MyMedR

A cross sectional study on the acceptance of pre-hospital continuous positive airway pressure ventilation among ambulance paramedic in an urban emergency medical service system in a developing country

Hafis MS, Johar MJ, Mahathar AW, Saiboon IM

Saudi Med J, 2014 Aug;35(8):855-60.

PMID: 25129186

To assess the acceptance among the developing country urban paramedics towards pre-hospital continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation.

A randomized control trial evaluating the prevalence of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in primigravida in routine versus selective mediolateral episiotomy

Sulaiman AS, Ahmad S, Ismail NA, Rahman RA, Jamil MA, Mohd Dali AZ

Saudi Med J, 2013 Aug;34(8):819-23.

PMID: 23974453

To evaluate the prevalence of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS), which include third and fourth degree perineal tears in primigravida in routine versus selective mediolateral episiotomy. Secondly, to determine the rate of episiotomy in local settings.

Accessory sulci of the liver. An anatomical study with clinical implications

Othman FB, Latiff AA, Suhaimi FH, Das S

Saudi Med J, 2008 Sep;29(9):1247-9.

PMID: 18813405

To study the presence of accessory sulcus (AS) in the embalmed cadaveric livers, and compare it with the normal liver.

Acute myocardial infarction in an adolescent

Muthupalaniappen L, Menon RK, Das S

Saudi Med J, 2012 Feb;33(2):197-200.

PMID: 22327763

Myocardial infarction (MI) is known to be common in adults. Interestingly, we report a case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with typical chest pain secondary to myocardial infarct attributable to a combination of familial hyperlipidemia and possible episode of Kawasaki disease in the past. The patient failed treatment and follow-up care, and died 2 years later. Although rare, this case demonstrates that MI should be considered as a diagnosis in adolescents presenting with typical chest pain as early detection, and management is vital for survival.

Fulltext Adult female with acute renal failure and weight loss

Abdul-Rahman NA, Azman RR, Kumar G

Saudi Med J, 2016 May;37(5):584-6.

PMID: 27146625 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.5.15042

Fulltext Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis patients and their association with rheumatoid factor

Othman MA, Ghazali WSW, Hamid WZWA, Wong KK, Yahya NK

Saudi Med J, 2017 Sep;38(9):934-941.

PMID: 28889152 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2017.9.20841

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate levels of anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to determine their association with serological parameters and disease activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 105 multiethnic RA patients (48 rheumatoid factor [RF]-positive and 57 RF-negative patients) was conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, from January 2015 to February 2016. Fifty healthy controls (HCs) were included. C-reactive protein (CRP), RF, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and anti-CarP antibodies were measured. A health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) was administered to the study participants and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) were obtained. Results: The level of anti-CarP antibodies was significantly increased in the RA patients compared with HCs (p=0.042). The presence of anti-CarP antibodies was significantly associated with RF (p=0.019) and the HAQ (p=0.010). A significant association between the presence of anti-CarP antibodies and the DAS28 was not found (p=0.632). Conclusion: Our study provides further evidence that the level of anti-CarP antibodies is significantly elevated in RA patients.

Study site: Rheumatology clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Fulltext Antibacterial activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. A Malaysian medicinal plant

Farouk AE, Benafri A

Saudi Med J, 2007 Sep;28(9):1422-4.

PMID: 17768473

Objective: To evaluate methanolic, ethanolic, acetone and aqueous extracts from different parts of Eurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia) (leave, stem, and root) for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and to utilize the leaves and stem parts rather than the root, which is already used for male sexual enhancement in Malaysia.

Methods: The study took place in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Biotechnology Engineering Department, Malaysia between January 2005 and June 2006. Methanolic, ethanolic, acetone and aqueous extracts of leaves, stems and roots of E. longifolia were investigated for their antibacterial properties using Agar-well diffusion method.

Results: The alcoholic and acetone extracts of the leaves and stem extracts were active on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria except against 2 strains of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi). The root extracts had no antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. Aqueous leaves extract showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marscesens.

Conclusion: The alcoholic and acetone extracts from leaves and stems of E. longifolia contain potent antibacterial agent(s). This plant can serve as a potential source of antibacterial compounds.

Asthma prevalence and the relationship between level of knowledge and quality of life among asthmatic schoolchildren in Malaysia

Dinglasan JL, Tang LY, Chong MC, Al Raimi AM

Saudi Med J, 2022 Jan;43(1):113-116.

PMID: 35022293 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2022.43.1.20210211

OBJECTIVES: To examine asthma prevalence and the relationship between the level of knowledge and quality of life (QoL) among asthmatic secondary school children aged 13-14 years old in Malaysia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, asthma symptoms, knowledge on asthma, and QoL.

RESULTS: Data from 2891 asthmatic schoolchildren aged 13-14 years old from secondary schools in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, were analyzed. According to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) scoring for asthma prevalence, the number of children who exhibited signs and symptoms of asthma was 9% (n=260). The mean score for total knowledge indicated a low knowledge level (82.7%). No significant relationship was found between knowledge level and QoL. Only the race factor was associated with asthma knowledge.

CONCLUSION: This study has provided valuable information on asthma prevalence among Malaysian adolescents and their knowledge on asthma condition. Further research should explore the correlation factors of asthma knowledge and QoL.

Augmentation index is a better marker for cardiovascular risk in young Malaysian males. A comparison of involvement of pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and C-reactive protein

Aminuddin A, Chellappan K, Maskon O, Zakaria Z, Karim AA, Ngah WZ, et al.

Saudi Med J, 2014 Feb;35(2):138-46.

PMID: 24562512

To determine the association between carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVCF) and augmentation index (AI) with future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and to assess whether high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an important mediator towards these vascular changes, among young men.

Changes in auditory memory performance following the use of frequency-modulated system in children with suspected auditory processing disorders

Umat C, Mukari SZ, Ezan NF, Din NC

Saudi Med J, 2011 Aug;32(8):818-24.

PMID: 21858391

To examine the changes in the short-term auditory memory following the use of frequency-modulated (FM) system in children with suspected auditory processing disorders (APDs), and also to compare the advantages of bilateral over unilateral FM fitting.

Common celiaco-mesenterico-phrenic trunk and renal vascular variations

Nayak S

Saudi Med J, 2006 Dec;27(12):1894-6.

PMID: 17143371

The knowledge of vascular variations like other anatomical variations, is important during the operative, diagnostic, and endovascular procedures in abdomen. This report describes multiple variations in the upper abdominal vessels as found during the routine dissection in a 60-year-old male cadaver. The variations found were; presence of a celiaco-mesenterico-phrenic trunk, a common inferior phrenic trunk, 2 right renal arteries originating from abdominal aorta, 2 suprarenal arteries originating from the lower right renal artery, 3 right renal veins opening separately into inferior vena cava, and termination of right testicular vein into the lowest vein among the 3 right renal veins. The existence of a celiaco-mesenterico-phrenic trunk has not been reported yet. Although, other variations reported in this case exist as individual variations, a concomitant variation of them has not been reported yet. The knowledge of such variations is quite useful in planning any upper abdominal surgery.

Fulltext Cytotoxicity anticancer activities of anastrozole against breast, liver hepatocellular, and prostate cancer cells

Hassan F, El-Hiti GA, Abd-Allateef M, Yousif E

Saudi Med J, 2017 Apr;38(4):359-365.

PMID: 28397941 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2017.4.17061

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the cytotoxic effect of anastrozole on breast (MCF7), liver hepatocellular (HepG2), and prostate (PC3) cancer cells. Methods: This is a prospective study. Anastrozole's mechanism of apoptosis in living cells was also determined by high content screening (HCS) assay. Methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay was carried out at the Centre of Biotechnology Research's, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq between July 2015 and October 2015. The HCS assay was performed at the Centre for Natural Product Research and Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between November 2015 and February 2016. Results: The most significant cytotoxic effect of anastrozole towards 3 cancer cell lines was obtained when its concentration was 400 µg/mL. The MCF7 cells were more sensitive to anastrozole compared with the HepG2 and PC-3 cells. There was a significant increase in membrane permeability, cytochrome c and nuclear intensity when anastrozole (200 µg/mL) was used compared with doxorubicin (20 µg/mL) as a standard. Also, there was a significant decrease in cell viability and mitochondrial membrane permeability when anastrozole (200 µg/mL) was used compared with positive control. Conclusion: Anastrozole showed cytotoxic effects against the MCF7, HepG2, and PC3 cell lines as determined in-vitro by the MTT assay. The HCS technique also showed toxic effect towards MCF7. It is evident that anastrozole inhibits the aromatase enzyme preventing the aromatization mechanism; however, it has a toxic effect.

Fulltext Developing and evaluating the usability of a web-based Diabetic Retinopathy Health Education Program for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Isa RM, Chong MC, Lee WL, Iqbal T, Mansor M, Zainudin AA, et al.

Saudi Med J, 2023 Dec;44(12):1290-1294.

PMID: 38016754 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2023.44.12.202320029

OBJECTIVES: To describe the development of a webpage based on the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol and usability testing of the Diabetic Retinopathy Health Education Profram (DRHEP).

METHODS: The mixed methods pilot feasibility study was carried out between April and September 2021, involving 16 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 5 experts. The usability score was rated according to the System Usability Scale (SUS).

RESULTS: The average SUS score by the experts was 88. The patients gave a higher score of 85 for SUS, with 58 as the lowest. The average SUS score was 72. The findings indicate that the webpage is acceptable, good, and highly usable for users.

CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study signify the relationship between effective health applications and how their design might hamper their effectiveness in changing patients' behavior.

Fulltext Effectiveness of teaching automated external defibrillators use using a traditional classroom instruction versus self-instruction video in non-critical care nurses

Saiboon IM, Qamruddin RM, Jaafar JM, Bakar AA, Hamzah FA, Eng HS, et al.

Saudi Med J, 2016 Apr;37(4):429-35.

PMID: 27052286 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.4.14833

To evaluate the effectiveness and retention of learning automated external defibrillator (AED) usage taught through a traditional classroom instruction (TCI) method versus a novel self instructed video (SIV) technique in non-critical care nurses (NCCN).

Fulltext Efficacy comparison of oseltamivir alone and oseltamivir-antibiotic combination for early resolution of symptoms of severe influenza-A and influenza-B hospitalized patients

Ishaqui AA, Khan AH, Sulaiman SA, Alsultan M, Khan I

Saudi Med J, 2020 Sep;41(9):1015-1021.

PMID: 32893285 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2020.9.25249

OBJECTIVES: To assess the comparative efficacy of oseltamivir alone and oseltamivir-antibiotic therapy for early relief of symptoms associated with severe influenza-A (non-H1N1) and influenza-B infection hospitalized patients.

METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study conducted from 2016-2019, enrolled patients were divided into 2 treatment groups. Group 1 patients were started on Antiviral drug (oseltamivir) alone therapy. Group 2 patients were initiated on Antiviral drug (oseltamivir) in combination with Antibiotic therapy. Using acute respiratory illness scoring, symptom severity score was assessed daily for 8 symptoms namely, fever, fatigue, headache, cough, sore throat, wheezing, muscle ache and nasal congestion. For each symptom the severity was scored from scale 0-3. Results: Overall mean ARI severity score was statistically significantly lower (p less than 0.05) on day 2 (14.65-vs-13.68), day 3 (12.95-vs-11.67) and day 4 (10.31-vs-9.12 ) for influenza-A (non-H1N1) while day 3 (12.52-vs-11.87) and day 4 (11.21-vs-10.18) for influenza-B patients for patients who were initiated on oseltamivir-antibiotic combination therapy. Fever, cough and nasal congestion showed statistically significant improvement within 4 days of initiation of combination treatment. Fatigue, sore throat and muscle ache improvement pattern was same for both treatment protocols.

CONCLUSION: Oseltamivir-antibiotic combination treatment showed early resolution of some symptoms with cumulatively reduced mean symptom severity score in severe influenza infection hospitalized patients.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of ovine collagen on human dermal fibroblasts

Busra FM, Chowdhury SR, Saim AB, Idrus RB

Saudi Med J, 2011 Dec;32(12):1311-2.

PMID: 22159390

Growth medium with low serum and transforming growth factor beta 3 promotes better chondrogenesis of bone marrow-derived stem cells in vitro and in vivo

Alfaqeh HH, Hui CK, Saim AB, Idrus RB

Saudi Med J, 2011 Jun;32(6):640-1.

PMID: 21666950

High C reactive protein associated with increased pulse wave velocity among urban men with metabolic syndrome in Malaysia

Aminuddin A, Zakaria Z, Fuad AF, Kamsiah J, Othman F, Das S, et al.

Saudi Med J, 2013 Mar;34(3):266-75.

PMID: 23475091

To determine the association between carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVCF); augmentation index (AI); and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and to determine the influence of ethnicity on PWVCF and AI, and the association between high hs-CRP and increased PWV, and AI in MetS.

Human papillomavirus infection among women attending health facilities in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Hajjaj AA, Senok AC, Al-Mahmeed AE, Issa AA, Arzese AR, Botta GA

Saudi Med J, 2006 Apr;27(4):487-91.

PMID: 16598325

To investigate the occurrence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the associated risk factors in Bahrain's female population.

Immature reticulocyte fraction is an early predictor of bone marrow recovery post chemotherapy in patients with acute leukemia

Raja-Sabudin RZ, Othman A, Ahmed-Mohamed KA, Ithnin A, Alauddin H, Alias H, et al.

Saudi Med J, 2014 Apr;35(4):346-9.

PMID: 24749130

To establish the benefits of immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) measurement using an automated hematology cells analyzer over absolute neutrophil count (ANC) in predicting bone marrow recovery post induction chemotherapy.

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 35 in total