Browse publications by year: 2020

  1. NA Bahaman, Raha Ahmad Raus, Yusilawati Ahmad Nor, Al Mamun, Abdullah, Noor Suhana Adzahar, Dayang Fredalina Basri
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Traditionally, Mallotus paniculatus (Balik Angin) plant is used in the treatment of various
    diseases in rural areas such as remedy after childbirth, wound healing and fever. In this present study, four
    medicinal properties of the plant were investigated which included antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and
    antioxidant activities. Materials and Methods: Potential medicinal compounds were extracted from the plant
    leaves by sonication with 3 different solvents namely ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane respectively. The
    antibacterial and antifungal properties were determined using disc diffusion agar and broth dilution assay,
    the antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging assay and the anticancer effect by MTT assay. Results: From the
    screening of the medicinal properties, M. paniculatus leave extracts were shown to possess antibacterial,
    antioxidant and anticancer properties but not antifungal properties. Ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of
    the leave were active against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) but not
    gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The antioxidant activity of the
    ethanolic crude extract was high; with IC50 of 30 μg/ml comparable with the positive controls; ascorbic acid
    and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Both ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts were cytotoxic against breast
    cancer (MCF7), colon cancer (HT-29), cervix cancer (Hela) cell lines. Conclusion: M. paniculatus leave
    extract has many potential medicinal values for further studies.
    MeSH terms: Agar; Ethanol; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antifungal Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bacillus subtilis; Breast Neoplasms; Butylated Hydroxytoluene; Cell Line; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Colonic Neoplasms; Escherichia coli; Female; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Hexanes; Humans; Pregnancy; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Solvents; Sonication; Staphylococcus aureus; Wound Healing; Plant Leaves; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Mallotus Plant; Complex Mixtures; Early Detection of Cancer
  2. Tan Jia Yi
    MyJurnal
    Obesity has become a global health issue, not to mention Malaysia, which topped over the list of countries in Asia. On World Health Day in 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 64% of the male population and 65% of the female population in Malaysia are either obese or overweight1. The ringing of alarm is tremendously loud in the silence. Depending on each of us, this can be an issue that we laugh over or a kind but severe urge for us to take a step backwards, observe, and self-reflect.
    MeSH terms: Asia; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Men; Obesity; Global Health; World Health Organization
  3. Azna Aishath Ali, Syamim Johan, Chiak, Yot Ng, Firdaus Hayati
    MyJurnal
    The CECT scan of the abdomen at axial and coronal views show gas bubbles tracking along the inner wall of the ascending colon and hepatic flexure, which is separated from the intraluminal gas within the bowel. These intramural gas bubbles appear to be outlining the bowel wall circumferentially. The bowel wall appears to be thickened however the inner mucosa is not enhanced. There are no ascites in the images provided. The colon of the hepatic flexure and transverse colon appears dilated. No significant atherosclerotic plaque in the visualised arteries. Based on the clinical presentations and CECT features in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the best diagnosis for him is benign pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) secondary to obstructed low rectal cancer. He was subjected for a trephine transverse colostomy to relieve the obstruction with simultaneous transanal rectal mass biopsy. Once the histology is available, he subsequently will be referred for concurrent chemo-radiotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment and later for a low anterior resection, provided that it is a localized disease.
    MeSH terms: Abdomen; Arteries; Biopsy; Colon; Colostomy; Male; Mucous Membrane; Rectal Neoplasms; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Colon, Ascending; Colon, Transverse; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Chemoradiotherapy
  4. Chee, Yik Chang
    MyJurnal
    A 24-year-old female complained of a 2-week history of fever and right-eye swelling. There was no ocular pain, blurring of vision, or history of prior trauma to the affected eye. On examination, she was febrile and not in respiratory distress. The right lower eyelid appeared swollen with skin erythema (Figure 1), while the visual acuity was normal. The white cell count was 14.8 × 103/μL (normal range = 4 – 10 × 103/μL). Her liver and renal function tests were within the normal range. The abdominal ultrasonography revealed multiple splenic microabscesses, while chest radiograph was normal. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the orbit showed a right lower eyelid abscess with extension into the right nasolacrimal duct (Figure 2). Incision and drainage of the eyelid abscess were performed and the culture of the pus, as well as the blood, yielded Burkholderia pseudomallei. She received intravenous ceftazidime 2 g every 8 hours for 4 weeks, followed by oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 20 weeks’ duration. The right eyelid abscess and splenic microabscesses resolved completely post-treatment. Please interpret the figures and suggest the provisional diagnosis.
    MeSH terms: Abscess; Ceftazidime; Cell Count; Drainage; Erythema; Eyelid Diseases; Eyelids; Female; Liver; Nasolacrimal Duct; Orbit; Pain; Reference Values; Spleen; Tomography; Ultrasonography; Visual Acuity; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Burkholderia pseudomallei
  5. Aye Aye Wynn, Nang Khin Mya
    MyJurnal
    Telomeres are specialized DNA complexes found at the end of all chromosomes. Human, as a member of eukaryotic cells, requires telomeres to maintain the length and the stability of chromosomes. Telomeres lose their non-coding DNA sequence to protect the genetic information on the chromosomes. Shortening of telomeres occurs in most somatic cells after sufficient cell division in a human lifetime. Normal haemopoietic cells or stem cells possess telomerase enzyme to restore telomeres and allow further replication. Telomere dysfunction is the origin of several degenerative disorders and also predispose to cancer. Roles of telomere in carcinogenesis and ageing related disorders are reviewed.
    MeSH terms: Aging; Base Sequence; Cell Division; DNA; Eukaryotic Cells; Humans; Neoplasms; Stem Cells; Telomere; Telomerase; Telomere Shortening; Carcinogenesis
  6. Nang, Kham Oo Leik, Rhanye Mac Guad, Yuan, Seng Wu, Shwe, Yi Wai
    MyJurnal
    Frontonasal dysplasia (FND) is an uncommon congenital anomaly affecting the eyes, nose and forehead. In this case report, a baby of a 22-year-old mother was diagnosed with a midline facial cleft, bifid nose and hypertelorism during an ultrasound scan at 29th week of gestation. Besides a history of miscarriage on first pregnancy, no other abnormalities findings were found in laboratory or radiological examination of the newborn. Counselling about abnormality and psychological support were given by both obstetrician and neonatologist during the antenatal period. The patient delivered vaginally at 36th week with spontaneous labour and no complication was observed. Further interventions including corrective treatment have been planned as they often interfere with important functions such as breathing and feeding. Thus, the paediatric surgical team decided to do the operation when the baby reaches one year old as then tissues have been developed to 90% of their eventual form to give optimal treatment results. Further life expectancy depends on the severity of the malformation and whether or not surgical intervention can improve the associated health problems. This case report raises the importance of awareness on the nutritional value of pregnant mothers especially carotene and folic acid intake which may be associated with the organ maldevelopment. Overall, this report outlined the management of this rare condition experienced by the patient, particularly in a resource-limited setting like Yangon in Myanmar and also reviewed the literature about the presentation and classification of this condition.
    MeSH terms: Abortion, Spontaneous; Adult; Myanmar; Carotenoids; Child; Counseling; Face; Female; Folic Acid; Forehead; Humans; Hypertelorism; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Laboratories; Life Expectancy; Mothers; Nose; Nose Diseases; Nutritive Value; Pregnancy; Craniofacial Abnormalities; Young Adult; Neonatologists
  7. Paudel YN, Othman I, Shaikh MF
    Front Pharmacol, 2020;11:613009.
    PMID: 33732146 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.613009
    Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease afflicting around 70 million global population and is characterized by persisting predisposition to generate epileptic seizures. The precise understanding of the etiopathology of seizure generation is still elusive, however, brain inflammation is considered as a major contributor to epileptogenesis. HMGB1 protein being an initiator and crucial contributor of inflammation is known to contribute significantly to seizure generation via activating its principal receptors namely RAGE and TLR4 reflecting a potential therapeutic target. Herein, we evaluated an anti-seizure and memory ameliorating potential of an anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, I.P.) in a second hit Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (80 mg/kg, I.P.) induced seizure model earlier stimulated with Pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, I.P.) in adult zebrafish. Pre-treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb dose-dependently lowered the second hit PTZ-induced seizure but does not alter the disease progression. Moreover, anti-HMGB1 mAb also attenuated the second hit Pentylenetetrazol induced memory impairment in adult zebrafish as evidenced by an increased inflection ration at 3 and 24 h trail in T-maze test. Besides, decreased level of GABA and an upregulated Glutamate level was observed in the second hit PTZ induced group, which was modulated by pre-treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb. Inflammatory responses occurred during the progression of seizures as evidenced by upregulated mRNA expression of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB, and TNF-α, in a second hit PTZ group, which was in-turn downregulated upon pre-treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb reflecting its anti-inflammatory potential. Anti-HMGB1 mAb modulates second hit PTZ induced changes in mRNA expression of CREB-1 and NPY. Our findings indicates anti-HMGB1 mAb attenuates second hit PTZ-induced seizures, ameliorates related memory impairment, and downregulates the seizure induced upregulation of inflammatory markers to possibly protect the zebrafish from the incidence of further seizures through via modulation of neuroinflammatory pathway.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Brain Diseases; Encephalitis; Epilepsy; Family Characteristics; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Inflammation; Pentylenetetrazole; Pilocarpine; RNA, Messenger; Seizures; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Zebrafish; Up-Regulation; Incidence; NF-kappa B; Disease Progression; Glutamic Acid; Maze Learning; HMGB1 Protein; Toll-Like Receptor 4
  8. Farnaza Ariffin, Suzanna Daud, Zaliha Ismai, Ani Amelia Zainuddin, Roszaman Ramli
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: FertiQoL questionnaire was developed and validated in 2011. It has been widely used and translated
    into many languages to measure QoL among infertile individuals. The use of translated psychometric tools is often
    subjected to cross-cultural variations. The objective of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the
    Malaysian FertiQoL. Methods: A study was conducted among attendees of a public infertility clinic. Demographic
    details were collected and respondents answered the Malaysian FertiQoL. The questionnaire consists of 34 items.
    Factor analysis and internal consistency were analysed using SPSS v24. Results: Data from 175 respondents were
    analysed. Mean age is 32.1 ±3.8 SD with 56.6% female and 43.4% male. KMO index were 0.826 and significant
    Bartlett’s test for sphericity. For Treatment domain, factor loadings for items T2 and T5 were < 0.32 but for all other
    items were acceptable between 0.32 – 0.80 with no cross loadings and Cronbach alpha for environment (0.717)
    and tolerability (0.660). For Core items, Q4, Q6 and Q14 loaded onto different domains and Q19 had poor factor
    loading. All other items were acceptable. Cronbach alpha for specific domains were emotional (0.788) mind-body
    (0.829), relational (0.639) and social (0.666). Cronbach alpha for emotional, relational, social improved to 0.857,
    0.643 and 0.732 if Q4, Q6 and Q14 were omitted respectively. Conclusion: The study identified six items that affected the psychometric validity of the questionnaire and maybe explained by language or cross-cultural reasons.
    However, the Malaysian FertiQoL can still be useful to measure QoL in those with infertility.
    MeSH terms: Cross-Cultural Comparison; Emotions; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Infertility; Language; Male; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires
  9. Nur Raihan Esa, Nor Azwani Mohd Shukri, Norsham Ahmad, Mohd Radzi Hilmi, Md Muziman Syah Md Mustafa, Nura Syahiera Ibrahim, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Short-term fasting may influence intraocular pressure (IOP) due to alteration of fluid (total body water;
    TBW, and water intake) and fat (total body fat; TBF). This study aimed: i) to compare IOP values within and between,
    fasting and non-fasting periods; and ii) to assess the association between IOP and, TBW and TBF. Methods: Thirty
    healthy participants aged 21.8±1.1 years were assessed on two different periods (fasting vs. non-fasting). During each
    period, the IOP, TBW and TBF values were assessed for four times (morning, afternoon, evening, late-evening). The
    IOP was measured using AccuPen® tonopen, while TBW and TBF were assessed by using a Tanita body composition
    analyser. Results: During fasting, the IOP value in the afternoon (14.53±2.33 mmHg) was significantly higher than in
    the evening (12.43±2.73 mmHg, p=0.009) and late-evening (12.60±2.44 mmHg, p=0.003). No significant difference
    in IOP was observed during non-fasting period. The mean of IOP in the evening was significantly lower during fasting
    compared to non-fasting (12.43±2.73 mmHg vs 13.75±2.53 mmHg, p=0.044). The IOP and TBW were negatively
    correlated (r=-0.268; p=0.011) during non-fasting and showed no association during fasting period. There was no
    significant correlation between IOP and TBF during both fasting and non-fasting periods. Conclusion: IOP reduction
    during short-term fasting, together with the no association with TBF and TBW suggested that IOP is an independent
    factor that reduces during fasting in healthy population.
    MeSH terms: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Aged; Body Composition; Body Water; Drinking; Fasting; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Tonometry, Ocular; Ocular Hypotension; Young Adult; Healthy Volunteers
  10. Aneesa Abdul Rashid, Navin Kumar Devaraj, Zuhra Hamzah, Tan Chai Eng
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Diabetic control depends partially on self-management. Diabetes self-care is reported to be a strong predictor of glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Factors contributing to better self-care include self-efficacy and social support. We aim to determine effects of these factors on glucose control in T2DM patients in a primary care clinic. Methods: This study utilised data from a bigger study looking into factors affecting social support and self-efficacy and their correlation in T2DM patients. This study was done among 329 T2DM pa- tients attending a primary care clinic in Selangor, Malaysia between November 2013- January 2014. Systematic ran- dom sampling was used. Instruments used were the MOS Social Support Survey and the Diabetic Management Self Efficacy Scale (DMSES). Patients’ socio-demographic data and glucose monitoring records were obtained. The asso- ciation between social support and self-efficacy with blood glucose control was determined using logistic regression. Results: The mean age of the respondents is 54.6 (+11.2), mostly female (55.3%) and Malay ethnicity (63.5%). Being older and retired were predictors for good glucose control (OR=1.05,p=0.01 and OR=2.2,p=0.023) respectively. There is also significant correlations between number of close friends/relatives with social support and self-efficacy (r=0.162,p=0.030 and r=0.190,p=0.01) respectively. The correlation of social support and self-efficacy with HbA1c levels are r= -0.044(p=0.426) and r= -0.08(p= 0.744) respectively. Conclusion: There were no correlations between social support and self-efficacy with the level of HbA1c among patients with T2DM in this study. We found older aged and retired patients to have better HbA1c levels.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Ethnic Groups; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Primary Health Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Retirement; Self Care; Social Support; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Logistic Models; Self Efficacy; Friends
  11. Mohan Arumugam1, Adawiyah Jamil1, Norazirah Md Nor, Mazlin Baseri, Norlaila Mustafa, Suganthi Thevarajah
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) and its severity has been inconsistently associated with lower vitamin D levels as multiple other factors that influence vitamin D status were not always assessed. Methods: A case control study involving AD patients and controls 18 years old was performed. Exclusion criteria were systemic immunosuppres- sion  4 weeks prior to recruitment, renal or hepatic impairment, parathyroid diseases and vitamin D or calcium supplementation. Healthy controls were matched for age, gender, ethnicity, Fitzpatrick skin type and body mass index (BMI). Sun exposure, a 3-day, 24-hour dietary recall and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured. Re- sults: 38 AD patients and 38 controls participated. Majority had Fitzpatrick skin type IV. Vitamin D was lower in AD [15.9(9.9-24.0)ng/ml] than controls [17.3(14.4-27.2)ng/ml], p= 0.028. It was sufficient in 16(42.1%) AD and 15(39.5%) controls, insufficient in 7(18.4%) AD and 22(57.9%) controls and deficient in 15(39.5%) AD compared to 1(2.6%) control. Sun exposure was similar in both groups. AD had significantly higher dietary vitamin D intake [1.5(0.6-3.1) vs 0.6 (0.3-1.0)µg]. AD was an independant risk for vitamin D deficiency with OR 17.52; 95%CI:1.4-
    212.7 and vitamin D insufficiency OR 0.26;95%CI:0.07-0.95. Vitamin D levels did not correlate with AD severity. Conclusion: AD is a risk for vitamin D deficiency despite higher dietary intake and similar skin type, BMI and sun exposure as controls.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Calcifediol; Calcium; Dermatitis, Atopic; Eating; Ethnic Groups; Humans; Parathyroid Diseases; Sunlight; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Dietary Supplements
  12. Nui Jia Jun, Khairil Shazmin Kamarudin, Asma Ali, Noor Salihah Zakaria
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: In Malaysia, private office workers tend to be more physically inactive due to work burden. This study aimed to determine physical activity level, motivation factors and barrier towards physical activity among private office workers. Methods: A cross sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted at nine private com- panies in Selangor involving 106 office workers aged 21 to 55 years old. Self-administered questionnaires includ- ing Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS) and Physical Activity Barrier (PAB) were administered. Results: Over half of the respondents (58.5%) were having low physical activity level. The main motivation factors include physical condition, psychological condition and mastery. Meanwhile, tired after work, laziness, lack of discipline, family commitment and adverse weather were the main perceived barriers. A weak positive correlation was found between total motivation score and total physical activity (r=0.296; p=0.002). In contrast, there was a weak negative correlation between barriers and total physical activity (r=-0.237; p=0.015). Conclusion: The current physical activity level, its main motivation factors and barriers among private office workers were identified, providing an opportunity to create effective setting-based health promotion and intervention. It is also recommended that policy suggestions are made to influence and prepare essential partners (e.g. companies and employees) to promote ways of incorporating physical activity into one’s daily routine.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Promotion; Humans; Leisure Activities; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Motivation; Motor Activity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Weather; Exercise; Young Adult; Policy
  13. Ahmad Rashidi Mohamed Tahir, Nurasmaa Agussaiful, Shairyzah Ahmad Hisham, Aneesa Abdul Rashid, Ahmad Yusuf Yahaya, Navin Kumar Devaraj
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Since 1978, Rohingya refugees have fled from their native nation, Myanmar to escape ethnic prose- cution. They comprise of the Muslim minority ethnic group originating from the Rakhine state in Myanmar. In many host countries, they may have difficulty to access health care services. The Islamic Association of Malaysia (IMAM) Response and Relief Team (IMARET) have taken many initiatives to provide healthcare services to the refugees through their volunteer-led mobile clinics. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the utilisation of drugs among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients visiting this clinic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among Rohingya refugees with T2DM that visited the IMARET mobile clinics from August until November 2017. Convenient sampling method was used. Data were collected through patient’s interview, review of the patient’s prescriptions and their HbA1c readings. Results: A total of 29 T2DM patients were included in this study. The majority were female (75.9%) and aged below 65 years old (75.9%). The most commonly prescribed anti-diabetic agent was metformin (72.2%), followed by glibenclamide (22.2%) and gliclazide (5.6%). Metformin as a monotherapy (31%) was the most frequent treatment prescribed. More patients had controlled T2DM (62.1%) compared to those with uncontrolled DM. We found 90.9% of patients who were treated according to the recommended DM guidelines achieved a good blood glucose control (p=0.02). Conclusion: In Rohingya refugees having T2DM who were treated in the IMARET mobile clinic, the percentage having good control DM status is higher in those whose treatment regimen adheres to the clinical practice guidelines.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Myanmar; Cross-Sectional Studies; Delivery of Health Care; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Ethnic Groups; Female; Glyburide; Gliclazide; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Islam; Malaysia; Metformin; Minority Groups; Mobile Health Units; Refugees; Volunteers; Prescriptions
  14. Lim Hui Li, Heng Pei Pei, Teh Chien Huey, Kee Chee Cheon, Sumarni Mohd Ghazali, Lim Kuang Hock, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Minimizing smoking initiation among adolescents has been identified as a strategy to reduce the preva- lence of tobacco induced diseases among Malaysian adults. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with smoking among secondary school- going adolescents in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods: A school-based survey was carried out in Kelantan to determine the prevalence and associated factors of smoking among Kelantanese adolescents. Two-stage cluster sampling was used to ensure the representativeness of the sample. A self-administered validated questionnaire was utilised to obtain data from the selected respondents. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with smoking behaviour among school-going adolescents. Results: The study revealed that 10.1% (95 CI 8.5-11.9%) of the selected respondents were current smokers. The prevalence of male who smoked was significantly higher compared to female. MLR revealed that, males, respondents with at least one smoking parent/guardian, as well as the respondents with less supportive parents/ guardian were more likely to smoke. However, by having a few numbers of close friends and helpful peers in the school had shown no significant association for being the current smokers. Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of smoking was a bit lower than the national prevalence, and smoking behaviour was predominant among male adolescents in Kelantan state. Comprehensive measures with the involvement of parents/guardians were imperative to tackle smoking habits among adolescents by targeting high-risk groups identified in the study.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Peer Group; Surveys and Questionnaires; Schools; Smoke; Smoking; Tobacco; Prevalence; Logistic Models; Friends
  15. Asma’ Ali, Nurul Atiqah Khasbullah, Fauziah Tufail Ahmad, Hayati Mohd Yusof
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: There is an emergent increase of ultra-processed food consumption in developing countries including Malaysia which carries a likelihood towards the increase of obesity. However, few studies have been done in relating between ultra-processed consumption and obesity, especially in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to determine the consumption of ultra-processed foods and its relationship with BMI and body fat percentage among university committee in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 167 individuals aged 18 to 59 years old in Kuala Nerus. Data were collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire which consisted of three different sections: socio-demographic profile, two days 24-hour dietary recall, and nutritional status assessment on BMI and body fat percentage. Consumption of ultra-processed foods were determined by classifying two days 24-hour dietary recall based on ultra-processed food classification. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 with p
    MeSH terms: Adipose Tissue; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing Countries; Diet; Humans; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities; Nutrition Assessment; Body Mass Index; Young Adult; Fast Foods
  16. Sahrol Nizam Abu Bakar, Bachok Norsa’adah, Zurkurnai Yusof, Mansor Yahya, Mohd Nazri Shafei
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Information on sick leave duration among employees with the first episode of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) throughout the world was limited. The aims of the study were to determine the sick leave duration and its predictive factors among employees diagnosed with the first episode of ACS. Methods: A cohort study was conduct- ed among employees who were admitted to the cardiology centre in the public hospitals in northeastern Malaysia. Data was collected using a designed proforma. The respondents were interviewed, and their medical records were reviewed on the second day of hospital admission. Information on sick leave duration was obtained from sick leave book in the wards. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine the predictive factors for sick leave duration. Results: A total of 78 respondents participated in this study. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was
    47.5 (7.31) year old. The majority were male (92.3%), married (94.9%) and had a low level of education (62.8%). The sick leave duration ranged from 4 to 180 days with the median (IqR) of 35.5 (32) days. The predictive factors for sick leave duration were smoking (Adjusted b=20.1, 95% CI: 7.4, 32.8), not attending cardiac rehabilitation after discharge (Adjusted b=19.9, 95% CI: 6.7, 33.6) and presence of complication during admission (Adjusted b=28.6, 95% CI: 15.1, 42.0). Conclusion: The sick leave duration was relatively low and being a smoker, having a complica- tion during admission and not attending cardiac rehabilitation after discharged predicts a longer sick leave duration.
    MeSH terms: Books; Cardiology; Educational Status; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Medical Records; Middle Aged; Patient Discharge; Surveys and Questionnaires; Regression Analysis; Smoking; Time Factors; Cohort Studies; Sick Leave; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Cardiac Rehabilitation
  17. Adam Linoby, Jamiaton Kusrin, Muhammad Iskandar Asraff, Muhammad Azamuddin Rodzi, Sufyan Zaki, Hosni Hasan
    Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):193-208.
    MyJurnal
    The conventional heart rate monitor is usually developed with a numeric digital display. This numerical view is obviously not practical to be used during exercise. In this study, the iOS-based mobile application, called Chromozone, was developed to monitor heart rate using the universal color-coding system. The heart rate monitor during the exercise is designed to notify the exercise intensity information to users using the three universal color-coded (i.e. green zone: optimal heart rate; yellow zone: heart rate lower than the optimal zone, and red zone: heart rate higher than the optimal zone). Chromozone is programmed to display uniform colors across the smart phone display, which allows users to easily be informed in regards to the state of exercise intensity. The transfer of heart rate data from the chest transmitter to Chromozone application is designed to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) system technology. The heart rate data is then processed by the application to determine the intensity range of exercise training heart rate based on the user’s personal input (i.e. age, gender, fitness levels and training objective). Preliminary analysis found that Chromozone application is effective in delivering real-time exercise intensity heart rate. Chromozone could potentially help athletes, active individuals and clinical populations to monitor and regulate their workout training regime in a more effective and safer manner.
    MeSH terms: Smartphone; Color; Habits; Heart Rate; Humans; Monitoring, Physiologic; Technology; Exercise; Athletes; Mobile Applications
  18. Wan Faizatul Azirah Ismayatim, Nur Dalila Mohamad Nazri, Ramiaida Darmi, Nursyuhada’ Ab Wahab, Nur Adibah Zamri, Haliza Harun, et al.
    Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):173-192.
    MyJurnal
    This paper presents an innovation of a revolutionized self-directed English learning module entitled My Electronic Visual and Audio (MyEVO), which is designed and developed to assist language learners to conveniently acquire the required listening skills through the combination of current and state-of-the-art technology - Augmented Reality (AR) and mobile applications. Using Video Media method introduced by Gruba (1997, 2004), all listening practices in this module are based on video recording. Feedbacks gained from the users of the module indicate that learners are very excited and happy to use technology assisted module in acquiring listening skills compared to the traditional module. Educators also believe that this module cater the needs of the 21st century learners and is suitable to be used inside the classroom or as a self-directed learning module. Another key feature of this smart module highlighted by the educators is the ability of the mobile application that allows learners to engage with the e-global community known as ‘MyEVO community, where all users can share their answers and exchange opinions regarding the given questions. In addition, listening activities that were designed in this module also cover the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) needed in learning. Educators also agreed that this interactive feature does not only encourage the learners to be active in their learning but it also helps to reduce their anxiety, learning process becomes more interesting and helps to aid their understanding of the topics covered.
    MeSH terms: Anxiety; Electronics; Feedback; Humans; Language; Language Development; Learning; Technology; Thinking; Video Recording; Comprehension; Mobile Applications
  19. Hassnah Wee, Nur Nadirah Abdul Wahab, Zamhariyah Ahmad Fudil
    Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):151-171.
    MyJurnal
    Tourists visiting destination in warm climate countries such as Malaysia might easily be affected with dehydration problem. Places like the Zoo requires tourist to walk intensively inside the Zoo area may cause dehydration if they do not consume enough plain water. This ZIBMAP innovative product intends to benefit the tourist wellness who visits the National Zoo, comes with an informative map and attractive infographic habitat, which can be kept as a souvenir. This innovative product is designed based on environmental-friendly features that support the implementation of environmental sustainability. A feasibility survey on dehydration risk awareness and the potential of the product acceptance for commercialization was carried out using a quantitative method. A convenience sampling technique was used to identify 300 tourists visiting the National Zoo as respondents for this survey. Descriptive analysis results indicated that majority of respondents aware of the dehydration risk and supported the used of the ZIBMAP innovative product. The outcome of the study highlighted the potential of this product to be commercialized and contribute to tourists’ wellness.
    MeSH terms: Climate; Dehydration; Feasibility Studies; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Research Design; Water; Ecosystem; Intention
  20. Zuraini Jusoh, Nur Amirah Zainal, Nurhidayah Abu Bakar, Dina Adriana Mohd Rahmatullah, Nur Zulaikha Ab Rahman, Farah Adibah Ahmad Zaifuddin, et al.
    Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):132-149.
    MyJurnal
    Students need the used of reference materials because they want to save their money for daily expenses. It is also as their side income if they become as a seller. However, the available buying and selling process using Whatsapp as a medium seen inefficient because the user was faced with several problems. Among the problems were incomplete advertisements information, sale status cannot be updated automatically and the process of buying and selling takes too long. Therefore, the construction of the BOOKU webpage is recommended to solve the problems. There was a several methods used in problem selection phase such as brain storming, preliminary study of problems, verification and validation as well as T-shape Matrix. Ishikawa diagram has been used to identify the cause and effect of the problem in terms of material, process, human and environmental factors. A review from user also was carried out to obtain an endorsement of the problem in hand. Then the SWOT analysis method was used to assess the suggestion solution. After the completion construction of BOOKU webpage, a few trials were carried out to ensure the BOOKU webpage functioned properly. Again, a review from the user was carried out based on the trials results. The result showed majority of users was agreed on the BOOKU webpage as a good solution for identified problems. The BOOKU webpage can provide a completed advertisement, automatically updated the sale status and the buying and selling process has been shorten from seven days to one day. For the spin-off project, the BOOKU website is planned to be devoted to the borrowing service for used of reference materials. Meanwhile for the purpose of replicating, the BOOKU webpage can be adapted in the school level. In conclusion, the BOOKU webpage can increase the quality of available process. It also can optimize the use of manpower and time.
    MeSH terms: Brain; Commerce; Consumer Behavior; Hand; Humans; Schools; Students
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