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  1. Thean Hock T, Bogdanova N, Kai Cheen A, Kathirgamanathan S, Bin Abdullah R, Mohd Yusoff N, et al.
    Reprod Biomed Online, 2015 Apr;30(4):434-9.
    PMID: 25682309 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.12.014
    Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a prevalent condition among the Malay population of Malaysia, where carriage risk of conventional hereditary thrombophilia factors has been generally ruled out. The contribution of M2/ANXA5, a common haplotype in the annexin A5 gene promoter, was evalauted for RSA in Malay. Seventy-seven women who had experienced two or more unexplained RSA and 41 available male partners were selected for study, with 360 population controls recruited from healthy Malay individuals. Incidence of M2 carriage and odds ratios were calculated between control and patient groups, and clinically defined subgroups and RSA risk was evaluated. M2/ANXA5, found in 42.2% of the general Malay population, was associated with greater risks for women with primary and secondary RSA with early (gestational week 5-15) losses. The risk was somewhat higher in Malay couples when both partners were carriers and a trend of higher prevalence was seen for the male partners patients who had experienced RSA. M2 carriage seems to be a risk factor with unusually high incidence in Malay women and couples with primary and secondary RSA with 'early' spontaneous abortions. The associated male partner risk confirms the proposed role of M2/ANXA5 as a genetic trait impeding embryonic anticoagulation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  2. Hor SL, Teoh SL, Lim WL
    Curr Drug Targets, 2020;21(5):458-476.
    PMID: 31625473 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666191017120505
    Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the human midbrain. Various ongoing research studies are competing to understand the pathology of PD and elucidate the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Current pharmacological treatments primarily focused on improving dopamine metabolism in PD patients, despite the side effects of long-term usage. In recent years, it is recognized that oxidative stress-mediated pathways lead to neurodegeneration in the brain, which is associated with the pathophysiology of PD. The importance of oxidative stress is often less emphasized when developing potential therapeutic approaches. Natural plant antioxidants have been shown to mediate the oxidative stress-induced effects in PD, which has gained considerable attention in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Yet, clinical trials on natural polyphenol compounds are limited, restricting the potential use of these compounds as an alternative treatment for PD. Therefore, this review provides an understanding of the oxidative stress-induced effects in PD by elucidating the underlying events contributing to oxidative stress and explore the potential use of polyphenols in improving the oxidative status in PD. Preclinical findings have supported the potential of polyphenols in providing neuroprotection against oxidative stress-induced toxicity in PD. However, limiting factors, such as safety and bioavailability of polyphenols, warrant further investigations so as to make them the potential target for clinical applications in the treatment and management of PD.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parkinson Disease/drug therapy*
  3. Saleem M, Ghazali MB, Wahab MAMA, Yusoff NM, Mahsin H, Seng CE, et al.
    Adv Exp Med Biol, 2020;1292:1-12.
    PMID: 29687286 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2018_147
    Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are attributable to genetic susceptibility. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the best known genetic factors to date. The goal of this study was to determine the structure and distribution of haplotypes of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in early-onset breast cancer patients. We enrolled 70 patients diagnosed with early-onset breast cancer. A total of 21 SNPs (11 on BRCA1 and 10 on BRCA2) and 1 dinucleotide deletion on BRCA1 were genotyped using nested allele-specific PCR methods. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was conducted, and haplotypes were deduced from the genotype data. Two tightly linked LD blocks were observed on each of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Variant-free haplotypes (TAT-AG for BRCA1 and ATA-AAT for BRCA2) were observed at a frequency of more than 50% on each gene along with variable frequencies of derived haplotypes. The variant 3'-subhaplotype CGC displayed strong LD with 5'-subhaplotypes GA, AA, and GG on BRCA1 gene. Haplotypes ATA-AGT, ATC-AAT, and ATA-AAC were the variant haplotypes frequent on BRCA2 gene. Although the clinical significance of these derived haplotypes has not yet been established, it is expected that some of these haplotypes, especially the less frequent subhaplotypes, eventually will be shown to be indicative of a predisposition to early-onset breast cancer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  4. Ali MA, Ismail R, Choon TS, Yoon YK, Wei AC, Pandian S, et al.
    Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2010 Dec 1;20(23):7064-6.
    PMID: 20951037 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.09.108
    Series of pyrolidine analogues were synthesized and examined as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Among the compounds, compounds 4k and 6k were the most potent inhibitors of the series. Compound 4k, showed potent inhibitory activity against acetyl cholinesterase enzyme with IC(50) 0.10 μmol/L. Pyrolidine analogues might be potential acetyl cholinesterase agents for AD.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy
  5. Lim LL, Lau ESH, Kong APS, Davies MJ, Levitt NS, Eliasson B, et al.
    Diabetes Care, 2018 06;41(6):1312-1320.
    PMID: 29784698 DOI: 10.2337/dc17-2010
    OBJECTIVE: The implementation of the Chronic Care Model (CCM) improves health care quality. We examined the sustained effectiveness of multicomponent integrated care in type 2 diabetes.

    RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We searched PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE (January 2000-August 2016) and identified randomized controlled trials comprising two or more quality improvement strategies from two or more domains (health system, health care providers, or patients) lasting ≥12 months with one or more clinical outcomes. Two reviewers extracted data and appraised the reporting quality.

    RESULTS: In a meta-analysis of 181 trials (N = 135,112), random-effects modeling revealed pooled mean differences in HbA1c of -0.28% (95% CI -0.35 to -0.21) (-3.1 mmol/mol [-3.9 to -2.3]), in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of -2.3 mmHg (-3.1 to -1.4), in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of -1.1 mmHg (-1.5 to -0.6), and in LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) of -0.14 mmol/L (-0.21 to -0.07), with greater effects in patients with LDL-C ≥3.4 mmol/L (-0.31 vs. -0.10 mmol/L for <3.4 mmol/L; Pdifference = 0.013), studies from Asia (HbA1c -0.51% vs. -0.23% for North America [-5.5 vs. -2.5 mmol/mol]; Pdifference = 0.046), and studies lasting >12 months (SBP -3.4 vs. -1.4 mmHg, Pdifference = 0.034; DBP -1.7 vs. -0.7 mmHg, Pdifference = 0.047; LDL-C -0.21 vs. -0.07 mmol/L for 12-month studies, Pdifference = 0.049). Patients with median age <60 years had greater HbA1c reduction (-0.35% vs. -0.18% for ≥60 years [-3.8 vs. -2.0 mmol/mol]; Pdifference = 0.029). Team change, patient education/self-management, and improved patient-provider communication had the largest effect sizes (0.28-0.36% [3.0-3.9 mmol/mol]).

    CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small effect size of multicomponent integrated care (in part attenuated by good background care), team-based care with better information flow may improve patient-provider communication and self-management in patients who are young, with suboptimal control, and in low-resource settings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chronic Disease/therapy
  6. Chiu CK, Chan CYW, Cheung JPY, Cheung PWH, Gani SMA, Kwan MK
    J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2021 2 12;29(1):2309499020988176.
    PMID: 33569998 DOI: 10.1177/2309499020988176
    PURPOSE: In this study we investigated on the personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, recycling, and disposal among spine surgeons in the Asia Pacific region.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among spine surgeons in Asia Pacific. The questionnaires were focused on the usage, recycling and disposal of PPE.

    RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-two surgeons from 19 countries participated in the survey. When we sub-analysed the differences between countries, the provision of adequate PPE by hospitals ranged from 37.5% to 100%. The usage of PPE was generally high. The most used PPE were surgical face masks (88.7%), followed by surgical caps (88.3%), gowns (85.6%), sterile gloves (83.3%) and face shields (82.0%). The least used PPE were powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) (23.0%) and shoes/boots (45.0%). The commonly used PPE for surgeries involving COVID-19 positive patients were N95 masks (74.8%), sterile gloves (73.0%), gowns (72.1%), surgical caps (71.6%), face shields (64.4%), goggles (64.0%), shoe covers (58.6%), plastic aprons (45.9%), shoes/boots (45.9%), surgical face masks (36.5%) and PAPRs (21.2%). Most PPE were not recycled. Biohazard bins were the preferred method of disposal for all types of PPE items compared to general waste.

    CONCLUSIONS: The usage of PPE was generally high among most countries especially for surgeries involving COVID-19 positive patients except for Myanmar and Nepal. Overall, the most used PPE were surgical face masks. For surgeries involving COVID-19 positive patients, the most used PPE were N95 masks. Most PPE were not recycled. Biohazard bins were the preferred method of disposal for all types of PPE.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control*
  7. Arora S, Steuernagel B, Gaurav K, Chandramohan S, Long Y, Matny O, et al.
    Nat Biotechnol, 2019 02;37(2):139-143.
    PMID: 30718880 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-018-0007-9
    Disease resistance (R) genes from wild relatives could be used to engineer broad-spectrum resistance in domesticated crops. We combined association genetics with R gene enrichment sequencing (AgRenSeq) to exploit pan-genome variation in wild diploid wheat and rapidly clone four stem rust resistance genes. AgRenSeq enables R gene cloning in any crop that has a diverse germplasm panel.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Resistance/genetics*
  8. Ayipo YO, Mordi MN, Mustapha M, Damodaran T
    Eur J Pharmacol, 2021 Feb 15;893:173837.
    PMID: 33359647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173837
    Neuropsychiatric disorders are diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) which are characterised by complex pathomechanisms that including homeostatic failure, malfunction, atrophy, pathology remodelling and reactivity anomaly of the neuronal system where treatment options remain challenging. β-Carboline (βC) alkaloids are scaffolds of structurally diverse tricyclic pyrido[3,4-b]indole alkaloid with vast occurrence in nature. Their unique structural features which favour interactions with enzymes and protein receptor targets account for their potent neuropharmacological properties. However, our current understanding of their biological mechanisms for these beneficial effects, especially for neuropsychiatric disorders is sparse. Therefore, we present a comprehensive review of the scientific progress in the last two decades on the prospective pharmacology and physiology of the βC alkaloids in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain tumour, essential tremor, epilepsy and seizure, licking behaviour, dystonia, agnosia, spasm, positive ingestive response as demonstrated in non-clinical models. The current evidence supports that βC alkaloids offer potential therapeutic agents against most of these disorders and amenable for further drug design.
    Matched MeSH terms: Alzheimer Disease; Parkinson Disease
  9. Abbavannagari Bharath Kumar, Marakanam Srinivasan Umashankar, Sandeep Podda
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease and noted to be incidence is intensifying globally and contem- plated as epidemic. The study is aimed to assess the coronary artery disease risk profile associated diabetes mellitus patient and to identify the clinical pharmacist care services in the management and to control the risk burden in the clinical practice. Method: A prospective observational study was conducted among the consecutive patients of coronary artery disease associated diabetic patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital over 6 months period. A sam- ple of 150 patients was recruited in the study. Data analysis was done with graph pad prism software 5.01. Results: The present study revealed that coronary artery disease in diabetes was more prevalent in age group between 41-50 years. About 54.66% patients with hyperlipidemia were at risk to develop the coronary artery disease complication. Glycated hemoglobin test was detected in 40% of the patient showing abnormal levels and around 43.33% of patient had an abnormal fasting blood sugar level. The study showed only 32% of patients was prescribed Insulin & oral hy- poglycemic agents and 13 % were treated with statins. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the causative factors should be controlled and treated with an early need for amalgamation of clinical pharmacist care services with the health care team on life style modification counseling could ultimately improve the patient health outcomes and also lowers progression of coronary artery disease risk complications among diabetic patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Coronary Artery Disease; Disease Progression
  10. Salim NAM, Wah YB, Reeves C, Smith M, Yaacob WFW, Mudin RN, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 01 13;11(1):939.
    PMID: 33441678 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79193-2
    Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that affects nearly 3.9 billion people globally. Dengue remains endemic in Malaysia since its outbreak in the 1980's, with its highest concentration of cases in the state of Selangor. Predictors of dengue fever outbreaks could provide timely information for health officials to implement preventative actions. In this study, five districts in Selangor, Malaysia, that demonstrated the highest incidence of dengue fever from 2013 to 2017 were evaluated for the best machine learning model to predict Dengue outbreaks. Climate variables such as temperature, wind speed, humidity and rainfall were used in each model. Based on results, the SVM (linear kernel) exhibited the best prediction performance (Accuracy = 70%, Sensitivity = 14%, Specificity = 95%, Precision = 56%). However, the sensitivity for SVM (linear) for the testing sample increased up to 63.54% compared to 14.4% for imbalanced data (original data). The week-of-the-year was the most important predictor in the SVM model. This study exemplifies that machine learning has respectable potential for the prediction of dengue outbreaks. Future research should consider boosting, or using, nature inspired algorithms to develop a dengue prediction model.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control*
  11. Chukwu SC, Rafii MY, Ramlee SI, Ismail SI, Hasan MM, Oladosu YA, et al.
    Mol Biol Rep, 2019 Feb;46(1):1519-1532.
    PMID: 30628024 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04584-2
    Breeding for disease resistant varieties remains very effective and economical in controlling the bacterial leaf blight (BLB) of rice. Breeders have played a major role in developing resistant rice varieties against the BLB infection which has been adjudged to be a major disease causing significant yield reduction in rice. It would be difficult to select rice crops with multiple genes of resistance using the conventional approach alone. This is due to masking effect of genes including epistasis. In addition, conventional breeding takes a lot of time before a gene of interest can be introgressed. Linkage drag is also a major challenge in conventional approach. Molecular breeding involving markers has facilitated the characterization and introgression of BLB disease resistance genes. Biotechnology has brought another innovation in form of genetic engineering (transgenesis) of rice. Although, molecular breeding cannot be taken as a substitute for conventional breeding, molecular approach for combating BLB disease in rice is worthwhile given the demand for increased production of rice in a fast growing population of our society. This present article highlights the recent progress from conventional to molecular approach in breeding for BLB disease resistant rice varieties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Resistance*
  12. Kaur R, Lal SK
    Rev Med Virol, 2020 03;30(2):e2097.
    PMID: 31989716 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2097
    Viruses are obligate parasites known to interact with a wide variety of host proteins at different stages of infection. Current antiviral treatments target viral proteins and may be compromised due to the emergence of drug resistant viral strains. Targeting viral-host interactions is now gaining recognition as an alternative approach against viral infections. Recent research has revealed that heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein A1, an RNA-binding protein, plays an essential functional and regulatory role in the life cycle of many viruses. In this review, we summarize the interactions between heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) and multiple viral proteins during the life cycle of RNA and DNA viruses. hnRNPA1 protein levels are modulated differently, in different viruses, which further dictates its stability, function, and intracellular localization. Multiple reports have emphasized that in Sindbis virus, enteroviruses, porcine endemic diarrhea virus, and rhinovirus infection, hnRNPA1 enhances viral replication and survival. However, in others like hepatitis C virus and human T-cell lymphotropic virus, it exerts a protective response. The involvement of hnRNPA1 in viral infections highlights its importance as a central regulator of host and viral gene expression. Understanding the nature of these interactions will increase our understanding of specific viral infections and pathogenesis and eventually aid in the development of novel and robust antiviral intervention strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Susceptibility*
  13. Barber BE, Rajahram GS, Grigg MJ, William T, Anstey NM
    Malar J, 2017 03 31;16(1):135.
    PMID: 28359340 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1787-y
    BACKGROUND: The 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) World Malaria Report documents substantial progress towards control and elimination of malaria. However, major challenges remain. In some regions of Southeast Asia, the simian parasite Plasmodium knowlesi has emerged as an important cause of human malaria, and the authors believe this species warrants regular inclusion in the World Malaria Report.

    MAIN TEXT: Plasmodium knowlesi is the most common cause of malaria in Malaysia, and cases have also been reported in nearly all countries of Southeast Asia. Outside of Malaysia, P. knowlesi is frequently misdiagnosed by microscopy as Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax. Thus, P. knowlesi may be underdiagnosed in affected regions and its true incidence underestimated. Acknowledgement in the World Malaria Report of the regional importance of P. knowlesi will facilitate efforts to improve surveillance of this emerging parasite. Furthermore, increased recognition will likely lead to improved delivery of effective treatment for this potentially fatal infection, as has occurred in Malaysia where P. knowlesi case-fatality rates have fallen despite rising incidence. In a number of knowlesi-endemic countries, substantial progress has been made towards the elimination of P. vivax and P. falciparum. However, efforts to eliminate these human-only species should not preclude efforts to reduce human malaria from P. knowlesi. The regional importance of knowlesi malaria was recognized by the WHO with its recent Evidence Review Group meeting on knowlesi malaria to address strategies for prevention and mitigation.

    CONCLUSION: The WHO World Malaria Report has an appropriate focus on falciparum and vivax malaria, the major causes of global mortality and morbidity. However, the authors hope that in future years this important publication will also incorporate data on the progress and challenges in reducing knowlesi malaria in regions where transmission occurs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Disease Control/methods
  14. Narula N, Wong ECL, Dehghan M, Mente A, Rangarajan S, Lanas F, et al.
    BMJ, 2021 07 14;374:n1554.
    PMID: 34261638 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n1554
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation between intake of ultra-processed food and risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

    DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

    SETTING: 21 low, middle, and high income countries across seven geographical regions (Europe and North America, South America, Africa, Middle East, south Asia, South East Asia, and China).

    PARTICIPANTS: 116 087 adults aged 35-70 years with at least one cycle of follow-up and complete baseline food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data (country specific validated FFQs were used to document baseline dietary intake). Participants were followed prospectively at least every three years.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was development of IBD, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Associations between ultra-processed food intake and risk of IBD were assessed using Cox proportional hazard multivariable models. Results are presented as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

    RESULTS: Participants were enrolled in the study between 2003 and 2016. During the median follow-up of 9.7 years (interquartile range 8.9-11.2 years), 467 participants developed incident IBD (90 with Crohn's disease and 377 with ulcerative colitis). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, higher intake of ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of incident IBD (hazard ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 2.72 for ≥5 servings/day and 1.67, 1.18 to 2.37 for 1-4 servings/day compared with <1 serving/day, P=0.006 for trend). Different subgroups of ultra-processed food, including soft drinks, refined sweetened foods, salty snacks, and processed meat, each were associated with higher hazard ratios for IBD. Results were consistent for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with low heterogeneity. Intakes of white meat, red meat, dairy, starch, and fruit, vegetables, and legumes were not associated with incident IBD.

    CONCLUSIONS: Higher intake of ultra-processed food was positively associated with risk of IBD. Further studies are needed to identify the contributory factors within ultra-processed foods.

    STUDY REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03225586.

    Matched MeSH terms: Crohn Disease/epidemiology*
  15. Chan Y, Ng SW, Mehta M, Gupta G, Chellappan DK, Dua K
    Future Med Chem, 2020 11;12(21):1887-1890.
    PMID: 33054387 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0206
    Matched MeSH terms: Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy
  16. Ching BH, Mohamed AR, Khoo TB, Ismail HI
    Mult Scler, 2015 Aug;21(9):1209-11.
    PMID: 26199345 DOI: 10.1177/1352458515593404
    Multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (MDEM) followed by optic neuritis (ON) has been described as a new entity in recent years. Gluten encephalopathy has also been recognized as a neurological manifestation of celiac disease. Accurate diagnosis of both is important due to the therapeutic implications. We report a girl presenting with recurrent encephalopathic polyfocal demyelinating episodes followed by optic neuritis, and a clinical history suggestive of gluten sensitivity. She had persistently high ESR, neutrophilia, and tested positive for anti-MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) antibody. She responded well to methylprednisolone in each relapse, and achieved remission for a year after azathioprine was added.
    Matched MeSH terms: Celiac Disease/complications*
  17. Foo LS, Yap WS, Hum YC, Manan HA, Tee YK
    J Magn Reson, 2020 01;310:106648.
    PMID: 31760147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2019.106648
    Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) holds great potential to provide new metabolic information for clinical applications such as tumor, stroke and Parkinson's Disease diagnosis. Many active research and developments have been conducted to translate this emerging MRI technique for routine clinical applications. In general, there are two CEST quantification techniques: (i) model-free and (ii) model-based techniques. The reliability of these quantification techniques depends heavily on the experimental conditions and quality of the collected data. Errors such as noise may lead to misleading quantification results and thus inaccurate diagnosis when CEST imaging becomes a standard or routine imaging scan in the future. This paper investigates the accuracy and robustness of these quantification techniques under different signal-to-noise (SNR) levels and magnetic field strengths. The quantified CEST effect before and after adding random Gaussian White Noise using model-free and model-based quantification techniques were compared. It was found that the model-free technique consistently yielded larger average percentage error across all tested parameters compared to its model-based counterpart, and that the model-based technique could withstand SNR of about 3 times lower than the model-free technique. When applied on noisy brain tumor, ischemic stroke, and Parkinson's Disease clinical data, the model-free technique failed to produce significant differences between normal and abnormal tissue whereas the model-based technique consistently generated significant differences. Although the model-free technique was less accurate and robust, its simplicity and thus speed would still make it a good approximate when the SNR was high (>50) or when the CEST effect was large and well-defined. For more accurate CEST quantification, model-based techniques should be considered. When SNR was low (<50) and the CEST effect was small such as those acquired from clinical field strength scanners, which are generally 3T and below, model-based techniques should be considered over model-free counterpart to maintain an average percentage error of less than 44% even under very noisy condition as tested in this work.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parkinson Disease/diagnosis
  18. Rozilawati H, Tanaselvi K, Nazni WA, Mohd Masri S, Zairi J, Adanan CR, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2015 Mar;32(1):49-64.
    PMID: 25801254 MyJurnal
    Entomological surveillance was conducted in order to determine the abundance and to evaluate any changes of biological vectors or ecology, especially in the dengue outbreak areas. The abundance and breeding preference of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti were conducted in selected dengue outbreak localities in three states of peninsular Malaysia namely Selangor, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and Penang Island using ovitraps and larval survey method. It was determined that Ae. albopictus was predominant in most of the localities and found to breed more outdoor than indoor. A wide range of breeding foci were recorded in this study. It was also determined that ovitrap method was more effective to detect the presence of Aedes mosquitoes when the larval survey was at low rate of infestation. The abundance of Ae. albopictus in dengue outbreak localities emphasis that the vector control programme should also target this species together with the primary dengue vector, Ae. aegypti.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  19. Fariz-Safhan MN, Tee HP, Abu Dzarr GA, Sapari S, Lee YY
    Trop Biomed, 2014 Jun;31(2):270-80.
    PMID: 25134895 MyJurnal
    During a dengue outbreak in 2005 in the East-coast region of Peninsular Malaysia, one of the worst hit areas in the country at that time, we undertook a prospective study. We aimed to describe the bleeding outcome and changes in the liver and hematologic profiles that were associated with major bleeding outcome during the outbreak. All suspected cases of dengue admitted into the only referral hospital in the region during the outbreak were screened for WHO 2002 criteria and serology. Liver function, hematologic profile and severity of bleeding outcome were carefully documented. The association between symptoms, liver and hematologic impairments with the type of dengue infection (classical vs. hemorrhagic) and bleeding outcome (major vs. non-major) was tested. Dengue fever was confirmed in 183 cases (12.5/100,000 population) and 144 cases were analysed. 59.7% were dengue hemorrhagic fever, 3.5% were dengue shock syndrome and there were 3 in-hospital deaths. Major bleeding outcome (gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding or haemoptysis) was present in 14.6%. Elevated AST, ALT and bilirubin were associated with increasing severity of bleeding outcome (all P < 0.05). Platelet count and albumin level were inversely associated with increasing severity of bleeding outcome (both P < 0.001). With multivariable analysis, dengue hemorrhagic fever was more likely in the presence of abdominal pain (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.02- 1.6) and elevated AST (OR 1.0, 95% CI 1.0-1.1) but the presence of pleural effusion (OR 5.8, 95% CI: 1.1-29.9) and elevated AST (OR 1.008, 95% CI: 1.005-1.01) predicted a severe bleeding outcome. As a conclusion, the common presence of a severe hemorrhagic form of dengue fever may explain the rising death toll in recent outbreaks and the worst impairment in liver and hematologic profiles was seen in major bleeding outcome.
    Study site: Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  20. Abu Hassan A, Hamady D, Tomomitsu S, Michael B, Jameel S L AS
    Trop Biomed, 2010 Dec;27(3):404-16.
    PMID: 21399580 MyJurnal
    Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus activity is an important cause of viral encephalitis in Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, JEV activity has been first detected in Culex gelidus in 1976. Since then, no study has fully addressed the seasonal dynamics of this mosquito. As irrigated rice production expands, the incidence of JEV vectors, particularly Cx. gelidus is expected to increase. We surveyed Penang Island to determine the breeding patterns of Cx. gelidus and their potential insect predators, in relation to habitat/niche and rice growing period. Six rice fields proper (RFP) and related drainage canals (DC) were visited through three cultivation cycles (CCs) over 17 months. Weekly visits were performed to each of the 36 sites and mosquito larvae and aquatic insects were sampled from RFP and DCs using dippers. Culex gelidus was abundant in RFP and almost absent in DCs. Its densities usually were high during the first and 3rd CC and when the RFs were in Fp, Pp and Gp. In DCs, the mosquito was abundant during Mp, e.g., 2nd CC. Predators, especially those belonging to the families Corixidae, Coenagrionidae and Dytiscidae, were more present in RFP. Predator numbers usually were high during the first CC; in some cases predator abundance peaked during other CCs, e.g., corixids and dysticids. In RFP, neither corixids nor coenagrionids showed any positive correlation with densities of Cx. gelidus. However, dytiscids' population peaked when the mosquito densities were on the rise. These observations suggest that Cx. gelidus is active during the period of rice cultivation. Operational vector control through bio-control or with insecticides near the end of the rice cultivation season in RFP may prove beneficial in reducing the density of Cx. gelidus, but also the amount of bio-agent or insecticide applied on riceland.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Vectors*
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