The anatomical structures of the first, second and third instars of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) were examined by light microscopy. Observations were documented on the three main characteristics; the cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior spiracle and posterior spiracle. The first instar larva bore cornuae of fairly pigmented delineation with slim hypostomal sclerite and distinct dental sclerite. First instar did not have obscured anterior spiracle but posterior spiracles were obscured with thin lining of opened peritreme. Intersegmental spines were evident. The second instar larva displayed a prominent anterodorsal process approaching closer to hypostomal sclerite while upper margin of the dorsal cornua was slightly pigmented. Each anterior spiracle consisted of nine to ten papillae, arranged in a single row. Peritreme of the posterior spiracle thick, opening at the end of peritreme was not wide and confined to two spiracular slits. The third instar larva showed a prominent arch of the ventral cornua with broad and bold appearance. It approached the dorsal cornua and became narrow at the incision median. The anterior spiracle consisted of a single row of nine to ten papillae while intersegmental spine could be identified with one to three dark pigmented tips. A dark pigmented and wide periterime was observed confining three short and thick spiracular slits while button was poorly pigmented. The most distinctive feature of this second and third instar larva was the slender, thorn-like tubercle with numerous spined tips on the middle line segment of the body. These findings provide identification features of C. rufifacies larvae instars.
Ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membrane, has been frequently detected as an indicator of fungal presence and mass
in environmental samples like soil. However, its detection in major pathogenic fungal species has not been investigated.
In this study, the ergosterol contents of ten pathogenic fungal species were determined. Liquid chromatography was used
for the detection and quantification of ergosterol extracted from fungal broth cultures. Results showed that ergosterol
eluted as a single, well resolved peak in the chromatogram profiles of all tested fungi. Based upon relative amounts of
ergosterol produced per fungal mycelial dry weight, three groups of fungal pathogens were identified, namely low ergosterol
(Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans at 4.62, 6.29 and 7.08 µg/mg, respectively), medium
ergosterol (Fusarium solani, Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor sp., Penicillium sp., Cryptococcus gattii and Rhizopus sp.
at 9.40, 10.79, 10.82, 11.38, 12.60 and 13.40 µg/mg, respectively), and high ergosterol (Candida tropicalis at 22.84 µg/
mg), producers. Ergosterol was not detectable in bacterial samples, which were included as controls. This first report on
ergosterol detection in major pathogenic fungal species indicates that ergosterol may be used as a biomarker to diagnose
invasive fungal infections in clinical samples.
Ficus deltoidea leaves were widely used as a tea beverages in Malaysia with no information of its mineral content. Hence the mineral content of two species of Ficus deltoidea leaves were investigated. The dried leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia and F. deltoidea var. deltoidea were acid digested and mineral elements of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Cr, Fe and Zn were determined using ICP–MS. Magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, iron and zinc were found to be present in the leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia and F. deltoidea var. deltoidea. Concentration of magnesium (1934 mg/L), manganese (58.37 mg/L), iron (6.89 mg/L) and zinc (1.77 mg/L) in F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in F. deltoidea var. angustifolia species with concentration of 317 mg/L, 29.62 mg/L, 4.55 mg/L and 1.26 mg/L for magnesium, manganese, iron and zinc respectively. Meanwhile, concentration of sodium in F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species (3.13 mg/L) was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the concentration in F. deltoidea var. angustifolia species (9.11 mg/L). The finding showed that the leaves of F. deltoidea var. deltoidea has higher nutritional value than the leaves of F. deltoidea var. angustifolia. Leaves of Ficus deltoidea especially the F. deltoidea var. deltoidea species contain high amount of magnesium, manganese and potassium. Therefore, tea made of this leaves can be served as a good source of minerals for human consumption.
Thyroid and gonads are radiosensitive organs which requires radiation shield to reduce the dose received. However,
radiation shielding is not widely used in radionuclide imaging because it is heavy, uncomfortable and can cause pain
in the spine. Therefore, a research was carried out to determine the ability of thyroid and gonad radiation shield
which is thinner and lighter in reducing radiation dose. A study was conducted in Hospital Putrajaya to determine
the radiation dose received by the thyroid and gonads during a complete Positron Emission Tomography-Computed
Tomography (PET-CT) procedure with and without radiation shield. A total of six male staffs have been chosen as subject
and data from 33 complete PET-CT procedures have been collected. For every PET-CT procedure, the subject’s thyroid
and gonad were shielded using 0.5-mm thick radiation shielded, model Mavig 615 (USA) and Shielding International
(USA) respectively. Thermal luminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips were used as radiation dose detector. The average 18FFDG radioactivity administered to the patient was 387 MBq and the average scan time is 9.224 ± 1.797 minutes. The
results showed that the mean equivalent dose received by the thyroid with and without shielding were 0.080 ± 0.033
mSv and 0.078 ± 0.039 mSv respectively. The mean equivalent dose received by gonad with and without shielding
were 0.059 ± 0.040 mSv and 0.061 ± 0.030 mSv respectively. Radiation shield with 0.5 mm thickness is unable to
reduce radiation dose received by the thyroid (p = 0.76) and gonads (p = 0.79) because it is too thin to resist the
high-energy radiation during PET-CT procedures. Thyroid receive higher radiation dose of 0.016 m Sv compared to
the gonads (p < 0.05) because the thyroid’s position is more exposed to radiation sources which are 18F-FDG during
radiopharmaceutical preparation and patients after administered with 18F-FDG during PET-CT procedure.
Keywords: equivalent dose, radiation shield, TLD
Establishing time of death has been extensively studied for the last 30 years. Parameters that have been studied included body temperature, biochemistry of rigor mortis, putrefactive changes and entomology. Despite an extensive study in these parameters it was found that all of the parameters were very much dependent on external factors like changes in surrounding temperature and activities done prior to death. To solve this problem, we decided to monitor the mechanism that occurs during death. Until now, various researches have found that during the early stage of death, heart and perfusion to the cells will stop. This will cause the cells to start the death process. The death of the cell will occurs either through apoptosis or necrosis. During apoptosis the cells will switch on and off a few proteins in a sequence. Based on this understanding, a study was conducted to determine if area ratio of apoptosis: necrosis and apoptotic p53 and Bcl-2 markers can be used as a reliable postmortem interval marker (PMI). Sampling of the study had involved 100 dead human skins with a known PMI. All samples were obtained from forensic unit of Hospital Kuala Lumpur (UFHKL). Ratio of apoptosis: necrosis areas were determined using hematoxilin and eosin staining while apoptosis p53 and Bcl-2 markers were done using an apoptosis kit. All staining were then indexed and plotted against PMI data obtained from UFHKL. Results indicated that there were no significant correlations between ratio of apoptosis: necrosis area against PMI (p = 0.144). Whereas for both apoptotic markers p53 and Bcl-2 PMI had shown a significant correlation (p < 0.000 for both results). In conclusion, we suggest that p53 and Bcl-2 parameters should be studied further since it is very likely that it could be a good indicator for PMI.
A speech test that emphasizes on fricatives and affricates with high-frequency components is recommended for testing individuals with high-frequency hearing loss. Validation of the frequency-lowering feature in modern hearing aids are also important. There has been no recorded speech material in Malaysia that focuses on Mandarin fricatives and affricates. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a nonsense word test that contains Mandarin sibilant fricatives and affricates. A total of 180 vowel-consonant-vowel (vcv) nonsense syllables were recorded from a female and a male talker. These vcv syllables included six targeted Mandarin fricatives and affricates in three vowel contexts. Perceptual and acoustic analysis were conducted and selected vcv syllables were validated by 24 native Mandarin talkers with normal hearing through identification testing. Hundred and three syllables were rated as having a good or excellent sound quality and free from at least one of the idiosyncrasy elements. The average percentage of correct identification of vcv tokens for the female and male talkers were 85.38% and 82. 73%, respectively. Syllables that received the highest correct identification scores above the group mean were taken as the best exemplars. In total, 29 best exemplars were selected from 180 vcv syllables for the development of the Mandarin fricative-affricate nonsense word test. Future studies should include the development of performance-intensity function for individuals with normal hearing and a test manual so that the test can be used by non-native Mandarin clinicians.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common disorder among elderly and may worsen to dementia. The aim of this study is to develop a nutrition and lifestyle booklet to implement better lifestyle modification, as an effort to delay cognitive decline. A series of discussions with a research group comprising of dieticians, nutritionists, a geriatrician and a public health physician were conducted to ascertain the content of the booklet. There were seven guidelines in the booklet including; eat more fish, eat more foods rich in folic acid, eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, do activities to stimulate memory, stop smoking and alcohol drinking and stay cheerful and positive. Evaluation of acceptance for the booklet was carried out which comprised of assessment on content, graphic and design among elderly and health staff at health clinic in Cheras. The assessment involved 15 Malay elderly subjects aged 60 to 81 years (mean age 66.1 ±6.6 years), with 60.0% men and 40.0% women and 10 health staff aged 36.6 ± 12.0 years, with range of 27 to 58 years, consists of 20.0% men and 80.0% women also participated. Most of elderly subjects (80.0%, n = 12) indicated they understood information in the booklet. Meanwhile, 20.0% (n = 3) of elderly expressed they did not fully understand the content of the booklet in particular on sentence and terminology. All health staff (100.0%) understood the information in the booklet. This booklet was well accepted by elderly subjects and health staff, however adding more graphics, simplifying sentence structures and minimizing scientific terminologies to improve understanding were suggested. The booklet has the potential to increase the nutritional and health knowledge of elderly specifically with MCI. This would motivate them to adopt healthy eating and lifestyle, thus reducing cognitive decline and prevent dementia.
Keywords: Cognitive, education, booklet, elderly, lifestyle
The incidence of falls among older adults can be caused by nutritional, health status, physical and environmental factors. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the contents in a booklet on nutrition and falls prevention among older adults as a nutritional education material for falls prevention. In Phase I, market survey in bookstore, website search and need assessment among 30 respondents using a questionnaire was conducted. Results from Phase I were used to form a 32-page A5 size booklet that includes information on nutrients related to bone health, recommendations of high protein and calcium menus, ideal exercise and tips to avoid falls in older adults. The content validity of the booklet was conducted among six health professionals to assess the suitability and understanding in Phase II. The content of the booklet (Phase III) was then evaluated among 24 respondents aged 60 years and above. From the need assessment in Phase I, majority of respondents chose 7 to 9 for the score of each questions which indicates the need for all information to be included in the booklet. For Phase II, criteria with highest average score were composition and typography with a score of 60%. For Phase III, most respondents chose “good” for all the criteria stated except for pictures (satisfactory), while 62.5% of respondents stated that they were satisfied with the information contents in the booklet. In conclusion, this booklet can be used as one of the strategies for nutrition education in the prevention of falls among older adults.
Relatively less comprehensive web based programme has been developed for detecting risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and further impart preventive strategies and lifestyle education. Thus, this study has developed a comprehensive web based programme for early screening of risk of MCI together with education package for preventing MCI known as WESIHAT 2.0. WESIHAT 2.0 is a senior friendly website which has appropriate design interface facilitating access of older people especially with the use of touch-screen technology. WESIHAT 2.0 has incorporated four major components namely TUA WELLNESS screening tool, which is a comprehensive, online based, 10-item screening tool for detecting risk of MCI, 10-guides for preventing MCI, health diary and healthy food. Evaluation of acceptance of WESIHAT 2.0 was done among 71 people which comprised of 30 older people and 30 caregivers, chosen equally based on ethnic composition and 11 health care professionals who has experience working in the field of geriatric and 2 freelance website developer. All older people and caregivers stated that the content of website was very useful for preventing MCI, however, about 36.4% of health professionals stated several improvements needed to be done before releasing the end-product to the users. Comments given were smaller font size (27.3), addition of more pictures (27.3%), using simpler terms (36.4%) and changing certain design for better view of older people (18.2%). Amendments were made based on each comment given and the finalized website were used for a 6-month intervention programme for neuroprotection among older people who failed to achieve successful aging. It is timely for an online based approach for prevention of MCI. WESIHAT 2.0 is the first website in Malaysia which has been accepted by all older people and caregiver and more than half of healthcare professionals to prevent memory decline.
Older adults residing in community, as well as those who are residing in institutional or care home may experience various cognitive, health and physical impairments that may affect their independence. Continuous supports are needed to manage most of their personal care activities which are usually managed by their family members, often without proper training or guidance. To date, there is no personal care module that can be used as a guideline by family members and paid caretakers. Therefore, this study aims to develop and validate a personal care module as a guideline in assisting older adults with more significant disabilities. This study was a three-phase study, involving (1) development of the personal care module, (2) focus group discussion with healthcare experts and (3) face and content validity by the expert reviewers. A total of 10 older adults participated in semi structured interview in phase one and 13 occupational therapists were involved as experts in evaluating the module in phase two and three, having between 5 to 25 years of working experiences. The finding reported a high content validity in the developed module ranging from 0.88 to 1.00 on six domains of personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, feeding, bed mobility and stairs climbing. This study provides a preliminary support for the developed personal care module as a valid instrument to be used as a guideline in managing personal care activities of older adults with more significant disabilities.
Polyphenol is a non-nutrient phytochemical compound existed abundantly in plant-based diet which has the properties to prevent age related oxidative damage induced diseases. However, there are difficulties in quantifying its intake and local food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for the assessment is not available. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate FFQ for estimation of dietary polyphenol intake among 93 individuals aged 60 years and above recruited from several senior citizen clubs in Klang Valley. Phase I of the study involved the development of FFQ consisted of 117 items under 9 categories and formation of the database extracted from PHENOL-EXPLORER. In Phase II, the intake of polyphenol estimated using FFQ was compared with reference method consisted of 2-day diet records and diet history questionnaire (DHQ). The mean dietary polyphenol intake estimated from FFQ and the reference method was 2770.7 ± 1552.4 mg/d and 2171.4 ± 898.8 mg/d, respectively. Spearman’s rho and Kendall’s tau-b analysis indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between polyphenol intake estimated from FFQ and reference method (r = 0.41, p < 0.001; r = 0.28, p < 0.001). For Bland-Altman plot, 95.7% of scattered plot fell within ± 1.96 SD limits of agreement revealed that there was good agreement between the two methods used. Cross-classifi cation analysis showed that 36.6% was categorized in the same quartile, 78.5% in identical and contiguous quartiles, with only 3.2% in the opposite quartiles. Regression analysis showed that all categories in FFQ signifi cantly account for the inter-variance for dietary polyphenol intake after controlling for the other variables (R2 = 1.000, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the newly developed FFQ is considered valid and has the potential to be used as a tool to estimate polyphenol intake among elderly individuals in Malaysia.
Knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology of swallowing is fundamental in the identification of individuals with or
at risk for swallowing disorders. Learning anatomy and physiology however, is not an easy task thus, computer-assisted
learning (CAL) approaches have been incorporated into the learning of the topics to enhance understanding. Although
evidence exists on the benefits of using CAL in education, more studies are necessary in the field of swallowing. While
courseware for the learning of anatomy and physiology of swallowing exist, they are not comprehensive. Therefore, this
study aimed to develop a comprehensive CAL courseware for anatomy and physiology of swallowing. The current study
used a designed-based research following the ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation)
model to create a multimedia courseware, incorporating the use of text, still images, animations, audio narrations,
and presented on a simple graphical user interface. The courseware was evaluated by 27 undergraduate students in
terms of its usefulness, ease of use, and users’ satisfaction. Results indicate that the participants were satisfied with the
courseware and that they perceived the courseware as useful, easy to learn and easy to use. The study represents an
initiative to investigate the use of CAL in the subject and to establish the basis for further work which includes assessment
on the learning outcomes from the usage of the CAL courseware. It is hoped that the use of this courseware in teaching
and learning of anatomy and physiology of swallowing can enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the area
efficiently and effectively.
In forensic entomology practice, it is more common to use raw animal tissue to breed dipteran larvae and it often brings unpleasant odour in the laboratory. Few studies suggested the use of synthetic diets, mainly agar-based media, as alternatives to animal tissue but it is rarely being practiced in forensic entomology laboratory. The present study observed the growth of a forensically important fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew) on raw cow’s liver, nutrient agar, casein agar and cow’s liver agar. A total of 100 M. scalaris eggs were transferred each into the different media and placed in an incubator at 30°C in a continuous dark condition. Data on length and developmental period were collected by randomly sampling three of the largest larvae from each rearing media, twice a day at 0900 and 1500 hours until pupariation. M. scalaris larvae reared on raw cow’s liver recorded the highest mean length (4.23 ± 1.96 mm) followed by cow’s liver agar (3.79 ± 1.62 mm), casein agar (3.14 ± 1.16 mm) and nutrient agar (3.09 ± 1.11 mm). Larval length in raw liver and liver agar were significantly different from those in nutrient and casein agar (p < 0.05). Larvae bred in liver agar and raw liver recorded the shortest larval duration before entering the post-feeding stage (89 hours), followed by nutrient agar (119 hours) and casein agar (184 hours). Total developmental time from oviposition until adult emergence for M. scalaris in liver agar and raw liver was approximately 163 hours. All puparia in nutrient agar and casein agar failed to hatch. This research highlighted the potential use of cow’s liver agar as an alternative diet of raw liver to culture M. scalaris in laboratory.
This paper describes the systematic process followed in the development of culturally appropriate equalized speech-in-noise sentences suitable for use in an adaptive Speech-In-Noise training protocol for adults in Malaysia. The process involved three iterative phases of development. They were (1) analysis, (2) design and (3) development phases. In the analysis phase, important variables that needed to be considered for speech-in-noise materials were identified through literature review and discussion with the experts in the field. Next, in the design phase, the compilation and formation of sentences, evaluation of naturalness and recording of the speech materials were done. The last phase was the development phase which involved the evaluation of performance intensity function and equalization of intelligibility. The final outcome of these phases were 171 sentences with equal intelligibility that can be used interchangeably in a speech-in-noise training protocol for adults in Malaysia.
A novel electrophoretic separation system has been successfully applied for the preparation of human sperm prior to the execution of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). This new system is designed to overcome the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through centrifugation in conventional sperm preparation. Since the previous study showed favorable outcomes in humans, this study intends to implement this new system for animal sperm preparation particularly in bull. Fresh semen from adult bulls were used. Optimization of the electrophoretic system for optimum bull sperm separation involved different strength of voltage and separation time. The voltages applied were 10V, 20V, 30V, 40V, 50V, and 60V. For each voltage applied, the system was operated for a duration of 12 min. An average of 10 μl fractionalized semen was taken out at the collection site at every 2-min interval. Every fractionated sperm was then evaluated for percentage of viability, motility, and DNA damage assessment. Result showed that electrophoresis at 20V and 6 min yielded more than 80% viable and more than 70% motile sperm population with the lowest DNA damage. In conclusion, the system was able to fractionate high quality bull sperm at 20V and 6 min.
Body weight can be estimated using equations developed from the anthropometric measurements when body weight is difficult to measure for example among bedridden older adults. This study has developed the equation to estimate body weight among older adults resided in Klang Valley from several anthropometric measurements. A cross sectional study was carried out among community dwelling older adults aged 60 years old and above in Klang Valley area. Subjects were recruited through convenience sampling method. Weight, height, knee height (KH), demi span (DS), subscapular skinfold (SSF), calf circumference (CC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and wrist circumference (WrC) were measured according to the standard protocol. Cross validation was performed. 61% from total subjects were selected randomly for the development of equation meanwhile, 39% subjects as control subjects. Equation was generated using stepwise multiple regression analysis. A total of 164 older adults involved in this study which consist of 39.0% men and 61.0% women. Mean age of the subjects was 68.32 ± 5.79 years meanwhile mean of measured body weight was 66.46 ± 11.98 kg. Predictive equation obtained was: estimated body weight = 5.149 (Sex) – 0.082 (Age) + 0.889 (Hip circumference) + 1.112 (Knee Height) – 72.778 (R2 = 0.848, p < 0.001). Correlation coefficient for 61% subjects were higher (r = 0.921) compared to the correlation coefficient for 39% subjects (r = 0.883) (p < 0.001). However, the differences between measured and estimated body weight was not significant (p = 0.798). This showed that the equation developed was able to estimate body weight among older adults, because the value of estimated body weight was closed to the value of measured body weight. The equation developed can be used to estimate body weight among Malaysian older adults. However, further study is warranted to explore this equation into the different settings such as clinical setting.
This study aimed to develop and examine the validity and reliability of a pregnancy symptoms questionnaire. A total of 214 pregnant women aged 19 to 40 years old were purposive randomly recruited from December 2009 to January 2010 in Antenatal Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Pregnant mothers at second and third trimesters were interviewed to complete the Pregnancy Symptoms Questionnaire (PSQ). The PSQ was developed by experts in nutrition, obstetrics and statistics. The PSQ consists of 38 items on frequency and severity of pregnancy symptoms. Factor analysis was done using Promax rotation method to check for construct validity. A total of 16 items which had poor correlation (<0.3) and less important content were removed during the final revise. The 22 remaining items were found to be loaded on the three components (general, constitutional and somatic pain). The overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.93 and for each three components ranges from 0.70–0.87. The results suggest that the final PSQ consisting of 22 items is valid and reliable for measuring the frequency and severity of the symptoms experienced during pregnancy. It can be used in nutritional studies related to pregnancy and its outcome.
Keywords: Pregnant mothers; Pregnancy symptoms; Questionnaire; Validation
Study site: Antenatal Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease which is characterized by hyperglycemia. There is either disturbance in insulin secretion or defective insulin action or even a combination of both. Usually, there are few confounding factors like genetic, obesity, sedentary life style, atherosclerosis, and even faulty dietary habits which lead or aggravate DM. Usually, the individual does not care and often the complications resulting from hyperglycaemia are fatal. Complications in DM involve the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, endocrine, renal and neurological systems in the body. Treatment of diabetic complications is not only costly but it is also a burden on the affected families. The present review discusses the challenges faced in DM with special concern on diet and food habits. Knowledge of proper food consumption may also help an individual combat complication in DM and reduce the mortality and morbidity.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; complications; food; habits; mortality; morbidity
Nutrition has been widely recognized to have certain levels of influence on the risk of kidney stone formation. Thus,
this case-control study was conducted to determine the association of dietary intake and lifestyles factors with kidney
stone disease. Sociodemographic data, dietary intake, supplements intake, smoking and alcohol habit, medical history,
physical activity and anthropometric data were obtained using interviewer-administered pre-tested questionnaires
among 81 patients who had been diagnosed with kidney stone disease and 81 patients without kidney stone disease at
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. The results indicated that body mass index and hip circumference
were higher among cases as compared to controls in both men and women (p < 0.05). Energy, macronutrients and
micronutrients intake were higher for case subjects compared to control subjects for all significant parameters (p < 0.05).
Results showed positive association of kidney stone with consumption of nuts (≥1 time/week) for men and women while
consumption of eggs (1-3 times/month) and beans (1-6 times/week) showed positive association for women. Analysis
of multivariate found the risk factor among women was diabetes mellitus [Adjusted OR = 27.6 (95% CI = 1.43-53.3)]
(p < 0.05). Whilst, plain water intake of at least 6 glasses [Adjusted OR = 0.001 (95% CI = 0.000-0.08)] (p < 0.05) and
8 glasses per day [Adjusted OR = 0.001 (95% CI = 0.000-0.02)] (p < 0.05) reduced the risk among women. The risk
factors for men were smoking habits [Adjusted OR = 16.2 (95% CI = 1.29-203)] (p < 0.05), consumption of carbonated
drink 1-3 times per month [Adjusted OR = 6.25 (95% CI = 1.04-40.7)] (p < 0.05) and 1-6 times per week [Adjusted OR =
12.5 (95% CI = 1.41-111)] (p < 0.05). Unhealthy dietary and lifestyles factors increased the risk of kidney stone disease
and various risk factors were found for different sexes.
Tahfiz education has been well accepted by Muslims in Malaysia. Memorizing the Quran through rote learning can assist in improving the brain ability to process, store information and build memory. In addition, dietary intakes were reported to contribute in the process of memorizing the Quran and to increase the levels of intelligence (IQ) among huffaz students. This cross-sectional study was conducted to measure and to determine the correlation between IQ and dietary intake as well as between IQ and the level of trace elements among students in selected tahfiz schools and non-tahfiz school in Selangor. Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic data. Dietary intake was assessed via 3 days dietary record. Levels of trace elements in the nail samples were analyzed by using ICP-MS. Test for intelligence using WASI-II was conducted to measure the students’ IQ. The results showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between IQ and carbohydrate (r = 0.425, p < 0.001, a weak positive correlation between IQ and energy (r = 0.260, p < 0.05), vitamin B6 (r = 0.189, p < 0.05), vitamin B12 (r = 0.207, p < 0.05) and vitamin C (r = 0.211, p < 0.05). The levels of trace elements in nail samples showed no correlation with IQ, whereas there were moderate positive correlations between IQ and dietary zinc (r = 0.375, p < 0.001) as well as between IQ and dietary iron (r = 0.303, p < 0.001). There was also a moderate positive correlation between IQ and the level of memorization (r = 0.375, p < 0.001). The results of stepwise multiple linear regression showed that al-Quran memorization influence the level of IQ by 20 %. As a conclusion, dietary intake of certain nutrients including energy, vitamins and selected trace elements can potentially improve memorization activities and also IQ.