Browse publications by year: 2012

1. Fulltext A Study of Psychological Distress in Two Cohorts of First-Year Medical Students that Underwent Different Admission Selection Processes

   Yusoff MS, Rahim AF, Baba AA, Ismail SB, Esa AR

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Jul;19(3):29-35.

   PMID: 23610547 MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Medical training is often regarded as a stressful period. Studies have previously found that 21.6%-50% of medical students experience significant psychological distress. The present study compared the prevalence and levels of psychological distress between 2 cohorts of first-year medical students that underwent different admission selection processes.

   MeSH terms: Burnout, Professional; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Hospitalization; Humans; Stress, Psychological; Students, Medical; Prevalence
2. Fulltext Perceptions of receiving bad news about cancer among bone cancer patients in Sarawak General Hospital - A Descriptive Study

   Cheah WL, Dollah NB, Chang CT

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Jul;19(3):36-42.

   PMID: 23610548 MyJurnal

   Abstract

   This study aimed to determine the perceptions and expectations of bone cancer patients with respect to their doctors and the breaking of bad news as well as the environment in which the news was delivered.

   MeSH terms: Adult; Bone Neoplasms*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hospitals, General; Humans; Malaysia; Malaysia/ethnology; Male; Truth Disclosure*
3. Fulltext The perception, level of safety satisfaction and safety feedback on occupational safety and health management among hospital staff nurses in Sabah state health department

   Cheah WL, Giloi N, Chang CT, Lim JF

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Jul;19(3):57-63.

   PMID: 23610550

   Abstract

   This study aimed to determine the perception and level of safety satisfaction of staff nurses with regards to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management practice in the Sabah Health Department, and to associate the OSH management dimensions, to Safety Satisfaction and Safety Feedback.

   MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Nurses; Safety*; Occupational Health*
4. Fulltext Mild paediatric head injury: the diagnostic value of physical examinations compared with computed tomographic scans

   Farizal F, Mohd Haspani MS

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Jul;19(3):64-8.

   PMID: 23610551 MyJurnal

   Abstract

   The study objective was to determine the diagnostic value of physical examinations for positive computer tomography (CT) scans in children with mild head injuries. Retrospective data of patients evaluated for mild head injuries with loss of consciousness (LOC) or amnesia were reviewed. Estimations of prevalence, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated. Agreement between the physical examinations and CT brain scans was calculated using the Kappa test. 225 patients were included in the study. Of this group, 19.56% of patients had positive CT scans and 7.56% had normal physical examinations. 15 underwent neurosurgical intervention. For positive CT scans, sensitivity and specificity were 61.36% and 60.22%, respectively. Agreement between physical examinations and CT scans was Kappa = 0.147 (P < 0.05), 95% CI (0.035, 0.259). The present study demonstrated that physical examinations were significantly associated with positive CT scans (P = 0.01). However, the calculated Kappa value showed only slight agreement between these 2 variables and the low sensitivity and specificity of the physical examinations suggest that intracranial pathology in children with mild head injuries and LOC or amnesia cannot be excluded based on physical examinations alone.

   MeSH terms: Amnesia; Brain; Child; Craniocerebral Trauma; Humans; Physical Examination; Radionuclide Imaging; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Unconsciousness; Prevalence
5. Fournier's Gangrene: A Case of Neglected Symptoms with Devastating Physical Loss

   Singam P, Wei KT, Ruffey A, Lee J, Chou TG

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Jul;19(3):81-4.

   PMID: 23610554

   Abstract

   Fournier's gangrene is a severe life-threatening infection involving the perianal area, perineum, and external genitalia. It demands prompt recognition, critical care therapy, surgical therapy, and a combination of antibiotics. The infection commonly spreads via the fascial planes and causes superficial vascular thrombosis within the Colles' fascia around the external genitalia. It can extend cephalad to involve the Scarpa's fascia and Camper's fascia in the abdominal wall. The treatment would include multiple debridements, which would result in disfiguring scars of the perineum and might lead to significant physical and psychological complications. We describe a case of a 58-years-old man presenting with Fournier's gangrene resulting from an infection of an impacted urethral stone. The patient previously had obstructive voiding symptoms for 1 month but chose to neglect them. The resultant infection was severe and caused penile and right testicular gangrene. He underwent multiple wound debridements, which included a total penectomy and right orchiectomy. Psychological and rehabilitative support was necessary for him to overcome his loss and disfigurement.

   MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cicatrix; Critical Care; Debridement; Fascia; Female; Gangrene; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Trauma; Orchiectomy; Penis; Perineum; Scrotum; Thrombosis; Vulva; Fournier Gangrene; Abdominal Wall
6. Eulogy - almarhum prof. Dr. Syed mohsin sahil jamalullail

   Dato' Dr Mohd Roslani Abdul Majid

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Jul;19(3):85-6.

   PMID: 23610555
7. Telemetric EEG and the rat: a guide for neuroscientists

   Abdullah JM, Rafiqul Islam M

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):1-5.

   PMID: 23613643

   Abstract

   Telemetric EEG in the rat's brain has been used for experiments which tests the effects of an antiepileptic compound on it's antiseizures activity. A simple classification correlating epileptiform discharge and Racine's behavioral activity is discussed.

   MeSH terms: Animals; Anticonvulsants; Body Fluids; Brain; Electroencephalography; Epilepsy; Humans; Patient Discharge; Rats
8. Fulltext The effectiveness of methadone maintenance therapy among opiate-dependants registered with Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II Kota Bharu, Kelantan

   Premila Devi J, Azriani AR, Zahiruddin WM, Mohd Ariff MN, Noor Hashimah A

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):17-22.

   PMID: 23613645

   Abstract

   BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of MMT program among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
   METHODS: The study was a retrospective study based on the records of injecting drug users (IDUs) involved in the MMT program from November 2005 to 31st Jan 2008, registered at the Psychiatric Clinic of Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II. Opiate Treatment Index (OTI) was used as the research instrument. Repeated measures ANCOVA was used to compare the mean scores during the entry period and after completing twelve months of MMT program after adjusted for age, marital status, and level of education.
   RESULTS: A total of 117 file records were reviewed. There was significant reduction in the mean scores after 12 months of heroin Q score, HIV Risk-taking Behavior Scale and health scale after adjusted for age, marital status, and level of education. For Heroin Q score, mean difference was 2.01 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.56), for HIV Risk-taking Behavior Scale, mean difference was 7.64 (95% CI: 6.03, 9.26), and for health scale, mean difference was 5.35(95% CI: 3.90, 6.79).
   CONCLUSION: This study supports the evidence that MMT program is effective in treating heroin and opiate dependence.
   KEYWORDS: Kelantan; intravenous drug users; methadone; opiate treatment index
   Study site: Psychiatric Clinic, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

   MeSH terms: Adult; Hospitals, General; Humans; Malaysia; Methadone; Opioid-Related Disorders; Retrospective Studies; Risk-Taking; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; Substance-Related Disorders; Drug Users
9. Fulltext Expression trend of selected ribosomal protein genes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

   Ma XR, Sim EU, Ling TY, Tiong TS, Subramaniam SK, Khoo AS

   Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):23-30.

   PMID: 23613646 MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Ribosomal proteins are traditionally associated with protein biosynthesis until recent studies that implicated their extraribosomal functions in human diseases and cancers. Our previous studies using GeneFishing™ DEG method and microarray revealed underexpression of three ribosomal protein genes, RPS26, RPS27, and RPL32 in cancer of the nasopharynx. Herein, we investigated the expression pattern and nucleotide sequence integrity of these genes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma to further delineate their involvement in tumourigenesis. The relationship of expression level with clinicopathologic factors was also statistically studied.

   MeSH terms: Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms*; Ribosomal Proteins*
10. Deep-fried keropok lekors Increase Oxidative Instability in Cooking Oils

    Kamisah Y, Shamil S, Nabillah MJ, Kong SY, Hamizah NA, Qodriyah HM, et al.

    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):57-62.

    PMID: 23613649

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: This study was performed to compare the oxidative quality of repeatedly heated palm and soybean oils, which were used to fry keropok lekors and potato chips.

    METHODS: A kilogramme of keropok lekors or potato chips was fried in 2.5 L of palm or soybean oil at 180 °C for 10 minutes. The frying process was repeated once and four times to obtain twice-heated and five-times-heated oils. The peroxide value and fatty acid composition of the oils were measured.

    RESULTS: Frequent heating significantly increased the peroxide values in both oils, with the five-times-heated oils having the highest peroxide values [five-times-heated palm: 14.26 ± 0.41 and 11.29 ± 0.58 meq/kg vs fresh: 2.13 ± 0.00, F (3,12) = 346.80, P < 0.001; five-times-heated soybean: 16.95 ± 0.39 and 12.90 ± 0.21 meq/kg vs fresh: 2.53 ± 0.00 oils, F (3,12) = 1755, P < 0.001, when used to fry keropok lekors and potato chips, respectively]. Overall, both oils showed significantly higher peroxide values when keropok lekors were fried in them compared with when potato chips were fried. In general, the heated soybean oil had significantly higher peroxide values than the heated palm oil. Fatty acid composition in the oils remained mostly unaltered by the heating frequency.

    CONCLUSION: keropok lekors, when used as the frying material, increased the peroxide values of the palm and soybean oils. Fatty acid composition was not much affected by the frequency of frying or the fried item used.
11. Fulltext Hodgkin lymphoma mimicking a large soft tissue sarcoma of the shoulder: the essential role of immunohistochemistry in histopathological diagnosis

    Zainal Abidin I, Zulkarnaen AN, Dk Norlida AO, Wai Hoong C, Huong Ling L

    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):72-6.

    PMID: 23613651 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    The shoulder and axillary regions contain various complex anatomical structures in close proximity, many of which can give rise to neoplasms. Determining the origin and hence the exact diagnosis of advanced (diffuse) tumours in this region may become problematic. In view of the tumour morphology and the affected location in this case, we highlighted the importance of Hodgkin lymphoma immunohistochemistry interpretation in a tumour which was initially suspected to be a soft tissue sarcoma.

    MeSH terms: Axilla; Hodgkin Disease; Immunohistochemistry; Sarcoma; Shoulder; Meridians
12. Spontaneous Reversibility of an Iatrogenic Orthodontic Elastic Band-induced Localized Periodontitis Following Surgical Intervention - Case Report

    Nettem S, Kumar Nettemu S, Kumar K, Reddy V, Siva Kumar P

    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):77-80.

    PMID: 23613652

    Abstract

    Orthodontic elastic bands are an important iatrogenic etiologic factor in the causation of periodontal attachment apparatus breakdown. Appropriate diagnosis and a well constructed treatment plan tailor-made to suit the requirements of the particular patient is imperative for management of periodontal lesions induced by subgingival retention of rubber band. There are conflicting reports regarding the reattachment and regeneration of lost periodontal supporting tissues in such cases. The present case report highlights the spontaneous reversal and correction of periodontal destruction due to iatrogenic orthodontic elastic band displacement deep into the subgingival tissues.

    MeSH terms: Biological Phenomena; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Periodontium; Regeneration; Rubber
13. Fulltext Penile augmentation with resultant foreign material granuloma and sequalae

    Inn FX, Imran FH, Ali MF, Ih R, Z Z

    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):81-3.

    PMID: 23613653 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Throughout history, a proportion of men appear to correlate penis size and dimensions directly with physical fitness and sexual prowess. Foreign materials, such as paraffin oil, paraffin balm, mineral oils, and silicone, have been used to promise an improvement in penile shaft contour and dimensions. These materials are injected directly into the penis; inducing granuloma formation to achieve increased penis length and girth. However, the result is a severely disfigured and swollen penis, which cannot achieve erection. Local complications of penile lipogranuloma include infection, ulceration, local migration, and cavernosal invasion; leading to functional impairment. Meanwhile, systemic complications include foreign body embolization, organ infarct, and death. Penile lipogranuloma is best treated surgically. Granulomatous skin needs to be completely excised; wound closure with a scrotal skin flap, Cecil's inlay operation and split thickness skin graft commonly used options. Our case series has shown that penile lipogranuloma, induced by subcutaneous foreign body injections into the penile shaft, and its subsequent adverse outcomes to patients and their partners.

    MeSH terms: Foreign Bodies; Granuloma; Humans; Inlays; Male; Mineral Oil; Paraffin; Penile Diseases; Penile Erection; Penis; Physical Fitness; Scrotum; Silicones
14. Fulltext Infant with a sudden, large, post-extubation subglottic cyst

    Asha'ari ZA, Suhaimi Y, Fadzil A, Zihni M

    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):84-7.

    PMID: 23613654 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Acquired subglottic cyst in infancy is almost always associated with episodes of early life intubation. Most cases typically presented late, usually days to months after extubation. We report a case of a subglottic cyst with different presentation than the norm. This case highlights that subglottic cyst can present acutely, and rapidly enlarging soon after the airway extubation. As the management of a large subglottic cyst can be challenging, a close observation for early diagnosis and intervention are recommended post extubation in the high-risk cases, such as in the premature infant.

    MeSH terms: Cysts; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Infant, Premature; Intubation; Laryngeal Diseases; Early Diagnosis; Airway Extubation
15. Letters to the editor

    Jacob PS, Nath S

    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Oct;19(4):88-9.

    PMID: 23613655
16. Effect of Neem Leaf Extract (Azadirachta indica) on c-Myc Oncogene Expression in 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells of BALB/c Mice

    Othman F, Motalleb G, Lam Tsuey Peng S, Rahmat A, Basri R, Pei Pei C

    Cell J, 2012;14(1):53-60.

    PMID: 23626938

    Abstract

    Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women both worldwide and in Malaysia. Azadirachta indica (A. Juss), commonly known as neem, is one of the most versatile medicinal plants that has gained worldwide prominence due to its medicinal properties. However, the anticancer effect of ethanolic neem leaf extract against breast cancer has not been documented. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of neem leaf extract on c-Myc oncogene expression in 4T1 breast cancer BALB/c mice.
17. Fulltext Effect of periodontal therapy on circulating levels of endotoxin in women with periodontitis: a pilot clinical trial

    Jacob SP, Nath S, Zade RM

    Indian J Dent Res, 2012 Nov-Dec;23(6):714-8.

    PMID: 23649051 DOI: 10.4103/0970-9290.111244

    Abstract

    Periodontitis is a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes due to the presence of a subgingival load of pathogenic bacteria. Instrumentation of periodontal pockets during treatment may result in bacteremia and/or endotoxemia.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Dental Plaque Index; Endotoxins/blood*; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Hemorrhage/therapy; Humans; Limulus Test; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket/therapy; Pilot Projects; Poverty; Rural Health; Dental Scaling/methods*; Root Planing/methods*; Periodontal Attachment Loss/therapy; Chronic Periodontitis/blood; Chronic Periodontitis/therapy*
18. Fulltext Dietary diversity is associated with nutritional status of Orang Asli children in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang

    Ey Chua EY, Zalilah MS, Ys Chin YS, Norhasmah S

    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Apr;18(1):1-13.

    PMID: 23713226 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    It is known that dietary diversity improves diet quality and nutritional status of young children. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary diversity and nutritional status of Orang Asli children in Krau Wildlife Reserve.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing Countries; Diet*; Educational Status; Female; Growth Disorders/epidemiology; Humans; Infant; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Mothers; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status*; Obesity/epidemiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Thinness/epidemiology*; Overweight/epidemiology
19. Fulltext Overweight and obesity among Malay primary school children in Kota Bharu, Kelantan: parental beliefs, attitudes and child feeding practices

    Wan AM, Norazawati AK, Lee YY

    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Apr;18(1):27-36.

    PMID: 23713227 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has become a major public health problem in Malaysia. Parents play an important role in child feeding especially among younger children.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Body Weight; Child; Diet/psychology*; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Nutritional Status; Obesity/epidemiology*; Parents/psychology*; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Schools; Body Mass Index; Overweight/epidemiology*
20. Fulltext Parental concerns and control in feeding of 9 to 12-year-old children in a primary school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Noor AM, Muthupalaniappen L, Shamsul AS, Hizlinda T, Khairani O, Fatimah A

    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Apr;18(1):47-55.

    PMID: 23713229 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Body weight of children is affected by many factors including food habits which are influenced by their parents. Studies in the West have shown that parents tend to control child feeding in response to their child's weight status. The aim of this study was to assess Malaysian parental concerns about child weight and the control they exert on child feeding.

    MeSH terms: Age Factors; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet/psychology*; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Parents/psychology*; Poverty; Surveys and Questionnaires; Schools*; Sex Factors; Thinness/epidemiology; Body Mass Index; Overweight/epidemiology; Overweight/prevention & control; Overweight/psychology