Displaying publications 301 - 320 of 375 in total

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  1. Asheila Meramat, Razinah Sharif, Suzana Shahar, Nor Fadilah Rajab
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):213-214.
    MyJurnal
    Nutritional diet plays an important roles in the health of an individual. One of the simplest and suitable approach followed by certain individual especially older adults are Sunnah fasting. Sunnah fasting is reported to have a positive impact in maintaining public health and aids to prolong the life span of older adults. This study aimed to examine the relationship of Sunnah fasting in repairing DNA damage of older adults who suffer from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study design was comparative cross sectional study that comparing two phases (baseline and 36 months). A total of 99 subjects of MCI aged ≥ 60 years and have no terminally ill diseases involved in the study. Ten ml of whole blood, socio-demographic and cognitive assessment data was taken. The blood collected is used to determine DNA damage using the Alkaline Comet Assay. MMSE, IADL, ADL and GDS was conducted to determine the cognitive function. The study found that the percentage of DNA in tail (TD) for the subjects who practice Sunnah fasting for both phases is significantly lower than in subjects who did not practice Sunnah fasting (Baseline, TD: 12.49 ± 0.24% vs 17.40 ± 0.43%; 36 months, TD: 8.21 ± 0.43% vs 15.23 ± 1.16%). The percentage of tail moment (TM) for the subjects who practice Sunnah fasting for both phases is significantly lower than in subjects who did not practice Sunnah fasting (Baseline, TM: 0.92 ± 0.05% vs 1.46 ± 0.08%; 36 months, TM: 0.4 ± 0.03% vs 1.32 ± 0.13%). In conclusion, this shows the Sunnah fasting can reduce DNA damage among the older adult of MCI subjects. Thus, further research is warranted to determine the metabolomes in MCI subjects that related with Sunnah fasting to produce a predictive model of healthy diet to be used in the future.
  2. Nashrah Maamor, Nurul Huda Bani, Wan Syafira Ishak, Siti Zamratol Mai-Sarah Mukari, Kalaivani Chellapan
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):215-215.
    MyJurnal
    This paper describes the systematic process followed in the development of culturally appropriate equalized speech-in-noise sentences suitable for use in an adaptive Speech-In-Noise training protocol for adults in Malaysia. The process involved three iterative phases of development. They were (1) analysis, (2) design and (3) development phases. In the analysis phase, important variables that needed to be considered for speech-in-noise materials were identified through literature review and discussion with the experts in the field. Next, in the design phase, the compilation and formation of sentences, evaluation of naturalness and recording of the speech materials were done. The last phase was the development phase which involved the evaluation of performance intensity function and equalization of intelligibility. The final outcome of these phases were 171 sentences with equal intelligibility that can be used interchangeably in a speech-in-noise training protocol for adults in Malaysia.
  3. Maarof, M.F., Mhd Ali, A., Makmor Bakry, M., Taha, M.A., Adliah Mohd. Ali
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):115-163.
    MyJurnal
    Previous studies explain the time course of withdrawal symptoms among smokers pre and post quit attempt, either with or without the help of medication. Studies showed that male Muslim smokers could quit smoking during Ramadan since fasting relate to the changes in psychosomatic, daily activities and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the time course of withdrawal symptoms among smokers who used nicotine patch to quit smoking during fasting in Ramadan. A total of 40 eligible Muslim males who tried to quit smoking was selected and provided with smoking cessation counseling for the duration of 8 to 10 weeks while on nicotine patch. Participants level of withdrawal symptoms was recorded by using nine items of Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale over a period of 60 days. Participant’s carbon monoxide reading and body weight were measured within six months including pre and post-Ramadan fasting. Over four weeks of the fasting month, the measured withdrawal symptoms such as urge to smoke (P ≤ 0.001), depressed mood (P ≤ 0.001), irritability/frustration or anger (P ≤ 0.05), anxiety (P ≤ 0.05), difficulty concentrating(P ≤ 0.001), restlessness (P ≤ 0.001), difficulty going to sleep (P ≤ 0.001) and impatient (P ≤ 0.05) significantly decreased except appetite by the end of week 4. Time course analyses demonstrated that all outcome measures showed good effects during cessation in fasting month. The point prevalence abstinence at first month of quitting was 67.5% which is higher in fasting month. This has shown positive clinical implications in managing smoking cessation program during Ramadan with the aid of nicotine patch.
  4. Nor Afifi Razaob, Ain Efahera Ahmad Tajuddin, Nor Azlin Mohd Nordin, Nor Najwatul Akmal Ab Rahman
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):165-170.
    MyJurnal
    Enhancement of physical function had been shown in older adults who actively participate in physical activities, particularly in the form of aerobic training with addition of progressive resistance training (PRT). However, it is quite challenging and risky for most older adults to exercise in standing position without any support. Chair Based Exercise (CBE) is an alternative mode of exercise for older adult to facilitate exercise participation and increase safety. Its effect when combined with resistance training is unknown to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of CBE with PRT on physical performances among older adults. A total of 18 older adults (13 females (72%)) and 5 males (28%)), aged 60 to 83 years with mean age (SD) 72.67 (6.17) years completed the study. All subjects performed CBE with PRT intervention twice weekly for 8 weeks, with individually-tailored exercise progressions. Pre and post measurements of physical performance were performed using Six MinutesWalk Test (6MWT), Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) test. Significant improvement in 6MWT (p < .001), HGS Right hand (p = .043), HGS Left hand (p < .001), FTSTS (p < .001) was shown after the eight-week intervention. Adding PRT into seated exercises results in further improvement in physical performance of older adults. CBE-PRT may be recommended as an exercise routine for older adults living in the community.
  5. Devanthini Dewi Gunasekaran, Ruzita Abd Talib, Razinah Sharif, Poh Bee Koon, Nik Shanita Safii, Mahadir Ahmad
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):119-127.
    MyJurnal
    The global prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has increased rapidly in the recent decades, including in Malaysia. Thus, development of effective interventions to prevent childhood obesity in Malaysia is urgently needed. This paper describes the study design of a 12-week multi-component, school-based nutrition education programme aimed at managing childhood obesity. The objective of Juara Sihat™ is to determine the effectiveness of a nutrition education programme in improving anthropometric status, knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of nutrition, eating habits and physical activity level among overweight and obese children. This quasi-experimental study involves two primary schools in Kuala Lumpur with similar demographic characteristics. Eligibility criteria of research participants are overweight and obese children aged 9 to 11 years. The main components of the Juara Sihat™ intervention are nutrition education classes on healthy eating and active lifestyle; physical activity sessions; and active involvements of parents and teachers. The control school does not receive any interventions. The primary outcome is BMI-for-age z-score, while other outcomes include waist circumference, body fat percentage, KAP of nutrition score, dietary intake, physical activity level, sedentary behaviour and biochemical profile. Outcome measures will be assessed at three intervals: baseline, post-intervention 1 (3-month follow-up), and post-intervention 2 (6-month follow-up). The Juara Sihat™ programme represents a promising approach to examining the effectiveness of a school-based childhood obesity intervention with strong empowerment of Parents’ and Teachers’ Association (PTA). We anticipate that this study may provide insights towards the development of more effective strategies in formulating childhood obesity interventions.
  6. Ismarulyusda Ishak, Farah Wahida Ibrahim, Santibuana Abd Rahman, Nor Malia Abd Warif, Ahmad Rohi Ghazali, Faisal Ariffin, et al.
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):129-136.
    MyJurnal
    Tahfiz education has been well accepted by Muslims in Malaysia. Memorizing the Quran through rote learning can assist in improving the brain ability to process, store information and build memory. In addition, dietary intakes were reported to contribute in the process of memorizing the Quran and to increase the levels of intelligence (IQ) among huffaz students. This cross-sectional study was conducted to measure and to determine the correlation between IQ and dietary intake as well as between IQ and the level of trace elements among students in selected tahfiz schools and non-tahfiz school in Selangor. Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic data. Dietary intake was assessed via 3 days dietary record. Levels of trace elements in the nail samples were analyzed by using ICP-MS. Test for intelligence using WASI-II was conducted to measure the students’ IQ. The results showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between IQ and carbohydrate (r = 0.425, p < 0.001, a weak positive correlation between IQ and energy (r = 0.260, p < 0.05), vitamin B6 (r = 0.189, p < 0.05), vitamin B12 (r = 0.207, p < 0.05) and vitamin C (r = 0.211, p < 0.05). The levels of trace elements in nail samples showed no correlation with IQ, whereas there were moderate positive correlations between IQ and dietary zinc (r = 0.375, p < 0.001) as well as between IQ and dietary iron (r = 0.303, p < 0.001). There was also a moderate positive correlation between IQ and the level of memorization (r = 0.375, p < 0.001). The results of stepwise multiple linear regression showed that al-Quran memorization influence the level of IQ by 20 %. As a conclusion, dietary intake of certain nutrients including energy, vitamins and selected trace elements can potentially improve memorization activities and also IQ.
  7. Ainul Izzah Abdul Manan, Noh Amit, Zaini Said, Mahadir Ahmad
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):137-143.
    MyJurnal
    Taking care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could be a demanding task for parents. Consequently, parents of children with ASD may experience parenting stress and depression symptoms. This study examined parenting stress and depression symptoms among parents of children and adolescents with ASD. This study also examined the role of child characteristics (e.g., age, child quality of life and problem behavior) on parenting stress and depression symptoms and the effect of parenting stress on parental depression. A total of 78 parents were examined using a questionnaire survey. The result indicated that parents caring a younger age group of children with ASD have higher levels of depression symptoms compared to parents caring for older group of children with ASD. The result also revealed a significant difference in level of depression symptoms between parents with higher levels of parenting stress and parents with lower parenting stress. Only the children age significantly predicts depression symptoms in parents of children with ASD. This indicates that children age is potential to affect mental health among parents of children with ASD.
  8. Normah Che Din, Agnes Chong Shu Sze, Norhayati Ibrahim, Mahadir Ahmad, Rogayah Abdul Razak, Pheh Kai Shuen
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):145-154.
    MyJurnal
    This review aims to present an overview of current research findings on the possible relationship between phonological awareness and visual-spatial skills among individuals with dyslexia. Narrative review of the relevant articles were obtained through computerized searches of databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC) and Google Scholar which included articles from SAGE, Taylor & Francis and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Press from the year 2000 to 2014. The key words were explored, both exclusively and in combination with each other, so as to provide a better understanding of the relationship between them among individuals with dyslexia. Although it is evident that there is a phonological deficit in individuals with dyslexia, however, it is inconclusive with regards to the visual-spatial deficit and strength. There is a consensus on the nature of phonological awareness skill deficits but not on the visual spatial abilities in dyslexia. In fact, the relationship between phonological awareness and visual spatial abilities in dyslexia is dependent on the area of visual ability measured.
  9. Dzalani Harun, Nurul Husna Baharin, Nor Afifi Razaob, Noor Ibrahim Mohamed Sakian, Nuruljannah Johari, Nor Farah Mohamad Fauzi
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):195-202.
    MyJurnal
    Diabetes is often associated with dysfunction in activities of daily living (ADL), especially among older adults. Hospitalisation of older adults is often followed by decline in functional status affecting their quality of life and well-being after discharge. The objective of this study was to determine the functional independence in carrying out basic activities of daily living, its relationship with quality of life, and the factors influencing the quality of life in hospitalised older adults with diabetes. This cross sectional study was carried out on 104 diabetic patients (mean age: 67.5 ± 9.2 years) who were receiving in-patient treatment. Face-to-face interviews were carried out to determine functional independence using Modified Barthel Index (MBI) as well as quality of life using the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Results showed that only 37.5% (n = 39) respondents were catergorised as being fully-independent. Among the domains in MBI, using the stairs recorded the lowest score followed by mobility. The physical domain in quality of life also recorded the lowest score compared to other domains of quality of life. There were significant (p < 0.05), positive correlations between the overall MBI scores and all domains of quality of life; physical (rs = 0.70), psychology (rs = 0.50), social (rs = 0.33) and environmental (rs = 0.25). Hierachical multiple regression analysis showed MBI scores had significant influence on all domains of quality of life, with the largest influence on the physical domain i.e. 36% [F(1, 92) = 82.14, p < 0.01, R2 = .36]. As a conclusion, hospitalisation reduces the functional independence in carrying out basic activities of daily living as well as the physical aspect of quality life in older adults with diabetes. Therefore, it is important to provide rehabilitation in activities of daily living while the elderly diabetics while undergoing in-patient treatment in order to maintain quality of life after discharge.
  10. Nor Azlin Mohd Nordin, Nur Amirah Ishak, Nor Azura Azmi, Chai Siaw Chui, Fatimah Hani Hassan
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):203-209.
    MyJurnal
    Neurophobia, defined as ‘the fear of neural sciences and neurology’ is reported among medical students, which threatened their performance in neurology course. This phenomenon has not been studied among rehabilitation sciences students despite the significance of neurology as an area for rehabilitation. In this study we aim to assess the perceptions of neurology course and the possibility of neurophobia existence among rehabilitation sciences students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). We also aimed to identify learning methods which are regarded as useful among the students. A survey using self-administered questionnaires was conducted among 73 students from School of Rehabilitation Sciences of the university. Questions in the questionnaire were adapted from previous studies, in which neurophobia was indicated by poor knowledge and low confidence level in managing neurology course. Results showed that the percentage of participants who perceived having good knowledge of neurology was significantly higher than the percentage who claimed of having poor knowledge level (90.4% versus 9.6%, p < 0.01). Similarly, the percentage of participants who claimed having high confidence to handle neurology cases was higher than the percentage who expressed lack of confidence (79.2% versus 20.8%, p = 0.03). However, neurology course was perceived as difficult by majority of the participants (78.1%) when compared to other courses. Majority of the participants (97.3%) perceived clinical teaching as a useful method of learning rehabilitation science courses including neurology followed by problem-based learning (90.4%). While limited exposure to neurology cases was claimed as the main reason to why neurology is difficult. In conclusion, although neurology is perceived as a difficult course among rehabilitation sciences students, the students did not report lack of knowledge and confidence in the course. This implies that neurophobia does not exist among UKM rehabilitation students. Enhancement of learning methods may assist in reducing the level of difficulty of neurology course among the students.
  11. Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Yaksotha Palaniappan, Lam Shu Zhen, Suzana Shahar
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):187-193.
    MyJurnal
    Older adults who walk in their neighbourhood with greater street connectivity are reported to have lower limb physical performance decline. There is limited information regarding the association between built environment characteristics and physical performance in older adults. The aim of this study was to examine the association between built environment characteristics, physical performance, falls risk and functional mobility among older adults. Sixty four (27 men and 37 women) community dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above (mean 67.4 ± 7.1 years) from senior citizen clubs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. Built environment characteristics were assessed using an adapted Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). Physical performance and falls risk was measured using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Profile Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) respectively. Timed Up and Go (TUG) and gait speed tests were used to assess functional mobility. There was a significant correlation between built environment and physical performance (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and functional mobility measured using gait speed test (r = 0.27, p < 0.05) among older adults. Built environment was identified as a significant determinant of physical performance (R2 = 0.19, p < 0.001). Built environment characteristics is an important external factor in preserving physical performance in older adults. Programmes and policies for a more favourable built environment characteristics in the neighbourhoods should be encouraged to promote and maintain physical performance among older adults.
  12. Nur Aqidah Ahmad, Amirah Suhailah Ramli, Raja Muhammad Zuha
    MyJurnal
    Development of insects in laboratory for minimum post mortem interval estimation (mPMI) or time of colonisation (TOC) in
    forensic entomology can be affected by the type and quality of food consumed during larval period. Since mPMI estimation
    also involves analysis of larval specimens collected from burned human remains, it is important to study if burned tissues
    could affect growth of sarcosaprophagous larvae. This study investigated the effect of burned tissues on the size and
    developmental period of Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae), a species of forensic importance. Development
    of M. scalaris on 75 g burned cow’s liver was compared with control liver in three study replicates. Mean larval length
    (2.87 ± 0.11 mm) and weight (0.81 ± 0.08 mg) of M. scalaris larvae in burned liver diets were significantly lower than
    larval length (5.03 ± 0.15 mm) and weight (2.85 ± 0.21 mg) of control liver diets (p < 0.001) whilst mean pupal length
    (2.53 ± 0.06 mm) and weight (0.92 ± 0.06 mg) in burned liver diets were significantly lower than pupal length (3.52 ±
    0.06 mm) and weight (2.84 ± 0.16 mg) in control liver diets (p < 0.001). Development of larvae in burned liver was 5-9
    hours slower than those feeding on control liver based on single observation. Although the assessment is preliminary, the
    findings indicate physical growth of larvae feeding on burned animal tissues was affected and entomological specimens
    recovered from burned remains should be evaluated carefully to avoid errors in mPMI/TOC estimation. Limitations and
    suggestions for further research are also presented herein.
  13. Hanani Abdul Manan, Zamzuri Idris, Jafri Malin Abdullah, Mohammed Faruque Reza, Hazim Omar
    MyJurnal
    Neuroplasticity has been subjected to a great deal of research in the last century. Recently, significant emphasis has been
    placed on the global effect of localized plastic changes throughout the central nervous system, and on how these changes
    integrate in a pathological context. The present study aimed to demonstrate the functional cortical reorganization before
    and after surgery using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a participant with brain tumor. Results of Visual Evoked
    Magnetic Field (VEF) based on functional MEG study revealed significantly different of MEG N100 waveforms before and
    after surgery. Larger and additional new locations for visual activation areas after the surgery were found suggesting
    neuroplasticity. The present study highlight a physiological plasticity in a teenage brain and the alterations regarding
    neural plasticity and network remodeling described in pathological contexts in higher-order visual association areas.
  14. Wu, S. K., Hasnah, H.
    MyJurnal
    This study aimed to determine the nutrient contents in tempe produced by five cottage industries in Selangor, Malaysia.
    Proximate contents were analysed by using standard methods of AOAC (1997) while carbohydrate content was calculated
    by difference. Mineral contents, total dietary fiber (TDF), total phenolic content and total isoflavone content were
    determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), enzymatic-gravimetric (AOAC 985.29), Folin-Ciocalteu
    colorimetric and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) respectively. Macronutrients were reported in 100
    g sample and the results showed the average nutrient contents were as follow: 63.07 ± 3.18% moisture, 19.63 ± 1.50%
    protein, 0.65 ± 0.17% fat, 0.70 ± 0.06% ash and 15.95 ± 1.88% total carbohydrate. The average mineral content in 100
    g samples (based on wet basis) were 29.45 ± 5.67 mg calcium, 13.28 ± 5.76 mg magnesium, 3.48 ± 1.09 mg sodium and
    2.06 ± 0.33 mg ferum. The results showed that the average of TDF content was 8.05 ± 3.65%. Total phenolic content
    was 259.87 ± 22.62 mg of GAE/g. The total isoflavone content in 100 g samples (wet basis) was 41.94 ± 10.42 mg/100
    g. This study had shown that total phenolic content was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with total isoflavone content
    in all tempe samples. It can be concluded that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in nutrient contents among
    tempe samples produced by five cottage industries located in Selangor, Malaysia. However, the mineral and isoflavone
    contents in the present study were lower compared to previous studies.
  15. Ahmad Nazlim Yusoff, Khairiah Abdul Hamid, Farah Nabila Ab Rahman, Mazlyfarina Mohamad, Khairiah Abdul Hamid, Siti Zamratol-Mai Sarah Mukari
    MyJurnal
    In this study, the asymmetry of the main effects of action, background and tonal frequency during a pitch memory processing
    were investigated by means of brain activation. Eighteen participants (mean age 27.6 years) were presented with low and
    high frequency tones in quiet and in noise. They listen, discriminate and recognize the target tone against the final tone
    in a series of four distracting tones. The main effects were studied using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with action (to
    wring (rubber bulb) vs. not to wring), background (in quiet vs. in noise) and frequency (low vs. high) as the factors (and
    levels respectively). The main effect of action is in the right pre-central gyrus (PCG), in conformation with its contralateral
    behavior. The main effect of background indicated the bilateral primary auditory cortices (PAC) and is right lateralized,
    attributable to white noise. The main effect of frequency is also observed in PAC but bilaterally equal and attributable to
    low frequency tones. Despite the argument that the temporo-spectral lateralization dichotomy is not especially rigid as
    revealed by the main effect of frequency, right lateralization of PAC for the respective main effect of background clearly
    demonstrates its functional asymmetry suggesting different perceptual functionality of the right and left PAC.
  16. Ibrahim Roszita, Amrizal Muhd Nur
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(1):155-162.
    MyJurnal
    Presently there is a gross lack of information on cost and cost weights in many developing countries that implement
    casemix system. Furthermore, studies that employed Activity Based Costing method (ABC) to estimate the costs of radiology
    procedures were rarely done in developing countries, including Malaysia. The main objective of this study is to determine
    the costs of radiology procedures for each group in casemix system, in order to develop cost weights to be used in the
    implementation of the casemix system. An economic evaluation study was conducted in all units in the Department of
    Radiology in the first teaching hospital using the casemix system in Malaysia. From the 25,754 cases, 16,173 (62.8%)
    of them were from medical discipline. Low One Third and High One Third (L3H3) method was employed to trim the
    outlier cases. Output from the trimming, 15,387 cases were included in the study. The results revealed that the total
    inpatients’ charges of all the radiology procedures was RM1,820,533.00 while the cost imputed using ABC method was
    RM2,970,505.54. The biggest cost component were human resources in Radiology Unit (Mobile) (57.5%), consumables
    (78.5%) of Endovascular Interventional Radiology (EIR) Unit, equipment (81.4%) of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    Unit, reagents (68.1%) of Medical Nuclear Unit. The one highest radiology cost weight, was for Malaysia Diagnosis
    Related Group (MY-DRG®)B-4-11-II (Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Neoplasms with severity level II, 2.8301). The method
    of calculation of the cost of procedures need to be revised by the hospital as findings from this study showed that the cost
    imposed to patient is lower than the actual cost.
  17. Ahmad Sh. A. Lafi, Fahrul Huyop, Jacinta Santhanam, Tzar Mohd Nizam Khaithi
    MyJurnal
    Ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membrane, has been frequently detected as an indicator of fungal presence and mass
    in environmental samples like soil. However, its detection in major pathogenic fungal species has not been investigated.
    In this study, the ergosterol contents of ten pathogenic fungal species were determined. Liquid chromatography was used
    for the detection and quantification of ergosterol extracted from fungal broth cultures. Results showed that ergosterol
    eluted as a single, well resolved peak in the chromatogram profiles of all tested fungi. Based upon relative amounts of
    ergosterol produced per fungal mycelial dry weight, three groups of fungal pathogens were identified, namely low ergosterol
    (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans at 4.62, 6.29 and 7.08 µg/mg, respectively), medium
    ergosterol (Fusarium solani, Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor sp., Penicillium sp., Cryptococcus gattii and Rhizopus sp.
    at 9.40, 10.79, 10.82, 11.38, 12.60 and 13.40 µg/mg, respectively), and high ergosterol (Candida tropicalis at 22.84 µg/
    mg), producers. Ergosterol was not detectable in bacterial samples, which were included as controls. This first report on
    ergosterol detection in major pathogenic fungal species indicates that ergosterol may be used as a biomarker to diagnose
    invasive fungal infections in clinical samples.
  18. Siti Shahara Zulfakar, Nur Hidayah Abd. Hamid, Mazrura Sahani
    MyJurnal
    A food premise’s sanitation level can be reflected by the cleanliness of its food contact surfaces. Contaminated food
    contact surfaces along with poor handling methods by food handlers may increase the risk of foodborne diseases
    through cross-contamination events. This study aimed to assess the microbiological contamination levels on food contact
    surfaces of 12 residential college cafeterias in a local university and its correlation with the cafeteria’s premise grade.
    The presence of selected indicator and pathogenic microorganisms (total viable count (TVC), total coliform, Escherichia
    coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp.) on food contact surfaces were also determined. Cutting
    boards, knives and utensils (cutleries, bowls and plates) that were used for ready-to-eat food were sampled for this study.
    The cafeteria’s premise grade was obtained based on the food premise inspection report by the university Health Centre.
    Three cafeterias have significantly higher (p < 0.05) bacterial counts (TVC) as compared to the international standard (1
    log CFU/cm2
    ). E. coli was only found in 2 cafeterias while Salmonella spp. was only detected on 7 of the cafeterias. Cutting
    boards were identified as the most contaminated food contact surface whereas utensils were the least contaminated. There
    was only a weak correlation between the microbiological levels on food contact surfaces and the cafeteria’s inspection
    grade (r = 0.02 p > 0.01). This study demonstrated that the sanitation level of food contact surfaces in the residential
    college cafeterias was only average. Improvements need to be done to increase the sanitation level of the cafeterias, thus
    assuring the safety of the food for consumers.
  19. Ahmad Nazlim Yusoff, Khairiah Abdul Hamid, Saemah Rahman, Shahlan Surat, Syazarina Sharis Osman, Maziah Ahmad Marzuki
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(2):101-111.
    MyJurnal
    Inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) are two important brain regions for the default mode
    network (DMN). IPL has been known to be involved in the control of attention and responding to given information while
    ITG is involved in the processing and perception awakened by visual stimuli. These two key DMN regions are highly
    interconnected as determined from white matter and fiber tracking studies. However, little is known about their nature
    of connectivity while the brain is at rest, whether it is linear, bilinear or nonlinear and whether it is of mono- or bidirection. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) data were obtained from 7 healthy male and
    female participants (average age = 20.7 ± 4.5 years) and were concatenated. Data were analyzed using statistical
    parametric mapping (SPM12). Endogenous brain signals were modelled by Fourier series at 0.01 – 0.08 Hz. IPL-ITG
    connected linear, bilinear and non-linear causal models in both hemispheres were constructed and estimated by means of
    stochastic dynamic causal modelling (sDCM) and were compared using Bayesian Model Selection (BMS) for group studies.
    Group fixed-effects results indicated that bilateral IPL and ITG exhibited high neural activity at a corrected significant
    level (pFWE < 0.05). Neural activity was centered in ITG (-32/2/-38) in the left hemisphere but shifted to IPL (32/-38/50) in
    the right hemisphere indicating different control center for both hemispheres. BMS selected bilinear model as the optimal
    model for both hemispheres (model posterior probability ~ 1.0; log evidence > 1000) which has the best balance between
    model accuracy and difficulty. The minimum free energy (F) = -4.41 × 104
    and -4.09 × 104
    for left and right hemisphere
    bilinear models respectively. From BMS and DCM results, it was found that IPL and ITG do have a dynamic collaboration
    between each other, a connectivity that belongs to a greater network when the brain is at rest. The intrinsic connections
    between them are negative in both directions i.e. IPL and ITG mutually inhibited each other. The effective connectivity
    was modulated by the endogenous fluctuation of the brain signal.
  20. Abdul Hamid Abdul Aziz, Mohamed Kamel Abd Ghani, Ahmad Zorin Sahalan, Hing, Hiang Lian
    MyJurnal
    Suatu kajian pemencilan dan pengenalpastian mikroflora bakteria daripada kolam air panas telah dilakukan di kolam
    air panas Bentong, Pahang. Kebanyakan bakteria yang dipencil dari kolam air panas adalah dari Bacillus sp. kerana ia
    mempunyai ciri adaptasi yang membolehkannya hidup di kawasan ekstrem suhu tinggi dengan pembentukan endospora.
    Objektif kajian adalah untuk mengenal pasti spesies bakteria selain dari spesies Bacillus sp. yang mampu mandiri dalam
    kolam air panas ini. Tiga buah kolam air panas dikenal pasti sebagai A, B dan C. Julat suhu berada antara 36°C-52°C
    dan nilai pH antara 7.88-8.65. Kajian ini telah berjaya memencilkan dua isolat bakteria kokus Gram positif bersama
    tiga spesies Gram negatif. Spesies Gram positif tersebut adalah dari spesies Streptococcus sp. dan Staphylococcus sp,
    manakala Gram negatif pula dikenal pasti sebagai Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp. dan Proteus sp.. Sebagai kesimpulan,
    bakteria tak berspora yang bukan Bacillus sp. mampu mandiri dalam kolam air panas.
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