Background: Studies on the anthropometric, physical and physiological characteristics among Malaysian Paralympic powerlifters are limited. This study examined the sociodemographic, clinical information and anthropometric physical parameters of Paralympic powerlifters in Malaysia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a Powerlifting Workshop and National Championship in 2016. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on powerlifters’ sociodemographic, sports participation history and medical information. All participants underwent a structured physical medical examination and anthropometric assessments.
Results: Fifty-two powerlifters participated in this study. Mean age of participants was 24.50±SD8.25 year. The majority of the participants were men (82.7%) and most had spinal cord injury (34.6%) or amputation of the lower limb (26.9%). Most of the powerlifters competed at district and state level championships and 42.3% had represented Malaysia at international competitions. Women powerlifters had a significantly higher amount of body fat compared to men (35.61% vs 19.80%; p=0.003). Male power-lifters had significantly longer arm and forearm length (30.10±IQR3.00 cm vs 23.00±IQR2.13 cm; p=0.020). A significantly positive relationship was found between age, experience, weight, BMI, LBM, arm circumferences (relaxed and tensed) and the powerlifter’s best lift. Age, experience, body weight, BMI, lean body mass, body fat, hip circumference and arm circumferences (relaxed and tensed) met the criteria for inclusion in a multivariate model. Years of experience and non-dominant arm circumference (tensed) were significant predictors of best lifts among powerlifters.
Conclusion: In conclusion, assessment of anthropometric measures could be useful in monitoring athletes’ progress with training and have a role in the talent identification program for Paralympic powerlifters.
Graft-versus-host Disease (GVHD) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic
stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). In spite of immune-suppressive prophylaxis, most survivors suffer from
acute and chronic GVHD (aGVHD and cGVHD). The outcome of alloHSCT may be affected by the presence of
single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in non-HLA genes including those involved in innate immune responses.
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and caspase recruitment
domain 15 (NOD2/CARD15) gene polymorphisms on the incidence and severity of aGVHD and cGVHD following
alloHSCT. A structured literature review was carried out using various keywords and MESH terms such as
stem cell transplantation, allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, GVHD, and non-HLA gene
polymorphism, in PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Database. A total of 8 studies that met inclusion
criteria (English publications from 2006 to 2017) were included. Ten SNPs in CTLA-4 gene and three SNPs in
NOD2/CARD15 gene were tested in patients with underlying haematological malignancies. Four studies tested
the SNPs of CTLA-4 gene and two were found to have an association with CTLA-4 SNPs (rs3087243, rs231775)
and increased incidence of aGVHD. The other four studies tested the SNPs of NOD2/CARD15 gene and one
found an association between SNP13 and increased incidence of aGVHD. None of these eight studies found
any effect on severity of GVHD. In conclusion, two SNPs in CTLA-4 and one SNP in NOD2/CARD15 increased
the incidence of aGVHD but not its severity. The higher incidence of aGVHD in studies with larger sample size
could support the impact of SNPs in the outcome of alloHSCT. However, due to the heterogeneity of studies in
regard to the age of patients and donor, and conditioning regimen, it is difficult to draw a definite conclusion.
Aortic dissection (AD) is a rare cardiovascular emergency with a high rate of mortality. Most patients present with typical signs and symptoms of AD. However, atypical presentation increases risk of delay in diagnosis and treatment. Patients may present with syncope, seizures or other neurological symptoms which may deceive the diagnosis of AD. Dissection can be in the acute or chronic phase, but there has been no documentation of an acute dissection which occurs in a chronic dissection. We hereby to report a case of an acute on chronic thoraco-abdominal dissection.
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a widely accepted procedure for the treatment of large, fullthickness chondral defects involving various joints, but its use in developing countries is limited because of high cost and failure rates due to limited resources and support systems. Five patients (age
Healthy lifestyle issues have been very much in the news in both the lay press and the medical journals. The incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases is increasing worldwide and it is no different in Malaysia. Preventing and decreasing the incidence is related to lifestyle issues.
A comparative study was carried out to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation among students in 3 different types of primary school localed in Ampang area, Kuala Lumpur. A survey of infection rate was done from April 10 June 2001. Stool samples were randomly collected from one·hundred and eleven schoolchildren aged 9-12 years were examined for intestinal parasites, using a light microscope (or direct smear and after concentration for formol-either method. It was found that an overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infection of schoolchildren was 51%. The infection rate of males and females was (60.3%) and (29.2%) respectively. Prevalence seems to be higher in the younger age groups. Also, the usual intestinal parasites were found more commonly in local and foreign schools than international schooL The local school had the highest prevalence (62%), followed by the foreign school (52%) and international school (38.9%). The prevalence in the international school was much lower compared to the local and foreign schools. KEYWORDS: Intestinal parasites, faecal samples, prevalence, schoolchildren
Four calves from each group of purebred Kedah kelantan (KK), halfbred KK X Friesian, and quarterbred KK X Friesian were experimentally infested with Boophilus micropills larvae. Two calves from each genotype were injected, intramuscularly with antihistamine while the remaining two animals in each genotype received the same dose of antihistamine and dexamethasone. Dexamethasone combined anti-histamine treatment suppress tick resistance as manifested by the production of higher number of engorged female ticks, higher mean weight of replete ticks, mean weight of eggs and mean number of larvae hatched from 1 g of eggs. In anti-histamine treated animals there was no reduction of resistant in all animals as manifested by a few ticks were able to feed successfully. At 1, 2, and 3 hours post-larval attachment in anti-histamine and dexamethasone treated cattle there was complete ablation of the cellular infiltration in the dermis beneath the tick mouthparts, especially eosinophil and basophils. There was little destruction of tissue. However, in anti-histamine treated cattle there were more cellular infiltration and degranulation in the dermis. The cells infiltrating the dermis were mainly eosinophils followed by neutrophs, mast cells and basophils and some of these cells showed sign of degranulation. At 24 hours postlarval attachment, animals lTeated with anti-histamine and dexamethasone showed reduction of, cellular infiltration, degranulation, size of the epidermal lesion and tissue damage. The neutrophils were the predominant cells within the epidermal lesions. However, animals in anti-histamine treatment showed edema, more cellular infiltration and degranulation, and destruction of tissues as compared to antihistamine and dexamethasone treated animals. In anti-histamine treated cattle the epidermal lesions were obviously larger and the percentage of eosinophils and basophils were higher than those of antihistamine and dexamethasone treated animals. KEYWORDS: Kedah-Kelantan cattle, KK X Friesian callie, B. micropflls, dexamethasone, antihistamine, cellular response.
Long-distance running has gathered some momentum among health-conscious participants. However, some
studies have revealed association between long-distance running and development of acute kidney injury.
Although the impact usually lasts only for a few days after the event, some participants have been admitted for
severe acute kidney injury, the minority of which require dialysis treatment. The mechanisms underlying the
injury may include dehydration, development of rhabdomyolysis, heat stroke and concomitant use of NSAIDS.
Unfortunately, there is no long-term follow-up study to determine the long-term effect on kidney function.
Acute hyponatremia may develop in a significant proportion of long-distance runners. Majority of them were
asymptomatic but a few fatal cases which were supposedly due to cerebral oedema have been reported.
Excessive intake of hypotonic drinks, excessive sweating and secretion of non-osmotic antidiuretic hormone
have been postulated to be the causes of hyponatremia. This mini review will discuss the pathophysiology of
the development of acute kidney injury and hyponatremia. It will also discuss the prevention and treatment
of both conditions.
The effects of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection on human fibroblast cell genomes were investigated using agarose gel electrophoresis. At selected intervals post-infection (PI), cellular D N A from mock-treated and HCMV-infected cells were prepared in low melting point agarose plugs. Results obtained following electrophoresis of the cellular D N A indicate that HCMV infection did not result in extensive degradation of the cellular DNA, even in samples obtained from cells which showed > 95% cytopathologic effects. High molecular weight DNA (> 23 Kb) comparable to that of the mock-treated samples were noted in a l l HCMV infected DNA samples. Digestion of the DNA samples with restriction endonucleases, EcoR I, Not I, Sfi I, and Nru I, however, resulted in the appearance of smaller DNA fragments (< 23 Kb) in samples obtained on day 3, 4, and 5 PI. Since these DNA bands appeared only in the infected cells, it was likely that these were the HCMV genomic DNA fragments. Findings presented in this study support the notion that the cellular DNA of HCMVinfected cells could remained intact and functiona. KEYWORDS: Cytomegalovirus, chromosomes, DNA, genomes, restriction enzymes
A survey of career choices was conducted for two batches of physicians applying for a medical speciality course in Malaysian medical schools. There were a total of 952 applications, with 477 males and 475 females. Surgery ranked highest, followed by obstetrics and gynaecology, fanlily medicine and orthopaedic surgery. The minor specialities of otorhinolaryngology, psychiatry and pathology were the least popular choices. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 250 physicians in each batch to note factors affecting their choices of speciality. A total of 359 physicians responded, giving a response rate of 71.8%. Fixed hours of work and the ability to have direct contact with patients were relatively important factors for choice of speciality. Working as a clinical consultant was the nlost popular nature of employment while worliing in the health office, service consultant in a public hospital, a non-clinical lecturer in a university hospital and working in a private clinic were less popular choices for these physicians. KEYWORDS: Career choice; medical speciality; doctors; Malaysia.
Oral cavity malignancy reconstructive surgery has advanced from pedicle flaps to microvascular free tissue transfer. Previously, reconstruction of these defects were done using radial forearm free flaps in this centre. We report our experience using anterolateral thigh free flap in a 49 year old lady with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Excision of tumour left a defect which was later reconstructed using microvascular free tissue transfer using the right anterolateral thigh free flap. The flap was well taken up at the recepient site and no evidence of flap failure noted post operatively and on completion of radiotherapy. She was able to maintain comprehensible speech and swallowing ability.
Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common nerve compression neuropathy in the upper extremity. Intraneural ganglion cyst (IGC) within the ulnar nerve around the elbow, might present as CuTS. A 51-year-old Chinese man presented with paresthesia at the ulnar two digits of the left hand for one year. He was clinically diagnosed as severe CuTS. Nerve conduction study revealed marked axonal damage of the left ulnar nerve and ultrasonography showed a mass along the ulnar nerve, three centimetres proximal to the medial epicondyle, which was highly suggestive of Schwannoma. The mass was explored by a longitudinal incision. Intraoperatively, multiple cystic lesions were found within the epineurium of the ulnar nerve. Communication was seen between the elbow joint and the cyst. Swellings were partially excised under microscope. Decompression or partial excision of the cyst along with ligation of the articular branch should be the treatment of choice to prevent recurrence in case of IGC.
Social anxiety is explained as noticeable anxiety or fear in one or more social situations where the individual is exposed to possible analysis by others. This research is aimed to determine the association between perfectionism and social anxiety among adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia. A final sample of 327 participants, between 13 to 18 years old, was collected. Data collection was conducted in two public secondary schools and two private high schools in Selangor. This survey included three instruments of analysis: The Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale, Kutcher Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder Scale for Adolescents and Demographic Questionnaire. The results showed that there is a significant positive association between perfectionism and social anxiety. This study has proved the positive association between perfectionism and social anxiety among adolescents in Selangor, Malaysia. Therefore, it is important to identify those students with these issues and guide them in an effective way to overcome the issues.
Background:
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is one of the most frequent inherited metabolic disorders that can lead
to a risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Publications on FH are mainly from western patients as there is
little research on Asians, including Malaysians. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to- date information
on Malaysian studies on FH genotyping and its relation to the phenotype of the affected patients.
Method:
A search was conducted for data from online databases on FH in Malaysia.
Results:
The mutation spectrum for FH among Malaysian patients was extremely broad. The gene variants were located
mainly in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB-100) genes rather than
in the proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene. The exon 9 and 14 were the hotspots in the
LDLR gene. The most frequent mutation was p.Cys255Ser, at 12.5%, followed by p.Arg471Gly, at 11%, and the
most common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was c.1060+7 T>C at 11.7%. The LDLR gene variants were
more common compared to the APOB-100 gene variants, while variants in the PCSK9 gene were very few.
Phenotype-genotype associations were identified. Subjects with LDLR and APOB-100 genes mutations had a
higher frequency of cardiovascular disease, a family history of hyperlipidaemia and tendon xanthoma and a
higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level than non-carriers.
Conclusion:
Research on Malaysian familial hypercholesterolaemic patients by individual groups is encouraging. However,
more extensive molecular studies on FH on a national scale, with a screening of the disease-causing mutations
together with a comprehensive genotype-phenotype association study, can lead to a better outcome for
patients with the disease.
Primary parotid lymphoma is uncommon and rarely suspected. In most cases, the disease would have disseminated at the time of diagnosis. We describe a case of primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the parotid gland which progressed to the central nervous system. Clinical history is of limited value in identifying this condition. Diagnostic imaging studies (CT or MRI) may indicate whether or not the mass is salivary in origin but do not help to confirm the diagnosis. In this case, it was deemed that FNA alone is incapable of determining the precise histological subtype for lymphoma, whilst a tru-cut biopsy demonstrated a more sensitive method of determining the diagnosis. The lessons learned from this case would prove useful for other health care providers to make an early diagnosis and hopefully manage more effectively if similar conditions appear in their practice. Performing the appropriate measures can help to not only improve the prognosis but may even avert the prospect of unnecessary surgery.
The present study reports the performance of final year medical students from the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in the end of the senior surgical posting examination (SSP) with the aim to demonstrate the medical students graduating from this newly established university are of good standing and of improving quality. A study on the outcome of the method of teaching conducted on this study was performed by measuring the students’ performance continuously and at the end of their posting. The present data analyses demonstrate that there have been improvements in the medical students’ performance between the last two batches of students graduating from UMS. However, the students appear to be weaker in their MCQs, demonstrating a decline in theoretical knowledge. The analyses also demonstrate that there is a poor positive correlation between theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and/or continuous assessments, demonstrating the importance of emphasis in these 3 areas amongst medical students. Further studies may be required to determine the reason for this poor correlation since these may lead to better understanding on how to improve the overall performance of future medical student. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that UMS medical student appears to continue to improve in their SSP performance although there are concerns about the decline in theoretical knowledge.