Browse publications by year: 2019

Fulltext Various ways of continuous intraocular pressure monitoring in glaucoma patients: a narrative review

Ramakrishnan, G., Che Hamzah, J., Sharanjeet-Kaur S.

Medicine & Health, 2019;14(2):17-29.
MyJurnal

Glaucoma is a group of neurodegenerative disease linked with imbalance in the aqueous humor flow due to resistance in the aqueous drainage system. This increases the intraocular pressure (IOP), which causes damage to the optic nerve head and leads to irreversible blindness. As IOP is the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma, its 24 hours biorhythm need to be understood before managing it. Monitoring IOP is a critically important part in the management of glaucoma. Various approach and technology have been initiated and on-going for a frequent, round-the-clock IOP measurement to determine the IOP peaks and fluctuations. We review the current innovative approach and its importance as well as discussing the shortcomings of each method to obtain the 24 hour IOP profile.
Fulltext Genipin-crosslinked gelatin scaffold in tissue engineering: a systematic review

Muhammad Mior Amirul, A., Mohd Heikal, M.Y., MH Busra, F.

Medicine & Health, 2019;14(2):1-16.
MyJurnal

Gelatin has been frequently used in tissue engineering scaffold due to its favorable biological properties in wound healing enhancement. Genipin, a natural compound derived from Gardenia plants, was shown to be effective in improving physicochemical characteristics of the gelatin scaffold. This systematic review reported the utility of genipin as a crosslinker in gelatin scaffold fabrication. Two electronic databases, namely Scopus and MEDLINE via Ebcoshost were searched for publication between January 1999 and December 2018, using the keywords ‘gelatin’ and ‘genipin’. Articles published in English, reporting the utility of genipin in the fabrication of gelatin sponge were included. The keywords search yielded 830 articles, in which 14 articles were selected and examined in this review. The result of the search provided input in terms of the optimum concentration, crosslinking temperature, and fabrication method of genipin to be used. From the literature, it was found that 0.5% is the optimum genipin concentration and 25˚C is the optimum crosslinking temperature. The result also revealed a gap in the knowledge regarding genipin crosslinker and justifies the need to create awareness of the utility of genipin as a gelatin scaffold crosslinker. The current review provides an extensive overview on the current knowledge on genipin crosslinking and be a guide to an optimal fabrication of the genipin-crosslinked gelatin scaffold.
Fulltext Temperature stress effect on the survival of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) adult mosquito: an experimental study

Nur Amirah Shahrudin, Nazri Che Dom, Ahmad Razali Ishak

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):106-113.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The survivorship of mosquito is the most important aspect that affects its ability as a pathogen trans- mitting vector such as Aedes albopictus which is a vector of dengue. In this study, temperature stress effect on the survival of adult Aedes albopictus were investigated. Methods: It was conducted by manipulating different constant temperatures (15°C to 35°C) on juvenile stage of Ae. albopictus in natural and artificial container. Then, the devel- opment growth of adult mosquito was observed under laboratory condition. The effects of exposed temperature on certain biological parameters of adult mosquito were evaluated in terms of survival rates, longevity of female mosquito, fecundity rate, gonotrophic cycle and wing length of the adult mosquito. Results: In higher temperatures, the longevity of adult female was reduced and the highest longevity was found at optimum temperature (25°C) with average of 8.6 ± 0.18 days and 6.7 ± 0.29 days in natural and artificial container respectively. Both sexes showed a clearly tendency towards decreasing survivorship with increasing temperature where the highest survival was found at 15°C. Conversely, survival was lowest at a high temperature (30°C to 35°C). This study also showed that the wing length of both sexes was significantly affected by the rearing temperature where the longest found at 15°C and the shortest at 35°C. Conclusion: Thus, this study provide useful information of mosquito ecology in response to varia- tion of temperatures.
Fulltext Humidity controlling material development from diatomite, waste glass and cockle shell powder: an experimental study

Huong Pei Zam, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Karmegam Karuppiah, Mohd Sapuan Salit

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):99-105.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Innovative ways of balancing indoor relative humidity without compensate for the optimal working environment is crucial as excessive dampness is a risk factor for health symptoms among people and deteriorate building performance. This study examines the potential of fabricating humidity controlling material by sintering a mixture of diatomite, waste glass and cockle shell powder. Moisture sorption isotherms, moisture buffer values, pore structure, surface morphology and flexural strength of the final products were determined. Methods: Mixture of diatomite, powdered waste glass and cockle shell powder is mixed at different ratio, pressed and sintered at 1100°C for 20 minutes. The final products were examined using nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption and scanning electron microscopy for mesoporous and morphology properties. The moisture adsorption-desorption performances of the samples were tested using desiccator method while the flexural strength is tested using universal testing machine. Results: The sintered products have specific surface area from 5.744 m2/g to 14.765 m2/g and have pore size from 39.5-67.7 nm. The best product, manufactured by mixing 60% diatomite, 30% waste glass and 10% cockle shell powder, showed a good moisture buffer value (MBV: 1.3 g/m2 %RH) and flexural strength of 8.23 ± 1.8 MPa satisfy the standard of those commercial porous ceramics. Conclusion: Usage of waste glass and cockle shell powder in development of humidity control material helped in the waste reduction. The humidity control material produced can regulate indoor humidity without additional energy consumption. The superior products show excellent charac- teristics and highly promising for various construction applications.
Fulltext Study on the distribution and abundance of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in different environment settings for high- rise buildings

Zuhainy Ahmad Zhaki, Nazri Che Dom, Ibrahim Ahmed Alhothily

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):91-98.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Vector surveillance in high-rise buildings is important to predict and monitor the presence of vectors regarding their abundance and distribution. In this study, the infestation profile of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopic- tus species in different environmental settings were investigated. Methods: Four high-rise apartments in four differ- ent localities were selected for ovitrap surveillance. Fifty ovitraps were placed in semi indoor and outdoor settings. Results: A total of 507 (42.8%) from ovitraps showed the presence of the Aedes species larvae. Out of these, 170 (33.5%) of the positive ovitraps were those placed in semi indoor and 337 (66.5%) in outdoor. Of the total 16,613 Aedes larvae found, 4,130 (24.9%) were from semi indoor, and 12,483 (75.1%) from outdoor. In terms of distri- bution, Ae. albopictus was predominantly found in outdoor environments (POI=87.5%; MLT=36.45 larvae). Ae. aegypti was also found in outdoor environments (POI=14.89%; MLT=8.26 larvae). There was a significant difference in POI for both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the two different environments but no significant difference was observed in MLT, indicating that the density of the Aedes species in both environments was well distributed. Con- clusion: In this study, the patterns of Aedes habitat in high-rise apartments were observed. This study has shown an invasion and adaptation of Aedes mosquitoes into the ecosystems of high-rise buildings. It can be concluded that housing designs and the condition of the surrounding environment affects the infestation profile and the distribution of Aedes mosquitoes.
Fulltext Work-related road traffic crash: is return to work rate after rehabilitation better with outcome-focused intervention?

Nurrul Hafeezah Sahak, Kulanthayan K. C. Mani, Titi Rahmawati Hamedon, Krishna Gopal Rampal, Kathirkamanathan S. Vythialingam

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):85-90.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Work-related road traffic crashes (RTC) are a significant global public health challenge due to the seriousness of its consequences. Injured workers who have survived work-related RTC are advised to go for reha- bilitation after they have been treated physically by healthcare providers. Reintegrate as soon as possible into the working community able avoid long periods of sick leave. Return to work (RTW) rate have been used extensively in many previous studies as an indicator of rehabilitation outcomes on the working capacity of injured workers. The objective of this study was to compare RTW rate after rehabilitation for injured workers who received physical re- habilitation only (control group) and physical rehabilitation plus outcome-focused intervention (intervention group). Methods: Eligible 200 workers who were involved in work-related RTC and agreed to participate in SOCSO RTW Program were identified and invited to be part of this study. Sociodemographic, employment and injury-related questions were distributed. Results: This study finding showed majority (79.5%) of the respondents were aged 25 years old or older, male (86.0%), married or divorced (63.5%), and attained secondary and below education level at secondary or below (66.0%). More than half of injured workers consisted of blue-collar workers (69%), had fracture injury (93.0%), and had injury to their lower limbs (48.5%). RTW rate was higher in the intervention group (received physical rehabilitation and outcome-focused intervention) compared to the control group (received physical rehabil- itation only). Conclusion: RTW rate for work-related RTC was higher with outcome-focused intervention, in addition to physical rehabilitation.
Fulltext Dermal exposure to pesticides among sprayers in different agriculture subsectors in Malaysia: observational method using DREAM

Nurulain Mustafa Udin, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Vivien How, Emilia Zainal Abidin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):76-84.
MyJurnal

Introduction: An assessment of dermal exposure to pesticide mixtures among sprayers was made as a function of crop type, in four agricultural subsectors in Malaysia. Methods: The potential and actual dermal exposures for 160 pesticide sprayers performing pesticide spraying task were estimated by using Dermal Exposure Assessment Method (DREAM). Results: Results showed that there was significant difference between nationality (p
Fulltext Storage stability and antioxidant properties of chicken ball incorporated with threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicas) hydrolysate

Normah Ismail, Aishah Netylia Amat Ruba'iee, Kyaw, Zay Ya

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(2):1-8.
MyJurnal

This study was carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicas) hydrolysate (TFBH) in comparison with the commercial antioxidants; α-tocopherol and LYK Nanox 189 and to evaluate the oxidative stability of chicken balls added with 20% TFBH during the 15 days storage at 4ᵒC. TFBH was prepared by hydrolysis with Alcalase at pH 8.5, 60ᵒC, enzyme /substrate ratio of 2% for 2 hours. The results showed some antioxidant activities of the hydrolysate even though the activity was lower than the commercial antioxidants. This was based on the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) analysis and 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Based on the induction time measured by Rancimat, TFBH when added into the chicken balls was capable of delaying the oxidation process during the 15 days storage at 4ᵒC. The observation was also supported by peroxide and TBARS values. Therefore, TFBH can be used in food to delay the oxidation process during storage
Fulltext A preliminary study on the effectiveness of new students’ adjustment to university

Ismail N, Khalid MKA

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(1):37-44.
MyJurnal

Adjustment among new students at the university plays an important role in determining their success at university. This study showed one of the reasons students fail to complete their study is due to adjustment problems. Students found to be unable to deal with the challenges and demands on campus and experience a variety of problems that some of them failed to proceed to the next semester. The population of the study consist of 143 First Semester Diploma students in the Faculty of Business and Management studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang Raub Campus. The instrument used is questionnaires. There are four subscales designed to measure the effectiveness of student adjustment to university that are academic adjustment, social adjustment, personal (emotional) adjustment and institutional commitment. The study shows that adaptability on campus has a relationship with psychosocial abilities possessed by the students. Among the psychosocial abilities have a positive and significant impact on student adjustment is emotional intelligence, coping, and social support. All three of these psychosocial capabilities found to play an important role in helping students adjust at the university. Thus, the university must take proactive steps to develop emotional intelligence, coping and social support among new students to improve their adaptability

MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Students; Universities; Young Adult
Fulltext Anxiety in oral presentations among ESL students

Nurul Amilin Razawi, Luqmanul Hakim Zulkornain, Razifa Mohd Razlan

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(1):31-36.
MyJurnal

This study examines the possible causes of anxiety in oral presentations among students who are currently taking English subjects in UiTM Dungun Campus. Communication apprehension especially in doing oral presentations is inevitable among ESL (English as A Second Language) students. This natural phenomenon occurs due to several factors by taking diverse students’ backgrounds into account. However, there are also other factors that may contribute to the students’ anxiety. The respondents were invited to answer a set of questionnaires using Google Forms ™. The questionnaire was adapted and modified from Al-Nouh (2015). A few alterations were made to the questionnaire so as to fit the respondents’ perceptions. From the survey, several factors of anxiety in oral presentations were perceived; language ability, personality traits, preparation and audience interest. Overall, the findings showed that all these four factors did affect the students’ oral presentations. Several implications of the findings were discussed which include setting a friendly and stimulating class environment to cater to the different students’ learning needs, sharing the scoring rubrics for students’ preparation beforehand, encouraging positive attitude among the audience members and emphasizing fluency more than accuracy while using English. It is hoped that the ideas and suggestions discussed will provide the lecturers with basic guidelines of how to improve the students’ command of English language through oral presentation assessments and help the students to work their way out of anxiety
Fulltext Writing generator: a study on the use of transitional markers in academic writing

Shanthi, Alice, Thayalan, Xavier, Lim, Teck Heng, Xavierine, Jane

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(1):22-30.
MyJurnal

Coherence and cohesion are often considered an abstract and difficult area in the teaching of writing. The present study attempts to identify the categories of transitional markers (TM) used by students who have been taught using the Cycle 1 Writing Generator Beta 1.0 developed by the researchers in a writing class, and whether students are able to retain the skills of using TMs effectively in later writing. The Writing Generator is a Microsoft word tool that prompt student to choose from a list the formulaic phrases and expressions when they write expository essays. Using descriptive statistics, it was revealed that transitional markers were used by these students in their pre-test, post-test and also delayed post-test. The findings show a significant difference in the frequency of TMs used in the pre-test and post-test (p=.000). Though students failed to retain aspects of TMs in delayed post-test without the use of Writing Generator, the t-test found no significant difference between the post-test and delayed post-test (p=.302). The result indicates that the Writing Generator is able to condition students to choose TMs that bring about unity in their writing even they do not use the tool. The study indicates that the Cycle 1 Writing Generator Beta 1.0 could be developed further with extra features for Cycle 2 Beta 2.0 that could facilitate students’ uptake of academic writing skills more effectively among students
Fulltext Students’ perceptions on the use of mobile application for English course (MApEC) as a pre-language learning tool

Muhamad Izzat Rahim, Rafidah Kamarudin, Sharifah Sheha Syed Aziz Baftim, Norfazlika Abd. Karim, Mazliyana Zainal Arifin, Zainon Ismail

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(1):11-21.
MyJurnal

The use of mobile technology in language learning is rapi
dly growing. However, research on the use
of mobile applications to foster English language learning particularly as a pre language learning tool
is still lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate students’ perceptions on the use of
Mobil e Application in English Course (MApEC) as a pre language learning tool to help prepare them
for the actual class. A total of 29 Semester 1 Diploma students from a selected higher institution in
Negeri Sembilan participated in the survey which was conducte d to find out their perceptions on the
use of MApEC as a whole, and as a pre language learning tool to assist them prior to the actual
English language class. The results indicate that participants were in favour of using MApEC and
perceived that it is a v ery helpful pre language learning tool. Therefore, the initial findings of this
study can be used to further develop MApEC not only as a useful pre language learning tool, but for
English language learning as a whole.
Fulltext Optimization and determination of tartrazine by green tween-20 cloud point extraction for food samples

Nurulhazirah Mohd Nasir, Saliza Asman, Noorashikin Md Saleh, Nur Nadhirah Mohamad Zain

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(1):1-10.
MyJurnal

A simple and low
cost cloud point extraction (CPE) method was developed for the determination of
tartrazine in food samples by spectrophotometry detection at a wavelength 427.5 nm. The CPE was
performed by utilizing Tween 20 and sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) as extractant and separation
accelerator, respectively. Fac tors that influenced CPE such as surfactant and salt concentrations, pH
and temperature were optimized in the context of extracting tartrazine from aqueous media. Under an
optimal condition, the proposed CPE was applied for the determination of tartrazine in sweets and
concentrated syrup juice, which represented food samples. A CPE UV Vis method showed linear
calibration within the range of 1 12 mg L 1 of tartrazine with a regression coefficient was 0.9957 . The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantifi cation (LOQ) of the method were 0.88 mg L 1 and 2.96
mg L 1 , respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was found to be < 3.00 %. The amount of tartrazine found in food samples was 1.22 6.12 mg L 1 . The results showed that the proposed CPE
method was applicable for the determination of tartrazine in food samples and the tartrazine content in the food samples was permitted according to the guidelines from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Epstein-Barr Virus Seroprevalence and Force of Infection in a Multiethnic Pediatric Cohort, Singapore

Setoh JWS, Ho CKM, Yung CF, Tam C, Yelen, Tee NWS

Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2019 12;38(12):1173-1176.
PMID: 31738332 DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000002484

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) spreads through bodily fluids, especially saliva, and can cause infectious mononucleosis. EBV immunity and infection status can be assessed by testing EBV viral capsid antigen and nuclear antigen (EBNA) antibodies in blood. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence and force of infection (FOI) of EBV antibodies among children and young people in 3 ethnic groups in Singapore.
METHODS: Eight hundred ninety-six residual serum samples at a tertiary hospital were tested for viral capsid antigen (IgG and IgM) and EBNA IgG antibodies using Abbott Architect assays. We calculated the EBV seroprevalence using catalytic models to estimate the EBV force of infection from age-stratified seroprevalence data, both overall and by ethnic group.
RESULTS: Overall seropositivity was 68.3% (n = 612). Seropositivity was higher in Malays (81.8%) compared with both Chinese (64.2%) and Indians (58.4%). EBV FOI was consistently higher in Malays, with an estimated annual rate of seroconversion of 25% in children 1 year, of age compared with 14% among Chinese and Indians at the same age.
CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence patterns of EBV antibodies in the Chinese and Indian, but not Malay children in Singapore by 19 years of age resemble those previously reported in developed countries. Ideally, any future EBV vaccination strategy would need to target infants <1 year of age for maximum population benefit.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Antibodies, Viral/blood*; Child; Child, Preschool; China/ethnology; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin G/blood; Immunoglobulin M/blood; India/ethnology; Infant; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Singapore/epidemiology; Cohort Studies; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/ethnology*; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/immunology; Young Adult; Tertiary Care Centers/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext The foundational decades of Malaysia-south Korea economic relations 1960-1981

Miyoung, Song, Raja, Sivachandralingam Sundara

International Journal of East Asian Studies, 2019;8(1):80-98.
MyJurnal

This article examinesMalaysia-South Korea economic relations during the period before Dr. Mahathir became the Malaysian Prime Minister in 1981. A great deal is known about Malaysia’s relationswith South Korea during Dr. Mahathir’s era, especially pertaining to his Look East Policy and how it benefited both countries. However, very little is known about the development of economicrelations prior to the Mahathir administration.Strong economic ties between both countries canbe traced beginning from Prime MinisterTun HusseinOnn’s era (1976-1981). InterestinglyKoreanslearnt from Malaysia’s experiencesin rural modernizationand this laterbecame the basis for the implementation ofSaemaul Undongin the 1960s.This article traces the origins of Malaysia-Korea economic relations from the 1960s until the end of Tun Hussein Onn’s era.It focuses on factors that influenced bilateral relations, reasons for establishing diplomatic ties and the role played by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak and Tun Hussein Onn in strengthening bilateralties
Fulltext Seafood consumption and blood cadmium level of respondents along the coastal area of Melaka, Malaysia

Hamizah Md Zulkifli, Saliza Mohd Elias, Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Suhaili Abu Bakar, Farrah Atiqah Mohd Noor

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):68-75.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Eating seafood has become a major health concern for many people due to the present of heavy met- al especially cadmium (Cd). Cd can accumulate in the body and disrupt the normal cellular processes which will eventually lead to organ damage. This study aims to determine the seafood consumption pattern and blood cadmium (BCd) as well as the association between these two variables among respondents living along the coastal area of Melaka. Methods: Pretested questionnaires were used to collect background and food frequency intake from coastal villagers through convenient sampling method. Venous blood samples were analysed by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for BCd determination. Results: A total of 63 respondents who 54% were female with median age of 34 years old provided complete data in this study. The most frequently consumed seafood and its product were shrimp paste (31.5%) followed by mackerel (13.6%), hardtail-scad (6.2%), flatfish (4.5%) and fish ball (4.0). All blood samples showed the present of Cd with median (IQR) = 0.076 (0.1) μg/L and ranged between 0.007 to 1.284 μg/L. The finding showed no association between frequently consumed seafood and low BCd of the respondents. On the other hand, gender was found to be significantly associated with the BCd. Conclusion: Seafood consumption pattern was not significantly associated with BCd which suggests that frequent seafood consumption may not contribute much to BCd level among the respondents as well as it may indicates safe consumption of these seafood available in the study location.
Fulltext The influence of work factors on reproductive health of female workers in Sidoarjo industrial area, Indonesia

Firman Suryadi Rahman, Tri Martiana, Putri Mahdang, Titi Rahmawati, Juliana Jalaludin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):62-67.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Female workers have different abilities and physiology to male workers. Thus, female workers are very sensitive to some hazards in workplace environment. The existing hazards in work environment can cause various effects towards pregnancy among female workers. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of work factors including shift work, work attitude, and work duration on reproductive health. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study. The number of research sample was 109 female workers selected by simple random sampling. The respondents were female workers in plastic and soft drink industry in Sidoarjo. Primary data was col- lected by using questionnaires. The dependent variable was the reproductive health of female workers. Reproductive health status of female workers includes menstrual disorders and pregnancy disorders. The independent variables included work pattern, work duration, and shift work. Results: The percentage of respondents who were married was 81.7%. The percentage of respondents experiencing reproductive disorders was 63.3% in which 60.6% cases were menstrual disorders and 20.2% cases were pregnancy disorders. The results of logistic regression test showed that reproductive health during pregnancy was affected by shift work (p=0.007). Conclusion: Female workers who worked in the evening and at night shift had high risks of pregnancy disorders and miscarriage than female workers who worked at normal working hours. Working in shifts and the irregular working hours also associated with the miscarriage occurence. Companies need to provide protection for pregnant workers in order to avoid irregular shift work and evening or night shift.
Fulltext Health risk assessment of electronic cigarette use among adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Aziemah Zulkifli, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Najihah Zainol Abidin, Sarva Mangala Praveena, Hasanah Mohd Ghazali, Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):55-61.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The electronic cigarette (EC) usage has raised public health concerns; whether its advantages to smok- ers as a potential smoking cessation aid have outweighed its negative health impacts among EC users. This study aims to estimate health risks associated with chemical exposures to nicotine, propylene glycol (PG) and selected To- bacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs) namely 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N’-nitro- sonornicotine (NNN) in e-liquids locally-manufactured in Malaysia. Methods: The health risk assessment (HRA) was performed using established guideline by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The average daily dose (ADD) and lifetime average daily dose (LADD) were calculated using previously published data on chemical concentration of selected compounds and local EC usage topography data. Next, the non-carcinogenic risk (nicotine and PG) and carcinogenic risk (NNK and NNN) were calculated and denoted as total hazard quotient (HQT) and total lifetime cancer risk (LCRT) value, respectively. Results: For non-carcinogenic risk, the mean of HQT was 78.9 which falls un- der “unacceptable” risk as demonstrated by HQT value of more than 1. While for carcinogenic risk, the mean of total LCRT value was 1.54E-04 which may place EC users at risk of developing cancer resulted from exposure to selected TSNAs. Conclusion: Comprehensive HRA using currently available data of local EC usage topography and chemical evaluation of Malaysian-made e-liquids have revealed that the exposure to nicotine, PG and selected TSNAs are expected to be a significant health concern for local EC users. This finding supports the local health authority to issue a stringent health policy in considering EC as a tool for smoking cessation among heavy smokers.
Fulltext Effects of artificial lights on the biology of adult Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes

Amzar Zafri Alimi, Nazri Che Dom, Rodziah Ismail

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):48-54.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of artificial light exposures on the survivals and life traits of adult Aedes aegypti. Methods: This is an experimental research where triplication of each cage filled with a ratio of 20 male : 20 female mosquitoes were exposed under three different light artificial light which are; yellow light, white light and blue light along with three different photoperiod regimes (light:dark) – (14h:10h, 12h:12h and 8h:16h). During this study, life traits data observed were duration of the females to complete a gonotrophic cycle, mean number of days was calculated as well as fecundity rate each cycle was also observed by calculating its number of eggs. Results: In general, gonotrophic cycle of this species is significantly affected by the exposure of the artificial lights where the white light has allowed this species to complete a gonotrophic cycle faster than yellow and blue light with post hoc Tukey’s HSD p = 0.026, however the gonotrophic cycle is found not affected by the different photoperiod regimes. The fecundity of this species is found not to be affected by the artificial light exposure but is affected by the different photoperiod regimes with p = 0.049. Conclusion: In conclusion, artificial light can signifi- cantly affect the gonotrophic cycle of Aedes aegypti species while on the other hand, the fecundity of this species is affected by the different photoperiod instead of different artificial light exposure.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice towards hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among nursery governesses in Klang Valley, Selangor

Siti Aida Shaqirah Mahadzar, Haliza Abdul Rahman

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):40-47.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is reported as endemic and rank in the third place among other communicable diseases in Malaysia. HFMD outbreak is often found in nurseries and playgroups where children have lots of close contacts with other children. The objective of study is to study the knowledge, attitude and practice of HFMD among nursery governesses of nurseries at public universities and residential areas. Methods: A total of 102 nursery governesses were selected as respondents which include 83 respondents from public university while 26 respondents from residential areas in Klang Valley. Questionnaires were administered to determine socio-demo- graphic, knowledge, attitude and practice on HFMD among the study population. Results: The result indicated that no significance different between knowledge, attitude and practice between two groups (Z = -0.321, p > 0.005; Z =
-1.196, p > 0.005; Z = -1.155, p > 0.005) respectively. Furthermore, there was no association between knowledge with practice (p = 0.581, p > 0.005) and attitude with practice (p = 0.298, p > 0.005). Thus, nursery governesses in this study perceived moderate knowledge and attitude level. However for practice, public universities showed better application of practice if compared to residential areas. Conclusion: Hence, it is recommended for the nursery governesses to attend program such as health talk on HFMD occasionally, as it can be efficiently induce positive outcome.

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