Displaying publications 1601 - 1620 of 1808 in total

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  1. Retraction notice to "Adsorption of terbutaline β-agonists from wastewater by mechano-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles modified copper (II) isonicotinate metal-organic framework" [Environ. Res. 258 (2024) 119413]
    Usman A, Khoo KS, Ariffin MM, Loh SH, Afiq Wan Mohd Khalik WM, Yusoff HM, et al.
    Environ Res, 2025 Jan 15;265:120418.
    PMID: 39627035 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120418
  2. Probable Nipa Palm Wine-Associated Hepatitis A Outbreak after Attending a Funeral Ceremony in Sabah
    Jikal M, Mori D, Yusoff AF, Rai SB, Mukhsam MH, Ali I, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2021 07 12;105(3):777-782.
    PMID: 34255740 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0036
    Foodborne outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) are most commonly associated with fresh and frozen produce and with various types of shellfish. Alcoholic beverage-borne outbreaks of hepatitis A are extremely rare. Here, we report an outbreak of hepatitis A associated with the consumption of a traditional wine at a funeral ceremony in the Sabah state of Malaysian Borneo. Confirmed cases were determined by serum anti-HAV immunoglobulin M and/or for fecal HAV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The amplicons of RT-PCR were subjected to nucleotide sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. We conducted a 1:2 case-control study to identify the possible exposure that led to the outbreak. Sixteen patients met the case definition, they were 18 to 58 years old and 90% of them were males. The case-control study showed that the consumption of nipa palm wine during the ceremony was significantly associated (P = 0.0017) with hepatitis A infection (odds ratio, 5.44; 95% CI, 1.80-16.43). Untreated river water was used to dilute the traditional wine, which was assumed to be the source of the infection. Phylogenetically, these viruses belonged to genotype IA and formed an independent cluster with strains from Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. This strain might be an emerging HAV in Asian countries. Environmental assessments were performed and environmental samples were negative for HAV. The incidence of hepatitis A in Sabah was also determined and it was 0.795/100,000 population. Strict monitoring of traditional wine production should be implemented by the local authority to prevent future outbreaks.
  3. Mutation analysis of BCR-ABL1 kinase domain in chronic myeloid leukemia patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitors resistance: a Malaysian cohort study
    Seman ZA, Ahid F, Kamaluddin NR, Sahid ENM, Esa E, Said SSM, et al.
    BMC Res Notes, 2024 Apr 20;17(1):111.
    PMID: 38643202 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06772-1
    OBJECTIVE: Mutational analysis of BCR::ABL1 kinase domain (KD) is a crucial component of clinical decision algorithms for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with failure or warning responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. This study aimed to detect BCR::ABL1 KD mutations in CML patients with treatment resistance and assess the concordance between NGS (next generation sequencing) and Sanger sequencing (SS) in detecting these mutations.

    RESULTS: In total, 12 different BCR::ABL1 KD mutations were identified by SS in 22.6% (19/84) of patients who were resistant to TKI treatment. Interestingly, NGS analysis of the same patient group revealed an additional four different BCR::ABL1 KD mutations in 27.4% (23/84) of patients. These mutations are M244V, A344V, E355A, and E459K with variant read frequency below 15%. No mutation was detected in 18 patients with optimal response to TKI therapy. Resistance to TKIs is associated with the acquisition of additional mutations in BCR::ABL1 KD after treatment with TKIs. Additionally, the use of NGS is advised for accurately determining the mutation status of BCR::ABL1 KD, particularly in cases where the allele frequency is low, and for identifying mutations across multiple exons simultaneously. Therefore, the utilization of NGS as a diagnostic platform for this test is very promising to guide therapeutic decision-making.

  4. Existing Tubular Injury in β-Thalassemia Major Patients Receiving Iron Chelating Agents with Normal Creatinine Level in East Java, Indonesia
    Romadhon PZ, Ashariati A, Bintoro SUY, Suryantoro SD, Windradi C, Mahdi BA, et al.
    Hemoglobin, 2024 Sep;48(5):301-307.
    PMID: 39497272 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2024.2414102
    Patients suffering from thalassemia are recipients of routine transfusions leading to hemosiderosis. Taking iron chelating agents is mandatory. Several studies have shown different results regarding the occurrence of kidney complications in thalassemia patients who received iron-chelating agents. In this study, we were looking for kidney complications by examining human NAG urine/serum and NGAL urine/serum in thalassemia community in East Java community. The study was conducted cross-sectionally in the thalassemia community in East Java with a total sample of 91 patients aged 13-48 years. All thalassemia patients filled in demographic data, transfusion routines, duration of taking iron chelating agents, and length of time diagnosed with thalassemia. Laboratory tests included routine blood tests for ferritin, ureum, serum creatinine, human NAG urine or serum, and human NGAL urine or serum. Comparison tests (t-test, Mann-Whitney, and ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis) were conducted to see if there were significant differences in the levels of human NAG urine and human NGAL urine serum based on age, sex, blood group, duration of transfusion, routine of transfusion, duration of taking iron chelating agents, and types of iron chelating drugs. Multivariate analysis was conducted to see whether some of these categories were related to abnormalities in human NAG urine or serum and human NGAL urine or serum. All 91 patients had normal creatinine values, yet some had abnormal serum NAG. There is a significant difference in urine human NAG and urine human NGAL levels at ages over 23 years (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01). Significant differences in human NGAL serum were also found in working and student patients (p = 0.028). Serum NGAL also differed in those taking deferasirox (p = 0.030) and significantly different human NGAL urine was also found in iron overload status (Ferritin ≥ 1000 ng.ml) (p = 0.006). There is no difference between human NAG urine/serum and human NGAL urine/serum based on sex, body mass index, blood type, hemoglobin less than 10 g/dl, routine transfusion once a month, duration of using iron chelation for more than 10 years, or splenomegaly status (splenomegaly, splenectomy, or no splenomegaly). The multivariate logistic regression results showed that age above 23 was a factor associated with abnormal urine human NAG levels (aOR = 3.79, 95% CI = 1.08-13.28). Students (aOR = 4.89, 95% CI = 1.48-16.16) with ages above 23 years (aOR = 3.69, 95% CI = 1.09-12.43) showed higher risk for an abnormal serum human NGAL levels. Patients with beta-thalassemia major exhibit noticeable tubular damage. Further research is encouraged to determine other factors behind tubular damage in the thalassemia community, particularly in Indonesia.
  5. The need to identify anatomy-related competencies in medical education
    Syed Abd Halim SA, Yusoff MSB, Yaman MN, Roslan NS, Tengku Muda TFM, Ramli RR, et al.
    Anat Sci Educ, 2024 Dec;17(9):1659-1667.
    PMID: 39294898 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2515
    A profound grasp of anatomy is indispensable for shaping competent and safe medical practitioners. This knowledge acquisition is pivotal in the early stages of medical education and remains crucial throughout clinical training. However, the evolving landscape of medical education has ushered in changes to the anatomy curriculum, marked by a reduction in contact hours and a streamlined content structure to accommodate novel subjects and teaching methodologies. This transformation has precipitated a quandary in defining the essential scope and depth of anatomical knowledge to be imparted. Traditionally, surgeons assumed the role of anatomy instructors until Flexner's recommendations catalyzed the integration of trained anatomists. Nevertheless, the varied backgrounds of anatomists and the heterogeneity in anatomy curricula across institutions have introduced potential disparities in the quality of graduates. Addressing these challenges mandates the identification of key anatomy competencies tailored for undergraduate medical students. The imperative lies in ensuring that these competencies span cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains, offering not only comprehensiveness but also direct applicability to clinical practice. Hence, this viewpoint highlights the necessity of adopting a systematic approach that includes gathering input from various stakeholders in developing and implementing a universal anatomy core competency framework, ensuring graduates are equipped for the multifaceted demands of clinical practice. Overall, the manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in anatomy education, with a clear call to action for a transformative approach to meet the evolving needs of medical practice.
  6. Para-Bombay blood group: Report of a rare blood group
    Joibi KF, Noor NHM, Hassan MN, Iberahim S, Rahman WSWA, Yusoff SM, et al.
    Asian J Transfus Sci, 2024;18(2):316-319.
    PMID: 39822692 DOI: 10.4103/ajts.ajts_3_21
    Para-Bombay blood group is a rare blood group typically characterized by the absence of H antigens on red blood cell and the presence of ABH substances on secretion. It can be easily missed and often mistaken as blood group O without extended testing. Detection is important as it significantly affect transfusion management. We report two cases of Para-Bombay A blood group in a teaching hospital in a North-Eastern state of Malaysia.
  7. Fulltext Controlled Synthesis of Perovskite Nanocrystals at Room Temperature by Liquid Crystalline Templates
    Im JH, Han M, Hong J, Kim H, Oh KS, Choi T, et al.
    ACS Nano, 2025 Jan 14;19(1):1177-1189.
    PMID: 39748139 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c13217
    Perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are promising active materials because of their outstanding optoelectronic properties, which are finely tunable via size and shape. However, previous synthetic methods such as hot-injection and ligand-assisted reprecipitation require a high synthesis temperature or provide limited access to homogeneous PNCs, leading to the present lack of commercial value and real-world applications of PNCs. Here, we report a room-temperature approach to synthesize PNCs within a liquid crystalline antisolvent, enabling access to PNCs with a precisely defined size and shape and with reduced surface defects. We demonstrate that elastic strains and long-range molecular ordering of the liquid crystals play a key role in not only regulating the growth of PNCs but also promoting high surface passivation of PNCs with ligands. The approach is a simple, rapid, and room-temperature process, yet it enables access to highly homogeneous PNCs on a mass scale with substantially reduced surface defect states leading to significantly enhanced optoelectronic features. Our results provide a versatile and generalizable strategy to be broadly compatible with a range of nanomaterials and other synthetic methods such as ligand exchange and microfluidic processes.
  8. Smoking among Secondary School Students in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia--Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study
    Lim HK, Teh HC, Lim LH, Lau JK, Kee CC, Ghazali SM, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(11):4563-70.
    PMID: 26107204
    BACKGROUND: Smoking is a learnt behavior during adolescence and understanding the factor/s associated with smoking will assist in identifying suitable measures in combating the rising prevalence of smoking among adolescents. This research aimed to identify the factor/s associated with smoking among form four students in Kota Tinggi, Johor. Multistage sampling was used to select a representative sample of students in 2008 and data were collected using a self-administered validated questionnaire. This study revealed that the overall smoking prevalence was 19.0% with a significantly higher proportion of male smokers (35.8%) as compared to females (3.15%). Adolescents who were male (aOR 6.6, 95%CI 2.61-16.4), those who had peer/s who smoked (aOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.31-12.4), and those who studied in rural areas and Felda Settlements ( aOR 4.59, 95 CI 1.11-18.0; aOR 9.42, 95%CI 3.91-29.1) were more likely to smoke in the past one week. On the other hand, adolescents with better knowledge on the hazards of smoking and negative attitudes towards smoking were less likely to smoke (aOR 0.51, 95%CI 0.37-0.72; aOR 0.67, 95%CI 0.46-0.99). Future promotional and interventional programmes on smoking should be considered and the above identified risk factors integrated to reduce smoking prevalence among students of school-going ages in Kota Tinggi. Johor.
  9. Fulltext The need to have a valid and reliable tool to measure the anatomy education environment
    Siti Nurma Hanim Hadie, Asma' Hassan, Zul Izhar Mohd Ismail, Mohd Asnizam Asari, Aaijaz Ahmed Khan, Fazlina Kasim, et al.
    Education in Medicine Journal, 2013;5(3):81-85.
    MyJurnal
    Anatomy is an important knowledge for medical practice. Insufficient anatomy knowledge leading to errors in identification of anatomical structures during medical practices has been reported in many countries. Many medical students seem to have difficulties in learning anatomy and retaining the knowledge for future practice, thus this might reflect the possible flaws in anatomy education. In order to achieve optimum anatomy education environment and to close the gaps in education, measuring the students' perception on anatomy teaching and learning is a pre-emptive measure needed by educationists. At present, there is no valid and reliable inventory available to specifically evaluate the anatomy education environment. Therefore, this article highlights the importance of having such inventory.
  10. Fulltext Overview of statutory inspection enforcement for certificated machinery by licensed person
    Shahronizam Noordin, Yuzainie Yusoff, Noorhasimah Awang, Siti Nurani Haji Hassan, Zulfadhli Suhaili, Samuri Mohd Mussim, et al.
    Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(2):31-40.
    MyJurnal
    Licensed person is a third party who was awarded a license to perform statutory inspection for certificated
    machinery under the provision of section 40 (1A), Factories and Machinery Act (Amendment) (FMA) 2006. The
    objectives of the study is to identify issues related to statutory inspection in Malaysia and to make comparisons with
    respect to the statutory inspection by Licensed Person adopted by other countries. The enforcement of Licensed
    Person in Malaysia is still in not yet implemented although Section 40 (1A) in FMA (Revision) 2006 regulating on
    Licensed Person had been introduced on 2006 and compared with other countries especially our neighboring country
    Singapore. Based on the DOSH inspection data analysis, the main issues relating to statutory inspection in Malaysia
    is the increment in backlog cases due to lack of number officers compare to the number of registered certificated
    machineries in Malaysia. As a conclusion, the implementation of Licensed Person is crucial in Malaysia to reduce the
    work and financial burden of Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) officer in enforcing FMA 1967
    and also to improve the quality of statutory inspection for the safety in workplace.
  11. Fulltext Tobacco & E-cigarette Survey Among Malaysian Adolescent (TECMA) 2016
    Aris T, Abd Ghani AA, Mohd Yusoff MF, Robert TG, Tee GH, Mohd Hasri NH, et al.
    ISBN: 978-983-2387-30-5
    Citation: Aris T, Abd Ghani AA, Mohd Yusoff MF, Robert TG, Tee GH, Mohd Hasri NH, et al. Tobacco & E-cigarette Survey Among Malaysian Adolescent (TECMA) 2016. Kuala Lumpur: Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia; 2016
  12. Fulltext Knowledge and awareness about chronic Kidney disease among undergraduate students In international islamic university malaysia Kuantan campus
    Siti Noorkhairina Sowtali, Ali Aminuddin Mohd Rasani, Azarisman Shah Mohd. Shah, Dariah Mohd. Yusoff, Che Rosle Draman, Sakinah Harith, et al.
    Education in Medicine Journal, 2019;11(3):1-13.
    MyJurnal
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes 70% of all death globally. The prevalence of CKD has shown an increasing trend for the past 20 years in Malaysia. Thus, determining the knowledge and awareness of CKD among healthcare students in preparing them to be a good healthcare provider in the future is important. This study aimed to determine the association between knowledge and awareness about CKD among International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) undergraduate students. A crosssectional study was conducted among 108 students using simple random sampling method. The questionnaire was given to the class representative to be self-administered to interested students. It had close-ended questions consisting of Part A to Part D. The scoring given for correctly answered items was one and the total score for Part C was 7 marks. Most of the students were female (70.4%). The mean knowledge score of CKD was 3.65 (SD = 1.12) with nearly half of the students (43.5%) classified as having poor knowledge. Most respondents were aware about CKD (99.1%) and have heard about it from medical personnel (48.1%) and the Internet (25.9%). Further analysis showed that only courses taken by the respondents were significantly associated with knowledge on CKD (p = 0.039). The level of knowledge among undergraduate students is still poor, yet they are aware about the existence of CKD and its aetiology. Therefore, the health sciences curriculum should emphasise on CKD management from a multidisciplinary aspect of care. It is recommended to conduct similar research among different student populations to create awareness and obtain important baseline findings.
  13. Thermoluminescence characteristics of Ge-doped optical fibers with different dimensions for radiation dosimetry
    Begum M, Rahman AK, Abdul-Rashid HA, Yusoff Z, Begum M, Mat-Sharif KA, et al.
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2015 Jun;100:79-83.
    PMID: 25468288 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.10.025
    Important thermoluminescence (TL) properties of five (5) different core sizes Ge-doped optical fibers have been studied to develop new TL material with better response. These are drawn from same preform applying different speed and tension during drawing phase to produce Ge-doped optical fibers with five (5) different core sizes. The results of the investigations are also compared with most commonly used standard TLD-100 chips (LiF:Mg,Ti) and commercial multimode Ge-doped optical fiber (Yangtze Optical Fiber, China). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and EDX analysis of the fibers are also performed to map Ge distribution across the deposited region. Standard Gamma radiation source in Secondary Standard Dosimetry Lab (SSDL) was used for irradiation covering dose range from 1Gy to 10Gy. The essential dosimetric parameters that have been studied are TL linearity, reproducibility and fading. Prior to irradiation all samples ∼0.5cm length are annealed at temperature of 400°C for 1h period to standardize their sensitivities and background. Standard TLD-100 chips are also annealed for 1h at 400°C and subsequently 2h at 100°C to yield the highest sensitivity. TL responses of these fibers show linearity over a wide gamma radiation dose that is an important property for radiation dosimetry. Among all fibers used in this study, 100μm core diameter fiber provides highest response that is 2.6 times than that of smallest core (20μm core) optical fiber. These fiber-samples demonstrate better response than commercial multi-mode optical fiber and also provide low degree of fading about 20% over a period of fifteen days for gamma radiation. Effective atomic number (Zeff) is found in the range (13.25-13.69) which is higher than soft tissue (7.5) however within the range of human-bone (11.6-13.8). All the fibers can also be re-used several times as a detector after annealing. TL properties of the Ge-doped optical fibers indicate promising applications in ionizing radiation dosimetry.
  14. Fulltext Facile hydrothermal preparation of titanium dioxide decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite
    Chang BY, Huang NM, An'amt MN, Marlinda AR, Norazriena Y, Muhamad MR, et al.
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2012;7:3379-87.
    PMID: 22848166 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S28189
    A simple single-stage approach, based on the hydrothermal technique, has been introduced to synthesize reduced graphene oxide/titanium dioxide nanocomposites. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles are formed at the same time as the graphene oxide is reduced to graphene. The triethanolamine used in the process has two roles. It acts as a reducing agent for the graphene oxide as well as a capping agent, allowing the formation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (~20 nm). Transmission electron micrographs show that the nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the reduced graphene oxide nanosheet. Thermogravimetric analysis shows the nanocomposites have an enhanced thermal stability over the original components. The potential applications for this technology were demonstrated by the use of a reduced graphene oxide/titanium dioxide nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode, which enhanced the electrochemical performance compared to a conventional glassy carbon electrode when interacting with mercury(II) ions in potassium chloride electrolyte.
  15. Gamma irradiated thermoluminescence response of Ge-doped SiO2 fibre
    Wahib N, Zulkepely NN, Mat Nawi SN, Amin YM, Ling YS, Abdul Sani SF, et al.
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2015 Nov;105:158-162.
    PMID: 26313622 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.08.025
    Over the past decade and more, considerable interest has been shown in the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of silica-based single-mode optical fibres, in particular investigating potential ionising radiation dosimetry applications. Herein, study has been made of TL glow curve, dose response, reproducibility and fading of 6mol% Ge-doped silica, fabricated in-house and produced in the form of cylindrical fibres. Three different pairings of doped-core and silica cladding diameters were produced: (40, 241)µm, (80, 483)µm and (100, 604)µm. The TL results were compared against that of TLD-100, one of the most sensitive commercially available LiF-based TL media. For all three pairings of diameters, closely similar TL glow curve were obtained, formed of a single peaked structure with a maximum TL yield located between the temperatures 250 and 310°C. The TL yield of the fibres were linear over the range of doses investigated, from 1Gy up to 10Gy, their dose response exceeding that of TLD-100, the samples also being found to be reusable, without evidence of degradation.
  16. Evaluation of radionuclides transfer from soil-to-edible flora and estimation of radiological dose to the Malaysian populace
    Khandaker MU, Mohd Nasir NL, Asaduzzaman K, Olatunji MA, Amin YM, Kassim HA, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2016 Jul;154:528-536.
    PMID: 27085312 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.121
    Malaysia, a rapidly growing industrial country, is susceptible to pollution via large-scale industrial engagements and associated human activities. One particular concern is the potential impact upon the quality of locally resourced vegetables, foodstuffs that contain important nutrients necessary for good health, forming an essential part of the Malaysian diet. As a part of this, it is of importance for there to be accurate knowledge of radioactive material uptake in these vegetables, not least in respect of any public health detriment. Herein, using HPGe γ-ray spectrometry, quantification has been performed of naturally occurring radionuclides in common edible vegetables and their associated soils. From samples analyses, the soil activity concentration ranges (in units of Bq/kg) for (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were respectively 1.33-30.90, 0.48-26.80, 7.99-136.5 while in vegetable samples the ranges were 0.64-3.80, 0.21-6.91, 85.53-463.8. Using the corresponding activities, the transfer factors (TFs) from soil-to-vegetables were estimated, the transfers being greatest for (40)K, an expected outcome given the essentiality of this element in support of vigorous growth. The TFs of (226)Ra and (232)Th were found to be in accord with available literature data, the values indicating the mobility of these radionuclides to be low in the studied soils. Committed effective dose and the associated life-time cancer risk was estimated, being found to be below the permissible limit proposed by UNSCEAR. Results for the studied media show that the prevalent activities and mobilities pose no significant threat to human health, the edible vegetables being safe for consumption.
  17. Survival rates of cervical cancer patients in Malaysia
    Muhamad NA, Kamaluddin MA, Adon MY, Noh MA, Bakhtiar MF, Ibrahim Tamim NS, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(7):3067-72.
    PMID: 25854407
    Cervical cancer is the most common malignant cancer of the female reproductive organs worldwide. Currently, cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination and detected at an early stage via various screening methods. Malaysia, as a developing country faces a heavy disease burden of cervical cancer as it is the second most common cancer among Malaysian women. This population based study was carried out to fulfil the primary aim of determining the survival rates of Malaysian women with cervical cancer and associated factors. Data were obtained from two different sources namely, the Malaysian National Cancer Registry (MNCR) and National Health Informatics Centre (NHIC) from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2005. Kaplan Meier analyses were conducted to identify the overall survival rates and median survival time. Differences in survival among different ethnic and age group were compared using the log-rank test. A total of 5,859 patients were included. The median survival time for cervical cancer in this study was 65.8 months and the 5-year survival rate was 71.1%. The overall observed survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 94.1%, 79.3% and 71.1% respectively. The log-rank test finding also showed that there were significant differences in the 5-year survival rate among different ethnic groups. Malays had the lowest survival rate of 59.2% followed by Indians (69.5%) and Chinese (73.8%). The overall 5-year survival rate among patients with cervical cancer in Malaysia is relatively good. Age and ethnic groups remain as significant determining factors for cervical cancer survival rate.
  18. Fulltext Survey of Dengue Knowledge and Prevention Practices Associated with Sociodemographic Status: A Cross-Sectional Study Among the Community Living in an Urban Area of Selangor, Malaysia
    Roslan MA, Ngui R, Vythilingam I, Fatt CK, Soon OP, Keat LC, et al.
    J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 2020 06 01;36(2):115-119.
    PMID: 33647124 DOI: 10.2987/19-6904.1
    The present study aimed to explore the current status of knowledge and practices of dengue prevention associated with sociodemographic status among the community living in an urban area of Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 441 participants were interviewed regarding sociodemographic status, knowledge of dengue, and self-reported prevention practices. Participants over 40 years old were more likely (odds ratio [OR] = 4.210, 95% CI = 1.652-10.733, P = 0.003) to have better dengue knowledge. Participants whose average monthly household income was more than MYR3,000 (US$715) were more likely (OR = 1.607, 95% CI = 1.059-2.438, P = 0.026) to have better practices of dengue prevention measures. The finding suggests that both government and community efforts are essential in order to continue to educate about dengue and reduce the frequency of dengue cases nationwide.
  19. Impact of Pharmacist-led Educational Intervention on Predictors of Diabetic Foot at Two Different Hospitals of Malaysia
    Khan AH, Iqbal MZ, Syed Sulaiman SA, Ibrahim A, Azmi NSBY, Iqbal MS, et al.
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 12 21;13(1):108-115.
    PMID: 34084056 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_475_20
    Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that can initiate organ damage inside the body if not treated appropriately. Apart from tight glycemic control, a suitable educational intervention is also needed from health-care providers to stop or decrease the progression of organ damage in diabetic patients. This study intended to measure the impact of pharmacist-led educational intervention on improvement in predictors of diabetic foot in two different hospitals in Malaysia.

    Materials and Methods: In two tertiary care selected hospitals, the included diabetic patients were randomly divided into two study arms. In the control group, 200 patients who were receiving usual treatment from hospitals were included. However, in the intervention group, those 200 patients who were receiving usual treatment along with counseling sessions from pharmacists under the Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (DMTAC) program were included. The study continued for 1 year, and there were four follow-up visits for both study arms. A prevalidated data collection form was used to measure the improvement in predictors of diabetic foot in included patients. Data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 24.0.

    Results: With the average decrease of 1.97% of HbA1c values in the control group and 3.43% in the intervention group, the univariate and multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference between both of the study arms in the improvement of predictors belonging to the diabetic foot (P < 0.05). The proportion of patients without any signs and symptoms of the diabetic foot in the intervention group was 91.7%, which increased from 42.3% at baseline (P < 0.05). However, this proportion in the control group was 76.9% at the fourth follow-up, from 48.3% at baseline (P < 0.05).

    Conclusion: A statistically significant reduction in the signs and symptoms of diabetic foot was observed in the intervention group at the end of 1 year. The progression of diabetic foot was significantly decreased in the pharmacist intervention group.

  20. Copro-molecular identification of intestinal nematode infections in a rural community in East Malaysia
    Hassan NA, Thodsapol A, Lim YAL, Wan Sulaiman WY, Sidi Omar SFN, Umsakul K, et al.
    Parasitol Int, 2021 Feb;80:102237.
    PMID: 33144195 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102237
    Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are the most common intestinal parasitic infections of medical importance in humans. The infections are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical countries, particularly among disadvantaged and underprivileged communities. In Malaysia, STH infections is highly prevalent, especially among the indigenous groups. However, species identification through molecular studies is still lacking. Using molecular techniques, this study was conducted to identify STH species that infect humans. Faecal samples were collected from three Iban tribal longhouses in the rural area of Sarikei Division, Sarawak. Positive faecal samples by microscopy were subjected to PCR and sequenced for species identification. Based on the microscopy examination, the most prevalent STH infection was Ascaris, followed by hookworm and Trichuris. All microscopy-positive samples were then PCR-amplified. The amplicons were sequenced, aligned, and compared with other sequences in the GenBank database. The results showed that Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant STH species, followed by Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus. Our findings were contradictory to past studies, as we showed that A. duodenale was more abundant than N. americanus. Socioeconomic improvement and health education programs should be included in the management and prevention of public health strategies against STH.
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