Three indigenous Malay surgical procedures, namely circumcision by the mudim, bone-setting by the bomoh patah and cupping, are described. It is noted that complications are associated with both circumcision and bone-setting, and suggestions are made of possible health measures to cope with the situation.
The literature on choice of endotracheal tube in paediatric anaesthesia is reviewed. 643 Malaysian patients were studied regarding size of tube required for endotracheal intubation in a 4-year period. In the 2-10 year age group (500 cases) it was found that the size required is 0.5 mm (internal diameter) less than that currently recommended by a formula based on experience with Western patients. A new formula is proposed for the Malaysian patient as a guide for anaesthetists under training in this part of the world.
MeSH terms: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Malaysia
Samples from 378 Chinese and 259 Malay blood donors in Singapore have been studied for electrophoretic variants in 13 red cell enzyme systems and for abnormal haemoglobins. Variants were detected in 8 of the enzyme systems, and the frequencies were polymorphic for acid phosphatase, 6 phosphogluconate dehydrogenase phosphoglucomutase (locus 1) among both Chinese and Malays, and for adenylate kinase also among Malays. Rare variants were detected in the phosphohexose, NADH diaphorase and lactate dehydrogenase systems. A new GPGD phenotype and three new LDH phenotypes have been described. Electrophoretic variants of haemoglobin were more frequent among Malays than among Chinese.
Spirit possession in an Indian family is described. Its importance as a culture-bound phenomenon is stressed. Its nature as a hysteria, and as a culturally sanctioned and accepted means of expression of emotions and feelings, are discussed.
MeSH terms: Adolescent; Case Reports; Culture; Ethnic Groups; Humans; Hysteria*; India; India/ethnology; Magic*; Malaysia; Male