Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 101 in total

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  1. Rajiah K, Ren WS, Jamshed SQ
    J Infect Public Health, 2015 May-Jun;8(3):266-73.
    PMID: 25530352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2014.11.003
    BACKGROUND:
    Infectious diseases are a great threat to humankind, and antibiotics are a viable proposition to numerous pathologies. However, antibiotic resistance is a global concern. Therefore, the aims of this survey were to explore the understanding and attitudes of pharmacy students regarding antibiotic use and resistance.

    METHODS:
    This is a cross-sectional study conducted on final-year undergraduate pharmacy students from 5 public universities. A validated, self-administered questionnaire written in English was used to collect data. It was made up of six domains and forty-five questions. Raosoft software was used to determine the minimum required sample size. Descriptive and inferential data analyses were carried out using SPSS version 20 software.

    RESULTS:
    Out of 346 students, only 59.5% showed a strong understanding of antibiotic usage, while 84.4% of students demonstrated a good level of understanding regarding the issue of antibiotic resistance. However, only 34.1% of students demonstrated a positive attitude toward this issue.

    CONCLUSION:
    This survey reveals that final-year pharmacy students at Malaysian public universities have a relatively good understanding of antibiotic resistance. However, their attitudes did not strongly correlate to their knowledge.

    Copyright © 2014 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    KEYWORDS:
    Antibiotic resistance; Malaysian public universities; Pharmacy students
  2. Wong SH, Chan SH
    Med J Malaysia, 2002 Dec;57(4):467-73.
    PMID: 12733172
    The aim of this study was to determine the factors for the large size of intracranial meningiomas at the time of presentation to the Sarawak General Hospital. The data was collected prospectively from 1/3/2000 to 28/2/2001. During this period a total of 57 cases of intracranial tumours were operated upon. Twenty of these cases (35%) were meningioma, making meningioma the most common intracranial tumour operated in the Neurosurgery service here with one to two cases operated per month. Headache was the most common symptom. The average duration of symptoms before the diagnosis was made was twenty-five months, the longest being fifteen years. The patients needed an average of seven visits prior to the diagnosis.
  3. Mariana AM, Wong SL
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Dec;66(5):487-90.
    PMID: 22390107 MyJurnal
    The aim of the study was to document the prevalence of learning disability among the children attending the Paediatric Clinic in Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban. The demographic distribution of these patients; the age of detection of the problem; the associated medical conditions and types of intervention received by these patients were documented. Patients who were between the ages of five to twelve years were included in the study. Learning disability was divided into three categories: speech and articulation problems, academic skills disorder and other categories which included developmental delay. Children with cerebral palsy were excluded from the study. Out of 1320 patients screened, 355 were found to have learning disorders. Majority were Malays, with the male to female ratio of 1.9:1. Most of the patients stayed in Seremban. The learning problem was most commonly detected at the age of 4 years and below. The commonest type of learning disorder was developmental delay, followed by academic skills disorder, speech and academic skills problems and speech disorders. Problems that were detected early were speech problems and developmental delay. Majority of the children had associated medical conditions. Most of the patients received some form of intervention but 11.3% did not attend any intervention program at all. A strategy should be formulated and implemented to help this group of children.

    Study site: Paediatric Clinic in Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban
  4. Wong SF, Lai LC
    Pathology, 2001 Feb;33(1):85-92.
    PMID: 11280615
    Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) is secreted as a large latent precursor from both normal and transformed cells which needs to be activated for biological activity. The active TGFbeta binds either directly to TbetaR-II or indirectly by binding to beta-glycan which then presents the TGFbeta to TbetaR-II. Formation of the TGFbeta-TbetaR-II complex rapidly leads to phosphorylation of TbetaR-I. TbetaR-I, in turn, phosphorylates receptor-specific Smads and induces their translocation into the nucleus. TGFbeta is able to act as a growth stimulator or inhibitor and elicits a broad spectrum of biological effects on various cell types. However, these cells may lose their sensitivity and responsiveness to TGFbeta. Down-regulation or loss of functional receptors, aberrant signal transduction pathways due to Smad mutations, loss of the cell's ability to activate latent TGFbeta, loss of the peptide itself or functional genes that control the transcription and translation of TGFbeta may contribute to development of cancer.
  5. Wong SY, Lua PL
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):259-69.
    PMID: 22303579 MyJurnal
    Chocolate is a popular food and its consumption has long been associated with enjoyment and pleasure. The effect of chocolate on mood too has long been recognised. Chocolate is thought to have interactions with neurotransmitters which contribute to mood modulation and appetite regulation. However, the evidence in chocolate and mood studies remains highly controversial. As more is known about the influence of chocolate on mood, the reasons for these effects appear increasingly complex and inter-related.
  6. Shahar S, Wong S, Wan C
    Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):55-62.
    PMID: 22692439 MyJurnal
    Elderly people are known to be at a greater risk of malnutrition, particularly those having diseases or illnesses. A prospective study was undertaken on 92 hospitalised geriatric patients (45.6% males), aged 60 to 89 years old, admitted to surgical and medical wards at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). The study aimed to assess malnutrition at admission, day 3 and day 7 of hospitalisation, and its relation with length of stay in the wards. Malnutrition was assessed using anthropometrics and biochemical indicators. Although the majority of subjects had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), 10.9% had Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) and 38% were overweight. A total of 10% subjects had muscle wasting as assessed by Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). Biochemical tests indicated that women subjects were more likely to have hypoalbuminaemia (p <0.05) whilst, men were at risk of anaemia (p < 0.05). Throughout hospitalisation, there was a significant reduction in body weight, biceps skinfold thickness, calf circumference, MUAC, percentage of body fat and body mass index (BMI) in both males and females (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Biochemical tests on a sub sample of subjects indicated that 71.4% had hypoalbuminaemia and 39.6% were anaemic. Subjects diagnosed with cancer, had loss of appetite or had poor nutritional status as assessed by BMI or MUAC on admission were more likely to be hospitalised longer than or equal to 7 days (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Serum albumin levels at admission correlated positively with MUAC values both on admission (r = 0.608, p <0.01) and at clay seven of hospitalisation (r = 0.906, p < 0.05). There is a need to screen elderly patients at high risk of malnutrition at admission in order to reduce the length of stay and increase their health and nutritional status.
  7. Fang Wong S, Mei Khor S
    Food Chem, 2021 Apr 20;357:129801.
    PMID: 33930694 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129801
    Foodborne amides, specifically acrylamide, are vitally important for food safety and security, as they are the most common food toxicants and suspected human carcinogens. A facile and novel differential-based colorimetric nanobiosensor array composed of three surface-bioengineered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed for the rapid detection, differentiation, and quantification of acrylamide and six analogues. Diverse cross-reactive receptors demonstrated differential binding affinities toward target analytes, resulting in distinctive AuNP aggregation behaviors and distinguishable response patterns. The sensor array, integrated with principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, accurately discriminated foodborne amides based on their amine subgroups, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) carcinogen classifications, and food additive types, even at ultra-low concentrations (500 pM). Additionally, the sensor array successfully differentiated non-targeted analytes by sweetener and food ingredients types with 100% correct classification. Partial least squares regression outcomes exhibited high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.95). Thus, the sensor array has practical potential for food safety monitoring in the food and beverage industries.
  8. Loo PW, Wong S, Furnham A
    Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2012 Jun;4(2):113-25.
    PMID: 26767355 DOI: 10.1111/j.1758-5872.2012.00198.x
    A cross-cultural study was conducted on the identification of psychiatric problems comparing British, Hong Kong and Malaysian participants.
  9. Kanaheswari Y, Hamzaini AH, Wong SW, Zulfiqar A
    Acta Paediatr, 2008 Nov;97(11):1589-91.
    PMID: 18671691 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00971.x
    Phakomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized predominantly by cutaneous vascular malformations and pigmentary naevi. The most frequently reported form, Type II b, is associated with systemic involvement. Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) with concomitant glaucoma, Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) and naevus of Ota have been frequently described, but there have only been two case reports with asymptomatic renal anomalies.
  10. Kanaheswari Y, Hamzaini AH, Wong SW
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Aug;63(3):251-3.
    PMID: 19248702 MyJurnal
    The association of congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is well known and occurs in approximately 50% of cases. However the association of CHF with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is less well known and less well documented. We report a child with neonatal onset of hypertension due to ADPKD who later develops portal hypertension due to CHF in childhood. A review of this rare association follows.
  11. Wong SL, Mohan AJ, Suleiman AB
    Med J Malaysia, 1998 Sep;53(3):245-50.
    PMID: 10968161
    One hundred and twenty specialists from the Ministry of Health, the Universities and the private sector provided information on 4,802 patients seen over a total of two hundred and forty working days. This information was used to classify the patients into four categories based on a disease complexity classification. Each specialist's perception on the appropriateness of utilisation of his expertise was obtained. Complex cases requiring specialist expertise in management made up 69.8%, 73.5% and 19.1% of the cases of the Ministry of Health, University and private sector specialists respectively. Underutilisation was most marked with paediatricians and obstetricians in the private sector. The Specialist Register, the Programme for Accreditation of Hospitals and a National Health Financing Plan can be used to influence positively the case-mix of specialists.
  12. Wong SK, Renuka SN, Suppiah M
    Med J Malaysia, 1994 Sep;49(3):295-6.
    PMID: 7845284
    A middle-aged man presented with acute abdomen was found to have torsion of the spleen on laparotomy with the spleen lying in an abnormal position. Wandering spleen is an unusual entity, with torsion being a common complication.
  13. Cheong YM, Jegathesan M, Singh M, Wong S, Ong L
    Malays J Pathol, 1985 Aug;7:51-2.
    PMID: 3939616
  14. Chao TC, Maxwell SM, Wong SY
    J Pathol, 1991 Jul;164(3):225-33.
    PMID: 1890547
    An outbreak of food poisoning resulting in 13 deaths in children occurred in Malaysia during the Chinese Festival of the Nine-Emperor Gods in 1988. The offending food was a Chinese noodle called 'Loh See Fun' (LSF). The source was traced to a factory where a banned food preservative was added to make the LSF. The food poisoning was attributable to aflatoxins and boric acid. The clinical features included vomiting, pyrexia, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, anorexia, giddiness, seizures, and eventual coma. Initially, many presented with a Reye-like syndrome. Eleven post-mortem examinations were performed. The pathological findings included extensive coagulative necrosis of the liver with proliferative 'ductal/ductular metaplasia of the hepatocytes'. Giant cell formation, central vein sclerosis, bile stasis, and steatosis were also noted. There was presence of acute tubular necrosis, superficial upper gastrointestinal erosions, and ensuing encephalopathy. The eventual cause of death is acute hepatic and renal failure.
  15. Wong JS, Ng KH, Wong SH
    J Clin Neurosci, 2004 Apr;11(3):254-8.
    PMID: 14975412
    This is a prospective study conducted from February 2000 to July 2002 in a single neurosurgeon neurosurgical service in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. There were 66 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracranial aneurysm presenting to this hospital over the study period. Fifty cases had their aneurysms clipped. Eighty percent of our patients were operated within 48 h of presentation. Forty-four percent presented with poor WFNS grades of 4 and 5. We had a 20% operative mortality and 29% total management mortality. Twenty-nine (58%) of the operated cases had a favorable outcome with a mean follow-up of 32 weeks. Multiple aneurysms were less common. The diagnosis of aneuysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and clipping of aneurysms have increased dramatically over the previous two and half years indicating an increased awareness of the diagnosis and treatment. This series supports the previously reported beliefs that the lower rate of aneurymal subarachnoid hemorrhage in developing countries is likely due to both underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Good results can be achieved in developing countries with early diagnosis and intensive management.
  16. Nelson Yap KB, Albert Wong SH, Idris Z
    Med J Malaysia, 2020 11;75(6):660-665.
    PMID: 33219174
    BACKGROUND: Some surgeons advocate the usage of tranexamic acid (TXA) in traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of TXA in improving the outcome of TBI patients and in reducing the rate of clot expansion and mortality in TBI as compared to those without TXA.

    METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort study conducted in Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia. Patients 12 years of age and older with mild to severe TBI who had a brain computed tomography (CT) done within eight hours of injury were enrolled in the study. A total of 334 patients were recruited from the 5th of August 2016 until the 8th of March 2018 in Sarawak General Hospital. In all 167 of them were administered with TXA and another 167 of the patients were not. The primary outcome expected is the number of good outcomes in isolated TBI patients given TXA. Good outcome is defined by Glasgow Outcome Score-Extended (GOSE) of five and above. Secondary outcome was clot expansion of an intracranial bleed seen on the first scan that had expanded by 25% or more on any dimension on the second scan.

    RESULTS: The TXA did not show significant trend of good outcome in terms of GOSE (p=0.763). However, for moderate and severe acute subdural haemorrhage (SDH) subgroups, there was a significant difference (p=0.042). Clot expansion was present in 14 patients (12.7%) with TXA given and in 54 patients (38.8%) without TXA. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Of the patients who received TXA, there was one case (0.6%) of deep vein thrombosis. Apart from that, TXA showed non-significant trend in reducing mortality (p=0.474).

    CONCLUSIONS: Tranexamic acid reduces the rate of clot expansion in TBI by 26.1% (38.8-12.7%) without significantly increasing the risk of a thrombotic event. It can also improve the outcome of moderate and severe TBI patients with acute SDH.

  17. Wong ST, Saddki N, Tin-Oo MM
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 08;74(4):312-319.
    PMID: 31424039
    INTRODUCTION: Printed health education materials can only be effective if they are readable and suitable for the target audience. This study examined the readability and suitability of oral health education (OHE) pamphlets produced by the Oral Health Program (OHP), Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia.

    METHODS: The Khadijah Rohani's Readability Formula (KRRF) and Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) instrument were used to assess the readability and suitability of the pamphlets respectively. All 23 Bahasa Malaysia pamphlets retrieved from the official portal of OHP on the 31st January 2019 were assessed for suitability. However, only five pamphlets were found to be eligible for readability assessment because the KRRF, the single formula available for Bahasa Malaysia text is applicable only for materials with 300 words or more. The readability is interpreted based on the level of formal education in Malaysia.

    RESULTS: All pamphlets achieved superior suitability rating with a minimum and maximum score of 75% and 95% respectively. However, a few pamphlets did not fulfil SAM superior and adequate criteria for the following factors and were rated not suitable: did not include summary (73.9%), have few or no headers (4.3%), did not use captions to explain graphics (17.4%), and did not provide interactive learning (21.7%). Readability of the pamphlets eligible for assessment ranged from primary six to secondary three.

    CONCLUSIONS: OHE pamphlets produced by the MOH are readable by most Malaysians. Most pamphlets are generally suitable for the intended audience although a few performed poorly in several areas.

  18. Wong SF, Reimann K, Lai LC
    Pathology, 2001 Nov;33(4):454-9.
    PMID: 11827412
    Oestrogens play an important role in the development of breast cancer. Oestrone sulphate (E1S) acts as a huge reservoir of oestrogens in the breast and is converted to oestrone (E1) by oestrone sulphatase (E1STS). E1 is then reversibly converted to the potent oestrogen, oestradiol (E2) by oestradiol-17beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (E2DH). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) on cell growth, E1STS and E2DH activities in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. TGFbeta1, IGF-I and IGF-II alone or in combination inhibited cell growth of both cell lines but no additive or synergistic effects were observed. The treatments significantly stimulated E1STS activity in the MCF-7 cell line, except for TGFbeta1 alone and TGFbeta1 and IGF-I in combination, where no effects were seen. Only TGFbeta1 and IGF-II acted synergistically to stimulate E1STS activity in the MCF-7 cells. There was no significant effect on E1STS activity in the MDA-MB-231 cells with any of the treatments. In the MCF-7 cells, TGFbeta1 and IGF-I, IGF-I and IGF-II, and TGFbeta1, IGF-I and IGF-II acted synergistically to stimulate the reductive E2DH activity, while only TGFbeta1, IGF-I and IGF-II synergistically stimulated the oxidative E2DH activity. There were no additive or synergistic effects on both oxidative and reductive E2DH activities in the MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, TGFbeta1, IGF-I and IGF-II may have effects on oestrogen metabolism, especially in the MCF-7 cell line where they stimulated the conversion of E1S to E1 and E1 to E2 and, thus, may have roles to play in the development of breast cancer.
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