Browse publications by year: 2020

Fulltext Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in a Saudi Critical Care Unit: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Haseeb A, Faidah HS, Al-Gethamy M, Iqbal MS, Barnawi AM, Elahe SS, et al.

Front Pharmacol, 2020;11:570238.
PMID: 33776750 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.570238

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are collaborative efforts to optimize antimicrobial use in healthcare institutions through evidence-based quality improvement strategies. With regard to critically ill patients, appropriate antimicrobial usage is of significance, and any delay in therapy increases their risk of mortality. Therefore, the implementation of structured multidisciplinary ASPs in critical care settings is of the utmost importance to promote the judicious use of antimicrobials. Methods: This quasi-experimental study evaluating a multidisciplinary ASP in a 20-bed critical care setting was conducted from January 1, 2016 to July 31, 2017. Outcomes were compared nine months before and after ASP implementation. The national antimicrobial stewardship toolkit by Ministry of health was reviewed and the hospital antibiotic prescribing policy was accordingly modified. The antimicrobial stewardship algorithm (Start Smart and Then Focus) and an ASP toolkit were distributed to all intensive care unit staff. Prospective audit and feedback, in addition to prescribing forms for common infectious diseases and education, were the primary antimicrobial strategies. Results: We found that the mean total monthly antimicrobial consumption measured as defined daily dose per 100 bed days was reduced by 25% (742.86 vs. 555.33; p = 0.110) compared to 7% in the control condition (tracer medications) (35.35 vs. 38.10; p = 0.735). Interestingly, there was a negative impact on cost in the post-intervention phase. Interestingly, the use of intravenous ceftriaxone measured as defined daily dose per 100 bed days was decreased by 82% (94.32 vs. 16.68; p = 0.008), whereas oral levofloxacin use was increased by 84% (26.75 vs. 172.29; p = 0.008) in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Overall, involvement of higher administration in multidisciplinary ASP committees, daily audit and feedback by clinical pharmacists and physicians with infectious disease training, continuous educational activities about antimicrobial use and resistance, use of local antimicrobial prescribing guidelines based on up-to-date antibiogram, and support from the intensive care team can optimize antibiotic use in Saudi healthcare institutions.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ceftriaxone; Communicable Diseases; Critical Care; Delivery of Health Care; Feedback; Hospitals; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pharmacists; Physicians; Saudi Arabia; Critical Illness; Policy; Quality Improvement; Levofloxacin
Comparison between Iberet Folic® and Zincofer® in treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy

Abu MA, Borhan AS, Abdul Karim AK, Ahmad MF, Mahdy ZA

Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig, 2020 Dec 14;42(1):49-56.
PMID: 33781008 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2020-0034

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of Iberet Folic® and Zincofer® on haemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin level; and its adverse effect.
METHODS: This randomised controlled trial conducted from January 2018 until December 2018. Pregnant women below 34 weeks of gestation, with Hb concentration less than 11 g/dL and serum ferritin level less than 12 ug/L were randomised to receive either one tablet Zincofer® or one tablet Iberet Folate® daily for four weeks. Both groups were compared in terms of effect on Hb level, serum ferritin level, and other haematological indices adverse effect related to treatment, and treatment cost.
RESULTS: Hundred and thirty patients were recruited in this study with 68 patients in Iberet Folic group and 62 patients in Zincofer group. The change in the Hb and serum ferritin level from baseline to day 30 did not differ significantly between treatment groups. The mean (±SD) change from baseline to day 30 was 2.15 (±0.59) g/dL in the Iberet Folic group, and 1.98 (±0.49) in the Zincofer (p value = 0.08). Mean serum ferritin at day 30 was 17.2 (±3.68) ug/L and 16.7 (±4.28) ug/L with 8.44 (±3.41) and 8.55 (±3.50) difference, respectively (p = 0.86). Adverse events were comparable in between groups, with p value >0.05. GI intolerance and constipation were among the common side effects, occurred in 34.6 and 29.2% cases, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Zincofer® offers equivalent efficacy and side effect profile in comparison with Iberet Folic® for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) during pregnancy, but with lower cost.

MeSH terms: Adult; Erythrocyte Indices; Female; Ferritins/blood; Ferrous Compounds/administration & dosage; Ferrous Compounds/therapeutic use*; Ferrous Compounds/toxicity; Gastrointestinal Diseases/chemically induced; Hemoglobins/analysis; Humans; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic/blood; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic/drug therapy*; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Socioeconomic Factors; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/blood; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/drug therapy*
Fulltext Repeat rate analysis of lower limb radiograph for digital radiography in general radiography at Pantai Klang hospital Selangor

Nur Aishah Jusnaidi, Nurul Fadhlina Ismail

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2020;5(2):112-116.
MyJurnal

Assessing the repeat rate is crucial to reduce unnecessary dose to the patient by identifying the major cause for repeating the x-rays exposure to the patient and apply corrective measures. To analyse the repeat rate of routine lower limb projections in direct digital radiography (DR) from general radiology department of Pantai Klang Hospital. 26 months retrospective repeated radiograph was acquired from Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at Hospital Pantai Klang. The retrieved radiographs were grouped based on the reason for the i radiographs being rejected which are incorrect positioning, incorrect collimation, patient movement, incorrect exposure factors, artefact, and other reasons. Total repeated radiographs retrieved for basic lower limbs projections were 13616. Knee was the highest repeted examination and the lowest repeat rate was tibia fibula. (repeat rate: knee = 1.04%, tibia fibula = 0.57%). incorrect positioning is the major causes for repeat exposure for all examinations type, followed by incorrect collimation, other categories, centring ray error, incorrect exposure factors and artifact.

MeSH terms: Radiation Exposure; Fibula; Hospitals; Humans; Knee Joint; Radiographic Image Enhancement; Radiography; Radiology; Radiology Information Systems; Retrospective Studies; Tibia; X-Rays; Artifacts; Lower Extremity
Fulltext Fractionation of as, co, cu and zn by sequential extraction in surface sediment of Kuala Terengganu river estuary

Muhammad Nazirul Mubin Abd Halim Shah, Lee, Siang Hing, Mohd Yusoff Nurulnadia, Meng, Chuan Ong

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2020;5(2):57-68.
MyJurnal

Development and urbanization processes around Terengganu River estuary are expected to release a significant amount of heavy metals into the existing surface sediment. However, information on how and why these metals are attached into specific fraction of sediments is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explain the heavy metal concentration distribution in each available fraction in Terengganu River estuary. In this study, nine surface sediments originated from various human activities area in Terengganu River estuary were collected during four different sampling sessions in 2017. Heavy metal content from the collected sediments were extracted using 3-steps BCR sequential extraction method followed by detection using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and we discovered that the total concentration of arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) ranged from 2.18 to 17.48 mg/kg dry wt., 2.53 to 20.53 mg/kg dry wt., 1.01 to 13.13 mg/kg dry wt., and 6.10 to 65.71 mg/kg dry wt., respectively. Dominance of metals in each fraction can be arranged as follows: As: residual > reducible > exchangeable > oxidizable; Co: residual > exchangeable > reducible > oxidizable; Cu: residual > oxidizable > reducible > exchangeable; Zn: residual > exchangeable > reducible > oxidizable. Availability of metals in the sediment at Terengganu River estuary is limited since that majority of metals resides in non-mobilisable fraction of the sediment. In essence, the sequential extraction provides information regarding the metals’ fractionation, availability and mobility, which could be used in assessing the environmental contamination in the area.

MeSH terms: Arsenic; Cobalt; Copper; Environmental Pollution; Humans; Human Activities; Organic Chemicals; Plasma; Urbanization; Zinc; Metals, Heavy; Rivers; Estuaries
Fulltext Optimization of spray drying parameters for white dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) juice powder using response surface methodology (rsm)

Norzaida Yusof, Noranizan Mohd Adzahan, Kharidah Muhammad

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2020;5(2):45-56.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to optimize the production of spray-dried white dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) powder using resistant maltodextrin as wall material. The inlet air temperature (140 °C, 150 °C and 160 °C), outlet temperature (75 °C, 80 °C and 85 °C) and resistant maltodextrin concentrations (20%, 25% and 30%) were tested as independent variables. Process yield, moisture content, water activity, solubility, hygroscopicity and bulk density of the powders were analysed as responses. Process yield significantly (p

MeSH terms: Biochemical Phenomena; Desiccation; Fruit; Polysaccharides; Powders; Solubility; Temperature; Water; Wettability; Cactaceae; Bays
Fulltext Production of chitosan oligosaccharides using β-glycosidic degrading enzyme: optimization using response surface methodology

Yusof Nurhayati, Abdul Manaf Ali

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2020;5(2):30-44.
MyJurnal

Many researchers have focused chitosan as a source of potential bioactive material during the past few decades. However, chitosan has several drawbacks to be utilised in biological applications, including poor solubility under physiological conditions. Therefore, a new interest has recently emerged on partially hydrolysed chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharides (COS). In this study, degradation of chitosan was performed by Cellulase from Trichoderma reesei® 1.5L and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were employed to optimize the hydrolysis temperature, pH, enzyme concentration and substrate concentration. Optimization of cellulase T. reesei® using central composite design (CCD) was to obtain optimum parameters and all the factors showed significant effects (p˂0.05). The maximum response, Celluclast® activity (1.268 U) was obtained by assaying the process at 49.79oC, pH 4.5, 3% (v/w) of enzyme concentration and 25% (w/v) concentration of chitosan for 24 hours.

MeSH terms: Biological Assay; Cellulase; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydrolysis; Oligosaccharides; Solubility; Temperature; Trichoderma; Chitosan
Fulltext Parametric study on volume fraction of representative volume element (rve) CFRP and gfrp towards tensile properties

Ahmad Fuad Ab Ghani, Mohd Irman Ramli, Ridhwan Jumaidin, Dharmalingam, Sivakumar, Fudhail Abdul Munir, Mohd Syukri Yob

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2020;5(2):17-29.
MyJurnal

The study of Representative Volume Element (RVE) on Composite Material has been performed in the aim to obtain the relation and effect of fiber volume fraction on its tensile properties which is one of the important mechanical properties for composite designers in automotive and aerospace community.The properties such as fibre content, orientation, dimension of constituent fibres (diameter), level of intermixing of fibres, interface bonding between fibre and matrix, and arrangement of fibres between different types of fibres, influences the mechanical properties of hybrid composite.Representative Volume Element (RVE) for each constituent Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) assumed isotropic behavior for carbon fibre, glass fibre and epoxy resin matrix and assumed to be perfectly bonded interface between fibre and matrix region i.e. strain compatibility at the interface. The scope of study on the micro mechanical modelling via representative volume element (RVE) is limited only to unidirectional composites.The result of parametric study performed deduces that incremental volume fraction of carbon and glass respectively will increase the E11 (Modulus of Elasticity in Tensile Direction) and enhance the tensile properties of both CFRP and GFRP.

MeSH terms: Carbon; Dental Materials; Elasticity; Epoxy Resins; Glass; Polymers; Elastic Modulus
Fulltext FLA-SLA aware cloud collation formation using fuzzy preference relationship multi-decision approach for federated cloud

Vadla, Pradeep Kumar, Kolla, Bhanu Prakash, Perumal, Thinagaran

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2020;28(1):117-140.
MyJurnal

Cloud Computing provides a solution to enterprise applications in resolving their services at all level of Software, Platform, and Infrastructure. The current demand of resources for large enterprises and their specific requirement to solve critical issues of services to their clients like avoiding resources contention, vendor lock-in problems and achieving high QoS (Quality of Service) made them move towards the federated cloud. The reliability of the cloud has become a challenge for cloud providers to provide resources at an instance request satisfying all SLA (Service Level Agreement) requirements for different consumer applications. To have better collation among cloud providers, FLA (Federated Level Agreement) are given much importance to get consensus in terms of various KPI’s (Key Performance Indicator’s) of the individual cloud providers. This paper proposes an FLASLA Aware Cloud Collation Formation algorithm (FS-ACCF) considering both FLA and SLA as major features affecting the collation formation to satisfy consumer request instantly. In FS-ACCF algorithm, fuzzy preference relationship multi-decision approach was used to validate the preferences among cloud providers for forming collation and gaining maximum profit. Finally, the results of FS-ACCF were compared with S-ACCF (SLA Aware Collation Formation) algorithm for 6 to 10 consecutive requests of cloud consumers with varied VM configurations for different SLA parameters like response time, process time and availability.

MeSH terms: Cloud Computing; Algorithms; Health Facilities, Proprietary; Humans; Reaction Time; Software; Reproducibility of Results; Consensus
Fulltext Abattoirs – a hidden centre for livestock genetic resources loss in Nigeria

Khaleel, Aliyu Garba, Nasir, Mudassir, Salisu, Nasiru, Abdullahi, Auwalu Yusuf, Saidu, Sulaiman Shehu, Saleh, Ahmadu, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2020;5(2):1-16.
MyJurnal

Nigeria is naturally blessed with wide diversity of native animal genetic resources. Indigenous ruminant livestock such as cattle, camel, donkey, sheep and goat contributes largely in both protein supply, revenue generation and national economy. In Nigeria, these animal resources are mismanaged and undermined through the indiscriminate slaughter of pregnant animals and foetal losses in abattoirs. This unethical practice resulted in the loss of genetic diversity, preferred traits and superior females ruminant animals. The current research focus on reported incidences across abattoirs, which is a centre where such practice is highly occurs within the country. Lack of modern facilities, law enforcement, poor management and animal welfare in abattoirs to protect pregnant animals are among few factors responsible for an increase in incidences. It is unprofitable to continue the tradition of pregnant animal slaughter that causes foetal losses. This is a condition that significantly threatens the animal genetic resources and general livestock industry in Nigeria. This practice must be discard with a proper conservation and documentation of these valuable animal genetic resources. Both long and short terms conservation programs must aim for substantial benefits of these resources. Laws must be enforced with strict penalties to those involved in pregnant animal slaughter. Genetic resources of these species and meat industry future could be safe with proper implementation of these laws and conservation measures.

MeSH terms: Abattoirs; Animals; Animal Welfare; Cattle; Documentation; Family Characteristics; Female; Fetus; Goats; Meat; Nigeria; Pregnancy; Ruminants; Sheep; Genetic Variation; Incidence; Equidae; Law Enforcement; Livestock
Fulltext Revised version of knowledge, attitude and practice of medical doctors on smoking cessation guidelines questionnaire

Shaiful Ehsan Shalihin, Mohd Aznan MA, Mohamad Haniki NM

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2020;5(1):95-104.
MyJurnal

Number of active smokers in Malaysia is increasing despite availability of stop smoking clinics and smoking cessation medications. Thus, the practice of the healthcare professionals involved in providing smoking cessation intervention using evidence-based guidelines needs to be assessed using validated assessment tool. Newly invented reliable and valid questionnaire locally is needed. This study aimed to develop and validate a newly modified questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical doctors based on national smoking cessation guidelines and factors contributing to the score. The 22 items consists of true/false questions and Likert scaling response based on domain of 5A’s (ask, assess, advice, assist, arrange) and 5R’s (relevant, risks, rewards, roadblocks, repetitions) of the national stop-smoking guideline. Sample size is calculated based on five respondents to one item ratio. The questionnaires were distributed to 131 primary care doctors. Reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency while construct validity was assessed using factor analysis. A high degree of internal consistency was observed (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87), with good knowledge subscale (0.72), attitude subscale (0.58) and practice subscale (0.92). Factor analysis showed three meaningful finalized components (knowledge, attitude and practice) which represent the smoking cessation framework. This study indicates that this revised questionnaire is more reliable and valid tool to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on stop smoking guidelines compared to previous questionnaire.

MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Health Personnel; Humans; Malaysia; Primary Health Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reward; Smoking; Reproducibility of Results; Smoking Cessation; Sample Size
Fulltext Sexual Dimorphic Distribution of Hypothalamic Tachykinin1 Cells and Their Innervations to GnRH Neurons in the Zebrafish

Ogawa S, Ramadasan PN, Anthonysamy R, Parhar IS

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2020;11:534343.
PMID: 33763023 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.534343

Substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), encoded by TAC1/Tac1 gene are members of the tachykinin family, which exert their neuromodulatory roles in vertebrate reproduction. In mammals, SP and NKA have been shown to regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion via kisspeptin neurons. On the other hand, the role of SP/NKA in the regulation of reproduction in non-mammalian vertebrates is not well known. In the present study, we first localized expression of tac1 mRNA in the brain of male and female zebrafish, Danio rerio. Next, using an antibody against zebrafish tachykinin1 (Tac1), we examined the neural association of SP/NKA neural processes with GnRH3 neurons, and with kisspeptin (kiss2) neurons, in the brains of male and female zebrafish. In situ hybridization showed an apparent male-dominant tac1 expression in the ventral telencephalic area, the anterior and posterior parts of the parvocellular preoptic nucleus, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus. On the other hand, there was female-dominant tac1 expression in the ventral periventricular hypothalamus. Confocal images of double-labeled zebrafish Tac1 and GnRH3 showed associations between Tac1-immunoreactive processes and GnRH3 neurons in the ventral telencephalic area. In contrast, there was no apparent proximity of Tac1 processes to kiss2 mRNA-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus. Lastly, to elucidate possible direct action of SP/NKA on GnRH3 or Kiss2 neurons, expression of SP/NKA receptor, tacr1a mRNA was examined in regions containing GnRH3 or Kiss2 neurons by in situ hybridization. Expression of tacr1a mRNA was seen in several brain regions including the olfactory bulb, preoptic area and hypothalamus, where GnRH3 and Kiss2 cells are present. These results suggest that unlike in mammals, Tac1 may be involved in male reproductive functions via direct action on GnRH3 neurons but independent of kisspeptin in the zebrafish.

MeSH terms: Animals; Brain/metabolism*; Female; Hypothalamus/metabolism*; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism*; Male; Neurons/metabolism*; Protein Precursors/metabolism*; Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid/analogs & derivatives*; Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid/metabolism; RNA, Messenger/metabolism; Sex Characteristics*; Substance P/metabolism; Zebrafish; Tachykinins/metabolism*; Receptors, Neurokinin-2/metabolism; Fish Proteins/metabolism*; Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism; Kisspeptins/metabolism
Fulltext Goal orientation among KARISMA 2018 athletes

Nurasiken Hanafiah, Daniyal Donny Man, Nur Khairunisa Abu Talip, Suhardi Kram

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2020;9(2):10-16.
MyJurnal

Goal orientation is a part of the psychological factors that needed by athletes to achieve a better performance in a competition. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference of goal orientation between gender and type of sports among Karnival Sukan Mahasiswa UiTM (KARiSMA) Perak athletes. Task and ego sport questionnaire (TEOSQ) was used to examine the goal orientation among athletes. There were four hundred (n=400) participants for this study. The results show that there was no significant difference between task orientation and gender. However, there was a significant difference observed between genders of athletes in terms of ego orientation. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in goal orientation between types of sport. In conclusion, if the athletes were able to set the goals in task orientation, the athletes can achieve better in sport.

MeSH terms: Achievement; Ego; Female; Goals; Humans; Male; Motivation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sports; Athletes
Fulltext Differences music tempo towards gym users emotion

Abdul Latif R, Idrus MF

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2020;9(2):1-9.
MyJurnal DOI: 10.37134/jsspj.vol9.2.1.2020

Music can give influence on a lot of thing. It was known as one of the sources for entertainment. It has been classified to regulate emotion, grab attention, for lift the spirit and increased work output. Nowadays, people love listening to music believed that it entertains them and thus helps to motivate the person to continue the activity. The aim of this study was to determine the differences music tempo towards emotion among gym users in UiTM Seremban 3. Sixty participants, which were gym users that attended to the gym in UiTM Seremban 3. Subjects were randomly assigned into three different groups (n=20 in each). Group 1 fast tempo (>120 bpm), group2 slow tempo (

MeSH terms: Attention; Auditory Perception; Emotions; Humans; Love; Motivation; Music; Exercise
Fulltext A novel approach for automated operational modal analysis using image clustering

Muhammad Danial Abu Hasan, Zair Asrar Ahmad, Mohd Salman Leong, Lim, Meng Hee

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2020;28(1):49-67.
MyJurnal

The present paper deals with the novel approach for clustering using the image feature of stabilization diagram for automated operational modal analysis in parametric model which is stochastic subspace identification (SSI)-COV. The evolution of automated operational modal analysis (OMA) is not an easy task, since traditional methods of modal analysis require a large amount of intervention by an expert user. The stabilization diagram and clustering tools are introduced to autonomously distinguish physical poles from noise (spurious) poles which can neglect any user interaction. However, the existing clustering algorithms require at least one user-defined parameter, the maximum within-cluster distance between representations of the same physical mode from different system orders and the supplementary adaptive approaches have to be employed to optimize the selection of cluster validation criteria which will lead to high demanding computational effort. The developed image clustering process is based on the input image of the stabilization diagram that has been generated and displayed separately into a certain interval frequency. and standardized image features in MATLAB was applied to extract the image features of each generated image of stabilisation diagrams. Then, the generated image feature extraction of stabilization diagrams was used to plot image clustering diagram and fixed defined threshold was set for the physical modes classification. The application of image clustering has proven to provide a reliable output results which can effectively identify physical modes in stabilization diagrams using image feature extraction even for closely spaced modes without the need of any calibration or user-defined parameter at start up and any supplementary adaptive approach for cluster validation criteria.

MeSH terms: Algorithms; Calibration; Reference Standards; Cluster Analysis
Fulltext Clinical utility of extended monocytes parameters as a screening tool in suspected dengue infection

Nur Aliaa, Eusni Rahayu Mohd Tohit, Nik Hafidzah Nik Mustapha, Malina Osman

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):162-167.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Increased monocyte percentage and monocyte anisocytosis were suggested as new markers for den- gue fever detection. This study aims to investigate and evaluate monocyte volume standard deviation (MoV-SD) and monocyte percentage (Mono %) parameters using Coulter automated haematology analyser as screening parameters in discriminating between dengue infection and other febrile illness. Methods: A cross-sectional laboratory analysis using suspected dengue fever patients were included in this study. The study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban from June 2016 until June 2017. Patients were classified into dengue positive and dengue negative based on dengue IgM and NS1 result. The diagnostic performance of MoV-SD and Mono % was analysed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The cut-off value of the MoV-SD and Mono % was determined and evaluated with the validation group. Chi-square test was used to assess the as- sociation between the parameters. Results: 88 (48.4%) from 182 samples were confirmed to have dengue infection. ROC curve analysis showed Mono % at cut off value of 10.5 % with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.869 with 84.1% sensitivity and 84% specificity (95% CI: 0.812-0.925) and MoV-SD cut off value at 22.2 (AUC 0.776, 80.7% sensitivity, 61.7% specificity, 95% CI: 0.709-0.843) are an excellent parameters in separating dengue positive and dengue-negative patients. A cut-off value of 10.5 of Mono % and 22.2 of MoV-SD were applied to the validation group showed 83.1%, 66.4% sensitivity and 84.9%, 77.3% specificity respectively. Conclusion: MoV-SD and Mono
% parameters are a potential parameter for the screening of dengue infection in acute febrile illness patients with good specificity and sensitivity.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Dengue; Fever; Hematologic Diseases; Hematology; Hospitals; Humans; Immunoglobulin M; Laboratories; Monocytes; Reference Standards; ROC Curve; Biomarkers; Chi-Square Distribution; Area Under Curve
Fulltext Implementation of MPOWER approach for tobacco control in Malaysia: findings from the Global Adult Tobacco survey (GATs)

Lim Kuang Hock, Heng Pei Pei, Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff, Teh Chien Huey, Sumarni Mohamad Ghazali, Lim Hui Li, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):144-154.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Tobacco induced illness remains a major contribution to premature death and global burden of dis- eases. The introduction of MPOWER policies by World Health Organization held the value to monitor the imple- mentation of the anti-smoking measures in all signatory countries. This paper aimed to investigate the application of the six MPOWER indicators among Malaysia population. Methods: We utilized the data of Global Adult Tobacco Survey-Malaysia (GATS-M) which recruited 5112 nationally representative samples of Malaysians of 15 years old and above. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to illustrate the social demographic characteristic of the respon- dents while cross tabulation was employed to describe all elements of the MPOWER indicators. Results: About one quarter (23.1%) of Malaysian adults were current tobacco users. The SHS exposure at home (38.4%) and restaurant (42.1%) were high. Approximately eight in ten (80.2%) of the smokers intended to quit, while for those attempted to quit in past one year, 9.0% utilized pharmacotherapy and 4.4% attended counseling. The awareness about tobacco related diseases was generally excellent. The overall tax make up of the cigarettes’ retail price ranging from 41.7% up to 80%. Conclusion: Tobacco consumption remains prevalent and plateau among Malaysian adults over the last two decades with substantial proportion of the population exposed to SHS. The inadequacy in the current anti-smoking policies needs urgent improvement in order to reduce the smoking norms among Malaysians population besides to achieve the ultimate goal of tobacco control end game by year 2045.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Counseling; Goals; Humans; Malaysia; Motivation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Restaurants; Tobacco; World Health Organization; Policy; Mortality, Premature; Tobacco Products; Tobacco Use
Fulltext Iron deficiency in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and the correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction

Kok Leng Tan, Seng Loong Ng, Soon Eu Chong1, W Yus Haniff W Isa, Hady, Jun Jie Tan, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):131-136.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Iron deficiency (ID) has recently been identified as a threat to patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of ID among HFrEF patients in a Malaysian tertiary hospital and its correlation between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: Stable patients with LVEF less than 45% were included. Demographic data, LVEF (Simpsons) and cardiac functional status were studied, along with full blood count and iron profile. Results: 81 patients with a mean LVEF of 33.6% were recruited. 43.2% of them were NYHA class II patients, followed by 38.3% class III, 13.6% class I and 4.9% class IV patients. About 2/5 of the study population were anaemic, and of those, 48.5% were iron deficient. Majority of these anaemic patients (87.5%) had an absolute iron deficiency. Pearson’s statistical analysis showed positive correlation between ejection fraction and serum ferritin (r=0.624, p< 0.001), serum iron (r= 0.302, p

MeSH terms: Anemia; Ferritins; Heart; Heart Failure; Humans; Iron; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Tertiary Care Centers
Fulltext Sociodemographic factors of mental health literacy among housewives living in low cost apartments in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Siti Nor Amirah M.H., Husna H., Muhamad Afnan A., Suriani I., Ahmad Iqmer Nashriq M.N.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):121-125.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Evaluation of mental health literacy is important in assisting the development of intervention and policies toward preventing mental health problems. This study aims to explore mental health literacy and its socio- demographic predictors in a group of housewives living in low-cost apartments in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A Malay version of the self-administered Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) was used in this cross-sectional study. Age, ethnicity, religion, educational level and family income were tested using one-way ANOVA and independent t-test. Result: A total of 103 eligible respondents participated in the study. Most respondents were from the age group of 30 and above, from the Malay ethnic group, Muslims, had formal education up to secondary level with a monthly family income below RM4000 (USD980). The overall mean (sd) mental health literacy score was low 106.65 (11.21) and was significantly associated with ethnicity, religion, educational level and family income (p>0.05). Conclusion: Mental health literacy scores were low and showed variations within sociodemographic groups.

MeSH terms: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Ethnic Groups; Humans; Income; Islam; Malaysia; Mental Health; Surveys and Questionnaires; Health Literacy; Policy
Fulltext Reassessment of the catalytic activity and substrate specificity of fkbp35 from plasmodium knowlesi using protease-free assay

Cahyo Budiman, Carlmond Goh Kah Wun, Lee, Ping Chin, Rafida Razali, Thean, Chor Leow

Borneo International Journal of Biotechnology, 2020;1(1):125-143.
MyJurnal

FK506-binding protein35 of Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk-FKBP35) is a member of peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) and is considered as a promising avenue of antimalarial drug target development. This protein is organized into the N-terminal domain responsible for PPIase catalytic activity followed and the tetratricopeptide repeat domain for its dimerization. The protease-coupling and protease-free assays are known to be the common methods for investigating the catalytic properties of PPIase. Earlier, the protease-coupling assay was used to confirm the catalytic activity of Pk-FKBP35 in accelerating cis-trans isomerization of the peptide substrate. This report is aimed to re-assess the catalytic and substrate specificity of Pk-FKBP35 using an alternative method of a protease-free assay. The result indicated that while Pk-FKBP35 theoretically contained many possible cleavage sites of chymotrypsin, experimentally, the catalytic domain was relatively stable from chymotrypsin. Furthermore, under protease-free assay, Pk-FKBP35 also demonstrated remarkable PPIase catalytic activity with kcat/KM of 4.5 + 0.13 × 105 M−1 s−1, while the kcat/KM of active site mutant of D55A is 0.81 + 0.05 × 105 M−1 s−1. These values were considered comparable to kcat/KM obtained from the protease-coupling assay. Interestingly, the substrate specificities of Pk-FKBP35 obtained from both methods are also similar, with the preference of Pk-FKBP35 towards Xaa at P1 position was Leu>Phe>Lys>Trp>Val>Ile>His>Asp>Ala>Gln>Glu. Altogether, we proposed that protease-free and protease-coupling assays arereliable for Pk-FKBP35.

MeSH terms: Antimalarials; Biochemical Phenomena; Catalysis; Chymotrypsin; Isomerism; Peptide Hydrolases; Peptides; Substrate Specificity; Tacrolimus; Plasmodium knowlesi; Dimerization; Peptidylprolyl Isomerase; Catalytic Domain
Fulltext Optimisation of an electrochemical sensor based on bare gold electrode for detection of aluminium ion

Gilbert Ringgit, Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee, Suryani Saallah, Mohammad Tamrin Mohamad Lal

Borneo International Journal of Biotechnology, 2020;1(1):103-123.
MyJurnal

In this work, an electrochemical method for detection of trace amount of aluminium (Al3+), a heavy metal ion, based on a bare gold electrode (AuE) was developed. Current responses of the AuE under various type of electrolytes, redox indicators, pH, scan rate and accumulation time were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) method to obtain the optimum conditions for Al3+ detection. The sensing properties of the AuE towards the target ion with different concentrations were investigated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. From the CV results, the optimal conditions for the detection of Al3+ were Tris-HCl buffer (0.1 M, pH 2) supported by 5 mM Prussian blue with scan rate and accumulation time respectively of 100 mVs−1 and 15 s. Under the optimum conditions, the DPV method was detected with different concentrations of aluminium ion ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 ppm resulted in a good linear regression r² = 0.9806. This result suggests that the optimisation of the basic parameters in electrochemical detection using AuE is crucial before further modification of the Au-electrode to improve the sensitivity and selectivity especially for the low concentration of ion detection. The developed method has a great potential for rapid detection of heavy metal ion (Al3+) in drinking water samples.

MeSH terms: Aluminum; Electrodes; Ferrocyanides; Gold; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Oxidation-Reduction; Tromethamine; Linear Models; Electrochemical Techniques; Drinking Water

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