The aim of this study is to determine the Spodoptera exigua larva population in the field and factor affecting their density. Population study of S. exigua larva and its affecting factors was carried out in Sekinchan, Selangor during 2003-2004. The larval density was found fluctuating during the study, where the highest number of larvae was an averaged of 18.17 per m2, while the lowest number was an averaged of 1.5 per m2. The mean number of larvae per plant also varies from 1.83 to 5.42. It was found that the larval density was influenced by the age and availability of the host plant. A total of 1881 larvae were collected, where 18.29 and 20.31% were successfully becoming female and male moths, respectively; 20.63% was being parasitized, where 7.07, 11.43, 0.11 and 2.02% were being parasitized by Microplitis manilae, Chelonus sp., Temelucha sp. and Peribaea orbata, respectively. Besides that, other biotic factors such as fungal or bacterial infection also cause death to the S. exigua larva, where a total of 1.91 and 10.89% were infected by them, respectively. Whilst 16.64% of the collected larvae were dead due to pesticide and 7.44% were not known cause of the death. Besides that, 3.89% of the S. exigua died during pupal stage or emergence. Further, climatic factor was found not influencing the larva populations. There were no correlation between the number of larva collected with the means of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall.
The incubation period of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) was not influenced by the host plant, whereas larval development time and pupal period were affected. Larval development time was longest on shallot and lady's finger, followed by cabbage and long bean. Larvae did not develop beyond the first instar when fed on chilli. The pupal period was longer on lady's finger than on cabbage, shallot and long bean. Overall, adult longevity was not influenced by the host plant but there was a difference between female and male longevity among the host plants. Survival of S. exigua was affected by the host plant at the larval stage. The number of larval instars varied between 5 and 8 within and between the studied host plants. Long bean was found to be the most suitable host plant and provide the best food quality for S. exigua compared to the other host plants, as it allowed faster development, fewer larval instars and a higher survival rate.
OBJECTIVES: Diabetes is a primarily self-manageable condition. Healthcare professionals usually offer education, treatment, and support, but patients themselves are responsible for the daily management of their condition. Increasing the effectiveness of self-management support may have a considerable impact on health care, especially for elderly people. The aim of this study was to describe diabetes self-care among elderly diabetics and to determine its associated factors.
METHODS: This report describes a cross-sectional study involving 143 elderly diabetes patients in the outpatient department of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Self-care activities assessed in this study included dietary control, physical activity, self-monitoring of blood glucose, medication adherence, and situational related adherence behaviour, all of which were obtained using the validated Malay Elderly Diabetes Self-Care Questionnaire (MEDSCaQ).
RESULTS: The mean (±SD) age of the subjects was 67.9 (±5.4) years old. A majority was Malay, with a mean HbA1c of 8.4 (±1.9). The mean diabetes self-care score was 26.5 (±8.0). Factors with a positive impact on diabetes self-care included being non-Malay (β = 5.275, p = 0.002), having family as care givers (β = 8.995, p = 0.004), having a higher level of family support (β = 0.159, p = 0.042), and possessing acceptable (β = 4.375, p = 0.001) or good knowledge of diabetes (β = 5.893, p = 0.004). The presence of neuropathy negatively impacted self-care, while diabetes nephropathy had a positive impact on self care (β = -4.053, p = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONS: Elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes in HUSM have a moderate score of diabetes self-care practice based on the MEDSCaQ. Determinants for good diabetes self-care include race, social support, having care-takers during periods of illness, diabetes knowledge, and diabetic microvascular complications.
Study site: outpatient department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of falls and its associated factors among elderly diabetes type 2 patients attending a tertiary center in Malaysia. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 288 elderly diabetes type 2. The data collected includes data on sociodemographic, diabetes history, comorbid diseases, drug use, and activity of daily living (Barthel's index). The patient also was examined physically, and balance and gait assessment was carried out. Prevalence of falls among elderly diabetes was 18.8%. Female gender (OR: 2.54, P < 0.05), age group more than 75 (OR: 2.97, P < 0.05), retinopathy (OR: 2.19, P < 0.05), and orthostatic hypotension (OR: 2.87, P < 0.05) were associated with higher risk for falls. High balance and gait score was associated with reduced risk of fall in elderly diabetes (OR: 0.89, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the factors that are associated with higher risk for falls among elderly diabetes were female sex, age group more than 75, presence of retinopathy, and orthostatic hypotension. Those who had higher balance and gait score were found to be less likely to fall compared with those with lower score.
Study site: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Questionnaires, Scales, Device: Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment; 5.07 Semmes- Weinstein monofilament; Barthel’s index
Study site: Diabetic clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
This study was done to determine the correlation between glucose monitoring by fasting blood glucose or 2 hours postprandial blood glucose with HbA1c and fructosamine in type 2 diabetic patients. A total of 82 patients from the Primary Care Clinic were enrolled in the study. Fasting blood was drawn for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fructosamine. Two hours after a standard breakfast, blood was again drawn for prandial plasma glucose (PPG). Both PPG and FPG significantly correlated with both HbA1c and fructosamine but PPG showed better correlation to HbA1c than FPG (r= 0.604 vs.0.575) whereas that of FPG and PPG were equally correlated to fructosamine (r= 0.566 vs. 0.551). In predicting good glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7.0%), the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of PPG were 75.0%, 80.6% and 82.5% whereas FPG were 81.8%, 58.3% and 70.6% respectively. These results show that PPG correlated better than FPG to HbA1c and both equally correlated to fructosamine levels. Thus, PPG predicted overall glycaemic control better than FPG. Compared to HbA1c, fructosamine correlated least well with mean glucose profiles. Hence, using HbAlc in monitoring overall glycaemic control is better than fructosamine.
Species of the genus Scirtothrips are studied from Malaysia for the first time. Six species of this genus are here recorded from Malaysia: S. dobroskyi is newly recorded, and four new species: S. lantanae sp.n., S. lixinae sp.n., S. hitam sp.n. and S. malayensis sp.n. are described together with an illustrated identification key. Relationships were examined between S. dorsalis and the closely related S. hitam sp.n., based on the mitochondrial gene COI, and a redescription of the widespread pest species, dorsalis, is provided. Biltothrips minutus (Bhatti) is reported from Malaysia for the first time, and illustrations provided to distinguish this genus from Scirtothrips.
Swyer syndrome or pure 46, XY gonadal dysgenesis is a condition in which the individuals have female appearance. They classically present as sexually infantile phenotypic females with primary amenorrhoea. People with this disorder have female external genitalia but the uterus and fallopian tubes are underdeveloped. However, they do not have functional gonads (ovaries or testes). Instead, they have streak gonads. We are reporting a case of Swyer syndrome with partially developed breasts, hypoplastic uterus, and absent streak gonads. The patient was treated with hormonal therapy and few years after her presentation, breast and uterine development were noted. In view that the patient is already married, the option of fertility was discussed with her. This case illustrates a rare case of gonadal dysgenesis and demonstrates the importance of counseling on the options of treatment, especially regarding fertility.
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 26 weeks of twice-daily (BID) alogliptin + metformin fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients aged 18 to 75 years with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.5% to 10.0% after ≥2 months of diet and exercise and a 4-week placebo run-in were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1:1:1) to placebo, alogliptin 12.5 mg BID, metformin 500 mg BID or alogliptin 12.5 mg plus metformin 500 mg FDC BID. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to end of treatment (Week 26). In total, 647 patients were randomized. The least-squares mean change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 26 was -0.19% with placebo, -0.86% with alogliptin, -1.04% with metformin and -1.53% with alogliptin + metformin FDC. Alogliptin + metformin FDC was significantly more effective ( P
The increase in life expectancy observed over the last decade has particular relevance for conditions such as cognitive decline and dementia. This is a cross sectional study to determine the rate of dementia and to identify its associated factors among 399 elderly patients attending outpatient clinics of Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital. This study was conducted in 2 phases. In the first phase, the literate subjects were screened using validated Malay version of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the illiterate subjects with Malay version of Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ). All subjects suspected to have dementia were selected for further evaluation in phase 2 of this study. The second phase involved full clinical examination in order to establish clinical diagnosis of dementia. The proportion of dementia in this study was 2.5% (10). Although history of exposure to pesticide (p < 0.05) and history of stroke (p < 0.05) were significant, they were not significant factors. These were because vast discrepancy in number between those exposed to pesticide and having stroke between dementia and non dementia.
Study site: Outpatient clinics, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
Plasmodium knowlesi has been recently identified as the "fifth human malaria species" following the discovery in Malaysian Borneo of a large focus of this simian malaria parasite in humans. Even though it shares microscopic similarities with Plasmodium malariae, it may cause severe illness with risk of fatality. We describe a case of P. knowlesi infection causing multi-organ failure in a patient who was successfully managed due to early recognition of the infection. Clinicians in this region should be more aware of the infection as it is not as rare as previously thought. This case write up highlight the case of severe malaria infection which presented with multi organ involvement which is caused by P. knowlesi.
The resistance status of riceland Culex vishnui against four major groups of insecticides (i.e., organochlorines, carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids) was investigated. Biochemical assays (ESTα, ESTβ, MFO and GST) were also conducted to detect the resistance levels. Throughout a 12-month study period, multiple insecticide resistance was observed in both larvae and adult Cx vishnui. Culex vishnui larvae exhibited low resistance against malathion, temephos and permethrin with resistance ratio (RR) values < 5. In adult bioassay, Cx. vishnui were highly resistant against all tested adulticides with 24h post-treatment mortality < 70%. Correlations between permethrin and malathion resistance, as well as between deltamethrin and cyfluthrin resistance were found in Cx. vishnui. The results indicated that mixed function oxidases activity of Cx. vishnui was the highest compared to ESTα, ESTβ and GST. Spearman rank-order analysis showed that ESTα, ESTβ and GST were involved in multiple resistances in Cx. vishnui. The findings of this study established a baseline of insecticide susceptibility and revealed the effects of agricultural insecticide pressure on the vectors of Japanese encephalitis in Malaysia.
This study was conducted using the glass chamber method to determine the susceptibility status of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (L.) from 11 states in Malaysia to commercial mosquito coils containing four different active ingredients, namely metofluthrin, d-allethrin, d-trans allethrin, and prallethrin. Aedes aegypti exhibited various knockdown rates, ranging from 14.44% to 100.00%, 0.00% to 61.67%, 0.00% to 90.00%, and 0.00% to 13.33% for metofluthrin, d-allethrin, d-trans allethrin, and prallethrin, respectively. Overall, mortality rates ranging from 0.00% to 78.33% were also observed among all populations. Additionally, significant associations were detected between the knockdown rates of metofluthrin and d-allethrin, and between metofluthrin and d-trans allethrin, suggesting the occurrence of cross-resistance within pyrethroid insecticides. Overall, this study revealed low insecticidal activity of mosquito coils against Ae. aegypti populations in Malaysia, and consequently may provide minimal personal protection against mosquito bites.
Given the lack of molecular evidence in altered target-site insecticide resistance mechanism in Aedes albopictus (Skuse) worldwide, the present study aims to detect the presence of A302S mutation in the gene encoding the gamma aminobutyric acid receptor resistant to dieldrin (Rdl) in Ae. albopictus for the first time from its native range of South East Asia, namely Malaysia. World Health Organization (WHO) adult susceptibility bioassay indicated a relatively low level of dieldrin resistance (two-fold) in Ae. albopictus from Petaling Jaya, Selangor. However, PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing methods revealed the presence of the A302S mutation with the predomination of heterozygous genotype (40 out of 82 individuals), followed by the resistant genotype with 11 individuals. This study represents the first field evolved instance of A302S mutation in Malaysian insect species.
The bioefficacy of commercial mosquito coils containing four different active ingredients, namely metofluthrin, d-allethrin, d-trans allethrin, and prallethrin against Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) from 10 states in Malaysia, was evaluated using the glass chamber method. In this study, Ae. albopictus exhibited various knockdown rates (50% knockdown time, KT50), ranging from 2.50 to 5.00 min, 2.50 to 7.00 min, 3.00 to 8.00 min, and 5.00 to 17.00 min for metofluthrin, d-trans allethrin, d-allethrin, and prallethrin, respectively. Overall, all strains of Ae. albopictus were most susceptible to metofluthrin, with mortality rates >80%. On the other hand, mortality rates ranging from 5.0 to 100% were observed from all populations exposed to d-trans allethrin, d-allethrin, and prallethrin. In addition, significant correlations between KT50 of metofluthrin and d-allethrin (r = 0.758, P = 0.011), metofluthrin and prallethrin (r = 0.676, P = 0.032), d-allethrin and d-trans allethrin (r = 0.832, P = 0.003), d-allethrin and prallethrin (r = 0.921, P = 0.000), and d-trans allethrin with prallethrin (r = 0.941, P = 0.000) were detected, suggesting some levels of cross-resistance within the pyrethroid insecticides. This study demonstrated that metofluthrin can induce high insecticidal activity in Ae. albopictus in Malaysia, followed by d-trans allethrin, d-allethrin, and prallethrin.
This study was conducted to monitor the susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) larvae in the Sunda Islands of Indonesia against various organophosphates and organochlorines. Larval bioassay was performed in accordance with the World Health Organization standard protocol. Field-collected and reference strains of Ae. aegypti larvae were tested against diagnostic doses of eight larvicides belonging to organophosphates and organochlorines, namely bromophos (0.050 mg/liter), chlopyrifos (0.002 mg/liter), fenitrothion (0.020 mg/liter), fenthion (0.025 mg/liter), malathion (0.125 mg/liter), temephos (0.012 mg/liter), DDT (0.012 mg/liter), and dieldrin (0.025 mg/liter). Mortality rates of larvae were recorded at 24-h posttreatment. This study showed that Ae. aegypti larvae from Padang, Samarinda, Manggarai Barat, and South Central Timor were susceptible to both fenitrothion and dieldrin (mortality rates ≥ 98%). About 6 out of 10 field strains of Ae. aegypti larvae were resistant (<80% mortality rates) against fenthion, whereas Ae. aegypti larvae from Kuningan, Samarinda, Sumba, and South Central Timor exhibited some degrees of resistance (mortality rates 80-98%). All field-collected Ae. aegypti larvae were resistant against diagnostic doses of chlorpyrifos, malathion, temephos, and DDT with mortality rates ranging from 0 to 74.67%. Continued insecticide susceptibility studies are essential to identify the efficacy of insecticides for an improved dengue vector control and to delay the development of insecticide resistance.
Susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) sampled from residential areas in Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia, was evaluated based on the WHOrecommended doses of organochlorine and organophosphate larvicides. To determine susceptibility status, larval bioassays were carried out and post 24-hour mortalities based on WHO resistance classifications were adopted. The results demonstrated that Ae. albopictus larvae were resistant toward 5 out of the 8 larvicides tested. Larvae from all populations were resistant against bromophos, fenitrothion, malathion, temephos and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), with mortalities ranging from 0.00 to 89.33%. Dieldrin, on the other hand, could induce 100.00% mortalities in all populations, followed by fenthion and chlorpyrifos, with mortalities ranging from 97.33 to 100.00% and 81.33 to 100.00% respectively. Despite most populations exhibiting similitude in their resistance status, larvae from Sandakan exhibited the highest resistance level whereas the lowest level was observed in Keningau. In view of the inadequacy of some larvicides in controlling Ae. albopictus in this study, integrated management such as insecticide rotation or combination of interventions is warranted.