Displaying publications 1681 - 1700 of 5566 in total

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  1. Tong CK, Seow HF, Ramasamy R
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:77-8.
    PMID: 19024992
    The immune modulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) had brought a new insight in cell-based neotherapy. However, recent works of MSC are focused exclusively on bone marrow-derived MSC. We evaluated the immunogenicity of cord blood-derived MSC (CB-MSC) on T lymphocytes. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were prepared by density gradient separation and culture with the presence or absence of CB-MSC. PBMC were collected for activation analysis by flow cytometry at 24-, 48-, and 72- hours. The results showed that, CB-MSC does not stimulate nor inhibit T lymphocyte activation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fetal Blood/immunology*; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation*
  2. Choy YC, Lim WL, Ng SH
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Oct;62(4):299-302.
    PMID: 18551933 MyJurnal
    The main goal of perioperative transfusion is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with inadequate delivery of oxygen to the tissues during surgery. In this audit, the primary trigger for transfusion was clinical anaemia assessed by examination of a patient's conjunctiva [40.7%] followed by estimation of blood loss of greater 20% of total blood volume [29.3%]. Haemoglobin estimation in the operation theater was not done in 45.9% of studied patients and only 7.8% patients had transfusion based on this criteria. A common practice is to transfuse blood for hypovolaemia. This was the indication for blood transfusion in 96 patients (7.8%). Inappropriate use of blood in this way has led to wastage of a valuable resource and exposed patients to potential risks of unwanted side effects. Analysis of haemoglobin estimation at recovery room showed 32% of patient with co-morbidities had Hb > 10 gm% while 65% and 29.5% of patients without co-morbidities had Hb > 8 gm% and 10 gm% respectively. This reflects the practice of anaesthetists in maintaining a target of Hb of 10 gm% for both groups of patients while a target of 8 gm% is still relatively safe for patients with good cardiovascular reserves. This has resulted in signifant use of homologous blood which will certainly burden the blood bank and increase the cost of healthcare.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Transfusion*; Blood Loss, Surgical*
  3. Lee LK, Shahar S, Rajab N
    Nutr Res, 2009 May;29(5):327-34.
    PMID: 19555814 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2009.05.006
    The notion that dietary factors affect cognitive function and subsequently the risk of dementia has increased over the years from a global viewpoint. Because low folate intake has been described to impair cognitive function, we tested the hypothesis that low serum folate concentration is associated with cognitive impairment and an attenuated increase in DNA damage. We investigated the relationship between serum folate concentration, cognitive impairment, and DNA damage among elderly people attending health clinics in Klang Valley, an urban area in Malaysia. Two hundred thirty-two participants, composed of 115 men (49.6%) and 117 women (50.4%), were involved; none of the patients were diagnosed with neuropsychiatric problems, nor where they terminally ill. Sociodemography and health variables were assessed through face-to-face interview. Cognitive impairment review was conducted through an Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire. The estimation of dietary intake, serum folate concentration, and DNA damage was individually analyzed using validated Dietary History Questionnaires, immunoassay methods, and an Alkaline Comet Assay study (10 mL of peripheral venous blood), respectively. Results indicated that more men had cognitive impairment (33.0%) and DNA damage (27.0% for percentage DNA in tail, 22.6% tail moment) compared with women (25.6%, 15.4%, and 15.4%, respectively) (P < .05 for all parameters), recording an average folate deficiency value of 13.9% (0.2% higher than women). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis outlined the association of cognitive impairment with older age (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-5.57), smoking habits (OR, 5.12; 95% CI, 2.48-10.57), poor serum folate concentration (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.26-9.52), and DNA damage (percentage DNA in tail) (OR, 13.70; 95% CI, 1.36-138.29). In conclusion, this study highlighted the important role of serum folate concentration for cognitive function and provided a concise picture regarding the elevated levels of oxidative DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Avitaminosis/blood*; Cognition Disorders/blood; Folic Acid/blood*
  4. Chua YA, Nurhaslina H, Gan SH
    Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 2008 Dec;30(10):739-43.
    PMID: 19271022 DOI: 10.1358/mf.2008.30.10.1316830
    Because durian (Durio zibethinus), which is known in Southeast Asia as "the king of fruits", is thought to have special body-warming properties, it should not be consumed with paracetamol due to a risk of toxic effects. The claim of warming properties, however, has not been scientifically proven. This study was conducted to investigate durian's hyperthermic effect and its toxicity when consumed together with paracetamol in rats. Five groups of rats (n=6) were fed with: 1) distilled water (4 ml/250 g), 2) homogenized durian (4 g/250 g), 3) paracetamol solution (2400 mg/kg), 4) durian (4 g/250 g) followed by paracetamol solution (2400 mg/kg), or 5) prazosin solution (15 mg/kg, pregavaged) followed 1 h later by durian (4 g/250 g) and paracetamol solution (2400 mg/kg). Rectal temperature, systolic blood pressure and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were taken from each rat at baseline and after the various administrations at 1, 2 and 5 h. Our results showed that the body temperature of rats in the durian-treated group was not significantly elevated when compared to the control. However, there was a significant decrease in body temperature over time in animals from groups 4 and 5. We did not, however, observe a consistent pattern of blood pressure change. Serum chemical analysis for ALT also did not show any significant change in any of the groups. In conclusion, contrary to what some believe, even though durian was found to increase body temperature in some rats, this increment was not significant. Rats receiving the durian-paracetamol combination showed a significant drop in body temperature, which may explain the belief that the two mixtures are toxic. However, the exact mechanism of toxicity is still unknown.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alanine Transaminase/blood; Blood Pressure/drug effects
  5. Ikonomopoulou MP, Olszowy H, Hodge M, Bradley AJ
    PMID: 19247670 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-009-0347-3
    In this study on green turtles, Chelonia mydas, from Peninsular Malaysia, the effect of selected environmental toxicants was examined in vitro. Emphasis was placed on purported hormone-mimicking chemicals such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, dieldrin, lead, zinc and copper. Five concentrations were used: high (1 mg/L), medium (10(-1) mg/L), low (10(-2) mg/L), very low (10(-6) mg/L) and control (diluted carrier solvent but no toxicants). The results suggest that environmental pesticides and heavy metals may significantly alter the binding of steroids [i.e. testosterone (T) and oestradiol] to the plasma proteins in vitro. Competition studies showed that only Cu competed for binding sites with testosterone in the plasma collected from nesting C. mydas. Dieldrin and all heavy metals competed with oestradiol for binding sites. Furthermore, testosterone binding affinity was affected at various DDT concentrations and was hypothesised that DDT in vivo may act to inhibit steroid-protein interactions in nesting C. mydas. Although the precise molecular mechanism is yet to be described, DDT could have an effect upon the protein conformation thus affecting T binding (e.g. the T binding site on the steroid hormone binding protein molecule).
    Matched MeSH terms: Estradiol/blood; Testosterone/blood; Turtles/blood*
  6. Mastura I, Mimi O, Piterman L, Teng CL, Wijesinha S
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Jun;62(2):147-51.
    PMID: 18705449 MyJurnal
    The aims of this study were (i) to determine the prevalence of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among Type 2 diabetes patients attending government health clinics and (ii) to ascertain the factors influencing SMBG. Five hundred and fifty-six Type 2 diabetes patients from two government health clinics in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The total subjects of the study were 556 patients. Eighty-five patients (15.3%) of patients; performed SMBG. However, 170 subjects were included in the statistical analysis, 85 patients who were not self-monitoring were randomly selected and was compared with 85 patients who were self-monitoring. Among those who performed SMBG, the majority (83.5%) monitored less than once per day and only 16.5% monitored at least once a day. One-third of patients adjusted their medications based on their SMBG results. The higher patient's level of education (p= 0.024, CI 1.29 - 35.3); the higher total family income (p= 0.041, CI 1.26 - 4.79); the longer duration of diabetes (p<0.01, CI 2.22 - 7.29); and treatment regime which includes insulin (p< 0.001, CI 2.05 -9.24) were significant predictors of SMBG practice. Although SMBG is recognised to be useful and effective in achieving diabetes control, this study has found that only a minority of patients with diabetes performed SMBG. Hence healthcare personnel must increase awareness on the importance of SMBG and strongly promote the practice among diabetic patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood*; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring*
  7. Husaini J, Choy YC
    Med J Malaysia, 2008 Dec;63(5):384-7.
    PMID: 19803296 MyJurnal
    This study to evaluate the relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (ETCO2) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) included 35 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years, ASA grade 1 and 2, who had elective craniotomies. Measurements of PaCO2 and ETCO2 were taken simultaneously: 1) 10 minutes after induction of general anaesthesia, 2) after cranium opening prior to dural incision, 3) start of dural closure. There was significant correlation between ETCO2 and PaCO2 (correlation coefficient: 0.571, 0.559 and 0.629 respectively). The mean (SD) difference for PaCO2 and ETCO2 were: 3.84 (2.13), 4.85 (5.78) and 3.91 (2.33) mmHg respectively. Although there was agreement, the bias is of significant clinical importance. In conclusion, we find that ETCO2 consistently underestimated the value of PaCO2 during craniotomy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Gas Analysis*; Carbon Dioxide/blood
  8. Abdul Gafor AH, Saidin R, Loo CY, Mohd R, Zainudin S, Shah SA, et al.
    Nephrology (Carlton), 2009 Aug;14(5):488-92.
    PMID: 19298641 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1797.2008.01058.x
    Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is common among haemodialysis patients. Intensive treatment with calcitriol is often complicated by hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and elevated calcium phosphorus (Ca X PO(4)) product. Paricalcitol is a vitamin D analogue developed to overcome some of the limitations of calcitriol therapy. The study objectives were to compare the response of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and the incidence of hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and elevated Ca X PO(4) product in patients with severe SHPT treated with either i.v. calcitriol or i.v. paricalcitol.
    Matched MeSH terms: Calcium/blood; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary/blood; Phosphates/blood
  9. Bhaskar S, Abdullah JM, Ghazali MM
    Neurosciences (Riyadh), 2008 Oct;13(4):356-8.
    PMID: 21063360
    OBJECTIVE: To look for any possible coexistence of CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and KCNN3 gene mutations in migraine patients who had human platelet HPA-1a/1b polymorphism, which is also known as PlA1/A2 polymorphism.
    METHODS: The study was carried out at the Neurology Clinic, Hospital University Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia between April 2004 and March 2005. The DNA from 4 patients who had migraine with the HPA1a/1b polymorphism were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction using the allele specific oligonucleotide technique to detect the presence of CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and KCNN3 genotypes.
    RESULTS: We found that the CACNA1A gene mutation alone was present in only one patient who presented with classical migraine with aura. The gene mutations on ATP1A2 and KCNN3 were seen in none of our 4 cases with migraine.
    CONCLUSION: There is no coexistence between the platelet HPA-1a/1b polymorphism and the ATP1A2 and KCNN3 gene mutations, though one classical migraine patient with HPA-1a/1b polymorphism had the CACNA1A gene mutation. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
    Study site: Neurology Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Platelets
  10. Ooi LG, Bhat R, Rosma A, Yuen KH, Liong MT
    J Dairy Sci, 2010 Oct;93(10):4535-44.
    PMID: 20854987 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2010-3330
    This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-design study was conducted to investigate the effect of a synbiotic product containing Lactobacillus gasseri [corrected] CHO-220 and inulin on the irregularity in shape of red blood cells (RBC) in hypercholesterolemic subjects. The subjects (n=32) were randomly allocated to 2 groups, a treatment group (synbiotic product) and a control group (placebo), and received 4 capsules of either synbiotic or placebo daily for 12 wk. Morphological representation via scanning electron microscopy showed that the occurrence of spur RBC was improved upon supplementation of the synbiotic. In addition, the supplementation of synbiotic reduced the cholesterol:phospholipids ratio of the RBC membrane by 47.02% over 12 wk, whereas the control showed insignificant changes. Our present study also showed that supplementation of the synbiotic reduced the concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA), increased unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), and increased the ratio of UFA:SFA over 12 wk, whereas the control showed inconspicuous changes. The alteration of RBC membrane was assessed using fluorescence anisotropy (FAn) and fluorescence probes with different affinities for varying sections of the membrane phospholipid bilayer. A noticeable decrease in FAn of three fluorescent probes was observed in the synbiotic group compared with the control over 12 wk, indicative of increased membrane fluidity and reduced cholesterol enrichment in the RBC membrane.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cholesterol/blood; Fatty Acids/blood; Phospholipids/blood
  11. Saraswathy TS, Zahrin HN, Norhashmimi H, Az-Ulhusna A, Zainah S, Rohani J
    PMID: 19842408
    In Malaysia, the two dose measles - mumps - rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced in the Expanded Program on Immunization in 2002. The Ministry of Health then initiated a measles elimination strategy which included enhanced case-based surveillance with laboratory testing of all suspected cases. The objective of our study was to analyse national measles laboratory data from 2004 to 2008 to study the impact of the nationwide strategy on measles case incidence. Blood samples collected from suspected measles cases during the acute stage of the illness were investigated for measles specific IgM. The estimated incidence of measles ranged from 22.3 cases (in 2004) to 2.27 cases (in 2006) per 100,000 population. During this time, the measles vaccination coverage was above 85%. Laboratory confirmed measles cases dropped from 42.2% in 2004, when sporadic outbreaks were reported, to 3.9% in 2007. Screening for measles IgG levels in 2008 showed that 82.8% of those > 7 years old had adequate immunity. The measles control strategy appears to have been successful in reducing the incidence of measles. Continuing high vaccination coverage rates and ongoing measles surveillance are necessary to achieve our goal of measles elimination.
    Matched MeSH terms: Antibodies, Viral/blood; Immunoglobulin G/blood; Immunoglobulin M/blood
  12. Ahmad F, Che Hamzah NA, Mustaffa N, Hua GS
    Hepatogastroenterology, 2011 07 15;58(110-111):1725-9.
    PMID: 21940338 DOI: 10.5754/hge11107
    BACKGROUND/AIMS: CYP3A4 is the major cytochrome in humans which shows reduced activity in chronic liver disease as well as in hepatic cirrhosis. The detection of this polymorphism may give an indication on the prognosis of patients having chronic viral hepatitis with superimposed hepatitis A infection. The aim of this study is to correlate the seroprevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in chronic liver disease patients having CYP3A4*18 polymorphisms.

    METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective study where patients (n=119) blood was tested for anti-HAVIgG and CYP3A4*18 polymorphism.

    RESULTS: The overall anti-HAV seroprevalence was 88.2%. The etiology of CLD was hepatitis B in 96 patients (80.7%) and hepatitis C in 23 patients (19.3%). There was a significant increase in the age of the prevalence of this disease after 30 years of age (p=0.008). CYP3A4*18 polymorphism was detected in 3 (2.5%) of the patients with chronic liver disease. However, there was no significant association between CP3A4*18 mutation and anti-HAV serology.

    CONCLUSIONS: Age was the most important factor in determining anti-HAV positivity. It is concluded that CYP3A4*18 genetic polymorphism does not play a main role in influencing the seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis A among chronic viral hepatitis B and C liver disease patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Hepatitis B, Chronic/blood*; Hepatitis C, Chronic/blood*; Hepatitis A Antibodies/blood*
  13. Amplavanar NT, Gurpreet K, Salmiah MS, Odhayakumar N
    Med J Malaysia, 2010 Sep;65(3):173-9.
    PMID: 21939163 MyJurnal
    This study describes the prevalence of selected cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors screened in patients 30 years and above attending a health centre in Cheras, Selangor. The study involved 3772 patients screened from March 2002 to June 2008. Risk factors screened included blood pressure, height, weight, serum total cholesterol, random blood sugar levels and smoking status. Majority of respondents were between 40 and 49 years of age (58.1%), males (64.7%) and ethnic Malays (74.4%). About two thirds (62.6%) were found to be overweight or obese, two fifths (40.2%) had hypercholesterolemia, a third (34.2%) had hypertension and 31.6% were smokers at some time. Overall 87% and 60% had at least one and two CVD risk factors respectively. Prevalence of four of the five risk factors screened was highest among the Malay middle aged men and lowest among the Chinese. Thus a substantial proportion of middle aged men were at high risk of CVD. Our findings show the need for ongoing monitoring of CVD risk factors and implementation of effective preventive strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Glucose; Cardiovascular Diseases/blood; Cholesterol/blood
  14. Chandramathi S, Suresh K, Shuba S, Mahmood A, Kuppusamy UR
    Parasitology, 2010 Apr;137(4):605-11.
    PMID: 19961647 DOI: 10.1017/S0031182009991351
    Numerous studies have revealed the presence of oxidative stress in parasitic infections. However, such studies were lacking in the Malaysian population. Previously, we have provided evidence that oxidative stress is elevated in Malaysians infected with intestinal parasites. Stool examinations revealed that about 47.5% of them were infected with the polymorphic protozoa, Blastocystis hominis. However, they were found to have mixed infection with other intestinal parasites.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ferric Compounds/blood; Lipid Peroxides/blood; Blastocystis Infections/blood
  15. Ghosh AK, Rahaman AA, Singh R
    Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab, 2010 Jun;20(3):216-23.
    PMID: 20601739
    The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a combination of sago and soy protein ingested during moderate-intensity cycling exercise can improve subsequent high-intensity endurance capacity compared with a carbohydrate in the form of sago and with a placebo. The participants were 8 male recreational cyclists with age, weight, and VO2max of 21.5 +/- 1.1 yr, 63.3 +/- 2.4 kg, and 39.9 +/- 1.1 ml . kg(-1) . min(-1), respectively. The design of the study was a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover comprising 60 min of exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60% VO2max followed by a time-to-exhaustion ride at 90% VO2max. The sago feeding provided 60 g of carbohydrate, and the sago-soy combination provided 52.5 g of carbohydrate and 15 g of protein, both at 20-min intervals during exercise. Times to exhaustion for the placebo, sago, and sago-soy supplementations were 4.09 +/- 1.28, 5.49 +/- 1.20, and 7.53 +/- 2.02 min, respectively. Sago-soy supplementation increased endurance by 84% (44-140%; p < .001) and by 37% (15-63%; p < .05) relative to placebo and sago, respectively. The plasma insulin response was elevated above that with placebo during sago and sago-soy supplementations. The authors conclude that a combination of sago and soy protein can delay fatigue during high-intensity cycling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ammonia/blood; Insulin/blood; Lactates/blood
  16. Tan PC, Jacob R, Quek KF, Omar SZ
    Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol, 2006 Oct;46(5):446-50.
    PMID: 16953861
    In a retrospective analysis of 192 cases of presumed hyperemesis gravidarum, there were no biochemical markers that predicted hospital readmission. There was, however, statistically significant negative predictive value in abnormal liver function tests. This could represent acute self-limited illness with a component of hepatitis as the cause for the clinical presentation, rather than hyperemesis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood; Hyperemesis Gravidarum/blood; Biomarkers/blood
  17. Yusof MI, Al-Astani AD, Jaafar H, Rashid FA
    Singapore Med J, 2008 Feb;49(2):100-4.
    PMID: 18301834
    INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to evaluate the histopathological features of skin microvasculature in patients with a diabetic foot, specifically the number of blood vessels, number of endothelial cells and endothelial thickness.
    METHODS: This study involved 41 diabetic foot patients admitted to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia for surgical management of foot problems. Skin biopsies were taken for histological evaluation following surgical procedures, such as wound debridement or local foot amputation. The skin microvasculature features examined were the number of blood vessels, the endothelial thickness of the vessels and the cross-sectional endothelial cell count. The findings were compared with the similar parameters of non-diabetic patients (control) and analysed.
    RESULTS: The mean blood vessel count (BVC), endothelial cell thickness (ECT) and endothelial cell count (ECC) for the diabetic group were 12.56 +/- 2.77, 4.81 +/- 1.5 micrometres and 7.07 +/- 1.88, respectively. The mean BVC, ECT and ECC for the non-diabetic control group were 5.25 +/- 1.98, 1.9 +/- 0.55 micrometres and 4.11 +/- 1.17, respectively. The mean BVC, ECT and ECC for the diabetic group were significantly higher than those for the non-diabetic control group.
    CONCLUSION: The increased number of blood vessels to the skin and their endothelial cell number and thickness may be the contributing factors for problems related to the diabetic foot, such as tendency for skin ulceration, infection and poor wound-healing in these patients. These may also contribute to secondary changes of diabetic foot lesions, indicating failure of adequate vascularisation of the foot.
    Matched MeSH terms: Skin/blood supply; Diabetic Foot/blood*
  18. Abdul-Wahab J, Naznin M, Suhaimi A, Amir-Hamzah AR
    Singapore Med J, 2007 Jul;48(7):e206-8.
    PMID: 17609817
    Familial myelodysplastic syndrome occurring at a young age is a very rare childhood haematological malignancy. Two siblings, aged three and 18 years, from a consanguineous marriage, presented with pancytopenia and was subsequently diagnosed to have myelodysplastic syndrome. Both remained clinically stable throughout the illness. Splenectomy appeared to have fully corrected the cytopenia in one of them.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Transfusion/adverse effects; Myelodysplastic Syndromes/blood
  19. Sukor N, Saidin R, Kamaruddin NA
    South. Med. J., 2007 Jan;100(1):73-4.
    PMID: 17269532
    Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that produce, metabolize, and usually secrete catecholamines. Although hypertension is a common presenting feature of pheochromocytoma, the tumors occur (or are present) in only 0.1% of patients with hypertension. The variability of symptoms and rarity of occurrence render these tumors difficult to diagnose; many are discovered incidentally during radiological examination or at autopsy. A patient is presented with a pheochromocytoma that was discovered incidentally when she presented with abdominal pain and a normal blood pressure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Pressure/physiology*; Epinephrine/blood
  20. Wong M, Isa SH, Zahiah M, Azmi KN
    World J Surg, 2007 Mar;31(3):586-92.
    PMID: 17322973
    This study assessed the sensitivities of preoperative localisation modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arteriography and arterial stimulation venous sampling (ASVS) using serum insulin and C-peptide gradients to intraoperative techniques in localising insulin-secreting tumours in our institution.
    Matched MeSH terms: C-Peptide/blood; Insulin/blood; Insulinoma/blood
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