To determine the relationship between semen quality and exposure to pesticide residues. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted among male farmers from 3 different communities in Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 152 farmers participated in this study of whom 62 farmers had been exposed to either paraquat or malathion or both to varying extents. Questionnaires were designed to record a history of pesticides exposure and other potential risk factors among farmers. All semen samples were collected, processed and analyzed by qualified personnel based on WHO guidelines. Volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, morphology and WBC count were examined and recorded. The association between pesticide exposure and semen parameters was highly significant. Results:The mean values of volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, and WBC count were significantly less in the exposed group than in compared with the non-exposed group, with p<0.005. Those who were exposed to pesticides had greater risk of having abnormal semen parameters than those in with the non exposed group, with p values of less than 0.05. The comparison between semen qualities such as lower sperm count, motility and higher percentage of sperm abnormality of those exposed to different types of pesticides (paraquat and malathion) showed no significant differences. Conclusion: The results showed a significant decline in semen quality with a decline in sperm count, motility and higher percent of teratospermia among subjects with pesticide exposure, and those who were exposed to pesticides had significantly 3 to 9 times greater risk of having abnormal semen parameters. (J Occup Health 2010; 52: 353-360)

The presence of comorbid physical illnesses especially, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in schizophrenia is a growing area of concern in recent years. In order to reduce disease burden, to improve quality of life and to provide holistic care, it is important to know

Veterinary public health (VPH) is ideally suited to promote convergence between human, animal and environmental sectors. Recent zoonotic and emerging infectious disease events have given rise to increasing calls for efforts to build global VPH capacities. However, even with their greater vulnerability to such events, including their economic and livelihood impacts, the response from low-and middle-income countries such as India has been suboptimal, thereby elevating global health risks. Addressing risks effectively at the human-animal interface in these countries will require a clear vision, consistent policies, strategic approach and sustained political commitment to reform and refine the current VPH capacity-building efforts. Only then can the discipline serve its goal of disease prevention, poverty alleviation and support for sustainable livelihoods through improvements in human and animal health.

Abstract:Women have been fulfilling their reproductive responsibility of propagating human race, many have died and many more faced death in the process of delivering babies, but this can be prevented by taking appropriated antenatal care, clean and safe delivery and essential obstetric care. Antenatal care is the first phase to be encountered once a woman has conceived. The objective of the study was to assess the antenatal (AN) care practice and pregnancy outcome of ever-married women aged 18 to 49 years old having at least one pregnancy experience, residing in kampongs of Kudat area, Sabah, East Malaysia, Northern Borneo from December 2015 to October 2016. Cross-sectional analytical study, non-probability convenient sampling method was used and 300 eligible participants were interviewed face to face by trained interviewer using pretested questionnaire. 99.3% of all the women received AN care, and 97% of the women received AN care practice (AN visit of 4 times and above). Mean AN visit was 9 times. The study revealed that overall knowledge amongst the women with good knowledge was 47.2% and low knowledge was 52.8%. Additionally, there was significant association between education and knowledge, income and knowledge, AN care practices and knowledge. But there was no significant association between AN practice and complication. Despite these results, outcomes were good and all complications were properly and successfully addressed. This may reflect the effectiveness of current national maternal health programs.

ABS TRACT Objective:Hypertension is a major global issue and in an increasing trend. A disproportional balance between blood pressure controls among treated hypertensive patients is a challenge in public health as uncontrolled hypertension is the main contributor to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and kidney diseases. Aims of the study are to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending hypertension clinic at primary health clinics in Tuaran district. Justification of this study is uncontrolled hypertension causing high morbidity and mortality including premature death. Material and Methods: Study included 460 participants; is a cross-sectional study among hypertensive patient registered at three primary health clinics in Tuaran district, Sabah. Data were collected using structured modified questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: Prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 45.9%. The study found that male gender (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.442, 3.061), high BMI status (OR 1.975, 95% CI: 1.305, 2.990), presence of diabetes mellitus (OR 3.436, 95% CI: 2.104, 5.613) and lower medication adherence (OR 1.834, 95% CI: 1.256, 2.678) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension with p <0.05. Conclusion: The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in this study population was high with nearly half of the study population had uncontrolled hypertension. Combination of associated factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and lower hypertensive medication compliance had a higher impact on uncontrolled hypertension among the study group. This study further needed to address an attitudinal change, extra guidance, coaching and empowerment in the treatment of hypertension.ÖZET Amaç: Hipertansiyon önemli bir global sorundur ve artma eğilimindedir. Kontrolsüz hipertansiyon kardiyovasküler, serebrovasküler ve böbrek hastalıklarına katkıda bulunan başlıca faktör olduğu için tedavi alan hipertansif hastalarda kan basıncı kontrolleri arasındaki orantısız denge halk sağlığı için zorlayıcı bir durumdur. Bu çalışmanın amaçları Tuaran bölgesindeki birinci basamak kliniklerindeki hipertansiyon kliniğine başvuran hipertansif hastalarda kontrolsüz hipertansiyonun prevalansının ve ilişkili faktörlerin belirlenmesidir. Bu çalışmanın gerekçesi kontrolsüz hipertasiyonun erken ölüm dahil yüksek morbidite ve mortaliteye neden olmasıdır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya 460 katılımcı alınmıştır; Tuaran bölgesi, Sabah'da üç birinci basamak kliniğine kayıtlı hipertansif hastalarla yapılan kesitsel bir çalışmadır. Veriler yapılandırılmış modifiye anketlerle toplanmıştır ve SPSS 24.0 ile değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Kontrolsüz hipertansiyonun prevalansı %45.9 idi. Erkek cinsiyetin (OO 2.1, 95% GA: 1.442, 3.061), yüksek BKİ (beden kitle indeksi)'nin (OO 1.975, %95 GA: 1.305, 2.990), diyabetes mellitus varlığının (OO 3.436, %95 GA: 2.104, 5.613) ve düşük ilaç uyumunun (OR 1.834, %95 CI:1.256, 2.678) kontrolsüz hipertansiyonla anlamlı ilişkisi olduğu bulunmuş...