Browse publications by year: 2017

  1. Lim EH, Nadarajah S, Mohamad I
    Oman Med J, 2017 Sep;32(5):432-435.
    PMID: 29026477 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2017.81
    Sialolithiasis is the formation of calculi or sialoliths in the salivary gland. It is the most common benign condition of the salivary gland. Sialolithiasis can occur in all salivary glands. The submandibular gland is most commonly affected followed by the parotid gland. Calculi commonly measure less than 10 mm. Calculi of more than 15 mm are termed giant salivary gland calculi and are infrequently reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of unusually large submandibular gland calculus of 5 cm in greatest dimension which caused erosion of the oral cavity.
    MeSH terms: Parotid Gland; Salivary Glands; Submandibular Gland; Salivary Gland Calculi
  2. Afshar A, Tabrizi A
    Malays Orthop J, 2017 Nov;11(3):45-46.
    PMID: 29326766 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1711.002
    A 30-year old male right handed professional tennis player complained about reduced athletic performance, chronic pain and restricted extension of his right wrist. Lateral radiograph of the right wrist demonstrated an osteophyte projecting from the dorsal lip of the lunate bone. The presence of an osteophyte on the lateral radiograph of the lunate along with the history, clinical examination, intra-operative findings, and post-operative satisfactory result made the diagnosis of dorsal luno-capitate impingement syndrome reasonable.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Humans; Lip; Male; Lunate Bone; Tennis; Wrist; Scaphoid Bone; Capitate Bone; Osteophyte; Athletic Performance; Chronic Pain
  3. Ogawa T, Sasaki T, Masayuki-Kawashima MK, Okawa A, Mahito-Kawashima MK
    Malays Orthop J, 2017 Nov;11(3):47-49.
    PMID: 29326767 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1711.003
    Bipolar segmental clavicle fractures are simultaneous clavicle fractures of both proximal and distal ends. Few case reports describing these fractures have been published, and the management of these injuries have remained controversial. Non-operative treatment is likely to result in poor shoulder function due to the instability of the fracture in patients with high physical demands. In contrast, surgical treatment with fixation of both proximal and distal ends of the clavicle possibly may cause life-threatening complications. We present a 74-year old female farmer who had injured her left shoulder and was diagnosed with a bipolar segmental clavicle fracture. Taking the fracture mechanism into consideration, we surgically treated only the distal end of the clavicle fracture with a locking plate. The proximal end of the clavicle fracture was treated without surgical intervention. Both fracture sites achieved bony union after four months and she returned to her activities as a farmer. Quick DASH score was 5.0 with excellent results at three years after operation.
    MeSH terms: Farmers; Aged; Bipolar Disorder; Bone Plates; Clavicle; Female; Humans; Joints; Shoulder; Shoulder Fractures
  4. Santoso A, Ingale PS, Park KS, Yoon TR
    Malays Orthop J, 2017 Nov;11(3):56-58.
    PMID: 29326770 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1711.006
    Migratory bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) of the hip is a rare entity. We report the case of a 41-year old male with migratory BMES of the hip with eight months interval period between onset of the pain and consultation. This patient was successfully treated non-surgically. It is important to always inform the patient with unilateral BMES of the hip regarding the possibility of future involvement of the contralateral hip.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Bone Marrow; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Humans; Male; Pain; Referral and Consultation; Syndrome
  5. Ralot T, Bafna C, Singh S, Sharma S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Dec;24(6):103-106.
    PMID: 29379393 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.6.13
    Persistent neutrophilic meningitis is an atypical form of chronic meningitis defined as clinical meningitis with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis suggestive of neutrophilic pleocytosis that persists for more than one week despite giving empirical antimicrobial therapy. The predominant presentation of tubercular meningitis is with CSF lymphocytic pleocytosis and even if early phase of the disease presents with neutrophilic pleocytosis, no persistence is usually observed for more than one week. We hereby report the case of an immunocompetent man aged 25 years with tubercular meningitis manifesting as persistent neutrophilic meningitis which is very rare as an entity in tubercular meningitis (TBM). Patient was started on anti-tubercular therapy based on the granulomas in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain after which there was a reduction in total cell count in CSF but persisting neutrophilic predominance. Patient improved clinically and was given a full course of anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) thereafter.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Brain; Cell Count; Granuloma; Humans; Leukocytosis; Lymphocytes; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Meningitis; Tuberculosis, Meningeal
  6. Albayrak E, Sonmezgoz F, Ozmen Z, Aktas F, Altunkas A
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Oct;24(5):112-118.
    PMID: 29386979 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.5.13
    A 26-year-old female patient with Type 1 Gaucher's disease (GD) was admitted to our clinic with complaints of stomachache and signs of anemia. The patient underwent ultrasonography (US), computerised tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Imaging studies revealed massive hepatosplenomegaly, choledocolithiasis, and six nodules in the spleen with a mean size of 14 mm. The nodules appeared hyperechoic, hypoechoic, and of mixed echogenicity on the US and hypodense on the CT. While the nodules were observed to be iso-hypointense in T1-weighted (T1WI) images, they appeared to be hyperintense in the T2-weighted (T2WI) images. There were no diffusion restrictions in these nodules that appeared on the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI). A nodule located at the lower pole was observed to be hypointense in the T2WI images. The nodule located at the lower pole, which appeared hypointense in T2WI series, had restricted diffusion upon DWI. In this study, we aimed to present the properties of splenic GD nodules using US, CT, and conventional MRI, together with DWI. This case report is the first to apply US, CT, and conventional MRI, together with DWI, to the splenic nodules associated with Gaucher's disease.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Anemia; Female; Gaucher Disease; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spleen; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  7. Onn LV, Bickle I, Chua HB, Telisinghe PU, Chong CF, Chong VH
    Malays Fam Physician, 2017;12(3):33-36.
    PMID: 29527279
    Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common presentations in general practice and, in most instances, occurs in a single episode and is easily treated with a course of anti-microbial therapy. In the case of recurrent urinary tract infections, it is important to consider evaluation for any underlying causes. We report the case of a 32 year old female who had recurrent UTIs; this was a case of recurrent UTI secondary to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis from renal stones with resultant reno-colic fistula formation.
    MeSH terms: Brunei; Colic; Female; Fistula; Kidney; Kidney Calculi; Pyelonephritis, Xanthogranulomatous; Urinary Tract Infections; General Practice
  8. Khan SQ, Khabeer A, Al Harbi F, Arrejaie AS, Moheet IA, Farooqi FA, et al.
    Saudi J Med Med Sci, 2017 04 20;5(2):145-148.
    PMID: 30787773 DOI: 10.4103/1658-631X.204860
    Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency and status of root canal-treated teeth in patients treated at the College of Dentistry, University of Dammam in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

    Materials and Methods: A total of 3701 patients visited the clinics during the study period. Through the use of radiographs, 161 patients were initially selected who had endodontically treated teeth. However, after applying the inclusion criteria, the total number of eligible cases was reduced to 155. Patients were divided into three groups according to age (children 1-12 years, adults 13-65 years and geriatrics >65 years).

    Results: On average, each patient had 2.28 ± 1.88 root canal-treated teeth and 24.02 ± 5.03 teeth without root canal treatment. The average number of endodontically treated teeth increased with an increase in age. The adult group showed the highest number of root-filled teeth 314 (93.4%). Of the 336 endodontically treated teeth, only 75 (22.3%) teeth exhibited periapical radiolucency. First molars (28.43-36.36%) and second premolars (20.1-27.27%) were the most frequently root-filled teeth in both jaws, followed by the first maxillary premolars (11.76%). Periapical lesions showed an almost similar pattern with the highest number of radiolucencies found in the first molars in both jaws (29.3-33.3%) followed by the second premolars in the mandible (30.6%) and first premolars in both jaws (20.8-25%).

    Conclusion: The first molars and second premolars were the most frequently root-filled teeth in both jaws, followed by maxillary first premolars. Periapical lesions showed an almost similar pattern among teeth with a higher number of radiolucencies found in the first molars in both jaws, followed by the second premolars in the mandible and the first premolars in both jaws.

  9. Yeap SS, Hew FL, Damodaran P, Chee W, Lee JK, Goh EML, et al.
    Osteoporos Sarcopenia, 2017 Mar;3(1):1-7.
    PMID: 30775497 DOI: 10.1016/j.afos.2017.01.001
    OBJECTIVES: This Clinical Guidance is aimed to help practitioners assess, diagnose and manage their patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO), using the best available evidence.

    METHODS: A literature search using PubMed (MEDLINE) and The Cochrane Library identified all relevant articles on GIO and its assessment, diagnosis and treatment, from 2011, to update from the 2012 edition. The studies were assessed and the level of evidence assigned. For each statement, studies with the highest level of evidence were used to frame the recommendation.

    RESULTS: Consider treatment early in all patients on glucocorticoids (GC) as fracture risk increases within 3-6 months of starting GC. The decision to start treatment for GIO depends on the presence of prior fracture, category of risk (as calculated using Fracture Risk Assessment Tool), daily dose and duration of GC treatment, age, and menopausal status. General measures include adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and reducing the dose of GC to the minimum required to achieve disease control. In patients on GC with osteoporotic fractures or confirmed osteoporosis on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bisphosphonates are the first-line treatment. Treatment should be continued as long as patients remain on GC. Algorithms for the management of GIO in both pre- and post-menopausal women and men have been updated.

    CONCLUSIONS: In post-menopausal women and men above 50 years, bisphosphonates remain the mainstay of treatment in GIO. In pre-menopausal women and men below 50 years, bisphosphonates are recommended for those with a prevalent fracture or at very high risk only.

  10. Yeap SS, Nur Fazirah MFR, Nur Aisyah C, Zahari Sham SY, Samsudin IN, C Thambiah S, et al.
    Osteoporos Sarcopenia, 2017 Jun;3(2):112-116.
    PMID: 30775514 DOI: 10.1016/j.afos.2017.05.001
    OBJECTIVE: Following an osteoporotic fracture, pharmacological treatment is recommended to increase bone mineral density and prevent future fractures. However, the rate of starting treatment after an osteoporotic hip fracture remains low. The objective of this study was to survey the treatment rate following a low-trauma hip fracture at a tertiary private hospital in Malaysia over a period of 5 years.

    METHODS: The computerised hospital discharge records were searched using the terms "hip," "femur," "femoral," "trochanteric," "fracture," or "total hip replacement" for all patients over the age of 50, admitted between 2010 and 2014. The medical charts were obtained and manually searched for demographic data and treatment information. Hip operations done for non-low-trauma-related fracture and arthritis were excluded.

    RESULTS: Three hundred seventy patients over the age of 50 years were admitted with a hip fracture, of which 258 (69.7%) were low trauma, presumed osteoporotic, hip fractures. The median age was 79.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 12.0). Following a hip fracture, 36.8% (95 of 258) of the patients received treatment, but out of these, 24.2% (23 of 95) were on calcium/vitamin D only. The median duration of treatment was 1 month (IQR, 2.5). In 2010, 56.7% of the patients received treatment, significantly more than subsequent years 2011-2014, where approximately only 30% received treatment.

    CONCLUSIONS: Following a low-trauma hip fracture, approximately 72% of patients were not started on active antiosteoporosis therapy. Of those who were, the median duration of treatment was 1 month. This represents a missed opportunity for the prevention of future fractures.

  11. Ameratunga SN
    J Adolesc Health, 2017 10;61(4):405-406.
    PMID: 28941482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.07.014
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Malaysia; Global Health; Global Burden of Disease*
  12. Ahmadi P, Muharam FM, Ahmad K, Mansor S, Abu Seman I
    Plant Dis, 2017 Jun;101(6):1009-1016.
    PMID: 30682927 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-12-16-1699-RE
    Ganoderma boninense is a causal agent of basal stem rot (BSR) and is responsible for a significant portion of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) losses, which can reach US$500 million a year in Southeast Asia. At the early stage of this disease, infected palms are symptomless, which imposes difficulties in detecting the disease. In spite of the availability of tissue and DNA sampling techniques, there is a particular need for replacing costly field data collection methods for detecting Ganoderma in its early stage with a technique derived from spectroscopic and imagery data. Therefore, this study was carried out to apply the artificial neural network (ANN) analysis technique for discriminating and classifying fungal infections in oil palm trees at an early stage using raw, first, and second derivative spectroradiometer datasets. These were acquired from 1,016 spectral signatures of foliar samples in four disease levels (T1: healthy, T2: mildly-infected, T3: moderately infected, and T4: severely infected). Most of the satisfactory results occurred in the visible range, especially in the green wavelength. The healthy oil palms and those which were infected by Ganoderma at an early stage (T2) were classified satisfactorily with an accuracy of 83.3%, and 100.0% in 540 to 550 nm, respectively, by ANN using first derivative spectral data. The results further indicated that the sensitive frond number modeled by ANN provided the highest accuracy of 100.0% for frond number 9 compared with frond 17. This study showed evidence that employment of ANN can predict the early infection of BSR disease on oil palm with a high degree of accuracy.
    MeSH terms: Asia, Southeastern; DNA; Employment; Mycoses; Spectrum Analysis; Trees; Plant Stems; Arecaceae; Ganoderma
  13. Rosli H, Mayfield DA, Batzer JC, Dixon PM, Zhang W, Gleason ML
    Plant Dis, 2017 Oct;101(10):1721-1728.
    PMID: 30676929 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-02-17-0294-RE
    A warning system for the sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) fungal disease complex of apple, developed originally for use in the southeastern United States, was modified to provide more reliable assessment of SBFS risk in Iowa. Modeling results based on previous research in Iowa and Wisconsin had suggested replacing leaf wetness duration with cumulative hours of relative humidity (RH) ≥97% as the weather input to the SBFS warning system. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a RH-based SBFS warning system, and to assess the potential economic benefits for its use in Iowa. The warning system was evaluated in two separate sets of trials-trial 1 during 2010 and 2011, and trial 2 during 2013-2015-using action thresholds based on cumulative hours of RH ≥97% and ≥90%, respectively, in conjunction with two different fungicide regimes. The warning system was compared with a traditional calendar-based system that specified spraying at predetermined intervals of 10 to 14 days. In trial 1, use of the RH ≥97% threshold caused substantial differences between two RH sensors in recording number of hours exceeding the threshold. When both RH thresholds were compared for 2013-2015, on average, RH ≥90% resulted in a 53% reduction in variation of cumulative hours between two identical RH sensors placed adjacent to each other in an apple tree canopy. Although both the SBFS warning system and the calendar-based system resulted in equivalent control of SBFS, the warning system required fewer fungicide sprays than the calendar-based system, with an average of 3.8 sprays per season (min = 2; max = 5) vs. 6.4 sprays per season (min = 5; max = 8), respectively. The two fungicide regimes provided equivalent SBFS control when used in conjunction with the warning system. A partial budget analysis showed that using the SBFS warning system with a threshold of RH ≥90% was cost effective for orchard sizes of >1 ha. The revised warning system has potential to become a valuable decision support tool for Midwest apple growers because it reduces fungicide costs while protecting apples as effectively as a calendar-based spray schedule. The next step toward implementation of the SBFS warning system in the North Central U.S. should be multiyear field testing in commercial orchards throughout the region.
    MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Fungicides, Industrial; Humidity; Iowa; Mycoses; Seasons; Weather; Wisconsin; Southeastern United States; Plant Leaves; Malus
  14. Liew SM
    Malays Fam Physician, 2017;12(2):1.
    PMID: 29423122
    MeSH terms: Primary Health Care; Research*
  15. Tseng SP, Yang CS
    J Med Entomol, 2017 09 01;54(5):1107-1108.
    PMID: 28874021 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx136
    MeSH terms: Animals; Bedbugs*; Electron Transport Complex IV*; Malaysia; Phylogeny; Genetic Variation
  16. Khan, Zahid, Radzuan Razali, Hanita Daud, Nursyarizal Mohd Nor, Fotuhi-Firuzabad, Mahmud
    MyJurnal
    State estimation plays a vital role in the security analysis of a power system. The weighted least squares method is one of the conventional techniques used to estimate the unknown state vector of the power system. The existence of bad data can distort the reliability of the estimated state vector. A new algorithm based on the technique of quality control charts is developed in this paper for detection of bad data. The IEEE 6-bus power system data are utilised for the implementation of the proposed algorithm. The output of the study shows that this method is practically applicable for the separation of bad data in the problem of power system state estimation.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms; Paper; Quality Control; Reproducibility of Results; Least-Squares Analysis
  17. Gylfe Å, Cajander S, Wahab T, Angelin M
    Lakartidningen, 2017 10 09;114.
    PMID: 28994855
    Melioidosis, an important diagnosis in the severely ill traveler Melioidosis is a common tropical infection in Southeast Asia and is caused by the highly pathogenic soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Diagnosis and treatment is often challenging due to variations in clinical presentation, limited antibiotic susceptibility and high risk of recurring infection. In this report, three cases with different clinical presentations are described.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Sweden/epidemiology; Thailand; Burkholderia pseudomallei/isolation & purification; Pneumonia, Bacterial/etiology
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