Browse publications by year: 2014

Fulltext Bibliography of clinical research in Malaysia: methods and brief results

Teng CL, Zuhanariah MN, Ng CS, Goh CC

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:4-7.
PMID: 25417946

This article describes the methodology of this bibliography. A search was conducted on the following: (1) bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and other databases) using search terms that maximize the retrieval of Malaysian publications; (2) Individual journal search of Malaysian healthrelated journals; (3) A targeted search of Google and Google Scholar; (4) Searching of Malaysian institutional repositories; (5) Searching of Ministry of Health and Clinical Research Centre website. The publication years were limited to 2000- 2013. The citations were imported or manually entered into bibliographic software Refworks. After removing duplicates, and correcting data entry errors, PubMed's Medical Subject Headings (MeSH terms) were added. Clinical research is coded using the definition "patient-oriented-research or research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin) for which the investigator directly interacts with the human subjects at some point during the study." A bibliography of citations [n=2056] that fit the criteria of clinical research in Malaysia in selected topics within five domains was generated: Cancers [589], Cardiovascular diseases [432], Infections [795], Injuries [142], and Mental Health [582]. This is done by retrieving citations with the appropriate MESH terms, as follow: For cancers (Breast Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms), for cardiovascular diseases (Coronary Disease; Hypertension; Stroke), for infections (Dengue; Enterovirus Infections, HIV Infections; Malaria; Nipah Virus; Tuberculosis), for injuries (Accidents, Occupational; Accidents, Traffic; Child Abuse; Occupational Injuries), for mental health (Depression; Depressive Disorder; Depressive Disorder, Major; Drug Users; Psychotic Disorders; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted; Suicidal Ideation; Substance- Related Disorders).

MeSH terms: Accidents; Breast Neoplasms; Cardiovascular Diseases; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Child; Child Abuse; Coronary Disease; Dengue; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Enterovirus Infections; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Malaria; Malaysia; Mental Health; Psychotic Disorders; Research Personnel; Software; Suicide; Tuberculosis; Colorectal Neoplasms; HIV Infections; Databases, Bibliographic; Stroke; Research Subjects; PubMed; Nipah Virus; Medical Subject Headings; Drug Users; Suicidal Ideation; Occupational Injuries
Fulltext A review of breast cancer research in Malaysia

Yip CH, Bhoo Pathy N, Teo SH

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:8-22.
PMID: 25417947 MyJurnal

Four hundred and nineteen articles related to breast cancer were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. One hundred and fifty four articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. Overall, Malaysian women have poor survival from breast cancer and it is estimated that half of the deaths due to breast cancer could be prevented. Five-year survival in Malaysia was low and varies among different institutions even within the same disease stage, suggesting an inequity of access to optimal treatment or a lack of compliance to optimal treatment. Malaysian women have poor knowledge of the risk factors, symptoms and methods for early detection of breast cancer, leading to late presentation. Moreover, Malaysian women experience cancer fatalism, belief in alternative medicine, and lack of autonomy in decision making resulting in delays in seeking or avoidance of evidence-based medicine. There are ethnic differences in estrogen receptor status, HER2 overexpression and incidence of triple negative breast cancer which warrant further investigation. Malay women present with larger tumours and at later stages, and even after adjustment for these and other prognostic factors (stage, pathology and treatment), Malay women have a poorer survival. Although the factors responsible for these ethnic differences have not been elucidated, it is thought that pharmacogenomics, lifestyle factors (such as weight-gain, diet and exercise), and psychosocial factors (such as acceptance of 2nd or 3rd line chemotherapy) may be responsible for the difference in survival. Notably, survivorship studies show self-management programmes and exercise improve quality of life, highlighting the need to evaluate the psychosocial impact of breast cancer on Malaysian women, and to design culturally-, religiously- and linguistically-appropriate psycho-education programmes to help women cope with the disease and improve their quality of life. Research done in the Caucasian populations may not necessarily apply to local settings and it is important to embark on local studies particularly prevention, screening, diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic and psychosocial research.

MeSH terms: Complementary Therapies; Decision Making; Diet; Female; Humans; Life Style; Malaysia; Pharmacogenetics; Prognosis; Quality of Life; Receptors, Estrogen; Risk Factors; Weight Gain; Incidence; Evidence-Based Medicine; European Continental Ancestry Group; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms
Fulltext A review of colorectal cancer research in Malaysia

Lim KG

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:23-32.
PMID: 25417948 MyJurnal

105 articles related to colorectal cancer(CRC) were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. 56 articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. Research into the genetic basis for colorectal cancer included studies in germline mutations of known syndromes as well as polymorphisms that conferred individuals a higher odds ratio for developing CRC. Several studies also documented the variety of somatic mutations seen in cases of sporadic CRC in Malaysia. Studies into the knowledge and attitudes of Malaysians regarding CRC revealed poor appreciation of the common symptoms, risk factors and available measures for its early detection. This may explain the observed facts that more Malaysians present with late stage CRC than seen in developed countries. The small amount of data recorded concerning the outcome of treatment also suggests overall survival of Malaysian CRC patients for comparable stage of CRC is lower than achieved in developed countries.

MeSH terms: Attitude; Colonic Neoplasms; Humans; Malaysia; Polymorphism, Genetic; Research; Risk Factors; Syndrome; Colorectal Neoplasms; Odds Ratio; Treatment Outcome; Germ-Line Mutation; Developed Countries; Early Detection of Cancer
Fulltext A review of cervical cancer research in Malaysia

Zaridah S

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:33-41.
PMID: 25417949 MyJurnal

Despite cervical cancer being potentially preventable, it is the second most common cancer among women in Malaysia. One hundred and five articles related to Cervical Cancer were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Fifty seven articles were selected and reviewed for the articles' clinical relevance and future research implications. This article reviews the various aspects of cervical cancer in Malaysia, mainly persistent infection of high risk human papillomavirus (HPV), primary prevention (HPV vaccination), screening method (Pap smear issues), and the attitude and knowledge of various groups of Malaysian women that contributed to the failure to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Most of the studies focused on prevention, Pap smear issues, HPV DNA testing, HPV vaccination and various recommendations for prevention of cervical cancer. Secondary prevention by screening is still an important aspect because even with HPV vaccination, screening still plays an important role as vaccination does not cover all high risk HPVs. There is a need to seriously consider a properly organised screening programme, taking into consideration what we already know about the attitude and knowledge of Malaysian women, economic factors and psychosocial issues of the screening method. There is also a large gap in clinical studies on the outcome, management and survival of cervical cancer patients in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; DNA; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Primary Prevention; Vaccination; Vaginal Smears; Incidence; Secondary Prevention; Human Papillomavirus DNA Tests; Papanicolaou Test
Fulltext A review of depression research in Malaysia

Ng CG

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:42-5.
PMID: 25417950 MyJurnal

Depression is a debilitating illness and has become a leading cause of morbidity globally. We aim to summarise the evidence available in regard to the prevalence, type of assessment tools used and treatment options for depression in Malaysia. Two hundred and forty seven articles related to depression were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Fifty seven articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. Findings were summarised, categorised and presented according to prevalence of depression, depression in women, depression in clinical condition, assessment tools, and treatment of depression. The prevalence of depression in Malaysia was estimated to be between 8 and 12%. The figures were higher among women of low socio-economic background or those with comorbid medical condition. The common assessment tools used in Malaysia include Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). They were translated into the Malay language and their psychometric properties were established. Both pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy were commonly used in Malaysia, and were highly recommended in local clinical practice guidelines. There are discrepancies in the reported rates of depression in Malaysia and this needs to be addressed. There were lack of studies looking into the depression among subgroups in Malaysia especially in the male population. There were several instruments available for assessment of depression in Malaysia but their suitability for the local setting need further research. Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy were recommended in the local treatment guideline in Malaysia. With the emergence of generic medication, we need to compare their clinical efficacy and tolerability with original products.

MeSH terms: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychometrics; Psychotherapy; Research; Prevalence; Treatment Outcome; Depression, Postpartum
Fulltext A review of schizophrenia research in Malaysia

Chee KY, Salina AA

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:46-54.
PMID: 25417951 MyJurnal

Research in schizophrenia has advanced tremendously. One hundred and seventy five articles related to Schizophrenia were found from a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. This project aims to examine published research articles, in local and international journals in order to provide a glimpse of the research interest in Malaysia with regards to schizophrenia. Single case study, case series report, reviews and registry reports were not included in this review. Medication trial, unless it concerned a wider scope of psychopharmacology was also excluded from this review. A total of 105 articles were included in this review. Despite numerous genetics studies conducted and published, a definitive conclusion on the aetiology or mechanism underlying schizophrenia remains elusive. The National Mental Health - Schizophrenia Registry (NMHR) proved to be an important platform for many studies and publications. Studies stemmed from NMHR have provided significant insight into the baseline characteristic of patients with schizophrenia, pathway to care, and outcomes of the illness. International and regional collaborations have also encouraged important work involving stigma and discrimination in schizophrenia. Ministry of Health's hospitals (MOH) are the main research sites in the country with regards to schizophrenia research. Numbers of schizophrenia research are still low in relation to the number of universities and hospitals in the country. Some of the weaknesses include duplication of studies, over-emphasising clinical trials and ignoring basic clinical research, and the lack of publications in international and regional journals.

MeSH terms: Humans; Malaysia; Mental Health; Psychopharmacology; Publications; Registries; Research; Schizophrenia; Universities
Fulltext A review of substance abuse research in Malaysia

Norliza C, Norni A, Anandjit S, Mohd Fazli MI

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:55-8.
PMID: 25417952 MyJurnal

This is a review of research done in the area of substance abuse in Malaysia. There were 109 articles related to substance abuse found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Only 39 articles were reviewed, and case series, case report, reviews and reports were excluded. Research reviewed include the epidemiology of substance abuse, genetics, treatment and its relation to health behaviour, and health management. Studies have shown that more males than females use drugs. There was also a high prevalence of blood-bourne virus diseases and sexually transmitted diseases among drug users. Two studies showed some genetic polymorphism (Cyp 3a4 gene and FAAH Pro129Thr) among heroin and amphetamine users respectively that may contribute to drug dependence. Study on pharmacological treatment for substance abuse were limited to methadone and it was shown to improve the quality of life of heroin dependant patients. Alternative treatments such as acupunture and spiritual approach play a role in the management of substance abuse. Data also showed that treatment centres for substance abuse are lacking facilities for screening, assessment and treatment for medical illness related to substance use, e.g. Hepatitis C and tuberculosis. Studies on the effectiveness of current drug rehabilitation centres were inconclusive.

MeSH terms: Amphetamines; Heroin; Female; Hepatitis C; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Methadone; Polymorphism, Genetic; Quality of Life; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Tuberculosis; Health Behavior; Prevalence; Hepacivirus; Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; Substance-Related Disorders; Drug Users
Fulltext A review of dengue research in Malaysia

Cheah WK, Ng KS, Marzilawati AR, Lum LC

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:59-67.
PMID: 25417953 MyJurnal

Dengue infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia. To date, much research on dengue infection conducted in Malaysia have been published. One hundred and sixty six articles related to dengue in Malaysia were found from a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published between the years 2000-2013. Ninety articles with clinical relevance and future research implications were selected and reviewed. These papers showed evidence of an exponential increase in the disease epidemic and a varying pattern of prevalent dengue serotypes at different times. The early febrile phase of dengue infection consist of an undifferentiated fever. Clinical suspicion and ability to identify patients at risk of severe dengue infection is important. Treatment of dengue infection involves judicious use of volume expander and supportive care. Potential future research areas are discussed to narrow our current knowledge gaps on dengue infection.

MeSH terms: Dengue; Fever; Humans; Malaysia; Morbidity; Research; Prevalence; Severe Dengue
Fulltext A review of HIV/AIDS research in Malaysia

Koh KC

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:68-81.
PMID: 25417954 MyJurnal

Two hundred fifty seven articles related to HIV/AIDS were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. One hundred seventy one articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. This review of literature has been divided into six sections, namely, epidemiology, risk behaviour, clinical features and opportunistic infections, management, diagnosis and discussion. Wherever possible, the reviewed articles have been presented in a chronological order to provide a historical perspective to the reader as many of the results of earlier publications, which are common knowledge now, were relatively unknown then. Since the early days of the HIV epidemic in Malaysia, there have been rapid advances in the understanding and the management of the epidemic in Malaysia based on the insights derived from the results of these research. These insights are invaluable tools for policy makers, advocators, healthcare providers, researchers and everyone and anyone who are involved in the care of individuals with HIV/AIDS. Attempts have been made to identify gaps in certain research areas with the hope of providing directions for future research in HIV/AIDS in Malaysia.

MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Administrative Personnel; Health Personnel; Humans; Malaysia; Opportunistic Infections; Research; Research Personnel; Risk-Taking; Knowledge
Fulltext A review of malaria research in Malaysia

William T, Menon J

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:82-7.
PMID: 25417955 MyJurnal

One hundred and thirteen articles related to Malaria were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Thirty eight articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. The epidemiology of malaria has undergone a significant change over the last decade with P. knowlesi, formerly a relatively unknown simian parasite rapidly becoming the most predominant malaria species to infect humans in Malaysia. The epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment for P. knowlesi infection are described in these studies. In Malaysia, imported malaria from foreigners also poses a challenge. In view of these changes, new strategies on malaria control need to be devised and implemented, and treatment regimens need to be redefined to help Malaysia achieve the goal of malaria elimination by the year 2020.

MeSH terms: Animals; Goals; Humans; Malaria; Malaysia; Medicine; Parasites; Research; Plasmodium knowlesi; Emigrants and Immigrants
Fulltext A review of tuberculosis research in Malaysia

Swarna Nantha Y

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:88-102.
PMID: 25417956 MyJurnal

One hundred seventy four articles related to tuberculosis were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. One hundred fifty three articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. Topics related to epidemiology, clinical presentation, detection methods and treatment were well researched. However, limited information was available on screening and behavioural interventions. The younger population were more vulnerable to tuberculosis infection and had higher prevalence of risk factors that reactivate tuberculosis infection. Screening of tuberculosis was conducted primarily on healthcare workers, tuberculosis contacts, prisoners and foreign workers. Data on the clinical presentation of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis was comprehensive. There was a general focus on related risk factors such as HIV and diabetes mellitus. A great degree of information was available on the treatment and various detection methods to identify tuberculosis. The efficacy and the practicality of investigative methods was analysed in this review. In conclusion, the direction of research should be aimed at novel preventive and control measures of tuberculosis. There should be emphasis on the screening of high risk groups (other than HIV) within the population namely diabetic patients, smokers and immunosuppressed individuals. The design of health policies should be guided by information gathered from research evaluation of communitybased behavioural interventions.

MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus; Health Personnel; Health Policy; Humans; Malaysia; Prisoners; Research; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis; HIV Infections; Prevalence; Latent Tuberculosis
Fulltext Nipah encephalitis - an update

Sherrini BA, Chong TT

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:103-11.
PMID: 25417957

Between September 1998 to May 1999, Malaysia and Singapore were hit by an outbreak of fatal encephalitis caused by a novel virus from the paramyxovirus family. This virus was subsequently named as Nipah virus, after the Sungei Nipah village in Negeri Sembilan, where the virus was first isolated. The means of transmission was thought to be from bats-topigs and subsequently pigs-to-human. Since 2001, almost yearly outbreak of Nipah encephalitis has been reported from Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. These outbreaks were characterized by direct bats-to-human, and human-to-human spread of infection. Nipah virus shares many similar characteristics to Hendra virus, first isolated in an outbreak of respiratory illness involving horses in Australia in 1994. Because of their homology, a new genus called Henipavirus (Hendra + Nipah) was introduced. Henipavirus infection is a human disease manifesting most often as acute encephalitis (which may be relapsing or late-onset) or pneumonia, with a high mortality rate. Pteropus bats act as reservoir for the virus, which subsequently lead to human spread. Transmission may be from consumption of food contaminated by bats secretion, contact with infected animals, or human-to-human spread. With wide geographical distribution of Pteropus bats, Henipavirus infection has become an important emerging human infection with worldwide implication.

MeSH terms: Animals; Australia; Bangladesh; Chiroptera; Disease Outbreaks; Encephalitis; Horses; Humans; India; Malaysia; Pneumonia; Singapore; Swine; Paramyxovirinae; Sus scrofa; Hendra Virus; Nipah Virus; Henipavirus Infections
Standard setting in OSCEs: a borderline approach

Rajiah K, Veettil SK, Kumar S

Clin Teach, 2014 Dec;11(7):551-6.
PMID: 25417986 DOI: 10.1111/tct.12213

The evaluation of clinical skills and competencies is a high-stakes process carrying significant consequences for the candidate. Hence, it is mandatory to have a robust method to justify the pass score in order to maintain a valid and reliable objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The aim was to trial the borderline approach using the two-domain global rating scale for standard setting in the OSCE.

MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Education, Pharmacy*; Educational Measurement*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Professional Competence/standards*; Students, Pharmacy; Checklist
Radiation-grafted membranes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells: current trends and future directions

Nasef MM

Chem Rev, 2014 Dec 24;114(24):12278-329.
PMID: 25418784 DOI: 10.1021/cr4005499
Fulltext A novel hybrid classification model of genetic algorithms, modified k-Nearest Neighbor and developed backpropagation neural network

Salari N, Shohaimi S, Najafi F, Nallappan M, Karishnarajah I

PLoS One, 2014;9(11):e112987.
PMID: 25419659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112987

Among numerous artificial intelligence approaches, k-Nearest Neighbor algorithms, genetic algorithms, and artificial neural networks are considered as the most common and effective methods in classification problems in numerous studies. In the present study, the results of the implementation of a novel hybrid feature selection-classification model using the above mentioned methods are presented. The purpose is benefitting from the synergies obtained from combining these technologies for the development of classification models. Such a combination creates an opportunity to invest in the strength of each algorithm, and is an approach to make up for their deficiencies. To develop proposed model, with the aim of obtaining the best array of features, first, feature ranking techniques such as the Fisher's discriminant ratio and class separability criteria were used to prioritize features. Second, the obtained results that included arrays of the top-ranked features were used as the initial population of a genetic algorithm to produce optimum arrays of features. Third, using a modified k-Nearest Neighbor method as well as an improved method of backpropagation neural networks, the classification process was advanced based on optimum arrays of the features selected by genetic algorithms. The performance of the proposed model was compared with thirteen well-known classification models based on seven datasets. Furthermore, the statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test followed by post-hoc tests. The experimental findings indicated that the novel proposed hybrid model resulted in significantly better classification performance compared with all 13 classification methods. Finally, the performance results of the proposed model was benchmarked against the best ones reported as the state-of-the-art classifiers in terms of classification accuracy for the same data sets. The substantial findings of the comprehensive comparative study revealed that performance of the proposed model in terms of classification accuracy is desirable, promising, and competitive to the existing state-of-the-art classification models.

MeSH terms: Algorithms*; Breast Neoplasms/classification; Breast Neoplasms/pathology; Cardiology/classification; Cardiology/methods; Diabetes Mellitus/classification; Diabetes Mellitus/pathology; Humans; Models, Theoretical*; Pathology, Clinical/classification*; Pathology, Clinical/methods; Reproducibility of Results; Cluster Analysis; Neural Networks (Computer)*
Fulltext Volatile profiling of aromatic traditional medicinal plant, Polygonum minus in different tissues and its biological activities

Ahmad R, Baharum SN, Bunawan H, Lee M, Mohd Noor N, Rohani ER, et al.

Molecules, 2014 Nov 20;19(11):19220-42.
PMID: 25420073 DOI: 10.3390/molecules191119220

The aim of this research was to identify the volatile metabolites produced in different organs (leaves, stem and roots) of Polygonum minus, an important essential oil producing crop in Malaysia. Two methods of extraction have been applied: Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) and hydrodistillation coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Approximately, 77 metabolites have been identified and aliphatic compounds contribute significantly towards the aroma and flavour of this plant. Two main aliphatic compounds: decanal and dodecanal were found to be the major contributor. Terpenoid metabolites were identified abundantly in leaves but not in the stem and root of this plant. Further studies on antioxidant, total phenolic content, anticholinesterase and antimicrobial activities were determined in the essential oil and five different extracts. The plant showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity in polar (ethanol) extract for all the tissues tested. For anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, leaf in aqueous extract and methanol extract showed the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. However, in microbial activity, the non-polar extracts (n-hexane) showed high antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) compared to polar extracts. This study could provide the first step in the phytochemical profiles of volatile compounds and explore the additional value of pharmacology properties of this essential oil producing crop Polygonum minus.

MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology; Antioxidants/pharmacology; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology; Malaysia; Microbial Sensitivity Tests/methods; Oils, Volatile/pharmacology*; Phenols/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry*; Terpenes/pharmacology; Free Radical Scavengers/pharmacology; Plant Leaves/chemistry; Plant Roots/chemistry; Plant Stems/chemistry; Polygonum/chemistry*; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Fulltext Awareness, trial, and current use of electronic cigarettes in 10 countries: Findings from the ITC project

Gravely S, Fong GT, Cummings KM, Yan M, Quah AC, Borland R, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2014 Nov 13;11(11):11691-704.
PMID: 25421063 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111111691

BACKGROUND: In recent years, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have generated considerable interest and debate on the implications for tobacco control and public health. Although the rapid growth of e-cigarettes is global, at present, little is known about awareness and use. This paper presents self-reported awareness, trial and current use of e-cigarettes in 10 countries surveyed between 2009 and 2013; for six of these countries, we present the first data on e-cigarettes from probability samples of adult smokers.

METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of probability samples of adult (≥ 18 years) current and former smokers participating in the International Tobacco Control (ITC) surveys from 10 countries. Surveys were administered either via phone, face-to-face interviews, or the web. Survey questions included sociodemographic and smoking-related variables, and questions about e-cigarette awareness, trial and current use.

RESULTS: There was considerable cross-country variation by year of data collection and for awareness of e-cigarettes (Netherlands (2013: 88%), Republic of Korea (2010: 79%), United States (2010: 73%), Australia (2013: 66%), Malaysia (2011: 62%), United Kingdom (2010: 54%), Canada (2010: 40%), Brazil (2013: 37%), Mexico (2012: 34%), and China (2009: 31%)), in self-reports of ever having tried e-cigarettes (Australia, (20%), Malaysia (19%), Netherlands (18%), United States (15%), Republic of Korea (11%), United Kingdom (10%), Brazil (8%), Mexico (4%), Canada (4%), and China (2%)), and in current use (Malaysia (14%), Republic of Korea (7%), Australia (7%), United States (6%), United Kingdom (4%), Netherlands (3%), Canada (1%), and China (0.05%)) [corrected].

CONCLUSIONS: The cross-country variability in awareness, trial, and current use of e-cigarettes is likely due to a confluence of country-specific market factors, tobacco control policies and regulations (e.g., the legal status of e-cigarettes and nicotine), and the survey timing along the trajectory of e-cigarette awareness and trial/use in each country. These ITC results constitute an important snapshot of an early stage of what appears to be a rapid progression of global e-cigarette use.

MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Male; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Electronic Cigarettes*; Electronic Cigarettes/psychology*; Electronic Cigarettes/utilization*; Vaping*
Fulltext Subspace-based technique for speckle noise reduction in ultrasound images

Yahya N, Kamel NS, Malik AS

Biomed Eng Online, 2014;13(1):154.
PMID: 25421914 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925X-13-154

Ultrasound imaging is a very essential technique in medical diagnosis due to its being safe, economical and non-invasive nature. Despite its popularity, the US images, however, are corrupted with speckle noise, which reduces US images qualities, hampering image interpretation and processing stage. Hence, there are many efforts made by researches to formulate various despeckling methods for speckle reduction in US images.

MeSH terms: Cysts/ultrasonography; Image Enhancement/methods*; Ultrasonography*; Phantoms, Imaging; Signal-To-Noise Ratio*
miR-205 in situ expression and localization in head and neck tumors - a tissue array study

Nurul-Syakima AM, Learn-Han L, Yoke-Kqueen C

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2014;15(21):9071-5.
PMID: 25422181

BACKGROUND: microRNAs are small non-coding RNA that control gene expression by mRNA degradation or translational inhibition. These molecules are known to play essential roles in many biological and physiological processes. miR-205 may be differentially expressed in head and neck cancers; however, there are conflicting data and localization of expression has yet to be determined.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: miR-205 expression was investigated in 48 cases of inflammatory, benign and malignant tumor tissue array of the neck, oronasopharynx, larynx and salivary glands by Locked Nucleic Acid in situ hybridization (LNA-ISH) technology.
RESULTS: miR-205 expression was significantly differentially expressed across all of the inflammatory, benign and malignant tumor tissues of the neck. A significant increase in miR-205 staining intensity (p<0.05) was observed from inflammation to benign and malignant tumors in head and neck tissue array, suggesting that miR-205 could be a biomarker to differentiate between cancer and non-cancer tissues.
CONCLUSIONS: LNA-ISH revealed that miR-205 exhibited significant differential cytoplasmic and nuclear staining among inflammation, benign and malignant tumors of head and neck. miR-205 was not only exclusively expressed in squamous epithelial malignancy. This study offers information and a basis for a comprehensive study of the role of miR-205 that may be useful as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target in head and neck tumors.

MeSH terms: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics*; Follow-Up Studies; Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics*; Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology; Humans; Inflammation/genetics*; Neoplasm Staging; Oligonucleotides; Prognosis; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*; In Situ Hybridization; MicroRNAs/genetics*; Tissue Array Analysis
Knowledge, perception and attitude towards human papillomavirus among pre-university students in Malaysia

Kwang NB, Yee CM, Shan LP, Teik CK, Chandralega KN, Abdul Kadir AK

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2014;15(21):9117-23.
PMID: 25422188

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the knowledge, perception and attitudes towards human papilloma virus (HPV) among pre-university students in Malaysia.
STUDY DESIGN: In this cross sectional study, between November 2013 to March 2014, in a public university, a convenient sampling method was used. A total of 716 respondents were recruited and interviewed with a set of standard questionnaires for assessment of knowledge, perception and attitudes towards HPV and predictor variables associated with level of knowledge.
RESULTS: Almost half (48.9%) of the respondents scored less than 5 and were categorised as having poor knowledge. Three hundred and twelve (43.6%) respondents had moderate knowledge and only 54 (7.5%) respondents exhibited good knowledge with the score of 11 and above. Only 142 (20%) students perceived themselves to be vulnerable to HPV infection though 560 (78.2%) students thought that HPV infection is a serious disease. Perceived benefits and desire to be vaccinated were significantly associated with gender (p=0.000) and knowledge of HPV vaccine and cervical cancer (p=0.000).
CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge regarding HPV among the pre-university students was low. However, student intention for vaccination increased with increasing level of knowledge. Thus, efforts to improve knowledge and awareness should be prioritised to increase uptake of the HPV vaccination programme and hence reduce morbidity and mortality from consequences of HPV infection, including cervical carcinoma.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health*; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/psychology*; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Male; Perception; Prognosis; Students/psychology*; Vaccination; Papillomaviridae/physiology; Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control; Papillomavirus Infections/psychology*; Papillomavirus Infections/virology; Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage*; Young Adult

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