MyMedR

Displaying publications 361 - 380 of 697 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Locking compression plate: a treatment option for diaphyseal nonunion of radius or ulna

Ling HT, Kwan MK, Chua YP, Deepak AS, Ahmad TS

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Dec;61 Suppl B:8-12.
PMID: 17600986

Treatment of radius or ulna nonunion requires both osteogenic environment and mechanical stability. We would like to report three radial and six ulnar diaphyseal nonunions treated with 3.5 mm locking compression plate (LCP) fixation. To assess the effectiveness of 3.5 mm LCP in treating diaphyseal nonunion of the forearm bones, we prospectively reviewed nine patients with the mean age of 33 years with diaphyseal nonunion of the radius or ulna. All patients were treated with 3.5 mm LCP. Bone grafting was only performed for atrophic nonunion. Surgical and functional outcome were evaluated. There were three atrophic nonunion of the radius, four atrophic nonunion of the ulna and two hypertrophic nonunion of the ulna. All nonunion united successfully with satisfactory functional outcome. 3.5 mm LCP is effective in the treatment of nonunion of ulna or radius.
Factors associated with control of type I diabetes in Malaysian adolescents and young adults

Tan SM, Shafiee Z, Wu LL, Rizal AM, Rey JM

Int J Psychiatry Med, 2005;35(2):123-36.
PMID: 16240970 DOI: 10.2190/EQ71-RMWV-6CEJ-1DGM

Objectives: To examine the association between ethnicity, depression, quality of life, and diabetic control in Malaysian adolescents and young adults with type I diabetes mellitus.

Methods: Fifty-two outpatients with type I diabetes (mean age 15.5 years) who attended a Diabetes Clinic were included. The level of HbA1c was the measure of diabetes control used (better control defined as HbA1c < 10%). Other variables were measured through questionnaires (e.g., depressive symptoms, quality of life), computerized diagnostic interviews (major depression), and medical records (e.g., demographic, family circumstances, compliance with treatment).

Results: Ethnic Chinese youth showed better diabetic control than Malays and Indians (mean HbA1c 9.1%, 10.3%, and 11.0% respectively). Young people with better diabetic control (HbA1c < 10%) were more likely to have better quality of life and less likely to live in problematic families. When the cut-off for diabetic control was stricter (HbA1c < or = 8%), the young person's compliance was the main predictor of poor control. Family problems were also associated with poor control but to a lesser extent. The initial association between poorer diabetes control and depression became non-significant when quality of life was taken into account.

Conclusions: There are ethnic differences in juvenile diabetic control in this Malaysian sample which need to be understood further. Previous findings of an association between quality of life and glycemic control were verified but different definitions of good control showed different associations with individual and environmental variables. Clinicians' awareness and early intervention for psychosocial problems (for example, inadequate family support) could improve diabetes control.
Anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of ficus deltoidea

Zakaria ZA, Hussain MK, Mohamad AS, Abdullah FC, Sulaiman MR

Biol Res Nurs, 2012 Jan;14(1):90-7.
PMID: 21278166 DOI: 10.1177/1099800410395378

Ficus deltoidea (Family Moraceae) leaves have been used traditionally by the Malays to treat ailments such as wounds, sores, and rheumatism. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of F. deltoidea leaf (FDA) using acute and chronic inflammatory models. FDA, in the doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, was administered intraperitoneally in rats (n = 6) before the animals were subjected to the carrageenan-induced paw edema test, cotton pellet-induced granuloma test, and formalin test. The first two tests represent acute and chronic models of inflammation, respectively. The first and second phases of the formalin test represent neurogenic pain and inflammatory-mediated pain, respectively; thus, only the second phase was measured in the present study. Results showed that FDA exerted significant (p < .05) anti-inflammatory activity in all assays, with dose-response effects seen in the paw edema and formalin tests. In conclusion, the leaf of F. deltoidea possesses anti-inflammatory activity against acute and chronic inflammatory responses and against pain-associated inflammatory response. These findings justify the traditional uses of F. deltoidea leaves for treatment of inflammatory-mediated ailments.
Molecular typing of dengue viruses circulating on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia from 2005 to 2009

Vinomarlini G, Rogayah T, Saraswathy TS, Thayan R, Apandi M, Fauziah MK, et al.

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2011 Jan;42(1):94-9.
PMID: 21323170

From 2005 to 2009, the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia received 488 serum and blood samples from hospitalized patients on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, suspected of having dengue infection. In this study we determined the prevailing dengue serotypes using a real time polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR). All 4 dengue virus serotypes were found circulating during the study period; however the predominant serotype varied. In 2005 and 2006, the predominant serotypes circulating were DENV-1 and DENV-3, in 2007, DENV-1 and DENV-2 were predominant, and in 2008 and 2009, DENV-3 was the predominant serotype.
Recurrence of multiple myeloma with soft tissue plasmacytoma presenting as unilateral proptosis

Pan SW, Wan Hitam WH, Mohd Noor RA, Bhavaraju VM

Orbit, 2011 Mar;30(2):105-7.
PMID: 21322793 DOI: 10.3109/01676830.2010.546553

To describe a rare case of soft tissue plasmacytoma of the orbit presenting with proptosis.
The effect of a clinical posting in psychiatry on the attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry and mental illness in a Malaysian medical school

Reddy JP, Tan SM, Azmi MT, Shaharom MH, Rosdinom R, Maniam T, et al.

Ann Acad Med Singap, 2005 Sep;34(8):505-10.
PMID: 16205829

INTRODUCTION: The stigma attached to mental illness and the mentally ill is a universal phenomenon and a major barrier to the provision of mental health services. Stigmatising attitudes among doctors themselves can result in compromised patient care. The aim of this research project is to study the impact of a clinical posting in psychiatry on the attitudes of medical students to mental illness and to psychiatry. This paper reports the results of the first phase of a longitudinal study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 122 year 4 medical students responded to this study. The Attitudes Towards Mental Illness (AMI) and Attitudes Towards Psychiatry (ATP) questionnaires were administered before and after an 8-week attachment in psychiatry.
RESULTS: We found that students had somewhat favourable attitudes towards psychiatry and mental illness at the start of their attachment, with a mean score of 108.34 on ATP (neutral score, 90) and 68.24 on AMI (neutral score, 60). There was a significant increase in the mean scores of both scales following the psychiatric attachment for female students (ATP: P = 0.003; AMI: P <0.0005), but not male students (ATP: P = 0.435; AMI: P = 0.283).
CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week clinical posting of fourth-year medical students in psychiatry was associated with an increase in positive attitudes to mental illness and to psychiatry among female students but not among male students.
Fulltext Successful revascularisation of near total amputation of the upper limb after ten hours of warm ischaemia

Merican AM, Kwan MK, Cheok CY, Wong ELW, Sara TA

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jun;60(2):218-21.
PMID: 16114164

Near total amputation of the upper limb if unsalvageable would cause severe disability. However, delayed revascularisation can be life threatening. We report two cases of revascularisation of the upper limb following near total amputation that was successful and functional after a warm ischaemic time of ten hours. The first was a traction avulsion injury of the arm leaving major nerves contused but in continuity. The second was a sharp injury through the mid-forearm attached by only a bridge of skin. Attempting revascularisation of a proximal injury beyond 6 hours, in selected cases is worthwhile.
Fulltext Antibodies in systemic lupus antineutrophil cytoplasmic erythematosus: prevalence, disease activity correlations and organ system associations

Fauzi AR, Kong NCT, Chua MK, Jeyabalan V, Idris MN, Azizah R

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Aug;59(3):372-7.
PMID: 15727383

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a disease with multiorgan involvement and multiple autoantibody production including antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Despite its reported prevalence in more than one third of SLE patients, the role of ANCA in the pathogenesis or otherwise in SLE remains unresolved. 131 SLE patients had been previously studied for various serologic parameters of disease activity. Their cumulative organ involvement in the course of their disease had also been determined and the Lupus Activity Index (LAI) calculated. Their stored sera were then screened for the presence of ANCA by two methods viz Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and also enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ANCA was present in 24.8% of these SLE patients. The atypical ANCA pattern was predominant and accounted for an overall of 20.6%. Anti-MPO and anti-PR3 were detected in 1.5% of patients respectively. No association was found between ANCA positivity and disease activity. There was also no association of ANCA with specific organ involvement. Despite the high prevalence of ANCA especially the atypical variant in SLE, they probably represent only one of the wide repertoire of autoantibodies found in this disease. Routine testing for ANCA in lupus patients is therefore not recommended.
Fulltext Laboratory acute flaccid paralysis surveillance in Malaysia: a decade of commitment to the WHO global polio eradication initiative

Saraswathy TS, Khairullah NS, Sinniah M, Fauziah MK, Apandi MY, Shamsuddin M

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2004 Jun;35(2):421-4.
PMID: 15691149

The Institute for Medical Research, Malaysia, was designated the National Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis Eradication (NRLPE) in 1992. Since then, our Polio Laboratory has collaborated actively with the Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia and WHO towards achieving polio eradication. Since 1992, the NRLPE has investigated 1,063 stool specimens from 641 acute flaccidparalysis (AFP) cases. One hundred and one enteroviruses were isolated from these specimens. Positive cell cultures were confirmed by microneutralization assay using standard WHO antisera. All enterovirus isolates were sent to the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia, for further identification and poliovirus intratypic differentiation. Thirty-one out of these 101 virus isolates (30%) were polioviruses (PV) and the remaining 70 (70%) were non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV) which included coxsackie B viruses, echoviruses and enterovirus 71. Three of the poliovirus isolates were wild-type polioviruses isolated in 1992 which were the last wild-type polioviruses isolated in Malaysia. The rest were vaccine-related Sabin-like strains. Monthly reports of the virological investigation of AFP cases are sent to WHO and to the MOH, AFP control committee. The NRLPE continues to play an integral role in AFP surveillance and is committed to the WHO's goal of global polio eradication by the year 2005.
Fulltext The assessment of immediate post-operative scoliosis correction using pedicle screw system by utilising the fulcrum bending technique

Chan CY, Kwan MK, Saravanan S, Saw LB, Deepak AS

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Mar;62(1):33-5.
PMID: 17682567 MyJurnal

Assessment of the curve flexibility is a crucial step in a surgeon's pre-operative planning for scoliosis surgery. Many techniques have been described. These include traction films, supine side bending films, push prone techniques, traction under general anaesthesia as well as fulcrum bending film. In this study, we studied the pre- and immediate post-operative radiographs of twenty eight adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients who were corrected using pedicle screw systems between January 2004 and August 2006. There were twenty two females and six male patients. The mean age of the patients were 17.5 years with a range of 12 to 38 years. Skeletal maturity of the patients was assessed by Risser's score. The majority was Risser 4 (15 cases, 53.6%). Based on King and Moe's classification, the most common curve was type 3 curve (15 cases, 53.6%). Among the twenty eight patients, twenty three patients underwent only posterior correction, while 5 patients underwent additional anterior release surgery. The mean pre-operative Cobb's angle for the posterior surgery group was 65.5 +/- 13.9 degrees and the mean post-operative Cobb's angle was 32.9 +/- 12.6 degrees. There was no difference between the mean correction estimated by fulcrum bending films (Fulcrum Flexibility) and the post- operative Correction Rate figures (44.2% vs. 49.9%). The mean Fulcrum Bending Correction Index (FBCI) in this group of patients is 112.8%. In the group of patients who underwent additional anterior release, their curves were noted to be larger and less flexible with the mean pre-operative Cobb's angle and Fulcrum Flexibility of 90.4 degrees +/- 9.3 degrees and 23.4% respectively. The Fulcrum Bending Correction Index (FBCI) for this group of patients was significantly higher than the posterior surgery group: i.e. 164.0% vs 112.8%. Thus, anterior release does help to improve the correction significantly. The fulcrum bending films give good pre-operative estimation of the amount of correction to be expected post-operatively. The fulcrum bending films can help to identify the curve types which might require anterior release in order to improve the scoliosis correction. Using the Fulcrum Bending Correction Index (FBCI) will also enable surgeons to quantify more accurately the amount of correction achieved by taking into account the inherent flexibility of the spine.
Fulltext Human soluble CD39 displays substrate inhibition in a substrate-specific manner

Vadlamani VMK, Gunasinghe KKJ, Chee XW, Rahman T, Harper MT

Sci Rep, 2023 Jun 02;13(1):8958.
PMID: 37268726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36257-3

CD39 (ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1; ENTPD1) metabolizes extracellular ATP and ADP to AMP. AMP is subsequently metabolized by CD79 to adenosine. CD39 activity is therefore a key regulator of purinergic signalling in cancer, thrombosis, and autoimmune diseases. In this study we demonstrate that soluble, recombinant CD39 shows substrate inhibition with ADP or ATP as the substrate. Although CD39 activity initially increased with increasing substrate concentration, at high concentrations of ATP or ADP, CD39 activity was markedly reduced. Although the reaction product, AMP, inhibits CD39 activity, insufficient AMP was generated under our conditions to account for the substrate inhibition seen. In contrast, inhibition was not seen with UDP or UTP as substrates. 2-methylthio-ADP also showed no substrate inhibition, indicating the nucleotide base is an important determinant of substrate inhibition. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that ADP can undergo conformational rearrangements within the CD39 active site that were not seen with UDP or 2-methylthio-ADP. Appreciating the existence of substrate inhibition of CD39 will help the interpretation of studies of CD39 activity, including investigations into drugs that modulate CD39 activity.
QSAR classification model for diverse series of antifungal agents based on binary coyote optimization algorithm

Al-Fakih AM, Qasim MK, Algamal ZY, Alharthi AM, Zainal-Abidin MH

SAR QSAR Environ Res, 2023 Apr;34(4):285-298.
PMID: 37157994 DOI: 10.1080/1062936X.2023.2208374

One of the recently developed metaheuristic algorithms, the coyote optimization algorithm (COA), has shown to perform better in a number of difficult optimization tasks. The binary form, BCOA, is used in this study as a solution to the descriptor selection issue in classifying diverse antifungal series. Z-shape transfer functions (ZTF) are evaluated to verify their efficiency in improving BCOA performance in QSAR classification based on classification accuracy (CA), the geometric mean of sensitivity and specificity (G-mean), and the area under the curve (AUC). The Kruskal-Wallis test is also applied to show the statistical differences between the functions. The efficacy of the best suggested transfer function, ZTF4, is further assessed by comparing it to the most recent binary algorithms. The results prove that ZTF, especially ZTF4, significantly improves the performance of the original BCOA. The ZTF4 function yields the best CA and G-mean of 99.03% and 0.992%, respectively. It shows the fastest convergence behaviour compared to other binary algorithms. It takes the fewest iterations to reach high classification performance and selects the fewest descriptors. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate the ability of the ZTF4-based BCOA to find the smallest subset of descriptors while maintaining the best classification accuracy performance.
Post-mortem pulmonary tuberculosis: comparison of available diagnostic methods

Chainchel Singh MK, Johari B, Naik VR, Lai PS, Siew SF

Trop Biomed, 2023 Jun 01;40(2):165-169.
PMID: 37650402 DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.2.006

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a serious public health threat with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting 5.8 million cases and 1.3 million deaths in the year 2020 due to TB. TB can be diagnosed by imaging, histopathological and bacteriological methods with culture remaining the gold standard. This study was performed to look at the sensitivity and specificity of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) imaging when compared to culture in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. This was a retrospective comparative study looking at post mortem cases where lung tissue samples sent for TB culture at Hospital Kuala Lumpur were compared against PMCT imaging. Exclusion criteria included contaminated samples, decomposed cases, immunocompromised subjects and those below 18 years of age. Subjects included 80 medico-legal autopsy cases at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia who had whole body PMCT done in accordance with the Institute's protocol and tissue samples sent for bacteriology culture for tuberculosis. PMCT findings were positively associated with acid-fast organisms in 23.5 out of 33 cases (71.2%). Our study also showed that PMCT had a sensitivity of 71.3% and specificity of 54.3% (95% CI: 39.5-68.4) in diagnosing TB based on the protocol set in this study. This study showed that there was relatively good agreement between radiological PMCT findings and bacterial culture, suggesting that radiological examination is a relatively reliable tool for preliminary screening and possible diagnosis of TB prior to a postmortem examination which would be beneficial in reducing the risk of transmission of TB to health workers during autopsy.
Quantitative structure-property relationship modelling for predicting retention indices of essential oils based on an improved horse herd optimization algorithm

Alharthi AM, Kadir DH, Al-Fakih AM, Algamal ZY, Al-Thanoon NA, Qasim MK

SAR QSAR Environ Res, 2023;34(10):831-846.
PMID: 37885432 DOI: 10.1080/1062936X.2023.2261855

The horse herd optimization algorithm (HOA), one of the more contemporary metaheuristic algorithms, has demonstrated superior performance in a number of challenging optimization tasks. In the present work, the descriptor selection issue is resolved by classifying different essential oil retention indices using the binary form, BHOA. Based on internal and external prediction criteria, Z-shape transfer functions (ZTF) were tested to verify their efficiency in improving BHOA performance in QSPR modelling for predicting retention indices of essential oils. The evaluation criteria involved the mean-squared error of the training and testing datasets (MSE), and leave-one-out internal and external validation (Q2). The degree of convergence of the proposed Z-shaped transfer functions was compared. In addition, K-fold cross validation with k = 5 was applied. The results show that ZTF, especially ZTF1, greatly improves the performance of the original BHOA. Comparatively speaking, ZTF, especially ZTF1, exhibits the fastest convergence behaviour of the binary algorithms. It chooses the fewest descriptors and requires the fewest iterations to achieve excellent prediction performance.
First observation of Afromorgus chinensis (boheman, 1858) (Coleoptera: Trogidae) on a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L., 1758) carcass and its implications in forensic entomology

Singh S, Yong SK, Rahimi R, Singh MKC, Low VL, Pittino R, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2023 Sep 01;40(3):370-374.
PMID: 37897172 DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.3.015

Beetles (Coleoptera) are known to constitute forensic evidence in medico-legal investigations as their presence can be used to date human remains in almost all decomposition stages. Many forensic studies focus on the successional colonization pattern of flies (Diptera); however, beetles have not so far been studied extensively for this aspect. A beetle of the genus Afromorgus Scholtz, 1986, A. chinensis (Boheman, 1858) (Scarabaeoidea: Trogidae), was found beneath a late decaying rabbit carcass at Paya Indah Wetland, Dengkil, Malaysia, for the first time. Both genus and species are already known to occur in Malaysia from literature.
Fulltext A new classification system of trifid mandibular canal derived from Malaysian population

Al-Siweedi SYA, Ngeow WC, Nambiar P, Abu-Hassan MI, Ahmad R, Asif MK, et al.

Folia Morphol (Warsz), 2023;82(2):315-324.
PMID: 35285511 DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2022.0024

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify and classify the anatomic variation of mandibular canal among Malaysians of three ethnicities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The courses of the mandibular canal in 202 cone-beam computed tomography scanned images of healthy Malaysians were evaluated, and trifid mandibular canal (TMC) when present, were recorded and studied in detail by categorizing them to a new classification (comprising of 12 types). The diameter and length of canals were also measured, and their shape determined.
RESULTS: Trifid mandibular canals were observed in 12 (5.9%) subjects or 16 (4.0%) hemi-mandibles. There were 10 obvious categories out the 12 types of TMCs listed. All TMCs (except one) were observed in patients older than 30 years. The prevalence according to ethnicity was 6 in Malays, 5 in Chinese and 1 in Indian. Four (33.3%) patients had bilateral TMCs, which was not seen in the Indian subject. More than half (56.3%) of the accessory canals were located above the main mandibular canal. Their mean diameter was 1.32 mm and 1.26 mm for the first and second accessory canal, and the corresponding lengths were 20.42 mm and 21.60 mm, respectively. Most (62.5%) canals had irregularly shaped lumen; there were more irregularly shaped canals in the second accessory canal than the first branch. None of the second accessory canal was oval (in shape).
CONCLUSIONS: This new classification can be applied for the variations in the branching pattern, length and shape of TMCs for better clinical description.
Fulltext Concomitant Ulnar Styloid Fractures in Distal Radius Osteosynthesis Does Not Impact Radiographic Outcomes, Ulnar Sided Symptoms and Patient Outcomes

Wong KC, Wu M, Zai Q, Wong MK, Howe TS, Koh S, et al.

Malays Orthop J, 2023 Mar;17(1):142-148.
PMID: 37064641 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2303.017

INTRODUCTION: Current literature reports varied significance of ulnar styloid fractures (USF) associated with distal radius fractures. Our study assesses the role of ulnar styloid fractures and fragment size in surgically managed distal radius fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent surgical fixation of distal radius fractures between January 2004 to June 2006. Patients were divided into those with (Group 1) and without (Group 0) USFs. Post-operative radiographic parameters, clinical outcomes and overall wrist function were analysed. Outcomes included ulnar-sided wrist pain, extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendinitis, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) grind test, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and pain. Overall wrist function was assessed with range of motion and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.
RESULTS: Our study cohort included 31 males and 23 females, and 38.9% of these patients had concomitant USFs. There was no difference in terms of demographic data and fracture configuration between groups. Radiographic parameters were similar, except for palmar tilt, which was significantly higher in Group 1 (4.6º vs 9.4º, p=0.047). At 24 months, there were no differences in clinical outcomes and overall wrist function. A sub-group analysis showed that mean USF fragment size was larger in patients with a positive TFCC grind test (3.9mm vs 7.3mm, p=0.033).
CONCLUSION: The presence of USFs in surgically managed distal radius fractures does not compromise clinical and functional outcome. Similarly, the size of USFs does not impact clinical and functional outcome but is associated with the presence of a positive TFCC grind test.
An Update on Parkinson's Disease and its Neurodegenerative Counterparts

Adam H, Gopinath SCB, Md Arshad MK, Tijjani A, Subramaniam S, Hashim U

Curr Med Chem, 2023 Apr 03.
PMID: 37016529 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230403085733

INTRODUCTION: Neurodegenerative disorders are a group of diseases that cause nerve cell degeneration in the brain, resulting in a variety of symptoms and are not treatable with drugs. Parkinson's disease (PD), prion disease, motor neuron disease (MND), Huntington's disease (HD), spinal cerebral dyskinesia (SCA), spinal muscle atrophy (SMA), multiple system atrophy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) (ALS), pantothenate kinase-related neurodegeneration, and TDP-43 protein disorder are examples of neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia is caused by the loss of brain and spinal cord nerve cells in neurodegenerative diseases.
BACKGROUND: Even though environmental and genetic predispositions have also been involved in the process, redox metal abuse plays a crucial role in neurodegeneration since the preponderance of symptoms originates from abnormal metal metabolism.
METHOD: Hence, this review investigates several neurodegenerative diseases that may occur symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease to understand the differences and similarities between Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders based on reviewing previously published papers.
RESULTS: Based on the findings, the aggregation of alpha-synuclein occurs in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Other neurodegenerative diseases occur with different protein aggregation or mutations.
CONCLUSION: We can conclude that Parkinson's disease, Multiple system atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy bodies are closely related. Therefore, researchers must distinguish among the three diseases to avoid misdiagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy and Dementia with Lewy bodies with Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Panoramic radiography in evaluating the relationship of mandibular canal and impacted third molars in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography

Ishak MH, Zhun OC, Shaari R, Rahman SA, Hasan MN, Alam MK

Mymensingh Med J, 2014 Oct;23(4):781-6.
PMID: 25481601

This study evaluated the validity of panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the assessment of mandibular canal and impacted third molar. In this descriptive-analytical study, 58 mandibular third molars from 42 patients who showed a close relationship between impacted third molar and canal on panoramic radiographs were selected. They were then classified into seven radiographic markers in panoramic radiographs (superimposition, darkening of the root, interruption of the white lines, root narrowing, canal diversion, canal narrowing, and also closed distance in OPG <1mm). The groups of markers were further assessed with CBCT to see presence or absence of contact. The three most common markers seen in panoramic images are superimposition, interruption of white line and root darkening. In CBCT, superimposition marker always presented higher frequency of contact with canal compared to non-contact group. There are 31% of teeth presented with interruption of white lines and there are 29.3% of teeth presented with superimposition. About 55.6% and 35.3% of the impacted mandibular third molars which indicated interruption of white lines and superimposition also indicated contact in the CBCT respectively. Presence or absence of radiological sign in panoramic radiography was not properly predict a close relationship with third molar and it is suggested that in case of tooth-canal overlapping, the patient should be referred for CBCT assessment.
Fulltext Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Alicezah MK, Razali R, Rahman T, Hoh BP, Suhana NH, Muid S, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2014 Aug;36(2):131-7.
PMID: 25194536 MyJurnal

We report a rare case of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), a 22-year-old Malay woman who presented initially with minor soft tissue injury due to a cycling accident. She was then incidentally found to have severe xanthelasma and hypercholesterolemia (serum TC 15.3 mmol/L and LDL-C 13.9 mmol/L). She was referred to the Specialized Lipid Clinic and was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) based on the Simon Broome (SB) diagnostic criteria. There was a family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) in that three siblings had sudden cardiac death, and of consanguineous marriage in that her parents are cousins. DNA screening of LDLR and APOB genes was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), followed by Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (DHPLC). Homozygous mutation C255S in Exon 5 of her LDLR gene was found. There was no mutation was found in Exon 26 and Exon 29 of the APOB gene. This report is to emphasize the importance of identifying patients with FH and cascade screening through established diagnostic criteria and genetic studies in order to ensure early detection and early treatment intervention to minimize the risk of developing CHD and related complications.

Filters

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

External Links