Paddy (unmilled rice), milled rice and maize-bound 14C residues were prepared using 14C-succinate-labelled malathion at 10 and 152 ppm. After 3 months, the bound residues accounted for 12%, 6.5% and 17.7% of the applied dose in paddy, milled rice and maize respectively in the grains treated at 10 ppm. The corresponding values for the 152 ppm were 16.6%, 8.5% and 18.8%. Rats fed milled rice - bound 14C-residues eliminated 61% of the 14C in the faeces and 28% in the urine. The corresponding percentages for paddy and maize were 72%, 9% and 53%, 41% respectively; indicating that bound residues from milled rice and maize were moderately bioavailable. When rice-bound malathion residues (0.65 ppm in feed) were administered to rats in a 5 week feeding study, no signs of toxicity were observed. Plasma and RBC cholinesterase activities were slightly inhibited: blood urea nitrogen was significantly elevated in the test animals. Other parameters examined showed no or marginal changes.
A prospective study was carried out on 50 patients who had their fetal weight estimated by 3 clinicians of different seniority and compared to the ultrasound estimated fetal weights using 3 different formulas. All the patients delivered within 24 hours of their clinical and ultrasound estimates. A wide range of birth-weights (1,800-4,500 g) was estimated among the 3 different races (Malay, Chinese and Indians). The results showed that there was no significant difference in birth-weight estimation amongst the 3 clinicians as well as between the 3 ultrasound formulas used. There was however significant difference between these 2 groups when compared with the actual birthweight with clinical estimation being superior to ultrasound estimation in our population. This level of significance did not extend beyond 4,000 g fetal weight (actual) thus making both clinical and ultrasound estimation of fetal weight equally accurate after 4,000 g. This has important implications for developing countries where there is a lack of technologically advanced ultrasound machines capable of doing sophisticated functions like fetal weight estimations but has experienced clinicians who could perform this function equally well if not better.
This study was done to determine the anthropometric measurement patterns of Malay children from wealthy families in Malaysia and to make a comparison with NCHS reference population. A population of 900 children aged between 3-12 years old from Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur (TDI), were examined but only 871 of them were eligible for the study. Weight, height, mid-arm circumference and skin fold thickness were measured. The increment pattern of anthropometric measurements of TDI children was quite similar to NCHS except for having a lower median weight for age and height for age. There was prepubescent increase in skin folds thickness in both sexes, followed by a midpubescent decrease and a late pubescent increase. The study indicated that Malay children from a wealthy background have growth rates comparable to children in the West, hence NCHS percentile charts are suitable as a reference for comparing the nutritional status of Malay children in Malaysia.
Spirometry was performed on 1,999 subjects (1,385 males and 614 females) ranging in age from 13 to 69 years and comprising of all the main races in Malaysia. They were divided into 6 age groups. Mean forced vital capacity (FVC) in the males and females was 3.49 +/- 0.02 L and 2.51 +/- 0.02 L respectively. Both FVC and FEV1 correlated negatively with age. Regression analysis on data between the ages of 20 to 69 years revealed an age-related decline in FVC of about 30 ml per year of life in the males and 22 ml per year in the females. Multiple stepwise regression of the data for the prediction of an individual's FVC above the age of 20 years gave an equation for the males: FVC = 0.0407 (height)-0.0296 (age)-2.343 L and for the females: FVC = 0.031 (height)-0.022 (age)-1.64 L. Predicted FVC values derived from equations based on other populations were considerably higher than the observed mean in this study, re-emphasizing the need to be cautious when applying formulae derived from one population to another. Grossly erroneous conclusions may be reached unless predicted equations for lung-function tests for a given population group are derived from studies based upon the same population group.
We conducted a study to measure the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in a group of normal Malay primary school children aged 7 to 12 years. PEFR was measured in 920 children (482 boys and 438 girls) while FVC and FEV1 were measured in 292 of them (168 boys and 124 girls). In agreement with previous studies, we found that PEFR was correlated with age and height of the subjects but FVC and FEV1 were correlated with height only. Prediction equations for all 3 lung function indices for Malay boys and girls were formulated. In comparison with the lung function values from Western and Chinese subjects, the lung function values in our subjects are lower.
Fourteen goat kids of the local indigenous breed naturally infected with Eimeria species were divided into two equal groups. The first group was superinfected with 500,000 Eimeria species oocysts and the second group was treated with amprolium. Sixty days later both groups were infected with 5000 third-stage caprine Haemonchus contortus larvae. The goats experimentally superinfected with eimeria shed more H contortus eggs and gained weight more slowly.
PIP: To identify the maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight in Malaysia, the records of the 2613 infants delivered at North Okkalapa General Hospital from January to September 1990 were reviewed. The incidence of low birth weight during the 9-month study period was 21.1%; 18.1% of these cases were attributable to intrauterine growth retardation and 3% were associated with preterm births. Univariate analysis identified the following risk factors as significant: age under 20 years (.001), parity 1 (.001), maternal height of 145 cm or under (.01), maternal cigarette smoking (.01), maternal education of 8 years or less (.001), parity 5 or above (.05), and maternal age of 35 years and above (.05). A last birth interval of 1 year or less and more than 3 years was associated with an odds ratio exceeding 1, but the correlation with low birth weight was not significant. These risk factors should be used to design maternal health programs aimed at reducing the incidence of low birth weight.
We estimated individual and population Michaelis-Menten pharmacokinetic parameters for phenytoin (DPH) in epileptic patients attending our neurology clinic using the computer programme. OPT. Our results agreed well with literature values but were lower than those we obtained earlier in a smaller number of patients. The Km was independent of age, weight and sex but there was a weak, correlation between Vm and body weight. We conclude that the use of population Vm and Km in normograms could lead to errors in DPH dose estimations as they correlated very poorly with patient characteristics. OPT was easy to use and sufficiently accurate for deriving dose estimates in routine patients. Its use would enable practitioners to generate their patients' own parameters for use in individual dosage adjustments. The estimates can subsequently be updated as more data become available.
The neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Maternity Hospital Kuala Lumpur (MHKL) was frequently understaffed and overcrowded. A separate special care nursery (called K5) was set up in July 1991 for the purpose of providing non-intensive neonatal care for infants. Mothers were simultaneously admitted and they provided a major bulk of feeding and nursing care. Case records for 2 months prior to and 2 months after opening of the ward were studied. The average duration of hospital stay per neonate was shorter in the later period (9.18 days vs 11.05 days, p < 0.05). Also the very low birth weight infants (VLBW) gained weight faster (28 grams a day) compared to similar infants in the earlier period (22 grams a day, p < 0.05).
To access the effectiveness of the treatment of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) on the growth of primary school children, 353 children were block stratified to receive either mebendazole plus pyrantel oxantel pamoate every three months or a placebo. The children were followed for two years with 89% completing the trial. Follow-up stools indicated that the treatment was efficacious for ascariasis and trichuriasis. There was virtually no hookworm infection. The children were malnourished as measured by the number below -2 SD of height and weight standards. There was no difference in height or weight between the treatment and control groups by sex initially or at the end of two years of follow-up. The treatment of Ascaris and Trichuris had no effect on growth parameters. The effect of STH on growth may be mediated through hookworm infections.
The effects of castration with/ without testosterone replacement in male rats, and ovarectomy with oestrogen replacement in female rats, on serum lipids were studied. Simultaneous feeding with diets fortified with 20% weight/ weight (w/ w) soybean oil (Sb) or palm oil (P0) were done to determine the influence of these oils on serum lipids in castrated and sex hormone replaced rats. Two month old male and female Rattus norwegicus rats were given the above treatment for 4 months, and their sera assayed for lipid profile. Castration increased HDL-cholesterol (HDLchol) and total cholesterol (Tchol) concentrations. Testosterone or oestrogen replacement in male and female rats respectively increased HDLchol and decreased LDL-cholesterol (LDLchol) concentrations. Testosterone replacement also decreased Tchol concentration back to noncastrated levels, and reduced serum triglycerides (TG) to lower than non-castrated levels. Addition of Sb or P0 to the diet increased the LDLchol in the testosterone or oestrogen replaced male and female rats, but there was no difference between the two groups. P0 raised serum TG of the testosterone replaced group compared to control and Sb groups. In conclusion, testosterone and oestrogen were found to have favourable effects on serum lipids. Sb and P0 did not differ in their effects on lipoprotein cholesterol and Tchol, but P0 raised serum TG as compared to Sb.
Nicardipine has been shown to have an anti-atherogenic effect in rabbits given a 2% cholesterol diet. Current evidence suggests that lipid peroxidation plays an important role in atherogenesis. This study examines the effect of nicardipine on lipid peroxidation in rabbits given a 2% cholesterol diet, 8 of these rabbits given nicardipine 0.5 mg/kg twice daily intramuscularly for ten weeks while the remaining untreated 6 were controls. After ten weeks, serum malondialdehyde in the control group was significantly higher compared to their baseline levels (P < 0.05). However, there was no increase in serum malondialdehyde in the nicardipine group after 10 weeks. The area of Sudan IV positive intimal lesions (atherosclerotic plaques) were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in the treated group compared to the control group. The aortic tissue content of cholesterol and diene conjugates were also decreased in the nicardipine group (P < 0.01). These findings suggest a possible link between nicardipine and lipid peroxidation in mediating its antiatherogenic effects.
The objective of this paper is to assess the perception of bodyweight status among the office workers in two government departments in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 385 Malay workers aged between 18 to 55 years were randomly selected from the Prime Minister’s Department and the Ministry of National Unity and Community Development. The weights and heights of all subjects were measured and their Body Mass Index (BMI) determined. In this study, obesity is defined as individuals having ï‚³ï€ 25 kg/rn 2 . A questionnaire was prepared to obtained information on socioeconomic status, health aspects, dietary intakes, activity levels and perception on bodyweight status. The study revealed a high prevalence of obesity (38.1 %) and among the obese subjects, 21.7 % perceived themselves as having normal weight. The normal weight and underweight subjects perceived themselves as obese (33.5 % and 6.3 % respectively). A small percentage (5.7 %) of the obese individuals who perceived themselves as obese did not wish to lose weight. In contrast, 9.7 % of the normal weight subjects who perceived themselves as having normal weight wanted to lose weight. A third person’s perception on the subjects’ bodyweight status is significantly associated with the subjects’ bodyweight status (P
The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of children in FELDA Sungai Koyan, Pahang. Anthropometric measurements were taken from 105 children comprising of 62 boys and 43 girls aged 12 to 72 months. Food intake records from 84 of these children aged 4-6.9 years were obtained. Socio-economic factors which may influence nutritional status were also studied. The anthropometric assessment showed that 14.3% (n=15) of the children were underweight, 10.5% (n=11) stunted and 2.9% (n=3) wasted when compared with the NCHS Reference. It was also found that 28.6% (n=30) of the children had low mid arm circumference for age according to the Frisancho reference, indicating a low protein calorie reserve. The result of the dietary study showed that the intake of calories, calcium, niacin and thiamine were below the recommended daily allowances (RDA) for Malaysia. However, the intake of protein, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin and vitamin C were above the RDA levels. Foods most frequently taken were rice, fish, milk and meat. Vegetables and fruits were also often consumed by the children. Based on the Pearson correlation test, a significant relationship was shown between the nutritional status of the children (weight for age and height for age) with the mother’s educational level, and the number of children in the family. There was also a significant relationship between mother’s nutrition knowledge and the nutritional status of the children (weight for age). Inadequate calorie intake is one of the important factors involved in the causation of protein energy malnutrition. This problem is influenced by socio-economic factor such as low educational level and nutrition knowledge of mothers and large family size. Parents should be encouraged to participate in activities that enhance nutrition knowledge and promote good nutritional practices. FELDA is encouraged to organize more such activities.
The atherogenic potential of soybean oil (Sb) and palm oil (PO) was compared by measuring lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (LP) and activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in rat sera and liver and heart homogenates. Male Rattus norwegicus rats were fed a basal diet, or basal diet fortified with 20% weight/ weight Sb or PO for 4 or 9 months. There was no difference in high density lipoprotein cholesterol:low density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio between the two groups, but triglyceride concentrations were higher in the PO fed rats compared to the Sb fed rats, although the difference diminished after 9 months. No differences in serum LP and GSHPx activity were seen between the two groups. In the liver and heart, LP was lower in PO after 4 months feeding, but the reverse was seen after 9 months. Liver and heart GSHPx activity was higher in the PO group after both treatment periods. In conclusion, both PO and Sb fed rats appeared comparable in their lipid profile, but the PO food had a temporary beneficial effect on the LP process in liver and heart. GSHPx activity however did not correlate well with LP in liver and heart, suggesting involvement of other antioxidants.
Diet is one of the major factors contributing to the development of obesity, apart from heredity and energy balance. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to assess energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat intakes in relation to bodyweight status among government office workers in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 185 Malay men and 196 Malay women aged 18 and above were randomly selected as the study sample. Height and weight were taken to determine body mass index (BMI). The dietary profile was obtained by using 24-hour dietary recalls and food frequency methods. This was analysed to determine average nutrient intake per day. Other information was ascertained from tested and coded questionnaires. The subjects were categorised into three groups of bodyweight status namely underweight (BMI < 20 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 20-25 kg/m2) and obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2). The prevalence of obesity was 37.8%. The study showed that the mean energy intake of the respondents was 1709 ± 637 kcal/day. The energy composition comprised of 55.7 ± 7.6% carbohydrates, 29.7 ± 21.7 % fat and 15.6 ± 3.8% protein. There was no significant difference in diet composition among the three groups. The findings indicate that normal weight and overweight individuals had a lower intake of calories and carbohydrates than the underweight individuals (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in fat intakes.
The expression and synthesis of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 have been shown to be regulated by hormones and nutrition. We study the effects of malnutrition and iodine deficiency on these growth factors and the height attainment of a group of children.
Circulating zinc concentrations were measured in 73 healthy adult males and females 19-52 years of age who were volunteers for eight different metabolic studies at the University of California, Berkeley. The interindividual variation in the eight studies varied from 5 to 20%; the global coefficient of variation for all studies was 12 +/- 7% (mean +/- SD). The analysis of a reference plasma sample on six different days showed a mean coefficient of variation of 3.8%. Thus, only a small portion of the intraindividual variation is due to day-to-day analytical differences. There was no relationship between circulating zinc concentrations and age, height, or body mass index. Nor were there any significant differences due to gender. Information regarding dietary zinc and protein intakes was available from three-day weighed food intake records from 44 of the subjects. Plasma zinc concentrations were unrelated to the intake of either zinc or protein in those subjects. The results of this study show that the impact of age, gender, body size and dietary zinc or protein on circulating zinc concentrations are too small to be detected in the presence of the analytical and endogenous factors that influence plasma/serum zinc concentrations. Also, within a population of healthy adults, circulating zinc concentrations may vary by as much as 15%.
We determined the relative atherogenicity of two saturated fats by studying their effects on lipid peroxidation (LP), by way of malonaldehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity in serum, liver and heart; and on serum lipid profile after 4 months and 9 months of feeding. Male Rattus norwegicus rats were fed a basal diet (control) or basal diet fortified with 20% weight/weight butterfat (ghee) (BF) or coconut oil (CO). Serum high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-chol) and HDL-chol:LDL-chol ratio was lower in the BF group compared to CO after both feeding periods. Conjugated dienes (CDs) were higher in the serum and liver after 4 months, and heart after 9 months, of the rats fed BF compared to CO. Serum low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-chol) was higher, but CD were lower at 9 months than at 4 months feeding for all three groups. Liver and heart MDA and CD were higher in both groups after 9 months compared to 4 months. Liver GSHPx activity was higher after 9 months compared to 4 months in the BF group. Heart GSHPx activity was lower after 9 months compared to 4 months for both BF and CO groups. In conclusion, BF is potentially more atherogenic than CO in terms of serum lipids and LP. The unfavourable responses in serum lipids, with the exception of triglycerides, and LP were exaggerated with the longer duration of feeding with both oils.
The canine teeth of the mature ferret have closed apices. They are easily accessible for operating purposes and are sufficiently large, allowing conventional cavity preparation techniques to be prepared using ordinary dental instruments. Handling of the ferret is relatively easy since it becomes quite tame after a period of time. The body weight in male is greater and the teeth larger than those of the female. The cost of purchase and maintenance of the ferret is also inexpensive. For all these reasons, the ferret male is animal of choice in dental experiments.