MyMedR

Fulltext Oral cancer prognosis based on clinicopathologic and genomic markers using a hybrid of feature selection and machine learning methods

Chang SW, Abdul-Kareem S, Merican AF, Zain RB

BMC Bioinformatics, 2013;14:170.

PMID: 23725313 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-14-170

Machine learning techniques are becoming useful as an alternative approach to conventional medical diagnosis or prognosis as they are good for handling noisy and incomplete data, and significant results can be attained despite a small sample size. Traditionally, clinicians make prognostic decisions based on clinicopathologic markers. However, it is not easy for the most skilful clinician to come out with an accurate prognosis by using these markers alone. Thus, there is a need to use genomic markers to improve the accuracy of prognosis. The main aim of this research is to apply a hybrid of feature selection and machine learning methods in oral cancer prognosis based on the parameters of the correlation of clinicopathologic and genomic markers.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Fulltext Exploration of barriers to breast-self examination among urban women in Shah Alam, Malaysia: a cross sectional study

Al-Dubai SA, Ganasegeran K, Alabsi AM, Abdul Manaf MR, Ijaz S, Kassim S

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(4):1627-32.

PMID: 22799379

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia. Barriers for practicing breast self examination (BSE) await exploration.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the practice of BSE and its correlated factors and particularly barriers amongst urban women in Malaysia.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 222 Malaysian women using a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 28.5 (±9.2) years, 59.0% were university graduates. Of the total, 81.1% were aware of breast cancer and 55% practiced BSE. Amongst 45% of respondents who did not practice BSE, 79.8% did not know how to do it, 60.6% feared being diagnosed with breast cancer, 59.6% were worried about detecting breast cancer, 22% reported that they should not touch their bodies, 44% and 28% reported BSE is embarrassing or unpleasant, 29% time consuming, 22% thought they would never have breast cancer or it is ineffective and finally 20% perceived BSE as unimportant. Logistic regression modeling showed that respondents aged ≥45 years, being Malay, married and having a high education level were more likely to practice BSE (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: In this study sample, a significant proportion of respondents was aware of breast cancer but did not practice BSE. Knowledge, psychological, cultural, perception and environmental factors were identified as barriers. BSE practice was associated significantly with socio-demographic factors and socioeconomic status.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Fulltext Prevalence of sleep disordered breathing symptoms among Malay school children in a primary school in Malaysia

Fadzil Abdullah AA, Jamalludin AR, Norrashidah AW, Norzila MZ, Asiah Kassim K, Rus Anida A, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Apr;67(2):181-5.

PMID: 22822640 MyJurnal

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is increasingly being diagnosed in children. However, there is no prevalence study done in Malaysia. The study objective was to evaluate the prevalence of SDB symptoms based on parental reports and associated risk factors among Malay school children aged 6 to 10 years old in a primary school using a translated University Michigan Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (Malay UM-PSQ). The children whose parents responded to the questionnaire and consented were examined, documenting height, weight, skin fold thickness, neck and abdominal circumference, tonsillar size, nostril examination and presence of micrognathia or retrognathia. There were 550 respondents. The prevalence of parental report of SDB symptoms was 14.9 % (95 % CI 11.9, 17.9). Two hundred and eighty-five (51.8%) school children were males with mean age of 8.5 years (SD 1.1). The associated risk factors for SDB symptoms are male, obesity, large neck and waist circumference, positive history of asthma, history of recurrent tonsillitis, enlarged tonsil (> 4+) and enlarged nasal turbinate. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender is the only significant independent risk factor of SDB symptoms

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Fulltext Predictors for failure to mature of autogenous arteriovenous fistulae: Alor Setar experience

Najmi W, Tong LH, Nallusamy M, Musa KI

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Apr;67(2):165-8.

PMID: 22822636 MyJurnal

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

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: Logistic Models

Fulltext Hearing loss and contributing factors among airport workers in Malaysia

Nasir MH, Rampal KG

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Feb;67(1):81-6.

PMID: 22582554 MyJurnal

Sensorineural hearing loss is a common and important source of disability among the workers and often caused by occupational noise exposure. Aims of the study were to determine the prevalence and contributing factors of hearing loss among airport workers. A cross-sectional study was carried out at an airport in Malaysia. This study used stratified sampling method that involved 358 workers who were working in 3 different units between November 2008 and March 2009. Data for this study were collected by using questionnaires eliciting sociodemographic, occupational exposure history (previous and present), life-style including smoking habits and health-related data. Otoscopic and pure-tone audiometric tests were conducted for hearing assessment. Noise exposure status was categorize by using a noise logging dosimeter to obtain 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA). Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 12.0.1 and EpiInfo 6.04. The prevalence of hearing loss was 33.5%. Age >40 years old (aOR 4.3, 95%CI 2.2-8.3) is the main risk factors for hearing loss followed by duration of noise exposure >5 years (aOR 2.5, 95%CI 1.4-4.7), smoking (aOR 2.1, 95%CI 1.2-3.4), duration of service >5 years (aOR 2.1, 95%CI 1.1-3.9), exposure to explosion (aOR 6.1, 95%CI 1.3-29.8), exposure to vibration (aOR 2.2, 95%CI 1.1-4.3) and working in engineering unit (aOR 5.9, 95%CI 1.1-30.9). The prevalence rate ratio of hearing loss for nonsmokers aged 40 years old and younger, smokers aged 40 years old and younger, non-smokers older than 40 years old and smokers older than 40 years old was 1.0, 1.7, 2.8 and 4.6 respectively. This result contributes towards better understanding of risk factors for hearing loss, which is relatively common among Malaysian workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

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: Logistic Models

Who are eating and not eating fruits and vegetables in Malaysia?

Yen ST, Tan AK

Int J Public Health, 2012 Dec;57(6):945-51.

PMID: 22331314 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-012-0343-3

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of sociodemographic factors in fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in Malaysia.

METHODS: Data are obtained from the Malaysia Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance-1. Logistic regressions are conducted using a multiracial (Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ethnic groups) sample of 2,447 observations to examine the factors affecting individual decisions to consume FV on a daily basis.

RESULTS: Based on the binary outcomes of whether individuals consumed FV daily, results indicate that work hours, education, age ethnicity, income, gender, smoking status, and location of residence are significantly correlated with daily fruit consumption. Daily vegetable consumption is significantly correlated with income, gender, health condition, and location of residence.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results imply the need for programs to educate and motivate consumers to make healthier dietary choices. Interventions to increase FV consumption by changing behaviors should be considered, as should those that increase public awareness of the dietary benefits of FV. These intervention programs should be targeted at and tailored toward individuals who are less educated, younger, less affluent, males, smokers, and metropolitan dwellers.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Multiple responses analysis and modeling of Fenton process for treatment of high strength landfill leachate

Mohajeri S, Aziz HA, Zahed MA, Mohajeri L, Bashir MJ, Aziz SQ, et al.

Water Sci Technol, 2011;64(8):1652-60.

PMID: 22335108

Landfill leachate is one of the most recalcitrant wastes for biotreatment and can be considered a potential source of contamination to surface and groundwater ecosystems. In the present study, Fenton oxidation was employed for degradation of stabilized landfill leachate. Response surface methodology was applied to analyze, model and optimize the process parameters, i.e. pH and reaction time as well as the initial concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ion. Analysis of variance showed that good coefficients of determination were obtained (R2 > 0.99), thus ensuring satisfactory agreement of the second-order regression model with the experimental data. The results indicated that, pH and its quadratic effects were the main factors influencing Fenton oxidation. Furthermore, antagonistic effects between pH and other variables were observed. The optimum H2O2 concentration, Fe(II) concentration, pH and reaction time were 0.033 mol/L, 0.011 mol/L, 3 and 145 min, respectively, with 58.3% COD, 79.0% color and 82.1% iron removals.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Physical, psychological and sexual effects in multi-ethnic Malaysian women who have undergone hysterectomy

Wong LP, Arumugam K

J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 2012 Aug;38(8):1095-105.

PMID: 22540215 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01836.x

The postoperative effects on Asian women after hysterectomy have not been fully explored. This study was undertaken to investigate the physical, psychological and sexual functioning effects in multi-ethnic Malaysian women who have undergone hysterectomy.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Fulltext Gradually implemented new biomarkers for prognostication of breast cancer: complete case analysis may introduce bias

Bhoo Pathy N, Uiterwaal CS, Taib NA, Verkooijen HM, Yip CH

J Clin Epidemiol, 2012 May;65(5):568-71.

PMID: 22269329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2011.09.013

Many recent studies investigated the prognostic value of new biomarkers in breast cancer using data from cancer registries. Some of these studies were conducted using only patients for whom biomarker status was available (or tested). Using human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as an example, we determined whether testing for a recently introduced biomarker was associated with the outcome of women with breast cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Predictors and prevalence of successful aging among older Malaysians

Hamid TA, Momtaz YA, Ibrahim R

Gerontology, 2012;58(4):366-70.

PMID: 22179496 DOI: 10.1159/000334671

Successful aging is an important and worldwide concept in gerontology. However, until recently, there has been very little known about successful aging in Malaysia. This study was designed to describe the prevalence and correlates of successful aging among older Malaysians.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Fulltext Association between biomass fuel use and maternal report of child size at birth--an analysis of 2005-06 India Demographic Health Survey data

Sreeramareddy CT, Shidhaye RR, Sathiakumar N

BMC Public Health, 2011;11:403.

PMID: 21619613 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-403

BACKGROUND: Observational epidemiological studies and a systematic review have consistently shown an association between maternal exposure to biomass smoke and reduced birth weight. Our aim was to further test this hypothesis.
METHODS: We analysed the data from 47,139 most recent singleton births during preceding five years of 2005-06 India Demographic Health Survey (DHS). Information about birth weight from child health card and/or mothers' recall) was analysed. Since birth weight was not recorded for nearly 60% of the reported births, maternal self-report of child's size at birth was used as a proxy. Fuel type was classified as high pollution fuels (wood, straw, animal dung, and crop residues kerosene, coal and charcoal), and low pollution fuels (electricity, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas and biogas). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were developed using SURVEYLOGISTIC procedure in SAS system. We used three logistic regression models in which child factors, maternal factors and demographic factors were added step-by-step to the main exposure variable. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) and their 95% CI were calculated. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant.
RESULTS: Child's birth weight was available for only 19,270 (41%) births; 3113 from health card and 16,157 from mothers' recall. For available data, mean birth weight was 2846.5 grams (SD = 684.6). Children born in households using high pollution fuels were 73 grams lighter than those born in households using low pollution fuels (mean birth weight 2883.8 grams versus 2810.7 grams, p < 0.001). Use of biomass fuels was associated with size at birth. Unadjusted OR was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.27 1.55). Adjusted OR after controlling for child factors was 1.41 (95% CI 1.29, 1.57). AOR after controlling for both child and maternal factors was 1.21 (95% CI 1.06, 1.32). In final model AOR was 1.07 (95% 0.94, 1.22) after controlling for child, maternal and demographic factors. Gender, birth order, mother's BMI, haemoglobin level and education were significant in all three models.
CONCLUSIONS: Use of biomass fuels is associated with child size at birth. Future studies should investigate this association using more direct methods for measurement of exposure to smoke emitted from biomass fuels and birth weight.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Fulltext The association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and depression among Iranian postgraduate students in Malaysia

Yary T, Aazami S

Lipids Health Dis, 2011;10:151.

PMID: 21864357 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511X-10-151

The incidence of depression is expected to increase over the next 20 years, and many people will have to deal with it. It has been reported that up to 40% of university students experience levels of depression. Several negative consequences are associated with depression symptoms, such as memory impairment, suicide, and substance abuse. Recently, researchers have been studying possible associations between depression and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which may modify depression symptoms. The aim of the present study was to find an association between PUFA levels and depression among Iranian postgraduate students in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Vitamin D status and its associated factors of free living Malay adults in a tropical country, Malaysia

Moy FM

J. Photochem. Photobiol. B, Biol., 2011 Sep 02;104(3):444-8.

PMID: 21636288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2011.05.002

Vitamin D status is influenced by sun exposure, geographic latitude, daily outdoor activities, body surface exposed to sunlight and dietary intakes. Malaysia, is sunny all year round. However, the vitamin D status of this population especially among the healthy and free living adults is not known. Therefore a study of vitamin D status and associated factors was initiated among an existing Malay cohort in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 380 subjects were sampled to have their vitamin D status assessed using 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). A short questionnaire enquiring socio-demographic characteristics, exposure to sunlight and clothing style was administered. Their mean age was 48.5±5.2years and the mean 25(OH)D for males and females were 56.2±18.9nmol/L and 36.2±13.4nmol/L respectively. There were significant positive correlation for sun exposure score (r=0.27, p<0.001) and negative correlation for sun protection score (r=-0.41, p<0.001) with 25(OH)D levels. In the logistic regression model, females (OR=2.93; 95% CI: 1.17, 7.31), BMI (1.1; 1.03, 1.20) and sun exposure score (0.998; 0.996, 0.999) were significantly associated with vitamin D status as represented by 25(OH)D levels. Our findings show that obesity, lifestyle behaviours and clothing style are directly associated with our participants especially females' low vitamin D status.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Determinants of household direct and indirect costs: an insight for health-seeking behaviour in Burkina Faso

Su TT, Flessa S

Eur J Health Econ, 2013 Feb;14(1):75-84.

PMID: 21953320 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-011-0354-7

The objective of the study is to identify the determinants of household direct and indirect costs in the Nouna District, Burkina Faso. The data used were from a household survey conducted during 2000-2001. The multinominal logit models were applied to investigate the determinants of direct and indirect costs. The respondents who were sick in the rainy season and severity of illness significantly increased the probability of having high direct and indirect household costs. Acute illness occured in an adult was positively associated with magnitude of household indirect costs. Household economic status and utilization of western medical care played an important role in magnitude of direct cost. The information on determinants of household direct and indirect costs is necessary in order to get a complete picture of household costs for seeking health care and identification of vulnerable social groups and households.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

The role of a high augmentation index in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage to prognosticate mortality

Keong LH, Ghani AR, Awang MS, Sayuthi S, Idris B, Abdullah JM

Acta Neurochir. Suppl., 2011;111:375-9.

PMID: 21725785 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0693-8_63

The aim of the study was to determine the prognostic value of a high augmentation index, which was a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. The outcome was divided into two groups in which the following data were collected in a computer running SphygmoCor CvMS software version 8.2. Logistic regression analysis was carried out among significant variables to identify an independent predictor of 6-month outcome and mortality. Sixty patients were recruited into the study. Admission Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.450-0.971; P=0.035), total white cell count (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.028-1.453; P=0.023) and hematoma volume (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.024-1.204; P=0.011) were found to be statistically significant for identifying poor 6-month outcome in multivariate analysis. Factors independently associated with mortality were a high augmentation index (OR, 8.6; 95% CI, 1.794-40.940; P=0.007) and midline shift (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 1.809-31.004; P=0.005). Admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, total white cell count and hematoma volume were significant predictors for poor 6-month outcome, and a high augmentation index and midline shift were predictors for 6-month mortality in this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Fulltext Socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics of illegal motorcycle street racers in Malaysia

Wong LP

BMC Public Health, 2011;11:446.

PMID: 21649937 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-446

This study sought to understand the factors associated with street racing among the illegal motorcycle racers in Malaysia or known as the "Mat Rempit".

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Risk factors associated with pneumothorax in Malaysian neonatal intensive care units

Boo NY, Cheah IG, Malaysian National Neonatal Registry

J Paediatr Child Health, 2011 Apr;47(4):183-90.

PMID: 21244549 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01944.x

This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with the development of pneumothorax among infants admitted to the Malaysian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

Perceived health status and daily activity participation of older Malaysians

Ng ST, Tengku-Aizan H, Tey NP

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2011 Jul;23(4):470-84.

PMID: 20685663 DOI: 10.1177/1010539510374751

This article investigates the influence of perceived health status on the daily activity participation of older Malaysians. Data from the Survey on Perceptions of Needs and Problems of the Elderly, which was conducted in 1999, were used. The negative binomial regression results show that older persons with good perceived health status reported more varieties of daily activity participation, especially among the uneducated and those with below-average self-esteem. The multinomial logistic regression model suggests that older persons with good perceived health status tended to engage daily in paid work only or with leisure activities, whereas those perceived to have poor health were more likely to engage in leisure activities only or leisure and family role activities. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle at a younger age encourages every person to monitor and take responsibility for their own health, which is a necessary strategy to ensure active participation at an older age, and thus improve their well-being.

Matched MeSH terms: Logistic Models

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