Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 167 in total

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  1. Fulltext Stages of change and health-related quality of life among employees of an institution
    Liau SY, Shafie AA, Ibrahim MI, Hassali MA, Othman AT, Mohamed MH, et al.
    Health Expect, 2013 Jun;16(2):199-210.
    PMID: 21645189 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2011.00702.x
    BACKGROUND: Transtheoretical Model of change has been used successfully in promoting behaviour change.

    OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores with the stages of change of adequate physical activity and fruit and vegetables intake.

    DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among employees of the main campus and Engineering campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) during October 2009 and March 2010.

    MAIN VARIABLES STUDIED: Data on physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake was collected using the WHO STEPS instrument for chronic disease risk factors surveillance. The Short Form-12 health survey (SF-12) was used to gather information on participants' HRQoL. The current stages of change are measured using the measures developed by the Pro-Change Behaviour Systems Incorporation.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One way ANOVA and its non-parametric equivalent Kruskal-Wallis were used to compare the differences between SF-12 scores with the stages of change.

    RESULTS: A total of 144 employees were included in this analysis. A large proportion of the participants reported inadequate fruits and vegetable intake (92.3%) and physical activity (84.6%). Mean physical and mental component scores of SF-12 were 50.39 (SD = 7.69) and 49.73 (SD = 8.64) respectively. Overall, there was no statistical significant difference in the SF-12 domains scores with regards to the stages of change for both the risk factors.

    CONCLUSIONS: There were some evidence of positive relationship between stages of change of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake with SF-12 scores. Further studies need to be conducted to confirm this association.

    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  2. Porous graphitic carbon shows promise for the rapid screening partial DPD deficiency in lymphocyte dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in Chinese, Indian and Malay in Singapore by using semi-automated HPLC-radioassay
    Liem LK, Choong LH, Woo KT
    Clin Biochem, 2002 May;35(3):181-7.
    PMID: 12074825
    OBJECTIVE: Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) catalyzes the degradation of thymine, uracil, and the chemotherapeutic drug 5-Fluorouracil. In general reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography is the standard method for separating 5-[2-(14)C]Fluorouracil and 5-[2-(14)C]Fluoro-5,6-dihydrouracil. However, the use of 100% aqueous solution (as HPLC mobile phase) may collapse the C-18 bonded phase and result in a retention time shift. The aim of this study is to develop a rapid, reproducible, sensitive method for screening partial DPD deficiency in healthy volunteers.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: The activity of DPD was measured using 5-[2- (14)C]Fluorouracil (5-[2-(14)C]FUra) followed by separation of substrate and product 5-[2-(14)C]FUraH(2) with a 15 x 4.6 mm I.D., 5 microm particle size (d(p)) porous graphitic carbon (PGC) column (Hypercarb(R)) and HPLC with online detection of the radioactivity. This was standardized using the protein concentration of the cytosol (NanoOrange(R) Protein Quantitation).

    RESULTS: Complete baseline separation of 5-[2-(14)C]Fluorouracil (5-[2-(14)C]FUra) and 5-[2-(14)C]Fluoro-5,6-dihydrouracil (5-[2-(14)C]FUraH(2)) was achieved using a porous graphitic carbon (PGC) column. The detection limit for 5-[2-(14)C]FUraH(2) was 0.4 pmol.

    CONCLUSIONS: By using linear gradient separation (0.1% Trifluoroacetic acid [TFA] in water to 100% Methanol) protocols in concert with PGC columns (Hypercarb(R)), we have demonstrated that a PGC column has a distinct advantage over C-18 reverse phase columns in terms of column stability (pH 1-14). This method provides an improvement on the specific assay for DPD enzyme activity. It is rapid, reproducible and sensitive and can be used for routine screening for healthy and cancer patients for partial and profound DPD deficiency before treatment with 5- FUra.

    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  3. Impact of epilepsy on employment in Malaysia
    Lim KS, Wo SW, Wong MH, Tan CT
    Epilepsy Behav, 2013 Apr;27(1):130-4.
    PMID: 23416283 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.12.034
    Studies on the impact of epilepsy on employment have been extensively performed in European and some Asian countries but not in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, a country with a robust economy, low unemployment rate, and minimal social security benefits for the unemployed. This study aims to determine the impact of epilepsy on employment in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  4. Fulltext Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of Community Pharmacists to Zika Virus Infection in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Lim KY, Tham HW
    Health services insights, 2020;13:1178632920921425.
    PMID: 32528223 DOI: 10.1177/1178632920921425
    Background: Zika fever is a mosquito-borne disease with global health concern. It has been underreported or misdiagnosed due to its unspecific clinical manifestations, including mild-influenza like and subclinical symptoms. However, its associated serious complications which include fetal microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome remained a challenge to the public health sectors. This research aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and perception toward Zika virus infection among community pharmacists in the Klang Valley of Malaysia and to determine the association between the knowledge of Zika virus infectious disease and years of community practice experience among community pharmacists in this region.

    Methods: This survey research was conducted from August to December 2018 through a pre-tested, self-administration, and cross-sectional random convenient sampling at various districts in the Klang Valley. A total of 275 registered community pharmacists were involved in this study by completing a pilot-tested questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze the data.

    Results: The knowledge toward Zika virus infection of respondents was classified into "poor" (5.1%), "basic" (70.9%), and "broad" (24.0%). Most of the participants (n = 195, 70.9%) presented with basic knowledge toward Zika virus infection. A total of 268 (97.5%) participants presented with high awareness toward Zika virus infection. The mean score of respondents' knowledge and awareness was 15.88 ± 3.61 (maximum score = 28) and 13.96 ± 1.60 (maximum score = 16), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the years of practice of community pharmacists and the level of knowledge toward Zika virus infection.

    Conclusions: In conclusion, our respondents demonstrated a basic level of knowledge and high awareness toward Zika virus infection. Also, we highlighted some possible pitfalls in the knowledge of Zika virus infection, including the virus transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and complications of the disease.

    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  5. Fulltext Lipoprotein lipase expression, serum lipid and tissue lipid deposition in orally-administered glycyrrhizic acid-treated rats
    Lim WY, Chia YY, Liong SY, Ton SH, Kadir KA, Husain SN
    Lipids Health Dis, 2009;8:31.
    PMID: 19638239 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511X-8-31
    The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities comprising visceral obesity, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance (IR). With the onset of IR, the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), a key regulator of lipoprotein metabolism, is reduced. Increased activation of glucocorticoid receptors results in MetS symptoms and is thus speculated to have a role in the pathophysiology of the MetS. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the bioactive constituent of licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra) inhibits 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 that catalyzes the activation of glucocorticoids. Thus, oral administration of GA is postulated to ameliorate the MetS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  6. Fulltext Population pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in premature Malaysian neonates: identification of predictors for dosing determination
    Lo YL, van Hasselt JG, Heng SC, Lim CT, Lee TC, Charles BG
    Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2010 Jun;54(6):2626-32.
    PMID: 20385872 DOI: 10.1128/AAC.01370-09
    The present study determined the pharmacokinetic profile of vancomycin in premature Malaysian infants. A one-compartment infusion model with first-order elimination was fitted to serum vancomycin concentration data (n = 835 points) obtained retrospectively from the drug monitoring records of 116 premature newborn infants. Vancomycin concentrations were estimated by a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Population and individual estimates of clearance and distribution volume and the factors which affected the variability observed for the values of these parameters were obtained using a population pharmacokinetic modeling approach. The predictive performance of the population model was evaluated by visual inspections of diagnostic plots and nonparametric bootstrapping with replacement. Dosing guidelines targeting a value of > or =400 for the area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h in the steady state divided by the MIC (AUC(24)/MIC ratio) were explored using Monte Carlo simulation. Body size (weight), postmenstrual age, and small-for-gestational-age status are important factors explaining the between-subject variability of vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameter values for premature neonates. The typical population parameter estimates of clearance and distribution volume for a 1-kg premature appropriate-for-gestational-age neonate with a postmenstrual age of 30 weeks were 0.0426 liters/h and 0.523 liters, respectively. There was a 20% reduction in clearance for small-for-gestational-age infants compared to the level for the appropriate-for-gestational-age control. Dosage regimens based on a priori target response values were formulated. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic parameter values for vancomycin in premature Malaysian neonates were estimated. Improved dosage regimens based on a priori target response values were formulated by incorporating body size, postmenstrual age, and small-for-gestational-age status, using Monte Carlo simulations with the model-estimated pharmacokinetic parameter values.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  7. Fulltext Training dental officers and nurses in the index of orthodontic treatment need (iotn) as a screening tool in public health facilities
    Loke, Shuet Toh
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2006;6(2):49-55.
    MyJurnal
    The objective of this pilot cross-sectional study was to assess effcacy of training dental officers (DO) and nurses (DN) in the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). A conventional training method of lectures, manual; and md5,0n* exettise was used for bath Lest groups. 30 study models in all grades in the Aesthetic component (AC) and dental health component (DHC) were graded by 27 subjects (13 DO, 14 DN) after training. Results were cnrrlparedfor agreement with an exper; group, Kappa statistic: was used to assess strength in agreement in correct grouping of AC and DHC in the Categorie; gf treatment need, Wilcoxon Rank sum test was used to compare mean kappa and % 0 correct res ames in the test. Spearman rank correlation was used to test association of 11g experience with mean kappa values. There was ‘m0demte’ agreement in correct groupingfor ojjqcers in AC (K=O.5l) and DHC (K`=O.4l); Cmd 'fair’ j‘0'f TluTS€S in AC (K=O.40) and DHC (K:O,34). There was no significant difference between groups. Subjects were better at identifying cases with definite need than little/ borderline need for treatment. There was more inaccurate grading in DHC Gmde+qualifier for both groups (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  8. Impact of a new aggressive nutrition policy incorporating early introduction of parenteral nutrition and mother's own milk on growth of preterm infants
    Low CS, Ho JJ, Nallusamy R
    World J Pediatr, 2016 Nov;12(4):450-454.
    PMID: 27286688 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-016-0037-7
    BACKGROUND: Most of the evidence on early feeding of preterm infants was derived from high income settings, it is equally important to evaluate whether it can be successfully implemented into less resourced settings. This study aimed to compare growth and feeding of preterm infants before and after the introduction of a new aggressive feeding policy in Penang Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in a middle income country.

    METHODS: The new aggressive feeding policy was developed mainly from Cochrane review evidence, using early parenteral and enteral nutrition with standardized breastfeeding counselling aimed at empowering mothers to provide early expressed milk. A total of 80 preterm babies (34 weeks and below) discharged from NICU were included (40 pre- and 40 post-intervention). Pre and post-intervention data were compared. The primary outcome was growth at day 7, 14, 21 and at discharge and secondary outcomes were time to full oral feeding, breastfeeding rates, and adverse events.

    RESULTS: Complete data were available for all babies to discharge. One baby was discharged prior to day 14 and 10 babies before day 21, so growth data for these babies were unavailable. Baseline data were similar in the two groups. There was no significant weight difference at 7, 14, 21 days and at discharge. More post-intervention babies were breastfed at discharge than pre-intervention babies (21 vs. 8, P=0.005). Nosocomial infection (11 vs. 4, P=0.045), and blood transfusion were significantly lower in the postintervention babies than in the pre-intervention babies (31 vs. 13, P=0.01). The post-intervention babies were more likely to achieve shorter median days (interquartile range) to full oral feeding [11 (6) days vs. 13 (11) days, P=0.058] and with lower number affecting necrotising enterocolitis (0 vs. 5, P=0.055).

    CONCLUSION: Early aggressive parenteral nutrition and early provision of mother's milk did not result in improved growth as evidenced by weight gain at discharge. However we found more breastfeeding babies, lower nosocomial infection and transfusion rates. Our findings suggest that implementing a more aggressive feeding policy supported by high level scientific evidence is able to improve important outcomes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  9. Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes with respect to epilepsy: an investigation in relation to health-related quality of life within a Malaysian setting
    Lua PL, Neni WS
    Epilepsy Behav, 2011 Jul;21(3):248-54.
    PMID: 21576038 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.03.039
    The influence of awareness, knowledge, and attitudes (AKA) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with epilepsy has not been widely established. The aims of this preliminary study were to (1) assess general AKA and HRQoL levels, (2) correlate AKA and HRQoL levels, and (3) compare the HRQoL of patients with epilepsy with different AKA levels. A cross-sectional sample of outpatients with epilepsy were recruited from the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 15 employing descriptive and nonparametric statistics. On written consent, included patients completed the Malay AKA Epilepsy and the Malay Quality of Life in Epilepsy-30 (MQOLIE-30) instruments. Across all patients, both AKA levels (median: 80.0, range: 0-170) and overall HRQoL (median 51.5; range 15-97) were moderate. Awareness was significantly correlated only with Seizure Worry (r(s)=+0.29, p<0.05), whereas Knowledge was not significantly linked to any domain. However, Attitudes was significantly correlated with all domains (r(s)=+0.35 to +0.47, p<0.01) except Medication Effects and Seizure Worry. Patients with good AKA levels (Total Score ≥ median) experienced significantly better Overall Quality of Life and Cognitive Functioning (p<0.05). Findings showed that AKA may play an important role in influencing patients' HRQoL, suggesting that epilepsy treatment efforts should also focus on enhancing AKA through epilepsy awareness to improve health outcomes.

    Study site: Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  10. Noninvasive ventilation in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit in a middle-income country
    Lum LC, Abdel-Latif ME, de Bruyne JA, Nathan AM, Gan CS
    Pediatr Crit Care Med, 2011 Jan;12(1):e7-13.
    PMID: 20190672 DOI: 10.1097/PCC.0b013e3181d505f4
    To determine the factors that predict outcome of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in critically ill children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  11. Risk factors for hemorrhage in severe dengue infections
    Lum LC, Goh AY, Chan PW, El-Amin AL, Lam SK
    J Pediatr, 2002 May;140(5):629-31.
    PMID: 12032535
    The purpose of this study was to identify the early indicators of hemorrhage in severe dengue infections in 114 patients; 24 patients had severe hemorrhage and 92 had no hemorrhage. The platelet counts were not predictive of bleeding. The duration of shock (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.92; P =.019) and low-normal hematocrit at the time of shock (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.95; P =.020) were risk factors of severe hemorrhage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  12. Fulltext Intestinal helminthiasis in relation to height and weight of early primary school children in northeastern peninsular Malaysia
    Mahendra Raj S, Sein KT, Khairul Anuar A, Mustaffa BE
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1997 Jun;28(2):314-20.
    PMID: 9444012
    Stool examination, height and weight measurements were undertaken on 249 early primary school children at two schools in North-eastern Peninsular Malaysia. Helminth infected children were treated and follow-up anthropometric measurements and stool examination undertaken on all (n = 100) children at one of the schools 16 months later; to observe the relationship between acquisition of infection and growth. Baseline Ascaris prevalence rates at the two schools were 16.0% (23/144) and 47.6% (50/105) respectively whilst Trichuris rates were 33.3% (48/144) and 52.4% (55/105). Hookworm infection was uncommon. There was no difference in weight or height for age between infected and uninfected children at any time. Acquisition of worm infection over the initial 16 month follow-up period was not associated with significant decreases in growth rates. However the small subsets of children with heavy Ascaris infection were consistently lighter and shorter at all evaluation times. They also gained significantly less weight and tended to have reduced linear growth rates between measurements. Further interventional studies are required to determine if this association is one of cause and effect or largely incidental.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  13. The prevalence of caries and enamel defects in 229 Malaysian children 16 years after water fluoridation (a pilot study)
    Majid ZA, Hussein NN, Bagramian RA
    Singapore Dent J, 1996 Jul;21(1):11-5.
    PMID: 10597176
    Two hundred and twenty-nine children aged 12-15 years who were continuous residents of Penang island, in the north of Peninsular Malaysia were examined for caries and enamel defects. Caries prevalence was 82.2% with a DMFT score of 3.4 and DMFS score of 4.9; there were very few missing teeth and very little untreated caries in the population examined. Majority of DF (decayed/filled) lesions were pits and fissures with approximal and smooth surfaces relatively caries free. The prevalence of enamel defects was 76.4% with 19.1% of all teeth examined being affected. More posterior than anterior teeth were affected by enamel defects just as there were more maxillary than mandibular teeth affected by enamel defects. Diffuse patchy opacities were the most common defect diagnosed and this was found in 60.2% of the population examined. A bilateral distribution of diffuse patchy opacities was seen in 41.5% of the population examined. Tooth surfaces with enamel defects were no more susceptible to caries than defect-free surfaces.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  14. Comparison of two methods of dental age estimation in 7-15-year-old Malays
    Mani SA, Naing L, John J, Samsudin AR
    Int J Paediatr Dent, 2008 Sep;18(5):380-8.
    PMID: 18284472 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-263X.2007.00890.x
    BACKGROUND: Numerous methods of age estimation have been proposed. The Demirjian method is the most frequently used, which was first applied in a French Canadian population in 1973. The Willems method is a modification of the above and was applied in a Belgian population in 2002.
    OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to test the applicability of the two methods, namely Demirjian and Willems, for age estimation in a Malay population, and to find the correlation between body mass index and the difference between the dental age and the chronological age.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 214 boys and 214 girls, selected by a simple stratified random sampling method was carried out. The orthopantomograph was used to score the seven left mandibular teeth, and the calculated maturity score was used to obtain the Demirjian dental age. Willems dental age was estimated using the tables proposed in the Willems method. Results. The Demirjian method overestimated the age by 0.75 and 0.61 years, while the Willems method overestimated the age by 0.55 and 0.41 years among boys and girls, respectively. In boys, the body mass index was significantly correlated to the difference in age using the Willems method.
    CONCLUSION: Further modification of either method is indicated for dental age estimation among the Malay population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  15. Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin A injection: an alternative treatment for dribbling
    Marina MB, Sani A, Hamzaini AH, Hamidon BB
    J Laryngol Otol, 2008 Jun;122(6):609-14.
    PMID: 17640435
    Dribbling (sialorrhoea) affects about 10 per cent of patients with chronic neurological disease. The variety of treatments currently available is unsatisfactory. This study was a clinical trial of the efficacy of ultrasound-guided, intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin A for dribbling, performed within the otorhinolaryngology department of the National University of Malaysia. Both pairs of parotid and submandibular glands received 25 U each of botulinum toxin A. Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 15 years. All 20 patients (or their carers) reported a distinct improvement in symptoms after injection. Using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, there were significant reductions in dribbling rating score, dribbling frequency score, dribbling severity score, dribbling visual analogue score and towel changes score, comparing pre- and post-injection states (p<0.001). There were no complications or adverse effects during or after the injection procedure. Intraglandular, major salivary gland injection of botulinum toxin A is an effective treatment to reduce dribbling. Ultrasound guidance enhances the accuracy of this procedure and minimises the risk of complication.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  16. Impact of healthy eating practices and physical activity on quality of life among breast cancer survivors
    Mohammadi S, Sulaiman S, Koon PB, Amani R, Hosseini SM
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(1):481-7.
    PMID: 23534778
    Following breast cancer diagnosis, women often attempt to modify their lifestyles to improve their health and prevent recurrence. These behavioral changes typically involve diet and physical activity modification. The aim of this study was to determine association between healthy eating habits and physical activity with quality of life among Iranian breast cancer survivors. A total of 100 Iranian women, aged between 32 to 61 years were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Eating practices were evaluated by a validated questionnaire modified from the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) study. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A standardized questionnaire by the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life and its breast cancer module (EORTC QLQ-C30/+BR-23) were applied to determine quality of life. Approximately 29% of the cancer survivors were categorized as having healthy eating practices, 34% had moderate eating practices and 37% had poor eating practices based on nutrition guidelines. The study found positive changes in the decreased intake of fast foods (90%), red meat (70%) and increased intake of fruits (85%) and vegetables (78%). Generally, breast cancer survivors with healthy eating practices had better global quality of life, social, emotional, cognitive and role functions. Result showed that only 12 women (12%) met the criteria for regular vigorous exercise, 22% had regular moderate-intensity exercise while the majority (65%) had low-intensity physical activity. Breast cancer survivors with higher level of physical activity had better emotional and cognitive functions. Healthy eating practices and physical activity can improve quality of life of cancer survivors. Health care professionals should promote good dietary habits and physical activity to improve survivors' health and quality of life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  17. Respiratory characteristics of individuals with non-specific low back pain: A cross-sectional study
    Mohan V, Paungmali A, Sitilerpisan P, Hashim UF, Mazlan MB, Nasuha TN
    Nurs Health Sci, 2018 Jun;20(2):224-230.
    PMID: 29421851 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12406
    Non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) is known to cause respiratory dysfunction. In this study, we investigated alterations in breathing, respiratory strength and endurance, core stability, diaphragm mobility, and chest expansion among patients with NS-LBP and healthy individuals. The specific aim of the study was to correlate between respiratory function and other variables among NS-LBP patients. Thirty four patients with NS-LBP were matched with 34 healthy participants before undergoing total faulty breathing scale, spirometer, respiratory pressure meter, chest expansion, ultrasound, and pressure biofeedback measurements. There were signs of faulty breathing in the NS-LBP patients when compared to the healthy participants. Diaphragmatic mobility and respiratory muscle endurance were lower in the NS-LBP group. Chest expansion exhibited a significant decrease at the level of the fourth intercostal space in the NS-LBP group, but respiratory muscle strength and core stability were not significant between the two groups. Positive correlations were found to be fairly significant regarding respiratory muscle strength. The findings of this study indicated altered respiratory characteristics in the NS-LBP patients, and suggested that they would improve through respiratory exercises.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  18. Increased serum vascular endothelial growth factor is associated with acute viral encephalitis in Bangladeshi children
    Mori D, Khanam W, Sheikh RA, Tabib SMSB, Ikebe E, Hossain MM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2017 Nov 23;7(1):16181.
    PMID: 29170534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16474-3
    Encephalitis causes significant global morbidity and mortality. A large number of viruses cause encephalitis, and their geographic and temporal distributions vary. In many encephalitis cases, the virus cannot be detected, even after extensive testing. This is one challenge in management of the encephalitis patient. Since cytokines are pivotal in any form of inflammation and vary according to the nature of the inflammation, we hypothesized cytokine levels would allow us to discriminate between encephalitis caused by viruses and other aetiologies. This pilot study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Viral detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction using patient cerebrospinal fluid. Acute phase reactants and cytokines were detected in patient serum. Of the 29 biomarkers assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, only vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly higher (P = 0.0015) in viral-positive compared with virus-negative encephalitis patients. The area under the curve (AUC) for VEGF was 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-0.98). Serum VEGF may discriminate between virus-positive and virus-negative encephalitis. Further study will be needed to confirm these findings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  19. Autologous versus pooled human serum for articular chondrocyte growth
    Munirah S, Ruszymah BH, Samsudin OC, Badrul AH, Azmi B, Aminuddin BS
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2008 Aug;16(2):220-9.
    PMID: 18725677
    To evaluate the effect of autologous human serum (AHS) versus pooled human serum (PHS) versus foetal bovine serum (FBS) for growth of articular chondrocytes and formation of chondrocytefibrin constructs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  20. Occupational competence and its relationship to emotional health in injured workers in return to work programs: a Malaysian study
    Murad MS, O'brien L, Farnworth L, Chien CW
    Scand J Occup Ther, 2013 Mar;20(2):101-10.
    PMID: 22967302 DOI: 10.3109/11038128.2012.720276
    Workers with musculoskeletal disorders undertaking Malaysia's return to work (RTW) programmes may experience challenges in occupational competence (OC) and negative emotional states (NES). This study aimed to measure and examines the OC and NES of the workers by comparing specific comparison groups and groups of different phases. A total of 76 participants were recruited from a national RTW programme and categorized into three groups based on different RTW phases: off-work (n = 22), re-entry (n = 31), and maintenance (n = 23). Self-report questionnaires consisted of the Occupational Self Assessment version 2.2 and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Results showed that injured workers exhibited significantly lower OC in comparison with an international group with various disabilities. In contrast, there was significantly higher NES when compared with Malaysia's general population. Significant differences in OC and NES were also found between workers in the three RTW phases. In particular, OC and NES in the off-work and re-entry phases were significantly lower (OC) and higher (NES) than in the maintenance phase. Furthermore, there was a moderate, negative correlation between OC and NES in the off-work and re-entry phase groups. This indicated that low levels of perceived OC were associated with higher levels of NES.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
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