Browse publications by year: 2014

  1. The Eight Stages of Trust and "Amanah" in Medicine and the Dunning-Kruger effect
    Abdullah JM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Jul;21(4):1-3.
    PMID: 25977614
    The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which unskilled people make poor decisions and reach erroneous conclusions, but their incompetence denies them the metacognitive ability to recognise their mistakes. These unskilled people therefore suffer from illusory superiority, rating their ability as above average, much higher than it actually is, while the highly skilled underrate their own abilities, suffering from illusory inferiority.
    MeSH terms: Metacognition; Learning
  2. Fulltext Searching for the Origin through Central Nervous System: A Review and Thought which Related to Microgravity, Evolution, Big Bang Theory and Universes, Soul and Brainwaves, Greater Limbic System and Seat of the Soul
    Idris Z
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Jul;21(4):4-11.
    PMID: 25977615 MyJurnal
    Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serves buoyancy. The buoyancy thought to play crucial role in many aspects of the central nervous system (CNS). Weightlessness is produced mainly by the CSF. This manuscript is purposely made to discuss its significance which thought contributing towards an ideal environment for the CNS to develop and function normally. The idea of microgravity environment for the CNS is supported not only by the weightlessness concept of the brain, but also the noted anatomical position of the CNS. The CNS is positioned in bowing position (at main cephalic flexure) which is nearly similar to an astronaut in a microgravity chamber, fetus in the amniotic fluid at early gestation, and animals and plants in the ocean or on the land. Therefore, this microgravity position can bring us closer to the concept of origin. The hypothesis on 'the origin' based on the microgravity were explored and their similarities were identified including the brainwaves and soul. Subsequently a review on soul was made. Interestingly, an idea from Leonardo da Vinci seems in agreement with the notion of seat of the soul at the greater limbic system which has a distinctive feature of "from God back to God".
    MeSH terms: Amniotic Fluid; Animals; Brain; Central Nervous System; Limbic System; Oceans and Seas; Weightlessness; Astronauts; Brain Waves
  3. Fulltext An outcome of Surgically Treated Head and Neck Cancer in one of the tertiary Referral Center in the East Coast of Malaysia: A 6-year Retrospective Analysis
    Abdullah K, Raja Lope Ahmad RA, Asha'ari ZA, Razali MS, Leman WI
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Jul;21(4):28-36.
    PMID: 25977619 MyJurnal
    Surgical management of head and neck cancer is undoubtedly challenging, and we would like to see the outcome of managing such cases at one of the tertiary referral center in the East Coast of Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Malaysia; Nutritional Support; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pain Management; Tertiary Care Centers
  4. A Psychometric Properties of the Malay-version Police Stress Questionnaire
    Irniza R, Emilia ZA, Muhammad Saliluddin S, Nizam Isha AS
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Jul;21(4):42-50.
    PMID: 25977621 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) was developed to measure police-specific stressors. The present study was the first to have translated the PSQ to Malay. This study aims to test the reliability, construct validity, and component structure of the Malay-version PSQ.

    METHODS: A set of survey consisted of the Malay-version PSQ, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), Global Stress Questionnaire (GSQ) and General Self-rated Health (GSRH) were distributed to 300 traffic police officers in Kuala Lumpur and all traffic police officers in a few districts of Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.

    RESULTS: The response rate was 65.5% (N = 262). The reported Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.93 for Operational PSQ (PSQ-Op) and 0.94 for Organisational PSQ (PSQ-Org). Findings indicated that the PSQ had positive construct validity with the GSRH, GSQ, and GHQ. After excluding four factors related to lifestyles, all police-specific stressors were highly loaded (0.50) in one component.

    CONCLUSION: It is confirmed that the Malay-version PSQ, excluding the four factors related to lifestyle, was uni-dimensional, reliable, and a valid questionnaire. This study proffers a potentially better instrument for assessing the stressors among Malaysian police.

    MeSH terms: Life Style; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Translating; Reproducibility of Results; Police
  5. Fulltext Posterior capsule rupture during phacoemulsification among patients with pseudoexfoliation - Is there a correlation?
    Thanigasalam T, Sahoo S, Kyaw Soe HH
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Jul;21(4):51-3.
    PMID: 25977622
    This study was done to correlate the occurrence of posterior capsule rupture among patients with pseudoexfoliation during phacoemulsification. This was a retrospective audit of patients who underwent phacoemulsification type cataract surgery from January 2011 to December 2012 in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Data was obtained from the National Eye Database (NED) of Malaysia. The data was analysed using SPSS version 21.0. By using logistic regression analysis, it was found that there was no significant increase in the occurrence of posterior capsule rupture among patients with pseudoexfoliation. Hence, we concluded that there was no correlation between the occurrence of posterior capsule rupture and the presence of pesudoexfoliation among patients who underwent phacoemulsification.
    MeSH terms: Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Humans; Malaysia; Retrospective Studies; Logistic Models; Phacoemulsification; Posterior Capsular Rupture, Ocular; Tertiary Care Centers
  6. Fulltext Second-trimester uterine rupture: lessons learnt
    F Abdulwahab D, Ismail H, Nusee Z
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Jul;21(4):61-5.
    PMID: 25977625 MyJurnal
    Uterine rupture is a rare life-threatening complication. It mainly occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy and is rarely seen during the first or second trimesters. Our centre experienced three important cases of uterine rupture.
    MeSH terms: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Uterine Rupture
  7. Intraoperative fluorescence angiography for cerebrovascular neurosurgery in universiti sains malaysia
    Kandasamy R, Idris Z, Idris B, Chin TY, Ghani AR, Abdullah JM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Jul;21(4):69-70.
    PMID: 25977627
  8. Fulltext Neural Commitment of Embryonic Stem Cells through the Formation of Embryoid Bodies (EBs)
    Liyang G, Abdullah S, Rosli R, Nordin N
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):8-16.
    PMID: 25977628 MyJurnal
    An embryonic stem cell (ESC) is a good tool to generate neurons in vitro and can be used to mimic neural development in vivo. It has been widely used in research to examine the role of cell signalling during neuronal development, test the effects of drugs on neurons, and generate a large population of functional neurons. So far, a number of protocols have been established to promote the differentiation of ESCs, such as direct and indirect differentiation. One of the widely used protocols to generate neurons is through the spontaneous formation of multicellular aggregates known as embryonic bodies (EBs). However, for some, it is not clear why EB protocol could be the protocol of choice. EB also is known to mimic an early embryo; hence, knowing the similarities between EB and an early embryo is essential, particularly the information on the players that promote the formation of EBs or the aggregation of ESCs. This review paper focuses on these issues and discusses further the generation of neural cells from EBs using a well-known protocol, the 4-/4+ protocol.
    MeSH terms: Cell Differentiation; Neurons; Embryonic Stem Cells; Neurogenesis; Embryoid Bodies
  9. Fulltext Relationship between intracellular magnesium level, lung function, and level of asthma control in children with chronic bronchial asthma
    Sein HH, Whye Lian C, Juan Loong K, Sl Ng J, Rahardjai A, Sultan MA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):30-6.
    PMID: 25977631 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the intracellular (red blood cell (RBC)) magnesium levels in children with chronic bronchial asthma and to determine the relationship between the magnesium level and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), type of asthma treatment, and level of asthma control.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Paediatric Clinic, Sarawak General Hospital. A total of 100 children, aged 6-12 years with chronic bronchial asthma, were recruited according to the study criteria. Venous blood samples were obtained to measure the intracellular (RBC) magnesium level using the GBC Avanta Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.
    RESULTS: Mean age was 8.57 (SD 1.18) years, and 63% of the participants were male. Mean duration of asthma was 62.2 (SD 32.3) months. A normal intracellular magnesium level was found in 95% of the participants, with a mean of 2.27 (SD 0.33) mmol/L. Two-thirds of the participants had a normal peak flow expiratory rate (> 80% of predicted value). About 85% were using both reliever and controller. Almost half of the participants (49%) had chronic asthma that was well-controlled. No significant relationship was found between magnesium level and age (r = -0.089, P = 0.379), gender (t = 0.64, P = 0.52), duration of asthma (r = -0.03, P = 0.74), PEFR (t = 0.41, P = 0.68), current level of asthma control (t = 0.02, P = 0.97), and current treatment (t = 0.414, P = 0.680).
    CONCLUSION: There was no significant intracellular magnesium deficiency in children with chronic bronchial asthma. There was no significant relationship between therapeutic medications used for treatment of children with chronic asthma and intracellular magnesium levels.
    KEYWORDS: asthma; intracellular; magnesium
    Study site: Paediatric Clinic, Sarawak General Hospital, Sarawak, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Asthma; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals, General; Humans; Magnesium Deficiency; Malaysia; Male; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Spectrophotometry, Atomic
  10. Fulltext Validation of the Malay version of the Parental Bonding Instrument among Malaysian youths using exploratory factor analysis
    Muhammad NA, Shamsuddin K, Omar K, Shah SA, Mohd Amin R
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):51-9.
    PMID: 25977634 MyJurnal
    Parenting behaviour is culturally sensitive. The aims of this study were (1) to translate the Parental Bonding Instrument into Malay (PBI-M) and (2) to determine its factorial structure and validity among the Malaysian population.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Object Attachment; Parenting
  11. Fulltext Incidental Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Detected on F-18 FDG PET CT Imaging for Breast Cancer Staging: A Case Report
    Cheen Hoe AK, Hamzah F, Abdul Khader MA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):75-7.
    PMID: 25977638 MyJurnal
    The detection rate of thyroid incidentalomas is increasing; in fact, as many as 2.3% of patients undergoing FDG PET-CT for other indications have been found to have thyroid incidentalomas. The risk of malignancy in these thyroid incidentalomas can be as high as 47%. The increased uptake and the focal uptake pattern of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the thyroid during positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT), and the calcification of the thyroid incidentaloma, are associated with even higher risk of malignancy. We report a case of a lady undergoing FDG PET-CT for breast cancer staging but noted to have a calcified thyroid incidentaloma, which was proven to be follicular thyroid carcinoma.
    MeSH terms: Calcification, Physiologic; Calcinosis; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Thyroid Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma, Follicular; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Positron-Emission Tomography; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  12. Fulltext Atypical Clival Chordoma in an Adolescent without Imaging Evidence of Bone Involvement
    Hashim H, Rosman AK, Abdul Aziz A, Roqiah AK, Bakar NS
    Malays J Med Sci, 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):78-82.
    PMID: 25977639
    Clival chordoma is a rare primary bone tumour that arises from the remnant of the notochord and typically occurs in older adults. Upon imaging, the tumour can be seen arising from the clivus and causes clival destruction. This usually provides insight for a diagnosis. Here we present a case of a non-enhancing, pre-pontine mass that was hypointense on T1W and hyperintense on T2W in an adolescent. No clival bone erosion was observed. Based on the age group, imaging findings, and lack of clival erosion, a provisional diagnosis of epidermoid cyst was made and the tumour was resected. This patient was eventually diagnosed with a clival chordoma based on histopathological examination.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Chordoma; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Epidermal Cyst; Humans; Notochord; Pons; Skull Base Neoplasms
  13. Fulltext An overview: biomolecules from microalgae for animal feed and aquaculture
    Yaakob Z, Ali E, Zainal A, Mohamad M, Takriff MS
    J Biol Res (Thessalon), 2014 Dec;21(1):6.
    PMID: 25984489 DOI: 10.1186/2241-5793-21-6
    Despite being more popular for biofuel, microalgae have gained a lot of attention as a source of biomolecules and biomass for feed purposes. Algae farming can be established using land as well as sea and strategies can be designed in order to gain the products of specific interest in the optimal way. A general overview of the contributions of Algae to meet the requirements of nutrients in animal/aquaculture feed is presented in this study. In addition to its applications in animal/aquaculture feed, algae can produce a number of biomolecules including astaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, phycobiliprotein, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), beta-1,3-glucan, and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds which have been reviewed with respect to their commercial importance and current status. The review is further extended to highlight the adequate utilization of value added products in the feeds for livestock, poultry and aquaculture (with emphasis in shrimp farming).
  14. Fulltext [Malaysia]the health database
    Philip A
    Japan Med Assoc J, 2014 Aug 1;57(4):200-2.
    PMID: 26005612
  15. Interactions of non-natural halogenated substrates with D-specific dehalogenase (DehD) mutants using in silico studies
    Sudi IY, Shamsir MS, Jamaluddin H, Wahab RA, Huyop F
    Biotechnology, biotechnological equipment, 2014 Sep 03;28(5):949-957.
    PMID: 26019583
    The D-2-haloacid dehalogenase of D-specific dehalogenase (DehD) from Rhizobium sp. RC1 catalyses the hydrolytic dehalogenation of D-haloalkanoic acids, inverting the substrate-product configuration and thereby forming the corresponding L-hydroxyalkanoic acids. Our investigations were focused on DehD mutants: R134A and Y135A. We examined the possible interactions between these mutants with haloalkanoic acids and characterized the key catalytic residues in the wild-type dehalogenase, to design dehalogenase enzyme(s) with improved potential for dehalogenation of a wider range of substrates. Three natural substrates of wild-type DehD, specifically, monochloroacetate, monobromoacetate and D,L-2,3-dichloropropionate, and eight other non-natural haloalkanoic acids substrates of DehD, namely, L-2-chloropropionate; L-2-bromopropionate; 2,2-dichloropropionate; dichloroacetate; dibromoacetate; trichloroacetate; tribromoacetate; and 3-chloropropionate, were docked into the active site of the DehD mutants R134A and Y135A, which produced altered catalytic functions. The mutants interacted strongly with substrates that wild-type DehD does not interact with or degrade. The interaction was particularly enhanced with 3-chloropropionate, in addition to monobromoacetate, monochloroacetate and D,L-2,3-dichloropropionate. In summary, DehD variants R134A and Y135A demonstrated increased propensity for binding haloalkanoic acid and were non-stereospecific towards halogenated substrates. The improved characteristics in these mutants suggest that their functionality could be further exploited and harnessed in bioremediations and biotechnological applications.
    MeSH terms: Acetates; Biodegradation, Environmental; Catalysis; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Hydrolases; Propionates; Rhizobium; Catalytic Domain
  16. Seaweed composition from Bintulu coast of Sarawak, Malaysia
    Zawawi MH, Idris MH, Kamal AH, King WS
    Pak J Biol Sci, 2014 Aug;17(8):1007-14.
    PMID: 26031019
    Species composition of seaweed and distribution were investigated in the coastal waters of Bintulu, Sarawak. The seaweed samples were collected during low tide between May 2011 and May 2012 from the six different stations. In total 54 species of seaweeds were identified from study areas of Bintulu coastal waters. Among them, 23 species were from Rhodophyta with 11 families, 15 species were from Phaeophyta with 2 families and 16 species were from Chlorophyta with 10 families: Seventeen species of seaweeds were recorded from the Tanjung Batu, while 23 species from Pantai Telekom, 14 species from Golden Beach, 26 species from Kuala Similajau, 12 species from Kuala Nyalau and 21 species from Batu Mandi. Seaweeds abundance was high in rocky substrate and Rhodophyta (11 families and 23 species) was the common and highest group of seaweeds in this coastal areas. Present study recorded high diversified seaweed species at the rocky shore area compare to reef area.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Seaweed/classification*; Species Specificity
  17. Fulltext A Survey of Pharmacy Education in Thailand
    Chanakit T, Low BY, Wongpoowarak P, Moolasarn S, Anderson C
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2014 Nov 15;78(9):161.
    PMID: 26056400 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe789161
    To explore the current status of pharmacy education in Thailand.
    MeSH terms: Curriculum; Faculty; Humans; Quality Control; Surveys and Questionnaires; School Admission Criteria; Thailand; Time Factors; Workload; Program Development; Guidelines as Topic; Guideline Adherence
  18. Neighborhood-Level Stress and Circadian Cortisol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Hosseini F, Adha N, Zainol R, Isahak M, Nemati N
    Iran J Public Health, 2014 Oct;43(10):1324-34.
    PMID: 26060694
    The main objective was to find association between basal cortisol and neighborhood-level stress. Systematic searches, including electronic and hand searches, were conducted. The most recent date of the search was July 26, 2013. Primary observational studies included if they considered stress related outcomes in the neighborhood context. Using the EndNote X7 advanced search option; the authors examined the abstracts and titles of the 18,092 articles to exclude obviously irrelevant studies, gray literature, discussion papers, reviews and, studies with no complete data. Two authors independently extracted data from the original reports into pre-designed data extraction forms based on the Data Extraction Template of the Cochrane Consumer and Communication Review Group (CCCRG). Ten studies with a total of 2,134 participants were synthesized and analyzed. Two studies out of ten received expanded meta-analysis. The overall effect size (95% CI) for cortisol level for residents in neighborhoods with lower stress compared to inhabitants from higher was 0.12 (0.01, 0.23). This review is demonstrating a link between psychosocial or physical stress and cortisol obtained from saliva. However, living in high disorder neighborhoods results in higher level of cortisol. This represents a biological indicator of psychosocial/physical stress exposure (i.e., neighborhood disorder) that reflects variances in stress exposure levels.
  19. Rota Viral Infection: A Significant Disease Burden to Libya
    Alkoshi S, Ernst K, Maimaiti N, Dahlui M
    Iran J Public Health, 2014 Oct;43(10):1356-63.
    PMID: 26060697
    Rotavirus is a common infection causing 450,000 deaths annually primarily in children 5 years and below. Despite the high burden of disease, little is known about the epidemiology of rotavirus in Libya. The aim of this study was to estimate the rotavirus disease burden among Libyan children.
    MeSH terms: Child; Gastroenteritis; Humans; Libya; Rotavirus Infections; Rotavirus
  20. Fulltext Intricate predatory decisions by a mosquito-specialist spider from Malaysia
    Jackson RR, Li D, Woon JR, Hashim R, Cross FR
    R Soc Open Sci, 2014 Oct;1(2):140131.
    PMID: 26064534 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.140131
    Paracyrba wanlessi is a southeast Asian jumping spider (Salticidae) that lives in the hollow internodes of fallen bamboo and preys on the larvae, pupae and adults of mosquitoes. In contrast to Evarcha culicivora, an East African salticid that is also known for actively targeting mosquitoes as preferred prey, there was no evidence of P. wanlessi choosing mosquitoes on the basis of species, sex or diet. However, our findings show that P. wanlessi chooses mosquitoes significantly more often than a variety of other prey types, regardless of whether the prey are in or away from water, and regardless of whether the mosquitoes are adults or juveniles. Moreover, a preference for mosquito larvae, pupae and adults is expressed regardless of whether test spiders are maintained on a diet of terrestrial or aquatic prey and regardless of whether the diet includes or excludes mosquitoes. Congruence of an environmental factor (in water versus away from water) with prey type (aquatic versus terrestrial mosquitoes) appeared to be important and yet, even when the prey were in the incongruent environment, P. wanlessi continued to choose mosquitoes more often than other prey.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Diet; Environment; Larva; Culicidae; Pupa; Spiders; Water; Passeriformes
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