1.Systematic Review Of the Economic Burden of Dengue Infection to the Healthcare in South East Asia (SEA)
Mohd &lsquo ; Ammar Ihsan Ahmad Zamzuri ; Shahrul Azhar Md Hanif ; Ahmad Farid Nazmi Abdul Halim ; Muhammad Ridzwan Rafi&rsquo ; i ; Siti Najiha Md Asari ; Rozita Hod ; Rahmat Dapari ; Hasanain Faizal Ghazi ; College of Nursing, Al-Bayan University, Baghdad, Iraq Hassan
International Journal of Public Health Research 2025;15(1):2087-2104
Dengue remains a public health threat that consumes a significant number of resources for its prevention and control. This systematic review aimed to solidify recent costing evidence in dengue management among South East Asian (SEA) countries. All studies conducted between 2010 and 2020 were retrieved using four international databases i.e. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Emerald Insight. The review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Quality assessments were done independently by two reviewers using a checklist adapted for the cost of illness studies. We identified 13 original articles representing several SEA countries. Among the common reported costing measure include total cost/ health expenditure; direct medical cost; direct non-medical cost; and indirect cost. The estimated total cost for dengue management varied between countries largely due to the difference in the total incidence of dengue cases. The estimated cost spent on dengue per capita GDP ranges from less than 0.001% to 0.1%, depending on the recorded number of dengue cases of the year. The majority of the articles focused on the economic burden from the perspective of treatment such as hospitalization and ambulatory care. In a nutshell, the economic burden of managing dengue infection is costly and the evidence suggests a steady increase in health expenditure with the growing number of dengue cases
2.Conducting A Physical Postgraduate Orthopaedic Exit Examination During COVID-19 Pandemic
Imma Isniza Ismail ; Firdati Mohd Saaid ; Siew Khei Liew ; Norazian Kamisan ; Mohd Hezery Harun ; Nur Ayuni Khirul Ashar ; Ashraf Hakim Ab Halim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.1):378-382
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the worldwide medical education system was affected
tremendously due to the suspension of clinical activities and lockdown to prevent the spread of the disease. The
delivery of clinical training was modified to alternative methods including online classrooms, recorded video, use
of simulated patients and hybrid teaching. Several institutions worldwide chose to postpone their scheduled examination, which requires physical attendance or opted for virtual examination. Malaysian centralised postgraduate
orthopaedic exit examination was postponed in 2020 and later recommenced in 2021 with three different centres
across the country: north, east and central Malaysia. This article describes the preparation and challenges faced in
conducting a face-to-face clinical exit examination for postgraduate orthopaedic candidates in Universiti Putra Malaysia in May 2021, during the Conditional Movement Control Order phase. The examination was a success, and no
outbreak of COVID-19 was reported from the event.
3.Antibacterial potential of marine organisms and coastal plants in combating antibacterial resistance: A review
Nurfitrah Halim ; Jasnizat Saidin ; Nor Atikah Mohamed Zin ; Sevakumaran Vigneswari
Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2024;20(no.2):244-262
The increasing number of drug-resistant pathogens is a global issue and becoming worse because it has reduced the effectiveness of current antibiotics in the management of infectious diseases. Therefore, this situation highlights the urgency of an action plan to identify and develop novel and potent antimicrobials derived from natural resources. Therapeutic compounds from natural resources can offer novel, straightforward approaches against pathogenic bacteria with the least toxic manifestations and a low risk of acquiring resistance. Marine organisms and coastal plants receive
much interest among researchers nowadays for developing new pharmaceuticals because they are rich in secondary metabolites that have various pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial, anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and others. This review's goal is to highlight the phytochemical components of marine organisms and coastal plants that might be accountable for their antibacterial properties that have been scientifically confirmed and can be potential aids in treating infectious diseases caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in humans.
4.Anticancer potency of Egyptian venom snakes on MCF-7 and HepG2 carcinoma cells
Sherif ABDALLAH ; Khaled Y. ABDEL-HALIM ; Abeer ALM-ELDEEN
Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology 2024;39(1):e2024001-
Breast and hepatic cancers are the leading incidences in the globe occurring of the human sufferings from various cancers. Snake venoms have been reported to provide effective therapeutic agents. The current study investigates the anticancer potency of Egyptian venoms snakes on two cells: breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and hepato-cancer cells (HepG2) (In vitro assay). The examined venoms were more potent on MCF-7 than HepG2 cells. Their inhibition % on MCF-7 ranged from 71.47 to 99.02% with medium inhibition concentrations (IC50s): 3.48, 3.60, 3.70, 4.33, and 4.49 μg/ml for venoms: Echis pyramid (E.H), Cerastes vipera (C.V), Naja haje (N.H), Echis coloratus (E.C), and Cerastes cerastes (C.C), respectively. The values of IC50s on HepG2 were 4.32, 17.77, 59.72, 63.75, and 217.90 μg/ml for toxins: E.C, E.P, C.V, C.C, and N.H, respectively. Some biomarkers were conducted to investigate the apoptotic effects of toxins into the cells. Increasing profiles of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and levels of glutathione content (GSH) and malodialdhyde (MDA) as well as repairment of DNA indicated such these actions. So, more reliable investigations on these venoms were needed to provide intelligent therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
5.Prevalence of Mental Health Problems Among University Students and Association With Body Mass Index (BMI) and Diet Quality
Nur Nadhira Khairul Azhar ; Muhamad Ariff Ibrahim ; Mohd Radzi Tarmizi A Halim ; Aida Soraya Shamsuddin ; Nuraniza Azahari ; Mohd Ahsani A. Malek
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.3):82-90
Introduction: Numerous factors contributed to the susceptibility of university students to develop mental health
issues. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health problems among International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM) students and their relationships with diet quality and body mass index (BMI). Methods: A
cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 students. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was
used to assess students’ depression, anxiety, and stress levels. The Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (M-HEI) was used
to assess diet quality. Spearman Rho was used to determine the relationships between variables. Results: Approximately 69.4% (n = 34), 71.4% (n = 35), and 48.9% (n = 34) of male students experienced moderate to extremely
severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In contrast, 85.4% (n = 47), 89.1% (n = 49), and
54.6% (n = 30) of female students had moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress,
respectively. No correlations were found between diet quality and BMI with students’ mental health problems. For
male students, there were negative significant associations reported between fat-rich foods (r = -0.447, p-value =
0.001) and sugar-rich foods (r = -0.332, p-value = 0.020) intake with depression; a positive significant relationship
between fruit intake and anxiety (r = 0.284, p-value = 0.048); a positive relationship between fruit intake and stress (r
= 0.300, p-value = 0.036); and a negative relationship between fat-rich foods and stress (r = -0.293, p-value = 0.041).
Female students only had a significant negative correlation between fish intake and anxiety (r = -0.376, p-value =
0.005). Conclusion: No associations were found between diet quality, BMI, and mental health problems. A more
profound comprehension of the connections between risk factors and mental health could lead to new intervention
strategies.
6.Assessment Of Gingival Phenotype At The Aesthetic Zone In A Malay Population Using Probe Test
Muhammad Azat Awang@Semail ; Abdul Shukur Mustafa ; Munirah Yaacob ; Juzaily Husain ; Noorhazayti Ab. Halim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.4):148-152
Introduction: The gingival phenotype (GP) of teeth at the aesthetic zone often influences dental rehabilitation plans
and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of GP in the Malay population in relation to gender and age. Methods: The GP of 100 patients were determined using the Probe test method. Other clinical parameters were assessed include crown width/crown length (CW/CL) ratio, tooth morphology and width of keratinised
tissue. Periodontal parameters were assessed by two calibrated examiners. Data were analysed using descriptive
statistics, one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A higher prevalence of thick GP was found at the maxilla for both genders, whereas a thin phenotype was observed at the mandible. At maxilla, both thick and thin GP
were found in all age groups, while the mandible showed a higher prevalence of thin GP. Significant differences in
GP were found between males and females for mandibular and maxillary anterior teeth and the mandibular lateral
incisor (p<0.05), while no significant difference was found for other parameters assessed; age group, CW/CL, tooth
morphology and WKT. Conclusion: Thicker GP is more prevalent in male population and at maxillary anterior. Mandibular anterior GP presented commonly with a thin GP regardless of gender or age-group.
7.Testing Occupational Hazard Self-Evaluation Module (OHSEM) Intervention among Workers of SME (Manufacturing) in Northern Malaysia
Syazwan Syah Zulkifly ; Nor Halim Hasan ; Mohd Rafee Baharudin
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.5):108-114
Introduction: Workplace accidents have been a persistent problem in Malaysia’s manufacturing industry, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Employee behavior has been identified as a significant contributing factor to these accidents, and research has suggested that improving safety knowledge and attitudes can enhance safety behavior. Despite this, there have been no empirical intervention studies in Malaysia to investigate the
effectiveness of safety intervention programs aimed at improving SME worker safety behavior. Therefore, this study
aimed to assess the efficacy of the Occupational Hazard Self-Evaluation Module (OHSEM) intervention in enhancing
safety knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB) among SME workers in the manufacturing sector. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with control group was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the OHSEM intervention. The
intervention was implemented over a 12-week period on production workers in the experimental group, while the
control group received no intervention. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 88 production workers
in both groups before and after the intervention to measure the improvement of safety KAB. Descriptive analysis and
an independent t-test were used to analyse the data. Results: The post-test results showed that safety KAB for the
control group was moderate (mean = 2.11), while the mean score in the experimental group was high (m=4.17). Furthermore, the t-test result revealed a significant difference in safety KAB mean scores between the experimental and
control groups. Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the OHSEM intervention
in enhancing safety KAB in SMEs in the Malaysian SME (manufacturing) sector.
8.Applications of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in Dental Implant Treatment: A Systematic Review
Nur Imanina Abdullah Thaidi ; Ahmad Badruddin Ghazali ; Murni Halim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.6):277-284
Introduction: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has a long history and is widely used in cosmetics, medicine, and dermatology.
This molecule is still considered relatively new in the field of dentistry. This study aimed to assess the application of
HA in dental implant treatment. Method: Search in the multiple indexed databases such as Pubmed, COCHRANE,
and Scopus was conducted up until August 2022 using the keywords “hyaluronic acid”, “hyaluronan,” and “dental
implant.” Results: The literature search identified 816 articles, and 17 were selected in this study. Three domains
of use of HA in dental implant treatment were identified: surface modification of implant surface, treatment after
insertion of a dental implant, and bone graft/membrane material. There are eight randomized control trials and nine
non-randomized control trials included in this study. Only six studies showed statistically significant results with HA
groups. Conclusion: Overall, there are positive findings on the application of HA in dental implant treatment, showing it can be used in dental implantology, with multiple categories of uses.
9.A Review on Ergonomics Factors Determining Working in Harmony with Exoskeletons
Isa Halim ; Muhammad Nadzirul Izzat Mahadzir ; Zulkeflee Abdullah ; Muhammad Zaimi Zainal Abidin ; Mohd Nazrin Muhammad ; Adi Saptari
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.6):311-327
Exoskeletons are wearable devices that can enhance human strength and are used in various fields, such as healthcare and the manufacturing industry. However, poorly designed exoskeletons can strain the muscles and cause injuries to users. The objectives of this review paper are to review the ergonomics factors that contribute to a harmonious
user-exoskeleton interaction and to explore the current trends, challenges, and future directions for developing ergonomically designed exoskeletons. In this review, 102 relevant papers published from 2015 to 2023 were retrieved
from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. These papers were considered in the analysis for gathering relevant information on the topic. The authors identified six ergonomics factors, namely kinematic compatibility, contact
pressure, postural control, metabolic cost, cognitive workload, as well as task demands and workplace conditions,
that can influence the interaction between users and exoskeletons. By understanding and addressing these ergonomics factors during the design and development process, exoskeleton designers can enhance the user experience and
adoption of the devices in daily living activities and industrial applications.
10.Accessory pathways in monozygotic twins with different clinical phenotypes: a case report
Halim MARZAK ; Simon FITOUCHI ; Thomas CARDI ; Mohamad KANSO ; Alexandre SCHATZ ; Laurence JESEL
International Journal of Arrhythmia 2023;24(2):8-
Background:
The atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) is the most common tachycardia associated with accessory pathways (APs). Although sporadic Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome has been well-described, AP occurrence in identical twins with WPW syndrome remains rarely reported.Case presentation We report a case of 14-year-old monozygotic twin brothers referred for an electrophysiology (EP) study. Twin A presented with recurrent symptomatic narrow complex tachycardia after exercise, noted for 3 years.His 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) did not show ventricular pre-excitation. However, an orthodromic AVRT utilizing a concealed right posteroseptal AP was found and successfully ablated. AVRT did not recur 12 months after the procedure. Twin B was asymptomatic. During his medical examination for firefighter volunteerism, his 12-lead ECG showed a spontaneous ventricular pre-excitation. EP study revealed a short anterograde right midseptal AP, which was then successfully eliminated by catheter ablation. His 12-lead ECG showed no ventricular pre-excitation recurrence 12 months after the procedure.
Conclusions
These identical twin brothers had a right-side AP in almost the same place but showed completely different phenotypes. This case clearly illustrates the difficulty in understanding genetic contribution in the origin of atrioventricular APs. Environmental exposure could play a role in their clinical presentations and AP electrophysiological properties


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