Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated of ulam from supermarkets and wet markets in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Raw vegetables were highly exposed to microbial contamination by handling at harvest or during postharvest processing. Nowadays, emerging issues threatening public health are bacterial resistance to antibiotics due to the excessive usage and misuse of antibiotics in agriculture. In this study, antibiotic susceptibility profiles of 23 Escherichia coli strains were tested by the standard disk diffusion method. Sixteen antimicrobial agents namely amikacin, amoxycillin/cluvanic acid, ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, ciproflaxacin, ceftazidime, cephalotin, cefoperazone, gentamicin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, tetracycline and trimethoprim were included in this study. In this study, 78.3% of the E. coli isolates were found to be resistant to cephalotin and it was the highest compared with the other antibiotics. It was found that 87% of isolates exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic. E. coli showed high resistance to ampicillin (52.2%) and tetracycline (52.2%). In contrast, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime were found to be (100%) effective in restraining the growth of E. coli isolates. The highest multiple antibiotic resistance index (MAR) index was 0.48. Multiple resistance was observed in 47.8% of isolates with resistance to three to seven antibiotics. In conclusion, ulam could be the potential source of this antibiotic resistance of E. coli, and it may pose health threats to consumers

Risk factors analysis: work-related musculoskeletal disorders among male traffic policemen using high-powered motorcycles

Introduction: The occupational safety and health issues for police riders and other professional riders are often related to ergonomic hazards and risks. The purpose of this research was to identify the factors that contribute to the health effects in developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among male traffic policemen using high-powered motorcycles. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 137 police riders. A set of questionnaires including the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and human vibration meter (Svantek 106) was used in this study. Results: The prevalence of WMSDs was 67.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the duration of riding a motorcycle (OR = 0.175, 95% CI:0.052, 0.581), years of service (OR = 0.152, 95% CI: 0.040, 0.567), and hand-arm vibration, HAV (OR = 3.053, 95% CI: 1.126, 8.280) were significant risk factors for the prevalence of WMSDs. Discussion: The majority of riders reported symptoms of WMSDs within the past 12 months. Riding duration, years of service, and hand-arm vibration (HAV) were found to be the most important risk factors for WMSDs in this rider group. The results highlight that in the context of ergonomic interaction, high-powered motorcycles and the police riders are not a good fit. Hence, further study is needed to improve the safety and health of the police riders

Likert scale vs. visual analogue scale on vehicle seat discomfort questionnaire: a review

Discomfort measurement has usually been attempted by asking the participants to rate the scale of their discomfort which commonly termed as a subjective scale. Various studies had conducted the discomfort level on vehicle seat by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Likert scale. VAS is a tool that use to measure a discomfort or characteristics in range across a continuum of values. Meanwhile, Likert-scale is a tool consist of items that require respondents to rate their degrees of comfort or discomfort with various declarative statements. Thus, the purpose of this study is to review, discuss and compare between the VAS and Likert scale used on the development and assessment of sitting discomfort survey in seat vehicles. The literature on various topics related to questionnaire development on discomfort in seat vehicle were collected from electronic databases. Four high-quality studies were eligible and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, there is no evidence and conclusion that neither visual analogue scale nor Likert scale are better to one another. Therefore, it can be concluded that either of this scale still applicable for the ergonomic research application as both of this scale have their own pros and cons

Respiratory effects of exposure to high levels of particulate among Malaysian traffic police

Introduction: Malaysian traffic police are always working on the public roads to alleviate traffic congestion and therefore exposed them to the polluted air every day. In particular, polluted air containing PM2.5 is dangerous to their respiratory health as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to bronchitis, lung cancer and many more. Hence, this research examined the relationship of personal exposure level to PM2.5 with respiratory symptoms among traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Methods: 134 participants among traffic policemen were agreed to participate in this study. They were requested to complete a questionnaire regarding the sociodemographic back-ground and respiratory health information. The questionnaire was adopted from International Union Against Tuberculosis Lung Diseases (1986). Personal exposure level of PM2.5 was measured using an air pump with 5.0μm pore size PVC filter. Results: The mean exposure level of PM2.5 among traffic policemen was 28.69 μg/m3. It was found that some of them possess respiratory symptoms (Coughing 33.6%, Phlegm 25.4%, Wheezing 14.9% and Shortness of breath 32.1%). There was significant association detected at p-value < 0.05 in coughing. Despite, there was no significant association in other symptoms such as phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath. Conclusions: Traffic police were exposed to a relatively high level of PM2.5 (12.4 μg/m3 to 55.3 μg/m3) and showed symptoms of respiratory effects. Therefore, recognition of the risks connected with occupational lung disease and exposure monitoring must be a high priority. This baseline data can serve as a reference to the top management of traffic police officers in order to develop an occupational safety and health guideline for police officers as required by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994)

Vibration exposure and work-musculoskeletal disorders among traffic police riders in Malaysia: a review

Background: The traffic police force is one of the occupations that utilize motorcycles as the main mode of transport. The main ergonomic hazard with the constant use of motorcycles is exposure of riders to vibration while riding their motorcycles, which can potentially lead to work.related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Objective: This review is meant to provide an overview of the available vibration exposure with WMSDs for traffic police riders and to review the related guidelines. Method: This study involved comprehensive search of database from 1945 to 2015. Published research paper that reported on the vibration exposure, prevalence, and/or risk factors of WMSDs and occupational riders were assessed and reviewed. Result: The review suggests that the main factors involving vibration in motorcycles come from the motorcycles itself, the posture of the hands and arms during the gripping of the handlebars, the surrounding environment, and the period of riding motorcycles. Majority of the studies agreed that police riders had higher percentage of WMSDs especially in lower back, neck, and shoulder. Conclusion: Overall, police riders have a high incidence of WMSDs, which in combination with exposure to vibrations with prolonged sitting and static posture may increase their susceptibility to WMSDs. Further research is required to explore the level of exposure to vibrations and WMSDs among traffic police riders, its potentially consequences, and ways to reduce exposure and risk associated with vibrations and WMSDs

Respiratory symptons prevalence among traffic policemen in Malaysia

Introduction: Traffic policemen are exposed to polluted air for a long time in high concentrations since they are working outside for most of the time which is bad for their health. Hence, this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among traffic police in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Methods: A pulmonary function test using spirometer was used to measure the pulmonary function of subjects. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms translated version from IUALTD was used. The questionnaire includes background data, occupational and health history. Results: The traffic policemen were determined as having lower lung function parameters; low FVC% predicted (89.6%) and low FEV1% predicted (94%) due to their nature of work and the environment. Coughing was present at the highest (33.6%) among them, whereas wheezing was found the least (15.7%) of the workers. Conclusions: Findings from this study, indicated that there is a development of respiratory diseases and deterioration of lung function among traffic policemen. These baseline data can serve as a reference to the top management of traffic police officers in order to develop an occupational safety and health guideline for police officers as they are not covered by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994)

Development of a high-powered motorcycle seat discomfort survey (MSDS): traffic police motorcycle

High-powered motorcycles are commonly used as traffic police motorcycles worldwide. However, the seating discomfort for this type of motorcycles is less studied. Furthermore, there is no specific standardised questionnaire to evaluate the seating discomfort for high-powered motorcycles. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop a high-powered motorcycles seating discomfort survey (MSDS) and evaluate its validity as well as reliability. Inputs from literature and key informants helped in establishing the appropriate terms used for each questionnaire item. Traffic police riders with no musculoskeletal disorders history and good physical condition participated in this study. Each participant was asked to rate their seat discomfort after a 20-min ride. The results indicate that this survey is reliable with a significant reliability coefficient of (r = 0.84, p 0.75). As a result, this study successfully evaluated and identified the level of discomfort of a high-powered motorcycle seat among users using this MSDS which is statistically proven in its validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be used as an ergonomic measuring tool to improve the discomfort of high-powered motorcycle seat

Impacts of PM2.5 on respiratory system among traffic policemen

Background: Malaysian traffic policemen are constantly exposed to unhealthy air in the outdoor environment, which results in various health problems. This study investigates the relationship of the personal exposure level to PM2.5 and lung functions in traffic policemen in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Methods: A pulmonary function test using a spirometer was carried out to measure the lung function of the traffic policemen. The personal exposure level to PM2.5 was measured using a pump with a PVC filter and 5.0μm pore size. A questionnaire requesting the background data, such as age, height, and weight, was also used for testing lung function abnormalities. Results: The PM2.5 personal exposure level was found to be significantly related to lung function (predicted FEV1 and predicted FVC) at p-value < 0.05. Conclusions: Traffic policemen are mainly exposed to physical hazards from traffic pollutants emitted by vehicles, such as fine particles and particulate matter. The findings of this study indicate that there is a trend of lung function deterioration among traffic policemen. These baseline data can serve as a reference for the top management of traffic police to aid in the development of occupational safety and health guidelines for police officers, as the traffic police are not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994)

Antibiotic susceptibility and antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria from malaysian fermented foods against biofilm-forming Escherichia coli Strains

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are frequently employed in the food industry as food preservatives and starter cultures due to their potentially advantageous properties. Their ability to promote numerous health benefits in fermented foods has received increased attention. However, few studies have investigated the antibacterial activity of LAB and their susceptibility to antibiotics when combating biofilm-forming Escherichia coli strains. In this study, four fermented food samples were screened for presumptive LAB cultures, including Maman pickle (M5Bi), fermented fish (PB4iii), fermented durian (T6Aiii), and fermented glutinous rice (Ta2Ai), using the API 50 CHL method. The isolates were subsequently identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, L. plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Lactobacillus pentosus, respectively, through molecular analysis of the 16S rDNA sequencing. The isolates were then assessed for antibiotic susceptibility to amoxicillin (25 µg), chloramphenicol (30 µg), tetracycline (30 µg), and erythromycin (10 µg) using the disc diffusion method. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of LAB against eight biofilm-forming E. coli strains was evaluated using the well diffusion method. The results showed that L. plantarum from the Maman pickle sample exhibited the most significant inhibitory zone against biofilm-forming E. coli strains. Importantly, all detected LAB were resistant to the four main antibiotics tested, indicating that the safety and efficacy of probiotics must be ensured before they can be developed and commercialized

High-powered police motorcycle: muscle discomfort among Malaysian traffic police riders

Discomfort due to riding a motorcycle is an issue that need to be addressed as it has long-term effects of musculoskeletal disorders on motorcyclists especially among occupational motorcyclist. Thus, this study was conducted to analyse the rating of muscle discomfort and correlation with the risk factors among traffic police riders. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 137 male traffic police riders (high-powered motorcycle) with the age between 20 to 39 years old. The 100-mm visual analogue scale questionnaire included ratings of perceived discomfort scales for 20 specific body regions was used in the study. The results indicate that the lower back (left and right) were the highest mean of discomfort which were 56.6 mm and 55.9 mm respectively. This followed with right (48.5±36.2 mm) and left (48.4±30.3 mm) upper back, and right hand (47.0±33.0 mm). The mean of overall discomfort ratings for all regions were more than 20 mm. Besides, there is a strong positive significant correlation between duration of ridings (hours) and overall discomfort ratings (p<0.01, r=0.785) and moderate positive correlation between year of traffic police motorcycle riding experience and overall discomfort ratings (p<0.01, r=0.410). As a conclusion, cumulative riding hours, riding experience and no support of the back area of the body in motorcycle seat, are the most concern in this study as this are the contributing factors to the muscle discomfort among traffic police riders while riding high-powered motorcycle. Thus, this study suggested an additional feature is needed in current motorcycle design in order to enhance comforts of traffic police riders. Also, it will improve the condition of traffic police riders’ discomfort and indirectly also improve their work and health performance as well as productivity