Displaying publications 381 - 400 of 691 in total

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  1. Dengue hemorrhagic fever in Malaysia: the 1973 epidemic
    Wallace HG, Lim TW, Rudnick A, Knudsen AB, Cheong WH, Chew V
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1980 Mar;11(1):1-13.
    PMID: 6105712
    The first major Malaysian epidemic of dengue hemorrhagic fever with severe manifestations occurred in 1973, with 969 reported cases and 54 deaths. In a detailed study of 138 clinically diagnosed and laboratory confirmed cases at the General Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, hemorrhagic manifestations were observed in 68.7% and shock in 18.1% of the patients. The cases occurred mainly from May to September, largely in urban and suburban areas of the majority of the states in the country. A main focus of infection was Jinjang, a heavily populated outlying district of Kuala Lumpur, where unusually high incidences of morbidity, severe disease and mortality were seen. Severe disease was seen mostly in children under the age of 15 years, although a significant number of adults suffered milder illnesses. The Chinese population was chiefly affected, due to their living in crowded, low-income housing where the vector, Aedes aegypti, occurred in the greatest numbers. All four dengue types were recovered during the epidemic period, although dengue 3 (DEN-3) was incriminated as the major epidemic type. Entomological data revealed high indices of A. aegypti throughout the country and left little doubt that this epidemic was aegypti transmitted. Spraying and fogging operations were carried out in attempts to control vector populations.
  2. Fulltext Relaxing music reduces blood pressure and heart rate among pre-hypertensive young adults: A randomized control trial
    Mir IA, Chowdhury M, Islam RM, Ling GY, Chowdhury AABM, Hasan ZM, et al.
    J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich), 2021 02;23(2):317-322.
    PMID: 33347732 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14126
    Prevalence of pre-hypertension is higher among young adults and may increase the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity. Music therapy has been investigated to reduce the blood pressure in the hypertensive population; however, its efficacy on blood pressure in pre-hypertensive young adults is not known. Thirty pre-hypertensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] = 120-139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] = 80-89 mmHg) young adults were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups. Music group (N = 15) received music therapy by passive listening to music for 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks, along with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan (a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy or unsaturated fat) and limit the daily sodium intake less than 100 mmol/day. The control group (N = 15) practiced only DASH eating plan and sodium restriction. The SBP, DBP, and heart rate (HR) were measured before and after 4 weeks of intervention. There was a significant reduction in SBP (8.73 mmHg, p 
  3. Caspases-3 and -7 are activated in goniothalamin-induced apoptosis in human Jurkat T-cells
    Inayat-Hussain SH, Osman AB, Din LB, Ali AM, Snowden RT, MacFarlane M, et al.
    FEBS Lett, 1999 Aug 13;456(3):379-83.
    PMID: 10462048
    Goniothalamin, a plant styrylpyrone derivative isolated from Goniothalamus andersonii, induced apoptosis in Jurkat T-cells as assessed by the externalisation of phosphatidylserine. Immunoblotting showed processing of caspases-3 and -7 with the appearance of their catalytically active large subunits of 17 and 19 kDa, respectively. Activation of these caspases was further evidenced by detection of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage (PARP). Pre-treatment with the caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp fluoromethyl ketone (Z-VAD.FMK) blocked apoptosis and the resultant cleavage of these caspases and PARP. Our results demonstrate that activation of at least two effector caspases is a key feature of goniothalamin-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T-cells.
  4. Fulltext Viral Pandemics of the Last Four Decades: Pathophysiology, Health Impacts and Perspectives
    Roychoudhury S, Das A, Sengupta P, Dutta S, Roychoudhury S, Choudhury AP, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 12 15;17(24).
    PMID: 33333995 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249411
    The twenty-first century has witnessed some of the deadliest viral pandemics with far-reaching consequences. These include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (1981), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) (2002), Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 (A/H1N1) (2009), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (2012) and Ebola virus (2013) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) (2019-present). Age- and gender-based characterizations suggest that SARS-CoV-2 resembles SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with regard tohigher fatality rates in males, and in the older population with comorbidities. The invasion-mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, involves binding of its spike protein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors; MERS-CoV utilizes dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), whereas H1N1 influenza is equipped with hemagglutinin protein. The viral infections-mediated immunomodulation, and progressive inflammatory state may affect the functions of several other organs. Although no effective commercial vaccine is available for any of the viruses, those against SARS-CoV-2 are being developed at an unprecedented speed. Until now, only Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine has received temporary authorization from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Given the frequent emergence of viral pandemics in the 21st century, proper understanding of their characteristics and modes of action are essential to address the immediate and long-term health consequences.
  5. The 1973 epidemic of dengue haemorrhagic fever in Malaysia: (a preliminary report)
    Lim TW, Wallace HG, Rudnick A, Cheong WH, Knudsen AB, Chew V
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1974 Sep;5(3):453-4.
    PMID: 4432105
  6. Drug-resistant tuberculosis in Malaysia: Prevalence, characteristics, and treatment outcomes
    Sidek MY, Kamarul Zaman MF, Nik Rosmawati NH, Zamzurina AB
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Nov;79(6):661-668.
    PMID: 39614782
    INTRODUCTION: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a serious global health threat, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. Malaysia has witnessed an increase in DRTB cases, necessitating research into trends and characteristics. This study aims to determine the prevalence and describe the characteristics and treatment outcomes of DR-TB cases in Malaysia from 2016 to 2020.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective record review was carried out, utilising secondary data obtained from the TB registry of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. All registered DR-TB cases between 2016 and 2020 that met the study criteria were analysed descriptively using SPSS software version 27.

    RESULTS: Of 443 cases of registered DR-TB over 5 years, 430 cases fulfilled the study criteria. The prevalence of DR-TB increased from 0.27 to 1.79 per 100,000 population between 2016 and 2020. The average age was 40.96 years, majority were males (70.7%), Malaysian (79.3%), with Malays comprising 50.2%. Most patients had up to secondary school education (51.9%), married (57.0%), employed (53.3%) and 34.9% were smokers. For clinical characteristics, 23.5% had diabetes, and 10.9% were HIVpositive. Retreatment cases accounted for half the total, and 83.9% had positive smear results. Minimal chest X-ray lesions were observed in 54.4% of cases. The majority (66.7%) received supervised treatment from healthcare providers after being diagnosed with DR-TB, and 37.4% had more than one anti-TB resistance. Favourable treatment outcomes were observed in 56.7% of cases, while 42.1% had unfavourable outcomes, mainly due to loss to follow-up (49.7%), death (42.6%) and treatment failure (7.7%).

    CONCLUSION: The rising cases of DR-TB call for comprehensive public health interventions and stakeholder commitment to reduce its occurrence and transmission. These findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers in strengthening DR-TB control and prevention strategies.

  7. Fulltext A second international cooperative investigation into tioacetazone side effects
    Miller AB, Nunn AJ, Robinson DK, Fox W, Somasundaram PR, Tall R
    Bull World Health Organ, 1972;47(2):211-27.
    PMID: 4118761
    As part of a large-scale international cooperative investigation into the side effects of thioacetazone-containing regimens in the treatment of tuberculosis, an evaluation has been made of the variation in the frequency of side effects between different countries and between different centres in the same country and of the likely reasons for this variation. In 3 countries patients of different racial origin were under observation in the same hospital. Over a 12-week period of treatment there was considerable variation between the countries and centres in the overall frequency of side effects and of those leading to a major departure from prescribed treatment, the variation being similar for the two thioacetazone-containing regimens and for the streptomycin plus isoniazid control regimen, though at a lower level for the latter. In Malaysia, Singapore, and Trinidad, where different racial groups were under treatment, there was no clear indication that race was an important factor in explaining the differences between countries, except for cutaneous side effects in Trinidad and possibly in Malaysia.It is concluded that the differences in the frequency of side effects to thioacetazone-containing regimens probably result from variation in the closeness of supervision of patients, in the recording and interpretation of side effects, and in environmental factors including the previous use of other medicaments or exposure to sensitizing substances.
  8. Fulltext Mitragyna speciosa Korth toxicity: Experimental findings and future prospects
    Begum T, Arzmi MH, Helal Uddin ABM, Khatib A, Abbas SA, Ahmed QU
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2024 Dec;19(6):1143-1156.
    PMID: 39802218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2024.12.002
    Mitragyna speciosa (Roxb.) Korth, locally known as kratom, is a traditional medicinal plant from Southeast Asia, with mitragynine as its principal alkaloid. Similar to other medicinal plants, kratom has side effects and toxicities, which have been documented in scientific studies and case reports. The mitragynine sale and possession of kratom are prohibited in Malaysia but legalized in Thailand. In the US, kratom is not lawfully marketed as a drug product, a dietary supplement, or a food additive in conventional food. Despite these restrictions, individuals continue to self-administer kratom to alleviate various health problems, often without a comprehensive understanding of the associated toxicities. Hence, the primary aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the toxicities associated with kratom, drawing from scientific studies, case reports, and other relevant sources. It also addresses the management of these toxicities, identifies gaps in existing studies, and discusses future perspectives. Therefore, a literature review search was conducted to gather essential information for this review. The in vitro studies focused on metabolizing enzymes, indirectly indicating kratom toxicity. By contrast, the in vivo results directly demonstrated kratom's toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Case studies, primarily from Western countries, involved both single and combination use of kratom. Thus, by shedding light on these aspects, we aim to enhance awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public. Additionally, identifying existing gaps can guide future scientific studies. Since prevention is better than cure, this review holistically presents information about the toxicities associated with the use of kratom leaves, serving anyone seeking to understand and prevent kratom-related toxicities.
  9. Transtibial prosthetic socket pistoning: static evaluation of Seal-In(®) X5 and Dermo(®) Liner using motion analysis system
    Gholizadeh H, Osman NA, Kamyab M, Eshraghi A, Abas WA, Azam MN
    Clin Biomech (Bristol), 2012 Jan;27(1):34-9.
    PMID: 21794965 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.07.004
    The method of attachment of prosthesis to the residual limb (suspension) and socket fitting is a critical issue in the process of providing an amputee with prosthesis. Different suspension methods try to minimize the pistoning movement inside the socket. The Seal-In(®) X5 and Dermo(®) Liner by Ossur are new suspension liners that intend to reduce pistoning between the socket and liner. Since the effects of these new liners on suspension are unclear, the objective of this study was to compare the pistoning effect of Seal-In(®) X5 and Dermo(®) Liner by using Vicon Motion System.
  10. BRCA1 c.2845insA is a founder mutation in Singaporean Malay women with early onset breast/ovarian cancer
    Sng JH, Ali AB, Lee SC, Zahar D, Wong JE, Cross G, et al.
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2003 Sep;32(5 Suppl):S53-5.
    PMID: 14968737
  11. Fulltext Iodine content in drinking water not an important determinant of endemic goitre
    Osman A, Khalida M, Azman AB, Jamil R, Tan TT, Wu LL, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1993 Sep;2(3):115-8.
    PMID: 24352141
    The prevalence of goitre was determined in several communities in rural parts of Pahang. Urine specimens were collected randomly among the participants. Drinking water from various sources such as river and spring, and water from gravity feed systems was also collected to determine the iodine content by using the ashing method. The results were compared to that of Kuala Lumpur City. lt was found that the prevalence of goitre in rural areas was between 20 and 70% depending on village, ethnic group, age and gender. The interior parts of the jungle where Aborigines lived was moderately endemic with goitre prevalence of goitre more than 20% and urinary iodine content 2.0-5.0 μg I/dl). A nearby Malay traditional village which was studied had mild endemia (prevalence 10-30% and urinary iodine content 5.0-10.0 μg I/dl) while a Felda Malay resettlement scheme and Kuala Lumpur City did not have endemic goitre. Endemic goitre in rural areas was associated with low iodine content in drinking water. Even though Kuala Lumpur had low iodine content in its drinking water there was no endemic goitre, indicating that other factors were more important.
  12. Fulltext Improvement in Quality of Life after Myomectomy
    Ehab Helmy Abdel Malek Fahmy, Constance Liew Sat Lin, Alvin Oliver Payus, Rhanye Mac Guad, May Zaw Soe, Satishratnam Nagaratnam, et al.
    Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(1):55-59.
    MyJurnal
    Dysmenorrhea is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain and menstrual disorder among women during childbearing age. The burden of dysmenorrhea is greater than any other gynaecological complaint. Some women have severe dysmenorrhea which renders them incapacitated for days each menstrual cycle requiring absence from study or duty, frequently requiring pain killer, restriction of daily performance, poor sleep, negative moods such as anxiety and depression. A 31-year-old female presented with severe dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) as a cause of multiple uterine fibroids, underwent surgeries to remove 100 fibroids from her uterus which has improved her quality of life, eliminating her dysmenorrhea and menstrual abnormalities
  13. Fulltext Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Optic Nerve Head Parameters in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patients
    Ngoo QZ, A NF, A B, Wh WH
    Korean J Ophthalmol, 2021 06;35(3):223-230.
    PMID: 34120421 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2020.0019
    PURPOSE: To study the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients and their relationship with severity of the disease.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study. Fifty-four OSA subjects and 54 controls were recruited. Candidate that fulfil the criteria with normal ocular examinations then proceed with spectrum domain Cirrus optical coherence tomography examinations. ONH parameters and RNFL thickness were evaluated. Apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of the OSA group were obtained from the medical record.

    RESULTS: In OSA, mean of average RNFL thickness was 93.87 µm, standard deviation (SD) = 9.17, p = 0.008 (p < 0.05) while superior RNFL thickness was 113.59 µm, SD = 16.29, p ≤ 0.001 (p < 0.05). RNFL thickness fairly correlate with severity of the disease (AHI), superior RNFL with R = 0.293, R2 = 0.087, p = 0.030 (p < 0.05), and nasal RNFL R = 0.292, R2 = 0.085, p = 0.032. No significant difference and correlation observed on ONH parameters. In control group, mean of average RNFL thickness was 98.96 µm, SD = 10.50, p = 0.008 (p < 0.05) while superior RNFL thickness was 125.76 µm, SD = 14.93, p ≤ 0.001 (p < 0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: The mean of the average and superior RNFL thickness were significantly lower in the OSA group compare to control. Regression analysis showed RNFL thickness having significantly linear relationship with the AHI, specifically involving the superior and nasal quadrant.

  14. Fulltext Identification of Peptide Inhibitors of Enveloped Viruses Using Support Vector Machine
    Xu Y, Yu S, Zou JW, Hu G, Rahman NA, Othman RB, et al.
    PLoS One, 2015;10(11):e0144171.
    PMID: 26636321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144171
    The peptides derived from envelope proteins have been shown to inhibit the protein-protein interactions in the virus membrane fusion process and thus have a great potential to be developed into effective antiviral therapies. There are three types of envelope proteins each exhibiting distinct structure folds. Although the exact fusion mechanism remains elusive, it was suggested that the three classes of viral fusion proteins share a similar mechanism of membrane fusion. The common mechanism of action makes it possible to correlate the properties of self-derived peptide inhibitors with their activities. Here we developed a support vector machine model using sequence-based statistical scores of self-derived peptide inhibitors as input features to correlate with their activities. The model displayed 92% prediction accuracy with the Matthew's correlation coefficient of 0.84, obviously superior to those using physicochemical properties and amino acid decomposition as input. The predictive support vector machine model for self- derived peptides of envelope proteins would be useful in development of antiviral peptide inhibitors targeting the virus fusion process.
  15. Investigation of putative arene-C-H···π(quasi-chelate ring) interactions in copper(I) crystal structures
    Yeo CI, Halim SN, Ng SW, Tan SL, Zukerman-Schpector J, Ferreira MA, et al.
    Chem Commun (Camb), 2014 Jun 7;50(45):5984-6.
    PMID: 24763907 DOI: 10.1039/c4cc02040e
    Evidence for C-H···π(CuCl···HNCS) interactions, i.e. C-H···π(quasi-chelate ring) where a six-membered quasi-chelate ring is closed by an N-H···Cl hydrogen bond, is presented based on crystal structure analyses of (Ph3P)2Cu[ROC(=S)N(H)Ph]Cl. Similar intramolecular interactions are identified in related literature structures. Calculations suggest that the energy of attraction provided by such interactions approximates 3.5 kcal mol(-1).
  16. Risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans and attempts in Malaysia--results of an epidemiological survey
    Maniam T, Marhani M, Firdaus M, Kadir AB, Mazni MJ, Azizul A, et al.
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S121-5.
    PMID: 24156873 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.08.004
    This is an epidemiological study to determine the prevalence of suicidal behavior and its association with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in a nationally representative sample.
  17. Fulltext Association of creatinine clearance with neutropenia in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC)
    Montoya JE, Luna HG, Morelos AB, Catedral MM, Lava AL, Amparo JR, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Apr;68(2):153-6.
    PMID: 23629563
    Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide protocol (FAC) is a commonly used regimen for breast cancer due to its proven efficacy, acceptable toxicity, high affordability. While hepatic insufficiency dosing for doxorubicin and fluorouracil have been set, there is paucity of data in the literature on how to reduce doses in renal insufficiency. We sought to determine whether there is an association with pre-chemotherapy creatinine clearance, and the occurrence of clinically significant grade 3 to 5 neutropenia during the course of FAC chemotherapy.
  18. Fulltext Rising from the dead!
    Low DW, Looi I, Manocha AB, Ang HA, Nagalingam M, Ayop NA, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Oct;67(5):538-9.
    PMID: 23770879 MyJurnal
    A report of a patient with Lazarus phenomenon (the return of spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation) following cardiac arrest (myocardium ischemia) is presented. A 65 year patient was found unconscious at home. He taken to the emergency department On arrival he was unconscious, his pupils fixed and dilated bilaterally. Resuscitation proceeded for 55 minutes. He was then pronounced dead. Forty minutes later spontaneous breathing was noted and his blood pressure was 110/48 and heart rate 90bpm. He survived a further 13 days in the coronary care unit. The implications for management of cardiac arrest in the emergency and medical department are discussed.
  19. Study on advanced life support devices in the ambulances for emergency cases in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Ismail MS, Hasinah AB, Syaiful MN, Murshidah HB, Thong TJ, Zairi Z, et al.
    Clin Ter, 2012;163(2):115-22.
    PMID: 22555825
    In an effort to improve pre-hospital care, the authors assessed the availability and utility of ambulance devices. The study aimed to identify commonly used devices for managing emergency cases in Klang Valley of Malaysia.
  20. In vitro anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of boesenbergin A, a chalcone isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) (fingerroot)
    Isa NM, Abdelwahab SI, Mohan S, Abdul AB, Sukari MA, Taha MM, et al.
    Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res., 2012 Jun;45(6):524-30.
    PMID: 22358425
    The current in vitro study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of boesenbergin A (BA), a chalcone derivative of known structure isolated from Boesenbergia rotunda. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), non-small cell lung cancer (A549), prostate adenocarcinoma (PC3), and normal hepatic cells (WRL-68) were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of BA using the MTT assay. The antioxidant activity of BA was assessed by the ORAC assay and compared to quercetin as a standard reference antioxidant. ORAC results are reported as the equivalent concentration of Trolox that produces the same level of antioxidant activity as the sample tested at 20 µg/mL. The toxic effect of BA on different cell types, reported as IC50, yielded 20.22 ± 3.15, 10.69 ± 2.64, 20.31 ± 1.34, 94.10 ± 1.19, and 9.324 ± 0.24 µg/mL for A549, PC3, HepG2, HT-29, and WRL-68, respectively. BA displayed considerable antioxidant activity, when the results of ORAC assay were reported as Trolox equivalents. BA (20 µg/mL) and quercetin (5 µg/mL) were equivalent to a Trolox concentration of 11.91 ± 0.23 and 160.32 ± 2.75 µM, respectively. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of BA was significant at 12.5 to 50 µM and without any significant cytotoxicity for the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 at 50 µM. The significant biological activities observed in this study indicated that BA may be one of the agents responsible for the reported biological activities of B. rotunda crude extract.
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