Browse publications by year: 2013

1. Fulltext Prospective study of functional recovery of stroke patients at three months post admission: outcomes and implications for post stroke care provision

   Ali, M.F., Aziz, N.A., Aznida, F.A.A., Rizal, A.M., Azmin, S.

   Medicine & Health, 2013;8(1):19-27.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Functional recovery in the immediate post stroke period predicts the long-term prognosis of post stroke patients. Despite the advancement in stroke rehabilitation in improving the physical function of survivors, there are other factors that may influence functional recovery. We aimed to assess the functional recovery of ischaemic stroke patients attending a tertiary hospital and its associated factors in order to make recommendations for post stroke care after hospital admission. A three months prospective observational study looking at functional recovery using the Modified Barthel’s Index (MBI) and depression (Patient Heath Questionnaire-9) score of post stroke patients. There were 46 ischaemic stroke patients who were recruited for the study. At three months, only 37 patients were eligible for analysis. The mean age was 67.2 (SD 11) years with the Malays (50%) making up the majority of the patients, followed by Chinese (41.3%) and Indians (8.7%). There was a total of seven (15.2%) deaths. Hypertension was the most common risk factor (89.1%) followed by dyslipidaemia (65.2%) and diabetes mellitus (63.0%). The mean MBI difference was 45.2 (SD 27.0) with a median MBI of 17.0(IQR 33.0) at baseline compared to 85.0(IQR 42.0) at three months (p < 0.001, CI 35.98,55.45). The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9≥10) was 21.6%. Lower functional recovery was found among depressed patients (p

   MeSH terms: Depression; Depressive Disorder; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Hypertension; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Survivors; Recovery of Function; Stroke; Dyslipidemias; Tertiary Care Centers
2. Fulltext Stages of change and health-related quality of life among employees of an institution

   Liau SY, Shafie AA, Ibrahim MI, Hassali MA, Othman AT, Mohamed MH, et al.

   Health Expect, 2013 Jun;16(2):199-210.

   PMID: 21645189 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2011.00702.x

   Abstract

   BACKGROUND: Transtheoretical Model of change has been used successfully in promoting behaviour change.

   OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores with the stages of change of adequate physical activity and fruit and vegetables intake.

   DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among employees of the main campus and Engineering campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) during October 2009 and March 2010.

   MAIN VARIABLES STUDIED: Data on physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake was collected using the WHO STEPS instrument for chronic disease risk factors surveillance. The Short Form-12 health survey (SF-12) was used to gather information on participants' HRQoL. The current stages of change are measured using the measures developed by the Pro-Change Behaviour Systems Incorporation.

   STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One way ANOVA and its non-parametric equivalent Kruskal-Wallis were used to compare the differences between SF-12 scores with the stages of change.

   RESULTS: A total of 144 employees were included in this analysis. A large proportion of the participants reported inadequate fruits and vegetable intake (92.3%) and physical activity (84.6%). Mean physical and mental component scores of SF-12 were 50.39 (SD = 7.69) and 49.73 (SD = 8.64) respectively. Overall, there was no statistical significant difference in the SF-12 domains scores with regards to the stages of change for both the risk factors.

   CONCLUSIONS: There were some evidence of positive relationship between stages of change of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake with SF-12 scores. Further studies need to be conducted to confirm this association.

   MeSH terms: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet/statistics & numerical data; Female; Fruit; Health Surveys; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Universities/statistics & numerical data; Vegetables; Health Behavior*; Statistics, Nonparametric; Young Adult
3. Human forniceal region is the stem cell-rich zone of the conjunctival epithelium

   Harun MH, Sepian SN, Chua KH, Ropilah AR, Abd Ghafar N, Che-Hamzah J, et al.

   Hum. Cell, 2013 Mar;26(1):35-40.

   PMID: 21748521 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-011-0025-0

   Abstract

   The anterior surface of the eye is covered by several physically contiguous but histologically distinguishable epithelia overlying the cornea, limbus, bulbar conjunctiva, fornix conjunctiva, and palpebral conjunctiva. The self-renewing nature of the conjunctival epithelia makes their long-term survival ultimately dependent on small populations of stem cells. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the expression of the stem cell genes Sox2, OCT4, NANOG, Rex1, NES, and ABCG2 in cultured human conjunctival epithelium from different conjunctival zones, namely, the bulbar, palpebral and fornix zones. Three samples were taken from patients with primary pterygium and cataract (age range 56-66 years) who presented to our eye clinic at the UKM Medical Centre. The eye was examined with slit lamp to ensure there was no underlying ocular surface diseases and glaucoma. Conjunctival tissue was taken from patients who underwent a standard cataract or pterygium operation as a primary procedure. Tissues were digested, cultured, and propagated until an adequate number of cells was obtained. Total RNA was extracted and subjected to expression analysis of conjunctival epithelium genes (KRT4, KRT13, KRT19) and stem cell genes (Sox2, OCT4, NANOG, Rex1, NES, ABCG2) by reverse transcriptase-PCR and 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. The expression of Sox2, OCT4, and NANOG genes were detected in the fornical cells, while bulbar cells only expressed Sox2 and palpebral cells only expressed OCT4. Based on these results, the human forniceal region expresses a higher number of stem cell genes than the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva.
   Study site: Eye clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

   MeSH terms: Aged; Cells, Cultured; Conjunctiva/cytology*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Epithelium; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Stem Cells*; Gene Expression; Homeodomain Proteins; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Octamer Transcription Factor-3; SOXB1 Transcription Factors
4. Uncovering the experiences and needs of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection at diagnosis: a qualitative study

   Ng CJ, Low WY, Wong LP, Sudin MR, Mohamed R

   Asia Pac J Public Health, 2013 Jan;25(1):32-40.

   PMID: 21807630 DOI: 10.1177/1010539511413258

   Abstract

   Patients with hepatitis B face uncertainty at diagnosis. Information and support they receive at the early stage of the disease determine their adherence to follow up and treatment. This study aimed to explore the experiences and needs of patients with hepatitis B at diagnosis. A qualitative methodology was used. Nine focus groups (n = 44) were conducted to explore patients' feelings and reaction to the diagnosis, encounters with health care professionals, and their needs. The transcribed data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Most patients were not prepared for the diagnosis and many felt anxious and distressed. This was attributed to poor patients' knowledge, doctor's emphasis on disease complications, and associated stigma. Information about the disease was lacking and patients wanted to know more about the mode of transmission, natural progression of the disease, complications, and treatment options. There was a feeling of "passivity" among patients because there was often no active treatment available at diagnosis. This resulted in patients defaulting surveillance visits and missing the opportunity to start antiviral treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide sufficient information and education about hepatitis B to newly diagnosed patients, break "bad news" to patients with sensitivity, address their emotional needs, and emphasize on the rationale and importance of surveillance and treatment. This may entail public awareness campaign, implementation of pretest and posttest counseling, and educating doctors on how to communicate the diagnosis and management to patients accurately and sensitively.

   MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Attitude to Health*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Professional-Patient Relations; Focus Groups; Hepatitis B, Chronic/diagnosis*; Hepatitis B, Chronic/psychology*; Needs Assessment*; Qualitative Research; Young Adult
5. Malignant hypertension with papilledema

   Tajunisah I, Patel DK

   J Emerg Med, 2013 Jan;44(1):164-5.

   PMID: 21820265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.05.042

   MeSH terms: Adolescent; Female; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Hypertension, Malignant/complications; Hypertension, Malignant/diagnosis*; Papilledema/complications; Papilledema/diagnosis*; Photography
6. The journey of Malaysian NCVD-PCI (National Cardiovascular Disease Database-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) Registry: a summary of three years report

   Ahmad WA, Ali RM, Khanom M, Han CK, Bang LH, Yip AF, et al.

   Int J Cardiol, 2013 Apr 30;165(1):161-4.

   PMID: 21920614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.08.015

   Abstract

   The Malaysian National Cardiovascular Disease Database (NCVD) team presents Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Registry report for the year 2007 to 2009. It provides comprehensive information regarding practice and outcome of PCI in Malaysia.

   MeSH terms: Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis; Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology*; Cardiovascular Diseases/surgery*; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Registries*; Cohort Studies; Databases, Factual/trends*; Research Report/trends*; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/trends*
7. Determinants of household direct and indirect costs: an insight for health-seeking behaviour in Burkina Faso

   Su TT, Flessa S

   Eur J Health Econ, 2013 Feb;14(1):75-84.

   PMID: 21953320 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-011-0354-7

   Abstract

   The objective of the study is to identify the determinants of household direct and indirect costs in the Nouna District, Burkina Faso. The data used were from a household survey conducted during 2000-2001. The multinominal logit models were applied to investigate the determinants of direct and indirect costs. The respondents who were sick in the rainy season and severity of illness significantly increased the probability of having high direct and indirect household costs. Acute illness occured in an adult was positively associated with magnitude of household indirect costs. Household economic status and utilization of western medical care played an important role in magnitude of direct cost. The information on determinants of household direct and indirect costs is necessary in order to get a complete picture of household costs for seeking health care and identification of vulnerable social groups and households.

   MeSH terms: Burkina Faso; Health Expenditures*; Family Characteristics*; Female; Humans; Male; Patient Acceptance of Health Care*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Logistic Models; Cost of Illness*
8. A profile of gout patients in Sarawak

   Teh CL, Cheong YK, Ling HN, Chan PL, Chan T, Ling GR

   Rheumatol Int, 2013 Apr;33(4):1079-82.

   PMID: 22101556 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-011-2245-8

   Abstract

   We performed a prospective study of all patients diagnosed with gout and who received treatment in Sarawak General Hospital from 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2010. There was a total of 138 patients in our study of which 92 (66.7%) were from the indigenous populations. They have a mean age of 56.5 ± 12.5 years with a mean duration of illness of 11.6 ± 8.7 years. The mean lag time between symptom onset to the diagnosis of gout was 2.8 ± 4.8 years and a mean lag time to appropriate treatment of gout of 8.8 ± 8.4 years. Sixty-six (47.8%) patients have family history of gout. The common complications of gout in our patients were tophi (47.1%), joint deformities (39.1%), kidney stones (16.7%), and uric acid nephropathy (0.7%). Hospitalization occurred in 93 (67.4%) patients. Gout is a serious medical problem in our centre. Gout affects middle-aged men, especially the indigenous populations. Almost half of our patients have a family history of gout and have tophi formations. Our gout patients have a significant delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment, thus contributing to more complications and hospitalizations in our centre. There is an urgent need to educate both patients and healthcare workers on gout and its treatment to reduce the burden of chronic gout in Sarawak.

   MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Gout/diagnosis*; Gout/drug therapy; Gout Suppressants/therapeutic use*; Hospitalization; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies
9. Curcumin-containing chitosan nanoparticles as a potential mucoadhesive delivery system to the colon

   Chuah LH, Billa N, Roberts CJ, Burley JC, Manickam S

   Pharm Dev Technol, 2013 May-Jun;18(3):591-9.

   PMID: 22149945 DOI: 10.3109/10837450.2011.640688

   Abstract

   In the present study, we investigate the mucoadhesive characteristics and release of the anticancer agent curcumin, contained in chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs). Such a system has potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of colon cancer through prolonged retention and delivery. The CS-NPs were ionically gelled with tripolyphosphate (TPP) and registered an isoelectric pH of 6.2 (z-average diameter of 214 nm ± 1.0 nm). pH variations around the isoelectric point caused a reduction in CS-NPs electrical charge which correspondingly increased the z-average due to agglomeration. Curcumin release from CS-NPs was slowest at chitosan to TPP weight ratio of 3:1, with a significant retention (36%) at the end of 6 h. Adsorption isotherms of mucin on CS-NPs fitted both the Freundlich and Langmuir models, suggesting a monolayer-limited adsorption on heterogeneous sites with varied affinities. Encapsulated curcumin exerted an influence on the adsorption of mucin due to H-bonding as well as π-π interactions between the phenolic moieties of curcumin and mucin.

   MeSH terms: Adhesives/administration & dosage; Adhesives/chemical synthesis*; Animals; Curcumin/administration & dosage*; Curcumin/chemical synthesis; Drug Carriers/administration & dosage; Drug Carriers/chemical synthesis; Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects; Particle Size; Swine; Drug Delivery Systems/methods*; Chitosan/administration & dosage*; Chitosan/chemical synthesis; Nanoparticles/administration & dosage; Nanoparticles/chemistry
10. Smoking behaviour and associated factors of illicit cigarette consumption in a border province of southern Thailand

    Ketchoo C, Sangthong R, Chongsuvivatwong V, Geater A, McNeil E

    Tob Control, 2013 Jul;22(4):255-60.

    PMID: 22174006 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2011-050008

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND:
    Illicit cigarette consumption has increased worldwide. It is important to understand this problem thoroughly.
    
    OBJECTIVES:
    To investigate behaviours and factors associated with illicit cigarette consumption in southern Thailand.
    
    DESIGN:
    A survey and qualitative study were conducted in a border province in southern Thailand next to Malaysia. A modified snowballing technique was used to recruit 300 illicit and 150 non-illicit cigarette smokers. A questionnaire was used to interview subjects. Illicit cigarette packs were obtained in order to identify their characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis.
    
    RESULTS:
    Smoking of illicit cigarettes has become accepted in the communities. They were available in supermarkets and vendor shops. Friends and other illicit smokers known by illicit cigarette smokers were an important source of information for access to illicit cigarette products. The main factors associated with smoking illicit cigarettes, compared with smoking non-illicit cigarettes, were younger age, higher education and higher average monthly expenditure on cigarettes (most illicit smokers smoked illicit cigarettes (average price per packet = 33 THB (US$1.1), while most non-illicit smokers smoked hand-rolled cigarettes (average price per packet = 7 THB (US$0.2)) and knowledge of other illicit cigarette smokers. The low price of illicit cigarettes was the main reason for their use. Selling strategies included sale of singles, sale in shops and direct sale through social networking.
    
    CONCLUSIONS:
    Illicit cigarette consumption has become more acceptable especially among young adult smokers. Age and extent of social networks are important factors associated with smoking illicit cigarettes.
    
    KEYWORDS:
    Smoking behaviour; border province; cessation; cigarette consumption; global health; hand-rolled/RYO tobacco; health services; illegal tobacco products; illicit cigarette

    MeSH terms: Adult; Age Factors; Attitude*; Commerce/legislation & jurisprudence*; Crime*; Educational Status; Hand; Humans; Public Opinion*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Residence Characteristics; Smoking/economics; Smoking/legislation & jurisprudence*; Thailand; Multivariate Analysis; Logistic Models; Friends; Social Networking*; Tobacco Products*
11. Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia: healing by lengthening over a rod without compression of the nonunion. A preliminary report

    Muhammad Abdul Jamil MK, Abdul Rashid AH, Ibrahim S

    J Pediatr Orthop B, 2013 May;22(3):207-12.

    PMID: 22182834 DOI: 10.1097/BPB.0b013e32834ecc01

    Abstract

    This preliminary report is on two patients with congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia who had a persistent nonunion following intramedullary rodding and bone grafting. We do not advocate repeated surgery to achieve union. When limb length discrepancy becomes greater than 5 cm, we proceeded with an Ilizarov procedure with the primary aim of equalizing limb length rather than achieving union. Healing of the pseudoarthrosis occurred in both patients after lengthening over the intramedullary rod without compression of the nonunion site. We believe that union occurs because of hyperaemia during the lengthening. This approach minimizes the repeated surgeries that are usually needed and thus ensures a more normal childhood without frequent hospitalizations.

    MeSH terms: Child, Preschool; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal/adverse effects*; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods; Fractures, Ununited/etiology; Fractures, Ununited/radiography; Fractures, Ununited/surgery*; Humans; Male; Neurofibromatosis 1/complications; Neurofibromatosis 1/diagnosis; Pseudarthrosis/congenital*; Pseudarthrosis/etiology; Pseudarthrosis/radiography; Pseudarthrosis/surgery; Reoperation; Tibia/radiography; Tibia/surgery*; Tibial Fractures/etiology; Tibial Fractures/radiography; Tibial Fractures/surgery; Bone Transplantation/methods; Internal Fixators; Treatment Outcome; Fracture Healing/physiology; Risk Assessment; Ilizarov Technique*
12. Does ethnicity contribute to the control of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes?

    Lee PY, Cheong AT, Zaiton A, Mastura I, Chew BH, Sazlina SG, et al.

    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2013 Jul;25(4):316-25.

    PMID: 22186400 DOI: 10.1177/1010539511430521

    Abstract

    This study aimed to examine the control of cardiovascular risk factors among the ethnic groups with type 2 diabetes in Malaysia. The authors analyzed the data of 70 092 adults from the Malaysian diabetes registry database. Malays had the worst achievement of target for most of the risk factors. Indians had poor achievement of control for waist circumference (odds ratio [OR] = 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.6-0.7) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.4-0.5). As compared with the Malays, the Chinese had a better achievement of target control for the risk factors, including the following: body mass index (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.2-1.4), blood pressure (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.3-1.4), total cholesterol (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.6-1.8), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.6-1.8), glycated hemoglobin A1c (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.3-1.4) and fasting blood glucose (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.3-1.5). Ethnicity, sociocultural factors, and psychobehavioral factors should be addressed in designing and management strategies for the control of cardiovascular risk factors among type 2 diabetes patients.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Cardiovascular Diseases/ethnology*; Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology*; Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Registries; Risk Factors
13. Analysis of volatile compounds of Malaysian Tualang (Koompassia excelsa) honey using gas chromatography mass spectrometry

    Nurul Syazana MS, Gan SH, Halim AS, Shah NS, Gan SH, Sukari HA

    Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2013;10(2):180-8.

    PMID: 24146441

    Abstract

    The constituents of honey's volatile compounds depend on the nectar source and differ depending on the place of origin. To date, the volatile constituents of Tualang honey have never been investigated. The objective of this study was to analyze the volatile compounds in local Malaysian Tualang honey. A continuous extraction of Tualang honey using five organic solvents was carried out starting from non-polar to polar solvents and the extracted samples were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, 35 volatile compounds were detected. Hydrocarbons constitute 58.5% of the composition of Tualang honey. Other classes of chemical compounds detected included acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, terpenes, furans and a miscellaneous group. Methanol yielded the highest number of extracted compounds such as acids and 5-(Hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF). This is the first study to describe the volatile compounds in Tualang honey. The use of a simple one tube, stepwise, non-thermal liquid-liquid extraction of honey is a advantageous as it prevents sample loss. Further research to test the clinical benefits of these volatile compounds is recommended.

    MeSH terms: Honey/analysis*; Fabaceae/chemistry*; Malaysia; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis*
14. Effect of extracts from Phyllanthus watsonii Airy Shaw on cell apoptosis in cultured human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

    Ramasamy S, Abdul Wahab N, Zainal Abidin N, Manickam S

    Exp. Toxicol. Pathol., 2013 Mar;65(3):341-9.

    PMID: 22217449 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2011.11.005

    Abstract

    Species of Phyllanthus have traditionally been used for hundreds of years for treating many ailments including diabetes, anemia, bronchitis and hepatitis. The present study aims to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of methanol (PWM), hexane (PWH) and ethyl acetate (PWE) extracts from the leaves of the endemic plant Phyllanthus watsonii Airy Shaw (Phyllanthaceae) on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. We observed that the PWM, PWH and PWE extracts were cytotoxic and selectively inhibited the growth and proliferation of MCF-7 cells compared to untreated control in a dose dependent manner with an IC(50) of 12.7 ± 4.65, 7.9 ± 0.60 and 7.7 ± 0.29 μg/ml, respectively. However, the extracts were not toxic at these concentrations to normal human lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. Cell death induced by PWM, PWH and PWE extracts were mainly due to apoptosis which was characterized by apoptotic morphological changes and a nuclear DNA fragmentation. Caspase-3 activation following P. watsonii extracts treatment was also evident for apoptotic cell death which was preceded by an S phase cell cycle perturbation. The results suggested that the cytotoxic activity of P. watsonii extracts was related to an early event of cell cycle perturbation and a later event of apoptosis. Hence, P. watsonii displays potential to be further exploited in the discovery and development of new anticancer agents.

    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology*; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/toxicity; Cell Cycle/drug effects; Cell Survival/drug effects; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Fibroblasts/cytology; Fibroblasts/drug effects; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/toxicity; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Cell Culture Techniques; Phyllanthus/chemistry*; Cell Proliferation/drug effects; MCF-7 Cells
15. Computerised image analysis of vitiligo lesion: evaluation using manually defined lesion areas

    Nugroho H, Ahmad Fadzil MH, Shamsudin N, Hussein SH

    Skin Res Technol, 2013 Feb;19(1):e72-7.

    PMID: 22233154 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00610.x

    Abstract

    Vitiligo is a cutaneous pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmented macules and patches that result from loss of epidermal melanocytes. Physician evaluates the efficacy of treatment by comparing the extent of vitiligo lesions before and after treatment based on the overall visual impression of the treatment response. This method is called the physician's global assessment (PGA) which is subjective. In this article, we present an innovative digital image processing method to determine vitiligo lesion area in an objective manner.

    MeSH terms: Algorithms; Epidermis/metabolism; Epidermis/pathology*; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Melanins/metabolism; Melanocytes/metabolism; Melanocytes/pathology; Sensitivity and Specificity; Skin Pigmentation*; Vitiligo/metabolism; Vitiligo/pathology*; Vitiligo/therapy; Databases, Factual; Dermoscopy/methods*
16. Safe zone for bone harvesting from the interforaminal region of the mandible

    Al-Ani O, Nambiar P, Ha KO, Ngeow WC

    Clin Oral Implants Res, 2013 Aug;24 Suppl A100:115-21.

    PMID: 22233422 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02393.x

    Abstract

    The mandibular incisive nerve can be subjected to iatrogenic injury during bone graft harvesting. Using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), this study aims to determine a safe zone for bone graft harvesting that avoids injuring this nerve.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Male; Mandible/innervation*; Mandible/radiography; Mandible/surgery*; Middle Aged; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Bone Transplantation*; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
17. Protective effect of honey against cigarette smoke induced-impaired sexual behavior and fertility of male rats

    Mohamed M, Sulaiman SA, Sirajudeen KN

    Toxicol Ind Health, 2013 Apr;29(3):264-71.

    PMID: 22275383 DOI: 10.1177/0748233711432568

    Abstract

    Cigarette smoking is associated with sexual dysfunction and impaired fertility in males. The aim of this study was to determine the potential protective effect of honey against the toxic effect of cigarette smoke (CS) on sexual behavior and fertility of male rats. Thirty-two adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats/group) as control, honey (H), CS and H plus CS (H + CS) groups. Rats in control and CS groups received oral administration of distilled water daily while rats in H and H + CS groups received honey (1.2 g/kg body weight/day) by oral gavage. Rats in CS and H + CS groups were also exposed to CS for 8 min 3 times/day. From 10 to 13 weeks of treatment, each male rat was cohabited with 3 untreated female rats for sexual behavioral and reproductive performance studies. Honey significantly increased the percentages of rats achieving intromission and ejaculation as well as increased mating and fertility indexes of male rats exposed to CS. Thus, honey has a protective effect against CS-induced impaired sexual behavior and fertility in male rats.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Female; Fertility/drug effects*; Honey*; Male; Sexual Behavior/drug effects*; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Protective Agents/pharmacology*; Rats
18. Prevalence, distribution and antibiotic resistance of emergent Arcobacter spp. from clinically healthy cattle and goats

    Shah AH, Saleha AA, Zunita Z, Murugaiyah M, Aliyu AB, Jafri N

    Transbound Emerg Dis, 2013 Feb;60(1):9-16.

    PMID: 22280210 DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2012.01311.x

    Abstract

    Prevalence, distribution and antibiotic resistance of Arcobacter spp. were investigated in cattle, goats, floor and treated water samples in this study. The prevalence of Arcobacter in adult and young was recorded as 8/110 (7.27%) and 4/83 (4.81%), respectively, which showed insignificant difference (P = 0.3503) in detection rates between adult and young cattle. A total of 33.33% of the floor samples and 11.11% of the treated water samples analysed were determined as positive for Arcobacter. Among the species isolated, over all, A. butzleri (45%) was the most frequently detected species, followed by A. skirrowii (5%). A. butzleri was isolated from adult cattle, floor and water samples at the rates of 75.0%, 33.4% and 50%, respectively. Co-colonization of species was not uncommon, and 50% of the samples were carrying more than one Arcobacter species. Only 12.5% sample from cattle (adult) was detected positive for only A. skirrowii. All samples from young animals, floor and water contained mixed isolates. None of the samples from goat farm was found to be carrying Arcobacter species. On profiling of antimicrobial resistance patterns, it was found that only one A. butzleri isolate (3.7%) was sensitive to all nine antibiotics tested. A. butzleri was found highly resistant to ampicillin (55.6%), followed by cefotaxime (33.4%) and ciprofloxacin (33.4%). Overall, 20% of the isolates showed multidrug resistance (resistant ≥4 antibiotics). Gentamicin and enrofloxacin can be used as drugs of choice for the treatment for Arcobacter infections.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*; Cattle; Goats; Housing, Animal; Malaysia/epidemiology; Water Microbiology*; Prevalence; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/drug therapy; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/epidemiology; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/veterinary*; Arcobacter/drug effects; Arcobacter/genetics; Arcobacter/isolation & purification*; Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
19. Dietary changes among breast cancer patients in Malaysia

    Shaharudin SH, Sulaiman S, Shahril MR, Emran NA, Akmal SN

    Cancer Nurs, 2013 Mar-Apr;36(2):131-8.

    PMID: 22293157 DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0b013e31824062d1

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Breast cancer patients often show an interest in making dietary changes after diagnosis of breast cancer to improve their health condition and prevent cancer recurrence.
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine changes in dietary intake 2 years after diagnosis among breast cancer patients.
    METHODS: One hundred sixteen subjects were asked to complete a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, diet recalls, and dietary changes questionnaire to assess dietary intake before and after diagnosis. The information on sociodemographic background, cancer treatment history, and anthropometric indices was also collected.
    RESULTS: Seventy-two subjects considered diet as a contributing factor to breast cancer, and 67 subjects changed their dietary habits after breast cancer diagnosis. The reasons for changes in diet were physician and dietitian advice and desire to cure cancer. The sources of information were derived from their physician, mass media, and family members. Total energy, protein, total fat, fatty acids, and vitamin E intake were significantly decreased after diagnosis. Meanwhile, the intake of β-carotene and vitamin C increased significantly after diagnosis. The changes included reduction in red meat, seafood, noodles, and poultry intake. An increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, low-fat milk, and soy products was observed. The subjects tended to lower high-fat foods intake and started to eat more fruits and vegetables.
    CONCLUSION: Breast cancer patients had changed to a healthier diet after breast cancer diagnosis, although the changes made were small.
    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This will be helpful to dietitians in providing a better understanding of good eating habits that will maintain patients' health after breast cancer diagnosis.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis; Breast Neoplasms/diet therapy; Breast Neoplasms/nursing*; Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Food Habits*; Fruit; Hospitals, University; Humans; Life Style; Malaysia/epidemiology; Middle Aged; Quality of Life*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vegetables; Cohort Studies; Incidence; Health Care Surveys
20. Fulltext Secular versus religious norms against smoking: which is more important as a driver of quitting behaviour among Muslim Malaysian and Buddhist Thai smokers?

    Yong HH, Savvas S, Borland R, Thrasher J, Sirirassamee B, Omar M

    Int J Behav Med, 2013 Jun;20(2):252-8.

    PMID: 22302214

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: This paper prospectively examined two kinds of social normative beliefs about smoking, secular versus religious norms.
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to determine the relative importance of these beliefs in influencing quitting behaviour among Muslim Malaysian and Buddhist Thai smokers.
    METHODS: Data come from 2,166 Muslim Malaysian and 2,463 Buddhist Thai adult smokers who participated in the first three waves of the International Tobacco Control Southeast Asia project. Respondents were followed up about 18 months later with replenishment. Respondents were asked at baseline about whether their society disapproved of smoking and whether their religion discouraged smoking, and those recontacted at follow-up were asked about their quitting activity.
    RESULTS: Majority of both religious groups perceived that their religion discouraged smoking (78% Muslim Malaysians and 86% Buddhist Thais) but considerably more Buddhist Thais than Muslim Malaysians perceived that their society disapproved of smoking (80% versus 25%). Among Muslim Malaysians, religious, but not societal, norms had an independent effect on quit attempts. By contrast, among the Buddhist Thais, while both normative beliefs had an independent positive effect on quit attempts, the effect was greater for societal norms. The two kinds of normative beliefs, however, were unrelated to quit success among those who tried.
    CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that religious norms about smoking may play a greater role than secular norms in driving behaviour change in an environment, like Malaysia where tobacco control has been relatively weak until more recently, but, in the context of a strong tobacco control environment like Thailand, secular norms about smoking become the dominant force.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Buddhism/psychology*; Humans; Islam/psychology*; Longitudinal Studies; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Religion and Psychology; Smoking/prevention & control; Smoking/psychology*; Thailand; Smoking Cessation/psychology*; Secularism; Young Adult