MyMedR

Dental needs, demands and patterns of service utilization in a selected Malaysian urban population

Razak IA, Jaafar N

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 1987 Aug;15(4):188-91.

The dental needs, demands and patterns of service utilization were assessed in a randomly selected sample of 750 subjects attending the Dental Faculty, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Toothache accounted for the most frequent overall dental complaint. However, the most common motives for seeking dental care varied among children (2-12 yr), adolescents (13-18 yr) and adults (19 + yr). The attendance behavior of women is more preventively orientated and more inclined towards rehabilitation compared to that of men. The proportion of normative needs of the patients varies from 7.5% for dentures to 66% for dental caries. About 50% of service utilization for the first visit consisted primarily of extractions in the oral surgery department.

Antibacterial activity of alkaloid extracts from ochrosia oppositifolia

Puteri I. A. M. Mahmud, Yaacob WA, Nazlina Ibrahim

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1279-1284.

Ochrosia oppositifolia can be found along the coastline and is locally known as 'Mempelam pasih' or 'Mangga laut'. In this study, the alkaloids from the leaves, stem-bark and roots were extracted and tested for their antibacterial activity. So far, no previous studies have been carried out to determine the antibacterial potential of the extracts. Each extract was tested using disc-diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. The highest inhibitory diameters shown by 10 mg/mL extracts of the leaves and stem-bark against Staphylococcus aureus and the roots against MRSA were 10.0±2.8 and 10.5±2.1 and 14.0±2.8 mm. On the other hand, the MIC values exhibited by the leaf and stem-bark extracts against Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella thyphimurium and Serratia marcescens and the root extract against Vibrio fluvialis were 3.75 and 0.94 and 0.12 mg/mL. This study broadens the bioactivity potential of the plant and the information obtained can be utilized for pharmacological purposes.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor-binding antagonist activity of Malaysian medicinal plants

Jantan I, Rafi IA, Jalil J

Phytomedicine, 2005 Jan;12(1-2):88-92.

PMID: 15693713

Forty-nine methanol extracts of 37 species of Malaysian medicinal plants were investigated for their inhibitory effects on platelet-activating factor (PAF) binding to rabbit platelets, using 3H-PAF as a ligand. Among them, the extracts of six Zingiberaceae species (Alpinia galanga Swartz., Boesenbergia pandurata Roxb., Curcuma ochorrhiza Val., C. aeruginosa Roxb., Zingiber officinale Rosc. and Z. zerumbet Koenig.), two Cinnamomum species (C. altissimum Kosterm. and C. pubescens Kochummen.), Goniothalamus malayanus Hook. f. Momordica charantia Linn. and Piper aduncum L. are potential sources of new PAF antagonists, as they showed significant inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from 1.2 to 18.4 microg ml(-1).

Fulltext Knowledge and practice of complementary medicine amongst public primary care clinic doctors in Kinta district, Perak

Ismail IA, Chan SC

Med J Malaysia, 2004 Mar;59(1):4-10.

PMID: 15535328 MyJurnal

The knowledge and practice of doctors (n=40) towards complementary medicine (CM) in 16 health clinics in the Kinta District were assessed by questionnaire. Thirty-four (85%) responded. More than half felt that acupuncture (73.50), homeopathy (59%) and herbal medicine (59%) were occasionally harmful. Forty-four percent felt manipulative therapy was frequently harmful. Relaxation technique (79%) and nutritional therapy (44%) were considered most frequently useful. 59% used some form of CM. There were no significant differences found in usage rates by gender, age group and exposure to CM during undergraduate training. Sixty-seven percent had encouraged patients to seek CM. Seventy-three percent perceived an increasing demand for CM. Eighty-eight percent were in favour of a hospital based CM referral center. Only 6% were trained in CM.
Study site: Klinik kesihatan, Perak, Malaysia

Fulltext Is arthoscopy of the shoulder safe - a study/perspective on arthroscopic subracromial decompression

Loh YC, Trail IA

Med J Malaysia, 2002 Jun;57(2):205-8.

PMID: 24326652

Fourteen fit and healthy patients underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) of shoulder for rotator cuff impingement. Their blood chemistry was analysed pre-operatively, 24 hours post-operatively and 2-3 weeks post-operatively. Levels of haematocrit, sodium, potassium, creatinine and urea were measured. The blood chemistry returned almost to the pre-operative level at 2-3 weeks post-operatively. There was no statistically significant differences found. This study concludes that arthroscopic subacromial decompression is a safe technique when considering the blood parameters despite the haemodilution seen in all patients.

Pulmonary miliary tuberculosis with multiple intracerebral tuberculous granulomas--report of two cases

Muin IA, Zurin AR

Br J Neurosurg, 1998 Dec;12(6):585-7.

PMID: 10070474

Although intracerebral tuberculomas are common in countries where tuberculosis is still endemic, miliary tuberculosis with involvement of the central nervous system is exceptionally rare. We report two cases of pulmonary miliary tuberculosis with multiple intracerebral tuberculomas.

Cross-infection control in Malaysian dental practice

Razak IA, Lind OP

Singapore Dent J, 1995 Jul;20(1):11-5.

PMID: 9582683

A questionnaire survey on cross-infection control was conducted among 1371 professionally trained dentists whose names appeared in the Malaysian Government Gazette of 1990. A 73.1 percent response rate was obtained. About 13 percent of the dentists routinely did not wear gloves during treatment of patients as opposed to 54 percent who routinely did. About 83 percent and 52 percent of dentists wore a mask and eyewear or glasses respectively when carrying out dental procedures. About 93 percent of dentists would use a new sterile needle for each patient and about 40 percent would wipe working surfaces with disinfectant after each patient. The practice of sterilizing handpieces was found to be uncommon as opposed to the sterilization of hand instruments. Variations were observed in some of the infection control measures by gender, seniority in service and employment status. More than one-third of the respondents had experienced puncture wounds during the last month prior to the survey.

Fulltext Primary hyperparathyroidism with carcinoma of the right breast--a case report

Muin IA, Meah FA

Med J Malaysia, 1994 Sep;49(3):301-2.

PMID: 7845286

A patient with carcinoma of the right breast and coincidental primary hyperparathyroidism is presented. The distinction between hypercalcemia of malignant and hyperparathyroid origins is based on biochemical analysis and localisation of parathyroid adenoma on a computer tomogram of the neck.

Dentists' attitudes toward auxiliaries in Malaysia

Razak IA, Lind OP

Community Dent Health, 1994 Mar;11(1):24-8.

PMID: 8193979

A postal questionnaire survey concerning dentists' attitudes toward auxiliaries in Malaysia resulted in a 73.1 per cent response rate. The result of the study indicates that whilst the majority of the dentists agreed that dental auxiliaries usually increase productivity and permit the dentists to devote more time for more challenging tasks, a majority felt uncomfortable to be held accountable for the performance of auxiliaries. A majority of the dentists agreed that dental auxiliaries work best under direct supervision. The perceived value of the auxiliaries was more positive among public sector dentists as compared to private practitioners. Almost three-quarters of the dentists were positive towards legalising properly trained auxiliaries to work in private practice performing mainly preventive procedures. The implications of these findings relative to existing regulations, mode of practice and the future prospect in the delivery of oral health care are discussed.

Need and demand for dental care in a group of Malaysian elderly

Razak IA, Ali MM

Gerodontics, 1988 Oct;4(5):265-7.

PMID: 3271724

Ethnic and sex variations in dental care utilization patterns in a group of Malaysian elderly

Razak IA, Ali MM

Gerodontology, 1988;7(2):77-80.

PMID: 3273286

Association between cigarette smoking and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among Malaysian army personnel

Zain RB, Razak IA

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 1989 Jun;17(3):148-9.

PMID: 2786793

The association between cigarette smoking and the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was examined in 495 Malaysian army personnel. No associations between cigarette smoking and recurrent aphthous ulcerations, pre-leukoplakia and frictional keratosis could be obtained in this study. Positive associations were found between cigarette smoking and leukoedema as well as denture stomatitis. There was a negative association between cigarette smoking and the presence of coated tongue.

Patterns of tooth vulnerability to caries in 20-24-year-old subjects

Razak IA, Razak AA

Odontostomatol Trop, 1988 Dec;11(4):145-8.

PMID: 3272009

Caries susceptibility of first permanent molars in 1808 schoolchildren aged 7-12 years

Razak IA, Razak AA

Singapore Dent J, 1984 May;9(1):23-5.

PMID: 6599645

Unperceived dental needs in a group of Malaysian elderly patients

Razak IA, Ali MM

Ann Acad Med Singap, 1989 Sep;18(5):516-8.

PMID: 2619242

The present study analysed the records of 342 elderly subjects aged 55 years and above of different ethnic groups to ascertain the types and level of their unperceived dental needs. The overall percentage of unperceived needs was highest among the Malays (96.1% or 74/77 subjects) and among the men (88.5% or 139/157 subjects). The unperceived need for prosthetic treatment was highest among the Malays and Chinese as well as among women, whereas the unperceived need for treatment for periodontal disease was highest among the Indians. The data for unperceived needs for prosthetic treatment as well as for treatment for caries and periodontal disease were somewhat similar among men. Within each ethnic group, variations among sex in the unperceived needs for the various dental symptoms were also noticeable. Further research is indicated to ascertain the role of traditional and cultural concepts and dogmas in determining the importance attached to the various dental health symptoms within each ethnic group.

Fulltext Tele-echocardiography - Made for astronauts, now in hospitals

Balasingam M, Ebrahim J, Ariffin IA

Indian Heart J, 2017 Mar-Apr;69(2):252-254.

PMID: 28460775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2017.01.010

Telemedicine, ie 'the delivery of healthcare and sharing of medical knowledge using telecommunication systems' has penetrated every field of medicine. As a result, tele-echocardiography, the study of the heart via telemedicine started expanding. Ironically, space became the next frontier for mankind's new innovations and technology pursuit. However, the microgravity environment of space is known to be challenging to astronauts hearts. As such, new tele-echocardiography techniques have evolved. The main aim was to research a system that can be operated by a layperson but still be able to provide high yield diagnostic information in real time to specialists on earth. This spin-off space technology is recognized to have a positive impact, especially in developing countries with vast terrain. It is now utilized in hospitals and other terrestial locations where patients in remote regions can have their hearts analysed and data relayed to specialists in bigger centres for interpretation and further management.

The thiamine content of human milk in Malaya. I. The normal level of thiamine in milk from Malay, Chinese and Indian women

Simpson IA, Chow AY

J Trop Pediatr (Lond), 1956 Jun;2(1):3-17.

PMID: 24544028 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.tropej.a057405

(1) The use of the thiochrome method for the estimation of thiamine in human milk is discussed, with special reference to the possible production of an artefact, following the incubation of the milk with pepsin, in addition to the use of takadiastase (clarase). No evidence could be found to suggest that an artefact resembling thiamine was produced by the method of analysis described.
(2) The thiamine content of 91 samples of full lactation human milk from apparently "normal" Malay, Chinese and Indian women in Malaya is recorded. The mean milk thiamine level of 11.3 ug/100 ml. found is considerably lower than the levels recorded for milk samples from apparently "normal " women in the United Kingdom and the U.S.A.; and slightly lower than that recorded in Australia. The results suggest that the dietary
intake of thiamine in Malaya is inadequate to maintain optimum thiamine levels in the milk of lactating women.
(3) No significant difference was found in the mean thiamine content of milk from women of the three principal racial groups in Malaya ; nor was any significant difference found to be associated with the parity or age of the women or, in the case of full lactation milks, with the time after parturition at which the sample was collected. No significant difference was found in samples collected from the same woman at different times of the day or before and after a main meal.
(4) Marked differences were found in the thiamine content of samples of milk from individual women, and the possible reasons for this are discussed.
(5) The examfnation of 48 samples of milk collected during the first month after parturition confirmed previous recorded observations that the thiamine content of such milks, initially low, gradually increases to reach "normal" levels towards the end of the first month of lactation.

The thiamine content of human milk in Malaya. II. The effect of the administration of supplementary thiamine on the thiamine level of human milk

Chow AY, Simpson IA

J Trop Pediatr (Lond), 1956 Sep;2(2):69-76.

PMID: 24544134

(1) The effect has been studied of the oral administration of supplementary thiamine on the thiamine content of milk from sixteen women, whose initial thiamine content was low ; and of the parenteral administration of thiamine to ten women, some of whom initially showed mild, clinical symptoms of beriberi.
(2) The response in the milk content of thiamine to supplementary thiamine, administered either orally or by injection, showed marked variation in different women. While comparatively small doses taken by mouth evoked a marked response in some women, fairly large doses administered by injection failed to produce much response in others.
(3) In some women, a marked increase in the thiamine content of their milk occurred soon after the administration of thiamine, either orally or parenterally. In others, the response was slow and meagre.
(4) The highest thiamine level obtained in a sample of milk was 38.9 ug./100 ml., after the injection, twice daily, of 20 mg. thiamine for six days — a total intake of 240 mg. of thiamine parenterally. The initial milk thiamine level in this case was 2.3 ug./100 ml., but had increased to 16.2ug./100 ml., by the supply of a good diet alone, before the course of injections was commenced.
(5) It would appear, that, in cases where the thiamine content of the milk is low, initial parenteral administration of thiamine must be supplemented by a continued intake of additional thiamine, if a satisfactory level of thiamine in the milk is to be maintained.

Fulltext Moderate-to-severe food insecurity is positively correlated with the risk of eating disorders in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic

Tan ST, Shahril PIA

Ethics Med Public Health, 2023 Apr;27:100874.

PMID: 36776244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemep.2023.100874

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic may have worsened food insecurity and altered the eating behaviour of young adults. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aims to investigate the correlation between moderate-to-severe food insecurity and the risk of eating disorders among young urbanists in Malaysia after the pandemic-led lockdown.

METHODS: The food security status and the risk of eating disorders were assessed using the validated Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), respectively.

RESULTS: Among the 208 young urbanists, approximately one-third (30.8%) were moderate-to-severe food insecure and about one-fifth (18.8%) were at risk of eating disorders after the nationwide lockdown. With the adjustment of gender, the binary logistic regression analysis revealed that moderate-to-severe food insecure individuals were 2.279 times (P = 0.030, 95% CI = 1.084-4.791) more likely to engage in disordered eating in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of partial correlation further indicated that moderate-to-severe food insecurity was positively correlated (rpartial = 0.156, P = 0.024) with bulimia and food preoccupation after the outbreak.

CONCLUSIONS: Governments and non-governmental organizations must work closely to develop effective policies to address food insecurity and disordered eating behaviour among young urbanists - after the pandemic.

Review on flower-visiting behaviour of orthopterans and setting priorities for further studies

Rácz IA, Szanyi S, Nagy A

Biol Futur, 2023 Dec;74(4):393-400.

PMID: 38349457 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-024-00203-9

The importance of pollination and pollinators is easy to underestimate and impossible to overstate, since its importance goes far beyond the crop production and even the maintenance of plant populations. Most terrestrial ecosystems ultimately depend on the plant-pollinator interactions formed by million years coevolution. This is essential for both the daily functioning of the ecosystems and the long-term development of biodiversity. At the same time, the loss of biodiversity caused by climate change and human activities will soon lead to an ecological crisis, a catastrophe, which could endanger our life: For example, through the decline and loss of various ecosystem services. Such may be the pollination crisis, resulted from a significant loss of pollinating insects' diversity and abundance. The discovery of a pollinator Orthoptera species has encouraged researchers in the densely populated region of Indo-Malaysia to explore the potential role of orthopterans as pollinators. Although the flower visitation of some species has been already known, the role of orthopterans in pollination is scarcely revealed. Here, we collected and reviewed the available data in order to point out some factors of their importance and set priorities that may serve as a basis for further investigations regarding ecological, evolutionary and practical points of view.

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