1.Incidental Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Detected on F-18 FDG PET CT Imaging for Breast Cancer Staging: A Case Report
Alex Khoo Cheen Hoe ; Fadzilah Hamzah ; Mohamed Ali Abdul Khader
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2014;21(5):75-77
The detection rate of thyroid incidentalomas is increasing; in fact, as many as 2.3% of patients undergoing FDG PET-CT for other indications have been found to have thyroid incidentalomas. The risk of malignancy in these thyroid incidentalomas can be as high as 47%. The increased uptake and the focal uptake pattern of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the thyroid during positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT), and the calcification of the thyroid incidentaloma, are associated with even higher risk of malignancy. We report a case of a lady undergoing FDG PET-CT for breast cancer staging but noted to have a calcified thyroid incidentaloma, which was proven to be follicular thyroid carcinoma.
2.Protein and Microbial Determinations on Worn Contact Lenses Cleaned Conventionally Using the Lens2® Automatic Lens Cleaner
Haliza Abdul Mutalib ; Ahmad Rohi Ghazali ; Noor Suhailah Ali
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2008;6(1):11-21
The accumulation of tear film proteins as well as microbes colonization onto worn contact lenses can be eliminated conventionally by mechanical rubbing
during the cleaning process. Lens2® functions in rotation manner to loosen the deposits on the contact lens and has antimicrobial coating to keep lenses
away from contamination. The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of Lens2® to remove deposited protein and reduce microbial contamination compared to conventional method. Twenty-eight subjects each
wore a pair of contact lens FDA Group 1 (Polymacon, SoftLens®38, Bausch & Lomb) for one month and cleaned them using multipurpose solution (COMPLETE® MoisturePLUSTM, Advanced Medical Optics) separately using two
different methods. The right lens was cleaned conventionally while the left lens
were cleaned using the Lens2®. The control group of thirteen subjects each wore a pair of contact lens for the same period and cleaned both conventionally.
These lenses and its cases were then analyzed for protein deposition using Bichinchoninic Acid Assay (BCA) Kit (Sigma, USA) in 96-well plate. Microbial
contamination was determined by culturing the samples on nutrient agar for bacteria and fungi and non-nutrient agar for amoeba isolation. The mean of total protein on control lenses (17.014 ± 13.246 μg/mL) was not significantly
different from those on the Lens2® (21.623 ± 19.127 μg/mL). There were also low growth numbers of amoeba in each group of samples. Interestingly, there
were no growths of amoeba from all Lens2® samples collected. There was also low growth numbers of bacteria in each sample group whereby Lens2® had the
lowest growth of bacteria. No growth of fungi was obtained from all samples.
The automatic lens cleaner, Lens2® was found to be as efficient as the conventional cleaning method. However, the Lens2® has additional advantage because of its antimicrobial material and need shorter time in the cleaning process as well as easy and effective.
3.Nutritional Status of Malaysian Primary School Children Aged 8-10 Years: Findings from the 2008 National IDD Survey
Ahmad Ali Zainuddin ; Rusidah Selamat ; Azli Baharudin ; Suhaila Abdul Ghaffar ; Norsyamline Che Abdul Rahim ; Tahir Aris
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2013;19(2):149-161
Introduction: Child malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem
in developing countries. This study aims to determine the current nutritional
status of Malaysian school children using the anthropometric indicators of weight
for age (WAZ), height for age (HAZ), and body mass index for age (BAZ).
Methods: A nationwide school-based survey was undertaken in all Malaysian
states and territories, which included 18,078 children aged 8-10 years attending
445 primary schools. The software WHO AnthroPlus was used to calculate zscores
for the nutritional status (WAZ, HAZ and BAZ) of the target population
relative to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 reference. Results: The
national prevalence of underweight among school children was 13.6% and in
rural areas, this rate was nearly double that of urban areas. The national prevalence
rate for stunting was 10.9%, double among rural school children compared to
their urban counterparts. As for thinness, the national prevalence was 6.5%.
Using the WAZ indicator, we found that the national prevalence of overweight
children was 7.6%. Additionally, we found that urban areas showed a higher
prevalence of overweight children (8.8%) than rural areas (5.9%). Conclusion:
The findings of this study indicate that Malaysian school children face the burden
of malnutrition, suffering from both undernourishment and overweight.
Malaysia must make a concerted effort to overcome the problems of malnutrition
among children.
4.Polyps! Polyps! And More Polyps! - The First Case of Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome in Malaysia
Rafiz Abdul Rani ; Fara Rahidah Hussin ; Hamzaini Abdul Hamid ; Isa Mohd Rose ; Raja Affendi Raja Ali
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2016;71(1):37-38
Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome (CCS) is a syndrome
characterised by a constellation of signs including but not
limited to onychodystrophy of the finger and toe nails, skin
hyperpigmentation and alopecia. Endoscopic features
showed hamartomatous polyps involving all segments of
the gastrointestinal tract with the characteristic exception of
being oesophageal sparring. These polyps show
confirmation by the presence of eosinophils and mast cells
at the lamina propria upon histological studies.
Intestinal Polyposis
5.Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Attending Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Sadeq Ali Ali Al-Maweri ; Noorliza Mastura Ismail ; Abdul Rashid Ismail ; Abdulmlik Al-Ghashm
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2013;20(4):39-46
Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is associated with a greater likelihood of developing certain oral mucosal disorders. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) and to investigate the association of such lesions with metabolic control of the disease.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 391 patients with DM2 and 391 non-diabetic control subjects. Demographic information and data on the duration and type of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, medical history, and current use of medication were obtained from medical records. Detailed oral examination was performed in accordance with international criteria.
Results: The prevalence of OMLs was significantly higher among diabetic patients (45.5%) than among control subjects (38.4%) (P = 0.042). Patients with diabetes had a higher prevalence of geographic tongue (GT) (P = 0.017), denture stomatitis (P = 0.018), and angular cheilitis (P = 0.006) than controls. Overall, diabetic patients with poor metabolic control had a significantly higher prevalence of OMLs and xerostomia than patients with moderately and well-controlled disease (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The prevalence of OMLs was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in control subjects. Higher occurrence of OMLs was significantly associated with poor metabolic control.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
;
Mouth Mucosa
;
Pathology, Oral
;
Prevalence
6.The effect of different initial densities of nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on the build-up of Pasteuria penetrans population
Ali Daim DARBAN ; Ali Mumtaz PATHAN ; Ghaffar Abdul BHATTI ; Ahmed Sultan MAITELO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2005;6B(2):113-118
Pasteuria penetrans will build-up faster where there is a high initial nematode density and can suppress root-knot nematode populations in the roots of tomato plants. The effect of different initial densities of nematode (Meloidogyne javanica)(150, 750, 1500, 3000) and P. penetrans infected females (F1, F3) densities (F0=control and AC=absolute control without nematode or P. penetrans inoculum) on the build-up of Pasteuria population was investigated over four crop cycles. Two major points of interest were highlighted. First, that within a confined soil volume, densities of P. penetrans can increase >100 times within 2 or 3 crop cycles. Second, from a relatively small amount of spore inoculum, infection of the host is very high. There were more infected females in the higher P. penetrans doses. The root growth data confirms the greater number of females in the controls particularly at the higher inoculum densities in the third and fourth crops. P. penetrans generally caused the fresh root weights to be higher than those in the control. P. penetrans has shown greater reduction of egg masses per plant at most densities.The effects of different initial densities of M. javanica and P. penetrans on the development of the pest and parasite populations were monitored. And no attempt was made to return the P. penetrans spores to the pots after each crop so the build-up in actual numbers of infected females and spores under natural conditions may be underestimated.
7.The resin-embedded cornea prepared via rapid processing protocol: A good histomorphometric target for clinical investigation in opthalmology and optometry
Pike See Cheah ; Norhani Mohidin ; Bariah Mohd Ali ; Myint Maung ; Azian Abdul Latif
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2008;15(3):49-54
This study illustrates and quantifies the changes on corneal tissue between the paraffin-embedded and resin-embedded blocks and thus, selects a better target in
investigational ophthalmology and optometry via light microscopy. Corneas of two cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were used in this study. The
formalin-fixed cornea was prepared in paraffin block via the conventional tissue processing protocol (4-day protocol) and stained with haematoxylin and eosin.
The glutaraldehyde-fixed cornea was prepared in resin block via the rapid and modified tissue processing procedure (1.2-day protocol) and stained with toluidine
blue. The paraffin-embedded sample exhibits various undesired tissue damage and artifact such as thinner epithelium (due to the substantial volumic extraction
from the tissue), thicker stroma layer (due to the separation of lamellae and the presence of voids) and the distorted endothelium. In contrast, the resin-embedded
corneal tissue has demonstrated satisfactory corneal ultrastructural preservation. The rapid and modified tissue processing method for preparing the resin-embedded
is particularly beneficial to accelerate the microscopic evaluation in ophthalmology and optometry.
8.Reliability and Validity of the Malay Version Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire for used among COPD Patients
Ayiesah Ramli ; Teh Zi Ying ; Khatijahbe Mohd Ali ; Roslina Abdul Manap
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2014;10(2):83-93
Introduction: Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) is one of the disease-specific questionnaires
to assess health related quality of life (HRQoL) among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
patients. Objectives: This study investigate the validity and reliability of Malay version CRQ among
COPD patients. Methods: The CRQ was administered twice to 46 patients with COPD (mean FEV1
44% predicted, FEV1/ IVC 37% predicted) from Medical Center of University Kebangsaan Malaysia
(PPUKM).Test-retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Internal
consistency was determined using Crohnbach’s alpha coefficients (α = 0.7). Spearman’s correlation
coefficient was done among the scores of CRQ, St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and sixminute
walking test (6MWT) to examine the concurrent validity of the CRQ (p<0.05). Results: High
internal consistency (α > 0.70) was observed for 3 domains of CRQ with exception of dyspnoea domain
(α = -0.631). Test retest reliability demonstrated strong correlation (ICC >0.80). Concurrent validity
of CRQ, showed significant correlations observed between domain of SGRQ’s symptom, impact and
total scores of SGRQ with CRQ’s dyspnoea and emotional function (-0.3< r < -0.4; p<0.05). Significant
correlation was observed between 6MWT and CRQ’s fatigue domain (r= 0.390; p=0.007). Conclusions:
The Malay version of CRQ is a reliable instrument for measuring health status of patients among chronic
respiratory disease especially COPD. Items of fatigue, emotion, and mastery domain of the CRQ are
reliable and valid and can be used to assess quality of life in patients with severe airways obstruction.
Items of the dyspnoea dimension are less reliable and should not be included in the overall score of the
CRQ in comparative research.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
9.Nutritional Compositions and Antiproliferative Activities of Different Solvent Fractions from Ethanol Extract of Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo) Fruit
Maisarah Abdul Mutalib , Asmah Rahmat , Faisal Ali , Fauziah Othman , Rajesh Ramasamy
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2017;24(5):19-32
Background: This study aims to examine various solvent extracts of Cyphomandra betacea (tamarillo) also known as the tree tomato, for their bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity. The study also aims to examine its effect on cancer cell death using two types of cancer cell lines (liver and breast cancer cell). Methods: The first part of the study evaluates the nutritional composition of tamarillo. Then, phytochemical profiling using GC-MS analysis in ethanolic tamarillo extract was conducted. Different fractions of n-butanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were obtained from the ethanolic extract of tamarillo. Then, the fractions were subjected to the quantification of total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), free radical scavenging activity (SA) and also antioxidant activity (AOX) assayed by beta-carotene bleaching (BCB) assay. Finally, the capability of the ethanolic extract of tamarillo and different fractions were evaluated for their anticancer properties. Results: Findings from this study revealed that the nutritional composition (ash, protein, carbohydrate and total dietary fiber), and mineral levels (calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron) of tamarillo were moderate. The crude ethanol extract of tamarillo contained the highest phenolic and total flavonoid content. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of alkanes, carboxylic acid, phenol, alkanes, carboxylic acids, aromatics and nitro compounds. Twelve bioactive constituents in tamarillo have been identified through GC-MS analysis. Cytotoxic activity suggests the potential of ethanolic extracts of tamarillo having a chemopreventive effect on breast and liver cancer cells. Conclusion: This study reveals that tamarillo has substantial antioxidant activity as well as anticancer properties.
10.PET-CT Imaging In Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma – A Review of Cases from A Northern Malaysia Referral Centre
Joni Bing Fei Teoh ; Vikneswary Paniandi ; Fadzilah Hamzah H ; Mohamed Ali Abdul Khader ; Li-Cher Loh
International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education 2008;2(2):23-26
Background: Positron Emission Tomography and
Computed Tomography (PET-CT) imaging is shown to
influence a decision change in managing non-small cell
lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The introduction of such a
facility in Malaysia is relatively recent, and its impact
from its utility is currently being assessed.
Aim: In a tertiary referral centre possessing the only
PET-CT facility in northern Peninsular Malaysia,
we evaluated the potential roles of PET-CT in referred
patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma.
Methodology: Sixty eligible adult cases with NSCLC,
between September 2005 and December 2007,
were retrospectively reviewed. Relevant data was
collected using standard questionnaire for indications,
staging of disease, and outcomes in terms of recurrence
and response to prescribed cancer-specific therapy.
Results: The indications for PET-CT were: staging of a
newly diagnosed non-small cell lung carcinoma
(25.0%); post-operative restaging (21.7%); exclusion of
recurrence or metastasis (18.3%); establishing diagnosis
of carcinoma (13.3%); assessment of response to
treatment (11.7%), and for surveillance (10.0%). The
use of PET-CT was shown to induce a change in the
staging, compared with non-PET conventional means
in 69.2% of patients with newly diagnosed lung
carcinoma (upstaged in 55.5%; downstaged in 44.5%)
and in 65.0% of patients who underwent cancer-specific
treatments (upstaged in 38.5%; downstaged in 61.5%).
PET-CT detected recurrence in 62.5% who underwent
the imaging to exclude a recurrence or metastasis.
Conclusion: PET-CT has affected the staging of
a large proportion of our local Malaysian patients.
Like elsewhere, the availability of such a facility is likely to have important influence in overall management of
NSCLC in Malaysia.