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  1. Safety and effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart 30 in type 2 diabetes: results from the ASEAN cohort of the A₁chieve study
    Lim-Abrahan MA, Jain AB, Bebakar WM, Seah D, Soewondo P
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2013 Apr;100 Suppl 1:S3-9.
    PMID: 23647715 DOI: 10.1016/S0168-8227(13)70003-2
    AIM:
    To determine the safety and effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) in the ASEAN cohort of the A₁chieve study.

    METHODS:
    Type 2 diabetes patients from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore prescribed BIAsp 30 therapy were included. The primary outcome was evaluation of serious adverse drug reactions including major hypoglycaemia over 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were changes in hypoglycaemic events, serious adverse events (SAEs) and effectiveness parameters.

    RESULTS:
    This sub-analysis included 2798 patients (insulin-naive, 1903; insulin-experienced, 895) with mean age ± SD, 55.3 ± 10.8 years, BMI, 24.9 ± 4.6 kg/m(2) and diabetes duration, 7.5 ± 5.9 years. Baseline HbA1c in the entire cohort was poor (9.9%, 85 mmol/mol). A total of 15 SAEs were reported in 7 insulin-experienced patients (1 moderate event was related to BIAsp 30). Overall hypoglycaemia at Week 24 was 0.88 events/patient-year compared to 1.71 events/patient-year reported at baseline (change in proportion of patients affected, p < 0.0001). No major hypoglycaemia was reported at Week 24. BIAsp 30 significantly improved glucose control (HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose, p < 0.001) at Week 24. The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% at Week 24 was 35.3% compared to 3.5% at baseline. The lipid profile and systolic blood pressure also improved significantly (p < 0.001). Quality of life was positively impacted (mean change in visual analogue scores from EQ-5D = 10.6 ± 13.8 points, p < 0.001).

    CONCLUSION:
    BIAsp 30 was well-tolerated and improved glucose control while decreasing the risk of hypoglycaemia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology
  2. Switching from biphasic human insulin to biphasic insulin aspart 30 in type 2 diabetes: results from the ASEAN subgroup of the A₁chieve study
    Hussein Z, Lim-Abrahan MA, Jain AB, Goh SY, Soewondo P
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2013 Apr;100 Suppl 1:S24-9.
    PMID: 23647714 DOI: 10.1016/S0168-8227(13)70006-8
    Aim: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) in ASEAN type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients switched from biphasic human insulin (BHI) in the non-interventional 24-week A₁chieve study.

    Methods: Indonesian, Malaysian, Filipino and Singaporean patients switched from BHI to BIAsp 30 at their physicians' discretion were included. The incidence of serious adverse drug reactions (SADRs), including major hypoglycaemia was the primary endpoint. Changes in hypoglycaemia, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG), lipids, body weight and systolic blood pressure were also evaluated. Quality of life (QoL) was measured using the EQ-5D questionnaire.

    Results: For the 465 patients included (mean ± SD age: 56 ± 10.3 years, diabetes duration: 9.7 ± 7.1 years, baseline HbA1c: 9.4 ± 1.8%), the mean pre-study BHI dose was 0.62 ± 0.28 IU/kg and 63.4% were dosing BHI twice daily (bid). The mean baseline BIAsp 30 dose was 0.65 ± 0.27 U/kg, titrated up to 0.71 ± 0.28 U/kg over 24 weeks, and most patients continued bid dosing. No SADRs or major hypoglycaemic episodes were reported. The proportion of patients reporting overall hypoglycaemia decreased significantly from 10.8% at baseline to 3.4% at Week 24 (p < 0.0001). Significant improvements in glycaemic control were noted (HbA1c: -1.4 ± 1.7%, FPG: -56.7 ± 72.5 mg/dL, post-breakfast PPPG: -84.8 ± 82.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Mean QoL improved by +6.6 ± 14.6 points (p < 0.001).

    Conclusion: BIAsp 30 was well-tolerated and significantly increased glycaemic control in this ASEAN subgroup poorly controlled on BHI.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology
  3. Safety and effectiveness of insulin aspart in type 2 diabetic patients: results from the ASEAN cohort of the A₁chieve study
    Bebakar WM, Lim-Abrahan MA, Jain AB, Seah D, Soewondo P
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2013 Apr;100 Suppl 1:S17-23.
    PMID: 23647713 DOI: 10.1016/S0168-8227(13)70005-6
    AIM:
    To examine the clinical safety and effectiveness of insulin aspart (IAsp) therapy in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients from the ASEAN cohort of the international, 24-week, non-interventional A₁chieve study.

    METHODS:
    T2D patients from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, who started IAsp therapy with or without oral glucose-lowering drugs, were included. The primary endpoint was the incidence of serious adverse drug reactions (SADRs), including major hypoglycaemic events. Secondary endpoints included hypoglycaemia, glycated haemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], fasting plasma glucose [FPG], postprandial plasma glucose [PPPG], systolic blood pressure [SBP], body weight and lipids. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the EQ-5D questionnaire.

    RESULTS:
    Overall, 312 T2D patients (222 insulin-naive and 90 insulin-experienced) with a mean ± SD age of 56.6 ± 11.2 years, BMI of 24.2 ± 3.9 kg/m(2) and diabetes duration of 7.0 ± 5.7 years were included. The mean daily IAsp dose was 0.51 ± 0.31 U/kg at baseline titrated up to 0.60 ± 0.29 U/kg at Week 24. No SADRs or major hypoglycaemic events were reported in the entire subgroup. The proportion of patients who reported overall hypoglycaemia decreased from baseline to Week 24 (7.1% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.0001). The mean HbA1c improved from 9.5 ± 1.6% at baseline to 7.6 ± 1.3% after 24 weeks (p < 0.001). The mean FPG, post-breakfast PPPG and SBP also improved (p < 0.001). Health-related QoL scores increased in the entire subgroup (mean increase: 9.8 ± 14.6 points, p < 0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS:
    Starting IAsp therapy was well-tolerated and was associated with significantly improved overall glycaemic control in the ASEAN cohort.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology
  4. Safety and effectiveness of insulin detemir in type 2 diabetes: results from the ASEAN cohort of the A₁chieve study
    Soewondo P, Mohamed M, Jain AB, Sy RA, Khoo CM
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2013 Apr;100 Suppl 1:S10-6.
    PMID: 23647712 DOI: 10.1016/S0168-8227(13)70004-4
    AIM:
    To determine the safety and effectiveness of insulin detemir (IDet) in type 2 diabetes patients from the ASEAN cohort of the A1chieve study.

    METHODS:
    Patients from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore prescribed IDet at the discretion of their physicians were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of serious adverse drug reactions including major hypoglycaemia over 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included changes in the frequency of hypoglycaemia, serious adverse events and effectiveness assessments.

    RESULTS:
    This sub-analysis included 1540 patients (insulin-naive, 1239; insulin-experienced, 301) with mean age ± SD 56.4 ± 10.9 years, BMI 25.4 ± 4.6 kg/m(2) and diabetes duration 6.9 ± 5.3 years. Insulin-naive patients received a baseline IDet dose of 0.24 ± 0.11 U/kg titrated up to 0.37 ± 0.21 U/kg by Week 24. The pre-study insulin dose in insulin-experienced patients was 0.41 ± 0.25 U/kg and baseline IDet dose was 0.31 ± 0.24 U/kg titrated up to 0.40 ± 0.20 U/kg by Week 24. Overall hypoglycaemia decreased from 1.73 to 0.46 events/patient-year from baseline to Week 24 (change in proportion of patients affected, p < 0.0001). At Week 24, 1 major hypoglycaemic event was reported in 1 insulin-experienced patient. IDet significantly improved glucose control (p < 0.001) at Week 24. The lipid profile and systolic blood pressure improved (p < 0.001) and body weight did not change significantly. Quality of life was positively impacted (p < 0.001).

    CONCLUSION:
    IDet was well-tolerated and improved glycaemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia or weight gain.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology
  5. Fulltext Safety of thoracic pedicle screw application using the funnel technique in Asians: a cadaveric evaluation
    Chan CY, Kwan MK, Saw LB
    Eur Spine J, 2010 Jan;19(1):78-84.
    PMID: 19763636 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-009-1157-8
    The objective of this cadaveric study is to determine the safety and outcome of thoracic pedicle screw placement in Asians using the funnel technique. Pedicle screws have superior biomechanical as well as clinical data when compared to other methods of instrumentation. However, misplacement in the thoracic spine can result in major neurological implications. There is great variability of the thoracic pedicle morphometry between the Western and the Asian population. The feasibility of thoracic pedicle screw insertion in Asians has not been fully elucidated yet. A pre-insertion radiograph was performed and surgeons were blinded to the morphometry of the thoracic pedicles. 240 pedicle screws were inserted in ten Asian cadavers from T1 to T12 using the funnel technique. 5.0 mm screws were used from T1 to T6 while 6.0 mm screws were used from T7 to T12. Perforations were detected by direct visualization via a wide laminectomy. The narrowest pedicles are found between T3 and T6. T5 pedicle width is smallest measuring 4.1 +/- 1.3 mm. There were 24 (10.0%) Grade 1 perforations and only 1 (0.4%) Grade 2 perforation. Grade 2 or worse perforation is considered significant perforation which would threaten the neural structures. There were twice as many lateral and inferior perforations compared to medial perforations. 48.0% of the perforations occurred at T1, T2 and T3 pedicles. Pedicle fracture occurred in 10.4% of pedicles. Intra-operatively, the absence of funnel was found in 24.5% of pedicles. In conclusion, thoracic pedicle screws using 5.0 mm at T1-T6 and 6.0 mm at T7-T12 can be inserted safely in Asian cadavers using the funnel technique despite having smaller thoracic pedicle morphometry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Spinal Diseases/ethnology
  6. Fulltext SLC22A1-ABCB1 haplotype profiles predict imatinib pharmacokinetics in Asian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
    Singh O, Chan JY, Lin K, Heng CC, Chowbay B
    PLoS One, 2012;7(12):e51771.
    PMID: 23272163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051771
    This study aimed to explore the influence of SLC22A1, PXR, ABCG2, ABCB1 and CYP3A5 3 genetic polymorphisms on imatinib mesylate (IM) pharmacokinetics in Asian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  7. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Southeast Asian cohort: expression patterns of B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire and its linkage with molecular subtypes and response to R-CHOP therapy
    Masir N, Akhter A, Roshan TM, Florence CS, Abdul-Rahman F, Tumian NR, et al.
    J Clin Pathol, 2019 Sep;72(9):630-635.
    PMID: 31189540 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-205837
    AIMS: Heightened B-cell receptor (BCR) activity in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is well established, and a subset of patients with relapsed DLBCL can benefit from BCR-targeted therapies. Universal outreach of such emerging therapies mandates forming a global landscape of BCR molecular signalling in DLBCL, including Southeast Asia.

    METHODS: 79 patients with DLBCL (nodal, 59% and extranodal, 41%) treated with rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) therapy were selected. Expression levels of BCR and linked signalling pathway molecules were inter-related with Lymph2Cx-based cell of origin (COO) types and overall survival (OS).

    RESULTS: Activated B-cell (ABC) type DLBCL constituted 49% (39/79) compared with germinal centre B-cell (GCB) type DLBCL (29/79; 37%) and revealed poor prognosis (p=0.013). In ABC-DLBCL, high BTK expression exerted poor response to R-CHOP, while OS in ABC-DLBCL with low BTK expression was similar to GCB-DLBCL subtype (p=0.004). High LYN expression coupled with a poor OS for ABC-DLBCL as well as GCB-DLBCL subtypes (p=0.001). Furthermore, high coexpression of BTK/LYN (BTKhigh/LYNhigh) showed poor OS (p=0.019), which linked with upregulation of several genes associated with BCR repertoire and nuclear factor-kappa B pathway (p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, high BTK and LYN expression retained prognostic significance against established clinical predictive factors such as age, International Prognostic Index and COO (p<0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide a clear association between high BCR activity in DLBCL and response to therapy in a distinct population. Molecular data provided here will pave the pathway for the provision of promising novel-targeted therapies to patients with DLBCL in Southeast Asia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/ethnology
  8. Hypoactive sexual desire among depressed female patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a comparison between escitalopram and fluoxetine
    Sidi H, Asmidar D, Hod R, Jaafar NR, Guan NC
    Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 2012 Mar;16(1):41-7.
    PMID: 22122658 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2011.617457
    To determine the risk of hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) in depressed female patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, comparing escitalopram and fluoxetine. The associated factors were also examined.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sexual Behavior/ethnology; Sexuality/ethnology
  9. Fulltext Efficacy and safety of fixed-dose combination therapy, alogliptin plus metformin, in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes: A phase 3 trial
    Ji L, Li L, Kuang J, Yang T, Kim DJ, Kadir AA, et al.
    Diabetes Obes Metab, 2017 05;19(5):754-758.
    PMID: 28075066 DOI: 10.1111/dom.12875
    This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 26 weeks of twice-daily (BID) alogliptin + metformin fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients aged 18 to 75 years with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.5% to 10.0% after ≥2 months of diet and exercise and a 4-week placebo run-in were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1:1:1) to placebo, alogliptin 12.5 mg BID, metformin 500 mg BID or alogliptin 12.5 mg plus metformin 500 mg FDC BID. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to end of treatment (Week 26). In total, 647 patients were randomized. The least-squares mean change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 26 was -0.19% with placebo, -0.86% with alogliptin, -1.04% with metformin and -1.53% with alogliptin + metformin FDC. Alogliptin + metformin FDC was significantly more effective ( P  
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/ethnology; Diet, Diabetic/ethnology
  10. Fulltext Boceprevir early-access for advanced-fibrosis/cirrhosis in Asia-Pacific hepatitis C virus genotype 1 non-responders/relapsers
    Sukeepaisarnjaroen W, Pham T, Tanwandee T, Nazareth S, Galhenage S, Mollison L, et al.
    World J Gastroenterol, 2015 Jul 28;21(28):8660-9.
    PMID: 26229408 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i28.8660
    To examined the efficacy and safety of treatment with boceprevir, PEGylated-interferon and ribavirin (PR) in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCVGT1) PR treatment-failures in Asia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Liver Cirrhosis/ethnology; Hepatitis C, Chronic/ethnology
  11. Optimal waist circumference cut-off values for predicting cardiovascular risk factors in a multi-ethnic Malaysian population
    Cheong KC, Ghazali SM, Hock LK, Yusoff AF, Selvarajah S, Haniff J, et al.
    Obes Res Clin Pract, 2014 Mar-Apr;8(2):e154-62.
    PMID: 24743011 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2013.03.004
    INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have proposed the lower waist circumference (WC) cutoffs be used for defining abdominal obesity in Asian populations.
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal cut-offs of waist circumference (WC) in predicting cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in the multi-ethnic Malaysian population.
    METHODS: We analysed data from 32,703 respondents (14,980 men and 17,723 women) aged 18 years and above who participated in the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2006. Gender-specific logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between WC and three CV risk factors (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the cut-off values of WC with optimum sensitivity and specificity for detecting these CV risk factors.
    RESULTS: The odds ratio for having diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, or at least one of these risks, increased significantly as the WC cut-off point increased. Optimal WC cut-off values for predicting the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and at least one of the three CV risk factors varied from 81.4 to 85.5 cm for men and 79.8 to 80.7 cm for women.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that WC cut-offs of 81 cm for men and 80 cm for women are appropriate for defining abdominal obesity and for recommendation to undergo cardiovascular risk screening and weight management in the Malaysian adult population.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  12. Fulltext Combined protein- and nucleic acid-level effects of rs1143679 (R77H), a lupus-predisposing variant within ITGAM
    Maiti AK, Kim-Howard X, Motghare P, Pradhan V, Chua KH, Sun C, et al.
    Hum Mol Genet, 2014 Aug 1;23(15):4161-76.
    PMID: 24608226 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu106
    Integrin alpha M (ITGAM; CD11b) is a component of the macrophage-1 antigen complex, which mediates leukocyte adhesion, migration and phagocytosis as part of the immune system. We previously identified a missense polymorphism, rs1143679 (R77H), strongly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the molecular mechanisms of this variant are incompletely understood. A meta-analysis of published and novel data on 28 439 individuals with European, African, Hispanic and Asian ancestries reinforces genetic association between rs1143679 and SLE [Pmeta = 3.60 × 10(-90), odds ratio (OR) = 1.76]. Since rs1143679 is in the most active region of chromatin regulation and transcription factor binding in ITGAM, we quantitated ITGAM RNA and surface protein levels in monocytes from patients with each rs1143679 genotype. We observed that transcript levels significantly decreased for the risk allele ('A') relative to the non-risk allele ('G'), in a dose-dependent fashion: ('AA' < 'AG' < 'GG'). CD11b protein levels in patients' monocytes were directly correlated with RNA levels. Strikingly, heterozygous individuals express much lower (average 10- to 15-fold reduction) amounts of the 'A' transcript than 'G' transcript. We found that the non-risk sequence surrounding rs1143679 exhibits transcriptional enhancer activity in vivo and binds to Ku70/80, NFKB1 and EBF1 in vitro, functions that are significantly reduced with the risk allele. Mutant CD11b protein shows significantly reduced binding to fibrinogen and vitronectin, relative to non-risk, both in purified protein and in cellular models. This two-pronged contribution (nucleic acid- and protein-level) of the rs1143679 risk allele to decreasing ITGAM activity provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of its potent association with SLE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/ethnology
  13. Molecular alterations of Ras-Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling pathways in colorectal cancers from a tertiary hospital at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Yip WK, Choo CW, Leong VC, Leong PP, Jabar MF, Seow HF
    APMIS, 2013 Oct;121(10):954-66.
    PMID: 23992303 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12152
    Molecular alterations in KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and PTEN have been implicated in designing targeted therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to determine the status of these molecular alterations in Malaysian CRCs as such data are not available in the literature. We investigated the mutations of KRAS, BRAF, and PTEN, the gene amplification of PIK3CA, and the protein expression of PTEN and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit (p110α) by direct DNA sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in 49 CRC samples. The frequency of KRAS (codons 12, 13, and 61), BRAF (V600E), and PTEN mutations, and PIK3CA amplification was 25.0% (11/44), 2.3% (1/43), 0.0% (0/43), and 76.7% (33/43), respectively. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated loss of PTEN protein in 54.5% (24/44) of CRCs and no significant difference in PI3K p110α expression between CRCs and the adjacent normal colonic mucosa (p = 0.380). PIK3CA amplification was not associated with PI3K p110α expression level, but associated with male cases (100% of male cases vs 56% of female cases harbored amplified PIK3CA, p = 0.002). PI3K p110α expression was significantly higher (p = 0.041) in poorly/moderately differentiated carcinoma compared with well-differentiated carcinoma. KRAS mutation, PIK3CA amplification, PTEN loss, and PI3K p110α expression did not correlate with Akt phosphorylation or Ki-67 expression. KRAS mutation, PIK3CA amplification, and PTEN loss were not mutually exclusive. This is the first report on CRC in Malaysia showing comparable frequency of KRAS mutation and PTEN loss, lower BRAF mutation rate, higher PIK3CA amplification frequency, and rare PTEN mutation, as compared with published reports.
    Matched MeSH terms: Colorectal Neoplasms/ethnology
  14. Internal mammary perforators as recipient vessels for deep inferior epigastric perforator and muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap breast reconstruction in an Asian population
    Halim AS, Alwi AA
    Ann Plast Surg, 2014 Aug;73(2):170-3.
    PMID: 23528630 DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e318270704b
    The use of internal mammary perforators (IMPs) as recipient vessels in autologous free flap breast reconstruction has many additional benefits compared with the internal mammary or thoracodorsal vessels. Our goals were to analyze the characteristics of these vessels and to evaluate the reliability of using them in an Asian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/ethnology
  15. Vitamin D levels: its relationship to bone mineral density response and disease activity in premenopausal Malaysian systemic lupus erythematosus patients on corticosteroids
    Yeap SS, Othman AZ, Zain AA, Chan SP
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2012 Feb;15(1):17-24.
    PMID: 22324943 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185X.2011.01653.x
    AIM: To determine if baseline vitamin D levels would influence the gain in bone mineral density (BMD) in female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients on corticosteroids (CS) taking bone-active medication.

    METHOD: Premenopausal SLE patients participating in a trial assessing the efficacy of calcium alone, calcitriol and calcium, and alendronate and calcium, on BMD in patients on CS, were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to the treatment groups at the start of the study and followed up for 2 years. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured at baseline.

    RESULTS:   Thirty-eight patients were studied. One (2%) patient had osteoporosis, nine (24%) had osteopenia and all others had normal BMD. The mean baseline 25(OH)D levels were 21.6 ± 4.6 ng/mL (± 1 SD). Twelve (32%) patients had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL]. There was a significant negative correlation between SLEDAI scores and 25(OH)D levels, that is, patients with high SLEDAI scores had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels (P = 0.033). Left femoral neck BMD was significantly lower in the deficient compared to insufficient group (P = 0.042). There was a trend toward better BMD gain at 2 years in the vitamin D insufficient compared to the deficient group, which did not reach statistical significance.

    CONCLUSION: This study showed that in female SLE patients, low vitamin D levels are associated with higher disease activity and suggests that patients who have higher vitamin D levels have a better BMD response during treatment with bone-active agents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/ethnology
  16. Susceptibility to aplastic anemia is associated with HLA-DRB1*1501 in an aboriginal population in Sabah, Malaysia
    Dhaliwal JS, Wong L, Kamaluddin MA, Yin LY, Murad S
    Hum Immunol, 2011 Oct;72(10):889-92.
    PMID: 21762745 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2011.06.013
    The incidence of aplastic anemia is reported to be higher in Asia than elsewhere. We studied the frequency of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 alleles in aplastic anemia patients from 2 genetically similar aboriginal groups, the Kadazan and the Dusun, and compared them with genetically matched community and hospital controls. HLA-DRB1*15 was significantly higher in the patients compared with controls (p = 0.005), confirming similar findings in Japanese and Caucasian studies. Further testing indicated a significantly higher frequency of HLA-DRB1*1501 in patients compared with controls (p = 0.0004) but no significant difference in the frequency of HLA-DRB1*1502. The high frequency of HLA-DRB1*15 in the Kadazan and Dusun population combined with the wide variety of environmental factors associated with aplastic anemia could be the reason for the elevated incidence of aplastic anemia in the Kadazan and Dusun in Sabah.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anemia, Aplastic/ethnology
  17. Evaluating the toxic and beneficial effects of jering beans (Archidendron jiringa) in normal and diabetic rats
    Shukri R, Mohamed S, Mustapha NM, Hamid AA
    J Sci Food Agric, 2011 Nov;91(14):2697-706.
    PMID: 21744354 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4516
    Jering (Archidendron jiringa) is eaten in the tropics and traditionally extolled for treating diabetes, high blood pressure and eliminating bladder stones. Jering contains an unusual amino acid-djenkolic acid (S,S'-methylenebiscysteine)-which may form sharp crystals in the urinary tract, causing pain and haematuria. This study evaluates the beneficial and toxic effects of dietary jering on tissues and organs in normal and diabetic rats.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diet/ethnology
  18. Public sources of information and information needs for pandemic influenza A(H1N1)
    Wong LP, Sam IC
    J Community Health, 2010 Dec;35(6):676-82.
    PMID: 20411411 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-010-9271-4
    Providing health information during disease outbreaks is a fundamental component of outbreak control strategies. This study aimed to explore sources of influenza A(H1N1)-related information, specific information needs and preferences of the lay public during the peak of the outbreak. A cross-sectional, population-based, computer-assisted telephone interview of 1,050 respondents was conducted in Malaysia between July 11 and September 12, 2009. Newspaper, television and family were three main sources of information about A(H1N1). There were substantial ethnic differences; the Malays were significantly more likely to identify television as main source, while newspapers and family were identified as the main sources by the Chinese and Indians, respectively. Overall, the two main information needs identified were prevention and treatment. The Malays expressed lesser need for overall information than other ethnic groups. The three most preferred sources of information were television, newspapers and healthcare providers. There were significant positive correlations between amount of information received with knowledge (r = 0.149), perceived susceptibility to infection (r = 0.177), and other behavioral responses. Health information dissemination should be dedicated to meeting the information needs of diverse sociodemographic and ethnic groups. The findings highlight the importance of providing information that increases awareness and behavioral changes in disease prevention yet reduce fear.
    Matched MeSH terms: Influenza, Human/ethnology
  19. Efficacy of 1-week proton pump inhibitor triple therapy as first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication regime in Asian patients: is it still effective 10 years on?
    Qua CS, Manikam J, Goh KL
    J Dig Dis, 2010 Aug;11(4):244-8.
    PMID: 20649738 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-2980.2010.00445.x
    OBJECTIVE:
    To re-examine the efficacy and tolerability of 1-week proton pump inhibitor triple therapy as a first-line Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy.

    METHODS:
    Consecutive participants with a positive rapid urease test during an outpatient upper endoscopy were included. All participants were given pantoprazole 40 mg b.i.d., amoxycillin 1 g b.i.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. for 1 week. They were asked to return after 1 week to report any side effects related to the medications and to check for compliance. Successful eradication was defined by negative (13)C-urea breath test at least 4 weeks after the completion of therapy.

    RESULTS:
    A total of 191 patients were recruited into the study, of whom 81 were male (42.4%) and 110 female (57.6%), with a mean age of 55.6 (range 21-88) years. Overall 26 patients (13.6%) defaulted follow up and five patients were not compliant (taking less than 85%) with the medications. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 84.4% (95% CI: 78.6-89.9%) and 71.2% (95% CI: 64.5-77.6%), respectively. Overall 68 participants (42.5%) reported no side effects, followed by 58 (36.3%) with a taste disturbance, 16 (10.0%) with epigastric pain, 15 (9.4%) with diarrhea, 13 (8.1%) with nausea or vomiting, 12 (7.5%) with loss of appetite, nine (5.6%) with dizziness and two (1.3%) with an allergic skin rash, none of which was severe.

    CONCLUSION:
    The current regime using pantoprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin is highly tolerable and effective and should continue to be recommended as a first-line therapy for H. pylori eradication in our setting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Helicobacter Infections/ethnology
  20. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis due to Graves disease
    Drakaki A, Habib M, Sweeney AT
    Am J Med, 2009 Dec;122(12):e5-6.
    PMID: 19958876 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.06.016
    Hypokalemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a potentially life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism, defined by 3 characteristic features: thyrotoxicosis, hypokalemia, and acute painless muscle weakness. In this case, a 25-year-old Malaysian man presented with acute, painless lower extremity weakness immediately after a meal. His associated symptoms included palpitations, tremor, and anxiety. He also reported a 30-pound unintentional weight loss over the previous 18 months, dyspnea on exertion, and insomnia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
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