Browse publications by year: 2018

Fulltext Demographic and lifestyle determinants of time spent in physical activity among Malaysian adolescents

Cheah YK, Lim HK, Kee CC

Int J Pediatr Adolesc Med, 2018 Jun;5(2):49-54.
PMID: 30805533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpam.2018.02.001

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to examine factors affecting time spent in physical activity among adolescents in Malaysia.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A nationally representative data of adolescents that consists of 25399 respondents is used. The demographic (age, gender, education) and lifestyle (fruits and vegetables consumption, carbonated soft drink consumption, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, sex behaviour, participation in physical education class, obesity) determinants of physical activity are assessed using binomial regression.
RESULTS: The results show that age is negatively associated with time spent in physical activity. However, being male and education levels are positively related to time spent in physical activity. Having unhealthy lifestyle and being obese are associated with low levels of physical activity. Physical education seems to promote participation in physical activity.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, demographic and lifestyle factors play an important role in determining levels of physical activity among adolescents. In order to reduce the prevalence of physically inactive adolescents, policy makers should focus primarily on late adolescents, females, adolescents who engage in unhealthy lifestyle and seldom attend physical education classes, as well as obese adolescents.
Surface Decoration of Selenium Nanoparticles by Proteins from the Culinary-Medicinal Shiitake Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), for Enhanced Fibrinolytic Activity

Ali SM, Raman J, Lakshmanan H, Ling TC, Phan CW, Tan YS, et al.

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2018;20(11):1021-1030.
PMID: 30806227 DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2018028307

Lentinus edodes (shiitake mushroom) has exhibited fibrinolytic activity. We synthesized and characterized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using protein precipitated from the mushroom. We also investigated the fibrinolytic activity of the SeNPs. The proteins from a crude extract of L. edodes were recovered through the use of aqueous 2-phase separation, and these we used as the capping agent in SeNP biosynthesis. We characterized the SeNPs using UV-visible spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size distribution analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The fibrinolytic capability of the SeNPs was tested through an in vitro fibrin plate assay. The UV-visible spectra showed maximal absorbance at 220 nm. FESEM images showed that the SeNPs were dispersed and did not clump. The TEM images revealed a spherical shape and average size of the SeNPs. The particle size distribution analysis confirmed the mean size of the SeNPs at 64.53 nm. A strong signal for the presence of selenium was observed in the EDX analysis. The FT-IR spectrum revealed the involvement of protein functional groups in the reduction of sel-enite. Overall, the SeNPs capped with protein from shiitake mushroom were effective as an in vitro fibrinolytic agent.

MeSH terms: Biological Assay; Fibrinolysis*; Fungal Proteins/pharmacology*; Fungal Proteins/chemistry; Selenium/chemistry*; Shiitake Mushrooms/chemistry*; Nanoparticles/chemistry*
Sensing Self and Non-Self DNA by Innate Immune Receptors and Their Signaling Pathways

Sok SPM, Ori D, Nagoor NH, Kawai T

Crit. Rev. Immunol., 2018;38(4):279-301.
PMID: 30806244 DOI: 10.1615/CritRevImmunol.2018026540

The innate immune system serves as the first line of defense to protect the host from pathogen infection. As a first step, the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as non-self DNA derived from pathogens, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as self DNA released from damaged or injured cells. Sensing of such DNAs elicits innate immune responses through the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines resulting from the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), respectively. These cytokines are key players in interlinking innate and adaptive immune responses. However, defects in DNA sensors and their signaling cascades lead to dysregulation of immune responses, autoimmune diseases, and cancer progression. Here we provide an update on DNA signaling pathways in response to pathogen infection and cell injury, and on the roles of regulators in governing the immune system and maintaining host homeostasis. We also discuss the evasion of immunosurveillance by pathogens.

MeSH terms: Animals; DNA/immunology*; Humans; Immunity, Innate/immunology*; Interferon Type I/biosynthesis; Interferon Type I/immunology; Signal Transduction/immunology*; Cytokines/biosynthesis; Cytokines/immunology; Receptors, Pattern Recognition/immunology*
Evaluation of the Antioxidative and Hypo-cholesterolemic Effects of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), in Ameliorating Cardiovascular Disease

Rahman MA, Abdullah N, Aminudin N

Int J Med Mushrooms, 2018;20(10):961-969.
PMID: 30806268 DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2018028370

Oxidative stress (OS) and hypercholesterolemia have been linked with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Because of the numerous drawbacks of synthetic antioxidants and cholesterol-lowering drugs, natural antioxidative and hypocholesterolemic agents are of immense importance. This study was designed to determine both the OS-attenuating and cholesterol-lowering capacities of the hot water extract (HWE) and of five solvent-solvent-partitioned fractions of Ganoderma lucidum. In vitro antioxidative performance of G. lucidum HWE and fractions was measured through DPPH free radical scavenging, Folin-Ciocalteu assay, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation inhibition. In vivo antioxidative performance of G. lucidum was assessed by measuring the plasma and liver antioxidative enzymatic activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) in G. lucidum HWE-fed rats. In the CVD tests, the HWE at 200 mg/kg b.w. lowered plasma levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and LDL cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The current findings indicate the therapeutic potentiality of G. lucidum as an OS-attenuating and hypocholesterolemic agent en route to withstanding CVD complications.

MeSH terms: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antioxidants; Cardiovascular Diseases; Catalase; Cholesterol; Free Radicals; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipoproteins, HDL; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Liver; Plant Extracts; Solvents; Superoxide Dismutase; Triglycerides; Lipid Peroxidation; Oxidative Stress; Reishi; Rats
Fulltext Cholera prevention and control in Asian countries

Ahmed MU, Baquilod M, Deola C, Tu ND, Anh DD, Grasso C, et al.

BMC Proc, 2018;12(Suppl 13):62.
PMID: 30807619 DOI: 10.1186/s12919-018-0158-1

Cholera remains a major public health problem in many countries. Poor sanitation and inappropriate clean water supply, insufficient health literacy and community mobilization, absence of national plans and cross-border collaborations are major factors impeding optimal control of cholera in endemic countries. In March 2017, a group of experts from 10 Asian cholera-prone countries that belong to the Initiative against Diarrheal and Enteric Diseases in Africa and Asia (IDEA), together with representatives from the World Health Organization, the US National Institutes of Health, International Vaccine Institute, Agence de médecine préventive, NGOs (Save the Children) and UNICEF, met in Hanoi (Vietnam) to share progress in terms of prevention and control interventions on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), surveillance and oral cholera vaccine use. This paper reports on the country situation, gaps identified in terms of cholera prevention and control and strategic interventions to bridge these gaps.
Fulltext Attentional process during listening to quantitative Quranic verses (fatihah chapter) associated with memory, speech and emotion

Samhani, I., Rohayah, H., Tahamina, B., Hafizan, J., Zamzuri, I., Jafri, M. A., et al.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Attentional problem associated with negative emotions can prolong irritable episodes, and apparently
related to inhibitory incapability and memorial dysfunction. Quantitative Verse, the first chapter with
rhymed proses and beauty literary rhythms, found to be endowed with cognitive and
psychoacoustical effects that eliminate negative emotions and improving emotional and speech
fluency. Twenty-eight normal subjects’ brainwaves were analyzed after given auditory stimulation of
Quantitative Verse recited by Abdul Basit Abdul Samad. The alpha waveforms were analyzed by
Fast Fourier Analysis (FFT) to get the power in frequency bands. Results were further analyzed by
the Brain Electrical Stimulation Analysis (Besa 6.1) and XLSTAT for statistical analysis. Results
showed areas modulate emotion and speech were strikingly significant decreased with p
Fulltext Hypertension genes among orang asli in peninsular Malaysia and ethno-medicinal plant

Sholehah, A. R., Ramle, A., Mohd Tajuddin, A., Wan Rohani, W. T., Jamilah, M. S., Razifah, M.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

The prevalence and incidence rate of hypertension among Orang Asli had been increasing due to
modernization and assimilation of outside practices such as intake of high cholesterol food, alcohol, and
smoking. Orang Asli utilize their herbs or plants to treat some illness due to the factor of logistics and the
knowledge on these nature resources since decades ago that is carried out from their ancestors. In this review
paper, hypertension genes of Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia and the utilization of ethno-medicinal plants
in reducing the clinical manifestation in hypertension were deliberated. There are quite a number of related
hypertensive genes particularly in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) playing a pivotal role in
pathogenesis of hypertension. A genome-wide association studies showed potential candidate genes in
hypertension among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. However there is yet molecular study on these genes
among Orang Asli with their unique genetic profile. Noteworthy information on mechanism of ethnomedicine in treating hypertension are scarce, even the efficacy of modern medicine in treating hypertension
on Orang Asli are rare. Therefore, study on efficacy of ethno-medicine plant by Orang Asli and the
regulation effect on hypertension genes are needed to be further explored and elucidated.

MeSH terms: Ethanol; Cholesterol; Hypertension; Malaysia; Medicine, Traditional; Plants, Medicinal; Renin-Angiotensin System; Smoking; Social Change; Incidence; Prevalence; Genome-Wide Association Study
Fulltext Routine chest radiograph interpretation skills of medical officers at an outpatient setting

Norwati Daud, Harmy Mohd Yusoff, Mohd Ezane Aziz

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

In Malaysia, chest radiograph is a part of compulsory investigations during routine medical examination. Majority of these chest radiographs are interpreted by medical officers at the outpatient clinic. This study was to determine the concordance of chest radiograph interpretations between medical officers and radiologist. Medical officers' report of routine chest radiographs at the outpatient clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia over a 6-month period were compared to that of a radiologist. Of 408 chest radiographs reported, the concordance of interpretation between medical officers and radiologist was 93.6% (382 of 408). Medical officers correctly interpret 98.2% (378/385) of normal chest radiograph compared to 17.4% of abnormal chest radiographs (4/23). Therefore, routine chest radiograph interpretations of normal radiographs by medical officers were generally accurate. However, they were weak in interpreting abnormal chest radiographs. Medical officers need to be trained on detecting abnormalities on chest X-ray since most routine chest X-ray reporting is done based on their interpretation.

Study site: outpatient clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

MeSH terms: Adult; Health Personnel; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Radiography, Thoracic
Fulltext Prevalence of obesity in Malaysia: perspectives in Terengganu

Muhammad, I. N., Saifullah, K., Hassan, B., Yasrul, I., Norizan, A./G., Ahmed Zubaidi, A. L., et al.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

A normal health status is highly depends on body weight. Many health problems may occur or impose risk for
extremely obese individuals. Etiopathology of obesity includes interaction of several factors inclusive of
genetic and non-genetic factors such as lifestyle changes. This study aimed to launch Malaysian Obesity
DNA Bank and determine the prevalence of obesity along with anthropometric measurements of the subjects.
The cross-sectional study was conducted on total of 340 subjects (obese = 95, overweight = 122 and normal =
123), aged 19-60 years, in Terengganu. The BMI and well appropriate anthropometric measurements (waist
circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio, fat percentage and ASindex) were determined through
standard protocols and formulae. The mean difference of anthropometrics was determined by independent ttest. Data was analysed using SPSS ver.16.0.0. The BMI was determined for all subjects and it was found that
out of 340 subjects, a total of 95 (27.9%) subjects were obese , followed by a total of 122 (35.8%) subjects
were overweight and normal individuals were 123 (36.1%). The mean of the BMI, WHR, Fat% and ASindex,
in Malay obese were 32.83, 0.88, 33.5 and 13.21 respectively, while in normal healthy individuals were 22.1,
0.78, 24.2 and 20.1 respectively. The difference of mean of BMI, WHR, Fat% and ASindex was calculated to
be 10.73, 0.1, 9.3 and 6.89 respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in Malaysia,
reporting that this is very first Obesity DNA Bank in South East Asia region and prevalence of obesity in
Terengganu, Malaysia to be 27.9%. In addition, it indicates a significant mean difference for anthropometric
measurements among obese and normal individuals. For Asindex calculations suggest that the prevalence of
genocide obesity is greater 89.9% of android obesity in Malay obese attributes
.

MeSH terms: Anthropometry; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA; Health Status; Humans; Life Style; Malaysia; Methyltestosterone; Obesity; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Waist-Hip Ratio; Overweight; Genocide
Fulltext Knowledge and perception regarding colorectal cancer among IIUM Kuantan undergraduates

Norafiza Zainuddin, Nur Adibah Shamri

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer of the large intestine with high mortality and morbidity rate. According to
the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report, CRC was reported as the second most frequent cancer after
breast cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and perception of IIUM Kuantan Campus
students regarding CRC. Currently, there is no national screening program conducted by the Ministry of
Health Malaysia for CRC as an early prevention in Malaysia. Despite the increase in incidence and mortality
rates of CRC, emphasis on creating awareness regarding CRC among Malaysian is still lacking. Using
convenience sampling method and adapted self-administered questionnaires, this cross-sectional study was
conducted among the undergraduate students of International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus.
Overall, more than half of the respondents have a moderate level of knowledge and perceptions regarding
CRC. Moreover, there was a significant difference between male and female respondents in terms of
knowledge regarding CRC screening (p

MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Intestine, Large; Malaysia; Male; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Registries; Students; Universities; Colorectal Neoplasms; Incidence; Early Detection of Cancer
Fulltext Repair of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) using montgomery salivary bypass tube after salvage total laryngectomy following failed primary radiotherapy: a case report

Teh, H. M., Mohd Sayuti, R., Kahairi, A., Bathma, D. S., Salman, A., Nor Kamaruzaman Esa, et al.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

The occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total salvage laryngectomy following radiotherapy
as primary treatment is quite common. In most cases, pharyngocutaneous fistula can heal spontaneously
with conservative measures. Here, we are reporting a 69-year-old male with a residual carcinoma of the
larynx following failed radiotherapy as primary treatment whose later underwent a salvage total
laryngectomy. Post-operatively, it was complicated by the formation of pharyngocutaneous fistula which
was failed to heal with conservative measures and few attempts of surgical repair. The fistula later healed
with the application of Montgomery Salivarybypass tube after 3 weeks. The application of the salivary
bypass tube should be considered and used to promote healing in persistent pharyngocutaneous fistula
especially in a post radiotherapy patient.

MeSH terms: Aged; Humans; Laryngectomy; Larynx; Male; Pharyngeal Diseases; Cutaneous Fistula
Fulltext Effect of active cycle of breathing technique in adult asthmatic patients in Pakistan

Sundus, S., Memoona, S., Muhammad, I. N., Rashid, H. N.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;1(1):32-37.
MyJurnal

Asthma is one of the chronic and long-term diseases of the airways. It is characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, chest tightness, and dyspnea with decreased work of breathing. The inside airway’s walls are swollen or inflamed. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of active cycle of breathing technique as an airway clearance technique in patients with asthma. The health-related quality of life and functional capacity of patients was measured using a standardized airway questionnaire (AQ20) and six-minute walk test. The study was cohort design included 38 patients (mean age 41.131±14.711) of both genders with mild to moderate asthma. Each patient received multiple sessions (3 times/week for one month) of active cycle of breathing technique. Pre and post-treatment measures were recorded for functional capacity and health-related quality of life in the form of six-minute walk test and standardized airway questionnaire. All 38 patients were stable during the study period. The health-related quality of life and functional capacity of patient significantly improved post-treatment sessions with means [205.375±93.594 for week 1, 1248.719±112.187 for week 2, 306.429±140.5554 for week 3, 337.245±134.389 for week 4], for six-minute wall test and mean difference 4.13± 2.3 SD for standardized airway questionnaire with p-value (0.00) significant upon paired t-test. It is concluded that the active cycle of breathing technique is very beneficial intervention for improving quality of life and functional capacity of patients with mild to moderate asthma. Further, investigations are required to explore efficiency of ABCT as a tool for cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation.
Fulltext Ime course detachment of biofilms in pipes by hydrochlorination

Shanzay, A., Siddra, T. A., Warda, F., Sheeza, A., Maryam, A., Aina, S. Z., et al.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;1(1):28-31.
MyJurnal

Bacterial biofilms are a complex community of microbes in which the cells are embedded in a polysaccharide matrix.
This slime is a mean of protection in hostile environments. Biofilms in hospital settings are perilous as they not only
make treatment difficult, cause blockage of pipes but are also cause of serious nosocomial infections thus making their
dispersal an even more important phenomenon. Any foaming method is not applicable at all places for the cleaning of
biofilms hence biofilm dispersal by household sweep containing hydrochloric acid was checked using the microliter
plate assay as dispersal strategy. Bacteria from hospital waste disposal pipes were isolated, its ability to form biofilm
was noted under different time intervals and then finally biofilm degradation was done using different concentrations
of household sweep. It was noted that household sweep can be successfully employed at many places especially waste
disposal pipes and acid resistant tubes. Our results indicated that 20% sweep (HCl conc. 1%) if used for only one
minute can reduce the biofilms to 50%. Similarly increasing contact time can reduce the biofilms further.

MeSH terms: Bacteria; Cross Infection; Employment; Family Characteristics; Hydrochloric Acid; Polysaccharides; Refuse Disposal; Biofilms
Fulltext Wonders of halal and balanced, diet’ instructions

Norhaslinda, R., Adzim, M. K. R., Norhayati, A. H.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;1(1):23-27.
MyJurnal

Food defined as material that can be brought into the body of a human, animal or plant sources for
upholding the balance of life and it includes rice, vegetables, bread and others. However, in Islam, its
emphasized more on clean, harmless food and also with a code known as Halal diet. Halal is a term from
the Quran which means permissible or lawful. In Islam, known special regulations in the slaughter of
animals to be Halal diet include with saying the name of Allah the Almighty and make an incision to cut
the lifeblood of the animal's neck, letting the action veins and organs intact. In contrast, Haram means 'not
allowed' or 'forbidden' in Islam. Among the Haram foods as mentioned in the Qur'an and the Sunnah, it
includes carrion, blood, dogs, pigs, and alcohol.

MeSH terms: Ethanol; Animals; Bread; Diet; Dogs; Humans; Islam; Oryza; Swine; Vegetables; Sus scrofa
Fulltext Doctors, do not forget to advise your diabetic patient to exercise

Hassan, B. M.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;1(1):17-18.
MyJurnal

As primary care doctors, treating patients with Type 2 DM is our bread and butter, as the majority of them seek treatment at health clinics. It is true that some of the patients have managed to achieve good glycaemic control, but more than half of them still have poorly controlled blood sugar as compared to the clinical practice guideline recommendation [1]. And usually, the first thing that comes to our mind when seeing these patients is to increase the dosage of anti-diabetic medication that they are currently on or to add another agent, including insulin. We also frequently tell them that the high blood sugar level is not surprising, as such is the nature of diabetes, where the worsening of blood sugar is expected due to progressive deterioration of pancreatic beta cell function.

MeSH terms: Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Primary Health Care; Exercise*
Fulltext Potential role of Nigella Sativa in the treatment of opioid dependence: an overview

Liyana, H. M. A., Hidayah, N. A. B., Nasir, M.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;1(1):1416-0.
MyJurnal

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main pharmacologically active compound found in the seeds oil of Nigella
Sativa. Various studies had been investigated on the therapeutic effects of TQ against several diseases such as
anticancer research, antibacterial, and so on. As a result, a considerable amount of information has been
generated from these researches thus providing a better understanding of the promising effects of this
compound. However, research studies on the potential role of this compound on opioid addiction studies are
still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential role of TQ as a non-opioid
substitution therapy in opioid addiction and the chances of this compound to be explored further with special
attention to opioid substitution therapy.

MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Attention; Seeds; Benzoquinones; Behavior, Addictive; Nigella; Nigella sativa; Opiate Substitution Treatment
Fulltext Exhaustive extraction of compounds from pomegranate peel and flesh using solvents of varying polarity

Idris Aliyu Massaud, Atif Amin Baig, Mohd Adzim Khalili Rohin

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;1(1):10-13.
MyJurnal

Pomegranate fruit is the most studied part of punica granatum shrub. The fruit contains enormous
amount of polyphenol compounds in the peel and arils (flesh) which are responsible for its antioxidant
activity. The polyphenols present are of varying degree of lipophilicity and thus would require solvents
of varying polarity to extract them. In this study, the effects of solvent type and homogenisation on
extraction yield were considered. The fruit was first separated into peel and flesh and subsequently, one
half of each of the peel and flesh were separately homogenised. Ethanol, ethylacetate and hexane were
used to extract the polyphenol content of each of the four samples; non-homogenised peel (NP), nonhomogenised flesh (NF), homogenised peel (HP) and homogenised flesh (HF) in decreasing order of
polarity using maceration method. The extraction was carried out successively using the residue
recovered from previous extraction. Ethanol was used for a second time to complete the extraction
process. The total extractive yield from the four samples were 27.19, 26.04, 25.03 and 15.61 for HP,
NP, HF and NF respectively. The experiment has demonstrated that maceration process can be used to
extract compounds from pomegranate to give a yield similar to more sophisticated method and ethanol
is a suitable solvent for extracting hydrophilic compounds from the fruit.

MeSH terms: Acetates; Ethanol; Antioxidants; Fruit; Hexanes; Solvents; Punicaceae; Polyphenols
Fulltext Prevalence of smoking in Malaysian adolescents: are strategies enough to counter its ill effects?

Aliya, S., Shamim, A. K., Ilyas, M. N., Saif, U. K., Nordin, S., Atif, A. B.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;1(1):5-9.
MyJurnal

Smoking is a known established threat playing a definite role in destroying youth, the future foundation for any generation. Whether steps taken are being effective or not have to be tested vigilantly as most of the previous results are based on self-reported questionnaires and the reliability of the questionnaires can be dubious. For most of the Asian parents, tobacco consumption can be a taboo especially if the teenagers are involved. Different studies have shown that prevalence of smoking among youngsters are as high as 37% to as low as 11.5% in Malaysia. How can these figures are verified as they are self-reported and how can be generations protected from ill effects of tobacco consumption. The onus not only lies on the government but also on parents/guardians, healthcare setup at various levels of care and on general population. Despite of stringent steps taken there are loopholes in the system providing these children and adolescents easy access to tobacco.

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Malaysia; Parent-Child Relations; Parents; Smoking; Tobacco; Prevalence; Tobacco Use
Fulltext Incidence of Hepatitis C Genotypes among the rural population of Pakistan

Abdul, R., Hasnain, J., Zarfishan, T., Aina, S. Z., Warda, F., Iftkhar, A., et al.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;1(1):1-4.
MyJurnal

This study was aimed to find out the prevalence of HCV infection and frequency of its genotypes in the
population of the Karol war village i.e. situated in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It was a descriptive crosssectional study model. Tests were performed in the Department of Bacteriology, Institute of Public
Health Lahore, Pakistan. Cases positive for Anti-HCV antibodies by chemiluminescence assay were
subjected to HCV RNA detection by PCR. Genotyping was done by Geno-Sen’s HCV Genotyping
1/2/3/4 Real Time PCR kit for Rotor Gene. A total of 396 patients were enrolled for this study. The
incidence of positive HBSAg and HCV cases were 11.86% and 1.5% respectively. Males were more
affected with 61.7% (n=29) while positive cases in females were 38.3% (n=18). Age group of 31-45
years had higher infection rate among other ages (n=20). The frequency of genotypes 3, 1 and 2 was
36, 4 and 3 respectively while the genotype of 4 patients was found to be indeterminate. Genotype 3 is
the most prevalent genotype in the studied individuals which corresponds to the local data available so
far however 11.86 % positivity figure is quite alarming figure for that area.
Fulltext Abdominal flap: a reconstructive option for hand defect in rural setting

Sinnasamy, Shankari, B Mohd Shakir, Vijayashingam, Naveen, Mustaqim Afifi @ Apipi, Prakash, Doddaballapur Ramaiah

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018;12(3):63-67.
MyJurnal

Reconstruction of hand injury is the challenge for the surgeon especially in rural settings. This case report is about a 10-year-old boy, who sustained large degloving wound of dorsum of right hand with extensor tendon injury following a road traffic accident. We performed a staged abdominal flap with tensor fascia lata graft for tendon reconstruction as microsurgery facilities was not available. Post-operatively he was subjected to physiotherapy and he has a functional right hand. This case report aimed to highlight abdominal flap as reconstructive option as compared to skin grafting which is reproducible with limited resources. Besides that, overall exposure to all surgical options is of paramount importance in the training of trainees to equip them with skills to serve in rural setting.

MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic; Child; Fascia Lata; Hand Injuries; Humans; Male; Microsurgery; Surgical Flaps; Tendon Injuries; Tendons; Skin Transplantation; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Physical Therapy Modalities; Surgeons; Degloving Injuries

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