Browse publications by year: 2014

  1. Fulltext Does psychological strengths and subjective well-being predicting parental involvement and problem solving among Malaysian and Indian students?
    Khan A, Ahmad R, Hamdan AR, Mustaffa MS, Tahir LM
    Springerplus, 2014;3:756.
    PMID: 25674482 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-756
    The present study examined the predictors of psychological strengths and subjective well-being for dealing with academic stress perceived by university engineering students. Sample of 400 Malaysian (N = 180 boys and N = 220 girls) age varies 18 to 25 years and 400 Indian students (N = 240 boys and N = 160 girls) age varies 18 to 25 years from public universities were participated. Quantitative method was used for data analysis. Findings shows that gender, religiosity and socioeconomic status are significantly influencing psychological strengths and subjective well-being of both Indian and Malaysian students. Findings also revealed that parental involvement and problem solving coping styles were significantly predicting psychological strengths and subjective well-being among both countries participants. Findings of the current study provide the insight for the educators, and parents dealing with adolescents.
  2. Fulltext Underwater image quality enhancement through composition of dual-intensity images and Rayleigh-stretching
    Abdul Ghani AS, Mat Isa NA
    Springerplus, 2014;3:757.
    PMID: 25674483 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-757
    The quality of underwater image is poor due to the properties of water and its impurities. The properties of water cause attenuation of light travels through the water medium, resulting in low contrast, blur, inhomogeneous lighting, and color diminishing of the underwater images. This paper proposes a method of enhancing the quality of underwater image. The proposed method consists of two stages. At the first stage, the contrast correction technique is applied to the image, where the image is applied with the modified Von Kries hypothesis and stretching the image into two different intensity images at the average value with respects to Rayleigh distribution. At the second stage, the color correction technique is applied to the image where the image is first converted into hue-saturation-value (HSV) color model. The modification of the color component increases the image color performance. Qualitative and quantitative analyses indicate that the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of contrast, details, and noise reduction.
  3. Fulltext Characterization of influenza virus among influenza like illness cases in Mumbai, India
    Roy S, Dahake R, Patil D, Tawde S, Mukherjee S, Athlekar S, et al.
    Virusdisease, 2014;25(3):372-5.
    PMID: 25674606 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-013-0190-8
    The present study was carried out to monitor influenza viruses by identifying the virus and studying the seasonal variation during 2007-2009 in Mumbai. A total of 193 clinical respiratory samples (nasal and throat swab) were collected from patients having influenza like illness in Mumbai region. One-step real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (rRTPCR) was used to detect Influenza type A (H1 and H3) and Influenza type B virus. Isolation of the virus was carried out using in vitro system which was further confirmed and typed by hemagglutination assay and hemagglutination inhibition assay. Out of 193 samples 24 (12.4 3%) samples tested positive for influenza virus, of which 13 (6.73 %) were influenza type A virus and 10 (5.18 %) were influenza type B virus, while 1 sample (0.51 %) was positive for both. By culture methods, 3 (1.55 %) viral isolates were obtained. All the three isolates were found to be Influenza type B/Malaysia (Victoria lineage) by Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay. The data generated from the present study reveals that both Influenza type A and B are prevalent in Mumbai with considerable activity. The peak activity was observed during monsoon season.
  4. Fulltext Vacuolating encephalopathy and retinopathy associated with a nodavirus-like agent: a probable cause of mass mortality of wild Golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) and Sharpnose grey mullet (Liza saliens) in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea
    Zorriehzahra MJ, Nazari A, Ghasemi M, Ghiasi M, Karsidani SH, Bovo G, et al.
    Virusdisease, 2014 Dec;25(4):430-6.
    PMID: 25674618 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-014-0238-4
    Mullets are dominant fishes in the catch composition in the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea and after (Rutilus frisii kutum Kamensky, 1901) have a worthy role in production of marine proteins and incomings of north provinces of Iran. Mullets stocks decreased dramatically in recent decades in the Caspian Sea and catch amount reached from 6446 MT on 2002 to 2151 MT in 2012. Mysterious mortalities occurred in wild mullet (Liza auratu) and (Liza saliens) in Iranian waters of Caspian Sea in recent years. Regarding to investigation of causative agent of mentioned outbreak about 322 suspected samples were collected from coastal capture sites of Iranian north provinces in 2008 till 2011. Moribund fish revealed skin darkening, erratic swimming, belly-up at rest and high distension of swim bladder. Target tissues such as brain and eye were removed and then fixed for histopathology and TEM assay. Widespread and massive vacuolation were observed in brain, spinal cord, retina and optical nerve and intracytoplasmic vacuoles and virus particles in retina. So concerning to clinical signs, histopathological and TEM findings, it could be concluded that nodavirus-like agent could be probable cause of mass mortality of wild mullet in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea.
  5. Fulltext Leprosy in Sarawak, Borneo: a 5 year review from 2008 to 2012
    Ling HN
    Lepr Rev, 2014 Dec;85(4):332-5.
    PMID: 25675658
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Borneo/epidemiology; Child; Female; Humans; Indonesia/epidemiology; Leprosy/epidemiology*; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
  6. Fulltext Regioselective synthesis of 2-(bromomethyl)-5-aryl-thiophene derivatives via palladium (0) catalyzed suzuki cross-coupling reactions: as antithrombotic and haemolytically active molecules
    Rizwan K, Zubair M, Rasool N, Ali S, Zahoor AF, Rana UA, et al.
    Chem Cent J, 2014;8:74.
    PMID: 25685184 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-014-0074-z
    It is seen that the regioselective functionalizations of halogenated heterocycles play an important role in the synthesis of several types of organic compounds. In this domain, the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction has emerged as a convenient way to build carbon-carbon bonds in synthesizing organic compounds. Some of the most important applications of these reactions can be seen in the synthesis of natural products, and in designing targeted pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we present the regioselective synthesis of the novel series of 2-(bromomethyl)-5-aryl-thiophenes 3a-i, via Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of various aryl boronic acids with 2-bromo-5-(bromomethyl)thiophene (2).
  7. Fulltext Better Glasgow outcome score, cerebral perfusion pressure and focal brain oxygenation in severely traumatized brain following direct regional brain hypothermia therapy: A prospective randomized study
    Idris Z, Zenian MS, Muzaimi M, Hamid WZ
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2014;9(3):115-23.
    PMID: 25685201 DOI: 10.4103/1793-5482.142690
    BACKGROUND: Induced hypothermia for treatment of traumatic brain injury is controversial. Since many pathways involved in the pathophysiology of secondary brain injury are temperature dependent, regional brain hypothermia is thought capable to mitigate those processes. The objectives of this study are to assess the therapeutic effects and complications of regional brain cooling in severe head injury with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) 6-7.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled pilot study involving patients with severe traumatic brain injury with GCS 6 and 7 who required decompressive craniectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups: Cooling and no cooling. For the cooling group, analysis was made by dividing the group into mild and deep cooling. Brain was cooled by irrigating the brain continuously with cold Hartmann solution for 24-48 h. Main outcome assessments were a dichotomized Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at 6 months posttrauma.

    RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were recruited. The cooling-treated patients did better than no cooling. There were 63.2% of patients in cooling group attained good GOS at 6 months compared to only 15.4% in noncooling group (P = 0.007). Interestingly, the analysis at 6 months post-trauma disclosed mild-cooling-treated patients did better than no cooling (70% vs. 15.4% attained good GOS, P = 0.013) and apparently, the deep-cooling-treated patients failed to be better than either no cooling (P = 0.074) or mild cooling group (P = 0.650).

    CONCLUSION: Data from this pilot study imply direct regional brain hypothermia appears safe, feasible and maybe beneficial in treating severely head-injured patients.

  8. Fulltext Early experience in endoscopic management of massive intraventricular hemorrhage with literature review
    Idris Z, Raj J, Abdullah JM
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2014 Jul-Sep;9(3):124-9.
    PMID: 25685202 DOI: 10.4103/1793-5482.142731
    Massive intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is nearly always associated with hydrocephalus and is often treated with prolonged external ventricular drainage (EVD); however this procedure can lead to bacterial ventriculitis and meningitis, which can worsen the clinical outcomes. Endoscopic burr hole surgery to remove the hematomas in lateral and third ventricles is an alternative treatment option. We describe the surgical techniques and benefits of endoscopic surgery for acute massive IVH in four patients and discuss the current published literature-related to this condition. Four patients were treated endoscopically for massive IVH. Three patients presented with secondary IVH due to vascular malformation, tumoral bleed and chronic hypertension, while one case presented as massive primary IVH. Endoscopic wash out and removal of hematomas was normally performed together with an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Recombinant factor VIIa was only administered prior to surgery for IVH secondary to vascular malformation and for cases with postoperative rebleeding which required second endoscopic surgery. Weaning from ventilator and EVD commenced on day 4 postoperatively. All treated patients recovered and did not require further shunt surgery. Good outcomes obtained may be related to early removal of hematomas, creation of new cerebrospinal fluid diversion pathway after thorough wash-out, early weaning from ventilator and EVD. Endoscopic surgery is beneficial in treating poor grade IVH with Graeb score of more than 6.
    MeSH terms: Cerebral Hemorrhage; Drainage; Endoscopy; Hematoma; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Hypertension; Meningitis; Ventriculostomy; Weaning; Factor VIIa; Third Ventricle; Vascular Malformations; Cerebral Ventriculitis
  9. Fulltext Neural oscillation, network, eloquent cortex and epileptogenic zone revealed by magnetoencephalography and awake craniotomy
    Idris Z, Kandasamy R, Reza F, Abdullah JM
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2014 Jul-Sep;9(3):144-52.
    PMID: 25685205 DOI: 10.4103/1793-5482.142734
    BACKGROUND: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a method of functional neuroimaging. The concomitant use of MEG and electrocorticography has been found to be useful in elucidating neural oscillation and network, and to localize epileptogenic zone and functional cortex. We describe our early experience using MEG in neurosurgical patients, emphasizing on its impact on patient management as well as the enrichment of our knowledge in neurosciences.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 subjects were included; five patients had intraaxial tumors, one with an extraaxial tumor and brain compression, two with arteriovenous malformations, one with cerebral peduncle hemorrhage and one with sensorimotor cortical dysplasia. All patients underwent evoked and spontaneous MEG recordings. MEG data was processed at band-pass filtering frequency of between 0.1 and 300 Hz with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. MEG source localization was performed using either overdetermined equivalent current dipoles or underdetermined inversed solution. Neuromag collection of events software was used to study brain network and epileptogenic zone. The studied data were analyzed for neural oscillation in three patients; brain network and clinical manifestation in five patients; and for the location of epileptogenic zone and eloquent cortex in two patients.
    RESULTS: We elucidated neural oscillation in three patients. One demonstrated oscillatory phenomenon on stimulation of the motor-cortex during awake surgery, and two had improvement in neural oscillatory parameters after surgery. Brain networks corresponding to clinico-anatomical relationships were depicted in five patients, and two networks were illustrated here. Finally, we demonstrated epilepsy cases in which MEG data was found to be useful in localizing the epileptogenic zones and functional cortices.
    CONCLUSION: The application of MEG while enhancing our knowledge in neurosciences also has a useful role in epilepsy and awake surgery.
    KEYWORDS: Awake craniotomy; brain network; epilepsy; magnetoencephalography; neural oscillation
    MeSH terms: Electrocorticography; Arteriovenous Malformations; Cerebral Cortex; Craniotomy; Epilepsy; Humans; Neoplasms; Neurosciences; Software; Magnetoencephalography; Malformations of Cortical Development; Functional Neuroimaging; Cerebral Peduncle
  10. Fulltext Factors prognosticating the outcome of decompressive craniectomy in severe traumatic brain injury: A Malaysian experience
    Sharda P, Haspani S, Idris Z
    Asian J Neurosurg, 2014 Oct-Dec;9(4):203-12.
    PMID: 25685217 DOI: 10.4103/1793-5482.146605
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective cohort study was to analyse the characteristics of severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a regional trauma centre Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) along with its impact of various prognostic factors post Decompressive Craniectomy (DC).
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Duration of the study was of 13 months in HKL. 110 consecutive patients undergoing DC and remained in our centre were recruited. They were then analysed categorically with standard analytical software.
    RESULTS: Age group have highest range between 12-30 category with male preponderance. Common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident involving motorcyclist. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant in referral area (P = 0.006). In clinical evaluation statistically significant was the motor score (P = 0.040), pupillary state (P = 0.010), blood pressure stability (P = 0.013) and evidence of Diabetes Insipidus (P < 0.001). In biochemical status the significant statistics included evidence of coagulopathy (P < 0.001), evidence of acidosis (P = 0.003) and evidence of hypoxia (P = 0.030). In Radiological sector, significant univariate analysis proved in location of the subdural clot (P < 0.010), location of the contusion (P = 0.045), site of existence of both type of clots (P = 0.031) and the evidence of edema (P = 0.041). The timing of injury was noted to be significant as well (P = 0.061). In the post operative care was, there were significance in the overall stability in intensive care (P < 0.001), the stability of blood pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, pulse rates and oxygen saturation (all P < 0.001)seen individually, post operative ICP monitoring in the immediate (P = 0.002), within 24 hours (P < 0.001) and within 24-48 hours (P < 0.001) period, along with post operative pupillary size (P < 0.001) and motor score (P < 0.001). Post operatively, radiologically significant statistics included evidence of midline shift post operatively in the CT scan (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression with stepwise likelihood ratio (LR) method concluded that hypoxia post operatively (P = 0.152), the unmaintained Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP) (P = 0.007) and unstable blood pressure (BP) (P = <0.001). Poor outcome noted 10.2 times higher in post operative hypoxia [OR10.184; 95% CI: 0.424, 244.495]. Odds of having poor outcome if CPP unmaintained was 13.8 times higher [OR: 13.754; CI: 2.050, 92.301]. Highest predictor of poor outcome was the unstable BP, 32 times higher [OR 31.600; CI: 4.530, 220440].
    CONCLUSION: Our series represent both urban and rural population, noted to be the largest series in severe TBI in this region. Severe head injury accounts for significant proportion of neurosurgical admissions, resources with its impact on socio-economic concerns to a growing population like Malaysia. This study concludes that the predictors of outcome in severe TBI post DC were postoperative hypoxia, unmaintained cerebral perfusion pressure and unstable blood pressure as independent predictors of poor outcome. Key words: Decompressive craniectomy, prognostication of decompressive craniectomy, prognostication of severe head injury, prognostication of traumatic brain injury, severe head injury, severe traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury.
    KEYWORDS: Decompressive craniectomy; prognostication of decompressive craniectomy; prognostication of severe head injury; prognostication of traumatic brain injury; severe head injury; severe traumatic brain injury; traumatic brain injury
    MeSH terms: Accidents; Acidosis; Blood Pressure; Blood Pressure Determination; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Contusions; Critical Care; Diabetes Insipidus; Edema; Craniocerebral Trauma; Heart Rate; Humans; Intracranial Pressure; Malaysia; Male; Oxygen; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Referral and Consultation; Rural Population; Software; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Trauma Centers; Logistic Models; Motor Vehicles; Decompressive Craniectomy; Brain Injuries, Traumatic
  11. Fulltext Control and switching synchronization of fractional order chaotic systems using active control technique
    Radwan AG, Moaddy K, Salama KN, Momani S, Hashim I
    J Adv Res, 2014 Jan;5(1):125-32.
    PMID: 25685479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2013.01.003
    This paper discusses the continuous effect of the fractional order parameter of the Lü system where the system response starts stable, passing by chaotic behavior then reaching periodic response as the fractional-order increases. In addition, this paper presents the concept of synchronization of different fractional order chaotic systems using active control technique. Four different synchronization cases are introduced based on the switching parameters. Also, the static and dynamic synchronizations can be obtained when the switching parameters are functions of time. The nonstandard finite difference method is used for the numerical solution of the fractional order master and slave systems. Many numeric simulations are presented to validate the concept for different fractional order parameters.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Research Design; Nonlinear Dynamics
  12. Polymerase chain reaction-based discrimination of viable from non-viable Mycoplasma gallisepticum
    Tan CG, Ideris A, Omar AR, Yii CP, Kleven SH
    Onderstepoort J Vet Res, 2014 09 02;81(1):e1-e7.
    PMID: 25686255 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v81i1.708
    The present study was based on the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the 16S ribosomal nucleic acid (rRNA) of Mycoplasma for detection of viable Mycoplasma gallisepticum. To determine the stability of M. gallisepticum 16S rRNA in vitro, three inactivation methods were used and the suspensions were stored at different temperatures. The 16S rRNA of M. gallisepticum was detected up to approximately 20-25 h at 37 °C, 22-25 h at 16 °C, and 23-27 h at 4 °C. The test, therefore, could detect viable or recently dead M. gallisepticum (< 20 h). The RT-PCR method was applied during an in vivo study of drug efficacy under experimental conditions, where commercial broiler-breeder eggs were inoculated with M. gallisepticum into the yolk. Hatched chicks that had been inoculated in ovo were treated with Macrolide 1. The method was then applied in a flock of day 0 chicks with naturally acquired vertical transmission of M. gallisepticum, treated with Macrolide 2. Swabs of the respiratory tract were obtained for PCR and RT-PCR evaluations to determine the viability of M. gallisepticum. This study proved that the combination of both PCR and RT-PCR enables detection and differentiation of viable from non-viable M. gallisepticum.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chickens; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; DNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification; Poultry Diseases/diagnosis; Poultry Diseases/microbiology; RNA, Bacterial/genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/veterinary; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods*; Mycoplasma gallisepticum/physiology*
  13. Fulltext What's New in the Toolbox for Constipation and Fecal Incontinence?
    Lee YY
    Front Med (Lausanne), 2014;1:5.
    PMID: 25705618 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2014.00005
    Constipation and fecal incontinence (FI) are common complaints predominantly affecting the elderly and women. They are associated with significant morbidity and high healthcare costs. The causes are often multi-factorial and overlapping. With the advent of new technologies, we have a better understanding of their underlying pathophysiology which may involve disruption at any levels along the gut-brain-microbiota axis. Initial approach to management should always be the exclusion of secondary causes. Mild symptoms can be approached with conservative measures that may include dietary modifications, exercise, and medications. New prokinetics (e.g., prucalopride) and secretagogues (e.g., lubiprostone and linaclotide) are effective and safe in constipation. Biofeedback is the treatment of choice for dyssynergic defecation. Refractory constipation may respond to neuromodulation therapy with colectomy as the last resort especially for slow-transit constipation of neuropathic origin. Likewise, in refractory FI, less invasive approach can be tried first before progressing to more invasive surgical approach. Injectable bulking agents, sacral nerve stimulation, and SECCA procedure have modest efficacy but safe and less invasive. Surgery has equivocal efficacy but there are promising new techniques including dynamic graciloplasty, artificial bowel sphincter, and magnetic anal sphincter. Despite being challenging, there are no short of alternatives in our toolbox for the management of constipation and FI.
  14. Fulltext S gene mutants occurrence among hepatitis B carriers in malaysia
    Suppiah J, Mohd Zain R, Bahari N, Haji Nawi S, Saat Z
    Hepat Mon, 2014 Dec;14(12):e22565.
    PMID: 25737728 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.22565
    The S gene region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) codes for surface antigen (HBs Ag) and is responsible for classification of HBV strains.
  15. Fulltext Analysis of human bradykinin receptor gene and endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms in end-stage renal disease among malaysians
    Vasudevan R, Ismail P, Jaafar N, Mohamad N, Etemad E, Wan Aliaa W, et al.
    Balkan J Med Genet, 2014 Jun;17(1):37-40.
    PMID: 25741213 DOI: 10.2478/bjmg-2014-0023
    The aim of this study was to determine the association of the c.894G>T; p.Glu298Asp polymorphism and the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene and c.181C>T polymorphism of the bradykinin type 2 receptor gene (B2R) in Malaysian end-stage renal disease (ESRD) subjects. A total of 150 ESRD patients were recruited from the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF)dialysis centers in Malaysia and compared with 150 normal healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells of all the subjects. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was carried out to amplify the products and the restricted fragments were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical analyses were carried out using software where a level of p <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the B2R gene (c.181C>T, 4b/a) and eNOS gene (c.894G>T) polymorphisms were not statistically significant (p >0.05) when compared to the control subjects. The B2R and eNOS gene polymorphisms may not be considered as genetic susceptibility markers for Malaysian ESRD subjects.
    MeSH terms: DNA; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; Gene Frequency; Genetic Markers; Genotype; Renal Dialysis; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Malaysia; Mouth Mucosa; Polymorphism, Genetic; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Software; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Minisatellite Repeats; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genomics; Receptor, Bradykinin B2; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  16. Fulltext Predicting addiction potential on the basis of early traumatic events, dissociative experiences, and suicide ideation
    Sajadi SF, Hajjari Z, Zargar Y, Mehrabizade Honarmand M, Arshadi N
    Int J High Risk Behav Addict, 2014 Dec;3(4):e20995.
    PMID: 25741480 DOI: 10.5812/ijhrba.20995
    BACKGROUND: There is a great deal of medical literature suggesting that substance use disorder is a serious clinical concern, affecting general population and associated with considerable economic, societal, and personal costs.

    OBJECTIVES: This study sought to clarify the relationship between early trauma, dissociative experience, and suicide ideation as predictive factors of active and passive addiction potential (A/PAP) in high-school students.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred students with the mean age of 15.72 y were selected via multistage random sampling. All participants were asked to complete Iranian addiction potential scale, early trauma inventory, dissociative experiences scale, and Beck's suicide ideation scale. Analyzing data was done using canonical correlation.

    RESULTS: Structural coefficients showed that the pattern of high scores in A/PAP correlates with the pattern of high scores in early trauma, dissociative experience and suicide ideation. The findings of the study showed that the combination of low A/PAP can probably decrease the likelihood of early trauma, dissociative experience and suicide ideation.

    CONCLUSIONS: Early trauma, dissociative experience, and suicide ideation can predict A/PAP and explain the considerable variance of survival index.

    MeSH terms: Dissociative Disorders; Humans; Iran; Students; Behavior, Addictive; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicidal Ideation
  17. Fulltext Citation frequency and ethical issue
    Ebrahim NA
    Electron Physician, 2014;6(2):814-5.
    PMID: 25763151 DOI: 10.14661/2014.814-815
  18. Fulltext Rhabdomyolysis due to Lamivudine administration in acute viral hepatitis B infection: a case report from Malaysia
    Baharin J, Sahari NS, Lim SM
    Electron Physician, 2014;6(3):863-7.
    PMID: 25763159 DOI: 10.14661/2014.863-867
    Rhabdomyolysis is a serious but rare side effect of Lamivudine treatment. Therefore, appropriate biochemical monitoring should be undertaken when it is used in the treatment of hepatitis B. This paper presents a case of Lamivudine-associated rhabdomyolysis in a 31-year-old man with congenital heart disease and hepatitis B. Three days after starting Lamivudine, the patient developed myalgia. Significant muscle tenderness and swelling of the upper and lower limbs was discovered during a physical examination. Creatine kinase was markedly raised. Lamivudine-induced rhabdomyolysis was suspected and the drug was discontinued. Symptoms and creatine kinase activity improved within four days of Lamivudine cessation and hydration. Early identification of Lamivudine-induced rhabdomyolysis is key in preventing this potentially fatal drug reaction; withdrawal of Lamivudine may contribute to complete remission of rhabdomyolysis.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Case Reports; Hospitals; Humans; Malaysia; Malaysia/ethnology; Rhabdomyolysis*; Lamivudine*
  19. Fulltext A report of three cases of untreated Graves' disease associated with pancytopenia in Malaysia
    Rafhati AN, See CK, Hoo FK, Badrulnizam LB
    Electron Physician, 2014;6(3):877-82.
    PMID: 25763162 DOI: 10.14661/2014.877-882
    Generally, clinical presentations of Graves' disease range from asymptomatic disease to overt symptomatic hyperthyroidism with heat intolerance, tremor, palpitation, weight loss, and increased appetite. However, atypical presentation of Graves' disease with hematological system involvement, notably pancytopenia, is distinctly uncommon. Hereby, we present and discuss a series of three untreated cases of Graves' disease clinically presented with pancytopenia and the hematological abnormalities that responded well to anti-thyroid treatment. With resolution of the thyrotoxic state, the hematological parameters improved simultaneously. Thus, it is crucial that anti-thyroid treatment be considered in patients with Graves' disease and pancytopenia after a thorough hematological evaluation.
    MeSH terms: Case Reports; Graves Disease*; Humans; Hyperthyroidism*; Malaysia; Pancytopenia*
  20. Fulltext Aging parents' caregiving and rehabilitating a brain-injured son: an autoethnography of a 10-year journey
    Hassan ST, Jamaludin H
    Electron Physician, 2014;6(4):927-31.
    PMID: 25763170 DOI: 10.14661/2014.927-931
    This autoethnography withdraws from information accumulated through a 10-year period of daily-weekly-monthly descriptive observation-recording (triangulated- parents & house-helper) of caregiving and rehabilitating of our brain injured son (survivor/care-receiver). We present it as an interactive voice of verbal conversation, thoughts, insights, and interpretations. It is delivered as a series of articulation intra-pulsated with our interrogation of societal-cultural-religious perspectives, norms and biases, and aligns with the CAP (Creative Analytical Practices) method of Ellis. This autoethnography glows from the richness of information which encapsulates the challenges confronting us the aging parent caregivers, the gradual incremental mind mending achievement of our son, and the interactive verbalizations and thoughts, of the caregivers, care-receiver, and other persons. The overwhelming mental and physical pain and struggle of the survivor and the aging caregivers and their sense of celebratory-satisfaction with rehabilitation progress are highlighted. Interpretation and valuation of positive and negative responses of other persons provide a critical matrix to this autoethnography. We intend to inform other caregivers and relevant healthcare professionals through this autoethnography.
External Links