MyMedR

Fulltext Neuropsychological Consequences for Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor in Malaysia

Alias H, Lau SCD, Schuitema I, de Sonneville LMJ

Front Psychol, 2018;9:703.

PMID: 29896137 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00703

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate neuropsychological consequences in survivors of childhood brain tumor. Method: A case-control study was conducted over a period of 4 months in a tertiary referral center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Fourteen survivors of childhood brain tumor aged 7-18 years, who were off-treatment for at least 1 year and were in remission, and 31 unrelated healthy controls were recruited. The median age at diagnosis was 8.20 years (range: 0.92-12.96 years). The diagnoses of brain tumors were medulloblastoma, germ cell tumor, pineocytoma, pilocystic astrocytoma, suprasellar germinoma, and ependymoma. Eleven survivors received central nervous system irradiation. Seven tasks were selected from the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks program to evaluate alertness (processing speed), and major aspects of executive functioning, such as working memory capacity, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention. Speed, stability and accuracy of responses were the main outcome measures. Results: Survivors of childhood brain tumor showed statistically significant poorer performance on all tasks compared to healthy controls. Both processing speed and accuracy were impaired in the survivors, in particular under more complex task conditions. The survivors demonstrated deficits in alertness, sustained attention, working memory capacity, executive visuomotor control, and cognitive flexibility. Longer duration off treatment appeared to be correlated with poorer alertness, memory capacity, and inhibition. Conclusion: Survivors of childhood brain tumor in our center showed impaired neuropsychological functioning. Development of less toxic treatment protocols is important to prevent late effects of cognitive deficits in survivors of childhood brain tumor.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext Neuropsychological task outcomes among survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Malaysia

Alias H, Mohd Ranai N, Lau SCD, de Sonneville LMJ

Sci Rep, 2024 Apr 04;14(1):7915.

PMID: 38575744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58128-1

This study intended to explore the neuropsychological ramifications in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors in Malaysia and to examine treatment-related sequelae. A case-control study was conducted over a 2-year period. Seventy-one survivors of childhood ALL who had completed treatment for a minimum of 1 year and were in remission, and 71 healthy volunteers were enlisted. To assess alertness (processing speed) and essential executive functioning skills such as working memory capacity, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention, seven measures from the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT) program were chosen. Main outcome measures were speed, stability and accuracy of responses. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.50 years (SD ± 2.40) while mean age at study entry was 12.18 years (SD ± 3.14). Survivors of childhood ALL underperformed on 6 out of 7 ANT tasks, indicating poorer sustained attention, working memory capacity, executive visuomotor control, and cognitive flexibility. Duration of treatment, age at diagnosis, gender, and cumulative doses of chemotherapy were not found to correlate with any of the neuropsychological outcome measures. Childhood ALL survivors in our center demonstrated significantly poorer neuropsychological status compared to healthy controls.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Private healthcare quality: applying a SERVQUAL model

Butt MM, de Run EC

Int J Health Care Qual Assur, 2010;23(7):658-73.

PMID: 21125961

This paper seeks to develop and test the SERVQUAL model scale for measuring Malaysian private health service quality.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

[Fourth note on some new or little-known Coleoptera Lucanidae]

de Lisle MO

Rev. Suisse Zool., 1977 Jun;84(2):491-500.

PMID: 897546

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext Parents are poor at labelling wheeze in children: a cross-sectional study

Shanmugam S, Nathan AM, Zaki R, Tan KE, Eg KP, Thavagnanam S, et al.

BMC Pediatr, 2016 06 23;16:80.

PMID: 27339265 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-016-0616-8

BACKGROUND: Noisy breathing is a common presenting symptom in children. The purpose of this study is to (a) assess parental ability to label wheeze, (b) compare the ability of parents of children with and without asthma to label wheeze and (c) determine factors affecting parental ability to label wheeze correctly.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia involved parents of children with asthma. Parents of children without asthma were the control group. Eleven validated video clips showing wheeze, stridor, transmitted noises, snoring or normal breathing were shown to the parents. Parents were asked, in English or Malay, "What do you call the sound this child is making?" and "Where do you think the sound is coming from?"

RESULTS: Two hundred parents participated in this study: 100 had children with asthma while 100 did not. Most (71.5 %) answered in Malay. Only 38.5 % of parents correctly labelled wheeze. Parents were significantly better at locating than labelling wheeze (OR 2.4, 95 % CI 1.64-3.73). Parents with asthmatic children were not better at labelling wheeze than those without asthma (OR1.04, 95 % CI 0.59-1.84). Answering in English (OR 3.4, 95 % CI 1.69-7.14) and having older children with asthma (OR 9.09, 95 % CI 3.13-26.32) were associated with correct labelling of wheeze. Other sounds were mislabelled as wheeze by 16.5 % of respondents.

CONCLUSION: Parental labelling of wheeze was inaccurate especially in the Malay language. Parents were better at identifying the origin of wheeze rather than labelling it. Physicians should be wary about parental reporting of wheeze as it may be inaccurate.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext Clinical risk factors for life-threatening lower respiratory tract infections in children: a retrospective study in an urban city in Malaysia

Nathan AM, Rani F, Lee RJ, Zaki R, Westerhout C, Sam IC, et al.

PLoS One, 2014;9(10):e111162.

PMID: 25360811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111162

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low income countries. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of life-threatening LRTIs in hospitalised children in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Chronic suppurative lung disease in a developing country: impact on child and parent

Nathan AM, Muthusamy A, Thavagnanam S, Hashim A, de Bruyne J

Pediatr Pulmonol, 2014 May;49(5):435-40.

PMID: 24482322 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.23001

To investigate the impact of chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) on growth and lung function in the child as well as quality of life of the child and parent.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext Cross cultural translation, adaptation and reliability of the Malay version of the Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale (CARIFS)

Nathan AM, Zaki R, Rozario R, Dhania N, Mohd Hamirudin SN, Eg KP, et al.

Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2015;13:139.

PMID: 26338016 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-015-0336-z

The Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale (CARIFS) is a parent-proxy questionnaire that assesses severity of acute respiratory infections in children. The aim was to (a) perform a cross-cultural adaptation and (b) prove that the Malay CARIFS is a reliable tool.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Maternal blood pressure in pregnancy and newborn irritability

Chisholm JS, Woodson RH, da Costa Woodson EM

Early Hum Dev, 1978 Jul;2(2):171-8.

PMID: 720272

The neonatal period is being recognized as an important period for the development of patterns of interaction between mother and infant, and infant state has been shown to have a significant impact on mother--infant interactions. A major dimension of infant state, with implications for this interaction and for the development of later behaviour disorders, is the infant's irritability. Research with Navajo, Malay, Chinese and Tamil mothers and infants showed that normal variation in maternal blood pressure during pregnancy was related to newborn irritability as assessed with the Brazelton Scale. This relationship is discussed in terms of possible underlying mechanisms.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext Neuroimaging findings are sensitive and specific in diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis

Mei-Ling Sharon TAI, Hazman MOHD NOR, Kartini Rahmat, Shanthi Viswanathan, Khairul Azmi Abdul Kadir, Norlisah Ramli, et al.

Neurology Asia, 2017;22(1):15-23.

MyJurnal

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to describe the neuroimaging changes of tuberculous meningitis (TBM), and to determine the role of neuroimaging in the diagnosis of TBM.
Methods: Between January 2009 and July 2015, we prospectively recruited TBM patients in two hospitals in Malaysia. Neuroimaging was performed and findings were recorded. The control consists of other types of meningo-encephalitis seen over the same period.
Results: Fifty four TBM patients were recruited. Leptomeningeal enhancement was seen in 39 (72.2%) patients, commonly at prepontine cistern and interpeduncular fossa. Hydrocephalus was observed in 38 (70.4%) patients, 25 (46.3%) patients had moderate and severe hydrocephalus. Thirty four patients (63.0%) had cerebral infarction. Tuberculoma were seen in 29 (53.7%) patients; 27 (50.0%) patients had classical tuberculoma, 2 (3.7%) patients
had “other” type of tuberculoma, 18 (33.3%) patients had ≥5 tuberculoma, and 11 (20.4%) patients had < 5 tuberculoma. Fifteen (37.2%) patients had vasculitis, 6 (11.1%) patients had vasospasm. Close to nine tenth (88.9%) of the patients had ≥1 classical neuroimaging features, 77.8% had ≥ 2 classical imaging features of TBM (basal enhancement, hydrocephalus, basal ganglia / thalamic infarct, classical tuberculoma, and vasculitis/vasospasm). Only 4% with other types of meningitis/encephalitis had ≥1 feature, and 1% had two or more classical TBM neuroimaging features. The sensitivity of the imaging features of the imaging features for diagnosis of TBM was 88.9% and the specificity was 95.6%.
Conclusion: The classic imaging features of basal enhancement, hydrocephalus, basal ganglia/thalamic infarct, classic tuberculoma, and vasculitis are sensitive and specific to diagnosis of TBM.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Validation of ELISA test kits for detection of beta-agonist residues in meat

Ponniah J, Muhammad K, Abdullah S, Ganapathy KK, bt Sheikh Abdul Hamid N

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2004 Jun;35(2):481-7.

PMID: 15691160

Three ELISA test kits, the Randox ELISA beta-agonist test kit, Euro-Diagnostica test kit, and Ridascreen beta-agonist test kit, were evaluated for screening of meat and liver for beta-agonist residues in fortified and field-incurred samples. It was found that the Randox beta-agonist test kit was more suitable as a screening tool due to its accuracy, ease of use, and lower cost. The tests were able to detect beta-agonist residues at the minimum level of detection, as claimed by the suppliers. The performance of the method as assessed through recovery rates of beta-agonists in fortified samples was satisfactory with a low coefficient of variation (1-3%). Repeatability, as measured through the coefficient of correlation was also satisfactory. For field-incurred positive samples, the test kit showed a sensitivity of 100% and a low rate of false positives for goat and cow tissues. However, a high rate of apparent false positives was obtained for tissues of swine.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Health care reform and changes: the Malaysian experience

Merican MI, bin Yon R

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2002;14(1):17-22.

PMID: 12597513

Health care reform is an intentional, sustained and systematic process of structural change to one or more health subsystems to improve efficiency, effectiveness, patient choices and equity. Health care all over the world is continuously reforming with time. Health care reform has become an increasingly important agenda for policy change in both developed and developing countries including Malaysia. This paper provides an overview of the Malaysian health care system, its achievements, and issues and challenges leading to ongoing reform towards a more efficient and equitable health care system that possess a better quality of life for the population.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext Comparative study on Toxoplasma infection between Malaysian and Myanmar pregnant women

Andiappan H, Nissapatorn V, Sawangjaroen N, Nyunt MH, Lau YL, Khaing SL, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2014;7:564.

PMID: 25498432 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0564-9

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, causes a disease called toxoplasmosis which can sometimes be acquired congenitally by a newborn from an infected mother. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and its associated risks among 219 and 215 pregnant women from Malaysia and Myanmar, respectively.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Dentistry in Malaya

bin MODH SALLEH N

Dent J Aust, 1950 Aug;22(8):386-8.

PMID: 14778338

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext Tinggianthura alba: a new genus and species of Anthuridae (Isopoda, Cymothoida, Anthuroidea) from Pulau Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia with an updated key to the genera of Anthuridae

Chew M, Abdul Rahim A, bin Haji Ross O

PLoS One, 2014;9(6):e99072.

PMID: 24914642 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099072

A new anthurid isopod from dead coral rubble and stones in the intertidal area of Pulau Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia, is described. It is placed in a new genus and species, Tinggianthura alba. Tinggianthura is characterized by: (1) subtriangular carpus shape of pereopods 4-7, (2) pereopod 1 propodus palm without prominent tooth or steps and (3) maxillipedal palp 2-articled.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Breast feeding in Kelantan

Balakrishnan S, bin Haji Hussein H

Med J Malaysia, 1977 Sep;32(1):22-4.

PMID: 609338

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext Perception of hypertension management by patients and doctors in Asia: potential to improve blood pressure control

Abdul Rahman AR, Wang JG, Kwong GM, Morales DD, Sritara P, Sukmawan R, et al.

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2015;14(1):2.

PMID: 25729324 DOI: 10.1186/s12930-015-0018-3

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the world's most common health conditions and is a leading risk factor for mortality. Although blood pressure can be modified, there is a large proportion of patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled. The aim of this study, termed Edvantage 360°, was to gain a deeper understanding of hypertension management in Asia from the perspective of patients and doctors, and to propose strategies to improve blood pressure control.
METHODS: Conducted in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, Edvantage 360° was a mixed-methods observational study that used both qualitative and quantitative elements: qualitative interviews and focus groups with patients (N = 110), quantitative interviews with patients (N = 709), and qualitative interviews with doctors (N = 85).
RESULTS: This study found that, although there is good understanding of the causes and consequences of hypertension among Asian patients, there is a lack of urgency to control blood pressure. Doctors and patients have different expectations of each other and a divergent view on what constitutes successful hypertension management. We also identified a fundamental gap between the beliefs of doctors and patients as to who should be most responsible for the patients' hypertension management. In addition, because patients find it difficult to comply with lifestyle modifications (often because of a decreased understanding of the changes required), adherence to medication regimens may be less of a limiting factor than doctors believe.
CONCLUSIONS: Doctors may provide better care by aligning with their patients on a common understanding of successful hypertension management. Doctors may also find it helpful to provide a more personalized explanation of any needed lifestyle modifications. The willingness of the doctor to adjust their patient interaction style to form a 'doctor-patient team' is important. In addition, we recommend that doctors should not attribute ineffectiveness of the treatment plan to patient non-adherence to medications, but rather adjust the medication regimen as needed.
KEYWORDS: Attitude to health; Hong Kong; Hypertension; Indonesia; Malaysia; Philippines; Qualitative research; South Korea; Taiwan; Thailand

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Fulltext The Effect of an Islamic-Based Intervention on Depression and Anxiety in Malaysia

Saged AAG, Sa'ari CZ, Abdullah MB, Al-Rahmi WM, Ismail WM, Zain MIA, et al.

J Relig Health, 2022 Feb;61(1):79-92.

PMID: 34981449 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01484-3

Religiously integrated interventions for treating mental illnesses have proved effective. However, many studies have yet to adequately address the effects of Islamic religious-based rituals on mental health among Muslims. The present study investigated the impact of a purposefully designed Islamic religion-based intervention on reducing depression and anxiety disorders among Muslim patients using a randomised controlled trial design. A total of 62 Muslim patients (30 women and 32 men) were divided by gender into two groups, with each group assigned randomly to either treatment or control groups. The participants who received the Islamic-based intervention were compared to participants who received the control intervention. Taylor's (cite date) manifest anxiety scale and Steer and Beck's (cite the date) depression scale were used to examine the effects on depression and anxiety levels. ANCOVA results revealed that the Islamic intervention significantly reduced anxiety levels in women (d = 0.75) and depression levels in men (d = 0.80) compared to the typical care control groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Satay and Salmonella and listeria infection

Arumugaswamy RK, Ali GR, ab Hamid SN

Lancet, 1993 Jul 24;342(8865):247.

PMID: 8100972

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

Associations between prescribing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the potential prescription-related problems in a primary care setting

Dhabali AA, Awang R, Hamdan Z, Zyoud SH

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther, 2012 Dec;50(12):851-61.

PMID: 23006441 DOI: 10.5414/CP201689

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were 1) to obtain information regarding the prescribing pattern of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the primary care setting at a Malaysian university, 2) to determine the prevalence and types of potential NSAID prescription related problems (PRPs), and 3) to identify patient characteristics associated with exposure to these potential PRPs.
METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 1 academic year using the electronic medical records of patients in the University Sains Malaysia (USM) primary care system. The defined daily dose (DDD) methodology and the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) drug classification system were used in the analysis and comparison of the data. Statements representing potential NSAID PRPs were developed from authoritative drug information sources. Then, algorithms were developed to screen the databases for these potential PRPs. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to characterize DRPs.
RESULTS: During the study period, 12,470 NSAID prescriptions were prescribed for 6,509 patients (mean ± SD = 1.92 ± 1.83). This represented a prevalence of 35,944 per 100,000 patients, or 36%. Based on their DDDs, mefenamic acid and diclofenac were the most prescribed NSAIDs. 573 potential NSAID-related PRPs were observed in a cohort of 432 patients, representing a prevalence of 6,640 per 100,000 NSAIDs users, or 6.6% of all NSAID users. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with a Malay ethnic background (p < 0.001), members of the staff (p < 0.001), having 4 or more prescribers (p < 0.001) or having 2 - 3 prescribers (p = 0.02), and representing 4 or more long-term therapeutic groups (LTTGs) (p < 0.001) or 2 - 3 LTTGs (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased chance of exposure to potential NSAID related PRPs.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Malaysia that presents data on the prescribing pattern of NSAIDs and the characteristics of potential NSAID-related PRPs. The prevalence of potential NSAID-related PRPs is frequent in the primary care setting. Exposure to these PRPs is associated with specific sociodemographic and health status factors. These results should help to raise the awareness of clinicians and patients about serious NSAID PRPs.

Study site: University Sains Malaysia (USM) primary care system.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia

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