Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 183 in total

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  1. Fulltext Comparative Genetic Analyses of Human Rhinovirus C (HRV-C) Complete Genome from Malaysia
    Khaw YS, Chan YF, Jafar FL, Othman N, Chee HY
    Front Microbiol, 2016;7:543.
    PMID: 27199901 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00543
    Human rhinovirus-C (HRV-C) has been implicated in more severe illnesses than HRV-A and HRV-B, however, the limited number of HRV-C complete genomes (complete 5' and 3' non-coding region and open reading frame sequences) has hindered the in-depth genetic study of this virus. This study aimed to sequence seven complete HRV-C genomes from Malaysia and compare their genetic characteristics with the 18 published HRV-Cs. Seven Malaysian HRV-C complete genomes were obtained with newly redesigned primers. The seven genomes were classified as HRV-C6, C12, C22, C23, C26, C42, and pat16 based on the VP4/VP2 and VP1 pairwise distance threshold classification. Five of the seven Malaysian isolates, namely, 3430-MY-10/C22, 8713-MY-10/C23, 8097-MY-11/C26, 1570-MY-10/C42, and 7383-MY-10/pat16 are the first newly sequenced complete HRV-C genomes. All seven Malaysian isolates genomes displayed nucleotide similarity of 63-81% among themselves and 63-96% with other HRV-Cs. Malaysian HRV-Cs had similar putative immunogenic sites, putative receptor utilization and potential antiviral sites as other HRV-Cs. The genomic features of Malaysian isolates were similar to those of other HRV-Cs. Negative selections were frequently detected in HRV-Cs complete coding sequences indicating that these sequences were under functional constraint. The present study showed that HRV-Cs from Malaysia have diverse genetic sequences but share conserved genomic features with other HRV-Cs. This genetic information could provide further aid in the understanding of HRV-C infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  2. Fulltext An Early Reading Assessment Battery for Multilingual Learners in Malaysia
    Lee JAC, Lee S, Yusoff NFM, Ong PH, Nordin ZS, Winskel H
    Front Psychol, 2020;11:1700.
    PMID: 32754104 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01700
    The aim of the study was to develop a new comprehensive reading assessment battery for multi-ethnic and multilingual learners in Malaysia. Using this assessment battery, we examined the reliability, validity, and dimensionality of the factors associated with reading difficulties/disabilities in the Malay language, a highly transparent alphabetic orthography. In order to further evaluate the reading assessment battery, we compared results from the assessment battery with those obtained from the Malaysian national screening instrument. In the study, 866 Grade 1 children from multi-ethnic and multilingual backgrounds from 11 government primary schools participated. The reading assessment battery comprised 13 assessments, namely, reading comprehension, spelling, listening comprehension, letter name knowledge, letter name fluency, rapid automatized naming, word reading accuracy, word reading efficiency, oral reading fluency, expressive vocabulary, receptive vocabulary, elision, and phonological memory. High reliability and validity were found for the assessments. An exploratory factor analysis yielded three main constructs: phonological-decoding, sublexical-fluency, and vocabulary-memory. Phonological-decoding was found to be the most reliable construct that distinguished between at-risk and non-at-risk children. Identifying these underlying factors will be useful for detecting children at-risk for developing reading difficulties in the Malay language. In addition, these results highlight the importance of including a range of reading and reading-related measures for the early diagnosis of reading difficulties in this highly transparent orthography.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reading
  3. A comparative genomic analysis of the alkalitolerant soil bacterium Bacillus lehensis G1
    Noor YM, Samsulrizal NH, Jema'on NA, Low KO, Ramli AN, Alias NI, et al.
    Gene, 2014 Jul 25;545(2):253-61.
    PMID: 24811681 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.05.012
    Bacillus lehensis G1 is a Gram-positive, moderately alkalitolerant bacterium isolated from soil samples. B. lehensis produces cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase), an enzyme that has enabled the extensive use of cyclodextrin in foodstuffs, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The genome sequence of B. lehensis G1 consists of a single circular 3.99 Mb chromosome containing 4017 protein-coding sequences (CDSs), of which 2818 (70.15%) have assigned biological roles, 936 (23.30%) have conserved domains with unknown functions, and 263 (6.55%) have no match with any protein database. Bacillus clausii KSM-K16 was established as the closest relative to B. lehensis G1 based on gene content similarity and 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis. A total of 2820 proteins from B. lehensis G1 were found to have orthologues in B. clausii, including sodium-proton antiporters, transport proteins, and proteins involved in ATP synthesis. A comparative analysis of these proteins and those in B. clausii and other alkaliphilic Bacillus species was carried out to investigate their contributions towards the alkalitolerance of the microorganism. The similarities and differences in alkalitolerance-related genes among alkalitolerant/alkaliphilic Bacillus species highlight the complex mechanism of pH homeostasis. The B. lehensis G1 genome was also mined for proteins and enzymes with potential viability for industrial and commercial purposes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  4. Towards understanding pre-mRNA splicing mechanisms and the role of SR proteins
    Sahebi M, Hanafi MM, van Wijnen AJ, Azizi P, Abiri R, Ashkani S, et al.
    Gene, 2016 Aug 10;587(2):107-19.
    PMID: 27154819 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.04.057
    Alternative pre-mRNA splicing provides a source of vast protein diversity by removing non-coding sequences (introns) and accurately linking different exonic regions in the correct reading frame. The regulation of alternative splicing is essential for various cellular functions in both pathological and physiological conditions. In eukaryotic cells, this process is commonly used to increase proteomic diversity and to control gene expression either co- or post-transcriptionally. Alternative splicing occurs within a megadalton-sized, multi-component machine consisting of RNA and proteins; during the splicing process, this complex undergoes dynamic changes via RNA-RNA, protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions. Co-transcriptional splicing functionally integrates the transcriptional machinery, thereby enabling the two processes to influence one another, whereas post-transcriptional splicing facilitates the coupling of RNA splicing with post-splicing events. This review addresses the structural aspects of spliceosomes and the mechanistic implications of their stepwise assembly on the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing. Moreover, the role of phosphorylation-based, signal-induced changes in the regulation of the splicing process is demonstrated.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reading Frames
  5. Unearth of small open reading frames (sORFs) in drought stress transcriptome of Oryza sativa subsp. indica
    Ong SN, Tan BC, Hanada K, Teo CH
    Gene, 2023 Aug 20;878:147579.
    PMID: 37336274 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147579
    Drought is a major abiotic stress that influences rice production. Although the transcriptomic data of rice against drought is widely available, the regulation of small open reading frames (sORFs) in response to drought stress in rice is yet to be investigated. Different levels of drought stress have different regulatory mechanisms in plants. In this study, drought stress was imposed on four-leaf stage rice, divided into two treatments, 40% and 30% soil moisture content (SMC). The RNAs of the samples were extracted, followed by the RNA sequencing analysis on their sORF expression changes under 40%_SMC and 30%_SMC, and lastly, the expression was validated through NanoString. A total of 122 and 143 sORFs were differentially expressed (DE) in 40%_SMC and 30%_SMC, respectively. In 40%_SMC, 69 sORFs out of 696 (9%) DEGs were found to be upregulated. On the other hand, 69 sORFs out of 449 DEGs (11%) were significantly downregulated. The trend seemed to be higher in 30%_SMC, where 112 (12%) sORFs were found to be upregulated from 928 significantly upregulated DEGs. However, only 8% (31 sORFs out of 385 DEGs) sORFs were downregulated in 30%_SMC. Among the identified sORFs, 110 sORFs with high similarity to rice proteome in the PsORF database were detected in 40%_SMC, while 126 were detected in 30%_SMC. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DE sORFs revealed their involvement in defense-related biological processes, such as defense response, response to biotic stimulus, and cellular homeostasis, whereas enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways indicated that DE sORFs were associated with tryptophan and phenylalanine metabolisms. Several DE sORFs were identified, including the top five sORFs (OsisORF_3394, OsisORF_0050, OsisORF_3007, OsisORF_6407, and OsisORF_7805), which have yet to be characterised. Since these sORFs were responsive to drought stress, they might hold significant potential as targets for future climate-resilient rice development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames/genetics
  6. Differentiating sibling species of Zeugodacus caudatus (Insecta: Tephritidae) by complete mitochondrial genome
    Yong HS, Song SL, Lim PE, Eamsobhana P, Suana IW
    Genetica, 2016 Oct;144(5):513-521.
    PMID: 27502829
    Zeugodacus caudatus is a pest of pumpkin flowers. It has a Palearctic and Oriental distribution. We report here the complete mitochondrial genome of the Malaysian and Indonesian samples of Z. caudatus determined by next-generation sequencing of genomic DNA and determine their taxonomic status as sibling species and phylogeny with other taxa of the genus Zeugodacus. The whole mitogenome of both samples possessed 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes-PCGs, 2 rRNA and 22 tRNA genes) and a control region. The mitogenome of the Indonesian sample (15,885 bp) was longer than that of the Malaysian sample (15,866 bp). In both samples, TΨC-loop was absent in trnF and DHU-loop was absent in trnS1. Molecular phylogeny based on 13 PCGs was concordant with 15 mitochondrial genes (13 PCGs and 2 rRNA genes), with the two samples of Z. caudatus forming a sister group and the genus Zeugodacus was monophyletic. The Malaysian and Indonesian samples of Z. caudatus have a genetic distance of p = 7.8 % based on 13 PCGs and p = 7.0 % based on 15 mitochondrial genes, indicating status of sibling species. They are proposed to be accorded specific status as members of a species complex.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  7. Fulltext Genome Sequence of Vibrio campbellii Strain UMTGB204, a Marine Bacterium Isolated from a Green Barrel Tunicate
    Gan HY, Noor ME, Saari NA, Musa N, Mustapha B, Usup G, et al.
    Genome Announc, 2015;3(2).
    PMID: 25814609 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00210-15
    Vibrio campbellii strain UMTGB204 was isolated from a green barrel tunicate. The genome of this strain comprises 5,652,224 bp with 5,014 open reading frames, 9 rRNAs, and 116 tRNAs. It contains genes related to virulence and environmental tolerance. Gene clusters for the biosynthesis of nonribosomal peptides and bacteriocin were also identified.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  8. Fulltext Genome Sequence of Bacillus sp. Strain UMTAT18 Isolated from the Dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamiyavanichii Found in the Straits of Malacca
    Danish-Daniel M, Ming GH, Mohd Noor ME, Sung YY, Usup G
    Genome Announc, 2016 Oct 6;4(5).
    PMID: 27795265 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.01106-16
    Bacillus sp. strain UMTAT18 was isolated from the harmful dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamiyavanichii Its genome consists of 5,479,367 bp with 5,546 open reading frames, 102 tRNAs, and 29 rRNAs. Gene clusters for biosynthesis of nonribosomal peptides, bacteriocin, and lantipeptide were identified. It also contains siderophore and genes related to stress tolerance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  9. Fulltext Genome Sequence ofSerratia marcescenssubsp.sakuensisStrain K27, a Marine Bacterium Isolated from Sponge (Haliclona amboinensis)
    Cheng TH, Saidin J, Danish-Daniel M, Gan HM, Mat Isa MN, Abu Bakar MF, et al.
    Genome Announc, 2018 Feb 08;6(6).
    PMID: 29439033 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.00022-18
    Serratia marcescens
    subsp.sakuensisstrain K27 was isolated from sponge (Haliclona amboinensis). The genome of this strain consists of 5,325,727 bp, with 5,140 open reading frames (ORFs), 3 rRNAs, and 67 tRNAs. It contains genes for the production of amylases, lipases, and proteases. Gene clusters for the biosynthesis of nonribosomal peptides and thiopeptide were also identified.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  10. Unraveling the nuclear and chloroplast genomes of an agar producing red macroalga, Gracilaria changii (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales)
    Ho CL, Lee WK, Lim EL
    Genomics, 2018 03;110(2):124-133.
    PMID: 28890206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2017.09.003
    Agar and agarose have wide applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Knowledge on the genome of red seaweeds that produce them is still lacking. To fill the gap in genome analyses of these red algae, we have sequenced the nuclear and organellar genomes of an agarophyte, Gracilaria changii. The partial nuclear genome sequence of G. changii has a total length of 35.8Mb with 10,912 predicted protein coding sequences. Only 39.4% predicted proteins were found to have significant matches to protein sequences in SwissProt. The chloroplast genome of G. changii is 183,855bp with a total of 201 open reading frames (ORFs), 29 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs predicted. Five genes: ssrA, leuC and leuD CP76_p173 (orf139) and pbsA were absent in the chloroplast genome of G. changii. The genome information is valuable in accelerating functional studies of individual genes and resolving evolutionary relationship of red seaweeds.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  11. Fulltext The draft genomes of five agriculturally important African orphan crops
    Chang Y, Liu H, Liu M, Liao X, Sahu SK, Fu Y, et al.
    Gigascience, 2019 03 01;8(3).
    PMID: 30535374 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giy152
    BACKGROUND: The expanding world population is expected to double the worldwide demand for food by 2050. Eighty-eight percent of countries currently face a serious burden of malnutrition, especially in Africa and south and southeast Asia. About 95% of the food energy needs of humans are fulfilled by just 30 species, of which wheat, maize, and rice provide the majority of calories. Therefore, to diversify and stabilize the global food supply, enhance agricultural productivity, and tackle malnutrition, greater use of neglected or underutilized local plants (so-called orphan crops, but also including a few plants of special significance to agriculture, agroforestry, and nutrition) could be a partial solution.

    RESULTS: Here, we present draft genome information for five agriculturally, biologically, medicinally, and economically important underutilized plants native to Africa: Vigna subterranea, Lablab purpureus, Faidherbia albida, Sclerocarya birrea, and Moringa oleifera. Assembled genomes range in size from 217 to 654 Mb. In V. subterranea, L. purpureus, F. albida, S. birrea, and M. oleifera, we have predicted 31,707, 20,946, 28,979, 18,937, and 18,451 protein-coding genes, respectively. By further analyzing the expansion and contraction of selected gene families, we have characterized root nodule symbiosis genes, transcription factors, and starch biosynthesis-related genes in these genomes.

    CONCLUSIONS: These genome data will be useful to identify and characterize agronomically important genes and understand their modes of action, enabling genomics-based, evolutionary studies, and breeding strategies to design faster, more focused, and predictable crop improvement programs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames/genetics
  12. Effect of scanning parameters on dose-response of radiochromic films irradiated with photon and electron beams
    Tagiling N, Ab Rashid R, Azhan SNA, Dollah N, Geso M, Rahman WN
    Heliyon, 2018 Oct;4(10):e00864.
    PMID: 30364574 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00864
    Proper dosimetry settings are crucial in radiotherapy to ensure accurate radiation dose delivery. This work evaluated scanning parameters as affecting factors in reading the dose-response of EBT2 and EBT3 radiochromic films (RCFs) irradiated with clinical photon and electron beams. The RCFs were digitised using Epson® Expression® 10000XL flatbed scanner and image analyses of net optical density (netOD) were conducted using five scanning parameters i.e. film type, resolution, image bit depth, colour to grayscale transformation and image inversion. The results showed that increasing spatial resolution and deepening colour depth did not improve film sensitivity, while grayscale scanning caused sensitivity reduction below than that detected in the Red-channel. It is also evident that invert and colour negative film type selection negated netOD values, hence unsuitable for scanning RCFs. In conclusion, choosing appropriate scanning parameters are important to maintain preciseness and reproducibility in films dosimetry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reading
  13. Fulltext Insight into the origin of chikungunya virus in Malaysian non-human primates via sequence analysis
    Suhana O, Nazni WA, Apandi Y, Farah H, Lee HL, Sofian-Azirun M
    Heliyon, 2019 Dec;5(12):e02682.
    PMID: 31867449 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02682
    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is maintained in the sylvatic cycle in West Africa and is transmitted by Aedes mosquito species to monkeys. In 2006, four verified CHIKV isolates were obtained during a survey of arboviruses in monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) in Pahang state, Peninsular Malaysia. RNA was extracted from the CHIKV isolates and used in reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) to amplify PCR fragments for sequencing. Nucleic acid primers were designed to generate overlapping PCR fragments that covered the whole viral sequence. A total of 11,238 base pairs (bp) corresponding to open reading frames (ORFs) from our isolates and 47 other registered isolates in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) were used to elucidate sequences, amino acids, and phylogenetic relationships and to estimate divergence times by using MEGA 7.0 and the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all CHIKV isolates could be classified into the Asian genotype and clustered with Bagan Panchor clades, which are associated with the chikungunya outbreak reported in 2006, with sequence and amino acid similarities of 99.9% and 99.7%, respectively. Minor amino acid differences were found between human and non-human primate isolates. Amino acid analysis showed a unique amino acid at position 221 in the nsP1region, at which a glycine (G) was found only in monkey isolates, whereas arginine (R) was found at the same position only in human isolates. The time to the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) estimation indicated that CHIKV probably started to diverge from human to non-human primates in approximately 2004 in Malaysia. The results suggested that CHIKV in non-human primates probably resulted from the spillover of the virus from humans. The study will be helpful in understanding the movement and evolution of CHIKV in Malaysia and globally.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  14. Fulltext Knowledge, attitudes, and barriers towards evidence-based practice among physiotherapists in Malaysia
    Yahui HC, Swaminathan N
    Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liao, 2017 Dec;37:10-18.
    PMID: 30931041 DOI: 10.1016/j.hkpj.2016.12.002
    Background: Recently, there has been an increased need for all healthcare disciplines to provide interventions that are effective and evidence based. This has led to more implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical settings. Following this, research regarding EBP gained attention to determine its uptake into the physiotherapy profession. Although there are numerous studies to determine the attitudes and barriers of physiotherapists towards EBP, most of them were done in developed nations. As for Malaysia, little research has been carried out, much less among physiotherapists.

    Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge, attitude, and barriers towards the implementation of EBP among physiotherapists in Malaysia.

    Methods: A survey was conducted among the members of the Malaysian Physiotherapy Association and other practicing therapists in Malaysia. One hundred and two responses were collected throughout a span of 2 months.

    Results: Respondents agreed that EBP is necessary to practice and that it helps in decision making as well as improving patient care. Eighty-one percent of the respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that they had received formal training in EBP. However, 61% of the respondents reported that strong evidence is lacking to support their interventions. Thirty percent of the respondents reported reading <2 articles per month, with 57% stating that they read two to five articles in a typical month. This study also found time constraints, limited access to search engines, and lack of generalizability of research evidence as the top three barriers to implementing EBP.

    Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Malaysia had a positive attitude towards EBP and are inclined towards implementing evidence into their clinical practice. They are interested in attending courses to improve their knowledge and skills in EBP.

    Matched MeSH terms: Reading
  15. Fulltext Analysis of non-synonymous-coding variants of Parkinson's disease-related pathogenic and susceptibility genes in East Asian populations
    Foo JN, Tan LC, Liany H, Koh TH, Irwan ID, Ng YY, et al.
    Hum Mol Genet, 2014 Jul 15;23(14):3891-7.
    PMID: 24565865 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu086
    To evaluate the contribution of non-synonymous-coding variants of known familial and genome-wide association studies (GWAS)-linked genes for Parkinson's disease (PD) to PD risk in the East Asian population, we sequenced all the coding exons of 39 PD-related disease genes and evaluated the accumulation of rare non-synonymous-coding variants in 375 early-onset PD cases and 399 controls. We also genotyped 782 non-synonymous-coding variants of these genes in 710 late-onset PD cases and 9046 population controls. Significant enrichment of LRRK2 variants was observed in both early- and late-onset PD (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% confidence interval = 1.29-1.93; P = 8.05 × 10(-6)). Moderate enrichment was also observed in FGF20, MCCC1, GBA and ITGA8. Half of the rare variants anticipated to cause loss of function of these genes were present in healthy controls. Overall, non-synonymous-coding variants of known familial and GWAS-linked genes appear to make a limited contribution to PD risk, suggesting that clinical sequencing of these genes will provide limited information for risk prediction and molecular diagnosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames
  16. Identification and comparison of RCMV ALL 03 open reading frame (ORF) among several different strains of cytomegalovirus worldwide
    Balakrishnan KN, Abdullah AA, Bala J, Abba Y, Sarah SA, Jesse FFA, et al.
    Infect Genet Evol, 2017 10;54:81-90.
    PMID: 28642159 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.06.020
    BACKGROUND: Rat cytomegalovirus ALL-03 (Malaysian strain) which was isolated from a placenta and uterus of a house rat, Rattus rattus diardii has the ability to cross the placenta and infecting the fetus. To further elucidate the pathogenesis of the Malaysian strain of Rat Cytomegalovirus ALL-03 (RCMV ALL-03), detailed analysis on the viral genome sequence is crucial.

    METHODS: Genome sequencing of RCMV ALL-03 was carried out in order to identify the open reading frame (ORF), homology comparison of ORF with other strains of CMV, phylogenetic analysis, classifying ORF with its corresponding conserved genes, and determination of functional proteins and grouping of gene families in order to obtain fundamental knowledge of the genome.

    RESULTS: The present study revealed a total of 123 Coding DNA sequences (CDS) from RCMV ALL-03 with 37 conserved ORF domains as with all herpesvirus genomes. All the CDS possess similar function with RCMV-England followed by RCMV-Berlin, RCMV-Maastricht, and Human CMV. The phylogenetic analysis of RCMV ALL-03 based on conserving genes of herpes virus showed that the Malaysian RCMV isolate is closest to RCMV-English and RCMV-Berlin strains, with 99% and 97% homology, respectively. Similarly, it also demonstrated an evolutionary relationship between RCMV ALL-03 and other strains of herpesviruses from all the three subfamilies. Interestingly, betaherpesvirus subfamily, which has been shown to be more closely related with gammaherpesviruses as compared to alphaherpesviruses, shares some of the functional ORFs. In addition, the arrangement of gene blocks for RCMV ALL-03, which was conserved among herpesvirus family members was also observed in the RCMV ALL-03 genome.

    CONCLUSION: Genomic analysis of RCMV ALL-03 provided an overall picture of the whole genome organization and it served as a good platform for further understanding on the divergence in the family of Herpesviridae.

    Matched MeSH terms: Open Reading Frames/genetics*
  17. Fulltext Food label reading and understanding among obese adults: a population study in Malaysia
    Rashidah Ambak, Balkish Mahadir Naidu, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Nor Azian Mohd Zaki, Syafinaz Mohd Sallehuddin, Tahir Aris
    Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):449-456.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Food labeling regulation has been implemented to enable consumers, including those with chronic diseases to make healthy informed choices before purchasing pre-packaged foods. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of obese adults in Malaysia who practice reading food labels. It explored types of labels read and understanding of the information.
    Methods Findings presented in this study were captured from the secondary analysis of National Health and Morbidity Survey’s (NHMS, 2006) food label study which focused only on obese adults (BMI > 30 kg/m2) aged 18 and above. This nation-wide cross sectional study was conducted from April to August 2006 using an interview-based questionnaire. Complex data analysis was done using Stata version 12.0.
    Results There were 4565 obese respondents with the mean age of 33 ± 9.7 (18-60 years old). About 54.7% completed high-school and 9.9% were higher degree
    holders. Prevalence of obese adults who claimed to read label was 80.5% (95%CI: 79.3, 81.6). Findings showed significant results in reading and understanding labels among all age group categories, Malay, Indian and other Bumiputras, all education categories and married respondents. Expiry date was the highest percentage being read (74.5%), followed by fat content (15.3%), vitamin (11.8%) and carbohydrate (10.9%).
    Conclusions The obese population in Malaysia claimed to read and understand the food label but did not focus on specific macronutrients related to their health
    condition. Findings can be used to implement effective education programmes targeting the relevant groups to instill an awareness to read, understand and use the label information as one of the means in combating obesity.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
    Matched MeSH terms: Reading
  18. Fulltext Allah’s wondrous creatures, the holy Qur’an and technological inventions: ultrasound imaging
    Sayed, Inayatullah Shah
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(101):83-88.
    MyJurnal
    Allah (s.w.t) has created innumerable distinct creatures and mentioned to us about their special qualities through His revelation. The Qur’an is the ultimate source of guidance for its followers for all aspects of life including science. If one is to study nature scientifically there are countless observable facts that are parallel to the teachings of Islam. One of these facts is echolocation found in bats and dolphins. These animals generate ultrasonic signals and detect the echoes reflected back to them to map out their environment and catch prey. Modern health sciences have already adopted this phenomenon in the form of ultrasound imaging for diagnosis of certain diseases. However, there is room for improvement in the overall performance of this technique. This article highlights the technological developments directly inspired by nature i.e., crawfish/crayfish and relates echolocation characteristics of bats and dolphins with basic principles of ultrasound imaging. In-depth studies on the echolocation properties of these creatures can lead to further improvement in the current ultrasound imaging technique. Such as; the construction of a transducer which simultaneously generates multi-frequency ultrasound signals and development of new interpreting software. Moreover, reading verses of the Holy Qur’an heartily and enthusiastically will lead to the development of innovative ideas that can be translated into reality and applied for the betterment of humankind.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reading
  19. Fulltext Uncomplicated hyperemesis gravidarum does not alter the course of cardiovascular changes during pregnancy
    Sheila Rani Kovil George, Sivalingam Nalliah
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2014;8(1):34-43.
    MyJurnal
    The purpose of this prospective longitudinal study was to investigate the maternal cardiac haemodynamic and structural changes that occur
    in pregnancies with uncomplicated hyperemesis gravidarum in a selected Malaysian population. Nine women underwent serial echocardiography beginning at 12 weeks of gestation and throughout pregnancy at monthly intervals. Their echocardiograms were repeated at 6 and 12 weeks following delivery to reflect the pre-pregnancy haemodynamic state. Cardiac output was measured by continuous wave Doppler at the aortic valve. Interventricular septum thickness was determined by M- mode echocardiography and ventricular diastolic function by assessing flow at the mitral valve with Doppler recording. Cardiac output showed an increase of 32.9% at 36 weeks and maintained till 40 weeks of gestation. Heart rate increased from 79 ± 6 to 96 ± 8 beats/min at 36 weeks. Stroke volume increased by 16.4 % at 40 weeks of gestation when compared to the baseline
    value. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not appreciably change but showed a lower reading during the mid-trimester period. Early inflow velocity of left ventricle did not show a rise while peak atrial velocity showed an increasing trend; thus the ratio of early inflow to peak atrial transport showed a declining trend from early pregnancy to term. End diastolic dimension of left ventricle and interventricular septum thickness showed an increased value at term. Uncomplicated hyperemesis gravidarum did not alter the haemodynamic changes throughout pregnancy and concur with established data for normal pregnancy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reading
  20. Fulltext Prevailing practice versus clinical guideline: the in-patient assessment and management of childhood bronchopneuonia in a Malaysian district hospital
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2008;2(2):9-16.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Pneumonia is the most common diagnosis made in hospitalised children. The Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines on pneumonia and respiratory tract infections provides a comprehensive guidance in the local context. We evaluated the documented assessment and management of children diagnosed with pneumonia admitted to the children’s ward, Hospital Batu Pahat against this guideline.
    Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of hospital case notes for children admitted from January to May 2004.
    Results: Ninety six case notes were analysed. Most patients (84%) had at least four positive clinical features leading to the diagnosis of pneumonia. 92% met the guideline criteria for admission. Sp02 was performed for 58% on admission, and 58% with reading below 95% received supplemental oxygen. Throughout hospital stay, each patient had an average of four investigations (range: 1 – 12). Among 23 patients who had further investigations, justifications were only recorded in seven patients (30.4%), and changes in management resulted in 23%. The most common antibiotic prescribed was intravenous Penicillin (97 %). In 17 patients who met the guideline classification for severe pneumonia, none received the recommended antibiotic combination. The median time to fever resolution was 22 hours (range 2 – 268), and median hospital stay was 3 days (range 1 – 12).
    Conclusions: Although the quality of clinical assessment and antibiotic choices were acceptable, there was a failure to critically evaluate patients according to disease severity and initiate corresponding investigations and managements. Future efforts need to be directed at promoting further guideline adherence and the exercise of critical judgment in patient evaluation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Reading
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