1.A link between long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and thalassaemia: A review
The Malaysian Journal of Pathology 2020;42(3):323-332
The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the most prevalent and functionally diverse member
of the non-coding RNA (ncRNA). The lncRNA has previously been considered to be a form of
transcriptional “noise” but recent studies have found that the lncRNA to be associated with various
disease conditions. It has also been found to play important roles in various physiological processes
such as haemopoiesis, where lncRNA is reported to act as a fine-tuner of this very important process.
To date, the effects of dysregulated lncRNA in thalassaemia has not been fully explored. This review
article focuses on the possible roles of dysregulated lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of thalassaemia.
2.Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards anaemia among female university students in Malaysia: A cross-sectional survey
Cheryl Huong ; Jing Lin Chua ; Rui Yi Ng ; Dhanashri Kshitij Panse ; Snigdha Misra ; Afshan Sumera
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2022;28(No.2):203-215
Introduction: Anaemia is a common health problem in Malaysia, most common
being iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude,
practices (KAP), and health-seeking behaviour (HSB) towards anaemia among
undergraduate female students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted
among 180 female university students from a medical university in Malaysia. Data
were collected using an online questionnaire comprising KAP and HSB. SPSS
version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Most participants (60%) had
an appropriate level of knowledge about anaemia. A positive attitude was shown
with adequate awareness of anaemia. A total of 55.5% of participants reported
having good health practices. However, 52.9% of the participants consumed less
iron-rich foods and 81.7% reported skipping meals. The overall observed healthseeking behaviour was good. A statistically significant relationship was found
between knowledge with attitude (p=0.003) and practice (p=0.005). This study
observed that the study population had poor nutritional status, long menstrual
duration, and vegetarianism. Moreover, infrequent consumption of vitamin C-rich
fruits and low iron-folate supplementation were also observed. Conclusion: A good
level of knowledge on IDA among students was noted. However, most of the students
showed a lack of positive attitude and good practices towards preventing anaemia.
University students are prone to IDA due to a lack of KAP, which can significantly
affect health-seeking behaviour. This issue should not be neglected; therefore,
implementing intervention programmes to educate students on the preventive
measures against the risk factors of IDA is recommended.
3.Non-Hodgkin lymphoma research (excluding all B cell lymphoma) in Malaysia: A review
Kean Ghee Lim ; Sunil Pazhayanur Venkateswaran ; Afshan Sumera ; Ismail Abdul Sattar Burud ; Purushotham Krishnappa ; Nabeel Ibraheem Jaafar
International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education 2023;17(2):34-52
Introduction:
Lymphoma is a diverse group of malignant proliferations that arise as discrete tissue masses. The 5th edition of the World Health Organization classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues was released on 22nd June 2022. The WHO-HAEM5 classification of Mature T and NK neoplasms is further subclassified into various categories which are detailed in this review.
Methods:
A search was conducted using bibliographic databases, various repositories, and the Clinical Research Centre website retrieving journal articles, conference proceedings, book Chapters, guidelines, and thesis. The search terms used were Malaysia AND lymphoma.
Results:
The search earmarked a total of 561 papers. There were nine case series retrieved from 1967 to 2022. The site, age distribution, prognostic markers, and the various subclassification of NK/T cell lymphomas were studied. The gastrointestinal tract was the commonest site for extranodal lymphomas. Prognostic markers associated were EBV, C-MYC protein and staining for CD2, CD3, CD20, CD56, and CD57 antigens. For anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), CD30 (Ki-1) and ALK antigens were noted as important. The use of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PETCT) has emerged as an important investigation. Various chemotherapeutic regimens, surgical interventions where necessary and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation when indicated are the mainstay of treatment.
Conclusion
Research on NK/T cell lymphoma, including ALCL, has been ongoing in recent years. This review adds on to the existing literature on lymphoma in Malaysia that can lead to further research, into the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma in Malaysia and around the world.
Lymphoma
;
Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic
;
Malaysia