Nutrition has been widely recognized to have certain levels of influence on the risk of kidney stone formation. Thus,
this case-control study was conducted to determine the association of dietary intake and lifestyles factors with kidney
stone disease. Sociodemographic data, dietary intake, supplements intake, smoking and alcohol habit, medical history,
physical activity and anthropometric data were obtained using interviewer-administered pre-tested questionnaires
among 81 patients who had been diagnosed with kidney stone disease and 81 patients without kidney stone disease at
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. The results indicated that body mass index and hip circumference
were higher among cases as compared to controls in both men and women (p < 0.05). Energy, macronutrients and
micronutrients intake were higher for case subjects compared to control subjects for all significant parameters (p < 0.05).
Results showed positive association of kidney stone with consumption of nuts (≥1 time/week) for men and women while
consumption of eggs (1-3 times/month) and beans (1-6 times/week) showed positive association for women. Analysis
of multivariate found the risk factor among women was diabetes mellitus [Adjusted OR = 27.6 (95% CI = 1.43-53.3)]
(p < 0.05). Whilst, plain water intake of at least 6 glasses [Adjusted OR = 0.001 (95% CI = 0.000-0.08)] (p < 0.05) and
8 glasses per day [Adjusted OR = 0.001 (95% CI = 0.000-0.02)] (p < 0.05) reduced the risk among women. The risk
factors for men were smoking habits [Adjusted OR = 16.2 (95% CI = 1.29-203)] (p < 0.05), consumption of carbonated
drink 1-3 times per month [Adjusted OR = 6.25 (95% CI = 1.04-40.7)] (p < 0.05) and 1-6 times per week [Adjusted OR =
12.5 (95% CI = 1.41-111)] (p < 0.05). Unhealthy dietary and lifestyles factors increased the risk of kidney stone disease
and various risk factors were found for different sexes.
Piper aduncum essential oil exhibit repellency activity and has a potential to be use as an alternative for synthetic repellent such as N,N-diethyl-3- methylbenzamide, (DEET). However, the volatility properties of the essential oil decrease their persistence as a topical repellent. Study has shown that formulation of the essential oil with some fixatives may increase their effectiveness. Therefore, this study was conduct to evaluate the effectiveness of gel formulation containing P. aduncum essential oil with two fixative; vanillin and paraffin oil. Gel formulations containing P. aduncum essential oil with 5% and 10% vanillin and 6% paraffin oil was prepared and tested against Aedes aegypti in laboratory using Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) bioassay method. After 240 minute post-application, formulation containing 5% and 10% vanillin was able to provide >70% repellency percentage against mosquito while formulation containing 6% paraffin oil gives
A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the level of dental knowledge among senior medical, pharmacy and nursing students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and to determine self-reported practices of oral care. Students were invited to complete a set of questionnaires on knowledge related to causes, prevention, signs and treatment of dental caries and periodontal disease; and practices related to oral hygiene and dental visits. A total of 206 questionnaire forms were distributed. 204 forms were returned complete (response rate = 99%). Dental knowledge scores ranged from 0 (no correct answer given) to 16 (gave all correct answers). The mean knowledge scores between the groups were statistically different (p < 0.05): pharmacy students scored highest (mean = 12.29, 95% CI 11.44, 13.14) followed by the medical students (mean = 12.02, 95% CI 11.33, 12.71) and nursing students (mean = 10.83, 95% CI 10.40, 11.26). Areas that had lowest knowledge scores were signs and treatment of gum disease. With regard to oral care practices, majority cited that they brushed teeth at least twice a day (94.6%) and used toothbrush and toothpaste (97.5%). Not many (21.8%) used dental floss and about half (54.2%) reported visiting the dentist more than twelve months ago. Reasons for dental visits included getting check-ups (64.6%), restorations (45.6%) and emergency care such as extractions (24.0%). In general students had at least a moderate level of dental knowledge but demonstrated poor knowledge in some areas. While most reported good oral hygiene habits, behaviour related to dental visits need to be improved. Findings suggest a need for inclusion of oral health education in the medical, pharmacy and nursing curriculum.
It is possible that different techniques used to measure axial length (AL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) is the cause of discrepancy in refractive outcomes of cataract surgery. This study evaluated the agreement and repeatability of AL and ACD measurements using immersion and contact A-scan biometry techniques and compared the refractive outcomes from both techniques. Twenty four patients were evaluated for agreement and repeatability of AL and ACD measurements using the two different methods. The results were analyzed using Bland and Altman plots. Another 60 patients with age-related cataract were selected to compare the refractive outcomes between both methods. The IOL power was calculated using Sanders- Retzlaff- Kraff- Theoretical (SRK-T) equation. Refraction was determined between four to six weeks postoperatively and the results were analyzed using paired t-test. The results of this study showed good agreement between both techniques was noted with no significant difference detected between measurements (p > 0.05). Significant correlation was found in all parameters (AL: r = 0.99; p < 0.01, r = 0.99; p < 0.01) ACD: r = 0.91; p < 0.01, r = 0.97; p < 0.01). No significant difference in refractive outcomes of post cataract surgery was detected between the two techniques (p = 0.07). This study concludes that contact A-scan biometry and immersion techniques provide reliable results and should not be the cause of discrepancy in the refractive planned and outcome of cataract surgery.
Ujian teks bacaan Bahasa Melayu telah dibangunkan untuk menilai prestasi membaca kanak-kanak sekolah rendah.
Seramai 120 pelajar Tahap 1 (purata umur 8.5 ± 0.5 tahun) dan Tahap 2 (purata umur 10.5 ± 0.5 tahun) berpenglihatan
normal telah dipilih secara rawak. Subjek diminta membaca lima teks bacaan secara rawak dengan kuat. Masa selesai
membaca setiap teks bacaan diukur dan sebarang kesalahan menyebut perkataan direkodkan. Purata kelajuan membaca
dan kadar membaca diukur sebagai perkataan per minit (ppm). Kelajuan membaca Tahap 1 adalah 88.81 ± 1.95 {ralat
piawai (RP)} ppm dan kadar membaca pula adalah 87.20 ± 1.98 (RP) ppm. Bagi Tahap 2, kelajuan membaca adalah
108.12 ± 1.66 (RP) ppm manakala kadar membaca adalah 107.22 ± 1.67 (RP) ppm. Kelajuan dan kadar membaca di
antara subjek bagi setiap teks bacaan menunjukkan tiada perbezaan yang signifi kan (p > 0.05) dengan nilai p bagi
kedua-duanya adalah 0.91 manakala bagi tahap 2 pula nilai p adalah 0.57. Perbandingan di antara teks bacaan juga
menunjukkan tiada perbezaan yang signifi kan (p > 0.05). Semua teks bacaan adalah homogen secara statistik maka teks
bacaan yang dibangunkan boleh dipilih secara rawak semasa ujian dan tidak akan memberi kesan kepada penilaian
prestasi membaca di kalangan kanak-kanak sekolah rendah.
When medical and surgical intervention cannot alleviate all of the impairments resulting from diseases of the eye, visual rehabilitation can help reduce the disability and increase the quality of life. Data from 169 patients seen at the UKM Low Vision Clinic (UKM LVC) over the past 2 years were examined and analysed. The age ranged from 6 to 87 years of age. The main cause of ocular pathological categories was conduction (63.9%), media (24.9%) and congenital (11.2%) related problems. The main causes of low vision at UKM LVC were congenital cataract, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. 84% of these patients received low vision devices to improve their near or/and distance vision. The most common optical devices dispensed at UKM LVC were near high addition spectacle, hand magnifiers and stand magnifiers. Medical, vision care and rehabilitation professionals working together can offer a comprehensive treatment plan for the visually impaired, offering these patients the very best services to increase their quality of life.
Rehabilitasi penglihatan bagi murid penglihatan terhad adalah penting untuk membantu mereka menggunakan penglihatan
secara optimum ketika melakukan aktiviti hidup seharian (ADL) dan seterusnya menjadikan mereka lebih berdikari di
masa hadapan. UKM-CHILD adalah indeks ADL untuk mengukur keupayaan murid penglihatan terhad dalam melakukan
ADL. UKM-CHILD mengandungi 25-item soal selidik kendiri dan 7-item pengukur prestasi. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk
mengukur keberkesanan rehabilitasi penglihatan murid penglihatan terhad menggunakan UKM-CHILD. Seramai 40 murid
penglihatan terhad berumur 15.33 ± 1.56 tahun diberikan rehabilitasi penglihatan yang melibatkan preskripsi kaca mata,
alat bantu penglihatan terhad dan latihan penggunaan alat bantu penglihatan terhad. Sesi latihan dilakukan selama 5
minggu dan ianya merangkumi kaedah penggunaan alat bantu penglihatan terhad dan latihan membaca. Pengukuran
parameter kajian iaitu akuiti visual, kelajuan membaca dan keupayaan melakukan ADL (UKM-CHILD) dilakukan pada
peringkat pra dan pasca rehabilitasi. Keputusan kajian ini mendapati purata akuiti visual jauh meningkat sebanyak
empat baris (VAjauh(pra): 0.85 ± 0.05 logMAR; VAjauh(pasca): 0.40 ± 0.06 logMAR; z = -2.27, p = 0.026) dan purata akuiti
visual dekat meningkat sebanyak dua baris (VAdekat(pra): 0.64 ± 0.22 logMAR; VAdekat(pasca): 0.40 ± 0.12 logMAR; z = -5.21, p
< 0.05) selepas rehabilitasi. Purata kelajuan membaca meningkat sebanyak 48% (kelajuan membacapra: 49.58 ± 25.51
ppm; kelajuan membacapasca: 73.22 ± 26.19 ppm; t(39) = 16.67, p < 0.05). Dapatan kajian juga menunjukkan terdapat
peningkatan signifikan dalam skor soal selidik kendiri (soal selidik kendiripra: 1.72 ± 0.83 logit; soal selidik kendiripasca:
2.12 ± 1.25 logit; z = -5.129, p < 0.05) dan skor pengukur prestasi (pengukur prestasipra: 0.82 ± 0.30 logit; pengukur
prestasipasca: 2.87 ± 1.52 logit; z = -5.55, p < 0.05) selepas 5 minggu rehabilitasi. Kajian ini mendapati UKM-CHILD boleh
digunakan untuk mengukur keberkesanan rehabilitasi penglihatan.
Hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycemic activity of oil palm Elaeis guineensis fruit extract on normal and Streptozotocininduced
diabetic rats was studied. The oil palm fruit extract (OPF) were administered orally at different concentrations (100,
200 and 500 mg kg-1 b.w.) in fasting and post-prandial rats. Hypoglycaemia was not observed in the group of normal rats
treated with OPF. In fasting rats, OPF (500 mg kg-1 b.w.) has caused the blood glucose level (BGL) to reduce significantly.
For post-prandial diabetic rats, the antihyperglycemic activity was observed after OPF treatment at concentrations 200
and 500 mg kg-1. Chronic OPF treatments (for 28 days) had increased the diabetic rat’s body weight and reduced BGL as
well as improved plasma insulin secretion. The result of this study suggests E. guineensis palm fruit extract show evidence
of antihyperglycemic properties from the reduction of the BGL in diabetic rats.
Recognising the epidemic of overweight and obesity among Malaysians, formulation of intervention programmes such as
a weight management programme at workplace is essential. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a structured
weight management programme at workplace among overweight and obese employees. In this quasi-experimental
study, sixty-four of overweight and obese adults were recruited and divided into two groups (intervention group,
n = 32 and control group, n = 32). Subjects in the intervention group received three months scheduled programme and the
control group received a routine weight management consultation from dietitians. Significant group effect was found on
waist circumference (WC) in men (p < 0.05) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in women (p < 0.05). Men from the intervention
group had reduced their WC by 3.4% (-3.7 cm) as compared to controls of 0.7% (-0.8 cm). Women in the intervention
group improved their BMI by 1.4% (-0.4 kg/m2
) as compared to controls at 0.3% (-0.1 kg/m2
). Total cholesterol and LDL-C
reduced among women in both intervention and control group with significant time effect (p < 0.05). As a conclusion a
structured weight management programme effectively improved WC in men and BMI in women, and appeared to be as
effective as individual diet counselling by dietitians in improving lipid profiles in women.
Obesity is a risk factor for chronic diseases which can affect work productivity and physical function of employees
particularly among those in security sector. The study aimed to determine the association between obesity with total
days of sick leave and health related quality of life (HRQoL) among Malay male security officers. A cross-sectional
study was conducted among Malay male security officers working in a Malaysian higher learning institution. Subjects
were evaluated using anthropometric measurements, quality of life and number of sick leave taken within two months
prior to the study. A total of 194 subjects (mean age 40.12 ± 11.41 years) were recruited. A total of 30.4% were obese,
39.7% were pre-obese and only 29.9% had normal body weight or underweight. Central obesity was observed in 57.7%
of them and 87.1% shown excessive body fat percentage. Number of sick leave days was positively correlated with Body
Mass Index (BMI) (r = 0.162, p = 0.024) and waist circumference (r = 0.181, p = 0.012). Score of the general health
component was negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.161, p = 0.025), waist circumference (r = -0.194, p = 0.007) and
body fat percentage (r = -0.191, p = 0.008). Physical functioning score was lowest in obese subjects than normal and
pre-obese subjects (p = 0.046). Score of the bodily pain component was positively correlated with waist circumference (r
= 0.156, p = 0.030). Obesity is associated with number of sick leave days and quality of life in the studied group. Hence,
body weight of the security staff should be monitored and appropriate intervention should be conducted to improve their
work attendance and quality of life.
Poor appetite and inadequate food intake together with depression are associated with malnutrition, that will increase risk of morbidity and mortality among elderly people. Identifying factors associated with these conditions are essential for formulation of preventive strategies. Therefore, a study was conducted to identify factors associated with poor appetite and depression among institutionalised Chinese elderly people in Butterworth, Penang. A total of 100 Chinese elderly (49 men and 51 women) aged 60 years and above, (mean age ± SD of 74.7 ± 9.2 years), with no known terminal and mental illnesses from two nursing homes participated in this study. Subjects were interviewed to gather information on appetite using Council of Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ), depression using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and also socio demographic and health status. Food intake was assessed using a combination of one-day food weighing and 24 hour diet recall. Body weight and height were measured. Results showed that the mean energy and nutrients intake did not achieve the Recommended Nutrient Intake of Malaysia (RNI), with the exception for vitamin C. Only 4% of the subjects were underweight and obese, 65% normal and 31% overweight. A total of 70% and 73% of subjects had poor appetite and depression, respectively. Subjects who had depression (adjusted OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 0.95-8.03), energy intake below RNI (adjusted OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 0.68-6.95) and difficulty to fall asleep at night (insomnia) (adjusted OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 0.72-6.82) were more likely to have poor appetite. Subjects who had poor appetite (adjusted OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.19-9.47) and insomnia (adjusted OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 0.83-7.98) were more likely to have depression. In conclusion, although the majority of subjects had normal body weight but the nutrient intake was inadequate. Poor appetite and depression were prevalent and interrelated and also strongly associated with insomnia.
Device, Scales & Questionnaire: Council of Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ-8); Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)
In light of the increases in alcohol-induced diseases and social problems, the present study sets out to examine the factors affecting alcohol consumption among adults in Penang (Malaysia) using a cross-sectional survey sample consisting of 398 respondents. The results of the logistic regression analysis show that age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and smoking are significantly associated with alcohol consumption. In particular, males (OR: 3.720; 95% CI: 1.939, 7.136), Chinese (OR: 3.628; 95% CI: 1.808, 7.279) and smokers (OR: 5.083; 95% CI: 1.876, 13.774) are more likely to consume alcohol than others, whereas, old individuals (OR: 0.971; 95% CI: 0.941, 1.002), Malays (OR: 0.059; 95% CI: 0.021, 0.165) and married individuals (OR: 0.419; 95% CI: 0.211, 0.833) are less likely to consume alcohol than others. Based on the findings of the present study, several intervention strategies toward reducing alcohol consumption are proposed. Specifically, these strategies should be targeted at young individuals, males, Chinese, unmarried individuals and smokers.
In the search for universal vaccine candidates for the prevention of avian influenza, the non-structural (NS)-1 protein of avian influenza virus (AIV) H5N1 has shown promising potential for its ability to effectively stimulate the host immunity. This study was aimed to produce a bacterial expression plasmid using pRSET B vector to harbour the NS1 gene of AIV H5N1 (A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004 (H5N1)) for protein expression in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The NS1 gene (687 bp) was initially amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then cloned into a pGEM-T Easy TA vector. The NS1 gene was released from pGEM-T-NS1 using EcoRI and XhoI restriction enzymes (RE). The pRSET B vector was also linearized using the same RE. The digested NS1 gene and linearized pRSET B were ligated using T4 DNA ligase to form the expression plasmid, pRSET B-NS1. The NS1 gene sequence in pRSET B-NS1 was confirmed by DNA sequencing. To prepare recombinant bacterial cells for protein expression in the future, pRSET B-NS1 was transformed into E. coli strain BL21 (DE3) by heat-shock. Colonies bearing the recombinant plasmid were screened using PCR. The DNA sequencing analysis revealed that the NS1 gene sequence was 97% homologous to that of AIV H5N1 A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004 (H5N1). These results indicated that the NS1 gene of influenza A/Chicken/Malaysia/5858/2004 (H5N1) was successfully amplified and cloned into a pRSET B vector. Bacterial colonies carrying pRSET B-NS1 can be used for the synthesis of NS1-based influenza vaccine in the future and thereby aid in the prevention of avian influenza.
Studies on the potential effect of EMF exposure on permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in humans are virtually absent. This study was conducted to study the effect of EMF exposure on pericytes in brain tissues and its effect on oxidative stress level in the blood through total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA). About 16 male rats (Wistar) were used and divided into two groups which were negative control and treatment group. In negative control group, the animals were placed in a solenoid without any EMF exposure for 3 hours daily for 5 days. In the treatment group, the animals were placed in a solenoid with 0.3 mT EMF exposure for the same time duration. On day 3 and day 5, animals were sacrificed and the brain was removed for histological examination while on day 1, day 3 and day 5, the blood was collected for biochemistry analysis. Histological observation showed the presence of morphological changes in the brain tissues of rats that exposed to EMF. Statistical analysis showed that there is no significant decrease in total protein (p>0.05) between negative control group and treatment group. Meanwhile, MDA level in blood showed a significant increase in treatment group (p
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of argan oil with the exposure of low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) on open wound healing in mice. Eighteen male mice (20-40 g) were divided into three groups: phosphate buffer saline (PBS) as negative control, solcoseryl gel as positive control, and argan oil with the exposure of low frequency EMF, 1.2 mT (treatment group). Full thickness wounds (4 mm diameter) were induced on the shaved dorsal of the mouse. All mice were sacrificed on day 12 after the final treatment. Macroscopic observation, wound contraction rate, histopathology analysis and total protein content were examined in this study. Results showed that wounds treated with argan oil and exposed to low frequency EMF has a significant increase in wound contraction rate (p < 0.05) and total protein content (p < 0.05). Moreover, histopathological analysis on the wound tissues displayed complete re-epithelization with thick and dense collagen fibers in the argan oil with low frequency EMF exposure treated group. In conclusion, topical treatment of argan oil with low frequency EMF exposure yield a better healing progress and showed the ability to accelerate wound healing
The emergence of research about the biological effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) have growing concern among
researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on the brain of rats periodically exposed to 0.1 mT EMF.
Total 24 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subdivided randomly to 4 groups: 2 control groups (C1 6 hours: 6 h/
day for 5 days; C2 20 hours: 20 h/day for 5 days) and 2 treatment groups which exposed to 0.1 mT EMF (T1 6 hours:
6 h/day for 5 days; T2 20 hours: 20 h/day for 5 days). A significant decrease in the pyramidal cell number was higher
as the exposure duration to EMF was extended (T1, p
This study identified the effectiveness between home-based and hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation program on the quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Thirty five patients who met the inclusion criteria were referred by physicians and randomized to either hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PRPH) or home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PRPR). The PRPH program was scheduled twice a week for eight weeks at the Physiotherapy Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Whilst, the PRPR group was required to attend sessions at the Physiotherapy Department twice to learn the exercise regimens before carrying out the exercises themselves at home. Subjects were asked to record activitites in a diary and a telephone call was made once every two weeks to ensure compliance towards the exercise regimens. The SF-36 questionnaire and Geriatric Depression Scale were outcome measures used in assessing status of patients prior to treatment and after intervention at the 8th week Seventeen (48.6%) subjects completed the PRPH and 15 (43%), the PRPR. Results indicated that in the PRPH group there were significant improvements in some of the domains of SF-36, i.e., role physical (p = 0.012) body pain (p = 0.040), general health (p = 0.008) and role emotional (p = 0.012). In the PRPR group, the Geriatric Depression Scale mean score was 1.8 ± 0.41 at baseline compared to 1.69 ± 0.48 following intervention (p > 0.05). Whilst, among the PRPH group, the mean was 1.87 ± 0.35 at baseline and 1.53 ± 0.52 after eight week (p < 0.05). In conclusion, hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation is more effective than the home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in improving the quality of life and reducing depression among patients with COPD.
Keywords: Home Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (PRPR); Hospital based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (PRPH); COPD; Quality of life (QOL).
Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk menilai sifat-sifat fizikokimia Radix Glycyrrhizae sebagai bahan eksipien untuk pembuatan tablet dengan kaedah pemampatan terus dan membandingkannya dengan eksipien komersil iaitu laktosa, selulosa mikrohablur (MCC) dan kalsium laktat pentahidrat (Puracal). Saiz partikel untuk semua sampel yang digunakan dalam kajian ini dihadkan pada 200-250µm. Hasil imbasan elektron mikroskop menunjukkan partikel Radix Glycyrrhizae mempunyai kepelbagaian saiz dan bentuk yang tidak seragam seperti laktosa berbanding MCC yang lebih bersifat jejarum dan Puracal yang bersifat sfera dan poros. Keupayaan sampel untuk dimampatkan, ketumpatan partikel sampel, kesan kelembapan ke atas tegasan pengenduran dan keliangan tablet diuji serta dibandingkan dengan eksipien komersil yang lain. Sifat ikatan dari sampel Radix Glycyrrhizae ini pula dikaji dengan menghitung kekuatan tegangan melalui kaedah pemampatan diametral dan turut dilakukan perbandingan. Radix Rlycyrrhizae memiliki ketumpatan sebenar serbuk iaitu 1.5746 g/cc manakala laktosa, selulosa mikrohablur dan kalsium laktat pentahidrat masing-masing 1.5476, 1.6654 dan 1.3506 g/cc. Radix Rlycyrrhizae juga di dapati mempunyai daya ketermampatan yang sederhana sebagaimana laktosa berbanding Puracal dan MCC yang jauh lebih baik sifatnya. Kajian kesan kelembapan menunjukkan kekuatan tablet Radix Glycyrrhizae, Puracal, laktosa dan MCC dipengaruhi perubahan suhu. Hasil kajian analisis Heckel pula menunjukkan bahawa Radix Glycyrrhizae bersifat aliran plastik sebagaimana MCC manakala laktosa dan Puracal lebih bersifat rapuh. Keputusan ujian ke atas sifat pemampatan dan pemadatan mendapati bahawa Radix Kesimpulannya, Radix Glycyrrhizae boleh digunakan sebagai eksipien dalam pembuatan tablet melalui kaedah pemampatan terus dan ciriciri fisikokimianya sebagai eksipien adalah setanding dengan eksipien komersial.
In Malaysia, dengue fever is a common vector-borne disease. Most cases of dengue fever are reported in residential areas. Children are at high risk to be infected because they spend a lot of time around their housing area for outdoor activities. Such areas may have a high number of Aedes mosquitoes. As schools are equipped with infrastructure and medium for effective educational purposes, schools represent the most suitable facilities for learning and teaching process. A crosssectional study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge among students in Hulu Langat on Aedes mosquitoes, dengue fever, and Zika virus. The study also reported on the demographic factors which affected the knowledge level. Based on sample size calculation using G*Power v3.1 software, a total of 171 respondents were needed from the two primary schools involved in the study. Data collection was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire that consisted of two main sections on demography and knowledge about Aedes mosquitoes, dengue fever and Zika virus. From the total score of 55, the mean knowledge score is 34.2 ± 8.38. Based on the median value of 36.0, about 50.9% of respondents had satisfactory knowledge. From the study, it was found that students from School A, students who had been watching video related to Aedes mosquito, and those with history of dengue infection among family members had a significantly better knowledge score (p < 0.01). In conclusion, knowledge about Aedes mosquitoes and related illnesses need to be enhanced through a comprehensive module and effective educational materials that can serve as a reliable source of information for primary school students.
Penanda kadar pusing ganti tulang (PPT) adalah berguna dalam penilaian status kesihatan tulang. Namun, pengaruh umur, kumpulan etnik dan antropometri badan terhadap aras PPT dalam kalangan lelaki masih belum jelas. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan pengaruh faktor-faktor tersebut terhadap aras PPT, iaitu aras osteokalsin (OC) dan telopeptida terminal-C kolagen jenis 1 (CTX-1) dalam kalangan lelaki Cina dan Melayu berumur 20 tahun dan ke atas (N = 407) di Lembah Klang. Subjek dikumpulkan melalui kaedah persampelan bertujuan. Ketinggian, berat badan dan indeks jisim badan subjek telah diukur. Darah mereka diambil pada waktu pagi untuk analisis aras OC dan CTX-1 serum dengan asai imunoserap terangkai enzim. Hasil kajian menunjukkan aras OC dan CTX-1 adalah lebih tinggi secara signifi kan dalam kalangan lelaki Melayu berbanding dengan lelaki Cina (p < 0.05). Aras OC dan CTX-1 adalah paling tinggi dalam kalangan lelaki berumur 20-29 tahun, dan kemudiannya menurun secara signifi kan berbanding dengan dekad sebelumnya dalam kalangan lelaki berumur 30-39 tahun (p < 0.005). Perbezaan aras kedua-dua PPT ini adalah tidak signifi kan di antara lelaki berusia 30-39 tahun dengan lelaki yang lebih tua (> 40 tahun dan ke atas) (p > 0.005). Aras OC berkorelasi secara signifi kan dan negatif dengan berat dan indeks jisim tubuh subjek dan korelasi ini adalah signifi kan untuk lelaki 20-39 tahun sahaja (p < 0.05). Aras CTX-1 tidak berkorelasi dengan antropometri badan subjek (p > 0.05). Secara kesimpulannya, aras PPT dalam kalangan lelaki di Malaysia boleh dipengaruhi oleh faktor umur, kumpulan etnik dan antropometri badan. Faktor-faktor ini seharusnya diambil kira dalam penilaian status kesihatan tulang lelaki berdasarkan aras PPT.