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Fulltext Consumption of Manjakani among postpartum mothers and risk of heavy metal contamination

Normina Ahmad Bustami, Yu Bin Ho, Chung Keat Tan, Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Eugenie Sin Sing Tan

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(2):75-82.
MyJurnal

Introduction: In Malaysia, herbal medicines are used for variety of reasons including health promotion and home remedies during pregnancy and postpartum with Manjakani (Quercus infectoria) as one of the most commonly consumed herbs. Herbal medicines consumption had been linked to heavy metals contamination and transfer from mother to infant and may affect infant’s growth and development. This study aims to (i) determine Manjakani consumption among postpartum mothers, (ii) quantify its heavy metals level, namely lead, cadmium, arsenic and chromium, and (iii) determine health risk associated with its consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 106 postpartum mothers was carried out in Kuala Lumpur. Six samples of Manjakani were sampled and extracted using microwave digester and analysed using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Non-carcinogenic health risks for herbal medicine consumption were calculated using Hazard Quotient (HQ). Results: Manjakani was consumed by 16% of mothers (n=17). Highest level of the metals was shown by chromium with mean concentration of 4210 ± 1910 ug/kg, followed by lead (170.8 ± 193.2), arsenic (39.3 ± 27.1) and cadmium (7.7 ± 0.76). There were no significant non-carcinogenic health risks with lead, arsenic, chromium and cadmium contamination (HQ < 1). Conclusion: Manjakani is consumed by mothers during confinement period. Heavy metals were quantified in Manjakani although no significant association was observed with socio-demographic characteristics and birth outcomes.
Determining Spatial Resolution of Gamma Cameras Using MATLAB

Velo P, Zakaria A

J Med Imaging Radiat Sci, 2017 Mar;48(1):39-42.
PMID: 31047208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2016.10.010

It is important to monitor the spatial resolution of a gamma camera on a weekly basis to acquire medical images with accurate quantitative information. A simple and fast computer program with a graphical user interface to analyze spatial resolution was successfully developed using MATLAB. The results were compared with those obtained from the standard processing system available in our gamma camera. The spatial resolution calculated using MATLAB was 1.24% lower than using the standard processing system. The developed program is cost effective, faster, and provides an easy platform for the physicists and technologists to analyze the spatial resolution based on the image of the line source.
Influence of Background Activity on Volume Estimation Using Iterative Thresholding Method in Single-Photon-Emission Computed Tomography with Technetium-99m: A Phantom Study

Velo P, Zakaria A

J Med Imaging Radiat Sci, 2015 Sep;46(3S):S31-S36.
PMID: 31052105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2015.06.002

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of background activity on the accuracy of volume estimation of target objects using an iterative thresholding method.
METHODS: Single-photon-emission computed tomography studies were carried out for plastic bottles of various sizes as target objects containing Technetium-99m placed in a cylindrical water phantom. The phantoms were created to have varying ratios of target activity concentration to background activity concentration (T/B) ranging from 4.00 to 1.25. From the single-photon-emission computed tomography slices, the volume of the target object was estimated using an iterative thresholding method. A unique threshold that estimated the volume of the target object was determined and declared as ideal threshold for each level of background activity. Simple linear regression analysis was carried out to explore the relationship between the actual volume and estimated volume.
RESULTS: The analysis shows a statistically significant linear relationship (P < .01) between actual volume and estimated volume. For all ratios of target activity concentration to background activity concentration studied, the relative errors in estimated volumes of target objects are within ±7%. Thresholds that estimated volume of target objects vary depending on the level of background activity.
CONCLUSIONS: It is clearly demonstrated that background activity highly influenced the volume estimation. Therefore, background activity of the target object needs to be considered when selecting the ideal thresholds to obtain accurate volume estimation of target objects.
The laplacian energy of conjugacy class graph of some finite groups

Amira Fadina Ahmad Fadzil, Rabiha Mahmoud, Nor Haniza Sarmin, Ahmad Erfanian

MATEMATIKA, 2019;35(1):59-65.
MyJurnal

Let G be a dihedral group and ??cl G its conjugacy class graph. The Laplacian energy of the graph, LE(??cl G) is defined as the sum of the absolute values of the difference between the Laplacian eigenvalues and the ratio of twice the edges number divided by the vertices number. In this research, the Laplacian matrices of the conjugacy class graph of some dihedral groups, generalized quaternion groups, quasidihedral groups and their eigenvalues are first computed. Then, the Laplacian energy of the graphs are determined.
Fulltext The correlation between Environment of Care, patient satisfaction and willingness to recommend in a teaching hospital setting

Ahmad Badruridzwanullah Zun, Mohd Ismail Ibrahim, Ariffin Marzuki Mokhtar, Ahmad Sukari Halim

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):7-7.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The Environment of Care (EoC) is less being the highlight as one of the important components in hospi-tal administration. The EoC is the interface between the patient and the organisation and it provides both a practical and safe area in which to provide patient care. The study aims to determine the correlation between the environment of care, patient satisfaction and willingness to recommend. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in one of the teaching hospitals in Malaysia. A Malay validated Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and System (HCAHPS) questionnaire was used. The multistage sampling was applied. 13 wards represent medical, surgical and O&G based wards were selected randomly. Systematic random sampling method was used for pa-tient selection. Number of samples for each ward was calculated proportionately based on the average number of discharge patient monthly. The global rating item in HCAHPS was used to determine satisfaction level. Data was collected and analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: 547 respondents were involved in the study with 61.6% of them were female. Majority of respondents were young adult less than 60 years old. 36.9% of the respondents had positive experience with cleanliness of the ward meanwhile 26.7% had positive experience with quietness of the ward. 57.6% of the respondents were satisfied with the services and 64.5% were willing to recommend the hos-pital to others. There was a significant correlation between environment of care, satisfaction level and willingness to recommend. Conclusion: The healthcare facility needs to concentrate on creating a positive experience on EoC component as this can influence satisfaction level and willingness to recommend the hospital.
Effects of age on feeding response: Focus on the rostral C1 neuron and its glucoregulatory proteins

Ramlan H, Damanhuri HA

Exp Gerontol, 2020 01;129:110779.
PMID: 31705967 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110779

BACKGROUND: Older people are likely to develop anorexia of aging. Rostral C1 (rC1) catecholaminergic neurons in rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) are recently discovered its role in food intake control. It is well established that these neurons regulate cardiovascular function.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the effect of age on the function of rostral C1 (rC1) neurons in mediating feeding response.
METHOD: Male Sprague Dawley rats at 3-months (n = 22) and 24-months (n = 22) old were used and further divided into two subgroups; 1) treatment group with 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) and 2) vehicle group. Feeding hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK), ghrelin and leptin were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Rat brain was carefully dissected to obtain the brainstem RVLM region. Further analysis was carried out to determine the level of proteins and genes in RVLM that were associated with feeding pathway. Protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phosphorylated TH at Serine40 (pSer40TH), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (phospho AMPK) and neuropeptide Y Y5 receptor (NPY5R) were determined by western blot. Expression of TH, AMPK and NPY genes were determined by real-time PCR.
RESULTS: This study showed that blood glucose level was elevated in young and old rats following 2DG administration. Plasma CCK-8 concentration was higher in the aged rats at basal and increased with 2DG administration in young rats, but the leptin and ghrelin showed no changes. Old rats showed higher TH and lower AMPK mRNA levels. Glucoprivation decreased AMPK mRNA level in young rats and decreased TH mRNA in old rats. Aged rC1 neurons showed higher NPY5R protein level. Following glucoprivation, rC1 neurons produced distinct molecular changes across age in which, in young rats, AMPK phosphorylation level was increased and in old rats, TH phosphorylation level was increased.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that glucose-counterregulatory responses by rC1 neurons at least, contribute to the ability of young and old rats in coping glucoprivation. Age-induced molecular changes within rC1 neurons may attenuate the glucoprivic responses. This situation may explain the impairment of feeding response in the elderly.
Fulltext Heavy metals in Danggui (Angelica sinensis) consumed by postpartum mothers and its health risk

Normina Ahmad Bustami, Yu Bin Ho, Chung Keat Tan, Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Eugenie Sin Sing Tan

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):113-117.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Consumption of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHMs) have escalated globally. They are preferred treat- ment for minor diseases or disorders. In Malaysia, CHMs are common home remedies during pregnancy and postpar- tum. Angelica sinensis (Danggui) is a staple CHMs during postpartum for purpose of nourishing blood and resolving stasis. Concerns are raised over possible heavy metals toxicity. Objective: This study aims to (i) determine Danggui consumption among postpartum mothers, (ii) quantify its heavy metals level, namely Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Ar- senic (As) and Chromium (Cr) and (iii) determine health risks of Danggui consumption among mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 112 postpartum mothers was carried out in Kuala Lumpur. Danggui samples were collected from nine districts in Kuala Lumpur (Segambut, Seputeh, Cheras, Kepong, Bandar Tun Razak, Titiwangsa, Setiawangsa, Batu and Lembah Pantai). Heavy metals were extracted using microwave digester and analysed using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Hazard Quotient (HQ) was used to determine non-carcino- genic health risks for herbal medicine consumption. Results: Danggui was consumed by 19.6% of mothers (n=22). Among them, incidence of jaundice was 63.6% and need for phototherapy was 40.9%. Heavy metals contamina- tions were found in the decreasing order of Cr > As > Pb > Cd with median (interquartile) of 3996.3 (2805.6) μg/ kg, 128.3 (56.7), 98.6 (99.1) and 37.0 (35.0) respectively. No non-carcinogenic health risks were found for all four metals. Conclusion: Alarming concentrations of heavy metals were quantified in Danggui warranting for further in- vestigation to safeguard health of postpartum mothers.
Fulltext VESSEL LIFE JACKET COMPATIBILITY MOBILE APPS FOR SAFETY ASSESSMENT

MUHAMMAD SYUKRI HANAFI BASRI, MOHAMMAD AIZAT BASIR, AHMAD FAIZAL AHMAD FUAD

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2020;2(2):83-92.
MyJurnal

Life jacket is one of the safety appliances that can be found on the ship that provide buoyancy and prevention against drowning. Before the ship can sail, every element of safety of the vessel should be confirmed. Despite the establishment of standards for life jacket, both local and international, there have been cases of drowning associated with the usage of life jackets by the passengers of passenger boat/vessels for open-deck situation. Moreover, deficiency of information on safety instruction is reason the passengers are lack of personal safety information during on board. Thus, the evaluation on safety standard of life jackets and passenger vessel are vital for assessing the provision of the life jacket on board passenger vessel with respect to compatibility between life jacket and passenger vessel. In this paper, A Vessel Life Jacket Compatibility Mobile Apps (VELIT) was developed using software development methodology called Rational Unified Process (RUP) to automate the safety assessment process based on model called LCI (Life Jacket Compatibility Index). VELIT apps synchronized the safety assessment aspect and which allow user to compute the element in the model and produce the result of the safety assessment in real time. The VELIT apps are expected to be used in maritime area especially for ship safety assessment process.
Fulltext A secondary research on human endocrine physiology in the al-qur’an and the ahadith.

Radiah Abdul Ghani, Athirah Nur Ahmad Rosli, Ahmad Irfan Ikmal Hisham

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(102):5-10.
MyJurnal

Physiology is one of the remarkable branches in medical field which allows an appreciation of the anatomy as well as the functions of being; which then gives an idea on the purpose of a creation and a better understanding of the purpose of humans themselves. However, modern physiology taught in many Westernised textbooks lack the link and reflection to the worldview of Islam. As a result of this divorce between the modern physiology and the religious worldview, physiology as a subject is lacking “spiritual” connection and thus, produces students with lack of connection with the Tawhidic (Oneness) and admirableness to Allah, much to the dismay of the Islamic teaching. Thus, this paper is aimed to review the relevant scientific knowledge in endocrine physiology and relate it with the Qur’anic verses and Hadith. The roles of melatonin and cortisol that changes between day and night, the role of touch and the release of oxytocin are explained from the Islamic perspective based on the relevant Qur’anic verses and/or the Ahadith. Future research in integrating the physiology with the evidence from the Qur’an and the Ahadith should be attempted by medical and biomedical scientists alike, to further enhance and develop the concept of physiology as a subject in medical schools, not limited to the physical sciences per se, but also the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions.
Fulltext A review on the fundamental engineering properties of compacted laterite soil at different gradations

Yamusa Bello Yamus, Yamusa Bello Yamus, Ahmad Safuan A. Rashid, Kamarudin Ahmad, Norhan Abd Rahman

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2019;16(1):10-19.
MyJurnal

Laterite soils are occasionally associated with geotechnical problems such as road deformation, erosion, settlement, dam seepage, slope instability, leachate permeation through hydraulic barriers, etc. Numerous soil improvement techniques were being applied to overcome these problems, including mixing the laterite soil with cements, limes, bitumen, chemicals, pozzolanas, etc. These additives may not be locally available and cheap, and could significantly increase the cost of construction. Likewise, in many cases, these stabilizing agents are not environmentally friendly. Different percentages of fines, sand and gravel in laterite soils exhibit different engineering characteristics and behaviour, making it difficult to obtain suitable and appropriate gradation for specific construction purposes. Thus, the essence of this review is to determine the fundamental engineering properties of laterite soil as a standalone material at different gradations to harness its potentiality for various construction purposes. It proposes step-by-step procedures on how to achieve a better soil by varying its gradation and moisture content. Laboratory testing in accordance with BS1377:1990 and ASTM D698 are adopted to examine the engineering characteristics with respect to hydraulic conductivity, shear strength, and volumetric shrinkage. In this experimental technique where molding water content and compaction energy are carefully controlled at different laterite gradations, the engineering design is anticipated to provide greater accuracy, safety, and sustainability.
Fulltext Potential of problem-solving flipped classroom instruction in teaching internet of things (IoT) at community colleges: a needs analysis

Umawathy Techanamurthy, Zanariah Ahmad, Noorfadhilah Kahar, Fadhlina Ahmad, Ana Rohana Pataniah Salahuddin

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2020;18(1):14-23.
MyJurnal

Flipped Classroom enables instructors to spend more time for hands-on problem-solving instruction compared to the traditional pedagogical model which involves lectures. The purpose of this study is to determine the need for a problem-solving flipped classroom module to be designed for the STM3023: Internet of Things (IoT) subject offered at the Certificate level at Malaysian Community Colleges. A structured interview was conducted with 16 lecturers from 14 Community Colleges offering the subject to obtain their views on current teaching practices along with the challenges faced in the teaching and learning of IoT to entry level students. Participants were also asked about their readiness towards the flipped classroom following an orientation session on Flipped Classroom approach. The findings showed that lecturers mostly used traditional pedagogical models in the TVET settings such as lectures. Students usually followed instructions and merely replicate the hands-on tasks as demonstrated by their lecturers in class. It was also found that students were struggling with the subject due to their lack of competency in programming and grasping electrical and electronics concepts. Students were also found to be weak in mathematics and reasoning skills, thus making it a challenge to teach IoT to them. Therefore, a myriad of media, materials and application of real-world concepts may be required to aid lecturers to improve students’ achievement in the subject. The flipped classroom approach for teaching which gives more time for hands-on problem-solving instruction may be appropriate to support lecturers to overcome the challenges in teaching IoT.
Fulltext Breastfeeding and weaning practices in rural communities of Kelantan

Ahmad Z, Daw W, Isa A

Malays J Nutr, 1996 Sep;2(2):148-54.
PMID: 22692137 MyJurnal

A survey of infant-feeding and weaning practices of 566 mothers, systematically sampled from 15 rural villages, randomly selected in the district of Tumpat, Kelantan was carried out. Almost all mothers (97.3%) breastfed their children, reinforcing the previously reported high incidence of breast-feeding among rural Malaysian mothers. One hundred and seventeen (21.3%) of the 551 children breastfed were also given mixed feeding with infant fomulae as well. Weaning started before 4 months of age in 28.3% of the children and after 6 months of age in 12.8% of the children. The 3 most common type of food used in weaning were Nestum (45.0%), rice porridge or paste (42.6%) and wheat porridge or cakes (11.5%). Forty eight children (12.1%) discontinued breastfeeding once weaning was initiated. The main reasons for initiating weaning was mothers' perception that there was insufficient milk and that the child was always hungry (55.7%). Most mothers were also given advice by the health clinic staff on weaning, including the timing and the suitable weaning foods to give. All of the mothers were able to name at least one commercial weaning food product available in their community.
Fulltext Contribution to the Pteridophyte Flora of Langkawi Archipelago, Peninsular Malaysia

Maideen H, Damanhuri A

Trop Life Sci Res, 2015 Dec;26(2):111-9.
PMID: 26868714 MyJurnal

The pteridophyte flora of Langkawi Archipelago consists of 130 species, 1 subspecies and 12 varieties in 68 genera and 27 families. This value represents 22.1% of the 647 taxa at the species level and below reported for Peninsular Malaysia. Of the 143 recorded taxa of pteridophytes at the species level and below, 8 species in 2 genera and 2 families are lycophytes and the other 135 taxa in 66 genera and 25 families are monilophytes or ferns.
Fulltext Does weather play an important role in the early nesting activity of colonial waterbirds? A case study in putrajaya wetlands, malaysia

Ismail A, Rahman F

Trop Life Sci Res, 2013 Aug;24(1):1-7.
PMID: 24575237 MyJurnal

Environmental factors can play important roles in influencing waterbird communities. In particular, weather may have various biological and ecological impacts on the breeding activities of waterbirds, though most studies have investigated the effect of weather on the late stages of waterbird breeding (e.g., hatching rate, chick mortality). Conversely, the present study attempts to highlight the influence of weather on the early nesting activities of waterbirds by evaluating a recently established mixed-species colony in Putrajaya Wetlands, Malaysia. The results show that only rainfall and temperature have a significant influence on the species' nesting activities. Rainfall activity is significantly correlated with the Grey Heron's rate of establishment (rainfall: rs = 0.558, p = 0.03, n = 72) whereas both temperature and rainfall are associated with Painted Stork's nesting density (temperature: rs = 0.573, p = 0.013; rainfall: rs = -0.662, p = 0.03, n = 48). There is a possibility that variations in the rainfall and temperature provide a cue for the birds to initiate their nesting. Regardless, this paper addresses concerns on the limitations faced in the study and suggests long-term studies for confirmation.
Fulltext Current Status of the Milky Stork Re-introduction Programme in Malaysia and Its Challenges

Ismail A, Rahman F

Trop Life Sci Res, 2016 Aug;27(2):13-24.
PMID: 27688848 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2016.27.2.2

This review discussed the current status of the Milky Stork Re-introduction Programme in Malaysia and the challenges it faced. Although it has continued for almost seven years, more challenges appeared as time elapsed mainly due to the arising conflicts between the implementation of conservation policy versus the development projects in Kuala Gula. Hence, the released population is struggling to adapt mainly due to the reduction of suitable habitat for nesting and disturbed foraging areas by the continuous anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the lack of appropriate training among captive storks prior to being released also slows the adaptation of the birds in their new habitat. The increasing pattern of pollution in the area is also highlighted. Several suggestions were given to help improve the current re-introduction programme. These include improvements to the captive training method, improvement of the existing enclosure's condition and environment, protection of remaining mangrove forest, creation of a buffer zone to mitigate the increasing pollution level in the area, close monitoring of the released population, and maintaining continuous support and awareness among the public. Considering the ongoing anthropogenic activities that may impair the status of Kuala Gula as an important bird sanctuary, emphasis should be given to achieve sustainable development throughout the area.
Fulltext Preliminary study on colour correction analysis for medical imaging application

Nur Diyana Kamarudin, Siti Noormiza Makhtar, Ahmad Salihin Ahmad Shukeri, Syarifah Bahiyah Rahayu, Suzaimah Ramli

ZULFAQAR International Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 2019;2(1):15-23.
MyJurnal

This paper represents an effective method to enhance colour correction for tongue diagnosis. Colour Correction means exactly that, correcting the colour in image in the post production process. If the task of correcting an image is not in the workflow, it may be missing out on how great the image could look. It is one of the tasks of being a director of photography to get the best image to the colourist that can be. Understanding the camera’s limitation and using that knowledge on set is the first step in getting images that are much easier to correct later in the production workflow. Cameras record three colour responses of Red, Green and Blue (RGB) that are device dependent. In this work, preliminary research on tongue colour correction using polynomial regression algorithm has been implemented on Munsell colour checker for future tongue colour correction and diagnosis. The attained RGB colour space from Munsell Checker image converted to Lab colour space which is device independent colour space based on human visual system that is perceptually uniform. Then, several degrees of polynomial regression method are employed to provide comparative analysis on colour reproduction index to produce good quality of image after colour correction procedure. The experimental outcomes on colour checker show the colour difference is equal to 3.3289, ∆E*ab=3.3289 which is acceptable in digital image colour reproducibility.
Fulltext An investigation into the effect of denture adhesives in limiting the food impaction

Marlynda Ahmad, Dayang Fadzlina Abang Ibrahim, Nur Hafizah Hazmi, Natasya Ahmad Tarib, Kamarul Hisham Kamarudin

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2010;31(2):65-70.
MyJurnal

Aim of the study: To compare the weight of retrieved food accumulated under the dentures base with and without adhesive treatment.

Materials and Method: Each subject was given 32 g of non-salted dry roasted peanuts to chew and swallow. After finishing all the peanuts, the subject was asked to brush their denture using toothbrush and toothpaste without removing the denture from the mouth and rinsed their mouth vigorously with water. The weight of the retrieved peanuts accumulated under the denture base collected, dried, and weighted. All procedures were repeated with denture adhesive.

Results: On average, the mean weight of peanuts particles recovered beneath upper dentures without application of denture adhesive was 51.21 mg which is higher than the mean weight of upper denture with adhesive treatment (35.36 mg). The similar pattern was detected for the lower dentures but at higher mean weight.

Conclusion: Application of denture adhesive significantly reduced the amount of retrieved peanut particles collected under the denture base compared to no-adhesive treatment (p< 0.005).
Fulltext Kajian prevalens kandidiasis melalui lumuran pap lazim di hospital umum Sarawak, Malaysia

Harold Criso Ajin, Mohamed Kamel Abd Ghani, Abdul Hamid Abd Aziz, Ahmad Zorin Sahalan, Norazah Ahmad

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2013;11(1):15-18.
MyJurnal

Kajian ini dilakukan bertujuan untuk menentukan prevalens kandidiasis dalam kalangan wanita yang berumur 20 hingga 59 tahun di Hospital Umum Sarawak melalui pemeriksaan ke atas lumuran Pap lazim. Prevalens jangkitan ini dikaji dalam kalangan lima kumpulan etnik yang utama iaitu kaum Iban, Cina, Melayu, Bidayuh dan Orang Ulu. Penyaringan mikroskopik dijalankan ke atas lumuran Pap lazim sejumlah 300 sampel slaid yang telah diproses dan dicelup menggunakan pencelupan Papanicolaou. Berdasarkan maklumat pada borang permohonan penyaringan lumuran Pap, tanda dan gejala jangkitan diambil kira sebagai petunjuk penting semasa penyaringan kerana melalui tanda dan gejala jangkitan, lumuran Pap mempunyai hubungan yang rapat dengan ciri-ciri gambaran sitomorfologi jangkitan yang berlaku ke atas sel-sel epitelium sekiranya ia mengalami jangkitan. Kategori umur untuk setiap golongan etnik juga dijadikan sebagai salah satu faktor pengukur bagi menilai tahap kekerapan jangkitan. Hasil kajian menunjukkan Candida sp. telah dapat dikesan sebanyak 12.7% daripada jumlah spesimen. Jangkitan berlaku pada kesemua kumpulan etnik dan juga pada kesemua golongan umur 20 hingga 59 tahun. Kesemua kes turut menunjukkan tanda dan gejala jangkitan. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan pentingnya menjalankan ujian penyaringan lumuran Pap bagi mengesan jangkitan kandida di samping sebagai saringan awal pengesanan kanser serviks.
Fulltext Prevalence and determinants of smoking behaviour among the secondary school teachers in Bangladesh

Md Mizanur Rahman, Md Jahirul Karim, Sk Akhtar Ahmad, Mohd. Raili Suhaili, Sharifah Norashikin Wan Ahmad

Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(2):25-32.
MyJurnal

Background Despite country’s tobacco control law, cigarette smoking by the young people and the magnitude of nicotine dependence among the school personnel is alarming.
Objective To determine the prevalence of smoking and to examine the determinants of smoking behaviour among the secondary school teachers in Bangladesh.
Methods A two-stage cluster sampling was used with a selection of schools on Probability Proportional to Enrolment (PPE) size followed by stratified random sampling of government and private schools and then all the teachers present on the day of the survey were selected for the study. The 66-item questionnaire included smoking behaviour, knowledge, attitude, second-hand smoking, tobacco free school policy, cessation, media advertisement and curriculum related topics. Seven additional questions were included to assess the socio-demographic characteristics of the teachers. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 17 software. A total of 60 schools were selected with school response rate of 98.3%. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was filled in by all teachers present at the day of the survey. The sample consisted of 559 teachers with response rate of 99.5%.
Results The prevalence of smoking was 17% (95% CI: 14%, 20.4). About half of the teachers (48.4%) smoke daily followed by 25.3% smoke 1-2 days in last 30 days. The mean duration smoking of was 13.7(95% CI: 11.6, 15.9) years. Logistic regression analysis revealed that male teachers smoke 37.46(95% CI: 5.078, 276.432) times higher than their female counterparts. The graduate teachers were 2.179(95% 1.209, 3.926) times more likely to be smoke than master’s degree holder teachers. Smoking by friends appeared to be the strongest predictor for teachers smoking behaviour (OR 4.789, 95% CI: 1.757, 13.050). However, no statistically significant association was found between type of school, second-hand smoking and curriculum related factors and smoking behaviour of the teachers (p>0.05).
Conclusions Prevalence of smoking among the teachers is high in Bangladesh. Effective smoking prevention program should take into account within the dominant of socio-environmental influence to reduce smoking behaviour. The school curriculum items had less impact in preventing smoking behaviour.
Fulltext The microbiological quality of water from dental unit waterlines in Malaysian Armed Forces dental centres

Ma, Mei Siang, Zalini Yunus, Ahmad Razi Mohammad Yunus, Zukri Ahmad, Haryanti Toosa

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2012;7(1):1-7.
MyJurnal

Abstract Water quality in the dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) is important to the patients and dental health care personnel as they are at risk of being infected with opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas or Legionella species. In this study, a total of 86 samples were collected from DUWLs of 19 dental units in 11 Malaysian Armed Forces dental centres (MAFDC). 350 ml water sample was collected in sterile thiosulphite bags from the outlets of 3–way syringe, high speed handpiece, scaler, cup filler, independent water reservoir or the tap of the same surgery respectively. Samples were transported to the laboratory within 24 hours and kept in the refrigerator at 40C. 100ml of each sample was filtered through a 0.45 μm polycarbonate membrane filter. The filter was then inoculated onto plate count agar and incubated at 370 C for 24 hours, after which the formed colonies were enumerated. Another separate 100ml of water sample was poured onto buffered charcoal yeast extract agar and cetrimide agar to culture Legionnella and Pseudomonas respectively. Identification of these bacteria were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 9.5% of the samples but Legionnella was not detected in any of the samples. 77% of the samples met American Dental Association (ADA) recommendation of less than 200 cfu/ml. The result of this study showed that it is difficult if not impossible to eliminate biofilm from the DUWLs. Regular monitor of water quality from DUWL is required to maximise the health of the dental patients and dental health care personnel.

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