Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 437 in total

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  1. Al-Abed AA, Sutan R, Al-Dubai SA, Aljunid SM
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:505474.
    PMID: 24982886 DOI: 10.1155/2014/505474
    Khat chewing is associated with unfavourable health outcomes and family dysfunction. Few studies have addressed the factors associated with khat chewing among Yemeni women. However, the family and husband effects on chewing khat by women have not been addressed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of khat chewing among Yemeni women and its associated factors, particularly husbands and family factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 692 adult Yemeni women in the city of Sana'a in Yemen using structured "face to face" interviews. Mean (±SD) age of women was 27.3 years (±6.10). The prevalence of chewing khat by women was 29.6%. Factors associated with chewing khat among women were chewing khat by husbands (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.53), being married (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.20, 3.37), frequent family social gatherings (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.10), high family income (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.21), larger house (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.31), and age of women (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.92). It is concluded that khat chewing by women in this study was significantly associated with family factors and with khat chewing by their husbands. Urgent action is needed to control khat chewing particularly among women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  2. Sheikhy Narany T, Ramli MF, Aris AZ, Sulaiman WN, Fakharian K
    Environ Monit Assess, 2014 Sep;186(9):5797-815.
    PMID: 24891071 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3820-8
    In recent years, groundwater quality has become a global concern due to its effect on human life and natural ecosystems. To assess the groundwater quality in the Amol-Babol Plain, a total of 308 water samples were collected during wet and dry seasons in 2009. The samples were analysed for their physico-chemical and biological constituents. Multivariate statistical analysis and geostatistical techniques were applied to assess the spatial and temporal variabilities of groundwater quality and to identify the main factors and sources of contamination. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that seven factors explained around 75% of the total variance, which highlighted salinity, hardness and biological pollution as the dominant factors affecting the groundwater quality in the Plain. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on the dataset to evaluate the spatio-temporal variation. The results showed that there were no significant temporal variations between the two seasons, which explained the similarity between six component factors in dry and wet seasons based on the PCA results. There are also significant spatial differences (p > 0.05) of the parameters under study, including salinity, potassium, sulphate and dissolved oxygen in the plain. The least significant difference (LSD) test revealed that groundwater salinity in the eastern region is significantly different to the central and western side of the study area. Finally, multivariate analysis and geostatistical techniques were combined as an effective method for demonstrating the spatial structure of multivariate spatial data. It was concluded that multiple natural processes and anthropogenic activities were the main sources of groundwater salinization, hardness and microbiological contamination of the study area.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  3. Dahimi O, Rahim AA, Abdulkarim SM, Hassan MS, Hashari SB, Mashitoh AS, et al.
    Food Chem, 2014 Sep 1;158:132-8.
    PMID: 24731324 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.02.087
    The adulteration of edible fats is a kind of fraud that impairs the physical and chemical features of the original lipid materials. It has been detected in various food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is the robust thermo-analytical machine that permits to fingerprint the primary crystallisation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) molecules and their transition behaviours. The aims of this study was to assess the cross-contamination caused by lard concentration of 0.5-5% in the mixture systems containing beef tallow (BT) and chicken fat (CF) separately. TAGs species of pure and adulterated lipids in relation to their crystallisation and melting parameters were studied using principal components analysis (PCA). The results showed that by using the heating profiles the discrimination of LD from BT and CF was very clear even at low dose of less than 1%. Same observation was depicted from the crystallisation profiles of BT adulterated by LD doses ranging from 0.1% to 1% and from 2% to 5%, respectively. Furthermore, CF adulterated with LD did not exhibit clear changes on its crystallisation profiles. Consequently, DSC coupled with PCA is one of the techniques that might use to monitor and differentiate the minimum adulteration levels caused by LD in different animal fats.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  4. Kaur J, Kaur G, Ho BK, Yao WK, Salleh M, Lim KH
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Apr;27(3):314-22.
    PMID: 24425796 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513517257
    Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Regular moderate-intensity physical activity has significant benefits for health. To determine the socioeconomic predictors of physical inactivity among elderly Malaysian population. A nationwide community-based survey was conducted among 4831 respondents aged ≥60 years with a face-to-face questionnaire. The prevalence of physical inactivity among the elderly was 88.0%, highest in respondents aged older than 80 years (95.4%), females (90.1%), other Bumiputra (92.2%), earning household income less than RM1000 (87.9%), and residing in urban locality (88.4%). In the multivariate model, the predictors of physical inactivity were only sex, ethnicity, locality, and age group (adjusted odds ratio = 1.3-3.6). The predictors of physical inactivity can identify the risk factors to develop policies that will reduce the public health burden of noncommunicable diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  5. Sreeramareddy CT, Majeed Kutty NA, Razzaq Jabbar MA, Boo NY
    Biosci Trends, 2012 Jun;6(3):103-9.
    PMID: 22890157 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2012.v6.3.103
    The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing in Malaysia. Insufficient Physical Activity, which is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases, is less researched in Malaysia. We aimed to assess the level of physical activity and identify its correlates. An online survey was carried out during October, 2011 in the University Tunku Abdul Rahman by the opinion poll research committee. Young adults answered the Short International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a questionnaire about factors according to a socio-ecological model which was adapted from published studies. Metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours and MET-minutes were calculated. Physical activity was classified as sufficient when MET-minutes were > 840. The mean age of the 474 participants was 22.4 years (S.D. = 4.7), and 253 (53.4%) were females. Their mean and median of MET-hours of PA done during the previous seven days were 31.36 (S.D., 52.19) and 14.7 (IQR, 5.77-32.07), respectively. Physical activity done was sufficient among 242 (51.1%) participants. Using univariate analysis, being male, good self-rated health, positive intention, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, social support, and availability of facilities were associated with sufficient physical activity. Using multivariate analysis sufficient physical activity was associated with participants' intention (OR 0.75, 95% CIs 0.64, 0.88), self-efficacy (OR 0.91, 95% CIs 0.85, 0.97) and facility availability (OR 0.81, 95% CIs 0.73, 0.91). The proportion of participants with sufficient physical activity was low. Positive intention and self-efficacy associated with sufficient physical activity should be supported by availability of facilities and a safely-built environment. A nationwide survey about physical and associated socialecological factors is needed to design rational health promotion strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  6. Polgar G, Sacchetti A, Galli P
    J Fish Biol, 2010 Nov;77(7):1645-64.
    PMID: 21078024 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2010.02807.x
    During several surveys made in the region of the lower Fly River and delta, Papua New Guinea, nine species of oxudercine gobies (Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) were recorded: Boleophthalmus caeruleomaculatus, Oxuderces wirzi, Periophthalmodon freycineti, Periophthalmus darwini, Periophthalmus novaeguineaensis, Periophthalmus takita, Periophthalmus weberi, Scartelaos histophorus and Zappa confluentus. An exploratory multivariate analysis of their habitat conditions discriminated five guilds, differentially distributed in habitats with different quantities of environmental water and three guilds corresponding to different levels of salinity. A partial correspondence between phylogenetic and ecological categories suggested the presence of parallel adaptive radiations within different genera. In particular, the species found in the most terrestrial habitats (P. weberi) was also found in the widest range of conditions, suggesting that colonization of extreme semi-terrestrial and freshwater habitats by this species was facilitated by eurytypy. It is proposed that these findings provide insight into convergent adaptations for the vertebrate eco-evolutionary transition from sea to land.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  7. Bala AA, Jatau AI, Yunusa I, Mohammed M, Mohammed AH, Isa AM, et al.
    Ther Adv Drug Saf, 2020;11:2042098620935721.
    PMID: 32944213 DOI: 10.1177/2042098620935721
    Introduction: Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is an important occupational and public health hazard especially in sub-Saharan Africa. For optimum management of SBE, adequate knowledge of Snake antivenom (SAV) is very critical among the healthcare practioners in this region. Information related to the knowledge of SAV use in the management of SBE, as well as SAV logistics is scarce among the Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. We therefore aimed to develop, validate and utilize a tool to assess the SAV knowlegde among HCPs in northern Nigeria. We also sought to implement and evaluate an intervention that could improve the SAV knowledge among the HCPs.

    Methods: The proposed study will be conducted in three phases: Phase I will involve the development of the item-pool to be included in the tool, followed by a face, content validity and construct validity. The tool reliability, readability and difficulty index will be determined. Phase II will involve the utilization of the tool to assess baseline SAV knowledge among the HCPs followed by an educational intervention. Multiple Linear Regression analysis will be used to determine the factors associated with SAV knowledge among the HCPs. Lastly, Phase III which will be a repeat of Phase II to assess and evaluate the knowledge after the intervention.

    Discussion: The study design and findings may guide future implementation and streamline the intervention of improving SAV knowledge in HCPs training and practice.

    Lay Summary: Knowledge assessment and educational intervention of snake antivenom among healthcare practitioners in northern Nigeria: a study protocol Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is an important occupational and public health hazard especially in sub-Saharan Africa. For optimum management of SBE, adequate knowledge of snake antivenom (SAV) is very critical among the healthcare practitioners. The baseline knowledge SAV dosage, mode of administration, availability, and logistics is very relevant among healthcare professionals, particularly those that are directly involved in its logistics. It is paramount that SAV is handled and used appropriately. The efforts and advocacy for the availability for more SAV will be in vain if not handled appropriately before they are used. This study protocol aims to develop a tool, to assess SAV knowledge and effects of educational interventions among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in northern Nigeria. This protocol suggests conducting studies in three phases: (a) Development and validation of SAV knowledge assessment tool, (b) Baseline assessment of SAV knowledge assessment tool among HCPs, and (c) Development, implementation and evaluation of an educational intervention to improve SAV knowledge among HCPs in northern Nigeria.

    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  8. Muhammad J, Muhamad R, Husain NRN, Daud N
    Korean J Fam Med, 2019 Jan;40(1):45-52.
    PMID: 30613064 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.17.0136
    BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor muscle exercise is effective for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Despite the high prevalence of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in women in the community, pelvic floor muscle exercise recognition is low in Malaysian society; thus, this intervention is not frequently used . This study assessed the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and use of pelvic floor muscle exercise among antenatal women before and after educational classes. The study also determined factors associated with exercise practice.

    METHODS: An interventional study was conducted in 121 antenatal women selected through systematic random sampling between June and December 2010. Baseline knowledge of, attitude towards, and practice of pelvic floor muscle exercise were assessed using self-administered validated questionnaires at first visit and at 2 months postpartum. All participants attended two exercise education classes on their next two visits before delivery. A paired ttest and multivariate analysis were used for data evaluation.

    RESULTS: The mean pre-intervention scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practice were 24.98, 24.25, and 3.51, respectively, with statistically significant mean score increments after intervention (P<0.001). The mean differences were 4.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.86-5.49), 3.77 (95% CI, 3.05-4.50) and 3.45 (95% CI, 2.90-4.00) for knowledge, attitudes, and practice, respectively. Lack of baseline information on pelvic floor muscle exercise was significantly associated with practice change following an educational class.

    CONCLUSION: Education is effective in improving knowledge of, attitude towards, and practice of pelvic floor muscle exercise. There is a need for greater effort to increase exercise awareness in our community, especially during antenatal class.

    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  9. Marhaini Mostapha, Noorhasmiera Abu Jahar, Sarani Zakaria, Sharifah Nabihah Syed Jaafar, Kamalrul Azlan Azizan, Wan Mohd Aizat
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1259-1268.
    Oil palm is the major crop grown and cultivated in various Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
    The core of oil palm trunk (COPT) consists of high sugar content, hence suitable for synthesis of fine chemicals and
    biofuels. Increase of sugar content was reported previously during prolonged COPT storage. However, until now, there
    has been no report on protein profiles during storage. Therefore, in this study, protein expression of the COPT during the
    storage period of one to six weeks was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
    (SDS-PAGE) coupled with optical density quantification and multivariate analyses for measuring differentially expressed
    proteins. Accordingly, protein bands were subjected to tryptic digestion followed by tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLCMS/MS)
    protein identification. The results from SDS-PAGE showed consistent protein bands appearing across the biological
    replicates ranging from 10.455 to 202.92 kDa molecular weight (MW) regions. The findings from the principal component
    analysis (PCA) plot illustrated the separation pattern of the proteins at weeks 4 and 5 of storage, which was influenced
    mainly by the molecular weights of 14.283, 25.543, 29.757, 30.549, 31.511, 34.585 and 84.395 kDa, respectively. The
    majority of these proteins are identified as those involved in stress- and defense-related, disease resistance, as well
    as gene/protein expression processes. Indeed, these proteins were mostly upregulated during the later storage period
    suggesting that long-term storage may influence the molecular regulation of COPT sap.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  10. Mohd Rohaizat Hassan, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, Mohamed AS, Saladina Jaszle Jasmin
    Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a process whereby women examine their breasts regularly to detect any abnormal swelling or lumps in order to seek prompt medical attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practice of BSE among female non-medical students in UKM, Bangi. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered and validated questionnaire among 364 students. The results showed that only 37.1% performs BSE and 45% of the students have good knowledge. Age, marital status, using internet and pamphlets as source of information, personal, and family history of BC, were significantly associated with knowledge level of students. Practice of BSE was significantly associated with knowledge level. From multivariate analysis, BSE was more likely to be done among students with family history, students who using internet and pamphlet as sources of information, also among students with good knowledge. As conclusions, the practice of BSE is inadequate among the respondents in spite of most of them had heard about BSE. The results suggest the need of providing continuing educational programs to increase the knowledge level on BSE which in turn will have a positive effect on students to practice and motivate to perform BSE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  11. Malwinder, S., Wan Zamaniah W.I., Cimmeran, K., Phua, V.C.E.
    JUMMEC, 2018;21(1):6-13.
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive silent killer with a median survival of a few months. It is the
    fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic
    factors affecting the survival of patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in Malaysia.
    Methods: This retrospective study examined 107 patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas from 2002
    to 2012 at University Malaya Medical Centre. The factors evaluated were age, sex, race, smoking habits,
    performance status, the presence of jaundice, pre-treatment CA 19.9 serum level, the location of a primary
    tumour, tumour grade, tumour staging and intent of treatment.
    Results: The median survival for the overall study population was 7.0 months (95% CI 5.1-8.8 months) with
    1, 3, and 5-year survival rates of 30.8%, 8.4% and 3.7% respectively. The survival was 16.1 months (95% CI
    7.7-24.4 months) for stage 1, 15.5 months (95% CI 8.1-22.8 months) for stage 2, 8.4 months (95% CI 6.1-10.8
    months) for stage 3, and 3.8 months (95% CI 2.9-4.7 months) for stage 4. In multivariate analysis, independent
    and unfavourable prognostic factors which retained significance were performance status, tumour stage and
    treatment intent.
    Conclusions: The biological characteristics are important as predictors of survival in patients with pancreatic
    cancer. Longer survival is possible if the disease is identified in its early stages with good performance status.
    Further development and evaluation of novel screening strategies need to be established to improve early
    detection of this disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  12. Zaini I, Ghani SN, Moy FM
    JUMMEC, 2008;11(2):59-65.
    MyJurnal
    This is a retrospective case control study conducted between 1 January 2005 and 30 June 2006 at the Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Malaysia. The objective was to study the maternal sociodemographics and foetal characteristics associated with premature delivery. There were 387 cases selected universally and 387 controls selected by using systematic random sampling involving every 13 cases. The patients were women who had delivered their babies before 37 completed weeks, while the control were women who had term deliveries during the same period. Data were collected using structured questionnaire through secondary data. Results showed that having multiple pregnancies (OR=8.33, 95% CI: 2.91, 23.84), congenital abnormality (OR=4.6, 95% CI: 0.98, 21.84) and intrauterine growth retardation (OR=15.59, 95% CI: 3.69, 65.82) were the risk factors of premature delivery. Being an ethnic Indian also raised the odds (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.43) but this was not significant in the multivariate analysis. Other sociodemographic characteristics did not contribute significantly to the risk factors for premature delivery in this sample. In conclusion, foetal characteristics were found to be significantly associated with premature delivery after adjustment for other confounding factors.
    Study site: Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  13. Abdul Aziz FA, Abd Razak MA, Ahmad NA, Awaluddin SM, Lodz NA, Sooryanarayana R, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 11;31(8_suppl):73S-79S.
    PMID: 31353928 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519862161
    Various factors contribute to suicidal attempt. This study aims to determine the relationship between suicidal attempt and its associated factors among school-going adolescents in Malaysia. Data from the National Health and Morbidity 2017 survey were analyzed. This survey was implemented as a nationwide school-based survey targeting adolescents 13 to 17 years old. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS version 20. A total of 27 399 adolescents participated in this survey. The prevalence of suicidal attempt was 6.9% (95% confidence interval = 6.2-7.7). Multivariate analysis found that the odds of suicidal attempt among adolescent with depression is 4.3 (adjusted odds ratio = 4.3; 95% confidence interval = 3.9-4.8). Other significant factors are young adolescent, non-Malay ethnicities especially Indian, adolescent with parents living apart, and those without peer support and parental connectedness. A holistic approach for the planning of preventative strategies and public health policies should be made according to these risk factors.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2017)
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  14. Touloupakis G, Biancardi E, Theodorakis E, Ghirardelli S, Ferrara F, Gherlinzoni F, et al.
    Malays Orthop J, 2020 Nov;14(3):124-128.
    PMID: 33403072 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2011.019
    Introduction: The aim of our retrospective study was to investigate the role of the medial side involvement in the treatment choice of radial head fractures.

    Materials and Methods: We searched the databases of our institutions for the surgical procedures diagnosed as "fracture of the radial head" and for the procedures related to "prosthesis of the radial head" and "osteosynthesis of the radial head" in the period from May 2014 to October 2017. The fractures were first classified according to the Mason classification . We then allocated the patients into three study groups according to the site of the fracture, either the medial or lateral side of the radial head : Group A, with an isolated lateral fracture of the radius head; Group B1, with a medial fracture of the radius head with two medial fragments; and Group B2, with a medial fracture of the radius head with multiple medial fragments. We performed a multivariate analysis to identify statistically significant correlation between the pre-operative classifications of Mason and our study, the type of surgical procedure, and the clinical outcome.

    Results: Mayo Elbow Performance (MEP) scores determined at the final follow-up of the study (mean 16.6 months, range 12-26 months) was excellent in 17 patients (4 in Group A, 6 in Group B1 and 7 in Group B2), and good in 12 patients (3 in Group A, 7 in Group B1, and 2 in Group B2). One patient showed a poor result in MEP score probably because of an infection and implant removal.

    Conclusion: Regarding medial fractures of the radial head, our study showed satisfactory results with a radial head prosthesis for comminuted or multifragmentary radial head fractures. For surgeons with advanced elbow fracture expertise, osteosynthesis could be attempted in a fracture pattern that involved only two medial fragments.

    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  15. Ramakreshnan L, Fong CS, Sulaiman NM, Aghamohammadi N
    Sci Total Environ, 2020 Dec 20;749:141457.
    PMID: 33370890 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141457
    Recognizing and mainstreaming pertinent walkability elements into the university campus planning is crucial to materialise green mandates of the campus, while enhancing social and economic sustainability. In one of such attempts, this transverse study investigated the walking motivations, built environment factors associated with campus walkability and the relative importance of the studied built environment factors in reference to the sociodemographic attributes from the viewpoint of the campus community in a tropical university campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. An online survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted between May and September 2019. The built environment factors associated with campus walkability were expressed and ranked as adjusted scores (AS). Meanwhile, multivariable logistic regression was deployed to examine the relative importance of the studied built environment factors in reference to the sociodemographic attributes of the campus community. Among 504 total responses acquired, proximity between complementary land uses (90.7%) was reported as the main motivation for walking. On the other hand, street connectivity and accessibility (AS: 97.62%) was described as the most opted built environment factor, followed by land use (AS: 96.76%), pedestrian infrastructure (AS: 94.25%), walking experience (AS: 87.07%), traffic safety (AS: 85.28%) and campus neighbourhood (AS: 59.62%), respectively. Among the sociodemographic attributes, no regular monthly income (OR = 3.162; 95% CI = 1.165-8.379; p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  16. Lim TW, Ab Ghani SM, Mahmud M
    J Prosthet Dent, 2020 Dec 02.
    PMID: 33279159 DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.06.034
    STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Resin-bonded fixed partial dental prostheses (RBFPDPs) cemented at an increased occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) (the Dahl concept) to create space for a metal retainer remain controversial because of the lack of reported clinical studies. This study evaluated RBFPDPs by applying the Dahl concept.

    PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical factors affecting the occlusal re-establishment and short-term complications of RBFPDPs cemented at an increased OVD.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: Occlusal re-establishment and clinical complications were reviewed in 109 participants (155 RBFPDPs) treated at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA from January 2013 to May 2018. Types of complications and risk factors were assessed from clinical data. Demographic factors, clinical factors, and prosthesis factors were distinguished and their association with occlusal re-establishment analyzed by using multiple regression analysis.

    RESULTS: A total of 155 RBFPDPs (42 anterior, 113 posterior) were placed in 109 participants. All achieved occlusal re-establishment, 89.9% complete occlusal re-establishment and 10.1% partial occlusal re-establishment, a minimum of 4 months after the RBFPDPs had been placed at an increased OVD. The design of the metal retainer coverage was found to be a significant factor affecting occlusal re-establishment and decementation (P

    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  17. Haydar, A.
    MyJurnal
    Candida organisms are opportunistic fungal pathogens that have become a major cause of nosocomial infections worldwide. We investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients with candidaemia caused by Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida spp at HUSM. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated all hospitalized patients with candidaemia from January 2010 till December 2014 based on inpatient hospital records and laboratory data. Results: A total of 134 patients with candidaemia were enrolled. Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida spp were responsible for 20% (27/134) and 80% (107/134) of candidaemia cases, respectively. Hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus, surgical conditions, or concomitant septicaemia and those who received instrumentations such as CVC or CBD, and those admitted under medical settings were prone to develop candidaemia caused by either C. albicans or non-albicans Candida spp. All isolates were susceptible to Fluconazole except for C. krusei isolates. All-cause mortality within 30 days post diagnosis of candidaemia was 59%. Factors associated with mortality were solid tumor (p =0.014), surgical illness (p=0.128), central venous catheterization (p= 0.096) and leucocytosis (p=0.116). Only solid tumor was an independent contributory factor for mortality among patients with C. albicans candidaemia in the multivariate analyses (OR 5.09, 95% CI 1.38,18.74, p=0.014). Conclusions: The patients’ clinical characteristics were fairly comparable between Candida albicans and non-albicans candidaemia. The changing epidemiology of candidaemia at this centre was in fact alarming. The outcome associated with candidaemia was poor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  18. Chuah CH, Gani Y, Sim B, Chidambaram SK
    J R Coll Physicians Edinb, 2021 03;51(1):24-30.
    PMID: 33877130 DOI: 10.4997/JRCPE.2021.107
    BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection has become a major challenge to clinicians. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors of acquiring CRE to guide more targeted screening for hospital admissions.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study (ratio 1:1) where a patient with CRE infection or colonisation was matched with a control. The control was an individual who tested negative for CRE but was a close contact of a patient testing positive and was admitted at the same time and place. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were done.

    RESULTS: The study included 154 patients. The majority of the CRE was Klebsiella species (83%). From univariate analysis, the significant risk factors were having a history of indwelling devices (OR: 2.791; 95% CI: 1.384-5.629), concomitant other MDRO (OR: 2.556; 95% CI: 1.144-5.707) and hospitalisation for more than three weeks (OR: 2.331; 95% CI: 1.163-4.673). Multivariate analysis showed that being unable to ambulate on admission (adjusted OR: 2.345; 95% CI: 1.170-4.699) and antibiotic exposure (adjusted OR: 3.515; 95% CI: 1.377-8.972) were independent predictors. The in-hospital mortality rate of CRE infection was high (64.5%). CRE acquisition resulted in prolonged hospitalisation (median=35 days; P<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: CRE infection results in high morbidity and mortality. On top of the common risk factors, patients with mobility restriction, prior antibiotic exposures and hospitalisation for more than three weeks should be prioritised in the screening strategy to control the spread of CRE.

    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  19. Veerasamy R, Rajak H
    Turk J Pharm Sci, 2021 04 20;18(2):151-156.
    PMID: 33900700 DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2020.45556
    Objectives: The present study aimed to establish significant and validated quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for neuraminidase inhibitors and correlate their physicochemical, steric, and electrostatic properties with their anti-influenza activity.

    Materials and Methods: We have developed and validated 2D and 3D QSAR models by using multiple linear regression, partial least square regression, and k-nearest neighbor-molecular field analysis methods.

    Results: 2D QSAR models had q2: 0.950 and pred_r2: 0.877 and 3D QSAR models had q2: 0.899 and pred_r2: 0.957. These results showed that the models werere predictive.

    Conclusion: Parameters such as hydrogen count and hydrophilicity were involved in 2D QSAR models. The 3D QSAR study revealed that steric and hydrophobic descriptors were negatively contributed to neuraminidase inhibitory activity. The results of this study could be used as platform for design of better anti-influenza drugs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
  20. Mohd Roby BH, Muhialdin BJ, Abadl MMT, Mat Nor NA, Marzlan AA, Lim SAH, et al.
    J Food Sci, 2020 Aug;85(8):2286-2295.
    PMID: 32691422 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.15302
    This study aimed to produce sourdough bread using an encapsulated kombucha sourdough starter culture without the addition of baker's yeast. The bioactive metabolites of kombucha sourdough starter and sourdough starter without kombucha were identified using 1 H-NMR analysis with multivariate analysis. The physical properties, including loaf volume, specific loaf volume, firmness, and water activity were determined following standard methods. The shelf life and consumer acceptability of the bread were also being evaluated. The principal component analyses showed the presence of 15 metabolites in kombucha sourdough starter. The major compounds that contributed to the differences from sourdough starter without kombucha were alpha-aminobutyric acid, alanine, acetic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine, anserine, tryptophan, gluconic acid, and trehalose. The encapsulated kombucha sourdough starter increased the loaf volume (976.7 ± 25.2 mL) and specific loaf volume (4.38 ± 0.12 mL/g) compared to yeast bread. Thus, significant (P
    Matched MeSH terms: Multivariate Analysis
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