Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a small, non-enveloped double-stranded circular DNA virus. The high risk types of HPV are claimed to be responsible for over 99% of cervical cancers while the most common oncogenic genotypes 16 and 18, implicated in approximately 70% of all cervical cancers. HPV has six early genes (E1, E2, E4, E5, E6 and E7) that code for regulatory proteins involved in viral DNA replication, transcription control and cellular transformation. The E7 protein is responsible for the escape from cell cycle arrest in HPV infected cells by binding to the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) through its LXCXE binding motif. This inhibits the tumour suppressor protein from regulating the cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. In this study, the pocket domain of pRB which is targeted by LXCXE is used as a target to design peptide inhibitors using in silico methods. Methods: Biovia Discovery Studio Visualizer and UCSF Chimera softwares were used in designing the peptides. Results: Two crystal structures: 1GUX and 4YOZ were superimposed and studied. The similar amino acid sequences which bind to LXCXE were cut to form the potential peptide inhibitors. Based on this, peptide 1 was selected for further in vitro analysis. The cytotoxicity of the peptide 1 was analysed on three cell lines: CaSki (HPV16+ cervical cancer cell), C33a (cervical cancer cell), and HaCaT (normal keratinocyte). As a result, the IC50 of one of the designed peptide inhibitor – peptide 1, on CaSki cell line was 180 μM. The inhibitory effect of the peptide 1 was also analysed validated using Western Blot using antibodies from the B-Myb and pRB family. The changes in cell cycle before and after treatment of the peptide inhibitor will be further monitored using a cell analyser. Conclusion: Peptide 1 had shown potential as an inhibitor of the HPV E7 protein based on the in silico analysis, but further functional studies are needed to validate its potential.
Introduction: Amyloid plaques, mainly comprising of amyloid-beta peptides derived from its precursor protein, are found deposited in hippocampal and entorhinal cortical regions of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, none led to a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the AD in order to generate a new therapy that would eradicate the disease effectively. Activation of pro-apoptotic pathway was found to be associated with the accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP). The objective of this study is to examine theeffects of APP overexpression on the Bcl-2 family proteins involving in pro-apoptotic pathway in neuronal cells. Methods: The experiment was first performed with the transfection of HEK 293T cells for generation of lentiviral vector system consisting APP plasmid followed by transduction of SH-SY5Y neuronal cells using lentivirus generated. Subsequently, western blot analysis was conducted to validate the APP overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells. Then, expression levels of Bcl-2 family proteins in the APP overexpressed cells were determined by western blot analysis. The statistical analysis was performed by Microsoft Excel with Student’s t-test. Results: APP overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells slightly upregulated the pro-apoptotic proteins including Bad, Bid, Bok and Puma but slightly downregulated Bcl-2, Bim and Bax. Conclusion: Our data suggest that APP overexpression regulated the Bcl-2-mediated pathway by a significant downregulation of Bim protein in neuronal cells.
Introduction: The aging process is the most significant risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is the most common neurodegenerative disease that causes cognitive and memory impairment in the elderly. Excessive build-up of amyloid protein leads to cell death, brain atrophy, and cognitive and functional decline in AD. The nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) is a family of inducible transcription factors composed of NF-κB1, NF-κB2, RelA, RelB and c-Rel. It is activated by genotoxic agents, as well as oxidative and inflammatory stresses. It regulates expression of genes that control apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell senescence, and inflammation. NF-κB regulates amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing by activating transcription of β and γ secretases, which promotes amyloid dysregulation in AD. In addition, NF-κB activation is linked with many of the known lifespan regulators including insulin/IGF- 1, FOXO, SIRT, and mTOR. Therefore, NF-κB pathway contributes to the pathophysiology of AD. This study aims to evaluate the effects of APP overexpression on NF-κB pathway in neuronal cells. Methods: SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were transduced with APP plasmid. Overexpression of APP in the cells was validated by western blotting. Western blot analysis using antibodies targeting NF-κB signalling pathway was performed using the APP-overexpressed cells. Results: Overexpression of APP in cells caused a significant down-regulation of phosphorylated NF-κB. Overexpression of APP also slightly up-regulated IkappaB-alpha, IKK alpha, and IKK beta. Conclusion: APP overexpression affected NF-κB pathway by down-regulating NF-κB protein.
Introduction: Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most widely recognised neurodegenerative disorder in the ageing population, characterised by progressive neuronal loss. The enhanced level of acetylcholine (ACh) in the human brain is another measure of identifying the progression of the disease. Increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) level plays a fundamental role in the hydrolysis of Ach which worsens the cognitive function. Though there are several medications or drugs currently used in treating AD, their clinical implications remains debatable due to its adverse effects. Methods: In this study, the combined nutraceutical effect of natural plant compounds, piperine and curcumin were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory assay using Ellman colourimetric method. Results: Results obtained from the study revealed that combined effects of natural plant compounds showed promising acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity with an IC50 of 104.1 ± 0.08 µg/mL compared to individually treated compounds, i.e., IC50 of curcumin = 134.5 ± 0.05 µg/mL and IC50 of piperine = 62.81 ± 0.00 µg/mL. Conclusion: The results suggest that the natural plant compounds taken in combination act as natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and could be beneficial in the treatment of AD.
Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Community Medicine Posting to instilling and culti- vating teamwork, leadership and professionalism among the medical students in Universiti Putra Malaysia. Methods: Self-administered questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic characteristics, professionalism, teamwork and lead- ership sections was distributed to the year four medical students before and after the Community Medicine Posting. The posting lasted for 6 weeks and served as an intervention for the purpose of this study. Results: A total of 107 of medical students were involved with mean age of 22.64 ± 0.63 years old. The mean score for professionalism and leadership were significantly (p
Introduction: Reduction or complete absence of α-globin chain production may result α-thalassemia. Alpha thalassemia carrier may have normal haemoglobin level and thus will be eligible as blood donor. Few complications may happen in which the carrier who donated the blood might be at risk of hypoxia and their blood components might not suitable for transfusion. Thus, it is important to screen for α-thalassemia to prevent any complications happen
after donation. The objective of this study is to investigate the interaction of red blood cell indices and α-globin genotypes among eligible blood donors in a private university, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia. Methods: A total of 270 eligible blood donors were recruited for this study. Red cell indices were analysed using Horiba hematology analyser and α-globin genotyping was performed for seven alpha deletions, six alpha point mutations
and two alpha triplications. Results: Our study showed high prevalence of α-thalassemia carriers among the eligible blood donors (7.7%, 21/270), with all of them showed normal Hb level (>12 gm/dl). Five genotypes were detected consisting of 249 αα/αα (92.2%), 9 -α3.7/αα (3.3%), 9 --SEA/αα (3.3%), 2 -α4.2/αα (0.7%) and 1 ααCS/αα (0.4%). All α-globin genotypes showed normal Hb level with no significant difference between genotypes (p=0.167). Different
α-globin genotypes showed significant difference in RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW and Hct/Hb ratio at the p
Introduction: The geriatric population in Malaysia is expanding rapidly due to increased life expectancies. The vulnerability of this population to the adverse effects of medications due to multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy predisposes them to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMSs). The Beers Criteria is a recognized tool for assessing PIMs, but the level of awareness regarding these criteria among community pharmacists is currently unknown.
This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of Beers Criteria and its extent of application in practice among community pharmacists in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 community pharmacists in the Klang Valley using a validated, self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge on PIMs was assessed using a ten-question clinical vignette based on Beers Criteria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Respondents had a significant proportion of their customer base who were elderly. Only 28% of respondents were aware of Beers Criteria, and of this group only 41% were aware of the latest update. The mean score for the clinical vignette was 5.42 ± 1.98. Awareness of Beers Criteria and years of experience in practice were associated with higher knowledge scores (p < 0.05). Good geriatric practices were reported by respondents with the exception of regular usage of Beers Criteria (16.5% agreement) and regularly asking
elderly-looking customers their age (43.6% agreement). Most respondents (74.3%) utilized other clinical resources and were confident in providing care to elderly customers. Conclusion: Awareness of Beers Criteria remains low among community pharmacists. However, pharmacists utilized other resources and demonstrated good geriatric practices. While this shows the adequacy of current practice, efforts to increase awareness of geriatric-specific tools such as Beers Criteria may address specific knowledge gaps and improve the level of care involving the elderly.
Introduction: Second generation functionalized nanocrystal is the advancement of nanocrystal technology with great potential to accommodate BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System) class II drugs to meet their formulation and drug delivery challenges. Gliclazide is a BCS class II drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, shows poor water solubility and low rate of dissolution, leads to poor and variable oral bioavailability. The second generation poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) based functionalized nanocrystals of gliclazide were prepared by a combination method of emulsion diffusion-high pressure homogenization-solvent evaporation. Methods: Gliclazide second generation nanocrystals were fabricated with taguchi orthogonal experimental design in combination of step up and top down nanoformulation strategies using drug-polymer (PLGA) ratio at 1:0.5, 1:0.75, 1:1 with HPMC(0.5, 0.75, 1% w/v) as stabilizer. The formulated gliclazide PLGA-HPMC nanocrystals were investigated on particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, solubility study, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and surface morphology and compatibility studies. The gliclazide PLGA nanocrystals formulation was prepared with Drug : PLGA at 1: 1 ratio with concentrations 0.75% w/v HPMC at 5 homogenization cycles with 1000bar produce optimized gliclazide nanocrystals. Results: The optimized MSGNC8 formulation
showed particle size of 239.9 nm, entrapment efficiency 98.62%, and drug release of 43.75%, 82.12% and 98.08% at 3hrs, 24hrs, and 48hrs compared to pure gliclazide % drug release of 28.73%, 67.51% and 78.41% at 3hrs, 24hrs, 48hrs respectively. The solubility study of optimized formulation shows eight folds increased in saturation solubility compared to pure drug. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the gliclazide nanocrystals revealed that
gliclazide retained its crystal morphology in polymeric nanocrystals. Further, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies on gliclazide PLGA-HPMC nanocrystals emphasize drug and excipient compatibility in development of gliclazide nanocrystals. Conclusion: The potential outcomes of research findings emphasize that the developed gliclazide second-generation nanocrystals, which resulted in increase in drug solubility and rate of dissolution with delayed modified release, can be explored in delivery of gliclazide for type 2 diabetes management.
Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. One of the leading factors to this condition is obesity. Low glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) diets have been proposed as lifestyle changes to address obesity, however, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal approach for weight loss, glycemic control and improving insulin sensitivity. In addition, the outcome of these diets are equivocal, with some studies suggesting beneficial outcomes and others suggesting otherwise. Furthermore, discrepant study designs have led to divergent conclusions. In order to provide a comprehensive overview of the low GI and low GL diets, a systematic review of literature on relevant observational studies and randomised control trials was performed on these databases:- The Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and Web of Science. Methods: The review was conducted based on the methodological standards for the conduct and reporting of Cochrane intervention reviews, Version 1.07, November 2018. Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes (PICO) tool was used as the organising framework to define key elements of the review question. Results: Pertinent outcome variables include body weight, insulin resistance, HbA1c, fasting serum glucose, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, triglyceride, HDL and LDL cholesterol. Our current understanding of these diets has been complicated by the reports that were based on different study designs and study populations. This review defines the issues, gaps in the research, study design, and evidence that is needed to inform practice, policy making and future research. There is also a dearth of information on the effect of low GI and GL diets on the Asian populations, specifically on improving insulin resistance. High carbohydrate diets are a mainstay of Asian societies. Conclusion: As cases of obesity and type 2 diabetes surge, there is an urgent need for research on low GI and GL dietary modifications among the Asian populations.
Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the most distressing complication of diabetes mellitus and often associated with risk of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations. Available formulations and wound dressings for DFU treatment are unfortunately less effective both on controlling and healing DFU. Issues commonly found are associated with providing an optimum environment which facilitates healing process; moist environment, effective oxygen exchange, preventing infection, controlling exudate and also patients compliance. The challenge is therefore to develop a novel drug delivery which address this unmet medical need for better wound treatment of chronic and slow healing DFU. This study aimed to develop a biomaterial based nanofibrous wound dressing formulation containing deferoxamine (DFO), which reported as a potential therapeutic approach to improve wound healing. Deferoxamine regulates the expression and increase stability of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1 α), growthfactor that crucial in wound repair, and thus increase neovascularization. Preparation and characterization of chosen polymers; chitosan/ alginate/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for nanofiber formulation will be carried out. Such biodegradable polymer nanofiber is a great benefit for drug delivery owing to its high surface area to volume ratio and high porosity which creates ideal environment to aid in wound healing. Methods: Nanofibers loaded DFO will be fabricated by electrospinning
method that utilizes electrostatic force to produce fine fibers from the polymeric solution. Results: Various polymers concentrations and ratios are investigated to obtain the desired fibers characteristics. The selected optimized DFO nanofibers will be studied for its efficacy in wound healing through in-vivo animal studies. Conclusion: The proposed formulation would be an ideal low cost novel wound dressing with improved healing potential for efficient treatment
of diabetic foot ulcer.
Introduction: Filipino β°-deletion is predominant among the β-thalassaemia patients in the indigenous population of Sabah, Malaysia particularly among the Kadazandusun. Individuals who co-inherit with α- and β-thalassaemia will demonstrate milder clinical symptoms with modified complete blood count (CBC) and Hb subtype parameters. HBS1L-MYB variants act as one of the key regulator of haematopoiesis and erythropoiesis and display strong association
with variation of HbF levels. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the association between genetic variants in HBS1L-MYB with Hb subtypes level among Filipino β°-deletion carriers co-inherited with -α3.7 deletion. Methods: Filipino β°-deletion and -α3.7 deletion were identified using gap-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 34 subjects found with coinheritance of Filipino β°-deletion and -α3.7 deletion were subjected for HBS1L-MYB intergenic polymorphisms (HMIP) analysis. Hb subtypes level were quantified using BioRad Variant II Hb analyser. Genotyping of HBS1L-MYB variants rs9399137 and rs11759553 was done using own designed tetra primer ARMS-PCR. Results: The minor allele frequencies (MAF) of the two HMIP is found more than 0.05 (rs11759553, MAF=0.18 and rs9399137, MAF=0.15), indicating the significance of these variants among the study subjects. Significant difference was found between HbF level and HBS1L-MYB variant rs11759553 with p-value less than 0.05 (p=0.001). Subjects with homozygous genotype for rs11759553 (T/T) was found with higher HbF, followed by heterozygous (A/T) and wild type (A/A). rs11759553 and rs9399137 was found did not influence the level of HbA and HbA2. HMIP of rs11759553 and rs9399137 are found significant among Filipino β°-deletion carriers co-inherited with -α3.7deletion with its high minor allelic frequency and high HbF level. Strong association with HbF level was demonstrated when
coinheritance of rs11759553. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there are significant associations between certain genetic variants in HBS1L-MYB with Hb subtypes level among Filipino β°-deletion carriers co-inherited with -α3.7 deletion.
Introduction: The obesity rate in Malaysia is increasing exponentially. This is alarming as obesity in a population is likely to lead to health complications and negatively impact national economic productivity. The quality of health of our country is of paramount importance to a sustainable nation. To safeguard the health of our population in this country, there are current laws and potential laws to be implemented to combat obesity. In Malaysia, the government have introduced ‘soft policies’ approach such as Healthy life style programmes and campaigns as means to curb obesity yet its impact is questionable. ‘Hard policies’, such as regulations (e.g. imposing a tax, removal of subsidies, reduction of operational hours of eateries, menu-labelling, curbing of marketing of unhealthy food, implementation of pedestrian and bicycle paths, metabo laws) may be used as legitimate interventions to combat obesity in Malaysia. The aims of this paper is to (i) analyse the legal justifications for implementation of obesity prevention regulations, (ii) to compare and contrast the pros and cons of current and potential obesity prevention regulations to reduce obesity. Results and Conclusion: The law could be used to facilitate promotion of public health. In light of new scientific advances, gaps in the current regulatory framework, and the increasingly obesogenic environment, this paper proposes
potential legal approaches to address obesity in Malaysia. It is important for legal scholars to devise innovative strategies to address obesity from new perspectives. The great potential for the law to rectify the status quo has yet to be fully explored. With reduction of obesity, the fiscal burden of the nation on medical bills could be reduced and productivity could be increased.
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the top diseases that lead public health concern in Malaysia. It was believed to rise in number up to 4.5 million on cases by year 2020 based on the current figure. Momordica charantia Linn (MC), a climber belonging to family Cucurbitaceae, is well known in treating diabetic-related conditions. In earlier studies related to the hypoglycemic properties of MC mainly utilized the crude extract, which contain a mixture of bioactives (charantins, insulin-like peptides and alkaloids). Till now, there is no conclusive result on the major bioactives that play role in the hypoglycemic effect of MC and research regarding the charantin purification was not well established. Hence, the objectives of this study were to purify the charantin from MC and to characterize the purified charantin before further subjected to in vivo hypoglycemic study. Methods: The crude was first extracted from MC using ethanol as solvent via Soxhlet extraction following by a series of purification steps via washing, centrifugation, and C-18 cartridges. Results: The HPLC analysis showed that the charantin of purified extract after passing out from the cartridge exuded at 12.50 min with a concentration of 500 ppm, which is relatively 20 times higher than the crude extract (25 ppm). The structural properties of purified charantin were studied using FTIR and it showed strong peaks of carboxylic acids (2884 nm), alcohols (1023 nm) and diethyl ether (1114 nm) as compared
with the standard. The compound was reconfirmed in LC-MS analysis. The result displayed mass spectrum in positive mode indicates the presence of similar compound in the purified extract and standard charantin, as presented by ion m/z = 300. Conclusion: The charantin was successfully purified from MC and can act as a potent plant-based hypoglycemic agent for diabetes.
Introduction: Polymetabolic syndrome is a malady encompassing centralized accumulation of lipids and subsequent resistance to insulin leading towards diabesity. Currently, this condition is perilous threat to public health and also, creating perplexity for medical scientists. There is an intensive need for the development of obese rodent model having close resemblance with human metabolic syndrome (MetS); so that intricate molecular and/or therapeutic
targets can be elucidated. The resultant simulations will be beneficial to explicate not only pathogenesis but also secret conversation of signaling pathways in inducing MetS related complications in other organs. Methods: Currently, there are different methods for the development of rodent models of MetS, for instance, utilizing high lipogenic diet, genetic alterations, induction by chemicals or by combination of high fat diet and few others. In general, combination of cafeteria or western diet and low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) is a fine example of diet induced experimental model. In this model animals are allowed free access to highly palatable, energy dense, unhealthy human food for 12-18 weeks which promotes voluntary hyperphagia resulting in weight gain, increased fat mass and insulin resistance. At the end of feeding period 30mg/kg STZ is given intraperitoneally to mimic human type 2 diabetic condition.
Conclusion: Consumption of cafeteria diet with low dose STZ is considered to be the robust model of diabesity offering an exceptional stage to investigate the genomic, molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Introduction: Obesity is a growing public health concern. Poor diet and lifestyle choices are the main contributors to its development. Lifestyle modifications should be aggressively promoted in the community. Recent studies found that worksite obesity prevention and control programs are effective in increasing physical activity and weight reduction among employees. In Malaysia, there is insufficient data on prevalence studies of workplaces. This study investigated the proportion of overweight and obesity among workers in a private university and hope to serve as a baseline for future healthy workplace programs. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated overweight and obesity and examined its association with occupational stress, sleeping quality, dietary behaviour and physical inactivity among employees in an academic institution. Weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated and coded as underweight, normal, overweight and obese according to the cut-off points for the Asian population. Results: Out of ninety-five employees, 55 participated in the survey. Among the 55 employees, 4 (7.3%) were underweight, 10 (18.2%) were normal, 25 (45.5%) were overweight, and 16 (29.1%) were obese. The obese and overweight proportion was similar to the national prevalence. Poor sleep quality and high Job stress scores were reported by 40% of the employees, while physical inactivity of more than 6 hours a day was reported by 50%, and the majority (90%) do not consume enough fibre. Among the risk factors investigated, none was associated with obesity. Conclusion: The proportion of overweight and obesity in this community was like the general population. While not significant in this study, the association between obesity and the four risk factors should be further investigated using a larger sample size. Based on the results, community-based health promotion intervention is suggested to reduce obesity among the employees.
Introduction: Early childhood development (ECD) refers to cognitive, emotional and social development of young children. First three years of life are very crucial for ECD because during this time, brain grows fastest and is most responsive and receptive. Plenty of new connections (synapses) are formed in brain so that children acquire 85% of adult’s brain volume by this age. Proper nutrition and positive stimulation are essential during this time. Play positively stimulates the brain and helps to create more, healthy inter-neuronal connections. The objective of this review was to make a constellation of research works and explore to learn the concept of ECD and its relationship with play. Methods: An extensive literature search was done using the key words: ‘early childhood development and play’; ‘play and brain development in children’; ‘neuroplasticity and play’; ‘how do children learn’; ‘synaptic connections and early childhood development’; and ‘can play make children intelligent’. The databases explored for the resources included Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO, Teacher Reference Center, Child Encyclopedia, Health & Education Advice & Resource Team (HEART) database, Catholic Relief Services database, UNICEF & World Bank databases, and Cochrane review. Results: The result of the review work showed that play has a temporal and linear relationship with cognitive and social development among preschool children. Conclusion: In this era of screen addiction, parents spend free time in social media and the kids playing or watching video games. It is contextual to propagate the concept of ECD and raise the awareness so that parents are motivated to spend more time playing with their children. No investment in human capital can be worth more than this.
Introduction: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are common occupational hazards against healthcare workers (HCWs). NSIs led to serious economic burden as there were high costs forhealth system and the society, as well as the psycholog-ical impact on exposed workers post injury. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence, contributing factors of NSIs and to estimate the cost of PEM in Sabah’s tertiary hospitals. Descriptive statis-tics were used to analyse and describe the trends of NSIs. Chi-Square test was performed to determine the association between variables, relative risk was calculated. Results: 145 cases out of 7075 employees were reported from 2017 to 2018. Results in this study showed that the highest incidence of NSIs was 2.4/100 employees in Hospital Queen Elizabeth. 1.1/100 employees in 2018, which was higher compared to year 2017. Most common among younger age group between 20-29 years old, among doctors, with median working experience of 2 years. NSIs occurred com-monly at the wards, during blood taking, disposal of devices and common device used were hypodermic needles. There was a lack of awareness on NSI precaution guidelines among the doctors (χ2=19.304, df=1, p=
Introduction: Illegal immigrants refer to the migration of people into a country in ways that violates its immigra-tion laws. A stateless person is a person who is not considered as a national by any state under the operation of its law. Interestingly, many who are stateless have never even crossed an international border. The term illegal is very loosely used in places like Sabah where it is interchanged with statelessness. As of 13 November 2018, it was estimated that there are about 12 million stateless people in the world. This review seeks to understand the current demographic situation in Sabah along with the public health repercussions of this demographic change and also to look into the success stories from around the world along with the recommendations from United Nation in solving this matter. Methods: The method used is reviewing of literature of previous studies conducted on statelessness and illegals. Local as well as international studies were reviewed. The data base used was ProQuest. Results: This review identified that one third of Sabah’s population consists of non-locals and in the past 27 years, about half a million illegal immigrants have been deported from Sabah. These numbers pose major public health repercussions from the economic, crime and health point of view. The way forward involves incorporating the United Nation Action plan with the local requirements and settings. Despite challenges, Sabah is trying its best to curb this issue and the Public health repercussions through various initiatives. We have also identified that more public health actions can be taken to reduce the negative effects. Conclusion: Dealing with the stateless and illegals is a delicate matter and there is no one way to solve it. Every country and every state are unique therefore the methods used must be tailor made. This is not something that can be solved within a short period of time and therefore persistence and perseverance is very much needed to tackle this global issue.
Introduction: World Health Organization in 2019 reported that about 1.5 billion people are infected with soil-trans-mitted helminths (STH) worldwide. Infected children with STH might manifest signs of anaemia and impaired nutri-tionally or physically. This study aimed to look at the prevalence of STH in the area of North Sabah among rural pri-mary schools and examine the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected primary school in the district of Kudat of Sabah from 2014 to 2015. Tools used for the study were questionnaire and stool sampling. Questionnaire focused data on sociodemographic, hygiene and use of anti-helminths drugs. Stool samples collected were sent for microscopic examination for presence of STH ova. Written consents were obtained from parents/guardians. Chi-square was used to examine the association of having STH and factors on utilities fa-cilities, hygiene and anti-helminths drug. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was 433 school children aged 7 to 12 years old with 224 males and 209 females respondents. Three-quarters main source of water supply in the homes from treated water. Those with proper built toilet were 96%. Practices of washing hands after toilet and before eating were 96% as well. Almost 95% wear slippers when outside homes. Only 61% took their anti-helminths drug in the past 1 year while in the last 6 months the uptake was 38.7%. The prevalence of positive ova of STH in the stool sample was 57 out of 433 or 13.2%. STH infection was not statistically significant associated with the above factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of STH infection among primary school children in the district of Kudat although has lowered over the years is still considered higher than most states in Malaysia. Continuous public health intervention is necessary to further bring down the prevalence of STH infections.
Introduction: Anaemia in pregnancy is a major cause of disability worldwide, with a prevalence of more than 20% in >80% countries worldwide. Of those affected, roughly 50% are due to iron-deficiency anaemia, but there is some variation across different populations due to local culture and practices. Anaemia affects 38% of pregnant women worldwide, while in Malaysia the prevalence is 35%. The study aim is to determine the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in 2 rural districts in Sabah as well as knowledge, attitude and practices towards anaemia in these women. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was done in Tongod and Kinabatangan Districts involving 217 pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation who attended antenatal check-up at 6 government clin-ics in these districts. An interview using a standardized questionnaire was conducted by community nurses at the respective clinics. Sociodemographic and antenatal details was collected, including information about knowledge, attitude and practices toward anaemia. The Chi-square test was used to compare anaemia at 36 weeks with select-ed sociodemographic and antenatal factors, as well as KAP factors. Results: The mean age of women in the study was 28.4 ± 5.9 years, and the mean haemoglobin level at around 36 weeks age of gestation was 11.0 ± 1.1 g/dL. Prevalence of anaemia in these women was 52%. Most of the answers in the KAP section reflected the relatively high awareness about anaemia in pregnancy and methods to lessen its effects. A significant association was found between anaemia at 36 weeks and monthly family income, defaulting on iron supplements, caffeine beverages taken with meals, and dietary restrictions (p = 0.010, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.017 respectively). Conclusion: The high preva-lence of anaemia among pregnant women in these 2 districts reflects the practices of these women despite high levels of knowledge of anaemia. More effort needs to be done to apply this knowledge to decrease anaemia in pregnant women in rural areas.