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@#The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a worldwide human resource crisis in the healthcare setting due to the continuous and overwhelming demand of the workforce. Failure in managing the human resource will negatively affect the clinical management, prevention, and control of the pandemic; while a well-planned human resource policy can ensure sustainable and sufficient skilful workers to meet the demand. This article presents policies that are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other significant studies in addressing the issues faced by many countries during this COVID-19 pandemic. As with all policies, there are various challenges in the implementation of policies related to COVID-19. Therefore, this article also discusses the challenges in the implementation of these policies. This article ends with the proposal for the way forward in human resource management during a pandemic, should another pandemic hit the world.
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West Nile virus (WNV), a neurotropic arbovirus, has been detected in mosquitos, birds, wildlife, horses, and humans in Malaysia, but limited information is available on WNV infection in Malaysian pigs. We tested 80 archived swine serum samples for the presence of WNV antibody and West Nile (WN) viral RNA using ID Screen West Nile Competition Multi-species enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kits and WNV-specific primers in reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, respectively. A WNV seroprevalence of 62.5% (50/80) at 95% confidence interval (51.6%–72.3%) was recorded, with a significantly higher seroprevalence among young pigs (weaner and grower) and pigs from south Malaysia. One sample was positive for Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies; WN viral RNA was not detected in any of the serum samples.
ABSTRACT
West Nile virus (WNV), a neurotropic arbovirus, has been detected in mosquitos, birds, wildlife, horses, and humans in Malaysia, but limited information is available on WNV infection in Malaysian pigs. We tested 80 archived swine serum samples for the presence of WNV antibody and West Nile (WN) viral RNA using ID Screen West Nile Competition Multi-species enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kits and WNV-specific primers in reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, respectively. A WNV seroprevalence of 62.5% (50/80) at 95% confidence interval (51.6%–72.3%) was recorded, with a significantly higher seroprevalence among young pigs (weaner and grower) and pigs from south Malaysia. One sample was positive for Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies; WN viral RNA was not detected in any of the serum samples.
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Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite; Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the most important zoonotic parasite worldwide. In dogs, the sexual reproductive cycle of T. gondii is lacking, and the animals are not widely consumed as food, but they are vital in the mechanical transmission of the parasite. However, there is no present data on the exposure of stray dogs to T. gondii in Malaysia. The objective of this serological survey was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and associated factors in stray dogs in East and West Malaysia. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 222 stray dogs from 6 different states in East and West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) using an Indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence for T. gondii was 23.4% (Confidence interval: CI 17.8-29.2%). Stray dogs from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur had the highest seroprevalence (32.4%; CI 13.2-45.5%) and lowest in those from Penang and Kedah (12.5%; CI 1.3-23.5%). Gender and breed were not associated with T. gondii seropositivity. However, adult dogs were more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii (OR=2.89; CI 1.1-7.7) compared with younger dogs. These results revealed that T. gondii is prevalent in stray dogs in the studied areas in Malaysia, and indicative of the level of environmental contamination of this parasite especially in urban areas.
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Aims@#Phosphate is an essential nutrient required for plant growth, but its solubility in the soil is relatively low (0.1%). Microbes can dissolve phosphate to meet crop requirements. This study aimed to isolate phosphate solubilizing bacteria from indigenous microorganisms (IMO) of cow rumen.@*Methodology and results@#The selection of isolates on a Pikovskaya medium was using a clear zone index and a spectrophotometer for phosphate solubilization measurements. Hypersensitivity was tested on tobacco leaves and tested antagonists within isolates. The results found that four selected isolates had the highest phosphate dissolving potential, namely, MTA1, SMAD1, SMAD2, and SMAD3. The culture of selected isolates on plate media showed that the morphological characters of the four colonies are the same. They had round form (circular), the edge of the colony were smooth, flat elevation, white and cream color. Isolate MTA1 had the highest phosphate solubilizing activity compared to the others. The isolate that showed the highest phosphate solubilizing activity were identified based on 16S rRNA gene. The result of molecular identification showed that strain MTA1 was closely related to Lactobacillus plantarum with a similarity level of 99%. L. plantarum performed the highest ability to form a clear zone (7.66 mm). The highest concentration of soluble phosphate was observed on day 5 (278.42 mg/L).@*Conclusion, significance, and impact of the study@#Lactobacillus plantarum which was isolated from the IMO of cow rumen in East Java, Indonesia was identified as one of the phosphate solubilizing bacteria that are useful for the development of eco-friendly biofertilizer. The application of phosphate solubilizing microbes can be used to increase the soil fertility.
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Alternative drug delivery for the treatment of resistant bacterial infections is necessary to bypass existing antibioticresistance mechanism and ensure direct delivery of the drug to the targeted site using locally sourced materialsto minimize cost in the long term. In this study, cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate aragonite nanoparticles(CS-CaCO3NP) was synthesized, loaded with oxytetracycline (OTC), and characterized using Zeta analysis,Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FESEM, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) andBrunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The loaded OTC-CS-CaCO3NP was further characterized after which the in vitrorelease of OTC was studied. A homogenously spherical CS-CaCO3NP was observed on TEM with a mean diameter of29.90 nm and −19.9 zeta potential which increased to 62.40 nm and −23.5, respectively, after OTC loading. XRD andFTIR analysis of OTC-CS-CaCO3NP revealed that OTC maintained its functionality and crystallinity. The formulationof OTC:CS-CaCO3NP in ratio 1:4 with drug encapsulating efficiency (71%) was used for in vitro release studies.OTC was sustainably released from OTC-CS-CaCO3NP over a period of 96 hours. Our results suggest that OTC-CSCaCO3NP is a promising nanoparticle antibiotic delivery system with efficient physicochemical and pharmacologicalproperties whose antibiotic properties should be further investigated.
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@#Introduction: Good health literacy and knowledge are associated with improved outcomes in diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine diabetes-specific literacy and knowledge levels, and its associated socio-demographic factors, among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 adults from the Indian, Chinese, and Malay ethnic groups with T2DM who attended a primary care clinic in Seremban, Malaysia. The Literacy Assessment for Diabetes and Diabetes Knowledge Test 2 were used to assess diabetes-specific literacy and knowledge, respectively. Results: The majority of participants (75.0%) had literacy scores that corresponded to Ninth Grade Level but only 3.6% of participants had a good knowledge of diabetes. Literacy scores explained up to 19.8% of the variance in knowledge scores (r=0.445, p<0.01). Indian participants had the lowest literacy and knowledge scores when compared to Chinese and Malays (p<0.05). Participants with higher education had better literacy and knowledge scores (p<0.05). Educational level was more likely than ethnicity to predict both literacy and knowledge scores (p<0.001), while gender and age did not significantly predict either score. The majority of participants could answer general questions about physical activity, diabetes-related complications and healthy eating. Knowledge of diabetes and its relation to specific foods and the effect of diet on glucose control were limited among the participants. Conclusion: Education and ethnicity were associated with literacy and knowledge on diabetes. There existed a deficit of diabetes-related nutrition knowledge among the participants. These findings may help healthcare providers tailor individualised patient educational interventions.
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Aims@#Diabetic patients with foot ulcer showed 150-fold increased risk of amputation, which is primarily caused by microbial infection. Silver ions are commonly incorporated into wound dressing to enhance the antimicrobial property. However, concerns have been expressed about the development of bacterial resistance to heavy metals. In this study, we extracted the nano-cellulose from medical cotton and reinforced with gelatin to develop a film for wound dressing. @*Methodology and results@#Garcinia mangostana L pericarp extract was incorporated into the nano-cellulose film as antimicrobial finishing. The efficacy of the developed nano-cellulose film was evaluated on diabetic wound microorganisms. We observed cellulose nano crystals with an average length of 133.71 nm under transmission electron microscope. The developed film showed gradual release of the extract over a period of 48 h and no burst effect was observed. The film exhibited significant inhibitory activity on three Gram positive bacteria, three Gram negative and all filamentous fungi tested. On Hohenstein challenge test, all test microorganisms showed significant growth reduction, with the treatment of the film. We also noticed that the antimicrobial activity of the film sustained even after 20 washes. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Our results indicate that the G. mangostana L pericarp extract loaded nano-cellulose films exhibited significant inhibitory activity on diabetic wound microorganisms. The developed film can be potentially used to prevent foot ulcer infection among diabetic patients.
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@#Introduction: Self-efficacy for eating predicts successful weight loss and maintenance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) individuals. The Weight Efficacy Lifestyle (WEL) questionnaire determines self-efficacy for controlling eating. This study aims to validate the Malay-translated version of the WEL questionnaire and to establish the cut-off scores to define the level of eating self-efficacy in Malaysian T2DM individuals. Methods: A total of 334 T2DM individuals, aged 55.0±9.0 years, were recruited from a primary healthcare clinic based on sampling ratio. Medical records were reviewed for eligibility. Inclusion criteria included BMI ≥23kg/m2, and no severe diabetes complications. The WEL questionnaire assessed eating resistance during negative emotions, food availability, social pressure, physical discomfort and positive activities, and was back translated into Malay language. Self-efficacy was rated on a 0-9 scale with higher WEL scores indicating greater self-efficacy to resist eating. Factor analysis established the factor structure of the WEL questionnaire. Inter-item and item-total correlations determined construct validity while internal consistency described the reliability of the structure. Results: A two-factor structure accounting for 49% of variance was obtained, and it had adequate reliability, as indicated by Cronbach’s α of 0.893 and 0.781 respectively. Item-total correlations of r>0.700, p<0.01 and inter-item correlations of r<0.500, p<0.01 demonstrated construct validity. Cut-off scores of ≥44 and ≥32, respectively for factor one and two defined high eating self-efficacies in T2DM individuals. Conclusion: The Malaytranslated version of the WEL questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess self-efficacy for controlling eating behaviour in Malaysian T2DM population.
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Breast tuberculosis (TB) is rare even in endemic countries. Most of these cases occur as secondary TB due to a concurrent infection. Primary breast TB is diagnosed when it is the only site of disease without other foci of infection. The presentation of primary breast TB may often mimic carcinoma of the breast. While imaging is not specific, histopathology provides a definitive diagnosis. Here, we present a case of primary breast TB in a breast cancer patient and review the literature.
Subject(s)
Breast NeoplasmsABSTRACT
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency worldwide including Malaysia. Screening of cord blood for partial G6PD deficiency is important as they are also prone to develop acute haemolysis. In this study, we determined the prevalence of partial G6PD deficient in paediatric population aged 1 month-12 years and normal term female neonates using OSMMR-D kit with haemoglobin (Hb) normalization and compare it with florescence spot test (FST). A total of 236 children, aged between between 1 month-12 years and 614 normal term female neonates were recruited for this study. Determination of normal means for G6PD activity and; cut-off points for partial and severe deficiency were determined according to WHO Working Group (1989). Determination of prevalence for partial deficiency for both groups (female patient) was done using this enzyme assay kit and findings were compared with FST. In this study, 15.7% (18/115) female children were classified as partial G6PD deficient by quantitative enzyme method (G6PD activity: 4.23-5.26U/gHb). However, FST only detected 0.9% (1/115) with minimal G6PD activity. The prevalence of partial G6PD deficiency in female neonate group was 3.42% (21/614) by enzyme assay versus 0.49% (3/614) by FST. This study concluded that our routine screening method using FST was unable to diagnose female heterozygotes. We recommend using this quantitative enzyme assay method by OSMMR-D kit since it was more sensitive in detecting G6PD deficiency in female neonates compared to FST.
Subject(s)
Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase DeficiencyABSTRACT
The attitudes shown by community towards the mentally ill patient can have implications for recovery. To gather robust evidence regarding community attitudes towards people with mental illness, a data collection is required. A cross sectional study was carried out to examine the community attitudes towards the mentally ill patients and its associated factors in Tampoi Town, Johor among 347 respondents. This study was conducted from June 2012 to June 2013. Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill questionnaire was used to examine public attitudes towards the mentally ill patients. Another questionnaire was used to determine media influence and history or experience with the mentally ill patients was administered by a researcher. The community in this town had a positive attitude towards the mentally ill patients. Benevolence attitude which represent the positive attitude has the highest mean score [37.13 (4.18)]. Social Restrictiveness attitude which represent the negative attitude has the lowest mean score [25.42 (4.82)]. Results indicated that race, educational level and previous experience with the mentally ill patients had a significant association with community attitudes towards the mentally ill patients. Meanwhile, age, gender, religion, occupation, income and media have no association with community attitudes towards the mentally ill patients. These results are expected to help the related parties in conducting various comprehensive and holistic programs or campaign. Specifically, medical social worker should be more sensitive to the public attitude toward the mentally ill patients so that they could recognize the contributing factors on negative attitudes and prevent them.
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<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that is prevalent in many countries. The prevalence of DM is on the rise, and its complications pose a heavy burden on the healthcare systems and on the patients' quality of life worldwide.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>This is a multicentre, cross-sectional study involving 5 Health Clinics conducted by Family Medicine Specialists in Malaysia. Convenience sampling of 100 respondents with DM were selected. The International Classifi cation of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) based measures were collected using the Comprehensive Core Set for DM. SF-36 and self-administered forms and comorbidity questionnaire (SCQ) were also used.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ninety-seven percent had Type 2 DM and 3% had Type 1 DM. The mean period of having DM was 6 years. Body functions related to physical health including exercise tolerance (b455), general physical endurance (b4550), aerobic capacity (b4551) and fatiguability (b4552) were the most affected. For body structures, the structure of pancreas (s550) was the most affected. In the ICF component of activities and participation, limitation in sports (d9201) was the highest most affected followed by driving (d475), intimate relationships (d770), handling stress and other psychological demands (d240) and moving around (d455). Only 7% (e355 and e450) in the environmental category were documented as being a relevant factor by more than 90% of the patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The content validity of the comprehensive ICF Core set DM for Malaysian population were identified and the results show that physical and mental functioning were impaired in contrast to what the respondents perceived as leading healthy lifestyles.</p>