Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Asmariah Ahmad, Safura Salik, Yap Wei Boon, Ahmad Rohi Ghazali, Noorhisham Tan Kofli
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):23-26.
    MyJurnal
    Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from the local fermented durian (tempoyak) was determined by Ames test (Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity assay). Our study also involved pre-incubation assay against Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 bacterial strain in the presence and absence of metabolic activator S9 system. It was found that the L. plantarum showed no mutagenic activity on both S. typhimurium strain TA 98 and TA 100 in the presence and absence of metabolic activator. Significant antimutagenic activity (p < 0.05) was observed in both cell-free supernatant and bacterial cell suspension of L. plantarum as compared to the mutagenicity induced by 2-Aminoanthracene in the presence of metabolic activator. Meanwhile, in the absence of metabolic activator, only the bacterial cells of L. plantarum showed antimutagenicity acitivity against Sodium Azide and 2-Nitrofluorene. In conclusion, L. plantarum could play a vital role as chemopreventive agent by binding to mutagens and suppressing mutagenesis. Thus, L. plantarum could be consider as a good candidate for functional food development as a supplement product to prevent development of colon cancer.
    MeSH terms: Anthracenes; Colonic Neoplasms; Fermentation; Fluorenes; Microsomes; Mutagens; Salmonella typhimurium; Spores, Bacterial; Mutagenesis; Sodium Azide; Bombacaceae; Lactobacillus plantarum; Functional Food; Lactobacillales
  2. Yap Wei Boon, Shaktypreya Nadarajah, Nadiah Shidik, Noorjahan Banu Mohammed Alitheen
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):15-22.
    MyJurnal
    Breast cancer is one of the commonest cancers among women. Conventional therapies cause adverse side effects in patients. Cytokine immunotherapy such as interleukin-27 (IL-27) has been sought as an alternative cancer treatment in recent years. IL-27 has been shown to improve anticancer immunity and anti-angiogenesis in cancers, however, its effect on apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression especially in breast cancers is yet to be explored. Cytotoxicity of IL-27 in non-cancerous (184b5) and cancerous (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) breast cell lines was first determined for 24-72 h in this study. The results indicated that IL-27 treatment did not retard 184b5 cell growth, however, did inhibit MCF-7 (48 h) and MDA-MB-231 (72 h) cell growth with IC50 at 442 and 457 ng/ml, respectively. Apoptotic (TRAIL, FADD, FAS, caspase-3 and caspase-8) and anti-apoptotic (BCL-2, AKT, and COX-2) genes were then amplified from untreated (control) and treated breast cancer cells and studied. TRAIL, caspase-3, caspase-8 gene expression was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in treated MCF-7 (442 ng/ml) and MDA-MB-231 (457 ng/ml) cells. Expression of FADD and FAS genes was not detected in both control and treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. COX-2 gene was also not expressed by MCF-7 cells, but reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in treated MDA-MB-231 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, IL-27 treatment seemed to slightly enhance the expression of AKT and BCL-2 genes which, on the other hand, was downregulated in treated MCF-7 cells. Conclusively, IL-27 is able to inhibit breast cancer cell growth and regulate apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression in breast cancer cells.
    MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Interleukins; Up-Regulation; Apoptosis; Genes, bcl-2; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Caspase 3; Caspase 8; MCF-7 Cells; Interleukin-27
  3. Asmah Hamid, Kholilul Syafiq Baharuddin, Nor Fadilah Rajab, Syarif Husin Lubis, Ismarulyusda Ishak, Nur Zakiah Mohd Saat, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Pesticide exposure may cause genotoxic effects by inducing the formation of micronucleus (Mn). Mn are fragments of chromosomes that remains after cells division. The increase in Mn may increase the risk of cancer formation. Our study aimed to determine the effects of lifestyle and pesticide exposure on the formation of Mn in epithelial cells from buccal swabs among paddy farmers in Malaysia. About 40 farmers who were exposed to pesticides were chosen as subjects and 30 personnels whose not directly exposed to pesticides, were chosen as the control group. Demographic and anthropometric data were obtained from questionnaires developed. Analysis of Mn formation was done using Giemsa staining (10% v/v) and the frequency of Mn formation was scored from 1000 cells per sample. Kruskal-Wallis test done between Mn frequency with age group showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Mn frequency in farmers as compared to the control in the age group of 30-39 , 40-49 years, and 50-59 years. Significant increased (p < 0.05) were observed between Mn frequency groups of normal BMI, pre-obese, and grade 1 obese as compared to control. Significant increase of Mn frequency (p < 0.01) was also seen among smokers and farmer’s group (15.39 ± 3.34) as compared to controls (4.76 ± 1.26). The maximum numbers of Mn found in farmers are 7 Mn per cell whereas for control group is only 3 Mn. However, most farmers had only 1 Mn (81.75 ± 6.42%) and 2 Mn (15.28 ± 5.14%). Mn frequency with the duration of exposure to pesticides in a month and the use of PPE revealed no significant difference (p = 0.27). In conclusion, the increased frequency of Mn was influenced by age, gender, BMI and smoking status of farmers besides commonly repeated duration of exposures and the use of PPE. Further studies are needed to analyze the causes of an increased in Mn among farmers.
  4. Ahmad Rohi Ghazali, Maziani Abdullah, Asmah Hamid, Asmariah Ahmad, Tava Shelan Nagapan, Ismarulyusda Ishak, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Pesticides and chemical fertilizers are widely used in agriculture to increase crop productivity among farmers. However, exposure to pesticides will give potential risk to human health. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of micronucleus (MN) and binucleus (BNu) formation in buccal cells from farmers who were exposed to pesticides using the MN assay. Buccal swabs were collected from the farmers in Tanjung Karang (n = 32) and Kelantan (n = 43) using wooden tongue depressor. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data of the farmers. Cytogenetic analysis was carried out by Acridin Orange (AO) staining 0.0025% (w/v). The frequency of MN and BNu as the biomarkers for cytogenetic damage was observed by using a fluorescence microscope. Comparison of frequency of MN and BNu is conducted in two areas namely Tanjung Karang, Selangor and Kelantan because of the agricultural activity and the type of pesticides used are different. Results showed that the frequencies of both MN and BNu among farmers in Tanjung Karang were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to farmers in Kelantan. Meanwhile, for the socio-demographic factors (age, smoking status, working period), MN and BNu frequencies among farmers in Tanjung Karang were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) as compared to farmers in Kelantan. While in the aspect of pesticide exposure, the frequencies of MN and BNu showed no significant difference between the frequency of pesticide spraying (p > 0.05) and the practices of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) (p > 0.05). This may suggests that cytogenetic changes were not influenced by these factors. In addition, correlation study shows positive correlation between the frequency of MN with the pesticide exposure of farmers in Tanjung Karang (p > 0.05, r = 0.015) and Kelantan (p > 0.05, r = 0.0158). Besides, the frequency of BNu also has a positive correlation with the pesticide exposure among farmers in Tanjung Karang (p > 0.05, r = 0.036) and farmers in Kelantan (p > 0.05, r = 0.013). Hence, this present study demonstrated that exposure to pesticides increased the formation of MN and BNu among farmers and the prolonged use of pesticides may induce genotoxicity and DNA damage to human
    MeSH terms: Personal Protective Equipment; Farmers; Agriculture; Cytogenetics; Demography; DNA Damage; Fertilizers; Fluorescence; Humans; Mouth Mucosa; Pesticides; Surveys and Questionnaires; Smoking; Staining and Labeling; Micronucleus Tests; Biomarkers; Cytogenetic Analysis
  5. Lewis TE, Sillitoe I, Dawson N, Lam SD, Clarke T, Lee D, et al.
    Nucleic Acids Res, 2018 01 04;46(D1):D1282.
    PMID: 29194501 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1187
  6. Sampath Kumar A, Arun Maiya G, Shastry BA, Vaishali K, Maiya S, Umakanth S
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2018 10 10;13(1):344-348.
    PMID: 30641723 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2018.10.005
    BACKGROUND: Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) means the amount of energy utilized by body in physical and psychological resting rate, after a night sleep, awake without any previous physical activity post meal (10 h after last meal) & neutral environment. In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) there is an increase in BMR which is said to be associated with the level of glycaemic control. So, the objective of the study was to find out the correlation between BMR, Insulin resistance and Visceral fat in T2DM with peripheral neuropathy.

    MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 50 participants with T2DM with peripheral neuropathy were included. Age group of 30-75 years were selected for the study. Participants with a known history of neurological disease, locomotor disability, and pregnancy were excluded from the study. Demographic details of the participants like duration of diabetes mellitus, age, Fasting Blood Glucose, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, Glycated Haemoglobin (HBA1c), Neuropathy and Blood pressure values were noted. We measured Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) by using Mifflin-St Jeor predictive equation in T2DM with peripheral neuropathy.

    RESULTS: The mean age of the participants is 60.16 ± 10.62. The mean duration of T2DM 13.44 ± 11.92. In the present study we found a statistical significant correlation between BMR and HOMA IR (r = 0.913*; p = 0.000), BMR & Fasting blood sugar (FBS) (r = 0.281*; p = 0.048), BMR and Visceral fat (VF) (r = 0.332*; p = 0.018).

    CONCLUSION: Basal metabolic rate is correlated to Homa-IR, visceral fat, fasting blood sugar and musculoskeletal mass among T2DM with peripheral neuropathy.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Basal Metabolism*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications*; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Insulin Resistance*; Male; Middle Aged; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/etiology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/metabolism; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/pathology*; Prognosis; Biomarkers/metabolism*; Body Mass Index; Intra-Abdominal Fat/physiopathology*
  7. DeVylder JE, Kelleher I, Lalane M, Oh H, Link BG, Koyanagi A
    JAMA Psychiatry, 2018 Jul 01;75(7):678-686.
    PMID: 29799917 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0577
    Importance: Urban residence is one of the most well-established risk factors for psychotic disorder, but most evidence comes from a small group of high-income countries.
    Objective: To determine whether urban living is associated with greater odds for psychosis in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
    Design, Setting, and Participants: This international population-based study used cross-sectional survey data collected as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Survey from May 2, 2002, through December 31, 2004. Participants included nationally representative general population probability samples of adults (≥18 years) residing in 42 LMICs (N = 215 682). Data were analyzed from November 20 through December 5, 2017.
    Exposures: Urban vs nonurban residence, determined by the WHO based on national data.
    Main Outcomes and Measures: Psychotic experiences, assessed using the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview psychosis screen, and self-reported lifetime history of a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder.
    Results: Among the 215 682 participants (50.8% women and 49.2% men; mean [SD] age, 37.9 [15.7] years), urban residence was not associated with psychotic experiences (odds ratio [OR], 0.99; 95% CI, 0.89-1.11) or psychotic disorder (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-1.06). Results of all pooled analyses and meta-analyses of within-country effects approached a null effect, with an overall OR of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.87-1.07), OR for low-income countries of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.82-1.15), and OR for middle-income countries of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.84-1.09) for psychotic experiences and an overall OR of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.73-1.16), OR for low-income countries of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.66-1.27), and OR for middle-income countries of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.67-1.27) for psychotic disorder.
    Conclusions and Relevance: Our results provide evidence that urbanicity, a well-established risk factor for psychosis, may not be associated with elevated odds for psychosis in developing countries. This finding may provide better understanding of the mechanisms by which urban living may contribute to psychosis risk in high-income countries, because urban-rural patterns of cannabis use, racial discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities may vary between developing and developed nations.
    Study name: World Health Survey (Malaysia is a study site)
  8. Mohd Syahiran Mohd Sidek, Johari Adnan Siregar, Abdul Rahman Izani Ghani, Zamzuri Idris
    MyJurnal
    Background: With teleneurosurgery, more patients with head injury are managed in the
    primary hospital under the care of general surgical unit. Growing concerns regarding the safety
    and outcome of these patients are valid and need to be addressed.
    Method: This study is to evaluate the outcome of patients with mild head injury which
    were managed in non-neurosurgical centres with the help of teleneurosurgery. The study recruits
    samples from five primary hospitals utilising teleneurosurgery for neurosurgical consultations in
    managing mild head injury cases in Johor state. Two main outcomes were noted; favourable and
    unfavourable, with a follow up review of the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 3 and 6 months.
    Results: Total of 359 samples were recruited with a total of 11 (3.06%) patients have an
    unfavourable. no significant difference in GOS at 3 and 6 months for patient in the unfavourable
    group (P = 0.368).
    Conclusion: In this study we have found no significant factors affecting the outcome of
    mild head injury patients managed in non-neurosurgical centres in Johor state using the help of
    teleneurosurgery.
    MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena; Follow-Up Studies; Craniocerebral Trauma; Humans; Referral and Consultation; Glasgow Coma Scale; Glasgow Outcome Scale
  9. Jafri Malin Abdullah
    MyJurnal
    People can work wonders without a room. Rooms make people think within a box,
    and people who are not confined within a room can wonder while thinking and solve problems
    as they see them in the environment. The dearth in the growth of professionals trained in the
    neurosciences who will use neurotechnology in the future is a dire situation facing Malaysia,
    according to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia’s 2017 Emerging Science, Engineering and
    Technology (ESET) study. Further, this human resource needs to be fundamentally cultivated
    at schools from a very young age. The author describes the activities that have taken place in
    the country via a bottom-up approach over the last two years and hopes that eventually these
    endeavours will end with the creation of an ASEAN Brain, Mind, Behaviour and Neuroscience
    Institute for Creativity and Innovation being established with the full support of the Government of
    Malaysia or other local and international financial donors.
  10. Lim KH, Teh CH, Pan S, Ling MY, Yusoff MFM, Ghazali SM, et al.
    Tob Induc Dis, 2018;16.
    DOI: 10.18332/tid/82190
    INTRODUCTION The continuous monitoring of smoking prevalence and its associated factors is an integral part of anti-smoking programmes and valuable for the evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures and policies. This study aimed at determining prevalence of smoking and identifying socio-demographic factors associated with smoking among adults in Malaysia aged 15 years and over.
    METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 21 445 adults in Malaysia, aged 15 years and over, selected via a stratified, two-stage proportionate-to-size sampling method. Data were obtained from face-to-face interviews by trained research assistants, using a standard validated questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine socio-demographic factors associated with smoking among Malaysians.
    RESULTS The overall prevalence of smoking was 22.8% (95% CI: 21.9–23.8%), with males having a significantly higher prevalence compared to females (43.0%, 95% CI: 41.1–44.6 vs 1.4%, 95% CI: 1.1–1.7). The highest smoking prevalence was observed among other ethnicities (35.7%), those aged 25–44 years (59.3%), and low educational attainment (25.2%). Males, those with lower educational attainment and Malays were significantly associated with smoking.
    CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of smoking among Malaysians, aged 15 years and over, remains high despite the implementation of several anti-smoking measures over the past decades. Specially tailored anti-smoking policies or measures, particularly targeting males, the Malays, younger adults and those with lower educational attainment, are greatly warranted to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Malaysia.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2015)
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Demography; Educational Status; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Smoking; Prevalence; Interview
  11. Noorhidayah Md Nazir, Munirah Sha’ban
    MyJurnal
    This paper examines the safety and efficacy of non-viral gene transfer in cartilage tissue engineering (TE) from the worldview of Islam. The first clinical trial treating adenosine deaminase deficient patients conducted in 1990 has triggered the development of gene transfer technology. The potential of gene transfer is further explored in TE field with the hope that it could prosper the regenerative medicine application. However, ethical issues become important when it comes to application of new treatment modalities, primarily in gene transfer because of genetic modification influences the basis of life - the DNA. Besides ethical issue, the application of gene transfer in treating diseases also attract views from religious context. The questions on the techniques to administer the gene in human, social acceptance of genetically modified cell and adverse effects from it are still debatable and unresolved. Apart from that dilemma, both safety and efficacy issues are raised due to the scientific uncertainty and social perception of the technology. Despite countless number of encouraging findings and recommendations by the proponents of
    the technology, gene transfer is currently available only in the research setting. The established guidelines are used to complement and provide the necessary foundations in discussing the aspects involved in the incorporation of gene transfer with cartilage TE. Relevant Islamic input are identified and aligned to those particular guidelines. It is hoped that the integration of Islamic inputs in the existing guidelines could suggest the safest approach in treating cartilage degenerative disease through gene transfer and TE.
    MeSH terms: Adenosine Deaminase; Cartilage; DNA; Foundations; Humans; Islam; Research; Social Distance; Social Perception; Technology Transfer; Tissue Engineering; Uncertainty; Regenerative Medicine
  12. Khairul Bariah Chi Adam, Firdaus Hariri, Lim, Kwong Cheung, Syed Nabil, Aung, Lwin Oo, Zainal Ariff Abdul Rahman
    MyJurnal
    Distraction osteogenesis allows superior skeletal advancement compared to conventional surgical osteotomy. It can be considered as a reliable and predictable surgical procedure and is widely used to correct the craniomaxillofacial bone discrepancy. Nevertheless, the outcome is technically dependent and requires comprehensive peri-operative assessment, preparation, and precision in application. The objective of this study is to highlight some important technical issues in distraction osteogenesis when the technique is indicated in various craniomaxillofacial regions and at the same time to discuss the options of preventing and overcoming these technical complications based on our experience and relevant literature. Important technical issues on the application of distraction osteogenesis in 5 different craniomaxillofacial regions were selectively highlighted based on the completed cases in one centre. Potential complications and its prevention methods were documented and discussed. The 5 highlighted regions of craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis were alveolar, mandibular, cleft maxilla, craniofacial and facial cleft. Technical issues and complications were mostly device related and associated with anatomical limitations and surgical technique. Nevertheless, these complications are preventable and can be appropriately managed. From the literature and our experience, the technical aspects vary according to its application in different craniomaxillofacial regions. Preventing the potential complications contribute to the success of its application. This article also discussed the concept of Ihsan application in the medical field, to achieve the best of treatment in terms of delivery and technical preparation for the patients.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Jaw Abnormalities; Mandible; Maxilla; Osteotomy; Osteogenesis, Distraction
  13. Jacka MJ, Guyatt G, Mizera R, Van Vlymen J, Ponce de Leon D, Schricker T, et al.
    Anesth Analg, 2018 04;126(4):1150-1157.
    PMID: 29369093 DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000002804
    BACKGROUND: Perioperative β-blockade reduces the incidence of myocardial infarction but increases that of death, stroke, and hypotension. The elderly may experience few benefits but more harms associated with β-blockade due to a normal effect of aging, that of a reduced resting heart rate. The tested hypothesis was that the effect of perioperative β-blockade is more significant with increasing age.

    METHODS: To determine whether the effect of perioperative β-blockade on the primary composite event, clinically significant hypotension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and death varies with age, we interrogated data from the perioperative ischemia evaluation (POISE) study. The POISE study randomly assigned 8351 patients, aged ≥45 years, in 23 countries, undergoing major noncardiac surgery to either 200 mg metoprolol CR daily or placebo for 30 days. Odds ratios or hazard ratios for time to events, when available, for each of the adverse effects were measured according to decile of age, and interaction term between age and treatment was calculated. No adjustment was made for multiple outcomes.

    RESULTS: Age was associated with higher incidences of the major outcomes of clinically significant hypotension, myocardial infarction, and death. Age was associated with a minimal reduction in resting heart rate from 84.2 (standard error, 0.63; ages 45-54 years) to 80.9 (standard error, 0.70; ages >85 years; P < .0001). We found no evidence of any interaction between age and study group regarding any of the major outcomes, although the limited sample size does not exclude any but large interactions.

    CONCLUSIONS: The effect of perioperative β-blockade on the major outcomes studied did not vary with age. Resting heart rate decreases slightly with age. Our data do not support a recommendation for the use of perioperative β-blockade in any age subgroup to achieve benefits but avoid harms. Therefore, current recommendations against the use of β-blockers in high-risk patients undergoing noncardiac surgery apply across all age groups.

    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Hypotension/chemically induced; Hypotension/mortality; Male; Metoprolol/administration & dosage*; Metoprolol/adverse effects; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction/mortality; Myocardial Infarction/prevention & control; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Databases, Factual; Treatment Outcome; Risk Assessment; Perioperative Care/adverse effects; Perioperative Care/methods*; Perioperative Care/mortality; Stroke/chemically induced; Stroke/mortality; Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists/administration & dosage*; Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists/adverse effects
  14. Rasyidah Mohamad Basiran, Hanis Mastura Yahya, Suzana Shahar
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(3):441-453.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Nutrient profiling is the science of ranking food based on the nutrient
    content that enables an individual to make healthier food choice without exceeding
    the daily energy recommendation. This study was aimed at developing and validating
    a nutrient profiling model for Malaysian older population. Methods: A total of six
    nutrient profiling models comprising different combinations of nutrients were
    developed. Each model was tested by scoring 94 food items in terms of 100 kcal and
    100 g, and the Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Malaysian (2017) as the reference
    value. The scores in each model were correlated with energy density per 100 g of
    food. The best model to correctly rank food according to nutrient density was chosen
    for validation. Validation was done by comparing the healthiness classification of
    174 food items as determined by Towards Useful Aging Food Nutrient Density Index
    (TUA FNDI) nutrient profiling model and the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines. Results:
    Models with sodium and total fat were better correlated with energy density. All
    six models were inversely correlated with energy density. TUA FNDI 9-2 model was
    chosen as the best model for validation. Overall, there was substantial agreement
    between TUA FNDI 9-2 model and the food-based dietary guidelines (κ=0.644,
    p=0.001). Conclusion: The inverse correlation between nutrient profiling models
    to energy density shows that foods with higher nutrient density contain lower
    energy. The validated TUA FNDI 9-2 model is recommended for older adults to make
    healthier food choices.
  15. Gilcharan Singh HK, Lee VKM, Barua A, Mohd Ali SZ, Chee WSS
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(3):427-440.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Self-efficacy for eating predicts successful weight loss and maintenance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) individuals. The Weight Efficacy
    Lifestyle (WEL) questionnaire determines self-efficacy for controlling eating. This study aims to validate the Malay-translated version of the WEL questionnaire and
    to establish the cut-off scores to define the level of eating self-efficacy in Malaysian T2DM individuals.
    Methods: A total of 334 T2DM individuals, aged 55.0±9.0 years, were recruited from a primary healthcare clinic based on sampling ratio. Medical records were reviewed for eligibility. Inclusion criteria included BMI ≥23kg/m2, and no severe diabetes complications. The WEL questionnaire assessed eating resistance during negative emotions, food availability, social pressure, physical discomfort and positive activities, and was back translated into Malay language. Self-efficacy was rated on a 0-9 scale with higher WEL scores indicating greater self-efficacy to resist eating. Factor analysis established the factor structure of the WEL questionnaire. Inter-item and item-total correlations determined construct validity while internal consistency described the reliability of the structure.
    Results: A two-factor structure accounting for 49% of variance was obtained, and it had adequate reliability, as indicated by Cronbach’s α of 0.893 and 0.781 respectively. Item-total correlations of r>0.700, p<0.01 and inter-item correlations of r<0.500, p<0.01 demonstrated construct validity. Cut-off scores of ≥44 and ≥32, respectively for factor one and two defined high eating self-efficacies in T2DM individuals.
    Conclusion: The Malaytranslated version of the WEL questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess self-efficacy for controlling eating behaviour in Malaysian T2DM population.
    Keywords: Diabetes, eating self-efficacy, Malay, reliability, validity
    MeSH terms: Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Body Weight; China/ethnology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Self Efficacy*
  16. Nurul Fatin Malek Rivan, Suzana Shahar, Hasnah Haron, Rashidah Ambak, Fatimah Othman
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(3):381-393.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Intake of soy isoflavones has been shown to be beneficial in reducing
    blood pressure, a known cardiovascular risk factor. This study investigated the
    association between intake of soy isoflavones and blood pressure among multiethnic Malaysian adults. Methods: A total of 230 non-institutionalised Malaysians
    aged 18-81 years were recruited through multi-stage random sampling from urban
    and rural areas in four conveniently selected states. Participants were interviewed
    on socio-demographics, medical history, smoking status, and physical activity.
    Measurements of height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure
    (BP) were taken. Information on usual intake of soy foods was obtained using a
    validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: The mean
    intake of soy protein of both urban (3.40g/day) and rural participants (3.01g/day)
    were lower than the USFDA recommended intake level of soy protein (25.00g/day).
    Urban participants had significantly higher intake of isoflavones (9.35±11.31mg/
    day) compared to the rural participants (7.88±14.30mg/day). Mean BP levels were
    significantly lower among urban (136/81mmHg) than rural adults (142/83mmHg).
    After adjusting for age, gender, educational level, household income, smoking status,
    physical activity, BMI and WC, soy protein intake was significantly associated with
    both SBP (R2=0.205, β=-0.136) and DBP (R2=0.110, β=-0.104), whilst soy isoflavones
    intake was significantly associated with SBP (β=-0.131). Intake of 1 mg of isoflavone
    is estimated to lower SBP by 7.97 mmHg. Conclusion: Higher consumption of
    isoflavones among the urban participants showed an association with lower levels
    of SBP. Use of biological markers for estimating isoflavones levels is recommended
    to investigate its protective effects on blood pressure.
  17. Siti Farhana Mesbah, Norhasmah Sulaiman, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Zuriati Ibrahim
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(3):349-357.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Older persons are vulnerable to food insecurity. This study
    aimed to determine the prevalence of food security and associated factors
    among free-living older persons in Petaling District, Selangor. Methods:
    A total of 220 free-living older persons aged 60-87 years were selected by
    using the cluster sampling method in this cross-sectional study. Faceto-face interviews were conducted to obtain information concerning the
    demographic and socioeconomic background, food security, oral health, and
    psychosocial status. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis
    were used to analyse the studied variables. Results: The median age of the
    respondents was 65.5 years, and 19.5% were found as food insecure. There
    were significant associations between marital status (χ2=6.818), education
    level (χ2=6.242), occupation status (χ2=7.540), monthly income (χ2=9.940,),
    and oral health status (χ2=9.627) with food security status. Those with a low
    monthly income (AOR=2.449, 95% CI: 1.046-5.732), poor oral health status
    (AOR: 3.306, 95% CI: 1.387-7.889) and living in rented accommodation
    (AOR=6.218, 95% CI: 1.458-26.518) were more likely to be food insecure.
    Conclusion: Respondents with an income lower than the poverty line
    income (PLI), living in rented accommodation and poor oral health status
    face increased risk of food insecurity. A nutrition assistance programme is
    suggested to improve the socioeconomic and food security status of older
    persons. Regular oral check-ups are recommended to improve the oral
    health status of the elderly.
  18. Cho, Cho Zaw @ Raheema, Myat Min @ Mohd Omar
    MyJurnal
    This study aimed to examine five pillars of Islam and their relationship with physical and spiritual health. The five pillars of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life, considered mandatory by believers, and Muslims are required to observe them with utmost dedication. They are summarized as Shahadah, Salah, Zakat Saum, and Hajj. he first pillar of Islam, declaration of faith (Shahadah) includes the most important concept, which is the complete submission to the will of Allah (SWT) by obeying and believing in Him. Spirituality in general is defined as “religious belief or the spiritual quality of something”, “a search for the sacred”, “personal growth, or an encounter with one's own inner dimension”. The World Health Organization (WHO) mentions spiritual health as one of four dimensions to well-being; physical, mental, social, and spiritual”. Moreover, holistic nursing practice includes treating people as a whole and attending to a client’s physiological, psychological, and spiritual needs. Thus, this study intends to further explore the unitary aspect of Islam that infuse each of the pillars, and their effects on physical, spiritual well-being and nursing implications associated with it. Five pillars of Islam are discussed from the Quran, Alhadith, and Sunnah (the sayings and traditions of the Prophet) as baselines, and further additions from the knowledge of the Islamic scholars. And it is noted that our practices based on the five pillars of Islam have not only positive effects on physical but also spiritual health. This paper pointed out that while performing obligatory duties as stipulated by Islam, one could achieve spiritual enhancement as well as physical strength and well being.
    MeSH terms: Anniversaries and Special Events; Humans; Islam; Male; Psychophysiology; Spiritualism; World Health Organization; Holistic Nursing; Mind-Body Therapies; Spirituality
  19. Nurul Asyiqin Yusof, Che Anuar Che Mohamad, Ahmad Nizam Hassan
    MyJurnal
    The integration of human knowledge between the medical and health care sciences with revealed knowledge was established since the era of Al-Razi (Rhazes), Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Rushd (Averroes), AlZahrawi (Albucasis) and others. However, the glorious period of Islamic medicine gradually declined after the period of 'Abbasiyyah and 'Uthmaniyyah. At present, many scholars tend to separate the modern medicine and the revealed knowledge, resulting in the disconnection between these two fields. There is little to suggest the presence of reference collections that integrate the Qur’an and Hadith with medicine. This review aimed to fill that gap. Relevant Qur’anic verses and authentic Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him; henceforth PBUH) in relation to a specific field in medicine i.e. the anatomy of human musculoskeletal system was extracted. The musculoskeletal system is unique in which it forms the ‘backbone’ of normal human posture. The system plays a vital role in maintaining human daily activities. From this review, it is noted that many Qur’anic verses and Hadith relate to the musculoskeletal system. A few examples include the number human joints and its relationship with the daily prayers (Salah), the daily charitable act recommended to all Muslim, the coccyx bone that is indestructible and shall be the source for human resurrection during the hereafter, and others. These examples necessitate for a more in-depth analysis to enlighten the revealed knowledge from the medical perspective.
    MeSH terms: Olfaction Disorders; Coccyx; Humans; Islam; Male; Medicine; Posture; Spine
  20. Nazri Mohd Yusof
    MyJurnal
    Integration and islamisation (INI) programmes for undergraduate medical students have been practiced, reviewed and published in many journals. However, there is only a dearth of study on the implementation of such a programme for postgraduate clinical students. Hence, there is a need to examine such a programme because of the different learning environment and characteristic of the students. The aim of this paper is to examine the existing clinical postgraduate programme at IIUM and attempts to improve the INI curriculum. Method: The study employs an analytical method and important factors for the development of the curriculum are analysed to come out with the objective, content, teaching methodology and assessment method suitable for the program. Result: The study identified the important factors that determine the curriculum to be the needs of National Health Service, the mission of the university, the requirement of the professional body and characteristic of the students. The study proposes that the objective of the program is to produce holistic orthopaedic surgeons who understand the belief of Muslim patients and is able to facilitate them in their ibadah and daily life as a Muslims. This is achieved through offering a course which consists of 4 main subjects on the principles of shariah which include the element of Islamic worldview, fiqh ibadah, fiqh muamalah and Islamic moral values with emphasis on issues related to medicine. The teaching method proposed is having regular seminars which consist of presentations and discussion of important concept in Islamic fiqh and followed by case study on fiqh issues related to Medicine. Finally, the students should be assessed from the case write up which they are required to submit before they can sit for the final professional exam. Conclusion: This improved program enables students to complete their study without compromising their duties to provide services at their respective hospitals.
    MeSH terms: Curriculum; Humans; Islam; Morals; National Health Programs; Students, Medical; Universities; Comprehension; Orthopedic Surgeons
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