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.
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.
The purpose of this study was to translate and adapt the Vestibular Rehabilitation Benefit Questionnaire (VRBQ) into Malay (My-VRBQ). This is to add on to the limited number of
vestibular questionnaire available in Malay version. After the permission from the original
author was obtained, the process of adaptation began with forward-translation by the author with
audiological background and a linguistic expert. Then, the process of backward translation into
English were completed by three bilinguals who were proficient in both Malay and English. The final version of the draft was evaluated for its content validity, which was conducted by five professionals with audiological or speech pathology backgrounds. Additionally, its face validity was determine amongst 32 respondents with diverse backgrounds. Ten participants diagnosed with vestibular problems were recruited in the My-VRBQ for internal consistency validation process. They were enlisted from two hospitals in the East Coast of Malaysia. Based on the comments and
suggestions made by the validators; some changes in terms of the appropriateness of the instructions, items and the sentence structure were made. In the consistency analysis, the My-VRBQ revealed good internal consistency based on Cronbach alpha values (0.77 to 0.96). A translated and validated My-VRBQ has the potential to be used clinically to document vestibular rehabilitation benefits. Nevertheless, future studies are encouraged to further support the present study findings.
Gynura procumbens, commonly known as ‘sambung nyawa’ in Malaysia has been used
traditionally as remedies for anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidimic and anti-hyperglycemic. The
purpose of the present study was to qualitatively evaluate the antimicrobial effects of Gynura procumbens extracts. effects of the sample were determined by disc diffusion method against two bacteria and two fungi namely E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans and S. cerevisiae. The results showed that the acidic extract of G. procumbens has positive reactions towards E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans with the presence of zone of inhibition at the concentration of 150 mg/mL. Following the positive reaction, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the acidic extract was then evaluated by broth dilution method. The MIC of E. coli and S. aureus were determined at concentration 37.5 mg/mL and 75 mg/mL for C. albicans. It indicated that acidic extracts at lower concentration could inhibit the bacteria, but high concentration of extracts was required in the inhibition of the fungi. It can be concluded that, the present study proves that there is potential of antimicrobial effects in Gynura procumbens leaves extracts.
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.
Background: Oral disease in association of pregnancy outcome has been long researched.
Most pregnant women perceived that oral disease in pregnancy are expected and considered
to be normal. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of pregnant women and
their practices towards oral disease. Methods: 296 pregnant mothers were recruited from
government clinics in Kuantan, Malaysia. A validated and self -administered questionnaire
assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices towards oral health was used. Results were
analysed by descriptive analysis, chi square test and multiple logistic regression. Results:
Most respondents showed poor knowledge on oral health problem with its pregnancy
outcome (66.6%) and poor attitude about dental health during pregnancy (53.4%). Half of
them had good practice on oral health. Tooth cavity (46.3%) and gum bleeding (29.4%) were
the commonest problem reported by them. Only one third of the mothers utilize dental
service. Higher level of education was associated with better oral health practice [OR:0.02 CI
(1.12,3.92)] Conclusions: Knowledge on the relationship between oral health and pregnancy
outcome is still low among pregnant mothers. Utilization of dental service was also low. High
level of education is proven to give better oral health care.
Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the satisfaction level of hearing aid users in different types and degrees of hearing loss using the satisfaction with amplification in daily life (SADL) questionnaire. Methods: 35 hearing aid users with different types of hearing loss who sought help from the International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM) Hearing and Speech Clinic at Jalan Hospital Campus, Kuantan, IIUM Medical Specialist Centre and private hearing aid centres were involved in this study. The data was collected from the participants who filled in the Malay SADL questionnaires. Results: Among the thirty-five (35) participants, there was no significant difference reported between the types of hearing loss and their satisfaction level in the SADL global score and each of the subscales. It was found that satisfaction level with the hearing aids may depend on several factors such as cosmetic preference, cost of hearing aid and audiologist competence. Meanwhile, in terms of degrees of hearing loss, 80% of the users were relatively satisfied with their hearing aids. Yet, there was no correlation between hearing aid users’ satisfaction level and their degrees of hearing loss for all subscales and SADL global score. Conclusions: This study indicates that although hearing aid users reported to be satisfied with their hearing aids; there are some who are not satisfied in terms of feedback, telephone use, cosmetic appearance and costs of hearing aid. The findings of this study can benefit the audiologists, as they would be able to use the information to help future patients understand and adapt to the use of the hearing aids better.
A guideline on Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) has been established jointly by ILO/WHO/ICOH in response to poor achievements of the Occupational Health Services (OHS), especially among workers in small and medium enterprises at the global level. Malaysia. The international guideline describes competent and skilled human resources as an essential strategy for BOHS implementation. This commentary will discuss the challenges faced by current occupational health personnel providing OHS in Malaysia and proposes improvements of human resource development for future BOHS in Malaysia to ensure fair and better OHS coverage for Malaysian workers.
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.
Introduction: Clinical studies have shown that people suffering from tinnitus are at a high risk of developing serious psychological disturbances or serious psychological distress (Erlandsson &
Widen, 2004 in Hiller and Goebel, 1998). Thus the purpose of this study was to determine the
relationship between life-time noise exposure and tinnitus experience among young adults in IIUM Kuantan. Methods: A cross sectional study was used to determine whether there is any association between tinnitus experiences and life-time noise exposure among 11 young adults in IIUM Kuantan from age of 18 to 35 years old who are exposed to the noise. Hearing assessment was done using otoscopy, tympanometry and pure tone audiometry. Participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire on tinnitus experience, and were fitted with a noise dosimeter that measured their noise exposure during waking hours. Values collected from dosimeter were then converted into cumulative life-time noise exposure which refers to the equivalent noise exposure per year (Jokitulppo, Tolvenen & Bjork, 2005). Results: Average cumulative life-time noise exposure of the participants is 72.54 dBA ± 6.9459. Fifty five percent (55%) reported of sometimes having tinnitus. No correlation was found between cumulative life-time noise exposure and tinnitus experience. Conclusion: The cumulative life-time noise exposure among young adults in IIUM Kuantan was found to be lower than the level considered as hazardous. Despite reports of tinnitus experience, there was no evidence that the tinnitus was due to noise exposure.
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
Introduction: Collagen and gelatin are essential protein in vertebrates and extensively used in various industries. Methods: In this study, acid-solubilized collagen and gelatin were extracted from the scales of three different species of freshwater fish namely Kelah (Tombroides), Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Snakehead fish (Channidae) and then further quantified using Bradford assay and separated by molecular weight using SDS-PAGE. Results: The extracted collagen in Tilapia fish scale was found to be the highest with 0.018 of protein absorbance among the other three fish; Kelah fish (0.017) and Snakehead fish (0.011). For gelatin, Snakehead fish scales showed the highest amount of total protein concentration followed by Tilapia and Kelah fish with 0.467, 0.144 and 0.037 μg/μL per g, respectively. Based on the SDS-PAGE results, collagen from all the three freshwater fishes were identified as a type 1 (molecular weight approximately from 95 to 130 kDa) collagen. As for gelatin, only gelatin from Snakehead fish scale was identified to be a type 1(molecular weight approximately from 95 to 130 kDa) while the other two freshwater fishes showed no clear band due to high viscosity of the gelatin produced. Conclusion: It can be said that the fishes investigated in this study have a potential to be the alternative source of collagen and gelatin.
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
Analyses of conventional morphometric, meristic and truss morphometric were performed on two
species of Pangasiid catfish, Pangasius pangasius and P. nasutus. The purpose is to find characters that help in differentiating these two species to avoid confusion among fish farmers. Three morphometric approaches (conventional, meristic and truss morphometric) were employed to identify the morphological differences. Conventional morphometric suggested eye diameter, body width, body depth, dorsal fin base length and barbells as characters that have significant differences (P< 0.05) between the species, hence making them as potential diagnostic markers. Truss morphometric analyses approved that P. nasutus have larger dorsal fin base length as suggested by conventional morphometry data. Meristic analysis showed significant difference (P
This paper aimed to describe variation in apical corneal curvature between unilateral primary pterygium and normal adults utilizing simulated-K and corneal irregularity measurement corneal indices. A total of 100 participants comprise 50 unilateral primary pterygium eyes from 50 patients and 50 normal adults were recruited in this study. Diagnosis and classification of primary pterygium were done by a consultant ophthalmologist (KMK). Standard optometric examinations were performed in all participants. Simulated-K (SimK) and corneal irregularity measurement (CIM) was objectively measured using a corneal topographer. Three measurements based on best image quality for SimK and CIM were taken by single operator in a same visit. Difference for both SimK and CIM parameters between primary pterygium and normal groups were determined via independent T-test. Overall mean and standard deviation (n = 120) of SimK and CIM were found higher in primary pterygium group (9.06 ± 4.49 D and 11.48 ± 3.12) compared to normal (1.63 ± 0.67 D and 0.62 ± 0.24) respectively. Independent T-test results showed significance difference in SimK and CIM values between primary pterygium groups and normal (both P< 0.001). Both SimK and CIM corneal indices can be an important tool in describing and predicting changes on the corneal curvature due to pterygium progression. However, it is worth to note that the detectability of changes in anterior corneal curvature is limited to 5 mm of central corneal curvature.
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.
The effects of radiation on man and his health had been noticed since the early years after the discovery of X-rays. These biological concerns were more commonly known as “radio-sensitiveness” in the early publications. Later, the term radiation protection was introduced to express the need for protective measures to be promoted, formulated, implemented, evaluated and sustained to reduce the biological effects associated with radiation exposure. The principles of radiation protection were then supported with the concepts of justification, ALARA and “Benefits against the risks”. But these could not ensure that the application of radiation protection has been optimized. Amidst the technological advancements associated with radiation based imaging modalities in healthcare for more than 120 years, those advancements have yet to be able reduce the impact of these modalities being a source of risks upon the more beneficial role as a
diagnostic tool. This paper reports a review on radiation protection from articles indexed in an online database. Considering that the titles of the articles contain the core subject matter that a publication carries, data were retrieved on those titles with the term “radiation protection”. Publications from 2008 to middle of November 2017 and aligned to Medicine and Health professions were included for further elaborations. The data were classified into four subject areas; education and training, administration and organization, practice and research. Discussions within each classification and their individual sub-classifications, supported by selected publications to the classification, highlight the importance of the particular subject area to the overall concept of radiation protection. Lessons learnt from the classifications could provide the necessary guidance on how one should adopt and adapt the concept of radiation protection holistically. The discussions that are presented are seen within the professional obligation in adhering to the principles of
radiation protection.
Foodborne diseases (FBD) can occur along the whole series of food production from the sources and processing until serving for consumers. Among the sources of food, meat is a major concern since it is come from animal origin where the pathogens might transmit to human and/or contaminate microbes from infected meat handlers to consumers at any time. Abattoir operators – managers and workers, and the authorities – Veterinary and Halal officers, play the key role in conversion of live food animals to healthy and edible halal meat and useful animal products fit for human consumption. Abattoir operators, abattoir operating procedures including animal handling and meat process need to abide the standard operating procedures (SOP) as guided by the authority for the safety of meat in meeting the requirements for public health. It is also to be in lines with the halal rules and regulations from the perspective of Islam so that to achieve halal food and products which are beneficial for both physical and spiritual. A number of researches have conducted in the prevalence of FBD but lack of prevention with combination of halal-compliance especially in ruminant abattoir areas. The researcher aims to do preliminary study for developing the required Operator Manual of Ruminant Abattoirs (OMRA) on prevention of FBD and also for halal compliance. This preliminary study will be looking into the process of ruminant abattoir by literature search if its premises, staffs, animal handling and the equipment used are in accordance with the halal compliance and prevention of FBD. From visiting two abattoirs and online data sources, gathering relevant information for ruminant abattoir and halal meat of Malaysia is done. Based on the preliminary findings, the three major accreditations of Malaysia which are MS1500:2009 guidelines of Department of Standards Malaysia, JAKIM (Jabatan Agama Kemajuan Islam Malaysia/ Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) 2008 & 2011 Malaysian halal meat protocols, and DVS (Department of Veterinary Services of Malaysia) code of veterinary practice 2012 respectively. They are compared and analyzed to get the required information for further developing OMRA for the benefits of meat industry, health ministry, global halal market authority and all consumers.
Tissue engineering (TE) research serves to overcome the major obstacles in organ transplantation. This paper summarizes the progress of TE in Malaysia. The online database of Elsevier’s SCOPUS was accessed. Publications related to TE from 1960 till 2017 were scrutinized. The results show an increasing trend in tissue engineering research and development in Malaysia. The search result identified and examined 264 original article publications. It is hoped that the outcomes of this study could serve as a point of reference for researchers on the status of TE research and development in Malaysia. The findings of this study could assist TE researchers in Malaysia to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and obstacles towards further enhancement in their activities. Consolidating, realigning and re-strategizing those initiatives should also be seen within the context of nurturing potential and budding researchers in TE.
This paper aims to synthesize available literature on occupational noise in Malaysia and to relate this to the current noise management practices and control. The review focuses on several main
scopes; i) history of occupational noise management in Malaysia; ii) legislative developments and legal precedents of occupational noise in Malaysia ; and iii) the hearing conservation programs (HCP) and hearing loss prevention programs (HLPP). Narrative review and synthesis. Related publications and references were identified through several ways: i) by structured searches in PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Knowledge and Science Direct using the combinations of ‘occupational noise’, ‘noise induced hearing loss; ‘hearing’, ‘knowledge’, awareness’, ‘hearing conservation program’, ‘hearing protection devices’ as key words ii) by inspecting the reference lists of relevant articles. The number of publications within the audiology which address this topic, is rather limited. All the above mentioned scopes were discussed and synthesis of literature from other related fields such as medical, health and occupational safety and health were also referred to facilitate the discussion. This paper concludes that there are an emerging trend for the studies of occupational noise Malaysia in the literature. However, the effectiveness of HCP in Malaysia, and to what extent it is accepted and being implemented is yet to be investigated.