Browse publications by year: 2012

Fulltext Development of multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) culture from breast cancer cell and a high throughput screening method using the MTT assay

Ho WY, Yeap SK, Ho CL, Rahim RA, Alitheen NB

PLoS One, 2012;7(9):e44640.
PMID: 22970274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044640

In comparison to monolayer cells, MCTS has been claimed as more suitable candidate for studying drug penetration due to the high resemblance to solid tumors. However, the cultivation of MCTS is cumbersome, time consuming, and most technique fail to generate spheroids with uniform sizes. Therefore, the application of spheroid cultures in high throughput screening has been rather limiting. Besides, the lack of a well established screening protocol method that is applicable to spheroid could also be attributed to this limitation. Here we report a simple way of cultivating homogenous MCTS cultures with compact and rigid structure from the MCF-7 cells. Besides, we had also made some modifications to the standard MTT assay to realize high throughput screening of these spheroids. Using the modified protocol, tamoxifen showed cytotoxicity effect towards MCTS cultures from MCF-7 with high consistency. The results correlated well with the cultures' response assessed by LDH release assay but the latter assay was not ideal for detecting a wide range of cytotoxicity due to high basal background reading. The MTT assay emerged as a better indicator to apoptosis event in comparison to the LDH release assay. Therefore, the method for spheroid generation and the modified MTT assay we reported here could be potentially applied to high throughput screening for response of spheroid cultures generated from MCF-7 as well as other cancer cell lines towards cytotoxic stimuli.

MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/pathology*; Female; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/metabolism; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Tamoxifen/pharmacology; Cell Death/drug effects; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/pharmacology; High-Throughput Screening Assays*; MCF-7 Cells
Fulltext Thyroid surgery for elderly patients: are they at increased operative risks?

Ng SH, Wong KP, Lang BH

J Thyroid Res, 2012;2012:946276.
PMID: 22970410 DOI: 10.1155/2012/946276

An increasing elderly population, a rising incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), and a rising incidence of benign nodular disease with age are all contributing to a rise in thyroid operations for the elderly. Literature review on the outcome and safety of thyroid surgery in elderly patients has been filled with conflicting results and this subject remains controversial. Although most single-institution studies conducted by high-volume surgeons did not find significant differences of complication rates in elderly when compared with younger cohorts, they often lacked the power necessary to identify subtle differences and suffered from various selection and referral biases. Recent evidence from large population-based studies concluded that thyroid surgery in the elderly was associated with higher complication rates. One of the major contributing factors for the increased complication rate was because most elderly patients suffered from many preexisting comorbidities. Therefore, elderly patients who have abnormal thyroid findings should complete a thorough preoperative workup and better postoperative care after undergoing any thyroid surgery. Furthermore, these high-risk patients would benefit if they could be referred to high-volume, specialized surgical units early. In this systemic review, we aimed to evaluate different issues and controversies in thyroidectomy for elderly patients.
Barriers to neonatal care in developing countries: parents' and providers' perceptions

Martinez AM, Khu DT, Boo NY, Neou L, Saysanasongkham B, Partridge JC

J Paediatr Child Health, 2012 Sep;48(9):852-8.
PMID: 22970681 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2012.02544.x

Hospital care and advanced medical technologies for sick neonates are increasingly available, but not always readily accessible, in many countries. We characterised parents' and providers' perceptions of barriers to neonatal care in developing countries.

MeSH terms: Adult; Asia, Southeastern; Child Health Services/supply & distribution*; Developing Countries*; Female; Health Services Accessibility*; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Male; Parents/psychology*; Quality of Health Care; Health Care Surveys; Qualitative Research; Young Adult
Reduction of mycotoxins in white pepper

Jalili M, Jinap S

Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2012;29(12):1947-58.
PMID: 22971039 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2012.719640

A simple method for the reduction of aflatoxins B₁ (AFB₁), B₂ (AFB₂), G₁ (AFG₁), G₂ (AFG₂) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in white pepper was studied. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to determine the effect of four variables, which included time (20-60 min), temperature (30-70°C), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) (0-1%) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) (1-3%) during the washing step of white pepper. The efficacy of the method was evaluated by the determination of mycotoxins by HPLC with fluorescence detection (FD). Statistical analysis showed that the experimental data could be adequately fitted into a second-order polynomial model, with a multiple regression coefficient (R²) in the range of 0.805-0.907 for AFG₂ and AFG₁, respectively. The optimal condition was 57.8 min, 62.0°C, of 0.6% (w/v) and 2.8% (v/v) for time, temperature, Ca(OH)₂ and H₂O₂ respectively. By applying the optimum condition, the mycotoxins reduction was found to be in the range of 68.5-100% for AFB₂ and AFG₁ respectively.

MeSH terms: Aflatoxins/analysis; Aflatoxins/chemistry; Calcium Hydroxide/chemistry; Color; Developing Countries; Food Contamination/prevention & control*; Food Handling/methods*; Hot Temperature; Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry; Indicators and Reagents; Malaysia; Mycotoxins/analysis*; Mycotoxins/chemistry; Ochratoxins/analysis; Ochratoxins/chemistry; Statistics as Topic; Time; Piper nigrum/chemistry*; Limit of Detection
Fulltext A structural study of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) and its cyclic dithiocarbonate derivative using NMR spectroscopy techniques

Hamzah R, Bakar MA, Khairuddean M, Mohammed IA, Adnan R

Molecules, 2012 Sep 12;17(9):10974-93.
PMID: 22971583 DOI: 10.3390/molecules170910974

A structural study of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) and its cyclic dithiocarbonate derivative was carried out using NMR spectroscopy techniques. The overlapping (1)H-NMR signals of ENR-50 at δ 1.56, 1.68-1.70, 2.06, 2.15-2.17 ppm were successfully assigned. In this work, the C=S and quaternary carbon of cyclic dithiocarbonate. All other (1)H- and (13)C-NMR chemical shifts of the derivative remain unchanged with respect to the ENR-50.

MeSH terms: Carbonates/chemistry*; Catalysis; Epoxy Compounds/chemistry*; Models, Molecular; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Rubber/chemistry*
Relationships between negative affect and academic achievement among secondary school students: the mediating effects of habituated exercise

Hashim HA, Freddy G, Rosmatunisah A

J Phys Act Health, 2012 Sep;9(7):1012-9.
PMID: 22971880

The current study was undertaken to examine the associations between self-determination, exercise habit, anxiety, depression, stress, and academic achievement among adolescents aged 13 and 14 years in eastern Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Anxiety/psychology; Depression/psychology; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mental Health*; Stress, Psychological/psychology; Students/psychology*; Exercise/psychology*; Self Report
Separate care for new mother and infant versus rooming-in for increasing the duration of breastfeeding

Jaafar SH, Lee KS, Ho JJ

Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2012.
PMID: 22972095 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006641.pub2

Separate care for a new mother and infant may affect the duration of breastfeeding, breastfeeding behaviour and may have an adverse effect on neonatal and maternal outcomes.

MeSH terms: Breast Feeding/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Humans; Infant Care/methods*; Infant, Newborn; Nurseries, Hospital*; Postnatal Care/methods*; Rooming-in Care/methods*; Time Factors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Tongue paraesthesia and dysgeusia post suspension laryngoscopy

Mohamad H, Mohamad I

Kobe J Med Sci, 2012;58(2):E60-2.
PMID: 22972170

Suspension laryngoscopy is a common laryngeal procedure in Endolaryngeal microsurgery (ELMS). Oral mucosa and dental injuries are the known complications of the procedure. Nerve injury however is an infrequent encounter. We report a rare complication of lingual nerve injury which manifested as tongue numbness and altered taste following Endolaryngeal microsurgery procedure. The condition improved completely after few months of conservative management.

MeSH terms: Dysgeusia/etiology*; Female; Humans; Laryngoscopy/adverse effects*; Middle Aged; Paresthesia/etiology*; Tongue Diseases/etiology*; Lingual Nerve Injuries/etiology*
Fulltext The influence of the patient size and geometry on cone beam-computed tomography hounsfield unit

Ping HS, Kandaiya S

J Med Phys, 2012 Jul;37(3):155-8.
PMID: 22973083 DOI: 10.4103/0971-6203.99239

The objective of this work is to study the influence of the patient size and geometry on CBCT Hounsfield Unit and the accuracy of calibration Hounsfield Unit to electron density (HU-ED) using patient specific HU-ED mapping method for dose calculation. Two clinical cases, namely nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) case and prostate case for 4 patients with different size and geometry were enrolled to assess the impact of size and geometry on CBCT Hounsfield Unit. The accuracy of the patient specific HU-ED mapping method was validated by comparing dose distributions based on planning CT and CBCT, dose-volume based indices and the digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) by analyzing their line profile plots. Significant differences in Hounsfield unit and line profile plots were found for NPC and prostate cases. The doses computed based on planning CT data sets and CBCT datasets for both clinical cases agree to within 1% for planning target volumes and 3% for organs at risk. The data shows that there are high dependence of HU on patient size and geometry; thus, the use of one CBCT HU-ED calibration curve made of one size and geometry will not be accurate for use with a patient of different size and geometry.
Fulltext Modification of palm kernel oil esters nanoemulsions with hydrocolloid gum for enhanced topical delivery of ibuprofen

Salim N, Basri M, Rahman MB, Abdullah DK, Basri H

Int J Nanomedicine, 2012;7:4739-47.
PMID: 22973096 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S34700

During recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of nanoemulsion as a drug-carrier system for topical delivery. A nanoemulsion is a transparent mixture of oil, surfactant and water with a very low viscosity, usually the product of its high water content. The present study investigated the modification of nanoemulsions with different hydrocolloid gums, to enhanced drug delivery of ibuprofen. The in vitro characterization of the initial and modified nanoemulsions was also studied.

MeSH terms: Administration, Topical; Animals; Colloids; Emulsions/chemical synthesis*; Esters; Ibuprofen/administration & dosage*; Ibuprofen/pharmacokinetics*; Ibuprofen/chemistry; Male; Plant Oils/chemical synthesis*; Skin Absorption/physiology*; Rats, Wistar; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic/administration & dosage; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic/pharmacokinetics; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic/chemistry; Rats; Plant Gums/chemistry*; Nanocapsules/administration & dosage; Nanocapsules/ultrastructure; Nanocapsules/chemistry*; In Vitro Techniques
Fulltext Semistructured black-box prediction: proposed approach for asthma admissions in London

Soyiri IN, Reidpath DD

Int J Gen Med, 2012;5:693-705.
PMID: 22973117 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S34647

Asthma is a global public health problem and the most common chronic disease among children. The factors associated with the condition are diverse, and environmental factors appear to be the leading cause of asthma exacerbation and its worsening disease burden. However, it remains unknown how changes in the environment affect asthma over time, and how temporal or environmental factors predict asthma events. The methodologies for forecasting asthma and other similar chronic conditions are not comprehensively documented anywhere to account for semistructured noncausal forecasting approaches. This paper highlights and discusses practical issues associated with asthma and the environment, and suggests possible approaches for developing decision-making tools in the form of semistructured black-box models, which is relatively new for asthma. Two statistical methods which can potentially be used in predictive modeling and health forecasting for both anticipated and peak events are suggested. Importantly, this paper attempts to bridge the areas of epidemiology, environmental medicine and exposure risks, and health services provision. The ideas discussed herein will support the development and implementation of early warning systems for chronic respiratory conditions in large populations, and ultimately lead to better decision-making tools for improving health service delivery.
Fulltext The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences in its 18th year: a look at the journal's growth

Abdul Latiff D, Irfan M, Jafri Malin A

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):1-4.
PMID: 22973132

As a small-although growing-journal based in Malaysia, the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) has faced several challenges in the past, such as promoting our journal as well as making sure our article bank does not go empty. However, we strive to improve ourselves by taking all means necessary to increase the quantity and, most importantly, quality of our publications, as well as to increase our journal's visibility and citability. This editorial will focus on MJMS statistics throughout 2011-where MJMS turned 18-as well as future plans for our journal.

MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena; Biometry; Malaysia; Medicine; Publications
Fulltext Comparison of job satisfaction among eight health care professions in private (non-government) settings

Chen AH, Jaafar SN, Noor AR

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):19-26.
PMID: 22973134 MyJurnal

A comparison of the job satisfaction of health care professionals has not been well studied in Malaysia. This study aimed to compare the job satisfaction level among 8 groups of health care professionals in private settings, using the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS).

MeSH terms: Health Personnel; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires
Fulltext The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the young and middle-aged rural population in Sarawak, Malaysia

Chang CT, Lee PY, Cheah WL

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):27-34.
PMID: 22973135 MyJurnal

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) was the second leading cause of death in Malaysia in 2006. CHD has known risk factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity.
Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among 260 participants aged 20 to 65 years in a rural community in Sarawak.
Results: The prevalences of overweight and obesity in this study were 39.6% and 11.9%, respectively. Approximately 13% of participants had hypertension, and 1.5% had a random blood sugar greater than 11.1 mmol/L. Chi-square tests showed significant associations between obesity and gender (P = 0.007), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and race (P = 0.05), high total cholesterol and age (P = 0.007), age and hypertension (P = 0.011), smoking and gender (P < 0.001), and smoking and income (P = 0.050). Age-adjusted logistic regression showed that women were 0.246 times more likely to be obese, that older participants (> 45 years) were 0.395 times more likely to have high cholesterol and that those with a higher monthly household income (> RM830) were 2.471 times more likely to smoke.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that we should be concerned about the high rates of overweight in this rural community to prevent obesity.
Study site: 8 villages, Serian district, Sarawak, Malaysia
Keywords: adult; cardiovascular diseases; epidemiology; obesity; prevalence; risk factors.

MeSH terms: Borneo; Cause of Death; Coronary Disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Hypertension; Malaysia; Obesity; Risk Factors
Fulltext Perceived effects of the Malaysian National Tobacco Control Programme on adolescent smoking cessation: a qualitative study

Tohid H, Ishak N, Muhammad NA, Ahmad FN, Aziz AA, Omar K

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):35-47.
PMID: 22973136 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of teenage smoking has decreased over the past decade following the implementation of the national tobacco control programme. However, the effect of the programme on smoking cessation in teenagers has not been determined.
METHODS: Twenty-eight participants (12 teenagers, 8 teachers, and 8 doctors) were interviewed using 5 in-depth interviews and 3 group discussions. Social cognitive theory (SCT) was applied as the theoretical framework. Semi-structured interview protocols were used, and thematic analysis and analytic generalisation utilising SCT were performed.
RESULTS: The current national tobacco control programme was found to be ineffective in promoting smoking cessation among teenagers. The participants attributed the ineffective campaign to the followings: inadequacy of message content, lack of exposure to the programme, and poor presentation and execution. In addition, the participants perceived the developed tobacco control policies to be a failure based on poor law enforcement, failure of retailers to comply with the law, social availability of cigarettes to teenagers, and easy availability of cheap, smuggled cigarettes. This study highlighted that the programme-related problems (environmental factors) were not the only factors contributing to its perceived ineffectiveness. The cunning behaviour of the teenagers (personal factor) and poor self-efficacy to overcome nicotine addiction (behavioural factor) were also found to hinder cessation.
CONCLUSION: Tobacco control programmes should include strategies beyond educating teenagers about smoking and restricting their access to cigarettes. Strategies to manage the cunning behaviour of teenagers and strategies to improve their self-efficacy should also be implemented. These comprehensive programmes should have a foundation in SCT, as this theory demonstrates the complex interactions among the environmental, personal, and behavioural factors that influence teenage smoking.
KEYWORDS: adolescent; health campaigns; qualitative research; tobacco cessation; tobacco smoking

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Humans; Smoking; Tobacco; Prevalence; Smoking Cessation
Fulltext Comparison of refractive error and visual impairment between Native Iban and Malay in a formal government school vision loss prevention programme

Bakar NF, Chen AH, Noor AR, Goh PP

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):48-55.
PMID: 22973137 MyJurnal

The epidemiological study of vision problems is important for developing national strategies for the prevention of visual impairment. There was a lack of information regarding vision problems among school children in East Malaysia. The purpose of this study was to compare the refractive errors and degrees of visual impairment between Native Iban and Malay school children who participated in a formal government vision loss prevention programme conducted in a rural area of Betong Division, Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Blindness; Child; Government; Humans; Malaysia; Refractive Errors; Vision Disorders; Vision, Low; Epidemiologic Studies
Relationship between food habits and tooth erosion occurrence in Malaysian University students

Manaf ZA, Lee MT, Ali NH, Samynathan S, Jie YP, Ismail NH, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):56-66.
PMID: 22973138 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: Tooth erosion is a growing dental problem; however, the role of diet in the aetiology of tooth erosion is unclear. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the association between tooth erosion occurrence and the consumption of acidic foods and drinks among undergraduate university students.
METHODS: A total of 150 undergraduate students (33 males and 117 females) aged 19 to 24 years at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia participated in this study. The Basic Erosive Wear Examination was used to assess the occurrence of tooth erosion. Information regarding dental hygiene practices, usual dietary habits, and consumption of acidic foods and drinks was obtained through a structured questionnaire.
RESULTS: In all, 68% of subjects had tooth erosion. Subjects who reported having received information about healthy eating were less likely to have tooth erosion (χ(2) [1, N = 150] = 7.328, P = 0.007). The frequencies of milk (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.13-0.67) and tea/coffee (adjusted OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19-0.95) consumption were negatively associated with tooth erosion. Dental hygiene practice, the frequency and amount of acidic food and drink intake, and body mass index classification were not significantly associated with the risk of tooth erosion (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of tooth erosion was observed among this group of students. Preventive measures, such as dietary advice and increased consumption of milk at a younger age, may reduce the occurrence of tooth erosion among this age group.
Fulltext Isolated blunt lingual artery injury secondary to a road traffic accident: diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Mawaddah A, Goh BS, Kew TY, Rozman Z

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):77-81.
PMID: 22973141 MyJurnal

Neurologic and airway compromise as a result of traumatic vascular injuries to the neck region often lead to more severe complications and thus require special consideration. Furthermore, these cases pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to healthcare providers. Here, we report a case of a 28-year-old motorcyclist presenting with progressively enlarged Zone 2 neck swelling on the left side following a high impact collision. There were no symptoms or signs suggesting neurologic or laryngeal injury. Computed tomography angiogram of the neck revealed signs of an active arterial bleed. The apparent vascular injury was managed by close observation for signs of airway compromise, urgent angiogram, and selective catheter embolisation of the left lingual artery. The patient subsequently recovered without further operative exploration of the neck. At 6 months post-trauma, the neck swelling fully subsided with no complications from angioembolisation. This case illustrates the individualised treatment and multidisciplinary approach in managing such cases. We review our rationale for this diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

MeSH terms: Angiography; Arteries; Health Personnel; Humans; Neck; Neck Injuries; Vascular System Injuries; Computed Tomography Angiography
Fulltext Breast carcinoma occurring from chronic granulomatous mastitis

Mazlan L, Suhaimi SN, Jasmin SJ, Latar NH, Adzman S, Muhammad R

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):82-5.
PMID: 22973142 MyJurnal

Chronic granulomatous mastitis is known as a benign and relatively rare disorder that is often difficult to differentiate from breast carcinoma. We highlight the case of a 34-year-old woman who had recurrent episodes of right breast swelling and abscess for 8 years. These were proven to be chronic granulomatous mastitis by tissue biopsies on 3 different occasions. Her condition improved on similar courses of antibiotics and high-dose prednisolone. However, she subsequently developed progressive loss of vision due to an orbital tumour. She then underwent a craniotomy and left orbital decompression with excision of the tumour, which proved to be a metastatic carcinoma. A trucut biopsy of the right breast was then done and showed features consistent with an infiltrating ductal carcinoma. This case illustrates the possibility that chronic granulomatous mastitis could be a precursor for malignancy and the difficulty in differentiating one from the other. The possible mechanisms of development and the implications for future management are also discussed.

MeSH terms: Abscess; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biopsy; Breast Neoplasms; Craniotomy; Female; Humans; Prednisolone; Carcinoma, Ductal; Granulomatous Mastitis
Fulltext Acute lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to small bowel ascariasis

Stephen DD, Siow SL

Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):92-5.
PMID: 22973144 MyJurnal

Acute lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to small bowel ascariasis is extremely rare. A high level of suspicion should be maintained when dealing with acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage in migrants and travellers. Small bowel examination is warranted when carefully repeated upper and lower endoscopies have failed to elicit the source of bleeding. Appropriate test selection is determined by the availability of local expertise. We present a case of acute lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to jejunal ascariasis and a literature search on lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage associated with jejunal infestation with Ascaris.

MeSH terms: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Intestine, Small; Jejunum; Transients and Migrants

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