Dengue is an arthropod borne disease that has become important worldwide. There is still no specific drug available for treatment and also no protective vaccine that can be used. As such, specific diagnosis is essential to enable good management and prevention of large outbreaks. Diagnosis today in many countries is still based on serology though the detection of NS1 has slowly become incorporated. Diagnosis is critical for early intervention with specific preventive health measures to prevent fatalities and also to curtail spread and reduce economic losses. Serological assays mainly detect IgM which now as a single test is invalid unless a second sample is taken to confirm. As such to effectively diagnose dengue at all stages of infection, assays with two or more markers are required or two samples taken a few days apart. Other commonly used tests include NS1 detection, nucleic acid amplification and IgG detection. However the sensitivities of the current commercial kits vary quite considerably and have to be interpreted with caution. Hence knowledge of this disease is essential when conducting diagnostics for dengue.
{"title":"Laboratory Diagnosis of Dengue: A Review","authors":"Shamala Ds","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V14I1.452","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V14I1.452","url":null,"abstract":"Dengue is an arthropod borne disease that has become important worldwide. There is still no specific drug available for treatment and also no protective vaccine that can be used. As such, specific diagnosis is essential to enable good management and prevention of large outbreaks. Diagnosis today in many countries is still based on serology though the detection of NS1 has slowly become incorporated. Diagnosis is critical for early intervention with specific preventive health measures to prevent fatalities and also to curtail spread and reduce economic losses. Serological assays mainly detect IgM which now as a single test is invalid unless a second sample is taken to confirm. As such to effectively diagnose dengue at all stages of infection, assays with two or more markers are required or two samples taken a few days apart. Other commonly used tests include NS1 detection, nucleic acid amplification and IgG detection. However the sensitivities of the current commercial kits vary quite considerably and have to be interpreted with caution. Hence knowledge of this disease is essential when conducting diagnostics for dengue.","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"14 1","pages":"17-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47854255","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}
ABSTRACT This article examines the actual scenario of male involvement either as a user of contraceptive methods or supportive reproductive partners of women on contraceptive use in Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. The analysis shows that, knowledge and use of contraception are low in our study area. Comparative figures of contraceptive practice between men and women found a large disparity. Findings reveal that the user rate of all male contraceptive methods (e.g., condom at 17 percent) is still low compared to that of female methods (pill at 33.8 percent), which shows that men like to impose contra ceptive responsibility on women. Identification of socio-economic and demographic differentials affecting contraceptive behavior of men is performed through the technique of logistic regression. This paper elucidates that education, residence, fertility preference, mass media facility and knowledge about AIDS are the significant factors to influence contraceptive practices among men. Regarding the factors shunning the contraceptive practice we found that men’s opposition to use contraceptive methods is as most significant. The next reason for not using is related to contraceptive method. KEY WORDS: Modern Method, Traditional Method, Fertility, AIDS/STDS
{"title":"Male Contraceptive Behavior in Rajshahi District of Bangladesh","authors":"Mosiur R, Rafiqul I, Matin A","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V7I2.778","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V7I2.778","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This article examines the actual scenario of male involvement either as a user of contraceptive methods or supportive reproductive partners of women on contraceptive use in Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. The analysis shows that, knowledge and use of contraception are low in our study area. Comparative figures of contraceptive practice between men and women found a large disparity. Findings reveal that the user rate of all male contraceptive methods (e.g., condom at 17 percent) is still low compared to that of female methods (pill at 33.8 percent), which shows that men like to impose contra ceptive responsibility on women. Identification of socio-economic and demographic differentials affecting contraceptive behavior of men is performed through the technique of logistic regression. This paper elucidates that education, residence, fertility preference, mass media facility and knowledge about AIDS are the significant factors to influence contraceptive practices among men. Regarding the factors shunning the contraceptive practice we found that men’s opposition to use contraceptive methods is as most significant. The next reason for not using is related to contraceptive method. KEY WORDS: Modern Method, Traditional Method, Fertility, AIDS/STDS","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41367647","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}
M. S. Nurumal, A. Sukonthasarn, S. Wangsrikhun, Chawapornpan Chanpransit
The notion of competency in pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) personnel is mainly focused on the professional proficiency that he/she has to provide intervention outside of hospital setting. Consequently, the effectiveness of pre-hospital EMS performance very much depends upon the capability of the personnel at the scene and as well during transport to the definitive care center. The aim of this study is to appraise and explore the competency of pre-hospital care staff and provide strategies for improvement. Methods: A mixed method approach combining the qualitative and quantitative study design. Of 134 staffs only 111(82.84%) returned the questionnaire. Nine semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions were performed. The main informants were nurses/assistant medical officers, nurse/assistant medical officer administrators, and emergency physicians. Results: From the quantitative finding on the competency of staff handling pre-hospital EMS, all had the essential knowledge and skills. However, most of them reported not having good knowledge and skills for invasive procedures (31%-61%), include giving medications (61%-66%). The qualitative information provided insight about the issues and strategies for the personnel in regards to competency. All the relevant qualitative data were merged into 5 categories relating issues and 5 categories to strategies that could affect the competency of the personnel. Conclusion: Pre-hospital EMS systems need to consider that the competency of pre-hospital EMS personnel has to come along with the responsible attitude of the staff itself, the support of medical direction, clear protocol for guiding them whenever needed, and continuous professional-development courses require them to maintain their professional proficiency.
{"title":"Assessing and exploring the competency of prehospital emergency medical service personnel in Klang Valley, Malaysia: a mixed method approach","authors":"M. S. Nurumal, A. Sukonthasarn, S. Wangsrikhun, Chawapornpan Chanpransit","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V13I2.472","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V13I2.472","url":null,"abstract":"The notion of competency in pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) personnel is mainly focused on the professional proficiency that he/she has to provide intervention outside of hospital setting. Consequently, the effectiveness of pre-hospital EMS performance very much depends upon the capability of the personnel at the scene and as well during transport to the definitive care center. The aim of this study is to appraise and explore the competency of pre-hospital care staff and provide strategies for improvement. Methods: A mixed method approach combining the qualitative and quantitative study design. Of 134 staffs only 111(82.84%) returned the questionnaire. Nine semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions were performed. The main informants were nurses/assistant medical officers, nurse/assistant medical officer administrators, and emergency physicians. Results: From the quantitative finding on the competency of staff handling pre-hospital EMS, all had the essential knowledge and skills. However, most of them reported not having good knowledge and skills for invasive procedures (31%-61%), include giving medications (61%-66%). The qualitative information provided insight about the issues and strategies for the personnel in regards to competency. All the relevant qualitative data were merged into 5 categories relating issues and 5 categories to strategies that could affect the competency of the personnel. Conclusion: Pre-hospital EMS systems need to consider that the competency of pre-hospital EMS personnel has to come along with the responsible attitude of the staff itself, the support of medical direction, clear protocol for guiding them whenever needed, and continuous professional-development courses require them to maintain their professional proficiency.","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"13 1","pages":"07-20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49456658","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}
Introduction: This study aims to build a standardization method for preparation of effective powder from FSA and to quantify diosgenin in FSA. Methodology: One kg of FS were used in this study. Setting: BMS, KOM and KOP, IIUM Kuantan campus. FS were washed with distilled water to exclude any foreign matter, and were then air dried. FS-powder were put in distilled water in a ratio of 1 g of powder in 20 ml of distilled water and were shaken at room temperature for 24 hours. Ten mg of hydrolyzed extract sample was diluted in 10 ml volumetric flask with methanol for 15 minutes. Chromatographic estimation was performed using an equilibrated reverse phase Eclipse XDB-C18 column (particle size 5 μg, 4.6 mm x 150 mm). Results: One gram of FSA extract was hydrolyzed to produce sapogenins and 46.6% was recovered. A calibration curve that was constructed based on five dilutions of diosgenin standard at concentrations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 ppm produced a linear graft (r = 0.999). The concentration of diosgenin in FSA extract as calculated using the regression analysis was found to be 29.66 μg/ml, 13.81 % w/w on dried weight basis. Conclusion: Preparation and standardization of effective powder from FSA are the corner stone of many scientific researches in IIUM and Malaysia. Diosgenin is available in the FSA in adequate concentration. The adequate amount of diosgenin in the FSA will guide us to do further study in the way of preparation of a natural product that can be used in the field of reversible anti-fertility therapy.
前言:本研究旨在建立黄芪皂苷元制备有效粉末的标准化方法，并定量测定黄芪皂苷元的含量。方法:本研究采用FS 1 kg。地点:BMS, KOM和KOP, IIUM关丹校区。FS用蒸馏水清洗以排除任何异物，然后风干。将fs粉按1g粉与20ml蒸馏水的比例放入蒸馏水中，室温下摇匀24小时。将10mg水解提取液样品用甲醇在10ml容量瓶中稀释15min。色谱估计采用平衡反相Eclipse XDB-C18色谱柱(粒径5 μg, 4.6 mm x 150 mm)。结果:黄芪提取物1克水解得到皂苷元，回收率为46.6%。在浓度为2、5、10、20、30和50 ppm的5种稀释条件下，建立了一种线性接枝曲线(r = 0.999)。经回归分析，黄芪提取物中薯蓣皂苷元的含量为29.66 μg/ml，按干重计为13.81% w/w。结论:FSA有效粉末的制备和标准化是IIUM和马来西亚许多科学研究的基石。薯蓣皂苷元在食品标准局有足够的浓度。FSA中薯蓣皂苷元的充足含量将指导我们在制备一种可用于可逆抗生育治疗领域的天然产品的方式上做进一步的研究。
{"title":"Quantification of anti-fertility compound-Diosgenin concentration in the fenugreek seeds aqueous extract (FSA)","authors":"Ahmed Kaid N. Allaw, Norbaiyah Mb, Norazian Mh","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V15I1.410","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V15I1.410","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: This study aims to build a standardization method for preparation of effective powder from FSA and to quantify diosgenin in FSA. Methodology: One kg of FS were used in this study. Setting: BMS, KOM and KOP, IIUM Kuantan campus. FS were washed with distilled water to exclude any foreign matter, and were then air dried. FS-powder were put in distilled water in a ratio of 1 g of powder in 20 ml of distilled water and were shaken at room temperature for 24 hours. Ten mg of hydrolyzed extract sample was diluted in 10 ml volumetric flask with methanol for 15 minutes. Chromatographic estimation was performed using an equilibrated reverse phase Eclipse XDB-C18 column (particle size 5 μg, 4.6 mm x 150 mm). Results: One gram of FSA extract was hydrolyzed to produce sapogenins and 46.6% was recovered. A calibration curve that was constructed based on five dilutions of diosgenin standard at concentrations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 ppm produced a linear graft (r = 0.999). The concentration of diosgenin in FSA extract as calculated using the regression analysis was found to be 29.66 μg/ml, 13.81 % w/w on dried weight basis. Conclusion: Preparation and standardization of effective powder from FSA are the corner stone of many scientific researches in IIUM and Malaysia. Diosgenin is available in the FSA in adequate concentration. The adequate amount of diosgenin in the FSA will guide us to do further study in the way of preparation of a natural product that can be used in the field of reversible anti-fertility therapy.","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"15 1","pages":"75-80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47240371","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}
ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum is to stop vomiting, correction of dehydration, starvation and electrolytes imbalance. The common types of fluid used for fluid replacement are isotonic solutions like normal saline and hartman’s solutions. The absence of potassium in normal saline makes hartman’s solution superior but there is a possibility that the lactate component in hartman’s solution could worsen the starvation state of the patients. This study is to evaluate which of these two solutions is more effective for fluid replacement in hyperemesis gravidarum. The objectives are to compare which solution corrects dehydration, hypokalaemia and acetonuria faster and to evaluate whether the ketosis state is aggravated by lactate component in hartman’s solution. Materials and Methods: Patients with hyperemesis gravidarum were randomised to receive either Hartman;’s solution or normal saline at the rate of 125mls/hour. Blood urea and serum electrolytes, haematocrit, lactate and urine acetone were taken during admission and repeated every 12 hours. The volume of fluid required to correct dehydration, hypokalaemia and acetonuria were compared. Comparison of the pre and post treatment level of serum lactate were also done. Results: Both hartman’s solution and normal saline are both effective in correcting dehydration (11.52±3.28 pints versus 11.94 ± 2.30pints respectively) and acetonuria (11.64 ± 2.75 pints versus 11.64 ± 2.54 pints respectively). A lower volume of hartman’s solution was needed to correct hypokalaemia (8.34 ± 2.44 pints versus 8.88 ± 2.63 pints) but was not statistically significant. Ketonaemia was not made worse after treatment with hartman’s solution. Conclusion: Normal saline and hartman’s solution are equally effective in treating complications of hyperemesis gravidarum. KEYWORDS: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Fluid Replacement, Dehydration, Hypokalaemia, Ketosis
{"title":"Hartman’s solution or normal saline in the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum among South East Asian population: a randomised controlled trial","authors":"I. Adibah, D. Khursiah, Ahmad Ai, Zaki Nnm","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V7I2.779","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V7I2.779","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum is to stop vomiting, correction of dehydration, starvation and electrolytes imbalance. The common types of fluid used for fluid replacement are isotonic solutions like normal saline and hartman’s solutions. The absence of potassium in normal saline makes hartman’s solution superior but there is a possibility that the lactate component in hartman’s solution could worsen the starvation state of the patients. This study is to evaluate which of these two solutions is more effective for fluid replacement in hyperemesis gravidarum. The objectives are to compare which solution corrects dehydration, hypokalaemia and acetonuria faster and to evaluate whether the ketosis state is aggravated by lactate component in hartman’s solution. Materials and Methods: Patients with hyperemesis gravidarum were randomised to receive either Hartman;’s solution or normal saline at the rate of 125mls/hour. Blood urea and serum electrolytes, haematocrit, lactate and urine acetone were taken during admission and repeated every 12 hours. The volume of fluid required to correct dehydration, hypokalaemia and acetonuria were compared. Comparison of the pre and post treatment level of serum lactate were also done. Results: Both hartman’s solution and normal saline are both effective in correcting dehydration (11.52±3.28 pints versus 11.94 ± 2.30pints respectively) and acetonuria (11.64 ± 2.75 pints versus 11.64 ± 2.54 pints respectively). A lower volume of hartman’s solution was needed to correct hypokalaemia (8.34 ± 2.44 pints versus 8.88 ± 2.63 pints) but was not statistically significant. Ketonaemia was not made worse after treatment with hartman’s solution. Conclusion: Normal saline and hartman’s solution are equally effective in treating complications of hyperemesis gravidarum. KEYWORDS: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Fluid Replacement, Dehydration, Hypokalaemia, Ketosis","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46112008","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}
Chai-Eng Tan, A. H. M. Roozi, W. Wong, S. N. Sabaruddin, N. Ghani, Z. C. Man
Introduction: The common cold is the commonest reason for primary care encounters worldwide. This paper aims to describe the reasons that influence patients to seek medical consultation for the common cold. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among adult patients of an urban teaching primary care clinic. An adapted bilingual survey form was administered by the researchers to obtain data regarding their decision to seek medical consultation for a cold and the reasons for their decision. Quantitative analyses were done to describe the close-ended responses. Open-ended responses were analysed using a qualitative approach and the frequencies of the themes were reported. Results: A total of 320 respondents participated in this study, with a response rate of 91.4%. They were predominantly females (59.4%), Malay (70.9%), and had tertiary education (65.9%). More than half of the patients (52.5%) said they would seek consultation for cold symptoms. Fever was the commonest symptom (57-61%) which compelled them to seek consultation. The commonest reason for seeking consultation was to get medications (41.7%), whereas the commonest reason not to seek consultation was the practice of self-medication (44.2%). Ethnicity was found to be significantly associated with the decision to seek doctor’s consultation. Conclusion: Colds are usually self-limiting and do not result in complications. Empowering patients by providing appropriate self-care knowledge can help to reduce the burden of primary care services. Patients should be taught about red flag symptoms as well as drug safety for medications commonly taken for colds.
{"title":"Intention to seek medical consultation for symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection- a cross-sectional survey","authors":"Chai-Eng Tan, A. H. M. Roozi, W. Wong, S. N. Sabaruddin, N. Ghani, Z. C. Man","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V14I2.428","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V14I2.428","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The common cold is the commonest reason for primary care encounters worldwide. This paper aims to describe the reasons that influence patients to seek medical consultation for the common cold. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among adult patients of an urban teaching primary care clinic. An adapted bilingual survey form was administered by the researchers to obtain data regarding their decision to seek medical consultation for a cold and the reasons for their decision. Quantitative analyses were done to describe the close-ended responses. Open-ended responses were analysed using a qualitative approach and the frequencies of the themes were reported. Results: A total of 320 respondents participated in this study, with a response rate of 91.4%. They were predominantly females (59.4%), Malay (70.9%), and had tertiary education (65.9%). More than half of the patients (52.5%) said they would seek consultation for cold symptoms. Fever was the commonest symptom (57-61%) which compelled them to seek consultation. The commonest reason for seeking consultation was to get medications (41.7%), whereas the commonest reason not to seek consultation was the practice of self-medication (44.2%). Ethnicity was found to be significantly associated with the decision to seek doctor’s consultation. Conclusion: Colds are usually self-limiting and do not result in complications. Empowering patients by providing appropriate self-care knowledge can help to reduce the burden of primary care services. Patients should be taught about red flag symptoms as well as drug safety for medications commonly taken for colds.","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"14 1","pages":"9-15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44746336","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}
Seraj Ak, M. Shankhar, Raju Kd, J. Punam, P. Anju, Rajat Ka
Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancy in women and is the leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the development of tumours. Several mechanisms leading to oxidative stress have been proposed in cancer patients. In this study we aimed to measure and compare the levels of zinc, superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin C, vitamin E, and malondialdehyde in breast cancer patients and age matched healthy controls. Methods: In this comparative cross sectional study, 30 confirmed breast cancer cases and 30 age and sex matched controls were enrolled after taking their consent. Blood sample was collected in EDTA vial, and the parameters of oxidative stress were evaluated by spectrophotometric and atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods. Results: Zinc and MDA level were significantly higher (p<0.001) in cases (106.4 µg/dl and 7.12 nmol/ml) compared to controls (89.8µg/ dl and 3.99nmol/ml). In contrast, there were lower catalase, vitamin C and E levels in cases (28.7±14.56, 0.92±0.35 and 0.68±0.13 mg/dl) compared to controls (37.1±14.7,1.62±0.59 and 1.02±0.22 mg/dl) and were statistically significant (p<0.05 and p<0.001). Whereas, superoxide dismutase was lower in cases compared to controls, but was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Zinc was found to be higher in our study as it is a pivotal element in all rapidly growing tissues. Enhanced lipid peroxidation observed in the circulation of breast cancer patients in our study can be attributed to over production of ROS and deficiency of antioxidant defences. Oxidative stress in cancer cells may trigger excessive consumption of antioxidants as a compensatory mechanism which lead to its lower concentration.
{"title":"Antioxidants and Lipid Peroxidation Status In Women with Breast Cancer","authors":"Seraj Ak, M. Shankhar, Raju Kd, J. Punam, P. Anju, Rajat Ka","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V14I1.459","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V14I1.459","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancy in women and is the leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the development of tumours. Several mechanisms leading to oxidative stress have been proposed in cancer patients. In this study we aimed to measure and compare the levels of zinc, superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin C, vitamin E, and malondialdehyde in breast cancer patients and age matched healthy controls. Methods: In this comparative cross sectional study, 30 confirmed breast cancer cases and 30 age and sex matched controls were enrolled after taking their consent. Blood sample was collected in EDTA vial, and the parameters of oxidative stress were evaluated by spectrophotometric and atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods. Results: Zinc and MDA level were significantly higher (p<0.001) in cases (106.4 µg/dl and 7.12 nmol/ml) compared to controls (89.8µg/ dl and 3.99nmol/ml). In contrast, there were lower catalase, vitamin C and E levels in cases (28.7±14.56, 0.92±0.35 and 0.68±0.13 mg/dl) compared to controls (37.1±14.7,1.62±0.59 and 1.02±0.22 mg/dl) and were statistically significant (p<0.05 and p<0.001). Whereas, superoxide dismutase was lower in cases compared to controls, but was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Zinc was found to be higher in our study as it is a pivotal element in all rapidly growing tissues. Enhanced lipid peroxidation observed in the circulation of breast cancer patients in our study can be attributed to over production of ROS and deficiency of antioxidant defences. Oxidative stress in cancer cells may trigger excessive consumption of antioxidants as a compensatory mechanism which lead to its lower concentration.","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"14 1","pages":"71-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43539907","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}
Ewing sarcoma is a primary bone malignancy that rarely occurs in the hand. Resection and reconstruction will usually result in reduced or loss of thumb function. We describe a case of successful transplantation of nonvascularized osteoarticular second metatarsal autograft following wide resection of Ewing sarcoma of first metacarpal in an 11-year-old girl. The capsule of the graft’s metatarso-phalangeal joint was repaired to achieve mobility of the joint. This enabled preservation of thumb function by a relatively simple surgical technique. Detailed surgical procedures and excellence function after 2 years following surgery are described.
{"title":"Resection of Thumb Metacarpal Ewing Sarcoma and Primary Reconstruction with Non-Vascularized Osteoarticular Metatarsal Autograft","authors":"Ariff Ms, Faisham Wi, J. Krishnan, W. Zulmi","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V14I1.465","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V14I1.465","url":null,"abstract":"Ewing sarcoma is a primary bone malignancy that rarely occurs in the hand. Resection and reconstruction will usually result in reduced or loss of thumb function. We describe a case of successful transplantation of nonvascularized osteoarticular second metatarsal autograft following wide resection of Ewing sarcoma of first metacarpal in an 11-year-old girl. The capsule of the graft’s metatarso-phalangeal joint was repaired to achieve mobility of the joint. This enabled preservation of thumb function by a relatively simple surgical technique. Detailed surgical procedures and excellence function after 2 years following surgery are described.","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"14 1","pages":"103-107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45761313","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}
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, a recurring annual ritual, which is passionately practiced by most Muslims across the world. It is obligatory on every healthy Muslim; however, the Qur’an and Islamic teachings specifically exempt people with acute or chronic illnesses from this duty, especially if it might have harmful consequences. Muslims with diabetes are exempted from fasting, but many of them still fast during Ramadan, for their personal convictions as revealed by EPIDIAR study which showed that 43% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 79% with type 2 diabetes fasted during Ramadan. Muslims constitute about a quarter of the world’s population who are spread all over the globe. It is inevitable that health care issues peculiar to them will be encountered worldwide and health care providers will have to counsel them regarding medications and whether it is safe to undertake the fast. This paper is an update on the management of Ramadan fasting based on current evidence from published literature and expert opinions.
{"title":"Update on the management of diabetes during Ramadan fast for healthcare practitioners","authors":"M. Rathor, A. Fauzi, A. Omar","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V13I2.482","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V13I2.482","url":null,"abstract":"Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, a recurring annual ritual, which is passionately practiced by most Muslims across the world. It is obligatory on every healthy Muslim; however, the Qur’an and Islamic teachings specifically exempt people with acute or chronic illnesses from this duty, especially if it might have harmful consequences. Muslims with diabetes are exempted from fasting, but many of them still fast during Ramadan, for their personal convictions as revealed by EPIDIAR study which showed that 43% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 79% with type 2 diabetes fasted during Ramadan. Muslims constitute about a quarter of the world’s population who are spread all over the globe. It is inevitable that health care issues peculiar to them will be encountered worldwide and health care providers will have to counsel them regarding medications and whether it is safe to undertake the fast. This paper is an update on the management of Ramadan fasting based on current evidence from published literature and expert opinions.","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"13 1","pages":"67-72"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45246453","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}
ABSTRACT Introduction: Student can be stressed due to different stressors such as academic, financial, health related or loss of close family member or friend, etc. Stress is the bodies’ reaction both neurologically and physiologically to adapt to the new condition. Stress has a negative effect on the academic performance of the students. This study was aimed to explore the stress and stressors and also to determine the association between stress levels and the academic performances in terms of cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of undergraduate medical students. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among all 234 year-4 medical students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), session 2011-2012. Sample size comprised of 179 students after fulfilling all inclusion and exclusion criteria. A validated Medical Students’ Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) was used to collect the data. Stress level and its association with CGPA of semester-1 examination were analysed. Results: Response rate was 76.49%, where 72% were female and 69% resided in the hostel. Academic Related and Social-related Stressors caused for severe and high stress in 84% and 49% respondents respectively, with insignificant differences between gender and residency. Respondents with a high and severe stress level were observed to have higher CGPA. Conclusion: UKM medical students are highly resourceful to manage their stress well and thus denying the negative effect of stress towards their academic performance. Medical schools should train students exposing various personal and professional developmental activities that able to face the everyday challenges and manage stress well and thereby achieve better academic performance. KEYWORDS: Stress, stressor, well-management, academic performance
{"title":"Stress and Its Association with the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Fourth Year Medical Students at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia","authors":"Hasan NAb, Jin THb, Othman MNb","doi":"10.31436/IMJM.V13I1.488","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.31436/IMJM.V13I1.488","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Introduction: Student can be stressed due to different stressors such as academic, financial, health related or loss of close family member or friend, etc. Stress is the bodies’ reaction both neurologically and physiologically to adapt to the new condition. Stress has a negative effect on the academic performance of the students. This study was aimed to explore the stress and stressors and also to determine the association between stress levels and the academic performances in terms of cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of undergraduate medical students. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among all 234 year-4 medical students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), session 2011-2012. Sample size comprised of 179 students after fulfilling all inclusion and exclusion criteria. A validated Medical Students’ Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) was used to collect the data. Stress level and its association with CGPA of semester-1 examination were analysed. Results: Response rate was 76.49%, where 72% were female and 69% resided in the hostel. Academic Related and Social-related Stressors caused for severe and high stress in 84% and 49% respondents respectively, with insignificant differences between gender and residency. Respondents with a high and severe stress level were observed to have higher CGPA. Conclusion: UKM medical students are highly resourceful to manage their stress well and thus denying the negative effect of stress towards their academic performance. Medical schools should train students exposing various personal and professional developmental activities that able to face the everyday challenges and manage stress well and thereby achieve better academic performance. KEYWORDS: Stress, stressor, well-management, academic performance","PeriodicalId":53575,"journal":{"name":"International Medical Journal Malaysia","volume":"13 1","pages":"19-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44992401","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}
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