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Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi from uitm reserve forest, Negeri Sembilan

Siti Nursyazwani Maadon, Sarini Ahmad Wakid, Iwana Izni Zainudin, Lili Syahani Rusli, Mohd Syahril Mohd Zan, Nor’Aishah Hasan, et al.

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:3025-3030.

Endophytic fungi are those living inside the host plant without causing any apparent negative effect on the host plant. Two
isolates endophytic fungi from leaves and two isolates from root at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Reserve Forest,
Negeri Sembilan were successfully isolated and identified by morphology and molecular characteristic. Samples were
surface sterilized and sub-cultured to obtain a pure culture. Characteristics of the isolates such as colony appearance,
mycelial texture, conidia/spores and pigmentation were studied to explore their morphology. Isolates were also subjected to
a PCR-based genotyping test. There were noticeable differences in morphological characteristics among the four isolates.
Microscopic analysis showed four isolates consist of septa and conidia/spores. The pigmentation result showed that
colony in A1leaf samples demonstrated an orange color on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media, colony in A1root demonstrate
a black texture in PDA media while hairy colonies in the others two isolates showed a white color on PDA media. Based on
molecular analyses the fungal genera showed 99-100% similarity with the related fungi recorded in the GenBank. Both
morphology and molecular sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of endophytic fungi showed that three
isolates (A1root, C2leaf, and C3root) were grouped in Basidiomycota while one isolate (A1leaf) belonged to Ascomycota. The
endophyte funguses were identified as Daldinia sp. (A1leaf), Polyporales sp. (A1root,) Lentinus sp. (C2leaf,) and Rigidoporus
sp. (C3root). Overall, the new discoveries of isolated endophyte fungal have dyeing potential of fungal pigments which
offer a viable alternative to natural vegetable and harmful synthetic dyes.
Fulltext Prevalence and risk factors of stress, anxiety and depression among house officers in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Shakir Aizat Shahruddin, Pradheeksha Saseedaran, Aishah Salleh, Che Amira Ahmad Azmi, Nik Harriz Izwan Mohammad Alfaisal, Rusli Abdullah, et al.

Education in Medicine Journal, 2016;8(1):31-40.
MyJurnal

House officers who are suffering from stress, anxiety or depression are at risk of harm to themselves, colleagues and even patients, as well as affecting their livelihood. Objective: This
study is aimed to find the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression among house officers working
in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Method: A cross-sectional study was done using a self-administered
questionnaire containing socio-demographic factors and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)
21. Results: Prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression were 57.1%, 63.7%, and 42.9% respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis found that house officers who thought of quitting Housemanship was associated with stress (adjusted OR = 3.64, 95% CI: (1.44, 9.20), p = 0.006), and depression (adjusted OR = 8.26, 95% CI: (2.96, 23.02), p < 0.001). House officers who perceives that they are bullied is associated with anxiety (adjusted OR = 4.16, 95% CI: (1.33, 13.07), p = 0.015). Work
experience of the house officers in months have a protective effect to stress (adjusted OR = 0.92, 95%
CI: (0.87, 0.97), p = 0.004), anxiety (adjusted OR = 0.93, 95% CI: (0.88, 0.98), p = 0.006) and
depression (adjusted OR = 0.92, 95% CI: (0.87, 0.98), p = 0.006). Conclusion: The prevalence of
stress, anxiety and depression among house officers in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is high. Management
should look into the findings and understand the importance of addressing this problem as it may
affect patient care and safety, and the livelihood of house officers. Future studies identifying why
house officers are thinking of quitting service and why they do feel that they are being bullied may be
warranted.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice of dengue fever and heath education programme among students of Alam Shah Science School, Cheras, Malaysia

Al-Zurfi, Balsam Mahdi Nasir, Fuad, Maher D., Abdelqader, Mohammed A., Baobaid, Mohammed Faez, Elnajeh, Maged, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(2):69-74.
MyJurnal

Dengue Fever is a major public health issue in Malaysia. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue fever and effectiveness of health education programme among 204 students of Alam Shah Science School, Cheras/Kuala Lumpur. Study design was a cross sectional study followed by an interventional (pre-post) Study. The self-administered questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic factors, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue fever. Majority of respondents were Malays (96.6%), monthly family income more than RM 3000 (64.6%) and lives in urban area (64.6%). There was no significant association between knowledge status and socio-demographic factors (p-value>0.05). Most of the respondents had good knowledge (63.2%) good attitudes (79.9%) regarding dengue fever. However, practices to prevent dengue was poor (74.0%). Only about one-fifth of the respondents (18.2%) believed that dengue fever is a flu-like illness. Knowledge score was significantly increased after health education programme (p value
A Case of Constrictive Pericarditis Associated with Melioidosis in an Immunocompetent Patient Treated by Pericardiectomy

Lu HT, Ramsamy G, Lee CY, Syed Hamid SRG, Kan FK, Nordin RB

Am J Case Rep, 2018 Mar 19;19:314-319.
PMID: 29551765

BACKGROUND Melioidosis is a rare tropical bacterial infection caused by the Gram-negative soil saprophyte, Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis can mimic a variety of diseases due to its varied presentation, and unless it is treated rapidly, it can be fatal. A rare case of melioidosis, with pericarditis and pericardial effusion, is described, which demonstrates the value of early diagnosis with echocardiography and pericardiocentesis. CASE REPORT A 38-year-old native (Iban) East Malaysian man presented with shortness of breath and tachycardia. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed cardiac tamponade. Urgent pericardiocentesis drained a large amount of purulent pericardial fluid that grew Burkholderia pseudomallei. Despite appropriate dose and duration of intravenous treatment with ceftazidime followed by meropenem, the patient developed recurrent pericardial effusion and right heart failure due to constrictive pericarditis. The diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and surgical exploration. Following pericardiectomy, his symptoms resolved, but patient follow-up was recommended for possible sequelae of constrictive pericarditis. CONCLUSIONS After the onset of melioidosis pericarditis, the authors recommend follow-up and surveillance for possible complication of constrictive pericarditis.
Fulltext A retrospective study on atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery at The National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur

Farouk Musa A, Quan CZ, Xin LZ, Soni T, Dillon J, Hay YK, et al.

F1000Res, 2018;7:164.
PMID: 30254739 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.13244.2

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common after cardiac surgery and has been associated with poor outcome and increased resource utilization. The main objective of this study is to determine the incidence of POAF in Malaysia and identify the predictors of developing POAF. The secondary outcome of this study would be to investigate the difference in mortality and morbidity rates and the duration of intensive care unit (ICU), high dependency unit (HDU) and hospital stay between the two. Methods: This is a retrospective single-center, cross sectional study conducted at the National Heart Institute, Malaysia. Medical records of 637 who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in 2015 were accrued. Pre-operative, operative and post-operative information were subsequently collected on a pre-formulated data collection sheet. Data were then analyzed using IBM SPSS v23. Results: The incidence of POAF in our study stands at 28.7% with a mean onset of 45±33 hours post operatively. Variables with independent association with POAF include advancing age, Indian population, history of chronic kidney disease, left ventricular ejection fraction and beta-blocker treatment. The mortality rate is significantly higher statistically ( p < 0.05), and similarly the incidence of stroke. The incidence of other post-operative complications was also significantly higher statistically. The duration of ICU, HDU and hospital stays were statistically longer ( p < 0.001) with higher rates of ICU readmissions and reintubations seen. Conclusion: We conclude that the incidence of POAF in Malaysia is comparable to the figures in Western countries, making POAF one of the most commonly encountered condition after CABG with similar higher rates of mortality, poor outcomes and longer duration of stay, and therefore increased cost of care. Strategies to reduce the incidence of AF after cardiac surgery should favorably affect surgical outcomes and reduce utilization of resources and thus lower cost of care.
Fulltext Nutritional anemia in pregnancy: a study at the maternity hospital, Kuala Lumpur

Tee ES, Kandiah M, Ali J, Kandiah V, Zahari MR, Kuladevan R, et al.

Malays J Reprod Health, 1984 Jun;2(1):32-50.
PMID: 12267519

The study presents recent data on the prevalence and pattern of nutritional anemia in the Maternity Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. A total of 309 pregnant women in their third trimester, of Malay, Chinese and Indian origin from the lower socio-economic strata were randomly selected for the study. Hematological indices (including Hb, PCV, MCHC, and TRBC), serum iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin, serum folate as well as protein and albumin were determined. Based on Hb and PCV values, 30-40 percent of the women could be considered anemic; approximately 50 percent of them presented with unsatisfactory serum iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin values; 60.9 percent had low serum folate levels; and about 30 percent may be considered to be of poor protein nutriture. Anemia in the study population was seen to be related mostly to iron and to a lesser extent, folate deficiency. Hematological, iron, folate and protein status was observed to be the poorest amongst the Indian women, better in the Malay group and generally the best amongst the Chinese women. Birth records of 169 of these women revealed that all of them had live births. Nearly all the infants were delivered by normal vaginal delivery (NVD) The mean gestational age was 38.6 weeks. One of the infants had a birth weight of <2.0 kg; incidence of low birth weight, <2.5 kg, was 8.3 percent. Although there was a trend of deteriorating hematological, iron and protein status of women from the 0, 1 -3 and >=4 parity groups, these differences were not statlstlcally significant.
Fulltext A study on the nutritional status of physically "active men in Kota Bharu"

Wan Nudri WD, Mohamed Rusli A, Wan Abdul Manan W, Mohd Rafi M, Naing L, Kamarul Imran M, et al.

Malays J Nutr, 2003 Sep;9(2):95-103.
PMID: 22691731

A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted to determine the nutritional status among physically active groups in Kota Bharu. The study population comprised 83 adult male athletes from 8 different types of sports (athlete group), 80 active men who exercised a minimum of 30 min per day for at least 3 times per week (exercise group), and 80 inactive men (sedentary group). All the respondents were aged between 18 to 44 years. Measurements taken from the respondents were anthropometric measurements, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and serum total cholesterol (TC). The results showed that the combined prevalence of pre-obese (BMI 25.0-29.9) and obese (BMI ≥30.0) was 21.7% in athletes, 29.9% in exercise group, and 47.5% in sedentary group. The mean (± SD) percentage of body fat in athletes was 15.7 ± 5.4%, which was lower compared to the exercise (18.9 ± 5.5%) and sedentary (20.6 ± 5.8%) groups. The incidence of waist-to-hip ratio above 0.9 in athlete, exercise and sedentary groups was 9.6%, 18.7% and 31.3%, respectively. The incidence of hypertension (SBP ≥140 and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg) was 13.2% in athletes, 17.5% in exercise group and 42.5% in the sedentary group. The TC values showed that the prevalence of "high risk" individuals (TC ≥6.20 mmol/l) was also lower in athletes (20.5%), compared to the exercise (36.2%) and sedentary (47.5%) groups. The study revealed that individuals who are actively involved in physical activity, particularly in sport activities have better nutritional status compared to sedentary people. However, the nutritional status in the athlete and exercise groups was still unsatisfactory. The incidence of poor health status related to over nutrition in the active groups was rather high and needs attention from health professionals. Further studies are needed to determine nutritional practices among physically active groups.
Effects of safety behaviours with pesticide use on occurrence of acute symptoms in male and female tobacco-growing Malaysian farmers

Nordi RB, Araki S, Sato H, Yokoyama K, Wan Muda WA, Win Kyi D

Ind Health, 2002 Apr;40(2):182-90.
PMID: 12064560

The effects of safety behaviours associated with pesticide use on the occurrence of acute organ symptoms in 395 male and 101 female tobacco-growing farmers in Malaysia were studied. We used a 15-questionnaire checklist on safe pesticide-use behaviours and a 25-questionnaire checklist on acute organ symptoms reported shortly after spraying pesticides. Results of stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that no smoking while spraying, good sprayer-condition, and changing clothes immediately after spraying significantly prevented occurrence of acute symptoms just after pesticide spray in male farmers; in female farmers, only wearing a hat while spraying significantly prevented the symptoms. Safety behaviours in pesticide use in male and female tobacco-growing farmers are discussed in the light of these findings.
Fulltext The Malay version of SF-36 health survey instrument: testing data quality, scaling assumptions, reliability and validity in post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery patients at the National Heart Institute (Institut Jantung Negara-IJN), Kuala Lumpur

Musa AF, Yasin MSM, Smith J, Yakub MA, Nordin RB

Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2021 Feb 09;19(1):50.
PMID: 33563262 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01658-9

BACKGROUND: The Short Form 36 (SF-36) is a scoring system comprising of 36 items categorized into eight constructs corresponding to patients' health-related quality of life. It has been used extensively in various countries on different sub-populations and used to indicate the health status and help to ascertain the effect of clinical interventions on the particular population.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the psychometric properties of the Malay version of SF-36 (Malay SF-36) summated rating scales and validate the scale among post-coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) patients at the National Heart Institute (IJN), Kuala Lumpur.
METHODS: Five hundred and nine post-CABG patients at the IJN, Malaysia completed the questionnaires between 1 July and 31 December 2017. Psychometric tests endorsed by the "International Quality of Life Assessment Project" were utilised.
RESULTS: The data quality was excellent with a high questionnaire completion rate (100%). As hypothesized, the ordering of item means within scales was clustered. In unison, scaling assumptions were satisfied. Good discriminant validity was shown between subsets of patients with various levels of health status. Notwithstanding, there were probably translation issues of the Physical Functioning scale which showed small ceiling effects. We clearly observed high ceiling and floor effects in both Role Physical and Role Emotional scale most probably attributed to the dichotomous style of their choice of responses. Cronbach alpha values of the eight scales ranged from 0.73 to 0.90, showing good internal consistency reliability. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed the 8-factor solution and Composite Reliability revealed internal consistency reliability except for Vitality and Social Functioning. Based on the Average Variance Extracted (AVE), convergent validity was adequate except for two domains. Discriminant Validity is good for the eight constructs as the √AVE are generally higher than the correlation coefficients between the latent constructs.
CONCLUSION: The scoring for the Malay SF-36 based on the summated ratings method was proven to be valid to be applied in our local clinical population. The CFA, fitness estimates, reliability and validity assessments suggest that the Malay version of SF36 is a valid and reliable instrument. However, further work is warranted to further refine the convergent validity and reliability of some scales.
We're making it work! UKM'S Speech Sciences Programs' teleclinic experience in the time of COVID-19

Ahmad Rusli Y, Hassan FH, Haris SM, Mohd Azraai H, Md Almi SN

Med J Malaysia, 2021 08;76(Suppl 4):52-54.
PMID: 34558561

This paper highlights issues, challenges, and lessons learnt from implementing a speech-language therapy teleclinic service delivery model by the Speech Sciences Program, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) during the wake of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The teleclinic service provision was initially started to help our student cohorts attain and complete the required direct contact speechlanguage therapy clinical hours for graduation during the pandemic. It has since evolved to be an integral part of the clinical practicum curriculum and a service delivery model that is here to stay. Although far from perfect, the program hopes to systematically continue our endeavours in telerehabilitation as one of our niche areas, realising the wealth of benefits that this service delivery model has to offer.
Inhibitory effects of cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 by Labisia pumila extracts

Pan Y, Tiong KH, Abd-Rashid BA, Ismail Z, Ismail R, Mak JW, et al.

J Ethnopharmacol, 2012 Sep 28;143(2):586-91.
PMID: 22885070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.07.024

Labisa pumila (LP), popularly known with its local name, Kacip Fatimah, is a well known herb grown in Indochina and Southeast Asia and is traditionally used to regain energy after giving birth in women. The propensity of LP to cause drug-herb interaction via cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system has not been investigated.
Fulltext Flavonoid and leaf gas exchange responses of Centella asiatica to acute gamma irradiation and carbon dioxide enrichment under controlled environment conditions

Moghaddam SS, Jaafar HB, Aziz MA, Ibrahim R, Rahmat AB, Philip E

Molecules, 2011 Oct 25;16(11):8930-44.
PMID: 22027950 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16118930

The study was couducted to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation and CO₂ on flavonoid content and leaf gas exchange in C.asiatica. For flavonoid determination, the design was a split split plot based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). For other parameters, the designs were split plots. Statistical tests revealed significant differences in flavonoid contents of Centella asiatica leaves between different growth stages and various CO₂ treatments. CO₂ 400, G20 (400 = ambient CO₂; G20 = Plants exposed to 20 Gy) showed 82.90% higher total flavonoid content (TFC) in the 5th week than CO₂ 400 as control at its best harvest time (4th week). Increasing the concentration of CO₂ from 400 to 800 μmol/mol had significant effects on TFC and harvesting time. In fact, 800 μmol/mol resulted in 171.1% and 66.62% increases in TFC for control and irradiated plants, respectively. Moreover, increasing CO₂ concentration reduced the harvesting time to three and four weeks for control and irradiated plants, respectively. Enhancing CO₂ to 800 µmol/mol resulted in a 193.30% (CO₂ 800) increase in leaf biomass compared to 400 µmol/mol and 226.34% enhancement in irradiated plants (CO₂ 800, G20) [800 = Ambient CO₂; G20 = Plants exposed to 20 Gy] than CO₂ 400, G20. In addition, the CO₂ 800, G20 had the highest amount of flavonoid*biomass in the 4th week. The results of this study indicated that all elevated CO₂ treatments had higher PN than the ambient ones. The findings showed that when CO₂ level increased from 400 to 800 µmol/mol, stomatal conductance, leaf intercellular CO₂ and transpiration rate had the tendency to decrease. However, water use efficiency increased in response to elevated CO₂ concentration. Returning to the findings of this study, it is now possible to state that the proposed method (combined CO₂ and gamma irradiation) has the potential to increase the product value by reducing the time to harvest, increasing the yield per unit area via boosting photosynthesis capacity, as well as increasing biochemicals (flavonoids) per gram DM.
Fulltext A Nested Allele-Specific Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Method for the Detection of DRD2 Polymorphisms

Zahari Z, Salleh MR, Zahri Johari MK, Musa N, Ismail R

Malays J Med Sci, 2011 Oct;18(4):44-57.
PMID: 22589672 MyJurnal

The dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) plays a role in many diseases such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and addictive behaviour. Methods currently available for the detection of DRD2 polymorphisms are costly and cannot detect all 8 polymorphisms of our research interest simultaneously (Val96Ala, Leu141Leu, Val154Ile, Pro310Ser, Ser311Cys, TaqI A, A-241G, and -141C Ins/Del). Therefore, we developed a nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for simultaneous detection of these polymorphisms.
Heterologous expression of human cytochromes P450 2D6 and CYP3A4 in Escherichia coli and their functional characterization

Pan Y, Abd-Rashid BA, Ismail Z, Ismail R, Mak JW, Ong CE

Protein J, 2011 Dec;30(8):581-91.
PMID: 22001938 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-011-9365-6

This study aimed to express two major drug-metabolizing human hepatic cytochromes P450 (CYPs), CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, together with NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (OxR) in Escherichia coli and to evaluate their catalytic activities. Full length cDNA clones of both isoforms in which the N-terminus was modified to incorporate bovine CYP17α sequence were inserted into a pCWori(+) vector. The modified CYP cDNAs were subsequently expressed individually, each together with OxR by means of separate, compatible plasmids with different antibiotic selection markers. The expressed proteins were evaluated by immunoblotting and reduced CO difference spectral scanning. Enzyme activities were examined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays with probe substrates dextromethorphan and testosterone for CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, respectively. Results from immunoblotting demonstrated the presence of both CYP proteins in bacterial membranes and reduced CO difference spectra of the cell preparations exhibited the characteristic absorbance peak at 450 nm. Co-expressed OxR also demonstrated an activity level comparable to literature values. Kinetic parameters, K(m) and V(max) values determined from the HPLC assays also agreed well with literature values. As a conclusion, the procedures described in this study provide a relatively convenient and reliable means of producing catalytically active CYP isoforms suitable for drug metabolism and interaction studies.
Synthesis and evaluation of antimycobacterial activity of new benzimidazole aminoesters

Yoon YK, Ali MA, Wei AC, Choon TS, Ismail R

Eur J Med Chem, 2015 Mar 26;93:614-24.
PMID: 24996257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.06.025

A total of 51 novel benzimidazoles were synthesized by a 4-step reaction starting from basic compound 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid under relatively mild reaction conditions. The structure of the novel benzimidazoles was confirmed by mass spectra as well as (1)H NMR spectroscopic data. Out of the 51 novel synthesized compounds, 42 of them were screened for their antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain using BacTiter-Glo™ Microbial Cell Viability (BTG) method. Results of activity screened using Alamar Blue method was also provided for comparison purposes. Two of the novel benzimidazoles synthesized showed moderately good activity with IC50 of less than 15 μM. Compound 5g, ethyl 2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1-(2-morpholinoethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylate, was found to be the most active with IC50 of 11.52 μM.
Fulltext Supplementation of Eurycoma longifolia Jack Extract for 6 Weeks Does Not Affect Urinary Testosterone: Epitestosterone Ratio, Liver and Renal Functions in Male Recreational Athletes

Chen CK, Mohamad WM, Ooi FK, Ismail SB, Abdullah MR, George A

Int J Prev Med, 2014 Jun;5(6):728-33.
PMID: 25013692

Background: Eurycoma longifolia Jack (ElJ) has been shown to elevate serum testosterone and increased muscle strength in humans. This study investigated the effects of Physta(®) a standardized water extract of ElJ (400 mg/day for 6 weeks) on testosterone: epitestosterone (T:E) ratio, liver and renal functions in male recreational athletes.

Methods: A total of 13 healthy male recreational athletes were recruited in this double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. The participants were required to consume either 400 mg of ElJ or placebo daily for 6 weeks in the first supplementation regimen. Following a 3 week wash-out period, the participants were requested to consume the other supplement for another 6 weeks. Mid-stream urine samples and blood samples were collected prior to and after 6 weeks of supplementation with either ElJ or placebo. The urine samples were subsequently analyzed for T:E ratio while the blood samples were analyzed for liver and renal functions.

Results: T:E ratio was not significantly different following 6 weeks supplementation of either ElJ or placebo compared with their respective baseline values. Similarly, there were no significant changes in both the liver and renal functions tests following the supplementation of ElJ.

Conclusions: Supplementation of ElJ i.e. Physta(®) at a dosage of 400 mg/day for 6 weeks did not affect the urinary T:E ratio and hence will not breach any doping policies of the International Olympic Committee for administration of exogenous testosterone or its precursor. In addition, the supplementation of ElJ at this dosage and duration was safe as it did adversely affect the liver and renal functions.

Keywords: Doping; Eurycoma longifolia Jack; liver function; renal function; testosterone: epitestosterone ratio.
Fulltext Association between household food insecurity and nutritional outcomes among children in Northeastern of Peninsular Malaysia

Ali Naser I, Jalil R, Wan Muda WM, Wan Nik WS, Mohd Shariff Z, Abdullah MR

Nutr Res Pract, 2014 Jun;8(3):304-11.
PMID: 24944776 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2014.8.3.304

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between household food insecurity and nutritional status of children in low-income households. A cross sectional study involved a survey of households (n = 223) receiving the financial assistance.
SUBJECTS/METHODS: Eligible mothers that fulfilled the inclusion criteria such as non-pregnant, non-lactating mothers, aged 18 to 55 years with their youngest children aged 2 to 12 years, were purposively selected. The Radimer/Cornell hunger and food-insecurity instrument was administered and children's height and weight were measured.
RESULTS: About 16.1% of the households were food secure, while 83.9% experienced some kind of food insecurity. Out of food insecure category, 29.6% households were food insecure, 19.3% women were individual food insecure and 35.0% fell into the child hunger category. Education of the mother (P = 0.047), household size (P = 0.024), number of children (P = 0.024), number of children going to school (P = 0.048), total monthly income (P < 0.001), income per capital (P < 0.001), number of household members contributing to the income (P = 0.018) and food expenditure (P = 0.006) were significant risk factors for household food insecurity. The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting in children were 61.0%, 61.4% and 30.6% respectively. Based on multinomial logistic regression, children in food-insecure households were 2.15 times more likely to be underweight and three times to be stunted than children in the food-secure households.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that household food insecurity is associated with the nutritional status of the children in the rural area of Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia.
KEYWORDS: Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia; child hunger; household food insecurity; nutritional status
Chronic neuronopathic type of Gaucher's disease with progressive myoclonic epilepsy in the absence of visceromegaly and bone involvement

Botross NP, Riad AA, Viswanathan S, Nordin RB, Lock HN

Scott Med J, 2014 May;59(2):e1-6.
PMID: 24671628 DOI: 10.1177/0036933014529868

Gaucher's disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of glucocerebrosidase. Gaucher's disease has three clinical types: non-neuronopathic (Type 1), Acute Neuropathic (Type 2) and chronic neuronopathic (Type 3). The chronic neuronopathic (Type 3) is characterised by a variety of disease variants with onset in childhood with hepatomegaly, skeletal lesions and later slow horizontal saccades, treatment-resistant generalised tonic-clonic and myoclonic seizures, dementia, progressive spasticity, cognitive deterioration, ataxia and death in the second or third decade of life.
In-vitro inhibitory effect of Tualang honey on cytochrome P450 2C8 activity

Muthiah YD, Ong CE, Sulaiman SA, Tan SC, Ismail R

J Pharm Pharmacol, 2012 Dec;64(12):1761-9.
PMID: 23146039 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01551.x

To investigate the effect of Tualang honey on cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) activity in vitro using an amodiaquine N-desethylase assay.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices on influenza a (H1N1) among Kelantanese schoolchildren

Wan-Arfah N, Norsa'adah B, Naing NN, Zaliha I, Azriani AR, Nik-Rosmawati NH, et al.

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2012 Nov;43(6):1489-501.
PMID: 23413714

Assessment of schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards influenza A (H1N1) is crucial as schools play a major role in spreading the infection. The aims of this study were to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on influenza A (H1N1) and the factors associated with practices of preventive behavior.A cross sectional study was conducted from July until December 2010. Two public secondary schools for two districts in Kelantan, Malaysia were randomly selected. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of five constructs: sociodemographic, risk factors of containing influenza A (H1N1) infection, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The questionnaire had been te,sted for its construct validity and reliability. General linear regression was applied in the data analysis. A sample of 436 secondary school students were recruited in this study involved Malay students aged 16 years old. The total knowledge, attitudes and practices scores for the overall respondents were 69.4, 82.2, and 73.8%, respectively. The significant influencing factors for the practices of preventive behavior were attended talk on H1N1 and attitudes score.This study suggested that health education is important for promoting the health of adolescents and contributing to the overall health of the public so that they will take precautions against the H1N1 infection.

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