Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 815 in total

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  1. Taweel A, Shuhaimi-Othman M, Ahmad AK
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2013 Jul;93:45-51.
    PMID: 23642778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.03.031
    Concentrations of the heavy metals copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) were determined in the liver, gills and muscles of tilapia fish from the Langat River and Engineering Lake, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. There were differences in the concentrations of the studied heavy metals between different organs and between sites. In the liver samples, Cu>Zn>Ni>Pb>Cd, and in the gills and muscle, Zn>Ni>Cu>Pb>Cd. Levels of Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb in the liver samples from Engineering Lake were higher than in those from the Langat River, whereas the Ni levels in the liver samples from the Langat River were greater than in those from Engineering Lake. Cd levels in the fish muscle from Engineering Lake were lower than in that from the Langat River. Meanwhile, the Cd, Zn and Pb levels in the fish muscle from the Langat River were lower than in that from Engineering Lake, and the Ni levels were almost the same in the fish muscle samples from the two sites. The health risks associated with Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb and Ni were assessed based on the target hazard quotients. In the Langat River, the risk from Cu is minimal compared to the other studied elements, and the concentrations of Pb and Ni were determined to pose the greatest risk. The maximum allowable fish consumption rates (kg/d) based on Cu in Engineering Lake and the Langat River were 2.27 and 1.51 in December and 2.53 and 1.75 in February, respectively. The Cu concentrations resulted in the highest maximum allowable fish consumption rates compared with the other studied heavy metals, whereas those based on Pb were the lowest. A health risk analysis of the heavy metals measured in the fish muscle samples indicated that the fish can be classified at one of the safest levels for the general population and that there are no possible risks pertaining to tilapia fish consumption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  2. Said KS, Shuhaimi-Othman M, Ahmad AK
    Pak J Biol Sci, 2012 May 01;15(9):437-47.
    PMID: 24163953
    A study of water quality parameters (temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solid, dissolved oxygen, pH and water hardness) in Ampang Hilir Lake was conducted in January, April, July and October 2010. The water quality parameters were tested and recorded at different sampling stations chosen randomly using Hydrolab Data Sonde 4 and Surveyor 4 a water quality multi probe (USA). Six metals which were cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc and copper were determined in five different compartments of the lake namely water, total suspended solids, plankton, sediment and fish. The metals concentration were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS), Perkin Elmer Elan, model 9000.The water quality parameters were compared with National Water Quality Standard (NWQS Malaysia) while metal concentrations were compared with Malaysian and international standards. The study shows that water quality parameters are of class 2. This condition is suitable for recreational activities where body contact is allowed and suitable for sensitive fishing activities. Furthermore, metal concentrations were found to be lower than the international standards, therefore toxic effects for these metals would be rarely observed and the adverse effects to aquatic organisms would not frequently occur.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  3. Ong LM, Ch'ng CC, Wee HC, Supramaniam P, Zainal H, Goh BL, et al.
    Perit Dial Int, 2016 05 04;37(1):35-43.
    PMID: 27147287 DOI: 10.3747/pdi.2015.00141
    ♦ BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is one of the most common complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Understanding the risk factors of peritonitis in a multi-racial Asian population may help to improve outcomes on PD. ♦ METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study to identify risk factors for PD-related peritonitis over a 1-year period in 15 adult PD centers. All peritonitis episodes were independently adjudicated. ♦ RESULTS: A total of 1,603 participants with a mean age of 51.6 years comprising 52.7% females, 62.6% ethnic Malays, 27.0% Chinese, and 8.1% Indians were recruited. The overall peritonitis rate was 1 episode per 44.0 patient-months with 354 episodes recorded in 282 (17.6%) patients over 15,588 patient-months. Significant risk factors of peritonitis were severe obesity (incidence-rate ratio [IRR] 3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30, 8.45), hypoalbuminemia (IRR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.46), Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage (IRR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.46, 3.50), and use of Fresenius system (Fresenius Medical Care North America, Waltham, MA, USA) (IRR 2.49, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.89). The risk of peritonitis was lower in those on automated PD compared with standard PD (IRR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.74), and in centers with a patient-staff ratio of 15 to 29.9 (IRR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.90) and ≥ 30 (IRR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.80). Prevalent patients and exit-site care with topical antibiotics were also protective against peritonitis. Peritonitis rates varied between racial groups. The IRRs of overall peritonitis and gram-positive peritonitis in Chinese versus other racial groups were 0.65 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.90) and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.91), respectively. ♦ CONCLUSIONS: Multiple patient, center, and PD-system factors influence the risk of peritonitis. In the Asian population, there are racial differences in the risk of peritonitis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  4. Chong ZL, Lodz NA, Mutalip MHA, Lim YC, Mahjom M, Ahmad NA
    Western Pac Surveill Response J, 2021 09 03;12(3):71-76.
    PMID: 34703638 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2021.12.3.842
    Problem: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic adversely affected the preparation of Malaysia's National Health and Morbidity Survey for 2020 because conducting it would expose data collectors and participants to an increased risk of infection.

    Context: The survey is nationally representative and community based and is conducted by the Institute for Public Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, to generate health-related evidence and to support the Malaysian Ministry of Health in policy-making. Its planned scope for 2020 was the seroprevalence of communicable diseases such as hepatitis B and C.

    Action: Additional components were added to the survey to increase its usefulness, including COVID-19 seroprevalence and facial anthropometric studies to ensure respirator fit. The survey's scale was reduced, and data collection was changed from including only face-to-face interviews to mainly self-administered and telephone interviews. The transmission risk to participants was reduced by screening data collectors before the survey and fortnightly thereafter, using standard droplet and contact precautions, ensuring proper training and monitoring of data collectors, and implementing other administrative infection prevention measures.

    Outcome: Data were collected from 7 August to 11 October 2020, with 5957 participants recruited. Only 4 out of 12 components of the survey were conducted via face-to-face interview. No COVID-19 cases were reported among data collectors and participants. All participants were given their hepatitis and COVID-19 laboratory test results; 73 participants with hepatitis B and 14 with hepatitis C who had been previously undiagnosed were referred for further case management.

    Discussion: Preparing and conducting the National Health and Morbidity Survey during the COVID-19 pandemic required careful consideration of the risks and benefits, multiple infection prevention measures, strong leadership and strong stakeholder support to ensure there were no adverse events.

    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  5. Norhidayah Mat Sout, Muhamad Arifpin Mansor, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail
    MyJurnal
    Ergonomics can be viewed as an approach to reduce injury and illness rates to improve the overall working
    conditions for employees by addressing risk factor exposure that may occur during manual tasks. The objective
    of this research was to analyze ergonomics risk factors by associating the perception of employer and employees
    towards their workplace condition in quarry and mining industry. A Questionnaire on Ergonomics Risk Assessment
    was used to determine the comparison level awareness and perception analysis among quarry and mining industry in
    Malaysia. The findings of this research prove that the exposure of ergonomics risk factors towards the workers is in
    a moderate level with a mean of 3.59 for the overall respondent review about the ergonomics risk among workers at
    their workplace. Besides, the most concern in ergonomics is about the awkward posture at work. Some 8.8% of them
    agreed and 6.6% of them totally agreed that they were in awkward posture while doing their work. As a conclusion,
    assessment of ergonomics in quarry and mining industry will be a platform to provide a safe and healthy working
    environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  6. Lukman MR, Jasmi AY, Sarinah B, Nurismah MI, Aishah MA
    Asian J Surg, 2005 Jul;28(3):227-9.
    PMID: 16024322
    Extragonadal teratomas and germ cell tumours are uncommon. Most teratomas of the head and neck present in the paediatric age group. Occurrence of such tumours in an adult is extremely rare and, to date, less than 40 cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a young man presenting with impending airway obstruction secondary to a malignant teratoma of the neck.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  7. Lim J, Hinotsu S, Onozawa M, Malek R, Sundram M, Teh GC, et al.
    Cancer Med, 2020 12;9(24):9346-9352.
    PMID: 33098372 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3548
    The J-CAPRA score is an assessment tool which stratifies risk and predicts outcome of primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score, and clinical TNM staging. Here, we aimed to assess the generalisability of this tool in multi-ethnic Asians. Performance of J-CAPRA was evaluated in 782 Malaysian and 16,946 Japanese patients undergoing ADT from the Malaysian Study Group of Prostate Cancer (M-CaP) and Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer (J-CaP) databases, respectively. Using the original J-CAPRA, 69.6% metastatic (M1) cases without T and/or N staging were stratified as intermediate-risk disease in the M-CaP database. To address this, we first omitted clinical T and N stage variables, and calculated the score on a 0-8 scale in the modified J-CAPRA scoring system for M1 patients. Notably, treatment decisions of M1 cases were not directly affected by both T and N staging. The J-CAPRA score threshold was adjusted for intermediate (modified J-CAPRA score 3-5) and high-risk (modified J-CAPRA score ≥6) groups in M1 patients. Using J-CaP database, validation analysis showed that overall survival, prostate cancer-specific survival, and progression-free survival of modified intermediate and high-risk groups were comparable to those of original J-CAPRA (p > 0.05) with Cohen's coefficient of 0.65. Around 88% M1 cases from M-CaP database were reclassified into high-risk category. Modified J-CAPRA scoring system is instrumental in risk assessment and treatment outcome prediction for M1 patients without T and/or N staging.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment/methods*
  8. Al Maghaireh DF, Abdullah KL, Chong MC, Chua YP, Al Kawafha MM
    J Pediatr Nurs, 2017 06 19;36:132-140.
    PMID: 28888494 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2017.06.007
    PURPOSE: To investigate the stressors and stress levels among Jordanian parents of infants in the NICU and their relationship to three factors: anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two hospitals in Jordan among 310 parents of infants in the NICU by using PSS: NICU and PROMIS.

    RESULTS: Both parents experienced high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance. There was a significant difference in stress level between mothers and fathers [t (308)=3.471, p=0.001], with the mothers experiencing higher stress than the fathers [mean: mothers=108.58; fathers=101.68]. The highest and lowest sources of stress were infant behavior and appearance (M=4.09) and sights and sounds in the NICU (M=3.54), respectively. The correlation between stress levels with anxiety (r=0.79) and depression (r=0.75) was strong and positive while sleep disturbance was significant and moderate (r=0.43).

    CONCLUSIONS: The mothers experienced higher levels of stress compared to fathers, with positive correlations between stress and anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance.

    PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study create nursing awareness of parent stress and its impact, which will help them to improve nursing care for parents.

    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  9. Sharif-Askari FS, Syed Sulaiman SA, Saheb Sharif-Askari N, Al Sayed Hussain A
    PLoS One, 2014;9(4):e95991.
    PMID: 24755778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095991
    Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a major burden on the healthcare system. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are particularly vulnerable to ADRs because they are usually on multiple drug regimens, have multiple comorbidities, and because of alteration in their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic parameters. Therefore, one step towards reducing this burden is to identify patients who are at increased risk of an ADR.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  10. Widiastuti T, Robani A, Sukmaningrum PS, Mawardi I, Ningsih S, Herianingrum S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2022;17(5):e0269039.
    PMID: 35617300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269039
    The utilization of Islamic social finance instruments is far behind what is expected. To realize its full potential, Islamic social finance instruments must be integrated. This study examined solutions and priority strategies for integrating sustainable Islamic social finance that could be implemented in the short and long term using the Benefit, Opportunity, Cost, and Risk (BOCR) framework, which includes six aspects: Governance, sustainable financing, institutional aspect, human resources, regulations, and supporting technology. This qualitative research employed the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method using the benefit, opportunity, cost, and risk analysis. The data were obtained mainly through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with respondents among academics, practitioners, associations, regulators, and community leaders. The respondents were selected for their expertise and experience in the selected topic. The data were processed using the Microsoft Excel and Super Decision software. There are several findings worth considering from the analysis. First, the highest priority in integrating Islamic social finance aspects are human resources (0.97), regulation (0.86), and technology (0.76). Second, based on the short- and long-term analysis, financial integration through sustainable financing (0.01 and 1.44, respectively) and improving human resource quality through certification and training (0.01 and 1.56, respectively) is a priority solution and strategy to integrate sustainable Islamic social finance. Meanwhile, according to expert judgments, integrating national data (0.24) and optimizing technology use (0.18) are priority solutions and strategies. The findings emphasize the critical role of improving human resource quality to utilize technology, with experts identifying a national data integration as the most critical solution. As a result, relevant stakeholders are concerned about technology management training for Islamic philanthropic managers, with the goal of maximizing the potential of technology's growing role and adoption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  11. Yap CK, Wong KW, Al-Shami SA, Nulit R, Cheng WH, Aris AZ, et al.
    PMID: 33383875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010195
    This study aimed to analyse ten trace metal concentrations in the edible part of the freshwater clam Corbicula javanica and to provide a critical assessment of the potential risks to human health through consumption of this clam as food based on well-established indices and food safety guidelines. The clams were captured from a pristine original site and transplanted to other sites with different environmental qualities. The trace metal levels in the edible total soft tissue (TST) of the clam were below those of the food safety guidelines referred to except for Pb, which exceeded the permissible limit set by the European Commission (2006) and the US Food and Drug Administration/ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition); Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference. (USFDA/CFSAN; ISSC) (2007). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of the clam were found to be lower than the oral reference dose and the calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ were found to be less than 1. Therefore, in conclusion, the human health risk for consumption of TST of C. javanica at both average and high-level were insignificant regardless of the environment it was exposed to.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment*
  12. Alameri MA, Syed Sulaiman SA, Ashour AM, Al-Saati MF
    Pharm Pract (Granada), 2020 09 22;18(3):2025.
    PMID: 33029262 DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2020.3.2025
    Background: Total knee replacement (TKR) is a major orthopedic surgery that is considered high risk for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

    Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes that resulted from the use of a new proposed VTE risk stratification protocol for selecting a suitable extended VTE prophylaxis for post TKR surgery patients administered in conjunction with patient education programs.

    Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in two medical centers in Saudi Arabia. A total of 242 patients were enrolled in the study, 121 patients in each group. The experimental group (A) was assessed by using the proposed VTE risk stratification protocol and also took part in patient education programs about TKR and its complications. The control group (B) was assessed by using the 2005 Caprini risk assessment tool and no education programs were given to this group. Both groups were followed for 35 days post operation.

    Results: The mean age of the participants was 65.86 (SD 8.67) and the majority of them were female 137 (56.6%). The mean body mass index of the study sample was 32.46 (SD 5.51). There were no significant differences between the two groups except for surgery type; the proportion of bilateral TKR in group A was higher than in group B (69/121 (28.5%) vs. 40/121(16.5%), p<0.05). There were no confirmed pulmonary embolism cases in the study sample and diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis was confirmed in 12/242 (5.0%) of patients: 1/121 (0.8%) in group A and 11/121 (9.1%) in group B (p<0.05). The readmission rate for all patients was 2.5% (6/242), all of whom were in group B (p<0.05).

    Conclusion: The proposed VTE risk stratification protocol that was applied in conjunction with patient education programs reduced VTE complications and readmission events, post TKR surgery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier: NCT04031859.

    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  13. Noman E, Al-Gheethi A, Radin Mohamed RMS, Talip B, Al-Sahari M, Al-Shaibani M
    J Hazard Mater, 2021 10 05;419:126418.
    PMID: 34171673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126418
    The current review highlighted the quantitative microbiological risk assessment of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Prawn farm wastewaters (PFWWs) and the applicability of nanoparticles for eliminating antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). The high availability of the antibiotics in the environment and their transmission into human through the food-chain might cause unknown health effects. The aquaculture environments are considered as a reservoir for the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and contributed effectively in the increasing of ABR. The metagenomic analysis is used to explore ARGs in the non-clinical environment. V. parahaemolyticus is among the pathogenic bacteria which are transmitted through sea food causing human acute gastroenteritis due to available thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), adhesins, TDH related hemolysin (trh). The inactivation of pathogenic bacteria using nanoparticles act by disturbing the cell membrane, interrupting the transport system, DNA and mitochondria damage, and oxidizing the cellular component by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The chloramphenicol, nitrofurans, and nitroimidazole are among the prohibited drugs in fish and fishery product. The utilization of probiotics is the most effective and safe alternative for antibiotics in Prawn aquaculture. This review will ensure public understanding among the readers on how they can decrease the risk of the antimicrobial resistance distribution in the environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  14. Wong KW, Yap CK, Nulit R, Hamzah MS, Chen SK, Cheng WH, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Jan;24(1):116-134.
    PMID: 27822691 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7951-z
    The present study aimed to assess the effects of anthropogenic activities on the heavy metal levels in the Langat River by transplantation of Corbicula javanica. In addition, potential ecological risk indexes (PERI) of heavy metals in the surface sediments of the river were also investigated. The correlation analysis revealed that eight metals (As, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in total soft tissue (TST) while five metals (As, Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn) in shell have positively and significantly correlation with respective metal concentration in sediment, indicating the clams is a good biomonitor of the metal levels. Based on clustering patterns, the discharge of dam impoundment, agricultural activities and urban domestic waste were identified as three major contributors of the metals in Pangsun, Semenyih and Dusun Tua, and Kajang, respectively. Various geochemical indexes for a single metal pollutant (geoaccumulation index (I geo), enrichment factors (EF), contamination factor (C f) and ecological risk (Er)) all agreed that Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn are not likely to cause adverse effect to the river ecosystem, but As and Pb could pose a potential ecological risk to the river ecosystem. All indexes (degree of contamination (C d), combined pollution index (CPI) and PERI) showed that overall metal concentrations in the tropical river are still within safe limit. River metal pollution was investigated. Anthropogenic activities were contributors of the metal pollution. Geochemical indexes showed that metals are within the safe limit.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  15. Gupta N, Yadav KK, Kumar V, Krishnan S, Kumar S, Nejad ZD, et al.
    Environ Toxicol Pharmacol, 2021 Feb;82:103563.
    PMID: 33310081 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103563
    This study determined the heavy metals (HMs) accumulation in different vegetables in different seasons and attributed a serious health hazard to human adults due to the consumption of such vegetables in Jhansi. The total amounts of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and cadmium (Cd) were analysed in 28 composite samples of soil and vegetables (Fenugreek, spinach, eggplant, and chilli) collected from seven agricultural fields. The transfer factor (TF) of HMs from soil to analysed vegetables was calculated, and significant non-carcinogenic health risks due to exposure to analysed heavy metals via consumption of these vegetables were computed. The statistical analysis involving Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation matrix suggested that anthropogenic activities were a major source of HMs in the study areas. The target hazard quotient of Cd, Mn, and Pb for fenugreek (2.156, 2.143, and 2.228, respectively) and spinach (3.697, 3.509, 5.539, respectively) exceeded the unity, indicating the high possibilities of non-carcinogenic health risks if regularly consumed by human beings. This study strongly suggests the continuous monitoring of soil, irrigation water, and vegetables to prohibit excessive accumulation in the food chain.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  16. Ahmed MF, Mokhtar MB, Alam L
    Environ Geochem Health, 2021 Feb;43(2):897-914.
    PMID: 32372251 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00571-w
    The prolonged persistence of toxic arsenic (As) in environment is due to its non-biodegradable characteristic. Meanwhile, several studies have reported higher concentrations of As in Langat River. However, it is the first study in Langat River Basin, Malaysia, that As concentrations in drinking water supply chain were determined simultaneously to predict the health risks of As ingestion. Water samples collected in 2015 from the four stages of drinking water supply chain were analysed for As concentration by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Determined As concentrations along with the time series data (2004-2015) were significantly within the maximum limit 0.01 mg/L of drinking water quality standard set by World Health Organization. The predicted As concentration by auto-regression moving average was 3.45E-03 mg/L in 2020 at 95% level based on time series data including climatic control variables. Long-term As ingestion via household filtration water at Langat Basin showed no potential lifetime cancer risk (LCR) 9.7E-06 (t = 6.68; p = 3.37E-08) as well as non-carcinogenic hazard quotient (HQ) 4.8E-02 (t = 6.68; p = 3.37E-08) risk at 95% level. However, the changing landscape, ex-mining ponds and extensive use of pesticides for palm oil plantation at Langat Basin are considered as the major sources of increased As concentration in Langat River. Therefore, a two-layer water filtration system at Langat Basin should be introduced to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goal of getting safe drinking water supply.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  17. Wang G, Li J, Xue N, Abdulkreem Al-Huqail A, Majdi HS, Darvishmoghaddam E, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2022 Nov;307(Pt 2):135632.
    PMID: 35835248 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135632
    A large part of the world's agricultural production, despite its adverse effects on human health and water resources, depends on the use of pesticides. Despite strict regulations, the use of pesticides continues around the world. This study aimed to determine the residual concentrations of malathion and diazinon in samples of drinking water resources. To achieve this goal, 384 samples from 8 various sites from January to December 2020 were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) with an electron capture detector (ECD) and liquid-liquid extraction technique. Besides, statistical analysis and a risk-modeling approach supported by an automatic Monte-Carlo procedure were applied. The results showed that there is a high carcinogenic risk regarding malathion and that the low age population is at the most non-carcinogenic risk regarding diazinon.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  18. Sakai N, Dayana E, Abu Bakar A, Yoneda M, Nik Sulaiman NM, Ali Mohd M
    Environ Monit Assess, 2016 Oct;188(10):592.
    PMID: 27679511
    Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored in surface water collected in the Selangor River basin, Malaysia, to identify the occurrence, distribution, and dechlorination process as well as to assess the potential adverse effects to the Malaysian population. Ten PCB homologs (i.e., mono-CBs to deca-CBs) were quantitated by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The total concentration of PCBs in the 10 sampling sites ranged from limit of detection to 7.67 ng L(-1). The higher chlorinated biphenyls (tetra-CBs to deca-CBs) were almost not detected in most of the sampling sites, whereas lower chlorinated biphenyls (mono-CBs, di-CBs, and tri-CBs) dominated more than 90 % of the 10 homologs in all the sampling sites. Therefore, the PCB load was estimated to be negligible during the sampling period because PCBs have an extremely long half-life. The PCBs, particularly higher chlorinated biphenyls, could be thoroughly dechlorinated to mono-CBs to tri-CBs by microbial decomposition in sediment or could still be accumulated in the sediment. The lower chlorinated biphenyls, however, could be resuspended or desorbed from the sediment because they have faster desorption rates and higher solubility, compared to the higher chlorinated biphenyls. The health risk for the Malaysia population by PCB intake that was estimated from the local fish consumption (7.2 ng kg(-1) bw day(-1)) and tap water consumption (1.5 × 10(-3)-3.1 × 10(-3) ng kg(-1) bw day(-1)) based on the detected PCB levels in the surface water was considered to be minimal. The hazard quotient based on the tolerable daily intake (20 ng kg(-1) bw day(-1)) was estimated at 0.36.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  19. Saleh MA, Ramli AT, Alajerami Y, Aliyu AS
    J Environ Radioact, 2013 Oct;124:130-40.
    PMID: 23727880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.04.013
    Extensive environmental survey and measurements of gamma radioactivity in the soil samples collected from Segamat District were conducted. Two gamma detectors were used for the measurements of background radiation in the area and the results were used in the computation of the mean external radiation dose rate and mean weighted dose rate, which are 276 nGy h(-1) and 1.169 mSv y(-1), respectively. A high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used in the assessment of activity concentrations of (232)Th, (226)Ra and (40)K. The results of the gamma spectrometry range from 11 ± 1 to 1210 ± 41 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th, 12 ± 1 to 968 ± 27 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra, and 12 ± 2 to 2450 ± 86 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. Gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations range from 170 ± 50 to 4360 ± 170 Bq kg(-1) and 70 ± 20 to 4690 ± 90 Bq kg(-1), respectively. These results were used in the plotting of digital maps (using ARCGIS 9.3) for isodose. The results are compared with values giving in UNSCEAR 2000.
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
  20. Abdul Aziz AF, Mohd Nordin NA, Ali MF, Abd Aziz NA, Sulong S, Aljunid SM
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2017 Jan 13;17(1):35.
    PMID: 28086871 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1963-8
    BACKGROUND: Lack of intersectoral collaboration within public health sectors compound efforts to promote effective multidisciplinary post stroke care after discharge following acute phase. A coordinated, primary care-led care pathway to manage post stroke patients residing at home in the community was designed by an expert panel of specialist stroke care providers to help overcome fragmented post stroke care in areas where access is limited or lacking.

    METHODS: Expert panel discussions comprising Family Medicine Specialists, Neurologists, Rehabilitation Physicians and Therapists, and Nurse Managers from Ministry of Health and acadaemia were conducted. In Phase One, experts chartered current care processes in public healthcare facilities, from acute stroke till discharge and also patients who presented late with stroke symptoms to public primary care health centres. In Phase Two, modified Delphi technique was employed to obtain consensus on recommendations, based on current evidence and best care practices. Care algorithms were designed around existing work schedules at public health centres.

    RESULTS: Indication for patients eligible for monitoring by primary care at public health centres were identified. Gaps in transfer of care occurred either at post discharge from acute care or primary care patients diagnosed at or beyond subacute phase at health centres. Essential information required during transfer of care from tertiary care to primary care providers was identified. Care algorithms including appropriate tools were summarised to guide primary care teams to identify patients requiring further multidisciplinary interventions. Shared care approaches with Specialist Stroke care team were outlined. Components of the iCaPPS were developed simultaneously: (i) iCaPPS-Rehab© for rehabilitation of stroke patients at community level (ii) iCaPPS-Swallow© guided the primary care team to screen and manage stroke related swallowing problems.

    CONCLUSION: Coordinated post stroke care monitoring service for patients at community level is achievable using the iCaPPS and its components as a guide. The iCaPPS may be used for post stroke care monitoring of patients in similar fragmented healthcare delivery systems or areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: No.: ACTRN12616001322426 (Registration Date: 21st September 2016).
    Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
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