Browse publications by year: 2020

  1. Okekpa SI, S. M. N. Mydin RB, Ganeson S, Gopalan S, Musa MY
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2020 08 01;21(8):2183-2187.
    PMID: 32856842 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.8.2183
    Heated debates have been on-going about tea consumption and the incidence of cancer, especially in head and
    neck cancer types. This study aimed to review the association between tea consumption habits and nasopharyngeal
    cancer (NPC). Methods: This review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA-P protocol. Literature search
    for journal articles that published studies on the relationship between tea consumption and NPC was performed via
    databases, such as Elsevier, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Google, and Google Scholar, for 10 years from
    2008 to 2018. Relevant studies were obtained by applying the pre-determined keywords, such as nasopharyngeal cancer,
    tea consumption and NPC, risk factors of NPC and benefits of tea consumption. Results: A total of 126 articles was
    retrieved. These articles were subjected to eligibility assessment. Six articles remained after applying the inclusion
    criteria. Results suggest that habitual tea consumption reduces NPC. Tea consumption significantly reduces NPC with
    all the studies having a p-value ≤0.05. Meta-analysis showed statistical association between tea consumption and NPC
    risk with OR=0.865 at 95% CI (0.806-0.929). Conclusion: This study suggests that habitual tea consumption could
    be associated with prevention of NPC development. Additional studies are needed to further understand the molecular
    role of bioactive compound and potential health benefit of tea consumption in NPC prevention.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/epidemiology*; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/prevention & control*; Risk Factors; Tea/chemistry*
  2. Albujja MH, Messaudi SA, Vasudevan R, Al Ghamdi S, Chong PP, Ghani KA, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2020 08 01;21(8):2271-2280.
    PMID: 32856855 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.8.2271
    BACKGROUND: The X-chromosome has been suggested to play a role in prostate cancer (PrCa) since epidemiological studies have provided evidence for an X-linked mode of inheritance for PrCa based on the higher relative risk among men who report an affected brother(s) as compared to those reporting an affected father. The aim of this study was to examine the potential association between the forensic STR markers located at four regions Xp22.31, Xq11.2-12, Xq26.2, and Xq28 and the risk of BPH and PrCa to confirm the impact of ChrX in the PrCa incidence. This may be helpful in the incorporation of STRs genetic variation in the early detection of men population at risk of developing PrCa.

    METHODS: DNA samples from 92 patients and 156 healthy controls collected from two medical centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were analyzed for four regions located at X-chromosome using the Investigator® Argus X-12 QS Kit.

    RESULTS: The results demonstrated that microvariant alleles of (DXS7132, DXS10146, HPRTB, DXS10134, and DXS10135) are overrepresented in the BPH group (p < 0.00001). Allele 28 of DXS10135 and allele 15 of DXS7423 could have a protective effect, OR 0.229 (95%CI, 0.066-0.79); and OR 0.439 (95%CI, 0.208-0.925). On the other hand, patients carrying allele 23 of DXS10079 and allele 26 of DXS10148 presented an increased risk to PrCa OR 4.714 (95%CI, 3.604-6.166).

    CONCLUSION: The results are in concordance with the involvement of the X chromosome in PrCa and BPH development. STR allele studies may add further information from the definition of a genetic profile of PrCa resistance or susceptibility. As TBL1, AR, LDOC1, and RPL10 genes are located at regions Xp22.31, Xq11.2-12, Xq26.2, and Xq28, respectively, these genes could play an essential role in PrCa or BPH.

    MeSH terms: Follow-Up Studies; Genetics, Population; Humans; Male; Nuclear Proteins/genetics*; Prognosis; Prostatic Hyperplasia/genetics; Prostatic Hyperplasia/epidemiology; Prostatic Hyperplasia/pathology; Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics; Prostatic Neoplasms/epidemiology; Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology*; Receptors, Androgen/genetics*; Saudi Arabia/epidemiology; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics; Genetic Variation; Transducin/genetics*; Case-Control Studies; Microsatellite Repeats*; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics*; Chromosomes, Human, X/genetics*
  3. Wan Ab Naim WN, Mokhtarudin MJM, Lim E, Chan BT, Ahmad Bakir A, Nik Mohamed NA
    Int J Numer Method Biomed Eng, 2020 11;36(11):e3398.
    PMID: 32857480 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3398
    Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common cause of a heart failure, which occurs due to myocardial ischemia leading to left ventricular (LV) remodeling. LV remodeling particularly occurs at the ischemic area and the region surrounds it, known as the border zone. The role of the border zone in initiating LV remodeling process urges the investigation on the correlation between early border zone changes and remodeling outcome. Thus, this study aims to simulate a preliminary conceptual work of the border zone formation and evolution during onset of MI and its effect towards early LV remodeling processes by incorporating the oxygen concentration effect on the electrophysiology of an idealized three-dimensional LV through electro-chemical coupled mathematical model. The simulation result shows that the region of border zone, represented by the distribution of electrical conductivities, keeps expanding over time. Based on this result, the border zone is also proposed to consist of three sub-regions, namely mildly, moderately, and seriously impaired conductivity regions, which each region categorized depending on its electrical conductivities. This division could be used as a biomarker for classification of reversible and irreversible myocardial injury and will help to identify the different risks for the survival of patient. Larger ischemic size and complete occlusion of the coronary artery can be associated with an increased risk of developing irreversible injury, in particular if the reperfusion treatment is delayed. Increased irreversible injury area can be related with cardiovascular events and will further deteriorate the LV function over time.
    MeSH terms: Heart; Heart Failure; Humans; Myocardial Infarction*; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Remodeling
  4. Pruksaphon K, Tan KY, Tan CH, Simsiriwong P, Gutiérrez JM, Ratanabanangkoon K
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2020 Aug;14(8):e0008581.
    PMID: 32857757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008581
    The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro assay for use in place of in vivo assays of snake venom lethality and antivenom neutralizing potency. A novel in vitro assay has been developed based on the binding of post-synaptically acting α-neurotoxins to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), and the ability of antivenoms to prevent this binding. The assay gave high correlation in previous studies with the in vivo murine lethality tests (Median Lethal Dose, LD50), and the neutralization of lethality assays (Median Effective Dose, ED50) by antisera against Naja kaouthia, Naja naja and Bungarus candidus venoms. Here we show that, for the neurotoxic venoms of 20 elapid snake species from eight genera and four continents, the in vitro median inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) for α-neurotoxin binding to purified nAChR correlated well with the in vivo LD50s of the venoms (R2 = 0.8526, p < 0.001). Furthermore, using this assay, the in vitro ED50s of a horse pan-specific antiserum against these venoms correlated significantly with the corresponding in vivo murine ED50s, with R2 = 0.6896 (p < 0.01). In the case of four elapid venoms devoid or having a very low concentration of α-neurotoxins, no inhibition of nAChR binding was observed. Within the philosophy of 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in animal testing, the in vitro α-neurotoxin-nAChR binding assay can effectively substitute the mouse lethality test for toxicity and antivenom potency evaluation for neurotoxic venoms in which α-neurotoxins predominate. This will greatly reduce the number of mice used in toxicological research and antivenom production laboratories. The simpler, faster, cheaper and less variable in vitro assay should also expedite the development of pan-specific antivenoms against various medically important snakes in many parts of the world.
    MeSH terms: Africa; Americas; Animals; Asia; Australia; Biological Assay/methods*; Elapid Venoms/immunology; Elapid Venoms/toxicity; Elapid Venoms/chemistry*; Horses; Humans; Immune Sera/immunology; Neurotoxins/immunology; Neurotoxins/toxicity; Neurotoxins/chemistry*; Neutralization Tests; Receptors, Nicotinic/chemistry*; Snake Bites/immunology; Snake Bites/mortality; Elapidae/immunology; Mice
  5. Refat N, Kassim H, Rahman MA, Razali RB
    PLoS One, 2020;15(8):e0236862.
    PMID: 32857762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236862
    Language learning is an emerging research area where researchers have done significant contributions by incorporating technological assistantship (i.e., computer- and mobile-assistant learning). However, it has been revealed from the recent empirical studies that little attention is given on grammar learning with the proper instructional materials design and the motivational framework for designing an efficient mobile-assisted grammar learning tool. This paper hence, reports a preliminary study that investigated learner motivation when a mobile-assisted tool for tense learning was used. This study applied the Attention-Relevance-Confidence-Satisfaction (ARCS) model. It was hypothesized that with the use of the designed mobile- assisted tense learning tool students would be motivated to learn grammar (English tense). In addition, with the increase of motivation, performance outcome in paper- based test would also be improved. With the purpose to investigate the impact of the tool, a sequential mixed-method research design was employed with the use of three research instruments; Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS), a paper-based test and an interview protocol using a semi-structured interview. Participants were 115 undergraduate students, who were enrolled in a remedial English course. The findings showed that with the effective design of instructional materials, students were motivated to learn grammar, where they were positive at improving their attitude towards learning (male 86%, female 80%). The IMMS findings revealed that students' motivation increased after using the tool. Moreover, students improved their performance level that was revealed from the outcome of paper-based instrument. Therefore, it is confirmed that the study contributed to designing an effective multimedia based instructions for a mobile-assisted tool that increased learners' motivational attitude which resulted in an improved learning performance.
    MeSH terms: Attention; Educational Measurement/methods*; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Language; Learning*; Male; Motivation*; Personal Satisfaction; Self Concept; Students/psychology; Young Adult; Mobile Applications
  6. Imtithal Adnan F, Noor NM, Mat Junoh NA
    PLoS One, 2020;15(8):e0238310.
    PMID: 32857816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238310
    INTRODUCTION: Identifying the factors contributing to maternal satisfaction is a proxy measure to improve the quality of care. It evaluates the health service provision by understanding maternal perceptions and expectations and promoting adherence to health services. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical factors contributing to labor satisfaction among postpartum women and examine the association between labor and postnatal satisfaction.

    METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling in a ratio of 1:5 based on the delivery list in a labor room in a tertiary hospital was applied. Information was obtained from medical records for sociodemographic characteristics and obstetric and medical histories. Face-to-face interviews were performed to obtain responses for Malay versions of the Women's Views of Birth Labour Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Women's Views of Birth Postnatal Satisfaction Questionnaire. Simple and general linear regression analyses were performed.

    RESULTS: A total of 110 participants responded, accounting for a response rate of 100%. High-risk color codes, the period of gestation, household income, and were significantly associated with maternal satisfaction during labor. The association between labor and postnatal satisfaction was significant.

    CONCLUSION: Identifying these associated factors and differences may lead to understanding and contributing to specific and targeted strategies for tackling issues related to maternal satisfaction.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Labor, Obstetric/psychology*; Malaysia; Mothers/psychology*; Personal Satisfaction; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors; Patient Satisfaction; Postpartum Period/psychology*
  7. Lim KL, Johari NA, Wong ST, Khaw LT, Tan BK, Chan KK, et al.
    PLoS One, 2020;15(8):e0238417.
    PMID: 32857823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238417
    The rapid global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has inflicted significant health and socioeconomic burden on affected countries. As positive cases continued to rise in Malaysia, public health laboratories experienced an overwhelming demand for COVID-19 screening. The confirmation of positive cases of COVID-19 has solely been based on the detection of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In efforts to increase the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of COVID-19 screening, we evaluated the feasibility of pooling clinical Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swab specimens during nucleic acid extraction without a reduction in sensitivity of qRT-PCR. Pools of 10 specimens were extracted and subsequently tested by qRT-PCR according to the WHO-Charité protocol. We demonstrated that the sample pooling method showed no loss of sensitivity. The effectiveness of the pooled testing strategy was evaluated on both retrospective and prospective samples, and the results showed a similar detection sensitivity compared to testing individual sample alone. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a pooled testing strategy to increase testing capacity and conserve resources, especially when there is a high demand for disease testing.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Malaysia; Mass Screening/methods*; Nasopharynx/virology; Oropharynx/virology; Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis*; Sensitivity and Specificity; Specimen Handling/methods*; Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis*; Pandemics; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  8. Godinho MA, Jonnagaddala J, Gudi N, Islam R, Narasimhan P, Liaw ST
    Int J Med Inform, 2020 10;142:104259.
    PMID: 32858339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104259
    OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to examine how mobile health (mHealth) to support integrated people-centred health services has been implemented and evaluated in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region (WPR).

    METHODS: Eight scientific databases were searched. Two independent reviewers screened the literature in title and abstract stages, followed by full-text appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis of eligible studies. Studies were extracted to capture details of the mhealth tools used, the service issues addressed, the study design, and the outcomes evaluated. We then mapped the included studies using the 20 sub-strategies of the WHO Framework on Integrated People-Centred Health Services (IPCHS); as well as with the RE-AIM (Reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance) framework, to understand how studies implemented and evaluated interventions.

    RESULTS: We identified 39 studies, predominantly from Australia (n = 16), China (n = 7), Malaysia (n = 4) and New Zealand (n = 4), and little from low income countries. The mHealth modalities included text messaging, voice and video communication, mobile applications and devices (point-of-care, GPS, and Bluetooth). Health issues addressed included: medication adherence, smoking cessation, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, asthma, diabetes, and lifestyle activities respectively. Almost all were community-based and focused on service issues; only half were disease-specific. mHealth facilitated integrated IPCHS by: enabling citizens and communities to bypass gatekeepers and directly access services; increasing affordability and accessibility of services; strengthening governance over the access, use, safety and quality of clinical care; enabling scheduling and navigation of services; transitioning patients and caregivers between care sectors; and enabling the evaluation of safety and quality outcomes for systemic improvement. Evaluations of mHealth interventions did not always report the underlying theories. They predominantly reported cognitive/behavioural changes rather than patient outcomes. The utility of mHealth to support and improve IPCHS was evident. However, IPCHS strategy 2 (participatory governance and accountability) was addressed least frequently. Implementation was evaluated in regard to reach (n = 30), effectiveness (n = 24); adoption (n = 5), implementation (n = 9), and maintenance (n = 1).

    CONCLUSIONS: mHealth can transition disease-centred services towards people-centred services. Critical appraisal of studies highlighted methodological issues, raising doubts about validity. The limited evidence for large-scale implementation and international variation in reporting of mHealth practice, modalities used, and health domains addressed requires capacity building. Information-enhanced implementation and evaluation of IPCHS, particularly for participatory governance and accountability, is also important.

    MeSH terms: Australia; China; Health Services; Humans; Malaysia; New Zealand; Telemedicine*
  9. Higgins S, Stoner L, Lubransky A, Howe AS, Wong JE, Black K, et al.
    Sleep Med, 2020 11;75:163-170.
    PMID: 32858356 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.07.030
    INTRODUCTION: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a vital sign that can improve risk classification for adverse health outcomes. While lifestyle-related factors are associated with CRF, few have examined the influence of sleep characteristics, especially in youths. Social jetlag, a mismatch between one's biological clock and sleep schedule, is prevalent in adolescents and associated with increased adiposity, though its relationship with CRF is unclear.

    OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relationship between social jetlag and CRF, independent of other sleep characteristics.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional sample includes 276 New Zealand adolescents (14-18 years, 52.5% female). CRF (VO2max) was estimated from a 20-m multi-stage shuttle run. Average sleep duration, sleep disturbances, social jetlag, physical activity, and the number of bedroom screens were estimated from validated self-report surveys. Social jetlag is the difference in hours between the midpoint of sleep during weekdays (school) and weekend days (free). Combined and sex-stratified linear regression assessed the association between sleep outcomes and CRF, controlling for relevant covariates.

    RESULTS: Males slept 17.6 min less, had less sleep disturbances, and a 25.1-min greater social jetlag than their female peers (all p 

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Circadian Rhythm; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; New Zealand/epidemiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sleep; Time Factors; Cardiorespiratory Fitness*
  10. Wong JC, Xiang L, Ngoi KH, Chia CH, Jin KS, Hirao A, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Aug 23;12(9).
    PMID: 32842480 DOI: 10.3390/polym12091894
    Star-shaped polymers are very attractive because of their potential application ability in various technological areas due to their unique molecular topology. Thus, information on the molecular structure and chain characteristics of star polymers is essential for gaining insights into their properties and finding better applications. In this study, we report molecular structure details and chain characteristics of 17-armed polystyrenes in various molecular weights: 17-Arm(2k)-PS, 17-Arm(6k)-PS, 17-Arm(10k)-PS, and 17-Arm(20k)-PS. Quantitative X-ray scattering analysis using synchrotron radiation sources was conducted for this series of star polymers in two different solvents (cyclohexane and tetrahydrofuran), providing a comprehensive set of three-dimensional structure parameters, including radial density profiles and chain characteristics. Some of the structural parameters were crosschecked by qualitative scattering analysis and dynamic light scattering. They all were found to have ellipsoidal shapes consisting of a core and a fuzzy shell; such ellipse nature is originated from the dendritic core. In particular, the fraction of the fuzzy shell part enabling to store desired chemicals or agents was confirmed to be exceptionally high in cyclohexane, ranging from 74 to 81%; higher-molecular-weight star polymer gives a larger fraction of the fuzzy shell. The largest fraction (81%) of the fuzzy shell was significantly reduced to 52% in tetrahydrofuran; in contrast, the lowest fraction (19%) of core was increased to 48%. These selective shell contraction and core expansion can be useful as a key mechanism in various applications. Overall, the 17-armed polystyrenes of this study are suitable for applications in various technological fields including smart deliveries of drugs, genes, biomedical imaging agents, and other desired chemicals.
  11. Brza MA, B Aziz S, Anuar H, Dannoun EMA, Ali F, Abdulwahid RT, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Aug 23;12(9).
    PMID: 32842522 DOI: 10.3390/polym12091896
    In the present work, a novel polymer composite electrolytes (PCEs) based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA): ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN): Cd(II)-complex plasticized with glycerol (Gly) are prepared by solution cast technique. The film structure was examined by XRD and FTIR routes. The utmost ambient temperature DC ionic conductivity (σDC) of 2.01 × 10-3 S cm-1 is achieved. The film morphology was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The trend of σDC is further confirmed with investigation of dielectric properties. Transference numbers of ions (tion) and electrons (tel) are specified to be 0.96 and 0.04, respectively. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) displayed that the PCE potential window is 2.1 V. The desired mixture of activated carbon (AC) and carbon black was used to fabricate the electrodes of the EDLC. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was carried out by sandwiching the PCEs between two carbon-based electrodes, and it revealed an almost rectangular shape. The EDLC exhibited specific capacitance, energy density, and equivalent series resistance with average of 160.07F/g, 18.01Wh/kg, and 51.05Ω, respectively, within 450 cycles. The EDLC demonstrated the initial power density as 4.065 × 103 W/Kg.
    MeSH terms: Cadmium; Charcoal; Electric Conductivity; Electrolytes; Electrons; Glycerol; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Plasticizers; Polymers; Polyvinyl Alcohol; Temperature; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Electric Capacitance; Soot
  12. Fahimizadeh M, Diane Abeyratne A, Mae LS, Singh RKR, Pasbakhsh P
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Aug 22;13(17).
    PMID: 32842561 DOI: 10.3390/ma13173711
    Crack formation in concrete is one of the main reasons for concrete degradation. Calcium alginate capsules containing biological self-healing agents for cementitious materials were studied for the self-healing of cement paste and mortars through in vitro characterizations such as healing agent survivability and retention, material stability, and biomineralization, followed by in situ self-healing observation in pre-cracked cement paste and mortar specimens. Our results showed that bacterial spores fully survived the encapsulation process and would not leach out during cement mixing. Encapsulated bacteria precipitated CaCO3 when exposed to water, oxygen, and calcium under alkaline conditions by releasing CO32- ions into the cement environment. Capsule rupture is not required for the initiation of the healing process, but exposure to the right conditions are. After 56 days of wet-dry cycles, the capsules resulted in flexural strength regain as high as 39.6% for the cement mortar and 32.5% for the cement paste specimens. Full crack closure was observed at 28 days for cement mortars with the healing agents. The self-healing system acted as a biological CO32- pump that can keep the bio-agents retained, protected, and active for up to 56 days of wet-dry incubation. This promising self-healing strategy requires further research and optimization.
    MeSH terms: Alginates; Bacteria; Calcification, Physiologic; Calcium Carbonate; Calcium, Dietary; Capsules; Construction Materials; Oxygen; Spores, Bacterial; Water
  13. Jubaidi FF, Zainalabidin S, Mariappan V, Budin SB
    Int J Mol Sci, 2020 Aug 22;21(17).
    PMID: 32842567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176043
    As the powerhouse of the cells, mitochondria play a very important role in ensuring that cells continue to function. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main factors contributing to the development of cardiomyopathy in diabetes mellitus. In early development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), patients present with myocardial fibrosis, dysfunctional remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, which later develop into systolic dysfunction and eventually heart failure. Cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the development and progression of DCM. Thus, it is important to develop novel therapeutics in order to prevent the progression of DCM, especially by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction. To date, a number of studies have reported the potential of phenolic acids in exerting the cardioprotective effect by combating mitochondrial dysfunction, implicating its potential to be adopted in DCM therapies. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a concise overview of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of DCM and the potential role of phenolic acids in combating cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. Such information can be used for future development of phenolic acids as means of treating DCM by alleviating the cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction.
    MeSH terms: Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism; Animals; Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology*; Cardiotonic Agents/therapeutic use; Cardiotonic Agents/chemistry; Humans; Inflammation/etiology; Insulin Resistance; Mitochondria, Heart/drug effects; Mitochondria, Heart/pathology*; Mitochondria, Heart/physiology; Apoptosis/drug effects; Apoptosis/physiology; Oxidative Stress/drug effects; Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/drug therapy; Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/pathology*; Hydroxybenzoates/pharmacology*; Hydroxybenzoates/therapeutic use
  14. Goroh MMD, Rajahram GS, Avoi R, Van Den Boogaard CHA, William T, Ralph AP, et al.
    Infect Dis Poverty, 2020 Aug 26;9(1):119.
    PMID: 32843089 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00739-7
    BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is of high public health importance in Malaysia. Sabah State, located on the island of Borneo, has previously reported a particularly high burden of disease and faces unique contextual challenges compared with peninsular Malaysia. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of TB in Sabah to identify risk groups and hotspots of TB transmission.

    METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of TB cases notified in Sabah, Malaysia, between 2012 and 2018. Using data from the state's 'myTB' notification database, we calculated the case notification rate and described trends in the epidemiology, diagnostic practices and treatment outcomes of TB in Sabah within this period. The Chi-squared test was used for determining the difference between two proportions.

    RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2018 there were 33 193 cases of TB reported in Sabah (128 cases per 100 000 population). We identified several geographic hotspots, including districts with > 200 cases per 100 000 population per year. TB rates increased with age and were highest in older males. Children

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis/diagnosis; Tuberculosis/drug therapy; Tuberculosis/epidemiology*; Treatment Outcome; Age Distribution; Sex Distribution; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/epidemiology; Young Adult
  15. Hasan SS, Capstick T, Zaidi STR, Kow CS, Merchant HA
    Respir Med, 2020 05 26;170:106045.
    PMID: 32843175 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106045
    The potential detrimental effects of steroids on the immune system to fight viral infections had always been a concern for patients on long term steroids in chronic conditions. A recent warning from WHO on systemic corticosteroid use amid COVID-19 raised suspicion among public and healthcare professionals regarding the safety of steroid use during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The corticosteroids (inhaled and oral) are commonly prescribed in the management of asthma and COPD patients and any unsolicited changes in medications use may lead to potentially severe exacerbations and may risk patient lives. This article provides a critical review of clinical evidence and offers a detailed discussion on the safety and efficacy of corticosteroids in asthma and COPD patients, both with and without COVID-19.
    MeSH terms: Asthma/drug therapy*; Asthma/epidemiology; Drug Administration Routes; Glucocorticoids/pharmacology*; Humans; Treatment Outcome; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy*; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology; Pandemics*
  16. Ng BH, Ban Yu-Lin A, Low HJ, Faisal M
    BMJ Case Rep, 2020 Aug 25;13(8).
    PMID: 32843453 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235316
    Endobronchial hamartoma is a rare tumour. We report a 65-year-old woman with a history of recurrent pneumonia. Bronchoscopy revealed a 1 cm endobronchial mass obstructing the left upper lobe bronchus. Histopathological examination was consistent with a pulmonary hamartoma. This lesion was successfully debulked endoscopically with the use of a flexible cryoprobe without any complications. This case highlights both the importance of investigating recurrent pneumonia and the usefulness of endoscopic recanalisation in an obstructed segmental bronchus.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Bronchial Diseases/surgery*; Cryosurgery*; Female; Fiber Optic Technology; Hamartoma/surgery*; Humans; Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures/methods*
  17. Zainol Abidin IZ, Fazry S, Jamar NH, Ediwar Dyari HR, Zainal Ariffin Z, Johari AN, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 08 25;10(1):14165.
    PMID: 32843675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70962-7
    In Malaysia, Piper sarmentosum or 'kaduk' is commonly used in traditional medicines. However, its biological effects including in vivo embryonic toxicity and tissue regenerative properties are relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo toxicities and caudal fin tissue regeneration in the presence of P. sarmentosum aqueous extracts. The phytochemical components and antioxidant activity of the extract were studied using GC-MS analysis and DPPH assay, respectively. Embryo toxicity tests involving survival, heartbeat, and morphological analyses were conducted to determine P. sarmentosum extract toxicity (0-60 µg/mL); concentrations of 0-400 µg/mL of the extract were used to study tissue regeneration in the zebrafish caudal fin. The extract contained several phytochemicals with antioxidant activity and exhibited DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 50.56 mg/mL). Embryo toxicity assays showed that a concentration of 60 μg/mL showed the highest rates of lethality regardless of exposure time. Slower embryogenesis was observed at 40 µg/mL, with non-viable embryos first detected at 50 µg/mL. Extracts showed significant differences (p 
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antioxidants/isolation & purification; Antioxidants/pharmacology*; Antioxidants/toxicity; Embryo, Nonmammalian/drug effects; Female; Heart/drug effects; Heart/embryology; Male; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/toxicity; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry*; Regeneration/drug effects*; Water; Zebrafish/embryology*; Free Radical Scavengers/isolation & purification; Free Radical Scavengers/pharmacology; Free Radical Scavengers/toxicity; Piper/chemistry*; Embryonic Development/drug effects*; Animal Fins/drug effects; Animal Fins/injuries; Animal Fins/physiology; Phytochemicals/isolation & purification; Phytochemicals/pharmacology*; Phytochemicals/toxicity
  18. Nagandla K, Kumar K
    Malays Fam Physician, 2020;15(2):2-9.
    PMID: 32843939
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and compare its obstetric and perinatal outcomes with those of non-teenage pregnancy.

    METHOD: This retrospective hospital-based case-control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban. The study made use of the Malaysian National Obstetric Registry (NOR) records of teenage pregnant women aged 11-19 at Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban over a 12-month period between May 2015 and May 2016 (n=164). Socio-demographic profiles, obstetric outcomes, and perinatal outcomes were detailed for each pregnant woman. The results were compared to a control group of 169 pregnant women aged 20-30 who also delivered in hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban during the same period. The aim of this study was to assess the obstetric outcomes of teenage pregnancy and to compare them with those of the control group. A chi-squared test was used to identify the statistical significance of the relationship between teenage pregnancy rates and obstetric outcomes. Results with p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy was 2.8%. The mean age of the teenage group was 17.9; that of the control group was 26.4. Teenage mothers had a significantly higher risk of anemia (p<0.05), episiotomy (p<0.001), preterm labor (p<0.001), and delivering low-birthweight babies (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in mode of delivery, antenatal complications, birth outcomes, APGAR scores at 5th minute, or neonatal complications.

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in this study is relatively low but is associated with an increased risk of some perinatal complications. The primary care physician's role is pivotal in educating adolescents on sexual health, providing continual care in hospitals, and empowering teenagers in their reproductive health decisions.

  19. Azam AF, Lai P, Abdullah A, Haidi Hanafi NS
    Malays Fam Physician, 2020;15(2):10-18.
    PMID: 32843940
    Introduction: The Patient Assessment on Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) was developed to assess patients' perspectives on the alignment of primary care to the chronic care model. The Malay PACIC has been validated; however, Malaysia is a multicultural society, and English is spoken by many Malaysians and expatriates. We sought to validate the English version of the PACIC among patients with diabetes mellitus in Malaysia, as Malaysians may interpret a questionnaire that was originally developed for Americans in a different way.

    Method: This study was conducted between November and December 2016 at two primary care clinics that offered integrated diabetes care at the time. These sites were selected to assess the discriminative validity of the PACIC. Site 1 is a Malaysian Ministry of Health-run primary care clinic while site 2 is a university-run hospital-based primary care clinic. Only site 1 annually monitors patient performance and encourages them to achieve their HbA1c targets using a standard checklist. Patients with diabetes mellitus who understood English were recruited. Participants were asked to fill out the PACIC at baseline and two weeks later.

    Results: A total of 200 out of the 212 invited agreed to participate (response rate=94.3%). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 5-factor structure of the PACIC. The overall PACIC score and the score in two of the five domains were significantly higher at site 1 than at site 2. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.924. At test-retest, intra-class correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.641 to 0.882.

    Conclusion: The English version of the PACIC was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess the quality of care among patients with diabetes mellitus in Malaysia.

    MeSH terms: Chronic Disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Factor V; Humans; Long-Term Care; Malaysia; Primary Health Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities; Checklist
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