Browse publications by year: 2012

1. Fulltext Evaluation of the Combined Effects of Stilbenoid from Shorea gibbosa and Vancomycin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

   Basri DF, Luoi CK, Azmi AM, Latip J

   Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2012;5(9):1032-43.

   PMID: 24280704 DOI: 10.3390/ph5091032

   Abstract

   The aim of this study is to determine the combined effects of stilbenoids from Shorea gibbosa and vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A total of nine pure compounds, five stilbenoid dimers ε-viniferin, ampelopsin A, balanocarpol, laevifonol and diptoindonesin G and four stilbenoid trimers a-viniferin, johorenol A, ampelopsin E and vaticanol G were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against ATCC 33591 and a HUKM clinical isolate. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for each active compound were determined using the serial microdilution and plate-streak techniques. The combined effect of stilbenoids with vancomycin against MRSA was evaluated using the checkerboard assay to determine their fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index values. The MIC value of a-viniferin on both MRSA strains was 100 μg/mL, whereas those of johorenol A on ATCC 33591 and HUKM strain were 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL, respectively. The MIC values of ampelopsin E and vaticanol G were higher than 400 μg/mL. Out of the five stilbenoid dimers, only ε-viniferin was capable of inhibiting the growth of both MRSA strains at MIC 400 μg/mL. The MBC value of ε-viniferin, a-viniferin and johorenol A showed bacteriostatic action against MRSA. The FIC index value of ε-viniferin and a-viniferin in combination with vancomycin showed an additive effect (0.5 < FIC ≤ 2.0) against both MRSA strains. Johorenol A-vancomycin combination was also additive against HUKM strain, but it showed synergistic interaction with vancomycin against ATCC 33591 (FIC < 0.5). Stilbenoid compounds from Shorea gibbosa have anti-MRSA activity and huge potential as an alternative phytotherapy in combating MRSA infections.

   MeSH terms: Vancomycin
2. Fulltext Correlating physicochemical properties of boronic Acid-chitosan conjugates to glucose adsorption sensitivity

   Asantewaa Y, Aylott J, Burley JC, Billa N, Roberts CJ

   Pharmaceutics, 2012 Dec 27;5(1):69-80.

   PMID: 24300397 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics5010069

   Abstract

   Phenyl boronic acid (PBA), which is known to interact with glucose, was covalently bonded to chitosan by direct reductive N-alkylation of chitosan with 4-formylphenylboronic acid (4-FPBA). Evidence of PBA bonding on chitosan was assessed by FTIR, ToF-SIMS, SEM, DSC and glucose adsorption sensitivity measurements. FTIR spectra showed strong signals at 1560 and 630 cm-1 indicating the formation of p-substituted benzene. Similarly, ToF-SIMS analyses on the conjugates registered fragments of boron ion (B-) at 11.0 m/z whose intensity increased in proportion to 4-FPBA loading. The degree to which PBA was bonded to chitosan was related to the 4-FPBA load used in the reaction (termed F1 through to F6 with increasing 4-FPBA load). Glucose adsorption sensitivity to PBA-bonded chitosan was directly related to the amount of PBA functionality within the conjugates and the physical nature of the matrices (porous or crystalline). Topographic analysis by SEM revealed that PBA-chitosan conjugates F1, F2 and F3 have porous matrices and their sensitivity to glucose adsorption was directly proportional to the degree of PBA substitution onto chitosan. Conversely, conjugates F4, F5 and F6 appeared crystalline under SEM and glucose adsorption sensitivity decreased in proportion to amount of PBA bonded to chitosan. The crystalline nature of the conjugates was confirmed by DSC, where the exothermic event related to the melting of the bonded PBA moiety, occurred at 338 °C. Thus, decreased sensitivity to glucose adsorption by the conjugates can be ascribed to the crystallinity imparted by increased content of the bonded PBA moiety, providing an optimal loading of PBA in terms of maximizing response to glucose.
3. Quercetin/adenosine combination may induce insulin resistance in high fat diet-fed mice

   Lee CY

   Obes Res Clin Pract, 2012 Jan-Mar;6(1):e1-e90.

   PMID: 24331176 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2011.05.002

   Abstract

   Quercetin and adenosine are natural antioxidants separately claimed to improve metabolic syndrome parameters. The effect of this combination (QA) was examined in high fat diet-fed mice. Results showed that growth and blood parameters, as observed for quercetin-treated mice, were not significantly different from the control. Adenosine alone caused hyperglycemia and reduced plasma adiponectin. QA feeding led to increased adiposity and circulatory insulin, and concomitantly down-regulated liver eNOS and LFABP expressions. This showed that interaction occurred between quercetin and adenosine, and combined ingestion may lead to insulin resistance, while adenosine does not prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.:

   MeSH terms: Adenosine; Animals; Antioxidants; Eating; Hyperglycemia; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Liver; Obesity; Quercetin; Adiposity; Mice; Adiponectin; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Diet, High-Fat
4. Fulltext Kyasanur forest disease virus: viremia and challenge studies in monkeys with evidence of cross-protection by Langat virus infection

   Shah KV, Dandawate CN, Bhatt PN

   F1000Res, 2012;1:61.

   PMID: 24627765 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.1-61.v1

   Abstract

   Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), discovered in 1957, is a member of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) complex. Diseases caused by members of the TBEV complex occur in many parts of the world. KFDV produces a hemorrhagic fever in humans in South India and fatal illnesses in both species of monkeys in the area, the black faced langur (Presbytis entellus) and the bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata). Experimental infection of the langur and the bonnet macaque with early mouse passage KFDV strain P9605 resulted in a viremia of up to 11 days duration, peak viremia titers as high as 10 (9), and death in 82 = 100% of the animals. Prolonged passage of the KFDV strain P9605 in monkey kidney tissue culture resulted in a markedly reduced virulence of the virus for both species; peak viremia titers in monkeys decreased by 2.5 to 4.0 log LD 50 (p= 0.001), and the mortality decreased to 10% (p= 0.001). In challenge experiments, monkeys previously infected with tissue-culture-adapted KFDV, or with the related Langat virus from Malaysia, were fully protected against virulent KFDV. These studies in non-human primates lend support to the idea that a live virus vaccine from a member of the TBEV complex may be broadly protective against infections by other members of the TBEV complex.
5. Fulltext Anaphylaxis from wasp stings inducing coronary thrombus

   Kasim S, AbuBakar R, McFadden E

   Case Rep Cardiol, 2012;2012:701753.

   PMID: 24826269 DOI: 10.1155/2012/701753

   Abstract

   Myocardial infarction as a result of wasp stings is a rare manifestation of acute coronary syndromes. It has been ascribed to kounis syndrome or allergic angina whose triggers include mast cell degranulation leading to coronary vasospasm and/or local plaque destabilisation. Its exact pathophysiology is still not clearly defined. We present a case of an acute coronary syndrome as a consequence of wasp stings and discuss its possible aetiology.
6. Fulltext Retropharyngeal abscess - A complication of laryngeal mask airway

   Lynn E, Ping T, Keng Y, Singh R, Kwong W, Soon T, et al.

   J Surg Case Rep, 2012 Oct 01;2012(10):7.

   PMID: 24960747 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/2012.10.7

   Abstract

   Retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal abscesses developing after intubation are rare. This can present as surgical emergency post extubation. We report a case of retropharyngeal abscess that probably occurred as a complication of laryngeal mask insertion.
7. Fulltext Congenital trans-mesenteric herniation: a rare cause of small intestine strangulation in adults

   Umaparan G, Nallusamy K, Abdul Wahab MH, Mohammad Nor AM, Mat Arif NA

   J Surg Case Rep, 2012 Dec 04;2012(11).

   PMID: 24968390 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjs003

   Abstract

   Trans-mesenteric hernia is a form of internal hernia which is an extremely rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adults compared with the pediatric population. It often presents with complications such as acute intestinal obstruction and peritonitis requiring immediate surgical intervention. We report a case of a 21-year-old woman who presented to us with an acute abdomen and peritonitis that required an immediate exploratory laparotomy. She was found to have a small congenital mesenteric defect with strangulated segment of ileum. Gangrenous portion of the ileum was resected and the congenital defect was closed. The patient made an uneventful recovery. The occurrence of trans-mesenteric hernia in adults is rare and difficult to be diagnosed clinically; thus, the patient's clinical features may lead to early surgical intervention in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.

   MeSH terms: Abdomen, Acute; Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Ileum; Intestinal Obstruction; Laparotomy; Mesentery; Peritonitis; Hernia, Abdominal; Young Adult
8. Fulltext Congenital cholesteatoma presenting with Luc's abscess

   Santhi K, Tang IP, Nordin A, Prepageran N

   J Surg Case Rep, 2012 Dec 11;2012(12).

   PMID: 24968423 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjs026

   Abstract

   Congenital cholesteatoma (CC) rarely presents with Luc's abscess. As a result of widespread usage of antimicrobial agents, Luc's abscess is hardly encountered in current clinical practice. Herein, we report a case of Luc's abscess as the first presenting symptom in a 5-year-old boy with underlying CC. Patient's clinical findings, radiological investigations and treatment were also discussed.

   MeSH terms: Abscess; Anti-Infective Agents; Child, Preschool; Cholesteatoma; Humans; Male
9. Fulltext Rainfed areas and animal agriculture in Asia: the wanting agenda for transforming productivity growth and rural poverty

   Devendra C

   Asian-Australas J Anim Sci, 2012 Jan;25(1):122-42.

   PMID: 25049487 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2011.r.09

   Abstract

   The importance of rainfed areas and animal agriculture on productivity enhancement and food security for economic rural growth in Asia is discussed in the context of opportunities for increasing potential contribution from them. The extent of the rainfed area of about 223 million hectares and the biophysical attributes are described. They have been variously referred to inter alia as fragile, marginal, dry, waste, problem, threatened, range, less favoured, low potential lands, forests and woodlands, including lowlands and uplands. Of these, the terms less favoured areas (LFAs), and low or high potential are quite widely used. The LFAs are characterised by four key features: i) very variable biophysical elements, notably poor soil quality, rainfall, length of growing season and dry periods, ii) extreme poverty and very poor people who continuously face hunger and vulnerability, iii) presence of large populations of ruminant animals (buffaloes, cattle, goats and sheep), and iv) have had minimum development attention and an unfinished wanting agenda. The rainfed humid/sub-humid areas found mainly in South East Asia (99 million ha), and arid/semi-arid tropical systems found in South Asia (116 million ha) are priority agro-ecological zones (AEZs). In India for example, the ecosystem occupies 68% of the total cultivated area and supports 40% of the human and 65% of the livestock populations. The area also produces 4% of food requirements. The biophysical and typical household characteristics, agricultural diversification, patterns of mixed farming and cropping systems are also described. Concerning animals, their role and economic importance, relevance of ownership, nomadic movements, and more importantly their potential value as the entry point for the development of LFAs is discussed. Two examples of demonstrated success concern increasing buffalo production for milk and their expanded use in semi-arid AEZs in India, and the integration of cattle and goats with oil palm in Malaysia. Revitalised development of the LFAs is justified by the demand for agricultural land to meet human needs e.g. housing, recreation and industrialisation; use of arable land to expand crop production to ceiling levels; increasing and very high animal densities; increased urbanisation and pressure on the use of available land; growing environmental concerns of very intensive crop production e.g. acidification and salinisation with rice cultivation; and human health risks due to expanding peri-urban poultry and pig production. The strategies for promoting productivity growth will require concerted R and D on improved use of LFAs, application of systems perspectives for technology delivery, increased investments, a policy framework and improved farmer-researcher-extension linkages. These challenges and their resolution in rainfed areas can forcefully impact on increased productivity, improved livelihoods and human welfare, and environmental sustainability in the future.

   MeSH terms: Farmers; Animals; Buffaloes; Cattle; Goats; Housing; Humans; Hunger; Milk; Ownership; Poultry; Oryza; Seasons; Sheep; Soil; Swine; Urbanization; Ecosystem; Livestock
10. Fulltext An annual audit of the ear foreign bodies in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

    Yaroko AA, Irfan M

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):2-5.

    PMID: 25606237 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Foreign bodies or objects in the ear are one of the most common problems encountered by otorhinolaryngologist (ORL) with attendant complications, removal of which requires expertise. Patients with this problem who sought treatment in the otorhinolaryngology clinic of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) were studied for duration of one year from January 2010 to December 2010. Specifically, the clinical presentation, type of foreign body and management outcome were analysed. 72 patients were reviewed - 44 (61.1%) males and 28 (38.9%) females. The age range was one year to 75 years with 59.8% being children below 10 years old. Ear pain (56.9%) was recorded as the most common and persistent symptom and insects (54%) were the commonest foreign body encountered. 95% (69) of the foreign bodies were removed under clinic setting with only three (4.2%) cases requiring general anaesthesia. Post-removal complications were noted in only one patient (1.4%). Repeated attempts by untrained personnel should be avoided and timely referral is vital to avoid undesirable complications.
    
    Study site: torhinolaryngology clinic of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)

    MeSH terms: Adult; Child; Female; Foreign Bodies*; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Medical Audit; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Retrospective Studies
11. Fulltext Prevalence of eye diseases and visual impairment among the rural population - a case study of Temerloh Hospital

    Thevi T, Maslina B, Reddy SC

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):6-10.

    PMID: 25606238

    Abstract

    Objective: To determine the prevalence of eye diseases and visual impairment among new patients at the eye clinic of Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Temerloh, Pahang.
    Method: In this cross-sectional prospective study, 1081 new patients were examined over a period of six months. Age, gender, ethnicity, visual acuity and diagnosis were noted from the medical records.
    Results: Out of 1081 examined, 607 (56.1%) were males, 783 (72.4%) were Malays. The mean age of patients was 45.2 years (ranging from one month to 91 years). Cataract (248, 22.9%) was the most common eye disease, followed by retinal diseases (124, 11.5%) and ocular trauma (106, 9.8%). Majority of the patients (48) suffering from ocular trauma had foreign body cornea. In 85 premature infants screened for retinopathy, 19 showed different stages of retinopathy of prematurity. Visual impairment was noted in 89 (8.2%) patients, severe visual impairment in 12 (1.1%) and blindness in 35 (3.2%); vision could not be determined in 85 premature infants (7.9%). Cataract was singled out as the cause of severe visual impairment in 11 out of 12 patients.
    Conclusion: Health education at primary health centres and availability of eye specialists in all the district hospitals will facilitate the rehabilitation of visually impaired and blind persons by providing early treatment for eye problems (specifically prescription for spectacles, medical treatment and cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation).
    Keywords: Visual impairment, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, refractive errors, ocular trauma, conjunctivitis
    Study site: Eye clinic, Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia
    

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cataract; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetic Retinopathy; Eye Diseases; Eye Injuries; Hospitals, District; Humans; Malaysia; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Outpatients; Retinal Diseases; Vision Disorders; Prevalence
12. Fulltext A study on pregnant adolescents residing in a government home: common characteristics and their views on the pregnancy

    Tan P, Tohid H, Su X, Tan K, Azimah M, Khairani O

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):11-5.

    PMID: 25606239 MyJurnal DOI: 10.4066/MFP.2012.1710

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Adolescent pregnancy has emerged to be a significant public health and social issue in Malaysia as its prevalence is increasing in our population.

    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the common characteristics of pregnant adolescents residing in a government shelter home. Their reasons for pregnancy, sources of information on contraception, and views on abortion and future care of the baby were explored.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 26 universally sampled pregnant adolescents in the centre. The adolescents responded to a set of self-administered questionnaire on their socio-demographic profiles, reasons of their pregnancy, contraception and future plans including abortion as well as care of the newborn.

    RESULTS: Almost all (92%) of the adolescents were unmarried. Majority of them were in late adolescence, age between 16 to 19 years (73.1%), from urban areas (73.1%) and of low income families (53.8%). There were 69.3% of the adolescents who were school dropouts. The reasons for pregnancy were consensual sexual activity (63.0%), coercion by boyfriend (18.5%), and rape (11.5%). The main sources of information on contraception were friends (50%), partners (50%) and the internet or mass media (42.3%). 54% had considered abortion earlier, but majority (92.0%) disagreed that abortion should be legalised in Malaysia. Most of the adolescents planned to parent their child with or without help from significant others and only 42.3% planned to relinquish their child for adoption.

    CONCLUSION: To curb teenage pregnancy-related problems, efforts on educating the adolescents about sexual reproductive health and assertive communication skills should be implemented, especially to the late adolescents, school dropouts and those from poor urban families. Parenthood support may be necessary to the pregnant adolescents who opted to care for their own child.
13. Fulltext Vaginismus and subfertility: case reports on the association observed in clinical practice

    Ramli M, Nora M, Roszaman R, Hatta S

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):24-7.

    PMID: 25606241 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To analyse the features of patients with vaginismus first presented to a gynaecologist for infertility before being referred for psychiatric evaluation and management. The case series aim to provide some insight on features and presentations of Asian women with vaginismus. Vaginismus is characterised by persistent or recurrent difficulties in vaginal penetration despite the woman's wish for coitus. Avoidance, phobia, anticipatory fear of pain and involuntary pelvic muscle contraction are the most common symptoms.
    
    METHOD: We report a series of cases of Malaysian women who had been suffering from vaginismus and 'infertility'. All the cases had never been attended to medically and there were long delays in seeking intervention. There was no history of traumatic sexual experience or any major psychiatric illness in these patients. Majority of the patients had prominent symptoms of anxiety.
    
    CONCLUSION: The cases illustrate that it is important to rule out the possibility of vaginismus among patients with infertility. The former have unique psychological features which require psychological interventions.

    MeSH terms: Anxiety; Coitus; Dyspareunia; Fear; Female; Humans; Infertility; Muscle Contraction; Pain; Phobic Disorders; Vaginismus
14. Fulltext Unilateral foul smelly nasal discharge in an adult

    Irfan M, Hasme Zam H, Mohd Khairi M

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):28-30.

    PMID: 25606242 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    The incidence of rhinolith is by far very low compared to the nasal foreign bodies, especially in adult. Foreign body (FB) in the nostril will lead to unilateral nasal symptom which can start with nasal obstruction or discomfort. In younger children, they may miss to report the problem to the parents but, later on, the FB will manifest itself with unilateral nasal discharge, which at most of the time fouls smells. We report a case of a healthy adult female who presented with unilateral foul smelly nasal discharge which later was diagnosed as rhinolith, with rubber-tip pencil eraser as the nidus of calcification.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Calcification, Physiologic; Calcinosis; Child; Female; Foreign Bodies; Humans; Nose; Nose Diseases; Parents; Rubber; Nasal Obstruction; Incidence
15. Fulltext Ptosis due to cavernous sinus syndrome as a rare presentation of advanced breast metastasis in a patient with delayed diagnosis

    Khaw K, Ramli N, Rahmat K

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):31-3.

    PMID: 25606243 MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Complications of breast cancer metastasis may be the first manifestation of the disease. We report a rare case of left eye ptosis secondary to cavernous sinus syndrome in a 34-year-old lady due to refusal of proper medical treatment for metastatic breast cancer. The delay in seeking medical treatment was attributed to her use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

    MeSH terms: Blepharoptosis; Breast Neoplasms; Cavernous Sinus; Female; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis; Abducens Nerve Diseases; Mind-Body Therapies
16. Fulltext Respiratory Clinics: MEDIASTINAL SHIFT: A SIGN OF SIGNIFICANT CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE IN DIAGNOSIS OF MALIGNANT PLEURAL EFFUSION

    Khajotia R

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):34-6.

    PMID: 25606244
17. Fulltext Issues in emergency contraception for the adolescent

    Kwa SK, Sivalingam N

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):37-40.

    PMID: 25606245 MyJurnal

    MeSH terms: Contraception, Postcoital*
18. Fulltext A man with hot potato voice and neck swelling

    Irfan M, Puvan Arul A

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):41-2.

    PMID: 25606246 MyJurnal
19. Fulltext An elderly lady with blurring of vision

    Azhany Y, Nani D, Zunaina E

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):43-4.

    PMID: 25606247 MyJurnal

    MeSH terms: Aged; Female; Humans; Macular Degeneration*; Malaysia; Vision Disorders
20. Fulltext A man with multiple abdominal calcifications

    Rohsila M, Nani D, Siti Suhaila Y

    Malays Fam Physician, 2012;7(1):45-6.

    PMID: 25606248 MyJurnal