Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 46 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Abdullah F, Draman S, Abd. Aziz KH, Zainuddin NA, Muhammad NA
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2020;19(1):109-116.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), sexual intention is determined by three main
    socio-cognitive factors which are permissive attitudes, social-norms and self-efficacy in performing
    premarital sexual activity. Premarital sex associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and
    detrimental social implications. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation of the socio-cognitive
    factors in predicting intention to engage in premarital sex amongst late adolescents in Kuantan government
    secondary schools. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 466 pre-university students aged
    18-19 years from nine government secondary schools in Kuantan district. A self-administered validated Youth
    Sexual Intention Questionnaire (YSI-Q) was used. Statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS version 22.0.
    Results: Permissive attitude (r=0.579, p
  2. Abdullah F, Draman S, Zainuddin NA, Abd. Aziz KH, Muhammad NA
    IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2020;19(1):109-116.
    MyJurnal
    Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), sexual intention is determined by three main socio-cognitive factors which are permissive attitudes, social-norms and self-efficacy in performing premarital sexual activity. Premarital sex associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and detrimental social implications. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation of the socio-cognitive factors in predicting intention to engage in premarital sex amongst late adolescents in Kuantan government secondary schools. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 466 pre-university students aged 18-19 years from nine government secondary schools in Kuantan district. A self-administered validated Youth Sexual Intention Questionnaire (YSI-Q) was used. Statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS version 22.0. Results: Permissive attitude (r=0.579, p
  3. Abdullah NA, Wan Mahiyuddin WR, Muhammad NA, Ali ZM, Ibrahim L, Ibrahim Tamim NS, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(8):4591-4.
    PMID: 24083707
    Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian women. Other than hospital-based results, there are no documented population-based survival rates of Malaysian women for breast cancers. This population- based retrospective cohort study was therefore conducted. Data were obtained from Health Informatics Centre, Ministry of Health Malaysia, National Cancer Registry and National Registration Department for the period from 1st Jan 2000 to 31st December 2005. Cases were captured by ICD-10 and linked to death certificates to identify the status. Only complete data were analysed. Survival time was calculated from the estimated date of diagnosis to the date of death or date of loss to follow-up. Observed survival rates were estimated by Kaplan- Meier method using SPSS Statistical Software version 17. A total of 10,230 complete data sets were analysed. The mean age at diagnosis was 50.6 years old. The overall 5-year survival rate was 49% with median survival time of 68.1 months. Indian women had a higher survival rate of 54% compared to Chinese women (49%) and Malays (45%). The overall 5-year survival rate of breast cancer patient among Malaysian women was still low for the cohort of 2000 to 2005 as compared to survival rates in developed nations. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the strategies for early detection and intervention.
  4. Afiqah-Aleng N, Harun S, A-Rahman MRA, Nor Muhammad NA, Mohamed-Hussein ZA
    Database (Oxford), 2017 Jan 01;2017.
    PMID: 31725861 DOI: 10.1093/database/bax098
    Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main causes of infertility and affects 5-20% women of reproductive age. Despite the increased prevalence of PCOS, the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis and pathophysiology remains unclear. The expansion of omics on studying the mechanisms of PCOS has lead into vast amounts of proteins related to PCOS resulting to a challenge in collating and depositing this deluge of data into one place. A knowledge-based repository named as PCOSBase was developed to systematically store all proteins related to PCOS. These proteins were compiled from various online databases and published expression studies. Rigorous criteria were developed to identify those that were highly related to PCOS. They were manually curated and analysed to provide additional information on gene ontologies, pathways, domains, tissue localizations and diseases that associate with PCOS. Other proteins that might interact with PCOS-related proteins identified from this study were also included. Currently, 8185 PCOS-related proteins were identified and assigned to 13 237 gene ontology vocabulary, 1004 pathways, 7936 domains, 29 disease classes, 1928 diseases, 91 tissues and 320 472 interactions. All publications related to PCOS are also indexed in PCOSBase. Data entries are searchable in the main page, search, browse and datasets tabs. Protein advanced search is provided to search for specific proteins. To date, PCOSBase has the largest collection of PCOS-related proteins. PCOSBase aims to become a self-contained database that can be used to further understand the PCOS pathogenesis and towards the identification of potential PCOS biomarkers. Database URL: http://pcosbase.org.
  5. Azmi S, Goh A, Muhammad NA, Tohid H, Rashid MRA
    Value Health Reg Issues, 2018 May;15:42-49.
    PMID: 29474177 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2017.06.002
    BACKGROUND: Anemia is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and an independent risk factor for renal disease progression. Health economic evidence is important in Malaysia and yet cost and quality-of-life (QOL) data are scarce.

    OBJECTIVES: To investigate prevalence, factors associated with anemia, and cost and QOL among T2DM patients with CKD. Here, we present the estimated 1-year cost and QOL related to anemia in this group.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was performed at 20 government clinics. Treatment cost was calculated on the basis of resource utilization ascertained through data extracted from medical records and patient recall. QOL was elicited using the short form 36 health survey version 2 questionnaire. Propensity score matching was performed and costs and QOL were analyzed by anemia status and CKD stage.

    RESULTS: Data for 816 patients were obtained. The propensity score matching enabled a comparison of 257 patients with and without anemia. Annual treatment costs were significantly higher for patients with anemia (Ringgit Malaysia [RM] 4219 [US $983] vs. RM2705 [US $630]; P = 0.01). QOL scores were lower for patients with anemia but not statistically significant (physical component summary score: 44.8 vs. 46.2; P = 0.052; mental component summary score: 51.3 vs. 51.7; P = 0.562). Costs were higher and QOL lower among CKD stage 5 patients.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to examine anemia in this group of patients. Costs were significantly higher among anemic patients compared with nonanemic patients; patients with higher CKD stage 5 fared less well than did those in lower stages. This information suggests the need to increase detection, prevention, and early treatment of anemia when managing T2DM patients, particularly those with CKD.
  6. Emrizal R, Nor Muhammad NA
    PeerJ, 2020;8:e9019.
    PMID: 32617187 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9019
    Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the major bacteria that causes periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis is a severe form of periodontal disease that ultimately leads to tooth loss. Virulence factors that contribute to periodontitis are secreted by Type IX Secretion System (T9SS). There are aspects of T9SS protein components that have yet to be characterised. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the phylogenetic relationship between members of 20 T9SS component protein families. The Bayesian Inference (BI) trees for 19 T9SS protein components exhibit monophyletic clades for all major classes under Bacteroidetes with strong support for the monophyletic clades or its subclades that is consistent with phylogeny exhibited by the constructed BI tree of 16S rRNA. The BI tree of PorR is different from the 19 BI trees of T9SS protein components as it does not exhibit monophyletic clades for all major classes under Bacteroidetes. There is strong support for the phylogeny exhibited by the BI tree of PorR which deviates from the phylogeny based on 16S rRNA. Hence, it is possible that the porR gene is subjected to horizontal transfer as it is known that virulence factor genes could be horizontally transferred. Seven genes (porR included) that are involved in the biosynthesis of A-LPS are found to be flanked by insertion sequences (IS5 family transposons). Therefore, the intervening DNA segment that contains the porR gene might be transposed and subjected to conjugative transfer. Thus, the seven genes can be co-transferred via horizontal gene transfer. The BI tree of UgdA does not exhibit monophyletic clades for all major classes under Bacteroidetes which is similar to the BI tree of PorR (both are a part of the seven genes). Both BI trees also exhibit similar topology as the four identified clusters with strong support and have similar relative positions to each other in both BI trees. This reinforces the possibility that porR and the other six genes might be horizontally transferred. Other than the BI tree of PorR, the 19 other BI trees of T9SS protein components also exhibit evidence of horizontal gene transfer. However, their genes might undergo horizontal gene transfer less frequently compared to porR because the intervening DNA segment that contains porR is easily exchanged between bacteria under Bacteroidetes due to the presence of insertion sequences (IS5 family transposons) that flank it. In conclusion, this study can provide a better understanding about the phylogeny of T9SS protein components.
  7. Hambali IU, Bhutto KR, Jesse FFA, Lawan A, Odhah MN, Wahid AH, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2018 Nov;124:101-105.
    PMID: 30114463 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.08.017
    Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the udder that occurs as a result of the release of leucocytes into the udder in a response to bacterial invasion. The major causes of mastitis are an array of gram positive and negative bacteria, however, algae, virus, fungi, mechanical or thermal injury to the gland have also been identified as possible causes. Mastitis vaccines are yet to be developed using Malaysian local isolate of bacteria. The objective of the present experimental trial was to develop a monovalent vaccine against mastitis using S. aureus of Malaysian isolate and to evaluate the clinical responses such as temperature, respiratory rates and heart rates in vaccinated cows. S. aureus is a major causative bacteria in clinical and subclinical types of mastitis in cows. Four concentrations of the bacterin (106, 107, 108 and 109 cfu/ml of the local isolate of S. aureus) were prepared using Aluminium potassium sulfate adjuvant. Thirty cows were grouped into four treatment groups (B, C, D and E) with a fifth group as control (A). These groups were vaccinated intramuscularly(IM) with the prepared monovalent vaccine and its influence on the vital signs were intermittently measured. The mean of rectal temperature was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at 0hr Post Vaccination [1]" in groups D and E (39.5 ± 0.15 °C and 39.4 ± 0.15 °C respectively) and at 3 h PV in groups C, D and E (39.8 ± 0.14 °C, 39.9 ± 0.14 °C and 40.3 ± 0.14 °C respectively) compared to the control group. This indicated a sharp increased rectal temperatures between 0hr and 3 h PV in groups C, D and E which later declined at 24 h PV. The mean of rectal temperature of group E was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at weeks 1 and 2 PV (39.87 ± 0.19 °C and 39.80 ± 0.18 °C respectively) compared to the control group. The mean of heart rate was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 1 PV in groups D and E (83.0 ± 3.8 beats/minute and 80.0 ± 3.8 °C respectively) compared to control. A trending decrease was however observed in heart rates of group E from weeks through 4 PV and in group D from weeks 1 through 3 PV. The mean of respiratory rates was significantly different (p˂ 0.05) at week 3 PV in group B and D (31.0 ± 1.2 breaths/minute and 28.0 ± 1.2 breaths/minute) compared to control. In conclusion, this study highlights responses of these vital signs due to vaccination against S. aureus causing mastitis in cows. To the best of our knowledge the findings of this study adds value to the shallow literature on vital signs alterations in cows vaccinated against mastitis as elevated levels of temperature and heart rates of group D and E indicated obvious response.
  8. Hambali IU, Abdullah FFJB, Bhutto KR, Mohd Azmi ML, Wahid AH, Zakaria Z, et al.
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2019 May;51(4):781-789.
    PMID: 30449009 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1755-8
    Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland due to microbial infiltration causing a reduced mammary function. This study aims at developing a vaccine using Malaysian local isolate of Staphylococcus aureus and evaluating serum amyloid A, Interleukin-10, IgM and IgG responses periodically. Four bacterin concentrations (106, 107, 108 and 109 cfu/ml of the local isolate of S. aureus) were adjuvanted with aluminium potassium sulphate. Thirty cows grouped into 4 treatment groups (G-) were vaccinated (2 ml) intramuscularly, with a fifth G-A as control. The mean concentration (MC) of serum amyloid A (SAA) was significantly different (sig-d) (p ˂ 0.05) in G-D at 0 h post vaccination (PV), 3 h PV, 24 h PV, weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 PV (6-, 15-, 5-, 12-, 11-, 4- and 11-fold increased (FI) respectively). The MC of serum amyloid A was also sig-d in G-E at 0 h PV, weeks 1, 2 and 4 PV (3, 8, 5 and 8 FI respectively). The MC of IL-10 was sig-d in G-D and C at 3 h PV and week 2 PV (5 and 2 FI respectively). The IgM MC was sig-d in G-B and C at 3 h PV (5 and 6 FI respectively), at 24 h PV (5 and 9 FI respectively), at week 3 PV(2 and 2 FI respectively) and week 4 PV (3 and 4 FI respectively). The MC of IgG was sig-d in G-E at 0 h, 3 h and week 3 PV(5, 6 and 2 FI respectively) and in G-D at weeks 1-4 (3, 3, 3 and 5 FI respectively). In conclusion, elevated levels of SAA, IgG and IL-10 in G-D(108) informed our choice of best dosage which can be used to evoke immunity in cows.
  9. Harrison AJ, Naqvi NC, Smit AK, Kumar PN, Muhammad NA, Saade S, et al.
    J Autism Dev Disord, 2023 Mar 09.
    PMID: 36892718 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05936-5
    Substantial variability exists with regard to autism service provision around the world. Service disparities observed in many low- and middle-income countries may be driven, in part, by limited autism knowledge; however, measurement limitations have made it difficult to quantify autism knowledge across countries. The current study uses the autism stigma and knowledge questionnaire (ASK-Q) to quantify autism knowledge and stigma between different countries and demographics. The current study compiled data from 6830 participants collected using adapted versions of the ASK-Q administered in 13 different countries, representing four different continents. Structural equation modeling was used to examine how autism knowledge varied across country and individual factors. Results reveal cross country variability with a large, 17-point difference between the countries with the highest knowledge (Canada) and the lowest knowledge (Lebanon). As expected, countries with higher economies had higher levels of knowledge. We also documented differences based on country worldview, participant occupation, gender, age, and education level. These results help to identify specific regions and populations that might most need greater information about autism.
  10. Huan NC, Ng KL, Nasaruddin MZ, Muhammad NA, Daut UN, Abdul Rahaman JA
    Respirol Case Rep, 2020 Dec;8(9):e00684.
    PMID: 33194207 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.684
    Tracheobronchial stenosis due to tuberculosis (TSTB) is a potentially debilitating complication of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB). Endobronchial interventions including silicone stent insertion is an acceptable approach to improve quality of life among patients with TSTB. However, little is known about the optimal management strategy for patients with bronchomalacia secondary to EBTB (B-EBTB) and whether stent-related complication rates are higher among this group of patients. Herein, we report two patients with B-EBTB who unfortunately developed bronchial tear related to silicone endobronchial stenting. Both patients were successfully managed conservatively without the need for emergency open surgery. We hypothesize that endobronchial intervention might be more beneficial for patients with pure TSTB and might be riskier in cases of bronchomalacia with reduced airway thickness and loss of airway cartilaginous support. More future studies are needed to bridge the current gap in knowledge regarding the optimal management and role of endobronchial interventions among patients with B-EBTB.
  11. Huan NC, Ng KL, Tang JT, Kua HN, Daut UN, Muhammad NA, et al.
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2020 12;49(12):1013-1017.
    PMID: 33463660 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020364
    The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has presented multiple challenges to global healthcare services, dictating changes in almost every aspect of daily medical practice. Performing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) in the field of interventional pulmonology can lead to profound formation of aerosols, leading to a high risk of infection among healthcare workers (HCWs). We share our experiences on performing AGPs in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on changes in AGP practices. In a pandemic, HCWs ought to adapt to the ever-changing situation and use available resources to provide the best possible healthcare to patients, ensure safety of staff, and continue medical education of future pulmonologists.
  12. Huan NC, Ng KL, Nasaruddin MZ, Muhammad NA, Daut UN, Abdul Rahaman JA
    Respirol Case Rep, 2021 Mar;9(3):e00711.
    PMID: 33532074 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.711
    Tracheobronchial stenosis secondary to endobronchial tuberculosis (TSTB) is a rare but debilitating complication of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB). Topical mitomycin-C (TMC) has been successfully utilized to restore airway patency and to prevent recurrence of TSTB, although little is known about its exact efficacy. Here, we report the biggest case series to date involving seven patients who received TMC as part of multimodality endoscopic treatment for TSTB with varying levels of success. All patients presented with dyspnoea during or after treatment completion for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Four patients had short-segment concentric membranous TSTB while two patients had concurrent bronchomalacia. Another one patient had a thick fibrotic band adjacent to luminal opening. We hypothesize that TMC is more efficacious in short membranous stenosis without concurrent bronchomalacia and/or thick fibrotic bands. More studies are needed to bridge the current gaps in knowledge regarding the optimal role and benefits of TMC for TSTB patients.
  13. Idris I, Tohid H, Muhammad NA, A Rashid MR, Mohd Ahad A, Ali N, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2018 12 22;8(12):e025125.
    PMID: 30580276 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025125
    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at primary care settings and its associated factors.
    DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study involved 808 adult patients with T2DM and CKD who were recruited via systematic sampling from 20 public primary care clinics in Peninsular Malaysia. Their sociodemographic, clinical and biomedical profiles were collected through interviews, examination of medical records and blood testing.
    RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia was 31.7% (256/808). The anaemia was mainly mild (61.5%) and normocytic normochromic (58.7%). About 88.7% of the patients with anaemia were not known to have anaemia prior to the study. Among 36 patients with documented history of anaemia, 80.6% were still anaemic, and only a half received iron therapy. Multivariate regression analysis showed that women (adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 1.57, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.21, p=0.009) and those with older age (AOR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.06, p<0.001), CKD stage 3a (AOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.25 to 4.87, p=0.009), CKD stage 3b (AOR: 4.36; 95% CI: 2.14 to 8.85, p<0.001), CKD stage 4 (AOR: 10.12; 95% CI: 4.36 to 23.47, p<0.001), CKD stage 5 (AOR: 10.80; 95% CI: 3.32 to 35.11, p<0.001) and foot complication (AOR 3.12, 95% CI: 1.51 to 6.46, p=0.002) were more likely to have anaemia. Having higher body mass index (AOR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99, p=0.012) and higher diastolic blood pressure (AOR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.99, p<0.001) were associated with lower odds to have anaemia.
    CONCLUSION: Anaemia among patients with T2DM and CKD in primary care was common, and the majority was unrecognised. Inadequate treatment of anaemia was also prevalent. Therefore, screening of anaemia should be incorporated into the routine assessment of diabetic complications particularly for those with significant associated factors. It is hoped that such strategy could lead to early treatment and hence improve their overall care.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NMRR-15-660-24324.
  14. Jaffar A, Mohd Sidik S, Foo CN, Muhammad NA, Abdul Manaf R, Fadhilah Ismail SI, et al.
    PMID: 33946203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094792
    BACKGROUND: The delivery of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) through mHealth apps has been shown to produce promising results in improving pelvic floor muscle strength and urinary incontinence (UI). However, there is limited evidence on mHealth apps designed for pregnant women who are at high risk of developing UI. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of conducting an effectiveness trial for a newly developed PFMT app among pregnant women in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This is a prospective, single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled pilot feasibility study: The Kegel Exercise Pregnancy Training app (KEPT-app) Trial. Sixty-four incontinent pregnant women who attended one primary care clinic for the antenatal follow-up will be recruited and randomly assigned to either intervention or waitlist control group. The intervention group will receive the intervention, the KEPT-app developed from the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) theory with Persuasive Technology and Technology Acceptance Model.

    DISCUSSION: This study will provide a fine-tuning for our future randomised control study on the recruitment feasibility methods, acceptability, feasibility, and usability of the KEPT-app, and the methods to reduce the retention rates among pregnant women with UI.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on 19 February 2021 (NCT04762433) and is not yet recruiting.

  15. Jamil IN, Remali J, Azizan KA, Nor Muhammad NA, Arita M, Goh HH, et al.
    Front Plant Sci, 2020;11:944.
    PMID: 32754171 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00944
    Across all facets of biology, the rapid progress in high-throughput data generation has enabled us to perform multi-omics systems biology research. Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data can answer targeted biological questions regarding the expression of transcripts, proteins, and metabolites, independently, but a systematic multi-omics integration (MOI) can comprehensively assimilate, annotate, and model these large data sets. Previous MOI studies and reviews have detailed its usage and practicality on various organisms including human, animals, microbes, and plants. Plants are especially challenging due to large poorly annotated genomes, multi-organelles, and diverse secondary metabolites. Hence, constructive and methodological guidelines on how to perform MOI for plants are needed, particularly for researchers newly embarking on this topic. In this review, we thoroughly classify multi-omics studies on plants and verify workflows to ensure successful omics integration with accurate data representation. We also propose three levels of MOI, namely element-based (level 1), pathway-based (level 2), and mathematical-based integration (level 3). These MOI levels are described in relation to recent publications and tools, to highlight their practicality and function. The drawbacks and limitations of these MOI are also discussed for future improvement toward more amenable strategies in plant systems biology.
  16. Jusoh Z, Tohid H, Omar K, Muhammad NA, Ahmad S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2018 Feb;25(1):84-95.
    PMID: 29599638 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.1.10
    Background: The quality of life (QoL) describes the multidimensional self-perceived well-being of a person, which is an important diabetes outcome. This study aimed to measure the QoL scores among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as their clinical and sociodemographic predictors.

    Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 180 randomly sampled patients at a primary care clinic on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire containing the Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life-18 (ADDQoL-18) was used.

    Results: Most of the respondents (96.7%) were Malay, with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 54.0 (14.0) years old. The majority of them were females (60.0%), married (81.1%) and from low-income families (63.3%), who attained a secondary education or lower (75.6%). Only 49.4% of them were employed. The mean (standard deviation, SD) ADDQoL-18 average weighted impact score was -4.58 (2.21) and all 18 domains were negatively affected, particularly the living condition, family life and working life. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the age (adjusted B = 0.05,P= 0.004) and insulin use (adjusted B = -0.84,P= 0.011) were QoL predictors.

    Conclusion: T2DM negatively impacts the patient's QoL in all aspects of their life. The QoL improvement with age suggests that the older patients had accepted and adapted to their illness. The need to improve the QoL among insulin users was also highlighted.
    Study site: Klinik Kesihatan, Malaysia
  17. Karim MKA, Sabarudin A, Muhammad NA, Ng KH
    Radiol Phys Technol, 2019 Dec;12(4):374-381.
    PMID: 31468370 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-019-00532-8
    This study aimed to evaluate effective dose and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) of computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination using an anthropomorphic phantom. We included three CTA examination protocols to evaluate the intra- and extra-cranial arteries, pulmonary artery (CTPA), and abdominal vessels. Patient SSDEs were measured retrospectively to estimate patient dose, relative to the bodyweight of the patient and volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). Our findings revealed that the highest dose was absorbed by the left lobe of the thyroid gland during intra-/extra-cranial CTA and CTPA, that is, 14.11 ± 0.24 mGy and 16.20 ± 3.95 mGy, respectively. However, the highest absorbed dose in abdominal/pelvic CTA was the gonads (8.98 ± 0.30 mGy), while other radiosensitive organs in intra- and extra-cranial CTA, CTPA, and abdominal/pelvic CTA did not demonstrate significant differences between organs/structures with p value 0.88, 0.11, and 0.54, respectively. The estimated effective dose in intra-/extra-cranial CTA was lower in patients (0.80 ± 0.60 mSv) than in the phantom (0.83 mSv), but it was the opposite for CTPA, with the effective dose being higher in patients (7.54 ± 3.09 mSv) than in the phantom (6.68 mSv). Similar to the effective dose, only CTPA SSDEs were significantly higher in men than in women (19.74 ± 4.79 mGy versus 7.9 mGy). Effective dose and SSDE are clinically relevant parameters that can help estimate a more accurate patient dose based on a patient's size.
  18. Kho SS, Nyanti LE, Muhammad NA, Nasaruddin MZ, Abdul Rahaman JA
    Breathe (Sheff), 2021 Sep;17(3):210083.
    PMID: 35035553 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0083-2021
    Persistent tachypnoea despite resolution of bronchospasm in a patient with acute asthma exacerbation after administration of inhaled short acting β2-receptor agonist should alert the clinician to this potential diagnosis. https://bit.ly/385VU2Q.
  19. Kho SS, Lim KC, Muhammad NA, Nasaruddin MZ, Ismail I, Daut UM, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Mar;78(2):131-138.
    PMID: 36988520
    INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 patients frequently demonstrate radiological organising pneumonia (OP) pattern. The longterm outcome and treatment options for this group of patients remain uncertain. We aim to describe the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with COVID-19-related OP and identify possible clinical factors associated with inferior radiological outcome.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Post-COVID-19 clinic attendees, consisting of post-COVID-19 patients discharged from major hospitals in the state of Selangor during the third pandemic wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia, were enrolled in this retrospective study for 6 months. Physician-scored Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), patient self-reported quality of life (EQ-VAS) score and follow-up CT scan were evaluated.

    RESULTS: Our cohort comprised 131 patients, with a median age of 52 (IQR 39-60) years and median BMI of 29.40 (IQR 25.59-34.72). Majority (72.5%) had co-morbidities, and 97.7% had severe disease requiring supplementary oxygen support during the acute COVID-19 episode. 56.5% required intensive care; among which one-third were invasively ventilated. Median equivalent dose of methylprednisolone prescribed was 2.60 (IQR 1.29-5.18) mg/kg during admission, while the median prednisolone dose upon discharge was 0.64 (IQR 0.51-0.78) mg/kg. It was tapered over a median of 8.0 (IQR 5.8-9.0) weeks. Upon follow-up at 11 (IQR 8-15) weeks, one-third of patients remained symptomatic, with cough, fatigue and dyspnoea being the most reported symptoms. mMRC and EQ-VAS scores improved significantly (p<0.001) during follow-up. Repeat CT scans were done in 59.5% of patients, with 94.8% of them demonstrating improvement. In fact, 51.7% had complete radiological resolution. Intensive care admission and mechanical ventilation are among the factors which were associated with poorer radiological outcomes, p<0.05.

    CONCLUSION: Approximately one-third of patients with SARSCoV- 2-related OP remained symptomatic at 3 months of follow-up. Majority demonstrated favourable radiological outcomes at 5-month reassessment, except those who required intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation.

  20. Lawan A, Jesse FFA, Idris UH, Odhah MN, Arsalan M, Muhammad NA, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2018 Apr;117:175-183.
    PMID: 29471137 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.02.039
    Innumerable Escherichia coli of animal origin are identified, which are of economic significance, likewise, cattle, sheep and goats are the carrier of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, which are less pathogenic, and can spread to people by way of direct contact and through the contamination of foodstuff or portable drinking water, causing serious illness. The immunization of ruminants has been carried out for ages and is largely acknowledged as the most economical and maintainable process of monitoring E. coli infection in ruminants. Yet, only a limited number of E. coli vaccines are obtainable. Mucosal surfaces are the most important ingress for E. coli and thus mucosal immune responses function as the primary means of fortification. Largely contemporary vaccination processes are done by parenteral administration and merely limited number of E. coli vaccines are inoculated via mucosal itinerary, due to its decreased efficacy. Nevertheless, aiming at maximal mucosal partitions to stimulate defensive immunity at both mucosal compartments and systemic site epitomises a prodigious task. Enormous determinations are involved in order to improve on novel mucosal E. coli vaccines candidate by choosing apposite antigens with potent immunogenicity, manipulating novel mucosal itineraries of inoculation and choosing immune-inducing adjuvants. The target of E. coli mucosal vaccines is to stimulate a comprehensive, effective and defensive immunity by specifically counteracting the antibodies at mucosal linings and by the stimulation of cellular immunity. Furthermore, effective E. coli mucosal vaccine would make vaccination measures stress-free and appropriate for large number of inoculation. On account of contemporary advancement in proteomics, metagenomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics research, a comprehensive appraisal of the immeasurable genes and proteins that were divulged by a bacterium is now in easy reach. Moreover, there exist marvellous prospects in this bourgeoning technologies in comprehending the host bacteria affiliation. Accordingly, the flourishing knowledge could massively guarantee to the progression of immunogenic vaccines against E. coli infections in both humans and animals. This review highlight and expounds on the current prominence of mucosal and systemic immunogenic vaccines for the prevention of E. coli infections in ruminants.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links