Bukit Goh, Kuantan.
Traditional postpartum practices generally involve food proscriptions and prescriptions. Certain foods are prohibited due to their properties such as “windy”, “cold” and “hot”. As lactating mother needs higher energy and protein intake, this practice may impact their ability to meet their nutritional requirements. Consequently, their health may not be fully restored, wound healing would be slowed, and lactation success may be interfered. This study was conducted in Kuantan, Pahang, to investigate Malay mothers’ perception on confinement dietary practices during postpartum period. A total of 80 respondents aged between 23-43 years old were interviewed using a questionnaire which consisted of an extensive list of food items. It was found that 100% of respondents mentioned that they do observe the traditional postpartum practices after childbirth with most of them (63.0%) chose to confine for up to 44 days. Flavored rice, roti canai and various types of noodle were generally avoided during postpartum period due to their ‘oily/fatty’ property. Tubers, and most fruits and vegetables were also avoided due to their ‘cold’ property. Moreover, the famous ‘reason’ for exclusion of fish was ‘bisa’ and ‘causing itchiness’ for seafood. Milk and dairy products were included in majority of respondents’ diet. Out of 80, 43 (53.8%) respondents avoided soy sauce because it was believed to give negative effect on wound healing. Other than
that, iced drink, tea and sugarcane drink were avoided due to their ‘cold’ and ‘sharp/sour’ properties. In addition, statistical tests of all food items show that there is no difference in terms of level of acceptance for each food between women delivered via normal delivery or caesarean section. It is concluded that postpartum food taboo beliefs are still prevalent among Malay women. Extensive food prohibition and restriction causes limited food choices which may affect mothers’ nutritional intake. Thus, a more balanced diet should be recommended for Malay mothers during postpartum period to ensure adequate nutrient intake, as much as culturally acceptable.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) strongly advocate exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth as the optimal way of feeding infants. Nutritional inadequacy during breastfeeding period may lead to breastfeeding problems such as inadequate milk production which is a common reason to early breastfeeding termination.
Galactagogue is one of the solutions seek by breastfeeding mothers to overcome this problem. Within the topic of prophetic medicine, scholars discussed the foods consumed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and their health benefits. Among the plants mentioned in Islamic literature are F.carica (figs), O.europea (olive), P.granatum (pomegranate) and N.sativa (habbatussauda). Studies on prophetic foods consumption among lactating mothers is limited in the literature. Thus, the aims of this study to explore on prophetic food consumption, among Malay mothers during
exclusive breastfeeding period. Ten subjects are interviewed by in-depth semistructured interview guide. Inclusion criteria include Malay mothers aged 18 to 40 years, deliver full term babies and were exclusively breastfeeding. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim in Malay and translated into English. Translated transcripts were then analysed thematically with the help of NVivo software. Thematic analysis revealed three themes that represents participants’ knowledge, attitude and practice on prophetic foods consumption. The themes were 1) prophetic diet is related to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)’s practice on foods and eating manners, 2) perceived benefits and effectiveness of prophetic foods consumption, and 3) Practice of prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period. This study provides an insight to the understanding and
perception on prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period among breastfeeding mothers. It is acknowledged that prophetic foods, particularly dates may have lactogenic function. Further studies should be carried out to investigate the relationship between prophetic foods consumption and lactogenic activity.
MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Breast Feeding; Child; Diet; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lactation; Lactation Disorders; Malaysia; Milk; Mothers; Pregnancy; United Nations; World Health Organization; Carica; Ficus; Olea; Parturition; Young Adult; Galactogogues
Previous work employed digital image analysis using a fully-automated computer software to quantify changes in MG, which is meibomian gland loss. However, semi-automated software is more favorable for clinical applications as it allows clinicians to manually delete undesired noise or artifacts.
Meibomian gland is one of the anatomical eye structures to provide oily lipid layer to the anterior part of the eye. Textural analysis by using Mean Histogram Method was proposed as a method of estimating area of Meibomian Gland Loss (MGL). Objective: The main objective of this study was to objectively measure the meibomian gland image by using textural analysis.
Radiographic contrast medium is primarily used to enhance the contrast of the internal structure in diagnostic imaging. However, the adverse reactions of administration of contrast media have become a great concern and challenge since it can affect the life of patient. Even though some safety
measurements have been highlighted by several studies, still, the occurrence of adverse effects of contrast media is one of the issues in medical imaging. There are several similar properties between the young coconut water and contrast media used in radiography. Thus, the objective of this research was to investigate whether the young coconut water be used as an alternative to contrast media.
MeSH terms: Cocos; Contrast Media; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Radiography; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
The aim of this study was to investigate the level of miR-744 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumour tissue and to provide initial clue on its potential as biomarkers for early detection of NPC in a preliminary analysis. Total miRNAs was extracted from NPC tissue as well as normal nasopharynx tissue taken from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan and converted into cDNA. The level of miR-744 expression in the cDNA was quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymserase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technique. The expression level of SNORD48 was measured simultaneously for each sample, which served as endogenous control. The difference in the expression of miR-744 in NPC and normal nasopharynx tissue were analysed using relative quantification, 2-ΔΔCT. In this preliminary analysis, this study found that miR-744 was upregulated in NPC as compared to normal nasopharynx tissue by 2.5 fold changes, respectively suggesting it may involve in progression of tumour. However, the finding is not significant and may not accurately reflect the overall population, due to small sample size involved in the study. Findings from the current study suggest the potential of miR-744 to serve as useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in NPC.
Pregnancy is a crucial period for mothers to ensure proper weight gain and adequate nutrients intakes. This is important for healthy fetal growth. There are increasing numbers of maternal milk supplements which claimed to provide the essential nutrients that are needed during pregnancy such as iron, folic acid, and docohexanoic acid. The current study was conducted to assess the practice of maternal milk supplements (MMS) intake among pregnant women in Kuantan, Pahang, whether or not its consumption plays a role in meeting the requirements for total energy and
nutrients intakes. Questionnaires regarding intake of MMS were distributed to 150 subjects to observe the practice of its consumption. A total of 54 subjects (from 2nd and 3rd trimesters) were interviewed to obtain their diet history using multiple pass 24-hours dietary recall method. Their total energy and nutrients intakes were compared to the Recommended Nutrients Intake for Malaysia (RNI, 2005). It was found that almost three quarter (70%) of the subjects consumed MMS. Women who consumed MMS during pregnancy were found to be significantly younger, of lower parity and lower pre-pregnancy body mass index. It was also shown that the women’s dietary intakes without MMS supplementation were insufficient to meet the RNI for total energy and
some selected nutrients. The results of this study indicate that MMS could play a role in increasing the dietary intakes of total energy, protein, and calcium, of pregnant women who are not consuming these nutrients sufficiently as recommended.
MeSH terms: Animals; Energy Intake; Diet; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Iron; Malaysia; Milk; Mothers; Nutritional Requirements; Parity; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Weight Gain; Body Mass Index; Dietary Supplements; Fetal Development
Hyperphosphatemia is the key abnormality that sets off a cascade of metabolic events in chronic kidney disease (CKD). End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients that undergo Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) uses the peritoneal membrane for solutes filtration and clearance. The differences on the evaluation of peritoneal membrane transport status can affect the rate of toxin removal – serum phosphorus, from the systems. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of CAPD patients presented with high phosphate level after starting the treatment, to identify the risk factors associated with hyperphosphatemia and to find the significant correlation between the phosphate level and the PET characteristics. A retrospective study was
applied for this research where the medical records of patients were reviewed and analyzed between January 2011 to December 2016. Data were collected successfully from 74 adult CAPD patients (41 male, 55.4% and 33 females, 44.6%), with mean age of 51.34 ± 13.75 year-old. In this study, Malays (n= 65, 87.8%) are the largest subjects recruited, while Chinese (n= 6, 8.1%) and Indians (n= 3, 4.1%) made the rest of the subjects. PET characteristics of CAPD patients showed 11 patients had high characteristic (14.9%), 24 high average (32.4%), 26 low average (35.1%) and 5 low (6.8%). There were 37 CAPD patients (50%) presented with high phosphate level after starting the treatment. Simple linear regression revealed that age (p = 0.0052), serum calcium (p= 0.0090), serum albumin (p = 0.0244), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) (p =0.0126), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (p = 0.0012), total creatinine clearance (p =0.0470), residual renal creatinine clearance (p = 0.390) and 24-hours urine volume output (p = 0.0060) were risk factors associated with hyperphosphatemia. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed there was no significant correlation between phosphate level and PET characteristics (r = -.232, p = 0.070) while there was significant correlation between PET characteristics and peritoneal solute clearance (r = 0.4748, p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum phosphate level may be associated with daily dietary intake, metabolism and dialysis adequacy. There was no correlation between serum phosphate level and PET characteristic suggesting the rate of the toxin removal might not been affected by the
differences on peritoneal membrane characteristics suggesting a further understanding on transport status in terms of its mechanism of toxin removal
The aim of this study was to assess picky eating behavior existence among university students. This was an observational cross sectional study design. The sample size was calculated by using single proportion formula based on the adult prevalence of picky eating of 28.7 % which gives a sample of ~ 324 students. However, 407 students online registered to participate out which 403 students responded. A set of questionnaire was posted online. The questionnaire contained three sections which are demographic information, determinants of picky eating behavior and normal eating behaviors. Furthermore, the students were categorized as non-picky eating behavior, moderate picky eating behavior, and extreme picky eating behavior. The statistical analysis
carried out was mainly descriptive in order to determine the extent of picky eating behavior among the university students. Student t-test was used to find the differences between picky and non-picky eaters in terms of eating behaviors. Among the students possessing non picky eating behavior, moderate picky eating behavior and extreme picky eating behavior were 168 (41.69%), were 130(32.26%), 105(26.05%) respectively. On overall basis 235(58.31 %) of the students were having picky eating behavior. The present study revealed that picky eating behavior exists among the university students which need to be addressed.
MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Research Design; Universities; Prevalence; Sample Size
World Health Organization (WHO) estimated over 100 million dengue infections to happen annually worldwide involving more than 2.5 billion people. Temephos or abate is a larvicide that has been used in vector control to eradicate mosquito larvae. Though practically low risk, there had been resistance problem reported with continuous use. This study seeks to find an effective and safer alternative to abate by assessing the use of ethanolic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves as larvicidal agent against Aedes aegypti. M.koenigii leaves were macerated for 3 days with absolute ethanol and evaporated using rotary vapor to produce the crude extract. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical screening using standard qualitative method. For bioassay, the crude
extract underwent a serial dilution to produce 3 concentrations of 100 ppm (C1), 50 ppm (C2) and 10 ppm (C3) with abate and absolute ethanol as negative and positive control respectively. Bioassay for larvicidal effect was conducted in accordance to WHO standard method. Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract of M. koenigii leaves revealed the presence of alkaloid, steroid and saponin. The bioassay shows that after 24 hours, the mortality rate of C1, C2 and C3 larvae were 100%, 38% and 0% and when further extended to 48 hours, the rate increased to 100% and 46% for C2 and C3 respectively. The LC50 and LC99 post 24 hours were 54.489 ppm and 93.961 ppm respectively whilst at post 48 hours, the LC50 and LC99 were 10.263 ppm and 16.176 ppm respectively. The results show that up to 48 hours duration of exposure, the mortality
rate increase whilst the lethal concentration (LC50 and LC99) decreases. Upon examination on larvae deformities at post 24 and 48 hours, all test concentrations and negative control exhibit normal morphology. Positive control, however, exhibit deformities characterized by twisted and fragmented insides. When statistically analyzed, C1 larvicidal activity was proven comparable with abate at 24 hours while C2 needed 48 hours exposure to be on par. Based on the results, it could be argued that the ethanolic extract of M.koenigii leaves does hold promising value to be further developed as larvicidal.
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to six months is internationally recommended due to its benefits for both maternal and infant health. However, the rate of EBF in Malaysia is still below the desirable levels. This study examined the prevalence of EBF and assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and determinants of breastfeeding among Malay mothers in Ampang, Selangor. Ninety-two Malay subjects who breastfed healthy children aged six to 36 months, were included in this study. Data were collected by dual-language, self-administered questionnaire (which included Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, IIFAS), to determine KAP of mothers towards breastfeeding. Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and environmental factors related with EBF were also assessed. Linear logistic regression model was used to identify factors that may determine breastfeeding for six months (exclusively) and beyond. A total of 28% of the subjects practised EBF up to six months, 39% less than six months, and 33% continued BF beyond six months. The mean IIFAS total score was 66.1 ± 8.11, which ranged between Neutral and Positive towards Breastfeeding Practice attitudes. Higher IIFAS score is related to intended and actual exclusive
breastfeeding. Several variables were significantly related to breastfeeding for six months (exclusively) and beyond. This included maternal age of 30 years or more (OR:3.26, 95% CI:1.27–8.38); higher socioeconomic status (OR:8.50, 95% CI:1.76–41.06); higher educational level (OR:5.21, 95% CI:1.66–16.34); multi-parity (OR:3.15, 95% CI:1.17–8.47); nonworking status (OR:3.81, 95% CI:1.02–14.3); support from spouse (OR:2.39, 95% CI:1.01–5.65); availability of private rooms for breastfeeding at workplace (OR:4.30, 95% CI:1.77–10.63); and child birth place (OR:2.54, 95% CI:1.08–5.98). The right maternal knowledge and attitude play crucial roles in the success of breastfeeding. Hence, more health promotion is needed. Supports from spouse,
workplace, and hospital staff after delivery, are also essential to improve EBF statistics in Malaysia.
Religious fasting is an act of refraining oneself from eating and drinking beginning at dawn until sunset. The changes in meal time and long period of meal constraint may influence the tear quality and ocular surface. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of daily religious fasting on tear film characteristics and ocular surface integrity. This is a prospective study involving 29 eyes from 29 healthy participants. The tear film characteristics were assessed by measuring the non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), total tear secretion, and
fluorescein ocular surface staining method was used to determine the ocular surface integrity. The measurements were performed in the morning (8.00 to 10.00 a.m.) and evening (4.00 to 6.00 p.m.) during each non-fasting and fasting period. The results showed no statistically significant difference noted for all parameters measured in the morning when comparison was made between non-fasting and fasting periods. Conversely, in the evening, NITBUT value was significantly lower during fasting period, (p = 0.001), but, TMH, total tear secretion and ocular surface staining revealed no significant differences between non-fasting and fasting periods. Our study revealed
that daily religious fasting only significantly reduced the NITBUT value in the evening which possibly due to dehydration; however, it did not affect TMH, total tear secretion and ocular surface integrity. The absence of fluid loading at pre-dawn meal could be the reason of non-noticeable differences noted in the morning