Introduction: Safety helmets are one of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that to decrease the impact of any falling object to the skull and to avoid head and brain injury by many industries, including palm oil plantation. Nev- ertheless, the level on the usage of the current safety helmet is very low due to a few factors that lead to the discom- fort. Among the common issues for the non-compliance of safety helmets are their discomfort, ventilation, weight and safety. This study aims to determine subjective preference of the new prototypes’ safety helmets device among palm oil plantation harvesters. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 124 harvesters in three palm oil plantations located in Sabah, Malaysia. A set of questionnaires used to collect data on their socio-demographic background, perceptions toward existing safety helmets and their subjective preference of new safety helmets pro- totypes. Apart from that, six harvesters were randomly choosing to attend an interview session for qualitative study. Results: The descriptive analysis indicate that among the emphasized issues regarding non-compliance of existing safety helmet were due to discomfort (66.1%), poor ventilation (97.6%), load of safety helmet (83.3%) and safety issues (68.5%). In terms of new safety helmets prototypes, 72.6% of the harvesters preferred Design C to be worn for work in the plantation. Conclusion: It can be suggested that the existing safety helmet is uncomfortable and was not design ergonomically namely loose size and discomfort. Design C was the most preferred to be worn for work in the palm oil plantation.
Introduction: Application of nano-engineered fingerprint dusting powders has been a recent trend to achieve latent fingermark development with superior ridge clarity. As such, efforts have been made to utilise natural resources to increase the sustainability of these emerging nano-engineered powders. Lithium-doped zinc oxide, primarily used as white pigments, have been previously applied to latent fingermarks with success. In the current study, nanostruc- tured zinc oxide, synthesised using neem extract as the reducing agent, was evaluated for fingermark development on non-porous surfaces. Methods: The reduction of zinc nitrate hexahydrate was facilitated by neem extract, pre- pared by boiling neem leaves in distilled water. The thick yellow paste recovered was calcined in the furnace to produce a light yellow powder. Physicochemical composition of the powder was determined using microscopic and spectroscopic instruments. The effectiveness of the powder was tested on natural fingermark deposited on several non-porous surfaces. Results: Nanostructured zinc oxide with particle size ranging in between 1 to 3 µm consisting of highly aggregated spherical particle with less than 100 nm dimensions were synthesised. Developed fingermarks revealed excellent ridge details and contrast on dark coloured surfaces. Studying the fingermark closely under scan- ning electron microscope displayed selective distribution of particle on the ridges of the fingermark residue and very minimal deposition on the fingermark valleys. Conclusion: Nanostructured zinc oxide fabricated using green chem- istry approach can be applied for the development of fingermark. Nevertheless, future works can be undertaken to enhance particle dispersity and to confer strong photoluminescence to the zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Introduction: A cross-sectional study was conducted to provide preliminary insight of Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude (AKA) assessment on urinary tract infection (UTI) among adolescents which includes the general level of AKA and correlation between the domains as well as the relationship between Total AKA and the sociodemographic factors. Methods: A modified and adapted questionnaire was developed, consisting of socio-demographic questions and AKA domains employing descriptive statistics, linear regression and multiple regression analysis via SPSS Ver- sion 23.0. Results: In general, AKA level was reported as moderate (0.5 ± 0.11). Among the three domains, Knowl- edge (0.70 ± 0.12) risen with the most astounding mean, took after Awareness (0.36 ± 0.22) and Attitude (0.65 ± 0.11). A positive but weak correlation was found between the domains; Awareness and Knowledge is significant at p = 0.034, r = 0.157; R2 = 0.02 and similarly, a weak correlation was also found between Knowledge and Attitude which is significant at p = 0.000, r = 0.411; R2 = 0.17. After covariates adjustment, female gender was found to have the strongest relationship with Total AKA. Conclusion: The general level of Total AKA on UTI is moderate. The AKA domains in this study was found to be positively correlated and female was found to be the best predictor for a better Total AKA on UTI. Thus, these findings provide important information to formulate an effective education interven- tion to improve the AKA on UTI among adolescents.
Introduction: Association studies between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been abundant. However, there are limited reports on copy number variations (CNVs) of beta-defen- sins (DEFB) gene in relation to T2DM. In this study, DEFB copy numbers were quantified in T2DM with nephropathy, T2DM without nephropathy and non-diabetic control groups to investigate its influence in chronic inflammation in Malaysian individuals. Methods: DEFB copy number in Malaysian individuals were quantified by using paralogue ratio tests (PRT) which allow direct quantification of gene copy number by using PRT107A and HSPD21 PRT primers. The copy number generated was then validated from insertion/deletion ratio measurement 5DEL (rs5889219) and two microsatellite analyses (EPEV-1 and EPEV-3). Results: DEFB copy number was found extending from 2 to 8 cop- ies in the non-diabetic group (n=146), while in T2DM group (n=392), copy numbers were more extensive, ranging between 1 and 12 copies; with 1, 10 and 12 copies detected in T2DM with nephropathy group (n=202). Statistically, there is no significant difference in DEFB copy number between T2DM and the non-diabetic group (p=0.209) as well as between diabetic nephropathy and without nephropathy of the T2DM group (p=0.522). However, significant white blood cell (WBC) count was found between T2DM groups with and without diabetic nephropathy (p=0.000). Conclusion: Extreme DEFB copy numbers in T2DM with nephropathy group suggest future studies with bigger sam- ple size are necessary to elucidate the true impact of CNVs of DEFB gene in promoting early onset of nephropathy in T2DM.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating disease that can lead to depression and even suicide. Trigeminal neuralgia is usually treated using carbamazepine; however, many patients are refractory to such medical treatment. Thus, other treatment modalities are required, such as physical treatment and dry needling. The objective of this case report is to describe the management of trigeminal neuralgia in a 35 years old Malay housewife, who had left side atypical trigeminal neuralgia involving V2 region in the last four years, which was refractory to medical treatment. The appli- cation of Malay massage, combined with dry needling executed along the distribution of trigeminal nerve showed an improvement of pain on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 7–8/10 to 0-1/10 after 11 sessions. Therefore, Malay massage combined with dry needling can be used as a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing trigeminal neu- ralgia.
Introduction: Rice husk has portrayed great potential in becoming a sustainable biomass source in producing silica, cellulose and carbon materials, which garnered widespread interest among researchers. The objective of the current study is to determine the morphological and compositional changes in rice husk due to the synergistic effects of ther- mochemical treatment. Methods: Washed and dried rice husk was blended into a fine powder and then subjected to step-wise heat treatment and acid digestion to produce white ash. The intermittent products, as well as the original rice husk and the final ash product, were characterised using analytical instruments to document the morphologi- cal and chemical composition changes. Results: This report highlights the production of pure rice husk ash using a step-wise treatment using a combination of thermochemical treatment and carbonisation. The results showed that a partial breakdown of the lignocellulose components was achieved using directed thermal treatment at low tem- perature. The ionic impurities were leached out in subsequent heated acid treatment. Thereafter, the carbonaceous organic matter was completely converted to carbon during the carbonisation of the sample and the remaining carbon residue was removed during calcination. High purity ash contained agglomerated and nanostructured silica in the dimensions of 20 to 50 nm in the amorphous form. Conclusion: The step-wise treatment allowed systematic removal of each compound while maintaining the amorphous mineral phase of silica and avoiding carbon fixation. Under- standing the effect of each treatment offers insight to produce purer silica from rice husk.
Introduction: Domestic violence is a serious issue that has often been overlooked by the society. It includes any physical, emotional or sexual violence that occurs between family members. Year after year, many cases of domestic violence have been reported in news and the numbers keep increasing from time to time. Experiencing this violence may give negative impacts on the victim. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence among university students in Selangor, Malaysia and to discover its effects on their academic achievement. Methods: A cross-sectional study was implemented in a form of questionnaire that was distributed to 368 university students at Selangor, Malaysia in the period from June 2018 to December 2018. Results: Results showed that 69 respondents (18.7%) had experienced DV throughout their life; all of them suffered physical violence, 95.7% had suffered emo- tional violence while 14.5% had suffered sexual violence. Age, gender, residence, family income, institution’s type and speciality of study has no significant association with DV while, race, religion and parents’ status were signifi- cantly associated with DV. Also it was noticed that out of these 69 respondents that had experience of domestic violence, 36 of them were studying in private universities and 33 of them were studying in public universities. Most of those experienced domestic violence showed low CGPA. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is low prevalence of DV among university students in Selangor. Experiencing DV during childhood has an impact on the academic achievement of the victim in the future university life.
Introduction: Identification of remains recovered at advanced stages of decomposition can be problematic due to the lack of physical evidence. Nonetheless, human dentition is least susceptible to decomposition and as such carry a significant value in personal identification of decomposed remains. Demirjian’s method of age estimation was developed specifically for children with developing dentition. In this article, a method on adapting the Demirjian’s method for Malay ethnic-specific age estimation using the third molar development is presented. Methods: Orthop- antomograms of Malay subjects aged 18 to 25 were obtained from UiTM Sungai Buloh. Total of 318 samples were taken, comprising of 123 and 195 images from male and female subjects. Development of right and left mandibular third molar was classified according to the eight stages of development as illustrated in Demirjian’s method. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis such as descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The intra- and inter-gender variation between left and right mandibular third molar was evaluated using independent student t-test and analysis of variance, respectively. Results: Intra-gender comparison analysis revealed a significant difference in the female and male with a p-value of 0.000 and 0.003, respectively. Regression equation to estimate age based on third molar development were formulated according to dental age and maturity score. Conclusion: The Demirjian’s method was successfully adapted for age estimation of individuals of Malay ethnicity. These findings can help with victim identification in cases of poor skeletal framework recovery and highly decomposed remains.
Introduction: Drug abuse is a prevalent issue in Malaysia, and a constant struggle to eradicate even among substance abusers who have received prior rehabilitation. Drug abuse has also been known to affect the quality of life of an individual, due to the stigma it carries. This research emphasized on studying the life quality of relapsed and first-time substance abusers in rehabilitation centres including their tendency towards aggression. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the current inpatients in Cure & Care Rehabilitation Centres (CCRC) in Peninsular Malaysia. Primary data was acquired using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic (Part A), quality of life (Part B) and aggression related questions (Part C). 417 individuals were selected through purposive sampling from five different centres. A statistical analysis was conducted using independent t-test, single linear re- gression and Kruskal-Wallis using SPSS version 25.0. Results: An analysis of the data presented no significant asso- ciation between quality of life and tendency of aggression among relapsed and first time substance abusers (p>0.05). Based on the analysis and the outcome, age influences the level of aggression (p=0.018) while quality of life is af- fected by education level (p=0.017). Marital status is a factor that affects both the level of aggression (p=0.015) and quality of life (p=0.043). Conclusion: The findings may contribute to law enforcements in reducing violent crimes committed by drug abusers and rehabilitation efforts by rehabilitation centres, by establishing demographic profiles in relation to quality of life and aggression.
Introduction: Myopia is an emerging vision problem that causes public health and economic burden worldwide and associated with increased risk to many ocular conditions leading to blindness. This study aimed to evaluate patterns of visual field defects in Malay population with myopia. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between January 2018 until June 2018 at MSU Eye Centre and data was obtained from patient records of Malay subjects with myopia and free from any ocular and systemic diseases. The spherical equivalent (SE) of the refractive errors and the global indices (mean deviation, MD and pattern of standard deviation, PSD) of OCULUS Twinfield® 2 with SPARK strategy were recorded for this study. Results: A total of 90 eyes with the mean age of 29.16 (SD: 10.27) years old and SE (M= -2.92 D, SD:2.94 D) were selected. The mean of MD was -1.71 dB (SD 3.95 dB) and PSD was 1.81 dB (SD:1.82 dB) respectively. Significant differences was found in MD (p=0.012) and PSD (p=0.01) between the three groups. The localised field defect was observed in the moderate to high myopic eyes in all quadrants (p=0.01) for PP2, and also more prevalent pattern found in all quadrants for PP1 except at superior quadrant (p=0.08). Conclu- sions: There is a localised visual field defect found in a higher degree of myopia particularly at temporal, nasal and inferior quadrants. Thus, the visual field test is recommended as a routine procedure in moderate to high myopic eyes and need to be interpreted with caution.
Introduction: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are a disabling injury as it often results in motor and sensory deficit with cognitive impairment. Flaxseed oil provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and it is believed to be able to protect the damaged nerve cell for successful nerve recovery. This study aimed to investigate a potential neuro-re- generation properties of flaxseed oil in treating the PNI. Methods: A total of 65 rats were separated into 4 groups: Group 1: Normal group (n=5), Group 2: Negative group (n=20), Group 3: Experimental group (n=20) and Group 4: Positive control (n=20), all the group were further divided into 4 groups (post-operative 7, 14, 21, 28 days, n=5 for each days). The functional restoration was assessed by walking track analysis (Sciatic Functional Index analysis-SFI) and toe spreading reflex (grading score). Electron microscope studies were performed on sciatic nerve to evaluate the regenerative process through morphologic and morphometric changes. Results: Oral administration of flaxseed oil (experimental group) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day showed better recovery compared to negative control value. However, there was no significant difference in SFI and toe spreading reflex between positive (mecobalamin) and experimental group (flaxseed oil). Morphological and morphometrical findings indicated increases in the myelin thickness and myelin sheath layer after administration of flaxseed oil. Conclusion: The flaxseed oil supplementation could enhance the neurorestorative capacities of injured sciatic nerve.
Introduction: Tropical phagedenic ulcer is a skin disease caused by a cocktail of bacteria. This painful ulcer forms over the lower limbs. It is also associated with necrotic slough and foul-smelling discharge that eventually lead to amputation and permanent disabilities. Tropical phagedenic ulcer in Malaysia has not been given much attention. In light of this situation, this research was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding tropical phagedenic ulcer among the public in Shah Alam, Selangor. Methods: The total respondents were 384, consisting of 164 males and 220 females who were randomly selected. Data were obtained qualitatively through structured questionnaires and analysed using the chi-square test to study the association between the dependent variables and demographic factors. Results: The collected data showed that the respondents (67.2%) had poor knowledge of trop- ical phagedenic ulcer; merely 65.4% considered it to be a health problem, whereas 29.7% believed it is contagious. Also, the data revealed an association between age (χ2=13.587, p =0.004), marital status (χ2=15.435, p=0.001), time spent in community (χ2=6.438, p=0.04) and knowledge of the local name of tropical phagedenic ulcer. About 74.7% of the respondents did not know the cause of tropical phagedenic ulcer. Only 22.1% of the respondents had encoun- tered tropical phagedenic ulcer patients and an association was found between the variable with gender (χ2=4.672, p =0.031), age (χ2=24.134, p =0.000) and marital status (χ2=17.143, p =0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals mis- conceptions about the aetiology and transmission of tropical phagedenic ulcer which greatly influence the attitude of community members towards tropical phagedenic ulcer patients.
Introduction: Muscle denervation is a process where muscles lose nerve supply due to neural damage and this may lead to paralysis in human. Muscle denervation is mainly caused by peripheral nerve injuries especially in the lower extremities that resulted in devastating effect on human daily functions and routines. Tocotrienol Rich Fraction (TRF) consist of 75% of tocotrienols have shown potential neuroprotective properties. The objective of this study is to ob- serve motor coordination and histological characteristics on muscles that underwent sciatic nerve crush injury and supplemented with TRF. Methods: A total of 104 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups; normal group (n=8) with no sciatic nerve crush injury, negative control (n=32) with sciatic nerve crush injury at hindlimb without treatment, positive control (n=32) sciatic nerve crush injury treated with 500 µg/kg/day of methylcobalamin, and experimental group (n=32) of rats that underwent sciatic nerve crush injury and treated with 200 mg/kg/day of TRF. Result: Skeletal muscles which located at hind limb; Soleus Muscle and Extenstor Digitorum Longus Muscle (EDL) muscle have shown an increasing in weight when it is supplemented with TRF 200 mg/kg/day and improved myelin layer of nerve. Conclusion: This study showed that TRF has the potency to improve reinnervation rate and neuron supply in hind muscle.
Introduction: Inhibition of the cholinesterase’s function leads to paralysis and death. This mechanism is served as a common mode of action of insecticide. The three tropical seaweeds, namely Bryopsis pennata, Padina australis and Sargassum binderi were reported for its potential mosquito larvicidal effect. In the present study, these seaweeds were evaluated for their potential as a cholinesterase inhibitor in the mechanism of larvicidal action. Methods: Ace- tylcholinsterase (AChE) inhibition assay was carried out based on the colorimetric method using a microplate reader. Phytochemical content of the seaweed extracts was screened by using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Results: Green seaweed B. pennata showed the strongest inhibition effect towards in vitro AChE by using
tissue homogenates of Aedes aegypti (IC50 value = 0.84 mg mL ) and Aedes albopictus as the enzyme source (IC
-1
value = 0.92 mg mL-1). The pattern of Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed that B. pennata was a mixed type inhibitor of
AChE, as the readings of Km, Vmax, Ki and Ki’, indicates that it had a strong inhibition ability with high binding affin- ity towards both free enzyme and enzyme-substrate complex. Conclusion: These findings suggest the compound(s) in
B. pennata extract serves as a promising source that could be developed into a mosquito larvicidal agent with AChE inhibition effect.
Introduction: Due to rapid urbanization, Malaysia is currently undergoing extensive amount of construction activities and significant rise in the construction waste. Improper construction wastes management practices have led to rise in the waste open dumping sites which may significantly affect the environment and public health. This study was undertaken to assess air pollution in such a site and the impact to the respiratory health of children studying in a nearby school. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Sungai Buloh (exposed) and Kuala Selangor (comparative). Concentration of PM10 was monitored at the open dumping site (n=15), a nearby primary school (n=45) and a comparative primary school (n=12). Parents who gave consent (n=229) answered a questionnaire related to child’s respiratory health whereas their children participated in lung function assessment. Results: Concentration of PM10 at the dumping site, exposed school and comparative school was 0.245±0.048mg/ m3 , 0.270±0.020mg/m3 and 0.051±0.016mg/m3 respectively, with the first two significantly exceeded the 24-hour Malaysian Air Quality Standard (MAQS) for PM10 (0.150mg/m3 ). Besides, PM10 concentration in the exposed school was similar to the dumping site (p>0.05) and many folds higher than the comparative school (p
Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disease which are related to the heart and its circulations. The main modifiable risk factors of the CVD disease are hypertension, hyperglycemia and obesity. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and practice on cardiovascular disease risk factors among Gombak community in Kuala Lumpur. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaire and anthropomet- ric measurement among 388 subjects in Gombak District, Kuala Lumpur. Descriptive data analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression were carried to identify demographic and factors associated. Results: The prevalence of the risk factors was high among study subjects, including obesity (24.2%), hypertension (42.3%) and hyperglycemia (26.8%). More than half (64.4%) of the study subjects having at least one of the risk factor. The multivariate binary logistic model factor illustrated that compare to Malays, Chinese were 37% less likely to have obesity (CPR=0.67; 95% Cl: 0.26-1.69). Gombak district community are more likely to have the knowledge on the CVD risk factor but lack of awareness and poor in practicing the prevention action. The Indian ethnic group was less likely to be aware (APR: 0.33, Cl: 0.05-2.31) and others bumiputera ethnic group were less likely to prevent (APR: 0.58, CI: 0.20-1.65) the risk of CVD. The Chinese ethnic less likely to have the knowledge (APR: 0.88, Cl: 0.35-2.22). Conclusion: Gom- bak community was more likely to have the knowledge but less likely to be aware and lack of practice of prevention of the risk factors of CVD.
Introduction: Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women in Malaysia with an estimation of 1,682 new cases and 944 deaths as reported in the year 2018, and these statistics are expected to increase by the year 2025. Early detection of cervical cancer through Pap smear screening may prevent an increase in incidence. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards Pap smear screening in the urban community. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Pap smear screening and association with KAP among 246 randomly selected women. Primary data was collected by using a self-administered online questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 23. Results: Prevalence of Pap smear screen- ing was recorded at 46.6%. Mean score for knowledge was 0.858±0.247, the attitude was 0.847±0.156 and practice was 0.423±0.426. There is a significant difference in KAP towards Pap smear screening (p
Introduction: This study reported the concentration of bacterial and fungal bioaerosol at an animal house and hospi- tal laboratories with the aim to compare the concentration levels at library and administrative offices. The bioaerosol levels between mid-shift (afternoon) were also compared to the concentration measured during pre-shift (morning). Methods: The NIOSH 0800 method utilising microbiological air sampler collecting airborne bacterial and fungal samples via impaction technique on Nutrient agar (NA) and Sabouraud Dextrouse agar (SDA) as culture medium, respectively. Sampling was done twice daily; before (pre-shift) and during working (mid-shift) hour. Results: The highest bacteria and fungi concentration was recorded at the animal house with median concentration of 2477 CFU/ m3 (IQR=121-2477) and 791 CFU/m3 (IQR = 379-2081), respectively. Higher-risked workplaces such as animal house and hospital laboratories have significantly higher bioaerosol concentrations compared to control workplaces such as library and administrative offices (p
Protein kinases (PKs) are regulators of protein phosphorylation in many infectious diseases, including malaria. How- ever, the cellular functions of majority of PKs in Plasmodium falciparum remain unknown. The mechanisms involved in P. falciparum cell cycle progress are not fully understood. The activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which constitute a PK family that includes crucial regulators of cell cycle progression in eukaryotes, is strictly being coordinated by the interaction with specific cyclins at well-defined points within the cell cycle. These cyclin/CDK complexes are very well characterised in humans, but little is known in P. falciparum. This review expand our un- derstanding of the characteristic of CDKs and cyclins in P. falciparum, and paves the way for further investigations on the precise molecular role of these crucial regulatory proteins in mosquito and human. This represents a valuable step towards the elucidation of cell cycle control mechanisms in malaria parasites.
Lasers have been identified as one of the preventive tools that can be utilised to prevent white spot lesion in ortho- dontic practice. The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the current scientific literature on the use of lasers specifically to prevent white spot lesion in orthodontic cases. Search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO databases from the past ten years. The records obtained were peruse considering specific in- clusion and exclusion criteria. From the total of 1123 studies that were evaluated, 68 papers were included for this review. A variety of laser types has been reported including Er;YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, Argon and CO2 lasers. CO2 laser has a good number of evidence of it’s positive result and can be suggested to be use in clinical practise. However, since most data for the other type of lasers were derived from in vitro studies, they must be interpreted with care. Randomised clinical trials would be beneficial to give more meaningful evidence for clinicians to adopt lasers in their practice.