Browse publications by year: 2023

  1. Okajima S, Masumoto M
    Zootaxa, 2023 May 18;5291(1):1-74.
    PMID: 37518682 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5291.1.1
    Six genera with 35 species of fungal spore feeding idolothripine thrips included in the subtribe Macrothripina of the tribe Pygothripini are recognised from Southeast Asia to Taiwan. In which one genus and 21 species are newly described: Aesthesiothrips breviconus sp. n., A. elongatus sp. n., Celidothrips floresi, sp. n., Ethirothrips colossus, sp. n., E. conopygus sp. n., E. dalatae sp. n., E. duricaudus sp. n., E. kasetsarti sp. n., E. longiceps sp. n., E. malaya sp. n., E. oculus sp. n., E. ommatus sp. n., E. puiensis sp. n., E. quadratus sp. n., E. saigon sp. n., E. setosus sp. n., E. tenuis sp. n., E. terminalis sp. n., E. thai sp. n., Fernothrips femoralis gen. et sp. n., Polytrichothrips malayanus sp. n., and two species are redescribed: E. longisetis and E. rubeus. Moreover, five species of two genera are newly recorded from Southeast Asia: E. brevis from Indonesia and Thailand, E. longisetis from Laos, E. obscurus from Indonesia and Thailand, E. rubeus from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and Ischyrothrips crassus from Thailand. Generic definitions of two genera, Aesthesiothrips and Ethirothrips, are re-examined. Five keys are provided for: 12 Macrothripina genera from Asia, three Aestethiothrips species, two Celidothrips species from Southeast Asia, 26 Ethirothrips species from Southeast Asia to Taiwan, and three Polytrichothrips species.
  2. Anker A
    Zootaxa, 2023 May 09;5282(1):1-115.
    PMID: 37518752 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5282.1.1
    Alpheus euphrosyne De Man, 1897 and A. microrhynchus De Man, 1897, two taxonomically challenging snapping shrimps without extant original type material, are rediagnosed based on recently collected and older museum material and adhering closely to their original descriptions. Two male specimens from Java and Kalimantan are designated as neotypes for A. euphrosyne and A. microrhynchus, respectively. Alpheus tirmiziae Kazmi, 1974 is placed in the synonymy of A. euphrosyne. The distributional range of A. euphrosyne extends from the South China Sea through the Sunda Shelf to the northern Arabian Sea. Alpheus eurydactylus De Man, 1920 is removed from the synonymy of A. euphrosyne and redescribed based on De Man's type material from Java and new material from South-East Asia, Indonesia and northern Australia. Alpheus richardsoni Yaldwyn, 1971, previously often regarded as a subspecies of A. euphrosyne, is confirmed as a valid species morphologically and ecologically distinct from A. euphrosyne. In addition, A. richardsoni is geographically separated from A. euphrosyne, being confined to subtropical and temperate waters of Australia and New Zealand. Alpheus microrhynchus appears to be geographically restricted to South-East Asia, with confirmed records from Thailand, peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, where it occurs in transitional freshwater to brackish water habitats. Alpheus cyanoteles Yeo & Ng, 1996 is currently seen as the only true freshwater snapping shrimp. This unique species is morphologically almost identical with A. microrhynchus and is presently known only from a few localities in southern Thailand, peninsular Malaysia and western Borneo (Sarawak). Three species that were previously confused with A. euphrosyne, A. euphrosyne euphrosyne or A. euphrosyne richardsoni, are described as new to science: A. nomurai sp. nov. from Japan, Korea and Taiwan; A. takla sp. nov. from South-East Asia, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia; and A. mangalis sp. nov. from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, northern Australia, Taiwan and possibly New Caledonia. Alpheus takla sp. nov. may represent the largest presently known snapping shrimp, with the total body length reaching 90 mm and the length of the major chela reaching 52 mm; this species, locally known as takla, is consumed in some parts of the Philippines. The taxonomic identity of the material from the western and northern Indian Ocean previously reported as A. euphrosyne euphrosyne remains uncertain. Alpheus malabaricus songkla Banner & Banner, 1966 is tentatively elevated to species rank, as Alpheus songkla stat. nov. This taxon remains problematic, mainly because the original type material from Songkhla Lake, Thailand, is composed exclusively of females; its status is discussed based on the reexamination of type specimens and material tentatively identified as A. cf. songkla, which appears to have some affinities with both A. songkla and A. eurydactylus. In addition, taxonomic, biogeographic and/or ecological remarks are provided for five further species, which in the past were compared with A. euphrosyne, A. richardsoni and A. microrhynchus or are morphologically similar to them. These species are: A. paludicola Kemp, 1915 from India; A. nipa Banner & Banner, 1985 from Indonesia; A. bunburius Banner & Banner, 1982 from western Australia; A. pontederiae de Rochebrune, 1883 from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean; and A. firmus Kim & Abele, 1988 from the tropical eastern Pacific. The heterogeneity of the Panamanian and Mexican material currently assigned to A. firmus is discussed in more detail.
  3. Daud SM, Noor ZZ, Mutamim NSA, Baharuddin NH, Aris A
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Aug;30(40):91636-91648.
    PMID: 37518846 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28975-y
    A conventional activated sludge (CAS) system has traditionally been used for secondary treatment in wastewater treatment plants. Due to the high cost of aeration and the problem of sludge treatment, researchers are developing alternatives to the CAS system. A membrane bioreactor (MBR) is a technology with higher solid-liquid separation efficiency. However, the use of MBR is limited due to inevitable membrane fouling and high energy consumption. Membrane fouling requires frequent cleaning, and MBR components must be replaced, which reduces membrane lifetime and operating costs. To overcome the limitations of the MBR system, a microbial fuel cell-membrane bioreactor (MFC-MBR) coupling system has attracted the interest of researchers. The design of the novel bioelectrochemical membrane reactor (BEMR) can effectively couple microbial degradation in the microbial electrochemical system (MES) and generate a microelectric field to reduce and alleviate membrane fouling in the MBR system. In addition, the coupling system combining an MES and an MBR can improve the efficiency of COD and ammonium removal while generating electricity to balance the energy consumption of the system. However, several obstacles must be overcome before the MFC-MBR coupling system can be commercialised. The aim of this study is to provide critical studies of the MBR, MES and MFC-MBR coupling system for wastewater treatment. This paper begins with a critical discussion of the unresolved MBR fouling problem. There are detailed past and current studies of the MES-MBR coupling system with comparison of performances of the system. Finally, the challenges faced in developing the coupling system on a large scale were discussed.
    MeSH terms: Bioelectric Energy Sources*; Electricity; Membranes, Artificial; Sewage*; Bioreactors
  4. Fann RJ, D'Silv EC, Tanusha K, Wong TK, Lee BS, Sathar J, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):429-436.
    PMID: 37518908
    INTRODUCTION: Most evidence about the management of cancer and hematological malignancy in pregnancy are derived from retrospective observational studies with a small sample size. Availability of sufficiently large data has enabled evidence-based decision-making in this clinical dilemma.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study looking into patients diagnosed with acute leukemia or lymphoma in pregnancy from 1st January 2014 to 1st January 2020 in Ampang General Hospital including newly or previously diagnosed and relapsed disease RESULTS: 37 cases of acute leukemia or lymphoma in pregnancy occurred in 34 patients. Majority of acute leukemia or lymphoma in pregnancy diagnosed in 1st trimester or in the setting of previously established or relapsed disease was therapeutically terminated. Thirteen pregnancies treated with antenatal chemotherapy resulted in livebirths except one stillbirth. More adverse obstetric outcomes are observed in pregnancies that did not receive antenatal chemotherapy, but association did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference in fetal outcome between cohort with and without antenatal chemotherapy. No treatment related mortality was observed in pregnancies with antenatal chemotherapy. Overall survival for newly diagnosed acute leukemia in pregnancy is significantly better with antenatal chemotherapy versus no antenatal chemotherapy.

    CONCLUSION: Treatment with chemotherapy in 2nd trimester of pregnancy onwards appears to have tolerable risks with favorable obstetric and fetal outcome. Deferment of treatment for acute leukemia in pregnancy to after delivery may cause increased risk of maternal and fetal adverse outcome.

    MeSH terms: Acute Disease; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prenatal Care; Retrospective Studies
  5. Kew CH, Ahmad Basir KF, Low DW, Loh KC
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):437-444.
    PMID: 37518909
    INTRODUCTION: Topical corticosteroid phobia is a common phenomenon that can result in poor treatment adherence and therapeutic failure.

    OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and degree of topical corticosteroid phobia and its impact on treatment adherence in various dermatological conditions. Additionally, we explored the sources of information regarding topical corticosteroids.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 participants with topical corticosteroid usage experience. Topical corticosteroid phobia was assessed with the topical corticosteroid phobia (TOPICOP) scale, and treatment adherence was measured with the Elaboration d'un outil d'evaluation de l'observance des traitements medicamenteux (ECOB) score. Information sources regarding topical corticosteroids were identified, and their level of trust was assessed. The data were collected via questionnaires in three languages, namely English, Malay and Mandarin.

    RESULTS: The study found that topical corticosteroid phobia was prevalent, with 98% of participants expressing a certain degree of phobia. The mean global TOPICOP score was 32.7 ± 6.7%. The mean score of each domain was 27.1 ± 17.2% for knowledge and belief, 35.7 ± 23.8% for fears and 40.8 ± 25.8% for behaviour. Patients/caregivers who have eczema, highly educated, severe disease, low tolerability to symptoms, previous adverse effects with topical corticosteroids and tend to traditional/non-steroidal alternative therapy usage had a significant association with topical corticosteroid phobia (p<0.05). Dermatologists were the most common and trusted source of information on topical corticosteroids.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the widespread topical corticosteroid phobia in dermatological practice. Dermatologists should take the lead in combating steroid phobia and provide patients with public awareness regarding topical corticosteroids to improve treatment adherence and therapeutic outcomes.

    MeSH terms: Administration, Topical; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use; Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Caregivers; Young Adult
  6. Tulepbergenov G, Almukhanova A, Ospanova D, Zhangelova S, Musayev A, Akhmetova G, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):445-448.
    PMID: 37518910
    INTRODUCTION: Despite epidemiological evidence linking COVID-19 with cardiovascular diseases, little is known about whether and how coronavirus infection (CVI) influences atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent arrhythmia in clinical practice.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 621 patients with AF using the Morisky-Green scale (MMAS-4) criteria to assess adherence to antithrombotic therapy. They received inpatient treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    RESULTS: A total of 118 patients out of 621 underwent CVI. Most patients had mild (33.9%) and moderate (49.15%) CVI. We managed to confirm the data of studies by foreign authors, according to which treatment with anticoagulants for at least 1 month reduces the severity of coronavirus infection, as well as protects against thrombotic complications.

    CONCLUSION: It is necessary to improve the management of AF, especially if someone was infected with COVID-19. The susceptibility to AF is increased in the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Personal electrocardiogram devices as well as remote monitoring (teleconsultations) could optimise the care of such patients.

  7. Rambli R, Aznida FAA, Azimatun Noor A
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):449-457.
    PMID: 37518911
    INTRODUCTION: Teleconsultation gained popularity to provide safe medical care during the pandemic. However, literature on the sustainability of teleconsultation service at primary care beyond pandemic situations is scarce. This study aimed to determine the use of teleconsultation services for non-communicable disease (NCD) follow-up and explore the benefits and challenges of the service implementation during and beyond COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using videoconferencing. Fourteen medical officers working in public primary healthcare clinics from various regions of Malaysia were chosen using purposive sampling process, and participants underwent a total of seven paired in-depth interview (IDI) sessions. IDIs were video recorded, transcribed and subjected to interpretive thematic analysis.

    RESULTS: The two main themes which emerged were the benefits and challenges of NCD teleconsultation service. Various categories relating to benefits of teleconsultation for NCD care are as follows: (1) Improved efficiency for patient care delivery (improved effectiveness, convenient, improved safety, better disease monitoring, patient empowerment) and (2) Benefits for Health Care Providers (improved healthcare and service delivery). Main challenges identified were as follows: (1) Challenges for Delivery of Care (Patients' adaptation in using teleconsultation service, Patients abusing the system, Poor digital literacy, No proper disease monitoring record), (2) Challenges for Health Care Providers (Lack of dedicated team and training, Higher workload and time-consuming) and (3) Challenges for Health Care System (Institutional policy, legal and regulatory weakness, Medical record documentation and prescription updates).

    CONCLUSION: Optimisation of NCD patient healthcare delivery via teleconsultation is beneficial during and after pandemic. Targeted improvements to address current challenges are crucial to optimise its use beyond the pandemic period in the Malaysian public healthcare system.

    MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Remote Consultation*; Pandemics
  8. Corebima BIRV, Handono K, Barlianto W, Santosaningsih D, Rohsiswatmo R, Sulistijono E, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):458-465.
    PMID: 37518912
    INTRODUCTION: Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious health problem primarily affects preterm and very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. However, the pathomechanism of NEC remains elusive. This study aimed to analyse the risk factors for NEC among preterm neonates in East Java, Indonesia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-centre, prospective, casecontrol study involving 32 subjects of preterm neonates was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Malang, East Java, Indonesia between January to June 2022. A total of 15 preterm neonates with NEC and 17 preterm neonates without NEC were enrolled in this study. Data on demographic, clinical and laboratory findings were collected. Multiple logistic regression test was performed to analyse the risk factors for NEC development. Further profiling within 15 subjects with NEC, i.e., NEC grade ≥ II, were conducted to collect systemic, abdominal, laboratory, abdominal x-ray (AXR) and blood culture findings.

    RESULTS: The risk factors related to NEC development in preterm infants were multi-morbidity (adjusted OR = 11.96; 95% CI 1.85 168.38; p = 0.046), antibiotic exposure (OR = 15.95; 95% CI 1.54 165.08; p = 0.020) and requiring advanced neonatal resuscitation at birth (OR = 10.04; 95% CI 1.09 92.11; p = 0.041). Further profiling within NEC cohorts highlighted respiratory distress (86.7%), (oro)gastric retention (80.0%), thrombocytopenia (53.3%), gastrointestinal dilatation in AXR (53.3%), and positive blood culture Klebsiella pneumoniae (40.0%) were most common findings.

    CONCLUSION: Preterm neonates with multimorbidity, prolonged antibiotic exposure, and requiring advanced resuscitation at birth were more likely to develop NEC. Early detection of the risk factors and determinant factors for survival may help to improve the clinical outcome.

    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Indonesia/epidemiology; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases*; Infant, Premature; Prospective Studies; Resuscitation; Risk Factors; Tertiary Care Centers
  9. Irfandy D, Hafiz A, Budiman BJ, Andrianingsih A
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):466-471.
    PMID: 37518913
    INTRODUCTION: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses for more than 3 months that affects 5 to 12% of the quality of life. Antibiotics are the first line of management for CRS. Increased antibiotic resistance causes ineffective treatment of CRS. This study aims to determine the bacterial pattern that causes CRS before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Culture sensitivity tests in rhinosinusitis patients were conducted to see changes in the bacterial resistance patterns to antibiotics before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the appropriate use of antibiotics and prevent an increase in antibiotic resistance in the ENT-HNS outward department of RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The type of research was a retrospective study with a total sample of 174 CRS patients who had undergone culture and sensitivity tests. The study population was all CRS patients who were treated at the ENT-HNS outward department at RSUP DR. M. Djamil Padang from 2016 to 2021, underwent surgery and received antibiotic treatment at secondary health services. Antibiotic sensitivity cultures are required for surgery and to determine antibiotics use after surgery. This research was conducted from February to May at the Tertiary Hospital of Dr. M. Djamil Padang. The data collection technique used a total sampling technique. The sample in this study was taken from the medical records of patients at the ENT-HNS outward department of RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang.

    RESULTS: The results showed that the prevalence of CRS with polyps before COVID-19 was 63.8% of cases. After COVID- 19, the prevalence of CRS with polyps was found to be 60% of cases. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, CRS was most common among those aged ≥ 41 to 50 years (27%) and the most common bacteria causing CRS with or without polyps was Staphylococcus aureus (39%; 44%). The bacteria causing CRS with or without polyps after COVID-19 were mostly Staphylococcus epidermidis (50% of cases). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid had a high resistance of 75 to 100%, however, after COVID-19 there was a change in antibiotic resistance patterns and an increase in ciprofloxacin resistance of 56 to 100% was obtained.

    CONCLUSION: This change in antibiotic resistance pattern needs attention to prevent drug resistance, especially after COVID-19.

  10. Dharmalingam TK, Rajah U, Muniandy RK
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):472-475.
    PMID: 37518914
    INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic pain have been one of the most difficult patients to manage during the COVID-19 pandemic. As pain physicians navigate through this pandemic in order to maintain contact with their patients, telemedicine emerged as a very useful tool. It helped patients to access care despite being in distant areas, or during the lockdown period. The objective of this research is to assess the perception of chronic pain patients who received telemedicine therapy. Self-efficacy and coping level of pain among these chronic pain patients were also assessed.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving patients who are under follow-up at the Chronic Pain Clinic, Hospital Pulau Pinang for more than a year and received telemedicine during this pandemic. Participants had to fill out a self-administered questionnaire. Once respondents completed the questionnaires, the answered questionnaires were collected for analysis.

    RESULTS: A total of 154 patients between 22 and 88 years old were included in this study. Most of the participants had a history of pain for more than 3 years (44.2%). The majority of our patients are still working (55.8%). From the patients who were working, 7.8% of them lost their jobs during the pandemic. 31.2% of patients reported that the pain condition had worsened while the rest did not experience any difference in their pain condition. More than half (59%) of the patients' reported telemedicine was beneficial for their pain management, while only 41% felt that their telemedicine was helpless for their pain management during the pandemic.

    CONCLUSION: Telemedicine is beneficial for patients with chronic pain. Telemedicine can be used poste-pandemic and may produce a good outcome with patients.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Communicable Disease Control; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Pandemics
  11. Munawaroh F, Arfian N, Saputri LAAWS, Kencana SMS, Sari DCR
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):476-483.
    PMID: 37518915
    INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with many complications, one of which is diabetic encephalopathy which is characterised by memory dysfunction. Hyperglycaemia that occurs in DM will activate inflammatory pathways in neurons, including NF-κB pathway. Activation of this pathway produce proinflammatory agents such as MCP-1 and IL-6, which activate glial cells. Activation of glial cells is characterised by Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein (GFAP). Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects and can improve memory function. This research aimed to determine the effect of CGA as anti-inflammation, its effect on memory function, mRNA expression of NF-κB, MCP-1, IL- 6, and GFAP of frontal lobe.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 male rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, DM 1.5 month (DM1.5), DM 2 months (DM2) and the group with three different doses of CGA 12.5 (CGA1), 25 (CGA2), and 50 (CGA3) mg/KgBW. Frontal lobe tissue is taken for analysis of mRNA expression for NF-κB, MCP-1, IL-6, and GFAP using Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Samples were also taken for histopathology preparation and stained by immunohistochemistry method using anti-GFAP antibodies to observe glial cell activation in frontal lobe tissue.

    RESULTS: The group that was given CGA at all doses have statistically significant better memory function, i.e. DM2 versus CGA1 (p = 0.036), CGA2 (p = 0.040), and CGA3 (p = 0.021). The result of mRNA expression in NF-κB was lower in the group given CGA, i.e. DM2 compared to CGA2 (p = 0.007). mRNA expression of MCP-1 was significantly lower in all CGA treatment groups compared to the non-CGA group (p = 0.000). IL-6 mRNA expression was lower than the group not given CGA, DM compared to CGA2 (p = 0.028). GFAP mRNA expression was lower than the group given CGA in DM, DM2 group compared to CGA1 (p = 0.04) and CGA3 (p = 0.004).

    CONCLUSION: Administration of CGA can improve memory function at all doses given, and can reduce brain inflammatory activity, especially in the CGA2 group.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Chlorogenic Acid/pharmacology; Chlorogenic Acid/therapeutic use; Diabetes Mellitus*; Frontal Lobe/metabolism; Male; RNA, Messenger/metabolism; Interleukin-6; Rats
  12. Pramana IGAN, Hariani L, Zarasade L
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):484-487.
    PMID: 37518916
    INTRODUCTION: Effective antiseptic use is essential in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of diseases, especially in areas with high patient traffic and exposure to various pathogens. One essential pathogenic germ is Acinetobacter baumannii. Octenidine and povidone-iodine have been demonstrated to be effective against A. baumannii in vitro. This study will compare octenidine dihydrochloride and povidone-iodine as wound-cleansing solutions for wounds contaminated with A. baumannii in vivo.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: normal saline, octenidine dihydrochloride and povidone-iodine. Wounds were made on the rats' backs, and A. baumannii germs were inoculated into the wounds. After 3 hours, the wound was irrigated with wound cleansing solution according to the group for 30 seconds. Each wound was taken swab culture before and after wound irrigation and tissue culture 5 hours after wound irrigation.

    RESULTS: All specimens showed bacterial colony growth with a median value of 1.22 × 105 CFU before irrigation. Wound irrigation with normal saline did not reduce colony counts, while there was a 3-log reduction to 5-log reduction in the octenidine and povidone-iodine groups. Statistically, there was no significant difference in the mean number of colonies between the octenidine and povidone-iodine groups after irrigation (p = 0.535). However, 3 hours after irrigation, all specimens that experienced 3-log reduction showed regrowth to more than 1 × 105 CFU. In contrast, specimens subjected to 5-log reduction did not exhibit any regrowth.

    CONCLUSION: The antiseptic effectiveness of octenidine dihydrochloride is equivalent to povidone-iodine in eradicating A. baumannii colonies in wounds in vivo.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Povidone-Iodine/pharmacology; Rats, Wistar; Acinetobacter baumannii*; Rats
  13. Mayangsari E, Mustika A, Nurdiana N, Ardhayudicva S
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):488-490.
    PMID: 37518917
    INTRODUCTION: Inflammation is the body's defense response to foreign invasion, tissue damage or both. Flavonoid compounds have anti-inflammatory activity. One of the traditional medicines is Kepok banana peel (Musa balbisiana) contains flavonoids, saponins and triterpenoids. This study aims to determine the effective dose of ethanol extract of kepok banana peel as an anti-inflammatory.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kepok banana peel was macerated using 70% ethanol. The extract is made in the form of a gel formulation because it has a high water content so it can moisturise the skin and spread easily when applied. This research was conducted with 25 male rats in 5 treatment groups. The gel was given 30 minutes after the rats were induced with 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan. The rat antiinflammatory test was observed through oedema volume data and the percentage of anti-inflammatory activity. Data analysis used the ANOVA test (p<0.05).

    RESULTS: The treatment group had an anti-inflammatory effect which was marked by a significant difference from the negative control group.

    CONCLUSION: The effective dose of ethanol extract gel of kepok banana peel as an anti-inflammatory is 8%.

  14. Istiqomah IN, Azizah LN, Mashuri M, Abidin Z, Pebriyanti DO
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):491-494.
    PMID: 37518918
    INTRODUCTION: Farmers have a high risk of injury either due to the use of agricultural tools, or chemicals, or the geographical conditions of the agricultural area. This study aimed to describe the use of local wisdom in the practice of wound treatment among Tengger tribal farmers in Indonesia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study used accidental sampling, conducted in the agricultural land of Ngadisari Village, Sukapura District, Probolinggo Regency, East Java for 3 weeks in November 2020. This study involved all farmers who were working on the land at the time of the study (n=30). The questionnaires consist of demographic, wound characteristics and wound treatment processes.

    RESULTS: The practice of wound treatment for the Tengger Tribe farmers is divided into two stages, namely the initial wound stage (stopping bleeding) using gums of medical plants and the wound healing stage, which is divided into treatment for the outer body using mashed leaf herbs and for the inner body using herbs that function to increase body stamina.

    CONCLUSION: The local wisdom Tengger ethnic-based wound treatment uses whatever is in nature to stop the bleeding and increase the wound healing process.

  15. Wildayani D, Lestari W, Ningsih WL, Sujendri S
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):495-499.
    PMID: 37518919
    INTRODUCTION: Menstrual disorders that often occur are menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea), especially in adolescence. The average incidence of dysmenorrhoea in young women is between 16.8 and 81% worldwide. Physical activity is one of the relaxation techniques that can be used to reduce dysmenorrhoea. The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between Physical Activity level and the incidence of dysmenorrhea in young women at SMP Negeri 16 Padang.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research used observational analytic methods with cross-sectional design. The sample in this study was young women (9th class students), totaling 39 people. This study used the IPAQ Questionnaire Sheet and pain scale rate to confirm dysmenorrhoea. Analysis of this study used chi square.

    RESULTS: We found that most respondents (61.5%) had dysmenorrhoea, and more than half of respondents (61.5%) rarely did Physical Activity. Bivariate test results found that there is a relationship between Physical Activity level and dysmenorrhoea (p value = 0.044, α = 0.05, df = 3). From the analysis results, the value of OR = 4.500 was also obtained, meaning that respondents who did not exercise regularly had a 4.5 times chance of experiencing dysmenorrhea compared to respondents who did regular exercise.

    CONCLUSION: Respondents who rarely do physical activity often experience dysmenorrhoea. Therefore, good education is needed for young women, which is one of the things that can be done to prevent and reduce the event of dysmenorrhoea is to exercise regularly.

  16. Sajodin, Wilandika A, Atikah A
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):500-502.
    PMID: 37518920
    INTRODUCTION: Religious coping is a way to overcome learning problems. Good religious coping has a positive impact on student educational processes and outcomes. However, until now, the relationship between religious coping and academic resilience has not been known. This study aimed to determine the relationship between religious coping and academic resilience.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional approach with a stratified random sampling technique on 110 students from one university in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. The inclusion criteria include actively registered nursing students from undergraduate and vocational programs. Religious coping was assessed using The Psychological Measure of Islamic Religiousness (PMIR) and the Academic Resilience Questionnaire was used to evaluate students' academic resilience level. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to determine the relationship between variables.

    RESULTS: The study's results revealed a significant relationship (rho = 0.415; p value < 0.05) between religious coping and academic resilience. High religious coping is related to the amount of academic resilience in students.

    CONCLUSION: Students are expected to be able to use a religious coping strategy to boost academic resilience and adapt to any situation. Thus, students with good religious coping skills and high resilience will be able to face and solve problems and adapt to current learning conditions.

  17. Furwasyih D, Primasari EP, Riyantori R, Ngoc Cam TT, Koko NN, Mucheru AK, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):503-507.
    PMID: 37518921
    INTRODUCTION: Southeast Asia countries had been among the worst-hit countries by COVID-19. The misinformation was spread along with the increasing number of cases. This study aims to describe how Indonesians and Vietnamese behave in seeking information related to COVID-19.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling technique (n=167). Targeted population was limited to 18 - 59 years of age. An online form was shared via WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram of each contributor. Data collected includes sociodemographic data (age, gender, marital status, educational background, occupation, and residences), and data on information seeking behaviour. Data was analysed using SPSS V.20.

    RESULTS: Almost 95.70% of Indonesians and 89.20% of Vietnamese accessed the online information. A 75.68% Vietnamese and 46.24% Indonesians shared information with others, 59.14% of Indonesians and 20.3% of Vietnamese stated that they discussed the information with health workers.

    CONCLUSION: Both countries have implemented proper online-based information. However, a good mass communication strategies were needed to protect people from the misinformation.

  18. Suwaryo PAW, Ristanto R, Waladani B, Siwi AS
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):508-510.
    PMID: 37518922
    INTRODUCTION: This research was done to find out how well post-stroke therapy works in reducing side effects and improving patient mobility.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a randomised control trial design involving 42 post-stroke patients (mean 40 days after onset) with hemiparesis from January to October 2022, who were separated into two groups and randomly allocated to either the experimental group (n=21) or the control group (n=21). The intervention group received 24 times Swiss Ball Exercise (SBE), and the control group received 24 times conventional therapy.

    RESULTS: We found for the intervention group using SBE on TUG (p<0.001), TIS (P

  19. Andayani RP, Wahyuni F, Ausrianti R, Reni I, Edo CWD, Amir H
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):511-514.
    PMID: 37518923
    INTRODUCTION: Pressure ulcers have adverse effects on health. Thus, early detection of damage to skin integrity is important for preventing the occurrence of pressure sores. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is a nonpharmacological therapy that can be applied to overcome the problem of damage to skin integrity. Virgin coconut oil contains antioxidants and is rich in vitamin E. Meanwhile, two-hourly repositioning is a nursing intervention performed to prevent pressure ulcers.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of Virgin Coconut Oil and regular repositioning for preventing pressure sores. The designs used quasi experiment pretest and posttest nonequivalent control group; 86 participants were selected through a nonprobability sampling technique by consecutive sampling.

    RESULTS: The fundings suggest that there is a significant difference in the Braden QD scores from before and after virgin coconut oil of the intervention group and repositioning of the control group (p<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: Nurses are expected to be able to detect early damage to skin integrity by using the Braden QD Scale and to implement use Virgin Coconut Oil and repositioning.

  20. Lestari S, Sunaryo T, Arvianto RI
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jul;78(4):515-518.
    PMID: 37518924
    INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels due to abnormalities in the insulin hormone system. The number of people with this disease is expected to increase every year. Therefore, it is necessary to develop diabetes mellitus drugs that have effective performance in reducing blood glucose level. Coffee contain chlorogenic acid and caffeine. Chlorogenic acid play a role in increasing insulin sensitivity. However, the caffeine causes a decrease in glucose tolerance. The removal of caffeine or the decaffeination process is expected to improve the quality of coffee as an anti-diabetic drug. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of decaffeinated coffee extract in reducing blood sugar.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Green or roasted coffee extract was decaffeinated using activated charcoal. Decaffeinated coffee extract with the lowest caffeine and the highest chlorogenic acid based on HPLC measurement was used for antidiabetic test. The anti-diabetic test was conducted with 52 DM type 2 patient selected by purposive sample. The test were divided into two groups: intervention (26 respondents) and control group (26 respondents). The data were analysed by Paired and Independent t test.

    RESULTS: Decaffeinated green coffee extract is very suitable for use as a drug to lower blood sugar in DM type 2 patients than decaffeinated roasted coffee extract because of higher in chlorogenic acid and lower in caffeine (Figure 2). Treatment by decaffeinated green coffee extract for 3 weeks showed a significant decrease in average fasting blood glucose level from 144.7 g/dl to 92.23 g/dl. All statistical tests showed a p value = 0.001 (below the significant value), this value proves the success of reducing blood glucose by decaffeinated green coffee extract.

    CONCLUSION: The decaffeinated green coffee extract decreases fasting blood sugar significantly.

External Links