Displaying publications 6741 - 6760 of 24636 in total

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  1. Muhammad Fadzil Amram, Ramlah Zainudin, Hasnizam Abdul Wahid
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1-7.
    The sound produced by the anurans including toads can be a survival strategy for the selection of fittest males by their conspecific females and a form of effective prezygotic mechanism. Most of the published works on anuran sound production were on true frogs or ranids, yet little is known about sound characteristics of toads. Here we describe the properties of mating calls from six selected toad species from six study sites in Sarawak. Males' mating calls were recorded and analyzed using Sound Ruler Acoustic Analysis ver 0.9.6.0. Call characteristic were subsequently compared for toad species differentiation. The results showed that each species differ in call characteristics, with pulsating note, rate of note repetition and pitch being the most apparent characters. The highest number of pulse notes belongs to Duttaphrynus melanostictus while Ansonia spinulifer exhibited highest pitch and rate of note repetition. These species' differences in mating call characteristics provide an additional method for anuran species classification besides morphological and molecular DNA data. It is also a very useful guide during field survey as the sound is audible and identification can be made without the need of capturing the toads.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  2. Marina M, John Keen C, Caroline B, Afsar J
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:19-25.
    A study was carried out to determine the diversity and enumerate the fauna species related to five pitcher plant species at a selected area in Bukit Setiam Forest, Tatau, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. At the end of the study, six insect orders together with nematodes and Araneae were detected with different existence abundances and diversity. From the 901 total fauna trapped, 58.82% belonged to the order Hymenoptera, mainly of the ant species, followed by Nematodes (21.64%), Diptera (15.87%), Coleoptera (1.66%), Hemiptera (0.89%), Blattaria (0.44%) and finally, Lepidoptera (0.33%) and Araneae (0.33%). Significant differences (p<0.05) in the composition of insect trapped in pitcher plants were observed for the order Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and even Nematodes. Meanwhile, no significant difference was observed for Coleoptera, Blattaria and Araneae. There is a strong relationship between fauna and Nepenthes pitcher either as a prey, predator, a mutualistic relationship or parasites or also for a habitat to live or to reproduce.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  3. Nurulain M, Syed Ismail S, Emilia Z, Vivien H
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2017;17 Special(1):123-132.
    Agriculture sector accounts significant numbers of injuries and fatalities in the workplace particularly related to pesticide management. Among three main pathways of pesticide exposure, dermal contact is the most common route, which exposure usually occurs during pesticide mixing/loading, application, harvesting and other farming activities. This review aims to present and discuss several vital components of pesticide dermal exposure among agriculture workers, as well as pesticide application in agriculture sector in Malaysia involving different commodity agriculture sub-sectors. Pesticide exposure was discussed from perspective of three pesticide management activities (i.e. preparation, application and cleaning) that contribute to the risk of exposure through three routes (i.e. emission, deposition, transfer). Moreover, this paper also discussed pesticide dermal exposure risk assessment methods which can be defined into exposure assessment and effect assessment. The exposure rate was affected by various factors such as application equipment, application rate and duration, type of pesticide formulation, pesticide management stage, usage of personal protective equipment, training and aptitude of the applicator as well as environmental factors (i.e. temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction). The factors mention earlier have been used to explain the exposure distribution over different parts of the body and support the fact that pesticide type was not a major factor in total exposure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  4. Theou O, Andrew M, Ahip SS, Squires E, McGarrigle L, Blodgett JM, et al.
    Can Geriatr J, 2019 Jun;22(2):64-74.
    PMID: 31258829 DOI: 10.5770/cgj.22.357
    Background: Standardized frailty assessments are needed for early identification and treatment. We aimed to develop a frailty scale using visual images, the Pictorial Fit-Frail Scale (PFFS), and to examine its feasibility and content validity.

    Methods: In Phase 1, a multidisciplinary team identified domains for measurement, operationalized impairment levels, and reviewed visual languages for the scale. In Phase 2, feedback was sought from health professionals and the general public. In Phase 3, 366 participants completed preliminary testing on the revised draft, including 162 UK paramedics, and rated the scale on feasibility and usability. In Phase 4, following translation into Malay, the final prototype was tested in 95 participants in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

    Results: The final scale incorporated 14 domains, each conceptualized with 3-6 response levels. All domains were rated as "understood well" by most participants (range 64-94%). Percentage agreement with positive statements regarding appearance, feasibility, and usefulness ranged from 66% to 95%. Overall feedback from health-care professionals supported its content validity.

    Conclusions: The PFFS is comprehensive, feasible, and appears generalizable across countries, and has face and content validity. Investigation into the reliability and predictive validity of the scale is currently underway.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  5. Chan PWK, DeBruyne JA, Chan TL, Goh AYT
    JUMMEC, 1997;2(2):99-102.
    To determine the impact of the haze on asthma symptomatology in children with chronic asthma on inhaled prophylaxis. The study was prospective and collected information on asthma symptoms from children attending the asthma clinic. A comparison of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements before and during the haze was performed for children above 7 years. A total of 97 children were included into the study. Forty (41%) children complained of an increase in nocturnal cough (55%) followed by nasal symptoms (40%), daytime cough (40%), nocturnal wheeze (25%) and daytime wheeze (18%). About half of the children who had increased symptomatology during the haze had to limit outdoor activities. In the 43 children in whom PEFR studies were available, 29 (67%) of them had a fall in the PEFR. However, children with no increase in asthma symptomatology showed a similar fall in PEFR measurement when compared to children with increased asthma symptomatology. The haze appeared to be detrimental to the well being of some children with chronic asthma despite being on inhaled prophylaxis.
    Study site: Asthma clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  6. Krishnan R, Radin Sohadi RU
    JUMMEC, 1997;2(1):39-41.
    The incidence of road traffic injuries has increased over the last two decades. Of greater concern is the prediction that the problem is likely to increase further, given present trends in transportation. Injuries and not "accidents" need to be the focus of the health sector. Passive strategies, which are independent of human behaviour, are more likely to succeed in the prevention of injuries compared to "active" strategies. The health sector needs to play a bigger role in prevention through advocacy, research and education of target groups.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  7. Norazizah S, AbuBakar S
    JUMMEC, 1999;4:41-46.
    Dengue 2 New Guinea C (NGC) virus NS3 protein, a potentially important virulence factor was cloned to the N-terminus of the Aeqirorea victoria enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) using the pEGFP-N1 mammalian expression vector. During amplification of the recombinant plasmid in E. coli, transformants expressing the EGFP were detected in vivo when viewed using fluorescence microscopy. This inadvertent expression of the recombinant fusion protein was confirmed further by detection of the T7.Tag peptide cloned to the aluino terminal of the fusion protein using T 7.Tag specific monoclonal antibody. These findings represent perhaps the first reported expression of the T7.Tag-NS3-EGFP fusion protein using the pEGFP-N1 mammalian expression vector in E. coli. KEYWORDS: Dengue, NS3, pEGFP-N1, fusion protein.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  8. Ramanujam TM
    JUMMEC, 1999;4:81-87.
    The aim of this review is to critically analyse the available literature and to propose a rational, safe and cost-effective clinical pathway to provide nutritional support in acute pancreatitis. This pathway is proposed based on assessment of peer reviewed literature and existing generally accepted knowledge. Acute pancreatitis is a heterogeneous disease and the outcome is variable. The role of nutritional support is controversial. Acute mild pancreatitis (80%) usually does not require nutritional support unless the pre-existing nutritional is poor or complications occur. Contrary to this acute severe pancreatitis is associated with severe catabolism and a high complication rate. Nutritional depletion rapidly occurs. It is logical to support the nutrition once the patient is haemodynamically stable. Although enteral nutrition should be administered whenever feasible, it is not always possible or advisable. Aggressive, hypercaloric parenteral nutrition administered via central venous line is not recommended. A combination of initial peripheral parenteral nutrition with fat in appropriate amount, and gradually switching over to enteral feedings is safer and cost-effective. It also avoids central line associated sepsis. The roles of newer specific therapeutic diets to enhance the immune status in patients with acute pancreatitis are not well established. KEYWORDS: Acute pancreatitis, Enteral nutrition, Parenteral nutrition, Immunonutrition.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  9. Kamala D, Rohela M, Khairul Anuar A, Jamaiah I
    JUMMEC, 1999;4:115-116.
    A thirty two year old taxi driver presented with cotnplaints of headache, nausea, vomiting and blurring of vision of the left eye of two days duration. He was found to have an acute anterior uveities and secondary glaucoma. On further examination patient was also found to have a neuroretinitis and phlebitis in the same eye. A worm was found in the anterior chamber and it was removed via a limbal incision under local anaesthesia. The worm-like structure sent to the Department of Parasitology was identified as Gnathostoma spinigerum. he patient was treated with topical eye drops and oral steroids at the same time to reduce the inflammation. No neurological symptoms were seen. The patient was not available for further evaluation and followup. KEYWORDS: Blurring of vision, Gnathostomiasis
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  10. Mohd Hussain H
    JUMMEC, 2002;1:62-66.
    Malaysia has been swamped by migrant workers from nearby countries like Indonesia, Phillipine and also Bangladesh since 1980's. The main pulling forces which motivated them to migrate to Malaysia are better economy, political stability and religious freedom in Malaysia. Another way of classifying migration pattern is to divide it into push and pull migration or a combination of the two. Pull migrants are those who migrate to obtain better economic opportunity while push migrants are those who try to run away from being prosecuted or due to fear of political and religious suppression. Whatever the push and the pull factors, they are bound to encounter some acculturation challenges. This will inevitably produce certain psychological sequelae. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to determine the point prevalence of psychiatric morbidity experienced by the migrant population. The psychological impact of push and pull migrations is fundamentally distinct. There were significant numbers of migrants admitted to University Hospital psychiatric units who suffered from psychological distress and para suicide. The reasons for these problems are multi-faceted. Hence, another purpose of this study was to investigate factors which make them to be at risk of developing psychiatric morbidity. The findings of this study can be used as a basis for making recommendations to the government of the rationale to include psychological assessment as one of the important components in the pre-employment selection criteria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  11. Goh EML, Chow SK, Lang CC
    JUMMEC, 2002;7:132-134.
    This study is to examine the use of a Rapid Troponin T test in patients attending the Emergency Room with complaints of chest pain. The results show a strong correlation between time to positive developmentaf the Rapid Trapanin T lest to ELISA Trapanin T. These results indicate the use of a simple to perform bedside assay of Rapid Trapanin T may be used in early risk stratification of patients presenting wilh acute coronary syndromes. KEYWORDS: Rapid Trapanin T, acule coronary syndromes, risk stratification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  12. Goh EML, Chow SK, Lang CC
    JUMMEC, 2002;7:132-134.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  13. Kuek FWI, Aazani Mujahid, Lim Pt, Leaw Cp, Müller M
    Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:915-931.
    Little is known about the diversity and roles of microbial communities in the South China Sea, especially the eastern
    region. This study aimed to expand our knowledge on the diversity of these communities in Malaysian waters, as well as
    their potential involvement in the breakdown or osmoregulation of dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP). Water samples
    were collected during local cruises (Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Semporna) from the SHIVA expedition and the diversity
    of bacterial communities were analysed through the isolation and identification of 176 strains of cultured bacteria. The
    bacteria were further screened for the existence of two key genes (dmdA, dddP) which were involved in competing,
    enzymatically-mediated DMSP degradation pathways. The composition of bacterial communities in the three areas varied
    and changes were mirrored in physico-chemical parameters. Riverine input was highest in Kuching, which was mirrored
    by dominance of potentially pathogenic Vibrio sp., whereas the Kota Kinabalu community was more indicative of an
    open ocean environment. Isolates obtained from Kota Kinabalu and Semporna showed that the communities in these
    areas have potential roles in bioremediation, nitrogen fixing and sulphate reduction. Bacteria isolated from Kuching
    displayed the highest abundance (44%) of both DMSP-degrading genes, while the bacterial community in Kota Kinabalu
    had the highest percentage (28%) of dmdA gene occurrence and the dddP gene responsible for DMS production was
    most abundant (33%) within the community in Semporna. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study looking at
    the diversity of culturable bacteria in coastal waters of East Malaysia and also their potential roles in the DMS(P) cycle.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  14. Cheong AT, Lee PY, Ng CJ, Lee YK, Ong TA, Abdullah KL, et al.
    Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:941-947.
    There are many treatment options for localized prostate cancer, and there is clinical equipoise in relation to the treatment outcomes. This study aimed to explore doctors’ approaches to decision support in counseling patients with localized prostate cancer in a country with a less established system of support and care delivery for cancer treatment. Four in-depth
    interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted with seven government policy makers/consultant urologists, three oncologists, four private urologists and six urology trainees in Malaysia between 2012 and 2013. Doctors facilitated the treatment decision by explaining about the disease and the treatment options, which included monitoring,
    side effects and complications of each treatment option. Paper-based (charts and diagram drawings) or electronic (ipad apps and websites) illustrations and physical models were used as patient education aids. Further reading materials and websites links were often provided to patients. Patients were given time till subsequent follow up to decide on the
    treatment and family involvement was encouraged. Referral to other healthcare professionals (oncologist, radiotherapist or other urologist) for second opinion was offered to the patients. The doctors would recommend patients to speak to prostate cancer survivors for peer support but official support groups were not easily accessible. This study highlighted
    a multi-faceted approach to support patients with localized prostate cancer in making a treatment decision. It not only involved the doctors (urologist or oncologist) themselves, but also empowered the patients and their social network to support the decision making process.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  15. Boon Yee Wong, Taranjeet Kaur Awtar Singh, Gideon Khoo, Han Kiat Alan Ong
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:2393-2416.
    The intra- and inter-specific variation of Acetes shrimps were evaluated based on samples collected from in-shore catches and off-shore trawling around the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Species captured were identified as Acetes indicus, A. serrulatus, A. japonicus and A. sibogae. A region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene comprising 552 base pairs (bp) was amplified from 159 Acetes specimens. The sequence alignment analysis generated phylogenetic trees which depicted the four major clades that were consistent with the species identified morphologically. These four species varied considerably for haplotype and nucleotide diversity, with A. indicus and A. serrulatus showing different demographic histories. Furthermore, the observation of two clades in the A. indicus and A. sibogae lineages, with relatively high levels of intraspecific divergence, suggests that cryptic diversity is possibly present in these two taxa. This study has contributed to the knowledge of the distribution patterns and molecular phylogenetics of four Acetes spp. in the Straits of Malacca.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  16. Nur Hidayah Masod, Noraziah Mohamad Zin, Alfizah Hanafiah
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:543-549.
    Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem in many developing countries including Malaysia. In Malaysia, the number of death due to tuberculosis has decreased, but there is rising concern on the increase of drug resistance (multi drug resistance tuberculosis) cases. In this study, patients’ demographic data were analyzed and the susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against anti-tuberculosis agents (isoniazid, streptomycin, rifampicin and ethambutol) was determined using susceptibility MYCOTB plates. A total of 40 clinical M. tuberculosis isolates, isolated from patients in PPUKM were randomly selected. Among these, 62.5% were male (mean age: 36.9±17.9 years) and 37.5% were female (mean age: 42.6±16.6 years). Malay patients accounted for the highest percentage of TB cases which was 60%, followed by Indians 15%, 5% Chinese and 20% other ethnics. The isolation of M. tuberculosis from clinical samples were 60%, 17.5%, 7.5%, 7.5%, 5% and 2.5% from sputum, tracheal aspirate, pus, blood, BAL and tissue, respectively. This is correlated with the majority of the patients (67.5%) infected with M. tuberculosis having persistent cough symptoms. The results from MYCOTB and BACTEC MGIT 960 susceptibility testing were compared. The average time taken to do the anti-TB susceptibility test by using MYCOTB plate and BACTEC MGIT 960 was 2 and 40.5 min, respectively. Cost per sample for MYCOTB and BACTEC MGIT 960 was RM16.65 and RM42.80, respectively. To conclude, based on our demographic data, TB infection was the highest amongst male Malay patients and the main specimens that been received was sputum sample. MYCOTB plate was more preferable than BACTEC MGIT 960 for the susceptibility testing and all clinical samples were 100% susceptible to all tested anti-TB agents. Data gathered from this study can be used as guideline for the management of TB diagnosis and treatment in the future.
    Keywords: BACTEC MGIT 960; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; MYCOTB plate; tuberculosis
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  17. Zulkafli Abdul Rashid, Mohammad Noor Azmai Amal
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1941-1951.
    This study assesses the influence of water quality on fish occurrences in Sungai Pahang, Maran District, Pahang, Malaysia. Water quality and fish samplings were conducted at seven sampling sites in the district for 13 consecutive months. We used canonical correspondence analyses (CCA) to determine the influence of water quality on monthly fish species occurrences. The ranges of water quality parameters were quite high considering the measurements were made during rainy and dry seasons throughout the year. A total of 2,075 individual fish was captured which comprised of 22 different families and 65 species. Family Cyprinidae recorded the highest number of fish species of the area (27 species; 41.5%), followed by Bagridae (five species; 7.69%) and Pangasiidae (five species; 7.69%). Three fish species categorized as endangered, including Balantiocheilos melanopterus, Probarbus jullieni and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus were also collected. The collected fish species were divided into three groups (A to C), which was clearly separated in the CCA ordination diagram. The most important water quality variables for the fish occurrences in this river were pH, followed by temperature, conductivity, alkalinity and phosphate. Data analysis indicates that the occurrence of fishes were influenced by a combination of water quality parameters, but not associated with sampling month. The results present a new data from a study of fish assemblage and their habitat condition which may be important in fisheries activity and fish conservation of the river in the future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  18. Nurul Shazalina Zainudin, Siti Nur Su’aidah Nasarudin, Norhayati Moktar, Aishah Hani Azil, Emelia Osman
    The purpose of this study is to review the literature on microsporidiosis in various high-risk groups among the Malaysian population, i.e., HIV/AIDS, cancer, hospitalised patients and Orang Asli, and to update information with regards to microsporidia prevalence, diagnosis and association of the disease with gastrointestinal symptoms in Malaysia. Hospitalised patients showed the highest prevalence (28.3%) of microsporidiosis compared to other risk groups. This review did not find any direct correlations between gastrointestinal symptoms and microsporidiosis. Since microsporidiosis is an emerging threat to the high-risk groups, greater awareness should be instilled among clinicians to consider microsporidiosis in their differential diagnosis if no other causes can be defined.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  19. NurKhairlida Muhamad Khai, Khai EL, Mazlin Mokhta, Choo TG, Marlia Mohd Hanafiah, Chan PW, et al.
    Chemical industry is one of the important industries in the world. However, incidents happened due to the release of hazardous materials, toxic and poisonous chemicals in the chemical industries can cause fatal to human and destruction of the environment. Learning from the Bhopal disaster's experience, chemical industries have developed a program - Responsible Care, aiming to regain public trust through improving the environment, health and safety performances. Malaysia has adopted Responsible Care program since 1994 under the stewardship of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia (CICM). Six codes of management practices have been developed by the CICM, covering distribution, community awareness and emergency response, pollution prevention, process safety, employee health & safety and product stewardship. It has been more than 20 years since its inception. However, to date, there are only 125 companies have signed the pledge to adopt Responsible Care program. The CICM has also conducted several initiatives to encourage participation of chemical companies to adopt Responsible Care program in Malaysia. Therefore, it is the aim of this paper to review the current status of Responsible Care program in Malaysia and also deliberate the way forward of this program.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
  20. Atiya AS, Anuar Zaini MZ, Khairul Anuar A
    JUMMEC, 1998;3:64-65.
    A pilot study on 250 foreign workers was undertaken during a 7-month period beginning December 1996. The sample of subjects mainly males (88.8%) was selected on a non-probability basis from two sources i.e. from University of Malaya (72.8%) and PEREMBA group (27.2%). The study was a clinic-based and a face-to-face interview was carried out to elicit information on social, demographic, environmental, medical and recent illness using a structured questionnaire. Physical examinations were also performed on the same day of the interview. Subjects were also required to give their stool, venous blood, and urine specimens for microbiological, parasitological and clinical laboratory investigations. Chest X-Rays was done on ail subjects. The other investigators had already reported findings on the various specific areas of the study. In this part of the report attempt was made to relate the infectious diseases to some of the socio-environtnental variables on the 112 Indonesian, 133 Bangladeshi workers. Some aspects of health seeking behaviour of these foreign workers were also presented. Most of the Indonesian workers (84%) were from Jawa Timua and Jambi, Sumatra, while majority of the Bangladeshis (67.7%) were from two neighboring administrative districts of Dhaka and Chittagong. Majorities of the Indonesians (50.0%) were working in service industry, while 53.5% Bangladeshis were in the manufacturing. One-fifth of the workers lived in squatter areas, and nearly half of them were working for the service industry. About 70% of the workers had at least one infection. The proportion was slightly higher among the Indonesians (72.3%) compared to the Bangladeshis (67.7%). It is of interest to point out that 40.0% had multiple infections. Thirteen had five or more infections (details for the two of the 13 cases are presented as case studies). However, the findings did not indicate any association between sanitation and infections. Risk for transmission was developed based on the number of infections in the person. The Indonesian workers carried a higher risk of transmitting the diseases (33.9%) compared to 19.5% among the Bangladeshi workers. Those working in the construction industry were at a higher risk of transmitting the diseases compared to other industries. Slightly more than half of the workers experienced some form of minor illness or injury during the two-week period preceding the interview. Majority sought private care (43.1%), while 42.3% either self-medicate or did nothing al all. Nearly two-thirds paid out of their own pocket. Among the employers, construction sector made negligible contribution (2.9%) to the payment. It is interesting to find that 41.0% of the workers took some form of health suppletnents, and majority (48.4%) got it from the phartnacy or traditional sources. Nearly all (88.5%) paid on their own for the health supplements. The findings from this pilot project need to be interpreted with solne caution. However, it appears that the foreign workers carry sizeable anlount of health problems. If these are not addressed quickly it may eudanger the health of a nation, while we readily acknowledge their contribution towards our national development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia
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