Introduction:Obesity prevalence in Malaysian adults aged 18 and above has more than tripled over the past 20 years with 4.5% in 1996 to 17.7% in 2015. The alarming trend of the obesity epidemic in Malaysia requires im-mediate revision of public health policies. Thus this review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of latest weight reduction strategies. Methods: Literature search was conducted as guided by PICO Framework and using online databases PubMed on 22 June 2018. A total of 2,203 articles were found and screened. A total of 26 articles were reviewed. Results: Most weight loss achieved is through surgical intervention with weight reduction of 20.8 kg compared to 8.5 kg reduction in control group (95% CI, p < 0.001). Non-invasive procedures that produced greatest weight reduction include diet modification strategy consisting of isocaloric diet with large breakfast (700 kcal) which produced weight reduction of 8.7 ± 1.4 kg compared to large dinner (700 kcal) 3.6 ± 1.5 kg (95% CI, p < 0.0001, and special diet of adding 3g/day cumin supplementation into normal diet which produced weight reduction of 6.2 kg compared to 4.19 kg reduction in control group (95% CI, p < 0.05. Conclusion: In this review, most weight loss is achieved through surgical intervention. All patients should receive lifestyle therapy and additional consideration should be given for pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery when indicated.
Non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) kill 40 million people each year and accounts for 70% of all deaths globally. NCDs were previously considered to only affect high-income countries. However, they now account for a very large burden in terms of both death rates and disability in low- and middle-income countries. Also, age standardized mortality rates from NCDs are greater in these countries as compared to high-income countries. By 2020, it is predicted that these diseases will be causing 7 out of every 10 deaths in developing countries. NCDs also have potentially serious socioeconomic implications through increasing individual and household impoverishment thereby hindering social and economic development. This article is an effort to determine the magnitude and consequences of this expeditiously growing public health problem of NCDs through published literature.
Introduction: In recent years, the variation in total fertility rate (TFR) has sparked public interest for demographic concerns on the global population shift towards an older age structure. This study aims to investigate the determi-nants of total fertility rate among Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region. Methods: Our empirical study consists of data collected from the United Nations Development Report of the UNDP, World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank and World Health Organization (WHO) report 2018. We investigated the socio-economic determinants of fertility rate by analyzing a panel data set consisting of 28 years from 1990-2017 of the four countries. A statistical and econometric software EViews version 10 (HIS Global Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) were used to run a Pearson’s Correlation and a multiple regression analysis by panel least squares method. To investigate the determinants of TFR we have selected five socio- economic factors, these are- Infant mortality rate (IMR), Gross National Income Per Capita, PPP (GNI), Human Development Index (HDI), percentage of population living in urban areas (URB) and lastly Female Labor Force Participation Rate (FLP). Results:Pearson’s correlation showed that a statistically significant negative relationship exists between TFR and the 3 vari-ables- GNI, URB and HDI. A statistically strong positive relationship exists between IMR and TFR. However, our results from the empirical multiple regression model indicates that there is a statistically significant negative relation-ship exists between TFR and two of the independent variables GNI and FLP. Conclusion: The results of present study showed that an increase in the national income and female labor participation rate in the workforce could result in a decrease in total fertility rate. These findings may have implications for countries national policy for planning, development and resource allocation.
The prevalence of premarital pregnancy among adolescents in Malaysia is alarmingly on the rise. In finding ways to curb this, it is important toexplore on their reproductive health knowledge. Although knowledge alone will not influence adolescent’s behaviour, it is one of the most important factors that affect their reproductive health. The study aimed to assess the reproductive health knowledge of premarital pregnant adolescents in adolescent rehabilitation centres in Malaysia and the associated factors. A cross-sectional study involving premarital pregnant adolescents staying in adolescent rehabilitation centres in three states (Kelantan, Johor and Penang) was conducted for one month. Thirty-three eligible adolescents participated through a self-administered validated questionnaire which assessed their knowledge on reproductive organs, sexual activity and pregnancy, contraception and complications of sexual activity.Majority of participants scored well in terms of correct responses in reproductive organs, sexual activity and pregnancy as well as complications of sexual activity. However, they obtained the least correct responses in contraception as evidenced by these responses: having a hot shower after sexual intercourse prevents pregnancy (30.3%) and vaginal washing after sexual intercourse prevents pregnancy (33.3%). Their main source of information on reproductive health was from mass media (72.7%), and eighty two percent participants were not willing to discuss about sex with their parents. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the mean knowledge score was significantly influenced by four factors namely age at first coitus, history of rape, age of partner at first coitus of the girl and watching pornography. The premarital pregnant adolescents have good knowledge on reproductive health except on pregnancy prevention. The information taken from mass media has failed to equip them with the correct knowledge on contraception. This warrants the need to adjust the current reproductive health education to be more children-and adolescent-friendly so it can be the point of reference in the future
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of varying scanning parameters of DPT and LC
on diagnostic performance and quality of the images. Materials and Methods: Clinical evaluations of image
quality were performed using an adult human skull with permanent dentition. Dental panoramic tomogram (DPT)
and lateral cephalogram (LC) images were obtained using two different radiographic machines Instrumentarium
300OP taken at Sungai Buloh (SB) and Sirona Orthophos 3D taken at Puncak Perdana (PP) by varying tube
voltages. Two orthodontic residents assessed images based on overall quality using a five-point rating scale
and diagnostic performance by detection of anatomical landmarks. The correlations between radiation doses
and diagnostic value of the images were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Test. Univariate analysis was
calculated for the evaluation for image quality. Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to test for
intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. Results: Both modalities taken at both centers showed negative correlation
between dosage and detection of anatomical landmarks except for LC SB. All images were rated at least with
median of 3= more than adequately presented regardless of the radiation dosage except for DPT PP (median
5= inadequately presented). Conclusion: Lower dosage parameters should be used when taking DPT and LC
as images appeared darker, lower in quality and less anatomical landmarks can be detected at higher scanning
parameter.
Regulation on occupational safety and health in Malaysia had evolved from the prescriptive Factory and Machinery Act (1967) to a self-regulated Occupational Safety and Health Act (1994). However, from the authors’ observation the high standards of occupational safety and health culture that surpass the legal requirement were not widely practiced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The two main objectives of this study are: first, to identify and determine the level of conformity; and second, to investigate the reasons of nonconformity to Occupational Safety and Health Act (1994) regulation in SMEs involved the chemical industry sub-sectors. The survey questionnaire was distributed to 150 SMEs in chemical industry sub-sectors. Forty one of the survey questionnaires were completed and returned, giving a response rate of 27.3% for the survey. The survey results revealed that an overwhelming majority (92.7%) of the respondents from SMEs are likely not conforming to the basic requirement of Occupational Safety and Health Act (1994). In addition to this, the survey also found that only 3.1% of the management personnel can be considered competent in terms of knowledge, skill and ability in carrying out occupational safety and health regulation within their respective organization. While, 96.9% of the respondents that participated in the survey can be considered not competent. The authors hope the result of this survey could assist the relevant authorities in formulating a better policy and strategy for implementing occupational safety and health in SMEs involved in chemical industry sub-sectors.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained increasing attention as a potential candidate in the development of novel antimicrobial agent. Designing AMPs with enhanced antimicrobial activity while reducing the cell toxicity level is desired especially against the antibiotic-resistant microbes. Various approaches towards the design of AMPs have been described and physicochemical properties of AMPs represent the primary factors determining the antimicrobial potency of AMPs. The most common parameters include net charge and hydrophobicity, which greatly influence the antimicrobial activity of AMPs. Moreover, certain amino acids would have critical importance in affecting the antimicrobial activity as well as cell cytotoxicity of AMPS. In this review, net charge, hydrophobicity, and specific amino acid residues were discussed as factors contributing to the antimicrobial activity of AMPs.
Biofilm complicates osteomyelitis as there is antibiotic resistance and toxicity involved. In order to overcome the challenges of current treatment, gentamicin, the current antibiotic of choice for osteomyelitis, is fused with Nigella sativa oil to form an emulsion. Its efficacy as anti-biofilm agent is assessed using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) against different strains of biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus. These strains of S.aureus were first allowed to express biofilm before being exposed for 24 hours to the emulsion with (0.1% (w/v) gentamicin; 40.2% (v/v) N.sativa. Later, the emulsion was removed and the biofilm was stained with fluorescence staining. The slides were viewed under CLSM at 100 times resolution. 3D images of biofilm were reconstructed, using Image J software, to measure the thickness of biofilm and viability of bacteria cells. Results revealed that the emulsion significantly reduced biofilm thickness compared to gentamicin and N.sativa alone in all strains of S.aureus (Tukey’s test p < 0.05). The emulsion was also able to produce more than 80% and 15% surface percentage (%) of non-viable (dead) bacteria in the sensitive and resistant strain, respectively, at a significant level when compared to gentamicin and N.sativa (Tukey’s test p < 0.05). As a conclusion, this new fusion of gentamicin-N.sativa may be effective towards the biofilm of S.aureus, and can be developed further as a new promising anti-biofilm agent in osteomyelitis.
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the female
reproductive tract are a heterogeneous group of rare
neoplasms posing both diagnostic and therapeutic
challenges. The recent classification by WHO
includes neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) and
neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). NECs are the poorly
differentiated small cell carcinoma (SCNEC) and
large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), while
well-differentiated NETs include typical carcinoids
(TC) and atypical carcinoids (AC). Majority of
these tumours have an aggressive clinical course and
published data is supportive of multi-modal therapeutic
strategies. Etoposide/platinum based chemotherapy is
commonly advocated. Histopathological categorisation
and diagnosis are paramount to guide therapy.
Well-differentiated carcinoid and atypical
carcinoid tumours should be managed similar to
gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.
This review discusses the current classification, clinicpathologic
characteristics and advances in the diagnostic
evaluation and the treatment options of neuroendocrine
carcinoma of the cervix.
Open reduction and internal fixation using
conventional lateral distal femur locking plate is a
standard operative method for distal femur fracture.
This case series describes medial plating of distal
femur fracture using proximal tibia locking plate that
is anatomically fit to the medial aspect of distal femur,
by the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO)
technique which gives a stable construct with good
outcome.
Primary sinonasal Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma’s
(NHLs) are quite rare and emulate the presentation
of benign inflammatory diseases. It is challenging to
distinguish them morphologically and radiologically
from other malignant neoplasms.
We report a 37-year-old male patient who presented
with obstruction of the nasal passages, rhinorrhoea,
epistaxis, post nasal drip, facial swelling, orbital
symptoms and pyrexia. The mass was a nasal diffuse large
B-cell lymphoma confirmed by immunohistochemistry.
After the first cycle of chemotherapy was started, the
patient improved with resolution of the facial swelling,
pain and visual defects.
A high index of suspicion is required to differentiate
sinonasal lymphomas from other lesions.
A method for the determination of aflatoxins B1 and B2 in peanuts and corn based products is described. The samples were extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile-water (84:16), followed by multifunctional clean-up and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Both calibration curves showed good correlation from 4.0 to 32.0 ppb for aflatoxin B1 (r=0.9999) and 1.2 to 9.6 ppb for aflatoxin B2 (r=0.9997). The detection limit of aflatoxins B1 and B2 were established at 0.1 and 0.03 ppb, respectively, based on signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1. Average recoveries for the determination of aflatoxins B1 and B2 at 10 and 3 ppb spiking levels, respectively ranged from 94.2 to 107.6%. A total of 20 peanut samples and corn based products were obtained from retail shop and local market around Kuala Terengganu and analyzed for aflatoxins B1 and B2 contents, using the proposed method. Aflatoxins B1 and B2 were detected in 5 out of the 9 peanuts samples and 5 out of the 11 corn based products, at levels ranging from 0.2 to 101.8 ppb.
Working environmental conditions in automotive industry are very challenging to the human workers. Meanwhile, products quality is very much dependent on workers’ health, safety and comfort in their working environment. Environmental factors, such as temperature, illuminance and humidity levels have significant effect on workers’ performance at the production line. In this experiment, temperature, humidity, illuminance levels and productivity rate were observed in a control room. An automotive manufacturing firm production line was chosen to be simulated in the control room to observe the temperature, relative humidity, illuminance and worker’s productivity rate. The experimental data collected was analyzed using Response Surface Method (RSM). RSM is an analysis technique, which combined statistical systems and mathematical methods. It can be applied for research and development, reform and optimize a process, which involves several design variables. As a result, the combined effect of temperature, illuminance and humidity toward productivity can be clearly seen. Optimum environmental factor cannot be predicted using first order RSM analysis because it gives low reliability for obtaining the optimum level. Thus, a second order RSM analysis was generated for obtaining the optimum level of environmental factors.
Pengumpul suria hibrid fotovoltan-terma telah direka bentuk, dibina dan dikaji prestasinya. Kelebihan pengumpul ini adalah ianya mampu menjana tenaga elektrik dan tenaga haba secara serentak. Modul fotovoltan jenis SHARP NE-80E2EA dengan kuasa maksimum 80 W telah digunakan untuk menjana tenaga elektrik. Modul ini juga bertindak sebagai penyerap haba kepada pengumpul yang direka. Penyerap haba laluan tunggal, dengan lengkuk-∇ yang diperbuat daripada kepingan aluminium yang tebalnya 0.7 mm digunakan untuk mengumpulkan haba di belakang modul fotovoltan. Kajian telah dilakukan di bawah simulator suria dengan lampu halogen pada keamatan 386 ± 8 Wm-2 dan 817 ± 8 Wm-2. Kelajuan udara yang dialirkan dalam pengumpul PV/T adalah di antara (69.6 ± 2.2) × 10-4 kg/s hingga (695.8 ± 2.2) × 10-4 kg/s. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk membandingkan prestasi pengumpul PV/T dengan penyerap lengkuk-∇ dengan prestasi pengumpul PV/T tanpa penyerap lengkuk-∇. Kajian ini mendapati pengumpul suria PV/T dengan lengkuk-∇ mempunyai kecekapan yang lebih tinggi berbanding pengumpul tanpa lengkuk-∇. Kecekapan elektrik dan termanya juga meningkat dengan peningkatan keamatan sinaran dan kadar aliran udara.
Malays consist of multi sub-ethnic group believed to have different ancestral origins based on their migrations centuries ago. The DNA profiling for every individual in Malaysia is not recorded, making Malaysia lacking in genetic data of its own citizens. This research aimed to study the geographic-ancestry origin of two Malay sub-ethnic population; Kelantan- Malay and Jawa-Malay by looking into the variation of TPA-25 insertion in each population. It specifically studied on several areas of Peninsular Malaysia in the region of Kelantan, Selangor and Johor as the representative of main areas with high percentage of Kelantan- Malay and Jawa-Malay populations. All the data were obtained from an application of TPA-PCR method, forensic parameter (F-statistic) and survey questionnaire that polled genetically on their ancestry origin in each sub-ethnic population. The research showed that population with high percentage of heterozygous allele (Tt) of TPA-25 insertion was likely to have high possibility of genetic drift occurrence. Jawa- Malay showed the highest percentage of heterozygous allele (Tt) with approximately 48% of the population. The FIS value of Kelantan-Malay and Jawa-Malay populations were recorded positive with the values of 0.678 and 0.366 respectively. Moreover, the FIT value recorded was 0.535 which suggested that these two populations were deficits of heterozygotes.
Sistem hidrazin hidrat/hidrogen peroksida (HH/H2
O2
) digunakan untuk menjana sumber hidrogen bagi tujuan
penghidrogenan getah asli cecair (LNR) melalui penghasilan diimida. Spesies diimida yang terhasil akan membekalkan
sumber hidrogen kepada ikatan karbon ganda dua dalam rantai polimer LNR. Getah asli cecair terhidrogen (HLNR)
yang terhasil menunjukkan ciri lebih tahan suhu berbanding LNR. Suhu degradasi HLNR didapati meningkat pada 435°C
berbanding LNR iaitu pada 381°C. HLNR seterusnya dijadikan pengserasi dalam penghasilan adunan polimer polistirena/
getah asli, PS/NR/HLNR (60/35/5). Kekuatan regangan dan impak PS/NR masing-masing meningkat sebanyak 70.7% dan
149.6% setelah HLNR ditambah sebagai pengserasi dalam adunan. Beberapa pemerhatian morfologi melalui mikroskop
optik dan SEM turut menyokong kesan penyerasian adunan PS/NR dengan HLNR.
Penentuan 232Th, 238U dan 40K dalam 10 spesies ikan yang ditangkap dari 3 lokasi di kawasan pesisiran pantai Terengganu,
Malaysia menggunakan teknik ICP-MS. Tahap kepekatan aktiviti (Bq kg-1 berat kering) didapati berbeza daripada 2.72
× 10-4 ± 1.96 × 10-4 hingga 50.66 × 10-4 ± 34.57 × 10-4 bagi 232Th, 0.96 × 10-3 ± 0.37 × 10-3 hingga 10.04 × 10-3 ± 5.09
× 10-3 bagi 238U dan 36.70 ± 17.53 hingga 82.38 ± 27.65 bagi 40K. Berdasarkan kepekatan aktiviti radionuklid, dos
berkesan tahunan dan risiko kanser telah dianggarkan. Keputusan kajian menunjukkan bahawa dos berkesan kolektif
(mSv tahun-1) dianggarkan 2.47 × 10-5 bagi 232Th, 6.52 × 10-6 bagi 238U dan 1.9 × 10-2 bagi 40K adalah jauh lebih rendah
daripada saranan UNSCEAR. Risiko kanser bagi orang dewasa yang dianggarkan daripada dos berkesan tahunan adalah
66.9 × 10-6. Nilai ini adalah jauh lebih rendah daripada faktor risiko kanser UNSCEAR iaitu 8.4 × 10-3 dan faktor risiko
kanser ICRP sebanyak 3.5 × 10-3. Kajian ini menyimpulkan bahawa dos yang diterima oleh penduduk setempat hasil
daripada pengambilan ikan agak rendah dan tidak membahayakan kesihatan manusia dan selamat untuk dimakan.
In IEEE 802.11 standard, Mobile Station (MS) such as laptop and smartphone are connected to Access
Point (AP) to have a wireless connection. However, setting up AP to cover the whole area is costly and
complicated. Limitation in signal capacity causes out-of-coverage area, where the MS cannot connect to
the AP. In this paper, a portable wireless range extender (PWRE) is developed to assist MS that is located
out of coverage area, or at the cell edge area connected to the internet. Development of PWRE involves
two processes, which are connecting to existing wireless LAN (WLAN) network, and broadcasting a new
WLAN network. The paper discusses development process of PWRE and analysis of its performance.
PWRE was developed using a low power consumption microprocessor, known as Raspberry Pi.
Performance of the developed PWRE is evaluated by comparing signal strength received by an MS
located in the cell edge from an AP using two scenarios; with and without the PWRE. Results showed
that the MS signal strength improved significantly with the deployment of PWRE. Other advantages
offered by PWRE include being portable and energy efficient as it uses only 5V of power to operate.
Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education 6(2): 28-35, 2017 – The purpose of this study was to investigate on muscle activities with electromyography (EMG) during jumping jack activity. The EMG sensors were placed on the interest muscle to measure the activity of gastrocnemius and tibialis muscles during jumping jack. Specific thresholds per muscle were applied on the EMG prior comparison. These thresholds were determined by EMG muscle activity. Overall, visual inspection showed comparable activity patterns. The mean absolute value (MAV) and root mean square (RMS) data were collected to show differences activation of both muscle. The results showed that there are distinct differences between gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior during jumping jack. Based on MAV and RMS data, the activation of tibialis anterior muscle is higher than gastrocnemius muscle during jumping jack activity. This conclude that the tibialis anterior muscle had significantly higher electromyography activity on jumping jack.