MyMedR

Displaying publications 421 - 440 of 663 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Inference of the Genetic Polymorphisms of CYP2D6 in Six Subtribes of the Malaysian Orang Asli from Whole-Genome Sequencing Data

Yu CY, Ang GY, Subramaniam V, Johari James R, Ahmad A, Abdul Rahman T, et al.

Genet Test Mol Biomarkers, 2017 Jul;21(7):409-415.
PMID: 28525288 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2016.0235

AIMS: CYP2D6 is one of the major enzymes in the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system. It metabolizes ∼25% of prescribed drugs and hence, the genetic diversity of a CYP2D6 gene has continued to be of great interest to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study was designed to perform a systematic analysis of the CYP2D6 gene in six subtribes of the Malaysian Orang Asli.
METHODS: Genomic DNAs were extracted from the blood samples followed by whole-genome sequencing. The reads were aligned to the reference human genome hg19 and variants in the CYP2D6 gene were analyzed. CYP2D6*5 and duplication of CYP2D6 were analyzed using previously established methods.
RESULTS: A total of 72 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified. CYP2D6*1, *2, *4, *5, *10,*41, and duplication of the gene were found in the Orang Asli, whereby CYP2D6*2 and *41 alleles are reported for the first time in the Malaysian population.
CONCLUSION: The findings in this study provide insights into the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 in the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia.
Development of highly-reproducible hydrogel based bioink for regeneration of skin-tissues via 3-D bioprinting technology

Ullah F, Javed F, Mushtaq I, Rahman LU, Ahmed N, Din IU, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jan 05;230:123131.
PMID: 36610570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.123131

3-D Bioprinting is employed as a novel approach in biofabrication to promote skin regeneration following chronic-wounds and injury. A novel bioink composed of carbohydrazide crosslinked {polyethylene oxide-co- Chitosan-co- poly(methylmethacrylic-acid)} (PEO-CS-PMMA) laden with Nicotinamide and human dermal fibroblast was successfully synthesized via Free radical-copolymerization at 73 °C. The developed bioink was characterized in term of swelling, structural-confirmation by solid state 13C-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), morphology, thermal, 3-D Bioprinting via extrusion, rheological and interaction with DNA respectively. The predominant rate of gelation was attributed to the electrostatic interactions between cationic CS and anionic PMMA pendant groups. The morphology of developed bioink presented a porous architecture satisfying the cell and growth-factor viability across the barrier. The thermal analysis revealed two-step degradation with 85 % weight loss in term of decomposition and molecular changes in the bioink moieties By applying low pressure in the range of 25-50 kPa, the optimum reproducibility and printability were determined at 37 °C in the viscosity range of 500-550 Pa. s. A higher survival rate of 92 % was observed for (PEO-CS-PMMA) in comparison to 67 % for pure chitosan built bioink. A binding constant of K ≈ 1.8 × 106 M-1 recognized a thermodynamically stable interaction of (PEO-CS-PMMA) with the Salmon-DNA. Further, the addition of PEO (5.0 %) was addressed with better self-healing and printability to produce skin-tissue constructs to replace the infected skin in human.
Classification, processing, and applications of bioink and 3D bioprinting: A detailed review

Raees S, Ullah F, Javed F, Akil HM, Jadoon Khan M, Safdar M, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Mar 31;232:123476.
PMID: 36731696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123476

With the advancement in 3D bioprinting technology, cell culture methods can design 3D environments which are both, complex and physiologically relevant. The main component in 3D bioprinting, bioink, can be split into various categories depending on the criterion of categorization. Although the choice of bioink and bioprinting process will vary greatly depending on the application, general features such as material properties, biological interaction, gelation, and viscosity are always important to consider. The foundation of 3D bioprinting is the exact layer-by-layer implantation of biological elements, biochemicals, and living cells with the spatial control of the implantation of functional elements onto the biofabricated 3D structure. Three basic strategies underlie the 3D bioprinting process: autonomous self-assembly, micro tissue building blocks, and biomimicry or biomimetics. Tissue engineering can benefit from 3D bioprinting in many ways, but there are still numerous obstacles to overcome before functional tissues can be produced and used in clinical settings. A better comprehension of the physiological characteristics of bioink materials and a higher level of ability to reproduce the intricate biologically mimicked and physiologically relevant 3D structures would be a significant improvement for 3D bioprinting to overcome the limitations.
Fulltext Determination and risk assessment of pharmaceutical residues in the urban water cycle in Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Mohd Hanafiah Z, Wan Mohtar WHM, Abd Manan TS, Bachi NA, Abu Tahrim N, Abd Hamid HH, et al.

PeerJ, 2023;11:e14719.
PMID: 36748091 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14719

The environmental fate of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the urban water cycle is still uncertain and their status is mainly assessed based on specific water components and information on human risk assessments. This study (a) explores the environmental fate of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, IBU; naproxen, NAP; ketoprofen, KET; diazepam, DIA; and diclofenac, DIC) in the urban water cycle, including wastewater, river, and treated water via gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GCMS), (b) assesses the efficiency of reducing the targeted NSAIDs in sewage treatment plant (STP) using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and (c) evaluates the ecological risk assessment of these drugs in the urban water cycle via teratogenic index (TI) and risk quotient (RQ). The primary receptor of contaminants comes from urban areas, as a high concentration of NSAIDs is detected (ranging from 5.87 × 103 to 7.18 × 104 ng/L). The percentage of NSAIDs removal in STP ranged from 25.6% to 92.3%. The NAP and KET were still detected at trace levels in treated water, indicating the persistent presence in the water cycle. The TI values for NAP and DIA (influent and effluent) were more than 1, showing a risk of a teratogenic effect. The IBU, KET, and DIC had values of less than 1, indicating the risk of lethal embryo effects. The NAP and DIA can be classified as Human Pregnancy Category C (2.1 > TI ≥ 0.76). This work proved that these drugs exist in the current urban water cycle, which could induce adverse effects on humans and the environment (RQ in high and low-risk categories). Therefore, they should be minimized, if not eliminated, from the primary sources of the pollutant (i.e., STPs). These pollutants should be considered a priority to be monitored, given focus to, and listed in the guideline due to their persistent presence in the urban water cycle.
Fulltext Novel GIS Based Machine Learning Algorithms for Shallow Landslide Susceptibility Mapping

Shirzadi A, Soliamani K, Habibnejhad M, Kavian A, Chapi K, Shahabi H, et al.

Sensors (Basel), 2018 Nov 05;18(11).
PMID: 30400627 DOI: 10.3390/s18113777

The main objective of this research was to introduce a novel machine learning algorithm of alternating decision tree (ADTree) based on the multiboost (MB), bagging (BA), rotation forest (RF) and random subspace (RS) ensemble algorithms under two scenarios of different sample sizes and raster resolutions for spatial prediction of shallow landslides around Bijar City, Kurdistan Province, Iran. The evaluation of modeling process was checked by some statistical measures and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results show that, for combination of sample sizes of 60%/40% and 70%/30% with a raster resolution of 10 m, the RS model, while, for 80%/20% and 90%/10% with a raster resolution of 20 m, the MB model obtained a high goodness-of-fit and prediction accuracy. The RS-ADTree and MB-ADTree ensemble models outperformed the ADTree model in two scenarios. Overall, MB-ADTree in sample size of 80%/20% with a resolution of 20 m (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.942) and sample size of 60%/40% with a resolution of 10 m (AUC = 0.845) had the highest and lowest prediction accuracy, respectively. The findings confirm that the newly proposed models are very promising alternative tools to assist planners and decision makers in the task of managing landslide prone areas.
Fulltext A systematic review protocol on small/kiddie cigarette packaging size and its impact on smoking

Mat Rifin H, Rodzlan Hasani WS, Ling MYJ, Robert Lourdes TG, Saminathan TA, Ab Majid NL, et al.

Syst Rev, 2020 01 13;9(1):13.
PMID: 31931868 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1263-6

BACKGROUND: Small/kiddie cigarette packs consist of less than 20 cigarette sticks. Kiddie packs were recently proposed to be reintroduced by the tobacco industry with an excuse to prevent consumers from buying illicit cigarettes. By reintroducing kiddie packs, cigarettes will inevitably be more affordable and this would appeal to lower-income consumers especially teens. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify the impact of kiddie packs on smoking, specifically on smoking initiation, the urge/tendency to buy cigarettes and attempts to reduce cigarette consumption.
METHODS: This systematic review will be based on the review of original articles on the impact of kiddie packs on smoking. There is no restriction on the publication dates. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus will be searched to retrieve potential original articles. Additional records identified through other sources: Google Scholar, as well as Journal of Substance Use and Tobacco Control, are also to be searched. These will include original articles in any language which included all study designs (randomised controlled trials, quasi experimental and experimental studies, observational cross-sectional and cohort studies) comparing kiddie packs with regular cigarette packs. The primary outcomes of interest will be initiation of smoking and urge/tendency to buy cigarettes in the general population and attempts to reduce cigarette consumption among current smokers. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of smoking using kiddie packs among the current smokers.
DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to support the impact of kiddie packs on smoking in terms of smoking initiation, smoking prevalence, urge/tendency to purchase cigarettes and attempts to reduce cigarette consumption. The findings from this review could be helpful to policymakers in regulating kiddie packs to control the consumption of tobacco.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018102325.
Design anticancer potential of Zn(II)isoleucinedithiocarbamate complex on MCF-7 cell lines: synthesis, characterization, molecular docking, molecular dynamic, ADMET, and in-vitro studies

Irfandi R, Raya I, Ahmad A, Fudholi A, Riswandi, Santi S, et al.

Mol Divers, 2023 Oct 27.
PMID: 37884781 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10747-y

Cisplatin is a cancer medication widely used today, but it still poses some problems due to its toxic properties in the body. To overcome this issue, a new complex has been developed as a potential anticancer drug prospect by minimizing its toxic consequences. A novel Zn(II)IleDTC complex containing isoleucine dithiocarbamate ligands has been produced and analyzed using a range of analytical and spectroscopic methods. The Zn(II) IleDTC complex were characterized using various methods, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, determination of melting point, conductivity, and HOMO-LUMO analysis. Furthermore, computational NMR spectrum analysis was conducted in this study. Molecular docking studies was conducted to evaluate the potential of Zn(II) isoleucine dithiocarbamate as an HIF1 inhibitor. The results showed that the Zn complex exhibited a good docking score of -6.6 and formed hydrogen bonds with ARG 17, VAL264, and GLU15, alkyl bonds with TRP27 and LEU32, and Pi-Alkyl bonds with PRO41 and ARG44. This suggests that the Zn(II) isoleucine dithiocarbamate complex could be a promising candidate for cancer treatment with potential HIF1 inhibition properties. To assess the dynamic stability and efficacy of protein-ligand interactions over time, molecular dynamics simulations was conducted for both individual proteins and protein complexes. The cytotoxicity evaluation of Zn(II) isoleucine dithiocarbamate against MCF-7 cells obtained an IC50 value of 362.70 µg/mL indicating moderate cytotoxicity and morphological changes of cancer cells causing cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. The Zn(II) isoleucine dithiocarbamate complex may have promising potential as an anticancer compound due to its significant inhibitory effect on the breast cancer cell line (MCF7). According to the ADMET study, the complex exhibits drug-like characteristics with low toxicity, further supporting its potential as a viable drug candidate.
Fulltext Role of Nanotechnology for Design and Development of Cosmeceutical: Application in Makeup and Skin Care

Aziz ZAA, Mohd-Nasir H, Ahmad A, Mohd Setapar SH, Peng WL, Chuo SC, et al.

Front Chem, 2019;7:739.
PMID: 31799232 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00739

Nanotechnology is an innovative area of science that includes the design, characterization, production, and application of materials, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanometer scale (1-100 nm). Nanotechnology incorporation in cosmetic formulation is considered as the hottest and emerging technology available. Cosmetic manufacturers use nanoscale size ingredients to provide better UV protection, deeper skin penetration, long-lasting effects, increased color, finish quality, and many more. Micellar nanoparticles is one of the latest field applied in cosmetic products that becoming trending and widely commercialized in local and international markets. The ability of nanoemulsion system to form small micellar nanoparticles size with high surface area allowing to effectiveness of bioactive component transport onto the skin. Oil in water nanoemulsion is playing a major role as effective formulation in cosmetics such as make-up remover, facial cleanser, anti-aging lotion, sun-screens, and other water-based cosmetic formulations. The objective of this review is to critically discuss the properties, advantageous, and mechanism of micellar nanoparticles formation in nanoemulsion system. Therefore, present article introduce and discuss the specific benefits of nanoemulsion system in forming micellar nanoparticles for cosmetic formulation which become major factors for further development of micellar-based cosmetic segments.
Fulltext Enrichment of Eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion by micellar nanotechnology: transdermal analgesic activity using hot plate test in rats' assay

Aziz ZAA, Nasir HM, Ahmad A, Setapar SHM, Ahmad H, Noor MHM, et al.

Sci Rep, 2019 Sep 23;9(1):13678.
PMID: 31548590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50134-y

Eucalyptus globulus is an aromatic medicinal plant which known for its 1,8-cineole main pharmacological constituent exhibits as natural analgesic agent. Eucalyptus globulus-loaded micellar nanoparticle was developed via spontaneous emulsification technique and further evaluation for its analgesic efficacy study, in vivo analgesic activity assay in rats. The nanoemulsion system containing Eucalyptus-micelles was optimized at different surfactant types (Tween 40, 60 and 80) and concentrations (3.0, 6.0, 9.0, 12.0, 15.0, and 18.0 wt. %). These formulations were characterized by thermodynamically stability, viscosity, micelles particle size, pH, and morphology structure. The spontaneous emulsification technique offered a greener micelles formation in nanoemulsion system by slowly titrated of organic phase, containing Eucalyptus globulus (active compound), grape seed oil (carrier oil) and hydrophilic surfactant into aqueous phase, and continuously stirred for 30 min to form a homogeneity solution. The characterizations evaluation revealed an optimized formulation with Tween 40 surfactant type at 9.0 wt. % of surfactant concentration promoted the most thermodynamic stability, smaller micelles particle size (d = 17.13 ± 0.035 nm) formed with spherical shape morphological structure, and suitable in viscosity (≈2.3 cP) and pH value (6.57) for transdermal purpose. The in vivo analgesic activity assay of optimized emulsion showed that the transdermal administration of micellar nanoparticle of Eucalyptus globulus on fore and hind limb of rats, possessed the central and peripheral analgesic effects by prolonged the rats pain responses towards the heat stimulus after being put on top of hot plate (55 °C), with longest time responses, 40.75 s at 60 min after treatment administration. Thus, this study demonstrated that micellar nanoparticle of Eucalyptus globulus formed in nanoemulsion system could be promising as an efficient transdermal nanocarrier for the analgesic therapy alternative.
Fulltext LC-MS/MS-QTOF dataset of compounds detected in kelulut honey of the stingless bees, Heterotrigona itama and Tetrigona binghami from Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Ismail CMKH, Khong NMH, Ahmad A, Mokhtar KI, Lestari W, Mustafa Alahmad BE, et al.

Data Brief, 2023 Aug;49:109409.
PMID: 37520655 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109409

Honey is a sustainable nutritious substance which has been incorporated into the human diet since ancient times for its health and remedial benefits. Stingless bee honey or kelulut honey (KH) is well-known in Malaysia and has received high demand in the market due to its distinctive unique flavour. Its composition, colour, and flavour are majorly affected by the geographical location, floral source, climate, as well as the bee species. This data article presents the nontargeted metabolite profiling of the extracts of KH of Heterotrigona itama and Tetrigona binghami bee species. The KH was collected from three nests in Kuantan, Pahang, which is situated in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The extracts were prepared using sugaring-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SULLE) method and the Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight, operated in the negative ion mode, was used to identify compounds in the extracts. The data processing revealed the presence of 35 known compounds in the KH1 extract by Heterotrigona itama collected from Bukit Kuin, 38 compounds in the KH2 extract by H. itama collected from Indera Mahkota, whilst 50 known compounds were present in KH3 extract by Tetrigona binghami species from Indera Mahkota. This data article contains the m/z values, retention times, and the METLIN database search hit identities of the compounds and their respective classes.
Fulltext Body weight status of school adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia: a population baseline study

Ahmad A, Zulaily N, Abdul Manan NS, Shahril MR, Syed Saadun Tarek Wafa SW, Mohd Amin R, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2017 01 05;17(1):9.
PMID: 28056904 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3911-2

BACKGROUND: Body weight is highly associated with overall health status. Being severely thin or obese may impose the risk of many health problems. Early detection of body mass index (BMI) status may help to reduce the associated comorbidities. Although many studies in the literature have investigated the BMI of school adolescents in Malaysia, the data on status of body weight among school adolescents in suburban states like Terengganu is limited. This study aimed to describe the body weight status of the whole population of school adolescents in all seven districts in Terengganu, Malaysia.
METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, body weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated and classified using WHO BMI-for-age Z-score. Data was obtained using the National Fitness Standard (SEGAK) assessment, which was uploaded in a specific Health Monitoring System (HEMS).
RESULTS: From a total of 62,567 school adolescents, 50.7% were boys and 49.3% were girls. Girls had significantly higher BMI than boys in age groups of 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 years old. Among boys and girls, there were significant differences in mean BMI of school adolescents between rural and urban school locations in all age groups (p
Fulltext A review on introduced Cichla spp. and emerging concerns

Sastraprawira SM, Abd Razak IH, Shahimi S, Pati S, Edinur HA, John AB, et al.

Heliyon, 2020 Nov;6(11):e05370.
PMID: 33204875 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05370

Peacock bass (Cichla spp.) originates from the Neotropical environments of Brazil and Venezuela but, through trade and smuggling for aquarium keeping, sport fishing and aquaculture, it is now an emerging concern. Yet, less is known for Cichla spp. distribution and its ability to invade new environments. Aimed to communicate on Cichla spp. ecology, biology and introduction schemes from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and also National Centre for Biotechnology Information, this review also contains management strategies for invading fish species. While Cichla spp. can displace native fish populations, this concern is explained using ecological functions, physiological demands, direct and secondary invasion, disease tolerance and parasite spillover. Briefly, Cichla spp. has rapid embryogenesis (72 h) and matures in short periods (11-12 months), giving it an advantage to colonize new environments. With a large appetite, this true piscivore gains territorial control over water bodies by making it their feeding and nursery grounds. Perceived as an emerging concern after becoming introduced, seal-off or sport fishing were used to manage Cichla spp. but, this practice is not sustainable for the entire ecosystem. Hence, we recommend bottom-up management that involves community participation because they interact with the fish and have knowledge about their environment.
Fulltext NAC transcription factor family genes are differentially expressed in rice during infections with Rice dwarf virus, Rice black-streaked dwarf virus, Rice grassy stunt virus, Rice ragged stunt virus, and Rice transitory yellowing virus

Nuruzzaman M, Sharoni AM, Satoh K, Karim MR, Harikrishna JA, Shimizu T, et al.

Front Plant Sci, 2015;6:676.
PMID: 26442000 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00676

Expression levels of the NAC gene family were studied in rice infected with Rice dwarf virus (RDV), Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), Rice grassy stunt virus (RGSV), Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV), and Rice transitory yellowing virus (RTYV). Microarray analysis showed that 75 (68%) OsNAC genes were differentially regulated during infection with RDV, RBSDV, RGSV, and RRSV compared with the control. The number of OsNAC genes up-regulated was highest during RGSV infection, while the lowest number was found during RTYV infection. These phenomena correlate with the severity of the syndromes induced by the virus infections. Most of the genes in the NAC subgroups NAC22, SND, ONAC2, ANAC34, and ONAC3 were down-regulated for all virus infections. These OsNAC genes might be related to the health stage maintenance of the host plants. Interestingly, most of the genes in the subgroups TIP and SNAC were more highly expressed during RBSDV and RGSV infections. These results suggested that OsNAC genes might be related to the responses induced by the virus infection. All of the genes assigned to the TIP subgroups were highly expressed during RGSV infection when compared with the control. For RDV infection, the number of activated genes was greatest during infection with the S-strain, followed by the D84-strain and the O-strain, with seven OsNAC genes up-regulated during infection by all three strains. The Os12g03050 and Os11g05614 genes showed higher expression during infection with four of the five viruses, and Os11g03310, Os11g03370, and Os07g37920 genes showed high expression during at least three viral infections. We identified some duplicate genes that are classified as neofunctional and subfunctional according to their expression levels in different viral infections. A number of putative cis-elements were identified, which may help to clarify the function of these key genes in network pathways.
Fulltext The Incidence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Pahang State of Malaysia from 2012 to 2017

Ahmad A, Yassin WM, Rahman NAA, Leman WI, Rosla L, Paul M, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Feb;28(1):66-74.
PMID: 33679222 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.1.9

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the fifth most common cancer among Malaysians. While several studies have reported the trend of NPC in other states in Malaysia, no studies have reported the trend of NPC in Pahang state. This study was designed to report the number and distribution of newly diagnosed NPC cases in Pahang.
Methods: NPC cases that were diagnosed between 2012 and 2017 in two referral hospitals in Pahang were traced. The crude incidence rate (CR) and age-standardised rate (ASR) were calculated to investigate the NPC incidence.
Results: There were 143 new cases of NPC reported from the two hospitals. The mean age at diagnosis was 52.0 ± 13.7 years old. The majority of cases involved males (74.1%) with a male to female ratio of 2.9:1. Chinese males were found to have the highest incidence with a mean ASR of 4.7 per 100,000 population. Overall, the mean ASR for Pahang was 2.4 per 100,000 population for males and 0.9 per 100,000 population for females.
Conclusion: The total number of NPC cases reveals an increasing trend from 2012 to 2014 and then a slightly decreasing trend from 2015 to 2017. The incidence of NPC in Pahang was intermediate in males and low in females.
Psychosocial risk factors and cognitive decline in people living with HIV: results from the Malaysian HIV and aging (MHIVA) study

Neelamegam M, Ahmad A, Chong ML, Wong PL, Zulhaimi NS, Cysique L, et al.

AIDS Care, 2024 Aug;36(8):1041-1049.
PMID: 37666210 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2254543

HIV-associated mortality has improved with the advent of antiretroviral therapy, yet neurocognitive decline persists. We assessed the association between psychosocial risk factors and cognitive function among Malaysian PLWH. Data of virally suppressed PLWH (n = 331) on stable ART, from the Malaysian HIV and Aging study was assessed. Psychosocial factors were assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (social isolation) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with normative standards for the Malaysian population was used to determine cognitive function. Linear and logistic regression were used to assess the associations between cognition, and psychosocial risk factors. Median age of participants was 43.8 years (IQR 37.7-51.0). Participants were predominantly male (82.8%), with secondary education or higher (85.2%). Participants were on ART for 5.7 years (IQR 3.0-9.7), with a mean MoCA score of 24.6 (±3.7). Social isolation was found in 34.6% of participants, and severe depression, severe stress, and severe anxiety in 10.6%, 15.4%, and 6.0% respectively. After adjusting for demographic, clinical, and HIV parameters, MoCA scores were significantly associated with severe stress (β = -0.11, p = 0.02) and having marginal friendship ties (β = -0.13, p = 0.03). Social isolation and severe stress are associated with neurocognitive impairment in PLWH.
Development and validation of the intention to use the ICD-11 questionnaire in the Malaysian medical records context

Ooi ECW, Md Isa Z, Abdul Manaf MR, Ahmad Fuad AS, Ahmad A, Mustapa MN, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(9):e0308403.
PMID: 39240890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308403

As health systems transition to ICD-11, it is essential to gauge the readiness and improve existing transition efforts. Assessing the intention to use ICD-11 and factors influencing it is imperative to encourage the use of ICD-11 among the medical record officers (MROs) and assistant medical record officers (AMROs). This study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire on the factors influencing the intention to use ICD-11 among MROs and AMROs in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. This study comprised a questionnaire development and validation involving 292 participants nationwide from Ministry of Health Malaysia facilities. The questionnaire was developed based on items adapted from the literature. Forward and backward English-Malay translation was done. Then, the questionnaire was examined for content validity, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, face validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity and confirmatory factor analyses. The final version of the questionnaire consists of eleven domains represented by 50 items. The content validity index and modified kappa were excellent for all domains. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin sampling adequacy value was appropriate, with a value of 0.790. The questionnaire also demonstrated good internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's alpha values between 0.850 and 0.992. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a reasonable fit for this eleven-factor model. In conclusion, this questionnaire provides a reliable tool for investigating the intention to use ICD-11 among MROs and AMROs. Positive findings from the psychometric properties support the validity of the questionnaire. This instrument can potentially support personnel in charge of ICD codification, guide the ICD-11 transition at various levels and facilitate research on support dynamics among the MROs and AMROs.
Pooled rates and demographics of POTS following SARS-CoV-2 infection versus COVID-19 vaccination: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Yong SJ, Halim A, Liu S, Halim M, Alshehri AA, Alshahrani MA, et al.

Auton Neurosci, 2023 Dec;250:103132.
PMID: 38000119 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2023.103132

PURPOSE: To address recent concerns of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) occurring after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination.
METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus as of 1st June 2023. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled POTS rate in SARS-CoV-2-infected and COVID-19-vaccinated groups from epidemiological studies, followed by subgroup analyses by characteristic. Meta-analysis of risk ratio was conducted to compare POTS rate in infected versus uninfected groups. Meta-analysis of demographics was also performed to compare cases of post-infection and post-vaccination POTS from case reports and series.
RESULTS: We estimated the pooled POTS rate of 107.75 (95 % CI: 9.73 to 273.52) and 3.94 (95 % CI: 0 to 16.39) cases per 10,000 (i.e., 1.08 % and 0.039 %) in infected and vaccinated individuals based on 5 and 2 studies, respectively. Meta-regression revealed age as a significant variable influencing 86.2 % variance of the pooled POTS rate in infected population (P
Fulltext Increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and insulin resistance among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia

Tuan Abdul Aziz TA, Teh LK, Md Idris MH, Bannur Z, Ashari LS, Ismail AI, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2016;16(1):284.
PMID: 27009064 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-2848-9

Despite the strategic development plan by the authorities for the Orang Asli, there are six subtribes of which their population numbers are small (less than 700). These minorities were not included in most of the health related studies published thus far. A comprehensive physiological and biomedical updates on these small subtribes in comparison to the larger subtribes and the urban Malay population is timely and important to help provide appropriate measures to prevent further reduction in the numbers of the Orang Asli.
Fulltext Impact of liver fat on the differential partitioning of hepatic triacylglycerol into VLDL subclasses on high and low sugar diets

Umpleby AM, Shojaee-Moradie F, Fielding B, Li X, Marino A, Alsini N, et al.

Clin Sci (Lond), 2017 Nov 01;131(21):2561-2573.
PMID: 28923880 DOI: 10.1042/CS20171208

Dietary sugars are linked to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and dyslipidaemia, but it is unknown if NAFLD itself influences the effects of sugars on plasma lipoproteins. To study this further, men with NAFLD (n = 11) and low liver fat 'controls' (n = 14) were fed two iso-energetic diets, high or low in sugars (26% or 6% total energy) for 12 weeks, in a randomised, cross-over design. Fasting plasma lipid and lipoprotein kinetics were measured after each diet by stable isotope trace-labelling.There were significant differences in the production and catabolic rates of VLDL subclasses between men with NAFLD and controls, in response to the high and low sugar diets. Men with NAFLD had higher plasma concentrations of VLDL1-triacylglycerol (TAG) after the high (P<0.02) and low sugar (P<0.0002) diets, a lower VLDL1-TAG fractional catabolic rate after the high sugar diet (P<0.01), and a higher VLDL1-TAG production rate after the low sugar diet (P<0.01), relative to controls. An effect of the high sugar diet, was to channel hepatic TAG into a higher production of VLDL1-TAG (P<0.02) in the controls, but in contrast, a higher production of VLDL2-TAG (P<0.05) in NAFLD. These dietary effects on VLDL subclass kinetics could be explained, in part, by differences in the contribution of fatty acids from intra-hepatic stores, and de novo lipogenesis. The present study provides new evidence that liver fat accumulation leads to a differential partitioning of hepatic TAG into large and small VLDL subclasses, in response to high and low intakes of sugars.
Fulltext Malaysian clinical practice guidelines for management of diabetic foot: A synopsis for the primary care physician

Tharumaraja T, Che-Ahmad A, Wong PF, Ahmad Hamid AH, Hasan MI, Bajuri MY, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):103-113.
PMID: 33948148 DOI: 10.51866/cpg0001

Diabetic foot requires careful attention and coordinated management by a dedicated team. Screening, prevention, adequate assessment, and appropriate referral are crucial to prevent complications. Multimodal treatment and rehabilitation are recommended to ensure a better quality of life and reduction of amputation rate in people with diabetic foot.

Filters

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

External Links