Browse publications by year: 2008

  1. Fulltext Glycemic index of common Malaysian fruits
    Robert SD, Ismail AA, Winn T, Wolever TM
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2008;17(1):35-9.
    PMID: 18364324
    The objective of the present study was to measure the glycemic index of durian, papaya, pineapple and water-melon grown in Malaysia. Ten (10) healthy volunteers (5 females, 5 males; body mass index 21.18+/-1.7 kg/m2) consumed 50 g of available carbohydrate portions of glucose (reference food) and four test foods (durian, papaya, pineapple and watermelon) in random order after an overnight fast. Glucose was tested on three separate occasions, and the test foods were each tested once. Postprandial plasma glucose was measured at intervals for two hours after intake of the test foods. Incremental areas under the curve were calculated, and the glycemic index was determined by expressing the area under the curve after the test foods as a percentage of the mean area under the curve after glucose. The results showed that the area under the curve after pineapple, 232+/-24 mmolxmin/L, was significantly greater than those after papaya, 147+/-14, watermelon, 139+/-8, and durian, 124+/-13 mmolxmin/L (p<0.05). Similarly, the glycemic index of pineapple, 82+/-4, was significantly greater than those of papaya, 58+/-6, watermelon, 55+/-3, and durian, 49+/-5 (p<0.05). The differences in area under the curve and glycemic index among papaya, watermelon and durian were not statistically significant. We conclude that pineapple has a high glycemic index, whereas papaya is intermediate and watermelon and durian are low glycemic index foods. The validity of these results depends on the accuracy of the data in the food tables upon which the portion sizes tested were based.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Blood Glucose/metabolism*; Dietary Carbohydrates/classification; Dietary Carbohydrates/pharmacokinetics*; Female; Fruit/chemistry*; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Postprandial Period; Area Under Curve; Carica/chemistry; Citrullus/chemistry; Ananas/chemistry; Bombacaceae/chemistry; Glycemic Index*
  2. Mortality risk among recent-onset injection drug users in five U.S. cities
    Vlahov D, Wang C, Ompad D, Fuller CM, Caceres W, Ouellet L, et al.
    Subst Use Misuse, 2008;43(3-4):413-28.
    PMID: 18365941 DOI: 10.1080/10826080701203013
    To quantify the risk of death among recent-onset (< 5 years) injection drug users, we enrolled 2089 injection drug users (IDUs) age
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Catchment Area (Health); Female; Humans; Male; Risk-Taking*; United States/epidemiology; Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*; Substance Abuse, Intravenous/mortality*; Prevalence
  3. Safety of probiotics: translocation and infection
    Liong MT
    Nutr Rev, 2008 Apr;66(4):192-202.
    PMID: 18366533 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2008.00024.x
    The long history of safety has contributed to the acceptance of probiotics as a safe food adjunct. Consequently, many probiotic products and their applications have been granted GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status. However, this classification has been frequently generalized for all probiotic strains regardless of their application. Cases of probiotics from the genera Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Enterococcus, and Bifidobacterium have been isolated from infection sites, leading to the postulation that these probiotics can translocate. Probiotic translocation is difficult to induce in healthy humans, and even if it does occur, detrimental effects are rare. Despite this, various reports have documented health-damaging effects of probiotic translocation in immunocompromised patients. Due to probiotics' high degree of safety and their morphological confusion with other pathogenic bacteria, they are often overlooked as contaminants and are least suspected as pathogens. However, the antibiotic resistance of some strains has increased the complexity of their eradication. Probiotic translocation and infection deserve further investigation and should become a facet of safety assessment so the negative effects of probiotics do not outweigh the benefits.
    MeSH terms: Bacterial Infections/epidemiology*; Bifidobacterium/physiology*; Humans; Lactobacillus/physiology*; Pediococcus/physiology; Safety; Immunocompromised Host; Enterococcus/physiology; Infection Control; Risk Assessment*; Bacterial Translocation/physiology*
  4. Classification of vascular function in upper limb using bilateral photoplethysmographic signals
    Shariati NH, Zahedi E, Jajai HM
    Physiol Meas, 2008 Mar;29(3):365-74.
    PMID: 18367811 DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/29/3/007
    Bilateral PPG signals have been used for comparative study of two groups of healthy (free from any cardiovascular risk factors) and diabetic (as cardiovascular disease risk group) subjects in the age-matched range 40-50 years. The peripheral blood pulsations were recorded simultaneously from right and left index fingers for 90 s. Pulses have been modeled with the ARX440 model in the interval of 300 sample points with 100 sample points overlap between segments. Model parameters of three segments based on the highest fitness (higher than 80%) of modeled segments were retained for each subject. Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the parameters of retained segments to eliminate the existing correlation among parameters and provide uncorrelated variables. The first principal component (contains 78.2% variance of data) was significantly greater in diabetic than in control groups (P < 0.0001, 0.74 +/- 2.01 versus -0.53 +/- 1.66). In addition the seventh principal component, which contains 0.02% of the data variance, was significantly lower in diabetic than in control groups (P < 0.05, -0.007 +/- 0.03 versus 0.005 +/- 0.03). Finally, linear discrimination analysis (LDA) was used to classify the subjects. The classification was done using the robust leaving-one-subject-out method. LDA could classify the subjects with 71.7% sensitivity and 70.2% specificity while the male subjects resulted in a highly acceptable result for the sensitivity (81%). The present study showed that PPG signals can be used for vascular function assessment and may find further application for detection of vascular changes before onset of clinical diseases.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Algorithms; Blood Pressure/physiology; Cardiovascular Diseases/classification*; Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis; Cardiovascular Diseases/physiopathology; Cholesterol/blood; Diabetes Mellitus/diagnosis; Female; Humans; Hypertension/diagnosis; Male; Middle Aged; Regional Blood Flow/physiology; Smoking; Linear Models; Photoplethysmography/methods*; Upper Extremity/blood supply*
  5. In vitro expression of erythropoietin by transfected human mesenchymal stromal cells
    Mok PL, Cheong SK, Leong CF, Othman A
    Cytotherapy, 2008;10(2):116-24.
    PMID: 18368590 DOI: 10.1080/14653240701816996
    Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are pluripotent progenitor cells that can be found in human bone marrow (BM). These cells have low immunogenicity and could suppress alloreactive T-cell responses. In the current study, MSC were tested for their capacity to carry and deliver the erythropoietin (EPO) gene in vitro.
    MeSH terms: Cell Differentiation; Cell Separation; Colony-Forming Units Assay; Erythropoietin/genetics*; Genetic Vectors; Hematopoietic Stem Cells/cytology; Humans; Mesoderm/cytology*; Plasmids/genetics; Transfection*; Stromal Cells/cytology; Stromal Cells/metabolism*; Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology; Erythroid Cells/cytology; Cell Proliferation
  6. The rise of methamphetamine in Southeast and East Asia
    McKetin R, Kozel N, Douglas J, Ali R, Vicknasingam B, Lund J, et al.
    Drug Alcohol Rev, 2008 May;27(3):220-8.
    PMID: 18368602 DOI: 10.1080/09595230801923710
    Southeast and East Asia has become a global hub for methamphetamine production and trafficking over the past decade. This paper describes the rise of methamphetamine supply and to what extent use of the drug is occurring in the region.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Central Nervous System Stimulants/adverse effects; Central Nervous System Stimulants/supply & distribution*; Asia/epidemiology; Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology; Child; Crime/statistics & numerical data; Drug Administration Routes; Female; Humans; Male; Methamphetamine/adverse effects; Methamphetamine/supply & distribution*; Street Drugs/adverse effects; Amphetamine-Related Disorders/epidemiology*
  7. Bacteria flora and heavy metals in cultivated oysters Crassostrea iredalei of Setiu Wetland, East Coast Peninsular Malaysia
    Najiah M, Nadirah M, Lee KL, Lee SW, Wendy W, Ruhil HH, et al.
    Vet Res Commun, 2008 Jun;32(5):377-81.
    PMID: 18369732 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-008-9045-y
    Slipper oyster Crassostrea iredalei is a species of good demand for its sweet flavor and white coloured flesh. The filter feeding nature predisposes oysters to accumulation of pathogenic and heavy metals in waters impacted by sewage pollutions and may thus render the oysters unfit for human consumption. A study was undertaken to investigate the presence of bacteria flora and heavy metal concentrations in cultivated oysters Crassostrea iredalei at Setiu Wetland, Terengganu, the only source of cultivated oysters in East Coast of Malaysia. A total of 200 slipper oyster samples were analyzed. The bacteria were isolated using non selective agar such as TSA agar and selective agars before they were then identified using conventional methods in combination with BBL Crystal identification kit. Heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed that the oysters harbor predominantly Shewanella putrifaciens followed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio cholerae, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli and Chromobacterium violaceum. They also contain high concentration of Zn (785.68 +/- 285.88 microg/g) with the lowest heavy metal was Pb (0.17 +/- 0.15 microg/g), whilst the concentrations of other heavy metals were Cu (38.9 +/- 13.2 microg/g) and Cd (1.60 +/- 0.28 microg/g). The study is very useful to evaluate the type of bacteria and heavy metal present in oyster meat for human consumption.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Bacteria/isolation & purification*; Malaysia; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Seafood/analysis*; Seafood/microbiology*; Metals, Heavy/analysis*; Crassostrea/microbiology*; Crassostrea/chemistry*
  8. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: prospective feasibility and efficacy study in Malaysian patients
    Elsherbieny E, Choo P, Alzoubi A
    Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther, 2008 4 1;1(2):124-9.
    PMID: 20063540
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage*; Cisplatin/administration & dosage*; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/therapy*; Neoplasm Staging; Radiotherapy*; Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  9. Fulltext Household food insecurity and coping strategies in a poor rural community in Malaysia
    Shariff ZM, Khor GL
    Nutr Res Pract, 2008;2(1):26-34.
    PMID: 20126362 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2008.2.1.26
    This cross-sectional study assessed household food insecurity among low-income rural communities and examined its association with demographic and socioeconomic factors as well as coping strategies to minimize food insecurity. Demographic, socioeconomic, expenditure and coping strategy data were collected from 200 women of poor households in a rural community in Malaysia. Households were categorized as either food secure (n=84) or food insecure (n=116) using the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity instrument. T-test, Chi-square and logistic regression were utilized for comparison of factors between food secure and food insecure households and determination of factors associated with household food insecurity, respectively. More of the food insecure households were living below the poverty line, had a larger household size, more children and school-going children and mothers as housewives. As food insecure households had more school-going children, reducing expenditures on the children's education is an important strategy to reduce household expenditures. Borrowing money to buy foods, receiving foods from family members, relatives and neighbors and reducing the number of meals seemed to cushion the food insecure households from experiencing food insufficiency. Most of the food insecure households adopted the strategy on cooking whatever is available at home for their meals. The logistic regression model indicates that food insecure households were likely to have more children (OR=1.71; p<0.05) and non-working mothers (OR=6.15; p<0.05), did not own any land (OR=3.18; p<0.05) and adopted the strategy of food preparation based on whatever is available at their homes (OR=4.33; p<0.05). However, mothers who reported to borrow money to purchase food (OR=0.84; p<0.05) and households with higher incomes of fathers (OR=0.99; p<0.05) were more likely to be food secure. Understanding the factors that contribute to household food insecurity is imperative so that effective strategies could be developed and implemented.
    MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological; Child; Cooking; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Expenditures; Fathers; Female; Food Supply; Humans; Hunger; Income; Malaysia; Male; Mothers; Poverty; Rural Population; Socioeconomic Factors; Chi-Square Distribution; Logistic Models
  10. Fulltext The South East Asian Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (SEAFOMP): Its history and role in the ASEAN countries
    Ng Kh, Wong J
    Biomed Imaging Interv J, 2008 Apr;4(2):e21.
    PMID: 21614324 DOI: 10.2349/biij.4.2.21
    Informal discussion started in 1996 and the South East Asian Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (SEAFOMP) was officially accepted as a regional chapter of the IOMP at the Chicago World Congress in 2000 with five member countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Professor Kwan-Hoong Ng served as the founding president until 2006. Brunei (2002) and Vietnam (2005) joined subsequently. We are very grateful to the founding members of SEAFOMP: Anchali Krisanachinda, Kwan-Hoong Ng, Agnette Peralta, Ratana Pirabul, Djarwani S Soejoko and Toh-Jui Wong.The objectives of SEAFOMP are to promote (i) co-operation and communication between medical physics organizations in the region; (ii) medical physics and related activities in the region; (iii) the advancement in status and standard of practice of the medical physics profession; (iv) to organize and/or sponsor international and regional conferences, meetings or courses; (v) to collaborate or affiliate with other scientific organizations.SEAFOMP has been organizing a series of congresses to promote scientific exchange and mutual support. The South East Asian Congress of Medical Physics (SEACOMP) series was held respectively in Kuala Lumpur (2001), Bangkok (2003), Kuala Lumpur (2004) and Jakarta (2006). The respective congress themes indicated the emphasis and status of development. The number of participants (countries in parentheses) was encouraging: 110 (17), 150 (16), 220 (23) and 126 (7).In honour of the late Professor John Cameron, an eponymous lecture was established. The inaugural John Cameron Lecture was delivered by Professor Willi Kalender in 2004. His lecture was titled "Recent Developments in Volume CT Scanning".
    MeSH terms: Brunei; Chicago; Communication; Indonesia; Malaysia; Medicine; Organizations; Philippines; Physics; Singapore; Thailand; Vietnam; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
  11. Fulltext Mastoiditis secondary to mycobacterium abscessus imaged with gallium-67 scintigraphy
    Vijayananthan A, Arumugam A, Kumar G, Harichandra D
    Biomed Imaging Interv J, 2008 Apr;4(2):e23.
    PMID: 21614326 MyJurnal DOI: 10.2349/biij.4.2.e23
    Atypical mycobacterium is rarely seen as a cause of chronic mastoiditis but has been increasingly recognized over the past few years. Mycobacterium abscessus is the most pathogenic and chemotherapy-resistant, rapid-growing mycobacterium of all the four groups. This paper presents a case of a 57-year-old woman who had chronic mastoiditis with recurrent exacerbations. The initial computed tomography (CT) findings showed the presence of an inflammatory process and she was treated with the appropriate antibiotics. The patient subsequently underwent a tissue biopsy when she presented with another exacerbation. At this time, the CT scan did not identify the ongoing exacerbation, but the Gallium-67 scintigraphy did.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biopsy; Female; Gallium Radioisotopes; Humans; Mastoiditis; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Radionuclide Imaging; Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  12. Fulltext Why do we Need More Clinical Psychologists?
    Khan RK
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):1-2.
    PMID: 22589617
  13. Fulltext The Pharmacotherapy of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) : A Review of Contemporary Therapeutic Challenges in Clinical Practice
    Hassan Y, Awaisu A, Al-Meman AA, Aziz NA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):3-13.
    PMID: 22589618
    Our objectives were to discuss a general overview on the description and recognition of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and present a critical review of the traditional and most recent advances in its pharmacotherapy. Computerized searches were done on MEDLINE and Iowa Drug Information Service (IDIS) databases from June 2001 until June 2007 and from May 2005 until May 2007, respectively. Search terms used included 'heparin-induced thrombocytopenia', 'heparin-associated thrombocytopenia', therapeutics, HIT, HAT. We largely selected publications within the timeframe above, but did not exclude commonly referenced and highly regarded older publications. The commonly referenced published articles were obtained through manual searches derived from bibliographic citations and retrievals from the authors' personal files. Pertinent literatures (89 key articles) that were thought to have substantially contributed new information to the therapeutics of HIT within the last 6 years were identified, reviewed and presented. The following limits were used for the MEDLINE and IDIS searches: 'human', drug therapy', 'review', 'meta-analysis', 'clinical trial', and case reports. The therapeutics of HIT is rapidly evolving and needs to consider an evidence - based approach. It is imperative that practitioners be aware of the associated risk and be up-to-date with the current advances in the management of this fatal clinical condition.
    MeSH terms: Anticoagulants; Awareness; Drug Information Services; Heparin; Humans; Iowa; Thinking; Thrombocytopenia; MEDLINE
  14. Fulltext Test anxiety: state, trait and relationship with exam satisfaction
    Ping LT, Subramaniam K, Krishnaswamy S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):18-23.
    PMID: 22589620
    Test anxiety is defined as the reaction to stimuli that is associated with an individual's experience of testing or evaluating situations. This study aims to examine the fluctuation pattern of anxiety symptoms during a clinical examination and its relationship with underlying anxiety traits. Fourth year medical students of Penang Medical College undertaking the Ophthalmology clinical examination participated in this study. First phase of the survey, on anxiety symptoms was conducted immediately after the Ophthalmology clinical examination while the second phase, on pre-existing anxiety traits was conducted six weeks later with the aid of STAI instrument. Responses for both stages were combined and analyzed. Sixty-three of 122 students responded to both phases of the study, giving a response rate of 52%. All symptoms except trembling peaked 10 minutes before the exam begun showing a downward progression with no resurgence thereafter. Students with pre-existing anxiety traits had high anxiety scores 10 minutes into the examination and while with the examiners. Anticipatory anxiety is a source of concern and can effect performance and appropriate steps should be taken to help the students with this. A few other studies should be done to conclude.
    MeSH terms: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Ophthalmology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students, Medical
  15. Fulltext The prevalence of bronchopulmonary infection among patients with rheumatoid arthritis versus non rheumatoid arthritis patients
    Arshad A, Rashid R
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):24-8.
    PMID: 22589621
    A high frequency of bronchopulmonary infections complicating rheumatoid arthritis has been described in reports of case series. This study was undertaken to confirm and compare these finding in patients with RA and control. 117 patients with RA and 103 patients with OA/soft tissue rheumatism as controls. Study subjects were studied using their medical records available from hospitals' casenotes and GP data base. Details of all documented bronchopulmonary infections for the preceding year including lower and upper respiratory tract infections were recorded. Details of hospital admissions due to bronchopulmonary infection, antibiotic usage and functional capacity were also recorded. Mean age for RA was 56 and 59 for control. There were 34 males and 83 females in RA group, however, 14 males and 55 females in control group. There were at least 1 episodes of BPI in 66.7% (p<0.05) patients with RA and 48.5% in control. 69.2% (p<0.05) of subgroup patients with RA were noted to have poorer functional capacity compared to 50% in control. More RA patients with BPI (15%) (p<0.05) were admitted to hospital compared to control (3.8%). Significance findings were noted in terms of prevalence of BPI in RA patients compared to controls as well as patients with RA have severe course of BPI warranting hospitalization. RA patients with poorer functional capacity also noted to have high incidence of BPI.
    Study site: Rheumatology clinic, Hospital Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Hospitalization; Hospitals, General; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Medical Records; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Respiratory Tract Infections; Incidence; Prevalence; Case-Control Studies; Control Groups
  16. Fulltext Outcome of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) in the management of snoring in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
    Abdullah B, Othman NA, Daud MK
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):29-32.
    PMID: 22589622
    To determine the outcome of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty for the management of patients with snoring in Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM). A retrospective review of patients who underwent LAUP with or without tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy under general anaesthesia between December 2003 to December 2006. Data was obtained from admission and follow-up records in the otorhinolaryngology clinic of USM Hospital (HUSM). A total of nineteen patients underwent procedure for the treatment of snoring. Majority of these patients presented with symptoms of loud snoring and daytime somnolence. The main operations performed were LAUP with or without tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. The justification for LAUP were overhanging and excessive uvula or soft palate, whereas for adenotonsillectomy were the hypertrophied adenoids and tonsils. On follow-up, most of the patients claimed improvement of snoring within the first 2 months post-operation. However, majority of them defaulted follow-up after that. One patient (AHI preoperatively was mild) was reviewed up to 8 months with no snoring. One patient (AHI was severe preoperatively and normal post operatively) remained in our follow-up was satisfied with the operation. Two patients continued to experience snoring post LAUP despite trial of non-surgical methods. The outcome of LAUP in our patients showed variable results. This showed that patient selection is very important to achieve good result in LAUP. Long-term follow-up is also essential to document the success for LAUP.

    Study site: otorhinolaryngology clinic of USM Hospital (HUSM)
    MeSH terms: Adenoidectomy; Adenoids; Anesthesia, General; Follow-Up Studies; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Otolaryngology; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Palate, Soft; Retrospective Studies; Sleep Stages; Snoring; Palatine Tonsil; Tonsillectomy; Uvula; Patient Selection
  17. Fulltext Evaluation of a training programme for non-health professionals as oral health educators
    Seman K, Yaacob H, Hamid AM, Ismail AR, Yusoff A
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):33-8.
    PMID: 22589623
    Involvement of oral health educators among non-health professionals in oral health promotion is important in the prevention of oral diseases. This study was carried out to compare the level of oral health knowledge among pre-school teachers before and after oral health seminar. Pre-test data was collected by distributing questionnaire to pre-school teachers in Pasir Mas, who attended the seminar on "Oral Health" (n=33) and they were required to fill anonymously before the seminar started. The questions consisted of information on general background, perceived oral health status, oral health knowledge and the environment where they work. After two weeks, post-test data was collected using the same structured questionnaire and identification code was used to match the pre and post data. SPSS 11.5 was use for statistical analysis. Two out of 33 eligible preschool teachers were considered non-respondents due to absenteeism during the post-test data collection. The response rate was 94.0% (n = 31). The study shows a significant improvement in oral health knowledge among pre-school teachers in Pasir Mas, after seminar (p < 0.001) as compared to controls. Thus, we can conclude that the oral health programme (seminar) appeared effective at influencing oral health educator's knowledge towards oral health.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Oral Health*; School Teachers
  18. Fulltext Health major incident : the experiences of mobile medical team during major flood
    Ahmad R, Mohamad Z, Noh AY, Mohamad N, Hamzah MS, Mohammed NA, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):47-51.
    PMID: 22589626 MyJurnal
    Disaster is a sudden event that associated with ecological changes, disruption of normal daily activities, destruction of infrastructures, loss of properties, and medical disabilities. In disaster, there is a mismatch between available resources and patients need for healthcare service. During flood disaster, the victims were predisposed to different type of illnesses for various reasons such as inadequate supply of clean water, poor sanitation or drainage system, unhealthy foods, and over-crowded relief centers. Mobile clinic is an option for delivering medical care for the disaster victims who often have a difficulty to access to the medical facilities. In this article we would like to share our experiences during the provision of humanitarian services for flood victims at District of Muar Johor. Common illnesses among the flood victims at visited relief centers and advantages of Mobile Medical Relief Team were also highlighted and discussed.
    MeSH terms: Altruism; Disasters; Health Facilities; Health Services; Humans; Mobile Health Units; Sanitation; Water; Floods; Disaster Victims
  19. A pilot survey on perceptions and knowledge of generic medicines among consumers in Penang, Malaysia
    Al-Gedadi NA, Hassali MA, Shafie AA
    Pharm Pract (Granada), 2008 Apr;6(2):93-7.
    PMID: 25157287
    OBJECTIVE: To explore the consumers' perceptions and knowledge towards issues surrounding generic medicines utilization in Penang, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted with consumers who attended the annual University open day. Using convenience sampling, survey forms were distributed to the respective consumers via the help of a group of trained 1st year pharmacy students. For a period of 5 days, 400 respondents had participated in the survey. Analysis of the response from the collected forms yielded in 396 usable forms.

    RESULTS: Only 28.3% (n=112) of the respondents were familiar with the term "generic medicines". More than 70% of the respondents do not know that generic medicines can be marketed under different names. About 34% (n=38) of consumers stated that they had been given information regarding generics by their pharmacists. In terms of side effects, about 32% (n=127) of the respondents felt that generic medicines may cause more side effects than branded medicines. Majority of the consumers surveyed (64%) understand that generic cost less compared to their branded counterparts.

    CONCLUSION: This survey showed that there is a gap in consumers' knowledge and understanding about generic medicines. The findings also suggest that direct patient education by the healthcare providers on issues relating to safety and efficacy of generic medicines could further enhance their uptake.

    MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Personnel; Humans; Malaysia; Perception; Pharmacists; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students, Pharmacy; Universities; Drugs, Generic
  20. Alpha-thalassaemia in association with beta-thalassaemia patients in Malaysia: a study on the co-inheritance of both disorders
    Wee YC, Tan KL, Kuldip K, Tai KS, George E, Tan PC, et al.
    Community Genet, 2008;11(3):129-34.
    PMID: 18376108 DOI: 10.1159/000113874
    BACKGROUND/AIMS: Individuals with double heterozygosity for alpha- and beta-thalassaemia and heterozygous beta-thalassaemia show a similar haematological picture. Co-inheritance of alpha- and beta-thalassaemia in both partners may result in pregnancies with either Hb Bart's hydrops foetalis or beta-thalassaemia major, or pregnancies with both disorders.
    METHODS: The co-inheritance of alpha-thalassaemia in 322 beta-thalassaemia carriers in Malaysia was studied.
    RESULTS: The frequency of alpha-thalassaemia in the beta-thalassaemia carriers was 12.7% (41/322), with a carrier frequency of 7.8% for the SEA deletion, 3.7% for the -alpha(3.7) deletion, 0.9% for Hb Constant Spring and 0.3% for the -alpha(4.2) deletion.
    CONCLUSION: Double heterozygosity for alpha- and beta-thalassaemia was confirmed in 5 out of the 41 couples and the risk of the fatal condition Hb Bart's hydrops foetalis was confirmed in two of these couples. Detection of the Southeast Asian (SEA) deletion in the Malaysian Malays in this study confirms that Hb Bart's hydrops foetalis can occur in this ethnic group. Results of this study have provided new information on the frequency and different types of alpha-thalassaemia (--(SEA), -alpha(3.7) and -alpha(4.2) deletions, Hb Constant Spring) in Malaysian beta-thalassaemia carriers.
    MeSH terms: China/ethnology; Female; Heterozygote; Humans; India/ethnology; Genetic Linkage; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Retrospective Studies; alpha-Thalassemia/diagnosis; alpha-Thalassemia/ethnology; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics*; beta-Thalassemia/diagnosis; beta-Thalassemia/ethnology; beta-Thalassemia/genetics*; Inheritance Patterns/genetics; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics
External Links