Browse publications by year: 2021

  1. Tharumaraja T, Che-Ahmad A, Wong PF, Ahmad Hamid AH, Hasan MI, Bajuri MY, et al.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):103-113.
    PMID: 33948148 DOI: 10.51866/cpg0001
    Diabetic foot requires careful attention and coordinated management by a dedicated team. Screening, prevention, adequate assessment, and appropriate referral are crucial to prevent complications. Multimodal treatment and rehabilitation are recommended to ensure a better quality of life and reduction of amputation rate in people with diabetic foot.
    MeSH terms: Amputation; Attention; Combined Modality Therapy; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Medicine; Quality of Life; Referral and Consultation; Diabetic Foot
  2. Kamarulzaman MN, Chik A, Ghazali H
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):114-116.
    PMID: 33948149 DOI: 10.51866/cr1016
    Background: A penile median raphe cyst is an uncommon congenital lesion that is formed due to failure of the median raphe to close completely during embryo development. The majority of the cysts are asymptomatic and often go unnoticed. Here, we report acute urinary retention as a very rare complication of a penile median raphe cyst.

    Case presentation: A 21-year-old single man presented with a sudden onset of acute urinary retention of one days' duration. Urethral catheterization was done at the Emergency Department and this drained 800 ml of urine. On further questioning, he claimed that he had had a painless nodule at the glans penis since childhood. The swelling increased in size in the past week causing discomfort. He denied any history of genitalia trauma or recent sexual intercourse. On examination, there was a bluish lesion over the ventral aspect of the glans penis measuring about 3 x 2 cm. The lesion was later excised and histopathology revealed a median raphe cyst of the penis.

    Conclusion: A penile median raphe cyst is a rare lesion. Acute urinary retention caused by this lesion is very rare.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Body Fluids; Child; Coitus; Cysts; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Male; Penile Diseases; Penis; Urinary Catheterization; Urinary Retention; Embryonic Development; Young Adult
  3. Badaruddin A, Choo MM
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):117-120.
    PMID: 33948150 DOI: 10.51866/cr1108
    Otitis externa is an infection of the external auditory canal. It rarely results in facial palsy except in severe cases such as necrotizing otitis externa, which is a life-threatening invasive infection of the external auditory canal. Early recognition with prompt and appropriate treatment of necrotizing otitis externa is crucial to prevent more sinister complications. Here we report a case of an elderly gentleman who presented with otitis externa and developed facial palsy a month later. We identified possible problems that may have led to the complication so that such an occurrence can be prevented in the future.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Ear Canal; Facial Paralysis; Humans; Necrosis; Otitis Externa; Bell Palsy
  4. Mohamad F, Yahya AS, Abdul Rashid A, Devaraj NK, Abdul Manap AH
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):121-123.
    PMID: 33948151 DOI: 10.51866/cr1117
    Ectopic pregnancy is an extra-uterine pregnancy and is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to death from intra-peritoneal hemorrhage. This case reports a rare occurrence of ruptured tubal pregnancy in which the patient presented early with abdominal pain and a negative urine pregnancy test but subsequently presented again with evidence of intra-peritoneal hemorrhage. A negative urine pregnancy test is often used to rule out pregnancy, but it is not 100% sensitive. Complete assessment is critical in this important diagnosis in order to plan for the appropriate emergency management.
    MeSH terms: Female; Hemoperitoneum; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Tests; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Pregnancy, Tubal; Uterus; Abdominal Pain
  5. Ahmad Fuat MS, Mohd Zin F, Mat Yudin Z
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):124-128.
    PMID: 33948152 DOI: 10.51866/cr1026
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) is a chronic disease which rise is closely linked to the obesity epidemic and which requires long-term medical attention to limit the development of its wide-ranged complications. Many of these complications arise from the combination of resistance to insulin action, inadequate insulin secretion, and excessive or inappropriate glucagon secretion. The increasing evidence of its remission state has been discussed in the literature. Here we report on a patient with metabolic syndrome who underwent a structured therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) therapy which eventually led to remission of Type 2 DM.
    MeSH terms: Behavior Therapy; Chronic Disease; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glucagon; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Life Style; Obesity; Bodily Secretions; Epidemics; Insulins
  6. Mohamad Zon E, Nik Lah NAZ, Hoo PS
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):129-132.
    PMID: 33948153 DOI: 10.51866/cr1099
    Mirror syndrome is a rare clinical condition in pregnancy associated with significant fetal mortality and maternal morbidity. It is characterized by a triad of complications: fetal hydrops, placenta oedema, and maternal oedema. We are reporting one case of late-onset Mirror syndrome in which the patient presented later in the gestation of 36 weeks due to excessive weight gain and clinical sign mimicking preeclampsia. Awareness of this disease is essential, as a failure of recognition will delay the treatment and cause higher maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
    MeSH terms: Edema; Female; Humans; Morbidity; Placenta; Placenta Diseases; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Syndrome; Hydrops Fetalis; Weight Gain; Fetal Mortality
  7. Zubir FS, Saniasiaya J, Abdul Gani H
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):133-135.
    PMID: 33948154 DOI: 10.51866/cr1070
    Temporal bone rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive entity that simulates chronic otitis ear infection. It is the most common soft tissue sarcoma amongst pediatric patients. Herein, we would like to report a case of temporal bone rhabdomyosarcoma involving a 2-year-old boy who presented with a one-month history of otorrhea with facial asymmetry. Early treatment led to remission of this severe neoplasm.
    MeSH terms: Child; Child, Preschool; Facial Asymmetry; Humans; Male; Otitis; Rhabdomyosarcoma; Soft Tissue Neoplasms; Temporal Bone; Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal
  8. Razali NR, Choo YM
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):136-138.
    PMID: 33948155 DOI: 10.51866/cr1010
    Acute ptosis due to preseptal cellulitis requires urgent medical attention, as the infection can extend posteriorly into the orbit, leading to significant visual and cerebral complications. We report a case of a 58-year-old woman with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus presenting with acute ptosis due to preseptal cellulitis. After initial resolution of fever with intravenous amoxicillin-clavulanate, she experienced a seizure due to cerebral abscess a week later and was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone. Preseptal cellulitis is usually treated on an outpatient basis with oral antibiotics, as it rarely extends posteriorly to cause cerebral complications. We wish to highlight the importance of admitting patients with preseptal cellulitis in patients with uncontrolled diabetes for intravenous antibiotics due to the potential for visual and cerebral complications.
    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Brain Abscess; Ceftriaxone; Cellulitis; Diabetes Mellitus; Eyelid Diseases; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Orbit; Outpatients; Seizures; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination
  9. Chuah JS, Wong WL, Bakin S, Lim RZM, Lee EP, Tan JH
    Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2021 May;65:102294.
    PMID: 33948169 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102294
    Introduction and importance: A totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD), also referred to as 'chemoport', is frequently used for oncology patients. Chemoport insertion via the subclavian vein access may compress the catheter between the first rib and the clavicle, resulting in pinch-off syndrome (POS). The sequela includes catheter transection and subsequent embolization. It is a rare complication with incidence reported to be 1.1-5.0% and can lead to a devastating outcomes.

    Case presentation: 50-year-old male had his chemoport inserted for adjuvant chemotherapy 3 years ago. During the removal, remaining half of the distal catheter was not found. There was no difficulties during the removal. Chest xray revealed that the fractured catheter had embolized to the right ventricle. Further history taking, he did experienced occasional palpitation and chest discomfort for the past six months. Electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes were normal. Urgent removal of the fractured catheter via the percutaneous endovascular approach, under fluoroscopic guidance by an experience interventional radiologist was done. The procedure was successful without any complication. Patient made an uneventful recovery. He was discharged the following day, and was well during his 3rd month follow up.

    Conclusion: Early detection and preventive measures can be done to prevent pinch-off syndrome. Unrecognized POS can result in fatal complications such as cardiac arrhythmia and septic embolization. Retrieval via the percutaneous endovascular approach provide excellent outcome in the case of embolized fractured catheter.

    MeSH terms: Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Clavicle; Electrocardiography; Embolism; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Male; Medical History Taking; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Patient Discharge; Ribs; Subclavian Vein; X-Rays; Incidence; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Catheters; Radiologists
  10. Appalanaido GK, Bahajjaj SIBZ, Shukor SA, Ahmad MZ, Francis HCH
    Oxf Med Case Reports, 2021 Apr;2021(4):omab016.
    PMID: 33948189 DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omab016
    Liver is the most common site for metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC). Non-surgical treatment options for oligometastatic CRC confined to the liver which represents an intermediate state in the metastatic cascade are fast expanding. Currently, several liver-directed local therapeutic options are available, such as hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) therapy, radio-frequency ablation (RFA), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), stereotactic body radiotherapy and high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRBT). Many factors such as patient's fitness, liver function (LF), tumour size, location of the tumour in the liver and scheduling of systemic therapy need to be considered when selecting patients for surgery or local liver-directed therapy. This case report illustrates a successful local treatment with staged HDRBT for a large and unresectable, liver only oligometastatic disease from CRC. This patient underwent 4 cycles of chemotherapy (FOLFOX 4) followed by primary tumour resection and first stage of HDRBT to liver for a residual 14 cm tumour after the chemotherapy. After completing a further 4 cycles of chemotherapy with the same regimen, the tumour remained stable at 8 cm. She underwent a second stage of HDRBT to the same lesion and a repeat PET-CT scan done 8 weeks after the second HDRBT showed complete metabolic response. To our knowledge, this is the largest CRC metastatic liver lesion that has been successfully treated with HDRB.
    MeSH terms: Brachytherapy; Colonic Neoplasms; Female; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; Radiosurgery; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  11. Low DHW, Hitch AT, Skiles MM, Borthwick SA, Neves ES, Lim ZX, et al.
    PMID: 33948432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.001
    Haemosporidians infect a wide diversity of bat genera and species, yet little is known about their transmission cycles or epidemiology. Though several recent studies have focused on the genus Hepatocystis, an Old World parasite primarily infecting bats, monkeys, and squirrels, this group is still understudied with little known about its transmission and molecular ecology. These parasites lack an asexual erythrocytic stage, making them unique from the Plasmodium vertebrate life cycle. In this study, we detected a prevalence of 31% of Hepatocystis in short-nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis) in Singapore. Phylogenetic reconstruction with a partial cytochrome b sequence revealed a monophyletic group of Hepatocystis from C. brachyotis in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. There was no relationship with infection and bat age, sex, location, body condition or monsoon season. The absence of this parasite in the five other bat species sampled in Singapore indicates this Hepatocystis species may be host restricted.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Haplorhini; Chiroptera; Life Cycle Stages; Malaysia; Parasites; Phylogeny; Plasmodium; Saimiri; Sciuridae; Seasons; Singapore; Thailand; Vertebrates; Prevalence; Haemosporida; Cytochromes b
  12. Mansor M, Shan Lee Z, San LP, Mei Ng M, Al-Abd N, Kassim M
    Turk J Phys Med Rehabil, 2021 Mar;67(1):62-68.
    PMID: 33948545 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2021.4672
    Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of biofeedback electrostimulation therapy (BEST) in chronic neuropathic pain and to evaluate changes in perceived level of pain and level of blood cortisol before and after treatment.

    Patients and methods: This single-blind, prospective, randomized-controlled study included a total of 20 patients (8 males, 12 females; mean age: 53.5±13.8; range, 31 to 82 years) with chronic neuropathic pain between January 2014 and June 2014. The patients were randomized to BEST (n=10) or placebo (n=10) group. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale, and serum cortisol levels were measured before and after treatment.

    Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline demographics, diagnosis, and treatment modalities between the groups. Approximately 50% patients in the treatment group reported that the treatment was effective, compared to 30% in the placebo group. Pain score reduction after treatment in the BEST group was significant (p<0.05), while it was not significant in the placebo group (p=0.4). Cortisol levels significantly reduced only in the BEST group after treatment (p=0.013).

    Conclusion: The BEST yields reduction in pain severity and cortisol levels. Based on these results, it seems to be effective in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain after a single treatment and may be more effective for long-term management.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biofeedback, Psychology; Demography; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Middle Aged; Neuralgia; Pain Measurement; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method; Visual Analog Scale
  13. Okamura H, Kano K, Yap CK, Emmanouil C
    PMID: 33948839 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14187-9
    This study sought to clarify whether suspended particles containing high Cu concentrations are present in the sea-surface microlayer (S-SML). For this reason, suspended particles (10-2000 μm) in the S-SML were collected periodically from a ship mooring pond during 2018-2020, and the acid-soluble Cu concentration in the suspended particles was measured as particulate Cu (P-Cu). The highest concentration of P-Cu in the S-SML of the pond was 75 μg L-1 with a 90th percentile value of 2.5 μg L-1. This is below P-Cu values reported for the S-SML in North American ports, but 140 times higher than this found in bulk seawater in the Atlantic Ocean. The highest P-Cu concentration in the S-SML of non-organism (abiotic) origin was 17 μg L-1, and the abiotic P-Cu to P-Cu ratio varied from 0.2 to 100%, likely depending on the quality and quantity of biogenic material in the S-SML samples. It is assumed that the S-SML particles examined here contain high Cu concentrations originating from ship antifouling paints.
  14. Pawankar R, Thong BY, Tiongco-Recto M, Wang JY, Abdul Latiff AH, Thien F, et al.
    Allergy, 2021 09;76(9):2998-2901.
    PMID: 33948966 DOI: 10.1111/all.14894
    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Humans; Pandemics*
  15. Ismail NZ, Adebayo IA, Mohamad Zain NN, Arsad H
    Nat Prod Res, 2021 May 05.
    PMID: 33949277 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1919104
    Clinacanthus nutans has been reported to have many medicinal properties and it is traditionally used in treating viral lesions. This study aims to determine the molecular docking of C. nutans compounds detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 main protease) protein and its host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein using the AutoDock 4.2 tool. The drug-likeness and molecular docking analyses showed that fourteen compounds of C. nutans satisfied the Lipinski's rule of five and they exhibited good inhibitory effects against the SARS-Cov-2 main protease and ACE2 proteins. In addition, the glyceryl 2-linolenate compound was found to have the most potent binding affinities with both proteins. The results provide useful insights into the molecular inhibitory interactions of C. nutans compounds detected by GC-MS analysis with the targeted SARS-CoV-2 main protease and ACE2 protein.
    MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Preparations; Humans; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Receptors, Virus; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Virus Internalization; Physical Phenomena; Biophysical Phenomena; Molecular Docking Simulation
  16. Bapat RA, Parolia A, Chaubal T, Dharamadhikari S, Abdulla AM, Sakkir N, et al.
    Biomater Sci, 2021 May 04;9(9):3244-3283.
    PMID: 33949464 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00233c
    Dental treatment is provided for a wide variety of oral health problems like dental caries, periodontal diseases, periapical infections, replacement of missing teeth and orthodontic problems. Various biomaterials, like composite resins, amalgam, glass ionomer cement, acrylic resins, metal alloys, impression materials, bone grafts, membranes, local anaesthetics, etc., are used for dental applications. The physical and chemical characteristics of these materials influence the outcome of dental treatment. It also impacts on the biological, allergic and toxic potential of biomaterials. With innovations in science and their positive results, there is also a need for awareness about the biological risks of these biomaterials. The aim of dental treatment is to have effective, yet safe, and long-lasting results for the benefit of patients. For this, it is important to have a thorough understanding of biomaterials and their effects on local and systemic health. Materials used in dentistry undergo a series of analyses before their oral applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first and original review that discusses the reasons for and studies on the toxicity of commonly used biomaterials for applications in dentistry. It will help clinicians to formulate a methodical approach for the selection of dental biomaterials, thus providing an awareness for forecasting their risk of toxic reactions.
    MeSH terms: Composite Resins; Dental Caries*; Dentistry; Glass Ionomer Cements; Humans
  17. Chang CY
    Rev Soc Bras Med Trop, 2021;54:e0192 2021.
    PMID: 33950130 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0192-2021
    MeSH terms: Acute Disease; Humans; Myelitis*; Neuromuscular Diseases*; Paralysis; Central Nervous System Viral Diseases*
  18. Smyth A, Judge C, Wang X, Pare G, Rangarajan S, Canavan M, et al.
    Neuroepidemiology, 2021;55(3):206-215.
    PMID: 33951632 DOI: 10.1159/000515239
    BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported an association of renal impairment with stroke, but there are uncertainties underpinning this association.

    AIMS: We explored if the association is explained by shared risk factors or is independent and whether there are regional or stroke subtype variations.

    METHODS: INTERSTROKE is a case-control study and the largest international study of risk factors for first acute stroke, completed in 27 countries. We included individuals with available serum creatinine values and calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Renal impairment was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine the association of renal function with stroke.

    RESULTS: Of 21,127 participants, 41.0% were female, the mean age was 62.3 ± 13.4 years, and the mean eGFR was 79.9 ± 23.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. The prevalence of renal impairment was higher in cases (22.9% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.001) and differed by region (p < 0.001). After adjustment, lower eGFR was associated with increased odds of stroke. Renal impairment was associated with increased odds of all stroke (OR 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24-1.47), with higher odds for intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.35-1.89) than ischemic stroke (OR 1.29; 95% CI: 1.17-1.42) (pinteraction 0.12). The largest magnitudes of association were seen in younger participants and those living in Africa, South Asia, or South America (pinteraction < 0.001 for all stroke). Renal impairment was also associated with poorer clinical outcome (RRR 2.97; 95% CI: 2.50-3.54 for death within 1 month).

    CONCLUSION: Renal impairment is an important risk factor for stroke, particularly in younger patients, and is associated with more severe stroke and worse outcomes.

    MeSH terms: Aged; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Case-Control Studies
  19. Mahmud KA, Zakaria R, Azman M, Mat Baki M
    ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec, 2021 05 05;83(4):295-298.
    PMID: 33951656 DOI: 10.1159/000515424
    Adult laryngeal haemangioma is normally seen in the supraglottic or glottic region. Transglottic haemangioma is unusual, and treatment with primary endolaryngeal surgical excision may lead to undesirable bleeding and poor voice outcomes. A 25-year-old female presented with hoarseness and progressive upper airway obstruction symptoms. Videoendoscopy showed haemangioma involving all unilateral subunits of the larynx obstructing half of the subglottis. The transglottic haemangioma was treated with endolaryngeal ethanol injection with prior tracheostomy under local anaesthesia. Endolaryngeal laser surgery was performed later on to remove small residual haemangioma and granuloma. The haemangioma resolved; however, the ethanol injection to the paraglottic space results in vocal fold immobility but with favourable position and good muscle tone and bulk. The patient was successfully decannulated. Post-intervention subjective and objective voice assessments showed normal parameters except slight impairment of voice handicap index-10 with a total score of 12. Adult transglottic haemangioma can cause upper airway obstruction and requires intervention. Excision of the lesion endoscopically without sacrificing voice is achievable.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Hoarseness; Humans; Larynx*; Vocal Cords
  20. Ho NAD, Leo CP
    Environ Res, 2021 06;197:111100.
    PMID: 33812871 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111100
    Carbon capture can be implemented at a large scale only if the CO2 selective materials are abundantly available at low cost. Since the sustainable requirement also elevated, the low-cost and biodegradable cellulosic materials are developed into CO2 selective adsorbent and membranes recently. The applications of cellulose, cellulosic derivatives and nanocellulose as CO2 selective adsorbents and membranes are reviewed here. The fabrication and modification strategies are discussed besides comparing their CO2 separation performance. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) isolated from cellulose possess a big surface area for mechanical enhancement and a great number of hydroxyl groups for modification. Nanocellulose aerogels with the large surface area were chemically modified to improve their selectivity towards CO2. Even with the reduction of surface area, amino-functionalized nanocellulose aerogels exhibited the satisfactory chemisorption of CO2 with a capacity of more than 2 mmol/g was recorded. Inorganic fillers such as silica, zeolite and MOFs were further incorporated into nanocellulose aerogels to enhance the physisorption of CO2 by increasing the surface area. Although CO2 adsorbents developed from cellulose and cellulose derivatives were less reported, their applications as the building blocks of CO2 separation membranes had been long studied. Cellulose acetate membranes were commercialized for CO2 separation, but their separation performance could be further improved with silane or inorganic filler. CNCs and CNFs enhanced the CO2 selectivity and permeance through polyvinyl alcohol coating on membranes, but only CNF membranes incorporated with MOFs were explored so far. Although some of these membranes surpassed the upper-bound of Robeson plot, their stability should be further investigated.
    MeSH terms: Carbon*; Cellulose; Polyvinyl Alcohol; Nanoparticles*
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