Dietary nutrient intake study among older adults: baseline Malaysian pure study.

INTRODUCTION: The older adults (OA) is vulnerable to malnutrition, which may affect their health and quality of life. This study assesses the prevalence of deficiencies in dietary nutrients among the Malaysian OA stratified by residency, genders, socioeconomic status (SES) and body mass index (BMI). METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing purposive sampling, recruiting 2,299 Malaysian people aged 60 years old and above who agreed to be interviewed via a comprehensive semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The nutrients intake was calculated based on the Malaysian food composition and US Department of Agriculture food composition databases. Then, the nutrients intake was compared with the Malaysian Recommended Nutrients Intake guidelines, and the prevalence of deficiencies in dietary nutrients were calculated. The median (interquartile ranges) intakes of nutrients were compared between residency (urban and rural), genders (male and female), and SES (low and middle-high) using the Mann-Whitney U test. The differences in nutrient intake between BMI categories (underweight, normal, and overweight) were identified using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post hoc test. RESULTS: The response rate was 70.3% (n = 2,299), predominantly were females (50.8%), received primary education (76.6%), were currently married (84.3%), were middle-high SES (57.7%), and had a normal BMI (59.8%). There was a notable inadequate intake prevalence of magnesium (100.0%), manganese (97.9%), zinc (95.6%), vitamin B6 (98.4%), potassium (91.0%), calcium (89.3%), vitamin B12 (80.2%), vitamin E (91.2%), and vitamin K (81.5%) among Malaysian OA. Additionally, significant differences were observed in nutrients intake levels across gender, residency, SES, and BMI within this population. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high prevalence of dietary nutrients deficiency (> 80%) among the Malaysian OA, particularly for magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin K. To improve the nutritional status of OA and safeguard against adverse health effects, it is necessary to formulate and execute strategies to enhance their dietary nutrient intakes. The strategies may involve intervention such as nutrient supplementation and promotion of consuming nutrient-rich foods.

A cross-sectional analysis of the PURE study on minerals intake among Malaysian adult population with hypertension.

Hypertension (HPT) is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and premature death worldwide. Currently, attention is given to various dietary approaches with a special focus on the role of micronutrient intake in the regulation of blood pressure. This study aims to measure the dietary intake of selected minerals among Malaysian adults and its association with HPT. This cross-sectional study involved 10,031 participants from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological study conducted in Malaysia. Participants were grouped into HPT if they reported having been diagnosed with high blood pressure [average systolic blood pressure (SBP)/average diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 140/90 mm Hg]. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure participants' habitual dietary intake. The dietary mineral intake of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc was measured. The chi-square test was used to assess differences in socio-demographic factors between HPT and non-HPT groups, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess differences in dietary mineral intake between the groups. The participants' average dietary intake of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc was 591.0 mg/day, 3.8 mg/day, 27.1 mg/day, 32.4 mg/day, 0.4 mg/day, 1431.1 mg/day, 2.3 g/day, 27.1 µg/day, 4526.7 mg/day and 1.5 mg/day, respectively. The intake was significantly lower among those with HPT than those without HPT except for calcium and manganese. Continuous education and intervention should be focused on decreasing sodium intake and increasing potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and calcium intake for the general Malaysian population, particularly for the HPT patients.

Depressive symptoms among adults: Baseline findings of PURE Malaysia cohort study.

Introduction: In Malaysia, the prevalence of depression has increased from 1.8 % to 2.3 % within a decade. Thus, this study was performed to identify depressive symptoms and its associated factors among Malaysian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult population aged 35-70 residing in rural and urban areas in Malaysia. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the short form Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) questionnaire. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify the associated factors related to depressive symptoms. Results: About 3.7 % (95 % CI: 2.33-4.83) of the respondents reported having depressive symptoms. Younger adults aged 35-40 years old (AOR: 3.087; 95 % CI: 2.021-4.717), females (AOR: 2.318; 95 % CI: 1.669-3.219), widows and divorcees (AOR: 2.294; 95 % CI: 1.085-4.848), smokers (AOR: 1.843; 95 % CI: 1.334-2.545) and alcohol consumers (AOR: 1.843; 95 % CI: 1.264-2.688) showed a higher odds compared to their other counterparts. Underweight individuals (AOR: 1.899; 95 % CI: 1.177-3.065) and those diagnosed either with hypertension (AOR: 1.442; 95 % CI: 1.11-1.873), diabetes (AOR: 1.554; 95 % CI: 1.133-2.13), angina (AOR: 2.73; 95 % CI: 1.596-4.67), COPD (AOR: 4.187; 95 % CI: 1.528-11.472) or asthma (AOR: 1.906; 95 % CI: 1.309-2.774) were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Additionally, individuals with difficulty trusting people (AOR: 1.477; 95 % CI: 1.024-2.13) and those reported to experience either home or work-related stress (AOR: 2.584; 95 % CI: 2.003-3.331) were more prone to have depressive symptoms. Conclusion: In this broad population-based study, about 3.7 % (95 % CI: 2.33-4.83) of respondents reported having depressive symptoms. Timely and well targeted collaborative intervention on the identified risk factors by the relevant authorities, would mitigate their effect on the quality of life and retard the progression into depression, especially among younger adults.

Reliability and Accuracy of Chirp Based Multiple Auditory Steady State Response (MSSR) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) in Children.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the reliability and accuracy of chirp-based Multiple Auditory Steady State Response (MSSR) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) in children. METHODS: The prospective clinical study was conducted at Selayang Hospital (SH) and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) within one year. A total of 38 children ranging from 3 to 18 years old underwent hearing evaluation using ABR tests and MSSR under sedation. The duration of both tests were then compared. RESULTS: The estimated hearing threshold of frequency specific chirp MSSR showed good correlation with ABR especially in higher frequencies such as 2000 Hz and 4000Hz with the value of cronbach alpha of 0.890, 0.933, 0.970 and 0.969 on 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz and 4000Hz. The sensitivity of MSSR is 0.786, 0.75, 0.957 and 0.889 and specificity is 0.85, 0.882, 0.979 and 0.966 over 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz and 4000Hz. The duration of MSSR tests were shorter than ABR tests in normal hearing children with an average of 35.3 minutes for MSSR tests and 46.4 minutes for ABR tests. This can also be seen in children with hearing loss where the average duration for MSSR tests is 40.0 minutes and 52.0 minutes for ABR tests. CONCLUSION: MSSR showed good correlation and reliability in comparison with ABR especially on higher frequencies. Hence, MSSR is a good clinical test to diagnose children with hearing loss.

Probiotic containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 as an adjunct treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite multiple therapy regimens, the decline in the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate poses a significant challenge to the medical community. Adding Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic as an adjunct treatment has shown some promising results. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 in H. pylori eradication and its effect in ameliorating gastrointestinal symptoms and adverse treatment effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involved treatment-naïve H. pylori-positive patients. Ninety patients received standard triple therapy for 2 weeks before receiving either a probiotic or placebo for 4 weeks. The posttreatment eradication rate was assessed via a 14 C urea breath test in Week 8. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire and an interview on treatment adverse effects were conducted during this study. RESULTS: The eradication rate was higher in the probiotic group than in the placebo group, with a 22.2% difference in the intention-to-treat analysis (91.1% vs. 68.9%; p = 0.007) and 24.3% difference in the per-protocol analysis (93.2% vs. 68.9%; p = 0.007). The probiotic group showed significant pre- to post-treatment reductions in indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain, and total GSRS scores. The probiotic group showed significantly greater reductions in GSRS scores than the placebo group: indigestion (4.34 ± 5.00 vs. 1.78 ± 5.64; p = 0.026), abdominal pain (2.64 ± 2.88 vs. 0.89 ± 3.11; p = 0.007), constipation (2.34 ± 3.91 vs. 0.64 ± 2.92; p = 0.023), and total score (12.41 ± 12.19 vs. 4.24 ± 13.72; p = 0.004). The probiotic group reported significantly fewer adverse headache (0% vs. 15.6%; p = 0.012) and abdominal pain (0% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.026) effects. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant increase in H. pylori eradication rate and attenuation of symptoms and adverse treatment effects when L. reuteri was given as an adjunct treatment.

Validation and the associated factors of the Malay version of systemic lupus erythematosus-specific health-related quality of life questionnaires (SLEQoL and LupusQoL).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability and validity of two disease-specific questionnaires that assess the quality of life (QoL) among patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE); SLEQoL and LupusQoL in Malay language. This study also identified the factors affecting each domain of the questionnaires. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 until April 2022, and SLE patients were recruited to complete the SLEQoL, LupusQoL and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in Malay language. Disease activity were recorded using the modified SLE Disease Activity Index (M- SLEDAI) and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group 2004 (BILAG-2004) index. Presence of organ damage was determined using the SLICC Damage index. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to determine internal consistency while exploratory factor analysis was done to determine the construct validity. Concurrent validity was evaluated using correlation with SF-36. Multiple linear regression analysis was deployed to determine the factors affecting each domain of SLEQoL and LupusQoL. RESULTS: A total of 125 subjects were recruited. The Cronbach's α value for the Malay-SLEQoL (M-SLEQoL) and Malay-LupusQOL (M-LupusQoL) was 0.890 and 0.944 respectively. Exploratory factor analysis found formation of similar number of components with the original version of questionnaires and all items have good factor loading of >0.4. Both instruments also had good concurrent validity with SF-36. M-SLEQoL had good correlations with BILAG-2004 and M-SLEDAI scores. Musculoskeletal (MSK) involvement was independently associated with lower M-SLEQoL in physical function, activity and symptom domains. Meanwhile, MSK and NPSLE were associated with fatigue in M-LupusQoL. CONCLUSION: Both M-SLEQoL and M-LupusQoL are reliable and valid as disease -specific QoL instruments for Malaysian patients. The M-Lupus QoL has better discriminative validity compared to the M-SLEQoL. SLE patients with MSK involvement are at risk of poor QoL in multiple domains including physical function, activity, symptoms and fatigue.

Development and Validation of the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Competency Assessment Tool (ASRH-CAT) for Healthcare Providers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to validate a competency assessment tool for adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services for healthcare providers (HCP) at primary healthcare (PHC) facilities that require a specific set of competency skills to address ASRH problems. METHODS: The tool development process used the nine steps of scale development and validation. Fifty-four items were yielded through the expert panel discussion. Two hundred and forty respondents were recruited for an online questionnaire using non-probability sampling. The item content validity index (I-CVI) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used for construct validity. RESULTS: Fourteen items were removed based on the I-CVI (scores < 0.8) and two items were removed in the EFA (factor loadings < 0.4). The reliability analysis, according to the latent factor, yielded a good item-total correlation (ITC) and a good internal consistency value, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.905-0.949. CONCLUSIONS: The final ASRH competency assessment tool (ASRH_CAT) contains 40 items and is reliable and suitable for use in studies related to the ASRH competency assessment of HCPs at the PHC level.

Prediction of Lung Function Status Using Handgrip Strength and Anthropometry among the Healthy Malay Population in Malaysia.

Lung function depends primarily on the strength of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, which is indirectly related to handgrip strength (HGS). This study aims to determine the predictability of lung functions using HGS among healthy adults of Malay ethnicity in Malaysia. This study also aims to compare the equation using HGS with equations without HGS, such as the Global Lung Initiative (GLI). This study was carried out among adults between 35 to 70 years of age residing in urban and rural Malaysia. A series of standardized questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic information. Lung functions were measured using a portable spirometer and HGS was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. The predictability of lung function indices (FEV1 and FVC) using HGS, age, and height was determined using multiple linear regression (MLR). Prediction of lung function indices was also generated using models without HGS for comparison with the equation that used HGS from this study. Pearson correlation analysis showed that both dominant (r = 0.49; p < 0.001) and non-dominant (r = 0.58; p < 0.001) HGS had a moderate significant correlation with lung function. In the MLR model, HGS was a significant (p < 0.001) predictor of lung function indices (FEV1 and FVC). The correlation of the predicted and measured lung indices using the equation generated in this study, which includes HGS, was higher compared with other lung function test equations that do not include HGS. The equations from MLR could be used to predict lung function indices among healthy Malay adults. The measurement of HGS may be used as a screening tool for lung function status when spirometry is unavailable.

Normative reference values and predicting factors of handgrip strength for dominant and non-dominant hands among healthy Malay adults in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Handgrip strength (HGS) measures the maximum voluntary force of the hand, which has been used to assess individual health status indirectly. Although several factors related to HGS have been identified, studies among adults in Malaysia are lacking. This study aimed to provide the normative reference HGS values and determine its predictor factors among healthy adults of Malay ethnic in Malaysia. METHODOLOGY: This study was a part of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study carried out among adults aged between 35 to 70 years old residing in urban and rural Malaysian communities. A standardised questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic information and physical activity level of respondents who provided written informed consent to participate in this study. HGS was measured using Jamar's dynamometer. A total of 3,446 healthy adults of Malay ethnic were included in this study. Descriptive data were used to derive the normative reference values for HGS using means and standard deviations stratified by age and gender. The predictors of HGS were determined using a general linear model (GLM). RESULTS: Mean HGS ranged from 38.48 (± 9.40) kg for the dominant hand of men aged 35-40 years to 16.53 (± 5.69) kg for the non-dominant hand of women aged 61-70 years. The ANOVA indicated that there was a significant descending trend of HGS as age increased for both genders (p < 0.05). The ANOVA also revealed that participants working in blue- or white-collar jobs had higher HGS than their counterparts who are homemakers (p < 0.05). The GLM shows that, age, occupation type, socio-economic status (SES), physical activity level and BMI significantly predicted dominant HGS among male and meanwhile, only age, SES and BMI significantly predicted dominant HGS among female. CONCLUSION: HGS normative values provided herein can serve as a guide for interpreting HGS measurements obtained from healthy Asian adults especially Malay ethnic. The clinicians and researcher can use the established HGS reference values as comparison in their patients or participants. Furthermore, during a rehabilitation process, the clinicians and researchers could use the normal score ranges to document the progress of HGS and provide feedback to the patients. Further study with prospective study design is needed to determine the causal effect association of the predictors and HGS.

New insights of minimum requirement on legumes (Fabaceae sp.) daily intake in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Despite their low energy density and high nutrient content, legumes may be under-recognised as a beneficial food for the prevention and management of obesity and related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to analyse the moderation effect of legume intake on the relationship between BMI and the prevalence of CVD among the Malaysian adult population. METHODS: This study addressed communities of urban and rural Malaysia, including adults aged between 35 and 70 years old at the baseline recruitment. A series of standardised questionnaires were used to assess legume intake, history of comorbidities and socio-demographic information. Resting blood pressure measurements and physical examinations were performed to collect blood pressure and anthropometric data. Bivariate analysis was completed to determine the association between legume intake, socio-demographic characteristics and CVD prevalence. Moderation analysis was used to quantify the moderation effect of minimum daily legume intake on the relationship between BMI and CVD prevalence. RESULTS: This study found that those who consume less than 3 servings of legumes per day benefit from protective effects against CVD risk (POR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37 - 0.85). Moderation analysis of a minimum of three servings/day for the relationship between BMI and CVD prevalence showed significant effects. The group that benefited the most from this effect was those with a BMI in the range of 26 to 34 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new insights into the recommendation for legume intake according to the relationship between BMI and the prevalence of CVD in Malaysian adults. This study recommends that those with a BMI of 26 to 34 kg/m2 should consume at least 3 servings of legumes per day to reduce the risk of CVD. Further prospective research is warranted to affirm these findings throughout the Malaysian population.

Pattern of macronutrients intake among type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising rapidly in Malaysia. Modifying dietary intake is key to both the prevention and treatment of T2DM. This study aims to investigate the pattern of macronutrient intake among T2DM patients in Malaysia. METHODS: This study was carried out on adults aged between 35 and 70 years, residing in urban and rural Malaysian communities. A series of standardised questionnaires was used to assess the sociodemographic information, dietary intake and physical activity level of 15,353 respondents who provided informed consent to participate in this study. Blood sampling (finger prick test) and physical examination were performed to obtain blood glucose and anthropometric data, respectively. The Chi-square test was used to assess differences in the trends of macronutrient intake among T2DM patients. RESULTS: The total number of participants diagnosed with T2DM in this study was 2254. Of these, 453 (20.1%) were newly diagnosed, 1156 (51.3%) were diagnosed for ≤5 years and 645 (28.6%) were diagnosed for > 5 years. Male patients show that there were significant differences among the three groups of T2DM according to the following variables: age, BMI, residency, participant comorbidity of hypertension, family history of T2DM and hypertension, and active smoker. Meanwhile, female patients show significant differences among the three groups of T2DM according to the following variables: age, BMI, marital status, education level, residency, participant comorbidity of hypertension and family history of T2DM. Most of the male patients consumed appropriate proportions of carbohydrate (458, 60.7%) and protein (618, 81.9%). However, female patients did not show any significant differences of the macronutrients intake among the three groups of T2DM patients. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of dietary intake among T2DM patients in this study showed consumption of carbohydrate and protein within the range of Malaysian RNI, coupled with high fat intake. Compliance with the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) was satisfactory for both carbohydrate and protein but not for fat. The pattern indicated a preference for fat rather than protein when carbohydrate intake was restricted.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Prehypertension and Hypertension Among Adults: Baseline Findings of PURE Malaysia Cohort Study.

Background: Although prehypertension and hypertension can be detected at the primary healthcare level and low-cost treatments can effectively control its complications, hypertension is still the world's leading preventable risk factor. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine its prevalence and its risk factors among Malaysian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 7585 adults was performed covering the rural and urban areas. Respondents with systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 120-139 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80-89 mmHg were categorized as prehypertensive, and hypertensive categorization was used for respondents with an SBP of ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP of ≥90 mmHg. Results: Respondents reported to have prehypertension and hypertension were 40.7% and 38.0%, respectively. Those residing in a rural area, older age, male, family history of hypertension, and overweight or obese were associated with higher odds of prehypertension and hypertension. Unique to hypertension, the factors included low educational level (AOR: 1.349; 95% CI: 1.146, 1.588), unemployment (1.350; 1.16, 1.572), comorbidity of diabetes (1.474; 1.178, 1.844), and inadequate fruit consumption (1.253; 1.094, 1.436). Conclusions: As the prehypertensive state may affect the prevalence of hypertension, proactive strategies are needed to increase early detection of the disease among specific group of those residing in a rural area, older age, male, family history of hypertension, and overweight or obese.

Brief Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy and Its Effects on Negative and Positive Emotions Among Healthy Working Adults: A Feasibility Study.

Background: The primary purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of a short-term virtual reality exposure therapy among healthy working adults sample. The secondary aim is to measure the effect of virtual reality exposure therapy on negative and positive emotions by comparing it to the standard stress management program and the wait-list groups. Methods: We enrolled 67 participants allocated into 3 groups to receive virtual reality exposure therapy, standard stress management, or wait-list group. The virtual reality exposure therapy group received a total of a 30-minute exposure to a virtual reality environment over 2 weeks. The standard stress management group received a stress management program once during the study period. Results: The results showed a heterogeneous sample, whereby a significantly younger, less-working years, and higher anxiety baseline score were found in the virtual reality exposure therapy group compared to standard stress management and wait-list groups. Nonetheless, the virtual reality exposure therapy group showed a reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress score (P < .001). The standard stress management group showed a reduction in anxiety score only (P = .002), whereas no significant changes were observed in the wait-list group. For positive emotion, all 3 groups showed significant improvement. Conclusion: Short-term virtual reality exposure therapy is a feasible intervention for the negative and positive emotions; however, cautious interpretation is needed due to significant heterogeneous sample. Replication of study with comparable groups is recommended.

Assessing Factors Associated with Non-Fatal Injuries from Road Traffic Accidents among Malaysian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the PURE Malaysia Study.

Non-fatal injuries (NFIs) due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a public health problem worldwide that significantly impacts the population morbidity and healthcare costs. As the demands for vehicles in developing countries, such as Malaysia, is increasing annually, the present study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with NFIs due to RTAs among Malaysia's adult population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 15,321 participants from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study conducted in Malaysia. Participants reported whether they had experienced an NFI that limited their normal activities within the past 12 months. Data on risk factors for NFIs were elicited. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify the associated factors. RESULTS: Overall, 863 participants (5.6% of 15,321) reported at least 1 NFI in the past 12 months, with 303 caused by RTAs (35.1%), 270 caused by falls (31.3%) and 290 attributed to other causes (33.6%). The factors associated with higher odds of sustaining an NFI due to an RTA were being male (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 2.08; 95% CI 1.33-3.26), having a primary (2.52; 1.40-4.55) or secondary (2.64; 1.55-4.49) level of education, being overweight to obese (1.40; 1.01-1.94), being currently employed (2.03; 1.31-3.13) and not practicing a noon nap/siesta (1.38; 1.01-1.89). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of NFIs due to RTAs is highly preventable with strategic planning aimed at reducing the risk of RTAs among the Malaysian population. Interventions focusing on protecting road users, especially those who drive two-wheelers, with proactive road safety awareness and literacy campaigns, combined with strict enforcement of the existing traffic laws and behavioural modifications, may reduce the risk of NFIs following RTAs.

Somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations in different grades of glioma.

Aim: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations play an important role in the multistep processes of cancer development. Gliomas are among the most diagnosed brain cancer. The relationship between mtDNA alterations and different grades of gliomas are still elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the profile of somatic mtDNA mutations in different grades of gliomas and correlate it with clinical phenotype. Materials & methods: Forty histopathologically confirmed glioma tissue samples and their matched blood were collected and subjected for mtDNA sequencing. Results & conclusion: About 75% of the gliomas harbored at least one somatic mutation in the mtDNA gene, and 45% of these mutations were pathogenic. Mutations were scattered across the mtDNA genome, and the commonest nonsynonymous mutations were located at complex I and IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. These findings may have implication for future research to determine the mitochondrial energetics and its downstream metabolomics on gliomas.

Maternal Variables as Determinant of Fetal Growth: Study Protocol on Customized Fetal Growth Charts in Malaysia (GROW-My).

Adverse perinatal outcomes such as stillbirth, low birth weight and small for gestational age are still reported to be of high prevalence despite advanced healthcare technology and good quality hospital services in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to create a model to evaluate individualized birth weight customized for maternal characteristics in a Malaysian population. Three phases are involved in designing the customized fetal growth chart (GROW-My). Baseline data is collected from previous pregnancies in the UKM Medical Centre from year 2010 to 2017. Specific maternal attributes were screened for its completeness and validity, namely maternal height and weight at booking, maternal ethnicity and parity, and the baby's birth weight, for all singleton pregnancies. The design and construction of a Malaysian customized fetal growth chart, Growth Related Optimal Weight (GROW-MY) was based on baseline birth data. The customized chart is used in the implementation phase for testing its feasibility, taking into consideration feedback from caregivers and patients before and after implementation. The current study provides staunch information and data regarding the needs and strategies for using maternal variables for estimating birth weight and the risk of being small for gestational age, in order to facilitate screening and appropriate management. With improved diagnosis of fetal growth restriction, medical care and treatment costs can be reduced.

Complementary role of p57kip2 immunostaining in diagnosing hydatidiform mole subtypes.

OBJECTIVES: Gestational trophoblastic disease comprises of a spectrum of pregnancy-related tumours which includes complete (CHM) and partial hydatidiform moles (PHM). Accurate diagnosis and subclassification of HM subtypes are crucial as prognosis differs. Histopathological examination using haemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining remains the basis for diagnosing HM, with only 80% accuracy. p57kip2 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) protein and is strongly paternally imprinted, being expressed from maternal allele. Therefore, complete mole (CHM) with only paternal genome has nearly absent expression of p57kip2 compared to partial mole (PHM) having both paternal and maternal genomes. This study is aimed to determine usefulness of p57kip2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis in the diagnosis of HM subtypes. METHODS: A total of 82 archived paraffin embedded HM tissues with subtypes classified based on H&E staining - 39 (47.5%) CHM, 41 (50.0%) PHM and two (2.43%) unclassified molar pregnancy were retrieved. All tissue samples were subjected for p57kip2 IHC analysis and HM subtypes were then reclassified. RESULTS: A total of 66 cases (80.5%) were re-classified as CHM, 14 cases (17.1%) as PHM and two cases (2.4%) were decidual and cystic tissues. Analysis using p57kip2 immunostaining showed a diagnostic discrepancy of 33.0% from routine H&E staining and helps to improve the characterisation of the HM subtypes specifically at early gestations which have less distinctive morphologies. CONCLUSIONS: IHC using p57kip2 monoclonal antibody should be considered as a routine ancillary test to H&E in improving the diagnosis of HM subtypes particularly in developing countries with limited resources.

Dietary sodium intake and its association with hypertension: A cross-sectional study in Selangor, Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of hypertension and its relationship with dietary sodium intake among the Malay population in Selangor, Malaysia. METHODS: Respondents were recruited from the year 2013 to 2015 from households in Klang Valley (urban area) and several settlements of the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) in Selangor (rural area). Data were collected using two questionnaires, a sociodemographic questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 3,453 adults participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 50.9 (±10.23) years. The prevalence of hypertension was 23.3%. Mean dietary sodium consumption was 3.6 (±6.63) grams/day, 1.6 grams higher than the current WHO recommendation. The prevalence of hypertension was higher among males aged 60 years and older; among rural population with low education level; among housewives and those with high dietary sodium intake. After adjusting for age, gender and marital status in a multiple logistic regression analysis, rural location (OR = 5.81) and high sodium intake (OR = 2.33) have been shown to affect the incidence of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of Malay population in Selangor was hypertensive with a higher sodium intake than the WHO recommendation. Hypertension was associated with rural location and high sodium intake. Sustainable and cost-effective population-based health promotion and prevention interventions using a multi-sectoral approach are needed to ensure sufficient community sodium intake.

Effectiveness of enhanced video-based learning on removable partial denture module.

INTRODUCTION: The application of video-based learning in dentistry has been widely investigated; however, the nature of on-screen video enhancements of the video has been minimally explored in the literature. This study investigated the effectiveness of an in-class and on-demand enhanced video to support learning on removable partial dentures in terms of knowledge acquisition, perception and clinical skill performance. METHODS: Fifty-four dental students enrolled in 2018 were recruited as participants and assigned to two groups. Both groups were given the same lecture and asked to watch the same video in either the enhanced or non-enhanced version. The enhanced video was modified with the contemporaneous subtitle of the presenters' dialogue, text bullet points and summary text pages. The knowledge acquisition from the two types of video was subjected to pre- and post-tests one month after the students watched the video. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the students' perceptions of the learning experience and a performance test on practical skills was performed after six weeks. All the students responded to the test (100%). RESULTS: The enhanced video demonstration improved the students' short-term knowledge acquisition after they watched the video, with an average score of 1.59 points higher in the enhanced group than in the non-enhanced group (p < .05). The practical performance did not differ between the two groups. The students were more likely accepted the enhanced video as a replacement of the existing teaching method rather than a teaching supplement (70.3%). CONCLUSION: The application of the enhanced video demonstration resulted in a better theoretical knowledge retention but not practical performance. Students also preferred watching video to using conventional learning methods.