Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Ling JLL, Koh KL, Tai E, Sakinah Z, Nor Sharina Y, Hussein A
    Cureus, 2018 Oct 08;10(10):e3428.
    PMID: 30546976 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3428
    In human, sporotrichosis infection commonly manifests as skin lesions through direct inoculation. It is rarely associated with ocular manifestation via a zoonotic transmission. We describe a young lady who presented with acute left eye granulomatous conjunctivitis who had a history of exposure to her sick cat diagnosed with sporotrichosis infection. Sporothrix schenckii was isolated from the culture of the excised conjunctival tissue. The patient recovered fully after six months of oral anti-fungal treatment. Clinicians should be aware of this new zoonotic infection transmitted by infected felines as it is reversible with timely diagnosis and initiation of anti-fungal therapy.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Awareness; Cats; Conjunctivitis; Eye; Female; Humans; Sporotrichosis; Sporothrix; Zoonoses; Felis
  2. Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Asilar E, Bergauer T, et al.
    Phys Rev Lett, 2018 Nov 30;121(22):221802.
    PMID: 30547617 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.221802
    The first evidence of events consistent with the production of a single top quark in association with a photon is reported. The analysis is based on proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and recorded by the CMS experiment in 2016, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}. Events are selected by requiring the presence of a muon (μ), a photon (γ), an imbalance in transverse momentum from an undetected neutrino (ν), and at least two jets (j) of which exactly one is identified as associated with the hadronization of a b quark. A multivariate discriminant based on topological and kinematic event properties is employed to separate signal from background processes. An excess above the background-only hypothesis is observed, with a significance of 4.4 standard deviations. A fiducial cross section is measured for isolated photons with transverse momentum greater than 25 GeV in the central region of the detector. The measured product of the cross section and branching fraction is σ(pp→tγj)B(t→μνb)=115±17(stat)±30(syst)  fb, which is consistent with the standard model prediction.
    MeSH terms: Biomechanical Phenomena; Data Collection; Gamma Rays; Mesons; Motion; Protons; United States; Photons
  3. Lee KW, Ching SM, Ramachandran V, Yee A, Hoo FK, Chia YC, et al.
    BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2018 Dec 14;18(1):494.
    PMID: 30547769 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2131-4
    BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a of the major public health issues in Asia. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for GDM in Asia via a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid, Scopus and ScienceDirect for observational studies in Asia from inception to August 2017. We selected cross sectional studies reporting the prevalence and risk factors for GDM. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of GDM and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

    RESULTS: Eighty-four studies with STROBE score ≥ 14 were included in our analysis. The pooled prevalence of GDM in Asia was 11.5% (95% CI 10.9-12.1). There was considerable heterogeneity (I2 > 95%) in the prevalence of GDM in Asia, which is likely due to differences in diagnostic criteria, screening methods and study setting. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the risk factors of GDM include history of previous GDM (OR 8.42, 95% CI 5.35-13.23); macrosomia (OR 4.41, 95% CI 3.09-6.31); and congenital anomalies (OR 4.25, 95% CI 1.52-11.88). Other risk factors include a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (OR 3.27, 95% CI 2.81-3.80); pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR 3.20, 95% CI 2.19-4.68); family history of diabetes (OR 2.77, 2.22-3.47); history of stillbirth (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.68-3.40); polycystic ovary syndrome (OR 2.33, 95% CI1.72-3.17); history of abortion (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.54-3.29); age ≥ 25 (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.96-2.41); multiparity ≥2 (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.24-1.52); and history of preterm delivery (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.21-3.07).

    CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of GDM among the Asian population. Asian women with common risk factors especially among those with history of previous GDM, congenital anomalies or macrosomia should receive additional attention from physician as high-risk cases for GDM in pregnancy.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (2017: CRD42017070104 ).

    MeSH terms: Congenital Abnormalities/epidemiology*; Asia/epidemiology; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Diabetes, Gestational/epidemiology
  4. Shah PS, Link N, Jang GM, Sharp PP, Zhu T, Swaney DL, et al.
    Cell, 2018 Dec 13;175(7):1931-1945.e18.
    PMID: 30550790 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.11.028
    Mosquito-borne flaviviruses, including dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), are a growing public health concern. Systems-level analysis of how flaviviruses hijack cellular processes through virus-host protein-protein interactions (PPIs) provides information about their replication and pathogenic mechanisms. We used affinity purification-mass spectrometry (AP-MS) to compare flavivirus-host interactions for two viruses (DENV and ZIKV) in two hosts (human and mosquito). Conserved virus-host PPIs revealed that the flavivirus NS5 protein suppresses interferon stimulated genes by inhibiting recruitment of the transcription complex PAF1C and that chemical modulation of SEC61 inhibits DENV and ZIKV replication in human and mosquito cells. Finally, we identified a ZIKV-specific interaction between NS4A and ANKLE2, a gene linked to hereditary microcephaly, and showed that ZIKV NS4A causes microcephaly in Drosophila in an ANKLE2-dependent manner. Thus, comparative flavivirus-host PPI mapping provides biological insights and, when coupled with in vivo models, can be used to unravel pathogenic mechanisms.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Culicidae; Protein Interaction Mapping; Cell Line, Tumor; HEK293 Cells
  5. Hashim, E., Samshiyah, A.S., Nik Azuan, N.I.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):215-219.
    MyJurnal
    Concomitant recent myocardial infarction (MI) in patients presenting with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is considered a relative contraindication for thrombolysis. Mechanical thrombectomy is recognised as an alternative recanalisation therapy to avoid risk of haemorrrhagic complications. We report a 77-year-old patient who previously had recent admission for late presentation ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and currently presented with right-sided hemiplegia, dysphasia and reduced level of consciousness at 30 minutes from the onset. An urgent cerebral angiography showed total occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Successful mechanical thrombectomy was performed instead of administration of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis with excellent neurological recovery. This case report highlights the importance of patient transfer to a more comprehensive stroke center in the management strategies of the AIS.
    MeSH terms: Aphasia; Cerebral Angiography; Consciousness; Hemiplegia; Humans; Patient Transfer; Thrombectomy; Stroke; Middle Cerebral Artery; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
  6. Muhammad Najmi, K., Logeswary, K., Rona Asnida, N., Wan Haslina Wah, Umi Kalthum, M.N., Aida Zairani, M.Z.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):208-214.
    MyJurnal
    We report the case series of phacoemulsification-related Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) encountered at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Case 1 was an iatrogenic DMD which was detected intraoperatively and managed early with good outcome. Case 2 and case 3 described unusual presentation of DMD which was initially undiagnosed. This report highlights the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) in detecting and confirming the correct diagnosis for DMD. With the aid of an experienced corneal specialist, the higher threshold for suspicious occurrence of DMD was confirmed using ASOCT. Treatment was tailored accordingly, with successful clearance of corneal oedema and visual recovery. This case series highlighted the importance of proper operative documentation and high threshold for suspicion for DMD in focal corneal oedema following an otherwise uneventful cataract surgery. It is concluded that ASOCT is an excellent tool to confirm diagnosis of DMD and success of treatment.
    MeSH terms: Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Cornea; Corneal Diseases; Descemet Membrane; Documentation; Iatrogenic Disease; Lens, Crystalline; Corneal Edema; Phacoemulsification; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Tertiary Care Centers
  7. Mohd Khairi, A.L., Nik Azlan, N.M., Faizal Amri, H.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):198-207.
    MyJurnal
    This study determined factors that influence usage of automated external defibrillation (AED) on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among paramedics in Emergency Department of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). It was a cross sectional prospective study conducted between December 2013 and January 2014. Paramedics from Emergency Department were enrolled and assessed using the self-filled questionnaire consisting of multiple sections including knowledge assessment, training and practice. In total, 53 paramedics participated in this study. Only 62% participants used AEDs previously. Not more than 83% participants admitted that they would use it if required. A positive correlation was observed between age and work experience with knowledge on AED usage (p=0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). Government’s institute graduates possess better knowledge and higher confidence level than private institutions graduates (p
    MeSH terms: Emergency Medical Services; Emergency Service, Hospital; Health Personnel; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Defibrillators*
  8. Elvy Suhana, M.R., Fairus, A., Norazlina, M., Mohamad Fairuz, Y., Ima Nirwana, S.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):175-197.
    MyJurnal
    Long term glucocorticoids administration induces oxidative stress which leads to alteration of bone structure and strength. Palm oil is rich in tocotrienol, an antioxidant. It can be used for the prevention of oxidative stress related diseases. The main objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of palm tocotrienol in maintaining the bone structure and strength in glucocorticoidinduced osteoporosis. Thirty two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3 months, weighing 300-320 g rats were used in this study. Sixteen rats undergone adrenalectomy and were administered with 120µg/kg/day intramuscular injection of dexamethasone. Eight rats were supplemented with oral palm tocotrienol 60 mg/kg/day (Adrx+Dex+PTT) and the other eight rats were given oral vehicle palm olein 0.1 ml/kg/day (Adrx+Dex). Eight rats underwent sham procedure and were given vehicle palm olein 0.05 ml/kg/day by intramuscularly and oral 0.1 ml/kg/day (Sham). The rats were euthanized after two months of treatments. Eight rats were euthanized after acclimatic action without receiving any treatment (Baseline). The right femurs were used for bone biomechanical strength and histomorphometry analysis while the left for gene expression and oxidative stress enzymes activities. The results indicated that long-term glucocorticoid treatment significantly increased bone resorption marker, CTX (6060.7 ± 410 pg/ml) and decreased bone structure and strength. Osteoblast and osteoclast related genes expressions indicated an increase in bone turnover. Supplementation of palm tocotrienol had maintained serum resorption (2619.4 + 209 pg/ml) marker level and preserved bone structure and strength. Gene expression analysis showed decrease in bone resorption. The findings suggested that palm tocotrienol has potential benefits against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis by regulating osteoblast and osteoclast related gene expressions.
  9. Nur Ain, J., Ainaa Diyana, S., Nur Hazirah, R., Nur Fathiah, A.S., Fairus, A., Teoh, S.l., et al.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):165-174.
    MyJurnal
    Piper betle (PB) leaves have been traditionally used in many Asian countries for the healing of wounds and other ailments. The aim of this study was to examine the wound healing effect of PB on skin injury-inflicted Sprague-Dawley rats. Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were inflicted with wounds and then divided into three groups consisting of a control (normal wound healing without dressing), saline (wound healing aided by gauze soaked in saline) and PB (gauze impregnated with PB paste) dressings. Wounds were created on the back of rats with 6-mm sterilized punch biopsy needle. Wounds were examined on days 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 for dryness, exudation, and scar formation. Rats were sacrificed on day 14 and the granulation tissue formed on the wound was then excised for histological examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The formation of granulation tissue in rats treated with PB showed higher progress to wound closure with shorter days (on day 3) compared to the control and saline group (on day 5). PB dressing minimized the formation of scar tissue significantly (p
    MeSH terms: Animals; Asia; Bandages; Biopsy; Cicatrix; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Granulation Tissue; Hematoxylin; Male; Skin; Staining and Labeling; Wound Healing; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Piper betle; Rats
  10. Hng, S.H., Siti Nabihah, S., Siti Nabilah, S.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):153-164.
    MyJurnal
    Tuberculosis (TB) has become a worldwide public concern with 10.4 million new cases reported in 2015 and 1.4 million deaths. More importantly, an increase in trend in TB incidence among healthcare workers has become a major concern. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the knowledge and practice towards TB and the factors associated with it among nurses in a teaching hospital. The present study used cross-sectional design and stratified sampling method. A total of 275 nurses in a teaching hospital participated in this study. The knowledge and practice on management of TB was measured using a structured questionnaire. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge and practice on management of TB represented by 70.2% and 63.3%, respectively. However, knowledge gap (1.8%) and practice gap (0.4%) were identified in method of sputum collection. Work place setting was the only demographic factor found significantly associated with level of knowledge and practice (p=0.028). Level of knowledge and practice on management of TB identified among nurses was not associated with many socio-demographic factors. Nurses as frontline healthcare workers are at high risk of being exposed due to frequent contact with various patients especially those who are undiagnosed and TB suspect patients. Hence, implementation of TB Infection Control (TBIC) measures is important to minimize the risk of infection and cross-infection within hospital.
    MeSH terms: Cross Infection; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Personnel; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sputum; Tuberculosis; Incidence; Infection Control; Workplace; Latent Tuberculosis; Professional Practice Gaps
  11. Munirah, M., Khalidah, M.B., Dian Nasriana, N., Hanita, O., Nor Azlin, M.I.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):143-152.
    MyJurnal
    Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is commonly encountered in hypertensive disease in pregnancy (HDP) and important cause of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Abnormal changes of placenta development in PIH leads to abnormal elevation of second trimester maternal hCG level. Thus, it may have a role in prediction of PIH. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of serum hCG levels during early second trimester to predict PIH and obstetric outcome at later gestation. We conducted a cohort study which comprised 34 pregnant women varying from 14–20 weeks of gestation with serum hCG level taken at points of recruitment. Serum hCG was measured by a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Three (8.8%) pregnant women developed late onset PIH while the remainder were normotensive. The diagnostic performance of second trimester hCG in predicting PIH as assessed by receiver operator characteristic curve was poor (AUC = 0.398). Multiple of median (MoM) were used to improve the hCG performance and MoM of >2 MoM were considered as elevated hCG level. All pregnancies with PIH had 0.655). There was no significant association of hCG level and pregnancy outcome. In conclusion, estimation of second trimester hCG is a poor predictive marker for PIH. These findings are limited by the less number of hypertensive cases
  12. Aminuddin, A., Luqman Hakim, A.Z., Chan, S.Y., Nur Elyatulnadia, S., Hul Aamizatkma, H., Nur Shahira Afifa, R., et al.
    Medicine & Health, 2018;13(1):117-129.
    MyJurnal
    Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI) and finger photoplethysmography fitness index (PPGF) are non-invasive markers of vascular function and may predict future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In women, the changes from both oestrogen and progesterone levels during menstrual cycle may give significant impact on vascular function. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the variation of vascular function during follicular and luteal phase in healthy young women. Twenty-two healthy young women with regular menstrual cycle were recruited. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), PWV, AI, PPGF, estradiol (Es) and progesterone (Prog) level were measured during follicular (F) and mid-luteal (L) phase. Data was analyzed via SPSS version 20 and P value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. The mean age of the subjects was 22.73 ± 0.60 years. There was significant variations of estradiol and progesterone levels during menstrual cycle whereby the level of estradiol (EsF = 107.6 ± 52.56 pmol/L vs. EsL = 555.16 ± 152.79 pmol/L, P
  13. Aziz FAA, Ahmad NA, Razak MAA, Omar M, Kasim NM, Yusof M, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2018 Dec 11;18(1):1363.
    PMID: 30537956 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6266-z
    BACKGROUND: Globally, diarrhoea is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among children under than 5 years of age. There is a scarcity of published data on acute gastroenteritis (AGE) prevalence in Malaysia among children. This study aims to determine factors associated with diarrhoea in children aged less than 5 years in Malaysia.

    METHOD: Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2016 conducted by Ministry of Health was analysed. This nationwide survey involved 15,188 children below five years old. The survey was carried out using a two-stage stratified sampling design to ensure national representativeness. The Questionnaire from UNICEF's Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MCIS) was adapted to suit local requirements. Analysis was done using SPSS Version 23. Descriptive followed by multiple logistic regression were done to identify relevant factors.

    RESULT: The prevalence of diarrhoea among children under five in Malaysia was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.8,5.2). Analysis using logistic regression indicated that only ethnicity and usage of untreated water were significantly associated with diarrhoea among children after controlling for relevant factors. By ethnicity, children in the 'Other Bumiputera' group had 2.5 times the odds of having diarrhoea compared to children of Malay ethnicity. Children of Indian ethnicity were also at higher risk, at almost double the odds, as well as other ethnic groups (1.5 times). Children who used untreated water supply were two times more likely to develop diarrhoea.

    CONCLUSION: There is a higher risk of diarrhoea among children of 'Other Bumiputera' ethnicity, Indian ethnicities, and other ethnic groups and those who consume untreated water. Strategies to reduce diarrhoea among children should be targeted towards these at-risk populations. In addition, the Government must strive to ensure universal access to treated clean water in Malaysia and the Ministry of Health must focus on raising awareness on how to prevent diarrhoea.

    MeSH terms: Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diarrhea/epidemiology*; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Risk Factors; Prevalence
  14. Nijagal MA, Wissig S, Stowell C, Olson E, Amer-Wahlin I, Bonsel G, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2018 Dec 11;18(1):953.
    PMID: 30537958 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3732-3
    BACKGROUND: Value-based health care aims to optimize the balance of patient outcomes and health care costs. To improve value in perinatal care using this strategy, standard outcomes must first be defined. The objective of this work was to define a minimum, internationally appropriate set of outcome measures for evaluating and improving perinatal care with a focus on outcomes that matter to women and their families.

    METHODS: An interdisciplinary and international Working Group was assembled. Existing literature and current measurement initiatives were reviewed. Serial guided discussions and validation surveys provided consumer input. A series of nine teleconferences, incorporating a modified Delphi process, were held to reach consensus on the proposed Standard Set.

    RESULTS: The Working Group selected 24 outcome measures to evaluate care during pregnancy and up to 6 months postpartum. These include clinical outcomes such as maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, stillbirth, preterm birth, birth injury and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health, mother-infant bonding, confidence and success with breastfeeding, incontinence, and satisfaction with care and birth experience. To support analysis of these outcome measures, pertinent baseline characteristics and risk factor metrics were also defined.

    CONCLUSIONS: We propose a set of outcome measures for evaluating the care that women and infants receive during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While validation and refinement via pilot implementation projects are needed, we view this as an important initial step towards value-based improvements in care.

    MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care/standards; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Mother-Child Relations; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Outcome Assessment (Health Care)/standards*; Perinatal Care/standards*; Consensus; Delivery, Obstetric/standards; Premature Birth/etiology; Premature Birth/prevention & control; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
  15. Rad SK, Arya A, Karimian H, Madhavan P, Rizwan F, Koshy S, et al.
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2018;12:3999-4021.
    PMID: 30538427 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S173970
    The pathophysiological link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been suggested in several reports. Few findings suggest that T2DM has strong link in the development process of AD, and the complete mechanism is yet to be revealed. Formation of amyloid plaques (APs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are two central hallmarks in the AD. APs are the dense composites of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) which accumulates around the nerve cells. Moreover, NFTs are the twisted fibers containing hyperphosphorylated tau proteins present in certain residues of Aβ that build up inside the brain cells. Certain factors contribute to the aetiogenesis of AD by regulating insulin signaling pathway in the brain and accelerating the formation of neurotoxic Aβ and NFTs via various mechanisms, including GSK3β, JNK, CamKII, CDK5, CK1, MARK4, PLK2, Syk, DYRK1A, PPP, and P70S6K. Progression to AD could be influenced by insulin signaling pathway that is affected due to T2DM. Interestingly, NFTs and APs lead to the impairment of several crucial cascades, such as synaptogenesis, neurotrophy, and apoptosis, which are regulated by insulin, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. The investigation of the molecular cascades through insulin functions in brain contributes to probe and perceive progressions of diabetes to AD. This review elaborates the molecular insights that would help to further understand the potential mechanisms linking T2DM and AD.
    MeSH terms: Alzheimer Disease/metabolism*; Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism*; Humans; Insulin Resistance*; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism*; Neurofibrillary Tangles/metabolism*
  16. Bukhsh A, Tan XY, Chan KG, Lee LH, Goh BH, Khan TM
    Patient Prefer Adherence, 2018;12:2457-2474.
    PMID: 30538430 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S180256
    Background: Effectiveness of pharmacist-led educational interventions on self-care activities and glycemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is vague. The purpose of this review is to appraise the effect of pharmacist-led educational interventions on self-care activities and levels of glycated hemoglobin of T2DM patients.

    Methods: Five electronic databases were searched from date of database inception to September 2017. Randomized clinical trials examining the effectiveness of pharmacist-led educational interventions, directed at T2DM patients only, were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. The protocol is available with PROSPERO (CRD42017078854).

    Results: Eleven studies, involving n=1,544 T2DM patients, were included in this systematic review. Meta-analysis demonstrated that pharmacist-led interventions had a significant effect on lowering of the levels of glycated hemoglobin (-0.66; 95% CI [-0.83, -0.50]; I2=58.3%; P=0.008), in comparison to usual care. Self-care activities were assessed by using Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities tool in eight studies. Overall meta-analysis of self-care activities for included studies demonstrated a significant effect of pharmacist-led interventions on improvement of self-monitoring of blood glucose (1.62; 95% CI [0.92, 2.32]; I2=70.5%; P=0.005), foot care (1.20; 95% CI [0.49, 1.90]; I2=95.0%; P<0.001), and overall diet (1.16; 95% CI [0.38, 1.93]; I2=64.2%; P=0.094).

    Conclusion: The findings of this review demonstrate a significantly positive effect of pharmacist-led educational interventions on HbA1c levels and self-care practices among T2DM patients.
    MeSH terms: Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet; Humans; Occupational Therapy; Pharmacists; Self Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Databases, Factual; Educational Personnel
  17. Haider HF, Bojić T, Ribeiro SF, Paço J, Hall DA, Szczepek AJ
    Front Neurosci, 2018;12:866.
    PMID: 30538616 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00866
    Tinnitus is the conscious perception of a sound without a corresponding external acoustic stimulus, usually described as a phantom perception. One of the major challenges for tinnitus research is to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms triggering and maintaining the symptoms, especially for subjective chronic tinnitus. Our objective was to synthesize the published literature in order to provide a comprehensive update on theoretical and experimental advances and to identify further research and clinical directions. We performed literature searches in three electronic databases, complemented by scanning reference lists from relevant reviews in our included records, citation searching of the included articles using Web of Science, and manual searching of the last 6 months of principal otology journals. One-hundred and thirty-two records were included in the review and the information related to peripheral and central mechanisms of tinnitus pathophysiology was collected in order to update on theories and models. A narrative synthesis examined the main themes arising from this information. Tinnitus pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, involving the auditory and non-auditory systems. Recent theories assume the necessary involvement of extra-auditory brain regions for tinnitus to reach consciousness. Tinnitus engages multiple active dynamic and overlapping networks. We conclude that advancing knowledge concerning the origin and maintenance of specific tinnitus subtypes origin and maintenance mechanisms is of paramount importance for identifying adequate treatment.
    MeSH terms: Acoustic Stimulation; Brain; Consciousness; Otolaryngology; Perception; Sound; Tinnitus
  18. Khor KZ, Lim V, Moses EJ, Abdul Samad N
    PMID: 30538753 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1071243
    Moringa oleifera, a fast-growing deciduous tree that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, is well known for its abundant uses. The tree is a source of food, shelter, and traditional medicine for many people, especially in developing countries. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the various claims of traditional medicine practitioners that the moringa tree can improve health and treat various diseases. The tree has a high nutritional profile, especially the nutrient rich leaves. Some reports also support the use of parts of the tree to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. These attractive properties have led researchers to look for other novel uses for the moringa tree, especially as a source of anticancer drugs. Researchers have tested extracts from various parts of the moringa tree both in vitro and in vivo on several types of cancers with varying success. This review explores the state of current research on the anticancer properties of M. oleifera.
    MeSH terms: Antineoplastic Agents; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol; Developing Countries; Food; Medicine, Traditional; Neoplasms; Research; Trees; Plant Leaves; Moringa; Moringa oleifera
  19. Sahid NA, Hayati F, Rao CV, Ramely R, Sani I, Dzulkarnaen A, et al.
    PMID: 30538757 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3032790
    BACKGROUND: Snakehead fish (Channa striatus) is a fresh water fish indigenous to many Asia countries and believed to have medical value. Studies showed that it contains all the essential amino acids and fatty acids able to accelerate wound healing and it has antinociceptive effect. However, little human study has been done to assess the effectiveness of Channa striatus in wound healing. A prospective RCT has been conducted on the effect of Channa striatus spray versus placebo on clean wound to assess its pain control effect and cosmetic outcome.

    METHODOLOGY: One hundred and two patients (102) underwent clean elective surgery; postoperatively they were randomized into two group. One group received Channa striatus extract spray (n=51) another group received placebo (n=51) on daily basis for 2 weeks. They were followed up on 2nd, 4th, and 6th weeks. Pain control effect was assessed based on Visual Analog Pain Score (VAPS) and cosmetic outcome based on Visual Analog Cosmetic Scale (VACS), Wound Evaluation Scale (WES), and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).

    RESULT: The patient treated with Channa striatus spray displayed a better outcome in terms of pain control compared to placebo. During analysis using repeated measure ANOVA, there was significant difference of patient's pain score based on VAPS between Channa striatus spray and placebo (F-stat (df) = 4.80 (2), p-value = 0.010). For cosmetic outcome it showed a better result in Channa striatus spray group for all the 3-scoring system, VACS, (F-stat (df) = 2.68 (2) , p-value <0.001), WES (F-stat (df) = 3.09 (2), p-value = 0.048), and VSS (F-stat (df) = 1.72 (2) , p-value = 0.011).

    CONCLUSION: Our study suggest that application of Channa striatus extract spray on clean wound has shown a significant better pain score result and cosmetic outcome on week 2, week 4, and week 6 comparatively with placebo.

  20. Karim NU, Siddiq USAA, Razak MRM, Zainol MKM, Abdullah MI
    Ital J Food Saf, 2018 Sep 26;7(3):6846.
    PMID: 30538958 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2018.6846
    An aqueous extraction of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves were prepared as the edible coats for keeping the quality of the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). In addition, the antioxidant properties and activity; total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of moringa leaves were also determined. The phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties in the moringa leaves are low; 16.14 mgGAEg-1 for TPC; 5.57 mgQEg-1 for TFC; 1.36 mgTEg-1 for DPPH; and 3.05 mgTEg-1 for FRAP. The experiment was further conducted by coating the M. rosenbergii with moringa leaves extraction before chilled storage at 4°C for 15 days. Moringa leaves extraction were effectively reduced the microflora count in M. rosenbergii (P<0.05). Total volatile basis nitrogen (TVB-N) value showed a significant (P<0.05) lower amount in treated samples compared to the controls. Melanosis were obvious in controls compared to the treated samples. After 15 days of chilled storage, the sensory properties; taste, texture and odour of treated samples were acceptable by the panelists. Biopreservation of moringa leaves extraction significantly benefits in keeping the quality of M. rosenbergii.
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