Publications from 2014

@article{RN14455,

title = {"Taking my breath away by keeping stress at bay" - an employee assistance program in the automotive assembly plant},

author = {B M Sundram and M Dahlui and K Chinna},

issn = {2251-6085 (Print) 

2251-6085},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Iran J Public Health},

volume = {43},

number = {3},

pages = {263-72},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of individual-focused stress management training namely Deep Breathing Exercise (DBE) on self-perceived occupational stress among male automotive assembly-line workers. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at 2 automotive assembly plants in Malaysia over 9 months, from January 2012 to September 2012. Assembly-line workers from Plant A received DBE training while Plant B acted as a control by receiving pamphlets on stress and its ill-effects. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted among the self-voluntary respondents in Plant A (n=468) and Plant B (n=293). The level of stress was measured using Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) stress subscale. RESULTS: Significant favorable intervention effects were found in Plant A (Effect size=0.6) as compared to Plant B (Effect size=0.2) at the end of the study in those receiving DBE. Time and group interaction effects were examined using the repeated measure ANOVA test in which there was a significant group *time interaction effect [F (1, 1) = 272.45, P\<0.001]. CONCLUSION: The improvement in stress levels showed the potential of DBE training as part of Employee Assistance Program in the automotive assembly plant. Future studies should be carried out to assess the long term effects of an on-site relaxation training to provide stronger evidence for the introduction of DBE among assembly-line workers as a coping strategy to alleviate occupational stress.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN12549,

title = {A Comparison of Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome between Malaysian and Japanese Workers},

author = {A T Su and J Fukumoto and A Darus and V C Hoe and N Miyai and M Isahak and S Takemura and A Bulgiba and K Yoshimasu and S Maeda and K Miyashita},

issn = {1341-9145},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {J Occup Health},

volume = {55},

number = {6},

pages = {468-78},

abstract = {Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of HAVS in a tropical environment in comparison with a temperate environment. Methods: We conducted a series medical examinations among the forestry, construction and automobile industry workers in Malaysia adopting the compulsory medical examination procedure used by Wakayama Medical University for Japanese vibratory tools workers. We matched the duration of vibration exposure and compared our results against the Japanese workers. We also compared the results of the Malaysian tree fellers against a group of symptomatic Japanese tree fellers diagnosed with HAVS. Results: Malaysian subjects reported a similar prevalence of finger tingling, numbness and dullness (Malaysian=25.0%},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14427,

title = {A comparison study of portable foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance scale to measure body fat percentage in asian adults and children},

author = {P Y Sim and T T Su and H Abd Majid and A M Nahar and M Y Jalaludin},

doi = {10.1155/2014/475659},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Biomed Res Int},

volume = {2014},

pages = {475659},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To compare the measurements of body fat percentage (BF%) using the foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (FTF-BIA) with the direct segmental multifrequency BIA (DSM-BIA). METHODS: There were 36 men and 52 women (37.1 +/- 14.3 years) with 57% Malays, 30% Chinese, and 13% Indian. For children, there were 45 boys and 26 girls (11.5 +/- 2.5 years) with 52% Malay, 15% Chinese, and 33% Indian. RESULTS: Mean height for men was 168.4 cm, 11 cm taller than women. Men were 10 kg heavier than women at 70 kg. BF% in women was 32% and 33% whereas BF% in men was 23% and 25% when measured using FTF-BIA and DSM-BIA, respectively. In children, BF% measured with FTF-BIA and DSM-BIA was 49% and 46%, respectively. The correlations were significant for men (r = 0.92},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14432,

title = {A longitudinal study of age-related changes in intraocular pressure: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study},

author = {D Zhao and M H Kim and R Pastor-Barriuso and Y Chang and S Ryu and Y Zhang and S Rampal and H Shin and J M Kim and D S Friedman and E Guallar and J Cho},

doi = {10.1167/iovs.14-14151},

issn = {0146-0404},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci},

volume = {55},

number = {10},

pages = {6244-50},

abstract = {PURPOSE: To examine the longitudinal association between age and intraocular pressure (IOP) in a large sample of Korean men and women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 274,064 young and middle-aged Korean adults with normal fundoscopic findings, following them from January 1, 2002, to February 28, 2010. Health exams were scheduled annually or biennially. At each visit, IOP was measured in both eyes using automated noncontact tonometers. The longitudinal change in IOP with age was evaluated using three-level mixed models for longitudinal paired-eye data, accounting for correlations between paired eyes and repeated measurements over time. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, the average longitudinal change in IOP per 1-year increase in age was -0.065 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.068 to -0.063), with marked sex differences (P \< 0.001). In men, the average annual IOP change was -0.093 mm Hg (95% CI -0.096 to -0.091) throughout follow-up. In women, the average annual IOP change was -0.006 mm Hg (95% CI -0.010 to -0.003), with a relatively flat association in the age range of 30 to 59 years and more marked annual decreases at younger and older ages. CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular pressure was inversely associated with age in a large cohort of Korean adults attending health-screening visits. For men, this inverse association was observed throughout the entire age range, while for women it was evident only in younger (\<30 years of age) and older (\>/=60 years of age) women, with no association in women aged 30 to 59. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to reconsider cutoffs for defining high IOP by age and sex groups in Asian populations.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14412,

title = {A qualitative study on hypertensive care behavior in primary health care settings in Malaysia},

author = {R Shima and M H Farizah and H A Majid},

doi = {10.2147/ppa.s69680},

issn = {1177-889x},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Patient Prefer Adherence},

volume = {8},

pages = {1597-609},

abstract = {PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences with their illnesses and the reasons which influenced them in not following hypertensive care recommendations (antihypertensive medication intake, physical activity, and diet changes) in primary health clinic settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A qualitative methodology was applied. The data were gathered from in-depth interviews with 25 hypertensive patients attending follow-up in nine government primary health clinics in two districts (Hulu Langat and Klang) in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The transcribed data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: There was evidence of lack of patient self-empowerment and community support in Malaysian society. Most of the participants did not take their antihypertensive medication or change their physical activity and diet after diagnosis. There was an agreement between the patients and the health care professionals before starting the treatment recommendation, but there lacked further counseling and monitoring. Most of the reasons given for not taking antihypertensive medication, not doing physical activity and not following diet recommendations were due to side effects or fear of the side effects of antihypertensive medication, patients' attitudes, lack of information from health care professionals and insufficient social support from their surrounding environment. We also observed the differences on these reasons for nonadherence among the three ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals should move toward supporting adherence in the management of hypertensive patients by maintaining a dialogue. Patients need to be given time to enable them to overcome their inhibition of asking questions and to accept the recommendations. A self-management approach must be responsive to the needs of individuals, ethnicities, and communities.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14415,

title = {A review of breast cancer research in malaysia},

author = {C H Yip and N Bhoo Pathy and S H Teo},

issn = {0300-5283 (Print) 

0300-5283},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Med J Malaysia},

volume = {69 Suppl A},

pages = {8-22},

abstract = {Four hundred and nineteen articles related to breast cancer were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. One hundred and fifty four articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. Overall, Malaysian women have poor survival from breast cancer and it is estimated that half of the deaths due to breast cancer could be prevented. Five-year survival in Malaysia was low and varies among different institutions even within the same disease stage, suggesting an inequity of access to optimal treatment or a lack of compliance to optimal treatment. Malaysian women have poor knowledge of the risk factors, symptoms and methods for early detection of breast cancer, leading to late presentation. Moreover, Malaysian women experience cancer fatalism, belief in alternative medicine, and lack of autonomy in decision making resulting in delays in seeking or avoidance of evidence-based medicine. There are ethnic differences in estrogen receptor status, HER2 overexpression and incidence of triple negative breast cancer which warrant further investigation. Malay women present with larger tumours and at later stages, and even after adjustment for these and other prognostic factors (stage, pathology and treatment), Malay women have a poorer survival. Although the factors responsible for these ethnic differences have not been elucidated, it is thought that pharmacogenomics, lifestyle factors (such as weight-gain, diet and exercise), and psychosocial factors (such as acceptance of 2nd or 3rd line chemotherapy) may be responsible for the difference in survival. Notably, survivorship studies show self-management programmes and exercise improve quality of life, highlighting the need to evaluate the psychosocial impact of breast cancer on Malaysian women, and to design culturally-, religiously- and linguistically-appropriate psycho-education programmes to help women cope with the disease and improve their quality of life. Research done in the Caucasian populations may not necessarily apply to local settings and it is important to embark on local studies particularly prevention, screening, diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic and psychosocial research.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14465,

title = {Additional oligofructose/inulin does not increase faecal bifidobacteria in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition: a randomised controlled trial},

author = {H A Majid and J Cole and P W Emery and K Whelan},

doi = {10.1016/j.clnu.2013.11.008},

issn = {0261-5614},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Clin Nutr},

volume = {33},

number = {6},

pages = {966-72},

abstract = {BACKGROUND \& AIMS: Patients with diarrhoea during enteral nutrition (EN) have been shown to have low faecal bifidobacteria concentrations. Oligofructose/inulin selectively stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in healthy humans. This study investigates the effect of additional oligofructose/inulin on the gastrointestinal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and faecal output in patients receiving EN. METHODS: Adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who were starting EN with a formula containing fibre were randomised to receive 7 g/d of additional oligofructose/inulin or an identically packaged placebo (maltodextrin). A fresh faecal sample was collected at baseline and following at least 7 days of supplementation. Faecal microbiota were analysed using fluorescent in-situ hybridisation and faecal output was monitored daily. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (mean age 71 years) completed at least 7 days of intervention (mean 12 days). At the end of the intervention, there were no significant differences in the concentrations of bifidobacteria between the groups, after adjusting for baseline values (oligofructose/inulin 6.9 + 1.4, placebo 7.8 + 1.3 log10 cells/g dry faeces, P \> 0.05), but there were significantly lower concentrations of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (7.0 + 1.0 vs. 8.4 + 1.3 log10 cells/g},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15875,

title = {Andransinine: an unusual case of spontaneous resolution in an indole alkaloid derivative},

author = {Y Y Low and C Y Gan and T S Kam},

doi = {10.1021/np500289t},

issn = {0163-3864},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {J Nat Prod},

volume = {77},

number = {6},

pages = {1532-5},

abstract = {Racemic andransinine (1), an indole alkaloid derivative obtained during isolation of alkaloids from Alstonia angustiloba and Kopsia pauciflora, was found to undergo spontaneous resolution when crystallized in EtOAc, forming racemic conglomerates (an equimolar mechanical mixture of enantiomerically pure individual crystals). X-ray analyses of the enantiomers (obtained from crystals from EtOAc solution and from chiral-phase HPLC) provided the absolute configuration of each enantiomer as (15R,16S,21R)-(+)-andransinine (1a or I+) and (15S,16R,21S)-(-)-andransinine (1b or I-).},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14417,

title = {Association between lifestyle factors and quality-adjusted life years in the EPIC-NL cohort},

author = {H P Fransen and A M May and J W Beulens and E A Struijk and G A Wit and J M Boer and N C Onland-Moret and J Hoekstra and Y T Schouw and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4219750/pdf/pone.0111480.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0111480},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {9},

number = {11},

pages = {e111480},

abstract = {The aim of our study was to relate four modifiable lifestyle factors (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity and diet) to health expectancy, using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in a prospective cohort study. Data of the prospective EPIC-NL study were used, including 33,066 healthy men and women aged 20-70 years at baseline (1993-7), followed until 31-12-2007 for occurrence of disease and death. Smoking status, body mass index, physical activity and adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet (excluding alcohol) were investigated separately and combined into a healthy lifestyle score, ranging from 0 to 4. QALYs were used as summary measure of healthy life expectancy, combining a person's life expectancy with a weight for quality of life when having a chronic disease. For lifestyle factors analyzed separately the number of years living longer in good health varied from 0.12 year to 0.84 year, after adjusting for covariates. A combination of the four lifestyle factors was positively associated with higher QALYs (P-trend \<0.0001). A healthy lifestyle score of 4 compared to a score of 0 was associated with almost a 2 years longer life in good health (1.75 QALYs [95% CI 1.37, 2.14]).},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14313,

title = {Association between markers of glucose metabolism and risk of colorectal adenoma},

author = {S Rampal and M H Yang and J Sung and H J Son and Y H Choi and J H Lee and Y H Kim and D K Chang and P L Rhee and J C Rhee and E Guallar and J Cho},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0016508514003072/1-s2.0-S0016508514003072-main.pdf?_tid=d015c150-66a6-11e5-be79-00000aacb35f\&acdnat=1443530414_d505d2600c8b686d151ed14cd53ba700},

doi = {10.1053/j.gastro.2014.03.006},

issn = {0016-5085},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Gastroenterology},

volume = {147},

number = {1},

pages = {78-87.e3},

abstract = {BACKGROUND \& AIMS: Diabetes is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. We studied the association between markers of glucose metabolism and metabolic syndrome and the presence of colorectal adenomas in a large number of asymptomatic men and women attending a health screening program in South Korea. We also investigated whether these associations depend on adenoma location. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we measured fasting levels of glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and C-peptide and calculated homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) values (used to quantify insulin resistance) for 19,361 asymptomatic South Korean subjects who underwent colonoscopy examinations from January 2006 to June 2009. Participants completed a standardized self-administered health questionnaire and a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Blood samples were collected on the day of the colonoscopy; fasting blood samples were also collected. Robust Poisson regression was used to model the associations of glucose markers with the prevalence of any adenoma. RESULTS: Using detailed multivariable-adjusted dose-response models, the prevalence ratios (aPR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) for any adenoma, comparing the 90th with the 10th percentile, were 1.08 (1.00-1.16; P = .04) for fasting glucose, 1.07 (0.99-1.15; P = .10) for insulin, 1.09 (1.02-1.18},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN13990,

title = {Association between physical activity and metabolic syndrome among Malay adults in a developing country, Malaysia},

author = {A H Chu and F M Moy},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S144024401300090X/1-s2.0-S144024401300090X-main.pdf?_tid=383edc82-66a5-11e5-8e63-00000aacb35f\&acdnat=1443529730_a137219d9b277b8e9dbc22c317136800},

doi = {10.1016/j.jsams.2013.04.003},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {J Sci Med Sport},

volume = {17},

number = {2},

pages = {195-200},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome is a highly prevalent health problem within the adult population in developing countries. We aimed to study the association of physical activity levels and metabolic risk factors among Malay adults in Malaysia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were measured in 686 Malay participants (aged 35-74 years). Self-reported physical activity was obtained with the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Malay version) and categorized into low, moderate or high activity levels. RESULTS: Individuals who were classified as overweight and obese predominated (65.6%). On the basis of the modified NCEP ATP III criteria, metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 31.9% of all participants, of whom 46.1% were men and 53.9% were women. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among participants with low, moderate or high activity levels was 13.3%, 11.7% and 7.0%, respectively (p\<0.001). Statistically significant negative associations were found between a number of metabolic risk factors and activity categories (p\<0.05). The odds ratios for metabolic syndrome in the moderate and high activity categories were 0.42 (95% CI: 0.27-0.65) and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.35-0.76), respectively, adjusted for gender. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate and high activity levels were each associated with reduced odds for metabolic syndrome independent of gender. Although a slightly lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome was associated with high activity than with moderate activity, potential health benefits were observed when moderate activity was performed.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14277,

title = {Association between self-reported physical activity and indicators of body composition in Malaysian adolescents},

author = {T T Su and P Y Sim and A M Nahar and H A Majid and L J Murray and M M Cantwell and N Al-Sadat and M Y Jalaludin},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0091743514002369/1-s2.0-S0091743514002369-main.pdf?_tid=12e84174-66a7-11e5-bff4-00000aab0f01\&acdnat=1443530526_0047976b68b9ed1bf57fde5b42d974fa},

doi = {10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.07.001},

issn = {0091-7435},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Prev Med},

volume = {67},

pages = {100-5},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Obesity and lack of physical activity are fast becoming a concern among Malaysian adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess physical activity levels among Malaysian adolescents and investigate the association between physical activity levels and body composition such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage of body fat. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 1361 school-going 13 year old multi-ethnic adolescents from population representative samples in Malaysia were involved in our study. Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the validated Malay version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Height, weight, body fat composition and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Data collection period was from March to May 2012. RESULTS: 10.8% of the males and 7.4% of the females were obese according to the International Obesity Task Force standards. A majority of the adolescents (63.9%) were physically inactive. There is a weak but significant correlation between physical activity scores and the indicators of obesity. The adjusted coefficient for body fatness was relatively more closely correlated to physical activity scores followed by waist circumference and lastly BMI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that high physical activity scores were associated with the decreased precursor risk factors of obesity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15891,

title = {Association of ADIPOQ gene with obesity and adiponectin levels in Malaysian Malays},

author = {Y D Apalasamy and S Rampal and A Salim and F M Moy and A Bulgiba and Z Mohamed},

doi = {10.1007/s11033-014-3147-0},

issn = {0301-4851},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Mol Biol Rep},

volume = {41},

number = {5},

pages = {2917-21},

abstract = {Studies have shown that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the ADIPOQ gene have been linked with obesity and with adiponectin levels in various populations. Here, we aimed to investigate the association of ADIPOQ rs17366568 and rs3774261 SNPs with obesity and with adiponectin levels in Malaysian Malays. Obesity parameters and adiponectin levels were measured in 574 subjects. Genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Sequenom MassARRAY. A significant genotypic association was observed between ADIPOQ rs17366568 and obesity. The frequencies of AG and AA genotypes were significantly higher in the obese group (11%) than in the non-obese group (5%) (P=0.024). The odds of A alleles occurring among the obese group were twice those among the non-obese group (odds ratio 2.15; 95% confidence interval 1.13-4.09). However, no significant association was found between allelic frequencies of ADIPOQ rs17366568 and obesity after Bonferroni correction (P\>0.025) or between ADIPOQ rs3774261 and obesity both at allelic and genotypic levels. ADIPOQ SNPs were not significantly associated with log-adiponectin levels. GA, GG, and AG haplotypes of the ADIPOQ gene were not associated with obesity. We confirmed the previously reported association of ADIPOQ rs17366568 with the risk of obesity. ADIPOQ SNPs are not important modulators of adiponectin levels in this population.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15893,

title = {Association of ADRA2A and MTHFR gene polymorphisms with weight loss following antipsychotic switching to aripiprazole or ziprasidone},

author = {S N Roffeei and G P Reynolds and N Z Zainal and M A Said and A Hatim and S A Aida and Z Mohamed},

doi = {10.1002/hup.2366},

issn = {0885-6222},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Hum Psychopharmacol},

volume = {29},

number = {1},

pages = {38-45},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Various genetic polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with antipsychotic-induced weight gain. In this study, we aimed to determine whether risk polymorphisms in 12 candidate genes are associated with reduction in body mass index (BMI) of patients following switching of antipsychotics to aripiprazole or ziprasidone. METHODS: We recruited 115 schizophrenia patients with metabolic abnormalities and who have been on at least 1 year treatment with other antipsychotics; they were then switched to either aripiprazole or ziprasidone. They were genotyped, and their BMI monitored for 6 months. RESULTS: Significant associations with reduction in BMI at 6 months following switching were found in two of these genes: with rs1800544 of the ADRA2A gene (CC + CG [-0.32 +/- 1.41 kg/m(2)] vs GG [-1.04 +/- 1.63 kg/m(2)]},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15885,

title = {Association of FTO, LEPR and MTHFR gene polymorphisms with metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia patients receiving antipsychotics},

author = {S N Roffeei and Z Mohamed and G P Reynolds and M A Said and A Hatim and E H Mohamed and S A Aida and N Z Zainal},

doi = {10.2217/pgs.13.220},

issn = {1462-2416},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Pharmacogenomics},

volume = {15},

number = {4},

pages = {477-85},

abstract = {AIM: The occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in schizophrenia patients receiving long-term antipsychotics (APs) contributes to their high mortality rate. We aimed to determine whether genetic polymorphisms of identified candidate genes are associated with MS in our study population. MATERIALS \& METHODS: We recruited 206 schizophrenia patients receiving AP treatment for at least a year. Cross-sectional measurements of weight, height, blood pressure, waist and hip circumference, and other lipid profiles were recorded. Patient DNA was genotyped for 16 candidate gene polymorphisms. RESULTS: Of these patients, 59.7% were found to have MS while 40.3% did not. All metabolic parameters were significantly different between the two groups. Only three of the 16 polymorphisms studied showed significant association with MS; rs9939609 of the FTO gene confers risk for MS (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07-2.78},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15915,

title = {Association of glucokinase regulatory gene polymorphisms with risk and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an interaction study with adiponutrin gene},

author = {H L Tan and S M Zain and R Mohamed and S Rampal and K F Chin and R C Basu and P L Cheah and S Mahadeva and Z Mohamed},

doi = {10.1007/s00535-013-0850-x},

issn = {0944-1174},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {J Gastroenterol},

volume = {49},

number = {6},

pages = {1056-64},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recent genome-wide association studies demonstrated an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the glucokinase regulatory gene (GCKR) with hepatic steatosis. This study attempted to investigate the association of GCKR rs780094 and rs1260326 with susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its severity. METHODS: The genotypes were assessed on 144 histologically confirmed NAFLD patients and 198 controls using a Sequenom MassARRAY platform. RESULTS: The GCKR rs1260326 and rs780094 allele T were associated with susceptibility to NAFLD (OR 1.49, 95 % CI 1.09-2.05},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14622,

title = {Bridging the data gaps in the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Malaysia using multi-parameter evidence synthesis},

author = {S A McDonald and R Mohamed and M Dahlui and H Naning and A Kamarulzaman},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4229598/pdf/12879_2014_Article_564.pdf},

doi = {10.1186/s12879-014-0564-6},

issn = {1471-2334},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {BMC Infect Dis},

volume = {14},

pages = {564},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Collecting adequate information on key epidemiological indicators is a prerequisite to informing a public health response to reduce the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Malaysia. Our goal was to overcome the acute data shortage typical of low/middle income countries using statistical modelling to estimate the national HCV prevalence and the distribution over transmission pathways as of the end of 2009. METHODS: Multi-parameter evidence synthesis methods were applied to combine all available relevant data sources - both direct and indirect - that inform the epidemiological parameters of interest. RESULTS: An estimated 454,000 (95% credible interval [CrI]: 392,000 to 535,000) HCV antibody-positive individuals were living in Malaysia in 2009; this represents 2.5% (95% CrI: 2.2-3.0%) of the population aged 15-64 years. Among males of Malay ethnicity, for 77% (95% CrI: 69-85%) the route of probable transmission was active or a previous history of injecting drugs. The corresponding proportions were smaller for male Chinese and Indian/other ethnic groups (40% and 71%, respectively). The estimated prevalence in females of all ethnicities was 1% (95% CrI: 0.6 to 1.4%); 92% (95% CrI: 88 to 95%) of infections were attributable to non-drug injecting routes of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalent number of persons living with HCV infection in Malaysia is estimated to be very high. Low/middle income countries often lack a comprehensive evidence base; however, evidence synthesis methods can assist in filling the data gaps required for the development of effective policy to address the future public health and economic burden due to HCV.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14378,

title = {Burden and nutritional deficiencies in opiate addiction- systematic review article},

author = {S Nabipour and M Ayu Said and M Hussain Habil},

issn = {2251-6085 (Print) 

2251-6085},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Iran J Public Health},

volume = {43},

number = {8},

pages = {1022-32},

abstract = {Addiction to the illicit and prescribed use of opiate is an alarming public health issue. Studies on addictive disorders have demonstrated severe nutritional deficiencies in opiate abusers with behavioral, physiological and cognitive symptoms. Opiate addiction is also link with a significant number of diseases including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and other blood borne diseases generally stem from the use of needles to inject heroin. The use of medication assisted treatment for opioid addicts in combination with behavioural therapies has been considered as a highly effective treatment. Methadone is a long-lasting mu-opioid agonist and a pharmacological tool which attenuates withdrawal symptoms effectively replacement therapies. This review article aims to explain opiate addiction mechanisms, epidemiology and disease burden with emphasis on dietary and nutritional status of opiate dependent patients in methadone maintenance therapy.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14428,

title = {Chronic pain and pattern of health care utilization among Malaysian elderly population: National Health and Morbidity Survey III (NHMS III, 2006)},

author = {L R Mohamed Zaki and N N Hairi},

doi = {10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.08.014},

issn = {0378-5122},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Maturitas},

volume = {79},

number = {4},

pages = {435-41},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to report prevalence of chronic pain and to examine whether chronic pain influence healthcare usage among elderly Malaysian population. METHODS: This was a sub-population analysis of the elderly sample in the Malaysia's Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) 2006, a nation-wide population based survey. A subset of 4954 elderly aged 60 years and above was used in the analysis. Chronic pain, pain's interference and outcome variables of healthcare utilization (hospital admission and ambulatory care service) were all measured and determined by self-report. RESULTS: Prevalence of chronic pain among elderly Malaysian was 15.2% (95% CI: 14.5, 16.8). Prevalence of chronic pain increased with advancing age, and the highest prevalence was seen among the old-old group category (21.5%). Across young-old and old-old groups, chronic pain was more prevalent among females, Indian ethnicity, widows/widowers, rural residency and those with no educational background. Our study showed that chronic pain alone increased hospitalization but not visits to ambulatory facilities. Presence of chronic pain was significantly associated with the frequency of hospitalization (aIRR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02, 1.38) but not ambulatory care service. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pain is a prevalent health problem among the elderly in Malaysia and is associated with higher hospitalization rate among the elderly population. This study provides insight into the distribution of chronic pain among the elderly and its relationship with the patterns of healthcare utilization.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14431,

title = {Clinical breast examination as the recommended breast cancer screening modality in a rural community in Malaysia; what are the factors that could enhance its uptake?},

author = {N D Farid and N A Aziz and N Al-Sadat and M Jamaludin and M Dahlui},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154699/pdf/pone.0106469.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0106469},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {9},

number = {9},

pages = {e106469},

abstract = {Breast cancer is the most common cause of deaths and the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of breast cancer screening, specifically on clinical breast examination, and the predictors of its uptake among women in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in five selected districts whereby women aged between 20 to 64 years old, from a total of 1000 households were interviewed. A total of 1192 women responded to the survey of which 53.3% reported had ever done clinical breast examination. Significant associations with clinical breast examination were noted for income and distance from the hospital. These factors should be considered in developing interventions aimed at promoting clinical breast examination. In particular, healthcare providers should be proactive in raising awareness about clinical breast examination among women in Malaysia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14418,

title = {Clinical risk factors for life-threatening lower respiratory tract infections in children: a retrospective study in an urban city in Malaysia},

author = {A M Nathan and F Rani and R J Lee and R Zaki and C Westerhout and I C Sam and L C Lum and J Bruyne},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0111162},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {9},

number = {10},

pages = {e111162},

abstract = {AIM: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low income countries. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of life-threatening LRTIs in hospitalised children in Malaysia. METHODS: This retrospective study included children aged less than 18 years admitted for LRTIs over 13 months in a tertiary referral centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Neonates, children with asthma and those with either no or a normal chest radiograph were excluded. Life-threatening infection was defined as that needing non-invasive ventilation or admission to the paediatric intensive care unit. Routine blood investigations and nasopharyngeal secretion results (bacterial and viral) were obtained. Chest radiographs were reviewed by a designated radiologist. Environmental data (rainfall, particulate matter \</= 10 microm [PM10] and air pollution index [API]) was obtained from the respective government departments. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-one episodes of LRTIs were included. Viruses were implicated in 48.5% of LRTIs, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being detected in 44% of viral LRTIs. Forty-six (11.8%) children had life-threatening disease and the overall mortality rate was 1.3% (5 children). RSV was detected in 26% of children with life-threatening LRTIs. In multivariate logistic regression, chronic lung disease, presenting history of apnoea and signs of hypoxia, was associated with life threatening LRTIs. Increased LRTI admissions were associated with low rainfall but not PM10 nor API. Of those on follow-up, 39% had persistent respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSION: One in nine children admitted with LRTI had a life-threatening LRTI. The aetiology was viral in almost half of admitted children. RSV was detected in a quarter of children with life-threatening LRTIs. Children who present with LRTIs and either have chronic lung disease, presenting history of apnoea or signs of hypoxia, should be observed carefully as the risk of deterioration to life-threatening illness is high.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14444,

title = {Cohort study on clustering of lifestyle risk factors and understanding its association with stress on health and wellbeing among school teachers in Malaysia (CLUSTer)--a study protocol},

author = {F M Moy and V C Hoe and N N Hairi and B Buckley and P A Wark and D Koh and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and A M Bulgiba},

doi = {10.1186/1471-2458-14-611},

issn = {1471-2458},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {BMC Public Health},

volume = {14},

pages = {611},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The study on Clustering of Lifestyle risk factors and Understanding its association with Stress on health and wellbeing among school Teachers in Malaysia (CLUSTer) is a prospective cohort study which aims to extensively study teachers in Malaysia with respect to clustering of lifestyle risk factors and stress, and subsequently, to follow-up the population for important health outcomes. METHOD/DESIGN: This study is being conducted in six states within Peninsular Malaysia. From each state, schools from each district are randomly selected and invited to participate in the study. Once the schools agree to participate, all teachers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria are invited to participate. Data collection includes a questionnaire survey and health assessment. Information collected in the questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics, participants' medical history and family history of chronic diseases, teaching characteristics and burden, questions on smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activities (IPAQ); a food frequency questionnaire, the job content questionnaire (JCQ); depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS21); health related quality of life (SF12-V2); Voice Handicap Index 10 on voice disorder, questions on chronic pain, sleep duration and obstetric history for female participants. Following blood drawn for predefined clinical tests, additional blood and urine specimens are collected and stored for future analysis. Active follow up of exposure and health outcomes will be carried out every two years via telephone or face to face contact. Data collection started in March 2013 and as of the end of March 2014 has been completed for four states: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka and Penang. Approximately 6580 participants have been recruited. The first round of data collection and blood sampling is expected to be completed by the end of 2014 with an expected 10,000 participants recruited. DISCUSSION: Our study will provide a good basis for exploring the clustering of lifestyle risk factors and stress and its association with major chronic medical conditions such as obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart diseases, kidney failure and cancers among teachers.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14446,

title = {Community knowledge, health beliefs, practices and experiences related to dengue fever and its association with IgG seropositivity},

author = {L P Wong and S AbuBakar and K Chinna},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0002789},

issn = {1935-2727},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {PLoS Negl Trop Dis},

volume = {8},

number = {5},

pages = {e2789},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Demographic, economic and behavioural factors are central features underpinning the successful management and biological control of dengue. This study aimed to examine these factors and their association with the seroprevalence of this disease. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey of households in a 3 km radius of the schools where we had conducted serological tests on the student population in a previous study. Households were surveyed about their socio-demographics, knowledge, practices, and Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. The results were then associated with the prevalence rate of dengue in the community, as marked by IgG seropositivity of the students who attended school there. RESULTS: A total of 1,400 complete responses were obtained. The community's IgG seropositivity was significantly positively associated with high household monthly income, high-rise residential building type, high surrounding vegetation density, rural locality, high perceived severity and susceptibility, perceived barriers to prevention, knowing that a neighbour has dengue, frequent fogging and a higher level of knowledge about dengue. In the multivariate analyses, three major correlates of the presence of IgG seropositivity in the community: (1) high-rise residential apartment house type or condominium buildings; (2) the main construct of the HBM, perceived severity and susceptibility; and (3) the additional constructs of the HBM, lack of preventive measures from the community level and having a neighbour with dengue as a cue to action. Weak correlations were found between self-practices to prevent dengue and the level of dengue seropositivity in the community, and between HBM constructs and knowledge (r = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The residential environment factor and the constructs of the HBM are useful and important elements in developing interventions to prevent and control dengue. The study also sheds light on the importance of the need for approaches that ensure the translation of knowledge into practice.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14437,

title = {Comparison of the Framingham Risk Score, SCORE and WHO/ISH cardiovascular risk prediction models in an Asian population},

author = {S Selvarajah and G Kaur and J Haniff and K C Cheong and T G Hiong and Y Graaf and M L Bots},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.07.066},

issn = {0167-5273},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cardiol},

volume = {176},

number = {1},

pages = {211-8},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular risk-prediction models are used in clinical practice to identify and treat high-risk populations, and to communicate risk effectively. We assessed the validity and utility of four cardiovascular risk-prediction models in an Asian population of a middle-income country. METHODS: Data from a national population-based survey of 14,863 participants aged 40 to 65 years, with a follow-up duration of 73,277 person-years was used. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS), SCORE (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation)-high and -low cardiovascular-risk regions and the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) models were assessed. The outcome of interest was 5-year cardiovascular mortality. Discrimination was assessed for all models and calibration for the SCORE models. RESULTS: Cardiovascular risk factors were highly prevalent; smoking 20%, obesity 32%, hypertension 55%, diabetes mellitus 18% and hypercholesterolemia 34%. The FRS and SCORE models showed good agreement in risk stratification. The FRS, SCORE-high and -low models showed good discrimination for cardiovascular mortality, areas under the ROC curve (AUC) were 0.768, 0.774 and 0.775 respectively. The WHO/ISH model showed poor discrimination},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15839,

title = {Corynanthean, eburnan, secoleuconoxine, and pauciflorine alkaloids from Kopsia pauciflora},

author = {C Y Gan and K Yoganathan and K S Sim and Y Y Low and S H Lim and T S Kam},

doi = {10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.09.014},

issn = {0031-9422},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Phytochemistry},

volume = {108},

pages = {234-42},

abstract = {Eleven indole alkaloids, comprising four corynanthean, two eburnane, one aspidofractinine, one secoleuconoxine, one andranginine, and two pauciflorine type alkaloids were isolated from the stem-bark and leaf extracts of Kopsia pauciflora. Their structures were determined using NMR and MS analyses. The catharinensine type alkaloid kopsirensine B and the secoleuconoxine alkaloid arboloscine A showed moderate to weak activity in reversing MDR in vincristine-resistant KB cells. The alkaloid content was markedly different compared to that of a sample from Malaysian Borneo.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14440,

title = {Cost effective analysis of recall methods for cervical cancer screening in Selangor--results from a prospective randomized controlled trial},

author = {R M Rashid and S Ramli and J John and M Dahlui},

issn = {1513-7368 (Print) 

1513-7368},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Asian Pac J Cancer Prev},

volume = {15},

number = {13},

pages = {5143-7},

abstract = {Cervical cancer screening in Malaysia is by opportunistic Pap smear which contributes to the low uptake rate. To overcome this, a pilot project called the SIPPS program (translated as information system of Pap smear program) had been introduced whereby women aged 20-65 years old are invited for Pap smear and receive recall to repeat the test. This study aimed at determining which recall method is most cost-effective in getting women to repeat Pap smear. A randomised control trial was conducted where one thousand women were recalled for repeat smear either by registered letter, phone messages, phone call or the usual postal letter. The total cost applied for cost-effectiveness analysis includes the cost of sending letter for first invitation, cost of the recall method and cost of two Pap smears. Cost-effective analysis (CEA) of Pap smear uptake by each recall method was then performed. The uptake of Pap smear by postal letter, registered letters, SMS and phone calls were 18.8%, 20.0%, 21.6% and 34.4%, respectively (p\<0.05). The CER for the recall method was lowest by phone call compared to other interventions; RM 69.18 (SD RM 0.14) compared to RM 106.53 (SD RM 0.13), RM 134.02 (SD RM 0.15) and RM 136.38 (SD RM 0.11) for SMS, registered letter and letter, respectively. ICER showed that it is most cost saving if the usual method of recall by postal letter be changed to recall by phone call. The possibility of letter as a recall for repeat Pap smear to reach the women is higher compared to sending SMS or making phone call. However, getting women to do repeat Pap smear is better with phone call which allows direct communication. Despite the high cost of the phone call as a recall method for repeat Pap smear, it is the most cost-effective method compared to others.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14411,

title = {Cost-effectiveness analysis of rotavirus vaccination among Libyan children using a simple economic model},

author = {S Alkoshi and N Maimaiti and M Dahlui},

url = {http://www.libyanjournalofmedicine.net/index.php/ljm/article/download/26236/pdf_1},

doi = {10.3402/ljm.v9.26236},

issn = {1819-6357},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Libyan J Med},

volume = {9},

pages = {26236},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rotavirus infection is a major cause of childhood diarrhea in Libya. The objective of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination in that country. METHODS: We used a published decision tree model that has been adapted to the Libyan situation to analyze a birth cohort of 160,000 children. The evaluation of diarrhea events in three public hospitals helped to estimate the rotavirus burden. The economic analysis was done from two perspectives: health care provider and societal. Univariate sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess uncertainty in some values of the variables selected. RESULTS: The three hospitals received 545 diarrhea patients aged\</=5 with 311 (57%) rotavirus positive test results during a 9-month period. The societal cost for treatment of a case of rotavirus diarrhea was estimated at US$ 661/event. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio with a vaccine price of US$ 27 per course was US$ 8,972 per quality-adjusted life year gained from the health care perspective. From a societal perspective, the analysis shows cost savings of around US$ 16 per child. CONCLUSION: The model shows that rotavirus vaccination could be economically a very attractive intervention in Libya.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15838,

title = {Criofolinine and vernavosine, new pentacyclic indole alkaloids incorporating pyrroloazepine and pyridopyrimidine moieties derived from a common yohimbine precursor},

author = {C E Nge and C Y Gan and K H Lim and K N Ting and Y Y Low and T S Kam},

doi = {10.1021/ol503072g},

issn = {1523-7052},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Org Lett},

volume = {16},

number = {24},

pages = {6330-3},

abstract = {Two new indole alkaloids characterized by previously unencountered natural product skeletons, viz., criofolinine (1), incorporating a pyrroloazepine motif within a pentacyclic ring system, and vernavosine (2, isolated as its ethyl ether derivative 3, which on hydrolysis regenerated the putative precursor alkaloid 2), incorporating a pyridopyrimidine moiety embedded within a pentacyclic carbon framework, were isolated from a Malayan Tabernaemontana species. The structures and absolute configuration of these alkaloids were determined on the basis of NMR and MS analysis and confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14436,

title = {Descriptive epidemiology of colorectal cancer in University Malaya Medical Centre, 2001 to 2010},

author = {B A Magaji and F M Moy and A C Roslani and C W Law},

issn = {1513-7368 (Print) 

1513-7368},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Asian Pac J Cancer Prev},

volume = {15},

number = {15},

pages = {6059-64},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there is little information on treatment and outcomes nationally. We aimed to determine the demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of colorectal cancer patients treated at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) as part of a larger project on survival and quality of life outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 1,212 patients undergoing treatment in UMMC between January 2001 and December 2010 were reviewed. A retrospective-prospective cohort study design was used. Research tools included the National Cancer Patient Registration form. Statistical analysis included means, standard deviations (SD), proportions, chi square, t-test/ ANOVA. P-value significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The male: female ratio was 1.2:1. The mean age was 62.1 (SD12.4) years. Patients were predominantly Chinese (67%), then Malays (18%), Indians (13%) and others (2%). Malays were younger than Chinese and Indians (mean age 57 versus 62 versus 62 years, p\<0.001). More females (56%) had colon cancers compared to males (44%) (p=0.022). Malays (57%) had more rectal cancer compared to Chinese (45%) and Indians (49%) (p=0.004). Dukes' stage data weres available in 67%, with Dukes' C and D accounting for 64%. Stage was not affected by age, gender, ethnicity or tumor site. Treatment modalities included surgery alone (40%), surgery and chemo/radiotherapy 32%, chemo and radiotherapy (8%) and others (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant ethnic differences in age and site distribution, if verified in population-based settings, would support implementation of preventive measures targeting those with the greatest need, at the right age.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15883,

title = {Development of Conceptual Framework to Understand Factors Associated with Return to Work among Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review},

author = {S L Chow and A S Ting and T T Su},

issn = {2251-6085 (Print) 

2251-6085},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Iran J Public Health},

volume = {43},

number = {4},

pages = {391-405},

abstract = {This systematic review was conducted to develop a conceptual framework that addresses various factors associated with return to work among cancer survivors. Databases Medline, EMBASE, ProQuest, PubMed and ScienceDirect were systematically searched using medical subject headings [MeSH] for studies published in English from 1990 to 2013. Studies that described adult cancer patients' self-reported data or patients' point of view on factors associated with return to work or employment status following cancer diagnosis were included. Articles selection was conducted in three steps: selection based on title and abstract, retrieval of full text and additions of articles from reference lists and recommendations from experts. Disagreement in data extraction was solved by consultation of third reviewer. Out of twenty seven articles, breast cancer was the most studied type of cancer (30%) while colorectal cancer was studied independently in two articles (7.4%). Conceptual framework on return to work identifies factors under environmental, personal, work demand, work ability, health status and financial factors. Extensive search of scientific databases over last 24 years and the development of the conceptual frame-work are the strength of this review. Conceptual framework reveals the various factors including non-medical factors associated with return to work upon cancer diagnosis. It serves as a reminder to the policy makers to focus on modifiable factors as potential areas for intervention to assist cancer survivors return to work, especially those with little financial assistance and health insurance.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14447,

title = {Do workplace physical activity interventions improve mental health outcomes?},

author = {A H Chu and D Koh and F M Moy and F Muller-Riemenschneider},

url = {http://occmed.oxfordjournals.org/content/64/4/235.full.pdf},

doi = {10.1093/occmed/kqu045},

issn = {0962-7480},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Occup Med (Lond)},

volume = {64},

number = {4},

pages = {235-45},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mental health is an important issue in the working population. Interventions to improve mental health have included physical activity. AIMS: To review evidence for the effectiveness of workplace physical activity interventions on mental health outcomes. METHODS: A literature search was conducted for studies published between 1990 and August 2013. Inclusion criteria were physical activity trials, working populations and mental health outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. RESULTS: Of 3684 unique articles identified, 17 met all selection criteria, including 13 randomized controlled trials, 2 comparison trials and 2 controlled trials. Studies were grouped into two key intervention areas: physical activity and yoga exercise. Of eight high-quality trials, two provided strong evidence for a reduction in anxiety, one reported moderate evidence for an improvement in depression symptoms and one provided limited evidence on relieving stress. The remaining trials did not provide evidence on improved mental well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace physical activity and yoga programmes are associated with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and anxiety, respectively. Their impact on stress relief is less conclusive.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14420,

title = {Effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiometabolic risks and health-related quality of life among urban premenopausal women in a tropical country--a randomized controlled trial},

author = {M Ramly and M F Ming and K Chinna and S Suboh and R Pendek},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0110476},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {9},

number = {10},

pages = {e110476},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many observational studies linked vitamin D to cardiometabolic risks besides its pivotal role in musculoskeletal diseases, but evidence from trials is lacking and inconsistent. AIM: To determine whether Vitamin D supplementation in urban premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency can improve cardiometabolic risks and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). DESIGN: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 192 vitamin D deficient (\<50 nmol/l) premenopausal women were randomized to receive either vitamin D 50,000 IU or placebo once a week for 2 months and then monthly for 10 months. Primary outcomes were serum 25(OH)D, serum lipid profiles, blood pressure and HOMA-IR measured at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. HRQOL was assessed with SF-36 at baseline and 12 months. RESULTS: Ninety three and ninety-nine women were randomised into intervention and placebo groups respectively. After 12 months, there were significant differences in the serum 25(OH)D concentration (mean difference: 49.54; 95% CI: 43.94 to 55.14) nmol/l) and PTH levels (mean difference: -1.02; 95% CI: -1.67 to -0.38 pmol/l) in the intervention group compared to placebo group. There was significant difference between treatment group in both serum 25(OH)D and PTH. There was no effect of supplementation on HOMA-IR, serum lipid profiles and blood pressure (all p\>0.05) between two groups. There was a small but significant improvement in HRQOL in the components of vitality (mean difference: 5.041; 95% CI: 0.709 to 9.374) and mental component score (mean difference: 2.951; 95% CI: 0.573 to 5.329) in the intervention group compared to placebo group. CONCLUSION: Large and less frequent dosage vitamin D supplementation was safe and effective in the achievement of vitamin D sufficiency. However, there was no improvement in measured cardiometabolic risk factors in premenopausal women. Conversely vitamin D supplementation improves some components of HRQOL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12612000452897.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14624,

title = {Ethnicity is an independent determinant of age-specific PSA level: findings from a multiethnic Asian setting},

author = {J Lim and N Bhoo-Pathy and S Sothilingam and R Malek and M Sundram and B Hisham Bahadzor and T A Ong and K L Ng and S Sivalingam and A H Razack},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4128728/pdf/pone.0104917.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0104917},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {9},

number = {8},

pages = {e104917},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To study the baseline PSA profile and determine the factors influencing the PSA levels within a multiethnic Asian setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1054 men with no clinical evidence of prostate cancer, prostate surgery or 5alpha-reductase inhibitor treatment of known prostate conditions. The serum PSA concentration of each subject was assayed. Potential factors associated with PSA level including age, ethnicity, height, weight, family history of prostate cancer, lower urinary tract voiding symptoms (LUTS), prostate volume and digital rectal examination (DRE) were evaluated using univariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: There were 38 men (3.6%) found to have a PSA level above 4 ng/ml and 1016 (96.4%) with a healthy PSA (\</=4 ng/ml). The median PSA level of Malay, Chinese and Indian men was 1.00 ng/ml, 1.16 ng/ml and 0.83 ng/ml, respectively. Indians had a relatively lower median PSA level and prostate volume than Malays and Chinese, who shared a comparable median PSA value across all 10-years age groups. The PSA density was fairly similar amongst all ethnicities. Further analysis showed that ethnicity, weight and prostate volume were independent factors associated with age specific PSA level in the multivariable analysis (p\<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings support the concept that the baseline PSA level varies between different ethnicities across all age groups. In addition to age and prostate volume, ethnicity may also need to be taken into account when investigating serum PSA concentrations in the multiethnic Asian population.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14429,

title = {Evidence that breast cancer risk at the 2q35 locus is mediated through IGFBP5 regulation},

author = {M Ghoussaini and S L Edwards and K Michailidou and S Nord and R Cowper-Sal Lari and K Desai and S Kar and K M Hillman and S Kaufmann and D M Glubb and J Beesley and J Dennis and M K Bolla and Q Wang and E Dicks and Q Guo and M K Schmidt and M Shah and R Luben and J Brown and K Czene and H Darabi and M Eriksson and D Klevebring and S E Bojesen and B G Nordestgaard and S F Nielsen and H Flyger and D Lambrechts and B Thienpont and P Neven and H Wildiers and A Broeks and L J Van't Veer and E J Th Rutgers and F J Couch and J E Olson and E Hallberg and C Vachon and J Chang-Claude and A Rudolph and P Seibold and D Flesch-Janys and J Peto and I Dos-Santos-Silva and L Gibson and H Nevanlinna and T A Muranen and K Aittomaki and C Blomqvist and P Hall and J Li and J Liu and K Humphreys and D Kang and J Y Choi and S K Park and D Y Noh and K Matsuo and H Ito and H Iwata and Y Yatabe and P Guenel and T Truong and F Menegaux and M Sanchez and B Burwinkel and F Marme and A Schneeweiss and C Sohn and A H Wu and C C Tseng and D Van Den Berg and D O Stram and J Benitez and M P Zamora and J I Perez and P Menendez and X O Shu and W Lu and Y T Gao and Q Cai and A Cox and S S Cross and M W Reed and I L Andrulis and J A Knight and G Glendon and S Tchatchou and E J Sawyer and I Tomlinson and M J Kerin and N Miller and C A Haiman and B E Henderson and F Schumacher and L Le Marchand and A Lindblom and S Margolin and S H Teo and others},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4321900/pdf/nihms654459.pdf},

doi = {10.1038/ncomms5999},

issn = {2041-1723},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Nat Commun},

volume = {4},

pages = {4999},

abstract = {GWAS have identified a breast cancer susceptibility locus on 2q35. Here we report the fine mapping of this locus using data from 101,943 subjects from 50 case-control studies. We genotype 276 SNPs using the 'iCOGS' genotyping array and impute genotypes for a further 1,284 using 1000 Genomes Project data. All but two, strongly correlated SNPs (rs4442975 G/T and rs6721996 G/A) are excluded as candidate causal variants at odds against \>100:1. The best functional candidate, rs4442975, is associated with oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) disease with an odds ratio (OR) in Europeans of 0.85 (95% confidence interval=0.84-0.87; P=1.7 x 10(-43)) per t-allele. This SNP flanks a transcriptional enhancer that physically interacts with the promoter of IGFBP5 (encoding insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5) and displays allele-specific gene expression, FOXA1 binding and chromatin looping. Evidence suggests that the g-allele confers increased breast cancer susceptibility through relative downregulation of IGFBP5, a gene with known roles in breast cell biology.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14438,

title = {Genetic associations of the INSIG2 rs7566605 polymorphism with obesity-related metabolic traits in Malaysian Malays},

author = {Y D Apalasamy and F M Moy and S Rampal and A Bulgiba and Z Mohamed},

doi = {10.4238/2014.July.4.4},

issn = {1676-5680},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Genet Mol Res},

volume = {13},

number = {3},

pages = {4904-10},

abstract = {A genome-wide association study showed that the tagging single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs7566605 in the insulin-induced gene 2 (INSIG2) was associated with obesity. Attempts to replicate this result in different populations have produced inconsistent findings. We aimed to study the association between the rs7566605 SNP with obesity and other metabolic parameters in Malaysian Malays. Anthropometric and obesity-related metabolic parameters and DNA samples were collected. We genotyped the rs7566605 polymorphism in 672 subjects using real-time polymerase chain reaction. No significant associations were found between the rs7566605 tagging SNP of INSIG2 with obesity or other metabolic parameters in the Malaysian Malay population. The INSIG2 rs7566605 SNP may not play a role in the development of obesity-related metabolic traits in Malaysian Malays.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14445,

title = {Genetic variation at CYP3A is associated with age at menarche and breast cancer risk: a case-control study},

author = {N Johnson and F Dudbridge and N Orr and L Gibson and M E Jones and M J Schoemaker and E J Folkerd and B P Haynes and J L Hopper and M C Southey and G S Dite and C Apicella and M K Schmidt and A Broeks and L J Van't Veer and F Atsma and K Muir and A Lophatananon and P A Fasching and M W Beckmann and A B Ekici and S P Renner and E Sawyer and I Tomlinson and M Kerin and N Miller and B Burwinkel and F Marme and A Schneeweiss and C Sohn and P Guenel and T Truong and E Cordina and F Menegaux and S E Bojesen and B G Nordestgaard and H Flyger and R Milne and M P Zamora and J I Arias Perez and J Benitez and L Bernstein and H Anton-Culver and A Ziogas and C Clarke Dur and H Brenner and H Muller and V Arndt and A K Dieffenbach and A Meindl and J Heil and C R Bartram and R K Schmutzler and H Brauch and C Justenhoven and Y D Ko and H Nevanlinna and T A Muranen and K Aittomaki and C Blomqvist and K Matsuo and T Dork and N V Bogdanova and N N Antonenkova and A Lindblom and A Mannermaa and V Kataja and V M Kosma and J M Hartikainen and G Chenevix-Trench and J Beesley and A H Wu and D Van Berg and C C Tseng and D Lambrechts and D Smeets and P Neven and H Wildiers and J Chang-Claude and A Rudolph and S Nickels and D Flesch-Janys and P Radice and P Peterlongo and B Bonanni and V Pensotti and F J Couch and J E Olson and X Wang and Z Fredericksen and V S Pankratz and G G Giles and G Severi and L Baglietto and C Haiman and J Simard and M S Goldberg and F Labreche and M Dumont and P Soucy and others},

doi = {10.1186/bcr3662},

issn = {1465-5411},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Breast Cancer Res},

volume = {16},

number = {3},

pages = {R51},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: We have previously shown that a tag single nucleotide polymorphism (rs10235235), which maps to the CYP3A locus (7q22.1), was associated with a reduction in premenopausal urinary estrone glucuronide levels and a modest reduction in risk of breast cancer in women age \</=50 years. METHODS: We further investigated the association of rs10235235 with breast cancer risk in a large case control study of 47,346 cases and 47,570 controls from 52 studies participating in the Breast Cancer Association Consortium. Genotyping of rs10235235 was conducted using a custom Illumina Infinium array. Stratified analyses were conducted to determine whether this association was modified by age at diagnosis, ethnicity, age at menarche or tumor characteristics. RESULTS: We confirmed the association of rs10235235 with breast cancer risk for women of European ancestry but found no evidence that this association differed with age at diagnosis. Heterozygote and homozygote odds ratios (ORs) were OR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.94, 1.01; P = 0.2) and OR = 0.80 (95% CI 0.69, 0.93; P = 0.004), respectively (P(trend) = 0.02). There was no evidence of effect modification by tumor characteristics. rs10235235 was, however, associated with age at menarche in controls (P(trend) = 0.005) but not cases (P(trend) = 0.97). Consequently the association between rs10235235 and breast cancer risk differed according to age at menarche (P(het) = 0.02); the rare allele of rs10235235 was associated with a reduction in breast cancer risk for women who had their menarche age \>/=15 years (OR(het) = 0.84, 95% CI 0.75, 0.94; OR(hom) = 0.81, 95% CI 0.51, 1.30; P(trend) = 0.002) but not for those who had their menarche age \</=11 years (OR(het) = 1.06, 95% CI 0.95, 1.19, OR(hom) = 1.07, 95% CI 0.67, 1.72; P(trend) = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge rs10235235 is the first single nucleotide polymorphism to be associated with both breast cancer risk and age at menarche consistent with the well-documented association between later age at menarche and a reduction in breast cancer risk. These associations are likely mediated via an effect on circulating hormone levels.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14450,

title = {Genome-wide analysis of copy number variation identifies candidate gene loci associated with the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease},

author = {S M Zain and R Mohamed and D N Cooper and R Razali and S Rampal and S Mahadeva and W K Chan and A Anwar and N S Rosli and A S Mahfudz and P L Cheah and R C Basu and Z Mohamed},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0095604},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {9},

number = {4},

pages = {e95604},

abstract = {Between 10 and 25% of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) develop hepatic fibrosis leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To investigate the molecular basis of disease progression, we performed a genome-wide analysis of copy number variation (CNV) in a total of 49 patients with NAFLD [10 simple steatosis and 39 non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)] and 49 matched controls using high-density comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) microarrays. A total of 11 CNVs were found to be unique to individuals with simple steatosis, whilst 22 were common between simple steatosis and NASH, and 224 were unique to NASH. We postulated that these CNVs could be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD progression. After stringent filtering, we identified four rare and/or novel CNVs that may influence the pathogenesis of NASH. Two of these CNVs, located at 13q12.11 and 12q13.2 respectively, harbour the exportin 4 (XPO4) and phosphodiesterase 1B (PDE1B) genes which are already known to be involved in the etiology of liver cirrhosis and HCC. Cross-comparison of the genes located at these four CNV loci with genes already known to be associated with NAFLD yielded a set of genes associated with shared biological processes including cell death, the key process involved in 'second hit' hepatic injury. To our knowledge, this pilot study is the first to provide CNV information of potential relevance to the NAFLD spectrum. These data could prove invaluable in predicting patients at risk of developing NAFLD and more importantly, those who will subsequently progress to NASH.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14600,

title = {Infanticide and illegal infant abandonment in Malaysia},

author = {S Razali and M Kirkman and S H Ahmad and J Fisher},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S014521341400221X/1-s2.0-S014521341400221X-main.pdf?_tid=2724ba2c-670c-11e5-a0d2-00000aacb360\&acdnat=1443573939_d67441207f31381fc2eb4b73fb4331fb},

doi = {10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.06.008},

issn = {0145-2134},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Child Abuse Negl},

volume = {38},

number = {10},

pages = {1715-24},

abstract = {Infant abandonment and infanticide are poorly understood in Malaysia. The information available in the public arena comes predominantly from anecdotal sources. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of infanticide and illegal infant abandonment in Malaysia and to estimate annual rates for the most recent decade. Summaries of data about infanticide and illegal infant abandonment were gathered from police records; the annual number of live births was ascertained from the national registry. The estimated inferred infanticide rates for Malaysia were compared with the infanticide rates among countries of very high, high, medium, and low rankings on the Human Development, Gender Inequality, and Gini indices. From 1999 to 2011, 1,069 cases of illegal infant abandonment were recorded and 1,147 people were arrested as suspected perpetrators. The estimated inferred infanticide rate fluctuated between 4.82 and 9.11 per 100,000 live births, a moderate rate relative to the infanticide rates of other countries. There are substantial missing data, with details undocumented for about 78-87% of cases and suspected perpetrators. Of the documented cases, it appeared that more boys than girls were victims and that suspected perpetrators were predominantly Malays who were women, usually mothers of the victim; the possibility of arrest bias must be acknowledged. Economic and social inequality, particularly gender inequality, might contribute to the phenomena of infanticide and abandonment. Strategies to reduce rates of infanticide and illegal infant abandonment in Malaysia will require strengthening of the surveillance system and attention to the gender-based inequalities that underpin human development.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14430,

title = {Medical tourism in Malaysia: how can we better identify and manage its advantages and disadvantages?},

author = {M Ormond and W K Mun and C C Khoon},

doi = {10.3402/gha.v7.25201},

issn = {1654-9880},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Glob Health Action},

volume = {7},

pages = {25201},

abstract = {Following the identification of medical tourism as a growth sector by the Malaysian government in 1998, significant government sector and private-sector investments have been channeled into its development over the past 15 years. This is unfolding within the broader context of social services being devolved to for-profit enterprises and 'market-capable' segments of society becoming sites of intensive entrepreneurial investment by both the private sector and the state. Yet, the opacity and paucity of available medical tourism statistics severely limits the extent to which medical tourism's impacts can be reliably assessed, forcing us to consider the real effects that the resulting speculation itself has produced and to reevaluate how the real and potential impacts of medical tourism are--and should be--conceptualized, calculated, distributed, and compensated for. Contemporary debate over the current and potential benefits and adverse effects of medical tourism for destination societies is hamstrung by the scant empirical data currently publicly available. Steps are proposed for overcoming these challenges in order to allow for improved identification, planning, and development of resources appropriate to the needs, demands, and interests of not only medical tourists and big business but also local populations.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14448,

title = {Metabolically-healthy obesity and coronary artery calcification},

author = {Y Chang and B K Kim and K E Yun and J Cho and Y Zhang and S Rampal and D Zhao and H S Jung and Y Choi and J Ahn and J A Lima and H Shin and E Guallar and S Ryu},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0735109714020518/1-s2.0-S0735109714020518-main.pdf?_tid=f42734aa-e12d-11e5-a984-00000aacb35f\&acdnat=1457002499_6b39e2489a7aa88ca3d7b38198c4417b},

doi = {10.1016/j.jacc.2014.03.042},

issn = {0735-1097},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {J Am Coll Cardiol},

volume = {63},

number = {24},

pages = {2679-86},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores of metabolically-healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically healthy normal-weight individuals in a large sample of apparently healthy men and women. BACKGROUND: The risk of cardiovascular disease among obese individuals without obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, referred to as MHO, is controversial. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 14,828 metabolically-healthy adults with no known cardiovascular disease who underwent a health checkup examination that included estimation of CAC scores by cardiac tomography. Being metabolically healthy was defined as not having any metabolic syndrome component and having a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance \<2.5. RESULTS: MHO individuals had a higher prevalence of coronary calcification than normal weight subjects. In multivariable-adjusted models, the CAC score ratio comparing MHO with normal-weight participants was 2.26 (95% confidence interval: 1.48 to 3.43). In mediation analyses, further adjustment for metabolic risk factors markedly attenuated this association, which was no longer statistically significant (CAC score ratio 1.24; 95% confidence interval: 0.79 to 1.96). These associations did not differ by clinically-relevant subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: MHO participants had a higher prevalence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis than metabolically-healthy normal-weight participants, which supports the idea that MHO is not a harmless condition. This association, however, was mediated by metabolic risk factors at levels below those considered abnormal, which suggests that the label of metabolically healthy for obese subjects may be an artifact of the cutoff levels used in the definition of metabolic health.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14433,

title = {Modified technique of Wolbachia removal from Malaysian Aedes albopictus},

author = {S Joanne and I Vythilingam and N Yugavathy and J I Doss},

doi = {10.12980/apjtb.4.2014apjtb-2014-0020},

issn = {2221-1691 (Print) 

2221-1691},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Asian Pac J Trop Biomed},

volume = {4},

number = {7},

pages = {557-60},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To develop an artificial and modified Wolbachia removal technique using tetracycline from naturally Wolbachia infected Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus) so as to be able to produce generations of Wolbachia free offsprings. METHODS: In this study, seven different tetracycline treatment methods were conducted to obtain the best removal method. Four methods focused on larvae tetracycline treatment, one method on both larvae and adult tetracycline treatment and the last two methods on adult mosquito sucrose treatment. RESULTS: All larval tetracycline treatments resulted in either high larvae mortality, sterile F0 adult mosquitoes or unsuccessful Wolbachia removal. Treatment of both larvae and adults resulted in reduced larvae mortality, successful Wolbachia removal but slow mosquito fecundity. As for the adult treatment, 1.0 mg/mL as previously published was not able to completely remove Wolbachia in F1 generation whereas 1.25 mg/mL successfully removed Wolbachia from F1 and F2 mosquitoes in 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: This method is different from the previously published methods as it provides an improved Wolbachia removal technique from Ae. albopictus with high egg hatchability, low larvae mortality, increased fecundity and better Wolbachia removal rate.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15785,

title = {Neighborhood-Level Stress and Circadian Cortisol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis},

author = {F Hosseini and N Adha and R Zainol and M Isahak and N Nemati},

issn = {2251-6085 (Print) 

2251-6085},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Iran J Public Health},

volume = {43},

number = {10},

pages = {1324-34},

abstract = {The main objective was to find association between basal cortisol and neighborhood-level stress. Systematic searches, including electronic and hand searches, were conducted. The most recent date of the search was July 26, 2013. Primary observational studies included if they considered stress related outcomes in the neighborhood context. Using the EndNote X7 advanced search option; the authors examined the abstracts and titles of the 18,092 articles to exclude obviously irrelevant studies, gray literature, discussion papers, reviews and, studies with no complete data. Two authors independently extracted data from the original reports into pre-designed data extraction forms based on the Data Extraction Template of the Cochrane Consumer and Communication Review Group (CCCRG). Ten studies with a total of 2,134 participants were synthesized and analyzed. Two studies out of ten received expanded meta-analysis. The overall effect size (95% CI) for cortisol level for residents in neighborhoods with lower stress compared to inhabitants from higher was 0.12 (0.01, 0.23). This review is demonstrating a link between psychosocial or physical stress and cortisol obtained from saliva. However, living in high disorder neighborhoods results in higher level of cortisol. This represents a biological indicator of psychosocial/physical stress exposure (i.e., neighborhood disorder) that reflects variances in stress exposure levels.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14435,

title = {Obesogenic television food advertising to children in Malaysia: sociocultural variations},

author = {S H Ng and B Kelly and C H Se and K Chinna and M J Sameeha and S Krishnasamy and M N Ismail and T Karupaiah},

doi = {10.3402/gha.v7.25169},

issn = {1654-9880},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Glob Health Action},

volume = {7},

pages = {25169},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Food advertising on television (TV) is well known to influence children's purchasing requests and models negative food habits in Western countries. Advertising of unhealthy foods is a contributor to the obesogenic environment that is a key driver of rising rates of childhood obesity. Children in developing countries are more at risk of being targeted by such advertising, as there is a huge potential for market growth of unhealthy foods concomitant with poor regulatory infrastructure. Further, in developing countries with multi-ethnic societies, information is scarce on the nature of TV advertising targeting children. OBJECTIVES: To measure exposure and power of TV food marketing to children on popular multi-ethnic TV stations in Malaysia. DESIGN: Ethnic-specific popular TV channels were identified using industry data. TV transmissions were recorded for each channel from November 2012 to August 2013 (16 hr/day) for randomly selected weekdays and weekend days during normal days and repeated during school holidays (n=88 days). Coded food/beverage advertisements were grouped into core (healthy), non-core (non-healthy), or miscellaneous (unclassified) food categories. Peak viewing time (PVT) and persuasive marketing techniques were identified. RESULTS: Non-core foods were predominant in TV food advertising, and rates were greater during school holidays compared to normal days (3.51 vs 1.93 food ads/hr/channel, p\<0.001). During normal days' PVT, the ratio of non-core to core food advertising was higher (3.25 food ads/hr/channel), and this more than trebled during school holidays to 10.25 food ads/hr/channel. Popular channels for Indian children had the lowest rate of food advertising relative to other ethnic groups. However, sugary drinks remained a popular non-core product advertised across all broadcast periods and channels. Notably, promotional characters doubled for non-core foods during school holidays compared to normal days (1.91 vs 0.93 food ads/hr/channel, p\<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights non-core food advertising, and predominantly sugary drinks are commonly screened on Malaysian TV channels. The majority of these sugary drinks were advertised by multinational companies, and this observation warrants regulatory attention.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14419,

title = {Pain experience and satisfaction with postoperative pain control among surgical patients},

author = {P Subramanian and S Ramasamy and K H Ng and K Chinna and R Rosli},

doi = {10.1111/ijn.12363},

issn = {1322-7114},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Int J Nurs Pract},

abstract = {Alleviating acute pain and providing pain relief are central to caring for surgical patients as pain can lead to many adverse medical consequences. This study aimed to explore patients' experience of pain and satisfaction with postoperative pain control. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 107 respondents who had undergone abdominal surgery in the surgical ward of an urban hospital using the Revised American Pain Society's Patient Outcome and Satisfaction Survey Questionnaires (APS-POQ-R). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Chi-square test showed significant association between race (P = 0.038), education level (P \</= 0.001), previous operation status (P = 0.032) and operation status (P \</= 0.001). Further analysis on nominal regression, association between dissatisfaction with factors of operation status (46.09 (95% CI 7.456, 284.947)) and previous operation status (13.38 (95% CI 1.39, 128.74)) was found to be significant. Moderate to high levels of pain intensity in the last 24 h after surgery, as well as moderate to high rates of pain-related interference with care activities were most reported. Pain still remains an issue among surgical patients, and effective pain management and health education are needed to manage pain more effectively after surgery.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14621,

title = {Postmastectomy radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer},

author = {N Bhoo-Pathy and J P Pignol and H M Verkooijen},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S014067361462239X/1-s2.0-S014067361462239X-main.pdf?_tid=efd6b488-673a-11e5-a52a-00000aacb35d\&acdnat=1443594033_0579b07bf3de591afaaa2d1736c4dd30},

doi = {10.1016/s0140-6736(14)62239-x},

issn = {0140-6736},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Lancet},

volume = {384},

number = {9957},

pages = {1846},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15960,

title = {Pre-emptive intraperitoneal local anaesthesia: an effective method in immediate post-operative pain management and metabolic stress response in laparoscopic appendicectomy, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study},

author = {M R Thanapal and M D Tata and A J Tan and T Subramaniam and J M Tong and K Palayan and S Rampal and R Gurunathan},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1445-2197.2012.06210.x/abstract?systemMessage=Please+be+advised+that+we+experienced+an+unexpected+issue+that+occurred+on+Saturday+and+Sunday+January+20th+and+21st+that+caused+the+site+to+be+down+for+an+extended+period+of+time+and+affected+the+ability+of+users+to+access+content+on+Wiley+Online+Library.+This+issue+has+now+been+fully+resolved.++We+apologize+for+any+inconvenience+this+may+have+caused+and+are+working+to+ensure+that+we+can+alert+you+immediately+of+any+unplanned+periods+of+downtime+or+disruption+in+the+future.},

doi = {10.1111/j.1445-2197.2012.06210.x},

issn = {1445-1433},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {ANZ J Surg},

volume = {84},

number = {1-2},

pages = {47-51},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic surgeries are associated with reduced surgical stress response and shortened post-operative recovery, intense pain and high analgesia requirements in the immediate post-operative period are often the chief complaints. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-emptive intraperitoneal local anaesthetic drugs on post-operative pain management and metabolic stress response in laparoscopic appendicectomy. METHOD: The method used was a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Patients with clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis who fulfil the criteria, were taken into this study. Primary outcomes investigated were consumption of patient-controlled analgesia during the immediate post-operative period (first 6 h) and subsequent 18 h as well as serum cortisol sampling. RESULTS: Total of 120 patients were recruited into three different treatment groups (placebo, ropivacaine, levobupivacaine). In order to maintain visual analogue score of 0-1 during the immediate post-operative period, patients in the placebo group required significantly (P \< 0.001) higher dose of analgesia (morphine/mg) - 11 mg (8.3-15.5) as compared with ropivacaine - 4 mg (3.0-6.0) and levobupivacaine - 3.5 mg (2.0-5.0). The immediate post-operative serum cortisol showed a significant increase in serum cortisol in the placebo group (P = 0.001) as compared with ropivacaine and levobupivacaine groups. CONCLUSION: Pre-emptive intraperitoneal local anaesthesia in laparoscopy surgery is a safe, non-invasive procedure that can benefit patients by reducing the immediate post-operative pain intensity and metabolic stress response of the body.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14625,

title = {Predicting survival of de novo metastatic breast cancer in Asian women: systematic review and validation study},

author = {H Miao and M Hartman and N Bhoo-Pathy and S C Lee and N A Taib and E Y Tan and P Chan and K G Moons and H S Wong and J Goh and S M Rahim and C H Yip and H M Verkooijen},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3973579/pdf/pone.0093755.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0093755},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {9},

number = {4},

pages = {e93755},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: In Asia, up to 25% of breast cancer patients present with distant metastases at diagnosis. Given the heterogeneous survival probabilities of de novo metastatic breast cancer, individual outcome prediction is challenging. The aim of the study is to identify existing prognostic models for patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer and validate them in Asia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review to identify prediction models for metastatic breast cancer. Models were validated in 642 women with de novo metastatic breast cancer registered between 2000 and 2010 in the Singapore Malaysia Hospital Based Breast Cancer Registry. Survival curves for low, intermediate and high-risk groups according to each prognostic score were compared by log-rank test and discrimination of the models was assessed by concordance statistic (C-statistic). RESULTS: We identified 16 prediction models, seven of which were for patients with brain metastases only. Performance status, estrogen receptor status, metastatic site(s) and disease-free interval were the most common predictors. We were able to validate nine prediction models. The capacity of the models to discriminate between poor and good survivors varied from poor to fair with C-statistics ranging from 0.50 (95% CI, 0.48-0.53) to 0.63 (95% CI, 0.60-0.66). CONCLUSION: The discriminatory performance of existing prediction models for de novo metastatic breast cancer in Asia is modest. Development of an Asian-specific prediction model is needed to improve prognostication and guide decision making.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14442,

title = {Predictors of poststroke health-related quality of life in Nigerian stroke survivors: a 1-year follow-up study},

author = {A M Hamza and N Al-Sadat and S Y Loh and N K Jahan},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058476/pdf/BMRI2014-350281.pdf},

doi = {10.1155/2014/350281},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Biomed Res Int},

volume = {2014},

pages = {350281},

abstract = {This study aims to identify the predictors in the different aspects of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to measure the changes of functional status over time in a cohort of Nigerian stroke survivors. A prospective observational study was conducted in three hospitals of Kano state of Nigeria where stroke survivors receive rehabilitation. The linguistic-validated Hausa versions of the stroke impact scale 3.0, modified Rankin scale, Barthel index and Beck depression inventory scales were used. Paired samples t-test was used to calculate the amount of changes that occur over time and the forward stepwise linear regression model was used to identify the predictors. A total of 233 stroke survivors were surveyed at 6 months, and 93% (217/233) were followed at 1 year after stroke. Functional disabilities were significantly reduced during the recovery phase. Motor impairment, disability, and level of depression were independent predictors of HRQoL in the multivariate regression analysis. The involvement of family members as caregivers is the key factor for those survivors with improved functional status. Thus, to enhance the quality of poststroke life, it is proposed that a holistic stroke rehabilitation service and an active involvement of family members are established at every possible level.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14459,

title = {Prior autoimmune disease and risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma: a systematic review},

author = {C M McShane and L J Murray and O Landgren and M A O'Rorke and N Korde and A T Kunzmann and M R Ismail and L A Anderson},

doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.epi-13-0695},

issn = {1055-9965},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev},

volume = {23},

number = {2},

pages = {332-42},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Several observational studies have investigated autoimmune disease and subsequent risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma. Findings have been largely inconsistent and hindered by the rarity and heterogeneity of the autoimmune disorders investigated. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to evaluate the strength of the evidence linking prior autoimmune disease and risk of MGUS/multiple myeloma. METHODS: A broad search strategy using key terms for MGUS, multiple myeloma, and 50 autoimmune diseases was used to search four electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science) from inception through November 2011. RESULTS: A total of 52 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 32 were suitably comparable to perform a meta-analysis. "Any autoimmune disorder" was associated with an increased risk of both MGUS [n = 760 patients; pooled relative risk (RR) 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14-1.75] and multiple myeloma (n\>2,530 patients; RR 1.13, 95% CI, 1.04-1.22). This risk was disease dependent with only pernicious anemia showing an increased risk of both MGUS (RR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.21-2.31) and multiple myeloma (RR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.25-1.80). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings, based on the largest number of autoimmune disorders and patients with MGUS/multiple myeloma reported to date, suggest that autoimmune diseases and/or their treatment may be important in the etiology of MGUS/multiple myeloma. The strong associations observed for pernicious anemia suggest that anemia seen in plasma cell dyscrasias may be of autoimmune origin. IMPACT: Underlying mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, general immune dysfunction, and/or treatment of autoimmune diseases may be important in the pathogenesis of MGUS/multiple myeloma.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14243,

title = {Reliability and validity of the Nigerian (Hausa) version of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 3.0 index},

author = {A H Mohammad and N Al-Sadat and L Siew Yim and K Chinna},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170699/pdf/BMRI2014-302097.pdf},

doi = {10.1155/2014/302097},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Biomed Res Int},

volume = {2014},

pages = {302097},

abstract = {This study aims to test the translated Hausa version of the stroke impact scale SIS (3.0) and further evaluate its psychometric properties. The SIS 3.0 was translated from English into Hausa and was tested for its reliability and validity on a stratified random sample adult stroke survivors attending rehabilitation services at stroke referral hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Psychometric analysis of the Hausa-SIS 3.0 involved face, content, criterion, and construct validity tests as well as internal and test-retest reliability. In reliability analyses, the Cronbach's alpha values for the items in Strength, Hand function, Mobility, ADL/IADL, Memory and thinking, Communication, Emotion, and Social participation domains were 0.80, 0.92, 0.90, 0.78, 0.84, 0.89, 0.58, and 0.74, respectively. There are 8 domains in stroke impact scale 3.0 in confirmatory factory analysis; some of the items in the Hausa-SIS questionnaire have to be dropped due to lack of discriminate validity. In the final analysis, a parsimonious model was obtained with two items per construct for the 8 constructs (Chi-square/df \< 3, TLI and CFI \> 0.9, and RMSEA \< 0.08). Cross validation with 1000 bootstrap samples gave a satisfactory result (P = 0.011). In conclusion, the shorter 16-item Hausa-SIS seems to measure adequately the QOL outcomes in the 8 domains.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15864,

title = {Risk factors of malnutrition among preschool children in Terengganu, Malaysia: a case control study},

author = {H J Wong and F M Moy and S Nair},

doi = {10.1186/1471-2458-14-785},

issn = {1471-2458},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {BMC Public Health},

volume = {14},

pages = {785},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Childhood malnutrition is a multi-dimensional problem. An increase in household income is not sufficient to reduce childhood malnutrition if children are deprived of food security, education, access to water, sanitation and health services. The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics of malnourished children below five years of age and to ascertain the risk factors of childhood malnutrition in a state in Malaysia. METHODS: A case control study was conducted in the maternal and child health clinics in five districts of Terengganu, Malaysia from April to August 2012. Case was a child with moderate to severe malnutrition with z-scores \< -2SD from the median of WHO reference. Control was a child without malnutrition with z-scores between -2SD and +2SD and the age matched with case's. Face to face interviews with the respective child's mother and measurements of the respective child's weight and height were carried out. Information on socio-economic characteristics, household food security status, child's dietary intake, caregivers' practices and resources were enquired. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 274 children with 137 cases and 137 controls were recruited. All respondents were Malays. Among the cases, a larger proportion of them was female and originated from low income families. After adjusting all confounders, childhood malnutrition was significantly associated with number of children (aOR: 5.86, 95% CI: 1.96, 17.55), child hunger (aOR: 16.38, 95% CI: 1.34,199.72), dietary energy intake (aOR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 0.99), protein intake (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12), vitamin A intake (aOR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.997, 1.00), low birth weight (aOR: 6.83, 95% CI: 1.62, 28.89), frequent illness (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.06, 7.31), and history of worm infection (aOR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.25, 9.70). CONCLUSIONS: Lower socio-economic status, household food insecurity, and poor child caring practices were associated with childhood malnutrition. Besides implementation of programmes focusing on poverty reduction, community based nutrition and hygiene education with extensive family planning and de-worming programmes should be intensified to improve both mother and children's nutritional status.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14367,

title = {Rota Viral Infection: A Significant Disease Burden to Libya},

author = {S Alkoshi and K Ernst and N Maimaiti and M Dahlui},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441888/pdf/IJPH-43-1356.pdf},

issn = {2251-6085 (Print) 

2251-6085},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Iran J Public Health},

volume = {43},

number = {10},

pages = {1356-63},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is a common infection causing 450,000 deaths annually primarily in children 5 years and below. Despite the high burden of disease, little is known about the epidemiology of rotavirus in Libya. The aim of this study was to estimate the rotavirus disease burden among Libyan children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out prospectively among children 5 years old and below between August 2012 and April 2013. Stool samples of children with diarrhea attending the outpatient department or admitted to the pediatric wards, at three public hospitals within the northwestern region of Libya were tested for rotavirus. The seasonality, symptomology demographics and outcomes of rotavirus cases were determined and compared to other diarrhea illnesses. An estimated incidence rate per 100,000 children aged 5 years and below was determined. RESULTS: A total of 545 children with diarrhea were identified for participation. Results of rotavirus immunoassays determined 57% of cases were caused by rotavirus. Inpatients were more likely to be rotavirus positive than outpatients (58% vs. 53%, P\<0.05), Most rotavirus positive cases (86%) were found among children below 2 years of age. Rotaviral cases peaked in the winter, constituting 76% of diarrheal illness in February and very few rotavirus cases in the summer months. The incidence rate of rotavirus diarrhea was estimated at 640/100,000 children aged 5 years and below. CONCLUSION: Rotavirus infection poses a significant disease burden in Libya. Preventive measures such as proper hygiene should be emphasized. Introduction of vaccination against rotavirus into the national immunization program should be examined, as it would likely be a cost-effective investment.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15888,

title = {Sarcopenia in Asia: consensus report of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia},

author = {L K Chen and L K Liu and J Woo and P Assantachai and T W Auyeung and K S Bahyah and M Y Chou and L Y Chen and P S Hsu and O Krairit and J S Lee and W J Lee and Y Lee and C K Liang and P Limpawattana and C S Lin and L N Peng and S Satake and T Suzuki and C W Won and C H Wu and S N Wu and T Zhang and P Zeng and M Akishita and H Arai},

doi = {10.1016/j.jamda.2013.11.025},

issn = {1525-8610},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {J Am Med Dir Assoc},

volume = {15},

number = {2},

pages = {95-101},

abstract = {Sarcopenia, a newly recognized geriatric syndrome, is characterized by age-related decline of skeletal muscle plus low muscle strength and/or physical performance. Previous studies have confirmed the association of sarcopenia and adverse health outcomes, such as falls, disability, hospital admission, long term care placement, poorer quality of life, and mortality, which denotes the importance of sarcopenia in the health care for older people. Despite the clinical significance of sarcopenia, the operational definition of sarcopenia and standardized intervention programs are still lacking. It is generally agreed by the different working groups for sarcopenia in the world that sarcopenia should be defined through a combined approach of muscle mass and muscle quality, however, selecting appropriate diagnostic cutoff values for all the measurements in Asian populations is challenging. Asia is a rapidly aging region with a huge population, so the impact of sarcopenia to this region is estimated to be huge as well. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) aimed to promote sarcopenia research in Asia, and we collected the best available evidences of sarcopenia researches from Asian countries to establish the consensus for sarcopenia diagnosis. AWGS has agreed with the previous reports that sarcopenia should be described as low muscle mass plus low muscle strength and/or low physical performance, and we also recommend outcome indicators for further researches, as well as the conditions that sarcopenia should be assessed. In addition to sarcopenia screening for community-dwelling older people, AWGS recommends sarcopenia assessment in certain clinical conditions and healthcare settings to facilitate implementing sarcopenia in clinical practice. Moreover, we also recommend cutoff values for muscle mass measurements (7.0 kg/m(2) for men and 5.4 kg/m(2) for women by using dual X-ray absorptiometry, and 7.0 kg/m(2) for men and 5.7 kg/m(2) for women by using bioimpedance analysis), handgrip strength (\<26 kg for men and \<18 kg for women), and usual gait speed (\<0.8 m/s). However, a number of challenges remained to be solved in the future. Asia is made up of a great number of ethnicities. The majority of currently available studies have been published from eastern Asia, therefore, more studies of sarcopenia in south, southeastern, and western Asia should be promoted. On the other hand, most Asian studies have been conducted in a cross-sectional design and few longitudinal studies have not necessarily collected the commonly used outcome indicators as other reports from Western countries. Nevertheless, the AWGS consensus report is believed to promote more Asian sarcopenia research, and most important of all, to focus on sarcopenia intervention studies and the implementation of sarcopenia in clinical practice to improve health care outcomes of older people in the communities and the healthcare settings in Asia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14451,

title = {Spectrum of very early breast cancer in a setting without organised screening},

author = {N Bhoo-Pathy and S Subramaniam and N A Taib and M Hartman and Z Alias and G H Tan and R I Ibrahim and C H Yip and H M Verkooijen},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4007242/pdf/bjc2014183a.pdf},

doi = {10.1038/bjc.2014.183},

issn = {0007-0920},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Br J Cancer},

volume = {110},

number = {9},

pages = {2187-94},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Within a setting without organised breast cancer screening, the characteristics and survival of very early breast cancer were determined. METHODS: All 4930 women diagnosed with breast cancer in University Malaya Medical Center, Malaysia from 1993 to 2011 were included. Factors associated with very early presentation (stage I) at diagnosis were identified. Tumour characteristics, management patterns, and survival of very early breast cancer were described, and where appropriate, compared with other settings. RESULTS: Proportion of women presenting with stage I breast cancer significantly increased from 15.2% to 25.2% over two decades. Factors associated with very early presentation were Chinese ethnicity, positive family history of breast cancer, and recent period of diagnosis. Within stage I breast cancers, median tumour size at presentation was 1.5 cm. A majority of stage I breast cancer patients received mastectomy, which was associated with older age, Chinese ethnicity, postmenopausal status, and larger tumours. Chemotherapy was administered in 36% of patients. Five-year age-adjusted relative survival for women with stage I breast cancer was 99.1% (95% CI: 97.6-99.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of women presenting with very early breast cancer in this setting without organised screening is increasing. These women seem to survive just as well as their counterparts from affluent settings.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14449,

title = {Techniques of monitoring blood glucose during pregnancy for women with pre-existing diabetes},

author = {F M Moy and A Ray and B S Buckley},

doi = {10.1002/14651858.CD009613.pub2},

issn = {1361-6137},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Cochrane Database Syst Rev},

volume = {4},

pages = {Cd009613},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Self-monitoring of blood glucose is recommended as a key component of the management plan for diabetes therapy during pregnancy. No existing systematic reviews consider the benefits/effectiveness of various techniques of blood glucose monitoring on maternal and infant outcomes among pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes. The effectiveness of the various monitoring techniques is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To compare techniques of blood glucose monitoring and their impact on maternal and infant outcomes among pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (6 August 2013), searched reference lists of retrieved studies and contacted trial authors. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing techniques of blood glucose monitoring including self blood glucose monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or clinic monitoring among pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2). Trials investigating timing and frequency of monitoring were also included. Quasi-RCTs and RCTs using a cluster-randomised design were eligible for inclusion but none were identified. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Data were checked for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS: The search of the Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register identified 21 trial reports. Following application of eligibility criteria, nine trials were included in this review. The included trials involved a total of 506 women (436 women with Type 1 diabetes and 70 women with Type 2 diabetes). All trials originated from European countries and the USA. None of the studies included women with gestational diabetes. Five of the nine included studies were at moderate risk of bias and four studies were at low to moderate risk of bias. Primary outcomes were maternal glycaemic control (fasting blood glucose and HbA1c) and infant birthweight or macrosomia.Various methods of glucose monitoring were compared in the trials. The following comparisons were included in the review: (1) self-monitoring versus standard care, (2) self-monitoring versus hospitalisation, (3) pre-prandial versus post-prandial glucose monitoring, (4) automated telemedicine monitoring versus conventional system, (5) CGM versus intermittent monitoring and (6) constant CGM versus intermittent CGM.Neither pooled analyses nor individual trial analyses showed any significant advantages of one monitoring technique over another for primary outcomes (maternal glycaemic control and infant birthweight) and secondary outcomes such as gestational age at birth or preterm birth, frequency of neonatal hypoglycaemia, death of baby including stillbirth, and neonatal intensive care admission. Primary outcome data on macrosomia were reported by one trial but at a different cut-off value than that pre-specified for the review. Secondary outcomes such as shoulder dystocia, major and minor anomalies were not reported by any of the trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review found no evidence that any glucose monitoring technique is superior to any other technique among pregnant women with pre-existing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The evidence base for the effectiveness of monitoring techniques is weak and additional evidence from large well-designed randomised trials is required to inform choices of glucose monitoring techniques.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14422,

title = {The 19q12 bladder cancer GWAS signal: association with cyclin E function and aggressive disease},

author = {Y P Fu and I Kohaar and L E Moore and P Lenz and J D Figueroa and W Tang and P Porter-Gill and N Chatterjee and A Scott-Johnson and M Garcia-Closas and B Muchmore and D Baris and A Paquin and K Ylaya and M Schwenn and A B Apolo and M R Karagas and M Tarway and A Johnson and A Mumy and A Schned and L Guedez and M A Jones and M Kida and G M Hosain and N Malats and M Kogevinas and A Tardon and C Serra and A Carrato and R Garcia-Closas and J Lloreta and X Wu and M Purdue and Jr. Andriole G. L. and Grubb R. L. and A Black and M T Landi and N E Caporaso and P Vineis and A Siddiq and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and D Trichopoulos and B Ljungberg and G Severi and E Weiderpass and V Krogh and M Dorronsoro and R C Travis and A Tjonneland and P Brennan and J Chang-Claude and E Riboli and J Prescott and C Chen and I De Vivo and E Govannucci and D Hunter and P Kraft and S Lindstrom and S M Gapstur and E J Jacobs and W R Diver and D Albanes and S J Weinstein and J Virtamo and C Kooperberg and C Hohensee and R J Rodabough and V K Cortessis and D V Conti and M Gago-Dominguez and M C Stern and M C Pike and D Van Den Berg and J M Yuan and C A Haiman and O Cussenot and G Cancel-Tassin and M Roupret and E Comperat and S Porru and A Carta and S Pavanello and C Arici and G Mastrangelo and H B Grossman and Z Wang and X Deng and C C Chung and A Hutchinson and L Burdette and W Wheeler and Jr. Fraumeni J. and S J Chanock and S M Hewitt and D T Silverman and N Rothman and L Prokunina-Olsson},

url = {http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/74/20/5808.full.pdf},

doi = {10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1531},

issn = {0008-5472},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Res},

volume = {74},

number = {20},

pages = {5808-18},

abstract = {A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of bladder cancer identified a genetic marker rs8102137 within the 19q12 region as a novel susceptibility variant. This marker is located upstream of the CCNE1 gene, which encodes cyclin E, a cell-cycle protein. We performed genetic fine-mapping analysis of the CCNE1 region using data from two bladder cancer GWAS (5,942 cases and 10,857 controls). We found that the original GWAS marker rs8102137 represents a group of 47 linked SNPs (with r(2) \>/= 0.7) associated with increased bladder cancer risk. From this group, we selected a functional promoter variant rs7257330, which showed strong allele-specific binding of nuclear proteins in several cell lines. In both GWASs, rs7257330 was associated only with aggressive bladder cancer, with a combined per-allele OR = 1.18 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.27},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14629,

title = {The effectiveness of applying different permissible exposure limits in preserving the hearing threshold level: a systematic review},

author = {B S Sayapathi and A T Su and D Koh},

url = {https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/joh/56/1/56_13-0135-RA/_pdf},

issn = {1341-9145},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {J Occup Health},

volume = {56},

number = {1},

pages = {1-11},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: A systematic review was conducted to identify the effectiveness of different permissible exposure limits in preserving the hearing threshold level. This review compared the limits of the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health with those of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss is on an increasing trend globally. This review was performed to reduce the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss. METHODS: We searched 3 major databases, i.e., PubMed, Embase and Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins Journals@Ovid, for studies published up until 1May 2013 without language restrictions. All study designs were included in this review. The studies were identified and retrieved by two independent authors. RESULTS: Of 118 titles scanned, 14 duplicates were removed, and a total of 13 abstracts from all three databases were identified for full-text retrieval. From the full text, eight articles met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. These articles showed acceptable quality based on our scoring system. Most of the studies indicated that temporary threshold shifts were much lower when subjects were exposed to a noise level of 85 dBA or lower. CONCLUSIONS: There were more threshold shifts in subjects adopting 90 dBA compared with 85 dBA. These temporary threshold shifts may progress to permanent shifts over time. Action curtailing noise exposure among employees would be taken earlier on adoption of 85 dBA as the permissible exposure limit, and hence prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss may be reduced.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14453,

title = {The health-related quality of life among pre-diabetics and its association with body mass index and physical activity in a semi-urban community in Malaysia--a cross sectional study},

author = {N Ibrahim and F M Moy and I A Awalludin and Z Ali and I S Ismail},

doi = {10.1186/1471-2458-14-298},

issn = {1471-2458},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {BMC Public Health},

volume = {14},

pages = {298},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: People with pre-diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Measurements of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among pre-diabetics enable the health care providers to understand their overall health status and planning of interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes. Therefore we aimed to determine the HRQOL and physical activity level; and its association with Body Mass Index (BMI) among pre-diabetics. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study carried out in two primary care clinics in a semi-urban locality of Ampangan, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires assessing the demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle and physical activity. The Short Form 36-items health survey was used to measure HRQOL among the pre-diabetics. Data entry and analysis were performed using the SPSS version 19. RESULTS: A total of 268 eligible pre-diabetics participated in this study. The prevalence of normal weight, overweight and obesity were 7.1%, 21.6% and 71.3% respectively. Their mean (SD) age was 52.5 (8.3) years and 64.2% were females. Among the obese pre-diabetics, 42.2% had both IFG and IGT, 47.0% had isolated IFG and 10.8% had isolated IGT, 36.2% had combination of hypertension, dyslipidemia and musculoskeletal diseases. More than 53.4% of the obese pre-diabetics had family history of diabetes, 15.7% were smokers and 60.8% were physically inactive with mean PA of \<600 MET-minutes/week. After adjusted for co-variants, Physical Component Summary (PCS) was significantly associated with BMI categories [F (2,262)=11.73, p\<0.001] where pre-diabetics with normal weight and overweight had significantly higher PCS than those obese; normal vs obese [Mdiff=9.84},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15820,

title = {The Impact of Different Permissible Exposure Limits on Hearing Threshold Levels Beyond 25 dBA},

author = {B S Sayapathi and A T Su and D Koh},

doi = {10.5812/ircmj.15520},

issn = {2074-1804 (Print) 

2074-1804},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Iran Red Crescent Med J},

volume = {16},

number = {10},

pages = {e15520},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Development of noise-induced hearing loss is reliant on a few factors such as frequency, intensity, and duration of noise exposure. The occurrence of this occupational malady has doubled from 120 million to 250 million in a decade. Countries such as Malaysia, India, and the US have adopted 90 dBA as the permissible exposure limit. According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the exposure limit for noise is 90 dBA, while that of the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is 85 dBA for 8 hours of noise exposure. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the development of hearing threshold levels beyond 25 dBA on adoption of 85 dBA as the permissible exposure limit compared to 90 dBA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is an intervention study done on two automobile factories. There were 203 employees exposed to noise levels beyond the action level. Hearing protection devices were distributed to reduce noise levels to a level between the permissible exposure limit and action level. The permissible exposure limits were 90 and 85 dBA in factories 1 and 2, respectively, while the action levels were 85 and 80 dBA, respectively. The hearing threshold levels of participants were measured at baseline and at first month of postshift exposure of noise. The outcome was measured by a manual audiometer. McNemar and chi-square tests were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: We found that hearing threshold levels of more than 25 dBA has changed significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention among participants from both factories (3000 Hz for the right ear and 2000 Hz for the left ear). There was a statistically significant association between participants at 3000 Hz on the right ear at 'deteriorated' level ( chi(2) (1) = 4.08},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14456,

title = {The influence of fasting insulin level in post-gestational diabetes mellitus women receiving low-glycaemic-index diets},

author = {R A Ghani and S Shyam and F Arshad and N A Wahab and K Chinna and N S Safii and M Y Nisak and N A Kamaruddin},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3940829/pdf/nutd20145a.pdf},

doi = {10.1038/nutd.2014.5},

issn = {2044-4052},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Nutr Diabetes},

volume = {4},

pages = {e107},

abstract = {Post-gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) women are recommended weight loss to manage increased cardio-metabolic risks. We investigated the effects of lowering diet glycaemic index (GI) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipids, body weight and composition of post-GDM women with varying fasting insulin levels (INS). Seventy-seven Asian, non-diabetic women with previous GDM (aged 20-40 years, mean BMI: 26.4+/-4.6 kg m(-2)) were recruited. At baseline, 20 subjects with INS \<2 muIU ml(-1) and 18 with INS \>/=2 muIU ml(-1) received conventional dietary recommendations (CHDR) only. CHDR emphasised energy and fat intake restriction and encouraged increase in dietary fibre intakes. Twenty-four subjects with INS \<2 muIU ml(-1) and 15 with INS \>/=2 muIU ml(-1), in addition to CHDR, received low-GI education (LGI). Changes in FBG, serum lipids, body weight and body composition were evaluated. Subjects with INS \<2 muIU ml(-1) had similar outcomes with both diets. After 1 year, subjects with INS \>/=2 muIU ml(-1) who received LGI education had reductions in FBG and triglycerides. Subjects who received CHDR observed increase in both FBG and triglycerides (P\<0.05). Among all subjects, diet GI was lower and dietary fibre intakes were higher in LGI compared with CHDR subjects (all P\<0.05). Thus, in Asian post-GDM women with normal/higher INS, adding low-GI education to CHDR improved management of FBG and triglycerides.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14443,

title = {The Malaysia DREEM: perceptions of medical students about the learning environment in a medical school in Malaysia},

author = {R A Al-Naggar and M Abdulghani and M T Osman and W Al-Kubaisy and A M Daher and K N Nor Aripin and A Assabri and D A Al-Hidabi and M I Ibrahim and A Al-Rofaai and H S Ibrahim and H Al-Talib and A Al-Khateeb and G Q Othman and Q A Abdulaziz and K Chinna and Y V Bobryshev},

url = {https://www.dovepress.com/getfile.php?fileID=20370},

doi = {10.2147/amep.s61805},

issn = {1179-7258},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Adv Med Educ Pract},

volume = {5},

pages = {177-84},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Students' perceptions of their learning environment, by defining its strengths and weaknesses, are important for continuous improvement of the educational environments and curriculum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore students' perceptions of their learning environment, among medical students in Malaysia. Various aspects of the education environment were compared between year levels and sex. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia in 2012. A total number of 438 medical students participated in this study, and the response rate was 87.6%. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Comparisons of the mean scores of Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) subscales were calculated. The t-test was used to determine statistically significant differences. RESULTS: The majority of the study participants were female, Malay, and from year 3 (68.7%, 65.3%, and 55.7%; respectively). Analysis of each of the 50 items of the DREEM inventory showed that 47 items scored ranged between 2.00 and 3.00, and three items scored below 2.00. These were identified as problem areas in this medical school that are required to be critically addressed. The overall score showed that the medical students' perceptions were positive. The students' perception toward educational environment was positive for all five DREEM subscales. CONCLUSION: The study found that, in general, the perceptions of the participants about the learning environment were positive. Nevertheless, the study also found there is a need for curriculum improvement in this school and identified priority areas for such improvement.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14460,

title = {The prevalence of colorectal adenomas in asymptomatic Korean men and women},

author = {M H Yang and S Rampal and J Sung and Y H Choi and H J Son and J H Lee and Y H Kim and D K Chang and P L Rhee and J C Rhee and E Guallar and J Cho},

doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.epi-13-0682},

issn = {1055-9965},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev},

volume = {23},

number = {3},

pages = {499-507},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer incidence is rapidly rising in many Asian countries, with rates approaching those of Western countries. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and trends of colorectal adenomas by age, sex, and risk strata in asymptomatic Koreans. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 19,372 consecutive participants aged 20 to 79 years undergoing screening colonoscopy at the Center for Health Promotion of the Samsung Medical Center in Korea from January 2006 to June 2009. RESULTS: Among participants at average risk, those without a history of colorectal polyps or a family history of colorectal cancer, the prevalence of colorectal adenomas and advanced adenomas were 34.5% and 3.1%, respectively, in men and 20.0% and 1.6%, respectively, in women. The prevalence of adenomas increased with age in both men and women, with a more marked increase for advanced adenoma. Participants with a family history of colorectal cancer or with a history of colorectal polyps had significantly higher prevalence of adenomas compared with participants of average risk (36.9% vs. 26.9%; age- and sex-adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.22). The prevalence of adenomas increased annually in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: In this large study of asymptomatic Korean men and women participating in a colonoscopy screening program, the prevalence of colorectal adenomas was comparable and possibly higher than previously reported in Western countries. IMPACT: Cost-effectiveness studies investigating the optimal age for starting colonoscopy screening and etiological studies to identify the reasons for the increasing trend in colorectal adenomas in Koreans are needed.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15929,

title = {The risk and associated factors of methamphetamine psychosis in methamphetamine-dependent patients in Malaysia},

author = {A H Sulaiman and M A Said and M H Habil and R Rashid and A Siddiq and N C Guan and M Midin and N R Nik Jaafar and H Sidi and S Das},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X13000308?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.01.003},

issn = {0010-440x},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Compr Psychiatry},

volume = {55 Suppl 1},

pages = {S89-94},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the risk of lifetime and current methamphetamine-induced psychosis in patients with methamphetamine dependence. The association between psychiatric co-morbidity and methamphetamine-induced psychosis was also studied. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted concurrently at a teaching hospital and a drug rehabilitation center in Malaysia. Patients with the diagnosis of methamphetamine based on DSM-IV were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) for methamphetamine-induced psychosis and other Axis I psychiatric disorders. The information on sociodemographic background and drug use history was obtained from interview or medical records. RESULTS: Of 292 subjects, 47.9% of the subjects had a past history of psychotic symptoms and 13.0% of the patients were having current psychotic symptoms. Co-morbid major depressive disorder (OR=7.18, 95 CI=2.612-19.708), bipolar disorder (OR=13.807, 95 CI=5.194-36.706), antisocial personality disorder (OR=12.619, 95 CI=6.702-23.759) and heavy methamphetamine uses were significantly associated with lifetime methamphetamine-induced psychosis after adjusted for other factors. Major depressive disorder (OR=2.870},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14439,

title = {Thyroid hormones and coronary artery calcification in euthyroid men and women},

author = {Y Zhang and B K Kim and Y Chang and S Ryu and J Cho and W Y Lee and E J Rhee and M J Kwon and S Rampal and D Zhao and R Pastor-Barriuso and J A Lima and H Shin and E Guallar},

doi = {10.1161/atvbaha.114.303889},

issn = {1079-5642},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol},

volume = {34},

number = {9},

pages = {2128-34},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Overt and subclinical hypothyroidism are risk factors for atherosclerosis. It is unclear whether thyroid hormone levels within the normal range are also associated with atherosclerosis measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC). APPROACH AND RESULTS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 41 403 apparently healthy young and middle-aged men and women with normal thyroid hormone levels. Free thyroxin, free triiodothyronine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were measured by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. CAC score was measured by multidetector computed tomography. The multivariable adjusted CAC ratios comparing the highest versus the lowest quartile of thyroid hormones were 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.91; P for trend \<0.001) for free thyroxin, 0.81 (0.66-1.00; P for trend=0.05) for free triiodothyronine, and 0.78 (0.64-0.95; P for trend=0.01) for thyroid-stimulating hormone. Similarly, the odds ratios for detectable CAC (CAC \>0) comparing the highest versus the lowest quartiles of thyroid hormones were 0.87 (0.79-0.96; P for linear trend \<0.001) for free thyroxin, 0.90 (0.82-0.99; P for linear trend=0.02) for free triiodothyronine, and 0.91 (0.83-1.00; P for linear trend=0.03) for thyroid-stimulating hormone. CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of apparently healthy young and middle-aged euthyroid men and women, low-normal free thyroxin and thyroid-stimulating hormone were associated with a higher prevalence of subclinical coronary artery disease and with a greater degree of coronary calcification.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14452,

title = {Thyroid hormones and mortality risk in euthyroid individuals: the Kangbuk Samsung health study},

author = {Y Zhang and Y Chang and S Ryu and J Cho and W Y Lee and E J Rhee and M J Kwon and R Pastor-Barriuso and S Rampal and W K Han and H Shin and E Guallar},

doi = {10.1210/jc.2013-3832},

issn = {0021-972x},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {J Clin Endocrinol Metab},

volume = {99},

number = {7},

pages = {2467-76},

abstract = {CONTEXT: Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, both overt and subclinical, are associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The association between thyroid hormones and mortality in euthyroid individuals, however, is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prospective association between thyroid hormones levels within normal ranges and mortality endpoints. SETTING AND DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of 212 456 middle-aged South Korean men and women who had normal thyroid hormone levels and no history of thyroid disease at baseline from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2009. Free T4 (FT4), free T3 (FT3), and TSH levels were measured by RIA. Vital status and cause of death ascertainment were based on linkage to the National Death Index death certificate records. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 730 participants died (335 deaths from cancer and 112 cardiovascular-related deaths). FT4 was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (HR = 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.63-0.95, comparing the highest vs lowest quartile of FT4; P for linear trend = .01), and FT3 was inversely associated cancer mortality (HR = 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.85; P for linear trend = .001). TSH was not associated with mortality endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of euthyroid men and women, FT4 and FT3 levels within the normal range were inversely associated with the risk of all-cause mortality and cancer mortality, particularly liver cancer mortality.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}