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Fulltext Determinations of a safe musculofascial plication in abdominoplasty

Al-Shaham AA

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Dec;62(5):380-2.
PMID: 18705470 MyJurnal

This study was conducted to determine a safe vertical musculo-fascial plication distance in abdominoplasty operation in order to avoid the risk of developing respiratory distress during the post operative period. Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat (panneculectomy), and tightens lax anterior abdominal wall muscle; in which musculo-fascial plication is a major component of abdominoplasty in patient with significant divaricating of the recti muscles. Respiratory decompensation may occur as a result of undue plication which reduces the intra abdominal volume with diaphragmatic excursion leading to abdominal compartmental syndrome. Fifty six patients for abdominoplasty were selected prospectively, during the period from June 1998 to February 2004, male to female ratio 1:13, mean age 39.5, mean weight 95.2 kilogram. To determine a safe plication distance (PD). The difference between two pre-operative measurements of the abdominal circumference was measured, before (BB) and after (AB) application of abdominal binder. The safe plication distance (PD) in centimeters = (BB) - (AB). The mean plication distance is 13.5cm. The changes in the pulmonary functions test before and after surgery were clinically insignificant. Pre-operative determination of safe plication distance is simple and convenient method which reduces the risk of developing respiratory distress in patients undergoing abdominoplasty in the post-operative period.

Matched MeSH terms: Postoperative Complications/prevention & control; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult/prevention & control
Fulltext Improvements of knowledge and perception towards HIV/AIDS among secondary school students after two hours talk

Jahanfar S, Lim AW, Loh MA, Yeoh AG, Charles A

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Oct;63(4):288-92.
PMID: 19385486 MyJurnal

Malaysia is confronted with an increasing incidence of HIV and AIDS among adolescents and young adults. The effectiveness of various programs offered to school going teenagers is unknown. The objective of this study is to measure the effectiveness of two hours talk on sex education offered by a non governmental organization (NGO) in improving youngsters' knowledge and perception towards HIV and AIDS. A cross sectional study was conducted among the adolescent students from a secondary school in Ipoh, Perak, a province of Malaysia. A total of 182 students participated in the study. A standard questionnaire consisting of demographic data, knowledge and perception towards HIV/ADIS were distributed before (pre-test) and after the intervention (post-test). Performance of participants was compared to establish the effectiveness of the intervention. Our findings suggests that there was a significant increase in participants' knowledge and perception after the intervention (p = 0.000). Knowledge improvement was found in both genders however, improvement in perception was higher among female students. Interestingly, 80% of participants disagree that sexual education will encourage sex among youngsters. NGOs are playing a supplementary role in providing sex education programs in schools. This program although of short duration but it is effective in enhancing adolescence awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & control*; HIV Infections/prevention & control*
Issues and framework of environmental health in Malaysia

Mokhtar MB, Murad W

J Environ Health, 2010 Apr;72(8):24-9.
PMID: 20420051

Environmental health problems in Malaysia are mostly attributed to atmospheric pollution, water pollution, climate change, ozone depletion, and solid waste management, as well as toxic, chemical, and hazardous waste management. The Ministry of Health, Malaysia, has been vigorously pursuing the environmental health agenda by collaborating with other agencies at district, state, national, and international levels. This article discusses the issues and management framework of environmental health in Malaysia. Some issues requiring further investigation in order to clearly understand the trade-off between atmospheric change and environmental health are suggested. These suggestions are developed with particular reference to appraisals concerned with the development and implementation of environmental policy, programs, and practice. Research on the relevant issues is discussed and a framework is built involving a comprehensive review of the literature and existing framework of Malaysian environmental health.

Matched MeSH terms: Environmental Pollution/prevention & control*; Hazardous Waste/prevention & control
Fulltext Formaldehyde-inactivated whole-virus vaccine protects a murine model of enterovirus 71 encephalomyelitis against disease

Ong KC, Devi S, Cardosa MJ, Wong KT

J Virol, 2010 Jan;84(1):661-5.
PMID: 19864378 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.00999-09

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes childhood hand, foot, and mouth disease and neurological complications, and no vaccines or therapeutic drugs are currently available. Formaldehyde-inactivated whole-virus vaccines derived from EV71 clinical isolates and a mouse-adapted virus (MAV) were tested in a mouse model of EV71 encephalomyelitis. After only two immunizations, given to mice at 1 and 7 days of age, the MAV vaccine protected mice at 14 days of age from disease. Tissues from immunized mice were negative for virus by viral culture, reverse transcriptase PCR, immunohistochemistry analysis, and in situ hybridization. Cross-neutralizing EV71 antibodies to strains with genotypes B3, B4, and C1 to C5 generated in immunized adult mice were able to passively protect 14-day-old mice from disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Encephalomyelitis/prevention & control*; Enterovirus Infections/prevention & control*
Reducing hypothermia in preterm infants with polyethylene wrap

Rohana J, Khairina W, Boo NY, Shareena I

Pediatr Int, 2011 Aug;53(4):468-74.
PMID: 21105964 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2010.03295.x

Occlusive plastic applied immediately after birth to reduce evaporative heat loss has been proven effective in preterm infants <28 weeks' gestation. However its effectiveness on preterm infants >28 weeks' gestation has not been shown. This study aimed to determine the effect of occlusive wrap at birth on the temperature at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission among infants of greater than or equal to 24 weeks' and less than 34 weeks' gestation.

Matched MeSH terms: Hypothermia/prevention & control*; Infant, Premature, Diseases/prevention & control*
Motorcycle safety programmes in Malaysia: how effective are they?

Radin Umar RS

Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot, 2006 Jun;13(2):71-9.
PMID: 16707342

This paper presents the approach taken by the Malaysian Government to contain motorcycle casualties in Malaysia. It involves the exposure control, crash prevention, behaviour modification and injury control related to humans, vehicles and the environment based on pre-crash, crash and post-crash scenarios of motorcycle accidents. These initiatives emanated mainly from the research and development carried out by the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Recent outcomes from these initiatives are presented and their impact is highlighted.

Matched MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic/prevention & control*; Wounds and Injuries/prevention & control*
The efficacy of a subhypnotic dose of propofol in preventing laryngospasm following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children

Batra YK, Ivanova M, Ali SS, Shamsah M, Al Qattan AR, Belani KG

Paediatr Anaesth, 2005 Dec;15(12):1094-7.
PMID: 16324030 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2005.01633.x

BACKGROUND: Laryngospasm is a well-known problem typically occurring immediately following tracheal extubation. Propofol is known to inhibit airway reflexes. In this study, we sought to assess whether the empiric use of a subhypnotic dose of propofol prior to emergence will decrease the occurrence of laryngospasm following extubation in children.
METHODS: After approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and informed parental consent, we enrolled 120 children ASA physical status I and II, aged 3-14 years who were scheduled to undergo elective tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy under standard general anesthesia. Before extubation, the patients were randomized and received in a blinded fashion either propofol 0.5 mg.kg(-1) or saline (control) intravenously. Tracheal extubation was performed 60 s after administration of study drug, when the child was breathing regularly and reacting to the tracheal tube.
RESULTS: Laryngospasm was seen in 20% (n = 12) of the 60 children in the control group and in only 6.6% (n = 4) of 60 children in the propofol group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: During emergence from inhalational anesthesia, propofol in a subhypnotic dose (0.5 mg.kg(-1)) decreases the likelihood of laryngospasm upon tracheal extubation in children undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.

Matched MeSH terms: Laryngismus/prevention & control*; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control*
Fulltext Farmers and formulations--rural health perspective

Rathinam X, Kota R, Thiyagar N

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Mar;60(1):118-24; quiz 125.
PMID: 16250298

Conventional farming demands excessive use of chemicals in the form of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, confirming to the norms of Green Revolution. Farmers in general, specifically in the developing countries resort to injudicious and excessive use of pesticides which is linked to the illiteracy and poverty of the rural farming community. Their overriding concern for profitable agriculture, has rendered the health of the farmers at a greater risk of developing dreadful maladies including various type of cancers, reproductive disorders, respiratory, dermal, and neuropsychological problems etc. The possible means of reducing the health risks are discussed, including the global effort to regulate the manufacture, transport and use of highly toxic pesticides. Slow and programmed transition to alternative agriculture and strengthening of farmers' knowledge on health, ecosystem and environment will prove effective.

Matched MeSH terms: Agricultural Workers' Diseases/prevention & control*; Occupational Exposure/prevention & control
Population dynamics of adult mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in malaria endemic villages of Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia

Ali WN, Ahmad R, Nor ZM, Ismail Z, Lim LH

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2011 Mar;42(2):259-67.
PMID: 21710845

Mosquitoes in malaria endemic areas needs to be monitored constantly in order to detect demographic changes that could affect control measures. A 12-month mosquito population survey was conducted in several malaria endemic areas in Pos Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia. Collection of mosquitoes using a human landing catch technique was carried out indoors and outdoors for 12 hours from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM for 42 nights. Anopheles maculatus Theobald (31.0%), Armigeres flavus Leicester (11.3%), Armigeres annulitarsis Leicester (11.0%), Culex vishnui Theobald (9.6%) and Aedes albopictus Skuse (7.0%) were the predominant species caught in the study area. The salivary gland and midgut of all anopheline mosquitoes were dissected to determine the presence of malaria parasites but none were positive. A high rate of human biting by An. maculatus was detected during December, but the rate was lower in January. Mosquito larvae were carried by the rapid current of the river downstream causing a decrease in the larvae population. Of the five predominant species, only Ar. annulitarsis exhibited a significant positive correlation in numbers with monthly rainfall (p < 0.05). An. maculatus biting activity peaked during 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Ae. albopictus, Ar. annulitarsis, and Ar. flavus exhibited similar activities which peaked during 7:00 PM to 8.00 PM.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaria/prevention & control; Endemic Diseases/prevention & control*
Addressing men and gender diversity in education: a promising solution to the HIV/AIDS epidemic

Ghajarieh AB, Kow KY

Health Care Women Int, 2011 Apr;32(4):314-27.
PMID: 21409664 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2010.532577

To date, researchers investigating gender in relation to social issues underscore women and appear to sideline men. Focusing on women in studies concerning sociogender issues may exclude not only men from mainstream research, but also those who do not fit into the binary gender system, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people. One area closely related to gender issues is the HIV epidemic. Mainstream discussions of men and other versions of masculinity and femininity including GLBT people in the gender-related studies of the HIV epidemic can decrease the vulnerability of individuals against HIV infections regardless of their biological sex.

Matched MeSH terms: HIV Infections/prevention & control; Epidemics/prevention & control*
Laboratory accidents--a matter of attitude

Karim N, Choe CK

Malays J Pathol, 2000 Dec;22(2):85-9.
PMID: 16329540

This is a prospective study on accidents occurring in the Pathology laboratories of Hospital Ipoh over the 3-year period from January 1996 to October 1999. 15 mishaps were recorded. The location of the accidents were the histology (40%), microbiology (33%), haematology (20%) and cytology (7%) laboratories. No mishaps were reported from the clinical chemistry, blood bank and outpatient laboratories. Cuts by sharp objects were the most common injuries sustained (47%) followed by splashes and squirts by fluid such as blood or chemicals (27%). There was 1 case each of contact with biohazardous fluid, burn, allergy and accidental drinking of disinfectant. 67% of the accidents involved medical laboratory technicians, 20% involved attendants and the rest were medical officers and the junior laboratory technicians. Although the accidents reported appeared trivial, it is vital to document them and bring them to the attention of all concerned in the laboratory, in order to prevent major accidents and also because of medico-legal implications. The role of the Laboratory Safety Committee cannot be overemphasised. Modification of staff attitude is considered an important remedial goal.

Matched MeSH terms: Accidents, Occupational/prevention & control; Occupational Diseases/prevention & control
Fulltext Hepatitis A outbreak in Hulu Langat District, Selangor State, Malaysia during April--October 2002

Venugopalan B, Nik Rubiah NAR, Meftahuddin T, Ayu M, Prema R, Ruhaini I, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Dec;59(5):670-3.
PMID: 15889571

A Hepatitis A outbreak occurred in Mukim Hulu Langat, Hulu Langat district from April 2002 to October 2002. Of the 51 cases notified, most were among students and the ethnic groups involved were Malays and the Orang Asli (local indigenous community). Epidemiological investigations revealed that the cases were localized along rivers used for recreational activities in this area. River water analysis indicated human faecal contamination and it was believed that the contamination was due to the Orang Asli community living upstream. This occurred due to lack of toilet facilities, water at point of use and the existing traditional practices of the Orang Asli community. Control measures instituted were intense health education to the Orang Asli to avoid using the rivers for defecation, multi agency efforts to provide sanitary toilets and adequate water to the villages affected. Future measures include conducting a sero- prevalence survey to determine the feasibility of Hepatitis A immunization to the susceptible population in this area. The outbreak that began in April 2002 was controlled by October 2002.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control*; Hepatitis A/prevention & control*
Fulltext Tuberculosis in Malaysia: combating the old nemesis

Aziah AM

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Mar;59(1):1-3.
PMID: 15535327 MyJurnal
Matched MeSH terms: Tuberculosis/prevention & control*; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/prevention & control
Fulltext Effectiveness of a simple heated water-filled mattress for the prevention and treatment of neonatal hypothermia in the labour room

Boo NY, Selvarani S

Singapore Med J, 2005 Aug;46(8):387-91.
PMID: 16049607

This study aimed to determine the proportions of normothermic infants who remained normothermic, and hypothermic infants who became normothermic following the use of a heated water-filled mattress (HWM) in the labour room.

Matched MeSH terms: Hypothermia/prevention & control*; Infant, Newborn, Diseases/prevention & control*
Prophylactic nasal continuous positive airways pressure for preventing morbidity and mortality in very preterm infants

Subramaniam P, Henderson-Smart DJ, Davis PG

Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2005 Jul 20.
PMID: 16034858

BACKGROUND: Cohort studies (Avery 1987; Jonsson 1997) have suggested that early post-natal nasal continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) may be beneficial in reducing the need for intubation and intermittent positive pressure ventilation, and in preventing chronic lung disease in preterm or low birth weight infants.
OBJECTIVES: To determine if prophylactic nasal CPAP commenced soon after birth regardless of respiratory status in the very preterm or very low birth weight infant reduces the use of IPPV and the incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD) without adverse effects.
SEARCH STRATEGY: The search was updated in April 2005. The standard search strategy of the Neonatal Review Group was used. This included searches of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, Cochrane Library Issue 1 2005, MEDLINE 1966-April 2005, previous reviews including cross references, abstracts, conferences, symposia, proceedings, expert informants, journal hand searching mainly in the English language.
SELECTION CRITERIA: All trials using random or quasi-random patient allocation of very preterm infants < 32 weeks gestation and / or < 1500 gms at birth were eligible. Comparison had to be between prophylactic nasal CPAP commencing soon after birth regardless of the respiratory status of the infant compared with "standard" methods of treatment where CPAP or IPPV is used for a defined respiratory condition.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration and its Neonatal Review Group, including independent assessment of trial quality and extraction of data by each author, were used. Data were analysed using relative risk (RR). Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed effects model.
MAIN RESULTS: There are no statistically significant differences in any of the outcomes studied in either of the eligible trials (Han 1987; Sandri 2004) reporting on 82 and 230 infants respectively. In Han 1987 there are trends towards increases in the incidence of BPD at 28 days [RR 2.27 (0.77, 6.65)], death [RR 3.63 (0.42, 31.08)] and any IVH [RR 2.18 (0.84, 5.62)] in the CPAP group. In Sandri 2004 there is a trend towards an increase in IVH grade 3 or 4 [RR 3.0 (0.96, 28.42)] in the CPAP group. No outcome was significantly different in any of the meta-analyses.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient information to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic nasal CPAP in very preterm infants. Neither of the included studies reviewed showed evidence of benefit in reducing the use of IPPV. The tendency for some adverse outcomes to be increased is of concern and further multicentre randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify this.

Matched MeSH terms: Infant, Premature, Diseases/prevention & control*; Lung Diseases/prevention & control*
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP]

Chutaputti A

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jul;60 Suppl B:12-4.
PMID: 16108166
Matched MeSH terms: Bacterial Infections/prevention & control*; Peritonitis/prevention & control*
Strategy for the control of foot-and-mouth disease in Southeast Asia (SEAFMD)

Edwards JR

Dev Biol (Basel), 2004;119:423-31.
PMID: 15742655

The OIE Southeast Asia Foot-and-Mouth Disease Campaign (SEAFMD) involves the coordinated control of foot-and-mouth disease by eight of the ASEAN countries. A long term vision for SEAFMD has been developed and the core element is a progressive zoning approach to the control and eradication of FMD in the region. This paper describes the current status of FMD in Southeast Asia and progress towards achievement of OIE free zone status for FMD in parts of the Philippines and Malaysia and the initiation of the Malaysia-Thailand-Myanmar (MTM) Peninsular Campaign for FMD Freedom. In mainland Southeast Asia, the progressive zoning approach involves several sub-regional groups working in parallel to oversee the epidemiological and economic studies required to determine the feasibility of the approach. Areas involved include the Lower Mekong Basin, Upper Mekong Basin, parts of Myanmar and the Red River Delta of Vietnam. The paper describes the current usage of vaccines for FMD in Southeast Asia and provides recommendations for their supply and use in the new regional initiatives.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control; Foot-and-Mouth Disease/prevention & control*
Impact of the effect of economic crisis and the targeted motorcycle safety programme on motorcycle-related accidents, injuries and fatalities in Malaysia

Law TH, Umar RS, Zulkaurnain S, Kulanthayan S

Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot, 2005 Mar;12(1):9-21.
PMID: 15814371

In 1997, a Motorcycle Safety Programme (MSP) was introduced to address the motorcycle-related accident problem. The MSP was specifically targeted at motorcyclists. In addition to the MSP, the recent economic recession has significantly contributed to a reduction of traffic-related incidents. This paper examines the effects of the recent economic crisis and the MSP on motorcycle-related accidents, casualties and fatalities in Malaysia. The autocorrelation integrated moving average model with transfer function was used to evaluate the overall effects of the interventions. The variables used in developing the model were gross domestic product and MSPs. The analysis found a 25% reduction in the number of motorcycle-related accidents, a 27% reduction in motorcycle casualties and a 38% reduction in motorcycle fatalities after the implementation of MSP. Findings indicate that the MSP has been one of the effective measures in reducing motorcycle safety problems in Malaysia. Apart from that, the performance of the country's economy was also found to be significant in explaining the number of motorcycle-related accidents, casualties and fatalities in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Accidents, Traffic/prevention & control; Wounds and Injuries/prevention & control
Pneumocystis pneumonia among HIV patients in Malaysia

Asmal HS, Mustafa M, Abdullah S, Zaidah AR, Nurhaslindawati AR, Sarimah A, et al.

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2009 Nov;40(6):1293-7.
PMID: 20578464

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has become the most common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients with a CD4 count < or = 200. The incidence of PCP has declined as a result of prophylaxis and better highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The objective of this study was to review the demographic data of HIV patients diagnosed clinically as having PCP at the Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II) in Malaysia. This was a prospective study. All HIV patients admitted to HRPZ II with respiratory symptoms were enrolled in this study after giving informed consent. Their demographic data were collected. The total number of HIV patients reviewed in this study was 107. Nearly 60% of patients were clinically diagnosed as having pneumocystis pneumonia based on their signs, symptoms and chest x-ray findings. A CD4 count was available in 83 out of 107 patients. The fifty-three percent of patients(44) had a CD4 < 200 and were clinically diagnosed as having pneumocystis pneumonia. Thirty percent had a CD4 < 200 but did not have clinical pneumocystis pneumonia. Sixteen point nine percent had a CD4 > 200 and had clinical pneumocystis pneumonia, three of whom had received HAART, four patients had received prophylaxis. Overall, 94 patients (87.8%) received prophylaxis for pneumocystis pneumonia. Thirty-three patients (30.8%) received HAART. The occurrence of pneumocystis pneumonia was common before full implementation of HAART. Pneumocystis pneumonia can occur in patients with a CD4 >200.

Matched MeSH terms: Pneumonia, Pneumocystis/prevention & control; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/prevention & control
Fulltext Toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS: a living legacy

Nissapatorn V

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2009 Nov;40(6):1158-78.
PMID: 20578449

Toxoplasmosis has historically been considered one of the most important opportunistic infections detected in HIV/AIDS patients. The prevalence rates of latent Toxoplasma infections in HIV-infected patients has been found to vary greatly from 3% to 97%. Prevalence has been found to be related to ethnicity, certain risk factors, and reactivation of toxoplasmosis. Prior to antiretroviral therapy, toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) was the most common focal cerebral lesion detected in AIDS patients with Toxoplasma infection, occurring in approximately half of Toxoplasma-seropositive patients. Other forms of dissemination have also been reported in AIDS patients in sites such as the eyes, lungs, heart and spinal cord. Anti-Toxoplasma therapy and chemoprophylaxis have shown effectiveness in reducing the incidence of TE, while noncompliance has been identified as a cause of relapse in these settings. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common neuropathological complications found at autopsy. Rapid progress in the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the observed patterns with TE, for which there has been a marked decrease in overall incidence. Subsequently, TE has been found to be significantly associated with the so-called "neurological immune restoration inflammatory syndrome" (NIRIS). Toxoplasma screening programs are recommended for all newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Chemoprophylaxis should be considered in HIV-infected patients who have a CD4 < 200 cells/mm3, particularly in settings where resources are limited and there is not access to HAART. TE remains a cause of morbidity and mortality among AIDS patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Toxoplasmosis/prevention & control; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/prevention & control

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