MyMedR

Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 814 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Empirical analysis of gross vehicle weight and free flow speed and consideration on its relation with differential speed limit

Saifizul AA, Yamanaka H, Karim MR

Accid Anal Prev, 2011 May;43(3):1068-73.
PMID: 21376903 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2010.12.013

Most highly motorized countries in the world have implemented different speed limits for light weight and heavy weight vehicles. The heavy vehicle speed limit is usually chosen to be lower than that of passenger cars due to the difficulty for the drivers to safely maneuver the heavy vehicle at high speed and greater impact during a crash. However, in many cases, the speed limit for heavy vehicle is set by only considering the vehicle size or category, mostly due to simplicity in enforcement. In this study, traffic and vehicular data for all vehicle types were collected using a weigh-in-motion system installed at Federal Route 54 in Malaysia. The first finding from the data showed that the weight variation for each vehicle category is considerable. Therefore, the effect of gross vehicle weight (GVW) and category of heavy vehicle on free flow speed and their interaction were analyzed using statistical techniques. Empirical analysis results showed that statistically for each type of heavy vehicle, there was a significant relationship between free flow speed of a heavy vehicle and GVW. Specifically, the results suggest that the mean and variance of free flow speed decrease with an increase GVW by the amount unrelated to size and shape for all GVW range. Then, based on the 85th percentile principle, the study proposed a new concept for setting the speed limit for heavy vehicle by incorporating GVW where a different speed limit is imposed to the heavy vehicle, not only based on vehicle classification, but also according to its GVW.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment/statistics & numerical data
Picture of the month. Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn

Yuen NS, Ibrahim SB

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 2011 Jun;165(6):563-4.
PMID: 21646590 DOI: 10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.80-a
Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Evaluation of mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. (Chironomidae: Diptera) larvae using modified toxic score index (MTSI) to assess the environmental stress in Juru River Basin, Penang, Malaysia

Al-Shami SA, Salmah MR, Hassan AA, Azizah MN

Environ Monit Assess, 2011 Jun;177(1-4):233-44.
PMID: 20697808 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-010-1630-1

Morphological mentum deformities which represent sublethal effect of exposure to different types of pollutants were evaluated in Chironomus spp. larvae inhabiting three polluted rivers of Juru River Basin in northwestern peninsular Malaysia. Using mentum deformity incidences, the modified toxic score index (MTSI) was developed based on Lenat's toxic score index (TSI). The suggested MTSI was compared with TSI in terms of its effectiveness to identify different pollutants including heavy metals. The MTSI showed stronger relationship to total deformity incidence expressed as percentage. Additionally, the multivariate RDA model showed higher capability of MTSI to explain the variations in heavy metal contents of the river sediments. The MTSI was recommended in bioassessment of water and sediment quality using the mentum deformities of Chironomus spp. larvae from aquatic ecosystems receiving anthropogenic, agricultural, or industrial discharges.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Genetic counseling for patients and families with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in a developing Asian country: an observational descriptive study

Yoon SY, Thong MK, Taib NA, Yip CH, Teo SH

Fam Cancer, 2011 Jun;10(2):199-205.
PMID: 21318382 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-011-9420-7

Genetic counseling (GC) and genetic testing are vital risk management strategies in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndromes. Hitherto, cancer genetic testing amongst Asians has been described only in developed and high-income Asian countries. We studied the uptake and acceptance of GC and genetic testing services to Asian BRCA carriers in a middle-income country. A total of 363 patients were tested by full sequencing and large rearrangement analysis of both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in the Malaysian Breast Cancer (MyBrCa) Genetic Study. Of these, 49 index patients (13.5%) were found to carry deleterious mutations. GC pre- and post- result disclosures were provided and these groups of patients and their families were studied. GC and genetic testing were accepted by 82% of Malaysian patients at high risk for HBOC syndromes. However, risk assessment was limited by large, geographically dispersed, often polygamous or polyandrous families, and the lack of complete cancer registry. Cultural taboos about cancer diagnoses, social marginalization and lack of regulatory control of genetic discrimination were significant concerns. Only 78% of index patients informed their families of their risks and 11% of relatives came forward when offered free counseling and testing. Even when GC and genetic testing are provided at no cost, there remain significant societal and regulatory barriers to effective cancer genetic services in this underserved Asian population. Families believe there is a need for regulatory protection against genetic discrimination. Further studies are needed in the area of increasing awareness about the potential benefits of GC and genetic testing in Asians.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Quantitative ultrasound measurement of the calcaneus in Southeast Asian children with thalassemia: comparison with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Sani FM, Sarji SA, Bilgen M

J Ultrasound Med, 2011 Jul;30(7):883-94.
PMID: 21705720

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that quantitative ultrasound properties of the calcaneus in Southeast Asian children treated for thalassemia have different characteristics than those of their healthy counterparts and thereby can be used for assessing the risk of osteoporosis.
METHODS: Broadband ultrasound attenuation and the speed of sound were measured from groups of thalassemic and healthy children and compared with bone mineral density (BMD) estimated from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine intergroup and intragroup dependencies of the measurements and variations with differences in sex and anthropometric characteristics.
RESULTS: Broadband ultrasound attenuation and speed of sound measurements were found to be independent of sex but dependent on age in the thalassemic children. Consistently, broadband ultrasound attenuation had lower values and the speed of sound had higher values compared with those of the healthy children in each age group. Broadband ultrasound attenuation correlated well with the speed of sound and also with age, weight, and height, but the speed of sound did not show an association with these parameters. Broadband ultrasound attenuation correlated moderately with BMD in the lumbar spine and whole body, but the corresponding association was much weaker for the speed of sound. In the thalassemic children, both broadband ultrasound attenuation and BMD increased with age as they grew older but not fast enough compared with the healthy children, and the risk of osteoporosis was greater at older ages.
CONCLUSIONS: Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound may be used as a diagnostic screening tool for assessing the bone status in thalassemic Southeast Asian children and for deciding whether further dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is needed, particularly in those who are at a greater risk for osteoporosis as identified by low body weight and height.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Representations of swine flu: perspectives from a Malaysian pig farm

Goodwin R, Haque S, Hassan SB, Dhanoa A

Public Underst Sci, 2011 Jul;20(4):477-90.
PMID: 21936262

Novel influenza viruses are seen, internationally, as posing considerable health challenges, but public responses to such viruses are often rooted in cultural representations of disease and risk. However, little research has been conducted in locations associated with the origin of a pandemic. We examined representations and risk perceptions associated with swine flu amongst 120 Malaysian pig farmers. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents felt at particular risk of infection, two-thirds were somewhat or very concerned about being infected. Those respondents who were the most anxious believed particular societal "out-groups" (homosexuals, the homeless and prostitutes) to be at higher infection risk. Although few (4%) reported direct discrimination, 46% claimed friends had avoided them since the swine flu outbreak. Findings are discussed in the context of evolutionary, social representations and terror management theories of response to pandemic threat.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Liver cirrhosis in Malaysia: peculiar epidemiology in a multiracial Asian country

Qua CS, Goh KL

J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2011 Aug;26(8):1333-7.
PMID: 21443669 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2011.06732.x

To determine the etiology of liver cirrhosis and risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a multiracial Asian population.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Heart failure in pregnancy: an overview

Ahmad WA, Khanom M, Yaakob ZH

Int J Clin Pract, 2011 Aug;65(8):848-51.
PMID: 21762308 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2011.02714.x

The treatment of heart failure in pregnant women is more difficult than in non-pregnant women, and should always involve a multidisciplinary team approach. Knowledge required includes hemodynamic changes in pregnancy and the resultant effect on women with pre-existing or pregnancy-related cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular drugs in pregnancy, ethical issues and challenges regarding saving mother and baby. In addition, women having high risk cardiac lesions should be counselled strongly against pregnancy and followed up regularly. Pregnancy with heart failure is an important issue, demanding more comprehensive studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Fulltext Aedes larval population dynamics and risk for dengue epidemics in Malaysia

Rohani A, Suzilah I, Malinda M, Anuar I, Mohd Mazlan I, Salmah Maszaitun M, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2011 Aug;28(2):237-48.
PMID: 22041742

Early detection of a dengue outbreak is an important first step towards implementing effective dengue interventions resulting in reduced mortality and morbidity. A dengue mathematical model would be useful for the prediction of an outbreak and evaluation of control measures. However, such a model must be carefully parameterized and validated with epidemiological, ecological and entomological data. A field study was conducted to collect and analyse various parameters to model dengue transmission and outbreak. Dengue prone areas in Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Kedah and Johor were chosen for this study. Ovitraps were placed outdoor and used to determine the effects of meteorological parameters on vector breeding. Vector population in each area was monitored weekly for 87 weeks. Weather stations, consisting of a temperature and relative humidity data logger and an automated rain gauge, were installed at key locations in each study site. Correlation and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ADL) model were used to study the relationship among the variables. Previous week rainfall plays a significant role in increasing the mosquito population, followed by maximum humidity and temperature. The secondary data of rainfall, temperature and humidity provided by the meteorological department showed an insignificant relationship with the mosquito population compared to the primary data recorded by the researchers. A well fit model was obtained for each locality to be used as a predictive model to foretell possible outbreak.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Factors influencing Malaysian public attitudes to agro-biotechnology

Amin L, Ahmad J, Jahi JM, Nor AR, Osman M, Mahadi NM

Public Underst Sci, 2011 Sep;20(5):674-89.
PMID: 22164706

Despite considerable research in advanced countries on public perceptions of and attitudes to modern biotechnology, limited effort has been geared towards developing a structural model of public attitudes to modern biotechnology. The purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant factors influencing public attitudes towards genetically modified (GM) soybean, and to analyze the relationship between all the attitudinal factors. A survey was carried out on 1,017 respondents from various stakeholder groups in the Klang Valley region. Results of the survey have confirmed that attitudes towards complex issues such as biotechnology should be seen as a multifaceted process. The most important factors predicting support for GM soybean are the specific application-linked perceptions about the benefits, acceptance of risk and moral concern while risk and familiarity are significant predictors of benefit and risk acceptance. Attitudes towards GM soybean are also predicted by several general classes of attitude.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Fulltext Characterization and safety assessment of bioengineered limbal epithelium

Lim MN, Umapathy T, Baharuddin PJ, Zubaidah Z

Med J Malaysia, 2011 Oct;66(4):335-41.
PMID: 22299553 MyJurnal

Transplantation of cultivated limbal epithelium on substrates such as amniotic membrane is an established treatment for severe ocular surface disease with limbal stem cell deficiency. In this study, we adapted an established method to generate sheets of limbal epithelium on amniotic membrane and characterized the cells contained in these sheets and tested them for safety with regard to microbial contamination. Human limbal biopsies were cultivated on denuded amniotic membranes. After three weeks of culture, the phenotypes of cultivated cells were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR for the expression of a panel of specific markers. Cultivated limbal epithelial cell sheets were also analyzed by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. Sterility tests and mycoplasma assays were conducted for the safety of product. A confluent layer of polygonal cells was formed in 2 weeks and 1-3 stratified layer of cells were observed after three weeks of culture. Cultivated cells were positive for p63, K3, K19, and involucrin but negative for K14, integrin alpha9 and ABCG2 when analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Expression of molecular markers was detectable with real-time RT-PCR. SEM showed multilayer of flat squamous polygonal epithelial cells. Desmosomal and hemidesmosomal attachments were evident. Our study showed that cultivated limbal epithelium consists of limbal progenitors as well as differentiated corneal epithelial cells. SEM and TEM analysis showed cultivated cells demonstrated typical features of corneal epithelium. The risk of contamination is low and can be prevented by culturing the cells in a clean room facility complying to Good Manufacturing Practice standard.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Fulltext Optimizing protocols for risk prediction in asymptomatic carotid stenosis using embolic signal detection: the Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study

King A, Shipley M, Markus H, ACES Investigators

Stroke, 2011 Oct;42(10):2819-24.
PMID: 21852607 DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.622514

Improved methods are required to identify patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis at high risk for stroke. The Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study recently showed embolic signals (ES) detected by transcranial Doppler on 2 recordings that lasted 1-hour independently predict 2-year stroke risk. ES detection is time-consuming, and whether similar predictive information could be obtained from simpler recording protocols is unknown.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment/methods
Fulltext Familial complex chromosomal rearrangement in a dysmorphic child with global developmental delay

Ngim CF, Keng WT, Ariffin R

Singapore Med J, 2011 Oct;52(10):e206-9.
PMID: 22009409

We report the unusual case of a dysmorphic child with global developmental delay secondary to a familial complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR). His chromosomal analysis using G-banding and dual colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation with whole chromosome paint revealed a supernumerary marker chromosome as a result of malsegregation of a familial CCR involving chromosomes 7, 12 and 14. The balanced form of this familial CCR was also carried by the patient's mother and maternal grandmother, both of whom had a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions, as well as his maternal uncle, who was infertile. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of familial CCR involving chromosomes 7, 12 and 14. This case also highlights the importance of chromosomal analysis in children with dysmorphism and developmental delay as well as in adults who suffer from recurrent spontaneous abortions or infertility.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Acute and subchronic oral toxicity of Coriolus versicolor standardized water extract in Sprague-Dawley rats

Hor SY, Ahmad M, Farsi E, Lim CP, Asmawi MZ, Yam MF

J Ethnopharmacol, 2011 Oct 11;137(3):1067-76.
PMID: 21767625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.007

Coriolus versicolor, which is known as Yun Zhi, is one of the commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs. Recent studies have demonstrated its antitumor activities on cancer cells which led to its widespread use in cancer patient. However, little toxicological information is available regarding its safety. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of Coriolus versicolor standardized water extract after acute and subchronic administration in rats.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Fulltext WERA: an observational tool develop to investigate the physical risk factor associated with WMSDs

Abd Rahman MN, Abdul Rani MR, Rohani JM

J Hum Ergol (Tokyo), 2011 Dec;40(1-2):19-36.
PMID: 25665205 DOI: 10.11183/jhe.40.19

This paper describes the development of the Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) for investigating the physical risk factor associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The initial development of WERA tool involved the following procedures: (1) first stage, development of WERA prototype from literature review, (2) second stage, evaluation of the psychometric properties including (a) validity trials and (b) reliability and usability trials. In the validity trials, the relationship of the individual WERA body part scores to the development of pain or discomfort is statistically significant for the wrist, shoulder and back regions. It shows that the WERA assessment provided a good indication of work-related musculoskeletal disorders which might be reported as pain, ache or discomfort in the relevant body regions. In the reliability trials, the results of inter-observer reliability shows that moderate agreement among the observers while from the feedback questionnaire survey about the usability of WERA tool, all participants including expert and management teams agreed that the prototype of WERA tool was easy and quick to use, applicable to workplace assessment for the wide range of job/task and valuable at work. It was confirmed that there was no need of training required to do WERA assessment. Therefore, the WERA assessment has been designed for easy and quick use, and for those who are trained to use it do not need previous skills in observation techniques although this would be an advantage. As WERA is a pen and paper technique that can be used without any special equipment, WERA assessment can be done in any space of workplaces without disruption to the task that have been observed.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Association of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue plasminogen activator with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome in Malaysian subjects

Al-Hamodi Z, Ismail IS, Saif-Ali R, Ahmed KA, Muniandy S

Cardiovasc Diabetol, 2011;10:23.
PMID: 21414238 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2840-10-23

Increased plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity and decreased tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity could be considered a true component of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and fibrinolytic abnormalities. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of tPA and its inhibitor PAI-1 with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and MetS and interrelationship between PAI-1 and tPA activities and antigens in Malaysian T2D and normal subjects.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Polymorphic variant Ser128Arg of E-Selectin is associated with breast cancer risk and high grade tumors

Naidu R, Har YC, Taib NA

Onkologie, 2011;34(11):592-7.
PMID: 22104155 DOI: 10.1159/000334060

The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the E-Selectin Ser128Arg polymorphism and breast cancer risk and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Pesticide risk assessment: A study on inhalation and dermal exposure to 2,4-D and paraquat among Malaysian paddy farmers

Baharuddin MR, Sahid IB, Noor MA, Sulaiman N, Othman F

J Environ Sci Health B, 2011;46(7):600-7.
PMID: 21749249 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2011.589309

A cross-section analytical study was conducted to evaluate the risk of pesticide exposure to those applying the Class II pesticides 2,4-D and paraquat in the paddy-growing areas of Kerian, Perak, Malaysia. It investigated the influence of weather on exposure as well as documented health problems commonly related to pesticide exposure. Potential inhalation and dermal exposure for 140 paddy farmers (handlers of pesticides) were assessed. Results showed that while temperature and humidity affected exposure, windspeed had the strongest impact on pesticide exposure via inhalation. However, the degree of exposure to both herbicides via inhalation was below the permissible exposure limits set by United States National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Dermal Exposure Assessment Method (DREAM) readings showed that dermal exposure with manual spraying ranged from moderate to high. With motorized sprayers, however, the level of dermal exposure ranged from low to moderate. Dermal exposure was significantly negatively correlated with the usage of protective clothing. Various types of deleterious health effects were detected among users of manual knapsack sprayers. Long-term spraying activities were positively correlated with increasing levels of the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) liver enzyme. The type of spraying equipment, usage of proper protective clothing and adherence to correct spraying practices were found to be the most important factors influencing the degree of pesticide exposure among those applying pesticides.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Fulltext Percutaneous coronary intervention in Asians--are there differences in clinical outcome?

Koh AS, Khin LW, Choi LM, Sim LL, Chua TS, Koh TH, et al.

BMC Cardiovasc Disord, 2011;11:22.
PMID: 21605387 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2261-11-22

Ethnic differences in clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been reported. Data within different Asian subpopulations is scarce. We aim to explore the differences in clinical profile and outcome between Chinese, Malay and Indian Asian patients who undergo PCI for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment
Risk assessment for the daily intake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the ingestion of cockle (Anadara granosa) and exposure to contaminated water and sediments along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Mirsadeghi SA, Zakari MP, Yap CK, Shahbazi A

J Environ Sci (China), 2011;23(2):336-45.
PMID: 21517010

The concentration of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (c-PAHs) present in the sediment and water of Peninsular Malaysia as well as in the cockle Anadara granosa was investigated. Samples were extracted and analysed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The concentrations of total carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (t-PAHs) were measured between 0.80 +/- 0.04 to 162.96 +/- 14.74 ng/g wet weight (ww) in sediment, between 21.85 +/- 2.18 to 76.2 +/- 10.82 ng/L in water samples and between 3.34 +/- 0.77 to 46.85 +/- 5.50 ng/g ww in the cockle tissue. The risk assessment of probable human carcinogens in the Group B2 PAHs was calculated and assessed in accordance with the standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Case I in the toxicity assessment analysed the cancer risk to consumers of Malaysian blood cockle. Case II assessed the risk of cancer from exposure to PAHs from multiple pathways. The average cancer risk of case I and case II were found to be classifiable as unsafe according to the US EPA standard. The cancer risk due to c-PAHs acquired by the ingestion of blood cockle was (8.82 +/- 0.54) x 10-6 to (2.67 +/- 0.06) x 10(-2), higher than the US EPA risk management criterion. The non-cancer risks associated with multiple pathways in Kuala Gula, Kuala Juru and Kuala Perlis were higher than the U.S. EPA safe level, but the non-cancer risk for eating blood cockle was below the level of U.S. EPA concern.

Matched MeSH terms: Risk Assessment

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links