Foot problems are very common in diabetic patients but may go unnoticed by the patients and
undiagnosed by the healthcare providers leading to substantial morbidity and amputations. The aims of this study were to assess patient’s foot care practices, awareness on their foot condition as well as to determine the prevalence of diabetic foot problem and its associated factors. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among diabetic patients in a primary care clinic in Kuala Lumpur. Patients with diabetes, aged more than 18 years were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Patients were requested to answer a set of self-administered pre-tested questionnaire that obtain information on their socio-demographic profiles, diabetic clinical data, awareness on their feet condition and foot care practice. A trained clinician examined patients’ feet using a standard foot examination protocol. Results: A total of 166 patients with diabetes participated in this study. Nearly half of the patients (70, 42.2%) had diabetic foot problem but only 31 (18.7%) of them were aware of their foot condition. The three common problem were trophic changes of the skin (92.8%), followed with hair loss (71.1%) and callosity (65.7%). The independent associated factors for foot problem were increasing age (AOR=1.05, 95% CI 1.015-1.095; p
Al Quran and Al Hadith are not book of sciences, but books of Divine guidance which can be referred to inspire in understanding things including the scientific nature of creation. This study was performed to compile the Quranic verses (Juz 16-30) and Hadith of Sahih Muslim which are related to visual function with scientifically proven facts. Five keywords were chosen based on the process of seeing which were “light”, “eye/eyes” and “sight” and the synonyms of sight which were “vision” and “see”. Search engine, Search Truth was used to help gather the verses and hadiths comprising the keywords. Cross reference with the original copy of the Holy Quran and book of Sahih Muslim was done to ensure the authenticity of the Quranic verses and hadiths. Existing scientific facts regarding the revelation were then gathered to support the findings.There were 377 Quranic verses (Juz 16-30) containing the words “light”, “eye/eyes” and “sight” (and its synonyms). Out of this, only 6 Quranic verses have relation to visual function and have been scientifically proven. For hadith of Sahih Muslim, there were 1285 hadiths containing the words “light”, “eye/eyes” and “sight” (and its synonyms). Out of 1285 hadiths only 8 hadiths of Sahih Muslim found to have relation to visual function and has scientifically proven facts.
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to six months is internationally recommended due to its benefits for both maternal and infant health. However, the rate of EBF in Malaysia is still below the desirable levels. This study examined the prevalence of EBF and assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and determinants of breastfeeding among Malay mothers in Ampang, Selangor. Ninety-two Malay subjects who breastfed healthy children aged six to 36 months, were included in this study. Data were collected by dual-language, self-administered questionnaire (which included Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, IIFAS), to determine KAP of mothers towards breastfeeding. Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and environmental factors related with EBF were also assessed. Linear logistic regression model was used to identify factors that may determine breastfeeding for six months (exclusively) and beyond. A total of 28% of the subjects practised EBF up to six months, 39% less than six months, and 33% continued BF beyond six months. The mean IIFAS total score was 66.1 ± 8.11, which ranged between Neutral and Positive towards Breastfeeding Practice attitudes. Higher IIFAS score is related to intended and actual exclusive
breastfeeding. Several variables were significantly related to breastfeeding for six months (exclusively) and beyond. This included maternal age of 30 years or more (OR:3.26, 95% CI:1.27–8.38); higher socioeconomic status (OR:8.50, 95% CI:1.76–41.06); higher educational level (OR:5.21, 95% CI:1.66–16.34); multi-parity (OR:3.15, 95% CI:1.17–8.47); nonworking status (OR:3.81, 95% CI:1.02–14.3); support from spouse (OR:2.39, 95% CI:1.01–5.65); availability of private rooms for breastfeeding at workplace (OR:4.30, 95% CI:1.77–10.63); and child birth place (OR:2.54, 95% CI:1.08–5.98). The right maternal knowledge and attitude play crucial roles in the success of breastfeeding. Hence, more health promotion is needed. Supports from spouse,
workplace, and hospital staff after delivery, are also essential to improve EBF statistics in Malaysia.
World Health Organization (WHO) estimated over 100 million dengue infections to happen annually worldwide involving more than 2.5 billion people. Temephos or abate is a larvicide that has been used in vector control to eradicate mosquito larvae. Though practically low risk, there had been resistance problem reported with continuous use. This study seeks to find an effective and safer alternative to abate by assessing the use of ethanolic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves as larvicidal agent against Aedes aegypti. M.koenigii leaves were macerated for 3 days with absolute ethanol and evaporated using rotary vapor to produce the crude extract. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical screening using standard qualitative method. For bioassay, the crude
extract underwent a serial dilution to produce 3 concentrations of 100 ppm (C1), 50 ppm (C2) and 10 ppm (C3) with abate and absolute ethanol as negative and positive control respectively. Bioassay for larvicidal effect was conducted in accordance to WHO standard method. Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract of M. koenigii leaves revealed the presence of alkaloid, steroid and saponin. The bioassay shows that after 24 hours, the mortality rate of C1, C2 and C3 larvae were 100%, 38% and 0% and when further extended to 48 hours, the rate increased to 100% and 46% for C2 and C3 respectively. The LC50 and LC99 post 24 hours were 54.489 ppm and 93.961 ppm respectively whilst at post 48 hours, the LC50 and LC99 were 10.263 ppm and 16.176 ppm respectively. The results show that up to 48 hours duration of exposure, the mortality
rate increase whilst the lethal concentration (LC50 and LC99) decreases. Upon examination on larvae deformities at post 24 and 48 hours, all test concentrations and negative control exhibit normal morphology. Positive control, however, exhibit deformities characterized by twisted and fragmented insides. When statistically analyzed, C1 larvicidal activity was proven comparable with abate at 24 hours while C2 needed 48 hours exposure to be on par. Based on the results, it could be argued that the ethanolic extract of M.koenigii leaves does hold promising value to be further developed as larvicidal.
Religious fasting is an act of refraining oneself from eating and drinking beginning at dawn until sunset. The changes in meal time and long period of meal constraint may influence the tear quality and ocular surface. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of daily religious fasting on tear film characteristics and ocular surface integrity. This is a prospective study involving 29 eyes from 29 healthy participants. The tear film characteristics were assessed by measuring the non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), total tear secretion, and
fluorescein ocular surface staining method was used to determine the ocular surface integrity. The measurements were performed in the morning (8.00 to 10.00 a.m.) and evening (4.00 to 6.00 p.m.) during each non-fasting and fasting period. The results showed no statistically significant difference noted for all parameters measured in the morning when comparison was made between non-fasting and fasting periods. Conversely, in the evening, NITBUT value was significantly lower during fasting period, (p = 0.001), but, TMH, total tear secretion and ocular surface staining revealed no significant differences between non-fasting and fasting periods. Our study revealed
that daily religious fasting only significantly reduced the NITBUT value in the evening which possibly due to dehydration; however, it did not affect TMH, total tear secretion and ocular surface integrity. The absence of fluid loading at pre-dawn meal could be the reason of non-noticeable differences noted in the morning
Non destructive testing (NDT) is a procedure to assess the internal components without
disassembling the outer components. Industrial imaging uses high energy x-rays to penetrate materials while x-rays used in medical imaging has exposure limitation. The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimum technical factors (kVp, mAs, and SID) used in medical imaging Computed Radiography (CR) system suitable for industrial imaging application to inspect lead acid battery. Methods: Lead acid battery is exposed to radiation with predetermined technical factors utilized in medical imaging. The kVp, mAs, and SID are varied throughout the experiment. The optimum technical factors obtained are further used to expose the battery at six different angles for inspection of lead plates. The sizes of lead plates are measured using imageJ software and the measured length is compared to the actual sizes of lead plates. Results: At 15 mAs, two values with the smallest difference to the original size of the lead plates are produced which is at 75 kVp and 125 kVp. Based on the technical factors used in this experiment, it is concluded that 15
mAs is the optimal mAs that can be used to provide the measurement with the least difference when compared to the original size of the lead plates. All measurement with the smallest difference when compared to the original sizes of lead plates are obtained at 125 kVp which is 4.19 cm (plate C when mAs at 5), 4.23 cm (plate C when mAs at 10), and 4.23 cm (plate C when mAs at 15). This indicates that 125 kVpis suitable to be used for inspection. The accurate measurement of lead plates is achieved when 100 cm SID is used. When exposed, white lead sulphate is seen coating the lead plates. Conclusion: X-rays used in medical imaging can be applied in industrial imaging for lead acid battery inspection as it also possess high energy and penetrating power.
Many studies had been carried out on breast cancer awareness and the practice of breast
self-examination (BSE). However, few studies had been conducted on the level of knowledge of breast cancer and the adoption of BSE amongst female undergraduate students. Even though, younger women have lower breast cancer incidence but younger women tend to have more aggressive cancer type and possibly present breast cancer at an advance stage. Therefore, it is best to start BSE at an early age especially in the high risk group because it will help in early detection of breast cancer. As such, this study aims to ascertain the level of knowledge of breast cancer and stage of adoption of breast selfexamination (BSE) among female undergraduate students of the Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A crosssectional study was carried out on 262 randomly selected female undergraduate students from KAHS, IIUM Kuantan. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire through a given link. Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.4 years. Approximately 78% of the respondents’ overall knowledge of breast cancer was fair. The knowledge on risk factors for breast cancer among respondents was a mere 48.42%. The majority of the respondents (84%) have heard about BSE. However, only half of the respondents knew how to perform BSE. Further, approximately 60% of respondents were at the pre-contemplation and contemplation stage for adoption of BSE. A significant relationship was found between knowledge of BSE and stage of adoption of BSE. Conclusion: The study found the majority of respondents have a fair knowledge on breast cancer and that knowledge of BSE is related to the stage of adoption of BSE.
As one of the radiation personnel, diagnostic radiographers are responsible to ensure measures related to radiation protection are taken appropriately. However, the awareness towards radiation protection and safety were insufficient and there is a need to improve the radiation protection culture (RPC) among radiographers. Therefore, this paper aims to integrate the Islamic Perspectives in radiation fundamental safety principles which are related to diagnostic radiographer’s responsibility. Later, is to highlight the application of integrating the Islamic perspectives towards improving RPC among Muslim radiographers. Out of the 10 safety principles, radiographers are able to directly contribute in six principles which are the responsibility for safety, justification of facilities and activities, optimisation of protection, limitation of risk, protection of oneself and others as well as future generations, and prevention of accidents. The Islamic perspectives related to those principles were taken from Al-Quran, hadith and Maqasid al-Shariah. They are related to the concept of responsibility, beneficence, justice, moderation (al-wasatiyyah), do no harm, protection of life and prevention from harm from the Islamic perspectives. In order to improve RPC, education and training of the involved professionals as well as adequate communication are important. Incorporating Islamic perspectives of radiation safety principles during the training session and constantly reminding the Muslim radiographers of those Islamic perspectives through poster display can be done. It is hopeful that by realizing the principles
of radiation safety are in line with the teaching of Islam, Muslim radiographers will be more involved
in the RPC programmes in the department.
There are increasing numbers of medical imaging apps available on smart devices nowadays. However, knowledge about the usefulness of medical imaging apps among medical imaging students is rather limited. Methods: 38 medical imaging students of the International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM) completed a validated online questionnaire that is formulated to
investigate the awareness, usage and perception about medical imaging apps installed in the smart devices. The students’ preference regarding the characteristics, features as well as areas and domains of medical imaging to be incorporated into future medical imaging apps were also dipped into. Results:The majority of the students, 24 (63.2%) were aware about the existence medical imaging apps nevertheless, only 14 (58.3%) among them had experienced using medical imaging apps. Most students reported positive responses towards the perceptions and usability of the apps. The students had also addressed a number of preferred characteristics, features as well as areas and domains of medical imaging to be integrated into medical imaging apps. Conclusions: There is low appreciation towards medical imaging apps among the students as depicted by the awareness, frequency and experience in its usage. However, they portrayed positive acceptance towards future usage of the apps evaluated from their opinion regarding the perception, usability and preferences towards the content of medical imaging apps. The preferences of the respondents have been identified as revealed by their opinions regarding the most preferred areas (MRI, CT, X-ray) and domains (imaging procedure, anatomy, image quality).
The purpose of the study was to assess the size for both kidneys based on the position of
patient during ultrasonography examination. Normal renal size measurement is very important to evaluate in determining a healthy kidney. Method: Thirty volunteers, consist of 15 males and 15 females were involved in this study. The patients were scanned in supine, oblique, and prone position. The readings were repeated for three times for each position. Results: The mean length of kidney in supine, oblique and prone were 99.03 mm, 96.32 mm and 95.94 mm, respectively. Meanwhile, the mean width of kidney were 44.30 mm, 44.31 mm and 46.65 mm, respectively. The renal length measurement in prone position was statistically significant with p = 0.023 (p < 0.05), while the renal width measurement in oblique and prone position were statistically significant with p = 0.006 and p = 0.009 respectively. Conclusion: This research emphasised the importance of investigating the different types of position of patient during the ultrasound scanning. The importance mentioned were the reduction of scanning time for patient and cost- effectiveness
of the procedures. Besides, it also gave accurate result for the renal measurement.
Trauma patients presented to emergency department usually come with spinal immobilization device as a precaution and initial pre-management care by emergency medical personnel. These types of patients are at higher risk for suspected cervical fractures and internal injuries. The use of cervical collar raises some issues on radiation dose to the patient and image quality.
Therefore, the use of cervical collar in routine trauma patients is questioned by researchers. The
purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of cervical collar on entrance surface dose, exit surface dose and image quality. Methods: Siemens Multix Top CR System and Kyoto Kagaku PBU-50 Body Phantom was used. The phantom was positioned supine on the table couch and was exposed with and without cervical collar. An Anteroposterior (AP) Axial cervical projection was performed and the phantom was also exposed with and without Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) to study the effects on radiation dose and image quality. The dose reading was recorded in all exposures and compared. Images obtained were analyzed for Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Results: Lower entrance dose was recorded with cervical collar when the AEC was disabled during the exposure and the results were vice versa when the AEC was enabled. Higher exit dose was calculated when cervical collar was applied to the phantom. Greater signal to noise ratio (SNR) was observed with cervical collar. Conclusions: This study concluded that cervical collar adds to exit dose and without any impact on image quality. The entrance surface dose recorded with cervical collar and AEC disabled was lower compared to when it was removed. However, the entrance surface dose recorded with cervical collar and the AEC enabled was higher compared to when it was removed.
Hyperphosphatemia is the key abnormality that sets off a cascade of metabolic events in chronic kidney disease (CKD). End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients that undergo Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) uses the peritoneal membrane for solutes filtration and clearance. The differences on the evaluation of peritoneal membrane transport status can affect the rate of toxin removal – serum phosphorus, from the systems. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of CAPD patients presented with high phosphate level after starting the treatment, to identify the risk factors associated with hyperphosphatemia and to find the significant correlation between the phosphate level and the PET characteristics. A retrospective study was
applied for this research where the medical records of patients were reviewed and analyzed between January 2011 to December 2016. Data were collected successfully from 74 adult CAPD patients (41 male, 55.4% and 33 females, 44.6%), with mean age of 51.34 ± 13.75 year-old. In this study, Malays (n= 65, 87.8%) are the largest subjects recruited, while Chinese (n= 6, 8.1%) and Indians (n= 3, 4.1%) made the rest of the subjects. PET characteristics of CAPD patients showed 11 patients had high characteristic (14.9%), 24 high average (32.4%), 26 low average (35.1%) and 5 low (6.8%). There were 37 CAPD patients (50%) presented with high phosphate level after starting the treatment. Simple linear regression revealed that age (p = 0.0052), serum calcium (p= 0.0090), serum albumin (p = 0.0244), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) (p =0.0126), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (p = 0.0012), total creatinine clearance (p =0.0470), residual renal creatinine clearance (p = 0.390) and 24-hours urine volume output (p = 0.0060) were risk factors associated with hyperphosphatemia. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed there was no significant correlation between phosphate level and PET characteristics (r = -.232, p = 0.070) while there was significant correlation between PET characteristics and peritoneal solute clearance (r = 0.4748, p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum phosphate level may be associated with daily dietary intake, metabolism and dialysis adequacy. There was no correlation between serum phosphate level and PET characteristic suggesting the rate of the toxin removal might not been affected by the
differences on peritoneal membrane characteristics suggesting a further understanding on transport status in terms of its mechanism of toxin removal
The aim of this study was to assess picky eating behavior existence among university students. This was an observational cross sectional study design. The sample size was calculated by using single proportion formula based on the adult prevalence of picky eating of 28.7 % which gives a sample of ~ 324 students. However, 407 students online registered to participate out which 403 students responded. A set of questionnaire was posted online. The questionnaire contained three sections which are demographic information, determinants of picky eating behavior and normal eating behaviors. Furthermore, the students were categorized as non-picky eating behavior, moderate picky eating behavior, and extreme picky eating behavior. The statistical analysis
carried out was mainly descriptive in order to determine the extent of picky eating behavior among the university students. Student t-test was used to find the differences between picky and non-picky eaters in terms of eating behaviors. Among the students possessing non picky eating behavior, moderate picky eating behavior and extreme picky eating behavior were 168 (41.69%), were 130(32.26%), 105(26.05%) respectively. On overall basis 235(58.31 %) of the students were having picky eating behavior. The present study revealed that picky eating behavior exists among the university students which need to be addressed.
University students tend to be more concerned on their body image and body shape concerns because of the surrounding The present study was conducted among undergraduate students at
the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan with the aim to identify the body image
perceptions, body shape concerns and weight loss behaviors. Methods: A total of 135 participants
comprising of 50 male and 85 female undergraduate students were recruited from six Kulliyyah in IIUM Kuantan. The Contour Drawing Rating Scale, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16) and Weight Loss Behavior Scales (WLBS) were used as assessment tools. Results: The result showed 73.3% of students had normal BMI status, 6.7% were underweight and the remaining were overweight or obese. More than 50% of the participants were somewhat concern about their body shape. In addition, more than half of the participants (54.8%) were dissatisfied with their body image and had desired to be thinner. The most preferred weight loss behavior among the participants was exercise compared to other weight loss approaches. The result shows that concerns to dieting and weight have a significant association with BMI status. Meanwhile, body shape concerns are found to be significantly associated with concern to dieting and weight, as well as avoidance of fatty and sweet foods. However, there was no association between body shape concerns and exercise. Conclusion: Based on the findings, more tailored intervention programs that lead to healthy body image and weight loss behavior are needed among young adults.
Pregnancy is a crucial period for mothers to ensure proper weight gain and adequate nutrients intakes. This is important for healthy fetal growth. There are increasing numbers of maternal milk supplements which claimed to provide the essential nutrients that are needed during pregnancy such as iron, folic acid, and docohexanoic acid. The current study was conducted to assess the practice of maternal milk supplements (MMS) intake among pregnant women in Kuantan, Pahang, whether or not its consumption plays a role in meeting the requirements for total energy and
nutrients intakes. Questionnaires regarding intake of MMS were distributed to 150 subjects to observe the practice of its consumption. A total of 54 subjects (from 2nd and 3rd trimesters) were interviewed to obtain their diet history using multiple pass 24-hours dietary recall method. Their total energy and nutrients intakes were compared to the Recommended Nutrients Intake for Malaysia (RNI, 2005). It was found that almost three quarter (70%) of the subjects consumed MMS. Women who consumed MMS during pregnancy were found to be significantly younger, of lower parity and lower pre-pregnancy body mass index. It was also shown that the women’s dietary intakes without MMS supplementation were insufficient to meet the RNI for total energy and
some selected nutrients. The results of this study indicate that MMS could play a role in increasing the dietary intakes of total energy, protein, and calcium, of pregnant women who are not consuming these nutrients sufficiently as recommended.
The aim of this study was to investigate the level of miR-744 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumour tissue and to provide initial clue on its potential as biomarkers for early detection of NPC in a preliminary analysis. Total miRNAs was extracted from NPC tissue as well as normal nasopharynx tissue taken from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan and converted into cDNA. The level of miR-744 expression in the cDNA was quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymserase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technique. The expression level of SNORD48 was measured simultaneously for each sample, which served as endogenous control. The difference in the expression of miR-744 in NPC and normal nasopharynx tissue were analysed using relative quantification, 2-ΔΔCT. In this preliminary analysis, this study found that miR-744 was upregulated in NPC as compared to normal nasopharynx tissue by 2.5 fold changes, respectively suggesting it may involve in progression of tumour. However, the finding is not significant and may not accurately reflect the overall population, due to small sample size involved in the study. Findings from the current study suggest the potential of miR-744 to serve as useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in NPC.
Radiographic contrast medium is primarily used to enhance the contrast of the internal structure in diagnostic imaging. However, the adverse reactions of administration of contrast media have become a great concern and challenge since it can affect the life of patient. Even though some safety
measurements have been highlighted by several studies, still, the occurrence of adverse effects of contrast media is one of the issues in medical imaging. There are several similar properties between the young coconut water and contrast media used in radiography. Thus, the objective of this research was to investigate whether the young coconut water be used as an alternative to contrast media.
Meibomian gland is one of the anatomical eye structures to provide oily lipid layer to the anterior part of the eye. Textural analysis by using Mean Histogram Method was proposed as a method of estimating area of Meibomian Gland Loss (MGL). Objective: The main objective of this study was to objectively measure the meibomian gland image by using textural analysis.
Previous work employed digital image analysis using a fully-automated computer software to quantify changes in MG, which is meibomian gland loss. However, semi-automated software is more favorable for clinical applications as it allows clinicians to manually delete undesired noise or artifacts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) strongly advocate exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth as the optimal way of feeding infants. Nutritional inadequacy during breastfeeding period may lead to breastfeeding problems such as inadequate milk production which is a common reason to early breastfeeding termination.
Galactagogue is one of the solutions seek by breastfeeding mothers to overcome this problem. Within the topic of prophetic medicine, scholars discussed the foods consumed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and their health benefits. Among the plants mentioned in Islamic literature are F.carica (figs), O.europea (olive), P.granatum (pomegranate) and N.sativa (habbatussauda). Studies on prophetic foods consumption among lactating mothers is limited in the literature. Thus, the aims of this study to explore on prophetic food consumption, among Malay mothers during
exclusive breastfeeding period. Ten subjects are interviewed by in-depth semistructured interview guide. Inclusion criteria include Malay mothers aged 18 to 40 years, deliver full term babies and were exclusively breastfeeding. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim in Malay and translated into English. Translated transcripts were then analysed thematically with the help of NVivo software. Thematic analysis revealed three themes that represents participants’ knowledge, attitude and practice on prophetic foods consumption. The themes were 1) prophetic diet is related to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)’s practice on foods and eating manners, 2) perceived benefits and effectiveness of prophetic foods consumption, and 3) Practice of prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period. This study provides an insight to the understanding and
perception on prophetic foods consumption during exclusive breastfeeding period among breastfeeding mothers. It is acknowledged that prophetic foods, particularly dates may have lactogenic function. Further studies should be carried out to investigate the relationship between prophetic foods consumption and lactogenic activity.