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Relationship between oral hygiene state and levels of oral sensory perception and motor ability

Jalil RA, Cornick DE

J Nihon Univ Sch Dent, 1994 Sep;36(3):175-82.
PMID: 7989959

It has been postulated that subjects with high levels of oral sensory perception and motor ability are able to achieve higher standards of oral hygiene even under different dietary regimes. In this study, eleven dental personnel volunteers were started on a low-sucrose diet for one week, followed by a high-sucrose diet for another week, while eleven others followed a reverse-order dietary regime. Oral sensory perception and motor ability were assessed by the oral stereognosis test and a test for oral motor ability. There was a greater trend for subjects to have more plaque on their teeth when they were on the high-sucrose diet, even when normal oral hygiene procedures were taken. There were no significant correlations between the state of oral hygiene and levels of oral sensory perception and motor ability. These results do not support the hypothesis that subjects with high levels of oral sensory perception and motor ability are likely to achieve better oral hygiene.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Fulltext Lambdacyhalothrin impregnated bednets control malaria in Sabah, Malaysia

Hii J, Alexander N, Chuan CK, Rahman HA, Safri A, Chan M

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1995 Jun;26(2):371-4.
PMID: 8629079
Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
The prevalence of caries and enamel defects in 229 Malaysian children 16 years after water fluoridation (a pilot study)

Majid ZA, Hussein NN, Bagramian RA

Singapore Dent J, 1996 Jul;21(1):11-5.
PMID: 10597176

Two hundred and twenty-nine children aged 12-15 years who were continuous residents of Penang island, in the north of Peninsular Malaysia were examined for caries and enamel defects. Caries prevalence was 82.2% with a DMFT score of 3.4 and DMFS score of 4.9; there were very few missing teeth and very little untreated caries in the population examined. Majority of DF (decayed/filled) lesions were pits and fissures with approximal and smooth surfaces relatively caries free. The prevalence of enamel defects was 76.4% with 19.1% of all teeth examined being affected. More posterior than anterior teeth were affected by enamel defects just as there were more maxillary than mandibular teeth affected by enamel defects. Diffuse patchy opacities were the most common defect diagnosed and this was found in 60.2% of the population examined. A bilateral distribution of diffuse patchy opacities was seen in 41.5% of the population examined. Tooth surfaces with enamel defects were no more susceptible to caries than defect-free surfaces.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Fulltext Sustainability of a successful malaria surveillance and treatment program in a Runggus community in Sabah, east Malaysia

Hii JL, Chee KC, Vun YS, Awang J, Chin KH, Kan SK

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1996 Sep;27(3):512-21.
PMID: 9185261

The district of Kudat has one of the highest and most persistent malaria transmission levels in Sabah, Malaysia, with annual parasite incidence of 102 per 1,000 inhabitants per year. Due to this situation and the failure of DDT spraying to control malaria, a community participation health program (Sukarelawan Penjagaan Kesihatan Primer or SPKP) was developed as an adjunct to current anti-malarial measures during 1987-1991. SPKP is made up of unpaid community workers known as village health volunteers (VHVs). VHVs are selected by a village development and security committees training and supervision a member of the Vector-Borne Diseases Control Program (VBDCP). The beneficiaries of SPKP consisted primarily of Runggus people and other remote, and mobile populations who visit the home of a VHV for diagnosis and treatment. This group of febrile patients and their children who attend a participating school submit finger prick blood and personal details to the VHV. and receive a presumptive treatment for malaria. Thick and thin blood smears are examined by a VBDCP microscopist who then prepare and forward a radical or curative treatment to the VHV so that it can be administered to the microscopically-positive patient free of charge. Between June 1987 to June 1991, VHVs from 32 kampungs (villages) and 22 schools collected 56,245 slides representing 24.7% of total slide collection compared to 74.9% collected by passive case detection (PCD) posts in health centers and district hospital. The average volunteer treated 11.8 (range 10.4-13.4) and 31.4 (range 26-49) patients per month in kampungs and schools respectively. In contrast, non-SPKP posts in a district hospital, health centers and flying doctor service treated an average of 616.3 patients per month (range 134.8-1032.8). The slide positivity rate of blood smears taken by VHVs was 8.43% compared with 7.37% for non-SPKP posts. Average slide collection and slide positivity rates varied considerably from one community to another, despite their close geographic proximity. The monthly number of VHV-diagnosed patients from the school and kampungs communities and the monthly number of true malaria patients in the two groups were significantly correlated. Sustainability of SPKP was linked to an ongoing process of social change which involved co-operative networking between the government health sector and the community. This in turn provided a stimulus for malaria abatement efforts. When Runggus people themselves control and maintain ownership of community-based malaria programs, the function of SPKP as a malaria surveillance system and an antimalarial drug distribution network is vastly improved.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
In vitro accuracy and reproducibility of automated and conventional periodontal probes

Samuel ED, Griffiths GS, Petrie A

J Clin Periodontol, 1997 May;24(5):340-5.
PMID: 9178114

The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and reproducibility of experienced and inexperienced examiners using 3 automated periodontal probes (Florida Pocket Probe, Florida Disk Probe, Peri Probe) in comparison with 3 conventional periodontal probes (Marquis, Williams and EN-15 probes). Test blocks of aluminium had 30 holes of diameter 1.10 mm and depths ranging from 2.75 to 10.0 mm. machined with a tolerance of +/- 0.01 mm. 8 experienced examiners and 8 inexperienced examiners were selected to perform duplicate measurements on the blocks over 6 visits using each of the 6 probes. 1 automated and 1 conventional probe were used at each examination. The % accuracy and reproducibility for each of the duplicate measurements was calculated and analysed using Friedman 2-way analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon matched pairs test. On average, all probes showed high reproducibility, with the Florida Disk Probe, the Florida Pocket Probe and the Williams probe ranked best and the other 3 probes were less reproducible. On average, all probes showed a high degree of accuracy, automated probes were ranked best and were significantly better than conventional probes. Experience had little effect on reproducibility, with only the Peri Probe showing significant differences at the 5% level between the groups. Experience appeared to be more important for accuracy, as experienced examiners were more accurate than inexperienced examiners, with significant differences at the 5% level for the EN-15, Florida Disk Probe and Peri Probe. However, inexperienced examiners were significantly more accurate using the Williams probe. This in vitro study has shown that automated probes offer increased accuracy over conventional probes and the Florida Pocket and disk probes compare well with conventional probes for reproducibility.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Fulltext Intestinal helminthiasis in relation to height and weight of early primary school children in northeastern peninsular Malaysia

Mahendra Raj S, Sein KT, Khairul Anuar A, Mustaffa BE

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1997 Jun;28(2):314-20.
PMID: 9444012

Stool examination, height and weight measurements were undertaken on 249 early primary school children at two schools in North-eastern Peninsular Malaysia. Helminth infected children were treated and follow-up anthropometric measurements and stool examination undertaken on all (n = 100) children at one of the schools 16 months later; to observe the relationship between acquisition of infection and growth. Baseline Ascaris prevalence rates at the two schools were 16.0% (23/144) and 47.6% (50/105) respectively whilst Trichuris rates were 33.3% (48/144) and 52.4% (55/105). Hookworm infection was uncommon. There was no difference in weight or height for age between infected and uninfected children at any time. Acquisition of worm infection over the initial 16 month follow-up period was not associated with significant decreases in growth rates. However the small subsets of children with heavy Ascaris infection were consistently lighter and shorter at all evaluation times. They also gained significantly less weight and tended to have reduced linear growth rates between measurements. Further interventional studies are required to determine if this association is one of cause and effect or largely incidental.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Fulltext Ascariasis, trichuriasis, and growth of schoolchildren in Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia

Raj SM, Naing NN

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1998 Dec;29(4):729-34.
PMID: 10772554

A study to determine the effect of antihelminthic treatment on growth and nutritional status was undertaken on 103 children in the second grade of primary school, 71 of whom were found to be infected with Ascaris lumbricoides or Trichuris trichiura. The median Ascaris and Trichuris intensities in the infected group were 19,600 (range; 0-488,000) and 2,800 (range; 0-84,600) eggs per gram of feces respectively. Forty-three children harbored both types of worm. Fourteen weeks after two 400 mg doses of albendazole were administered to infected children, the increases in weight, height, weight for age, height for age and weight for height were significantly higher among infected children than controls who were uninfected at baseline. The observed gains were independent of sex and socioeconomic status. Decrease in log transformed Trichuris intensity correlated with increases in weight (r=0.24; p=0.02) and weight for age (r=0.20; p=0.06) but decrease in Ascaris intensity did not correlate with increases in any of the anthropometric parameters. The results suggest that antihelminthic treatment has beneficial short-term effects on growth and nutritional status of a modest magnitude among early primary schoolchildren in the area.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Minimally invasive "pocket incision" aortic valve surgery

Yakub MA, Pau KK, Awang Y

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1999 Feb;5(1):36-9.
PMID: 10074567

A minimally invasive approach to aortic valve surgery through a transverse incision ("pocket incision") at the right second intercostal space was examined. Sixteen patients with a mean age of 30 years underwent this approach. The third costal cartilage was either excised (n = 5) or dislocated (n = 11). The right internal mammary artery was preserved. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established with aortic-right atrial cannulation in all except the first case. Aortic valve replacements (AVR) were performed in 15 patients and one had aortic valve repair with concomitant ventricular septal defect closure. There was no mortality and no major complications. The aortic cross-clamp, CPB and operative times were 72 +/- 19 mins, 105 +/- 26 mins and 3 hrs 00 min +/- 29 mins respectively. The mean time to extubation was 5.7 +/- 4.0 hrs, ICU stay of 27 +/- 9 hrs and postoperative hospital stay of 5.1 +/- 1.2 days. Minimally invasive "pocket incision" aortic valve surgery is technically feasible and safe. It has the advantages of central cannulation for CPB, preservation of the internal mammary artery and avoiding sternotomy. This approach is cosmetically acceptable and allows rapid patient recovery.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Addition of inhaled salmeterol to inhaled corticosteroids in patients with poorly controlled nocturnal asthma

Norhaya MR, Yap TM, Zainudin BM

Respirology, 1999 Mar;4(1):77-81.
PMID: 10339734 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1843.1999.00153.x

The effect of adding inhaled salmeterol to inhaled corticosteroids was studied in patients with poorly controlled nocturnal asthma. In a double-blind, cross-over study, 20 patients were randomized to receive either salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily or placebo via a Diskhaler after a 1-week run-in period. After 4 weeks of treatment, patients were subsequently crossed over to receive the other treatment for a further 4 weeks with a 2-week wash-out period in between. The response to treatment was assessed by peak expiratory flow rates (PEF) measured in the morning and evening, symptom scores of asthma, number of bronchodilators used, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) at regular intervals. Patients' preference for the Diskhaler or metered-dose inhaler was assessed at the last visit. The results showed that morning PEF was significantly higher while on salmeterol than on placebo (296.9 +/- 70.2 vs 274.6 +/- 77.4 L/min). Evening PEF showed a trend towards a higher value while on salmeterol than on placebo (321.1 +/- 73.4 vs 288.7 +/- 79.4 L/min), but the difference was not significant. There was no statistically significant improvement in symptom scores, number of rescue bronchodilators used and FEV1 or FVC between the two treatment groups. The occurrence of side effects in terms of tremors and palpitations between treatment and placebo were similar. There were more patients who preferred Diskhaler to metered-dose inhaler (70% vs 30%). We conclude that salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily produces significant improvement in morning PEF and is well tolerated in patients with nocturnal asthma. Diskhaler is a device which is easy to use and preferred to a metered-dose inhaler.
Study site: Respiratory Clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Fulltext Attitudes and knowledge of newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients regarding the disease, and factors affecting treatment compliance

Liam CK, Lim KH, Wong CM, Tang BG

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 1999 Apr;3(4):300-9.
PMID: 10206500

SETTING: An urban university teaching hospital.
OBJECTIVES: To determine patients' attitudes to tuberculosis and their knowledge of the disease, and factors associated with treatment compliance.
DESIGN: All adult patients commenced on treatment for tuberculosis from September 1994 to February 1996 were interviewed on initiation of treatment. To assess patient compliance with treatment, hospital clinical records were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS: A total of 135 patients with a mean age (±SD) of 41.9 (±17.4) years (range 15–84 years) were interviewed. The patients had limited understanding and knowledge about tuberculosis. There was a negative correlation between patient age and tuberculosis knowledge score (r = −0.18, P = 0.038). Patients with tertiary education had better knowledge than the others. Of 118 patients who were followed-up in our chest clinic, 80 (67.8%) completed the prescribed treatment. Compliance with treatment and follow-up was not affected by age, sex, ethnic group, educational level, occupation, extent of knowledge, tuberculosis symptoms, hospitalisation for tuberculosis or duration of the prescribed treatment regimen. There was a trend toward poorer compliance among patients who equated disappearance of tuberculosis symptoms with cure of the disease.
CONCLUSIONS: Malaysian patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis attending a university teaching hospital had misconceptions and limited knowledge about the disease and its treatment. Educational background was an important determinant of a patient's level of knowledge about tuberculosis. Compliance was not affected by patient characteristics. Adequate counselling and education of patients and close relatives on tuberculosis and the necessity for prolonged treatment may help to improve treatment compliance.
Study site: Chest clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Risk factors associated with neonatal hypothermia during cleaning of newborn infants in labour rooms

Cheah FC, Boo NY

J Trop Pediatr, 2000 Feb;46(1):46-50.
PMID: 10730042

Cleaning newborn infants with coconut oil shortly after birth is a common practice in Malaysian labour rooms. This study aimed: (1) to determine whether this practice was associated with a significant decrease in the core temperature of infants; and (2) to identify significant risk factors associated with neonatal hypothermia. The core temperature of 227 randomly selected normal-term infants immediately before and after cleaning in labour rooms was measured with an infrared tympanic thermometer inserted into their left ears. Their mean post-cleaning body temperature (36.6 degrees C, SD = 1.0) was significantly lower than their mean pre-cleaning temperature (37.1 degrees C, SD = 1.0; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors significantly associated with pre-cleaning hypothermia (< 36.5 degrees C) were: (1) not being placed under radiant warmer before cleaning p = 0.03); and (2) lower labour room temperature (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis also showed that the risk factors significantly associated with post-cleaning hypothermia were: (1) lower labour room temperature (p < 0.001); (2) lower pre-cleaning body temperature (p < 0.001); and (3) longer duration of cleaning (p = 0.002). In conclusion, to prevent neonatal hypothermia, labour room temperature should be set at a higher level and cleaning infants in the labour room should be discouraged.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Risk factors associated with feed intolerance in very low birthweight infants following initiation of enteral feeds during the first 72 hours of life

Boo NY, Soon CC, Lye MS

J Trop Pediatr, 2000 Oct;46(5):272-7.
PMID: 11077935 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/46.5.272

An observational study was carried out in the Kuala Lumpur Maternity Hospital to determine the risk factors associated with feed intolerance in very low birthweight (VLBW, <1501 g) infants given intermittent 3-hourly enteral feeds within 72h after birth. Feed intolerance developed in 85 (64.4 per cent) of 132 infants. Logistic regression analysis showed that the only significant risk factor associated with feed intolerance was the age when the first feed was commenced. For each hour delay in the age of the infants when the first feed was given, the adjusted odds ratios of feed intolerance was 1.03 (95 per cent confidence intervals: 1.01-1.05; p = 0.01). Other factors (modes of delivery, Apgar score at 1 min, sex, ethnicity, history of resuscitation at birth, birthweight, gestation, multiple pregnancy, perinatal asphyxia, types of milk, hypothermia before first feed, hypotension before first feed, respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, septicaemia, theophylline therapy, indomethacin therapy, ventilatory support, continuous positive airway pressure, umbilical catheterization, and surfactant therapy) were not significantly associated with feed intolerance. Our study suggests that to promote tolerance of enteral feeds in VLBW infants, intermittent orogastric feeds should be commenced as soon as possible during the first 72 h of life.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Vitamin E and factors affecting atherosclerosis in rabbits fed a cholesterol-rich diet

Ismail NM, Abdul Ghafar N, Jaarin K, Khine JH, Top GM

Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2000;51 Suppl:S79-94.
PMID: 11271860

The present study aims to examine the effects of a palm-oil-derived vitamin E mixture containing tocotrienol (approximately 70%) and tocopherol (approximately 30%) on plasma lipids and on the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits given a 2% cholesterol diet. Eighteen New Zealand White rabbits (2.2-2.8 kg) were divided into three groups; group 1 (control) was fed a normal diet, group 2 (AT) was fed a 2% cholesterol diet and group 3 (PV) was fed a 2% cholesterol diet with oral palm vitamin E (60 mg/kg body weight) given daily for 10 weeks. There were no differences in the total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels between the AT and PV groups. The PV group had a significantly higher concentrations of HDL-c and a lower TC/HDL-c ratio compared to the AT group (P < 0.003). The aortic tissue content of cholesterol and atherosclerotic lesions were comparable in both the AT and PV groups. However, the PV group had a lower content of plasma and aortic tissue malondialdehyde (P < 0.005). Our findings suggest that despite a highly atherogenic diet, palm vitamin E improved some important plasma lipid parameters, reduced lipid peroxidation but did not have an effect on the atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Sexual health education for youths--a Malaysian experience

Zulkifli SN, Low WY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2000;12 Suppl:S58-66.
PMID: 11338741

A survey was conducted to assess student's sexual knowledge and attitudes using a questionnaire based on the Sex Knowledge and Attitude Test (SKAT-II) to compare medical and nursing students with students (non-medical/nursing) who registered for a sexual health course. 85 Sexual Health, 115 medical and 81 nursing students voluntarily participated in the survey. This study showed that all the student groups showed relatively low scores in knowledge. Furthermore, average knowledge scores differed significantly between the three student groups with medical students scoring highest and nursing students lowest. Besides student groups, several other factors were found to be significantly associated with Knowledge score namely, race, religion, age, perception of the importance of religion and the extent to which religious beliefs influence sexual attitudes. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analyses showed that among these factors, student group, race/religion and religious importance were significant predictors of sexual knowledge. Specifically, being a medical student was associated with higher scores relative to a non-medical student, being a Malay student was independently associated with a lower average score compared to other races, and perceiving religion as extremely important was associated with a lower score.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Single-daily ceftriaxone plus amikacin versus thrice-daily ceftazidime plus amikacin as empirical treatment of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer

Ariffin H, Arasu A, Mahfuzah M, Ariffin WA, Chan LL, Lin HP

J Paediatr Child Health, 2001 Feb;37(1):38-43.
PMID: 11168867

OBJECTIVE: Empirical antibiotic treatment for febrile neutropenic patients has been the mainstay of treatment for many years. Beta-lactam antibiotics and aminoglycosides have been the most frequently used drug combination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerance and costs of single-daily ceftriaxone plus amikacin versus thrice-daily dose of ceftazidime plus amikacin.
METHODOLOGY: One hundred and ninety-one episodes of fever and neutropenia in 128 patients from October 1997 to December 1998 were included in a prospective, open-label, single-centre study. Patients were randomly assigned to either treatment group and evaluated as successes or failures according to defined criteria. Daily assessments were made on all patients and all adverse events recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis of outcomes and a cost analysis were carried out.
RESULTS: There were 176 evaluable patient-episodes with 51.1% in the single-daily ceftriaxone-amikacin group and 48.9% in the ceftazidime-amikacin group. There were 50 positive blood cultures: 12 Gram-positive bacteria, 33 Gram-negative bacteria and five fungi. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) accounted for 14% of total isolates. The overall success rate was 55.5% in the ceftriaxone group compared to 51.2% in the ceftazidime group (P = 0.56). Mean time to defervescence was 4.2 days in the single-daily group and 4.3 days in the thrice-daily group. There were nine infection-related deaths; five in the single-daily ceftriaxone group. The daily cost of the once-daily regime was 42 Malaysian Ringgit less than the thrice-daily regime. There was a low incidence of adverse effects in both groups, although ototoxicity was not evaluable.
CONCLUSIONS: The once-daily regime of ceftriaxone plus amikacin was as effective as the 'standard' combination of thrice-daily ceftazidime and amikacin with no significant adverse effects in either group. The convenience and substantial cost benefit of the once-daily regime will be particularly useful in developing countries with limited health resources and in centres with a low prevalence of P. aeruginosa.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Reproductive pattern of the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) in Sarawak, Malaysia

Onuma M, Suzuki M, Ohtaishi N

J Vet Med Sci, 2001 Mar;63(3):293-7.
PMID: 11307930

Fecal progesterone assays were conducted in 3 captive female sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) segregated from males to characterize the species-specific reproductive pattern in their original distribution area in Sarawak, Malaysia. Peaks of fecal progesterone concentrations were observed once annually, and lactation was observed after increasing progesterone concentrations in all females without mating stimulus. These results suggest that sun bears in Sarawak, Malaysia, may have a seasonal reproductive pattern and ovulation was noted to occur spontaneously, followed by pseudopregnancy.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Fulltext Ethnic differences in anthropometry among adult Singaporean Chinese, Malays and Indians, and their effects on lung volumes

Yap WS, Chan CC, Chan SP, Wang YT

Respir Med, 2001 Apr;95(4):297-304.
PMID: 11316113

When standing height (StndHt) cannot be assessed, arm span (AS) or sitting height (SitHt) has been used as surrogate variables for prediction of StndHt in adult caucasians and blacks. We examined (1) the relationship between StndHt, AS and SitHt among adult Chinese, Malays and Indians; and (2) whether anthropometry could explain the ethnic differences in lung volumes (as StndHt-adjusted lung volumes are known to differ significantly: Chinese > Malays > Indians). We recruited 1250 consecutive outpatients aged 20-90 years. Prediction equations of StndHt (with AS, SitHt, weight, age as predictors) for each subgroup of race and sex were formulated with multiple linear regressions. Equations with both AS and SitHt as predictors had the best goodness of fit (SEE = 2.37-2.85 cm, adjusted R2 = 0.67-0.87), as compared to equations with either AS (SEE = 3.00-3.91 cm, adjusted R2 = 0.58-0.80) or SitHt alone (SEE = 3.48-4.00 cm, adjusted R2 = 0.45-0.76). GLM general factorial analyses found that age- and weight-adjusted SitHt-to-StndHt ratios differed significantly among Chinese (0.539), Malays (0.529) and Indians (0.518). This paralleled the ethnic differences in lung volumes. The equations with both AS and SitHt as predictors provide the most accurate estimate of StndHt. Ethnic differences in upper body segment length may explain in part the lung volume differences.
Study site: Respiratory clinic, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Periodontal response to two intracanal medicaments in replanted monkey incisors

Thong YL, Messer HH, Siar CH, Saw LH

Dent Traumatol, 2001 Dec;17(6):254-9.
PMID: 11766092

Intracanal medicaments are recommended for use in replanted teeth to inhibit inflammatory root resorption. This study compared the effect of calcium hydroxide (Pulpdent) and a corticosteroid-antibiotic paste (Ledermix) on periodontal healing and root resorption following replantation. Incisors of eight Macaca fascicularis monkeys were extracted, stored dry for 15 min and replanted. After 11 days, root canals in two adjacent maxillary incisors were treated with one medicament and contralateral incisors with the other medicament, or left as untreated controls. Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks later and the teeth prepared for histomorphometric evaluation of periodontal ligament inflammation and root resorption. Periodontal ligament inflammation and inflammatory root resorption were markedly inhibited by both calcium hydroxide and corticosteroid-antibiotic relative to untreated controls. Replacement resorption was lowest in the corticosteroid-antibiotic group, and significantly (P<0.05) more normal periodontal ligament was present in this group (79.6%) than in calcium hydroxide and control groups (64.6% and 62.7%, respectively). Treatment with the corticosteroid-antibiotic inhibited inflammatory resorption and was slightly more effective than calcium hydroxide in producing a periodontal healing response.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Risk factors for hemorrhage in severe dengue infections

Lum LC, Goh AY, Chan PW, El-Amin AL, Lam SK

J Pediatr, 2002 May;140(5):629-31.
PMID: 12032535

The purpose of this study was to identify the early indicators of hemorrhage in severe dengue infections in 114 patients; 24 patients had severe hemorrhage and 92 had no hemorrhage. The platelet counts were not predictive of bleeding. The duration of shock (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.92; P =.019) and low-normal hematocrit at the time of shock (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.95; P =.020) were risk factors of severe hemorrhage.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
Porous graphitic carbon shows promise for the rapid screening partial DPD deficiency in lymphocyte dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in Chinese, Indian and Malay in Singapore by using semi-automated HPLC-radioassay

Liem LK, Choong LH, Woo KT

Clin Biochem, 2002 May;35(3):181-7.
PMID: 12074825

OBJECTIVE: Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) catalyzes the degradation of thymine, uracil, and the chemotherapeutic drug 5-Fluorouracil. In general reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography is the standard method for separating 5-[2-(14)C]Fluorouracil and 5-[2-(14)C]Fluoro-5,6-dihydrouracil. However, the use of 100% aqueous solution (as HPLC mobile phase) may collapse the C-18 bonded phase and result in a retention time shift. The aim of this study is to develop a rapid, reproducible, sensitive method for screening partial DPD deficiency in healthy volunteers.
DESIGN AND METHODS: The activity of DPD was measured using 5-[2- (14)C]Fluorouracil (5-[2-(14)C]FUra) followed by separation of substrate and product 5-[2-(14)C]FUraH(2) with a 15 x 4.6 mm I.D., 5 microm particle size (d(p)) porous graphitic carbon (PGC) column (Hypercarb(R)) and HPLC with online detection of the radioactivity. This was standardized using the protein concentration of the cytosol (NanoOrange(R) Protein Quantitation).
RESULTS: Complete baseline separation of 5-[2-(14)C]Fluorouracil (5-[2-(14)C]FUra) and 5-[2-(14)C]Fluoro-5,6-dihydrouracil (5-[2-(14)C]FUraH(2)) was achieved using a porous graphitic carbon (PGC) column. The detection limit for 5-[2-(14)C]FUraH(2) was 0.4 pmol.
CONCLUSIONS: By using linear gradient separation (0.1% Trifluoroacetic acid [TFA] in water to 100% Methanol) protocols in concert with PGC columns (Hypercarb(R)), we have demonstrated that a PGC column has a distinct advantage over C-18 reverse phase columns in terms of column stability (pH 1-14). This method provides an improvement on the specific assay for DPD enzyme activity. It is rapid, reproducible and sensitive and can be used for routine screening for healthy and cancer patients for partial and profound DPD deficiency before treatment with 5- FUra.

Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric

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