Development and urbanization processes around Terengganu River estuary are expected to release a significant amount of heavy metals into the existing surface sediment. However, information on how and why these metals are attached into specific fraction of sediments is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explain the heavy metal concentration distribution in each available fraction in Terengganu River estuary. In this study, nine surface sediments originated from various human activities area in Terengganu River estuary were collected during four different sampling sessions in 2017. Heavy metal content from the collected sediments were extracted using 3-steps BCR sequential extraction method followed by detection using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and we discovered that the total concentration of arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) ranged from 2.18 to 17.48 mg/kg dry wt., 2.53 to 20.53 mg/kg dry wt., 1.01 to 13.13 mg/kg dry wt., and 6.10 to 65.71 mg/kg dry wt., respectively. Dominance of metals in each fraction can be arranged as follows: As: residual > reducible > exchangeable > oxidizable; Co: residual > exchangeable > reducible > oxidizable; Cu: residual > oxidizable > reducible > exchangeable; Zn: residual > exchangeable > reducible > oxidizable. Availability of metals in the sediment at Terengganu River estuary is limited since that majority of metals resides in non-mobilisable fraction of the sediment. In essence, the sequential extraction provides information regarding the metals’ fractionation, availability and mobility, which could be used in assessing the environmental contamination in the area.
Introduction: Hypertension contributes to major cardiovascular morbidities and mortalities worldwide and medica- tion compliance is crucial in achieving target blood pressure control. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with non-compliance towards anti-hypertensive medication in Malaysia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among hypertensive patients who were attending the medical outpatient department, Hospital Serdang from March until May 2018. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit patients and a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Non-compliance is defined as attaining a score of 26 and below from the Medication Compliance Scale. Data analysis was done using SPSS v. 23. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of medication non-compliance among hypertensive patients. Re- sults: A total of 120 respondents were recruited into this study with a response rate of 60.9%. Mean age of the study respondents was 60.82 ± 11.25 years old. They were predominantly female (60.8%), Malay (58.3%) and attained at least secondary educational level (75.0%). The prevalence of non-compliance towards anti-hypertensive medi- cation was 25%. Multiple logistic regression showed that side effects of medication (OR=5.59; 95% CI=1.29-24.21, p=0.021), traditional medications usage (OR=19.19; 95% CI=3.90-94.45, p=
Wi-Fi is a wireless communication technology that uses specific electromagnetic frequencies. The increasing use of Wi-Fi has raised public concerns about the impact of electromagnetic radiation on the environment and human health. Since the exposure level of the electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation differs between different locations, it is important to measure the strength of the EMF at various locations under observation. This study aimed to obtain specific values related to the radiofrequency and microwave EMF which is described by four specific parameters, that are 1) the frequency of the wave, 2) the electric field strength E, 3) the magnetic field strength H, and 4) the power density S. This study was carried out at the first floor area of Hamdan Tahir Library, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. Mapping of Wi-Fi signal and measurement of Wi-Fi radiation level was performed at four specific locations, that are Laptop zone 1, Laptop zone 2, Computer lab, and Cozy corner. The average radiation level was compared with the ICNIRP standard limit for public user. It was observed that the Wi-Fi signal was highest in Laptop zone 2 followed by Laptop zone 1 which displayed a moderate signal strength. Whereas moderate but lower signal level was detected in Computer lab zone and Cozy corner. The electric and magnetic fields as well as power density were found highest in Laptop zone 1, followed by Laptop zone 2, Cozy corner, and Computer lab. Comparison with standard ICNIRP limit showed that the radiation level is still far below the ICNIRP limit, which is only 2% of exposure level. To conclude, Laptop zone 2 exhibited the strongest Wi-Fi signal whereas Laptop zone 1 displayed the highest radiation level. However, the strength of the electric and magnetic fields as well as power density is still far below the ICNIRP limit.
The increasing use of wireless communication devices, particularly Wi-Fi has raised public concerns on the exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) and its possible effect on human health. As the exposure level of the EMF radiation varies between different locations, measurement of the EMF strength at various locations is vital. In this study, we aimed to measure the EMF exposure which is described by four specific parameters, specifically 1) the frequency of the wave, 2) the electric field strength E, 3) the magnetic field strength H, and 4) the power density S. This study was performed at the second floor in Nurani hostel block in Desasiswa Murni Nurani, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. Mapping of Wi-Fi signal and measurement of Wi-Fi radiation level was performed at four specific locations, that are in a student room, television room, prayer room, and ironing room. The average radiation level was compared with the standard limit set by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). It was observed that the strength of Wi-Fi signal was highest in students’ room followed by television room. Both of these rooms exhibited high signal strength. While moderate but lower signal level was observed in prayer room followed by ironing room. The electromagnetic field and power density were found highest in students’ room, followed by television room, prayer room, and ironing room. Comparison with standard ICNIRP limit showed that the radiation level is still far below the acceptable limit, which is only 2% of the exposure level. To conclude, students’ room exhibited the strongest Wi-Fi signal and the highest radiation level. However, the radiation level especially power density is still far below the ICNIRP limit.
Although the precise etiology of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, WHO grade IV) remains unknown, its progression
is believed to be driven by the accumulation of multiple genetic alterations. Here, we report a case of a patient who
developed GBM, and associated with dual alterations, particularly 4977-bp deletion in mtDNA (mtDNA4977) and
p.Arg132His (R132H) mutation in IDH1. A 35-year old Malaysian woman patient who primary diagnosed with astrocytoma WHO grade I and subsequently after four years developed a GBM, was detected with a mtDNA4977. This
deletion appears to be a sporadic mutation. Additionally, analysis of patient’s tumor tissue also found to harbor a heterozygous IDH1 R132H mutation. This represents the first case report of coexisting mtDNA4977 together with IDH1
R132H mutation in a Malaysian patient of GBM. The findings of dual alterations could be of therapeutic benefit if
these alterations were justified to be contributing to GBM growth and aggressiveness.
Nowadays, probiotic bacteria are extensively used in beverages application to deliver beneficial health effect to the consumer upon ingestion. Different entrapment techniques can be used to maintain the viability of probiotic bacteria during processing as well as during storage of beverage products. Development of artificial microcapsules from entrapment techniques are to support the growth and to provide protection on probiotic cells from unfavorable external conditions that may affect the viability of probiotics in beverages. Techniques that usually applied for probiotic entrapment in beverages are microencapsulation, emulsification, spray drying and extrusion. Biomaterials such as alginate, carrageenan, whey protein, gelatin, chitosan and starch are the most commonly used matrix in entrapment of lactic acid bacteria. Entrapment of probiotic is applied on beverages products such as fruit juice, yoghurt and ice cream
This study investigated the effects of stochastic facilitation in healthy subjects with normal and low auditory working memory capacity (AWMC). Forty healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. They performed a backward recall task (BRT) in quiet and under four white noise intensity levels: 45, 50, 55, and 60 dB. Brain activations during the task were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The behavioral performance in both groups increased significantly in 50 and 55 dB white noise. The normal AWMC group (mean score = 48.70) demonstrated higher activation in the superior temporal gyrus and prefrontal cortex than the low AWMC group (mean score = 30.85). However, comparisons in the brain activation between groups for all noise levels were not statistically different. The results support previous findings that stochastic facilitation enhances cognitive performance in healthy individuals. The results also proposed that brain activity among healthy subjects is more or less similar, at least in the context of auditory working memory. These findings indicated that there were no differential effects of stochastic facilitation in healthy subjects with different AWMC.
Vermicomposting is a process that involves biological, chemical and physical transformations of solid organic materials such as agricultural residues of plant and animal through the use of microorganisms and earthworms. There are three main classes of earthworms, and only those from one class are usually used for vermicomposting. However, mostly foreign earthworms are used in the setup. Foreign earthworms are more expensive and harder to obtain than local earthworms. This makes the local farmers reluctant to try since they are expensive. The difference in vermicompost using two species of epigeic earthworms, a local earthworm and a foreign earthworm (Eisenia fetida), and normal compost without any earthworms was measured in this study. Both species of earthworms were placed in identical vermibeds consisting of partially composted goat manure and partially composted spent coconut flakes (SCF) with the ratio of 5:1 respectively in terms of weight. The vermibed moisture content was maintained at 60 – 70% throughout the whole process. The end products showed a difference from one another. The E. fetida showed a better result compared to the local earthworms in terms of the nutrient content presence and the adaptability of the earthworms during the whole process. However, the end product from the local earthworms was still better compared to the normal compost without any earthworms.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy students to determine
factors influencing their choice of work place and to evaluate whether a one-year
hospital pre-registration training programme had any effect on these choices.
Questionnaires were distributed to graduating students at the School of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The questionnaires were again
sent to the same group of students by post at the end of their pre-registration
training year. The response rate during the follow-up stage was 46%. Results
indicated that students in the survey were more interested in independent and chain
community pharmacies compared to other practice settings. Students’ choices of
first place of practice appeared to be influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic job
factors. Our findings did not show major changes in students’ preferences for
practice sites before and after the hospital pre-registration period. This information
is expected to be useful for pharmacy employers.
Epidermal cyst is the most common type of cyst to occur in subcutaneous tissue. It is usually small, asymptomatic, and solitary in lesion. When the size is greater than 5 cm, it is classified as a giant epidermal cyst. If the size is big, it may sometimes mimic a soft tissue sarcoma, hence requiring further evaluation with imaging or histopathological studies. We report a case series of two patients whom presented with a huge swelling at different body regions, involving gluteal and chest. Both patients underwent different modes of imaging to delineate the anatomical extent of the lesion. Excision biopsy was done and the histopathological report confirmed epidermal cyst with no malignancy. The purpose of this case series is to describe the rare occurrence of giant epidermal cyst and to elaborate the methods of approach to arrive at the diagnosis.
Background: The main mechanism of fenitrothion (FNT) toxicity is by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, though studies have shown that FNT might also develop other toxicological manifestations, including oxidative stress. However, the kidney functions as well as oxidative stress status after repeated exposure to FNT is not well documented. Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the kidney functions and oxidative stress status after exposure to low doses of FNT. Materials and Methods: 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups (n = 8/group): control, which received 1 mg/ml corn oil; FNT 10, which received 10 mg/kg (BW) FNT; and FNT20 which received 20 mg/kg (BW) FNT. The corn oil and FNT were fed orally for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the study, the blood was taken, and the kidney was obtained for biochemistry evaluation and histological observation. Results: The AChE activity was significantly inhibited in the FNT20 group (p≤0.05) compared to the control group and FNT10 and the rats exhibited the signs and symptoms of toxicity such as lacrimation, piloerection, hypoactivity, and tremor. Plasma creatinine and BUN levels showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in FNT treated groups, but the superoxide dismutase and glutathione level were significantly reduced (p≤0.05). The malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl level were elevated significantly (p≤0.05) in FNT treated groups. Histopathological observation revealed morphological changes, including atrophy of the glomerulus and presence of non-amyloid substances in FNT treated groups. Conclusion: Even at the dose that did not inhibit the AChE activity, FNT was found to reduce the renal function and induce oxidative damage on the kidney of male Sprague Dawley rats.
As a biological universal, it is easy to overlook the degree to which culture and religion shape how people sleep, and how quality sleep is conceptualized. In the Western world, sleep hygiene tips are important for an individual to get “a good night’s sleep”. Meanwhile, sleep is also important from an Islamic perspective, which, the Quranand Hadithdiscuss on its types, importance and quality practices. In modern sciences, sleep deprivation is regarded as a significant health issue, however from an Islamic point of view, long sleep hours alone do not determine the efficiency of sleep, but rather it depends on various other factors and follows the sleeping etiquettes of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This narrative review was conducted to highlight sleep from Islamic perspectives in relation to modern sciences. Selected articles discussing sleep from Islamic perspectives and modern sciences were reviewed and summarized. These articles were retrieved from searches of computerized databases and search engines using keywords “Sleep from Islamic perspective”, “Sleep in modern science”, “Sleep hygiene”, “Western world and sleep”, “Sleep deprivation” and “Quality sleep”. A number of six studies were selected (n=6). Analyses found that a productive Muslim sleep routine is divided into three parts; one-third, respectively, for Allah, ourselves and sleep. Sleep hygiene was emphasized and discussed from the Islamic perspectives and the relation with modern sciences: performing ablution and supplicate before sleep, could prepare the body for a deep sleep; dusting the bed before sleep, would get rid of insects that lead to scabies; turning-off lights before sleep to maintain dark environment, could prevent disruption to normal circadian rhythms; early bedtime and early wake-up time, would ensure adequate sleep thus lower the risk of getting chronic diseases; washing the hands after waking-up would get rid of germs accumulated during sleep; and, lying down on the right side is to prevent snoring and to avoid the heart under pressure of the right lung (if lying on the left side). People should not abandon sleep as an important requirement. What has been described in the Quranand Hadith are corresponded with sleep hygiene as identified by modern sleep scientists. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed the importance of sleep for good health, and in the Quran,sleep is described as a blessing from Allah and stressed the importance of the alteration of night and day.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia in children aged six months to fifteen years old treated in a single centre from 2008 to 2018. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among 274 children age six months to fifteen years old, treated in Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from 2008 to 2018. The data was obtained from computerised hospital data (CARE2X), Laboratory Information System (LIS) or medical record. Parents of the eligible participants were called for any incomplete data and verbal consents were obtained. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence whereas the relationship between independent variables with types of anaemia were examined using simple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 22.3%. Among the anaemic children, the predominant morphology form was hypochromic microcytic anaemia (82%) followed with normochromic normocytic anaemia (18%). Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) was found to be the commonest cause (24%) of hypochromic microcytic anaemia, followed by IDA with concomitant thalassaemia (14%) and thalassaemia alone (8%). In simple logistic regression analysis, no significant association was found. Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia was 22.3%, which is considered as moderate public health problem according to WHO. Hypochromic microcytic anaemia was the predominant red cell morphology (82%) and IDA was the commonest causes (24%).
Working at heights has always been a concern for the process industry and construction industry. According to recent statistics, falls from heights are the leading cause for at least a third of all construction accidents, based on the accident reports from Malaysia, United States of America (USA) and Great Britain. Therefore, the aim of this research is to investigate the contributing factors for fatal accidents due to falls from heights based on published official data by government agencies such as Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia and Occupational Safety and Health and Administration (OSHA) in the USA. Thorough risk analysis of accidents due to falls from heights is needed as a step to improve the safety of workers and reduce the number of fatalities. The methodology used was developed through an in-depth literature review from relevant publications that discussed falls from heights investigations ranging from individual characters to management commitment and site conditions. The data is available and accessible to the public via OSHA and DOSH and can be obtained by browsing their websites. The data were analysed based on the relevant understanding of the description mentioned in the accident reports and its relationship with the contributing factors. Eventually, from the analysis, the factors which affect more the numbers of fatal accidents due to falls from heights were obtained. In this study, 105 fatal accidents due to falls from heights from Malaysia data and 101 fatal accidents from USA data were selected through a precise selecting process and analysed to determine which factor was the highest contributor to increasing the number of fatal workplace accidents due to falls from heights. Results indicate that a lack of effective management is the highest contributor to falls from height fatal accidents.
Kajian garis pangkal pengimejan resonans magnet kefungsian (fMRI) telah dijalankan di Jabatan Radiologi, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia ke atas seorang subjek lelaki sihat berumur 25 tahun menggunakan sistem pengimejan resonans magnet (MRI) 1.5 T. Kajian ini menggunakan gerakan jari tangan kanan dan kiri untuk merangsang aktiviti neuron di dalam korteks serebrum. Subjek diarahkan supaya menekan jari-jari pada ibu jari secara bergilir-gilir semasa imbasan kefungsian dilakukan. Paradigma 5 kitar aktifrehat digunakan dengan setiap kitar masing-masing mengandungi 20 siri pengukuran. Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa rantau otak yang aktif akibat gerakan jari adalah girus presentral merangkumi kawasan motor primer. Pengaktifan otak adalah secara kontralateral terhadap gerakan jari tangan kanan dan kiri. Keamatan isyarat keadaan aktif didapati lebih tinggi daripada keamatan isyarat keadaan rehat. Analisis yang dilakukan ke atas beberapa rantau pengaktifan yang diminati (ROI) pada beberapa hirisan menunjukkan perbezaan yang bererti (p < 0.05) antara keamatan keadaan aktif dan rehat untuk nilai ambang statistik (Z) = 1.0 dan 1.5. Perbezaan purata antara kedua-dua purata keamatan isyarat keadaan aktif dan rehat pada manamana hirisan untuk kedua-dua nilai Z menunjukkan magnitud pengaktifan yang lebih tinggi pada hemisfera kanan otak iaitu apabila subjek menggerakkan tangan kirinya. Bilangan voksel yang aktif juga didapati lebih tinggi pada hemisfera kanan berbanding pada hemisfera kiri otak. Keputusan ini menyokong fakta bahawa bagi subjek yang tidak kidal, kawasan pengaktifan motor pada hemisfera kanan otak semasa gerakan jari tangan kiri mengalami rangsangan hemodinamik yang lebih tinggi berbanding dengan hemisfera kiri otak semasa gerakan jari tangan kanan. Fenomena rangsangan hemodinamik yang diperhatikan dalam kajian ini dibincangkan berdasarkan kepada kebergantungan kontras isyarat kepada aras oksigen darah (BOLD).
Kajian garis pangkal pengimejan resonans magnet kefungsian (fMRI) telah dijalankan ke atas 2 orang subjek lelaki sihat (kidal dan tidak kidal) masing-masing berumur 22 dan 25 tahun. Imbasan fMRI dijalankan menggunakan sistem pengimejan resonans magnet (MRI) 1.5 T di Jabatan Radiologi, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Kajian ini menggunakan gerakanjari tangan kanan dan kiri untuk merangsang aktiviti neuron di dalam korteks serebrum. Paradigma 5 kitar aktifIrehat digunakan dengan setiap kitar mengandungi satu blok aktif dan satu blok rehat yang masing-masing mengandungi 10 siri pengukuran. Imej fMRI dianalisis menggunakan pekej perisian MatLab dan pemetaan statistik berparameter 2 (sPM2). Proses pendaftaran jasad tegar menggunakan penjelmaan afin 6 parameter dilakukan ke atas kesemua imej kefungsian berwajaran T2*. Keputusan menunjukkan bahawa pergerakan subjek adalah minimum sama ada dalam arah translasi (< 1 mm) atau putaran (< 1 ). Kesemua imej dinormalkan melalui proses peledingan tak linear menggunakan penjelmaan afin 12 parameter dan didapati sepadan dengan pencontoh yang telahpun mematuhi ruang anatomi piawai. Walau bagaimanapun, bentuk, resolusi dan kontras imej kefungsian telah berubah sedikit berbanding dengan imej asal. Pelicinan imej menggunakan kernel Gaussian isotropik 6 mm menyebabkan data imej lebih bersifat parametrik dengan kehilangan yang ketara dalam resolusi dan kontras. Pengasingan struktur yang dilakukan ke atas imej berwajaran T1 mengklaskan tisu otak kepadajirim kelabu, jirim putih dan bendalir serebrospina. Pasca pemprosesan ruang bagi imej kefungsian dan struktur menjadikan data imej bersifat parametrik dengan taburan jenis Gaussian dan sedia untuk dianalisis menggunakan model linear am dan teori medan rawak Gaussian.
Objective: To determine the construct validity and the internal consistency of the Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) among medical students hence in the future it could be used as a valid and reliable instrument to identify stressors among medical students. Methods: The blueprint for the development of MSSQ was developed after a review of literature on the subject and a discussion with experts in the field. It comprised of 40 items
with six hypothetical groups. The face validity of the questionnaire was established through discussion with 141 final year medical students whereas content validity was established through discussion with experts from field of Medical Education and Psychiatry. It was administered to a total of 761 medical students. Data was analysed using Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12. Factor analysis was applied to test construct validity of the MSSQ. Reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha and item total correlation) was applied to test internal consistency of the MSSQ. Results: The total Cronbach’s alpha value of the MSSQ was 0.95. All the preliminary 40 items were included in the MSSQ as the items had item total correlation value of more than 0.3. The items were loaded nicely into the six pre-determined hypothetical groups as their factor loading values were more than 0.3.
Conclusion: This study showed that MSSQ had good psychometric value. It is a valid and reliable instrument in identifying stressors among medical students.
Objective: To determine the sensitivity, specificity and internal consistency of the Malay version GHQ-12 among medical student population. This study determined the appropriate GHQ-12 score to detect distressed medical students. Methods: The Malay version of GHQ-12 was derived based on two sources which were the original version GHQ-12 and the validated Malay version 30-items GHQ. The GHQ-12 and the Malay version Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were administered to a total of 141 medical students. Distress diagnoses were made based on the Malay version BDI-II. ROC curve analysis was applied to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the GHQ-12 by testing against the BDI-II. Reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha and item total correlation) was applied to test internal consistency of the
GHQ-12. The analysis was done using SPSS version 12.Results: The GHQ-12 sensitivity and specificity at cut-off point of 3/4 was 81.3% and 75.3% respectively with positive predictive value (PPV) of 62.9% as well as area under ROC curve more than 0.7. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the GHQ-12 was 0.85.Conclusion: This study showed the Malay version GHQ-12 is a valid and reliable screening tool in detecting distressed medical students. The
GHQ-12 score equal to or more than 4 was considered as significant distress.
Mortality estimates are important parameters for health monitoring and are routinely used as evidence for health policy and planning. This study aimed to estimate the mortality component of Burden of Disease in Malaysia in 2008. The 2008 mortality data from the Statistics Department were used to estimate cause-specific mortality (by age and sex) in Malaysia. Data were coded using the ICD10 (International Classification of Disease) coding. Calculation of mortality component of Burden of Disease (ie: Years of Life Lost (YLL) was done using the standard Global Burden of Disease Methodology. The total estimated deaths in Malaysia in 2008 were 124,857, of which 72,202 (57.8%) were males. The total years of life lost (YLL) for the Malaysian population in 2008 was 1.51 million in which 0.92 million (60.7%) was among males. Almost three quarter (68%) of the burden of premature deaths resulted from non-communicable diseases, followed by communicable diseases (20%) and injury (12%). Among the top three leading causes of YLL were ischaemic heart disease (17.1%), stroke (9.6%) and road traffic injuries (8.3%). In Malaysia, premature mortality mainly contributed by non-communicable diseases followed by communicable diseases and injury. A multi-agency collaboration is needed to prevent premature death and to improve quality of life.