Browse publications by year: 2013

  1. Fulltext Effects of exercise training on postmenopausal hypertension: implications on nitric oxide levels
    Khalid T, Nesreen E, Ramadhan O
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):459-64.
    PMID: 24632913
    BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal hypertension is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women. Exercise training has been proved to decrease its risk factors and cardiovascular events. Aerobic exercise training stimulates endothelial nitric oxide release that acts as an antithrombotic and is cardiovascular protective. The effect of aerobic exercise training on postmenopausal hypertension is not fully elucidated.

    THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: to investigate the effects of moderate exercise training on nitric oxide levels in postmenopausal hypertension.

    METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 30 postmenopausal women involved in this study. The participants had at least one year's history of postmenopausal hypertension. Their ages ranged (40-50) years. Their body mass index ranged (30-36 Kg/m(2)). They were divided into two equal groups (treatment and control). Nitric oxide levels and blood pressure were measured in both groups in the initial examination at the beginning of the study, and at the end of the study. The treatment group received moderate aerobic exercise training. This ranged from 60-70% of maximum heart rate by walking on a treadmill at an average speed of 4km/hour for at least 20 minutes, three sessions a week, for 8 weeks.

    RESULTS: Body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were statistically significantly decreased. Nitric oxide levels were significantly increased in the treatment group. In this group the level of NO increased by 30.4% and systolic blood pressure decreased by 16.2%. Diastolic blood pressure decreased by 9.5% and body mass index decreased by 6%. In the control group the NO level increased by 8%. Systolic blood pressure decreased by 3% and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3%.

    CONCLUSION: Exercise performed at moderate intensity for two months had obvious benefits in improving NO levels and controlling the hypertension in obese postmenopausal women.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Blood Pressure; Blood Pressure Determination; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Hypertension; Middle Aged; Nitric Oxide; Obesity; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Exercise; Body Mass Index; Walking; Postmenopause; Control Groups
  2. Fulltext Ultrasonography measurement of inferior vena cava diameter of blood donors as predictors for early blood loss in tertiary hospital northeastern, Malaysia
    Shaik Farid AW, Mohd Hashairi F, Nik Hisamuddin NA, Chew KS, Rashidi A
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):465-8.
    PMID: 24632914 MyJurnal
    According to the class of hypovolaemic shock, a blood loss less than 750 ml is not associated with the physiological changes. As a result it may cause a delay in fluid resuscitation. We postulate inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter reduction in inspiration and expiration may resemble the significant volume of blood loss in a healthy adult. We conducted a study to examine the changes of the IVC diameter pre and post blood donation.The inferior vena cava diameter during inspiration (IVCi) and expiration (IVCe) were measured using ultrasound (GE HEALTH) in supine position before and after blood donation of 450 ml. Paired t-test and Wilcoxin rank test were used to analyse the data. Forty two blood donors enrolled during the study period. The mean age of blood donors was 32.3 +/- 8.9 and mainly male blood donors. The mean IVCe of pre and post blood donation was 18.5 +/- 6.2 mm (95%CI 18.23, 18.74) and 16.6 +/- 6.6 mm (95%CI 16.35, 16.76) respectively. Meanwhile, the mean IVCi of pre and post blood donation was 17.1 +/- 8.6 mm (95%CI 16.89,17.30) and 15.6 +/- 6.6 mm (95%CI 15.43,15.81) respectively. The mean difference of IVCe pre and post blood donation was 1.9 +/- 0.5 mm (95%CI 1.75, 2.13) (p<0.001). In contrast, the mean difference of IVCi pre and post blood donation was 1.5 +/- 0.5 mm (95%CI 1.34, 1.68) (p<0.001). As a conclusion, the measurement of IVC diameter by ultrasound can predict the volume of blood loss in simulated type 1 hypovolaemia patient.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Blood Donors; Dehydration; Fluid Therapy; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Shock; Vena Cava, Inferior; Supine Position; Hypovolemia
  3. Fulltext Fish in throat: An unusual foreign body
    Tang ML, Ching LS, Brito-Mutunayagam S, Revadi G
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):469-70.
    PMID: 24632915 MyJurnal
    A 19 year-old man was presented to us in a state of respiratory distress with history of alleged accidentally swallowed the live fish. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscope showed a big live fish impacted in the laryngopharynx. Attempts to remove the fish orally were futile as the fish was impacted. We resorted to tracheostomy under local anaesthesia, followed by direct laryngoscopy and removal of the fish under general anaesthesia. The literature review of such rare incidence and approach to such case are discussed.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Local; Animals; Deglutition; Foreign Bodies*; Humans; Hypopharynx; Laryngoscopy; Malaysia; Male; Pharynx; Tracheostomy; Incidence; Young Adult; Nasal Surgical Procedures
  4. Fulltext A rare case of massive systemic embolisation secondary to atrial myxoma- case report
    Muhammad Amin AU
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):471-2.
    PMID: 24632916
    We report a case of a 21 year old girl who presented with sudden onset of abdominal, back and bilateral leg pain, paralysis with unexpected collapse at home. Physical examination was suggestive of acute aortic occlusion. CTangiogram revealed multi-system thrombo-embolic shower. She proceeded to urgent aortic thrombectomy and fasciotomy of the bilateral lower limb. Further investigation revealed atrial myxoma and we report the patient's postoperative progress and eventual transfer to rehabilitation facility.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Atrial Fibrillation; Embolism; Female; Heart Neoplasms; Humans; Myxoma; Pain; Physical Examination; Thrombectomy; Lower Extremity; Young Adult; Fasciotomy
  5. Fulltext Sporadic renal angiomyolipoma with IVC extension
    Priyanka G, Poh EY, Yeong SS
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):473-4.
    PMID: 24632917
    Angiomyolipomas (AML) are the most common mesenchymal renal neoplasms arising in the cortex or medulla. Intra-renal and retroperitoneal hemorrhages have been frequently reported. AML can exceptionally involve the renal vein and inferior vena cava. We report a case with extension into the inferior vena cava.
    MeSH terms: Hemorrhage; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Renal Veins; Singapore; Vena Cava, Inferior; Viscera; Angiomyolipoma
  6. Fulltext The contemporary role of transoesophageal echocardiography in emergency surgery for massive pulmonary embolism
    Sachithanandan A, Abdul Muis J, Zurah Z, Mohd R
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):475-6.
    PMID: 24632918 MyJurnal
    No abstract available.
    MeSH terms: Emergencies; Humans; Malaysia; Pulmonary Embolism*; Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
  7. Fulltext Colonic and small bowel metastasis from ductal carcinoma of the breast : a case report
    Visalini S, Daphne A, Mohamed Yusof AW
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):477-8.
    PMID: 24632919 MyJurnal
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Breast Neoplasms*; Female; Humans; Intestines; Malaysia; Neoplasm Metastasis*
  8. Fulltext Fusarium sp. infection in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
    Tan R, Ng KP, Gan GG, Na SL
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):479-80.
    PMID: 24632920 MyJurnal
    In the past two decades, Fusarium species have been increasingly recognized as serious pathogens in immunocompromised patients. The outcome of fusariosis in the context of severe persistent neutropaenia has been almost universally fatal. The treatment of fusariosis in immunocompromised patients remains a challenge and the prognosis of systemic fusariosis in this population remains poor. This report presents a case of fatal fusariosis in a 37- year-old patient who was diagnosed with precursor-B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).
    MeSH terms: Adult; B-Lymphocytes; Fusarium; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Neutropenia; Prognosis; Immunocompromised Host; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Fusariosis
  9. Fulltext Total intravenous anaesthesia approach to overcome the phenomenon of left bundle branch block induced by general anaesthesia
    Yew KL
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):481.
    PMID: 24632921
    MeSH terms: Adult; Anesthesia; Bundle-Branch Block*; Humans; Malaysia; Male
  10. Fulltext Down syndrome: multimodality imaging of associated congenital anomalies and acquired diseases
    Tan AP
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Dec;68(6):482-9.
    PMID: 24632922
    Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is the most common chromosomal abnormality among liveborn infants. It is the most frequent form of intellectual disability caused by a microscopically demonstrable chromosomal aberration. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach to the ongoing evaluation and monitoring for associated congenital anomalies and acquired disorders.Trisomy 21 is characterized by a variety of dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies and associated medical conditions. Knowledge of these associated conditions are important for clinicians involved in the management of these patients. Appropriate radiologic imaging with prompt, accurate interpretation plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of these diseases. The primary goal of this pictorial review is to unravel the radiological findings of these associated conditions.
    MeSH terms: Chromosome Aberrations; Down Syndrome; Female; Goals; Humans; Infant; Intellectual Disability; Pregnancy; Trisomy; Chromosome Disorders; Live Birth
  11. Reflections on the maternal mortality millennium goal
    Lawson GW, Keirse MJ
    Birth, 2013 Jun;40(2):96-102.
    PMID: 24635463 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12041
    Nearly every 2 minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman dies because of complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Every such death is an overwhelming catastrophe for everyone confronted with it. Most deaths occur in developing countries, especially in Africa and southern Asia, but a significant number also occur in the developed world.
    MeSH terms: Abortion, Induced/mortality; Cause of Death/trends; Developing Countries*; Female; Goals*; Great Britain; Postpartum Hemorrhage/mortality; Humans; Obstetric Labor Complications/mortality; Maternal Mortality/trends*; Papua New Guinea; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications/mortality*; Puerperal Infection/mortality; South Africa; United Nations; United States; Global Health/trends*; Sepsis/mortality; Developed Countries*; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/mortality
  12. Histological changes in testes of rats treated with testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol
    Mohd Mutalip SS, Surindar Singh GK, Mohd Shah A, Mohamad M, Mani V, Hussin SN
    Iran J Reprod Med, 2013 Aug;11(8):653-8.
    PMID: 24639803
    Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is being used in medical treatments, but AAS also was identified to have the risks of adverse effects towards patients and consumers health.
  13. Prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among Orang Asli schoolchildren in Pos Senderut, Pahang, Malaysia
    Al-Harazi T, Ghani MK, Othman H
    J Egypt Soc Parasitol, 2013 Dec;43(3):561-8.
    PMID: 24640856
    The current study determined the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among the Orang Asli schoolchildren in Pos Senderut, Pahang, Malaysia. The overall intestinal protozoan infection rate was 85% (261 out of 307). The highest prevalence rates were due to Entamoeba coli (24.4%), Giardia lamblia (21.8%), Blastocystis hominis (21.2%) and Entamoeba histolytica (15.0%). The prevalence of Iodamoeba butschlii was only 2.9%. Among the positive samples, mixed infection with B. hominis and E. histolytica was 3.3%, B. hominis and G. lamblia was 2.9%, G. lamblia and E. histolytica was 2.0% and triple infections (B. hominis, G. lamblia and E. histolytica) was 1.0 %. The prevalence of the infection was high in all age groups (6-14 years old). Thus, we can conclude that intestinal protozoan infections are still representing a serious public health problem in aboriginal communities, especially among children.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Protozoan Infections/epidemiology; Protozoan Infections/parasitology*; Sex Factors; Prevalence; Population Groups
  14. Fulltext Gene expression changes in spleens and livers of tumour-bearing mice suggest delayed inflammation and attenuated cachexia in response to oil palm phenolics
    Leow SS, Sekaran SD, Sundram K, Tan Y, Sambanthamurthi R
    J Nutrigenet Nutrigenomics, 2013;6(6):305-26.
    PMID: 24642698 DOI: 10.1159/000357948
    Plant phenolics can inhibit, retard or reverse carcinogenesis, and may thus help prevent or treat cancer. Oil palm phenolics (OPP) previously showed anti-tumour activities in vivo via a cytostatic mechanism at 1,500 ppm gallic acid equivalent. Here, we report other possible molecular mechanisms by which this extract attenuates cancer, especially those concerning the immune response.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cachexia/metabolism*; Gallic Acid/chemistry; Inflammation/metabolism*; Liver/metabolism*; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Neoplasm Transplantation; Plant Oils/chemistry*; Spleen/metabolism*; Tissue Distribution; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Dietary Supplements; Phenol/chemistry*; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Gene Expression Profiling; Mice
  15. Fulltext Factors associated with the outcome of open tibial fractures
    Yusof NM, Khalid KA, Zulkifly AH, Zakaria Z, Amin MA, Awang MS, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Oct;20(5):47-53.
    PMID: 24643115 MyJurnal
    Although open tibial fractures are common in Malaysia, the outcomes for these patients have not been evaluated in the literature. This retrospective study was conducted to examine the factors associated with infection and non-union in open tibial fractures managed at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan, in 2009.
    MeSH terms: Hospitals; Humans; Malaysia; Publications; Retrospective Studies; Tibial Fractures
  16. An innovative modification of an old radiosurgery system
    Kandasamy R, Kiat SS, Ruzman N
    Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Oct;20(5):90-1.
    PMID: 24643276
  17. Fulltext The history of awake craniotomy in hospital universiti sains malaysia
    Wan Hassan WM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Oct;20(5):67-9.
    PMID: 24643321 MyJurnal
    Awake craniotomy is a brain surgery performed on awake patients and is indicated for certain intracranial pathologies. These include procedures that require an awake patient for electrocorticographic mapping or precise electrophysiological recordings, resection of lesions located close to or in the motor and speech of the brain, or minor intracranial procedures that aim to avoid general anaesthesia for faster recovery and earlier discharge. This type of brain surgery is quite new and has only recently begun to be performed in a few neurosurgical centres in Malaysia. The success of the surgery requires exceptional teamwork from the neurosurgeon, neuroanaesthesiologist, and neurologist. The aim of this article is to briefly describe the history of awake craniotomy procedures at our institution.
    MeSH terms: Electrocorticography; Neurosurgeons; Anesthesia, General; Brain; Craniotomy; Humans; Malaysia; Psychosurgery; Speech; Split-Brain Procedure; Neurologists
  18. Fulltext Assessment of nutrient intake in cleft lip and palate children after surgical correction
    Gopinath VK
    Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Oct;20(5):61-6.
    PMID: 24643339 MyJurnal
    This research aimed to compare the nutrient intake of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) with that of normal children (without CLP) in the same age groups. The study was conducted at the School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 139 children, of both sexes, from two to six years of age, either with CLP (40 children) or without CLP (99 children), were selected. The CLP and non-CLP children were grouped according to age, which is a key determinant of nutrient intake. Children in subgroup I were between the ages of 2 and 4 years, the group comprising 48 normal children of mean age 39.85 months (SD 7.1), and 20 CLP children of mean age 37.05 months (SD 5.9). Children in subgroup II were those over 4 years and up to 6 years old, and the group comprised 51 normal children, of mean age 64.16 months (SD 7.9), and 20 CLP children of mean age 56.75 months (SD 9.9). A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate nutrient intake in subgroups I and II, using a 24 hours diet recall method. The nutrient intake of CLP children was shown to have no significant differences from that of normal children. A comparison of intake per day with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Malaysian children showed that the consumption of nutrients was inadequate in both the normal and CLP children, in both age sub-groups.
    MeSH terms: Energy Intake; Child; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Female; Food; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Recommended Dietary Allowances
  19. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) neurofeedback: implementations and applications
    Dewiputri WI, Auer T
    Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Oct;20(5):5-15.
    PMID: 24643368
    Neurofeedback (NFB) allows subjects to learn how to volitionally influence the neuronal activation in the brain by employing real-time neural activity as feedback. NFB has already been performed with electroencephalography (EEG) since the 1970s. Functional MRI (fMRI), offering a higher spatial resolution, has further increased the spatial specificity. In this paper, we briefly outline the general principles behind NFB, the implementation of fMRI-NFB studies, the feasibility of fMRI-NFB, and the application of NFB as a supplementary therapy tool.
    MeSH terms: Brain; Electroencephalography; Feedback; Learning; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neurofeedback
  20. Effects of a Worksite Health Programme on the Improvement of Physical Health among Overweight and Obese Civil Servants: A Pilot Study
    Ramli A, Henry LJ, Liang YF, Beh JY
    Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Oct;20(5):54-60.
    PMID: 24643369 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity and reduced energy expenditure has led to increased obesity among office workers. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a worksite health programme aimed at improving physical health among obese civil servants.

    METHODS: A total of 28 employees participated in a six-month-long obesity health programme, which consisted of two weekly unsupervised exercise sessions and monthly dietary/health education sessions. The physical fitness and body fat percentages of participants were assessed at the baseline and after six months, using SPSS version 20.0.

    RESULTS: The participants were 31.6 years (SD 8.2) of age, and had a BMI of 27.6 kg/m(2) (SD 3.2). The Wilcoxon test showed significant differences in body fat percentage (P = 0.010), gross maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max, P = 0.014), partial curl up repetition (P = 0.001) and sit and reach distance (P = 0.005). However, no significant effects were observed on body mass (P = 0.193), self-perceived level of physical activity (P = 0.145) or behaviour toward exercise (P = 0.393).

    CONCLUSION: The worksite health programme successfully improved the physical fitness and body fat percentages of subjects, despite not improving the subjects' self-perceptions with regard to physical activity.

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