Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 1808 in total

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  1. A study exploring the association of attitude and treatment satisfaction with glycaemic level among gestational diabetes mellitus patients
    Hussain Z, Yusoff ZM, Sulaiman SA
    Prim Care Diabetes, 2015 Aug;9(4):275-82.
    PMID: 25457621 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2014.10.002
    AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate attitude and treatment satisfaction of women suffering from GDM and their association with glycaemic level.
    METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in antenatal clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia from June to December 2013 on the sample of 175 patients. Data was collected through modified version of Diabetes Integration Scale (ATT-19) and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaires (DSTQs). Glycaemic level was evaluated in terms of Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG). Three most recent values of FPG (mmol/l) were taken from patients medical profiles and their mean was calculated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
    RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were included in final analysis. Only 35 (21.1%) patients had positive attitude and 122 (73.5%) of patients had adequate treatment satisfaction. There was no significant association of total mean ATT-19 score with age, ethnicity, educational level, occupational status, family history and type of therapy. For treatment satisfaction statistically significant association was present only between total mean treatment satisfaction score and educational level. Patients with negative attitude and inadequate treatment satisfaction had higher mean glycaemic level.
    CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that more than two folds of patients were satisfied with their ongoing treatment but majority of the patients were feeling difficulty in active coping measures for the management of GDM.
    KEYWORDS: Attitude; GDM; Glycaemic level; Treatment satisfaction

    Study site: antenatal clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang
  2. Fulltext Medication adherence in schizophrenia: a comparison between outpatients and relapse cases
    Razali SM, Yusoff MZ
    East Asian Arch Psychiatry, 2014 Jun;24(2):68-74.
    PMID: 24986201
    Objective: Adherence to medication is essential for maximising the outcomes of patients with schizophrenia as the consequences of poor adherence are devastating. The study aimed to compare medication adherence between patients with relapse schizophrenia and those attending psychiatric follow-up clinics, and to determine the factors affecting adherence.
    Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 70 patients with schizophrenia who were divided equally into 2 groups. Medication adherence was assessed with the Medication Adherence Rating Scale. Appropriate instruments were used to measure insight, social support, and psychopathology. Various socio-demographic and clinical variables were explored to find associations with medication adherence.
    Results: Medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia was poor; 51% of the patients did not adhere to a medication regimen. Adherence was better in outpatients with schizophrenia (61%) than in relapse cases (39%), although the difference was not statistically significant (t = 1.70; p = 0.09). Besides, relapse patients had significant higher number of admission (X2 = 22.95; p < 0.05) and severe psychopathology (t = –29.96; p < 0.05), while perceived social support was significantly better in outpatients with schizophrenia (t = 2.90; p < 0.05). Frequency of admission (adjusted b = –0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.99 to -0.10; p < 0.05) and psychopathology (adjusted b = –0.12; 95% CI, -0.24 to -0.01; p < 0.05) were also significantly associated with medication adherence.
    Conclusion: Medication adherence among both groups of patients with schizophrenia was poor. If adherence is addressed appropriately, the number of admissions and severity of psychopathology could be improved.
    Key words: Patient compliance; Psychopathology; Schizophrenia; Social support
    Study site: Psychiatric clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
  3. Evaluation of knowledge regarding gestational diabetes mellitus and its association with glycaemic level: A Malaysian study
    Hussain Z, Yusoff ZM, Sulaiman SA
    Prim Care Diabetes, 2015 Jun;9(3):184-90.
    PMID: 25132140 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2014.07.007
    AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge about GDM and its corresponding relation with glycaemic level in GDM patients.
    METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in antenatal clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia from June 2013 to December 2013 using Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge Questionnaire (GDMKQ) on the sample of 175 GDM patients. Three most recent fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values (mmol/l) were taken from patients profiles and mean was calculated.
    RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were included in final analysis. A total mean knowledge score of 166 patients was 10.01±3.63 and total mean FPG value was 5.50±1.13. Knowledge had a significant negative association with FPG (r=- 0.306, P<0.01). Among different knowledge domains, highest mean score was seen for diet/food values domain and lowest for management of GDM. Educational level seems to be the most significant predictor of GDM knowledge and glycaemic control. Highest mean knowledge score and lowest mean glycaemic levels were recorded for patients aged 25-29 years, Malay ethnicity, working women and family history of DM.
    CONCLUSION: Higher Knowledge about GDM is related to better glycaemic control. New educational strategies should be developed to improve the lower health literacy.
    KEYWORDS: Educational level; GDM; Glycaemic level; Knowledge

    Study site: antenatal clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  4. Fulltext Mode choice between private and public transport in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Chiu Chuen O, Karim MR, Yusoff S
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:394587.
    PMID: 24701165 DOI: 10.1155/2014/394587
    In 2010, Klang Valley has only 17% trips each day were completed using public transport, with the rest of the 83% trips were made through private transport. The inclination towards private car usage will only get worse if the transport policy continues to be inefficient and ineffective. Under the National Key Economic Area, the priority aimed to stimulate the increase of modal share of public transport in the Klang Valley to 50% by 2020. In the 10th Malaysia Plan, the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit was proposed, equipped with 141 km of MRT system, and will integrate with the existing rail networks. Nevertheless, adding kilometers into the rail system will not help, if people do not make the shift from private into public transport. This research would like to assess the possible mode shift of travellers in the Klang Valley towards using public transport, based on the utility function of available transport modes. It intends to identify the criteria that will trigger their willingness to make changes in favour of public transport as targeted by the NKEA.
  5. Spatial effect of new municipal solid waste landfill siting using different guidelines
    Ahmad SZ, Ahamad MS, Yusoff MS
    Waste Manag Res, 2014 Jan;32(1):24-33.
    PMID: 24241167 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X13507313
    Proper implementation of landfill siting with the right regulations and constraints can prevent undesirable long-term effects. Different countries have respective guidelines on criteria for new landfill sites. In this article, we perform a comparative study of municipal solid waste landfill siting criteria stated in the policies and guidelines of eight different constitutional bodies from Malaysia, Australia, India, U.S.A., Europe, China and the Middle East, and the World Bank. Subsequently, a geographic information system (GIS) multi-criteria evaluation model was applied to determine new suitable landfill sites using different criterion parameters using a constraint mapping technique and weighted linear combination. Application of Macro Modeler provided in the GIS-IDRISI Andes software helps in building and executing multi-step models. In addition, the analytic hierarchy process technique was included to determine the criterion weight of the decision maker's preferences as part of the weighted linear combination procedure. The differences in spatial results of suitable sites obtained signifies that dissimilarity in guideline specifications and requirements will have an effect on the decision-making process.
  6. Modeling and prediction of extraction profile for microwave-assisted extraction based on absorbed microwave energy
    Chan CH, Yusoff R, Ngoh GC
    Food Chem, 2013 Sep 1;140(1-2):147-53.
    PMID: 23578626 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.02.057
    A modeling technique based on absorbed microwave energy was proposed to model microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of antioxidant compounds from cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) leaves. By adapting suitable extraction model at the basis of microwave energy absorbed during extraction, the model can be developed to predict extraction profile of MAE at various microwave irradiation power (100-600 W) and solvent loading (100-300 ml). Verification with experimental data confirmed that the prediction was accurate in capturing the extraction profile of MAE (R-square value greater than 0.87). Besides, the predicted yields from the model showed good agreement with the experimental results with less than 10% deviation observed. Furthermore, suitable extraction times to ensure high extraction yield at various MAE conditions can be estimated based on absorbed microwave energy. The estimation is feasible as more than 85% of active compounds can be extracted when compared with the conventional extraction technique.
  7. Fulltext Morphology, geology and water quality assessment of former tin mining catchment
    Ashraf MA, Maah MJ, Yusoff I
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:369206.
    PMID: 22761549 DOI: 10.1100/2012/369206
    Bestari Jaya, former tin mining catchment covers an area of 2656.31 hectares comprised of four hundred and forty-two different-size lakes and ponds. The present study area comprise of 92 hectares of the catchment that include four large size lakes. Arc GIS version 9.2 used to develop bathymetric map, Global Positioning System (GPS) for hydrographical survey and flow meter was utilized for water discharge analysis (flow routing) of the catchment. The water quality parameters (pH, temperature, electric conductivity, dissolved oxygen DO, total dissolved solids TDS, chlorides, ammonium, nitrates) were analyzed by using Hydrolab. Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures were strictly followed throughout the field work and data analysis. Different procedures were employed to evaluate the analytical data and to check for possible transcription or dilution errors, changes during analysis, or unusual or unlikely values. The results obtained are compared with interim national water quality standards for Malaysia indicates that water quality of area is highly degraded. It is concluded that Bestri Jaya ex-mining catchment has a high pollution potential due to mining activities and River Ayer Hitam, recipient of catchment water, is a highly polluted river.
  8. Ergonomic evaluation of postural stress in school workshop
    Hashim AM, Dawal SZ, Yusoff N
    Work, 2012;41 Suppl 1:827-31.
    PMID: 22316824 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0249-827
    The objective of this study is to compare the evaluation of postural analysis between a self-report questionnaire and physical assessments methods for students aged 13 to 15 years old in school workshop. 336 students were volunteered as participants to fill in the questionnaire and being observed in the workshop. Total of 104 positions were selected and analyzed while students performing their tasks. Questionnaire data was examined to specify the prevalence of postural stress symptoms. The relationship of postural stress by physical assessment methods (RULA and REBA methods) was defined to identify the risk level of students' working posture. From the results, comparison of four factors categorized from total of 22 questions among ages, the mean values were lower for 13 years old students meaning that they were faced higher posture problems while using the workstation. The obtained results from both physical assessment methods and questionnaire analysis have identified 13 years old students faced higher risk exposure. Analysis results emphasized the fact that self-reports questionnaire method has almost accurate as postural evaluation methods to identify physical risks in workplace. The result also shows that an intervention is needed to overcome the posture problems.
  9. Fulltext 3-Nitro-N-[(pyrrolidin-1-yl)carbothioyl]benzamide
    Zulkifli N, Yusoff SF, Yamin BM
    Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online, 2012 Jun 1;68(Pt 6):o1785.
    PMID: 22719562 DOI: 10.1107/S1600536812021319
    In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(12)H(13)N(3)O(3)S, the pyrrolidine ring adopts a half-chair conformation and the dihedral angle formed by the nitro group with the benzene ring is 15.18 (18)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯S and C-H⋯O inter-molecular hydrogen bonds into chains parallel to the c axis.
  10. Fulltext The health seeking trajectories of Malaysian women and their husbands in delay cases of breast cancer: a qualitative study
    Yusoff N, Taib NA, Ahmad A
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(10):2563-70.
    PMID: 22320956
    The aim of this study was to assess why women delay in getting treatment (i.e. surgery) for breast cancer, as well as to explore on what type of issues are involved in such delay cases. Basic interpretative of qualitative methodology was applied to construct the reality of delay phenomena, and its interaction with social worlds. Six themes were identified: new conception of breast cancer treatment, psychological defenses, health support system, symtomatology experience, model and barriers. The delay issue in breast cancer requires attention as a multidimensional problem as this will facilitate more comprehensive and effective intervention to reduce delay.
  11. X-ray spectra and quality parameters from Monte Carlo simulation and analytical filters
    Salehi Z, Ya Ali NK, Yusoff AL
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2012 Nov;70(11):2586-9.
    PMID: 22940409 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2011.12.007
    BEAMnrc was used to derive the X-ray spectra, from which HVL and homogeneity coefficient were determined, for different kVp and filtration settings. Except for the peak at 61 keV, the spectra are in good agreement with the IPEM report 78 data for the case of filtered beams, whereas the unfiltered beams exhibit softer spectra. Although the current attenuation data deviates from the IPEM 78 data by ~±0.5%, this has negligible effects on the calculated HVL values.
  12. Fulltext Treatment patterns and outcomes in management of solid cancer patients suffering from anemia in Penang hospital
    Hassan BA, Yusoff ZB
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(6):1573-6.
    PMID: 22126501
    INTRODUCTION: Anemia is one of the most frequent hematological demonstration of malignant diseases, leading to impairment of function in all tissues and organs of cancer patients and associated with serious stress. This major problem may be exacerbated by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. It is characterized by lower hemoglobin (Hb) level or inadequate circulating red blood cells (RBCs). The present study evaluated the effectiveness of treatment guidelines for anemia among solid cancer patients in Penang hospital and to find associations between treatments and anemia onset and severity.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study was conducted on 534 cancer patients with anemia who were admitted to a government hospital on Penang island i.e., Penang General Hospital in the period between 2003 to 2009.

    RESULTS: Effectiveness of standard anemia treatment guidelines was not sufficient because correction of anemia was just temporary.

    CONCLUSION: According to the results, erythropoietin must be used as a cornerstone even for patients who suffer from moderate anemia and blood transfusion should be used just for emergency cases when anemia leads to a critical situation.
  13. Genetic polymorphisms in the three malaysian races effect granisetron clinical antiemetic actions in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
    Hassan BA, Yusoff ZB
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(1):185-91.
    PMID: 21517255
    INTRODUCTION: Nausea and vomiting are recognized as two separate and distinct conditions with a wide spectrum of etiologies either directly associated with cancer itself or its treatment. According to the new ranking of chemotherapy side effects, nausea is the number one or the most disturbing side effects while vomiting is the third and sometimes the fifth. The introduction of 5-HT3-recptor antagonists in the early of 1990s has revolutionized the treatment of nausea and vomiting, these agents remaining the mainstay of antiemetic therapy today. Ethnic variation (due to genetic polymorphisms) may lead to diversity in antiemetic treatment pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, in terms of distribution, elimination, disposition and clinical effects. The aim of the present study was to clarify genetic polymorphism effects in the three main races in Malaysia i.e., Malay, Chinese and Indian, on the clinical antiemetic effects of granisetron.

    METHODS: In this longitudinal prospective observational study, 158 breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy were monitored for nausea and vomiting in the first 24 hours after chemotherapy administration. The patients were then followed up again after 3 to 5 days of chemotherapy.

    RESULTS: Genetic polymorphisms in the three races in Malaysia have significant effect on granisetron clinical antiemetic action because each is characterized by variant CYP3A4 enzymatic action.

    CONCLUSION: According to the result, different type of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as tropisetron and dolasetron which are predominantly metabolized by CYP2D6, should be used especially for Chinese breast cancer patients.

    Study site: Hospital Pulau Pinang
  14. The evaluation of various kinetic models for base-catalyzed ethanolysis of palm oil
    Shahla S, Ngoh GC, Yusoff R
    Bioresour Technol, 2012 Jan;104:1-5.
    PMID: 22154586 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.11.010
    In this paper, the kinetics of palm oil ethanolysis with various models have been investigated in a temperature range of 25-55 °C. The highest yield was achieved when the conversion to ethyl ester was 97.5±0.5% in the stated temperature range, using ethanol:oil molar ratio of 12:1, and 1.0 wt.% sodium ethoxide. The level of conformity of the reaction with reversible second order, irreversible second order and first order kinetic models were evaluated by means of the R(2) values of the linear curves. The ethanolysis showed the best conformity with irreversible second order kinetic model with 92-98% level of confidence. The reaction rate constants were within 0.018-0.088 dm(3)/mol min and the activation energy of the reaction was 42.36 kJ/mol.
  15. Fulltext Psychometric properties of the Malay Version of the hospital anxiety and depression scale: a study of husbands of breast cancer patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Yusoff N, Low WY, Yip CH
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(4):915-7.
    PMID: 21790225
    The main objective of this paper is to examine the psychometric properties of the Malay Version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), tested on 67 husbands of the women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. The eligible husbands were retrieved from the Clinical Oncology Clinic at three hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Data was collected at three weeks and ten weeks following surgery for breast cancer of their wives. The psychometric properties of the HADS were reported based on Cronbach' alpha, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Effect Size Index (ESI), sensitivity and discriminity of the scale. Internal consistency of the scale is excellent, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.88 for Anxiety subscale and 0.79 for Depression subscale. Test-retest Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) is 0.35 and 0.42 for Anxiety and Depression Subscale, respectively. Small mean differences were observed at test-retest measurement with ESI of 0.21 for Anxiety and 0.19 for Depression. Non-significant result was revealed for the discriminant validity (mastectomy vs lumpectomy). The Malay Version of the HADS is appropriate to measure the anxiety and depression among the husbands of the women with breast cancer in Malaysia.
    Study site: Oncology clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  16. Negative impact of chemotherapy on breast cancer patients QOL - utility of antiemetic treatment guidelines and the role of race
    Hassan BA, Yusoff ZB
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2010;11(6):1523-7.
    PMID: 21338191
    INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most important worries of cancer patients. Although not life-threatening, it has a great negative impact on quality of life (QOL).

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of CINV (i.e., acute and delayed) on breast cancer patients QOL and to discern opinions related with antiemetic guidelines used dependent on the three main races in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian).

    METHODS: In this longitudinal prospective observational study, 158 breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy were interviewed and valid questionnaires (MANE and ONEM) were used to report the impact of CINV on their QOL within the first 24 hours and after 3 to 5 days of chemotherapy treatment.

    RESULTS: The main result was that delayed CINV has an impact on QOL greater than acute CINV. The impact of nausea was reportedly higher than that of vomiting. Also differences in race i.e., genetic polymorphisms (pharmacogenomics) influenced the utility of antiemetic treatments and patients opinions.

    CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our study a new guideline for antiemetic treatment should be used to reduce the impact of CINV on QOL, taking into account variation in genetic polymorphisms among the three races in Malaysia.

  17. Trends in the use of Fenton, electro-Fenton and photo-Fenton for the treatment of landfill leachate
    Umar M, Aziz HA, Yusoff MS
    Waste Manag, 2010 Nov;30(11):2113-21.
    PMID: 20675113 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2010.07.003
    Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as Fenton, electro-Fenton and photo-Fenton have been applied effectively to remove refractory organics from landfill leachate. The Fenton reaction is based on the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the wastewater or leachate in the presence of ferrous salt as a catalyst. The use of this technique has proved to be one of the best compromises for landfill leachate treatment because of its environmental and economical advantages. Fenton process has been used successfully to mineralize wide range of organic constituents present in landfill leachate particularly those recalcitrant to biological degradation. The present study reviews the use of Fenton and related processes in terms of their increased application to landfill leachate. The effects of various operating parameters and their optimum ranges for maximum COD and color removal are reviewed with the conclusion that the Fenton and related processes are effective and competitive with other technologies for degradation of both raw and pre-treated landfill leachate.
  18. Fulltext Reliability and validity of the Brief COPE Scale (English version) among women with breast cancer undergoing treatment of adjuvant chemotherapy: a Malaysian study
    Yusoff N, Low WY, Yip CH
    Med J Malaysia, 2010 Mar;65(1):41-4.
    PMID: 21265247 MyJurnal
    This paper validates the Brief COPE Scale in Malaysian women with breast cancer. Test-retest evaluation was undertaken at two/three weeks and ten weeks following surgery. Internal consistencies ranged from 0.25 to 1.00. Meanwhile, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.05 to 1.00. Sensitivity of the scale was indicated by the mean differences as observed in most of the domains with Effect Size Index (ESI) ranged from 0 to 0.53. Significant differences between mastectomy and lumpectomy were observed for Active coping, Planning and Acceptance. Brief COPE Scale showed fairly good reliability and validity.
  19. Single-trial subspace-based approach for VEP extraction
    Kamel N, Yusoff MZ, Hani AF
    IEEE Trans Biomed Eng, 2011 May;58(5):1383-93.
    PMID: 21177154 DOI: 10.1109/TBME.2010.2101073
    A signal subspace approach for extracting visual evoked potentials (VEPs) from the background electroencephalogram (EEG) colored noise without the need for a prewhitening stage is proposed. Linear estimation of the clean signal is performed by minimizing signal distortion while maintaining the residual noise energy below some given threshold. The generalized eigendecomposition of the covariance matrices of a VEP signal and brain background EEG noise is used to transform them jointly to diagonal matrices. The generalized subspace is then decomposed into signal subspace and noise subspace. Enhancement is performed by nulling the components in the noise subspace and retaining the components in the signal subspace. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested with simulated and real data, and compared with the recently proposed signal subspace techniques. With the simulated data, the algorithms are used to estimate the latencies of P(100), P(200), and P(300) of VEP signals corrupted by additive colored noise at different values of SNR. With the real data, the VEP signals are collected at Selayang Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the capability of the proposed algorithm in detecting the latency of P(100) is obtained and compared with other subspace techniques. The ensemble averaging technique is used as a baseline for this comparison. The results indicated significant improvement by the proposed technique in terms of better accuracy and less failure rate.
  20. The inhibitory effects of Gelam honey and its extracts on nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2) in inflammatory tissues
    Kassim M, Achoui M, Mansor M, Yusoff KM
    Fitoterapia, 2010 Dec;81(8):1196-201.
    PMID: 20708657 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2010.07.024
    We investigated the effects of honey and its methanol and ethyl acetate extracts on inflammation in animal models. Rats' paws were induced with carrageenan in the non-immune inflammatory and nociceptive model, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the immune inflammatory model. Honey and its extracts were able to inhibit edema and pain in inflammatory tissues as well as showing potent inhibitory activities against NO and PGE(2) in both models. The decrease in edema and pain correlates with the inhibition of NO and PGE(2). Phenolic compounds have been implicated in the inhibitory activities. Honey is potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
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