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  1. Fulltext Challenges issues and future recommendations of deep learning techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection utilising X-ray and CT images: a comprehensive review
    Islam MS, Al Farid F, Shamrat FMJM, Islam MN, Rashid M, Bari BS, et al.
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2024;10:e2517.
    PMID: 39896401 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.2517
    The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has prompted a crucial need for accurate medical diagnosis, particularly in the respiratory system. Current diagnostic methods heavily rely on imaging techniques like CT scans and X-rays, but identifying SARS-CoV-2 in these images proves to be challenging and time-consuming. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) models, specifically deep learning (DL) networks, emerge as a promising solution in medical image analysis. This article provides a meticulous and comprehensive review of imaging-based SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis using deep learning techniques up to May 2024. This article starts with an overview of imaging-based SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, covering the basic steps of deep learning-based SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, SARS-CoV-2 data sources, data pre-processing methods, the taxonomy of deep learning techniques, findings, research gaps and performance evaluation. We also focus on addressing current privacy issues, limitations, and challenges in the realm of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. According to the taxonomy, each deep learning model is discussed, encompassing its core functionality and a critical assessment of its suitability for imaging-based SARS-CoV-2 detection. A comparative analysis is included by summarizing all relevant studies to provide an overall visualization. Considering the challenges of identifying the best deep-learning model for imaging-based SARS-CoV-2 detection, the article conducts an experiment with twelve contemporary deep-learning techniques. The experimental result shows that the MobileNetV3 model outperforms other deep learning models with an accuracy of 98.11%. Finally, the article elaborates on the current challenges in deep learning-based SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and explores potential future directions and methodological recommendations for research and advancement.
  2. Fulltext Negative frequency-dependent selection through variations in seedling fitness due to genetic differentiation of parents' pair in a tropical rainforest tree, Rubroshorea curtisii (Dipterocarpaceae)
    Tani N, Ng CH, Lee SL, Lee CT, Muhammad N, Kondo T, et al.
    Front Genet, 2025;16:1552024.
    PMID: 39981260 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1552024
    INTRODUCTION: The role of syngameons in adaption to microgeographical environmental heterogeneity is important and could be one of the sources of rich species diversity in tropical forests. In addition, negative frequency- or density-dependent selection is one of the major processes contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity.

    METHODS: To assess genetic factors that affect the fitness of seedlings of Rubroshorea curtisii, a dominant canopy tree species in hill dipterocarp forests, the inter- and intra-population genetic structure of individuals from natural populations and individuals at two permanent plots in a hill dipterocarp forest with reproductive stage was studied. Further, a total of 460 seedlings derived from six mother trees in the plot were raised in a nursery, and their pollen donors were identified using genetic marker based paternity assignment. Seed weight, bi-parental genetic relatedness, and bi-parental genetic heterogeneity based on the clustering analysis were used to analyze their effects on seedling fitness.

    RESULTS: A Bayesian based clustering analysis revealed that three genetically distinct clusters were observed in almost all populations throughout the distributional range of the species in Malay Peninsula and provided the optimum explanation for the genetic structure of 182 mature individuals in the plots. The two clusters showed larger genetic differentiation from the ancestral admixture population, but the other one was not differentiated. The bi-parental larger genetic heterogeneity was associated with a significantly higher probability of seedling survivorship, and likewise, higher performance of vertical growth of the seedlings; but the seed weight and genetic relatedness did not significantly affect those.

    DISCUSSION: This evidence suggests that fitter seedlings derived from mating between parents with different genetic clusters contribute to maintaining genetic diversity through negative frequency-dependent selection and may have an important role in adaptation in the tropical forest plant community.

  3. Truancy among School-Going Adolescents in Malaysia and Its Associated Factors: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022
    Alias N, Khaw WF, Nasaruddin NH, Tan L, Muhammad EN, Awaluddin SM, et al.
    Iran J Public Health, 2024 Dec;53(12):2705-2713.
    PMID: 39759204
    BACKGROUND: Truancy is correlated with variety of unfavorable outcomes that can negatively impact adolescents' development and well-being. We investigated the prevalence of truancy and its associated factors among school-going adolescents in Malaysia in 2022.

    METHODS: We used secondary data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022. It is a cross-sectional study with a multistage stratified cluster sampling study design including 32,290 students aged 13 to 17 years old. It utilized the self-administered questionnaire from the validated Malaysian Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS). The associations between the truancy and its associated factors were examined using multivariate logistic regression, a complex sample analysis with sampling weightage.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of truancy was 25.6% (95% CI=24.25, 26.98). In the multivariate analysis, truancy was significantly associated with older age groups (P<0.001), adolescents with separated/ divorced/ widowed parents (P<0.001), those with current any tobacco product use (P<0.001), those with ever drug use (P<0.001), those who have been physically attacked (P<0.001) and being bullied (P<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: Gender, age, parent marital status, and adolescents with risk behavior were associated with truancy. This information may provide evidence for the implementation of effective prevention and intervention strategies to reduce truancy among these school-going adolescents.

  4. Copper(II) complexes of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde Schiff bases: synthesis, in vitro activity and computational studies
    Shah TA, Alam A, Zainab, Khan M, Elhenawy AA, Tajuddin AM, et al.
    Future Med Chem, 2025 Feb;17(3):313-328.
    PMID: 39882766 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2025.2458452
    BACKGROUND: Due to the divers biological applications of Cu(II) complexes, we in this study reports the various Cu(II) complexes. The study aims to synthesize and assess new Cu(II) complexes as powerful β-glucuronidase inhibitors.

    METHODS: Five Schiff base ligands and their complexes were synthesized, characterized, and screened against β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity.

    RESULTS: In the series, compounds 3e, 3c, 2b, and 2c ascribed powerful inhibition ranging from (IC50  = 3.0 ± 0.7 µM) to (IC50  = 19.2 ± 0.8 µM). A precise and particular arrangement of atoms is suggested by the triclinic p-1 space group and the existence of a single molecule in an asymmetric unit, which are indispensable for the reactivity as well as the stability of the compounds. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surface provides information about the hydrogen intermolecular and π-π interactions. Based on molecular docking, binding potency increasing by complexation 3a-e compared to ligands 2a-e as well as reference Saccharic acid and uronic isofagomine inhibitor, suggesting that it may be a potent inhibitor of these receptors.

    CONCLUSION: The work recognizes latent active compounds for novel β-glucoronidase inhibitors, by further support these may be harnessed for the development of potent drugs.

  5. Retraction notice to "Assessing forest fragmentation due to land use changes from 1992 to 2023: A spatio-temporal analysis using remote sensing data" [Heliyon 10 (2024) e34710]
    Hussain K, Mehmood K, Anees SA, Ding Z, Muhammad S, Badshah T, et al.
    Heliyon, 2025 Feb 15;11(3):e42225.
    PMID: 40196778 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42225
    [This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34710.].
  6. Fulltext DK1 Induces Apoptosis via Mitochondria-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines In Vitro
    Hussin Y, Aziz MNM, Che Rahim NF, Yeap SK, Mohamad NE, Masarudin MJ, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2018 Apr 11;19(4).
    PMID: 29641445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041151
    Extensive research has been done in the search for innovative treatments against colon adenocarcinomas; however, the incidence rate of patients remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths in Malaysia. Natural bioactive compounds such as curcumin have been substantially studied as an alternative to anticancer drug therapies and have been surmised as a potent agent but, nevertheless, remain deficient due to its poor cellular uptake. Therefore, efforts now have shifted toward mimicking curcumin to synthesize novel compounds sharing similar effects. A synthetic analog, (Z)-3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-ene-1-one (DK1), was recently synthesized and reported to confer improved bioavailability and selectivity toward human breast cancer cells. This study, therefore, aims to assess the anticancer mechanism of DK1 in relation to the induction of in vitro cell death in selected human colon cancer cell lines. Using the3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay, the cytotoxicity of DK1 towards HT29 and SW620 cell lines were investigated. Acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) dual-staining assay and flow cytometry analyses (cell cycle analysis, Annexin/V-FITC and JC-1 assays) were incorporated to determine the mode of cell death. To further determine the mechanism of cell death, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and proteome profiling were conducted. Results from this study suggest that DK1 induced changes in cell morphology, leading to a decrease in cell viability and subsequent induction of apoptosis. DK1 treatment inhibited cell viability and proliferation 48 h post treatment with IC50 values of 7.5 ± 1.6 µM for HT29 cells and 14.5 ± 4.3 µM for SW620 cells, causing cell cycle arrest with increased accumulation of cell populations at the sub-G₀/G₁phaseof 74% and 23%, respectively. Flow cytometry analyses showed that DK1 treatment in cancer cells induced apoptosis, as indicated by DNA fragmentation and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. qRT-PCR results show significant upregulation in the expression of caspase-9 in both HT29 and SW620 cell lines, further supporting that cell death induction by DK1 is via an intrinsic pathway. These outcomes, therefore, demonstrate DK1 as a potential anticancer agent for colon adenocarcinoma due to its anti-apoptotic attributes.
  7. Fulltext Environmental management on natural lake using sediment and hydrology hydraulic models
    Mohd Khairul Amri Kamarudin, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, Hafizan Juahir, Azman Azid, Muhammad Barzani Gasim, Roslan Umar, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;1(2):9-26.
    MyJurnal
    The hydrology hydraulic model is established to assess environmental information on hydrology which
    can be used to investigate causes of various environmental problems at the river and natural lake
    catchment. This study reports on sediment concentrations at a river using a gravimetric method to
    investigate the hydrology system at a lake catchment. The measurement was carried out at the
    upstream, midstream, and downstream stations on the river in normal, rainy and post-rainy seasons.
    The stations are located along the Chini River, which are connected to a catchment lake (located at
    latitude 3°26’36.41”E-3°27’03.26”E and longitude 102°54’31.94”N-102°53’35.49”N). From the
    measurements, it is estimated that on average 787.621 tonne/km2 of sediment is transferred into the
    natural lake via Chini River annually. The correlation of statistical analysis between the sediment load
    and discharge study was very significant (R2 = 0.980). There is a linear relation between the area of
    the catchment and sediment load of the connecting river as supported by other studies in Malaysia.
    The outcome of the study suggests that the high sedimentation is due to land use activity, existence of
    the dam at the downstream of Chini River that traps the sediment, reverse flow from the Pahang River
    into Chini River and riverbank erosion factors. From this study, the sediment control steps are
    suggested such as creating conservation partially at the lake catchment, modifying the dam system,
    riverbank erosion control, and application of “Monkey Cheek” system. These sediment control steps
    may help to clean up the high suspended sediment at the whole lake system area, hence solving and
    mitigating the environmental problems in the natural lake catchment.
  8. Fulltext MLH1 and MSH2 gene mutations and polymorphisms in six Malay families with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
    Wan Khairunnisa Wan Juhari, Khairul Bariah Ahmad Amin Noordin, Wan Faiziah Wan Abdul Rahman, Andee Dzulkarnaen Zakaria, Ahmad Shanwani Mohd Sidek, Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, et al.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(1):71-78.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) also known as Lynch syndrome is commonly caused by genetic alterations in any of the four mismatch repair (MMR) genes; MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. This is the first study aimed to investigate genetic variants in Malay HNPCC families. Methods: Six Malay HNPCC families who fulfilled any of the Bethesda criteria were recruited into this study. A total of 3 ml of blood was withdrawn from each patient in the families. The samples were further analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of the selected exons of MLH1 and MSH2 genes. Results: Two missense mutations and four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in six patients. These variants in the MLH1 and MSH2 genes were identified in four families who met the revised Bethesda guidelines. In two families, no mutation and polymorphism was identified in both the exon and intron of the respective genes. Of the mutations and polymorphisms identified, five have never been reported in Malay HNPCC families before. A missense mutation was detected in exon 5 of the MLH1 gene, c.394G>C (p.Asp132His) and four mutations and polymorphisms were detected in the MSH2 gene; heterozygous c.211+98T>C and c.211+9C>G and homozygous c.211+98T>C and c.211+9C>G, c.367-86A>C and c.382C>G. Conclusion: The results represented a new spectrum of mutations and polymorphisms in the Malay HNPCC families. However, a larger study involving additional families and analysis is required to determine the impact and nature of the identified mutations and polymorphisms.
  9. A review on thalassemia profile in Malaysia and the challenges of its prevention and control programme
    Buang SN, Diana R, Jaafar S, Muhammad DI, Daud MSM, Jamaluddin J, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2017;17(3):15-26.
    This review aims to profile the disease of thalassemia in Malaysia and to identify the challenges that have kept Malaysia from effectively reducing the birth rate of thalassemia patients. The success of thalassemia prevention programs in some countries have shown that more than 90% of the reduction of cases were achieved by using retrospective screening method (prenatal, premarital, retrospective counselling). However, in Malaysia any impact of the prevention program is yet to be visible, and a reduction in new births of thalassemia patients remains to be seen. The number of patients in the national thalassemia registry (www.mytalasemia.net.my) is increasing over the years from 3588 in 2008 to 4990 in 2010 and to 6624 in 2015. The provision of quality care and disease management imposes a huge economic burden on national health resources, which is why an effective prevention program is urgently needed. For Malaysia to reduce the burden of new thalassemia cases, it is vital to address gaps and limitations of the existing preventive strategies. The screening program has to be integrated into existing primary healthcare settings, promoted to every party including the higher ministry bodies and designed to adapt to the highly diverse local religious and cultural backgrounds. Through continuous support by the government, health care providers and the general public, there is hope that prevention and control of this disease may be achieved in the future.
  10. BTEX compositions and its potential health impacts in Malaysia
    Latif MT, Abd Hamid HH, Ahamad F, Khan MF, Mohd Nadzir MS, Othman M, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2019 Dec;237:124451.
    PMID: 31394440 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124451
    This study aims to determine the composition of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) and assess the risk to health at different sites in Malaysia. Continuous monitoring of BTEX in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Fraser Hill were conducted using Online Gas Chromatograph. For comparison, BTEX at selected hotspot locations were determined by active sampling method using sorbent tubes and Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic and the life-time cancer risk (LTCR) of BTEX were calculated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) health risk assessment (HRA) methods. The results showed that the highest total BTEX concentrations using continuous monitoring were recorded in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (49.56 ± 23.71 μg/m3). Toluene was the most dominant among the BTEX compounds. The average concentrations of benzene ranged from 0.69 ± 0.45 μg/m3 to 6.20 ± 3.51 μg/m3. Measurements using active sampling showed that BTEX concentrations dominated at the roadside (193.11 ± 114.57 μg/m3) in comparison to petrol station (73.08 ± 30.41 μg/m3), petrochemical industry (32.10 ± 13.13 μg/m3) and airport (25.30 ± 6.17 μg/m3). Strong correlations among BTEX compounds (p<0.01, r>0.7) at Kuala Lumpur City Centre showed that BTEX compounds originated from similar sources. The values of HQ at all stations were <1 indicating the non-carcinogenic risk are negligible and do not pose threats to human health. The LTCR value based on benzene inhalation (1.59 × 10-5) at Kuala Lumpur City Centre were between 1 × 10-4 and 1 × 10-5, representing a probable carcinogenic risk.
  11. Fulltext Low cost and room temperature methane detection using multi walled-carbon nanotubes functionalized with octadecanol
    Nurjahirah Janudin, Norli Abdullah, Faizah Md Yasin, Mohd Hanif Yaacob, Muhammad Zamharir Ahmad, Luqman Chuah Abdullah, et al.
    ZULFAQAR International Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 2018;1(2):65-74.
    MyJurnal
    Multi walled-carbon nanotubes (CNT) functionalized with ester was used for detecting methane, CH4 gas at room temperature. Quartz substrate with interdigitated prepatterned gold electrodes was employed as transducers and drop casting method was used to deposit the CNT samples. The electrical properties of the functionalized CNT samples in the presence of CH4 gas were studied and the changes of resistance were recorded using digital multimeter. Concentration of CH4 gas was varied from 0.125 % to 1.0 %. The resistance variation of functionalized CNT increased with the concentration of tested gas. Sensor response of functionalized CNT was improved more than 10 % as compared to pristine CNT. CNT-Ester gives the higher sensitivity due to the presence of ester functional group which act as active site to react with CH4 gas. The fast response of functionalized CNT towards CH4 gas suggested that the functional group enhanced the rate of gas adsorption on sensing layer
  12. Fulltext Carbon nanotubes-based gas sensor in detection of methane gas at room temperature
    Nurjahirah Janudin, Faizah Md Yasin, Norli Abdullah, Mohd Hanif Yaacob, Muhammad Zamharir Ahmad, Raja Nor Izawati Raja Othman, et al.
    ZULFAQAR International Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 2018;1(2):76-84.
    MyJurnal
    Room temperature carbon nanotubes (CNT)-based gas sensor was utilised in detection of methane, CH4 gas. The CNT was functionalized with amide group via Fischer esterification process and labelled as CNT-Amide. Silicon dioxide, SiO2 substrate with interdigitated prepatterned gold electrodes were employed as transducers and drop casting technique was used to deposit the multi walled-CNT samples. The electrical properties of the functionalized CNT samples in the exposure of CH4 gas are studied by recorded the changes of resistance using digital multimeter. Concentration of CH4 gas was varied from 1250 ppm to 10 000 ppm. The changes of electrical resistance of CNT-Amide increases with the concentration of tested gas. Sensor response of functionalized CNT are improved more than 10% as compared to pristine CNT. The sensitivity of CNT-Amide also better than CNT-Carboxyl due to the presence of nitrogen element in amide functional group which chemically active to react with CH4 gas. Additionally, fast response of CNT-Amide towards CH4 gas suggested that the functional group enhanced the rate of gas adsorption on sensing layer.
  13. Fulltext Evaluation of ampicillin, vancomycin, and gentamycin antibiotic resistant among lactobacillusisolates
    Rozila Alias, Karunageran, Thivyah, Maimunah Mustakim, Siti Nurfatehah Kamal, Siti Hasmah Mohtar, Siti Rahayu Hassan, et al.
    Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2019;7(2):104-111.
    MyJurnal
    Antibiotic resistance is an ever
    increasing in worldwide problem nowadays. It is happened when t he exten-
    sive use of antibiotics which will creates the selective pressure resulting from mutation of normal genes and
    spreading of a variety of an antimicrobial resistance. Uses of Lactobacillus as probiotics or in starter cul-
    tures may serve as hosts of antibiotic resistance genes, which could be transfer or resistance to multiple an-
    tibiotics. Therefore it is important to screen the susceptible or resist ance towards antibiotics which will not
    tr ansferable resistance genes. In the recent study, a total of 3 7 strains of Lactobacillus species isolated from
    various milk and dairy products such as goat ’s milk, cattle ’s milk , human ’s milk , homemade yogurt and
    commercial yogurt were examined for the a ntibiotic p rofile using Kirby Bauer method . The results of this
    study show that human’s milk has a high number of Lactobacillus isolates resistant to ampicillin (75%),
    vancomycin (62.5%) and gentamycin (62.5%). Whereas Lactobacillus isolated from cattle’s milk have re-
    sistant to ampicillin (42.1%), vancomycin (42.1%) and susceptible to gentamycin (0%). But however,
    goat’s milk stil l has lower percentage number of resistant to ampicillin (28.0%), vancomycin (14.3%) and
    are susceptible to gentamycin (0%). These results indicate that ampicillin and vancomycin resistant seems
    to be very common among Lactobacillus isolates bu t g entamyci n are still susceptible used. Vancomycin
    resistant are more concerned because of the emerging problem in hospital and often described as one of the
    last resorts against the infection caused by multidrug resistant pathogens. Therefore, lactobacilli as probi ot-
    ics would be more monitor ing when applied in food industry and clinical especially for immune
    compromised patients or during anti biotherapy. Acquisition and retransfer of resistance genes should be
    addressed in the new safety aspects of probiotics uses.
  14. Fulltext Distribution of plant species with potential therapeutic effect in area of the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kuala Pilah campus
    Rosli Noormi, Raba’atun Adawiyah Shamsuddin, Anis Raihana Abdullah, Hidayah Yahaya, Liana Mohd Zulkamal, Muhammad Amar Rosly, et al.
    Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2020;8(2):48-57.
    MyJurnal
    Knowledge of species richness and distribution is decisive for the composition of conservation areas. Plants typically contain many bioactive compounds are used for medicinal purposes for several disease treatment. This study aimed to identify the plant species distribution in area of UiTM Kuala Pilah, providing research scientific data and to contribute to knowledge of the use of the plants as therapeutic resources. Three quadrat frames (1x1 m), which was labeled as Set 1, 2 and 3 was developed, in each set consists of 4 plots (A, B, C and D). Characteristics of plant species were recorded, identified and classified into their respective groups. Our findings show that the most representative classes were Magnoliopsida with the total value of 71.43%, followed by Liliopsida (17.86%) and Lecanoromycetes (10.71%). A total of 28 plant species belonging to 18 families were identified in all sets with the largest family of Rubiaceae. The most distribution species are Desmodium triflorum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Flavoparmelia caperata, Xanthoria elegans and Phlyctis argena. Most of the plant possesses their potential to treat skin diseases, fever, ulcers and diabetes as well as digestive problems with their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study suggests that study site and plant species can be delineated as an important area to preserve these therapeutic resources. Finally, this study could also be useful for preliminary screening of potential therapeutic plant found in the study area and useful for the researchers in the pursuit of novel drug discovery.
  15. Fulltext Sodium intake among normotensive health staff assessed by 24-hour urinary excretion: a cross-sectional study
    Rashidah, A., Yeo, P.S., Noor Ani, A., Muhammad Fadhli, M.Y., Tahir, A., Feisul Idzwan, M., et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2014;20(3):317-326.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: High sodium consumption over an extended period of time has been associated with hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, renal damage, and other adverse health effects. This study aimed to determine urinary sodium excretion and consequently estimate dietary sodium consumption among normotensive health staff in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to acquire data on sodium excretion among normotensive Ministry of Health staff aged 20 - 56 years (mean age 35.08, SD 9.78) in 14 states and a research institute. Respondents were recruited using quota sampling. Data collection was conducted from December 2011 to February 2012. A single urine sample was collected over 24 hours for sodium concentrations and calculated as 95.0% of total daily sodium intake. Results: Among the 471 enrolled respondents, 445 (94.0%) provided complete information on socio-demography and urine samples. Mean urine sodium excretion was 142.0 mmol/day (SD 71.7), which is equivalent to 3429 mg sodium/day or 8.7 gm of salt intake (1.75 teaspoon, which exceeds the Malaysian recommendation of 2000 mg sodium/day by 1.7 times. About 79.0% (n=353) of respondents (88.0% male and 73.0% female) had daily sodium consumption that was above the recommendation. Excretion was significantly higher among males at 161.7 mmol/day (SD 78.1) (3726 mg sodium/day) than females, 125.3 mmolfday (SD 61.1) (2875 mg/day). There was a positive, low correlation between BMl and sodium intake (r=0.216, p
  16. Fulltext Development of clinical pathway for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia to quantify cost of age-related cognitive disorders in Malaysia
    Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Namaitijiang Maimaiti, Zafar Ahmed, Amrizal Muhammad Nur, Norashidah Mohamed Nor, Normazwana Ismail, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(3):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    As the Malaysian population ages, the burden of age-related cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease will increase concomitantly. This is one of the sub-study under a research project titled by quantify the cost of age-related cognitive impairment in Malaysia, which was undertaken to develop a clinical pathway for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Dementia. The clinical pathway (CP) will be used to support the costing studies of MCI and Dementia. An expert group discussion (EGD) was conducted among selected experts from six (6) government hospitals from different states of Malaysia, Ministry of Health, and United Nations University, International Institute for Global Health, UKM and UPM. The expert group includes psychiatrist specialists and public health medicine specialists. A total of 15 participants took part in the EGD. The group was presented with the different approach in managing MCI and Dementia. Finally, the group came to the consensus agreement on the most appropriate and efficient ways of managing the two conditions. In the EGD, an operational definition for MCI and Dementia was agreed upon and a pathway was developed for the usual practice in the Malaysian health system. A typical case used, as a reference is a 60-year-old patient referred to a memory clinic with complaint of “forgetfulness”. After three outpatient visits in the clinic, the diagnosis of MCI and Dementia could be clinically established. The clinical pathways covered all active clinical and non-clinical management of the patient over a period of one year. The experts identified the additional resources required to manage these patients for the whole spectrum of lifetime based on the expected life expectancy. The Clinical pathway (CP) for MCI and Dementia was successfully developed in EGD with strong support from practitioners in the health system. The findings will help the researchers to identify all-important clinical activities and interventions that will be included in the costing study.
  17. Fulltext Peoples expectations from healthcare providers - a Turkish perspective
    Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo, Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Seher Nur Sulku, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Zafar Ahmed, Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2013;13(2):88-97.
    MyJurnal
    There is high expectation from the population on part of the healthcare providers. These include; skilful and timely medication administration; and knowledge, honesty, listening skills, availability and professional attitude. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the expectation of population with regards to the healthcare providers in Turkey. A cross- sectional study was conducted in Turkey, including both rural and urban population, carried out from October 2011 till January 2012. A total of 540 household heads were selected using multistage random sampling technique. Data was collected using modified self-administered 16-items QUOTE (Quality of Care Through the Patients’ Eyes) questionnaire. The questionnaire measures communication/ accessibility, organizational skills and professional skills. The response rate was (77.1%) and data was analyzed by using SPSS version 16.0. All the aspects measured using QUOTE questionnaire were found to be important by the majority of respondents, but with varying degrees of priority. The quality aspects related to the professional skills of physicians was ranked first followed by communication/ accessibility and last but not the least is the organizational skills of health care providers. This study explored the Turkish people priorities and expectations regarding healthcare providers. The public priorities and expectation were different across population. This may reflect the need to understand people's expectations before providing the services to avoid complaints that may occur after the services have been rendered.
  18. Fulltext Health system reform from the people's point of view: development of reliable and valid questionnaire
    Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo, Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Seher Nur Sulku, Sami Abdo Radman Al-Dubai, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Zafar Ahmed, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2013;13(2):65-76.
    MyJurnal
    Health system reform has been a major concern for different countries. The aim of this research was to develop a reliable and valid questionnaire suitable to assess the consequences of health reform process from people's perspective. An extensive literature review used to extract a set of statements as possible indicators for health system reform. Expert panel used to determine the content validity rate (CVR) and the content validity index (CVI). The first version produced in Turkish language and pre-piloted with 20 heads of household. Qualified committee used to translate the Turkish version to English version. Group of eighteen academics and graduate students recruited to tests both versions for parallel test validity. The construct validity of the questionnaire was determined using principal components analysis with Varimax rotation method (PCA). Internal consistency and questionnaire's reliability were calculated by Cronbach's alpha and the test–retest reliability test. A 17- items questionnaire was developed through the qualitative phase. The Bartlett's test was significant (p < 0.001), and the KMO value (0.842) showed that using principal component analysis (PCA) was suitable. Eigenvalues equal or higher than 1 were considered significant and chosen for interpretation. By PCA, 4 factors were extracted (accessibility, attitude and preference, quality of care and availability of resources) that jointly accounted for 85.2% of observed variance. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient showed excellent internal consistency (alpha=0.97), and test-retest of the scale with 2-weeks intervals indicated an appropriate stability for the scale (Intra-class coefficient = 0.96). The findings showed that the designed questionnaire was valid and reliable and can be used easily to assess the consequences of health reform process by comparing the situation before and after the reform from people's perspective.
  19. Self-healing epoxy coating synthesis by embedment of metal 2-methyl imidazole and acetylacetonate complexes with microcapsules
    Ullah H, Qureshi KS, Khan U, Zaffar M, Yang YJ, Rabat NE, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2021 Dec;285:131492.
    PMID: 34273691 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131492
    The restoration of mechanical properties is desired for creating the self-healing coatings with no corrosion capabilities. The encapsulation of epoxy resins is limited by various factors in urea and melamine formaldehyde microcapsules. An improved method was developed, where epoxy resin was encapsulated by individual wrapping of poly(melamine-formaldehyde) and poly(urea-formaldehyde) shell around emulsified epoxy droplets via oil-in-water emulsion polymerization method. The synthesized materials were characterized analytically. The curing of the epoxy was achieved by adding the [Ni/Co(2-MI)6].2NO3 as a latent hardener and iron acetylacetonate [Fe(acac)3] as a latent accelerator. Isothermal and non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetric analysis revealed lower curing temperature (Tonset = 116 °C) and lower activation energies (Ea ≈ 69-75 kJ/mol). The addition of microcapsules and complexes did not adversely alter the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the epoxy coatings. The adhesion strength of neat coating decreased from 6310.8 ± 31 to 4720.9 ± 60 kPa and percent healing increased from 50.83 to 67.45% in the presence of acetylacetonate complex at 10 wt% of microcapsules.
  20. Fulltext Environmental Literacy, Attitude and Practice among Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Health Science Students
    MUHAMMAD IKRAM A. WAHAB, PRITHINA RAJENDRAN, SITI HAZIMAH AYU ISMAIN, ANIS NAJWA HARUN, NUR ‘AFIFAH NAJWA MOHD PAUZI, KHAIRATUL FARHANA MD RODZI, et al.
    Buletin Sains Kesihatan, 2021;5(1):36-42.
    MyJurnal
    This research was conducted to study the level of environmental literacy, attitude and behaviour of students in the Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM. A Google Form consisting of four sections: Demographic Information, Environmental Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Challenges were distributed to students. Each section was scored based on the right answers given by the students. In this study, it was found that Nutritional Science Program students had the highest environmental knowledge, while Dietetics students practised the highest environmental attitude among the other courses. The second objective revealed a positive correlation r = 0.297; p < 0.05 between environmental knowledge and attitude among the students. However, this is a weak correlation, which means that students with higher levels of knowledge do not tend to have higher attitudes and vice versa. Students' main challenges to practice good environmental behaviour are lack of knowledge in the correct way of practising those behaviour. Poor legal enforcement is the second most reason why students take environmental issues for granted. Last but not least, the environmental challenges are directly proportional to the environmental attitude. In other words, when environmental challenges increase, the environmental attitude decreases. In conclusion, students' attitude towards the environment may always improve depending on their individual effort to contribute to a better environment.
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