Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 2154 in total

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  1. Yasin SM, Masilamani R, Ming MF, Koh D, Zaki RA
    PMID: 23082600
    Perceived risks and benefits of quitting smoking may be important factors in successful treatment. This study examined the association between initial perceived risks and benefits of quitting smoking and outcomes during a two month smoking cessation attempt. Participants (n = 185) were treatment-seeking smokers attending two smoking cessation clinics in Klang Valley, Malaysia. They received structured behavioral therapy and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Prior to treatment, a 12 item Perceived Risks and Benefits Questionnaire (PRBQ) was administered. This was used to assess the smoker's initial perceptions during their quit attempt. Participants were re-contacted at the end of two months to determine their smoking status. The results show participants intending to quit demonstrated a greater understanding of the benefits of quitting smoking than the risks of quitting. Those with a higher education level had a greater understanding of the benefits of quitting (p = 0.02). PRBQ items, such as perceived risks of quitting (ie weight gain, negative affect, social ostracism, loss of enjoyment and craving) were not associated with abstinence at two months. However, those who perceived a benefit of higher physical attraction post-cessation were less likely to have stopped smoking at two months (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.08-0.45). Other perceived benefits at baseline, such as health, general well-being, self-esteem, finances and social approval, were not associated with smoking cessation at two months. The results suggest that in our study population, smokers' baseline perceptions of the benefits of cessation of smoking prior to therapy are not associated with quit results at two months. Counseling patients regarding the advantages and disadvantages of quitting may have changed their perceptions during quitting process and should be further explored in future studies.
    Study site: Smoking cessation clinics, University Malaya and Universiti Teknology Mara, Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  2. Nissapatorn V, Leong TH, Lee R, Init-Ithoi, Ibrahim J, Yen TS
    PMID: 21710842
    Toxoplasmosis is an important parasitic disease in immunosuppressed patients. This prospective study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence, associated risk factors and the incidence of clinically confirmed toxoplasmosis among renal patients at the University of Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We interviewed 247 renal patients, each of whom answered an epidemiological questionnaire, and collected blood samples for measurement of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. Overall seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was observed in 126 (51%) renal patients. Race (Malays), marital status (married) and primary level of education, were all factors associated with a greater chance of Toxoplasma infection. A case of clinically confirned toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in a renal transplant recipient as a result of immunosuppression. Based on the findings obtained, this preliminary study shows a high prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in renal patients. Risk factors may have significantly contributed to Toxoplasma acquisition in these patients. We recommend further studies be carried out to monitor for trends in toxoplasmosis among immunosuppressed patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  3. Amal RN, Aisah MY, Fatmah MS, Hayati MI
    PMID: 21329303
    In a prospective, observational study, 380 women attending a family planning (LPPKN) clinic and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic in Kuala Lumpur between January 2008 and November 2008 were enrolled. Patient information was obtained from the medical records and patients voluntarily completed questionnaires. Three vaginal swabs from the posterior fornix were taken from each patient examined. Different staining methods and cultivation in Diamonds medium were performed on the collected samples. Study subjects recruited in this survey were mostly young, with a geometric mean ages of 37.31 years (LPPKN clinic) and 32.06 years (STD clinic). Malay, Chinese, Indians and others ethnic groups accounted for 91, 4, 2 and 3%, respectively, at the LPPKN clinic. At the STD clinic, almost all subjects were Chinese. The prevalence rate of trichomoniasis was 0.36% at the LPPKN clinic and 0.0% at the STD clinic. Our findings suggested no association between contraceptive methods used and trichomoniasis infection at the LPPKN clinic. At the STD clinic, it was found a high risk for STD acquisition was not associated with trichomoniasis positivity. The data demonstrated the prevalence of trichomoniasis was very low at LPPKN clinic and absent at STD clinic. The high prevalence rates of other STD among sex workers found in this survey suggest the need for more active interventions focused on this group.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  4. Asmal HS, Mustafa M, Abdullah S, Zaidah AR, Nurhaslindawati AR, Sarimah A, et al.
    PMID: 20578464
    Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has become the most common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients with a CD4 count < or = 200. The incidence of PCP has declined as a result of prophylaxis and better highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The objective of this study was to review the demographic data of HIV patients diagnosed clinically as having PCP at the Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II) in Malaysia. This was a prospective study. All HIV patients admitted to HRPZ II with respiratory symptoms were enrolled in this study after giving informed consent. Their demographic data were collected. The total number of HIV patients reviewed in this study was 107. Nearly 60% of patients were clinically diagnosed as having pneumocystis pneumonia based on their signs, symptoms and chest x-ray findings. A CD4 count was available in 83 out of 107 patients. The fifty-three percent of patients(44) had a CD4 < 200 and were clinically diagnosed as having pneumocystis pneumonia. Thirty percent had a CD4 < 200 but did not have clinical pneumocystis pneumonia. Sixteen point nine percent had a CD4 > 200 and had clinical pneumocystis pneumonia, three of whom had received HAART, four patients had received prophylaxis. Overall, 94 patients (87.8%) received prophylaxis for pneumocystis pneumonia. Thirty-three patients (30.8%) received HAART. The occurrence of pneumocystis pneumonia was common before full implementation of HAART. Pneumocystis pneumonia can occur in patients with a CD4 >200.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  5. Menon BS, Juraida E, Ibrahim H, Mohamed M, Ho C, Khuzaiah R
    PMID: 19058612
    The aims of this study were to determine the types of cancers and hematological disorders in patients attending a pediatric hematology-oncology clinic. This was a prospective study at the Pediatric Institute, General Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from June 2005-November 2006. During the 18-month study, 803 patients attended the clinic, 730 had oncological problems and 73 had hematological problems. The age range was from 2 months to 28 years (median 6 years). The patients were Malay (66%), Chinese (23%), Indian (10%) and other races (1%). Of the oncological patients, 51% had either leukemia (n=293) or lymphoma (n=77). The other most common diagnoses were retinoblastoma, followed by Wilm's tumor and germ cell tumors. Six patients (0.8%) developed a second malignant neoplasm. Of the hematological patients, 60% had platelet disorders, most commonly chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Twenty-four per cent had bone marrow failure and 16% had red cell disorders.

    Study site: Pediatric Institute, General Hospital Kuala Lumpur
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  6. Hamid MZ, Aziz NA, Zulkifli ZS, Norlijah O, Azhar RK
    PMID: 18564712
    A prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of progressive encephalopathy (PE) and its associated clinical manifestations amongst a cohort of HIV infected children attending the HIV/AIDS clinic of the Pediatric Institute, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. Neurological and neurobehavioral assessments were performed in 55 children with HIV over a 24-month study period. Parameters assessed were physical and neurological assessments, CD4 counts, CD4 percentages, RNA viral loads and an IQ assessment at four monthly intervals. PE was diagnosed when patient developed at least one of the definitive criteria for PE based on the Consensus of Pediatric Neurology/Psychology Working Group, AIDS Clinical Trial 1996. The incidence of encephalopathy was 18.2% (n = 10) in 2002. All the patients had hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, abnormal deep tendon reflexes and five had impairment in brain growth. The CD4 counts and CD4 percentages were more likely to be associated with PE compared to the non-PE group.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  7. Norashikin J, Roshan TM, Rosline H, Zaidah AW, Suhair AA, Rapiaah M
    PMID: 17125001
    Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of anemia worldwide and healthy blood donors are estimated to lose about 236 mg of iron with each donation. The objective of this study was to determine the serum ferritin levels among first time and regular male blood donors, and also to correlate the serum ferritin levels with the number of donations and hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin levels and serum ferritin were measured in three groups of donors divided into first time donors; (n = 92), donors with 2-4 donations (n = 41), and regular donors (n = 78). The mean hemoglobins in the first time donors, second group and regular blood donor group were 14.95 +/- 1.08, 15.12 +/- 1.44 and 15.56 +/- 1.48, respectively. The serum ferritin level were found to be significantly lower among the regular donors (62.0 +/- 39.78 ng/ml) compared to first time donors (90.7 +/- 66.63) and second group donors (114.12 +/- 66.97). The serum ferritin levels gradually decrease according to the number of donations and there was a significant correlation between frequency of donations and the serum ferritin level (r2 = 0.082). Significant correlation between the number of donations and hemoglobin level r2 = 0.061) was noted. However, there was no significant correlation between hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels (r2 = 0.015). Eleven percent of regular donors had depleted iron stores. This was not noted in donors who donated less than 5 times within 2 years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  8. Isahak I, Mahayiddin AA, Ismail R
    PMID: 18041300
    The aims of the study were to determine the attack rate of influenza-like illness among inhabitants of five old folk homes nationwide using influenza vaccine as a probe and the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in prevention of influenza-like illness. We conducted a nonrandomized, single-blind placebo control study from June 2003 to February 2004. VAXIGRIP(R) 2003 Southern hemisphere formulation was used. Among 527 subjects, the attack rates of influenza-like illness in the influenza vaccine group were 6.4, 4.6 and 2.4% during the first, second and third 2-month periods, respectively. The attack rates of influenza-like illness in the placebo group were 17.7, 13.8 and 10.1%. Influenza vaccination reduced the risk of contracting influenza-like illness by between 14, and 45%. The vaccine effectiveness in reducing the occurrence of influenza-like illness ranged from 55 to 76%, during the 6-month study followup. The presence of cerebrovascular diseases significantly increased the risk of influenza-like illness (p < 0.005). Vaccine recipients had fewer episodes of fever, cough, muscle aches, runny nose (p < 0.001) and experience fewer sick days due to respiratory illness. Subjects who received influenza vaccination had clinically and statistically significant reductions in the attack rate of influenza-like illness. Our data support influenza vaccination of persons with chronic diseases and >50 year olds living in institutions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  9. Noor Haslina MN, Ariffin N, Illuni Hayati I, Rosline H
    PMID: 17333748
    The development of red blood cell (RBC) isoimmunization with alloantibodies and autoantibodies complicate transfusion therapy in multiply transfused thalassemia patients. Thus, the frequency, causes and prevention of these phenomena were studied among these patients. Clinical and serological data from 58 Malay multiply transfused thalassemic patients who sought treatment at Hospital University Sains Malaysia were collected and analyzed prospectively. Blood samples were subjected to standard blood bank procedures to screen for antibody and subsequent antibodies identification. All patients in our hospital received blood matched for only ABO and Rh (D) antigens. There were 46 (79.3%) patients with Hb E/beta thalassemia, 8 (13.8%) with beta thalassemia major, 3 (5.2%) with Hb H Constant Spring and 1 (1.7%) with Hb H disease. Overall, 8.6% of the patients had alloantibodies and 1.7% had autoantibodies. The alloantibodies identified were anti-E, anti-c, anti-K, anti-Jka, anti-N and anti-S. In conclusion, the transfusion of matched blood is essential for chronically multiply transfused patients in order to avoid alloimmunization. Considering the high frequency of anti E at our hospital, it is advisable to genotype patients and match the red cells for E antigens in multiply transfused thalassemia patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  10. Chua KB, Chua IL, Chua IE, Chua KH
    PMID: 16438137
    A prospective field study was carried out to investigate any preferential differences of gravid female Aedes mosquitoes in ovipositing their eggs in man-made containers placed in different environmental conditions. The findings of this study show that gravid female Aedes mosquitoes preferred to breed in containers found in the outdoor garden than those placed on the patio and or inside the house. The findings also show that if the breeding habitats in the garden were removed, they would favorably use the breeding habitats found on the patio or inside the house as alternatives. An incidental interesting finding in this study shows that ultra-low volume fogging of insecticides using the vehicle-mounted equipment carried out outside the house may promote the gravid female Aedes mosquitoes to enter the house to breed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  11. Menon BS, Abdullah S, Mahamud F, Morgan UM, Malik AS, Choo KE, et al.
    PMID: 11556583
    The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum in hospitalized children in Kota Bharu, Malaysia. Over a 19 month study period, 258 stool samples were examined from 159 children; 109 with diarrhea and 50 controls without diarrhea. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay were used to detect C. parvum and the samples were also examined for the presence of other intestinal parasites. Only 1 of the 109 (0.9%) children with acute diarrhea was positive for C. parvum by microscopy and PCR. Thirty-one percent of children were infested with other intestinal parasites, the most common being Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. In conclusion, we found C. parvum to be an uncommon infective agent in hospitalized children with or without diarrhea in Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  12. Kamaliah MD, Roziawati Y
    PMID: 11289017
    A prospective observational study examing the incidence, predisposing factors and microbiological aspects of peritonitis complicating acute intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD) was performed in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, a referral hospital situated in Northeast Malaysia. Over a 7- month period, a total of 126 acute IPD treatments were included involving 69 patients. The majority of patients suffered from chronic or end stage renal failure (92.7%) and nearly half (47.8%) have underlying diabetes mellitus. Peritonitis occured in 25 treatment sessions giving a frequency of 19.8% of procedures performed. The mean interval between starting dialysis and the first sign of peritonitis was 3.5 days, with 12% of peritonitis occuring before day 3 of treatment. Frequent catheter manipulation and/or leakages were identified as significant predisposing factors for peritonitis and the risk of peritonitis was increased with longer duration of IPD. Gram-negative infections were seen twice more commonly than gram-positive infections. We recommend the use of cloxacillin in combination with either an aminoglycoside or a cephalosporin as empirical antibiotic coverage until culture reports are available.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  13. Zainal D, Baba A, Mustaffa BE
    PMID: 9139395
    Screening for proteinuria and hematuria is important in the prevention of chronic renal disease. In Malaysia to date no such attempt has been made to establish the prevalence of proteinuria and hematuria. A total of 45,149 primary school children from three districts in Kelantan were screened for proteinuria and hematuria. They were 23,289 boys and 21,860 girls. The prevalence of abnormal urinary sediments after third screening was 0.17% ie 0.07% were in boys and 0.10% were in girls. The commonest abnormality was proteinuria (0.12%), followed by hematuria (0.03%) and combination of proteinuria and hematuria (0.02%). Hematuria was more commonly seen in girls compared to boys while proteinuria was seen in almost equal proportion in boys and girls. Despite screening large number of children the prevalence of asymptomatic proteinuria and hematuria was far lower than in an earlier reported study. Furthermore the majority had mild abnormalities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  14. Jamal F, Pit S, Isahak I, Abdullah N, Zainal Z, Abdullah R, et al.
    PMID: 3660072
    A total of 90 cases of pneumococcal infections were identified at a major referral hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during a study period of four years. Pneumonia was the most common clinical presentation (41 cases) followed by meningitis (19 cases). Of 48 patients who were followed-up during the microbiology consultation round, 11 died, 9 were children below two years old. Capsular typing was carried out on 57 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from blood and body fluids of 43 children and 14 adults. 38 strains isolated from pharyngeal specimens were also typed. Types 6A (11 strains), 6B (7 strains), 14 (8 strains) and 19A (8 strains) predominated in children. The strains from older patients comprised 3 isolates from cerebrospinal fluid (types 18B, 6B and 14), five from blood (4 strains, type 1 and 1 strain, type 4) and six from pus (1 strain, type 14, 3 strains type 23F and 2 strains type 34). The isolates from pharyngeal specimens belonged to capsular type similar to those implicated in infections. 90% of the types reported in this study are included in the 23 valent pneumococcal vaccines. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of penicillin, cefuroxime, chloramphenicol and rifampicin were determined for selected strains. 4.1% of isolates were resistant to penicillin (3/74), 4.5% to cefuroxime (2/44), 6.5% to chloramphenicol (3/46) and 14.6% to rifampicin (6/41).
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  15. Tan DS, Lam SK
    PMID: 219550
    Stool samples from healthy children mainly of the low income group aged 0 to 7 years of age from five Maternal and Child Health Centres in Kuala Lumpur were obtained for isolation of enteroviruses. The specimens were collected before and after the mass vaccination given in the face of polio type 1 epidemic which started in October, 1971. The prevelance rate of enteroviruses was 11.9% (3.0% polioviruses, 8.9% non-polio enteroviruses) before the vaccination and essentially the same after. Coxsackie A viruses predominated over the other enteroviruses in the pre- and post-vaccination phases. The highest isolation rate of enteroviruses was observed in children 0 to 2 years age. No significant differences in distribution by sex, race and month were noted. A sharp fall in the prevalence rates of total enteroviruses and polioviruses was noted shortly after the mass vaccination campaign However, the rates reverted to the pre-vaccination state during the next successive years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  16. Mohamed NN, Loy SL, Lim PY, Al Mamun A, Jan Mohamed HJ
    Sci Total Environ, 2018 Jan 01;610-611:147-153.
    PMID: 28803192 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.030
    Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) can affect fetal brain development as well as subsequent neurodevelopment. This study aimed to determine the association between prenatal and postnatal SHS exposure with children's neurodevelopment at 2years of age. Among 107 mother-child pairs from a Malaysia prospective cohort, prenatal and postnatal SHS exposure was determined based on maternal and child hair nicotine concentrations. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine the association between prenatal and postnatal levels of nicotine in maternal and children's' hair with children's neurodevelopment. After adjustment for confounders, prenatal nicotine concentration levels were negatively associated with communication (β=-2.059; p=0.015) and fine motor skills (β=-2.120; p=0.002) while postnatal nicotine concentration levels were inversely associated with fine motors (β=-0.124; p=0.004) and problem solving skills (β=-0.117; p=0.013). In conclusion, this study suggests that early life exposure to SHS may affect children's neurodevelopment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  17. Fathima A, Ilankoon IMSK, Zhang Y, Chong MN
    Sci Total Environ, 2024 Feb 20;912:169186.
    PMID: 38086487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169186
    Impetus to minimise the energy and carbon footprints of evolving wastewater resource recovery facilities has promoted the development of microbial electrochemical systems (MES) as an emerging energy-neutral and sustainable platform technology. Using separators in dual-chamber MES to isolate anodic and cathodic environments creates endless opportunities for its myriad applications. Nevertheless, the high internal resistance and the complex interdependencies among various system factors have challenged its scale-up. This critical review employed a systems approach to examine the complex interdependencies and practical issues surrounding the implementation and scalability of dual-chamber MES, where the anodic and cathodic reactions are mutually appraised to improve the overall system efficiency. The robustness and stability of anodic biofilms in large-volume MES is dependent on its inoculum source, antecedent history and enrichment strategies. The composition and anode-respiring activity of these biofilms are modulated by the anolyte composition, while their performance demands a delicate balance between the electrode size, macrostructure and the availability of substrates, buffers and nutrients when using real wastewater as anolyte. Additionally, the catholyte governed the reduction environment and associated energy consumption of MES with scalable electrocatalysts needed to enhance the sluggish reaction kinetics for energy-efficient resource recovery. A comprehensive assessment of the dual-chamber reactor configuration revealed that the tubular, spiral-wound, or plug-in modular MES configurations are suitable for pilot-scale, where it could be designed more effectively using efficient electrode macrostructure, suitable membranes and bespoke strategies for continuous operation to maximise their performance. It is anticipated that the critical and analytical understanding gained through this review will support the continuous development and scaling-up of dual-chamber MES for prospective energy-neutral treatment of wastewater and simultaneous circular management of highly relevant environmental resources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  18. Wong CHM, Xu N, Lim J, Feng KK, Chan WKW, Chan MTY, et al.
    Prostate, 2023 Jun;83(8):801-808.
    PMID: 36938957 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24519
    BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use in prostate cancer (PCa) has seen a rising trend. We investigated the relationship between ADT and adverse changes in metabolic parameters in an Asian population.

    METHODS: This is an international prospective multicenter single-arm cohort yielded from the real-life experience of ADT in Asia (READT) registry. Consecutive ADT-naïve patients diagnosed of PCa and started on ADT were prospectively recruited from 2016 and analyzed. Baseline patient characteristics, PCa disease status, and metabolic parameters were documented. Patients were followed up at 6-month interval for up to 5 years. Metabolic parameters including body weight, lipid profiles, and glycemic profiles were recorded and analyzed.

    RESULTS: 589 patients were eligible for analysis. ADT was associated with adverse glycemic profiles, being notable at 6 months upon ADT initiation and persisted beyond 1 year. Comparing to baseline, fasting glucose level and hemoglobin A1c level increased by 4.8% (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  19. Ho JJ
    Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2001 Jun;20(6):557-60.
    PMID: 11419494
    The purpose of this study was to examine the rate and mortality from late onset infection occurring in very low birth weight infants admitted to Malaysian nurseries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
  20. Prasitsuebsai W, Kariminia A, Puthanakit T, Lumbiganon P, Hansudewechakul R, Siew Moy F, et al.
    Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2014 Jul;33(7):747-52.
    PMID: 24378942 DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000000226
    There are limited data on opportunistic infections (OIs) and factors associated with their occurrence after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Asian children. The use of HAART in Asia started much later than in developed countries and therefore reported findings may not be fully applicable to the pediatric HIV epidemic in Asia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prospective Studies
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