Browse publications by year: 2014

  1. Hossain MS, Urbi Z, Sule A, Hafizur Rahman KM
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:274905.
    PMID: 25950015 DOI: 10.1155/2014/274905
    As aboriginal sources of medications, medicinal plants are used from the ancient times. Andrographis paniculata is one of the highly used potential medicinal plants in the world. This plant is traditionally used for the treatment of common cold, diarrhoea, fever due to several infective cause, jaundice, as a health tonic for the liver and cardiovascular health, and as an antioxidant. It is also used to improve sexual dysfunctions and serve as a contraceptive. All parts of this plant are used to extract the active phytochemicals, but the compositions of phytoconstituents widely differ from one part to another and with place, season, and time of harvest. Our extensive data mining of the phytoconstituents revealed more than 55 ent-labdane diterpenoids, 30 flavonoids, 8 quinic acids, 4 xanthones, and 5 rare noriridoids. In this review, we selected only those compounds that pharmacology has already reported. Finally we focused on around 46 compounds for further discussion. We also discussed ethnobotany of this plant briefly. Recommendations addressing extraction process, tissue culture, and adventitious rooting techniques and propagation under abiotic stress conditions for improvement of phytoconstituents are discussed concisely in this paper. Further study areas on pharmacology are also proposed where needed.
    MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry*; Ethnobotany*; Andrographis*
  2. Rahman M, Ahmad Shariff A, Shafie A, Saaid R, Md Tahir R
    Iran J Public Health, 2014 Jan;43(1):16-27.
    PMID: 26060675
    Caesarean section (c-section) rates have been increasing dramatically in the past decades around the world. This increase has been attributed to multiple factors such as maternal, socio-demographic and institutional fac-tors. Therefore, this study examines the impact of maternal, socio-demographic and relevant characteristics on caesar-ean delivery in the northern region of Bangladesh.
    MeSH terms: Bangladesh; Cesarean Section; Demography; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Drama; Family; Female; Health Facilities; Humans; Pregnancy
  3. Ramalakshmi S, Ooi CW, Ariff AB, Ramanan RN
    MethodsX, 2014;1:229-32.
    PMID: 26150957 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2014.09.006
    The use of biodegradable material such as simple carbohydrates and recyclable material such as thermo-sensitive polymers is in need to develop a sustainable aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) for the purification of biomolecules. Accurate determination of sucrose concentration is important in liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) study of carbohydrate-based ATPS. The well-established phenol-sulfuric acid method has been widely employed in the measurement of carbohydrate concentration. However, the presence of thermo-sensitive polymers, which has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) below room temperature, in carbohydrate samples could hamper the precision of spectrophotometric analysis due to the formation of two phases or cloudiness in the sample. Thus, the following modifications were made in an attempt to eliminate the interference occurred during conventional phenol-sulfuric acid assay.•The modified assay for sucrose quantification was performed at an ice-cold temperature throughout the reaction in order to avoid the interference from thermo-sensitive polymers.•This method required a sample volume of 3 μL and hence the volume of other reagents employed was also considerably reduced.•The absorbance was measured at 520 nm which allowed a longer linearity range (0.05-7.5%, w/v).
  4. Mustafar RB, Mohd R, Miswan NA, Bain A, Cader R, Gafor AH, et al.
    Cent Eur J Immunol, 2014;39(2):236-42.
    PMID: 26155130 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2014.43729
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients' are at risk of low vitamin D and chronic inflammation. We studied the effect of 12 weeks calcitriol and calcium carbonate supplementation on inflammatory mediators serum; interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
  5. Chan WK, Bahar N, Razlan H, Vijayananthan A, Sithaneshwar P, Goh KL
    Hepatol Int, 2014 Jan;8(1):121-7.
    PMID: 26202413 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-013-9510-8
    PURPOSE: Previous studies on multiracial Malaysian populations found inordinately high prevalence of NAFLD among Malays and Indians. Whether the prevalence of NAFLD is different among young adults of different ethnic origins is not known. We aimed to determine racial differences in NAFLD in a young multiracial Malaysian population and associated factors.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on medical students from the University of Malaya. Diagnosis of NAFLD was by transabdominal ultrasonography and following exclusion of significant alcohol intake and other causes of chronic liver disease.

    RESULTS: Data of 469 subjects were analyzed (mean age 23.2 ± 2.4 years, 40.3 % male). The racial distribution was: Chinese 53.9 %, Malay 30.5 % and Indian 15.6 %. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 7.9 %. Subjects with NAFLD were older, had greater BMI and WC, higher SBP and DBP, higher FBS, serum TG and LDL levels, and lower serum HDL level. The prevalence of NAFLD was higher among males compared to females (17.9 % vs. 3.3 %, p 

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethnic Groups; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Obesity; Students, Medical; Ultrasonography; Hypertriglyceridemia; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Continental Population Groups; Young Adult; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  6. El Kishawi RR, Soo KL, Abed YA, Muda WA
    BMC Obes, 2014;1:7.
    PMID: 26217499 DOI: 10.1186/2052-9538-1-7
    BACKGROUND: The increasing number of obesity and overweight cases in developing countries, especially among women, requires serious attention because of its effects on the health care system and the quality of life. Few studies have been conducted in the Gaza Strip to determine obesity and overweight prevalence and the associated factors. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of obesity and overweight cases in relation to socio-demographic factors among mothers aged 18-50 years in the Gaza Strip-Palestine from June 2012 to September 2012. Mothers childbearing age 18-50 years (n = 357) were selected using a cross-sectional multistage sampling methodology from three different geographical locations, namely, El Remal urban area, Jabalia refugee camp, and Al Qarrara rural area. The weight and height of the mothers were measured, and their body mass indexes (BMI) were computed. The mothers were categorized according to the criteria of World Health Organization (WHO) for BMI. The criteria categorize mothers as overweight if they have a BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2) and obese if their BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m(2).

    RESULTS: Obesity and overweight rates in urban area, refugee camp, and rural area were found to be 57.0%, 66.8%, and 67.5%, respectively. Moreover, BMI increased with age, adjusted b = 0.39; 95% CI (0.31, 0.48); p = 

  7. Gurmeet K, Rosnah I, Normadiah MK, Das S, Mustafa AM
    EXCLI J, 2014;13:151-60.
    PMID: 26417249
    Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in manufacturing industries. It is commonly detected in the environment and was reported to exert oestrogenic effects which may be harmful to the reproductive system. The present study was carried out to observe the effects of oral administration of BPA on the development of the reproductive organs and plasma sex hormone levels in prepubertal male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Prepubertal male SD rats (n=8 in each group) were administered BPA in the doses of 1, 5, 10 and 100 mg/kg BW (body weight) via oral gavage for a period of 6 weeks. The control animals received the vehicle for BPA (Tween 80 in distilled water). Following 6 weeks of BPA exposure, the rats exhibited less evidence of spermatogenesis. There was seminiferous epithelial damage which included disruption of intercellular junctions and sloughing of germ cells into the seminiferous tubular lumen. Furthermore, the lumina of the seminiferous tubules and the epididymis of these animals were filled with immature germ cells and cellular debris. This damage may lead to the significant reduction in the seminiferous tubular diameter in BPA-treated animals. These findings were associated with the significant lower plasma testosterone and 17β-oestradiol levels. There was no significant difference between the body weight gain, the absolute as well as relative testis weight or epididymal weight of BPA-treated animals when compared to the control animals. The findings provided further evidence of the detrimental effects of BPA on the male reproductive system.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Oral; Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds; Epididymis; Estrogens; Germ Cells; Intercellular Junctions; Male; Phenols; Polysorbates; Seminiferous Tubules; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Weight Gain; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats
  8. Ramly NA, Roslenda AR, Suraya A, Asma A
    EXCLI J, 2014;13:192-6.
    PMID: 26417253
    Tinnitus is a common disorder, it can be classified as pulsatile and non-pulsatile or objective and subjective. Pulsatile tinnitus is less common than non-pulsatile and can be due to vascular tumour such as glomus or vascular abnormality. We presented an interesting case of a 30 year-old Malay lady with a two-year history of pulsatile tinnitus which was worsening in three months duration. It was associated with intermittent headache. Clinical examination and tuning fork test were unremarkable. Apart from mild hearing loss at high frequency on the left ear, the pure tone audiogram (PTA) was otherwise normal. In view of the patient's young age with no risk factor for high frequency loss, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to look for any abnormality in the cerebellopontine angle. It revealed a single vessel looping around the left vestibulocochlear and facial nerves at the cisternal portion, likely a branch of the anteroinferior cerebellar artery (AICA). Literature review on the pathophysiology and treatment option in this condition is discussed.
    MeSH terms: Arteries; Cerebellopontine Angle; Facial Nerve; Headache; Hearing Tests; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Malaysia; Physical Examination; Tinnitus; Vascular Neoplasms; Hearing Loss
  9. Naz A, Butt MS, Sultan MT, Qayyum MM, Niaz RS
    EXCLI J, 2014;13:650-60.
    PMID: 26417290
    Presently, functional foods and nutraceuticals are gaining immense importance in the prevention of various maladies through dietary regimen module. Consumption of fruits and vegetables based diet has pursuit a range of bioactive components, especially phytochemicals targeting life threatening ailments. In this context, lycopene is an extensively studied antioxidant potentially present in watermelon, tomato, pink guava etc. Watermelon is one of the unique sources having readily available cis-isomeric lycopene. The distinctive aroma of watermelon is imparted by medium- and short-chain fatty acids along with geranial, ß-ionone and neral. Its consumption has been escalated owing to rich nutritional profile and allied health benefits. It is effective in reducing the extent of cancer insurgence, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and macular diseases. The structural characteristics, physiochemical properties and therapeutic effects of lycopene are the limelight of the manuscript. However, further research investigations are still needed to address the health enhancing potential of watermelon lycopene.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants; Diet; Fruit; Vegetables; Lycopersicon esculentum; Dietary Supplements; Citrullus; Psidium; Monoterpenes; Norisoprenoids; Functional Food
  10. Wan Sulaiman WA, Hashim HZ, Che Abdullah ST, Hoo FK, Basri H
    EXCLI J, 2014;13:825-33.
    PMID: 26417305
    Post stroke hyperglycaemia (PSH) is prevalent in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients and it has been associated with a dismal outcome of death and disability. Insulin has been proven to attenuate glucose effectively in stroke patients, thus many trials over the years had studied the efficacy of intensive treatment aiming at normalization of blood sugar level in order to improve the bleak outcomes of PSH. However, tight glycaemic control failed to be translated into clinical benefits and the outcomes are no different from the conventional approach, despite the costly healthcare expenditure invested. On the contrary, it brings more significant harm than the intended benefit, as 1 in every 9 treated patients had symptomatic hypoglycaemia. Thus, the benefits of tight glucose control, if any, are overshadowed by this potential risk of hypoglycaemia causing permanent neurological injury. Therefore, international practice guidelines recommend for less aggressive treatment to maintain blood glucose level within an appropriate range in AIS patients. However, there are limited details for stroke-specific glycaemic management and this made management of PSH particularly difficult. This review is to discuss and provide suggestions concerning glycaemic control in acute ischaemic stroke; the direction of its future prospective clinical trials and the treatment strategy required based on recent literature.
    MeSH terms: Blood Glucose; Health Expenditures; Glucose; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemia; Insulin; Prospective Studies; Risk; Stroke
  11. Ang KT, Ho BK, Mimi O, Salmah N, Salmiah MS, Noridah MS
    Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):2-11.
    PMID: 26425299 MyJurnal
    Primary care providers play an important gatekeeping role in ensuring appropriate referrals to secondary care facilities. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the level, pattern and rate of referrals from health clinics to hospitals in the public sector, and whether the placement of resident family medicine specialist (FMS) had made a significant difference. The study was carried out between March and April in 2012, involving 28 public primary care clinics. It showed that the average referral rate was 1.56% for clinics with resident FMS and 1.94% for those without resident FMS, but it was not statistically significant. Majority of referred cases were considered appropriate (96.1%). Results of the multivariate analysis showed that no prior consultation with senior healthcare provider and illnesses that were not severe and complex were independently associated with inappropriate referrals. Severity, complexity or uncertain diagnosis of patients' illness or injury significantly contributed to unavoidable referrals. Adequate facilities or having more experienced doctors could have avoided 14.5% of the referrals. The low referral rate and very high level of appropriate referrals could indicate that primary care providers in the public sector played an effective role as gatekeepers in the Malaysian public healthcare system.
    MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Physicians, Family; Referral and Consultation*; Physicians, Primary Care
  12. Ho BK, Jasvindar K, Gurpreet K, Ambigga D, Suthahar A, Cheong SM, et al.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):12-9.
    PMID: 26425300 MyJurnal
    Diabetes mellitus is an important cardiovascular risk factor. The objective of this study was to provide population-based estimates on the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of diabetes among the older persons in Malaysia. Analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional national population-based survey was done, which was conducted in 2011 throughout Malaysia. A total of 2764 respondents (15.5%) were older persons. The overall prevalence of diabetes among older persons was 34.4% in which 65.2% were aware of their diabetes status. Out of those who were aware, 87.5% had been treated. Only 21.8% of those treated had their diabetes controlled. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that the factors associated with higher awareness rates were women, Indians and higher income groups; factors associated with higher treatment rates were urban residents and those who were married and widow/widower/ divorcee. There was a high overall prevalence, awareness and treatment rate of diabetes among older persons in Malaysia but with suboptimal control rate.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Prevalence
  13. Nik Mazlina M, Ruziaton H, Nuraini DB, Izan Hairani I, Norizzati Bukhary IB, Mohamad Rodi I, et al.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):20-6.
    PMID: 26425301 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Health is committed to achieve Millenium Development Goal (MDG) MDG 4 and 5 by 2015 and include pre-pregnancy care as a strategy. This study evaluates the risk factors detected during the pre-pregnancy screening at selected public primary care clinics in Selangor.
    OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of women with risk factors receiving pre-pregnancy care in selected clinics in Selangor, their socio demographic features, the types of risk factors detected and their significance.
    METHODS: A retrospective review using secondary data was carried out from the month of March until June 2013 in four public primary care clinics in Klang and Petaling districts of Selangor. Data were obtained through non-probability sampling, using the pre-pregnancy screening form utilised in 2012, which is a standard questionnaire to determine the presence of risk factors. Women with at least one defined risk factor were considered as being at risk of an adverse obstetric outcome. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.
    RESULTS: A total of 840 pre-pregnancy screening forms were collected. However only 614 (73.1%) were analysed and studied. The proportion of women with at least one risk factor was 68.8% (95% CI: 65.1, 72.5). The majority was Malays who had tertiary education and earned more than RM 1000. Most were in the reproductive age group of 18-35 years old (350, 82.9%). The mean age was 28.68 + 5.78 years. Most of the women were parous (259, 65.1%) and did not practice any form of contraception (308, 80.8%) despite having risks. The percentage of those not receiving any form of immunisation was small i.e. 9.8% but it was of importance and needed to be addressed prior to the conception. This study did not reveal any person with mental disorder or those who endured domestic abuse. Additionally, 3% (12) of them had unhealthy lifestyle habits, which include smoking, alcohol and substance abuse. Approximately one-third (212, 35.2%) of the women screened were overweight and obese, putting them at risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy induced hypertension or deep vein thrombosis. The mean body mass index (BMI) for those at risk was 25.36 + 5.94 compared to 21.06 ± 1.46 for those with no risk. This study also found a small percentage of women with raised blood pressure (3.9%), abnormal physical examination (1.5%) and anaemia (14.4%), which need to be investigated and treated prior to conception.
    CONCLUSION: More than half of the women who attended the pre-pregnancy screening were found to have at least one risk factor.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Women; Preconception Care*
  14. Omar R, Knight VF, Aziz Mohammed MA
    Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):27-33.
    PMID: 26425302 MyJurnal
    Work-related ocular injuries and illnesses were among the major causes of job absenteeism. This study was conducted to determine if low vision rehabilitation was provided following work-related ocular problems among industrial workers in a developing country. This was a retrospective analysis of case records.
    MeSH terms: Absenteeism; Developing Countries; Eye; Head; Medicine; Retrospective Studies; Vision, Low
  15. Abdul Rahaman JA, Ker HB, Yusof M, Hanafi NS, Wong JL
    Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):34-7.
    PMID: 26425303 MyJurnal
    Tuberculosis (TB) in Malaysia is rising due to multiple factors and issues related to its management are addressed in the updated evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Screening for active TB should be considered in high risk groups. Light emitting diode-based fluorescence microscopy and nucleic acid amplification tests are recommended investigations. Health education and standardised 6-month daily antituberculosis (antiTB) regimen are among important elements for successful treatment. Latent TB infection screening should only be performed on high risk individuals. AntiTB regimen offered to HIV-positive adults should be the same as for HIV-negative adults and timing to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with TB is based on CD4 count. All patients on antiTB treatment should be monitored to assess their response to treatment and to identify problems associated with it.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Tuberculosis*
  16. Radzniwan MR, Tohid H, Ahmad S, Mohd AF, Md Anshar F
    Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):38-41.
    PMID: 26425304 MyJurnal
    Managing chronic cough is diagnostically challenging especially in primary care. This case report highlights the difficulties experienced in approaching a case of chronic cough from a primary care perspective. The discussion also involves the clinical significance and treatment dilemma of M. fortuitum chelonae complex that was isolated from the sputum cultures of an elderly woman who presented with chronic cough for more than a year.
  17. Ng HK, Yaakub A, Ong LB
    Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):42-8.
    PMID: 26425305 MyJurnal
    Full thickness macular hole is an eye disease, which can cause permanent visual impairment. Current advancement in vitreoretinal surgery has high success rates in repairing them, leading to a significant visual improvement, especially if patient presents early. In this article, three cases of idiopathic full thickness macular hole with different visual outcomes have been presented. All cases were referred by the primary care practitioners and had undergone macular hole surgery with the same vitreoretinal surgeon. The visual outcome was best in the patient who had the earliest presentation and referral. Early detection and referral of these patients is vital so that early surgical intervention can be carried out to improve their vision.
    MeSH terms: Eye Diseases; Humans; Ophthalmology; Primary Health Care; Referral and Consultation; Retinal Perforations; Vision, Low; Vitreoretinal Surgery; Surgeons
  18. Sinniah B, Narasiman M, Habib S, Gaik Bei O
    J Vet Med, 2014;2014:172829.
    PMID: 26464920 DOI: 10.1155/2014/172829
    Humans can get infected with several zoonotic diseases from being in close contact with rats. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and histopathological changes caused by Calodium hepaticum and Cysticercus fasciolaris in infected livers of wild caught urban rats. Of the 98 urban rats (Rattus rattus diardii and Rattus norvegicus) autopsied, 64.3% were infected; 44.9% were infected with Caladium hepatica, 39.3% were infected with Cysticercus fasciolaris, and 20.4% were infected with both parasites. High infection rates suggest that urban rats are common reservoir for both parasites, which are potentially a threat to man. Calodium hepaticum infections were identified by the presence of ova or adults in the liver parenchyma. They appear as yellowish white nodules, measuring 1-7 mm in diameter or in streaks scattered widely over the serosal surface of the liver. Cysticercus fasciolaris infections are recognized morphologically by their shape (round or oval) and are creamy white in colour. Histological studies of Calodium hepaticum showed areas of granulomatous lesions with necrotic areas around the dead ova and adults. In almost all cases, the rats appeared robust, looked healthy, and showed no visible signs of hepatic failure despite the fact that more than 64.0% of their livers were infected by either one or both parasites.
  19. Ganesan P, Kaewmanee T, Benjakul S, Baharin BS
    PMID: 26760738 DOI: 10.5851/kosfa.2014.34.1.1
    Pidan and salted duck eggs are of nutritional rich alternative duck egg products which are predominantly consumed in China, Thailand, South Korea and other Chinese migrated countries. Both eggs are rich in proteins, lipids, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. A Pidan whole egg contains 13.1% of protein, 10.7% of fat, 2.25% of carbohydrate and 2.3% of ash, whereas the salted duck egg contains 14% of protein, 16.6% of fat, 4.1% of carbohydrate and 7.5% of ash. The fresh duck egg contains a range of 9.30-11.80% of protein, 11.40-13.52% of fat, 1.50-1.74% of sugar and 1.10-1.17% of ash. Proteins, lipids, and ash contents are found to be greatly enhanced during the pickling and salting process of pidan and salted duck eggs. However, the alkaline induced aggregation of pidan leads to degradation and subsequent generation of free peptides and amino acids. Very few amino acids are found to be lost during the pickling and storage. However, no such losses of amino acids are reported in salted duck eggs during the salting process of 14 d. Phospholipids and cholesterol contents are lower in pidan oil and salted duck egg yolk oil. Thus, the pidan and salted duck eggs are nutritionally rich alternatives of duck egg products which will benefit the human health during consumption.
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