Screening of fatty acid compound of S. polycystum for anti-cariogenic potential

Introduction: Dental caries is the most common yet preventable disease. Study found that seaweed exhibits anti-cariogenic properties. However, little attention have been given to the study on anticariogenic properties of seaweed and the bioactive compound that responsible for the anticariogenic activities have not adequately investigated. This study was conducted to evaluate the best extraction methods for S. polycystum and to determine the fatty acid compounds of S. polycystum that have anti-cariogenic potential against oral cariogenic bacteria. Materials and Methods: Dried seaweeds were extracted by soxhlet using three different solvents (methanol, dichloromethane and hexane). The crude extracts were kept in a close container at -20 degree Celsius. The bioactive compound of the crude extract of seaweeds was analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GCMS). Results: Highest extraction yield in S. polycystum was produced by methanol extraction followed by hexane and dichloromethane. GCMS analysis revealed that the presence of palmitic acid (18.02%) as major compound, followed by oleic acid (8.44%), lauric acid (5.23%), myristic acid (3.60%), heptadecanoic acid (2.23%), 9-hexadenoic acid (1.82%) and the lowest is 2-methylhexadecan-1-ol (1.75%). Conclusion(s): Methanol extraction is the most efficient solvent as it produced the highest extraction yield in S. polycystum.Lauric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid and oleic acid detected in S. polycystum have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activities thus proved the potentiality of S. polycystum as anti-cariogenic agent

Personality traits and its relationship with work performance for majority group of farmers in Malaysia

Paddy is regarded as the third most widely planted crop in Malaysia that covers an area of 686,050 hectares in total. Although a large scale rice cultivation is practiced in this country, it still falls short in meeting the demand for its ever growing population. According to Rogers’ theory, the majority group (early and late majority) influence most of the paddy production in Malaysia and they form 68% of the paddy farmers. In this regard, it suffices to say that most of the rice supply in this country came from this group of farmers. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between personality traits and work performance among the paddy farmers in the majority group. A face to face survey was carried out using a questionnaire where the respondents were chosen using the cluster sampling technique. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the demographics of the respondents, while correlation and multiple regressions were used to examine the strength and relationship between personality traits and work performance. The correlation coefficients showed that six personal trait variables were positively correlated with work performance, and only one personal trait variable was negatively correlated with work performance at 0.05 level of significance. Specifically, discipline was found moderately correlated with work performance. Moreover, the results also showed that, the ability to solve problems, network information, and discipline were found to significantly predict work performance of the paddy farmers. Overall, these three variables explained 44% variance of the work performance. Respectively, it is recommended that extension programmes should focus on these three variables in order to increase the work performance of the majority groups of paddy farmers

Safety and efficacy of dabigatran versus warfarin in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation

Introduction: Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is a common cause of cardioembolic stroke which accounts around 50% of all cardioembolic emboli. Oral anticoagulants remain the main choice of stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Our study is aimed to determine the safety (absence or presence of bleeding events) and efficacy (absence or presence of ischemic stroke occurrence) of dabigatran versus warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: A retrospective audit study was conducted based on past data obtained from Electronic Hospital Information System (EHIS) records in Serdang Hospital. Our sample was 150 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who were at risk of getting stroke and being prescribed with oral anticoagulants either warfarin or dabigatran from the year 2013 until 2019. Results: Our study showed that there was lesser occurrence of ischemic stroke in patients from dabigatran group (1.3%) as compared to those in warfarin group (2.7%). There were also almost 2 times lesser bleeding events in dabigatran group (6.7%) as compared to those in warfarin group (14.7%). The median of CHA2DS2-VASc Score in warfarin sampled patients (median=3+/-1) was lower than dabigatran sampled patients (median=4+/-1). Conclusion: Both warfarin and dabigatran are effective in preventing stroke for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, dabigatran is associated with lesser bleeding events with lower incidence of major bleeds compared to warfarin

Online Purchasing Behaviour of Consumers at Zalora in Malaysia

In the 1960s, the emergence of technology introduced by humans spurred the establishment of the Internet that can engage all people globally. Since 1994, the Internet has contributed tremendously towards the evolution of online shopping through the development Electronic Commerce (EC). There are many online shopping websites that have been established by various companies as other alternatives for consumers to purchase their goods or services rather than shopping at the stores. In Malaysia, the reputation and brand image of ZALORA has become the centre and the focus of society. It automatically raises a question among the marketers regarding the motives of the consumers in choosing ZALORA rather than other online shopping websites. This is due to the attractiveness of ZALORA that has led the consumers’ intention in purchasing or ordering the goods or services online. Therefore, it is vital to investigate and identify the factors that influence the consumers' purchasing behaviour as well as their intentions in shopping online at ZALORA. In order to fill the gap of this study, the data of 377 respondents were collected and analysed by using the Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) software version no.25. The findings show that the website designs of ZALORA have been portrayed as the main factor that has contributed to the purchasing behaviour of consumers for online shopping at ZALORA in comparison to other factors which were convenience, time saving and security

Panduan Aktiviti Kelas : Jom Aktif!

Aktiviti fizikal – cara untuk membina personaliti Kehidupan harian kanak-kanak kita semakin banyak dipengaruhi oleh aktiviti yang tidak aktif. Aktiviti sedentari adalah kelakuan atau aktiviti yang terdiri daripada duduk dan baring. Contohnya, menonton televisyen dan/atau DVD, menggunakan komputer, mewarna, dan membaca buku. Oleh itu, bukan sahaja penting kepada keluarga, tetapi juga kepada pihak prasekolah dan sekolah, untuk memberi perhatian kepada jumlah masa kanak-kanak menjadi aktif setiap hari. Kanak-kanak prasekolah harus aktif setiap hari selama 3 jam, tidak kira berapa kali bersenam. Selain itu, kanak-kanak perlu diberi peluang 2-3 kali seminggu untuk menyertai sesi pendidikan jasmani yang berstruktur

Panduan Aktiviti Kelas : Jom Minum!

Minuman sangat penting untuk kanak-kanak dan kita semua. Kanak-kanak yang berumur 3 hingga 6 tahun harus minum 800 ml hingga 1 liter air setiap hari. Bagaimanapun, ramai kanak-kanak gemar minum minuman bersoda dan jus dalam kotak/botol (contohnya Cola dan Cola Light, kordial, jus oren manis atau tanpa gula dan lain-lain). Kebanyakan minuman ini mengandungi gula dan kalori yang tinggi, dan kebiasaannya diambil dengan makanan utama harian. Dalam jangka masa panjang, penggunaan biasa minuman berkarbonat dan jus dalam kotak/ botol boleh membawa kepada peningkatan lebih berat badan dan obesiti

Case report: Incomplete penetrance of autosomal dominant myotonia congenita caused by a rare CLCN1 variant c.1667T>A (p.I556N) in a Malaysian family

Myotonia congenita (MC) is a rare neuromuscular disease caused by mutations within the CLCN1 gene encoding skeletal muscle chloride channels. MC is characterized by delayed muscle relaxation during contraction, resulting in muscle stiffness. There is a lack of MC case reports and data on the prevalence among Malaysians. We report a clinical case of a 50-year-old woman presents with muscle stiffness and cramp episodes that started in early childhood. She had difficulty initiating muscle movement and presented with transient muscle weakness after rest, which usually improved after repeated contraction (warm-up phenomenon). She was diagnosed with MC after myotonic discharge on electromyography (EMG). Her brother had similar symptoms; however, no additional family members showed MC symptoms. Serum creatine kinase levels were elevated in both the proband and her brother with 447 U/L and 228 U/L recorded, respectively. Genetic analysis by whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed a previously reported pathogenic CLCN1 gene variant c.1667T>A (p.I556N). Genetic screening of all family members revealed that the same variant was observed in the children of both the proband and her brother; however, the children did not present with either clinical or electrophysiological MC symptoms. The multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis conducted identified neither exon deletion nor duplication in CLCN1. In conclusion, this report describes the first case of MC in Malaysia in which incomplete penetrance observed in this family is caused by a known pathogenic CLCN1 variant

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

E-wallet acceptance as medium of payment among public university students in Malaysia

This study aims to possible relationship between e-wallet consumption factors and e-wallet level of acceptance as medium of payment among public university students in Malaysia