Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 48 in total

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  1. Fulltext A case of human enteric myiasis due to larvae of Hermetia illucens (Family: Stratiomyiadae): first report in Malaysia
    Lee HL, Chandrawathani P, Wong WY, Tharam S, Lim WY
    Malays J Pathol, 1995 Dec;17(2):109-11.
    PMID: 8935136
    A case of true enteric myiasis in a 7-year-old girl is reported. Two larvae were obtained from the vomitus of the patient. After processing and identification, the larvae were found to be those of Hermetia illucens (Soldier Fly). This is the first case of true enteric myiasis due to these larvae in Malaysia.
  2. Breastfeeding at 6 weeks and predictive factors
    Chye JK, Zain Z, Lim WL, Lim CT
    J Trop Pediatr, 1997 10;43(5):287-92.
    PMID: 9364127 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/43.5.287
    Despite the numerous changes made in accordance with the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, the low rates of breastfeeding have persisted. This study aims to examine the current trend in infant feeding, and the influences of some perinatal and sociodemographic factors on breastfeeding. Five-hundred mothers with singleton pregnancies and healthy infants were interviewed at 6 weeks post-partum. Only 124 (25 per cent) mothers were practising exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), and 132 (26 per cent) mothers were using exclusive infant formula feeding (EIF). On logistic regression analyses, mothers who followed EBF were more likely to have had antenatal plans to breastfeed (Odds ratio 2.44, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.75-3.45), not in paid employment post-natally (OR 1.76, 95 per cent CI 1.31-2.36), of older age group (> 27 years) (OR 1.48, 95 per cent CI 1.13-1.93), had female infants (OR 1.38, 95 per cent CI 1.05-1.80) and of Indian ethnicity (compared to Chinese) (OR 3.87, 95 per cent CI 2.16-6.89). Breastfeeding difficulties were associated with decreased odds of EBF (OR 0.21, 95 per cent CI 0.13-0.34). Parental education, fathers' ages and incomes, primigravida status, Caesarean section, present of episiotomy, late first breastfeed, phototherapy, and length of hospital stay were not significant predictors of failure of EBF. In comparison, predictive factors for increased use of EIF were mothers who have had breastfeeding difficulties, < or = 9 years of schooling, and of Chinese descent. In conclusions, the overall rate of EBF by 6 weeks of age in infants born in this urban hospital had remained poor. The adverse factors for EBF identified in this study warrant further in-depth studies to determine effective ways of improving EBF rates.
  3. Pyogenic meningitis in hospitalized children in Kelantan, Malaysia
    Choo KE, Ariffin WA, Ahmad T, Lim WL, Gururaj AK
    Ann Trop Paediatr, 1990 Mar;10(1):89-98.
    PMID: 1694651
    A 2.5-year retrospective study of pyogenic meningitis in hospitalized children in Kelantan was carried out with regard to aetiology, clinical features, investigation, treatment and outcome. There were 58 children with 43 cases (74.1%) occurring below the age of 1 year. Frequent presenting symptoms included fever (98.3%), fits (77.6%), anorexia (39.7%), vomiting (34.5%) and drowsiness (12.1%). On admission, 37 (63.7%) had neck stiffness, 10 (17.2%) had Kernig's sign and 32 (55.2%) had coma. CSF cultures were positive for Haemophilus influenzae in 29 (50%), Streptococcus pneumonia in 13 (22.4%) and Neisseria meningitidis in 3 (5.2%). The antibiotic sensitivity profiles showed that the three main organisms were 100% sensitive to Chloramphenicol, Streptococcus pneumoniae was 100% sensitive to penicillin, Neisseria meningitidis was 100% sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin, and Haemophilus influenzae was 90% sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin. The total hospital mortality was 18.9%. All but two of the eleven deaths occurred in children younger than 1 year. Nineteen of the 35 (54.3%) survivors attended for at least one follow-up after discharge from hospital. Of these 19 children, 47.4% had neurological sequelae.
  4. Fulltext Effect of polyglycerol esters additive on palm oil crystallization using focused beam reflectance measurement and differential scanning calorimetry
    Saw MH, Hishamuddin E, Chong CL, Yeoh CB, Lim WH
    Food Chem, 2017 Jan 1;214:277-84.
    PMID: 27507476 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.07.084
    The effect of 0.1-0.7% (w/w) of polyglycerol esters (PGEmix-8) on palm oil crystallization was studied using focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) to analyze the in-line changes of crystal size distribution during the crystallization. FBRM results show that 0.1-0.5% (w/w) of PGEmix-8 did not significantly affect nucleation but slightly retarded crystal growth. The use of 0.7% (w/w) additive showed greater heterogeneous nucleation compared to those with lower dosages of additive. Crystal growth was also greatly reduced when using 0.7% (w/w) dosage. The morphological study indicated that the palm oil crystals were smaller and more even in size than when more additive was added. Isothermal crystallization studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed increased inhibitory effects on palm oil crystal growth with increasing concentration of PGEmix-8. These results imply that PGEmix-8 is a nucleation enhancing and crystal growth retarding additive in palm oil crystallization at 0.7% (w/w) dosage.
  5. Fulltext A study on the frequency of iron deficiency and thalassaemia in blood donors at Pusat Darah Negara, Kuala Lumpur
    Lim WC, Hanachi P, Faraizah AK, Norhanim A, Yasmin A, Duraisamy G
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2005;1(1):33-40.
    Objective: This study was done to identify blood donors with thalassaemia and iron deficiency. A cross sectional study was carried out at Pusat Darah Negara (PDN), Kuala Lumpur in November 2003.
    Methods: Full blood counts were done on 242 blood donors (166 males and 76 females) Hb analysis and serum ferritin assay were done for all the samples. The first time donors were used as controls.
    Results: Only 20 (8.3%) donors had MCV <80 fL and MCH <26pg. Six of the 25 donors with iron deficiency had a low MCV <80 fL) and low MCH <26 pg) but all the 8 (40%) donors with thalassaemia or HbE had a low MCV and MCH! The mean ferritin levels were found to be lower among regular blood donors (95.3 ug/L) compared to first time blood donors (116.6 ug/L) but this was not statistically significant. There were 25 donors who were iron deficient: one was a first time donor and 24 were regular donors - 12 (50%) had donated 3 times a year in the last two years. Iron deficiency was seen in 12 Malays, and 9 Chinese, and 4 Indians. 13.3% of the males (22 out of 166 donors) and 4% (3 of 76) of female donors were iron deficient. Thalassaemia and HbE were found in 8 donors. HbE trait was identified in 5 Malay donors. One Malay and 1 Chinese donor had beta-thalassaemia trait. Another Chinese had alpha (a^o) thalassaemia trait. Neither HbE nor thalassaemia were seen in the Indian donors.
    Conclusion: In this study thalassaemia and RbE were seen in 3.3% and iron deficiency in 10.3% of the 242 blood donors at PDN. Iron deficiency was present in 3.2% of the first time donors and 12.8% of the regular donors. Regular donors should have the serum ferritin done for their iron status and if their MCV and MCH are low, Hb analysis for thalassaemia or haemoglobinopathy.
    Keywords: Blood donors, serum ferritin, iron deficiency, haemoglobinopathy
  6. Fulltext Fracture Liaison Service and Its Role in Secondary Fracture Prevention in Malaysia: A Scoping Review
    Lim WX, Khor HM, Lee JK, Ong T
    Malays Orthop J, 2023 Jul;17(2):1-6.
    PMID: 37583523 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2307.001
    INTRODUCTION: Fragility fractures, which occur after a low-trauma injury, increases with advancing age. Such fracture doubles the life-time risk of sustaining another fracture. This risk is highest in the immediate 18 months after the index fracture. However, most patients do not receive the appropriate risk assessment and intervention to reduce this risk. A coordinated model of care termed Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) has been reported to address this treatment gap.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This scoping review aims to explore the potential role and delivery of FLS services in Malaysia. Scientific and non-scientific sources relevant to FLS were identified from electronic bibliographic databases, specialist journals and relevant websites. Findings were categorised into themes and presented narratively.

    RESULTS: FLS services remain concentrated in the Klang Valley. Even within FLS services, many do not have extensive coverage to risk assess all fracture patients. These services are multidisciplinary in nature where there are links between different departments, such as orthopaedics, osteoporosis expertise, bone densitometry, rehabilitation, falls services and primary care. FLS was able to increase the number of people undergoing fracture risk assessment and treatment. The importance of FLS was highlighted by local experts and stakeholders. Its implementation and delivery are supported by a number of national guidelines.

    CONCLUSION: FLS is central to our national efforts to reduce the impending fragility fracture crisis in the coming years. Continued effort is needed to increase coverage within FLS services and across the country. Training, awareness of the problem, research, and policy change will support this endeavour.

  7. Direct period measurement for fiber Bragg grating using an optical imaging technique
    Ali MM, Lim KS, Yang HZ, Chong WY, Lim WS, Ahmad H
    Appl Opt, 2013 Aug 1;52(22):5393-7.
    PMID: 23913056 DOI: 10.1364/AO.52.005393
    This paper proposes an approach based on an optical imaging technique for the period measurement of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG). The simple, direct technique involves a differential interface contrast (DIC) microscope and a high-resolution CCD camera. Image processing is performed on the microscope images to obtain low-noise grating profiles and then the grating periods. Adopting a large image sample size in the image processing can reduce uncertainty. During the investigation, FBGs of different grating periods are fabricated by prestraining the photosensitive fibers during the UV-writing process. A good linearity between the measured Bragg wavelengths and grating periods is observed and the measured strain-optics coefficient was found to be in agreement with reported literature.
  8. Spreading profile of evaporative liquid drops in thin porous layer
    Chong WY, Lim KS, Lim WH, Harun SW, Adikan FR, Ahmad H
    Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys, 2012 Jan;85(1 Pt 2):016314.
    PMID: 22400665
    Spreading of evaporative liquid drops in a thin porous layer has been studied. The entire spreading process can be divided into three distinct phases according to the change of the wetted porous region size. The first phase is characterized by the expansion of the wetted porous region and shrinking of the liquid drop. Contact line pinning is observed in the wetted porous region in the second phase even with the liquid drop totally absorbed into the porous layer. The third phase sees the shrinkage of the wetted porous region until it is not observable. Based on these observations, a model is devised to simulate the spreading of a liquid drop under the studied conditions. Partial differential equations are used to describe the relation between liquid drop volume and other important parameters of a fluid flow, including maximum wetted region diameter achieved, time taken to reach each spreading process phase, and evaporation rate. Calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data.
  9. Note: Fabrication of tapered fibre tip using mechanical polishing method
    Cheong YK, Lim KS, Lim WH, Chong WY, Zakaria R, Ahmad H
    Rev Sci Instrum, 2011 Aug;82(8):086115.
    PMID: 21895293 DOI: 10.1063/1.3627374
    Tapered fibre tips fabricated using mechanical polishing method is studied. The fibre tips are formed by sequential polishing flat-ended single mode fibres with decreasing aluminium oxide polishing film grit size. Based on the proposed technique, tapered fibre tips with cone angle ranging from 30° to 130° are fabricated by controlling the polishing angle. Besides the variety of cone angle, considerable smoothness of the fibre tip surface may assist in good metal coating and hence a well-defined aperture can be obtained. In addition, this paper presents a two-step hybrid fabrication method combining the proposed polishing method with chemical etching method to increase the possible fibre tip cone angles achievable by chemical etching method.
  10. An assessment of three noncommercial DNA extraction methods from dried blood spots for beta-thalassaemia mutation identification
    Karthipan SN, George E, Jameela S, Lim WF, Teh LK, Lee TY, et al.
    Int J Lab Hematol, 2011 Oct;33(5):540-4.
    PMID: 21884505 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-553X.2011.01304.x
    Dried blood spots (DBS) are currently the recommended sample collection method for newborn screening programmes in America. Early diagnosis of beta-thalassaemia screening is essential as it provides an added advantage especially in sickle cell disease. Beta-thalassaemia frequency is high in many poor countries, and the cost of using commercial DNA extraction kits can be prohibitive. Our study assessed three methods that use minimal reagents and materials to extract DNA from DBS for beta-thalassaemia identification.
  11. Fulltext Reducing scanning electron microscope charging by using exponential contrast stretching technique on post-processing images
    Sim KS, Tan YY, Lai MA, Tso CP, Lim WK
    J Microsc, 2010 Apr 1;238(1):44-56.
    PMID: 20384837 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2009.03328.x
    An exponential contrast stretching (ECS) technique is developed to reduce the charging effects on scanning electron microscope images. Compared to some of the conventional histogram equalization methods, such as bi-histogram equalization and recursive mean-separate histogram equalization, the proposed ECS method yields better image compensation. Diode sample chips with insulating and conductive surfaces are used as test samples to evaluate the efficiency of the developed algorithm. The algorithm is implemented in software with a frame grabber card, forming the front-end video capture element.
  12. Fulltext Photo-induced reduction of graphene oxide coating on optical waveguide and consequent optical intermodulation
    Chong WY, Lim WH, Yap YK, Lai CK, De La Rue RM, Ahmad H
    Sci Rep, 2016 Apr 01;6:23813.
    PMID: 27034015 DOI: 10.1038/srep23813
    Increased absorption of transverse-magnetic (TM)-polarised light by a graphene-oxide (GO) coated polymer waveguide has been observed in the presence of transverse-electric (TE)-polarised light. The GO-coated waveguide exhibits very strong photo-absorption of TE-polarised light--and acts as a TM-pass waveguide polariser. The absorbed TE-polarised light causes a significant temperature increase in the GO film and induces thermal reduction of the GO, resulting in an increase in optical-frequency conductivity and consequently increased optical propagation loss. This behaviour in a GO-coated waveguide gives the action of an inverted optical switch/modulator. By varying the incident TE-polarised light power, a maximum modulation efficiency of 72% was measured, with application of an incident optical power level of 57 mW. The GO-coated waveguide was able to respond clearly to modulated TE-polarised light with a pulse duration of as little as 100 μs. In addition, no wavelength dependence was observed in the response of either the modulation (TE-polarised light) or the signal (TM-polarised light).
  13. Infectiousness of HBsAg carriers in Malaysia
    Ton SH, Yeoh KS, Lim WC, Noriah R, Cheong SK, Thanaletchimy N
    J Trop Med Hyg, 1995 Aug;98(4):277-80.
    PMID: 7636926
    HBV-DNA were analysed in 330 HBsAg-positive carriers in Malaysia by dot-blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction. Seventy-three (22.12%) were positive for the virus. Of these, 65 (89%) were males and 8 (11%) were females. Statistically, there was no significant difference (P = 0.13). No significant decline in HBV-DNA with age in the Malay and Chinese males was observed (P = 0.2). Prevalence of HBV-DNA was higher in the Chinese carriers than in the Malay carriers for most age groups in both sexes. Sixty-one HBV-DNA-positive carriers were also positive for HBeAg. However, three individuals were positive only for anti-HBe, one was positive for both HBeAg and anti-HBe, and eight were negative for both HBeAg and anti-HBe. Fifty-seven were positive for HBeAg but negative for HBV-DNA. No relation was observed between raised alanine aminotransaminase and aspartate aminotransaminase levels and the presence of HBV-DNA (P = 0.4).
  14. Natural fixatives alternative to formalin in histopathology: A systematic review
    Yee AWM, Oo PS, Aye SN, Lim WJ, Chee VCX, Krishnappa P
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):98-108.
    PMID: 36715199
    INTRODUCTION: Since constant long-term exposure to formaldehyde endangers the health of laboratory personnel, sugar-based natural products have become interesting alternative fixatives to formaldehyde because of their preservative and antibacterial properties. However, there are controversial findings on the fixative effects of natural fixatives. This study systematically reviews the evidence comparing natural fixatives' types, dilutions, fixative properties and staining quality in normal tissues and histopathological specimens.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed for studies comparing the natural fixatives- and formaldehyde-fixed tissues using databases from inception to January 2022: PubMed, Ovid Medline and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers did data extraction. The data were pooled for the type of natural fixatives, their concentrations and fixative qualities compared to formaldehyde.

    RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in this systematic review. Nine studies used one natural fixative with different dilutions, while six used several natural fixatives to compare their fixative properties with formaldehyde. The most used natural fixative was honey (n = 12) followed by jaggery (n = 8), sugar (n = 3) and others (n = 1). Honey showed the most promising results in fixation and staining, which are compatible with formalin. Jaggery and sugar also showed the possibility of replacing formaldehyde in tissue fixation and staining in smaller tissue samples.

    CONCLUSION: Natural fixatives showed promising results in tissue fixation. However, optimising the concentrations and conditions of natural fixatives is difficult because of the different chemical constituents and production steps. More comprehensive studies are necessary for application.

  15. Fulltext The survey dataset of The Influence of theory of planned behaviour on purchase behaviour on social media
    Zhou Y, Loi AM, Tan GW, Lo PS, Lim W
    Data Brief, 2022 Jun;42:108239.
    PMID: 35592771 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108239
    The research aims to study the correlations between attitudes of users, social norms, perceived behavioural control, and purchase behaviours. The research population consists of social media users in Malaysia. The data was collected from 205 respondents via a self-administered online survey. The theory of planned behaviour acts as the underlying theory in the research. Next, descriptive and hypothesis-testing quantitative analysis were adopted to probe the relationships between the variables. Moreover, G*Power was used to identify the minimum sample size, and SPSS v.22 was employed to examine the datasets.
  16. Preparation and Optimization OF Palm-Based Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Griseofulvin
    Huei Lim W, Jean Tan Y, Sin Lee C, Meng Er H, Fung Wong S
    Iran J Pharm Res, 2017;16(2):451-461.
    PMID: 28979300
    Palm-based lipid nanoparticle formulation loaded with griseofulvin was prepared by solvent-free hot homogenization method. The griseofulvin loaded lipid nanoparticles were prepared via stages of optimisation, by altering the high pressure homogenisation (HPH) parameters, screening on palm-based lipids and Tween series surfactants and selection of lipid to surfactant ratios. A HPLC method has been validated for the drug loading capacity study. The optimum HPH parameter was determined to be 1500 bar with 5 cycles and among the palm-based lipid materials; Lipid C (triglycerides) was selected for the preparation of lipid nanoparticles. Tween 80 was chosen from the Tween series surfactants for its highest saturated solubility of griseofulvin at 53.1 ± 2.16 µg/mL. The optimum formulation of the griseofulvin loaded lipid nanoparticles demonstrated nano-range of particle size (179.8 nm) with intermediate distribution index (PDI) of 0.306, zeta potential of -27.9 mV and drug loading of 0.77%. The formulation was stable upon storage for 1 month at room temperature (25 (°)C) and 45 (°)C with consistent drug loading capacity.
  17. Prevalence and prophylactic management of premolars with dens evaginatus in singaporean school children: a retrospective cohort study
    Gan JY, Lim WY, Chay PL, Ode W, Sim YF, Hong CHL
    Eur Arch Paediatr Dent, 2024 Nov 09.
    PMID: 39520509 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-024-00966-8
    PURPOSE: Dens evaginatus (DE) is characterised by the presence of a tubercle projection, which when fractured may lead to pulpal pathology. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of DE in the local population and the long-term outcomes of asymptomatic DE premolars managed with tubercle grinding and composite overlay.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 9-year-old Singaporean children. The primary outcome was the success of prophylactic management of asymptomatic DE premolars with a single session of tubercle grinding and composite overlay, as determined by the absence of clinical signs or symptoms. The factors associated with survival of DE premolars treated were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of DE among Singaporean children was 7.1% (12,677/178,801). DE premolars were more prevalent among females (56.1%) and those of Chinese ethnicity (87.1%). At the tooth level, 26,875 asymptomatic DE premolars were prophylactically managed with tubercle grinding and composite overlay and 2471 DE premolars did not receive any intervention. The mean review period was 46.2 ± 20.2 months. The success rate for DE premolars that received the intervention was significantly higher (p  

  18. Caenorhabditis elegans CYP33 Family in Eicosanoid Regulation, Xenobiotic Metabolism, Nanotoxicity and Spermatogenesis
    Lim SYM, Lim W, Peter AP, Pan Y, Alshagga M, Alshawsh MA
    J Appl Toxicol, 2024 Oct 04.
    PMID: 39367649 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4707
    The CYP33 family in Caenorhabditis elegans is integral to processes like xenobiotic detoxification, eicosanoid regulation, nanotoxicity response and spermatogenesis. Limited research on C. elegans CYP33 suggests its functions are similar to human CYP33, indicating conserved roles in metabolism and disease. This review examines C. elegans CYP33 enzymes, especially CYP-33E1 and CYP-33E2, and their human homologues, focusing on their roles in eicosanoid biosynthesis, xenobiotic metabolism, nanotoxicity and spermatogenesis. Understanding these enzymes enhances insights into cytochrome P450 biology, metabolism and cyp-associated diseases.
  19. Fatal enterovirus 71 encephalomyelitis
    Lum LC, Wong KT, Lam SK, Chua KB, Goh AY, Lim WL, et al.
    J Pediatr, 1998 Dec;133(6):795-8.
    PMID: 9842048
    During an outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease caused by enterovirus 71 (EV-71) in 1997, 4 children presented with sudden cardiopulmonary collapse and minimal neurologic features. All children received cardiopulmonary resuscitation but died within a few hours of admission. Postmortem studies showed infection by EV-71 with extensive damage to the medulla and pons. We postulate an etiologic link between EV-71 and brainstem encephalomyelitis as the cause of pulmonary edema and death.
  20. Paediatric rheumatology clinic population in Southeast Asia: are we different?
    Arkachaisri T, Tang SP, Daengsuwan T, Phongsamart G, Vilaiyuk S, Charuvanij S, et al.
    Rheumatology (Oxford), 2017 03 01;56(3):390-398.
    PMID: 27994096 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew446
    Objectives: To examine the descriptive epidemiology of the patient population referred to paediatric rheumatology centres (PRCs) in Southeast Asia (SEA) and to compare the frequency of conditions encountered with other PRC populations.

    Methods: A web-based Registry for Childhood Onset Paediatric Rheumatic Diseases was established in 2009 and seven PRCs in four SEA countries, where paediatric rheumatologists are available, participated in a prospective 24 month data collection (43 months for Singapore).

    Results: The number of patients analysed was 4038 (788 from Malaysia, 711 from the Philippines, 1943 from Singapore and 596 from Thailand). Over 70% of patients evaluated in PRCs in Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand had rheumatic diseases (RDs), as compared with one-half of the proportion seen in Singaporean PRCs, which was similar to the Western PRC experience. Among RDs diagnosed (n = 2602), JIA was the most common disease encountered in Malaysia (41%) and Thailand (61%) as compared with systemic vasculitides in the Philippines (37%) and Singapore (35%) among which Henoch-Schönlein purpura was the most prevalent. SLE and related diseases were more common, but idiopathic pain syndrome and abnormal immunological laboratory tests were rarer than those seen in the West. JIA subtype distributions were different among countries. Among non-RDs (n = 1436), orthopaedic and related conditions predominated (21.7-59.4%).

    Conclusion: The frequencies of RDs seen by SEA PRCs were different from those in the West. Systemic vasculitides and SLE were common in addition to JIA. Paediatric rheumatologist availability and healthcare accessibility partially explain these observed discrepancies.

    Study site: multination + Selayang Hospital, Malaysia
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