Displaying publications 201 - 220 of 1012 in total

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  1. Automated identification of normal and diabetes heart rate signals using nonlinear measures
    Rajendra Acharya U, Faust O, Adib Kadri N, Suri JS, Yu W
    Comput Biol Med, 2013 Oct;43(10):1523-9.
    PMID: 24034744 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2013.05.024
    Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects considerable number of people in the world and the number of cases is increasing every year. Due to a strong link to the genetic basis of the disease, it is extremely difficult to cure. However, it can be controlled to prevent severe consequences, such as organ damage. Therefore, diabetes diagnosis and monitoring of its treatment is very important. In this paper, we have proposed a non-invasive diagnosis support system for DM. The system determines whether or not diabetes is present by determining the cardiac health of a patient using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. This analysis was based on nine nonlinear features namely: Approximate Entropy (ApEn), largest Lyapunov exponet (LLE), detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). Clinically significant measures were used as input to classification algorithms, namely AdaBoost, decision tree (DT), fuzzy Sugeno classifier (FSC), k-nearest neighbor algorithm (k-NN), probabilistic neural network (PNN) and support vector machine (SVM). Ten-fold stratified cross-validation was used to select the best classifier. AdaBoost, with least squares (LS) as weak learner, performed better than the other classifiers, yielding an average accuracy of 90%, sensitivity of 92.5% and specificity of 88.7%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  2. Fulltext Evaluation of a worksite cervical screening initiative to increase Pap smear uptake in Malaysia: a cluster randomized controlled trial
    Abdullah F, O'Rorke M, Murray L, Su TT
    Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:572126.
    PMID: 24073411 DOI: 10.1155/2013/572126
    BACKGROUND: Despite the significant burden of cervical cancer, Malaysia like many middle-income countries relies on opportunistic cervical screening as opposed to a more organized population-based program. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effectiveness of a worksite screening initiative upon Papanicolaou smear test (Pap test) uptake among educated working women in Malaysia.

    METHODS: 403 female teachers who never or infrequently attended for a Pap test from 40 public secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur were recruited into a cluster randomized trial conducted between January and November 2010. The intervention group participated in a worksite cervical screening initiative whilst the control group received usual care from the existing cervical screening program. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of the intervention program on Pap smear uptake after 24 weeks of followup.

    RESULTS: The proportion of women attending for a Pap test was significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group (18.1% versus 10.1%, P value < 0.05) with the worksite screening initiative doubling the Pap smear uptake, adjusted odds ratio 2.44 (95% CI: 1.29-4.62).

    CONCLUSION: Worksite health promotion interventions can effectively increase cervical smear uptake rates among eligible workers in middle-income countries. Policy makers and health care providers in these countries should include such interventions in strategies for reducing cervical cancer burden. This trial is registered with IRCT201103186088N1.

    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  3. The effects of metformin on ovarian cancer: a systematic review
    Dilokthornsakul P, Chaiyakunapruk N, Termrungruanglert W, Pratoomsoot C, Saokaew S, Sruamsiri R
    Int. J. Gynecol. Cancer, 2013 Nov;23(9):1544-51.
    PMID: 24172091 DOI: 10.1097/IGC.0b013e3182a80a21
    OBJECTIVE: The potential therapeutic effects of metformin on several cancers were reported. However, the evidence of the effects of metformin on ovarian cancer is still limited and inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aim to summarize the existing evidence of the therapeutic effects of metformin on ovarian cancer.

    METHODS: We performed systematic searches using electronic databases including PubMed and EMBASE until December 2012. Key words included "metformin" AND ("ovarian cancer" OR "ovary tumor"). All human studies assessing the effects of metformin on ovarian cancer were eligible for inclusion. All articles were reviewed independently by 2 authors with a standardized approach for the purpose of study, study design, patient characteristics, exposure, and outcomes. The data were pooled using a random-effects model.

    RESULTS: Of 190 studies retrieved, only 3 observational studies and 1 report of 2 randomized controlled trials were included. Among those studies, 2 reported the effects of metformin on survival outcomes of ovarian cancer, whereas the other 2 reported the effects of metformin on ovarian cancer prevention. The findings of studies reporting the effects on survival outcomes indicated that metformin may prolong overall, disease-specific, and progression-free survival in ovarian cancer patients. The results of studies reporting the effects of metformin on ovarian cancer prevention were meta-analyzed. It indicated that metformin tended to decrease occurrence of ovarian cancer among diabetic patients with the pooled odds ratio of 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.16-1.99).

    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed the potential therapeutic effects of metformin on survival outcomes of ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer prevention. However, most of the evidence was observational studies. There is a call for further well-conducted controlled clinical trials to confirm the effects of metformin on ovarian cancer survival and ovarian cancer prevention.

    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  4. Fulltext Influence of functional knee bracing on the isokinetic and functional tests of anterior cruciate ligament deficient patients
    Mortaza N, Abu Osman NA, Jamshidi AA, Razjouyan J
    PLoS One, 2013;8(5):e64308.
    PMID: 23717593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064308
    Use of functional knee braces has been suggested to provide protection and to improve kinetic performance of the knee in Anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)-injured patients. However, many athletes might refrain from wearing the braces because of the fear of performance hindrance in the playing field. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of three functional knee brace/sleeves upon the isokinetic and functional performance of ACL-deficient and healthy subjects. Six anterior cruciate ligament deficient (29.0 ± 5.3 yrs., 175.2 ± 5.4 cm, and 73.0 ± 10.0 kg) and six healthy male subjects (27.2 ± 3.7 yrs., 176.4 ± 6.4 cm, and 70.3 ± 6.9 kg) were selected. The effect of a custom-made functional knee brace, and two neoprene knee sleeves, one with four metal supports and one without support were examined via the use of isokinetic and functional tests in four sets (non-braced,wearing functional knee brace,and wearing the sleeves). Cross-over hop and single leg vertical jump test were performed and jump height, and hop distance were recorded. Peak torque to body weight ratio and average power in two isokinetic velocities(60°.s(-1),180°.s(-1)) were recorded and the brace/sleeves effect was calculated as the changes in peak torque measured in the brace/sleeves conditions, expressed as a percentage of peak torque measured in non-braced condition. Frequency content of the isokinetic torque-time curves was also analyzed. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the measured values in four test conditions within each control and ACL-deficient group,and Mann-Whitney U test was used for the comparison between the two groups. No significant differences in peak torque, average power, torque-time curve frequency content, vertical-jump and hop measurements were found within the experimental and the non-braced conditions (p>0.05). Although the examined functional knee brace/sleeves had no significant effect on the knee muscle performance, there have been some enhancement regarding the extension peak torques and power generating capacity of the ACL-deficient subjects that could be helpful in reducing the bilateral asymmetry in these patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  5. Fingerprint changes and verification failure among patients with hand dermatitis
    Lee CK, Chang CC, Johar A, Puwira O, Roshidah B
    JAMA Dermatol, 2013 Mar;149(3):295-9.
    PMID: 23682364
    To determine the prevalence of fingerprint verification failure and to define and quantify the fingerprint changes associated with fingerprint verification failure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  6. Fulltext Low prevalence of 'classical' microscopic colitis but evidence of microscopic inflammation in Asian irritable bowel syndrome patients with diarrhoea
    Hilmi I, Hartono JL, Pailoor J, Mahadeva S, Goh KL
    BMC Gastroenterol, 2013;13:80.
    PMID: 23651739 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230X-13-80
    There is increasing evidence for the role of microscopic inflammation in patients with IBS. We aimed to examine the prevalence of microscopic colitis and inflammation in Malaysian IBS patients with diarrhoea (IBS-D).
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  7. Fulltext Effect of combined psycho-physiological stretching and breathing therapy on sexual satisfaction
    Bay R, Ismail SB, Zahiruddin WM, Arifin WN
    BMC Urol, 2013;13:16.
    PMID: 23522405 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2490-13-16
    During the last few decades, marital tensions and stresses have influenced various dimensions of life. The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of combined psycho-physiological therapy (stretching therapy combined with breathing exercise) on sexual satisfaction among heterosexual men.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  8. The association between sleep apnea and young adults with hypertension
    Asha'ari ZA, Hasmoni MH, Ab Rahman J, Yusof RA, Ahmad RA
    Laryngoscope, 2012 Oct;122(10):2337-42.
    PMID: 22753136 DOI: 10.1002/lary.23379
    To study the association between sleep apnea and hypertension in a younger age group than previously studied, adding upper airway sizes at endoscopy as important compounding variables not often included in the past.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  9. Fulltext Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene I/D dimorphism does not play a major role in the susceptibility of Malaysian systemic lupus erythematosus patients
    Lian LH, Lau TP, Ching AS, Chua KH
    Genet. Mol. Res., 2012;11(2):863-71.
    PMID: 22576914 DOI: 10.4238/2012.April.10.2
    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes systemic damage, involving auto-reactive antibodies and over-deposition of immune complexes. Susceptibility to SLE is believed to be multifactorial, and genetics is one of the proven etiological factors; it can affect SLE development, severity and prognosis. We investigated a possible association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and susceptibility to SLE in the Malaysian population. PCR was employed for the determination of I/D dimorphism of this gene. The I allele was more frequent than the D allele in both the SLE patients (N = 170) and healthy controls (N = 190). However, there was no significant difference in the distribution of these two alleles between both groups studied (χ(2) = 0.284, P > 0.05). Interestingly, the DD homozygous genotype scored notably higher in the healthy control group (χ(2) = 7.568, P < 0.05), while the ID heterozygote was observed to be significantly associated with SLE (χ(2) = 11.143, P < 0.05). In conclusion, with respect to the Malaysian population, the DD genotype might play a protective role in the development of SLE while in contrast, those who carry the ID genotype might be at potential risk for onset of this disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  10. Effects of preeclampsia on the yield of hematopoietic stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood at delivery
    Wahid FS, Nasaruddin MZ, Idris MR, Tusimin M, Tumian NR, Mahdy ZA
    J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 2012 Mar;38(3):490-7.
    PMID: 22381102 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01740.x
    To compare the numbers of cord blood CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) between preeclampsia (PE) and control (non-PE) subjects and to determine the factors that may influence this observation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  11. Fulltext Blood-based biomarkers of aggressive prostate cancer
    Liong ML, Lim CR, Yang H, Chao S, Bong CW, Leong WS, et al.
    PLoS One, 2012;7(9):e45802.
    PMID: 23071848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045802
    Prostate cancer is a bimodal disease with aggressive and indolent forms. Current prostate-specific-antigen testing and digital rectal examination screening provide ambiguous results leading to both under-and over-treatment. Accurate, consistent diagnosis is crucial to risk-stratify patients and facilitate clinical decision making as to treatment versus active surveillance. Diagnosis is currently achieved by needle biopsy, a painful procedure. Thus, there is a clinical need for a minimally-invasive test to determine prostate cancer aggressiveness. A blood sample to predict Gleason score, which is known to reflect aggressiveness of the cancer, could serve as such a test.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  12. An exploratory study of the effectiveness of group narrative therapy on the school behavior of girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms
    Looyeh MY, Kamali K, Shafieian R
    Arch Psychiatr Nurs, 2012 Oct;26(5):404-10.
    PMID: 22999036 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2012.01.001
    This study explored the effectiveness of group narrative therapy for improving the school behavior of a small sample of girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Fourteen clinics referred 9- to 11-year-old girls with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD were randomly assigned to treatment and wait-list control groups. Posttreatment ratings by teachers showed that narrative therapy had a significant effect on reducing ADHD symptoms 1 week after completion of treatment and sustained after 30 days.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  13. Self-esteem in 6- to 16-year-olds with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis
    Kanaheswari Y, Poulsaeman V, Chandran V
    J Paediatr Child Health, 2012 Oct;48(10):E178-82.
    PMID: 22998162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2012.02577.x
    Childhood nocturnal enuresis (NE) and incontinence has been shown to be associated with increased behavioural problems and reduced self-esteem (SE) in Western populations. The impact on Asian children, however, is not known. This study investigates the relationship between SE and monosymptomatic NE in Malaysian children aged 6 to 16 years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  14. Differences in allele frequencies of autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia SNPs in the Malaysian population
    Alex L, Chahil JK, Lye SH, Bagali P, Ler LW
    J Hum Genet, 2012 Jun;57(6):358-62.
    PMID: 22534770 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2012.34
    Hypercholesterolemia is caused by different interactions of lifestyle and genetic determinants. At the genetic level, it can be attributed to the interactions of multiple polymorphisms, or as in the example of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), it can be the result of a single mutation. A large number of genetic markers, mostly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) or mutations in three genes, implicated in autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH), viz APOB (apolipoprotein B), LDLR (low density lipoprotein receptor) and PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9), have been identified and characterized. However, such studies have been insufficiently undertaken specifically in Malaysia and Southeast Asia in general. The main objective of this study was to identify ADH variants, specifically ADH-causing mutations and hypercholesterolemia-associated polymorphisms in multiethnic Malaysian population. We aimed to evaluate published SNPs in ADH causing genes, in this population and to report any unusual trends. We examined a large number of selected SNPs from previous studies of APOB, LDLR, PCSK9 and other genes, in clinically diagnosed ADH patients (n=141) and healthy control subjects (n=111). Selection of SNPs was initiated by searching within genes reported to be associated with ADH from known databases. The important finding was 137 mono-allelic markers (44.1%) and 173 polymorphic markers (55.8%) in both subject groups. By comparing to publicly available data, out of the 137 mono-allelic markers, 23 markers showed significant differences in allele frequency among Malaysians, European Whites, Han Chinese, Yoruba and Gujarati Indians. Our data can serve as reference for others in related fields of study during the planning of their experiments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  15. Fulltext A case control study in factors that affect mammogram compliance
    Chan PY, Latip LS
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Dec;66(5):456-61.
    PMID: 22390101 MyJurnal
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  16. Association of TGFβ1 and SMAD4 variants in the etiology of keloid scar in the Malay population
    Emami A, Halim AS, Salahshourifar I, Yussof SJ, Khoo TL, Kannan TP
    Arch. Dermatol. Res., 2012 Sep;304(7):541-7.
    PMID: 22805880 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-012-1262-0
    Keloid is a complex condition with environmental and genetic risk-contributing factors. Two candidate genes, TGFβ1 and SMAD4, located in the same signaling pathway are highly expressed in the keloid fibroblast cells. In a case-control design, TGFβ1 haplotypes showed association with the risk of keloid in the present study. The CC haplotype, composed of both c.29C>T and -509T>C variants, was observed more frequently among cases (Corrected p = 0.037, OR = 2.07, 95 % CI = 0.87-4.93), showing a 4.5-fold increased risk for keloid. The AG genotype of the SMAD4 c.5131A>G variant showed a trend of significance (p = 0.0573, OR = 1.75, 95 % CI = 0.99-3.13). Taken together, either of these variants is most probably causative at the expression level or is in linkage disequilibrium with other causative variants in a complex pattern together with the environmental factors that contribute to the condition. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one documented report on a relationship between TGFβ1 and keloid with no association within the Caucasian population, while there have not been any reports for SMAD4. Therefore, the present study is likely the first research showing a significant association between TGFβ1 variants and keloids in the Malay population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  17. Fulltext Preliminary study on association of beta2-adrenergic receptor polymorphism with hypertension in hypertensive subjects attending Balok Health Centre, Kuantan
    Atia AE, Norsidah K, Nor Zamzila A, Rafidah Hanim M, Samsul D, Aznan MA, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Feb;67(1):25-30.
    PMID: 22582545
    Polymorphisms within the beta2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene have been repeatedly linked to hypertension. Among the ADRB2 polymorphisms detected, Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu codons are considered the two most important variations. The amino acid substitution at these codons may lead to abnormal regulation of ADRB2 activity. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between ADRB2 polymorphisms and hypertension. This case-control study consisted of 100 unrelated subjects (50 hypertensive and 50 matched normal controls). Arg16Gly and the Gln27Glu polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. There were no significant evidence of association in allelic and genotypes distribution of Arg16Gly and Glu27Gln with blood pressure and hypertension. These findings suggest that the variation within codon 16 and 27 of ADRB2 gene were unlikely to confer genetic susceptibility for hypertension in our population samples.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  18. Colorectal cancer and its association with the metabolic syndrome: a Malaysian multi-centric case-control study
    Ulaganathan V, Kandiah M, Zalilah MS, Faizal JA, Fijeraid H, Normayah K, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(8):3873-7.
    PMID: 23098486
    OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are both on the rise in Malaysia. A multi-centric case-control study was conducted from December 2009 to January 2011 to determine any relationship between the two.

    METHODS: Patients with confirmed CRC based on colonoscopy findings and cancer free controls from five local hospitals were assessed for MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. Each index case was matched for age, gender and ethnicity with two controls (140: 280).

    RESULTS: MetS among cases was highly prevalent (70.7%), especially among women (68.7%). MetS as an entity increased CRC risk by almost three fold independently (OR=2.61, 95%CI=1.53-4.47). In men MetS increased the risk of CRC by two fold (OR=2.01, 95%CI, 1.43-4.56), demonstrating an increasing trend in risk with the number of Mets components observed.

    CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for a positive association between the metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer. A prospective study on the Malaysian population is a high priority to confirm these findings.

    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  19. Evaluation of postural control impairment using Balance Error Scoring System among athletes with ankle injury: an effective tool in daily clinical practice
    Vikram M, Sundaraganesh K, Justine M, Kurup M, Leonard JH
    Clin Ter, 2012;163(5):383-6.
    PMID: 23099965
    The main objective of the study was to investigate postural control impairment in athletes with history of ankle injury by using Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and to compare with the controls.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
  20. Association analysis of -429T/C and -374T/A polymorphisms of receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene in Malaysian with type 2 diabetic retinopathy
    Ng ZX, Kuppusamy UR, Tajunisah I, Fong KC, Chua KH
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2012 Mar;95(3):372-7.
    PMID: 22154374 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2011.11.005
    Conflicting results have been reported in different populations on the association between two particular RAGE gene polymorphisms (-429T/C and -374T/A) and retinopathy in diabetic patients. Therefore this study was designed to assess the association between both gene polymorphisms with retinopathy in Malaysian diabetic patients. A total of 342 type 2 diabetic patients [171 without retinopathy (DNR) and 171 with retinopathy (DR)] and 235 healthy controls were included in this study. Genomic DNA was obtained from blood samples and the screening for the gene polymorphisms was done using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism approach. Overall, the genotype distribution for both polymorphisms was not statistically different (p>0.05) among the control, DNR and DR groups. The -429C minor allele frequency of DR group (12.0%) was not significantly different (p>0.05) when compared to DNR group (16.1%) and healthy controls (11.3%). The -374A allele frequency also did not differ significantly between the control and DNR (p>0.05), control and DR (p>0.05) as well as DNR and DR groups (p>0.05). This is the first study report on RAGE gene polymorphism in Malaysian DR patients. In conclusion, -429T/C and -374T/A polymorphisms in the promoter region of RAGE gene were not associated with Malaysian type 2 DR patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Case-Control Studies
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