This paper reviews available reports on the omega-6 (linoleic acid, LA) and omega-3 fatty acid [alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) + eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid) intakes amongst Malaysians against Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI), focussing particularly on pregnant and lactating women because of the availability of data for these latter vulnerable groups. Overall, the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid nutrition amongst Malaysians are poor and far from desirable. The nutritional situation regarding these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) amongst Malaysian pregnant and lactating women is alarming and warrants urgent attention in nutrition promotion activities/counselling. Daily consumption of LA by these women and other Malaysians studied ranged from 3.69 - 5.61 % kcal with 38-60% of individuals not meeting their RNIs. Daily intakes of omega-3 fatty acids faired worse, averaging 0.21- 0.33 % kcal with as high as 92% of subjects in one study not meeting their RNIs. The omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios obtained in the studies reviewed are about 20:1, which is way above the World Health Organisationrecommended ratio of 5-10:1. Dietary sources of these omega- fatty acids in the subjects studied are chicken, fish and milk. Since local foods are not particularly rich in LCPUFA such as EPA and DHA, the options to improve EPA/DHA nutrition amongst Malaysians are the greater consumption of omega-3 enriched foods and in the case of pregnant and lactating women, LCPUFA supplementation may warrant serious consideration.

Background and objectives The recent joint ACCF/AHA clinical competence statement on cardiac imaging with multi-detector computed tomography recommended a minimum of 6 months training and 300 contrast examinations, of which the candidate must be directly involved in at least 100 studies. Whether this is adequate to become proficient in interpretation of coronary computed tomogsignificant coronary stenosis in a center with 1 year's experience using a 64-row scanner. Methods A total of 778 patients underwent contrast-enhanced CTA between January and December 2005. Out of these patients, 301 patients also underwent contrast-enhanced conventional coronary angiography (CCA). These patients were divided into 4 groups according to the time the examination was underwent. Group Q1: first quarter of the year (n=20), Group Q2: second quarter (n=128), Group Q3: third quarter (n=134), and Group Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were Q1 - 64%, 89%, 49% and 94%, respectively; Q2 -79%, 96%, 74% and 97%, respectively; Q3 - 78%, 96%, 74%, 97%, respectively, and Q4 - 100% for all. Conclusions In a center with formal training and high caseload, our accuracy in CTA analysis reached a plateau after 6 months experience. Test-bolus protocols produce better image quality and can improve accuracy. New centers embarking on CTA will need to overcome an initial 6-month learning curve depending upon the caseload during which time they should consider correlation with CCA.

Objectives To compare left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) determined from 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (64-row MDCT) with those determined from two dimensional echocardiography (2D echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Methods Thirty-two patients with coronary artery disease underwent trans-thoracic 2D echo, CMR and contrast-enhanced 64-row MDCT for assessment of LVEF within 48 hours of each other. 64-row MDCT LVEF was derived using the Syngo Circulation software; CMR LVEF was by Area Length Ejection Fraction (ALEF) and Simpson method and 2D echo LVEF by Simpson method.Results The LVEF was 49.13 ± 15.91% by 2D echo, 50.72 ± 16.55% (ALEF method) and 47.65 ± 16.58%(Simpson method) by CMR and 50.00 ± 15.93% by 64-row MDCT. LVEF measurements by 64-row MDCT correlated well with LVEF measured with CMR using either the ALEF method (Pearson correlation r = 0.94, P ＜0.01) or Simpson method (r = 0.92, P＜0.01). It also correlated well with LVEF measured using 2D echo (r = 0.80, P ＜ 0.01). Conclusion LVEF measurements by 64-row MDCT correlated well with LVEF measured by CMR and 2D echo. The correlation between 64-row MDCT and CMR was better than the correlation between 2D echo with CMR. Standard data set from a 64-row MDCT coronary study can be reliably used to calculate the LVEF.

INTRODUCTIONGenetic predisposition to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been linked to disorders such as von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome. While twin research is a classic approach for elucidating genetic and environmental contributions to disease, no monozygotic twin-pair concordant for ccRCC in the absence of VHL syndrome has been previously reported in the literature or in major twin registries.

CLINICAL PICTUREWe describe a unique monozygotic twin-pair concordant for ccRCC, with discordant but early ages of onset of 25 and 38 respectively. Cytogenetic studies and direct sequencing for VHL gene mutations in the second twin proved unremarkable.

CONCLUSIONSThis is the fi rst reported case of monozygotic twins concordant for ccRCC in the absence of VHL gene mutation. The early yet discordant, age of onset of disease in both twins suggests both genetic and environmental contributions to ccRCC.

Adult ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Diseases in Twins ; genetics ; pathology ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Twins, Monozygotic ; von Hippel-Lindau Disease ; genetics

BACKGROUNDDepression is often comorbid with chronic somatic diseases. Few previous studies have investigated the prevalence of somatic diseases in depression or the prescription pattern of antidepressants in comorbidly depressed patients in Asia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of somatic comorbidity (SC) in depression and compared the prescriptions of antidepressants in depressed patients with and without SC.

METHODSA total of 2320 patients treated with antidepressants in 8 Asian countries were examined, and a diagnosis was based on the International Classification of Disease, 10 th revision. We listed 17 common chronic somatic diseases. Patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and psychotropic drug prescriptions were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure.

RESULTSOf the patients examined, 1240 were diagnosed with depression and 30% of them (n = 375) had SC. The most common comorbid condition was diabetes (23.7%). The patients with SC were more likely to seek help at a general hospital (74.7% vs. 47.2%), and had a higher incidence of symptoms involving sadness, disturbed sleep, and poor appetite. Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant was prescribed more for patients with SC than for those without SC (30.4% vs. 22.9%).

CONCLUSIONSSC is common in depressed Asian patients. It is important to strengthen the recognition of depression, especially in general hospitals and when patients report some somatic discomfort. It is also a matter of urgency to establish evidence-based guidelines for the use of new antidepressants in depressed patients with SC.

Adult ; Antidepressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Asia ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Depression ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; Drug Prescriptions ; statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence

Objectives: The aim of these Clinical Practice Guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations to assist healthcare providers in the screening, diagnosis and management of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP). Methods: A list of key clinical questions on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of OP was formulated. A literature search using the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews, and OVID electronic databases identified all relevant articles on OP based on the key clinical questions, from 2014 onwards, to update from the 2015 edition. The articles were graded using the SIGN50 format. For each statement, studies with the highest level of evidence were used to frame the recommendation. Results: This article summarizes the diagnostic and treatment pathways for postmenopausal OP. Risk stratification of patients with OP encompasses clinical risk factors, bone mineral density measurements and FRAX risk estimates. Non-pharmacological measures including adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise and falls prevention are recommended. Pharmacological measures depend on patients’ fracture risk status. Very high-risk individuals are recommended for treatment with an anabolic agent, if available, followed by an anti-resorptive agent. Alternatively, parenteral anti-resorptive agents can be used. High-risk individuals should be treated with anti-resorptive agents. In low-risk individuals, menopausal hormone replacement or selective estrogen receptor modulators can be used, if indicated. Patients should be assessed regularly to monitor treatment response and treatment adjusted, as appropriate. Conclusions The pathways for the management of postmenopausal OP in Malaysia have been updated. Incorporation of fracture risk stratification can guide appropriate treatment.