Displaying publications 921 - 940 of 1069 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Ooi ECW, Md Isa Z, Abdul Manaf MR, Ahmad Fuad AS, Ahmad A, Mustapa MN, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(9):e0308403.
    PMID: 39240890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308403
    As health systems transition to ICD-11, it is essential to gauge the readiness and improve existing transition efforts. Assessing the intention to use ICD-11 and factors influencing it is imperative to encourage the use of ICD-11 among the medical record officers (MROs) and assistant medical record officers (AMROs). This study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire on the factors influencing the intention to use ICD-11 among MROs and AMROs in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. This study comprised a questionnaire development and validation involving 292 participants nationwide from Ministry of Health Malaysia facilities. The questionnaire was developed based on items adapted from the literature. Forward and backward English-Malay translation was done. Then, the questionnaire was examined for content validity, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, face validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity and confirmatory factor analyses. The final version of the questionnaire consists of eleven domains represented by 50 items. The content validity index and modified kappa were excellent for all domains. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin sampling adequacy value was appropriate, with a value of 0.790. The questionnaire also demonstrated good internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's alpha values between 0.850 and 0.992. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a reasonable fit for this eleven-factor model. In conclusion, this questionnaire provides a reliable tool for investigating the intention to use ICD-11 among MROs and AMROs. Positive findings from the psychometric properties support the validity of the questionnaire. This instrument can potentially support personnel in charge of ICD codification, guide the ICD-11 transition at various levels and facilitate research on support dynamics among the MROs and AMROs.
  2. Ooi ECW, Md Isa Z, Abdul Manaf MR, Ahmad Fuad AS, Sidek HF, Mustapa MN, et al.
    Health Inf Manag, 2024 Nov 23.
    PMID: 39578964 DOI: 10.1177/18333583241295717
    BACKGROUND: The transition of systems to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases 11th Version (ICD-11) allows access to comprehensive data that accurately portray the complexity of morbidity and mortality data in Malaysia.

    OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate Malaysia's experience in implementing ICD-11, from data collection to downstream data use applications.

    METHOD AND IMPLEMENTATION: We describe improvements to existing data source systems and downstream data applications. For non-HIS and HIS (ICD-10) systems, data were manually entered into the health management information system equipped with ICD-11 or automatically mapped from ICD-10 to ICD-11. Following these system improvements, we collected and reported ICD-11 data from all hospitals nationwide, regardless of the individual systems' status in ICD-11 use.

    DISCUSSION: Lessons learnt related to legacy systems; ICD-11 releases and system updates; mapping; reporting; human resources and related applications.

    CONCLUSION: With careful planning, standardisation of the collection and use of ICD-11 data can be accomplished with limited resources and in a complex environment with heterogeneous systems.

    IMPLICATIONS: Use of ICD-11 data in downstream data applications improves data quality to answer specific business or research questions.

  3. Gonzalez D, Gupta L, Murthy V, Gonzalez EB, Williamson KA, Makol A, et al.
    Rheumatol Int, 2022 Sep;42(9):1629-1641.
    PMID: 35661906 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05149-6
    Anti-MDA5 (Melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5) myositis is a rare subtype of dermatomyositis (DM) characterized by distinct ulcerative, erythematous cutaneous lesions and a high risk of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). It has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) replicates rapidly in lung and skin epithelial cells, which is sensed by the cytosolic RNA-sensor MDA5. MDA5 then triggers type 1 interferon (IFN) production, and thus downstream inflammatory mediators (EMBO J 40(15):e107826, 2021); (J Virol, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00862-21 ); (Cell Rep 34(2):108628, 2021); (Sci Rep 11(1):13638, 2021); (Trends Microbiol 27(1):75-85, 2019). It has also been shown that MDA5 is triggered by the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine with resultant activated dendritic cells (Nat Rev Immunol 21(4):195-197, 2021). Our literature review identified one reported case of MDA5-DM from the COVID-19 vaccine (Chest J, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.646 ). We present six additional cases of MDA5-DM that developed shortly after the administration of different kinds of COVID-19 vaccines. A review of other similar cases of myositis developing from the COVID-19 vaccine was also done. We aim to explore and discuss the evidence around recent speculations of a possible relation of MDA5-DM to COVID-19 infection and vaccine. The importance of vaccination during a worldwide pandemic should be maintained and our findings are not intended to discourage individuals from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
  4. Md Isa Z, Ismail NH, Mohd Tamil A, Jaafar MH, Ismail R, Mohamed Noor Khan NA, et al.
    BMC Nutr, 2023 Feb 07;9(1):27.
    PMID: 36750888 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00687-z
  5. Daud MH, Yusoff FH, Abdul-Razak S, Baharudin N, Mohamed-Yassin MS, Badlishah-Sham SF, et al.
    Digit Health, 2023;9:20552076231176645.
    PMID: 37312957 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176645
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to design, develop, assess and refine the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App© among primary care physicians (PCP) and patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in primary care.

    METHODOLOGY: Using the software-development-life-cycle (SDLC) iterative model, storyboard and wireframe were drafted; and a mock prototype was designed to illustrate the content and function graphically. Subsequently, a working prototype was developed. Qualitative studies using the 'think-aloud' and cognitive-task-analysis methods were conducted for the utility and usability testing. Topic guide was based on the 10-Nielsen's-Heuristic-Principles. Utility testing was conducted among PCP in which they 'thought-aloud' while performing tasks using the mobile app. Usability testing was conducted among MetS patients after they were given the app for 3 weeks. They 'thought-aloud' while performing tasks using the app. Interviews were audio- and video-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was performed.

    RESULT: Seven PCP and nine patients participated in the utility and usability testing, respectively. Six themes (efficiency of use, user control and freedom, appearance and aesthetic features, clinical content, error prevention, and help and documentation) emerged. PCP found the mobile app attractive and relevant sections were easy to find. They suggested adding 'zoom/swipe' functions and some parts needed bigger fonts. Patients commented that the app was user-friendly, has nice interface, and straightforward language. It helped them understand their health better. Based on these findings, the mobile app was refined.

    CONCLUSION: This app was produced using a robust SDLC method to increase users' satisfaction and sustainability of its use. It could potentially improve self-management behaviour among MetS patients in primary care.

  6. Mohd Isa IL, Zulkiflee I, Ogaili RH, Mohd Yusoff NH, Sahruddin NN, Sapri SR, et al.
    Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 2023;11:1296531.
    PMID: 38149172 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1296531
    Introduction: A regenerative strategy employing extracellular matrix (ECM)-based biomaterials and stem cells provide a better approach to mimicking the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment of intervertebral disc for endogenous tissue regeneration. However, there is currently limited understanding regarding the human Wharton Jelly derived-mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) towards nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells. Our study focused on the development of 3D bioengineered hydrogel based on the predominant ECM of native NP, including type II collagen (COLII) and hyaluronic acid (HA), which aims to tailor the needs of the microenvironment in NP. Methods: We have fabricated a 3D hydrogel using from COLII enriched with HA by varying the biomacromolecule concentration and characterised it for degradation, stability and swelling properties. The WJ-MSC was then encapsulated in the hydrogel system to guide the cell differentiation into NP-like cells. Results: We successfully fabricated COLII hydrogel (2 mg/ml) and HA 10 mg/ml at a weight ratio of HA and COLII at 1:9 and 4.5:9, and both hydrogels physically maintained their 3D sphere-shaped structure after complete gelation. The higher composition of HA in the hydrogel system indicated a higher water intake capacity in the hydrogel with a higher amount of HA. All hydrogels showed over 60% hydrolytic stability over a month. The hydrogel showed an increase in degradation on day 14. The hWJ-MSCs encapsulated in hydrogel showed a round morphology shape that was homogenously distributed within the hydrogel of both groups. The viability study indicated a higher cell growth of hWJ-MSCs encapsulated in all hydrogel groups until day 14. Discussion: Overall, our findings demonstrate that HA/COLII hydrogel provides an optimal swelling capacity, stability, degradability, and non-cytotoxic, thus mimics the NP microenvironment in guiding hWJ-MSCs towards NP phenotype, which is potentially used as an advanced cell delivery system for intervertebral disc regeneration.
  7. Mohd Tamil A, Ismail NH, Jaafar MH, Md Isa Z, Ismail R, Mat Nasir N, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e23042.
    PMID: 38192831 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23042
    INTRODUCTION: In Malaysia, the prevalence of depression has increased from 1.8 % to 2.3 % within a decade. Thus, this study was performed to identify depressive symptoms and its associated factors among Malaysian adults.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult population aged 35-70 residing in rural and urban areas in Malaysia. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the short form Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) questionnaire. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify the associated factors related to depressive symptoms.

    RESULTS: About 3.7 % (95 % CI: 2.33-4.83) of the respondents reported having depressive symptoms. Younger adults aged 35-40 years old (AOR: 3.087; 95 % CI: 2.021-4.717), females (AOR: 2.318; 95 % CI: 1.669-3.219), widows and divorcees (AOR: 2.294; 95 % CI: 1.085-4.848), smokers (AOR: 1.843; 95 % CI: 1.334-2.545) and alcohol consumers (AOR: 1.843; 95 % CI: 1.264-2.688) showed a higher odds compared to their other counterparts. Underweight individuals (AOR: 1.899; 95 % CI: 1.177-3.065) and those diagnosed either with hypertension (AOR: 1.442; 95 % CI: 1.11-1.873), diabetes (AOR: 1.554; 95 % CI: 1.133-2.13), angina (AOR: 2.73; 95 % CI: 1.596-4.67), COPD (AOR: 4.187; 95 % CI: 1.528-11.472) or asthma (AOR: 1.906; 95 % CI: 1.309-2.774) were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Additionally, individuals with difficulty trusting people (AOR: 1.477; 95 % CI: 1.024-2.13) and those reported to experience either home or work-related stress (AOR: 2.584; 95 % CI: 2.003-3.331) were more prone to have depressive symptoms.

    CONCLUSION: In this broad population-based study, about 3.7 % (95 % CI: 2.33-4.83) of respondents reported having depressive symptoms. Timely and well targeted collaborative intervention on the identified risk factors by the relevant authorities, would mitigate their effect on the quality of life and retard the progression into depression, especially among younger adults.

  8. Paradiso C, Gratton P, Trucchi E, López-Delgado J, Gargano M, Garizio L, et al.
    Mol Phylogenet Evol, 2025 Mar;204:108294.
    PMID: 39880223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108294
    Galápagos iguanas are a monophyletic group endemic to the Galápagos archipelago, comprising the marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus and three species of land iguanas: Conolophus subcristatus, C. pallidus and C. marthae. The biogeographic history of the land species in relation to their current distributions remains uncertain, in particular the origins of C. marthae, which is restricted to a small area of the northern part of Isabela Island. The classification of C. pallidus as a separate species has also been debated. We analyzed DNA sequences (RADseq) to reconstruct demographic histories of selected local populations of all Galápagos iguana species and estimate their divergence times within a multispecies coalescent framework. Our results indicate an early date for the colonization of Galápagos by iguanas, relative to island formation, at ca. 10 Mya, and support a recent split of C. marthae via allopatric speciation, after the emergence of Isabela Island, at ca. 0.57 Mya. We find contrasting demographic histories in C. marthae and the syntopic population of C. subcristatus, suggesting competitive interaction between these species. We also confirm that the divergence of C. pallidus from C. subcristatus is recent (0.09 Mya) and close in time to the split between populations of C. subcristatus from different islands. Our genetic data support recent census estimates indicating a relatively small current effective population size (Ne) in all the studied populations. Our findings shed light on the evolutionary history of Galápagos iguanas and emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies.
  9. Abd Samat AH, Isa MH, Sabardin DM, Jamal SM, Jaafar MJ, Hamzah FA, et al.
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2020 Sep;49(9):643-651.
    PMID: 33241252
    INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and confidence of emergency healthcare workers (EHCW) in facing the COVID-19 pandemic.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online study using a validated questionnaire was distributed to doctors (MD), assistant medical officers (AMO), and staff nurses (SN) at an urban tertiary Emergency Department. It comprised of 40 knowledge and 10 confidence-level questions related to resuscitation and airway management steps.

    RESULTS: A total of 135 from 167 eligible EHCW were enrolled. 68.9% (n = 93) had high knowledge while 53.3% (n = 72) possessed high confidence level. Overall knowledge mean score was 32.96/40 (SD = 3.63) between MD (33.88±3.09), AMO (32.28±4.03), and SN (32.00±3.60), P= 0.025. EHCWs with a length of service (LOS) between 4-10 years had the highest knowledge compared to those with LOS <4-year (33.71±3.39 versus 31.21±3.19 P = 0.002). Airway-related knowledge was significantly different between the designations and LOS (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively). Overall, EHCW confidence level against LOS showed significant difference [F (2, 132) = 5.46, P = 0.005] with longer LOS showing better confidence. MD showed the highest confidence compared to AMO and SN (3.67±0.69, 3.53±0.68, 3.26±0.64) P = 0.049. The majority EHCW were confident in performing high-quality chest-compression, and handling of Personal Protective Equipment but less than half were confident in resuscitating, leading the resuscitation, managing the airway or being successful in first intubation attempt.

    CONCLUSIONS: EHCW possessed good knowledge in airway and resuscitation of COVID-19 patients, but differed between designations and LOS. A longer LOS was associated with better confidence, but there were some aspects in airway management and resuscitation that needed improvement.

  10. Mohd Isa D, Majid HA, Hairi FM, Harun Z, You YX, Abdul Manaf Z, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2025 Jan;37(1):43-51.
    PMID: 39668727 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241304069
    Excessive salt or sodium intake is strongly linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the views of key stakeholders on salt intake reduction and barriers as well as facilitators to reducing salt intake in Malaysian schools. The stakeholders in this study were school administrators, food operators, and consumers. Their views were determined using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and data collected were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Salient barriers identified in this study were a lack of knowledge pertaining to salt intake reduction and foods sold outside the school. Meanwhile, key facilitators of salt reduction included few strategies such as public health campaigns, priority toward salt reduction policies, and school-based education programs, alongside support from other relevant stakeholders. Overall, the barriers and facilitators signal the need for implementing salt reduction programs and the collaborative efforts of different stakeholders.
  11. Ja'afar MH, Ismail R, Md Isa Z, Mohd Tamil A, Ismail NH, Mat Nasir N, et al.
    Health Sci Rep, 2025 Jan;8(1):e70310.
    PMID: 39741747 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70310
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Malaysian government has implemented various antismoking measures to reduce the incidence of unhealthy lifestyles within the population. This study analyzes the baseline data of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study to establish the prevalence of sociodemographic factors that are associated with smoking habits among Malaysian adults.

    METHODS: This study was carried out in urban and rural communities with adults aged between 35 and 70 years using purposive sampling. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess the smoking status and sociodemographic data of the participants. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were done to determine the association between smoking status and demographic characteristics among Malaysian adults.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking among adults is 23.2%. The sociodemographic factors significantly associated with active smoking status were being a younger adult (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.50), being male (AOR = 24.16, 95% CI: 20.58-28.36), being Malay (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.49-1.98), being a blue-collar worker (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.48-2.06), having no formal education (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.56-2.53), being unmarried (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02-1.48) and being of low socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14-1.84).

    CONCLUSION: Public health policies and actions on smoking reduction should emphasize those identified as high-risk sub-populations, particularly younger adults, males and those who are not yet married, have no formal education and are of low socioeconomic status.

  12. Palafox B, Balabanova D, Loreche AM, Mat-Nasir N, Ariffin F, Md-Yasin M, et al.
    PMID: 39731689 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3889
    BACKGROUND: Reducing inequities in hypertension control among those affected in low- and middle-income countries requires person-centred health system responses based on a contextualised understanding of the choices and care pathways taken by those who rely on the services provided, particularly those from poor and marginalised communities. We examine patterns of care seeking and pathways followed by individuals with hypertension from low-income households in the Philippines and Malaysia. This study aims to fill a significant gap in the literature by analysing the stages at which individuals make decisions that may affect the successful control of their blood pressure.

    METHODS: This study presents cross-sectional survey data collected as part of the Responsive and Equitable Health Systems-Partnership on Non-Communicable Diseases (RESPOND) project, a longitudinal observational study in low-income communities. The study participants were 1191 randomly selected adults aged 35-70 years with a self-reported history of hypertension or identified as hypertensive through blood pressure screening.

    RESULTS: While most low-income individuals with hypertension in both countries were diagnosed and receiving medication, Malaysians demonstrated higher self-reported medication adherence. Urban areas in the Philippines showed better hypertension management outcomes compared to rural areas. The study also provides insights into the care seeking pathways followed by low-income adults diagnosed with hypertension. Nearly half of these individuals in Malaysia and a third in the Philippines were following pathways where they had never changed or stopped treatment without professional advice, and where they were using and adhering to their prescribed medication. Following such pathways was strongly associated with a greater likelihood blood pressure control in the Philippines, but less so in Malayisa.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for a contextualised understanding of care seeking choices and the importance of person-centred solutions. They offer a typology of hypertension care seeking pathways and a foundation for similar research in other settings.

  13. Yasin SM, Isa MR, Fadzil MA, Zamhuri MI, Selamat MI, Mat Ruzlin AN, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2016;17(1):275-80.
    PMID: 26838223
    BACKGROUND: A tobacco-free workplace policy is identified as an effective means to reduce tobacco use and protect people from second-hand smoke; however, the number of tobacco-free policies (TFP) remains very low in workplaces in Malaysia. This study explored the factors affecting support for a tobacco-free policy on two healthcare campuses in Malaysia, prior to the implementation of TFP.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross- sectional study was conducted among 286 non-smokers from two healthcare training centres and two nearby colleges in Malaysia from January 2015 to April 2015. A standardized questionnaire was administered via staff and student emails. The questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, support for a tobacco-free policy and perceived respiratory and sensory symptoms due to tobacco exposure. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the independent effects of supporting a tobacco-free campus.

    RESULTS: The percentage of individuals supporting completely tobacco-free facilities was 83.2% (N=238), as opposed to 16.7% (N=48) in support of partially tobacco-free facilities. Compared to the supporters of partially tobacco-free facilities, non-smokers who supported completely tobacco-free health facilities were more likely to be female, have higher education levels, to be very concerned about the effects of other people smoking on their health and to perceive a tobacco-free policy as very important. In addition, they perceived that tobacco smoke bothered them at work by causing headaches and coughs and, in the past 4 weeks, had experienced difficulty breathing. In the multivariate model, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and other factors, only experiencing coughs and headaches increased the odds of supporting a completely tobacco-free campus, up to 2.5- and 1.9-fold, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: Coughs and headaches due to other people smoking at work enhances support for a completely tobacco-free campus among non-smokers.

  14. Rahim S, Isa MH, Shams S, Jeludin M, Abdul Rahman EK, Hj Md Juani R, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Dec;31(58):66029-66043.
    PMID: 39612092 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-35580-0
    A landfill biocover is essential for addressing environmental concerns, especially in waste management, as it plays a crucial role in mitigating the release of methane gas. This study investigates the geotechnical characteristics of soil amended with organic wastes for landfill biocover applications. Various organic waste amendments, viz., rice husk, crushed coconut coir, and compost, were examined at different percentages (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%) compared with conventional landfill cover material, i.e. natural clay, as biocovers. Laboratory experiments analysed geotechnical characteristics, including organic content, Atterberg limit, compaction, consolidation, and desiccation cracking. The study revealed that organic waste amendment significantly impacted the geotechnical characteristics of landfill biocover, enhancing organic content and porosity and reducing permeability and desiccation susceptibility. Soils amended with organic content support methanotrophic bacteria growth and reduce methane emissions in landfills. The most promising biocovers were identified as 75CR (crushed coconut coir/wastewater sludge/clay in percentage ratio of 70:5:25), followed by 75CT (compost/wastewater sludge/clay in percentage ratio of 70:5:25), and 25RH (rice husk/wastewater sludge/clay in percentage ratio of 20:5:75). Biocovers offer sustainable landfill alternatives, underscoring the need to understand their geotechnical characteristics for successful installation in landfills.
  15. Selvalingam S, Mahmud MN, Thambidorai CR, Zakaria Z, Mohan N, Isa, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2002 Mar;57(1):92-6.
    PMID: 14569724 MyJurnal
    Sixty-one patients with biliary atresia, who underwent portoenterostomy (PE) between 1992 to 1998 in the Institute of Pediatrics, Kuala Lumpur and were followed for a period of one year, were studied to analyze the factors associated with jaundice clearance and cholangitis following PE. Sex distribution was equal. Majority of patients were Malays. Mean age in days at admission to the surgical ward was 66.90 +/- 23.36 and mean age at PE was 75.85 +/- 24.05. At the end of one-year follow-up, six patients (10%) had died, 35 (57%) developed one or more attacks of cholangitis, 35 (57%) had portal hypertension, eight (13%) liver failure and six patients had esophageal variceal bleeding. Thirty-three patients (54%) had jaundice clearance with a mean clearance time of 85 days after PE. The study shows that when the ductules in the porta hepatis were < 150 mu in size, persistence of jaundice after PE and the incidence of cholangitis in the first post-operative year were higher; patients with cholangitis in the first year had lower rate of jaundice clearance. Jaundice clearance was achieved in more patients when their postnatal age at the time of PE was lower but the relationship was not linear. Age at PE also did not have a linear temporal relationship to the incidence of cholangitis and the size of portal ductules. Prospective, multi-center based local studies on a bigger patient population are needed to identify other indicators of successful outcome following PE. This would help to define the indications for primary liver transplantation in the local population.
  16. Ezamin Abdul Rahim, Ahmad Sobri Muda, Mohd Naim Mohd Yaakob, Mohd Fandi Al Khafiz Kamis, Aizad Azahar, Chong Kok Wah, et al.
    MyJurnal
    .
  17. Nur Sazwi Nordin, Lokman Mohammad Isa, Syed Zahir Idid, Widya Lestari, Basma Ezzat Mustafa, Solachuddin Jauhari Arief Ikhwan, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Flaxseeds offer a wide range of pharmacological properties including antioxidant,
    antibacterial and anticancer. However its effect on mesenchymal stem cells has not been
    elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of flaxseed crude extract on stem cell
    from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in terms of cell viability, morphology and
    proliferation activity. (Copied from article).
  18. Azrul Ghazali, Sivadass Thiruchelvam, Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha, Ahmad Kamal Kadir, Fatin Faiqa Norkhairi, Nora Yahya, et al.
    ASM Science Journal, 2018;11(2):117-123.
    MyJurnal
    Series of catastrophic floods that we have witnessed over the last decade in Malaysia have necessitated the adoption of reliable early warning system. Ultimate concern during any event of natural or manmade disaster would be information dissemination to lessen the disaster impact on lives and property. The Bertam Valley incident in the wee hours of 23rd October 2013 has been considered as the game changer of how we view the role of vulnerable communities in facing dam-related disasters. Empowerment of local communities has been considered as vital in disaster management, as they are often the first responders to disaster. Local Community-Based Early Warning System (CBEWS) is a smart mechanism operated by the communities. This study revolves around the actual implementation of such system in Cameron Highlands in the effort of increasing human resilience towards damrelated disasters. While establishing the system, the Bertam Valley community has received support from different individuals and organisations. It is paramount that the community develops and maintains close coordination and strong links with these stakeholders. The performance of early warning systems can be evaluated via key parameters such as timeliness, accuracy, reliability, user friendliness, flexibility, and costs & benefits.
  19. Nor Azian Abdul Murad, Saiful Effendi Syafruddin, Muhiddin Ishak, Mohd Ridhwan Abdul Razak, Sri Noraima Othman, Soon, Bee Hong, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Glioma is the most common primary brain tumour of the central nervous system. Many genetic alterations
    and mutations have been identified in glioma using various approaches. We performed DNA sequencing on
    the tumours of 16 patients with Grade I, II, III and IV glioma. The AmpliSeq Cancer Primers Pool was used
    to generate the amplicons. The targeted-ion sphere particles were prepared using the Ion One Touch and
    Ion Enrichment systems. DNA sequencing was performed on the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine
    (PGM) and the data were analysed using the Torrent Suite Software.
    In total, 14 mutations were identified in the following genes: KDR (Q472H), MLH1 (V384D), MET (N375S),
    PTPN11 (E69K), BRAF (V600E), TP53 (D149E, E154K, V157F), IDH1 (R132H), PIK3CA (H1047R), CSF1R
    (c1061_1061 ins A), KIT (M541L), PTEN (c1373_1373 del A) and PDGFRA (E556V). In addition, there were
    four novel mutations identified; TP53 (E154K, and D149E), CSF1R (c1061_1061 ins A) and PDGFRA
    (E556V). The pathogenicity prediction showed that only three mutations were pathogenic: PTPN11 (E69K),
    BRAF (V600E) and Tp53 (E154K). These mutations result in changes of the proteins’ structure and could
    affect their functions. Pathway analyses suggested that these genes are closely related to the pathogenesis of
    GBM through several pathways such as proliferation and invasion, metabolism and angiogenesis.
    In conclusion, PGM in combination with the AmpliSeq Cancer Panel could be utilised as a potential
    molecular diagnostic tool not only for glioma but also for other cancers.
  20. Nor Azian Abdul Murad, Sue-Mian, Then, Mohd Ridhwan Abdul Razak, Conjeevaram, Rajendrarao Thambidorai, Sri Noraima Othman, Rosniza Mohamad Hussain, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) is a disorder associated with congenital absence of ganglion cells in the
    gastrointestinal tract. Molecular analyses have identified variants in various genes including RET, GDNF,
    EDN3 and EDNRB that are involved in the development, migration and survival of neural cells. Variants
    in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RET) are most common and have been identified in 10-20% of sporadic
    HSCR patients. The objective of this study was to screen for RET gene variants in Malaysian patients with
    HSCR. Thirty-two patients with HSCR and 30 normal controls were recruited for this study. Mutations
    were screened using the Polymerase Chain Reaction – Denaturing High Performance Liquid
    Chromatography (PCR-dHPLC) approach. Mutations identified were then confirmed using Sanger
    sequencing. We identified one novel rare variant in exon 4 (A268A c807 G>C) in one patient. We also
    identified the common coding sequence variantsA45A (c135G>A), A432A (c1296A>G), L769L (c2307 T>G)
    and the G691S in our cohort of patients. In conclusion, our Malaysian patients with HSCR diseases showed
    the presence of similar RET gene common variants which have been described in other populations. We
    have also identified a novel variant in exon 4 (A268A).
Filters
Contact Us

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

External Links