Browse publications by year: 2006

  1. G6PD deficiency with hemolytic anemia due to a rare gene deletion--a report of the first case in Malaysia
    Ainoon O, Boo NY, Yu YH, Cheong SK, Hamidah HN
    Hematology, 2006 Apr;11(2):113-8.
    PMID: 16753852 DOI: 10.1080/10245330500155184
    A 2-year-old Chinese boy was referred to Hospital UKM for investigation of recurrent episodes of dark-coloured urine and pallor since birth. He was born prematurely at 34 weeks gestation and developed severe early-onset neonatal jaundice requiring exchange blood transfusion. Screening at birth showed Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. On admission, physical examination revealed pallor, jaundice and mild hepatomegaly. Results of laboratory investigations showed a hemoglobin level of 11.0 g/dl with a hemolytic blood picture, reticulocytosis of 20% and red cell G6PD activity reported as undetectable. The patient's DNA was analysed for G6PD mutations by PCR-based techniques and DNA sequencing and results showed a 24 bp deletion of nucleotide 953-976 in the exon 9 of the G6PD gene. DNA analysis was also performed on blood samples of the patient's mother and female sibling confirming their heterozygous status, although both showed normal red cell G6PD activity levels. The patient was discharged well and his parents were appropriately advised on the condition and the importance of taking folic acid regularly. This is a first case report in Malaysia of G6PD deficiency causing chronic-hemolytic anemia. The rare 24 bp deletion causes the G6PD Nara variant, previously reported only in two other unrelated males, a Japanese and a Portuguese both with chronic hemolytic anemia.
    MeSH terms: Anemia, Hemolytic/etiology*; Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Nonspherocytic/diagnosis; Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Nonspherocytic/genetics*; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase/genetics; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency/diagnosis; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency/genetics*; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency/epidemiology; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Gene Deletion*; Sequence Analysis, DNA
  2. Conformational properties of serum albumin binding sites in rats with different behaviour in the open field test
    Gryzunov YA, Koplik EV, Smolina NV, Kopaeva LB, Dobretsov GE, Sudakov KV
    Stress, 2006 Mar;9(1):53-60.
    PMID: 16753933
    In this study, the hypothesis was tested that behaviour of rats under the open field test condition and effects of subsequent acute stress relate to conformational properties of the main plasma carrier protein, albumin.To evaluate albumin properties, fluorescence intensity of a molecular probe CAPIDAN (N-carboxyphenylimide of dimethylaminonaphthalic acid) at N (at pH 7.4) and F (at pH 4.2) albumin conformations was measured and the N-F signal ratio was calculated. The data obtained showed that CAPIDAN fluoresces selectively from albumin in rat serum and its fluorescence is sensitive to binding of fatty acids and some other ligands to albumin. Behaviour of 78 Wistar male rats was characterized from the fraction of time taken for exploratory and ambulatory activity during the open field test. In rats not subjected to stress (n = 40), a negative correlation was revealed between open field activity and CAPIDAN N-to-F ratio for albumin (r = - 0.55, p < 0.0005). In the group of rats subjected to acute stress (immobilization plus stochastic electrocutaneous stimulation) the correlation between behavioural activity and the albumin conformational properties was significantly positive (r = 0.59, p < 0.0001): the CAPIDAN albumin fluorescence ratio increased in the highly active rats and decreased in the low-activity rats. The mechanisms of the observed effects may involve differences in nonesterified fatty acid production during stress.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Binding Sites; Electric Stimulation; Exploratory Behavior/physiology*; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified/blood*; Fluorescent Dyes; Imides; Male; Motor Activity/physiology; Naphthalenes; Protein Conformation*; Restraint, Physical; Serum Albumin/chemistry*; Stress, Psychological/physiopathology*; Molecular Probes; Rats, Wistar; Rats
  3. [A genetically isolated population of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Malaysia]
    Naumov GI, Serpova EV, Naumova ES
    Mikrobiologiia, 2006 Mar-Apr;75(2):245-9.
    PMID: 16758873
    A divergent population of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been identified in Malaysia by molecular and genetic analysis. It has also demonstrated that the yeast S. bayanus may be found in South America. Problems of the origin of S. cerevisiae are discussed.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Polymorphism, Genetic*; Saccharomyces/classification; Saccharomyces/genetics; Saccharomyces/isolation & purification; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/classification*; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/isolation & purification*; Bacterial Typing Techniques
  4. Recycling of polymer waste with fluid catalytic cracking catalysts
    Ali S, Garforth A, Fakhru'l-Razi A
    J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2006;41(6):1145-54.
    PMID: 16760091
    Feedstock recycling of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) over fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts (1:6 ratio) was carried out using a laboratory fluidized bed reactor operating at 450 degrees C. Fresh and steam deactivated commercial FCC catalysts with different levels of rare earth oxide (REO) were compared as well as used FCC catalysts (E-Cats) with different levels of metal poisoning. Fresh FCC catalysts gave the highest results of HDPE degradation in terms of yield of volatile hydrocarbon product. Meanwhile, steamed FCC catalysts and used FCC catalysts showed similar but lower yields. Overall, the product yields from HDPE cracking showed that the level of metal contamination (nickel and vanadium) did not affect the product stream generated from polymer cracking. This study gives promising results as an alternative technique for the cracking and recycling of polymer waste.
    MeSH terms: Catalysis; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods*; Hot Temperature; Industrial Waste*; Refuse Disposal/methods; Polyethylene/chemistry*
  5. Puerperal uterine inversion: a report of four cases
    Achanna S, Mohamed Z, Krishnan M
    J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 2006 Jun;32(3):341-5.
    PMID: 16764627
    Acute puerperal uterine inversion is a life-threatening and unpredictable obstetric emergency. If overlooked, it could lead to a maternal death. Although the precise cause is unknown, it is postulated to be caused by the mismanagement of the third stage of labor with premature traction of the umbilical cord and fundal pressure before placental separation. At the Ipoh General Hospital in Malaysia there were 31 394 deliveries and four acute uterine inversions occurring from 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2005. The four patients were between 25 and 36 years of age and their parities were between two and three. When manual repositioning of the uterus failed, successful correction was accomplished by the O'Sullivan's hydrostatic method. One case had to undergo subtotal hysterectomy after repositioning because of massive hemorrhage secondary to placenta accreta. Early diagnosis, immediate treatment of shock, and replacement are essential.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Postpartum Hemorrhage/pathology; Postpartum Hemorrhage/therapy*; Humans; Pregnancy; Uterine Inversion/pathology; Uterine Inversion/therapy*
  6. Embracing diversity in user needs for affective design
    Khalid HM
    Appl Ergon, 2006 Jul;37(4):409-18.
    PMID: 16764817
    To develop product portfolios and affective design we need to understand the diversity in user needs. The challenge is how to predict what users want and how they will behave. One approach is to understand user emotions and affective needs, and predict successful product design that can match the needs. This paper discusses affect and its link to cognition. To provide a context, several theories are presented. A framework is described that incorporates characteristics of users, tasks, products, and use environment. The goal is to highlight the importance of emotions in enhancing the value of products. This research field, which we call Hedonomics, is new. There are many challenges in developing valid and reliable measurements of affect, which can influence human factors research as well as design.
    MeSH terms: Affect; Equipment Design/psychology*; Humans; Human Engineering/methods*; Cultural Diversity*
  7. Distributions and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric aerosols of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Omar NY, Mon TC, Rahman NA, Abas MR
    Sci Total Environ, 2006 Oct 1;369(1-3):76-81.
    PMID: 16766020
    The concentrations and distributions of particle bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) collected over a 10 month period in ambient environment, at street levels as well as during a hazy episode are reported. Ambient and street level distributions of PAHs were similar and their occurrence was attributed to vehicular emissions. However, in haze particles, a different pattern of PAHs was observed, characterized by relatively low levels of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and high levels of benzofluoranthenes (BFs). The BaP equivalency results showed that the potential health risk associated with haze smoke particles was 4 times higher than that of street level particles whereas the lowest health risk was associated with ambient atmospheric particles.
    MeSH terms: Aerosols; Air Pollutants/analysis*; Vehicle Emissions; Cities; Humans; Malaysia; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic/analysis*; Risk Assessment
  8. [Current trends of NASH/NAFLD in Asia-Pacific region]
    Ishii H
    Nippon Rinsho, 2006 Jun;64(6):1017-9.
    PMID: 16768103
    In Japan, much attention has been paid to NASH and NAFLD for the past several years and the prevalence of this disease entity has been estimated, and NASH is thought to be present in 10% of those who have fatty liver diseases. Other points out the prevalence of NASH in Japan as 6 to 8 hundred thousand patients. The last two or three decades have seen the evolution of Western-style life of near complete inactivity, energy-dense food choices and liberal fiscal resources to obtain them and other means to avoid physical activity. Moreover, what is increasingly apparent is that NASH and NAFLD is not a Western disease and many population groups in the Asia-Pacific region are particularly prone to type 2 diabetes. Thus, it is not surprising that NASH has increasingly been diagnosed in several regions in Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and India.
    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/etiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology; Fatty Liver/etiology; Fatty Liver/epidemiology*; Fatty Liver/prevention & control; Food Habits; Humans; Life Style; Obesity/etiology; Obesity/epidemiology; Pacific Islands/epidemiology; Prevalence
  9. A novel organic solvent tolerant lipase from Bacillus sphaericus 205y: extracellular expression of a novel OST-lipase gene
    Sulong MR, Abdul Rahman RN, Salleh AB, Basri M
    Protein Expr Purif, 2006 Oct;49(2):190-5.
    PMID: 16769222
    An organic solvent tolerant (OST) lipase gene from Bacillus sphaericus 205y was successfully expressed extracellularly. The expressed lipase was purified using two steps purification; ultrafiltration and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) to 8-fold purity and 32% recovery. The purified 205y lipase revealed homogeneity on denaturing gel electrophoresis and the molecular mass was at approximately 30 kDa. The optimum pH for the purified 205y lipase was 7.0-8.0 and its stability showed a broad range of pH value between pH 5.0 to 13.0 at 37 degrees C. The purified 205y lipase exhibited an optimum temperature of 55 degrees C. The activity of the purified lipase was stimulated in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has no effect on its activity; however inhibition was observed with phenylmethane sulfonoyl fluoride (PMSF) a serine hydrolase inhibitor. Organic solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methanol, p-xylene and n-decane enhanced the activity. Studies on the effect of oil showed that the lipase was most active in the presence of tricaprin (C10). The lipase exhibited 1,3 positional specificity.
    MeSH terms: Bacillus/enzymology*; Bacillus/genetics; Bacillus/chemistry; Bacterial Proteins/biosynthesis*; Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Bacterial Proteins/chemistry; Calcium/chemistry; Hot Temperature; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lipase/biosynthesis*; Lipase/genetics; Lipase/chemistry; Magnesium/chemistry; Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis*; Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/chemistry; Solvents/chemistry; Substrate Specificity
  10. Heroin dependence and HIV infection in Malaysia
    Chawarski MC, Mazlan M, Schottenfeld RS
    Drug Alcohol Depend, 2006 Apr;82 Suppl 1:S39-42.
    PMID: 16769444
    BACKGROUND: Malaysia is experiencing severe problems with heroin dependence and HIV infection. This, study evaluated drug use and other HIV risk behaviors and their association with HIV and other infectious diseases in heroin-dependent subjects enrolled in a clinical trial of drug abuse treatment in Muar, Malaysia.

    METHODS: Baseline assessment of treatment-seeking subjects (n=177) included the Addiction Severity Index; AIDS Risk Inventory; serological tests for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C; and chest X-ray.

    RESULTS: All of the subjects were male; 67.8% were Malays, 28.8% Chinese, and 2.3%. Indian. Subjects had a mean (SD) age of 37.2 (9.1) years and 14.4 (8.5) years of using heroin; 76.3% reported lifetime injection drug use (IDU), and 41.5% reported current IDU; 30 of 156 (19.2%) tested HIV positive, 143 of 159 (89.9%) tested hepatitis C positive, and 25 of 159 (15.7%) had radiological evidence of pulmonary tuberbulosis. Malay subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of current IDU, needle sharing (p<0.01), and HIV infection (p<0.05) compared with Chinese subjects. Lifetime IDU, needle sharing, lack of consistent condom use, and Malay ethnicity were significantly associated with HIV infection.

    CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of HIV infection among heroin-dependent individuals, in Malaysia supports the important of interventions to reduce the major risk factors for HIV, including IDU, needle sharing, and unprotected sex.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Buprenorphine/therapeutic use; Demography; Female; Heroin Dependence/ethnology; Heroin Dependence/epidemiology*; Heroin Dependence/rehabilitation; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Naltrexone/therapeutic use; Narcotic Antagonists/therapeutic use; Risk-Taking; HIV Infections/ethnology; HIV Infections/epidemiology*; Prevalence
  11. Prevalence and distribution of soil-transmitted helminthiases among Orang Asli children living in peripheral Selangor, Malaysia
    Al-Mekhlafi MS, Azlin M, Nor Aini U, Shaikh A, Sa'iah A, Fatmah MS, et al.
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):40-7.
    PMID: 16771211
    Soil-transmitted helminthiases are a public health problem in rural communities. A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and distribution of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm was conducted in 281 Orang Asli children (aborigines) aged between 2 and 15 years, from 8 Orang Asli villages in Selangor, Malaysia. All the children were infected with soil-transmitted helminthes, with 26.3% of the children infected either with A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura or hookworm and 72.6% having mixed infection. The overall prevalences of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworm were 61.9, 98.2 and 37.0%, respectively. Approximately 19.0, 26.0 and 3.0% of the children had severe infection of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infection, respectively. The prevalences and mean egg per gram (epg) counts for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura were not significantly dependent on age, therefore age-dependent convexity was not seen in this study. However, the results of this study reveal an age-dependent prevalence and mean epg count in children with hookworm infection. We conclude that ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infection are still prevalent and therefore a public health concern in Orang Asli communities. Severe ascariasis and trichuriasis may lead to other health and medical problems.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Age Factors; Ascariasis/epidemiology*; Ascariasis/transmission; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hookworm Infections/epidemiology*; Hookworm Infections/transmission; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Rural Population; Soil/parasitology*; Trichuriasis/epidemiology*; Trichuriasis/transmission; Prevalence
  12. Fulltext Seroprevalence of cysticercosis in a rural village of Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
    Noor Azian MY, Hakim SL, Sumiati A, Norhafizah M
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):58-61.
    PMID: 16771213
    The objective of this study was to determine exposure to cysticercosis among a rural population in a selected village in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 135 serum samples were analyzed. The result showed that the seroprevalence of cysticercosis antibodies was 2.2%. There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence among age groups (p=0.307). Even though there was a slightly higher antibody titer in males compared to females, the difference was not significant (p=0.400). The results indicate evidence of exposure to cysticercosis in this rural population.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Antibodies, Helminth/blood; Child; Child, Preschool; Cysticercosis/epidemiology*; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Rural Population; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sex Distribution
  13. Malaysian mosquitocidal soil bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis) strains with selective hemolytic and lectin activity against human and rat erythrocytes
    Nadarajah VD, Chai SH, Mohammed SM, Chan KK, Kanakeswary K
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):67-78.
    PMID: 16771215
    The objective of this study is to determine the role of carbohydrates on the toxic effect of parasporal inclusion proteins isolated from Malaysian mosquitocidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains on erythrocytes (human and rat). Dose response analyses on the effect of these parasporal inclusions on human and rat erythrocytes suggest that toxin action is selective depending on bacterial strains and source of erythrocytes. Results from this study suggest Bt toxin is a lectin which recognizes specific plasma membrane glycoconjugate receptor(s) with a terminal residue of either D-mannose (Man), N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc), N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) or even a combination of these monosaccharides.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism*; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrocytes/microbiology*; Hemolysis; Humans; Malaysia; Monosaccharides/metabolism; Pest Control, Biological/methods*; Soil Microbiology*; Species Specificity; Spores, Bacterial/metabolism; Lectins/metabolism*; Rats; In Vitro Techniques
  14. The effect of infection of hatched blastocyst bovine embryos with border disease and bovine viral diarrhea viruses
    Mabruk MJ, Sheahan B, Atkins G
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):113-9.
    PMID: 16771222
    The effect of infection with teratogenic viruses at early stages of pregnancy is not fully understood. This study aimed to look at the effect of infection with teratogenic viruses such as bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and border disease virus (BDV), on early stage embryos at the hatched blastocyst stage. BVDV and BDV are known to cross the placenta of infected mothers and lead to congenital defects and death of developing fetuses. This study can be a good model for better understanding the effects of other teratogenic viruses such as Rubella virus in humans.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Blastocyst/pathology; Blastocyst/virology*; Border Disease/pathology; Border Disease/virology*; Diarrhea Viruses, Bovine Viral; Bovine Virus Diarrhea-Mucosal Disease/pathology; Bovine Virus Diarrhea-Mucosal Disease/virology*; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Pestivirus*; Sheep
  15. Rhodococcus equi--an emerging human pathogen in immunocompromized hosts: a report of four cases from Malaysia
    Puthucheary SD, Sangkar V, Hafeez A, Karunakaran R, Raja NS, Hassan HH
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):157-61.
    PMID: 16771229
    Rhodococcus equi, a recognized pathogen in horses, is emerging as a human opportunistic pathogen, especially in immunocompromized hosts. We describe four immunocompromized patients who had serious R. equi infections with an overall mortality of 75%. The natural habitat of R. equi is soil, particularly soil contaminated with animal manure. Necrotizing pneumonia is the commonest form of infection but extrapulmonary infections, such as wound infections and subcutaneous abscess, have also been described in humans. R. equi is cultured easily in ordinary non-selective media. Large, smooth, irregular colonies appear within 48 hours. It is a facultative, intracellular, nonmotile, non-spore forming, gram-positive coccobacillus, which is weakly acid-fast staining and bears a similarity to diphtheroids. It forms a salmon-colored pigment usually after 48 hours incubation. A particular characteristic of this organism is that it undergoes synergistic hemolysis with some bacteria on sheep blood agar. R. equi may be misidentified as diphtheroids, Mycobacterium species, or Nocardia. In vitro R. equi is usually susceptible to erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, aminoglycosides, rifampin, imipenem and meropenem. The organism can be difficult to eradicate, making treatment challenging. Increased awareness of the infection may help with early diagnosis and timely treatment.
    MeSH terms: Actinomycetales Infections/diagnosis*; Actinomycetales Infections/drug therapy; Actinomycetales Infections/microbiology; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Opportunistic Infections/diagnosis*; Opportunistic Infections/drug therapy; Opportunistic Infections/microbiology; Immunocompromised Host*; Rhodococcus equi*; Fatal Outcome
  16. Fulltext Retrospective prevalence of snakebites from Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) (1999-2003)
    Jamaiah I, Rohela M, Ng TK, Ch'ng KB, Teh YS, Nurulhuda AL, et al.
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):200-5.
    PMID: 16771235
    A hospital based retrospective study of the prevalence of snakebite cases at Hospital Kuala Lumpur was carried out over a five-year period from 1999 to 2003. A total of 126 snakebite cases were recorded. The highest admission for snakebites was recorded in 2001 (29 cases). The majority of cases were admitted for three days or less (79%). Most of the snakebite cases were reported in the 11-30 years age group (52%). The male:female ratio was 3:1. The majority of cases were Malaysians (80%, 101 cases). Of the non-Malaysians, Indonesians constituted the most (56%, 14 cases). Bites occurred most commonly on the lower limbs (49%), followed by upper limbs (45%) and on other parts of the body (6%). No fatal cases were detected and complications were scarce. In 60% (70 cases) the snake could not be identified. Of the four species of snakes that were identified, cobra (both suspected and confirmed) constituted the largest group (25%), followed by viper (10%), python (4%) and sea snake (1%). The most common clinical presentations were pain and swelling, 92% (116 cases). All patients were put on snakebite charts and their vital signs were monitored. Of the snakebite cases, 48% (61 cases) were treated with cloxacillin and 25% (32 cases) were given polyvalent snake antivenom.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Antivenins/therapeutic use; Child; Cloxacillin/therapeutic use; Female; Hospitals; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Snake Bites/epidemiology*; Snake Bites/therapy; Urban Population; Prevalence
  17. Fulltext Prevalence and factors influencing smoking amongst Malay primary school children in Tumpat, Kelantan
    Norbanee TH, Norhayati MN, Norsa'adah B, Naing NN
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006 Jan;37(1):230-5.
    PMID: 16771239
    The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence, knowledge and factors that influence smoking in Malay primary school children in Tumpat, Kelantan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2004 among primary school children in Tumpat District. Two hundred-twelve children in standard one to six were randomly selected from three rural schools. An interview that included information on history of ever smoking, knowledge related to smoking and health, and potential factors that could influence smoking was done. Twenty-five children had previously smoked, with a prevalence of 11.8% (95%CI=8.0, 17.0) and 8 were current smokers (3.8%, 95%CI=1.2, 6.4). More than half (64.6%) of the children had a good knowledge of smoking. However, only 105 (49.5%) of them knew that passive smokers have a higher risk of developing diseases. Of those who had ever smoked, 12 (36.6%) were influenced by peers and 17 (51.5%) had a self-desire to smoke. The earliest age to start smoking was at 6 years. Factors found to be significantly associated with smoking on multivariate analysis were increasing age (OR=2.8, 95%CI=1.6, 5.1), being boys (OR=5.8, 95%CI=2.0, 16.8), being at second school level (standard 4, 5, 6)(OR=7.8, 95%CI=1.3, 45.3) and having other family members (excluding father) who smoked (OR=2.8, 95%CI=1.2, 6.5). However, having a father who smoked and a good knowledge were not reported as influencing factors.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Age Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family/psychology; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Peer Group; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Smoking/epidemiology*; Smoking/psychology*; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects; Prevalence
  18. Diplectanids (Monogenea) on the archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix (Pallas) (Toxotidae) off Peninsular Malaysia
    Lim LH
    Syst Parasitol, 2006 May;64(1):13-25.
    PMID: 16773472
    Two new and two previously described species of diplectanid monogeneans (Heteroplectanum flabelliforme n. sp., Diplectanum sumpit n. sp., D. jaculator Mizelle & Kritsky, 1969 and D. toxotes Mizelle & Kritsky, 1969) were collected from archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix off the Island of Langkawi, Kedah and off Perak, Malaysia. The reproductive systems and squamodiscs of D. jaculator and D. toxotes are described for the first time. D. sumpit n. sp. differs from D. toxotes and D. jaculator in a having a small curved copulatory tube with a distinct accessory piece, compared to the long, tubular copulatory tube of D. jaculator and the slender tube of D. toxotes. D. sumpit n. sp. also differs from D. toxotes in having a larger ventral bar and larger squamodiscs. H. flabelliforme n. sp. differs from all known Heteroplectanum species in the shape and size of the squamodiscs, the arrangement of the sclerites in the squamodiscs, the extremely large ventral bar and the short, curved, non-spinous copulatory tube.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Fish Diseases/parasitology; Fishes/parasitology*; Gills/parasitology; Host-Parasite Interactions; Malaysia; Species Specificity; Trematoda/anatomy & histology; Trematoda/classification*; Trematoda/isolation & purification; Trematode Infections/parasitology; Trematode Infections/veterinary*
  19. Involvement of phenobarbital and SKF 525A in the hepatotoxicity of antifungal drugs itraconazole and fluconazole in rats
    Somchit N, Wong CW, Zuraini A, Ahmad Bustamam A, Hasiah AH, Khairi HM, et al.
    Drug Chem Toxicol, 2006;29(3):237-53.
    PMID: 16777703
    Itraconazole and fluconazole are potent wide spectrum antifungal drugs. Both of these drugs induce hepatotoxicity clinically. The mechanism underlying the hepatotoxicity is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of phenobarbital (PB), an inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP), and SKF 525A, an inhibitor of CYP, in the mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by these two drugs in vivo. Rats were pretreated with PB (75 mg/kg for 4 days) prior to itraconazole or fluconazole dosing (20 and 200 mg/kg for 4 days). In the inhibition study, for 4 consecutive days, rats were pretreated with SKF 525A (50 mg/kg) or saline followed by itraconazole or fluconazole (20 and 200 mg/kg) Dose-dependent increases in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and in liver weight were detected in rats receiving itraconazole treatment. Interestingly, pretreatment with PB prior to itraconazole reduced the ALT and gamma-GT activities and the liver weight of rats. No changes were observed in rats treated with fluconazole. Pretreatment with SKF 525A induced more severe hepatotoxicity for both itraconazole and fluconazole. CYP 3A activity was inhibited dose-dependently by itraconazole treatment. Itraconazole had no effects on the activity of CYP 1A and 2E. Fluconazole potently inhibited all three isoenzymes of CYP. PB plays a role in hepatoprotection to itraconazole-induced but not fluconazole-induced hepatotoxicity. SKF 525A enhanced the hepatotoxicity of both antifungal drugs in vivo. Therefore, it can be concluded that inhibition of CYP may play a key role in the mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by itraconazole and fluconazole.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antifungal Agents/toxicity*; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism; Enzyme Inhibitors/toxicity*; Hypnotics and Sedatives/toxicity*; Isoenzymes/metabolism; Liver/drug effects; Liver/enzymology; Male; Microsomes, Liver/enzymology; Organ Size; Phenobarbital/toxicity*; Proadifen/toxicity*; Fluconazole/toxicity*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Itraconazole/toxicity*; Rats; Drug-Induced Liver Injury/enzymology; Drug-Induced Liver Injury/pathology*
  20. Development and standardization of single and double dichotic digit tests in the Malay language
    Mukari SZ, Keith RW, Tharpe AM, Johnson CD
    Int J Audiol, 2006 Jun;45(6):344-52.
    PMID: 16777781 DOI: 10.1080/14992020600582174
    Single and double dichotic digit tests in Malay language were developed and standardized as an initial attempt to incorporate tests of auditory processing within the scope of audiology practice in Malaysia. Normative data under free recall, directed right-ear first, and directed left-ear first listening conditions were determined using 120 Malay children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old with normal hearing and normal academic performance. Test-retest reliability was assessed in 15 of the study subjects. In general, the double dichotic digit test produced greater differences in scores between age groups, and a greater right-ear advantage than the single dichotic digit test. In addition, the double dichotic digit test also had higher test-retest reliability. These findings suggest the double dichotic digit test is more clinically applicable.
    MeSH terms: Acoustic Stimulation; Auditory Perceptual Disorders/diagnosis*; Child; Dichotic Listening Tests/methods; Dichotic Listening Tests/standards*; Female; Humans; Language*; Malaysia; Male; Reference Standards; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Program Development
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