Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 167 in total

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  1. The influence of maternal ethnic group and diet on breast milk fatty acid composition
    Su LL, S K TC, Lim SL, Chen Y, Tan EA, Pai NN, et al.
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2010 Sep;39(9):675-5.
    PMID: 20957301
    INTRODUCTION: Breast milk fatty acids play a major role in infant development. However, no data have compared the breast milk composition of different ethnic groups living in the same environment. We aimed to (i) investigate breast milk fatty acid composition of three ethnic groups in Singapore and (ii) determine dietary fatty acid patterns in these groups and any association with breast milk fatty acid composition.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Healthy pregnant women with the intention to breastfeed were recruited. Diet profile was studied using a standard validated 3-day food diary. Breast milk was collected from mothers at 1 to 2 weeks and 6 to 8 weeks postnatally. Agilent gas chromatograph (6870N) equipped with a mass spectrometer (5975) and an automatic liquid sampler (ALS) system with a split mode was used for analysis.

    RESULTS: Seventy-two breast milk samples were obtained from 52 subjects. Analysis showed that breast milk ETA (Eicosatetraenoic acid) and ETA:EA (Eicosatrienoic acid) ratio were significantly different among the races (P = 0.031 and P = 0.020), with ETA being the highest among Indians and the lowest among Malays. Docosahexaenoic acid was significantly higher among Chinese compared to Indians and Malays. No difference was demonstrated in n3 and n6 levels in the food diet analysis among the 3 ethnic groups.

    CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist in breast milk fatty acid composition in different ethnic groups in the same region, although no difference was demonstrated in the diet analysis. Factors other than maternal diet may play a role in breast milk fatty acid composition.

    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  2. Fulltext Periodic assessment of plasma sFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations and its association with placental morphometry in gestational hypertension (GH) - a prospective follow-up study
    Jeevaratnam K, Nadarajah VD, Judson JP, Nalliah S, Abdullah MF
    BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2010;10:58.
    PMID: 20920154 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-10-58
    Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy contributes to about 12% of maternal deaths in Malaysia and similarly worldwide. Early detection and adequate management are preventable strategies. Biochemical markers of abnormal angiogenesis would be more specific in early detection than routine blood pressure and proteinuria measurements. The aim of this study was to estimate maternal plasma PlGF and sFlt-1 levels in pregnant women with gestational hypertension at three intervals of pregnancy and correlate these biomarker levels with placental morphometry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  3. Identification of competencies for Malaysian occupational safety and health professionals
    Daud R, Ismail M, Omar Z
    Ind Health, 2010;48(6):824-34.
    PMID: 20616464
    Competencies of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals have become a concern due to the significance of safety management in the field of safety engineering. The purpose of this article is to identify competencies needed by OSH professionals. These competencies are required by professionals in administrating and enforcing legislations related to OSH in Malaysia. This study used Delphi technique in three rounds of data collection. The benefits of this research approach are the use of experts in gaining opinions without time and geographical restraints. The results show 25 generic competencies with combinations of cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies and 33 functional or specific competencies including knowledge and skills needed by OSH professionals. Both generic and functional competencies are also divided into threshold and differentiating competencies that would be used to differentiate average and excellent performance of OSH professionals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  4. Clinical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma in a tertiary hospital in Sarawak, Malaysia
    Yap FBB
    Int J Dermatol, 2010 Feb;49(2):176-9.
    PMID: 20465642 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04342.x
    BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer among Orientals. Data on this malignancy is lacking in Malaysia, prompting a retrospective study to determine the clinical characteristics in the skin clinic, Sarawak General Hospital between 2000 and 2008.
    METHODS: Demographic data and clinical features of 64 histopathologically proven BCC from 43 patients were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the clinical characteristics based on the region of involvement and gender.
    RESULTS: The mean age of presentation was 60.9 years. Male to female ratio was 1.05. Majority of the patients were Chinese (44.2%) followed by Malays (32.6%), Bidayuhs (14.0%) and Ibans (6.9%). Nodular BCC accounted for 95.3% of cases while 4.7% were superficial BCC. All the nodular BCC were pigmented. Ulceration was noted in 18%. There were 82.8% of BCC on the head and neck region and 17.2% on the trunk and limb region. BCC on the latter region were larger (mean 35.0 cf. 14.4 mm, p < 0.001) and ulcerated (45.5% cf. 11.3%, p = 0.01). Superficial BCC were also more frequently encountered in this region (18.2% cf. 1.9%, p = 0.02). Compared to women, men had larger BCC (mean 21.1 cf. 13.3 mm, p = 0.03) and kept them for a longer duration (mean 21.6 cf. 13.3 months, p = 0.04).
    CONCLUSION: Clinical characteristics of BCC in Sarawak were similar to other Asian studies. Additionally, BCC on the trunk and limbs and in men were larger, ulcerative and long standing warranting better efforts for earlier detection.
    Study site: Skin clinic, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  5. Fulltext The prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms and role of protective measures among Malaysian hajj pilgrims
    Deris ZZ, Hasan H, Sulaiman SA, Wahab MS, Naing NN, Othman NH
    J Travel Med, 2010 Mar-Apr;17(2):82-8.
    PMID: 20412173 DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2009.00384.x
    BACKGROUND: Respiratory symptoms including cough, runny nose, sore throat, and fever are the most common clinical manifestations faced by hajj pilgrims in Mecca. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Malaysian hajj pilgrims and the effect of a few protective measures taken by hajj pilgrims to reduce respiratory symptoms.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing survey forms to Malaysian hajj pilgrims at transit center before flying back to Malaysia. The recruitment of respondents to the survey was on a voluntary basis.
    RESULTS: A total of 387 survey forms were available for analysis. The mean age was 50.4 +/- 11.0 years. The common respiratory symptoms among Malaysian hajj pilgrims were: cough 91.5%, runny nose 79.3%, fever 59.2%, and sore throat 57.1%. The prevalence of hajj pilgrims with triad of cough, subjective fever, and sore throat were 40.1%. The symptoms lasted less than 2 weeks in the majority of cases. Only 3.6% did not suffer from any of these symptoms. Seventy-two percent of hajj pilgrims received influenza vaccination before departure and 72.9% wore facemasks. Influenza vaccination was not associated with any of respiratory symptoms but it was significantly associated with longer duration of sore throat. Wearing masks was significantly associated with sore throat and longer duration of sore throat and fever.
    CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was high among Malaysian hajj pilgrims and the current protective measures seemed inadequate to reduce it. Beside standardization of the term used in hajj studies, more collaborative effort should be taken to reduce respiratory symptoms. The hajj authority should prepare for the challenge of pandemic influenza by providing more healthcare facilities and implementation of more strict measures to reduce the transmission of pandemic influenza strain among hajj pilgrims.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  6. Empowerment, job satisfaction and organizational commitment: a comparative analysis of nurses working in Malaysia and England
    Ahmad N, Oranye NO
    J Nurs Manag, 2010 Jul;18(5):582-91.
    PMID: 20636507 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2010.01093.x
    AIMS: To examine the relationships between nurses' empowerment, job satisfaction and organizational commitment in culturally and developmentally different societies.
    BACKGROUND: Employment and retention of sufficient and well-committed nursing staff are essential for providing safe and effective health care. In light of this, nursing leaders have been searching for ways to re-engineer the healthcare system particularly by providing an environment that is conducive to staff empowerment, job satisfaction and commitment.
    METHODS: This is a descriptive correlational survey of 556 registered nurses (RNs) in two teaching hospitals in England and Malaysia.
    RESULTS: Although the Malaysian nurses felt more empowered and committed to their organization, the English nurses were more satisfied with their job.
    CONCLUSION: The differences between these two groups of nurses show that empowerment does not generate the same results in all countries, and reflects empirical evidence from most cross cultural studies on empowerment.
    IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing management should always take into consideration cultural differences in empowerment, job satisfaction and commitment of nursing staff while formulating staff policies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  7. Regression methods to investigate the relationship between facial measurements and widths of the maxillary anterior teeth
    Isa ZM, Tawfiq OF, Noor NM, Shamsudheen MI, Rijal OM
    J Prosthet Dent, 2010 Mar;103(3):182-8.
    PMID: 20188241 DOI: 10.1016/S0022-3913(10)60028-5
    In rehabilitating edentulous patients, selecting appropriately sized teeth in the absence of preextraction records is problematic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  8. 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
  9. Fulltext Validity, feasibility and acceptability of time trade-off and standard gamble assessments in health valuation studies: a study in a multiethnic Asian population in Singapore
    Wee HL, Li SC, Xie F, Zhang XH, Luo N, Feeny D, et al.
    Value Health, 2008 Mar;11 Suppl 1:S3-10.
    PMID: 18387064 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2008.00361.x
    OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity, feasibility and acceptability of standard gamble (SG) and time trade-off (TTO) assessments in a multiethnic Asian population.
    METHODS: Through in-depth interviews performed among Chinese, Malay, and Indian Singaporeans (education >or= 6 years), we assessed validity of SG/TTO methods for eliciting health preferences by hypothesizing that 1) SG/TTO scores for three hypothetical health states (HS) would exhibit ranked order (decreasing scores with worse HS); and 2) more subjects would rate the most severe HS as worse than dead. Subjects also evaluated feasibility and acceptability of SG/TTO using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) and open-ended questions. Ratings were compared using Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests or tests of proportions.
    RESULTS: VALIDITY: In 62 subjects (90% response rate), as hypothesized, SG and TTO scores exhibited ranked order with increasing HS severity (SG: 0.85, 0.08, -19.00; TTO: 0.85, 0.00, -0.18). More subjects rated the most severe HS as worse than dead (SG: 8%, 39%, 59%; TTO: 8%, 45% and 62%).
    FEASIBILITY: Subjects felt SG and TTO were easy to understand (median VAS scores: 8.0 vs. 8.0, P = 0.87) and to complete (8.0 vs. 8.0, P = 0.84). Acceptability: SG and TTO were well accepted, with TTO less so than SG (median [interquartile range] offensiveness: 2.0 [0, 4.0] vs. 2.0 [0, 3.0], P = 0.045). Overall, subjects did not have a clear preference for SG/TTO (50% vs. 45%, P = 0.70).
    CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the validity, feasibility and acceptability of SG and TTO for population-based HS valuation studies in a multiethnic Asian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  10. Maxillofacial trauma with emphasis on soft-tissue injuries in Malaysia
    Hussaini HM, Rahman NA, Rahman RA, Nor GM, Ai Idrus SM, Ramli R
    Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2007 Sep;36(9):797-801.
    PMID: 17630250
    Soft-tissue injuries with or without facial bone involvement are the most common presentation following maxillofacial trauma. The objective of this study was to look at the distribution, pattern and type of soft-tissue injury in relation to aetiology. Records of patients over a period of 5 years (1998-2002), who sustained maxillofacial injuries and were treated at Kajang Hospital, a secondary referral hospital, were reviewed. Out of 313 patients with maxillofacial injuries, 295 patients sustained soft-tissue injuries. Males (79%) between 21 and 30 years old (34%) were the majority of patients. Road-traffic accident was the main cause of soft-tissue injuries (75%) with motorcycle accident being the most frequent (40%). The upper lips (23%) and the lower lips (18%) were the most common extraoral site involved, while the labial mucosa and sulcular areas, both accounting for 21%, were the most common intraoral sites. Stringent road-traffic regulations should be practiced in developing countries, as morbidity arising from road-traffic accidents poses a national economic and social problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  11. 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
  12. Fulltext Susceptibility and gene interaction study of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) gene polymorphisms with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a multi-ethnic population
    Zain SM, Mohamed Z, Mahadeva S, Rampal S, Basu RC, Cheah PL, et al.
    PLoS One, 2013;8(3):e58538.
    PMID: 23484035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058538
    Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) has been reported to play a fibrogenic role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, five variants of the AGTR1 gene (rs3772622, rs3772627, rs3772630, rs3772633, and rs2276736) were examined for their association with susceptibility to NAFLD. Subjects made up of 144 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and 198 controls were genotyped using TaqMan assays. The liver biopsy specimens were histologically graded and scored according to the method of Brunt. Single locus analysis in pooled subjects revealed no association between each of the five variants with susceptibility to NAFLD. In the Indian ethnic group, the rs2276736, rs3772630 and rs3772627 appear to be protective against NAFLD (p = 0.010, p = 0.016 and p = 0.026, respectively). Haplotype ACGCA is shown to be protective against NAFLD for the Indian ethnic subgroup (p = 0.03). Gene-gene interaction between the AGTR1 gene and the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene, which we previously reported as associated with NAFLD in this sample, showed a strong interaction between AGTR1 (rs3772627), AGTRI (rs3772630) and PNPLA3 (rs738409) polymorphisms on NAFLD susceptibility (p = 0.007). Further analysis of the NAFLD patients revealed that the G allele of the AGTR1 rs3772622 is associated with increased fibrosis score (p = 0.003). This is the first study that replicates an association between AGTR1 polymorphism and NAFLD, with further details in histological features of NAFLD. There is lack of evidence to suggest an association between any of the five variants of the AGTR1 gene and NAFLD in the Malays and Chinese. In the Indians, the rs2276736, rs3772630 and rs3772627 appear to protect against NAFLD. We report novel findings of an association between the G allele of the rs3772622 with occurrence of fibrosis and of the gene-gene interaction between AGTR1gene and the much-studied PNPLA3 gene.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  13. Are examination findings important in screening for angina in the Malaysian patient?
    Bulgiba AM
    Prev Med, 2005 Jun;40(6):696-701.
    PMID: 15850867
    The objective of this study is to look at how well patient history and examination findings can be used in screening for angina.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  14. Fulltext Attitudes and knowledge of newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients regarding the disease, and factors affecting treatment compliance
    Liam CK, Lim KH, Wong CM, Tang BG
    Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 1999 Apr;3(4):300-9.
    PMID: 10206500
    SETTING: An urban university teaching hospital.
    OBJECTIVES: To determine patients' attitudes to tuberculosis and their knowledge of the disease, and factors associated with treatment compliance.
    DESIGN: All adult patients commenced on treatment for tuberculosis from September 1994 to February 1996 were interviewed on initiation of treatment. To assess patient compliance with treatment, hospital clinical records were reviewed retrospectively.
    RESULTS: A total of 135 patients with a mean age (±SD) of 41.9 (±17.4) years (range 15–84 years) were interviewed. The patients had limited understanding and knowledge about tuberculosis. There was a negative correlation between patient age and tuberculosis knowledge score (r = −0.18, P = 0.038). Patients with tertiary education had better knowledge than the others. Of 118 patients who were followed-up in our chest clinic, 80 (67.8%) completed the prescribed treatment. Compliance with treatment and follow-up was not affected by age, sex, ethnic group, educational level, occupation, extent of knowledge, tuberculosis symptoms, hospitalisation for tuberculosis or duration of the prescribed treatment regimen. There was a trend toward poorer compliance among patients who equated disappearance of tuberculosis symptoms with cure of the disease.
    CONCLUSIONS: Malaysian patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis attending a university teaching hospital had misconceptions and limited knowledge about the disease and its treatment. Educational background was an important determinant of a patient's level of knowledge about tuberculosis. Compliance was not affected by patient characteristics. Adequate counselling and education of patients and close relatives on tuberculosis and the necessity for prolonged treatment may help to improve treatment compliance.
    Study site: Chest clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  15. Addition of inhaled salmeterol to inhaled corticosteroids in patients with poorly controlled nocturnal asthma
    Norhaya MR, Yap TM, Zainudin BM
    Respirology, 1999 Mar;4(1):77-81.
    PMID: 10339734 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1843.1999.00153.x
    The effect of adding inhaled salmeterol to inhaled corticosteroids was studied in patients with poorly controlled nocturnal asthma. In a double-blind, cross-over study, 20 patients were randomized to receive either salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily or placebo via a Diskhaler after a 1-week run-in period. After 4 weeks of treatment, patients were subsequently crossed over to receive the other treatment for a further 4 weeks with a 2-week wash-out period in between. The response to treatment was assessed by peak expiratory flow rates (PEF) measured in the morning and evening, symptom scores of asthma, number of bronchodilators used, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) at regular intervals. Patients' preference for the Diskhaler or metered-dose inhaler was assessed at the last visit. The results showed that morning PEF was significantly higher while on salmeterol than on placebo (296.9 +/- 70.2 vs 274.6 +/- 77.4 L/min). Evening PEF showed a trend towards a higher value while on salmeterol than on placebo (321.1 +/- 73.4 vs 288.7 +/- 79.4 L/min), but the difference was not significant. There was no statistically significant improvement in symptom scores, number of rescue bronchodilators used and FEV1 or FVC between the two treatment groups. The occurrence of side effects in terms of tremors and palpitations between treatment and placebo were similar. There were more patients who preferred Diskhaler to metered-dose inhaler (70% vs 30%). We conclude that salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily produces significant improvement in morning PEF and is well tolerated in patients with nocturnal asthma. Diskhaler is a device which is easy to use and preferred to a metered-dose inhaler.
    Study site: Respiratory Clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  16. A comparative study of sevoflurane sedation with nitrous oxide sedation for dental surgery
    Wang CY, Chiu CL, Har KO, Chan C, Rahman ZA
    Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2002 Oct;31(5):506-10.
    PMID: 12418566
    This study compares the use of inhalation sedation using sevoflurane (group S) with inhalation sedation using nitrous oxide (group N) in patients undergoing bilateral extraction of third molar teeth under local anaesthesia. The study was designed as a cross-over study. Seventeen ASA I, day surgery patients were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either 8 l/min 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen (group N) or same flow of 1% sevoflurane (group S) for the first procedure. Each patient then had the alternate method of sedation for the second procedure. There were no significant differences between the methods in patient co-operation and surgeon's satisfaction with sedation. Psychomotor tests were comparable in both groups. The patients were significantly more sedated in the group S compared to group N (P=0.004). Significantly more patients complained of an unpleasant odour group S (P<0.01) but none withdrew from the study for this reason. No adverse cardiorespiratory effects resulted from sevoflurane or nitrous oxide sedation. Both methods gave good amnesia during the procedure. There was high acceptance of both methods and the patients rated the technique as equally satisfactory. We conclude that inhalation sedation with sevoflurane is a suitable alternative method to nitrous oxide sedation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  17. Fulltext Sustainability of a successful malaria surveillance and treatment program in a Runggus community in Sabah, east Malaysia
    Hii JL, Chee KC, Vun YS, Awang J, Chin KH, Kan SK
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1996 Sep;27(3):512-21.
    PMID: 9185261
    The district of Kudat has one of the highest and most persistent malaria transmission levels in Sabah, Malaysia, with annual parasite incidence of 102 per 1,000 inhabitants per year. Due to this situation and the failure of DDT spraying to control malaria, a community participation health program (Sukarelawan Penjagaan Kesihatan Primer or SPKP) was developed as an adjunct to current anti-malarial measures during 1987-1991. SPKP is made up of unpaid community workers known as village health volunteers (VHVs). VHVs are selected by a village development and security committees training and supervision a member of the Vector-Borne Diseases Control Program (VBDCP). The beneficiaries of SPKP consisted primarily of Runggus people and other remote, and mobile populations who visit the home of a VHV for diagnosis and treatment. This group of febrile patients and their children who attend a participating school submit finger prick blood and personal details to the VHV. and receive a presumptive treatment for malaria. Thick and thin blood smears are examined by a VBDCP microscopist who then prepare and forward a radical or curative treatment to the VHV so that it can be administered to the microscopically-positive patient free of charge. Between June 1987 to June 1991, VHVs from 32 kampungs (villages) and 22 schools collected 56,245 slides representing 24.7% of total slide collection compared to 74.9% collected by passive case detection (PCD) posts in health centers and district hospital. The average volunteer treated 11.8 (range 10.4-13.4) and 31.4 (range 26-49) patients per month in kampungs and schools respectively. In contrast, non-SPKP posts in a district hospital, health centers and flying doctor service treated an average of 616.3 patients per month (range 134.8-1032.8). The slide positivity rate of blood smears taken by VHVs was 8.43% compared with 7.37% for non-SPKP posts. Average slide collection and slide positivity rates varied considerably from one community to another, despite their close geographic proximity. The monthly number of VHV-diagnosed patients from the school and kampungs communities and the monthly number of true malaria patients in the two groups were significantly correlated. Sustainability of SPKP was linked to an ongoing process of social change which involved co-operative networking between the government health sector and the community. This in turn provided a stimulus for malaria abatement efforts. When Runggus people themselves control and maintain ownership of community-based malaria programs, the function of SPKP as a malaria surveillance system and an antimalarial drug distribution network is vastly improved.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  18. Fulltext Trabeculectomy outcomes in a Malaysian general hospital
    Hooi ST, Hooi SH
    Med J Malaysia, 2003 Oct;58(4):565-78.
    PMID: 15190633
    A retrospective study was conducted at the Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru to determine the outcome of trabeculectomy surgeries over a period of 4 years. One hundred and two eyes were followed up to a maximum of 63 months (mean 34.2 months). The 2-year survival rates for plain trabeculectomies, 5-Fluorouracil augmented trabeculectomies and Mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomies were 52.9%, 27.3% and 60.5% respectively. The commonest complications noted were cataract formation (25%) and hyphaema (11%). Mitomycin-C induced complications were rarely seen. At last follow-up, 54% of eyes had intraocular pressures below 21 mmHg without medication, while 34% of eyes had intraocular pressures below 21 mmHg with medication. Vitreous at the trabeculectomy site was a statistically significant predictor of operative failure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  19. Fulltext A randomized half-body, double blind, controlled trial on the effects of a pH-modified moisturizer vs. standard moisturizer in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
    Goh SW, Jamil A, Safian N, Md Nor N, Muhammad N, Saharudin NL
    An Bras Dermatol, 2020 03 21;95(3):320-325.
    PMID: 32291095 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2019.11.007
    BACKGROUND: Higher skin pH in atopic dermatitis contributes to impaired epidermal barrier. A moisturizer compatible with physiological pH could improve atopic dermatitis.

    OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a physiologically compatible pH moisturizer in atopic dermatitis.

    METHODS: A randomized half body, double blind, controlled trial involving patients with stable atopic dermatitis was performed. pH-modified moisturizer and standard moisturizer were applied to half body for 6 weeks.

    RESULTS: A total of 6 (16.7%) males and 30 (83.3%) females participated. Skin pH reductions from week 0, week 2 and 6 were significant at the forearms (5.315 [0.98] to 4.85 [0.54] to 5.04 [0.78], p=0.02) and abdomen (5.25 [1.01], 4.82 [0.64], 5.01 [0.59], p=0.00) but not at the shins (5.01 [0.80], 4.76 [0.49], 4.85 [0.79], p=0.09) with pH-modified moisturizer. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) at the forearms decreased (4.60 [2.55] to 3.70 [3.10] to 3.00 [3.55], p=0.00), abdomen (3.90 [2.90] to 2.40 [3.45] to 2.70 [2.25], p=0.046). SCORAD improved from 14.1±12.75 to 10.5±13.25 to 7±12.25, p=0.00. In standard moisturizer group, pH reductions were significant at the forearms (5.29 [0.94] to 4.84 [0.55] to 5.02 [0.70], p=0.00) and abdomen (5.25 [1.09], 4.91 [0.63], 5.12 [0.66], p=0.00). TEWL at the forearm were (4.80 [2.95], 4.10 [2.15], 4.60 [3.40], p=0.67), shins (3.80 [1.40], 3.50 [2.35], 4.00 [2.50], p=0.91) and abdomen (3.70 [2.45], 4.10 [3.60], 3.40 [2.95], p=0.80). SCORAD improved from 14.2±9.1 to 10.9±10.65 to 10.5±11, p=0.00. Reduction in pH was observed with both moisturizers while TEWL significantly improved with pH-modified moisturizer. pH-modified moisturizer resulted in greater pH, TEWL and SCORAD improvements however the differences were not significant from standard moisturizer.

    STUDY LIMITATION: Skin hydration was not evaluated.

    CONCLUSION: Moisturization is beneficial for atopic dermatitis; use of physiologically compatible pH moisturizer is promising.

    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
  20. Fulltext Environmental tobacco smoke and stress as risk factors for miscarriage and preterm births
    Arffin F, Al-Bayaty FH, Hassan J
    Arch Gynecol Obstet, 2012 Nov;286(5):1187-91.
    PMID: 22718098 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2417-0
    BACKGROUND: Exposure of pregnant women to environmental tobacco smoke has been shown to be associated with low birth weight. Many studies have suggested that stress have a role in the etiology of preterm birth.

    AIMS: This study carried out from June 2008 to March 2009 to find the relation between environmental tobacco smoke, stress and miscarriage and preterm births.

    METHODS: A total of 33 subjects consisted of multiparous pregnant women that were in their early third trimester were chosen for this investigation. Subjects were divided into test group women with adverse pregnancy outcome, control group women with successful pregnancy. Four ml of unstimulated whole saliva were collected. The concentrations of cotinine and cortisol were evaluated using commercially available ELISA kit.

    RESULTS: Pregnancies in which the average standardized cortisol during history of previous miscarriage(s) which occurred within 6th-27th week or/and history of preterm labor which occurred within 28th-36th weeks of gestation, demonstrated higher cortisol level (1.0201 ± 0.1855 ng/ml) compared to control group 0.9757 ± 0.2860 ng/ml (P = 0.323); statistical analysis showed no significant differences. Women of control group were more likely to be environmental tobacco smoke exposed (1.2714 ± 1.7639 ng/ml) than women with miscarriage and preterm births (0.9889 ± 0.5498 ng/ml).

    CONCLUSION: The results from this primarily study demonstrated no association between cotinine, cortisol, miscarriage and preterm births.

    Matched MeSH terms: Statistics, Nonparametric
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