Background: No previous study has assessed the impact of childhood disability on parents and family in the context of Malaysia, and no instrument to measure this impact has previously been available. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the reliability of a Malay version of the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module that measures the impact of children with disabilities (CWD) on their parents and family in a Malaysian context. Methods: The study was conducted in 2009. The questionnaire was translated forward and backward before it was administered to 44 caregivers of CWD to determine the internal consistency reliability. The test for Cronbach’s alpha was performed. Results: The internal consistency reliability was good. The Cronbach’s alpha for all domains was above 0.7, ranging from 0.73 to 0.895. Conclusion: The Malay version of the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module showed evidence of good internal consistency reliability. However, future studies with a larger sample size are necessary before the module can be recommended as a tool to measure the impact of disability on Malay-speaking Malaysian families.

Introduction: The escalated demand for protective rubber glove in the healthcare industries has resulted in increased prevalence of glove related skin problem, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis and latex sensitivity. The industry has recently introduced a new nitrile glove product using a novel patented non-sulphur system to effect co-valent bond crosslinking to provide the desired elasticity of the gloves. This glove also has ionic crosslinking provided by the zinc oxide used in the formulation and the carboxylic group of the nitrile latex. The main objective of this study is to prove that residual chemical additives at a level that may induce Type IV allergy in the unsensitized general user population are not present in this rubber glove and to compare it with a powder free latex examination glove. Methods: In collaboration with the Islamic University of Gaza, we conduct modified test on a specially formulated and powder free, accelerator free LOW DERMA™ enhanced nitrile rubber glove that has physical properties and barrier integrity similar to that of NRL gloves. This glove does not contain sulphur or sulphur related compound. Two sets of Powder free, accelerator free LOW DERMA™ Nitrile Patient Examination Gloves*, white and blue colour were tested using the modified draize-95’ test. Filter paper soaked in normal saline and powder free latex examination glove were used as control. Results: A total of 209 subjects, 149 subjects, Caucasian (71.29%), 30 subjects, Afro Caribbean (14.35%) and 30 subjects, Asiatic (14.35%) were recruited. All 209 subjects had a final patch testing scoring of not more than 1.5 during both the induction phase and the challenge phase for both types of Powder Free Nitrile Patient Examination Gloves (white and blue) and to the negative control, normal filter paper and the powder free NRL control glove. Conclusion: The skin sensitization test (‘Modified Draize-95’ Test) of Powder Free Nitrile Patient Examination Gloves (white and blue) and the powder free NRL examination glove were negative. There was no clinical evidence on the presence of residual chemical additives at the level that may induce Type IV allergy in unsensitized general user population for both Powder Free Nitrile Patient Examination Gloves, blue and white colored, non-sterile. Both gloves qualify for “Low dermatitis Claim”.

Aims: The synergistic bio-activity between oleaginous yeast and microalga has been recognized, which would enhance lipid production as biodiesel feedstock. Nevertheless, yeast and microalga require different conditions for optimal growth. In this study, the locally isolated oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides and microalga Chaetoceros muelleri were co-cultivated to enhance biomass and lipid production. Methodology and results: The growth characteristics of both yeast and microalga monocultures were initially determined prior to optimizing the co-cultivation conditions. The biomass and lipid productivity of the co-culture were investigated and compared to their monocultures. The results showed that R. toruloides grew actively within 3 days while C. muelleri exhibited more prolonged cultivation, up to 21 days. The co-cultivation could be carried out optimally using growth media at pH 6, light intensity of 15,000 lux and yeast/microalga ratio of 1:2, yielding the highest biomass productivity determined at 0.18 g/l/day and lipid production of 17%. The lipid productivity of the co-culture increased by 42% and 75% as compared to monocultures of yeast and microalga, respectively. Furthermore, the biomass productivity was also higher than the monoculture, about 1.2-fold for the yeast and 13-fold for the microalga. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The findings revealed that co-cultivation of yeast and microalga is a viable technique for long-term microbial oil production.

Introduction: This study explored stroke survivors’ understanding regarding stroke, the perceived facilitators and barriers of healthy lifestyle changes, and provision of secondary prevention education. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 stroke patients (13 males and nine females; aged 34-80 years) who were attending rehabilitation clinics in three Malaysian hospitals. Each interview was audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed using the framework approach. Results: Six themes were reported: understanding of stroke; facilitators of healthy lifestyle changes; barriers of healthy lifestyle changes; food taboos; recovery; and provision of secondary stroke prevention. A third of them were uncertain about the cause of stroke and the perception towards risk of recurrent stroke varied widely. The lack of secondary prevention education was obvious although many had received general verbal advices. Several personal, social, and environmental factors were identified as the facilitators or barriers in healthy lifestyle participation. Food taboos were common and had become one of the barriers in practising healthy eating practices. Families had a strong influence on the patient’s belief and behaviour changes, both in positive and negative ways. Besides, patients tended to have a problem in information recall, while some faced confusion during the early stages of stroke recovery. Conclusion: More efforts to improve knowledge regarding cause of stroke and secondary prevention strategies are needed. Use of appropriate behavioural changes strategies, family-centred approach and continuous health education are necessary to facilitate patients’ efforts at making successful lifestyle modification after stroke event.

Limitations in motor performances among children with specific learning disabilities (SLD) can lead to impaired functional skills. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of motor performances and functional mobility, and the influence of motor performances on the functional mobility in children with SLD.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intake may be beneficial in many aspects during the early phase of life. This scoping review aims to examine the beneficial outcomes and intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA among children. An electronic database search on academic journals published from 2017 to 2021 was conducted using Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. A total of 35 studies were identified and included in this scoping review. Majority of the findings found that PUFAs intake has a beneficial impact on the growth development, mental and cognitive health among children whether they are malnourished, sick or healthy individuals. Overall, this review may provide additional information on the benefits and recommended intake of supplementing PUFAs on children. More detailed research on this topic is needed to support these findings since it will contribute to the formation of the dietary intervention.