Browse publications by year: 2021

Developing and validating the Malay version instrument to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding second-hand smoke in the workplace: a cross-sectional study in teaching hospital in Malaysia

Rashiden I, Ahmad Tajuddin NAN, Yee A, Amer Nordin AS

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Aug;28(32):44557-44564.
PMID: 33855660 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13883-w

This research sought to develop and validate the "Workplace Second-hand Smoke: Perception on the SHS Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice" (WSHS: PAP) instrument, which targets non-smoking employees. A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2018 to validate WSHS: PAP among non-smoking employees at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Experts were invited to validate the instrument. Then, for exploratory factor analysis, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 336 UMMC non-smoking employees who were recruited by convenience sampling. A total of 28 items on KAP, rated on five-point Likert scales, underwent exploratory factor analysis and were tested for internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Participants were approached after 2 weeks for the assessment of test-retest reliability. Cronbach's alpha was 0.828, 0.743 and 0.837, respectively, for the domains of perception of the knowledge, attitude and practice, indicating acceptable internal consistency (above 0.7). Exploratory factor analysis identified a one-factor solution for each of the KAP domains. Therefore, the Malay version of the WSHS: PAP instrument demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties for the assessment of non-smoking employees in workplaces with a smoking ban.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tobacco Smoke Pollution*; Reproducibility of Results
To lump, to split or to maintain? Molecular taxonomy of the spotted barb Barbodes binotatus (Cyprinidae) and closely related species in Peninsular Malaysia

Ahmad Sobri NZ, Lavoué S, Aziz F, Mohd Nor SA, Mohammed Akib NA, Khaironizam MZ

J Fish Biol, 2021 Aug;99(2):656-668.
PMID: 33855740 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14754

The taxonomic status of the Southeast Asian spotted barb, Barbodes binotatus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), has puzzled researchers because of large but inconsistent geographic variation of its body melanin marking pattern. In this study, the authors appraise the differentiation of B. binotatus and two closely related species, Barbodes rhombeus and saddle barb, Barbodes banksi, in Peninsular Malaysia using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The results of this study reveal that the Peninsular Malaysia populations of each of the three species form largely reciprocal monophyletic lineages that differ from each other by a minimum of 2.3% p-genetic distance using COI gene. Nonetheless, specimens of B. binotatus in Peninsular Malaysia are only distantly related to specimens of B. binotatus in Java (type locality). The monophyly of B. banksi is not refuted although specimens of Peninsular Malaysia are genetically distinct from those of Sarawak (type locality). The authors discuss alternative hypotheses whether each of these three valid species is a single species or each of the main five genetic lineages revealed in this study represents a distinct species. Preliminary investigations reveal a mito-nuclear discordance at one locality in Peninsular Malaysia where B. binotatus and B. banksi co-occur. Further studies should inform on the extent of reproductive porousness between these two lineages and others.

MeSH terms: Animals; Malaysia; Phylogeny
Application of DEA-Based Malmquist Productivity Index on Health Care System Efficiency of ASEAN Countries

Singh S, Bala MM, Kumar N, Janor H

Int J Health Plann Manage, 2021 Jul;36(4):1236-1250.
PMID: 33855765 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3169

This study assesses and compares the productive efficiency of the national healthcare system of the ASEAN region which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam amidst rising mortality rate from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) era. Nonparametric data envelopment analysis technique based on the Malmquist Productivity Index is performed and its components, total factor productivity change, technical change and technological change are compared across the region. Two different models are considered in assessing and comparing the technical efficiency of the national healthcare system across the region with life expectancy at birth and mortality rate from NCDs as parallel health care output for both the models. The mean value of total factor productivity is 0.983 and 0.974 which suggests that national healthcare system productivity efficiency decays by 1.7% for Model I and 2.6% for Model II, respectively. This suggests that the health care system inefficiencies across the ASEAN region have not made life expectancy to improve as much as it should be and curtailed the mortality rate from growing chronic NCDs within a decade. The region is likely to lag behind in achieving SDGs 3 target 4 on reducing by one-third premature mortality from chronic NCDs unless the health care system's technical efficiency is improved across the region. The finding suggests a microlevel study on each country to identify major sources of healthcare system inefficiency in a bid to ameliorate it.

MeSH terms: Cambodia; Delivery of Health Care*; Indonesia; Thailand; Vietnam
The role of gut dysbiosis in Parkinson's disease: mechanistic insights and therapeutic options

Wang Q, Luo Y, Ray Chaudhuri K, Reynolds R, Tan EK, Pettersson S

Brain, 2021 Oct 22;144(9):2571-2593.
PMID: 33856024 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab156

Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in which gastrointestinal symptoms may appear prior to motor symptoms. The gut microbiota of patients with Parkinson's disease shows unique changes, which may be used as early biomarkers of disease. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition may be related to the cause or effect of motor or non-motor symptoms, but the specific pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. The gut microbiota and its metabolites have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease by regulating neuroinflammation, barrier function and neurotransmitter activity. There is bidirectional communication between the enteric nervous system and the CNS, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis may provide a pathway for the transmission of α-synuclein. We highlight recent discoveries about alterations to the gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease and focus on current mechanistic insights into the microbiota-gut-brain axis in disease pathophysiology. Moreover, we discuss the interactions between the production and transmission of α-synuclein and gut inflammation and neuroinflammation. In addition, we draw attention to diet modification, the use of probiotics and prebiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation as potential therapeutic approaches that may lead to a new treatment paradigm for Parkinson's disease.
Fulltext Resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of post-CABG loculated pericardial clot causing cardiac tamponade

Adi O, Ahmad AH, Fong CP, Ranga A, Panebianco N

Ultrasound J, 2021 Apr 15;13(1):22.
PMID: 33856577 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-021-00225-7

BACKGROUND: Pericardial effusion is a known complication of post-open cardiac surgery which can progress to life-threatening cardiac tamponade. Classical signs of tamponade such as hypotension and pulsus paradoxus are often absent. Diagnosing acute cardiac tamponade with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be challenging in post-cardiac surgical patients due to distorted anatomy and limited scanning windows by the presence of surgical dressings or scar. Additionally, this patient population is more likely to have a loculated pericardial effusion, or an effusion that is isoechoic in appearance secondary to clotted blood. These findings can be challenging to visualize with traditional TTE. Missed diagnosis of cardiac tamponade due to loculated pericardial clot can result in delayed diagnosis and clinical management.
CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case series that illustrates the diagnostic challenge and value of resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the emergency department (ED) for the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade due to posterior loculated pericardial clot in post-surgical coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac tamponade due to loculated posterior pericardial clot post-CABG requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate management to avoid the potential for hemodynamic instability. Transesophageal echocardiography allows a rapid diagnosis, early appropriate referral and an opportunity to institute appropriate therapeutic measures.

MeSH terms: Coronary Artery Bypass; Bandages; Cardiac Tamponade; Cicatrix; Echocardiography; Emergency Service, Hospital; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hypotension; Pericardial Effusion; Pericardium; Referral and Consultation; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Early Diagnosis; Delayed Diagnosis
Global connections

Nair HK

J Wound Care, 2021 Apr 01;30(Sup4):S3.
PMID: 33856924 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2021.30.Sup4.S3
Fulltext Effects of different types and doses of whey protein on the physiological and intestinal flora in D-galactose induced aging mice

Ma Z, Zhang F, Ma H, Chen X, Yang J, Yang Y, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(4):e0248329.
PMID: 33857162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248329

The elderly usually suffer from many diseases. Improving the quality of life of the elderly is an urgent social issue. In this present study, D-galactose treated aging mice models were used to reveal the effects of different animal sources and different doses of whey protein (WP) on the immune indexes organs and intestinal flora. A total of 9 groups were set up, including normal control (NC), negative control (NS), positive control (Vc), low-, medium- and high-doses of cow WP intervention groups (CL, CM and CH for short, correspondingly) and low-, medium- and high-doses of goat WP intervention groups (GL, GM and GH for short, correspondingly). The body weight gain, thymus/body weight ratio, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, spleen immunoglobulins G (IgG), spleen interleukin-2 (IL-2) and spleen interleukin-2 (IL-6) were measured. Then, the intestinal contents were collected, and 16s genes of intestinal bacteria were sequenced to reveal the changes in bacterial flora structure. WP intervention significantly increased the weight gain, thymus/body ratio and SOD activity, but decrease the content of MDA. WP intervention increased some immune indicators. All the WP treated aging mice showed similar values of physiological indexes to that of the Vc group, even better. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Stenotrophomonas was increased and decreased, respectively, by both cow and goat WP. Lactobacillus may be involved in regulating the functional repair of organisms. In contrast, Stenotrophomonas might play a negative role in the immune and antioxidant capacity of the body. Combining physiological indicators and intestinal flora structure, low-concentration WP for cow and goat might be optimal for aging models.

MeSH terms: Whey Proteins/metabolism; Whey Proteins/pharmacology*; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*; Aging/physiology*; Animals; Antioxidants/metabolism; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Galactose/metabolism; Malondialdehyde/metabolism; Quality of Life; Spleen/metabolism; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism; Oxidative Stress/drug effects; Mice
Luteolin and apigenin derived glycosides from Alphonsea elliptica abrogate LPS-induced inflammatory responses in human plasma

Attiq A, Jalil J, Husain K, Mohamad HF, Ahmad A

J Ethnopharmacol, 2021 Jul 15;275:114120.
PMID: 33857595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114120

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Numerous Alphonsea species including Alphonsea elliptica (mempisang) leaves and fruits are indigenously used in inflammatory conditions such as postpartum swelling and rheumatism in southeast Asian countries. In our previous in-vitro findings, A. elliptica methanol extract exhibited platelet-activating factor inhibition, suggesting the presence of phyto-constituents with anti-inflammatory potential.
AIM OF THE STUDY: However, so far there is no literature available on the anti-inflammatory activity of this species. Henceforth, based on the above background and our previous laboratory findings, we hypothesize that phytoconstituents of A. elliptica could possess anti-inflammatory potential against inflammatory mediators including prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), cyclooxegenase-2 (COX-2) and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vacuum and column chromatography techniques were employed for the isolation of phytoconstituents. The structure elucidation was carried out using HRESI-MS, 1H and 13C-NMR analysis and compared with the published literature. For cytotoxicity analysis, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated against the levels of PGE2, COX-2, IL-1β and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human plasma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay.
RESULTS: Unprecedentedly, chromatographic purification of methanolic leaves extract afforded five flavones namely vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin, schaftoside with three flavanols; kaempferol, myricetin and rutin from A elliptica. In cell viability analysis, isolates did not present cytotoxicity up to 50 μM. In anti-inflammatory evaluation, orientin and isoorientin exhibited strong (≥70%), while isovitexin and vitexin produced strong to moderate (50-69%) PGE2, COX-2, IL-1β and IL-6 inhibition at 25 and 50 μM. Isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin showed significant (p

MeSH terms: Methanol; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Bromides; Cell Survival; Chromatography; Dexamethasone; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fruit; Humans; Indomethacin; Laboratories; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Lipopolysaccharides; Plant Extracts; Plasma; Radioimmunoassay; Rheumatic Diseases; Rutin; Vacuum; Dinoprostone; Interleukin-6; Cytokines; Plant Leaves; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Kaempferols; Flavones; Postpartum Period; Cyclooxygenase 2
Immuno-protective efficiency of feed-based whole-cell inactivated bivalent vaccine against Streptococcus and Aeromonas infections in red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus)

Monir MS, Yusoff MSM, Zulperi ZM, Hassim HA, Zamri-Saad M, Amal MNA, et al.

Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2021 Jun;113:162-175.
PMID: 33857622 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.04.006

Streptococcosis and motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS) are well-known diseases in tilapia culture, which cause mass mortality with significant economic losses. The development of feed-based bivalent vaccines in controlling these diseases has been initiated, however, the mechanisms of immunities and cross-protection in fish remain unclear. This study was conducted to assess the immuno-protective as well as the cross-protective efficacy of a newly developed feed-based bivalent vaccine against Streptococcus and Aeromonas infections in red hybrid tilapia. A total of five groups of fish were vaccinated orally through two different techniques; bivalent vaccine (inactivated Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas hydrophila) sprayed on feed pellets (BS group); bivalent vaccine (inactivated S. iniae and A. hydrophila) incorporated in feed (BI group); monovalent inactivated S. iniae and A. hydrophila vaccine separately incorporated into feed as monovalent S. iniae (MS group) and monovalent A. hydrophila (MA group); and control group (without vaccine). The feed-based vaccine was delivered orally at 5% of body weight for five consecutive days. The booster doses were given in the same manner on weeks 2 and 6. Serum and skin mucus samples were collected to assess the IgM responses using indirect ELISA. The first administration of the feed-based vaccine stimulated the IgM levels that lasted until week 3, while the second booster ensured that the IgM levels remained high for a period of 16 weeks in the BI, MS and MA groups. The BI group developed a strong and significantly (P

MeSH terms: Animals; Bacterial Vaccines/immunology*; Streptococcal Infections/immunology; Streptococcal Infections/microbiology; Streptococcal Infections/veterinary; Vaccines, Inactivated/immunology; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/immunology*; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/microbiology; Vaccines, Combined/immunology*; Streptococcal Vaccines/immunology; Cichlids/immunology*
Fulltext Development of flexible electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-based biosensing platform for rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors

Kiew LV, Chang CY, Huang SY, Wang PW, Heh CH, Liu CT, et al.

Biosens Bioelectron, 2021 Jul 01;183:113213.
PMID: 33857754 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113213

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the cells through the binding of its spike protein (S-protein) to the cell surface-expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Thus, inhibition of S-protein-ACE2 binding may impede SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and attenuate the progression of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-based biosensing platform consisting of a recombinant ACE2-coated palladium nano-thin-film electrode as the core sensing element was fabricated for the screening of potential inhibitors against S-protein-ACE2 binding. The platform could detect interference of small analytes against S-protein-ACE2 binding at low analyte concentration and small volume (0.1 μg/mL and ~1 μL, estimated total analyte consumption

MeSH terms: Humans; Protein Binding; Biosensing Techniques*; Dielectric Spectroscopy; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
Fulltext Small bowel obstruction secondary to obturator hernia: A pre-operative diagnosis at computed tomography

Marlina Tanty Ramli Hamid, Mohd Shukry Mohd Khalid, Kartini Rahmat

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2021;6(1):46-49.
MyJurnal

Obturator hernia is rare, but it must be considered in elderly patients who present with small
bowel obstruction. The diagnosis is challenging unless there is a high index of suspicion as
the presenting symptoms and signs are usually non-specific. Presence of positive HowshipRomberg sign is considered pathognomonic. Early diagnosis and rapid surgical intervention
will reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with undiagnosed obturator hernia. We
report a case of a 93-year-old female patient who was admitted to our surgical department with
symptoms of intestinal obstruction of 3-days duration. Howship-Romberg sign was negative.
Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated the presence of left obturator hernia with proximal
small bowel obstruction and no sign of strangulation. The patient had emergency laparotomy
post-CT where the incarcerated bowel loop was released and the obstructed bowel was
decompressed without any complication. The hernial defect was close with a mesh and the
patient had an uneventful recovery post-surgery. In this case, we highlight that diagnosis of
obturator hernia must always be considered in elderly patients who present with intestinal
obstruction. Urgent CT could establish a rapid pre-operative diagnosis and aids in appropriate
surgical intervention planning which is crucial in optimising the outcome.

MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Hernia, Obturator; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Intestine, Small; Intestines; Laparotomy; Morbidity; Surgical Mesh; Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Early Diagnosis
Fulltext Changes in the urinary metabolites in losartan-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats

Norasikin Ab Azis, Mohd Saleh Ahmad Kamal, Zurain Radjeni, Ahmed Mediani, Renu Agarwal

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2021;6(1):32-45.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study examined the association of losartan induced changes in urinary
metabolomic profile with the changes in blood pressure (BP) and renin-angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: Male SHR
were administered with either 0.5 mL of distilled water (control group, n=6) or 10 mg.kg-1 of
losartan (group 2, n=6) daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Body weight, BP, food and water
intake were measured weekly. At week 4, urine was collected for urinary electrolyte analysis
and metabolite profiling, after which the animals were euthanised by decapitation and blood
was collected for analysis of components of RAAS and electrolyte concentrations. Urine
metabolite profile of SHR was determined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (
1H-NMR)
spectrometry combined with multivariate data analysis. Results: At week 4, losartan-treated
SHR had significantly lower BP than non-treated SHR. There were no differences in water
and food intake, body weight, serum and urinary electrolyte concentrations or in their urinary
excretions between the two groups. No differences were evident in the components of RAAS
except that the angiotensinogen level was significantly higher in losartan-treated SHR
compared to non-treated SHR. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLSDA) showed clear separation of urinary metabolites between control and losartan-treated
SHR. Losartan-treated SHR group was separated from the control group by changes in the
intermediates involved in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. Conclusion:
Antihypertensive effect of losartan in SHR seems to be associated with changes in urinary
metabolite profile, particularly involving the metabolism of glycine, serine and threonine.

MeSH terms: Angiotensinogen; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Eating; Glycine; Male; Protons; Rats, Inbred SHR; Renin; Renin-Angiotensin System; Serine; Threonine; Water; Discriminant Analysis; Least-Squares Analysis; Losartan; Control Groups; Decapitation; Rats; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Fulltext Comparison of patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with basal infusion and programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) with PCEA in labour analgesia – A year retrospective study

Zawiah Kassim, Norliza Mohd Nor, Ariffah Mokhtar, Suhaina Mohamad, Sarina Osman, Isqandar Adnan

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2021;6(1):25-31.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Over three decades, patient-controlled epidural analgesia with a basal infusion
regimen (PCEA+BI) has successfully improved labour analgesia quality due to its advantage
in allowing self-titration by the parturients. Recently, a newer programmed intermittent epidural
bolus with PCEA regimen (PIEB+PCEA) was suggested to improve the epidural spread of
local anaesthetic hence resulted in better analgesia quality and higher maternal satisfaction.
Methods: We conducted a one-year retrospective analysis of data from obstetric analgesia
service record sheet and hospital information system comparing maternal satisfaction towards
their labour analgesia quality, mode of delivery and neonatal Apgar scores between these two
methods of epidural delivery techniques. A total of 343 parturients were recruited in this study
(PCEA+BI n=171, PIEB+PCEA n=172). Results: There were no significant difference in
maternal satisfaction between the two groups (P=0.398) with a higher percentage of excellent
satisfaction were found in the PIEB+PCEA group (PIEB+PCEA 146/172 (84.9%) vs PCEA+BI
138/171 (80.7%)). No significant difference in the mode of delivery (P=0.296). However, the
PIEB+PCEA group shown a higher spontaneous vaginal delivery rate (PIEB+PCEA 87/172
(50.6%) vs PCEA+BI 70/171 (40.9%) and lower Caesarean delivery rate (PIEB+PCEA 71/172
(41.3%) vs PCEA+BI 87/171 (50.9%)). Despite statistically significant differences found in
Apgar scores at 1 minute (P=0.036), there was no significant difference in the scores at 5
minutes (P=0.107). Mean Apgar scores (SD) at 1 minute and 5 minutes for PIEB+ PCEA were
7.77(0.85) and 8.91(0.55) respectively and for PCEA + basal infusion, the scores for 1 minute
and 5 minutes were 7.92(0.39) and 8.98(0.19) respectively. Conclusion: PIEB with PCEA is
a newer epidural delivery technique for labour analgesia which produces a comparable
outcome to PCEA with basal infusion.

MeSH terms: Anesthetics, Local; Apgar Score; Cesarean Section; Female; Hospital Information Systems; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Personal Satisfaction; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Analgesia, Epidural; Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; Analgesia, Obstetrical; Patient Satisfaction; Delivery, Obstetric; Pain Management
Effects of music therapy on physiological outcomes for post-operative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients

Aris A, Sulaiman S, Che Hasan MK

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S10-S15.
PMID: 33849138 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.10.006

This study aimed to investigate the effects of music on physiological outcomes for post-operative TKA patients in the recovery unit. Fifty-six patients from Hospital Melaka were randomized equally into intervention (IG) and control groups (CG). IG received the usual care and listened to selected music for 60min, while the CG received only the usual care. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured on arrival and after 10, 20, 30, and 60min in the recovery unit. A significant difference between groups was observed in RR upon arrival (U=276.5, p=0.029) and after 10min (U=291, p=0.45). Meanwhile, there were significant differences in DBP (F=3.158, p=0.032), RR (χ2=15.956, p=0.003) and SpO2 (χ2=14.084, p=0.007) over time in the IG. Overall, listening to music immediately after TKA has an effect on DBP, RR, and SpO2.

MeSH terms: Blood Pressure; Heart Rate; Humans; Music Therapy*; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee*
Knowledge and practice of burn first aid among parents of under-age children

Halil MF, Ibrahim NM, Ahmad ZNBS, Che Hasan MK

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S100-S104.
PMID: 33849139 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.09.008

The objective of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and practice of burn first aid management among parents. A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of under-age children in the Taman Desa Darul Naim area of Pasir Tumbuh, in Kelantan, Malaysia, using an adapted survey from Davies et al. Out of 80 respondents, 46.3% showed minimal knowledge of burn first aid, 47.5% had moderate knowledge, and 6.3% extensive knowledge. There was a significant relationship between the demographic data and the knowledge of burn first aid for gender (p=0.02), but no significant relationship between the level of knowledge and level of education (p=0.29) or age (p=0.09). The findings indicate that the level of knowledge of burn first aid is limited. Education for parents of under-age children, including demonstrations of burn first aid, is needed to promote safe action and prevent further injury in the community.

MeSH terms: Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; First Aid*; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia; Parents
The relationship between painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and functional status of older people in Kuantan, Pahang

Makhtar A, Syed Elias SM, Azizi A

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S130-S134.
PMID: 33849146 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.12.007

This study aimed to determine the relationship between painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and functional status among older people in Kuantan, Pahang. A cross-sectional study was performed by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire among 300 participants recruited from selective Primary Health Centres and endocrine clinics, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan in Kuantan, Pahang. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. The findings indicated that most participants reported neuropathic pain experience. The severity of pain was found to be significantly related to patients who had been diagnosed over 10 years ago, Indians patients and those who were treating their diabetes with insulin alone. No significant relationship was found between pain severity and functional status. The severity of pain and the associated factors suggest the need for a multidisciplinary approach to provide effective treatment to patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

MeSH terms: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus*; Humans; Neuralgia*
Association between sitting time and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level among obese women

Daud A, Jamal AF, Shahadan SZ

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S139-S142.
PMID: 33849148 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.12.009

The objective of this study was to determine the time spent on sitting per day, level of serum High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and the association between sitting time and level of serum hs-CRP among obese women. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Sixty eight (68) obese women were recruited. They were signed informed consent form prior to the questionnaire answered. Then, sample blood test was taken to check for hs-CRP level. Sitting time spent in hours was found to be not significantly associated with hs-CRP level (p=0.391) among obese women. Longer sitting time spent per day more than 4h is the factor of obesity and hs-CRP level will be higher in obese women compared to normal people. This study can be baseline data for healthcare professionals and may contribute to develop awareness platform on maintaining normal body mass index among women.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Obesity/complications; Body Mass Index
Understanding self-management related experience of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer: a review

Che Abdullah CA, Saidi S, Lee SP

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S152-S156.
PMID: 33849151 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.12.012

This review is conducted to understand the self-management experience among the patients throughout their cancer trajectory. Five databases were inputted systematic searches from February to April 2018. Several important themes emerged from the review, including their needs, facilitators, barriers, strategies, and provision of support towards self-management. The needs for sufficient and appropriate information was the most severe concern among nasopharyngeal cancer patients. Understanding self-management from the patients' perspectives may draw attention to specific concerns for self-management. However, the study of nasopharyngeal cancer patients is still under-researched. Therefore, exploratory research to understand their unique self-management experiences may help to design the care and support tailored to them to provide more holistic yet individualized care.

MeSH terms: Humans; Qualitative Research
A literature review on intervention programs for diabetic foot care

Firdaus MKZH, Jittanoon P

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S243-S246.
PMID: 33849173 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.09.009

This literature review conducted to explore the best available intervention for diabetic foot care. Online databases (ProQuest, CINAHL, Science Direct and Google Scholar) were searched to retrieve relevant articles. The keywords diabetic foot care, diabetic foot care program, diabetic foot care intervention, diabetic foot education were used for data retrieval and PICO analysis. After screening analysis was completed, only 15 (from 7423) articles, published within 2007-2017, were included in a qualitative synthesis of the data. The articles were categorized as: systematic review (n=1), randomized control trial (n=3), quasi-experimental (n=3), pre-test-post-test (n=4), cohort (n=2), cross-sectional (n=1) and surveys (n=1). Themes synthesized from the analysis were: effective approach (group or individual), project leader, specialized skills required and adaptation of technology. A combination of identified approaches would help design a technology-friendly program for managing diabetic foot care.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus*; Humans; Cohort Studies
Does physical activity and body weight status determine musculoskeletal health among adolescents in Malaysia?

Che Hasan MK, Abdullah F, Firdaus MKZH, Jamaludin FIC

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S247-S251.
PMID: 33849174 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.09.010

This study was conducted to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and body weight status among adolescents in rural and urban areas. This cross-sectional study involved 257 adolescents aged 13-19 years, randomly selected from secondary schools around Kelantan, Malaysia. Body weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The students completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form, to assess their physical activity. Ethical clearance was obtained from respected bodies. Adolescents in the urban area had significantly higher BMI (p-value<0.001) and lower physical activity (p-value<0.001) than adolescents in the rural area. A significant association also found between BMI and PA in both urban and rural areas. In conclusion, more physically active adolescents had lower BMI than who are less physically active. Being physically active could lower the body weight and BMI, hence improve musculoskeletal health, and could reduce co-morbidity.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Exercise*; Body Mass Index; Overweight*; Young Adult

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