Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Abu Bakar NI, Chandren S, Attan N, Leaw WL, Nur H
    Front Chem, 2018;6:370.
    PMID: 30255010 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00370
    The demonstration of the structure-properties relationship of shape-dependent photocatalysts remains a challenge today. Herein, one-dimensional (1-D)-like titania (TiO2), as a model photocatalyst, has been synthesized under a strong magnetic field in the presence of a magnetically responsive liquid crystal as the structure-aligning agent to demonstrate the relationship between a well-aligned structure and its photocatalytic properties. The importance of the 1-D-like TiO2 and its relationship with the electronic structures that affect the electron-hole recombination and the photocatalytic activity need to be clarified. The synthesis of 1-D-like TiO2 with liquid crystal as the structure-aligning agent was carried out using the sol-gel method under a magnetic field (0.3 T). The mixture of liquid crystal, 4'-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB), tetra-n-butyl orthotitanate (TBOT), 2-propanol, and water, was subjected to slow hydrolysis under a magnetic field. The TiO2-5CB took a well-aligned whiskerlike shape when the reaction mixture was placed under the magnetic field, while irregularly shaped TiO2-5CB particles were formed when no magnetic field was applied. It shows that the strong interaction between 5CB and TBOT during the hydrolysis process under a magnetic field controls the shape of titania. The intensity of the emission peaks in the photoluminescence spectrum of 1-D-like TiO2-5CB was lowered compared with the TiO2-5CB synthesized without the magnetic field, suggesting the occurrence of electron transfer from 5CB to the 1-D-like TiO2-5CB during ultraviolet irradiation. Apart from that, direct current electrical conductivity and Hall effect studies showed that the 1-D-like TiO2 composite enhanced electron mobility. Thus, the recombination of electrons and holes was delayed due to the increase in electron mobility; hence, the photocatalytic activity of the 1-D-like TiO2 composite in the oxidation of styrene in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide under UV irradiation was enhanced. This suggests that the 1-D-like shape of TiO2 composite plays an important role in its photocatalytic activity.
    MeSH terms: Biphenyl Compounds; Electric Conductivity; Electrons; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hydrolysis; Nitriles; Titanium; Ultraviolet Rays; Water; 2-Propanol; Styrene; Liquid Crystals; Magnetic Fields
  2. Jajere SM, Lawal JR, Atsanda NN, Hamisu TM, Goni MD
    Int J Vet Sci Med, 2018 Jun;6(1):73-79.
    PMID: 30255082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.04.007
    This cross sectional survey was conducted from July to December 2015 in order to investigate the burden of gastrointestinal helminthes among guinea fowls in Gombe, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of six hundred fowls (viscera) were purchased from six randomly selected slaughter slabs. Out of the 600 birds examined, 479 (79.83%; 95% CI: 76.4, 82.9) were found harbouring one or more gastrointestinal helminthes. Of this, 238 birds (39.7%; 35.8, 43.6) were infected by nematode species and 392 birds (65.3%; 61.4, 69.0) by cestode species. A total of nine nematodes and seven cestodes species were recovered from these birds. There was no any trematode observed among the studied birds. The prevalences of the nematodes identified in descending order were: Ascaridia galli 56.7% (52.7, 60.6); Ascaridia numidae 38.0% (34.2, 42.0); Heterakis gallinarum 17.2% (14.4, 20.4); Heterakis meleagridis 8.3% (6.4, 10.8); Strongyloides avium 3.5% (2.3, 5.3); Subulura brumpti 3.2% (2.0, 5.0); Gongylonema ingluvicola 2.2% (1.3, 3.7) and both Dispharynx spiralis and Tetrameres numidae had 0.7% (0.3, 1.7). While for cestodes: Raillietina tetragona 72.8% (69.1, 76.2); Raillietina echinobothrida 67.3% (63.5, 71.0); Raillietina cesticillus 50% (46.0, 54.0); Raillietina magninumida 25.7% (22.3, 29.3); Hymenolopsis cantaniana 17.3% (14.5, 20.6); Davainea nana 4.2% (2.8, 6.1) and the lowest was observed in Choanotaenia infundibulum with 2% (1.2, 3.5). Infection rates did not differ significantly based on sex (P > 0.05). However, the occurrence of mixed infection as compared with single infection was statistically significant in both cestodes and nematodes (P 
  3. Wasser SK, Torkelson A, Winters M, Horeaux Y, Tucker S, Otiende MY, et al.
    Sci Adv, 2018 09;4(9):eaat0625.
    PMID: 30255141 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aat0625
    Rapid growth in world trade has enabled transnational criminal networks to conceal their contraband among the 1 billion containers shipped worldwide annually. Forensic methods are needed to identify the major cartels moving the contraband into transit. We combine DNA-based sample matching and geographic assignment of tusks to show that the two tusks from the same elephant are often shipped by the same trafficker in separate large consignments of ivory. The paired shipments occur close in time from the same initial place of export and have high overlap in the geographic origins of their tusks. Collectively, these paired shipments form a linked chain that reflects the sizes, interconnectedness, and places of operation of Africa's largest ivory smuggling cartels.
    MeSH terms: Africa; Agriculture; Animals; DNA; Elephants; Tooth; Proboscidea Mammal; Criminals
  4. Balasundram S, Salekan K, Ahmad Shariffuddin FN, Taib NA, Adnan TH
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Sep 26;19(9):2409-2415.
    PMID: 30255693
    Objective: To gauge surgical outcome in breast cancer patients with particular reference to overall survival and
    recurrence free survival among breast cancer patients in Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia.
    Methods: Patients undergoing ablative breast cancer surgery were identified and clinical records were assessed.
    Inclusion criteria for enrolment were stage I-IV breast malignancy necessitating resection with or without radiotherapy/
    chemotherapy from 2007 to 2013. All individuals had a pre-operative assessment. The post operative assessment period
    ranged from 1 year to 5 years. Survival distributions were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: A total of
    121 patients were included in this study, with an age range of 28-78 years. Some 98% had undergone local excision/
    lumpectomy/ mastectomy with axillary clearance. While 81% of patients underwent chemotherapy, only 69% had
    radiotherapy. Tumours were oestrogen receptor positive in 58% of cases and progesterone receptor positive in 62%.
    Local recurrence was detected in 10%. The mean age at diagnosis was 51.3 + 10.4 years. The overall survival analysis
    was based on 22 deaths among the 121 patients (18.2%). Three-year and five-year survival rates were 87.6% and 78.4%,
    respectively. Analysis of recurrence-free-survival (RFS) was based on 12 events among 121 patients. The Kaplan-Meier
    RFS analysis revealed that in 90% of the patients with recurrence, it occurred within 45 months. The five year RFS
    rate was 84.5%. The median time taken from diagnosis to ablative surgery was 51 days (upper limit of 791 days).
    Only distant metastasis was a significant factor that impacted on both overall survival and recurrence-free survival
    (p<0.001). Conclusion: Overall survival among our breast cancer patients in our facility is comparable to other in
    other tertiary centres in the country. A trend for earlier detection was noted.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Breast Neoplasms/mortality*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology*; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology; Malaysia; Mastectomy/methods; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality*; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology*; Survival Rate; Survival Analysis; Disease-Free Survival; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Young Adult
  5. Ke GN, Wong SF
    Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw, 2018 Oct;21(10):637-645.
    PMID: 30256674 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2018.0072
    This article designed and tested a cognitive behavioral-based preventive intervention program for youths with problematic Internet use (PIU) behavior. The program is the Psychological Intervention Program-Internet Use for Youth (PIP-IU-Y). A cognitive-based therapy approach was adopted. A total of 45 secondary students from four schools completed the intervention program that was conducted in a group format by registered school counselors. Three sets of self-reported data on Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) were collected at three time points: 1 week before the intervention, immediately after the last intervention session, and 1 month after the intervention. Paired t-test results showed that the program was effective in preventing negative progression into more serious Internet addiction stages, and reducing anxiety and stress and interaction phobia of the participants. The effect was evident immediately at the end of the intervention session and was maintained 1 month after the intervention. This study is among the first to develop and test a preventive intervention program for youths with PIU. The effectiveness of our program in preventing negative progression of PIU and its symptoms in problematic users has led us to postulate that the program will also prevent normal users from developing serious symptoms. The majority of the intervention programs reported in the literature merely tailor to those who already have problems.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Anxiety/psychology; Counseling; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Health*; Surveys and Questionnaires; Schools; Students; Cognitive Therapy*; Behavior, Addictive/prevention & control*; Behavior, Addictive/psychology; Internet*
  6. Lim, Chien Joo, Siti-Azrin Ab Hamid, Najib Majdi Yaacob, Kueh, Yee Cheng, Suhaily Mohd Hairon, Mohamad Adam Bujang
    MyJurnal
    Background: Body self-image questionnaire-short form (BSIQ-SF) is developed to
    measure body image perceptions. Due to the cultural, language and environmental differences
    between western and eastern population, the validity and reliability need to be established. The
    aim of this study was to determine validity and reliability of Malay version BSIQ-SF.
    Methods: A cross-sectional study involved web-based survey was employed. Exploratory
    factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed using SPSS version 22
    and Mplus 7.3.
    Results: There were 688 young adults in Malaysia with mean age of 23.67 (SD = 0.188)
    and mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.34 (SD = 0.27) participated in the study. Exploratory factor
    analysis performed and the number domains reduced from nine to four, namely ‘Negative Affect’,
    ‘Attractiveness Evaluation’, ‘Physical Functionality Awareness’ and ‘Height Dissatisfaction’. CFA
    further confirmed the structure of the model with adequate goodness-of-fit values [CFI = 0.927,
    TLI = 0.913, SRMR = 0.075, RMSEA = 0.053 (95% CI: 0.047, 0.060)].
    Conclusion: The revised 21-item of the Malay version BSIQ-SF was a valid and reliable
    instrument to measure body image perceptions among Malaysian young adults.
  7. Mohamad Adam Bujang, Lim, Chien Joo, Nadiah Sa’at, Tg Mohd Ikhwan Tg Abu Bakar Sidik
    MyJurnal
    Background: Different study designs and population size may require different sample
    size for logistic regression. This study aims to propose sample size guidelines for logistic
    regression based on observational studies with large population.
    Methods: We estimated the minimum sample size required based on evaluation from
    real clinical data to evaluate the accuracy between statistics derived and the actual parameters.
    Nagelkerke r-squared and coefficients derived were compared with their respective parameters.
    Results: With a minimum sample size of 500, results showed that the differences between
    the sample estimates and the population was sufficiently small. Based on an audit from a medium
    size of population, the differences were within ± 0.5 for coefficients and ± 0.02 for Nagelkerke
    r-squared. Meanwhile for large population, the differences are within ± 1.0 for coefficients and
    ± 0.02 for Nagelkerke r-squared.
    Conclusions: For observational studies with large population size that involve logistic
    regression in the analysis, taking a minimum sample size of 500 is necessary to derive the statistics
    that represent the parameters. The other recommended rules of thumb are EPV of 50 and formula;
    n = 100 + 50i where i refers to number of independent variables in the final model.
  8. Che Muzaini Che’ Muda, Tengku Alina Tengku Ismail, Rohana Ab Jalil, Suhaily Mohd Hairon, Zaharah Sulaiman, Nazirah Johar
    MyJurnal
    Background: The first week following delivery usually coincides with the initiation of
    exclusive breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and the associated factors
    regarding the initiation of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers at one week after delivery in two
    selected hospitals in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia.
    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2015 among postpartum
    mothers, who were selected through systematic sampling. A newly developed and validated
    questionnaire on the participants’ data, knowledge and attitude items and a breastfeeding practice
    checklist were used. The mothers were interviewed in the post-natal ward, and their breastfeeding
    practices were determined through a phone call at one week following delivery. Descriptive
    statistics and simple and multiple logistic regressions were used for the data analysis.
    Results: A total of 335 participants were included. The prevalence of exclusive
    breastfeeding at one week post-partum was 77.9% (95% CI: 73.0%, 82.2%), with significant
    associated factors being previous exclusive breastfeeding experience [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)
    2.48; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.49; P-value = 0.003] and the mean total score of knowledge [AOR 1.06; 95%
    CI: 1.01, 1.11; P-value = 0.011].
    Conclusion: Every mother should receive breastfeeding education, with special emphasis
    on those with no previous experience. The weak areas of knowledge identified herein should be
    strengthened during health education.
  9. Uma, Eswara, Kan, Sze Theng, Lim, Lynndy Huan Yi, Low, Hong Yun, Varghese, Eby, Htoo Htoo, Kyaw Soe
    MyJurnal
    Background: Regular consumption of sweetened beverages has been associated with
    dental caries, which is mediated through salivary pH. The salivary pH changes among individuals
    with low caries experience after consumption of two local sweetened drinks is compared.
    Methods: In this block randomised controlled parallel group, an open-label pilot study of
    49 participants aged 21–25 were selected. The participants were randomised into three groups:
    mineral water, chocolate drink and sirap bandung. One day prior to the test, scaling was done and
    the participants did not eat or drink anything on the test day till the saliva sample collection was
    done. Salivary pH was measured at baseline and after the consumption of the drinks with a glass
    electrode digital pH meter at five-minute interval for half an hour. The statistical significance was
    assessed at the level of 5%.
    Results: After consumption of chocolate drink and sirap bandung, the salivary pH
    dropped from a baseline of 7.09 for chocolate drink and 7.13 for sirap bandung to 6.69 for
    chocolate and 6.86 for sirap bandung. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
    Conclusion: Sweetened milk based local drinks can increase the caries susceptibility. In
    the community, information about limiting the intake of sweetened drinks should be reinforced.
  10. Wirda Indah Farouk, Nur Hidayah Hassan, Teh Rasyidah Ismail, Intan Sufinaz Daud, Fazarina Mohammed
    MyJurnal
    Background: Warthin-Starry (WS) staining is an ancillary stain used in the detection of
    Helicobacter sp., spirochaete and other microorganisms in tissue sections. The present study
    aimed to determine the validity of WS stain in the confirmation of H. pylori diagnosis in gastric
    biopsies in comparison with anti-H. pylori immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.
    Methods: This study involved 104 cases of gastric biopsies that were previously subjected
    to WS staining. All cases involved retrieval of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) gastric
    biopsies that were re-cut, subjected to anti-H. pylori IHC staining and reviewed blindly by a
    pathologist. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive
    value (NPV) of WS as compared to IHC were calculated.
    Results: In this study, WS stain was less sensitive in detecting H. pylori. The sensitivity,
    specificity, PPV and NPV for WS stain were 50.0%, 92.4%, 79.2% and 76.3%, respectively.
    Conclusions: The sensitivity of WS stain in the histopathology laboratory was lower than
    that described previously. Several external factors that might influence the results were identified.
    However, sufficient information on patients’ history of treatment and medication would be
    required for the diagnosis or confirmation of the presence of H. pylori in gastric biopsies by WS
    staining.
  11. Nor Hanani Mohd Tap, Mohamed Ariff Jaafar Sidek, Siti Farizwana Mohd Ridzwan, Selvarajah, S. Elavarasi, Faizah Mohd Zaki, Hamzaini Abdul Hamid
    MyJurnal
    Background: The use of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is increasing
    worldwide; at the same time, there is a growing awareness of the future risk of cancer associated
    with greater exposure to radiation. Therefore, there is a need for an accessible method of effective
    dose estimation. This study aims to estimate the effective doses (EDs) of a variety of paediatric
    computed tomography (CT) examinations in five age groups using recently published age- and
    region-specific dose length products (DLPs) as effective dose conversion coefficients.
    Methods: A retrospective review was performed over a 12-month period. Patients were
    assigned to one of five age groups: neonatal, 1-, 5-, 10- and 15-years-old. Age- and region-specific
    conversion coefficients were applied to the DLP data displayed on the CT console in order to
    estimate the ED.
    Results: Over the 12-month period, there were a total of 283 CT scans, 211 of which were
    selected for study. The ED estimates for plain CT brain scans in neonatal, 1-, 5-, 10- and 15-yearolds
    were 2.5, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3 and 0.8 mSv, respectively. For the corresponding CT abdominal scans,
    the results were 18.8, 12.9, 7.8, 8.6 and 7.5 mSv; these were the highest values recorded. Highresolution
    CT (HRCT) temporal scans showed EDs of 2.9, 1.8, 1.5 and 1.1 mSv in 1-, 5-, 10- and
    15-years-old, respectively. CT scans of the helical thorax had an estimated ED of 4.8, 4.2 and 7.0
    mSv in 5-, 10- and 15-years-old, respectively.
    Conclusion: An inverse relationship between age and effective dose was demonstrated
    in CT scans of the brain and abdomen/pelvis. In general, our study showed lower overall EDs
    compared to other centres.
    MeSH terms: Abdomen; Brain; Child; Head; Humans; Neoplasms; Pelvis; Radionuclide Imaging; Retrospective Studies; Multidetector Computed Tomography
  12. Abubakar, Murtala Bello, Huay, Lin Tan, Siew, Hua Gan
    MyJurnal
    Background: Cytochrome P450 3A enzymes exhibit a variety of physiological roles
    and have been reported to be the most predominant enzymes involved in drugs metabolism.
    Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes that code for these enzymes may result in
    functional changes that affect enzyme activity. CYP3A4 is an important enzyme in the metabolism
    of many important drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer.
    Methods: A total of 94 post-menopausal breast cancer patients were recruited for
    the study and their DNA was isolated for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The primers were
    designed using Primer3 software with primer specificities checked via the Basic Local Alignment
    Tool (BLAST) database. The primer specificity, functionality and annealing temperature were
    first investigated using uniplex PCR protocols, followed by a single multiplex polymerase
    chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The digested
    amplification fragments were analysed by gel electrophoresis and subsequently validated by
    sequencing.
    Results: A multiplex PCR-RFLP method was successfully developed for simultaneous
    detection of CYP3A4*4, CYP3A4*18B and CYP3A4*22 in a population of post-menopausal breast
    cancer patients.
    Conclusion: The technique is simple, cost-effective, time-saving and can be routinely
    applied in the identification of SNPs and determination of allelic and genotypic frequencies of
    CYP3A4*4, CYP3A4*18B and CYP3A4*22.
    MeSH terms: Alleles; Breast Neoplasms; DNA; Electrophoresis; Genotype; Humans; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Software; Temperature; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
  13. Lai, Kuan Teh, Elizabeth, George, Mei, I Lai, Patimah Ismail, Wong, Lily
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The Filipino β°-deletion has been reported as a unique mutation in East
    Malaysia with a severe phenotype due to the complete absence of β-globin chain synthesis. In this
    study, the haplotype patterns of the β-globin gene cluster were used to relate the human genetic
    variation to this specific β-thalassaemia mutation.
    Methods: The 376 study subjects included 219 β-thalassaemia major (β-TM) patients with
    homozygous Filipino β°-deletion and 157 carriers with heterozygous Filipino β°-deletion from 10
    government hospitals in different regions of Sabah. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood
    using silica membrane based DNA purification protocol. Polymerase chain reaction restriction
    fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) was conducted on five markers within the
    β-globin gene cluster to construct the haplotype patterns.
    Results: Four haplotypes (Haplotype I–IV) were identified with Haplotype I as the
    predominant haplotype with the highest frequency of 0.98, followed by Haplotype II, III and
    Haplotype IV with 0.02. Haplotype I was strongly linked with the Filipino β°-deletion among the
    indigenous population.
    Conclusion: Haplotype I as the predominant haplotype suggests the patients with the
    Filipino β°-deletion in Sabah have a similar origin.
  14. Husna Mustafa, Wan Nor Amilah Wan Abdul Wahab, Nabilah Ismail
    MyJurnal
    Background: Quercus infectoria gall extract is known to have broad spectrum antimicrobial
    activity in vitro. This study was conducted to determine the anti-microbial activity of
    Q. infectoria gall extract against pathogenic Leptospira and to evaluate the morphological changes
    of extract-treated cells using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
    Methods: A two-fold serial microdilution broth assay was used to determine the minimum
    inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aqueous Q. infectoria gall extract against the L. interrogans
    serovar Javanica and the L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, at concentrations ranging
    from 4.00 mg/mL to 0.0078 mg/mL. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was
    determined by sub-culturing the broth from the microtiter plate wells that showed no apparent
    growth or turbidity to the freshly prepared Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH)
    broth media, and it was subsequently observed under a dark field microscope following three
    weeks of incubation for purposes of growth detection. The cell morphology of both extract-treated
    and untreated L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorhagiae was analysed using the SEM.
    Results: The results of the broth microdilution assay demonstrate that the aqueous
    Q. infectoria gall extract possesses anti-microbial activity against both of the L. interrogans
    serovars with MIC values of 0.125 mg/mL. The MBC values for the L. interrogans serovar
    Javanica and the L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorhagiae are 0.125 mg/mL and 0.250 mg/mL,
    respectively. The SEM micrograph shows changes in shape and size of the extract-treated cells
    (at 8× MIC) in comparison to the untreated cells.
    Conclusion: The Q. infectoria gall extract displays anti-microbial inhibition and killing
    activity against the pathogenic Leptospira isolates, and thus has the potential for further
    exploration of its efficacy and use in the treatment of leptospirosis.
  15. Mohamad Adam Bujang, Fatin Ellisya Sapri
    MyJurnal
    Runs test is a statistical procedure which determines whether a sequence of data within
    a given distribution have been derived with a random process or not. It may be applied to test the
    randomness of data in a survey that collect data from an ordered population. This article illustrates
    on method to perform a runs test and explains the rationale for performing it by providing some
    examples of how this test can be applied. The aim of this article was to describe on ways to use the
    runs test in a clinical survey from an ordered population to determine the degree of randomness
    in the sequence of subjects who are recruited within a sample obtained from the whole population.
    Clinical survey that involves an ordered population usually collects data from subjects who have
    been recruited by a consecutive sampling method. Therefore, this study recommends that the
    degree of randomness in the sequence of selected variable(s) obtained from consecutive sampling
    is necessary to be tested from a pilot study to ensure random data collection in the study.
    MeSH terms: Biometry; Pilot Projects; Surveys and Questionnaires; Running
  16. Tahamina Begum, Faruque Reza, Siti Atiyah Ali
    MyJurnal
    This article examines how hormonal changes may affect the neuronal networking and
    mechanisms of cognitive function. Hormones are the chemical regulators of the human body and
    function critically to maintain various processes, such as growth, emotions and even cognition.
    Numerous studies have examined the relationship between hormonal effects and cognitive
    function; these studies have investigated different factors, such as aging, pregnancy, post-natal
    states, emotions and stress. Different types of hormones produce different outcomes for the
    human body and mind. Hormones may also contribute to both positive and negative outcomes,
    depending on whether the hormone levels are too low or too high. To investigate the hormonal
    effects on cognitive function, the sources of localisation must be localised, so that the neuronal
    network can be realised. Furthermore, cognitive function does not rely on a specific brain region
    but is determined by the neuronal network interactions. Thus, it is worthwhile to know the neural
    mechanisms behind cognitive functions that are affected by hormones.
    MeSH terms: Brain; Cognition; Emotions; Female; Hormones; Humans; Pregnancy; Human Body
  17. Nur Adlina Mohammad, Norfarah Izzaty Razaly, Norfarah Izzaty Razaly, Mohd Dzulkhairi Mohd Rani, Muhammad Shamsir Mohd Aris
    MyJurnal
    Osteoporosis is considered a silent disease, the early symptoms of which often go
    unrecognised. Osteoporosis causes bone loss, reduces mineralised density, and inevitably leads to
    bone fracture. Hormonal deficiencies due to aging or drug induction are also frequently attributed
    to osteoporosis. Nevertheless, the phytochemical content of natural plants has been proven to
    significantly reduce osteoporotic conditions. A systematic review was conducted by this study
    to identify research specifically on the effects of Malaysian herbs such as Piper sarmentosum,
    Eurycoma longifolia and Labisia pumila on osteoporotic bone changes. This review consisted
    of a comprehensive search of five databases for the effects of specific herbs on osteoporotic
    bone change. These databases were Web of Science (WOS), Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect and
    PubMed. The articles were selected throughout the years, were limited to the English language
    and fully documented. Duplication, irrelevant titles, different herbs and in vitro studies were
    excluded, including those that are not original research papers. A total of 399 potential studies
    were identified, but only 21 samples were accepted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
    Six of the twenty one studies were on Piper sarmentosum, six on Eurycoma longifolia, and the
    remaining nine studies were on Labisia pumila. Overall, in three of the studies a glucocorticoidinduced
    model was used, while in 12 of the studies an ovariectomised model was used, and for the
    other six studies an orchidectomised model was used as the osteoporotic model. All of the studies
    reported varied results based on the type of herbs used, but in comparison to Eurycoma longifolia,
    Piper sarmentosum and Labisia pumila recorded better anti-osteoporotic effects, while the
    majority of studies on Eurycoma longifolia were unable to preserve bone strength.
    MeSH terms: Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Language; Osteoporosis; MEDLINE; Piper; Eurycoma; PubMed; Fractures, Bone; Phytochemicals
  18. Tan, Teik Hin, Teck, Huat Wong, Soo, Ching Chin, Boon, Nang Lee
    Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2018;73(3):181-182.
    MyJurnal
    Recently, encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma has been reclassified as non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) to emphasize the benign nature of this entity. In our institution, we have assessed 455 patients treated with radioiodine ablation for differentiated thyroid carcinoma and 20 of them were retrospectively found to fulfill the new NIFTP criteria. There was no evidence of metastasis on post radioiodine whole body scans for NIFTP cases and these patients were in remission subsequently. The benign features of these patients’ whole body scans and good clinical outcome following treatment further support NIFTP as a low risk thyroid neoplasm.
  19. Yiap, Loong Tan, Hian, Yan Voon, Ngeh, Nicholas Kong Nang
    Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2018;73(3):170-171.
    MyJurnal
    We report the peculiar case of a patient who consumed raw rice daily and had iron-deficiency anaemia secondary to menorrhagia with underlying polycystic ovarian syndrome. A 32-year-old lady of Asian descent presented with symptoms of fatigue, lethargy and prolonged, irregular periods for the last two months. There was noticeable increase in body weight, male pattern alopecia and facial acne. In addition, she experienced sudden, unexplained predilection towards consumption of raw rice (up to 300- 400g/day). The patient was treated with oral iron and cyclical progestin. After three weeks, her haemoglobin improved and her ryzophagia subsided. Gynaecologists should be vigilant of pica, which can occur outside of the context of pregnancy and also poses potential health risks including tooth attrition, electrolyte imbalance, intestinal obstruction and poisoning.
    MeSH terms: Acne Vulgaris; Alopecia; Body Weight; Electrolytes; Fatigue; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Iron; Male; Menorrhagia; Pica; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Progestins; Oryza; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Tooth Attrition; Lethargy
  20. Suppiah, Subapriya, Siew, Mooi Ching, Abdul Jalil Nordin, Vinjamuri, Sobhan
    Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2018;73(3):141-146.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Imaging such as Tc99m-HMPAO single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) amyloid scans are used to aid the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

    Objective: We aimed to correlate the ability of these modalities to differentiate Probable AD and Possible AD using the clinical diagnosis as a gold standard. We also investigated the correlation of severity of amyloid deposit in the brain with the diagnosis of AD.

    Methods: A retrospective study of 47 subjects (17 Probable AD and 30 Possible AD) who were referred for PET/CT amyloid scans to our centre was conducted. Hypoperfusion in the temporo-parietal lobes on Tc99m-HMPAO SPECT and loss of grey-white matter contrast in cortical regions on PET/CT Amyloid scans indicating the presence of amyloid β deposit were qualitatively interpreted as positive for AD. SPECT and PET/CT were also read in combination (Combo reading). The severity of amyloid β deposit was semiquantitatively assessed in a visual binary method using a scale of Grade 0-4. The severity of amyloid β deposit was assessed in a visual binary method and a semi-quantitative method using a scale of Grade 0-4.

    Results: There was significant correlation of Tc99m-HMPAO SPECT, PET/CT amyloid findings and Combo reading with AD. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 87.5%, 73.7%, 58.3% and 93.3% (SPECT); 62.5%, 77.4%, 58.8% and 80.0% (PET/CT) and 87.5%, 84.2%, 70.0% and 30.0% (Combo reading) respectively. The grade of amyloid deposition was not significantly correlated with AD (Spearman’s correlation, p=0.687).

    Conclusion: There is an incremental benefit in utilizing PET/CT amyloid imaging in cases with atypical presentation and indeterminate findings on conventional imaging of Alzheimer’s disease.
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