A randomized complete block design was used to characterize the relationship between production of total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carbohydrate content, leaf gas exchange, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), soluble protein, invertase and antioxidant enzyme activities (ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Labisia pumila Benth var. alata under four levels of potassium fertilization experiments (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg K/ha) conducted for 12 weeks. It was found that the production of total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and carbohydrate content was affected by the interaction between potassium fertilization and plant parts. As the potassium fertilization levels increased from 0 to 270 kg K/ha, the production of soluble protein and PAL activity increased steadily. At the highest potassium fertilization (270 kg K/ha) L. pumila exhibited significantly higher net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g(s)), intercellular CO(2) (C(i)), apparent quantum yield (ξ) and lower dark respiration rates (R(d)), compared to the other treatments. It was found that the production of total phenolics, flavonoids and ascorbic acid are also higher under 270 kg K/ha compared to 180, 90 and 0 kg K/ha. Furthermore, from the present study, the invertase activity was also found to be higher in 270 kg K/ha treatment. The antioxidant enzyme activities (APX, CAT and SOD) were lower under high potassium fertilization (270 kg K/ha) and have a significant negative correlation with total phenolics and flavonoid production. From this study, it was observed that the up-regulation of leaf gas exchange and downregulation of APX, CAT and SOD activities under high supplementation of potassium fertilizer enhanced the carbohydrate content that simultaneously increased the production of L. pumila secondary metabolites, thus increasing the health promoting effects of this plant.
We report a case of a young man who presented with a left-sided pneumothorax after suffering an accidental penetrating injury by a sewing needle to the anterior chest wall. Chest radiograph and the computed tomography of the thorax revealed that the needle was in the pleural cavity and there was an associated pneumothorax. An attempt at retrieval by direct incision failed. The sewing needle was successfully retrieved by a medical pleuroscopy. The patient recovered without any consequences and was discharged home after 24 hours of observation.
Current two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonic marker measurements are inherent with intra- and inter-observer variability limitations. The objective of this paper is to investigate the performance of conventional 2D ultrasonic marker measurements and proposed programmable interactive three-dimensional (3D) marker evaluation. This is essentially important to analyze that the measurement on 3D volumetric measurement possesses higher impact and reproducibility vis-à-vis 2D measurement. Twenty three cases of prenatal ultrasound examination were obtained from collaborating hospital after Ethical Committee's approval. The measured 2D ultrasonic marker is Nuchal Translucency or commonly abbreviated as NT. Descriptive analysis of both 2D and 3D ultrasound measurement were calculated. Three trial measurements were taken for each method. Both data were tested with One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test and results indicate that markers measurements were distributed normally with significant parametric values at 0.621 and 0.596 respectively. Computed mean and standard deviation for both measurement methods are 1.4495 ± 0.46490 (2D) and 1.3561 ± 0.50994 (3D). ANOVA test shows that computerized 3D measurements were found to be insignificantly different from the mean of conventional 2D at the significance level of 0.05. With Pearson's correlation coefficient value or R = 0.861, the result proves strong positive linear correlation between 2D and 3D ultrasonic measurements. Reproducibility and accuracy of 3D ultrasound in NT measurement was significantly increased compared with 2D B-mode ultrasound prenatal assessment. 3D reconstructed imaging has higher clinical values compare to 2D ultrasound images with less diagnostics information.
The primary aim of this study is to examine the effects of a backrest: using a prototype of a lumbar support presented in author's earlier study on the discomfort rating of the body parts of motorcyclist.
MeSH terms: Adolescent; Equipment Design; Female; Humans; Human Engineering*; Male; Motorcycles*; Posture*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
The genome sequence analysis of a clinical Vibrio cholerae VC35 strain from an outbreak case in Malaysia indicates multiple genes involved in host adaptation and a novel Na(+)-driven multidrug efflux pump-coding gene in the genome of Vibrio cholerae with the highest similarity to VMA_001754 of Vibrio mimicus VMA223.
Alcanivorax hongdengensis A-11-3(T) was isolated from an oil-enriched consortium enriched from the surface seawater of Hong-Deng dock in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Strain A-11-3(T) can degrade n-alkane and produce a lipopeptide biosurfactant. Here we report the genome of A-11-3(T) and the genes associated with alkane degradation.
DNA barcodes, typically focusing on the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) in many animals, have been used widely as a species-identification tool. The ability of DNA barcoding to distinguish species from a range of taxa and to reveal cryptic species has been well documented. Despite the wealth of DNA barcode data for fish from many temperate regions, there are relatively few available from the Southeast Asian region. Here, we target the marine fish Family Carangidae, one of the most commercially-important families from the Indo-Malay Archipelago (IMA), to produce an initial reference DNA barcode library.
MeSH terms: Animals; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics; Malaysia; Oceans and Seas; Perciformes/classification*; Perciformes/genetics*; Phylogeny; Evolution, Molecular; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic*
Exotic functions of antifreeze proteins (AFP) and antifreeze glycopeptides (AFGP) have recently been attracted with much interest to develop them as commercial products. AFPs and AFGPs inhibit ice crystal growth by lowering the water freezing point without changing the water melting point. Our group isolated the Antarctic yeast Glaciozyma antarctica that expresses antifreeze protein to assist it in its survival mechanism at sub-zero temperatures. The protein is unique and novel, indicated by its low sequence homology compared to those of other AFPs. We explore the structure-function relationship of G. antarctica AFP using various approaches ranging from protein structure prediction, peptide design and antifreeze activity assays, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies and molecular dynamics simulation. The predicted secondary structure of G. antarctica AFP shows several α-helices, assumed to be responsible for its antifreeze activity. We designed several peptide fragments derived from the amino acid sequences of α-helical regions of the parent AFP and they also showed substantial antifreeze activities, below that of the original AFP. The relationship between peptide structure and activity was explored by NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. NMR results show that the antifreeze activity of the peptides correlates with their helicity and geometrical straightforwardness. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation also suggests that the activity of the designed peptides can be explained in terms of the structural rigidity/flexibility, i.e., the most active peptide demonstrates higher structural stability, lower flexibility than that of the other peptides with lower activities, and of lower rigidity. This report represents the first detailed report of downsizing a yeast AFP into its peptide fragments with measurable antifreeze activities.
Mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has recently re-emerged globally. The epidemic East/Central/South African (ECSA) strains have spread for the first time to Asia, which previously only had endemic Asian strains. In Malaysia, the ECSA strain caused an extensive nationwide outbreak in 2008, while the Asian strains only caused limited outbreaks prior to this. To gain insight into these observed epidemiological differences, we compared genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of CHIKV of Asian and ECSA genotypes isolated in Malaysia.
Objective. To examine the accuracy of Moyers 50%, Tanaka and Johnston, Ling and Wong and Jaroontham and Godfrey methods in predicting the mesio-distal crown width of the permanent canines and premolars (C + P(1) + P(2)) in Malay population. Materials and Methods. The study models of 240 Malay children (120 males and 120 females) aged 14 to 18 years, all free of any signs of dental pathology or anomalies, were measured using a digital caliper accurate to 0.01 mm. The predicted widths (C + P(1) + P(2)) in both arches derived from the tested prediction equations were compared with the actual measured widths. Results. Moyers and Tanaka and Johnston methods showed significant difference between the actual and predicted widths of (C + P(1) + P(2)) for both sexes. Ling and Wong method also showed statistically significant difference for males, however, there was no significant difference for females. Jaroontham and Godfrey method showed statistical significant difference for females, but the male values did not show any significant difference. Conclusion. For male Malay, the method proposed by Jaroontham and Godfrey for male Thai proved to be highly accurate. For female Malay, the method proposed by Ling and Wong for southern Chinese females proved to be highly accurate.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic disease that leads to weight loss and muscle dysfunction resulting in an increase in mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of malnutrition and nutritional status and also factors associated with nutritional status. A total of 149 subjects were involved in the cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at two medical centers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The results of the study showed that malnutrition was more prevalent (52.4%) in the subjects with severe stages of COPD as compared to mild and moderate COPD stages (26.2%) (P < 0.05). Fat-free mass depletion as assessed using fat-free mass index (FFMI) affected 41.9% of the subjects. Plasma vitamin A, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and handgrip were the predictors for body mass index (BMI) (R(2) = 0.190, P < 0.001). Plasma vitamin A and force expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) were the predictors of FFMI (R(2) = 0.082, P = 0.007). BMI was the predictor of respiratory factors, that is, FEV(1)% predicted (R(2) = 0.052, P = 0.011). It can be concluded that there is a need to identify malnourished COPD patients for an appropriate nutrition intervention.
Study site: outpatient clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Institute of Respiratory Medicine
This study was carried out to evaluate the genetic effect of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conferring drought tolerance in wheat. A population of 120 F(2) individuals from the cross between the drought-tolerant S-78-11 and drought-sensitive Tajan cultivars were analyzed for their segregation under drought stress conditions. The relative water content under drought stress conditions exhibited continuous variation, indicating the minor gene effects on the trait. Single-marker analysis (SMA) was carried out to detect the main QTL association with drought tolerance. The SMA results revealed that the simple sequence repeat markers GWM182 and GWM292 on chromosome 5D and GWM410 on chromosome 5A exhibited significant association with drought tolerance, accounting for 30, 22, and 21% of the total variation, respectively. The 3 genetic loci, especially GWM182, can be used in marker-assisted selection methods in drought tolerance breeding in wheat.
A1. The post discharge stroke care services in Malaysia: a pilot analysis of self-reported practices of family medicine specialists at public health centres
Authors: Aznida Firzah Abdul Aziz, Nor Azah Aziz, Saperi Sulong and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A2. Home-based carer-assisted therapy for people with stroke: findings from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nor Azlin Mohd Nordin, Noor Azah Aziz, Saperi Sulong and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A3. Disaster management: a study on knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency nurse and community health nurse
Authors: Nurul’Ain Ahayalimudin, Aniza Ismail and Ismail Mohd Saiboon
A4. Patient-reported outcomes after one year of periodontal treatment at public specialist dental clinics in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Tuti Ningseh Mohd Dom, Syed Mohamed Al Junid, Mohd Rizal Abd Manaf, Khairiyah Abd Muttalib, Ahmad Sharifuddin Mohd Asari, Rasidah Ayob, Yuhaniz Ahmad Yaziz, Noorlin Ishak, Hanizah Abdul Aziz and Noordin Kasan
A5. Level of patients' satisfaction toward National Health Insurance in Istanbul City-Turkey
Authors: Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Zafar Ahmed and Ammar Jawdat
A6. Epidemiological pattern of acute respiratory infection among under-fives in Almazar Aljanoubi District -South Jordan
Authors: Ibrahim Al-nawaiseh, Ahmad Alkafajei, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Zaleha Md Isa, Nedal Awad Alnawaiseh and Samar Jameel Salahat
A7. Function and quality of life following stroke rehabilitation: have our stroke patients gained optimum recovery?
Authors: Nor Azlin Mohd Nordin, Noor Azah Aziz, Saperi Sulong and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A8. Health impact of intimate partner violence and implication on services in Malaysia
Authors: Siti Hawa Ali, Tengku Nur Fadzilah Tengku Hassan, Halim Salleh and Harmy Mohamed Yusoff
A9. Human impact and financial loss of floods in Southeast Asia, from 2007 to 2011
Authors: Isidore Koffi Kouadio, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A10. Factors affecting demand for individual health insurance in Malaysia
Authors: Arpah Abu Bakar, Angappan Regupathi, Syed Mohamed Aljunid and Mohd Azahadi Omar
A11. Case control study on risk factors associated with esophageal cancer in Yemen
Authors: Al-abed Ali Ahmed Al-abed, Azmi Mohd Tamil and Sami Abdo Radman Al-Dubai
A12. Obesity and the poor women living in urban slum areas: health system response
Authors: Digna N Purwaningrum, Mubasysyir Hasanbasri and Laksono Trisnantoro
A13. Potential of mobile technology in meeting the public health needs in developing countries
Authors: Isidore Koffi Kouadio, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, Namaitijiang Maimaiti, Azam Rahimi and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A14. Quality of life among Jordanian patients on haemodialysis and their caregivers
Authors: Emad A Shdaifat and Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf
A15. Patient satisfaction with services in physiotherapy clinics: a cross sectional study at teaching hospitals in Klang Valley
Authors: Mohamad Nasaruddin Mahdzir and Aniza Ismail
A16. How should the health system react to informal drug dispensaries? The case of self-medication in Yogyakarta Province
Authors: Eunice Setiawan, Mubasysyir Hasanbasri and Laksono Trisnantoro
A17. Cervical cancer in Malaysia: can we improve our screening and preventive practice?
Authors: Shanthi Varatharajan, M Majdah, Syed Aljunid, Won-Sun Chen, A Mukarramah and Chee-Meng Yong
A18. Burden of risk factors for non-communicable diseases: an epidemiological review of the evidence from INDEPTH Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in Indonesia
Authors: Dwidjo Susilo, Istiti Kandarina, Siwi Padmawati and Laksono Trisnantoro
A19. Carbonated drinks, chips intake and their relation to Intelligence Quotient (IQ) among primary school children in Baghdad city, Iraq
Authors: Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, Zaleha Md Isa, Mohammed A AbdalQader, Isidore Koffi Kouadio, Azam Rahimi, Namaitijiang Maimaiti and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A20. Outcomes of home health care and telephone home visit by pharmacist in type 2 diabetes patients on hospital readmission: a case study at Bangplama Hospital, Suphanburi Province, Thailand
Authors: Nilawan Upakdee and Suwicha Mankongdee
A21. Selection of HMG-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors using multiattribute scoring tool
Authors: Azuana Ramli, Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Saperi Sulong and Faridah Aryani Mohd Yusof
A22. Role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of sporadic colorectal cancer
Authors: Fung Lin Yong, Chee Wei Law and Chee Woon Wang
A23. Health systems, policies and infant mortality in developing countries
Authors:David Baguma, Jamal Hisham Hashim and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A24. Health system for maternal health – a case study from Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Tiara Marthias and Laksono Trisnantoro
A25. Main challenges in developing biotechnology industry in Malaysia: perspectives from the innovative biotechnology firms
Authors: Gulifeiya Abuduxike, Syed Mohamed Aljunid and Saperi Sulong
A26. Periodontal disease as an indicator of chronic non-communicable diseases: evidence from literatures
Authors:Tuti Ningseh Mohd Dom, Shahida Mohd Said, Aznida Firzah Abdul Aziz, Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A27. Alert Village: an awareness and health promotion programme on healthy behaviors
Authors: Asmaripa Ainy, Misnaniarti Makky and Nur Alam Fajar
A28. Burden of non-communicable diseases among the Orang Asli community and patient satisfaction on non-communicable diseases management at public health facilities
Authors: Netty Darwina and Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh
A29. Beta-thalassaemia major – a public health problem in Malaysia: impacts, coping strategies and needs of parents with affected children
Authors: Nursalihah Muhammad, Jin Ai Mary Anne Tan, Elizabeth George and Wong Li Ping
A30. Incidence of bacterial meningitis in South East Asia region
Authors: Namaitijiang Maimaiti, Zaleha Md Isa, Azam Rahimi, Isidore Koffi Kouadio, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A31. Evidence-based budgeting policy in maternal and child health programme: do they work?
Authors: M Faozi Kurniawan, Deni Harbianto, Digna Purwaningrum and Tiara Marthias
A32. Improving mental health policy in the case of schizophrenia in Thailand: evidence-based information for efficient solutions
Authors: Pudtan Phanthunane, Theo Vos, Harvey Whiteford and Melanie Bertram
A33. A study on social determinants of infant mortality in Malaysia
Authors: Amaluddin Ahmad
A34. Expression of circulating micro-RNAs in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Soh Zi Ling, Chee Kok Han, Wong Chew Ming and Wang Chee Woon
A35. The influence of mother’s embrace on the level of infant pain during injection
Authors:Arie Kusumaningrum and Regina Natalia
A36. Information needs as perceived by caregivers and patients following stroke: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Nor Haty Hassan, Syed Mohamed Aljunid and Peter Davis
A37. Factors influencing willingness to pay for healthcare
Authors: Azimatun Noor Aizuddin, Saperi Sulong and Syed Mohamed Aljunid
A38. Influence of antenatal care on birth weight: a cross sectional study in Baghdad City, Iraq
Authors: Mohammed A Abdal Qader, Idayu Badilla, Rahmah Mohd Amin and Hasanain Faisal Ghazi
A39. Asthma treatment adherence among asthmatic patients in Yazd
Authors: Azam Rahimi, Saperi Sulong, Namaitijiang Maimaiti, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, Koffi Isidore Kouadio and Hidayatulfathi Othman
A40. Cost analysis of colorectal cancer (CRC) management in UKM Medical Centre using clinical pathway
Authors: Natrah Mohd, Sharifa Ezat, Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf, Saperi Sulong, Ismail Sagap and Muhd Azrif
MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care*; Health Policy*; Humans; Malaysia
Edible bird's nest (EBN) is made of the swiftlets' saliva, which has attracted rather more attention owing to its nutritious and medical properties. Although protein constitutes the main composition and plays an important role in EBN, few studies have focused on the proteomic profile of EBN. The purpose of this study was to produce a proteomic map and clarify common EBN proteins. Liquid-phase isoelectric focusing (LIEF) was combined with two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) for comprehensive analysis of EBN proteins. From 20 to 100 protein spots were detected on 2-DE maps of EBN samples from 15 different sources. The proteins were mainly distributed in four taxa (A, B, C, and D) according to their molecular mass. Taxa A and D both contained common proteins and proteins that may be considered another characteristic of EBN. Taxon A was identified using MALDI-TOF-TOF/MS and found to be homologous to acidic mammalian chitinase-like ( Meleagris gallopavo ), which is in glycosyl hydrolase family 18.
Interindividual variability in drug response and the emergence of adverse drug effects are the main causes of treatment failure in cancer therapy. Functional membrane drug transporters play important roles in altering pharmacokinetic profile, resistance to treatment, toxicity and patient survival. Pharmacogenetic studies of these transporters are expected to provide new approaches for optimizing therapy. Taxanes are approved for the treatment of various cancers. Circulating taxanes are taken up by SLCO1B3 into hepatocytes. The CYP450 enzymes CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP2C8 are responsible for the conversion of taxanes into their metabolites. Ultimately, ABCB1 and ABCC2 will dispose the metabolites into bile canaliculi. Polymorphisms of genes encoding for proteins involved in the transport and clearance of taxanes reduce excretion of the drugs, leading to development of toxicity in patients. This review addresses current knowledge on genetic variations of transporters affecting taxanes pharmacokinetics and toxicity, and provides insights into future direction for personalized medicine.
MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Pharmacogenetics*; Paclitaxel/therapeutic use; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Organic Anion Transporters, Sodium-Independent/genetics*; Precision Medicine
Vanillin is the substance responsible for the flavor and smell of vanilla, a widely used flavoring agent. Previous studies reported that vanillin is a good antimutagen and anticarcinogen. However, there are also some contradicting findings showing that vanillin was a comutagen and cocarcinogen. This study investigated whether vanillin is an anticarcinogen or a cocarcinogen in rats induced with azoxymethane (AOM). Rats induced with AOM will develop aberrant crypt foci (ACF). AOM-challenged rats were treated with vanillin orally and intraperitoneally at low and high concentrations and ACF density, multiplicity, and distribution were observed. The gene expression of 14 colorectal cancer-related genes was also studied. Results showed that vanillin consumed orally had no effect on ACF. However, high concentrations (300 mg/kg body weight) of vanillin administered through intraperitoneal injection could increase ACF density and ACF multiplicity. ACF were mainly found in the distal colon rather than in the mid-section and proximal colon. The expression of colorectal cancer biomarkers, protooncogenes, recombinational repair, mismatch repair, and cell cycle arrest, and tumor suppressor gene expression were also affected by vanillin. Vanillin was not cocarcinogenic when consumed orally. However, it was cocarcinogenic when being administered intraperitoneally at high concentration. Hence, the use of vanillin in food should be safe but might have cocarcinogenic potential when it is used in high concentration for therapeutic purposes.
Computer-based clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are regarded as a key element to enhance decision-making in a healthcare environment to improve the quality of medical care delivery. The concern of having new CDSS unused is still one of the biggest issues in developing countries for the developers and implementers of clinical IT systems. The main objectives of this study are to determine whether (1) the physician's perceived professional autonomy, (2) involvement in the decision to implement CDSS and (3) the belief that CDSS will improve job performance increase the intention to adopt CDSS. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested.
MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Attitude to Computers*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diffusion of Innovation; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Medical Staff, Hospital/psychology*; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Professional Autonomy*; Decision Support Systems, Clinical*; Intention*; Young Adult
The simian parasite Plasmodium knowlesi is a common cause of human malaria in Malaysian Borneo, with a particularly high incidence in Kudat, Sabah. Little is known however about the epidemiology in this substantially deforested region.
MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Family Health; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaria/epidemiology*; Malaria/parasitology*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Cluster Analysis; Plasmodium knowlesi/isolation & purification*; Age Distribution; Young Adult
Octyl cyanoacrylate has been used for many years for simple skin closure, but its use in hypospadias repair and as a urethral stent fixator has not been previously reported. We report our experience.