Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.12
Nik Azis, S. Karim, M. Mohamad, N. Mustafah
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate scuba diving induced exercise response in novice divers as required in open water scuba diving certification. Methods: Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed in 30 novice divers before and within 24 hours after a standard scuba diving open water certification diving protocol of four open water dives. Results: A significant increase in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in mL·kg-1·min-1 after scuba diving training [25.84 (6.0) vs. 27.04 (7.0)] (p<0.05) suggestive of an increase in exercise performance. Ventilatory drive (VE/VCO2) also showed a significant increase 27.95 (2.7) vs. 30.07 (5.3). Ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), blood pressure and lung function parameters showed no significant differences with open water scuba diving certification training. Conclusion: In novice divers, repeated training exposure during open water scuba diving certification results in increased cardiorespiratory fitness. Although further corroborating studies are needed, this would suggest that recreational scuba diving may be an option for exercise promotion in the future.
{"title":"EFFECT OF RECREATIONAL SCUBA DIVING ON CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS IN MALAYSIAN NOVICE DIVERS","authors":"Nik Azis, S. Karim, M. Mohamad, N. Mustafah","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.12","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate scuba diving induced exercise response in novice divers as required in open water scuba diving certification. Methods: Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed in 30 novice divers before and within 24 hours after a standard scuba diving open water certification diving protocol of four open water dives. Results: A significant increase in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in mL·kg-1·min-1 after scuba diving training [25.84 (6.0) vs. 27.04 (7.0)] (p<0.05) suggestive of an increase in exercise performance. Ventilatory drive (VE/VCO2) also showed a significant increase 27.95 (2.7) vs. 30.07 (5.3). Ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), blood pressure and lung function parameters showed no significant differences with open water scuba diving certification training. Conclusion: In novice divers, repeated training exposure during open water scuba diving certification results in increased cardiorespiratory fitness. Although further corroborating studies are needed, this would suggest that recreational scuba diving may be an option for exercise promotion in the future.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49225054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.15
J. Tan, D. A. A. Dahlan
Introduction: Ureteric obstruction commonly presents as a urological emergency requiring urgent intervention with urinary diversion. Double J stenting (DJS) is the preferred option to relieve ureteric tract obstruction in our centre. Objective: Our study aims to determine the feasibility and outcomes of DJS by general surgeons and medical officers in a hospital without a resident urologist and to identify the possible predictive factors for successful DJS. Methods: This is a clinical audit of all patients scheduled for DJS in Hospital Bintulu, Sarawak, from January 2017 to March 2020. A total of 57 patients were included. Socio-demographic data and factors predicting success rate, i.e., level of ureteric obstruction and its causes (intrinsic or extrinsic), diagnosis, size and nature of stone(s), degree of hydronephrosis and pre-operative renal profile, were collected. Success rate and postoperative outcomes for all successful cases were evaluated. Bivariate statistical analyses were used to investigate the association of predictive factors with the success rate of DJS. Results: Double J stenting was successful in 63.2% (36 cases) of our total samples of 57 cases. Out of 36 successful cases, 82.1% of the cases were able to return to baseline renal profile within 14 days and 83.3% did not develop fever within 3 days post-operative. The post-operative mean length of stay was 3.16 days and post-operative day 1 mean pain score was 0.72. Causes of obstruction by intrinsic factors, urolithiasis, pre-operative normal serum creatinine (<106 µmol/L) were associated with successful DJS. Conclusion: Double J stenting is feasible and safe to be done in a hospital without a resident urologist with available facilities despite the limitations.
{"title":"FEASIBILITY AND OUTCOMES OF DOUBLE J STENTING: AN AUDIT IN A HOSPITAL WITHOUT RESIDENT UROLOGIST IN MALAYSIA","authors":"J. Tan, D. A. A. Dahlan","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.15","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Ureteric obstruction commonly presents as a urological emergency requiring urgent intervention with urinary diversion. Double J stenting (DJS) is the preferred option to relieve ureteric tract obstruction in our centre. Objective: Our study aims to determine the feasibility and outcomes of DJS by general surgeons and medical officers in a hospital without a resident urologist and to identify the possible predictive factors for successful DJS. Methods: This is a clinical audit of all patients scheduled for DJS in Hospital Bintulu, Sarawak, from January 2017 to March 2020. A total of 57 patients were included. Socio-demographic data and factors predicting success rate, i.e., level of ureteric obstruction and its causes (intrinsic or extrinsic), diagnosis, size and nature of stone(s), degree of hydronephrosis and pre-operative renal profile, were collected. Success rate and postoperative outcomes for all successful cases were evaluated. Bivariate statistical analyses were used to investigate the association of predictive factors with the success rate of DJS. Results: Double J stenting was successful in 63.2% (36 cases) of our total samples of 57 cases. Out of 36 successful cases, 82.1% of the cases were able to return to baseline renal profile within 14 days and 83.3% did not develop fever within 3 days post-operative. The post-operative mean length of stay was 3.16 days and post-operative day 1 mean pain score was 0.72. Causes of obstruction by intrinsic factors, urolithiasis, pre-operative normal serum creatinine (<106 µmol/L) were associated with successful DJS. Conclusion: Double J stenting is feasible and safe to be done in a hospital without a resident urologist with available facilities despite the limitations.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48217982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.7
A. Malik, Soha E.A. Al-Sayed, M. Elfath, H. Musa, Amgad O. Abdelalim, Yasir Hassan, M. I. Saeed
Bilharziasis is a tropical parasitic disease caused by different species of the genus Schistosoma. One species, S. haematobium, is widely spread in Sudan. There is a scarcity of information about S. haematobium infection among the fishermen in the country. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of S. haematobium infection among fishermen, and the immune status among non-infected fishermen in two villages, El Hadib and Hawer-Ajowel at the White Nile state in Sudan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 119 fishermen in addition to 20 samples from non-endemic area which were included as a control group. Urine samples were examined by sedimentation method and faecal samples were examined by the Kato Katz method and formalin-ether concentration technique. Blood samples were examined for enumeration of IgE antibody and cytokines, interferon Gamma (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Interleukin10 (IL–10) levels using ELISA. The result of the study indicated that the overall prevalence of S. haematobium among the fishermen was 35 (29.41 %). Of the 35 positive participants, 23 (65.71 %) were infected for the first time, and 12 (34.29 %) for the second time (re-infection). Twenty-four candidates of the non-infected fishermen were included in the immunological study. The total IgE mean titer was 282.90 ±70.93 iu/ml, IFN-γ mean level was 9.62±4.60 pg/ml. TNF, 114.64±46.63 pg/ml and the IL–10 was 1.51±0.58 pg/ml. High prevalence of S. haematobium exists among fishermen and the non-infected fishermen from the endemic area showed high immune response similar to those exposed to the infection.
{"title":"PREVALENCE AND IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM AMONG NON-INFECTED FISHERMEN IN WHITE NILE STATE, SUDAN","authors":"A. Malik, Soha E.A. Al-Sayed, M. Elfath, H. Musa, Amgad O. Abdelalim, Yasir Hassan, M. I. Saeed","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.7","url":null,"abstract":"Bilharziasis is a tropical parasitic disease caused by different species of the genus Schistosoma. One species, S. haematobium, is widely spread in Sudan. There is a scarcity of information about S. haematobium infection among the fishermen in the country. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of S. haematobium infection among fishermen, and the immune status among non-infected fishermen in two villages, El Hadib and Hawer-Ajowel at the White Nile state in Sudan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 119 fishermen in addition to 20 samples from non-endemic area which were included as a control group. Urine samples were examined by sedimentation method and faecal samples were examined by the Kato Katz method and formalin-ether concentration technique. Blood samples were examined for enumeration of IgE antibody and cytokines, interferon Gamma (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Interleukin10 (IL–10) levels using ELISA. The result of the study indicated that the overall prevalence of S. haematobium among the fishermen was 35 (29.41 %). Of the 35 positive participants, 23 (65.71 %) were infected for the first time, and 12 (34.29 %) for the second time (re-infection). Twenty-four candidates of the non-infected fishermen were included in the immunological study. The total IgE mean titer was 282.90 ±70.93 iu/ml, IFN-γ mean level was 9.62±4.60 pg/ml. TNF, 114.64±46.63 pg/ml and the IL–10 was 1.51±0.58 pg/ml. High prevalence of S. haematobium exists among fishermen and the non-infected fishermen from the endemic area showed high immune response similar to those exposed to the infection.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46407894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.4
Ghee Seong Lim, Muaiyed Buzayan, A. Elkezza, K. Sekar
Introduction: Flexible denture is an alternative treatment modality for removable partial denture (RPD) that aid the retention by ensuring seal around the entire border of the denture. It is also referred as hypoallergenic denture especially for those who are allergic towards conventional acrylic denture which is the poly-methylmethacrylate monomer (PMMA) and metal (cobalt chromium). The flexible material exhibits lower flexural modulus than conventional type of baseplate material denture that makes it nearly unbreakable. Nowadays, there are a handful of different flexible materials in the dental market for the general dental practitioners to choose but somehow the studies on the properties of these different types of flexible materials are sparse. Objectives: The present study is to study the development of the flexible materials, the different type of flexible materials and their physical properties. Methods: From the limited article journals available, the authors have summarized the history, development and constituents of different type of flexible materials used in fabricating denture. Besides that, the authors also discussed about the indications, contraindications, advantages and disadvantages of the materials in denture constructions based on all the published researches available on this topic using published materials available in the dental library, University of Malaya and the databases (Science Direct, PubMed). Conclusion: Each flexible material has its pros and cons. Therefore, careful selection of material and understanding of the flexible dentures’ indications and contraindications are utmost importance to make sure the best treatment outcome. Hence, patients’ best interest and quality of life can be upheld.
{"title":"THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLEXIBLE DENTURE MATERIALS AND CONCEPT: A NARRATIVE REVIEW","authors":"Ghee Seong Lim, Muaiyed Buzayan, A. Elkezza, K. Sekar","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.4","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Flexible denture is an alternative treatment modality for removable partial denture (RPD) that aid the retention by ensuring seal around the entire border of the denture. It is also referred as hypoallergenic denture especially for those who are allergic towards conventional acrylic denture which is the poly-methylmethacrylate monomer (PMMA) and metal (cobalt chromium). The flexible material exhibits lower flexural modulus than conventional type of baseplate material denture that makes it nearly unbreakable. Nowadays, there are a handful of different flexible materials in the dental market for the general dental practitioners to choose but somehow the studies on the properties of these different types of flexible materials are sparse. Objectives: The present study is to study the development of the flexible materials, the different type of flexible materials and their physical properties. Methods: From the limited article journals available, the authors have summarized the history, development and constituents of different type of flexible materials used in fabricating denture. Besides that, the authors also discussed about the indications, contraindications, advantages and disadvantages of the materials in denture constructions based on all the published researches available on this topic using published materials available in the dental library, University of Malaya and the databases (Science Direct, PubMed). Conclusion: Each flexible material has its pros and cons. Therefore, careful selection of material and understanding of the flexible dentures’ indications and contraindications are utmost importance to make sure the best treatment outcome. Hence, patients’ best interest and quality of life can be upheld.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41820366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.14
B. Pal, Sook Vui Chong, Aung Win Thein, Ava Gwak Mui Tay, H. Soe, Sudipta Pal
Introduction: Medical simulation is a technique that allows interactive and immersive activity by recreating all or part of a clinical experience without exposing the patients to the antecedent risks. High-fidelity patient simulation-based teaching is an innovative and efficient method to address increasing student enrolment, faculty shortages and restricted clinical sites. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of high-fidelity patient simulation (HFPS) as compared to video-assisted lecture-based teaching method (VALB) among undergraduate medical students. Methods: The study was a Randomized Controlled Trial which involved 56 final year undergraduate medical students. The effectiveness of teaching based on HFPS (intervention group) and VALB (control group), on acquisition of knowledge, was assessed by multiple choice questions (MCQs) in the first and fourth week. Similarly, the skills competency was assessed by objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in the second and fourth week. Mean and standard deviation (SD) for total score of knowledge and skills assessments were used as outcome measures. P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: In both groups, students had significant higher mean MCQ scores at Post-tests. The intervention group had higher mean change score of MCQ marks than the control group but the difference was not statistically significant. In both the first and second skills assessments, mean OSCE scores for intervention group were higher than control group but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: There was significant gain in knowledge in both methods of teaching but did not reach statistical difference in terms of skills enhancement in the intervention group as compared to the control group.
{"title":"IS HIGH-FIDELITY PATIENT SIMULATION-BASED TEACHING SUPERIOR TO VIDEO-ASSISTED LECTUREBASED TEACHING IN ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS?","authors":"B. Pal, Sook Vui Chong, Aung Win Thein, Ava Gwak Mui Tay, H. Soe, Sudipta Pal","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.14","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Medical simulation is a technique that allows interactive and immersive activity by recreating all or part of a clinical experience without exposing the patients to the antecedent risks. High-fidelity patient simulation-based teaching is an innovative and efficient method to address increasing student enrolment, faculty shortages and restricted clinical sites. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of high-fidelity patient simulation (HFPS) as compared to video-assisted lecture-based teaching method (VALB) among undergraduate medical students. Methods: The study was a Randomized Controlled Trial which involved 56 final year undergraduate medical students. The effectiveness of teaching based on HFPS (intervention group) and VALB (control group), on acquisition of knowledge, was assessed by multiple choice questions (MCQs) in the first and fourth week. Similarly, the skills competency was assessed by objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in the second and fourth week. Mean and standard deviation (SD) for total score of knowledge and skills assessments were used as outcome measures. P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: In both groups, students had significant higher mean MCQ scores at Post-tests. The intervention group had higher mean change score of MCQ marks than the control group but the difference was not statistically significant. In both the first and second skills assessments, mean OSCE scores for intervention group were higher than control group but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: There was significant gain in knowledge in both methods of teaching but did not reach statistical difference in terms of skills enhancement in the intervention group as compared to the control group.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47685289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.9
Farah Kh. Al-Ttaie, Zea A.M. Aljawadi
Examining the impact of obesity on infertility among women. Via eleven biochemical parameters, such as progesterone, estrogen, Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating-Hormone, Prolactin, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Thyroid-Stimulating-Hormone, Very-Low-Density-Lipoprotein, High-Density-Lipoprotein, and Low- DensityLipoprotein, were tested in 107 women with infertility and 54 control group. The Results showed There was a significant elevation in the concentration of estrogen, LH, prolactin, TSH, cholesterol, TG, VLDL and LDL in infertile women, compared to the healthy women at a significant level of P = 0.025 (72.1 ± 30.9 pg/mL), P = 0.016 (6.19 ± 3.0 mlU/mL), P = 0.02 (32.7 ± 21.5 pg/mL), P = 0.0013 (2.09 ± 1.04 µlU/mL), P = 0.001(186.3 ± 34.1mg/dL), P = 0.001 (162.5 ± 83.7 mg/dL), P = 0 008 (32.5 ± 16.6 mg/dL) and P = 0.007 (113.3 ± 34.4 mg/ dL), respectively. Obesity had a strong positive relationship with LH, cholesterol, TG, VLDL, and LDL, whereas an unwanted correlation with HDL was noted. Also, an association has been found between hormonal and biochemical parameters, and WHR and BMI. WHR demonstrated a significant negative correlation to HDL. Finally, the study showed that obesity is a new indicator of increasing the infertility risk for women of all ages through BMI and WHR.
{"title":"HORMONAL AND BIOCHEMICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF OBESITY ON WOMEN INFERTILITY","authors":"Farah Kh. Al-Ttaie, Zea A.M. Aljawadi","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.9","url":null,"abstract":"Examining the impact of obesity on infertility among women. Via eleven biochemical parameters, such as progesterone, estrogen, Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating-Hormone, Prolactin, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Thyroid-Stimulating-Hormone, Very-Low-Density-Lipoprotein, High-Density-Lipoprotein, and Low- DensityLipoprotein, were tested in 107 women with infertility and 54 control group. The Results showed There was a significant elevation in the concentration of estrogen, LH, prolactin, TSH, cholesterol, TG, VLDL and LDL in infertile women, compared to the healthy women at a significant level of P = 0.025 (72.1 ± 30.9 pg/mL), P = 0.016 (6.19 ± 3.0 mlU/mL), P = 0.02 (32.7 ± 21.5 pg/mL), P = 0.0013 (2.09 ± 1.04 µlU/mL), P = 0.001(186.3 ± 34.1mg/dL), P = 0.001 (162.5 ± 83.7 mg/dL), P = 0 008 (32.5 ± 16.6 mg/dL) and P = 0.007 (113.3 ± 34.4 mg/ dL), respectively. Obesity had a strong positive relationship with LH, cholesterol, TG, VLDL, and LDL, whereas an unwanted correlation with HDL was noted. Also, an association has been found between hormonal and biochemical parameters, and WHR and BMI. WHR demonstrated a significant negative correlation to HDL. Finally, the study showed that obesity is a new indicator of increasing the infertility risk for women of all ages through BMI and WHR.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44037357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.10
B. Ozdemir
Background: Heart failure (HF) has significant mortality and morbidity worldwide and affects more than 37 million people. The mortality and morbidity when the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is > 40 %, is similar when there is low ejection fraction (LVEF < 40 %), and there is an increasing health problem. Studies have shown that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has a role in HF pathogenesis. A proinflammatory process on the basis of HF has been shown to be related to EAT. Aim: We aimed to investigate ejection fraction and epicardial adipose tissue relationship. Methods: 159 symptomatic HF patients (New York Heart Association functional class ≥II) were included in our study. Age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, waist and demographic characteristics (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking-nonsmoking, coronary artery disease) of all patients were recorded. Results: We examined 159 HF patients. In our population 46 (28.9 %) patients were female and 113 (71.1 %) patients, male. The mean age of our patients was calculated as 67.4 ± 12.6 years. In our study population 69 (43.4 %) of our patients had diabetes and 93 (58.5 %) had hypertension. 77 (48.4 %) of our patients had a history of smoking. We separated our patients into two groups: LV systolic function in HF with LVEF > 40 % (n: 36) and HF with reduced ejection fraction, LVEF < 40 % (n: 123). In our study EAT, LVEF, LVDD (left ventricular diastolic diameter), LVSD (left ventricular systolic diameter), diastolic septum wall thickness and diastolic posterior wall thickness had differences between groups. Differences in LVEF, LVDD, LVSD, diastolic septum wall thickness and diastolic posterior wall thickness were determined. Conclusions: Epicardial fat thickness and LVEF had a positive correlation in heart failure patients.
{"title":"ASSOCIATION OF EPICARDIAL FAT THICKNESS WITH EJECTION FRACTION IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE","authors":"B. Ozdemir","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.10","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Heart failure (HF) has significant mortality and morbidity worldwide and affects more than 37 million people. The mortality and morbidity when the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is > 40 %, is similar when there is low ejection fraction (LVEF < 40 %), and there is an increasing health problem. Studies have shown that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has a role in HF pathogenesis. A proinflammatory process on the basis of HF has been shown to be related to EAT. Aim: We aimed to investigate ejection fraction and epicardial adipose tissue relationship. Methods: 159 symptomatic HF patients (New York Heart Association functional class ≥II) were included in our study. Age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, waist and demographic characteristics (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking-nonsmoking, coronary artery disease) of all patients were recorded. Results: We examined 159 HF patients. In our population 46 (28.9 %) patients were female and 113 (71.1 %) patients, male. The mean age of our patients was calculated as 67.4 ± 12.6 years. In our study population 69 (43.4 %) of our patients had diabetes and 93 (58.5 %) had hypertension. 77 (48.4 %) of our patients had a history of smoking. We separated our patients into two groups: LV systolic function in HF with LVEF > 40 % (n: 36) and HF with reduced ejection fraction, LVEF < 40 % (n: 123). In our study EAT, LVEF, LVDD (left ventricular diastolic diameter), LVSD (left ventricular systolic diameter), diastolic septum wall thickness and diastolic posterior wall thickness had differences between groups. Differences in LVEF, LVDD, LVSD, diastolic septum wall thickness and diastolic posterior wall thickness were determined. Conclusions: Epicardial fat thickness and LVEF had a positive correlation in heart failure patients.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47957814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.6
F. Amini, Wong Fu Hou, Edmond Ng Siah Chye, R. Omar, S. Rejab, Izyan Wajiha Mohd Noor, B. M. Hussain
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women globally. In low- and middle-income countries, the use of appropriate breast cancer genetics services for screening and personalized treatments is severely lacking. This review is aimed to assess and summarize the reported mutation profiles of Malaysian BC patients. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar from 2002 to 2019 using a set of keywords and MESH terms. Results: Data from 14 eligible studies are presented here. A total of 28 genes were studied in Malaysian BC patients in which 445 genetic alterations (229 deleterious, 209 variants with unknown clinical significance (VUC), and seven protective variants) have been reported, with 73 being novel (16% novel). The frequency ranged from 0.2% to 76% for VUC and 2.1 to 15% for deleterious variations. Only BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, APOBEC3B, and P53 have been associated with BC risk in Malaysian patients. Nine of these studies were conducted using the overlapped source of patients, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to the whole population of Malaysia. Conclusion: Information on the genetic basis of BC in the Malaysian population is scant. Multidisciplinary efforts with appropriate sample selection techniques and study design with multicenter collaboration are needed to address this issue. Out of thirteen high- and moderated-penetrance pathogenic mutations for BC, only five have been linked to Malaysians’ BC susceptibility. The findings from this review is valuable for decision-makers, researchers, and physicians, to enhance the research plans and utility of genetic services for screening and prevention.
{"title":"MUTATION PROFILE OF BREAST CANCER IN MALAYSIAN PATIENTS","authors":"F. Amini, Wong Fu Hou, Edmond Ng Siah Chye, R. Omar, S. Rejab, Izyan Wajiha Mohd Noor, B. M. Hussain","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.6","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women globally. In low- and middle-income countries, the use of appropriate breast cancer genetics services for screening and personalized treatments is severely lacking. This review is aimed to assess and summarize the reported mutation profiles of Malaysian BC patients. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar from 2002 to 2019 using a set of keywords and MESH terms. Results: Data from 14 eligible studies are presented here. A total of 28 genes were studied in Malaysian BC patients in which 445 genetic alterations (229 deleterious, 209 variants with unknown clinical significance (VUC), and seven protective variants) have been reported, with 73 being novel (16% novel). The frequency ranged from 0.2% to 76% for VUC and 2.1 to 15% for deleterious variations. Only BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, APOBEC3B, and P53 have been associated with BC risk in Malaysian patients. Nine of these studies were conducted using the overlapped source of patients, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to the whole population of Malaysia. Conclusion: Information on the genetic basis of BC in the Malaysian population is scant. Multidisciplinary efforts with appropriate sample selection techniques and study design with multicenter collaboration are needed to address this issue. Out of thirteen high- and moderated-penetrance pathogenic mutations for BC, only five have been linked to Malaysians’ BC susceptibility. The findings from this review is valuable for decision-makers, researchers, and physicians, to enhance the research plans and utility of genetic services for screening and prevention.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48369630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.13
M. Bouzaboul, Z. Abidli, A. Amri, Ziri Rabea, A. Ahami
Introduction: Attention is one of many cognitive functions; it plays a central role in the learning process. For this reason, our study aims to determine the impact of attentional abilities on academic performance among middle school learners in Middle Atlas of Morocco. Methods: Data were collected from a sample of 137 middle school learners. For the assessment of attentional abilities, we performed the Trail Making Test (TMT) to estimate mental flexibility. Evaluation of selective attention was done through the Stroop Test and the measurement of sustained attention was achieved via the d2-R test. Results: Our results revealed that the attentional abilities of learners in our samples are positively correlated with their academic performance and vice versa. Conclusion: At the end of this study, it is important to establish a thorough diagnosis of attentional disorders to identify learners with attention problems in order to implement a remedial program so as to avoid the detrimental effects of these disorders on the academic performance of learners.
{"title":"RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTENTIONAL ABILITIES AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARNERS IN MIDDLE ATLAS OF MOROCCO","authors":"M. Bouzaboul, Z. Abidli, A. Amri, Ziri Rabea, A. Ahami","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.13","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Attention is one of many cognitive functions; it plays a central role in the learning process. For this reason, our study aims to determine the impact of attentional abilities on academic performance among middle school learners in Middle Atlas of Morocco. Methods: Data were collected from a sample of 137 middle school learners. For the assessment of attentional abilities, we performed the Trail Making Test (TMT) to estimate mental flexibility. Evaluation of selective attention was done through the Stroop Test and the measurement of sustained attention was achieved via the d2-R test. Results: Our results revealed that the attentional abilities of learners in our samples are positively correlated with their academic performance and vice versa. Conclusion: At the end of this study, it is important to establish a thorough diagnosis of attentional disorders to identify learners with attention problems in order to implement a remedial program so as to avoid the detrimental effects of these disorders on the academic performance of learners.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41851460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-03-05DOI: 10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.11
Ahlam Sundus, M. Tan, R. Sellappans
Introduction: The population of Malaysia is ageing rapidly. Due to the relatively greater incidence of noncommunicable diseases among older adults, polypharmacy is highly prevalent in this population. This polypharmacy along with other age-related factors increases the risk of drug-related problems to several folds. Currently, no study in Malaysia or even Asia has determined the type and nature of drug-related problems among non-institutionalised older adults. Therefore, this study aims to highlight common drug-related problems among community-dwelling older persons (≥ 65 years) with polypharmacy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study was carried out where in-depth home medication reviews were carried out by two pharmacists. Participants were recruited from geriatric and fall clinics of the University of Malaya Medical Centre located in the urban area of the Federal Territory of Malaysia. The total numbers of drug-related problems were classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification V9.0. Recommendations and referral letters were provided based on the pharmaceutical care issues identified. Results: Thirty participants were recruited, among whom 178 drug-related problems were identified with a median value of six [range 1-11] drug-related problems per participant. The majority of problems were related to the effectiveness of prescribed treatment (69.1 %), followed by the possibility of adverse effects (28.7 %). Conclusion: Home medication review identifies numerous medication-related issues and allows for patient education and detailed counselling in an informal and patient-friendly manner. Future studies to determine the longitudinal effect of home medication review on patient outcome, cost implications, and overall healthcare utilization are now indicated.
{"title":"DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER PERSONS IN THE KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY","authors":"Ahlam Sundus, M. Tan, R. Sellappans","doi":"10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22452/JUMMEC.VOL24NO1.11","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The population of Malaysia is ageing rapidly. Due to the relatively greater incidence of noncommunicable diseases among older adults, polypharmacy is highly prevalent in this population. This polypharmacy along with other age-related factors increases the risk of drug-related problems to several folds. Currently, no study in Malaysia or even Asia has determined the type and nature of drug-related problems among non-institutionalised older adults. Therefore, this study aims to highlight common drug-related problems among community-dwelling older persons (≥ 65 years) with polypharmacy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study was carried out where in-depth home medication reviews were carried out by two pharmacists. Participants were recruited from geriatric and fall clinics of the University of Malaya Medical Centre located in the urban area of the Federal Territory of Malaysia. The total numbers of drug-related problems were classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification V9.0. Recommendations and referral letters were provided based on the pharmaceutical care issues identified. Results: Thirty participants were recruited, among whom 178 drug-related problems were identified with a median value of six [range 1-11] drug-related problems per participant. The majority of problems were related to the effectiveness of prescribed treatment (69.1 %), followed by the possibility of adverse effects (28.7 %). Conclusion: Home medication review identifies numerous medication-related issues and allows for patient education and detailed counselling in an informal and patient-friendly manner. Future studies to determine the longitudinal effect of home medication review on patient outcome, cost implications, and overall healthcare utilization are now indicated.","PeriodicalId":39135,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the University of Malaya Medical Centre","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48107379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}