Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 38 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Zaw MT, Emran NA, Ibrahim MY, Suleiman M, Awang Mohd TA, Yusuff AS, et al.
    J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2019 Aug;52(4):563-570.
    PMID: 29428381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.01.003
    BACKGROUND: Cholera is an important health problem in Sabah, a Malaysian state in northern Borneo; however, Vibrio cholerae in Sabah have never been characterized. Since 2002, serogroup O1 strains having the traits of both classical and El Tor biotype, designated as atypical El Tor biotype, have been increasingly reported as the cause of cholera worldwide. These variants are believed to produce clinically more severe disease like classical strains.

    PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity of V.cholerae in Sabah and whether V.cholerae in Sabah belong to atypical El Tor biotype.

    METHODS: ERIC-PCR, a DNA fingerprinting method for bacterial pathogens based on the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence, was used to study the genetic diversity of 65 clinical V.cholerae O1 isolates from 3 districts (Kudat, Beluran, Sandakan) in Sabah and one environmental isolate from coastal sea water in Kudat district. In addition, we studied the biotype-specific genetic traits in these isolates to establish their biotype.

    RESULTS: Different fingerprint patterns were seen in isolates from these three districts but one of the patterns was seen in more than one district. Clinical isolates and environmental isolate have different patterns. In addition, Sabah isolates harbor genetic traits specific to both classical biotype (ctxB-1, rstRCla) and El Tor biotype (rstRET, rstC, tcpAET, rtxC, VC2346).

    CONCLUSION: This study revealed that V.cholerae in Sabah were genetically diverse and were atypical El Tor strains. Fingerprint patterns of these isolates will be useful in tracing the origin of this pathogen in the future.

  2. William T, Rahman HA, Jelip J, Ibrahim MY, Menon J, Grigg MJ, et al.
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2013;7(1):e2026.
    PMID: 23359830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002026
    BACKGROUND: The simian parasite Plasmodium knowlesi is a common cause of human malaria in Malaysian Borneo and threatens the prospect of malaria elimination. However, little is known about the emergence of P. knowlesi, particularly in Sabah. We reviewed Sabah Department of Health records to investigate the trend of each malaria species over time.

    METHODS: Reporting of microscopy-diagnosed malaria cases in Sabah is mandatory. We reviewed all available Department of Health malaria notification records from 1992-2011. Notifications of P. malariae and P. knowlesi were considered as a single group due to microscopic near-identity.

    RESULTS: From 1992-2011 total malaria notifications decreased dramatically, with P. falciparum peaking at 33,153 in 1994 and decreasing 55-fold to 605 in 2011, and P. vivax peaking at 15,857 in 1995 and decreasing 25-fold to 628 in 2011. Notifications of P. malariae/P. knowlesi also demonstrated a peak in the mid-1990s (614 in 1994) before decreasing to ≈ 100/year in the late 1990s/early 2000s. However, P. malariae/P. knowlesi notifications increased >10-fold between 2004 (n = 59) and 2011 (n = 703). In 1992 P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. malariae/P. knowlesi monoinfections accounted for 70%, 24% and 1% respectively of malaria notifications, compared to 30%, 31% and 35% in 2011. The increase in P. malariae/P. knowlesi notifications occurred state-wide, appearing to have begun in the southwest and progressed north-easterly.

    CONCLUSIONS: A significant recent increase has occurred in P. knowlesi notifications following reduced transmission of the human Plasmodium species, and this trend threatens malaria elimination. Determination of transmission dynamics and risk factors for knowlesi malaria is required to guide measures to control this rising incidence.

  3. Suali L, Mohammad Salih FA, Ibrahim MY, Jeffree MSB, Thomas FM, Siew Moy F, et al.
    Hemoglobin, 2022 Nov;46(6):317-324.
    PMID: 36815306 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2023.2169154
    β-thalassemia is a serious public health problem in Sabah due to its high prevalence. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of β-globin gene mutations, coinheritance with α-globin gene mutations, XmnI-Gγ, and rs368698783 polymorphisms on the β-thalassemia phenotypes in Sabahan patients. A total of 111 patients were included in this study. The sociodemographic profile of the patients was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while clinical data were obtained from their medical records. Gap-PCR, ARMS-PCR, RFLP-PCR, and multiplex PCR were performed to detect β- and α-globin gene mutations, as well as XmnI-Gγ and rs368698783 polymorphisms. Our data show that the high prevalence of β-thalassemia in Sabah is not due to consanguineous marriages (5.4%). A total of six different β-globin gene mutations were detected, with Filipino β°-deletion being the most dominant (87.4%). There were 77.5% homozygous β-thalassemia patients, 16.2% compound heterozygous β-thalassemia patients, and 6.3% β-thalassemia/Hb E patients. Further evaluation on compound heterozygous β-thalassemia and β-thalassemia/Hb E patients found no concomitant α-globin gene mutations and the rs368698783 polymorphism. Furthermore, the XmnI-Gγ (-/+) genotype did not demonstrate a strong impact on the disease phenotype, as only two of five patients in the compound heterozygous β-thalassemia group and two of three patients in the β-thalassemia/Hb E group had a moderate phenotype. Our findings indicate that the severity of the β-thalassemia phenotypes is closely related to the type of β-globin gene mutations but not to the XmnI-Gγ and rs368698783 polymorphisms.
  4. Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Mohamed MH, Omar A, Pang NTP, Jeffree MS, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Mar 24;10(3).
    PMID: 33759447 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2122
    BACKGROUND: COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude and practice plays a major role in determining the readiness of the community to adopt the behavioural change towards recommended preventive measures outlined by public health officials. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 among university students as well as its associated factors.

    METHOD: This is a cross sectional study that was conducted among students in a public university during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. An online validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test was used to determine the association between independent variables with knowledge, attitude, and practice score.

    RESULTS: Overall response rate of this study was 92.9 (n=524). Median score of knowledge domain was 78.0 (IQR= ±12.0), median attitude score of 49.0 (IQR= ±5.0), and median practice score of 80.0 (IQR= ±11.0). The mean knowledge, attitude and practice score were significantly higher among diploma holder (vs degree holder, p<0.05), residing in main Kota Kinabalu campus (vs non-KK campus, p<0.001), studying in medical faculty (vs non-medical faculty, p<0.001), and attended COVID-19 education (vs non-attendance; p<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude were below satisfactory level during earlier phase of the pandemic. However, majority of respondents have positive behaviour towards COVID-19 prevention. This highlights the importance of accurate and tailored health education to improve the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of recommended measures to prevent COVID-19 spread.

  5. Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Mohammad AH, Kadir F, Payus AO, Avoi R, et al.
    Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul), 2023 Apr;86(2):82-93.
    PMID: 36597583 DOI: 10.4046/trd.2022.0148
    Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern. Globally, TB is among the top 10 and the leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent. Providing standard anti-TB therapy for at least 6 months is recommended as one of the crucial strategies to control the TB epidemic. However, the long duration of TB treatment raised the issue of non-adherence. Non-adherence to TB therapy could negatively affect clinical and public health outcomes. Thus, directly observed therapy (DOT) has been introduced as a standard strategy to improve anti-TB medication adherence. Nonetheless, the DOT approach has been criticized due to inconvenience, stigma, reduced economic productivity, and reduced quality of life, which ultimately could complicate adherence issues. Apart from that, its effectiveness in improving anti-TB adherence is debatable. Therefore, digital technology could be an essential tool to enhance the implementation of DOT. Incorporating the health belief model (HBM) into digital technology can further increase its effectiveness in changing behavior and improving medication adherence. This article aimed to review the latest evidence regarding TB medication non-adherence, its associated factors, DOT's efficacy and its alternatives, and the use of digital technology and HBM in improving medication adherence. This paper used the narrative review methodology to analyze related articles to address the study objectives. Conventional DOT has several disadvantages in TB management. Integrating HBM in digital technology development is potentially effective in improving medication adherence. Digital technology provides an opportunity to improve medication adherence to overcome various issues related to DOT implementation.
  6. Salim LZ, Mohan S, Othman R, Abdelwahab SI, Kamalidehghan B, Sheikh BY, et al.
    Molecules, 2013 Sep 12;18(9):11219-40.
    PMID: 24036512 DOI: 10.3390/molecules180911219
    There has been a growing interest in naturally occurring compounds from traditional medicine with anti-cancer potential. Nigella sativa (black seed) is one of the most widely studied plants. This annual herb grows in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and India. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient isolated from Nigella sativa. The anti-cancer effect of TQ, via the induction of apoptosis resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, was assessed in an acute lymphocyte leukemic cell line (CEMss) with an IC50 of 1.5 µg/mL. A significant increase in chromatin condensation in the cell nucleus was observed using fluorescence analysis. The apoptosis was then confirmed by Annexin V and an increased number of cellular DNA breaks in treated cells were observed as a DNA ladder. Treatment of CEMss cells with TQ encouraged apoptosis with cell death-transducing signals by a down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax. Moreover, the significant generation of cellular ROS, HSP70 and activation of caspases 3 and 8 were also observed in the treated cells. The mitochondrial apoptosis was clearly associated with the S phase cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, the results from the current study indicated that TQ could be a promising agent for the treatment of leukemia.
  7. Salim LZ, Othman R, Abdulla MA, Al-Jashamy K, Ali HM, Hassandarvish P, et al.
    PLoS One, 2014;9(12):e115340.
    PMID: 25531768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115340
    BACKGROUND: Thymoquinone is an active ingredient isolated from Nigella sativa (Black Seed). This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-leukemic effects of thymoquinone on WEHI-3 cells.

    METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The cytotoxic effect of thymoquinone was assessed using an MTT assay, while the inhibitory effect of thymoquinone on murine WEHI-3 cell growth was due to the induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by chromatin condensation dye, Hoechst 33342 and acridine orange/propidium iodide fluorescent staining. In addition, Annexin V staining for early apoptosis was performed using flowcytometric analysis. Apoptosis was found to be associated with the cell cycle arrest at the S phase. Expression of Bax, Bcl2 and HSP 70 proteins were observed by western blotting. The effects of thymoquinone on BALB/c mice injected with WEHI-3 cells were indicated by the decrease in the body, spleen and liver weights of the animal, as compared to the control.

    CONCLUSION: Thymoquinone promoted natural killer cell activities. This compound showed high toxicity against WEHI-3 cell line which was confirmed by an increase of the early apoptosis, followed by up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl2, and down-regulation of the apoptotic protein, Bax. On the other hand, high reduction of the spleen and liver weight, and significant histopathology study of spleen and liver confirmed that thymoquinone inhibited WEHI-3 growth in the BALB/c mice. Results from this study highlight the potential of thymoquinone to be developed as an anti-leukemic agent.

  8. Ranjbari A, Azarbayjani MA, Yusof A, Halim Mokhtar A, Akbarzadeh S, Ibrahim MY, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2016 Mar 15;16:101.
    PMID: 26980377 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1064-6
    BACKGROUND: Urtica dioica (UD) has been identified as a traditional herbal medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UD extract and swimming activity on diabetic parameters through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

    METHODS: Adult WKY male rats were randomly distributed in nine groups: intact control, diabetic control, diabetic + 625 mg/kg, 1.25 g/kg UD, diabetic + 100 mg/kg Metformin, diabetic + swimming, diabetic + swimming 625 mg/kg, 1.25 g/kg UD, and diabetic +100 mg/kg Metformin + swimming. The hearts of the animals were punctured, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The entire pancreas was exposed for histologic examination. The effect of UD on insulin secretion by RIN-5F cells in 6.25 or 12.5 mM glucose dose was examined. Glucose uptake by cultured L6 myotubes was determined.

    RESULTS: The serum glucose concentration decreased, the insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity significantly increased in treated groups. These changes were more pronounced in the group that received UD extract and swimming training. Regeneration and less beta cell damage of Langerhans islets were observed in the treated groups. UD treatment increased insulin secretion in the RIN-5F cells and glucose uptake in the L6 myotubes cells.

    CONCLUSIONS: Swimming exercises accompanied by consuming UD aqueous extracts effectively improved diabetic parameters, repaired pancreatic tissues in streptozotocin-induced diabetics in vivo, and increased glucose uptake or insulin in UD-treated cells in vitro.

  9. Qaiser S, Daud MNM, Ibrahim MY, Gan SH, Rahman MS, Sani MHM, et al.
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2020 May 22;99(21):e20287.
    PMID: 32481309 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000020287
    Unhealthy lifestyle contributes mainly to an increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases tend to increase in Malaysia. These diseases lead to an increased risk of end organ damage and cardiovascular complications. In this study, the prevalence of prehypertension and its associated risk factors among a cohort of university students in Sabah was determined.This is a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted among 365 undergraduate students irrespective of faculties at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Standardized and validated World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic data. Additionally, clinical and anthropometric data were measured and recorded by a trained staff, followed by descriptive and logistic regression analyses.A total of 365 UMS undergraduate students aged 18 years and above participated in the study. The prevalence of prehypertension among university students was high (31%) (95% CI [29.1%, 34.3%]). Well-known risk factors for hypertension including family history of hypertension, reduced sleep duration, reduced physical activity, smoking, being overweight or obese were significantly associated with the risk of developing prehypertension (P 
  10. Omer FAA, Hashim NM, Ibrahim MY, Aldoubi AF, Hassandarvish P, Dehghan F, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017 Jul 17;17(1):366.
    PMID: 28716025 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1867-0
    BACKGROUND: Beta-mangostin (BM) is a xanthone-type of natural compound isolated from Cratoxylum arborescens. This study aimed to examine the apoptosis mechanisms induced by BM in a murine monomyelocytic cell line (WEHI-3) in vitro and in vivo.

    METHODS: A WEHI-3 cell line was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of BM by MTT. AO/PI and Hoechst 33342 dyes, Annexin V, multiparametric cytotoxicity 3 by high content screening (HCS); cell cycle tests were used to estimate the features of apoptosis and BM effects. Caspase 3 and 9 activities, ROS, western blot for Bcl2, and Bax were detected to study the mechanism of apoptosis. BALB/c mice injected with WEHI-3 cells were used to assess the apoptotic effect of BM in vivo.

    RESULTS: BM suppressed the growth of WEHI-3 cells at an IC50value of 14 ± 3 μg/mL in 24 h. The ROS production was increased inside the cells in the treated doses. Both caspases (9 and 3) were activated in treating WEHI-3 cells at 24, 48 and 72 h. Different signs of apoptosis were detected, such as cell membrane blebbing, DNA segmentation and changes in the asymmetry of the cell membrane. Another action by which BM could inhibit WEHI-3 cells is to restrain the cell cycle at the G1/G0 phase. In the in vivo study, BM reduced the destructive effects of leukaemia on the spleen and liver by inducing apoptosis in leukaemic cells.

    CONCLUSION: BM exerts anti-leukaemic properties in vitro and in vivo.

  11. Omer FAA, Hashim NBM, Ibrahim MY, Dehghan F, Yahayu M, Karimian H, et al.
    Tumour Biol., 2017 Nov;39(11):1010428317731451.
    PMID: 29110583 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317731451
    Xanthones are phytochemical compounds found in a number of fruits and vegetables. Characteristically, they are noted to be made of diverse properties based on their biological, biochemical, and pharmacological actions. Accordingly, the apoptosis mechanisms induced by beta-mangostin, a xanthone compound isolated from Cratoxylum arborescens in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL60) in vitro, were examined in this study. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was done to estimate the cytotoxicity effect of β-mangostin on the HL60 cell line. Acridine orange/propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342 dyes and Annexin V tests were conducted to detect the apoptosis features. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities; reactive oxygen species; real-time polymerase chain reaction for Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 Hsp70 genes; and western blot for p53, cytochrome c, and pro- and cleavage-caspase-3 and caspase-9 were assessed to examine the apoptosis mechanism. Cell-cycle analysis conducted revealed that β-mangostin inhibited the growth of HL60 at 58 µM in 24 h. The administration of β-mangostin with HL60 caused cell morphological changes related to apoptosis which increased the number of early and late apoptotic cells. The β-mangostin-catalyzed apoptosis action through caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9 activation overproduced reactive oxygen species which downregulated the expression of antiapoptotic genes Bcl-2 and HSP70. Conversely, the expression of the apoptotic genes Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were upregulated. Meanwhile, at the protein level, β-mangostin activated the formation of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 and also upregulated the p53. β-mangostin arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Overall, the results for β-mangostin showed an antiproliferative effect in HL60 via stopping the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and prompted the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
  12. O'Boyle SJ, Power JJ, Ibrahim MY, Watson JP
    Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 2002 Apr;6(4):307-12.
    PMID: 11936739
    SETTING: Kota Kinabalu and surrounding communities in Sabah, Malaysia.
    OBJECTIVES: To establish factors affecting compliance of patients with anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, their knowledge of the disease, and views on improving the DOTS strategy.
    DESIGN: Interviews with compliant patients attending clinics for DOTS treatment and with non-compliant patients in their homes, in August and September 2000.
    RESULTS: A total of 63 compliant and 23 non-compliant patients were interviewed. For non-compliant patients, reaching the treatment centre entailed greater cost (P < 0.005) and travel time (P < 0.005) compared to compliant patients. Cost of transport was the reason most frequently given for non-attendance. Non-compliant patients were more likely to have completed secondary education (P < 0.05), and to be working (P < 0.01). More non-compliant patients had family members who had had the disease (P < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups for overall tuberculosis knowledge scores; however, non-compliant patients were more likely to think that treatment could be stopped once they were symptom free (P < 0.01). Most patients (73%) felt that the DOTS system could be improved by provision of more information about tuberculosis.
    CONCLUSION: Compliance with DOTS in the Kota Kinabalu area is affected by travel expenses, time spent travelling to treatment centres, and having family members who have had the disease. Patients would like more information on tuberculosis.
    Study site: Tuberculosis clinics, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
  13. Naserrudin NA, Jeffree MS, Kaur N, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Ibrahim MY
    PLoS One, 2022 01 28;17(1):e0261249.
    PMID: 35089931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264247
    Every person diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is at risk of developing Diabetic retinopathy (DR). Thus, DR is one of the major chronic microvascular complications of T2DM. However, in Malaysia, research about DR is still scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DR among diabetic patients across 46 primary healthcare clinics in Sabah, Malaysia. Secondly, it purported to identify the factors influencing the development of DR. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 22,345 Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in the Sabah Diabetic Registry from 2008 to 2015. Of the 22,345 T2DM patients, 13.5% (n = 3,029) of them were diagnosed with DR. Multiple logistic regression revealed seven major risk factors of DR, i.e. patients with diabetic foot ulcer [aOR: 95% CI 3.08 (1.96-4.85)], patients with diabetic nephropathy [aOR: 95% CI 2.47 (2.13-2.86)], hypertension [aOR: 95% CI 1.63 (1.43-1.87)], dyslipidaemia [aOR: 95% CI 1.30 (1.17-1.44)], glycated haemoglobin [(HbA1c) > 6.5 (aOR: 95% CI 1.25 (1.14-1.38)], duration of diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [aOR: 95% CI 1.06 (1.05-1.07)] and age of patient [aOR: 95% CI 1.01 (1.00-1.02)] respectively. DR is a preventable complication. The effective glycaemic control is crucial in preventing DR. In minimizing the prevalence of DR, the healthcare authorities should institute programmes to induce awareness on the management of DR's risk factors among patient and practitioner.
  14. Naserrudin NA, Jeffree MS, Kaur N, Rahim SSSA, Ibrahim MY
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 29;19(19).
    PMID: 36231721 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912426
    The most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) is diabetic retinopathy (DR). The control of DR risk factors is essential for the effective prevention of DR. There is currently a lack of research to guide DR-related research in Malaysia. This concept paper aimed to review published studies and propose a conceptual framework (CF) as a guide for future research to determine the prevalence of DR and its risk factors across DM patients. After a review of prior research, this study has presented a CF that takes into account these four key elements: the patient's sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, complications, and diabetes conditions, namely, the length of the disease and glycaemic control. In the suggested CF, ethnicity was highlighted as a crucial risk factor for DR across lower- to middle-income countries (LMIC) and multiracial countries. In order to guide future studies, scientific guidance is essential. The proposed CF would help future research to conduct scientific research related to DR. Also, the proposed CF was tailored to suit research across LMIC and multiracial countries.
  15. Mukhsam MH, Jeffree MS, Pang NTP, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Omar A, Abdullah MS, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2020 Sep;103(3):1201-1203.
    PMID: 32705977 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0458
    The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise, causing millions of confirmed cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Hence, the Malaysian government announced a Movement Control Order at the start of the containment phase to flatten the epidemiological curve. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), a public university in Borneo, was accelerated into alert phase because of high risk of case importation from more than 400 China incoming undergraduates. Measures to mitigate the potential COVID-19 outbreaks in its population were taken by using conventional public health measures with special attention to task-shifting and widespread community mental health interventions. A Preparedness and Response Centre was established to overseer the mitigating measures happening inside the university. Measures taken included empowerment of frontline staff, strengthening of restrictions, strengthening university health center, vigorous contact tracing, widespread health education, maintaining cultural sensitivity, and establishment of early standard operating procedures and university continuity plans. Hence, UMS was able to ensure no importation of cases into its campus during both acute and containment phases at the nationwide level.
  16. Montini Maluda MC, Jelip J, Ibrahim MY, Suleiman M, Jeffree MS, Binti Aziz AF, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2020 08;103(2):864-868.
    PMID: 32524958 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0928
    Japanese encephalitis (JE) is endemic in Malaysia. Although JE vaccination is practiced in the neighboring state of Sarawak for a long time, little is known about JE in Sabah state in Borneo. As a result, informed policy formulation for JE in Sabah has not been accomplished. In the present study, we have analyzed JE cases that have been reported to the Sabah State Health Department from 2000 to 2018. A total of 92 JE cases were reported during 19 years, and three-fourths of the cases were attributed to children. The estimated mean incidence for JE cases is 0.161/100,000 population. Japanese encephalitis was predominant in Sabah during June, July, and August, peaking in July. In most cases, pigs were absent within a 400-m radius of the place of residence. We could not establish any relationship between the mapping of JE cases and the number of piggeries in each district. We could not establish a relationship between average rainfall and JE cases, either. We propose the cases reported are possibly showing the tip of an iceberg and continuous surveillance is needed, as JE is a public health challenge in Sabah.
  17. Mohan S, Abdul AB, Abdelwahab SI, Al-Zubairi AS, Sukari MA, Abdullah R, et al.
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2010 Oct 5;131(3):592-600.
    PMID: 20673794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.07.043
    The plant Typhonium flagelliforme (TF), commonly known as 'rodent tuber' in Malaysia, is often used as traditional remedy for cancer, including leukemia.
  18. Mat-Salleh MF, Sadagatullah AN, Ibrahim MY, Abdul-Aziz I, Wan-Abdullah WA, Maning N, et al.
    Malays Orthop J, 2021 Jul;15(2):70-76.
    PMID: 34429825 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2107.011
    Introduction: A dilemma arises when a bone graft or fracture fragment is accidentally dropped on the operation theatre floor and becomes contaminated. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of simple and readily available antiseptic solutions in disinfecting contaminated bones.

    Material and Methods: This experimental study involved 225 bone specimens prepared from discarded bone fragments during a series of 45 knee and hip arthroplasty surgeries. The bone fragments were cut into five identical cubes and were randomly assigned to either control (positive or negative), or experimental groups (0.5% chlorhexidine, 10% povidone-iodine or 70% alcohol). The control negative was to determine pre-contamination culture. All bone specimens, except the control negative group were uniformly contaminated by dropping on the operation theatre floor. Subsequently, the dropped bone specimens except for the control positive group, were disinfected by immersing in a respective antiseptic solution for 10 minutes, before transported to the microbiology laboratory for incubation.

    Results: The incidence of a positive culture from a dropped bone fragment was 86.5%. From the 37 specimens sent for each group, the incidence of positive culture was 5.4% (2 specimens) after being disinfected using chlorhexidine, 67.6% (25 specimens) using povidone-iodine and 81.1% (30 specimens) using alcohol. Simple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that chlorhexidine was significantly effective in disinfecting contaminated bones (p-value <0.001, odd ratio 0.009). Povidone-iodine and alcohol were not statistically significant (p-value 0.059 and 0.53, respectively). Organisms identified were Bacillus species and coagulase negative Staphylococcus. No gram-negative bacteria were isolated.

    Conclusion: A total of 0.5% chlorhexidine is effective and superior in disinfecting contaminated bones.

  19. Low LL, Sondi S, Azman AB, Goh PP, Maimunah AH, Ibrahim MY, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2011 Sep;23(5):690-702.
    PMID: 21878464 DOI: 10.1177/1010539511418354
    Patients with issues or health problems usually plan to discuss their concerns with their health care providers. If these concerns were not presented or voiced during the health care provider-patient encounter, the patients are considered to have unvoiced needs. This article examines the extent and possible determinants of patients' unvoiced needs in an outpatient setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 Ministry of Health Malaysia primary health facilities throughout the country. Of 1829 who participated, 5 did not respond to the question on planned issues. Of the 1824 respondents, 57.9% (95% confidence interval = 47.1-68.7) claimed to have issues/problems they planned to share, of whom 15.1% to 26.7% had unvoiced needs. Extent of unvoiced needs differed by employment status, perceived category of health care provider, and study center. Perceived category of health care provider, method of questionnaire administration, and study center were the only significant determinants of unvoiced needs. Unvoiced needs do exist in Malaysia and there is a need for health care providers to be aware and take steps to counter this.

    Study site: 5 Ministry of Health Malaysia primary health facilities throughout the country
  20. Lim KJ, Cheng TTJ, Jeffree MS, Hayati F, Cheah PK, Nee KO, et al.
    Transplant Proc, 2020 Apr;52(3):680-686.
    PMID: 32146022 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.01.007
    INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, the gap between organ supply and demand has widened over the years. Malaysia has one of the lowest deceased organ donation rates. Success rate of organ or tissue procurement depends on not only the approach rate by health care providers but also the awareness among the public, whereby it can be a platform for family initiation of organ donation. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of and determine the factors influencing attitude toward organ and tissue donation among patients in a primary clinic.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out. Self-administered questionnaires were given to 400 patients who registered at an outpatient clinic in April 2018. Convenience sampling was applied.

    RESULTS: Monthly income, education level, occupation, and knowledge level are significantly associated with attitude of the respondents toward organ and tissue donation. Occupation influenced attitude toward organ donation. Knowledge of organ donation and brain death both significantly affected attitude toward organ donation.

    CONCLUSION: The greater the knowledge of organ donation and brain death, the more positive impression or attitude toward organ donation. Education level and income are the main predictors that influence attitude toward organ donation. Hence, it is important for public health units to promote and deliver public education on organ donation, change public misconceptions, and work parallel with hospitals to increase organ donation rates in Sabah.

Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links