Intra-aural ticks (Acari:Metastigmata:Ixodidae) from human otoacariasis cases in Pahang,Malaysia.

Ticks were extracted from ear canal of 318 cases in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan,Kuantan,Pahang over a 5-year period(January 2002 to December 2006).A total of 329 ticks were recorded and a majority belonged to the genus Dermacentor(99.7%).The genus was represented by Dermacentor atrosignatus,Dermacentor compactus and Dermacentor steini.A single tick of the genus Haemaphysalis was found.All active stages(larvae, nymphs and adults) were present.The nymphal stages were most frequently encountered(82.4%).Usually, there was only one tick per case.However,there were 7 cases where 2 or 3 ticks were extracted from a single ear canal.Throughout the study,there were 6 repeat cases.Average body engorgement indices for detached larvae,nymph,male and female ticks were 1.04,1.24,1.32 and 1.31,respectively.Based on these indices,duration of attachment was then predicted.Attachment for most nymphal(99.6%) and all adult ticks were less than 24 hours.Only 1 nymphal tick attached for a 60 hours’duration.Ticks were commonly found in the bony part of ear auditory canal(47.3%),followed by tympanic membrane(29.1%) and cartilage part of ear auditory canal(22.0%);a small percent was attached to the pinna(1.6%).All ticks were alive before extraction.However,most attached ticks were found dead(71.7%) after extraction.Majority of the ticks were intact(90.3%) while others were either in a bad condition(3.6%) or broken(6.1%).Those alive were either unfed or at early stage of feeding.Generally,removal of ticks did not result in any complication (61.4%) to the cases.The most common complication was bleeding(27.6%),followed by haematoma of external auditory canal(5.5%),haematoma of tympanic membrane(3.1%) and perforated tympanic membrane (1.6%).Bleeding was a common complication at the site of skin abrasion due to the strong grip of ticks ’mouthparts that were deeply embedded into the skin of cases.In this study,32.5%of removal ticks had remnants of case tissues attached to the ticks’mouthparts.

Informing policy makers in developing countries:Practices and limitations of geriatric home medication review in Malaysia-A qualitative inquiry

Objective:To explore existing practices and challenges in the delivery of geriatric home medication review(HMR).The study was part of a larger study aimed to offer solution to expand the range of geriatric HMR.Methods:This study employed qualitative exploratory design through semi-structured individual in-depth interviews with the public pharmacists involved in the delivery of geriatric HMR at public hospitals.The purpose of the interviews was to explore challenges faced by them in the delivery of geriatric HMR.Results:Based on the emerging themes from the qualitative data,the study reveals that geriatric HMR in Malaysia is integrated as part of multidisciplinary home care visits,encompassing a diverse patient population with various healthcare needs.However,it faces challenges such as the lack of outcome monitoring,formal training,and workforce constraints.Despite these hurdles,there is a pressing need for the expansion of this service to better serve the community,and collaboration with community pharmacists holds potential to broaden its scope.Ultimately,the findings suggest that pharmacist-led HMR is both warranted and feasible within the Malaysian healthcare context.In order to optimize medicine-use among older people living in the community,approaches for expanding geriatric HMR services in Malaysia must be developed.Conclusions:This study holds profound implications as it attempts to illuminate policy makers in developing countries,enabling them to formulate effective HMR plans.By considering the challenges highlighted within this research,policy makers can design a comprehensive HMR service that caters adeptly to the healthcare needs of the mass population.

Epidemiological observations of invasive group B Streptococcus infections in six major hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia

Objective:To address the lack of research on invasive group B Streptococcus(GBS)infections in Malaysia and Southeast Asia through a comprehensive analysis of GBS isolates obtained from hospitals.Methods:Medical records from patients with GBS infection isolated from the sterile site,such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid from 14 July 2019 to 15 December 2020,were reviewed from six major hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia.Inclusion criteria were invasive GBS,sterile sites and non-repeated GBS isolated from the same patients in the same admission.Viable isolates were re-identified for GBS and serotyped.Results:A total of 118 patients were eligible,with a majority of non-pregnant adults(76.3%).Over half of the patients(62.7%)had underlying medical conditions,with diabetes as the most common disease,followed by respiratory disease,renal disease,cardiovascular disease and skin and soft tissue disease.The most common manifestations were sepsis,followed by soft tissue abscess,diabetic foot ulcer,wet gangrene and cellulitis.The overall mortality was 7.6%.The most common serotype was serotype桋.Conclusions:Invasive GBS infection among non-pregnant adults showed a rising trend,particularly among diabetic individuals.The study underscores the importance of reducing risk factors and highlights the necessity of developing GBS vaccination as a preventive strategy for both infants and adults.

Comparison among the UECM Model, and the Composite Model in Forecasting Malaysian Imports

For more than a century, forecasting models have been crucial in a variety of fields. Models can offer the most accurate forecasting outcomes if error terms are normally distributed. Finding a good statistical model for time series predicting imports in Malaysia is the main target of this study. The decision made during this study mostly addresses the unrestricted error correction model (UECM), and composite model (Combined regression—ARIMA). The imports of Malaysia from the first quarter of 1991 to the third quarter of 2022 are employed in this study’s quarterly time series data. The forecasting outcomes of the current study demonstrated that the composite model offered more probabilistic data, which improved forecasting the volume of Malaysia’s imports. The composite model, and the UECM model in this study are linear models based on responses to Malaysia’s imports. Future studies might compare the performance of linear and nonlinear models in forecasting.

CNIE Hosts Symposium on China-Malaysia People-to-People Exchanges

On April 12th,China NGO Network for International Exchanges(CNIE)held a Symposium on China-Malaysia People-to-People Exchanges,on which in-depth discussions were carried out upon China-Malaysia people-to-people exchanges and cooperation for people's livelihood.Li Jun,Vice-President of CNIE,attended the Symposium and delivered a speech.Dato'Dr.Mah Hang Soon,former Deputy Minister of Education of Malaysia and President of the Malaysia Education Exchange Association,Datuk Eddie Heng Hong Chai,President of the Malaysian Chinese Language Council,Russell Chia Lek Ming,President of Malaysia Organisation for International Exchange as well as over 50 other representatives of Chinese and Malaysian NGOs,business and industries attended the Symposium.

"Building the Best Platform for Capacity Cooperation Between China and Malaysia"

Kuantan,the capital of Pahang State on the east coast of Malaysia,is a quiet town,where the Kuantan River winds and flows into the sea.The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industry Park,a major project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a demonstration base for cross-border international capacity cooperation,is located here.Since the official opening of the park in 2013,it has created an innovative model of economic cooperation between the two countries.In 2023,on the 10th Anniversary of the Kuantan Industrial Park,a new development plan was launched again-the 3rd plot of the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industry Park,known as Malaysia-China Kuantan International Logistics Park,was officially started.

King Ships And Durians 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations

May 31,2024,marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations.The past half century has fostered deep mutual trust,close cooperation,and cultural connections between the two countries.Malaysia was the first member of ASEAN to advocate dialogue between China and ASEAN and one of the first countries to express support for the Belt and Road Initiative.Over the past 15 years,China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner,and its investment in Malaysia has maintained a robust growth.Cooperation between the two continues gaining momentum across all sectors.

Malaysia-China Relations:Exemplary Model for ASEAN

Five Decades(1974-2024)of Harmonious and Mutually Beneficial Partnership Fifty years ago in May 1974,the second Prime Minister of Malaysia,Tun Abdul Razak,journeyed to Beijing,China,to start a new and strategic chapter in Malaysia-China relations.It was a visionary and courageous initiative by Malaysia that commenced resetting Malaysia's foreign policy towards non-alignment and building mutual trust with China.

A Linguistic Pilgrimage Translator of Journey to the West dedicated to promoting cultural communication between Malaysia and China

As the melody of Where Is the Way sounded,the westward journey of a Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk and his disciples,as portrayed by students from a Malaysian Chinese national-type primary school,won thunderous applause from the audience.This scene unfolded during the Malay drama competition held in October 2023 at the auditorium of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in Kuala Lumpur.Although the characters and plot were familiar,the Malay rendition offered a refreshing novelty.

Mutual Respect and Win-Win Cooperation 50 years of China-Malaysia relations

Friendly exchanges between China and Malaysia date back more than 2,000 years,and a profound traditional friendship has been forged between the two countries.By adhering to the principles of mutual trust,win-win cooperation,and equal assistance,China and Malaysia have become good neighbors,good friends,and good partners.In 2013,China and Malaysia established a comprehensive strategic partnership,accelerating the development of bilateral relations.

Chronology of 50 Years of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia.Over the past half century,China and Malaysia have maintained close economic and trade ties and intensified people-to-people exchanges.China and Malaysia are important trade partners and enjoy complementary economic advantages.

Tapping Wet Potential China and Malaysia join hands to develop marine biotechnology

Kappaphycus alvarezii(K.alvarezii)is a perennial large algae native to tropical and subtropical regions.With a slender thallus,it branches better at the upper part than the lower end.The sea moss is mainly found in Hainan Province,China,and Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines because it grows best in the subtidal zone of clean.

Strengthening Ties, Shaping Futures The strategic evolution of Malaysia-China relations

In the annals of diplomacy,few narratives are as compelling as that of Malaysia-China relations:a saga of cooperation and mutual respect that has endured for over five decades.Rooted in the historic visit of second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak to China in May 1974,this relationship has blossomed into a multifaceted partnership bolstered by visionary leadership and a commitment to shared prosperity.

A Golden Journey: Celebrating 50 Years of China-Malaysia Trade and Economic Cooperation

As we approach the golden jubilee of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations in May 2024,it is both timely and essential to reflect on the journey that has shaped one of the most dynamic and influential economic partnerships in Asia.This 50-year saga is not merely a story of diplomatic ties;it is a testament to enduring friendship,strategic cooperation and mutual growth that have significantly impacted both nations and the wider region.The relationship between Malaysia and China,which formally began in 1974,was groundbreaking in many respects.It symbolized not only Malaysia’s commitment to a forward-looking foreign policy but also China’s expanding engagement with Southeast Asia.Over the decades,this relationship has evolved from tentative initial contact into a robust,multifaceted partnership.

China-Malaysia Infrastructure Cooperation Enhancing Malaysia’s Development

Infrastructure construction by Chinese enterprises in Malaysia began in 1984.In recent years,Chinese enterprises have continuously improved their technical abilities while keeping pricing reasonable and guaranteeing completion deadlines when building in Malaysia.Over the years,Malaysia has gradually recognized the professionalism and capability of Chinese enterprises.Since 2013,policy support from Malaysia has accelerated Chinese infrastructure construction there.Bilateral infrastructure cooperation in sectors of transportation,electricity,renewable energy,and the digital economy has helped Malaysia improve its development environment.

EYE ON EMERGING INDUSTRIES ASEAN(Malaysia)-China Conference on Emerging Industries aims to foster new growth points in China-Malaysia economic and trade cooperation

On June 5,the opening ceremony of the ASEAN(Malaysia)-China Conference on Emerging Industries took place in Kuala Lumpur.The conference was guided and hosted by ASEAN-China Centre(ACC),China International Communications Group(CICG),and Ministry of Investment,Trade,and Industry of Malaysia(MITI),and co-hosted by the CICG Center for Asia-Pacific,National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia(NCCIM),Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia(ACCCIM),and China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia(CECCM).More than 300 guests from government departments,business communities,and academia of China and Malaysia attended.

Everyone Wins with China and Malaysia

China-Malaysia economic cooperation began in 1974.Over the last 50 years,direct investment and trade ties have been the heart of bilateral economic cooperation.While injecting continuous momentum to the two countries’economic development,such cooperation has been exemplary for China’s cooperation with ASEAN member states.

Durian Time Ripe opportunity to export Malaysian durians to China

Relentlessly high temperatures sweep across Malaysia to signal the arrival of summer.Facing a survival crisis,durian trees are eager to reproduce,and they blossom hastily,with white flowers quickly drooping down.More than 100 days later,durian fruits featuring spiky exteriors and creamy flesh become ripe and fall from the trees,emitting a uniquely captivating aroma.This marks the arrival of durian season.

On the Relationship between Chinese Language Education in Malaysia and Indonesia with Their National Conditions

Chinese language education exists in both Malaysia and Indonesia. The commonalities and individualities of the national conditions of both countries have an impact on their Chinese language education. The official languages scripts, and major beliefs of the two countries are quite similar, and under their influence, local Chinese have special expectations for Chinese language education. Compared to Indonesia, Malaysian Chinese have a larger proportion of the population and a tendency towards marriage, which to some extent is more conducive to the Chinese language education of local Chinese. Both countries’ national conditions and personalities have unfavorable factors for local Chinese language education.

Selected fermented indigenous vegetables and fruits from Malaysia as potential sources of natural probiotics for improving gut health

In the Peninsular Malaysia and Northern Borneo island of Malaysia, various rich indigenous leafy vegetables and fruits grow and contribute to the nutritional and dietary values of the population. They have high water contents, thus, naturally vulnerable to rapid food spoilage. Food preservation and processing play a vital role in the inhibition of food pathogens in fruits and vegetables that are prevalent in Malaysia. Lactic acid fermentation is generally a local-based bioprocess, among the oldest form and well-known for food-processing techniques among indigenous people there. The long shelf life of fermented vegetables and fruits improves their nutritional values and antioxidant potentials. Fermented leaves and vegetables can be utilized as a potential source of probiotics as they are host for several lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus confusus, Weissella paramesenteroides, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus pentosus, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These strains may be more viable in metabolic systems whereby they can contribute to a substantial increase in essential biologically active element than industrial starter cultures. This review is aimed to address some essential fermented fruits and vegetables in Malaysia and their remarkable reputations as a potential sources of natural probiotics.