Browse publications by year: 2019

Fulltext Nutrition labelling: an exploratory study on personal factors that influence the practice of reading nutrition labels among adolescents

Norsakira Jefrydin, Norazmir Md Nor, Ruzita Abd. Talib

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):143-153.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The consumption of processed food is increasing in developing
countries. Nutrition labels on food packaging are important for the education of
consumers, particularly adolescents, to help them make healthier food choices.
However, there is evidence to suggest that adolescents generally do not use nutrition
labels. This study aims to explore the personal factors that influence the practice of
Malaysian adolescents in reading nutrition labels. Methods: The participants were
adolescents, aged 13-16 years, from five public schools in Negeri Sembilan. Five
semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The participants
discussed their personal views, knowledge and perceptions regarding the use of
nutrition labels and food selection. Data gathered from the FGDs were coded through
thematic analysis using the NVivo software. Results: While the participants were
familiar with nutrition labels, their usage was relatively low during food selection
due to the lack of interest in nutrition information, past experiences, hunger and
cravings, time constraints and the taste of the food. The main reasons for using
nutrition labels were health consciousness and their curiosity about specific
nutrition information provided on the labels. The majority of participants believed
that information provided on the labels was accurate because it was provided by
reliable institutions. There was also misperception among some participants, mixing
up nutrition labels with list of ingredients and the expiry dates. A few participants
were unconvinced by the labels and stated that the labels provided misleading
information. Conclusion: Personal factors such as knowledge, misperception,
awareness and trust significantly impact how adolescents read nutrition labels.
Fulltext Workplace support and exclusive breastfeeding practice: a qualitative study in Jakarta, Indonesia

Febrianingtyas, Yunita, Februhartanty, Judhiastuty, Hadihardjono, Dian Nurcahyati

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):129-142.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The primary reason that compels working mothers to decrease their
ability to continue to breastfeeding successfully is their return to work. Attempts
to continue breastfeeding at work encounters several difficulties. This study
aims to provide an overview of the workplace environment and how facilities at
the workplace affect breastfeeding in Indonesia. Methods: We used a qualitative
approach to provide a detailed picture of the influence of workplace support for
working mothers to perform breastfeeding. We enrolled working mothers (n=18)
in Jakarta, as participants and obtained the following information from them:
parity, type of family and type of work. Results: The findings provided the general
overview of the workplace environment and identified three factors that affected
breastfeeding: seeking information during pregnancy, expression of breast milk at
office facilities and the problem faced by working mothers. Conclusion: Although
the breastfeeding performance of most working mothers in this study comprised
exclusive breastfeeding, some fed their infants with formula milk. This study
suggests that working mothers who continue to breastfeed after returning to work
need the support of their employers, co-workers and others in the workplace to
ensure the provision of health facilities and the protection and dissemination the
rights of breastfeeding working mothers that might lead them to discontinue their
breastfeeding practice.
Fulltext Breastfeeding knowledge among indigenous Temiar women: a qualitative study

Sharifah Zahhura Syed Abdullah, Rozieyati Mohamed Saleh

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):117-128.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants are
widely recognised. Breastfeeding confirms a woman’s unique ability to care for her
infant in the best way possible and promotes optimum infant and maternal health.
Methods: A qualitative research method involving five focus group discussions
(n=33) was chosen in this study to compare and contrast the breastfeeding practice
in two different locations: the communities of Pos Pulat and the regroupment
scheme settlement at Rancangan Pengumpulan Semula (RPS) Kuala Betis in
Kelantan, Malaysia which represents different lifestyle experiences of indigenous
Temiar population. Results: The benefits of breastfeeding to the infants reported
by some Temiar women (42.4%) were for the infant’s health and growth. Responses
from urban RPS Kuala Betis women include breast milk contains antibodies (3.0%),
delays in the return of regular ovulation (6.1%), thus lengthening birth intervals
and bonding between maternal-baby (6.1%). In general, respondents from Pos
Pulat seemed to have little knowledge regarding this issue, except for a woman who
mentioned that maternal milk contains vitamins. Based on the narrative analysis,
knowledge gap was observed between these two communities. Conclusion: Although
all the women interviewed had the experience of breastfeeding their infants, most
of them lacked the knowledge regarding the benefits of the breastfeeding either
to the infants or to the mothers. The findings from this study are crucial for the
preservation of breastfeeding culture among the Temiar women and can be used to
improve promotion of breastfeeding to other Orang Asli groups in Malaysia.
Fulltext Module development and its effectiveness for improving the competencies of voluntary health workers in communicating safe complementary feeding to caregivers in Indonesia

Iswarawanti, Dwi Nastiti, Siti Muslimatun, Endang Basuki, Ahmad Hadi

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):99-115.
MyJurnal

Introduction: In Indonesia, most training modules for health paraprofessionals
have been adapted from existing foreign modules without assessment. In addition,
there have been few studies on training development for this group. We aimed to
develop, using a systematic tool, implement and evaluate a training module to
improve the competencies of voluntary health workers (cadres) in communicating
safe complementary feeding practice to caregivers of young children in Indonesia.
Methods: A mixed methods approach was used. A qualitative study employing
in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, mini-workshops, documentary
reviews and expert validation was used to develop the training module, following a
systematic approach. The module’s effectiveness for improving the health workers’
competencies was evaluated using a quantitative study with a non-equivalent
pre-test and post-test control group design that included 70 (intervention group)
and 68 (comparison group) voluntary health workers from a peri-urban district.
Changes in the workers’ cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies were
tested before and after attending a 3-day training module (intervention group) or
a half-day event (comparison group). Results: A 24-hour learning session module
on communicating safe complementary feeding was developed and used to train
voluntary health workers. After the training, a significantly higher proportion of
workers in the intervention group than in the comparison group were assessed as
competent in the psychomotor and composite domains (psychomotor: 67.1% vs.
20.6%; composite: 74.3% vs. 36.8%; p
Fulltext Evaluating the perception of farmers towards pesticides and the health effect of pesticides: A cross-sectional study in the oil palm plantations of Papar, Malaysia

Bin Sulaiman SK, Ibrahim Y, Jeffree MS

Interdiscip Toxicol, 2019 Sep;12(1):15-25.
PMID: 32189983 DOI: 10.2478/intox-2019-0003

Agriculture is an important occupation in Malaysia that generates a major portion of the national revenue. Similar to the rest of the world, pesticides are used to boost agricultural production in Malaysian farms. However, chemical pesticides are associated with human health hazard and are not environment-friendly as they persist in nature for long periods of time. Therefore, pesticide use should be reduced and farmers should be trained on correct and/or alternative ways of pesticide use. In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed 19 palm oil plantations in the Sabah district of Malaysia and evaluated the perception of the workers towards pesticide use and awareness regarding the health effects post-pesticide exposure. Analysis of the survey shows that most of the workers among the 270 respondents were 30-year-old males with average education, and belonged to the low income group. Majority opined that they were aware of the health hazards of pesticide use and suffered from symptoms (with mean duration of three days) such as vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, and dizziness. Surprisingly, the opinion was almost equally divided on whether they perceived pesticides to be the cause of their health problems, and a major percentage did not avail medical help. Most of the workers responded that they did not receive any training in pesticide handling and used partial personal protective equipment (glasses, hats, shirt, and gloves) during working hours. Interestingly, a large percentage responded that they would not read the safety material even if it was provided. These observations clearly highlight the urgency of improving the awareness, education, and attitude of these plantation workers towards the short- and long-term effects of pesticide use. They should also be educated about alternative and eco-friendly ways of farming. Finally, the plantation management should intervene and proactively advocate the use of safe farming practices.
Fulltext Linguistic validity and reliability of cariogenic food frequency and oral health knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaires for parents of 6-11 years old children in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Rosnani Ngah, Ruhaya Hasan, Normastura Abd Rahman

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):79-97.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Cariogenic food intake and oral health knowledge, attitude and
practices (KAP) of parents are contributing factors that influence the oral health
status of children. As there is lack of a validated questionnaire in Bahasa Melayu
(the Malay language) to measure the factors, this cross-sectional study was
carried out to establish a linguistically valid and reliable cariogenic food frequency
questionnaire (M-CFFQ) and oral health kap questionnaire (M-OHKAPQ) in Bahasa
Melayu, for parents of children aged 6-11 years in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Methods:
Relevant questionnaires in English were selected and translated to Malay language.
This process included forward translation, synthesis, backward translation and
consolidation to produce the preliminary drafts of M-CFFQ and M-OHKAPQ. Pretesting
was conducted on ten parents of children from a primary school in Kota
Bharu by face-to-face interview. The findings were reviewed to produce the final
versions of M-CFFQ and M-OHKAPQ. A test-retest reliability study was undertaken
involving 49 parents. The participants were asked to answer the final M-CFFQ and
M-OHKAPQ versions twice, within a 7-14 days interval. Data collected were entered
into IBM SPPS version 22 software and analysed using the Intraclass Correlation
Coefficient (ICC) test. Results: Semantic, idiomatic, experiential, conceptual as well
as content and face validity issues were successfully resolved. Fifteen categories
of food/drinks for M-CFFQ and 26 items/questions M-OHKAPQ were produced.
The total ICC values achieved for M-CFFQ and M-OHKAPQ were 0.887 and 0.807,
respectively. Conclusion: The M-CFFQ and M-OHKAPQ appeared to be linguistically
valid and reliable with excellent test-retest reliability (ICC>0.80).
Fulltext A feasibility study of multiple micronutrient supplement for home fortification of foods among Orang Asli children in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Nur Dayana Shaari, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Gan, Wan Ying, Loh, Su Peng

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):69-77.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The prevalence of child undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies
are higher in the Orang Asli (OA) than the general Malaysian population. The World
Health Organization recommends the use of multiple micronutrient supplement
(MMS) that is a blend of micronutrients in powder form that can be sprinkled onto
foods for home fortification to prevent undernutrition among children. This pilot
study aimed to assess the feasibility of using MMS among OA children. Methods: A
total of 25 OA children (14 boys and 11 girls) aged 6-31 months (mean±SD = 15.7±7.2
months) in Negeri Sembilan were given three sachets of MMS weekly for 5 weeks.
Caregivers were instructed to add MMS to three types of food from the same food
group per week varying with a different food group weekly. Written instruction for
using MMS in simple language was given prior to the supplementation. Caregivers
were interviewed for information on socio-demographics, compliance, acceptance,
preference and adverse effect of MMS. Results: A high level of compliance was
observed (85%). All caregivers reported that the instructions for use were easy to read.
No noticeable changes to the foods mixed with MMS were observed and no adverse
effects were reported. Conclusion: This study demonstrated feasibility of the use of
MMS for future trials among OA children. The easy to read information that comes
with the MMS, frequent monitoring of MMS use and support to caregivers were
required to ensure compliance. Cultural feeding practices and financial constraints
may limit the types of food that can be mixed with MMS.
Fulltext Prevalence and factors affecting food insecurity among university students in Pahang, Malaysia

Wan Azdie Mohd Abu Bakar, Shahidah Ismail, Suriati Sidek, Rozlin Abdul Rahman

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):59-67.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Food insecurity exists whenever people are unable to access sufficient
food at all times for an active and healthy life. University students are a potentially
vulnerable group of people to face food insecurity. This study aimed to identify the
prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among a population of university
students in Kuantan, in the state of Pahang. Methods: Food security status was
identified using the United States Adult Food Security Survey Module (USAFSSM).
Factors, which include demographic background, spending expenditure pattern
and time constraints, were assessed. A total of 316 students were selected through
stratified random sampling throughout six faculties of the International Islamic
University Malaysia, of whom 307 successfully completed the survey. Results:
The result shows that 54.4% of the students were experiencing food insecurity,
from which 32.9% were sub-categorised as low food security and 21.5% as very low
food security. Food insecurity was found to be significantly associated with time
constraints (p
Fulltext Identification of dietary patterns associated with characteristics of successful aging

Nik Nur Izzati Nik Mohd Fakhruddin, Suzana Shahar, Roslee Rajikan, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Normah Che Din, Rosdinom Razali, et al.

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):47-57.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study aimed to identify dietary patterns (DPs) and their
association with successful aging (SA). Methods: A comparative cross-sectional
study was conducted among 579 elderly subjects recruited from four states in
Malaysia through a multistage random sampling method. SA was defined as having
no chronic illnesses, no functional limitation, normal global function, no depression,
a good quality of life and good self-perceived health. Information on dietary intake was
obtained using a diet history questionnaire. Cognitive functions were assessed using
the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), depressive symptoms using Geriatric
Depression Score-15 items (GDS-15) and a question regarding their perceived health
and quality of life. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily
Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to determine functional status. DPs were
obtained using the principal component analysis (PCA) approach. An ordinal logistic
regression model was used to examine associations between DP scores and SA.
Results: Five DPs were identified namely ‘sweet foods-beverages’, ‘meat-vegetablesrice and noodles’, ‘local snacks-fish and seafood-high salt foods’, ‘fruits-legumes’, and
‘tropical fruits-oats’. A higher score for ‘tropical fruits-oats’ DP was associated with
SA [Adjusted OR=1.59 (95% CI: 1.08-2.32)]. However, the association diminished
when the model was adjusted for education level. Further analysis indicated that
this DP increased the chance of SA among those with secondary education and above
[Adjusted OR=2.43 (95% CI: 1.09–5.42)]. Conclusion: ‘Tropical fruits-oats’ DP is
associated with SA among elderly with secondary education and above. There is a
need to investigate DPs among those with lower education.
Fulltext Health-related quality of life of elderly with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from selected government institutions

Noraida Omar, Nor-Farahain Yahya, Siti Nur’ Asyura Adznam, UmmiNadira Daut, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):27-35.
MyJurnal

Introduction: It is widely recognised that health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is
impaired in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Most previous
studies were conducted among the younger adult population and there is limited
information on the elderly population. This study aimed to determine the COPD
assessment test (CAT) score in the elderly with COPD. Methods: This was a crosssectional study involving 140 elderly patients who had been diagnosed with COPD
at two selected government institutions. Data on socio-demographic and health
status were collected by interviewing patients and reviewing their medical records.
The HRQOL was measured using CAT. The independence sample t-test and one-way
ANOVA were conducted to compare the CAT scores with socio-demographic and
health status. Results: The socio-demographic and health characteristics of the
patients were as follows: majority (54%) were aged 60-70 years, male (97%), Malay
(59%), married (75%), ex-smokers (72%), had attained primary education (48%),
had co-morbidities (54%), no history of hospitalisation or visits to the emergency
department due to COPD (57%), and were in moderate stage of airflow obstruction
(53%). The mean of CAT score was 21.87±6.85 and the majority of the patients were
classified as having worst symptoms of COPD (93%) as they had high CAT score
which was ≥ 10. Conclusion: Majority of the patients in this study had high scores
of CAT, which indicated poor HRQOL. Ex-smokers had higher scores compared
to non-smokers. More attention need to be given to these subgroups in order to
increase their quality of life.
Fulltext Prevalence and determinants of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) disability among communitydwelling elderly in a semi-urban setting in Peninsular Malaysia

Muhammad Faizal bin Murat, Zuriati binti Ibrahim, Siti Nur ‘Asyura binti Adznam, Chan, Yoke Mun

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):13-25.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The ability to perform daily living activities among the elderly is
important, as physical disability may lead to dependency and various public
health implications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of instrumental
activities of daily living (IADL) disability and its association with socio-demographic
characteristics, dietary intake, social participation, perceived-health-status and risk
of falls. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among communitybased elderly in the Gombak District of Selangor. 258 respondents aged 60-88
years old (mean age 66±6.5 years) were recruited through multi-stage proportional
sampling. Most of the respondents (88.4%) aged 60-74 years and 11.6% were ≥75
years. IADL disability was determined using an eight-item IADL scale. The presence
of IADL disability was defined as needing help in at least one or more of eight-IADL
activities. Dietary intake and fall risk were assessed using diet history questionnaire
(DHQ) and 21-item fall risk index (FRI-21), respectively. Results: The prevalence
of IADL disability among the respondents was 58.1%. A binary logistic regression
analyses showed that the following factors predicted IADL disability: advanced age
(≥75 years, OR=6.4; 95% CI: 1.3, 30.8), being unmarried (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 5.9),
unemployed/retired (OR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.3), and at risk of falls (OR=2.5; 95%
CI: 1.3, 6.1). Conclusion: Predictors such as marriage and employment highlight
the importance of social support among elderly. In practical terms, this means that it
is incumbent upon caregivers, family members, and the community to provide both
physical and emotional support if the functional status of the elderly is to be improved.
Fulltext Association of socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional status, risk of malnutrition and depression with quality of life among elderly haemodialysis patients

Fatin Izzaty Mohd Shahrin, Lim, Zhi Yu, Noraida Omar, Nor Fadhlina Zakaria, Zulfitri ‘Azuan Mat Daud

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):1-11.
MyJurnal

Introduction: A compromised quality of life (QOL) as a result of haemodialysis
(HD) is a rising global issue. Elderly HD patients face more challenges than
younger counterparts. This study determined the association of socio-demographic
characteristics, nutritional status, risk of malnutrition and depression with QOL,
among elderly HD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted
among 112 HD elderly patients in selected dialysis centres in Selangor, Malaysia.
The patients completed interview-based questionnaires on socio-demographic
characteristics, risk of malnutrition (Dialysis Malnutrition Score, DMS), depression
(Patient Health Questionaire-9, PHQ-9) and QOL (KDQOL-36). Anthropometric
measurements, 24-hour dietary recall and food intake information were obtained
from them and biochemical data from their medical records. Results: Just over half
(50.9%) of the patients had a normal body mass index while 85.7% had optimal
albumin levels. The proportion of patients who met the recommended energy and
protein intakes were 19.0% and 3.4%, respectively. Patients were at moderate risk
of malnutrition, had minimal depression level and perceived better QOL in terms of
effects and symptoms of kidney disease. There was a significant positive correlation
between protein intake and the physical domain of QOL (p=0.02) and negative
correlation between risk of malnutrition with physical and mental composites of
QOL (p
Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

Bee Yean O, Zoriah A

J Tradit Chin Med, 2019 02;39(1):1-14.
PMID: 32186018

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate current evidence on the efficacy and safety of Cordyceps sinensis (cordyceps) or its fermented products used as an adjunctive treatment in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
METHODS: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Database were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials up to March 2016. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data, assessed the methodological quality and rated the quality of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS: Twelve studies involving 655 participants were included. Evidence of low to moderate-quality showed that cordyceps plus conventional treatment compared to conventional treatment alone significantly improved C-reactive protein [standardized mean difference (SMD) －0.61; 95% confidence intervals (CI) －1.00 to －0.22], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [weighted mean difference (WMD) －3.44 mg/L; 95% CI －3.89 to －2.99], serum albumin (WMD 3.07 g/L; 95% CI 1.59 to 4.55), malondialdehyde (WMD －1.95 nmol/L; 95% CI －2.24 to －1.66), and hemoglobin (WMD 9.56 g/L; 95% CI 3.65 to 15.47) levels. However, there was no significant improvement for serum creatinine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Overall, most trials either did not monitor adverse events or poorly documented them.
CONCLUSION: Given the small number of trials included, the unclear methodological quality of the included trials, and the high heterogeneity in pooled analyses, the evidence obtained in this review is insufficient to recommend the use of cordyceps as adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients.

MeSH terms: Albumins/metabolism; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism; Creatinine/blood; Renal Dialysis/methods*; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL/blood; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cordyceps/physiology*
Fulltext A case of oral lichen planus associated with desquamative gingivitis with periodontitis

Wei, Cheah Chia, Vaithilingam, Rathna Devi, Norazlina Mohammad, Huat, Siar Chong

Ann Dent, 2019;26(1):30-33.
MyJurnal

Desquamative gingivitis (DG) is a manifestation of a number of mucocutanenous disorders, one of it being oral lichen planus (OLP). OLP is an autoimmune disease. The aetiology for this condition is unknown, but there are few factors associated with its occurrence, for example alcohol drinking, smoking, allergic reaction to certain medications or restorative material. DG lesions increase the long-term risk for plaque-induced periodontal disease. At the same time, dental plaque and calculus cause gingival OLP resulting in the erosive disease. This report presents the management of a case of oral lichen planus associated with desquamative gingivitis with periodontitis. The expertise involved are from the oral medicine, periodontic and prosthodontic clinics. The uniqueness of the case management was the introduction of single tufted brush, Tepe® compact tuft toothbrush, to perform “solo brushing technique”. It was able to remove plaque effectively and did not cause irritation to the gingivae. Patients presenting with mucocutaneous disorders which exarcebates other oral conditions requires multidisciplinary management. Proper treatment planning will significantly improve their oral health related quality of life.
Correction of class II malocclusion in a late adolescent patient with Forsustm (FRD) appliance

Mohd Zambri Mohamed Makhbul, Wan Nurazreena Wan Hassan

Ann Dent, 2019;26(1):34-41.
MyJurnal

Fixed functional appliances are non-compliance dependent devices, which can assist the correction of Class II malocclusion. The mechanics of the fixed functional appliances may vary depending on the type of device used. We report the observed biomechanical effects of using the ForsusTM Fatigue Resistant Device (FRD) fixed functional appliance. The patient was a 14-year-old female presented with a Class II division I malocclusion on a Class II skeletal base. The malocclusion was complicated by a 10mm overjet and increased traumatic overbite. She was treated with the ForsusTM FRD appliance worn for 5 months after the alignment with fixed appliances (0.022” X0.028” MBT prescriptions) and finished on a non-extraction base. Dento-alveolar changes were the main contribution to the correction of the malocclusion and simultaneously improved the patient’s profile in the end of treatment. In conclusion, ForsusTM FRD appliance can be suggested to effectively correct Class II malocclusion.
Lipopolysaccharide reduces gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene expression: role of RFamide-related peptide-3 and kisspeptin

Lee CY, Li S, Li XF, Stalker DAE, Cooke C, Shao B, et al.

Reprod Fertil Dev, 2019 May;31(6):1134-1143.
PMID: 30922440 DOI: 10.1071/RD18277

RFamide-related peptide (RFRP)-3 reduces luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in rodents. Stress has been shown to upregulate the expression of the RFRP gene (Rfrp) with a concomitant reduction in LH secretion, but an effect on expression of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene (Gnrh1) has not been shown. We hypothesised that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced stress affects expression of Rfrp, the gene for kisspeptin (Kiss1) and/or Gnrh1, leading to suppression of LH levels in rats. Intracerebroventricular injections of RFRP-3 (0.1, 1, 5 nmol) or i.v. LPS (15μgkg-1) reduced LH levels. Doses of 1 and 5 nmol RFRP-3 were then administered to analyse gene expression by in situ hybridisation. RFRP-3 (5 nmol) had no effect on Gnrh1 or Kiss1 expression. LPS stress reduced GnRH and Kiss1 expression, without affecting Rfrp1 expression. These data indicate that LPS stress directly or indirectly reduces Gnrh1 expression, but this is unlikely to be due to a change in Rfrp1 expression.

MeSH terms: Animals; Humans; Hypothalamus/drug effects*; Hypothalamus/metabolism; Luteinizing Hormone/blood; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism*; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology*; Neuropeptides/pharmacology*; Ovariectomy; Gene Expression/drug effects*; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats; Kisspeptins/genetics; Kisspeptins/metabolism*
Fulltext Depression and HIV Disease Progression: A Mini-Review

Yousuf A, Mohd Arifin SR, Musa R, Md Isa ML

Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health, 2019;15:153-159.
PMID: 32174997 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901915010153

Background: Depression is the most common mental disorder and a leading cause of disability, which commonly presents unexplained psychological and physical symptoms. Depression and HIV/AIDS are commonly comorbid. This review provides an insight into the effect of depression on disease progression among people living with HIV.
Methods: A search for relevant articles was conducted using a database like MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO and CINAHL. Peer-reviewed English journals published between 2015 and 2019 were included in the review.
Results: A total of eight studies conducted in different settings were included in the review. This review has found that psychosocial, neurohormonal and virologic factors associated with depression affect HIV disease progression. Yet, the chronicity of depression, absence of the hormones that have a buffer effect on depression and lack of examination if depression is a predictor, or an outcome of disease progression, were some of the gaps that require further investigation.
Conclusion: Considerably, more research is needed to better understand the effect of mental disorder, especially depression, on HIV disease progression to AIDS and future interventions should, therefore, concentrate on the integration of mental health screening in HIV clinical setup.

MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Depression; HIV; Mental Health; Periodicals as Topic; Psychotic Disorders; HIV Infections; Bibliometrics; Comorbidity; MEDLINE; Disease Progression
Why all doctors and health researchers should be peer-reviewers

Liew SM

Malays Fam Physician, 2019;14(3):1.
PMID: 32175034
Fulltext Proportion of women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus who performed an oral glucose test at six weeks postpartum in Johor Bahru with abnormal glucose tolerance

Fatin A, Alina TI

Malays Fam Physician, 2019;14(3):2-9.
PMID: 32175035

Introduction: Glucose testing at six weeks postpartum has been recommended by the World Health Organization as the earliest period in which to detect abnormal glucose tolerance among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to determine the outcomes of six weeks postpartum glucose testing and its associated factors among women with a history GDM who attended government primary health clinics in Johor Bahru.
Methods: The study was a cross sectional study which was conducted among women with a history of GDM who registered from January to June 2016 at primary health clinics in Johor Bahru and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test at six weeks postpartum. Secondary data were obtained from Maternal Health Records (clinic copy). Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0. Descriptive statistics and simple logistic regression analysis were used.
Results: One hundred and twenty-two women with a history of GDM completed the postpartum glucose testing. Approximately 12% of these women were reported to have abnormal glucose tolerance. Insulin usage (OR:5.44; 95% CI:1.53, 19.43; p=0.009), abnormal glycated hemoglobin (OR:8.70; 95% CI:2.68,26.27; p<0.01), hospital follow-up (OR:3.38; 95% CI: 1.11, 10.34; p=0.033) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR:3.96; 95% CI: 1.16, 13.54; p=0.028) were found to have significant associations with abnormal glucose tolerance at six weeks postpartum.
Conclusion: The proportion of women with a history of GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance at six weeks postpartum in Johor Bahru was 12% and was associated with insulin usage, abnormal glycated hemoglobin, hospital follow-up and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Screening during the postpartum period offers a window of opportunity for early identification of diabetes and prediabetes, as women with history of GDM are at increased risk of future glucose intolerance.

MeSH terms: Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Female; Glucose Tolerance Test*; Humans; Insulin/therapeutic use; Malaysia; Public Facilities; Women; Prevalence; Diabetes, Gestational*; Postpartum Period*
Fulltext The role of Caesarean section in childhood asthma

Al Yassen AQ, Al-Asadi JN, Khalaf SK

Malays Fam Physician, 2019;14(3):10-17.
PMID: 32175036

Objective: As indicated by previous studies, children born via Caesarean section may have an increased risk of developing asthma compared with those born via vaginal delivery. The aim of this study is to assess the association between a Caesarean section and the risk of childhood asthma. Methods: This was a case-control study carried out in Basrah, Iraq including 952 children aged 3-12 years. Four hundred and seven asthmatic cases and a control group of 545 age-matched non-asthmatic children were enrolled. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between asthma and birth via Caesarean section.

Results: The mean age of the children was 6.7±2.5 years. Two-hundred eighty-three children (29.7%) were delivered via Caesarean section. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that delivery via Caesarean section was found to be an independent significant risk factor for asthma (OR=3.37; 95% CI=1.76-6.46; p<0.001). In addition, many other risk factors were found to be significant predictors of asthma, including bottlefeeding (OR=27.29; 95% CI=13.54-54.99; p<0.001) and low birth weight (OR=16.7; 95% CI=6.97-37.49; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Caesarean section is significantly associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma.

MeSH terms: Asthma*; Cesarean Section*; Child; Humans; Iraq; Risk Factors; Case-Control Studies

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