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  1. Fulltext Hormone consumption among mak nyahs in Kuantan town: a preliminary survey
    Draman, S., Maliya, S., Farhan, A., Syazwan, S., Nur ‘Atikah A., Abd Aziz, K.H.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(1):63-70.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Mak nyahs (male-to-female transgenders) often consume feminizing hormones to achieve and maintain the female physical appearance. They do it without professional prescription/advise, and often take excessive doses. This renders them at risk of developing complications of hormone consumption. This paper provides some quantitative data on hormone consumption among mak nyahs in Kuantan, Pahang, in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to August in 2015 among 35 mak nyahs. Convenience sampling was used. Participants who gave consent answered an interview-guided questionnaire which documents socio-demographic profile, hormone usage, and morbidities as a result of hormone consumption. Data was analysed using SPSS, Version 16.0. (version 16). Results: Majority of the subjects were Malays (91.4%) and Muslims (97.1%), their median (IQR) age being 31 (±17) years, more than half (57.1%) were between 20 to 40 years old. Most (80.0%) of them are sex workers. Oral hormone was most commonly used (88.6%), while more than half (67.7%) of them added hormone injections. Almost all subjects purchased hormones over the counter from local pharmacies (94.2%). However, many received information on hormone from non-professional sources. Possible adverse effects of hormones reported among subjects were hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and venous thrombo-embolism. Conclusion: Hormone consumption was very common among the subjects in this study, and may be associated with certain medical problems. Medical personnel must pay more attention in educating the mak nyahs on adverse effects of hormones consumption. Mak nyahs should also be screened for complications every time they seek medical attention.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  2. Fulltext Sociodemographic, lifestyle and health factors associated with depression among adults in Malaysia: an ethnic comparison
    Cheah, Y.K., Azahadi, M., Phang, S.N., Abd Manaf, N.H.
    JUMMEC, 2019;22(1):33-40.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Depression is a serious mental health illness worldwide. The purpose of the study was to
    investigate the relationships between depression and its risk factors of sociodemography, lifestyle, and health
    among the adults of the different ethnic groups in Malaysia.

    Method: A nationwide database with 10141 observations was used. Multivariable logistic regression analyses
    stratified by ethnicity were estimated.

    Results: Ethnicity and gender, age, education, marital status and self-rated health were correlated to the
    likelihood of having depression. Malay females and smokers (AOR: 2.083) were more likely to suffer from
    depression than Malay males (AOR: 0.305) and non-smokers. Higher-income Chinese displayed higher odds of
    having depression than lower-income Chinese (AOR: 1.009). Indians and others with secondary-level education
    displayed a lower likelihood of developing depression compared to those with primary-level education (AOR:
    0.587).

    Conclusion: This study could contribute significantly to the formulation and development of an effective
    policy directed towards reducing the prevalence of depression in the vulnerable. These were the adults, in
    the younger age group, with lower education, with self-rated poor health, being female, unmarried, Malay
    and Chinese, and Indians and others. A nationwide policy targeted towards the Malay females to reduce
    their depression, with attention to the Chinese with a high income, and to the Indians and others with poor
    educational background to improve their knowledge of mental health, would be worthy of consideration.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  3. Caregivers' perceptions towards oral healthcare services for elders living in Malaysian nursing homes-A qualitative study
    Letchumanan D, Mohamad Norpi N, Yusof ZYM, Razak IA, Abu Kasim NH, Abdullah NA, et al.
    Gerodontology, 2020 Dec;37(4):332-341.
    PMID: 32115787 DOI: 10.1111/ger.12466
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceptions of caregivers towards oral healthcare services received by elders in Malaysian nursing homes and to identify challenges and suggestions for improvement.

    BACKGROUND: Caregivers play an important role in the oral health care of elders in nursing homes.

    METHODS: This study employed a qualitative approach using the nominal group technique (NGT) to obtain caregivers' feedback in nursing homes in Malaysia. Data were manually transcribed, summarised into keywords/key phrases, and ranked using weighted scores.

    RESULTS: In total, 36 caregivers (21 from government and 15 from private nursing homes) participated in the NGT sessions. Overall, caregivers were satisfied with the low treatment cost, the quality of treatment, and the availability of dental visits to nursing homes. Caregivers were dissatisfied with the frequency of dental visits, long waiting times at government dental clinics, and inadequate denture hygiene education for elders in nursing homes. The challenges faced by caregivers were elders' poor oral health knowledge and attitude and lack of elders' trust of caregivers to look after their oral health. Suggestions for improvement were to increase the frequency of dental visits to nursing homes, provide oral health education to elders and caregivers, and give treatment priority to elders at dental clinics.

    CONCLUSION: Despite being satisfied with the basic oral healthcare services received by elders in Malaysian nursing homes, caregivers raised some issues that required further attention. Suggestions for improvement include policy changes in nursing home dental visits and treatment priority for elders at government dental clinics.

    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  4. Hearing status and behavioural patterns among school aged children with cleft lip and/or palate
    Goh BS, Tang CL, Hashim ND, Annamalay T, Abd Rahman FN
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2019 Mar;118:1-5.
    PMID: 30578988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.12.010
    OBJECTIVE: There is a dearth of studies on long term hearing status and behavioural patterns among cleft lip and/or palate children after their primary lip and palate closure in Malaysia. This study describes the audiology status and behavioural patterns in a group of school aged children with cleft lip and/or palate.

    METHOD: A cross sectional study was carried out where caretakers of cleft lip and/or palate were asked to complete the translated Malay language version of Strength Difficulties Questionnaire. The hearing status of the children was analyzed based on recent pure tone audiometric and tympanogram results. The patients' age, gender, type of cleft pathology, age of palatal surgery and behavioural patterns were examined for their potential relationship with hearing status.

    RESULTS: A total of 74 children (148 ears) aged between 7 and 17 years with cleft lip and/or palate were recruited. The result showed 37 ears (25.0%) had hearing loss with majority suffered from mild conductive hearing loss. There were 16 ears (10.8%) that had persistent middle ear effusion. Hearing improvement occurred when palatal repair was performed at the age of less than 1 year old. (p = 0.015) There was no significant relationship between patients' gender, age, type of cleft and history of myringotomy with their hearing status. In terms of behavioural patterns, 16.3% were abnormal for total behavioural score, 39.2% for peer problem and 17.6% for conduct problem. For prosocial behaviour, 16.3% were rated low and very low. There was fair correlation between age and hyperactivity problems (r = 0.44). Patients' gender, type of cleft pathology, had been teased apart and hearing status was found not related to behavioural problems.

    CONCLUSION: Cleft lip and/or palate patients have a good longterm hearing outcome. Majority had normal hearing and if there is hearing impairment, it is only a mild loss. Early palatal repair surgery before the age of 1 year can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss. Cleft lip and/or palate patients experienced peer problems. There was no significant correlation between behavioural difficulty and hearing status among school-aged children with cleft lip and palate.

    Matched MeSH terms: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology
  5. Fulltext The Acquisition, Analyses and Interpretation of fMRI Data: A Study on Functional Specialisation in Primary Auditory Cortices
    Yusuf, A.N., Abdul Hamid, K., Mohamad, M., Abd hamid, A.I.
    Medicine & Health, 2008;3(2):300-317.
    MyJurnal
    In this study, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to investigate func-tional specialisation in human auditory cortices during listening. A silent fMRI paradigm was used to reduce the scanner sound artefacts on functional images. The subject was instructed to pay attention to the white noise stimulus binaurally given at an inten-sity level of 70 dB higher than the hearing level for normal people. Functional speciali-sation was studied using the Matlab-based Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM5) software by means of fixed effects (FFX), random effects (RFX) and conjunction analyses. Individual analyses on all subjects indicated asymmetrical bilateral activation of the left and right hemispheres in Brodmann areas (BA) 22, 41 and 42, involving the primary and secondary auditory cortices. The percentage of signal change is larger in the BA22, 41 and 42 on the right as compared to the ones on the left (p>0.05). The average number of activated voxels in all the respective Brodmann areas are higher in the right hemisphere than in the left (p>0.05). FFX results showed that the point of maximum intensity was in the right BA41 whereby 599±1 activated voxels were ob-served in the right temporal lobe as compared to 485±1 in the left temporal lobe. The RFX results were consistent with that of FFX. The analysis of conjunction which fol-lowed, showed that the right BA41 and left BA22 as the common activated areas in all subjects. The results confirmed the specialisation of the right auditory cortices in pro-cessing non verbal stimuli.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  6. Construction of a composite hospital admission index using the aggregated weights of criteria
    Nor Hasliza Mat Desa, Maznah Mat Kasim, Abdul Aziz Jemain
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:239-247.
    The issue of age difference in hospital admission should be given special attention since it affects the structure of hospital care and treatments. Patients of different age groups should be given different priority in service provision. Due to crucial time and limited resources, healthcare managers need to make wise decisions in identifying priorities in age of admission. This paper aimed to propose a construction of a daily composite hospital admission index (CHAI) as an indicator that captures relevant information about the overall performance of hospital admission over time. It involves five different age groups of total patients admitted to seven major public hospitals in the Klang Valley, Malaysia for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases for a period of three years, 2008 - 2010. The criteria weights were predetermined by aggregating the subjective weight based on rank ordered centroid (ROC) method and objective weight based on entropy - kernel method. The highest and lowest scores of CHAI were marked, while the groups of patients were prioritized according to the criteria weight ranking orders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  7. Fulltext Stochastic computing in convolutional neural network implementation: a review
    Lee YY, Abdul Halim Z
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2020;6:e309.
    PMID: 33816960 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.309
    Stochastic computing (SC) is an alternative computing domain for ubiquitous deterministic computing whereby a single logic gate can perform the arithmetic operation by exploiting the nature of probability math. SC was proposed in the 1960s when binary computing was expensive. However, presently, SC started to regain interest after the widespread of deep learning application, specifically the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm due to its practicality in hardware implementation. Although not all computing functions can translate to the SC domain, several useful function blocks related to the CNN algorithm had been proposed and tested by researchers. An evolution of CNN, namely, binarised neural network, had also gained attention in the edge computing due to its compactness and computing efficiency. This study reviews various SC CNN hardware implementation methodologies. Firstly, we review the fundamental concepts of SC and the circuit structure and then compare the advantages and disadvantages amongst different SC methods. Finally, we conclude the overview of SC in CNN and make suggestions for widespread implementation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  8. Fulltext Measurement of some water quality parameters related to natural radionuclides in aqueous environmental samples from former tin mining lake
    Zaini Hamzah, Masitah Alias, Ahmad Saat, Abdul Kadir Ishak
    Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2011;2011(2):49-59.
    MyJurnal
    The issue of water quality is a never ended issue and becoming more critical when considering the presence of natural radionuclides. Physical parameters and the levels of radionuclides may have some correlation and need further attention. In this study, the former tin mine lake in Kampong Gajah was chosen as a study area for its past historical background which might contribute to attenuation of the levels of natural radionuclides in water. The water samples were collected from different lakes using water sampler and some in-situ measurement were conducted to measure physical parameters as well as surface dose level. The water samples were analyzed for its gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations using liquid scintillation counting and in-house cocktail method. Gross alpha and beta analyzed using in-house cocktail are in the range of 3.17 to 8.20 Bq/L and 9.89 to 22.20 Bq/L; 1.64 to 8.78 Bq/L and 0.22 to 28.22 Bq/L, respectively for preserved and un-preserved sample. The surface dose rate measured using survey meter is in the range of 0.07 to 0.21 μSv/h and 0.07 to 0.2 μSv/h for surface and 1 meter above the surface of the water, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  9. Fulltext Interfacial Compatibility Evaluation on the Fiber Treatment in the Typha Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites and Their Effect on the Chemical and Mechanical Properties
    Rizal S, Ikramullah, Gopakumar DA, Thalib S, Huzni S, Abdul Khalil HPS
    Polymers (Basel), 2018 Nov 28;10(12).
    PMID: 30961241 DOI: 10.3390/polym10121316
    Natural fiber composites have been widely used for various applications such as automotive components, aircraft components and sports equipment. Among the natural fibers Typha spp have gained considerable attention to replace synthetic fibers due to their unique nature. The untreated and alkali-treated fibers treated in different durations were dried under the sun for 4 h prior to the fabrication of Typha fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The chemical structure and crystallinity index of composites were examined via FT-IR and XRD respectively. The tensile, flexural and impact tests were conducted to investigate the effect of the alkali treated Typha fibers on the epoxy composite. From the microscopy analysis, it was observed that the fracture mechanism of the composite was due to the fiber and matrix debonding, fiber pull out from the matrix, and fiber damage. The tensile, flexural and impact strength of the Typha fiber reinforced epoxy composite were increased after 5% alkaline immersion compared to untreated Typha fiber composite. From these results, it can be concluded that the alkali treatment on Typha fiber could improve the interfacial compatibility between epoxy resin and Typha fiber, which resulted in the better mechanical properties and made the composite more hydrophobic. So far there is no comprehensive report about Typha fiber reinforcing epoxy composite, investigating the effect of the alkali treatment duration on the interfacial compatibility, and their effect on chemical and mechanical of Typha fiber reinforced composite, which plays a vital role to provide the overall mechanical performance to the composite.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  10. Honouring Wishes of Patients: An Islamic View on the Implementation of the Advance Medical Directive in Malaysia
    Malek MM, Saifuddeen SM, Abdul Rahman NN, Yusof ANM, Abdul Majid WR
    Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Apr;28(2):28-38.
    PMID: 33958958 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.3
    An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a document in which competent patients express their wishes regarding their preferred choice of future medical plans in the event they become incompetent. AMD is important in relation to the patient's right to refuse treatment. However, they must also consider cultural and religious values of different communities. In Islam, there are several concerns that need to be addressed, namely the validity of the AMD according to Islamic jurisprudence and patients' right to end-of-life decision-making. To address these concerns, this article refers to multiple sources of Islamic jurisprudence, such as the Quran, the tradition of Prophet Muhammad and the works of Islamic scholars related to this topic. Based on the findings, Islam does not forbid the use of AMD as a method to honour patients' wishes in their end-of-life care. Islamic jurisprudence emphasises on the importance of seeking patients' consent before carrying out any medical procedures. However, several conditions need to be given due attention, such as: i) a patient's cognitive capacity during the process of drawing up an AMD; ii) the professional views of medical experts; iii) the involvement of family members in end-of-life care and iv) the limitations of a patient's decision-making in creating an AMD.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  11. Fulltext Crowdfunding as financial option for small and medium enterprises (smes) in nigeria
    Kazaure, Mansur Ahmed, Abdul Rashid abdullah
    The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2018;4(3):89-96.
    MyJurnal
    Small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) act as a promoter of economic development of the developed and under developed nations. Developing countries like Nigeria that, require sustainable economic growth and development must pay attention to the SMEs sectors in order to reduce unemployment, poverty and improve the standard leaving of its society. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, SMEs have underperformed despite that, 90% of the Nigerian businesses are small scales but their contribution to the Nigerian GDP is below 10%. The main reason for this low contribution of SMEs to Nigerian GDP could be attribute to poor funding, lack of management expertise and lack of access to modern technology among others, with proper finance the SMEs can acquire modern technology and employed qualified staff. Thus, this paper focuses on crowdfunding as financial option for Nigerian SMEs. However, the paper is a conceptual framework.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  12. Enhanced degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by newly isolated Burkholderia cepacia DP1 with high depolymerase activity
    Azami NA, Wirjon IA, Kannusamy S, Teh AH, Abdullah AA
    3 Biotech, 2017 May;7(1):75.
    PMID: 28452023 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0716-7
    The contribution of microbial depolymerase has received much attention because of its potential in biopolymer degradation. In this study, the P(3HB) depolymerase enzyme of a newly isolated Burkholderia cepacia DP1 from soil in Penang, Malaysia, was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The factors affecting P(3HB) depolymerase enzyme production were studied using one-variable-at-a-time approach prior to optimization. Preliminary experiments revealed that the concentration of nitrogen source, concentration of carbon source, initial pH and incubation time were among the main factors influencing the enzyme productivity. An increase of 9.4 folds in enzyme production with an activity of 5.66 U/mL was obtained using optimal medium containing 0.028% N of di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate and 0.31% P(3HB-co-21%4HB) as carbon source at the initial pH of 6.8 for 38 h of incubation. Moreover, the RSM model showed great similarity between predicted and actual enzyme production indicating a successful model validation. This study warrants the ability of P(3HB) degradation by B. cepacia DP1 in producing higher enzyme activity as compared to other P(3HB) degraders being reported. Interestingly, the production of P(3HB) depolymerase was rarely reported within genus Burkholderia. Therefore, this is considered to be a new discovery in the field of P(3HB) depolymerase production.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  13. Removal of BCG artefact from concurrent fMRI-EEG recordings based on EMD and PCA
    Javed E, Faye I, Malik AS, Abdullah JM
    J Neurosci Methods, 2017 11 01;291:150-165.
    PMID: 28842191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.08.020
    BACKGROUND: Simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI) acquisitions provide better insight into brain dynamics. Some artefacts due to simultaneous acquisition pose a threat to the quality of the data. One such problematic artefact is the ballistocardiogram (BCG) artefact.

    METHODS: We developed a hybrid algorithm that combines features of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) with principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the BCG artefact. The algorithm does not require extra electrocardiogram (ECG) or electrooculogram (EOG) recordings to extract the BCG artefact.

    RESULTS: The method was tested with both simulated and real EEG data of 11 participants. From the simulated data, the similarity index between the extracted BCG and the simulated BCG showed the effectiveness of the proposed method in BCG removal. On the other hand, real data were recorded with two conditions, i.e. resting state (eyes closed dataset) and task influenced (event-related potentials (ERPs) dataset). Using qualitative (visual inspection) and quantitative (similarity index, improved normalized power spectrum (INPS) ratio, power spectrum, sample entropy (SE)) evaluation parameters, the assessment results showed that the proposed method can efficiently reduce the BCG artefact while preserving the neuronal signals.

    COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Compared with conventional methods, namely, average artefact subtraction (AAS), optimal basis set (OBS) and combined independent component analysis and principal component analysis (ICA-PCA), the statistical analyses of the results showed that the proposed method has better performance, and the differences were significant for all quantitative parameters except for the power and sample entropy.

    CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method does not require any reference signal, prior information or assumption to extract the BCG artefact. It will be very useful in circumstances where the reference signal is not available.

    Matched MeSH terms: Attention/physiology
  14. Fulltext Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences' Performance Status in 2017 and the Challenges
    Zulkapli NA, Abdullah JM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2018 Nov;25(6):1-5.
    PMID: 30914874 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.6.1
    This report presents a review of the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences' (MJMS) performance status throughout 2017, which covers the submission pattern of original manuscripts by month, the geographical distribution of submitting authors, the types of manuscripts and overall acceptance/rejection rates. As the years progress, MJMS continues to receive an escalating number of manuscript submissions. This contributes to an ever-increasing workload, which makes administrative tasks continually more challenging. Although the manuscript submission platform seeks to minimise the pre-publication workload of the journal administrator, it is still a time-consuming task, particularly when authors seek exclusive attention for their submitted manuscripts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  15. Fulltext Efficient and High-Quality RNA Isolation from Metabolite-Rich Tissues of Stevia rebaudiana, an Important Commercial Crop
    Leh TY, Yong CSY, Nulit R, Abdullah JO
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2019 Jan;30(1):149-159.
    PMID: 30847038 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2019.30.1.9
    Stevia rebaudiana, a perennial herb native to northeastern Paraguay, has gained immense attention globally over the recent decades due to the natural sweetness of its leaves. Like in most plants, this particular species contains high amount of secondary metabolites, thus rendering the isolation of high quality and quantity RNA extract for molecular applications rather challenging. An effective, high-yield and high-quality RNA isolation protocol for this economically important plant species was devised here based on the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) extraction method, with an additional genomic DNA (gDNA) removal step. DNA and other contaminants that may affect downstream applications were effectively removed. Our results exhibited that RNA samples isolated from the leaves and stems of Stevia rebaudiana using this improvised method are high in integrity and quality with RNA integrity number (RIN) of more than 8 and low in contaminants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  16. Fulltext Potential for Natural Fiber Reinforcement in PLA Polymer Filaments for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Additive Manufacturing: A Review
    Lee CH, Padzil FNBM, Lee SH, Ainun ZMA, Abdullah LC
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Apr 27;13(9).
    PMID: 33925266 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091407
    In this review, the potential of natural fiber and kenaf fiber (KF) reinforced PLA composite filament for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printing technology is highlighted. Additive manufacturing is a material-processing method in which the addition of materials layer by layer creates a three-dimensional object. Unfortunately, it still cannot compete with conventional manufacturing processes, and instead serves as an economically effective tool for small-batch or high-variety product production. Being preformed of composite filaments makes it easiest to print using an FDM 3D printer without or with minimum alteration to the hardware parts. On the other hand, natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite filaments have gained great attention in the market. However, uneven printing, clogging, and the inhomogeneous distribution of the fiber-matrix remain the main challenges. At the same time, kenaf fibers are one of the most popular reinforcements in polymer composites. Although they have a good record on strength reinforcement, with low cost and light weight, kenaf fiber reinforcement PLA filament is still seldom seen in previous studies. Therefore, this review serves to promote kenaf fiber in PLA composite filaments for FDM 3D printing. To promote the use of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite in AM, eight challenges must be solved and carried out. Moreover, some concerns arise to achieve long-term sustainability and market acceptability of KF/PLA composite filaments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  17. Fulltext Pharmacokinetics of Free Oxytetracycline and Oxytetracycline Loaded Cockle Shell Calcium Carbonate-Based Nanoparticle in BALB/c Mice
    Idris SB, Abdul Kadir A, Abdullah JFF, Ramanoon SZ, Basit MA, Abubakar MZZA
    Front Vet Sci, 2020;7:270.
    PMID: 32613011 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00270
    The development and utilization of nano-antibiotics is currently gaining attention as a possible solution to antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the pharmacokinetics of free oxytetracycline (OTC) and oxytetracycline loaded cockle shell calcium carbonate-based nanoparticle (OTC-CNP) after a single dose of intraperitoneal (IP) administration in BALB/c mice. A total of 100 female BALB/c mice divided into two groups of equal number (n = 50) were administered with 10 mg/kg OTC and OTC-CNP, respectively. Blood samples were collected before and post-administration from both groups at time 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min and 1, 2, 6, 24, and 48 h, and OTC plasma concentration was quantified using a validated HPLC-UV method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using a non-compartment model. The Cmax values of OTC in OTC-CNP and free OTC treated group were 64.99 and 23.53 μg/ml, respectively. OTC was detected up to 24 h in the OTC-CNP group as against 1 h in the free OTC group following intraperitoneal administration. In the OTC-CNP group, the plasma elimination rate of OTC was slower while the half-life, the area under the curve, and the volume of the distribution were increased. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic profile of OTC in the OTC-CNP group differs significantly from that of free OTC. However, further studies are necessary to determine the antibacterial efficacy of OTC-CNP for the treatment of bacterial diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  18. Fulltext Smart and Climate-Smart Agricultural Trends as Core Aspects of Smart Village Functions
    Adesipo A, Fadeyi O, Kuca K, Krejcar O, Maresova P, Selamat A, et al.
    Sensors (Basel), 2020 Oct 22;20(21).
    PMID: 33105622 DOI: 10.3390/s20215977
    Attention has shifted to the development of villages in Europe and other parts of the world with the goal of combating rural-urban migration, and moving toward self-sufficiency in rural areas. This situation has birthed the smart village idea. Smart village initiatives such as those of the European Union is motivating global efforts aimed at improving the live and livelihood of rural dwellers. These initiatives are focused on improving agricultural productivity, among other things, since most of the food we eat are grown in rural areas around the world. Nevertheless, a major challenge faced by proponents of the smart village concept is how to provide a framework for the development of the term, so that this development is tailored towards sustainability. The current work examines the level of progress of climate smart agriculture, and tries to borrow from its ideals, to develop a framework for smart village development. Given the advances in technology, agricultural development that encompasses reduction of farming losses, optimization of agricultural processes for increased yield, as well as prevention, monitoring, and early detection of plant and animal diseases, has now embraced varieties of smart sensor technologies. The implication is that the studies and results generated around the concept of climate smart agriculture can be adopted in planning of villages, and transforming them into smart villages. Hence, we argue that for effective development of the smart village framework, smart agricultural techniques must be prioritized, viz-a-viz other developmental practicalities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  19. The Concept of Qailulah (Midday Napping) from Neuroscientific and Islamic Perspectives
    Tumiran MA, Rahman NNA, Saat RM, Kabir N, Zulkifli MY, Adli DSH
    J Relig Health, 2018 Aug;57(4):1363-1375.
    PMID: 26266758 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-015-0093-7
    Napping/siesta during the day is a phenomenon, which is widely practised in the world. However, the timing, frequency, and duration may vary. The basis of napping is also diverse, but it is mainly done for improvement in alertness and general well-being. Neuroscience reveals that midday napping improves memory, enhances alertness, boosts wakefulness and performance, and recovers certain qualities of lost night sleep. Interestingly, Islam, the religion of the Muslims, advocates midday napping primarily because it was a practice preferred by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The objectives of this review were to investigate and compare identical key points on focused topic from both neuroscientific and Islamic perspectives and make recommendations for future researches.
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
  20. Fulltext Increasing percentage of preschool children receiving dental treatment at kindergartens in Machang District
    Nor Azee Azwa Kamarudin, Afifah Adilah Asshaari
    Q Bulletin, 2020;1(29):46-55.
    MyJurnal
    Preschool children are one of the major target groups of the Oral Health Program, Ministry of Health Malaysia. However, caries prevalence of preschool children due to unmet treatment needs remains high. Thus, it is imperative for preschool children to receive dental treatment to maintain or restore function and aesthetics, prevent premature tooth loss and improve their quality of life. We aimed to increase the percentage of preschool children receiving dental treatment at kindergartens from 9.8% to 30% in a year. A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2015 to March 2015 to identify factors contributing to low percentage of preschool children receiving dental treatment using a structured questionnaire modified and adapted from literatures. Ten kindergartens in Machang District were randomly selected, and a total of 200 preschool children, 180 parents and 13 dental therapists in Machang District were recruited for this study. Remedial measures were implemented in April 2015 until September 2015, followed by a post-remedial evaluation in October 2015 to December 2019. The factors contributing to low percentage included inconvenient visit schedule, lack of monitoring system, preschool children at kindergartens refusing dental treatment, and lack of oral health knowledge and awareness among parents. A series of interventions were introduced including improvement of care process, systematic planned visits, and formation of a dedicated team for kindergartens. Oral Health Education and seminars were given to parents. Supportive environment and innovations were created, including colorful attire, cartoon accessories and Benzo Kids’ eye-wear tools. The Benzo Kids functioned as a smart phone holder for a child to watch their favourite video during treatment to divert the child’s attention and reduce anxiety. The percentage of preschool children receiving dental treatment at kindergartens increased from 9.8% (2014) to 55.9% (2019), which exceeded the initial target of 30%. This study has had a significant impact on the number of deciduous teeth with dental caries of these preschool children when they progress to primary one. The HMIS data showed a decreasing trend of dental caries per 100 children from 80(2013) to 58(2019).
    Matched MeSH terms: Attention
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