In Malaysia, breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women indicating that early diagnosis and screening practice is important to increase the survival rate. Breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography are the main screening practices for breast cancer. Knowledge and awareness of breast cancer can play an important role in aiding early detection of breast cancer. Little is known about the knowledge of breast cancer and screening practices among the non-academic staff in IIUM, Kuantan. As such this study aims to determine the knowledge and screening practices of breast cancer amongst the non-academic staff at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan Campus. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 nonacademic staff from ten different departments in IIUM, Kuantan from March to April 2017. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on knowledge of breast cancer and screening practices. The relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of breast cancer and breast cancer screening practices were carried out using chi-square. No significance difference was found between knowledge of breast cancer and socio-demographic factors. However significant relationships were found between the age of respondents and BSE as well as the level of education of respondents and CBE. Most non-academic staff possessed an average level of knowledge on breast cancer and screening practices due to possibly ease of access to information. Low performance of breast screening practices was indicated possibly due to lack of awareness, misconception of the need and benefits derived from such screening practices.
Malnutrition is a major public health problem worldwide. More than half of under-five child deaths are due to undernutrition, mainly in developing countries. Ethiopia is among the highestin Sub-Saharan Africa. While,Somali regionis the worstin Ethiopia.
Food contamination is a crucial health problem as it could result in food-borne illness. This research aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) fried rice dishes sold at different type of food premises in Kuantan city, Pahang. Total Plate Count (TPC), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Aeromonas spp. bacteria were used as microbiological contamination indicators. About 52 samples were collected stratified randomly from four types of food premises (restaurant, cafeteria, food stall and night market) where about 13 samples were respectively collected from each type of the food premises. The results showed that TPC had medium mean count (6.30x105±1.47x105 cfu/g), S. aureus and B. cereus had high mean counts (7.70x104±2.22x105 cfu/g and 3.85x105±1.67x106 cfu/g respectively), while Aeromonas spp. had medium mean count (7.13x104±2.42x105 cfu/g). The mean counts of TPC in the samples collected from cafeteria were highest compare to other food premises.
Meibomian gland is one of the anatomical eye structures to provide oily lipid layer to the anterior part of the eye. Textural analysis by using Mean Histogram Method was proposed as a method of estimating area of Meibomian Gland Loss (MGL). Objective: The main objective of this study was to objectively measure the meibomian gland image by using textural analysis.
Porcupine bezoar (PB) has been previously reported to possess various medicinal properties. However, its potential as an anticancer agent against human cancers is still poorly studied and understood. Hence, in this study, porcupine bezoar (PB) aqueous extract was evaluated for its potential as a safe anticancer agent. Initially PB was infused in water for 18 h to get PB aqueous extract which was preliminary tested for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH activity in order to confirm the presence of bioactive agents as antioxidants in PB. Later, PB aqueous extract was subjected to A375 (Melanoma) (IC50, cell proliferation assay) and HGF-1
(normal cell, for cytotoxicity assay) to evaluate its anticancer potential. PB aqueous extract showed 11.68 μg/mL ± 0.67 TPC value expressed as gallic acid equivalents while TFC was not detected confirming the absence of flavonoids in PB aqueous extract. IC50 for DPPH was found to be 0.79 μg/mL ± 0.07. The IC50 result for A375 was found to be 10.1 µg/mL ± 0.17. PB aqueous extract showed significant antiproliferation pattern at 24, 48 and 72 hours exposures. The data from this study suggest the potential alternative use of PB in developing natural antioxidants and antiproliferative agents for improving human health.
Increasing risk of antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria has led to the exploration of alternative antibiotics derived from leaves of medicinal plants such as the fig (Ficus carica L.). The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract of fig leaves grown under Malaysian tropical environment against pathogenic bacteria linked to antibiotic resistance namely the Staphylococcus aureus and Escherechia coli. The methanolic extraction was performed by using soxhlet apparatus. The disc diffusion method was used to measure inhibition zone diameter on the Mueller-Hinton agar plate. Staphylococcus aureus displayed the highest diameter of inhibition zone against the extract at concentration of 900 mg/ml whilst Escherechia coli displayed the highest diameter of inhibition zone against both the 100% crude extract and 700 mg/ml, respectively. This study therefore highlighted the potential of developing alternative antibiotics derived from the methalonic extract of locally grown fig plant.
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to six months is internationally recommended due to its benefits for both maternal and infant health. However, the rate of EBF in Malaysia is still below the desirable levels. This study examined the prevalence of EBF and assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and determinants of breastfeeding among Malay mothers in Ampang, Selangor. Ninety-two Malay subjects who breastfed healthy children aged six to 36 months, were included in this study. Data were collected by dual-language, self-administered questionnaire (which included Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, IIFAS), to determine KAP of mothers towards breastfeeding. Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and environmental factors related with EBF were also assessed. Linear logistic regression model was used to identify factors that may determine breastfeeding for six months (exclusively) and beyond. A total of 28% of the subjects practised EBF up to six months, 39% less than six months, and 33% continued BF beyond six months. The mean IIFAS total score was 66.1 ± 8.11, which ranged between Neutral and Positive towards Breastfeeding Practice attitudes. Higher IIFAS score is related to intended and actual exclusive
breastfeeding. Several variables were significantly related to breastfeeding for six months (exclusively) and beyond. This included maternal age of 30 years or more (OR:3.26, 95% CI:1.27–8.38); higher socioeconomic status (OR:8.50, 95% CI:1.76–41.06); higher educational level (OR:5.21, 95% CI:1.66–16.34); multi-parity (OR:3.15, 95% CI:1.17–8.47); nonworking status (OR:3.81, 95% CI:1.02–14.3); support from spouse (OR:2.39, 95% CI:1.01–5.65); availability of private rooms for breastfeeding at workplace (OR:4.30, 95% CI:1.77–10.63); and child birth place (OR:2.54, 95% CI:1.08–5.98). The right maternal knowledge and attitude play crucial roles in the success of breastfeeding. Hence, more health promotion is needed. Supports from spouse,
workplace, and hospital staff after delivery, are also essential to improve EBF statistics in Malaysia.
Objectives/Research Problem:Melastoma malabathricum L., (Melastomaceae) is a medicinally important plant known as “Senduduk”. Traditionally, the leaves are used to relieve diverse pain-related ailments. Present study aims to examine the antinociceptive activity of methanolic extract of M. malabathricum (MEMM) leaves and its fractions via in vivo models of nociception.
Materials and Method: Extracts (100, 250, 500 mg/kg) were administered orally 60 minutes prior to subjection to the respective test, n=6/group. Evaluation of MEMM antinociceptive activity; chemically (acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction; ACT, formalin-induced paw licking test; FT) and thermally (hot plate test; HT) models of nociception and elucidation of mechanisms of action involved; role of opioid, vanilloid receptors, glutamatergic system and NO/cGMP pathway were determined. Continuously, MEMM, partitioned into three fractions: petroleum ether (PEMM), ethyl acetate (EAMM), and aqueous (AQMM) extracts and determine the most potent fraction. Therefore, experiment ED50 and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) values were conducted, and ACT was used to screen. Calculation, obtained, PEMM, the most effective was further used to assess the antinociceptive properties. Phytochemical screening, HPLC and GC-MS analysis were performed.
Results and Discussion: First stage, MEMM exhibited significant (P
Visual therapy or eye exercise, which is widely used in behavioral optometry, has been
successfully helping some visual disorders, especially binocular vision problem. In Bates System of Eye Exercise, it is claimed that eye exercise can restore vision with refractive error by completely relaxing the eyes. One of the ways to relax the eyes is by wearing the pinhole glasses as the pinhole placed before the eyes will help to relax accommodation and temporarily improving vision by reducing the size of blur circle. Pinhole glasses have been marketed as a visual therapy device, with the claim that continuous use of these glasses will improve refractive error. Although only anecdotal evidences have been provided on the efficacy of this product, the society are still interested to use the pinhole glasses and believe that their vision could be improved by simply wearing this device. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the refractive error of
myopic participants before and after wearing the pinhole glasses for 3 weeks. Methodology: Fifteen
participants were recruited in this study and all of the participants wore the pinhole glasses while performing near works for 20 minutes/day, anytime from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. everyday for 3 weeks. Results: The refractive error before and after the intervention was then being compared and the results showed that there was no significant difference in refractive error of both right (p= 0.08) and left eyes (p= 0.09) of myopic participants before and after wearing the pinhole glasses. Conclusion: Our results suggest that pinhole glasses did not improve the refractive error of myopic participants.
Breast cancer is commonest disease amongst women throughout the world and the second leading cause of women’s death. Since 2014, it was reported that approximately 5000 women
were diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Malaysia. Adoption of mammography screening
amongst Malaysian women remains under-utilized because it depends on self-initiatives of
individuals. Amongst the perceived barriers are low knowledge, cost, embarrassment and pain which may then give a negative psychological aspect to health behavior actions. The study aims to determine the level of knowledge and perceived barriers pertaining to mammography amongst female lecturers in Kulliyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A survey was carried out on female lecturers aged 35 years and above in KAHS, IIUM Kuantan. A self-administered questionnaire which consists of three sections; demographic factors, knowledge about breast cancer and perceived barriers pertaining to
mammography were distributed to 30 respondents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19.0.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 39.9 years old (SD ± 5.15). Majority of respondents possessed good knowledge of breast cancer. The perceived barriers pertaining to mammography amongst respondents were pain and the procedure being expensive. Conclusions: This study found that most female lecturers in KAHS, IIUM Kuantan possessed good knowledge on breast cancer but have fair knowledge pertaining to breast lumps and the best time for breast screening. The perceived barriers amongst respondents were pain and cost of the procedure.
As one of the radiation personnel, diagnostic radiographers are responsible to ensure measures related to radiation protection are taken appropriately. However, the awareness towards radiation protection and safety were insufficient and there is a need to improve the radiation protection culture (RPC) among radiographers. Therefore, this paper aims to integrate the Islamic Perspectives in radiation fundamental safety principles which are related to diagnostic radiographer’s responsibility. Later, is to highlight the application of integrating the Islamic perspectives towards improving RPC among Muslim radiographers. Out of the 10 safety principles, radiographers are able to directly contribute in six principles which are the responsibility for safety, justification of facilities and activities, optimisation of protection, limitation of risk, protection of oneself and others as well as future generations, and prevention of accidents. The Islamic perspectives related to those principles were taken from Al-Quran, hadith and Maqasid al-Shariah. They are related to the concept of responsibility, beneficence, justice, moderation (al-wasatiyyah), do no harm, protection of life and prevention from harm from the Islamic perspectives. In order to improve RPC, education and training of the involved professionals as well as adequate communication are important. Incorporating Islamic perspectives of radiation safety principles during the training session and constantly reminding the Muslim radiographers of those Islamic perspectives through poster display can be done. It is hopeful that by realizing the principles
of radiation safety are in line with the teaching of Islam, Muslim radiographers will be more involved
in the RPC programmes in the department.
Introduction: Piper sarmentosum is one of the herbaceous plants that has been used as natural antioxidant to source to treat diseases. This study was conducted to determine the total phenolic contents (TPC) and free radical scavenging capacity in free and bound (soluble and insoluble) of P. sarmentosum. Methods: Free phenolic extract was acquired through direct methanol extraction while acidic and alkaline hydrolyses were adopted to release the bound phenolic acids. The TPC was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu assay and is expressed as Gallic Acid equivalent (GAE) in miligrams per gram of extracts. The antioxidant scavenging capacity was determined by using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. Results: Insoluble bound phenolic extract of P. sarmentosum showed the highest TPC value (1.54 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g DW) followed by soluble phenolic extract and free extract (1.13 ± 0.10 and 0.57 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g DW, respectively). The soluble phenolic fraction has expressed the highest free radical scavenging capacity (76.57± 4.12%) followed by insoluble (69.79± 2.33 %) and free extracts (58.15± 4.44 %). The IC50 values for free, soluble and insoluble bound phenolic were 24.05 ± 3.81, 16.17 ± 1.84 and 18.49 ± 1.92 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusions: The significant differences between all the extracts and antioxidant inhibition in this present study suggested that different forms (free and bound) of extracts did influence the radical scavenging capacity as a whole.
Introduction: Clinacanthus nutans is used as natural nutraceuticals for prevention and treatment of cancer. The purpose of this study is to (i) determine the total phenolic content and antioxidant scavenging capacities of C. nutans in free and bound phenolic acid and (ii) study the relationship between TPC and antioxidant scavenging capacities of C. nutans. Methods: The total phenolic contents were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Free and bound phenolic were examined by using spectrophotometer while antioxidant capacity were evaluated using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity assay. Results: Insoluble phenolic acids showed the highest amount of total phenolic content in C. nutans extracts (6.09+ 0.45 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ g DW) and exhibited highest antioxidant activity (73.3+0.82 %) as compared to free and soluble phenolic extracts. The IC50 values for free phenolic, soluble bound and insoluble bound phenolic extracts were 0.69+0.02 mg/mL, 0.64+0.04 and 0.60+0.006 mg/mL, respectively. There were positive correlation between insoluble bound phenolic content of C. nutans extracts with antioxidant radical scavenging capacity (R2 = 0.893). Conclusions: These results indicate that different phenolic acid forms affect the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Natural compounds such as phenolics from C. nutans could be a good source of antioxidant.
There are increasing numbers of medical imaging apps available on smart devices nowadays. However, knowledge about the usefulness of medical imaging apps among medical imaging students is rather limited. Methods: 38 medical imaging students of the International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM) completed a validated online questionnaire that is formulated to
investigate the awareness, usage and perception about medical imaging apps installed in the smart devices. The students’ preference regarding the characteristics, features as well as areas and domains of medical imaging to be incorporated into future medical imaging apps were also dipped into. Results:The majority of the students, 24 (63.2%) were aware about the existence medical imaging apps nevertheless, only 14 (58.3%) among them had experienced using medical imaging apps. Most students reported positive responses towards the perceptions and usability of the apps. The students had also addressed a number of preferred characteristics, features as well as areas and domains of medical imaging to be integrated into medical imaging apps. Conclusions: There is low appreciation towards medical imaging apps among the students as depicted by the awareness, frequency and experience in its usage. However, they portrayed positive acceptance towards future usage of the apps evaluated from their opinion regarding the perception, usability and preferences towards the content of medical imaging apps. The preferences of the respondents have been identified as revealed by their opinions regarding the most preferred areas (MRI, CT, X-ray) and domains (imaging procedure, anatomy, image quality).
Aluminum (Al) is a standard material that has been used as a filter for ionising radiation however for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) there is no solid evidence to support but has been recommended. PVC has been selected as a potential filter material due to it is a long lasting constructing material and very durable, which can be used in a variety of application. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of PVC on entrance surface dose (ESD) values as compare to the standard X-ray filter of Al. The effect of varying thickness of the materials and difference exposure settings were observed and compared to each other. From this study, the percentage difference for both PVC and Al thickness is less than ± 25.00 % shows that PVC has a potential to be used as one of the filter materials due to its ability to reduce the ESD value
Introduction: Dietary calcium intake is important in body system regulation. Inadequate intake
among elderly may lead to various health issues such as osteoporosis and hip fracture. In order to counter the problem, this study was carried out to identify dietary calcium intake among elderly in Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A face to face interviewer-administered session was done individually with seventy-nine (n=79) subjects aged ≥60 years to collect data on sociodemographic background, health status and dietary intake. Diet history method was used to obtain information related to dietary intake and analyzed using Nutritionist Pro Software. P-value was set at p
The purpose of this study is to validate Sugar Craving Assessment Tool (MySCAT) among type II diabetes mellitus patients. A total of 168 respondents were recruited to participate in this cross sectional study. It was conducted in out-patient health clinics in Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan. Patients’ sugar craving and dietary behavior were measures using structured questionnaires which were MySCAT, three-day dietary recall and demographic data. The interview sessions were conducted by a dietician. MySCAT internal consistency test had a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.75 and showed a significant correlation (r=0.56, p < 0.001) with actual sugar intake collected via three days diet recall. ROC analysis reported a cut-off point for MySCAT as 16.5; the sensitivity value of 0.83 and 1-specificity of 0.38. 62% of respondents were categorized as cravers and 38% as non-cravers. Male and female repondents had no significant differences in craving status. The mean intake of sugar was 46 g/day (SD= 2.26), respondents had a relatively high intake of sugar in comparison to their recommendation. This study found that MySCAT provides an easy efficient tool which is sensitive enough to identify those with sugar craving problem. It also provides an overview of patients’ dietary intake and points out their problem with dietary intake compliance. We suggest MySCAT as an important tool that can assist dietitians in their consultation session.
Introduction: Various medium and high tube potentials were utilized to conduct chest x-rays. There
are advantages and disadvantages with regards to image quality and radiation dose when using
medium and high kilovoltage (kVp) technique. However, radiographers have misconstrued
understanding pertaining to the choice of tube potential as well as grid usage when performing chest radiography. Methods: The experimental study was conducted using the PBU-50 phantom by exposing it with medium kVp utilizing grid and non-grid as well as high kVp with grid. All images obtained were evaluated using the modified evaluation criteria for PA chest established by the Commission of European Communities, 1996 whilst the dose area product (DAP) was determined using the Dose Area Product (DAP) meter. The value obtained from the DAP meter was converted to entrance surface dose (ESD) usingCALDOSE_X5.0 software and mathematical formula. Results: The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test indicated a significant difference in ESD when using medium and high kVp; Z= -2.666, p
There are several methods available for assessment of sodium intake, including dietary and urinary excretion, which are fraught with methodological difficulties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate dietary and urinary excretion methods against 24-hour urinary excretion method in estimating sodium intake in Malaysian adults. A cross-sectional study has been carried out between November to December 2015. About 1568 adults aged 18 to 59 years old have participated from 16 study sites located in the 13 states and two federal territories of Malaysia. The study collected basic socio-demographic data and habitual dietary intake by Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Respondents were also asked to complete a two-day food intake diary (2FD) and collect their 24-hours urine and spot urine using standard protocols. A total of 1116 adults successfully completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 71%. Sodium intake from 24-hour urine excretion was estimated at 2585.9mg/day which is above the recommendation by World Health Organization (WHO). The 2FD showed the nearest mean estimate to the reference method but the spot urine with Tanaka’s predictive equation showed the least bias. The estimation of sodium from spot urine alone or with Kawasaki’s predictive equation and FFQ method showed poor mean estimates and a large bias compared to the reference method. The 2FD and spot urine with Tanaka’s prediction equation can be good alternatives for estimating daily sodium intake at the population level but not at the individual level.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common leukemia subtypes among paediatrics in Malaysia. Although treatment options are available but some patients remain incurable, some undergo relapse and many experiences adverse effects by the conventional therapies. Thus, we aim to investigate possible treatment alternative by studying the antileukemogenesis properties of concentrated Nypa fruticans sap called nisaan by focusing on adiponectin expression.
Our study model was CCRF-CEM, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines. The cells were treated with nisaan at a range of concentration and treated for 24, 48 and 72 hours followed by determination of the leukemic cells viability using tryphan blue method. Effective nisaan concentrations that significantly reduced the cells viability were again treated to the cells followed by determination of the cell proliferation using BrdU colorimetric kit and adiponectin level using adiponectin ELISA kit.
The results showed that, increase concentration of nisaan treatment reduced the cells viability and cells proliferation and enhance the adiponectin level in the leukemic cells.
This preliminary data suggest that Nypa fruticans might has the antileukemogenesis effect on acute lymphoblastic cells by regulating the adiponectin expression.