Assessment of serum IgE level in patients with transfusion related allergic reaction receiving fresh frozen plasma

Background: Blood transfusion is a routine lifesaving medical intervention which is generally regarded as safe when done properly. However, at the same time it also bears considerable risk. The aim of the study was to assess the serum IgE levels in patients experiencing transfusion-related allergic reactions after receiving fresh frozen plasma. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Transfusion Medicine, BSMMU, from March 2019 to August 2021, focusing on patients aged 5 to 60 years receiving fresh frozen plasma. Patients were included after obtaining informed consent from themselves or their legal guardians in the case of minors, according to the eligibility criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with statistical significance set at p<0.05, employing Chi-square tests and Pearson抯 correlation coefficient for variable comparisons. Results: Raised IgE level was significantly related with transfusion related allergic reaction after receiving fresh frozen plasma (p<0.05). The mean IgE was 521.4�4.6 in patients with reaction and 67.8�.2 in patients without reaction. Significant positive correlation was observed in serum IgE level with age in years. Conclusions: Patients with transfusion related allergic reaction receiving fresh frozen plasma had higher mean IgE levels as compared to those without reaction.

Versatility and modifications of the cross-finger flap in reconstruction of digital soft tissue defect

Background: Hand injuries can cause major functional and cosmetic concerns. The cross-finger flap (CFF) is an effective treatment for complex finger defects. While CFF has typically been employed to treat volar aspect abnormalities, new versions now address a larger variety of digital soft tissue defects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of various modified techniques of cross-finger flap which are used to reconstruct different soft tissue defect of fingers. Methods: This was a prospective observational study carried out in the department of Burn and Plastic Surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from September 2018 to February 2020. Forty (40) patients who presented with different soft tissue defect of fingers included in this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The study involved predominantly male participants (80%), with a mean age of 31.70�.28 years. The most common soft tissue defect site was the volar area (47.5%), and various modified cross-finger flap techniques were employed. The majority of patients achieved excellent functional outcomes, with 82.5% classified as good, 12.5% as satisfactory, and 5.0% as poor. Conclusions: The modifications of the cross-finger flap are versatile and useful for different sites of digital injuries with good functional outcome.

Evaluation of current physical symptoms and psychological sufferings of patients during attending department of palliative medicine in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Empirical evidence indicates that anxiety and depression in cancer patients are often overlooked, leading to insufficient assistance for their psychosocial needs. Distinguishing between clinical anxiety and depression and the typical emotional distress post-cancer diagnosis can be challenging but holds significant implications for coping strategies and outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess current physical symptoms and psychological sufferings of patients� during attending in a Palliative care department of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross?sectional study was conducted among 191 patients with cancer attending the department of palliative medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 2021 and March 2022. Data was collected by face?to?face interview using a structured questionnaire. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using a modified version of the primary care evaluation of mental disorders guide. Results: 47 participants (20.7% prevalence of depressive disorders and 13.9% prevalence of anxiety disorders) met the diagnostic criteria for at least one anxiety or depressive disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The 95% confidence interval for these results was between 20.2 and 29.0. Conclusions: In summary, depression and anxiety disorders are prevalent among patients in palliative care, significantly reducing the quality of life for those facing cancer-related mortality.

Outcome of perforator propeller flap for the coverage of soft tissue defects over middle and distal part of leg

Background: Plastic surgery is a constant battle between blood supply and beauty. The end result of a reconstructive procedure is primarily attributable to the stability of the vascular component, which is fundamental in that it ensures survival and proper functioning of tissues that have been transferred to the recipient site. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of perforator propeller flap for coverage of soft tissue defects in middle and distal legs. Methods: This was a prospective observational study and was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from September 2018 to February 2020. The study population includes the total of 30 patients having soft tissue defects of the middle and distal thirds of leg necessary for flap coverage in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: In total 30 patients maximum 11 (36.7%) were in 31-40 years age group. Majority 27 (90%) were male and 3 (10%) were female in our study. Out of 22 flaps in distal leg necrosis occurred in 4 (18.19%) and among 8 flaps in middle leg necrosis occurred in 1 (12.5%). Conclusions: This study observed that that perforator propeller flaps are ideal in reconstructing soft tissue defects of the middle and distal third of the leg, being safe, easy to perform, providing similar tissue in texture and thickness of damaged tissues, with low donor site morbidity.

Assessment of health status, dental hygiene, and cognitive learning of primary school children: a health-camp survey reported by a clinical pharmacist and their impact on community healthcare

Background: School health surveys serve as a cost-effective and comprehensive means to screen a large number of pediatric children, facilitating primary and secondary prevention initiatives simultaneously.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a primary school in Pune to assess the physical development of children aged 5 to 17 years. Data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire and accurate methods. Height, weight, and BMI were measured, along with clinical assessments for dyslexia, dysgraphia, and signs of vitamin deficiency. Anthropometric measurements were taken using precise instruments. Eye and tongue examinations were conducted, and hydration status was assessed. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel-2022. Proper consent was obtained from school authorities and parents.Results: A total of 322 participants were assessed, the age distribution revealed 49.69% males and 50.31% females. Anthropometric measurements showed 8.70% of children with a height of 90-110 cm, 34.78% with 111-130 cm, 41.61% with 131-150 cm, and 14.91% with a height ?150 cm. In terms of weight, 44.72% weighed 15-25 kg, 29.81% weighed 26-35 kg, 16.15% weighed 36-45 kg, and 9.32% weighed ?45 kg. BMI analysis showed 86.96% as underweight, 11.18% within the normal range, and 1.86% as severely obese. Eye conditions included 8.7% with redness, 12.4% with irritation, 24.8% with watery eyes, and 12.4% with blurred vision. Dysgraphia risk was observed in 83.23% of participants.Conclusions: Health check-up camps can result in help in the diagnosis of major morbidities in school children and enable better practice among government schools.

A cross-sectional study for assessment of menopausal symptoms and coping strategies among Jordanian women of 40-60 years age group

Background: Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Understanding the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and the strategies of coping with them is crucial for developing targeted interventions that address their unique needs.Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted the Jordanian women aged 40-60 through online questionnaire during January 2023-June 2023. The menopause rating scale (MRS) was utilized to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms, including somatic, psychological, and urogenital domains.Results: The study included a total of 309 successfully completed participations by women from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds in Jordan. The analysis revealed a high prevalence of menopausal symptoms among the participants. The severity of symptoms varied; moderate to severe symptoms, were appreciable across the various domains. The coping strategies employed by the participants were multifaceted. Unfortunately, a proportion of participants admitted to using ineffective coping mechanisms, such as tobacco and excessive caffeine consumption. In general, the study revealed that there is an evident shortage in the overall awareness among women.Conclusions: The findings emphasize the necessity of comprehensive interventions to enhance the well-being of women and consequently the society. The qualitative and the quantitative aspects of the study shall contribute valuable perceptions to both of the academia and the authorized healthcare institutes.

A Fractured Maxillary Canine Restored with a Full Ceramic Crown and Class III Malocclusion

@#A perfect smile always relates to well-aligned teeth. Factors such as fracture, malocclusion, and tooth migration challenge a clinician to restore a patient’s appearance and functionality. This case report presented a 32-year-old Malay male patient concerns on his appearance because of a fractured maxillary canine due to motor vehicle accident. There has been no restoration on the tooth since three years ago. After obtaining the patient’s agreement, a full ceramic crown was constructed despite being complicated by Class III malocclusion. It is challenging to improve aesthetics and longevity for this patient with a midline shift and diastema of the lower arch, anterior cross bite of tooth 12, and an open bite between teeth 14 and 44. After discussion, the patient agreed and decided on a full ceramic crown of tooth 23 despite being challenged to achieve an ideal occlusion. The patient was satisfied with the crown’s quality and aesthetic.

Environmental Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease: A Scoping Review

Introduction@#Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD) fall into three broad categories, namely environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Identifying environmental factors that increase the risk of PD would allow these exposure to be reduced and the disease prevented while facilitating experimental investigation of mechanisms and intervention options. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarise the current evidence on the role of environmental factors in the development of PD. @*Methods@#All original articles published between 2018 and 2022 and written in English were searched from three databases, i.e., PubMed, Scopus Web of Science (WoS), using combination of primary keyword (PD and its MeSH and synonyms), and two secondary keywords; (“environment*”) and risk (factor*). @*Result@#After a thorough screening process, nineteen articles were included in this scoping review. The environmental risk factors examined in the included studies fell into five categories: a) pesticide exposure, b) heavy metals and organic solvent exposure, c) drug abuse and d) air pollution and e) source of water.@*Conclusions@#In summary, PD is a complex neurological disorder for which there are several environmental risk factors involved. Identifying and reducing exposure to these environmental factors could have a significant impact on the future occurrence of the disease.

Integrating Islamic Principles to Clinical Mental Health Care: Insights from al-Balkhi's Approach to Psychiatric Disorder (Mengintegrasikan Prinsip-Prinsip Islam ke dalam Penjagaan Klinikal Kesihatan Mental: Memahami Pendekatan al-Balkhi terhadap Gangguan Mental) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Islam places significant emphasis on mental health, urging Muslims to approach it holistically. Until now, this characterization serves as a starting point for discussing the definition and scope of Islamic spiritual care. This research aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of al-Balkhi's contributions to Islamic psychology and their relevance to modern mental health practice. The methodology utilized in this research is a literature review that synthesized information from scientific texts, research reports, and historical accounts related to alBalkhi's work. This review synthesizes Abu Zayd al-Balkhi's pioneering contributions to Islamic mental health principles, focusing on his seminal work Masalih al-Abdan Wa al-Anfus (Sustenance of the Body and Soul). This review highlights the enduring relevance of al-Balkhi's insights in mental health care, advocating for a holistic approach rooted in Islamic principles. His classifications of depressive states and therapeutic methods, like exposure-based treatments, still influence modern psychotherapy. Al-Balkhi's holistic view emphasizes the link between spiritual and physical well-being. Analyzing his theories alongside current knowledge aids in diagnosing consistently and guiding therapy effectively. Integrating historical perspectives can enhance culturally sensitive mental health interventions within Muslim communities, respecting diverse cultural contexts.

Tinjauan Penggunaan Ramuan dan Pembungkusan Dalam Pembuatan Keropok Lekor di Selangor (A survey of the use of ingredients and packaging in the manufacture of fish-based snack in Selangor) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Keropok lekor is a fish-based snack and traditional food originating from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Terengganu. This study was conducted to identify the ingredients and packaging used in the manufacturing of keropok lekor by entrepreneurs in Selangor. This study is a qualitative study that requires in-depth interviews. The Nutritionist Pro application was used to determine the nutrients in keropok lekor. The sampling method for this study is purposive sampling and involves five keropok lekor operators around Selangor. The ingredients used in making keropok lekor are salt, fish filling (fringescale sardine), baking powder, monosodium glutamate (MSG), margarine, and sweet potato flour. Through this study, it was found that the main source of sodium in keropok lekor is salt. For keropok lekor packaging, all keropok lekor operators use the same packaging method, which is vacuum packaging. In addition, the majority of keropok lekor operators (80%) have been introduced to Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). The results of the study show that the average sodium content in keropok lekor is 372.11mg/100g and is categorized as medium-level sodium. Although the majority of keropok lekor operators have been introduced to MAP packaging, further research needs to be conducted to find out whether keropok lekor operators have renewed their packaging methods or vice versa. In conclusion, based on the findings, the content of sodium in the manufacturing of keropok lekor in Selangor is still under control. The results of this study can be used to help the government monitor the sodium content found in keropok lekor around Selangor.

Catastrophic Health Expenditure Among Cancer Patients In National Cancer Institute (NCI), Malaysia And Its Influencing Factors

@#Introduction: This study looks at the patient’s perspective to determine the Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) level and the possible factors which can be associated with CHE in cancer patients. Methods: This cross sectional study was done in National Cancer Institute, Malaysia with 206 patients sampled using the multilevel sampling method and data collected from interview with patients using a validated questionnaire. The CHE definition used in this study is when the monthly health expenditure exceeds more than 10% of the monthly household income. Results: This study showed a CHE level of 26.2%. CHE was higher in Indian ethnicity (P = 0.017), single marital status (P = 0.019), poverty income (P < 0.001), small household size (P = 0.006) and without Guarantee Letter (GL) (P = 0.002) groups. The significant predicting factors were poverty income aOR 5.60 (95% CI: 2.34 – 13.39), home distance near to hospital aOR 4.12 (95% CI: 1.74 – 9.76), small household size aOR 4.59 (95% CI: 1.07 – 19.72) and lack of Guarantee Letter aOR 3.21 (95% CI: 1.24 – 8.30). Conclusion: The information from this paper can be used by policy makers to formulate better strategies in terms of health financing so that high risk for CHE cancer patients groups can be protected under a better health financing system.

Psychological Distress and Its Association with Functional Disability Index Among Acne Patients Attending Dermatology Clinics in the Kuantan Tertiary Hospitals

@#Introduction: Acne is the most common skin disease among adolescents and has significant psychological distress. Our objective is to assess acne severity, functional disability, and its psychological distress among acne patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to May 2022 among 163 acne patients attending Dermatology Clinics in the district of Kuantan, Pahang. The severity of acne was graded using the Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale (CASS). The functional disability index was measured using a Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), while Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaires were used as a screening tool to detect the psychological distress of acne. Data were analysed using a Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and multiple logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 23 years, 60.1% were female, 94.5% were Malay, and 68.1% were unemployed. The severity of acne was more prominent in the mild (30.7%) and moderate (28.2%) categories. A total of 20.2%, 11.7%, and 4.9% of the respondents had anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, respectively. Regarding the respondents’ functional disability, 40.5% had mild impairment, 38.0% had moderate impairment, and 13.5% had severe impairment. Acne severity was found to be significantly associated with the functional disability index (P<0.05). The functional disability index was also found to be significantly associated with depression (p=0.019) and anxiety symptoms (p=0.042). Conclusion: Clinical management of acne patients should include not only pharmacological treatment but also consideration of the disease’s functional disability status and psychological distress.

Unraveling the Sugar Rush: A Cross-sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Sugar- Sweetened Beverages Consumption among Malaysian Young Adults

@#Introduction: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among young adults in Malaysia has witnessed a notable increase in recent years, giving rise to concerns regarding the potential adverse health effects, including obesity and diabetes. Despite the urgent need for targeted interventions, there is a dearth of research examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to SSBs among Malaysian young adults. To address this research gap, the present study aims to assess the level of KAP concerning SSB intake and its associated factors in this specific population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 408 Malaysian young adults aged between 15 and 29 years. Respondents completed an online questionnaire survey, which encompassed the assessment of socio-demographic characteristics and KAP regarding SSB consumption. The collected data were analyzed using IBM’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Spearman correlation tests were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents demonstrated moderate knowledge (60%) and practices (60%), while exhibiting a high positive attitude (100%) towards reducing SSB consumption. Significant correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.003, rs = 0.148) and between knowledge and practice (p = 0.005, rs = 0.138). Moreover, the attitude scores were found to be significantly associated with gender (χ2 (1, N = 408) = 10.421, p = 0.001) and locality (χ2 (1, N = 408) = 4.106, p = 0.043), while the practice scores exhibited a significant association with ethnicity (p = 0.006). Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between KAP related to SSB consumption and socio-demographic factors among Malaysian young adults. The findings underscore the importance of utilizing these insights to develop strategic interventions that aim to curtail SSB consumption and promote a healthy lifestyle, ultimately contributing to the reduction of non-communicable diseases. Health authorities are encouraged to capitalize on these findings to design targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of this population.

Trajectory, Perceived Causes and Efforts in Diabetes Selfmanagement: A Qualitative Study Among Young People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Caregivers

@#Introduction: Previous studies have suggested that young individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) face challenges in achieving optimal diabetes self-management, leading to difficulties in attaining the recommended glycaemic target. The reasons behind these suboptimal practices remain unclear due to the limited number of studies conducted in Malaysia that focused on diabetes self-management among young people. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experience of young people with T2DM on self-management in Malaysia. Methods: Young people at the age of 10 to 24 years, who had been diagnosed with T2DM and the caregivers who managing young people with T2DM were interviewed. Data were thematically analysed with the aid of QSR NVivo version 12. Results: Sixteen young informants and eleven caregivers participated in this study. Three major themes conceptualised the lived experience of diabetes self-management: (1) the trajectory to T2DM diagnosis; (2) perceived causes of T2DM; (3) the efforts in diabetes self-management. The route of diagnosis and experiential knowledge about T2DM might determine their efforts in the self-management among the young people. Healthy eating, medication taking and physical activity were perceived as important tasks in diabetes self-management. The involvement of the caregivers in diabetes self-management evolved over time. Conclusion: The study highlighted the experience of young people and caregivers since the beginning of the diagnosis and their strategies in diabetes self-management. More understanding of the lived experiences of patients and caregivers in disease management within the socio-ecological context could help to improve health-care services and intervention for this population.

Barriers and Drivers of Physical Activity Participation Among Older Adults in Malaysia: A Systematic Review

@#Introduction: Ageing is commonly linked with physical inactivity. This review was performed to identify the factors associated with participation in physical activity among older adults in Malaysia. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using five databases; Pubmed, Sagepub, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Science Direct. Observational and intervention studies published between January 2010 and December 2020 were included, with Malaysian older adults aged 55 years and older being the main subject. Results: A total of 9 articles were included in the review. Analysis was guided by the Social Ecological Model for Health Promotion. The review had successfully identified gender, age, education level, health reasons, ethnicity and attitude as intrapersonal factors, social support (friend) and marital status as interpersonal factors, and locality as well as availability of facilities as environmental factors. Conclusions: Physical activity participation among Malaysian older adults were mainly determined by intrapersonal factors, particularly gender, health condition and educational level.

Impact of vaccination on COVID-19 severity during the second wave in Brunei Darussalam, 2021

@#Objective: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccinations have been shown to prevent infection with efficacies ranging from 50% to 95%. This study assesses the impact of vaccination on the clinical severity of COVID-19 during the second wave in Brunei Darussalam in 2021, which was due to the Delta variant. Methods: Patients included in this study were randomly selected from those who were admitted with COVID-19 to the National Isolation Centre between 7 August and 6 October 2021. Cases were categorized as asymptomatic, mild (symptomatic without pneumonia), moderate (pneumonia), severe (needing supplemental oxygen therapy) or critical (needing mechanical ventilation) but for statistical analysis purposes were dichotomized into asymptomatic/mild or moderate/severe/critical cases. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify risk factors associated with moderate/severe/critical disease. Propensity score-matched analysis was also performed to evaluate the impact of vaccination on disease severity. Results: The study cohort of 788 cases (mean age: 42.1 + 14.6 years; 400 males) comprised 471 (59.8%) asymptomatic/mild and 317 (40.2%) moderate/severe/critical cases. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed older age group (>45 years), diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity and vaccination status to be associated with increased severity of disease. In propensity score-matched analysis, the relative risk of developing moderate/severe/critical COVID-19 for fully vaccinated (two doses) and partially vaccinated (one dose) cases was 0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–0.69) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.46–0.82), respectively, compared with a control group of non-vaccinated cases. The corresponding relative risk reduction (RRR) values were 66.5% and 38.4%, respectively. Vaccination was also protective against moderate/severe/critical disease in a subgroup of overweight/obese patients (RRR: 37.2%, P = 0.007). Discussion: Among those who contracted COVID-19, older age, having diabetes, being overweight/obese and being unvaccinated were significant risk factors for moderate/severe/critical disease. Vaccination, even partial, was protective against moderate/severe/critical disease.

Quality Assessment Of Alternative Patent Fingerprint Method Using Alcohol Gel And Thermal Paper / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Fingerprints are unique structures made up of a combination of friction ridges. Due to the individual characteristics of fingerprints, it is used commonly used for identification. Traditionally, patent fingerprints are obtained using an ink pad. Unfortunately, the print takes time to dry on paper and sometimes the fingerprint will leave streaks on a finger and nearby surfaces. Alcohol gel and thermal paper could address this problem as the alcohol component in gel is a weak acid that can reacts with the leuco dyes present on thermal paper. Hence forth, this study intends to find an alternative method of obtaining patent fingerprints using various combinations of alcohol gels and thermal papers. Six donors were requested to deposit their fingerprints on different types of thermal paper using different brands of alcohol gel hand sanitisers. Quality scores based on CAST’s grading scheme were used to determine the fingerprint quality using various combinations of thermal paper and hand sanitisers. The result showed that patent fingerprints developed using hand sanitiser and thermal paper were of lower quality than the standard (ink pad). Combination of alcohol-based hand sanitiser, which consists of 70% alcohol concentration and ATM receipt paper was found to be able to produce the best quality fingerprint among the studied combinations. Despite this result, it still indicates that fingerprints using an ink pad is still the best method to record a fingerprint.

Kajian Rintis Penilaian Literasi Digital: Kesediaan Guru Prasekolah Menggunakan Platform Pembelajaran dalam Talian untuk Pendidikan Pemakanan (A Pilot Study Assessing Digital Literacy: Preschool Teachers’ Readiness to Use Online Learning Platforms in Nutrition Education) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#eToyBox is a learning management system for preschool teachers to improve their health literacy, which ultimately aims to improve children’s obesity-related behaviour. As part of the development process of eToyBox, assessment on digital literacy, acceptance of digitization of education materials, and perceived barriers in adopting online learning is needed. Fifty-four preschool teachers under the Community Development Department (KEMAS) in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Sarawak, who participated in ToyBox Study Malaysia intervention in 2018, took part in this cross-sectional study. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic background, use of communication tools and media, and teacher’s views on adapting the ToyBox modules to digital education materials. Respondents were contacted, and questionnaire link was shared through WhatsApp messages. Most participants (74.0%) were Malay females aged 31 to 40 years old. Most participants had internet access (94.4%) and owned at least a smart phone, laptop or tablet (94.4%). Participants perceived their computer skills to be average (75.0%). Majority of respondents (65.0%) reported advanced and higher abilities in word processing and email, but only 22.0% in spreadsheet skills. The main barrier to accessing online material was unstable internet connection (74.1%). Most respondents (90.0%) agree that adapting effective modules to online learning will be beneficial for professional development and teaching practices. In conclusion, most participants supported digitizing Toybox Study Malaysia educational content and were comfortable 72 with its implementation via an online learning platform. The findings from this study can advise future development of online learning materials for preschool teachers in Malaysia.

Prevalence of parasites in selected captive bird species / Prevalência de parasitas em espécies de pássaros em cativeiro selecionados

Abstract Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird's enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites.

RESUMO Amostras de sangue e fezes de perdiz chukar (Alectoris chukar), faisão-albino (Phasianus colchicus), faisão-prateado (Lophura nycthemera), periquito-de-rosa (Psittacula krameri) e perus (Meleagris gallopavo) foram analisadas para verificar a prevalência de parasitas. Para registrar os parasitas, essas cinco espécies de aves foram colocadas em gaiolas separadas no Centro de Conservação e Pesquisa de Aves, Departamento de Vida Selvagem e Ecologia, Universidade de Veterinária e Ciências Animais, Lahore, Paquistão. Cem amostras fecais e 100 amostras de sangue para cada espécie de ave foram inspecionadas para analisar os parasitas internos. Durante o presente estudo, foram examinadas 17 espécies de endoparasitas, 14 de amostras fecais e 3 de sangue. Foram estudadas duas espécies de ectoparasitas, ou seja, o ácaro Dermanyssus gallinae 42% e o carrapato aviário Args persicus 41%. Os parasitas sanguíneos incluíram Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond com prevalência parasitária de 40% e Aegyptinella pullorum com prevalência parasitária de 40%. As espécies parasitas registradas em amostras fecais incluíram 6 espécies de nematoides viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%, Syngamus traqueia com prevalência parasitária de 60%, Capillaria annulata 37,5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% e Heterakis gallinarum 28,3%. Da mesma forma, duas espécies de trematódeos viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus com prevalência parasitária de 50% e Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% também foram documentados em amostras fecais de aves. Espécies de cestoide único Raillietina echinobothrida com prevalência parasitária de 72% e 3 espécies de protozoários, isto é, Eimeria maxima com prevalência parasitária de 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% e Histomonas meleagridis 18% foram documentadas durante a análise corpológica. Em nossa recomendação, o saneamento adequado, medicação e vacinação de invólucros de pássaros são sugeridos para evitar parasitas.

Genetic variations and phylogenetic relationship of genus Uromastyx from Punjab Pakistan / Variações genéticas e relação filgenética do gênero Uromastyx de Punjab, Paquistão

Abstract During the present study, specimens were collected from selected sites of Cholistan desert and Kalabagh Game Reserve, Punjab province, Pakistan. Each captured specimen was tagged with voucher number and morphometric measurements were taken. The average snout to vent length was 172.559±1.40 mm and average weight was 92.1±1.30 g. The DNA of Uromastyx hardwickii was amplified and sequenced using 16S rRNA primer set. The obtained DNA sequence has shown reliable and clear species identification. After trimming ambiguous bases, the obtained 16S rRNA fragment was 520 bp while 16S rRNA fragments aligned with closely matched sequence from NCBI comprised of 510 bp. Closely matched sequences of genus Uromastyx were retrieved from NCBI in blast searches. Neighbour-joining tree of genus Uromastyx was constructed based on p-distance using MEGA X. The mean intraspecific variation was 0.095±0.01 while intraspecific variation was ranging from 0-1%. Similarly, interspecific variation of Uromastyx hardwikii with Saara asmussi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti, Uromastyx geyri, Uromastyx thomasi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti was 0-12%, 0-19%, 0-19%, 0-20%, 12-19% respectively. The newly produced DNA was submitted to NCBI and accession number was obtained (MW052563.1). Results of current study provided information about the molecular and morphological identification of Genus Uromastyx. In our recommendation, comprehensive molecular based identification of Pakistan's reptiles is required to report any new or subspecies from country.

Resumo Durante o presente estudo, os espécimes foram coletados em locais selecionados do deserto do Cholistan e da Reserva de Caça de Kalabagh, província de Punjab, Paquistão. Cada espécime capturado foi etiquetado com o número do comprovante e medidas morfométricas foram realizadas. O comprimento médio do focinho à cloaca foi de 172,559 ± 1,40 mm, e o peso médio foi de 92,1 ± 1,30 g. O DNA de Uromastyx hardwickii foi amplificado e sequenciado usando o conjunto de primer 16S rRNA. A sequência de DNA obtida mostrou identificação de espécies confiável e clara. Após o corte de bases ambíguas, o fragmento de rRNA 16S obtido tinha 520 pb, enquanto os fragmentos de rRNA 16S alinhados com a sequência próxima do NCBI composta por 510 pb. Sequências semelhantes do gênero Uromastyx foram recuperadas do NCBI em pesquisas de explosão. A árvore de união de vizinhos do gênero Uromastyx foi construída com base na distância-p usando MEGA X. A variação intraespecífica média foi de 0,095 ± 0,01, enquanto a variação intraespecífica foi de 0-1%. Da mesma forma, a variação interespecífica de Uromastyx hardwikii com Saara asmussi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti, Uromastyx geyri, Uromastyx thomasi, Uromastyx alfredschmidti foi de 0-12%, 0-19%, 0-19%, 0-20%, 12-19%, respectivamente. O DNA recém-produzido foi submetido ao NCBI e o número de acesso foi obtido (MW052563.1). Os resultados do estudo atual forneceram informações sobre a identificação molecular e morfológica do Gênero Uromastyx. Em nossa recomendação, a identificação de base molecular abrangente de répteis do Paquistão é necessária para relatar qualquer nova ou subespécie do país.