Publications from 2015

@article{RN14631,

title = {"Feeling unsafe": a photovoice analysis of factors influencing physical activity behavior among Malaysian adolescents},

author = {R Saimon and W Y Choo and A Bulgiba},

url = {http://aph.sagepub.com/content/27/2/NP2079.full.pdf},

doi = {10.1177/1010539513480229},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {2},

pages = {Np2079-92},

abstract = {Understanding the factors influencing physical activity (PA) in the Asia-Pacific region is critical, given the high prevalence of inactivity in this area. The photovoice technique explores the types of PA and factors influencing PA among adolescents in Kuching, Sarawak. A total of 160 photographs were collected from participants (adolescents},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14369,

title = {A cluster randomized trial on improving nurses' detection and management of elder abuse and neglect (I-NEED): study protocol},

author = {D A Loh and W Y Choo and N N Hairi and S Othman and F Mohd Hairi and F H Mohd Mydin and S N Jaafar and M P Tan and Z Mohd Ali and S Abdul Aziz and R Ramli and R Mohamad and Z Lal Mohammad and N Hassan and P Brownell and A Bulgiba},

doi = {10.1111/jan.12699},

issn = {0309-2402},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {J Adv Nurs},

abstract = {AIM: The aim of this study was to describe a trial protocol of an educational intervention for nurses to improve their awareness and practice in detecting and managing elder abuse and neglect. BACKGROUND: Knowledgeable and skilful nurses are crucial amidst the growing numbers of maltreated older patients. DESIGN: This trial is a multi-site, three-armed, community-based cluster randomized controlled trial with 6-months follow-up. METHODS: This study will involve 390 community and registered nurses from government health clinics in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia (protocol approved in October 2013). This three-phased study, premised on the Precede-Proceed Model, comprises baseline focus group discussion and survey (Phase 1), development of training module (Phase 2) and implementation and evaluation of the training (Phase 3). Eligible participants will be randomized to the control group (continuous nursing education), intervention group A (face-to-face intensive training programme) or group B (face-to-face intensive training programme and an educational video). Outcome measures include improvement in knowledge and awareness on elder abuse and neglect and the number of cases identified and managed during follow-up. Data will be collected at baseline, immediate postintervention, 3- and 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study will provide empirical support for the development of a training module for nurses on the detection and management of elder abuse and neglect, towards improving healthcare delivery and the well-being of vulnerable older adults. This study is funded by the University of Malaya Research Grant (RP001C-13HTM), (FL002-13SBS) and University of Malaya Grand Challenge (PEACE) Grant (GC001C-14HTM) awarded in May 2013, July 2013 and September 2014.},

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pubstate = {published},

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}

@article{RN14425,

title = {A genome-wide pleiotropy scan for prostate cancer risk},

author = {O A Panagiotou and R C Travis and D Campa and S I Berndt and S Lindstrom and P Kraft and F R Schumacher and A Siddiq and S I Papatheodorou and J L Stanford and D Albanes and J Virtamo and S J Weinstein and W R Diver and S M Gapstur and V L Stevens and H Boeing and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and A Barricarte Gurrea and R Kaaks and K T Khaw and V Krogh and K Overvad and E Riboli and D Trichopoulos and E Giovannucci and M Stampfer and C Haiman and B Henderson and L Le Marchand and J M Gaziano and D J Hunter and S Koutros and M Yeager and R N Hoover and S J Chanock and S Wacholder and T J Key and K K Tsilidis},

doi = {10.1016/j.eururo.2014.09.020},

issn = {0302-2838},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Eur Urol},

volume = {67},

number = {4},

pages = {649-57},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: No single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) specific for aggressive prostate cancer have been identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). OBJECTIVE: To test if SNPs associated with other traits may also affect the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: SNPs implicated in any phenotype other than prostate cancer (p\</=10(-7)) were identified through the catalog of published GWAS and tested in 2891 aggressive prostate cancer cases and 4592 controls from the Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3). The 40 most significant SNPs were followed up in 4872 aggressive prostate cancer cases and 24,534 controls from the Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer Associated Alterations in the Genome (PRACTICAL) consortium. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for aggressive prostate cancer were estimated. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 4666 SNPs were evaluated by the BPC3. Two signals were seen in regions already reported for prostate cancer risk. rs7014346 at 8q24.21 was marginally associated with aggressive prostate cancer in the BPC3 trial (p=1.6x10(-6)), whereas after meta-analysis by PRACTICAL the summary OR was 1.21 (95% CI 1.16-1.27; p=3.22x10(-18)). rs9900242 at 17q24.3 was also marginally associated with aggressive disease in the meta-analysis (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86-0.94; p=2.5x10(-6)). Neither of these SNPs remained statistically significant when conditioning on correlated known prostate cancer SNPs. The meta-analysis by BPC3 and PRACTICAL identified a third promising signal, marked by rs16844874 at 2q34, independent of known prostate cancer loci (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.19; p=4.67x10(-5)); it has been shown that SNPs correlated with this signal affect glycine concentrations. The main limitation is the heterogeneity in the definition of aggressive prostate cancer between BPC3 and PRACTICAL. CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify new SNPs for aggressive prostate cancer. However, rs16844874 may provide preliminary genetic evidence on the role of the glycine pathway in prostate cancer etiology. PATIENT SUMMARY: We evaluated whether genetic variants associated with several traits are linked to the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. No new such variants were identified.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

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}

@article{RN14344,

title = {A new formulation of Gamma Delta Tocotrienol has superior bioavailability compared to existing Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction in healthy human subjects},

author = {P Meganathan and R S Jabir and H G Fuang and N Bhoo-Pathy and R B Choudhury and N A Taib and K Nesaretnam and Z Chik},

doi = {10.1038/srep13550},

issn = {2045-2322},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Sci Rep},

volume = {5},

pages = {13550},

abstract = {Gamma and delta tocotrienols are isomers of Vitamin E with established potency in pre-clinical anti-cancer research. This single-dose, randomized, crossover study aimed to compare the safety and bioavailability of a new formulation of Gamma Delta Tocotrienol (GDT) in comparison with the existing Tocotrienol-rich Fraction (TRF) in terms of gamma and delta isomers in healthy volunteers. Subjects were given either two 300 mg GDT (450 mg gamma-T3 and 150 mg delta-T3) capsules or four 200 mg TRF (451.2 mg gamma-T3 \&102.72 mg delta-T3) capsules and blood samples were taken at several time points over 24 hours. Plasma tocotrienol concentrations were determined using HPLC method. The 90% CI for gamma and delta tocotrienols for the ratio of log-transformation of GDT/TRF for Cmax and AUC0-infinity (values were anti-logged and expressed as a percentage) were beyond the bioequivalence limits (106.21-195.46, 154.11-195.93 and 52.35-99.66, 74.82-89.44 respectively). The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for Tmax did not show any significant difference between GDT and TRF for both isomers (p \> 0.05). No adverse events were reported during the entire period of study. GDT was found not bioequivalent to TRF, in terms of AUC and Cmax. Gamma tocotrienol in GDT showed superior bioavailability whilst delta tocotrienol showed less bioavailability compared to TRF.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14414,

title = {A Systematic Review of the Prevalence and Measurement of Chronic Pain in Asian Adults},

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

doi = {10.1016/j.pmn.2014.08.012},

issn = {1524-9042},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Pain Manag Nurs},

volume = {16},

number = {3},

pages = {440-52},

abstract = {There are limited epidemiologic studies on chronic pain in Asian populations. The aim of this review was to gather all epidemiologic studies of chronic pain in Asian countries and systematically describe the measurement and prevalence of chronic pain in Asian adults. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psych INFO, Cochrane Database for Systematic Review, and CINAHL. Additional studies were identified manually by searching bibliographies. We identified 19 relevant articles for this review. Most articles used the definition of chronic pain set by the International Association for the Study of Pain. The majority of the articles used simple single-question methods to measure chronic pain. The prevalence of chronic pain among Asian adults ranges from 7.1% (Malaysia) to 61% (Cambodia and Northern Iraq), whereas among the Asian geriatric population, the prevalence is even higher and ranges from 42% to 90.8%. This review showed that there is great variation in the reported prevalence of chronic pain in Asian adults and the prevalence of chronic pain is high among the Asian geriatric population. To measure the distribution of chronic pain in adults, a uniform measurement strategy should be adopted.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

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@article{RN14347,

title = {ABO blood group alleles and prostate cancer risk: Results from the breast and prostate cancer cohort consortium (BPC3)},

author = {S C Markt and I M Shui and R H Unger and Y Urun and C D Berg and A Black and P Brennan and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and S M Gapstur and E Giovannucci and C Haiman and B Henderson and R N Hoover and D J Hunter and T J Key and K T Khaw and F Canzian and N Larranga and L Le Marchand and J Ma and A Naccarati and A Siddiq and M J Stampfer and P Stattin and V L Stevens and D O Stram and A Tjonneland and R C Travis and D Trichopoulos and R G Ziegler and S Lindstrom and P Kraft and L A Mucci and T K Choueiri and K M Wilson},

doi = {10.1002/pros.23035},

issn = {0270-4137},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Prostate},

volume = {75},

number = {15},

pages = {1677-81},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: ABO blood group has been associated with risk of cancers of the pancreas, stomach, ovary, kidney, and skin, but has not been evaluated in relation to risk of aggressive prostate cancer. METHODS: We used three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs8176746, rs505922, and rs8176704) to determine ABO genotype in 2,774 aggressive prostate cancer cases and 4,443 controls from the Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3). Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate age and study-adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between blood type, genotype, and risk of aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason score \>/=8 or locally advanced/metastatic disease (stage T3/T4/N1/M1). RESULTS: We found no association between ABO blood type and risk of aggressive prostate cancer (Type A: OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.87-1.08; Type B: OR = 0.92, 95%CI =n0.77-1.09; Type AB: OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.98-1.59, compared to Type O, respectively). Similarly, there was no association between "dose" of A or B alleles and aggressive prostate cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: ABO blood type was not associated with risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Prostate 75:1677-1681, 2015. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

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@article{RN14339,

title = {Acrylamide and glycidamide hemoglobin adduct levels and endometrial cancer risk: A nested case-control study in non-smoking postmenopausal women from the EPIC cohort},

author = {M Obon-Santacana and H Freisling and P H Peeters and L Lujan-Barroso and P Ferrari and M C Boutron-Ruault and S Mesrine and L Baglietto and R Turzanski-Fortner and V A Katzke and H Boeing and J R Quiros and E Molina-Portillo and N Larranaga and M D Chirlaque and A Barricarte and K T Khaw and N Wareham and R C Travis and M A Merritt and M J Gunter and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and A Naska and D Palli and S Sieri and R Tumino and V Fiano and R Galassom and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and N C Onland-Moret and A Idahl and E Lundin and E Weiderpass and H Vesper and E Riboli and E J Duell},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29853},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

abstract = {Acrylamide, classified in 1994 by IARC as 'probably carcinogenic to humans', was discovered in 2002 in some heat-treated, carbohydrate-rich foods. Four prospective studies have evaluated the association between dietary acrylamide intake and endometrial cancer (EC) risk with inconsistent results. The purpose of this nested case-control study, based on the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, was to evaluate, for the first time, the association between hemoglobin adducts of acrylamide (HbAA) and glycidamide (HbGA) and the risk of developing EC in non-smoking postmenopausal women. Hemoglobin adducts were measured in red blood cells by HPLC/MS/MS. Four exposure variables were evaluated: HbAA, HbGA, their sum (HbAA+HbGA), and their ratio (HbGA/HbAA). The association between hemoglobin adducts and EC was evaluated using unconditional multivariable logistic regression models, and included 383 EC cases (171 were type-I EC), and 385 controls. Exposure variables were analyzed in quintiles based on control distributions. None of the biomarker variables had an effect on overall EC (HRHbAA;Q5vsQ1 : 0.84, 95%CI: 0.49-1.48; HRHbGA;Q5vsQ1 : 0.94, 95%CI: 0.54-1.63) or type-I EC risk. Additionally, none of the subgroups investigated (BMI \<25 vs \>/=25 kg/m2 , alcohol drinkers vs never drinkers, oral contraceptive users vs non-users) demonstrated effect measure modification. Hemoglobin adducts of acrylamide or glycidamide were not associated with EC or type-I EC risk in 768 non-smoking postmenopausal women from the EPIC cohort. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14194,

title = {Alcohol consumption and the risk of renal cancers in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC)},

author = {M B Wozniak and P Brennan and D R Brenner and K Overvad and A Olsen and A Tjonneland and M C Boutron-Ruault and F Clavel-Chapelon and G Fagherazzi and V Katzke and T Kuhn and H Boeing and M M Bergmann and A Steffen and A Naska and A Trichopoulou and D Trichopoulos and C Saieva and S Grioni and S Panico and R Tumino and P Vineis and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and A Hjartaker and E Weiderpass and L Arriola and E Molina-Montes and E J Duell and C Santiuste and R Alonso Torre and A Barricarte Gurrea and T Stocks and M Johansson and B Ljungberg and N Wareham and K T Khaw and R C Travis and A J Cross and N Murphy and E Riboli and G Scelo},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29559/abstract},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29559},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {8},

pages = {1953-66},

abstract = {Epidemiologic studies have reported that moderate alcohol consumption is inversely associated with the risk of renal cancer. However, there is no information available on the associations in renal cancer subsites. From 1992 through to 2010, 477,325 men and women in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort were followed for incident renal cancers (n = 931). Baseline and lifetime alcohol consumption was assessed by country-specific, validated dietary questionnaires. Information on past alcohol consumption was collected by lifestyle questionnaires. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models. In multivariate analysis, total alcohol consumption at baseline was inversely associated with renal cancer; the HR and 95% CI for the increasing categories of total alcohol consumption at recruitment versus the light drinkers category were 0.78 (0.62-0.99), 0.82 (0.64-1.04), 0.70 (0.55-0.90), 0.91 (0.63-1.30), respectively, (ptrend = 0.001). A similar relationship was observed for average lifetime alcohol consumption and for all renal cancer subsites combined or for renal parenchyma subsite. The trend was not observed in hypertensive individuals and not significant in smokers. In conclusion, moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a decreased risk of renal cancer.},

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pubstate = {published},

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@article{RN14349,

title = {Alteration of amino acid and biogenic amine metabolism in hepatobiliary cancers: Findings from a prospective cohort study},

author = {M Stepien and T Duarte-Salles and V Fedirko and A Floegel and D K Barupal and S Rinaldi and D Achaintre and N Assi and A Tjonneland and K Overvad and N Bastide and M C Boutron-Ruault and G Severi and T Kuhn and R Kaaks and K Aleksandrova and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and C Bamia and P Lagiou and C Saieva and C Agnoli and S Panico and R Tumino and A Naccarati and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and E Weiderpass and J R Quiros and A Agudo and M J Sanchez and M Dorronsoro and D Gavrila and A Barricarte and B Ohlsson and K Sjoberg and M Werner and M Sund and N Wareham and K T Khaw and R C Travis and J A Schmidt and M Gunter and A Cross and P Vineis and I Romieu and A Scalbert and M Jenab},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29718},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

abstract = {Perturbations in levels of amino acids (AA) and their derivatives are observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Yet, it is unclear whether these alterations precede or are a consequence of the disease, nor whether they pertain to anatomically related cancers of the intrahepatic bile duct (IHBC), and gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract (GBTC). Circulating standard AA, biogenic amines and hexoses were measured (Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ-p180Kit) in a case-control study nested within a large prospective cohort (147 HCC, 43 IHBC and 134 GBTC cases). Liver function and hepatitis status biomarkers were determined separately. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR; 95%CI) for log-transformed standardised (mean = 0},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

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@article{RN14404,

title = {Anticipating rotavirus vaccines: a pre-vaccine assessment of incidence and economic burden of rotavirus hospitalizations among children \<5 year of age in Libya, 2012-13},

author = {S Alkoshi and E Leshem and U D Parashar and M Dahlui},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4324033/pdf/12889_2015_Article_1400.pdf},

doi = {10.1186/s12889-015-1400-7},

issn = {1471-2458},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Public Health},

volume = {15},

pages = {26},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Libya introduced rotavirus vaccine in October 2013. We examined pre-vaccine incidence of rotavirus hospitalizations and associated economic burden among children \< 5 years in Libya to provide baseline data for future vaccine impact evaluations. METHODS: Prospective, hospital-based active surveillance for rotavirus was conducted at three public hospitals in two cities during August 2012 - April 2013. Clinical, demographic and estimated cost data were collected from children \<5 hospitalized for diarrhea; stool specimens were tested for rotavirus with a commercial enzyme immunoassay. Annual rotavirus hospitalization incidence rate estimates included a conservative estimate based on the number of cases recorded during the nine months and an extrapolation to estimate 12 months incidence rate. National rotavirus disease and economic burden were estimated by extrapolating incidence and cost data to the national population of children aged \< 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 410 children \< 5 years of age with diarrhea were enrolled, of whom 239 (58%) tested positive rotavirus, yielding an incidence range of 418-557 rotavirus hospitalizations per 100,000 children \< 5 years of age. Most (86%) rotavirus cases were below two years of age with a distinct seasonal peak in winter (December-March) months. The total cost of treatment for each rotavirus patient was estimated at US$ 679 (range: 200-5,423). By extrapolation, we estimated 2,948 rotavirus hospitalizations occur each year in Libyan children \< 5 years of age, incurring total costs of US$ 2,001,662 (range: 1,931,726-2,094,005). CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus incurs substantial morbidity and economic burden in Libya, highlighting the potential value of vaccination of Libyan children against rotavirus.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15727,

title = {Anxiety, depression, perceived social support and quality of life in Malaysian breast cancer patients: a 1-year prospective study},

author = {C G Ng and S Mohamed and M H See and F Harun and M Dahlui and A H Sulaiman and N Z Zainal and N A Taib},

doi = {10.1186/s12955-015-0401-7},

issn = {1477-7525},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Health Qual Life Outcomes},

volume = {13},

pages = {205},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are common psychiatric morbidity among breast cancer patient. There is a lack of study examining the correlation between depression, anxiety and quality of life (QoL) with perceived social support (PSS) among breast cancer patients. This study aims to study the level of depression, anxiety, QoL and PSS among Malaysian breast cancer women over a period of 12 months and their associations at baseline, 6 and 12 months. METHODS: It is a 12 months prospective cohort study. Two hundred and twenty one female patients were included in the study. They were assessed at the time of diagnosis, 6 months and 12 month using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), Version 3.0 of the EORTC Study Group and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The information of age, ethnicity, types of treatment, and staging of cancer were collected. RESULTS: The HADS anxiety and depression subscales scores of the subjects were relatively low. The level of anxiety reduced significantly at 6 and 12 months (Baseline - 6 months},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15768,

title = {Arboridinine, a Pentacyclic Indole Alkaloid with a New Cage Carbon-Nitrogen Skeleton Derived from a Pericine Precursor},

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

doi = {10.1021/acs.orglett.5b01757},

issn = {1523-7052},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Org Lett},

volume = {17},

number = {14},

pages = {3628-31},

abstract = {A new monoterpene indole alkaloid characterized by an unprecedented pentacyclic cage skeleton, arboridinine (1), was isolated from a Malaysian Kopsia species. The structure and absolute configuration of the alkaloid were determined based on NMR, MS, and X-ray diffraction analysis. A possible biogenetic pathway from a pericine precursor is presented.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

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@article{RN14354,

title = {Assessing protein energy wasting in a Malaysian haemodialysis population using self-reported appetite rating: a cross-sectional study},

author = {S Sahathevan and C H Se and S H Ng and K Chinna and G S Harvinder and W S Chee and B L Goh and H A Gafor and S Bavanandan and G Ahmad and T Karupaiah},

doi = {10.1186/s12882-015-0073-x},

issn = {1471-2369},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Nephrol},

volume = {16},

pages = {99},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Poor appetite could be indicative of protein energy wasting (PEW) and experts recommend assessing appetite in dialysis patients. Our study aims to determine the relationship between PEW and appetite in haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: HD patients (n=205) self-rated their appetite on a scale of 1 to 5 as very good (1), good (2), fair (3), poor (4) or very poor (5). Nutritional markers were compared against appetite ratings. Using logistic regression analysis associations between dichotomized appetite with PEW diagnosis were determined as per the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria and alternate objective measures. Data was adjusted for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Poorer appetite ratings were significantly associated with lower income (P = 0.021), lower measurements (P \< 0.05) for mid-arm muscle circumference, mid-arm muscle area and lean tissue mass (LTM), serum urea (P = 0.007) and creatinine (P = 0.005). The highest hsCRP (P = 0.016) levels occurred in patients reporting the poorest appetite. Serum albumin did not differ significantly across appetite ratings. Poor oral intake represented by underreporting (EI/BMR \< 1.2) was evident for all appetite ratings. PEW was prevalent irrespective of appetite ratings (very good: 17.6 %, good: 40.2 %, fair: 42.3 % and poor: 83.3 %). After dichotomizing appetite ratings into normal and diminished categories, there was a marginal positive association between diminished appetite and overall PEW diagnosis (OR adj: 1.71; 95 % CI: 0.94-3.10},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15801,

title = {Assessing Quality of Working Life Among Malaysian Workers},

author = {N S Sulaiman and W Y Choo and A R Mat Yassim and D Van Laar and K Chinna and H A Majid},

doi = {10.1177/1010539515583331},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {8 Suppl},

pages = {94s-100s},

abstract = {The Work-Related Quality of Life Scale-2 (WRQLS-2) has been used to measure quality of working life (QOWL) in the United Kingdom. In this study, the scale was translated and normalized into Malay. The scale was translated using the back-translation method, pretesting, and pilot testing. It was conducted among health care and office workers. It was tested in 3 stages; confirmatory factor analysis at stages 1 and 3 and exploratory factor analysis at stage 2. The Malaysian WRQLS-2 had 5 factors: "General Well-Being," "Job and Career Satisfaction," "Employee Engagement," "Home-Work Interface," and "Stress at Work." The scale showed good convergent and construct validity and also reliability. Perception of good QOWL may differ because of cultural influences and varying work environments. The validated Malaysian WRQLS-2 can be used to determine the QOWL of Malaysian office and health care workers.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

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@article{RN14346,

title = {Assessing the Extent of Adherence to the Recommended Antenatal Care Content in Malaysia: Room for Improvement},

author = {P L Yeoh and K Hornetz and N I Ahmad Shauki and M Dahlui},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0135301},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {8},

pages = {e0135301},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recent papers on monitoring of health services affirmed that while antenatal care (ANC) is an effective measure, quality is still a problem. Quality in maternal services "...involves providing a minimum level of care to all pregnant women..." Yet adherence to a minimum level of recommended ANC content appears to be unmet. Comprehensive review of ANC content rendered in environments with rapid changes in demographic, socio-economic, lifestyle and morbidity was sparse. Malaysia is such a country that has undergone these transitions with tremendous progress in health. However, recent progress in pregnancy outcomes is stagnating. This study aims to analyse adherence to recommended ANC; specifically, to examine the extent of adherence to recommended ANC content and to determine the factors influencing ANC content score. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 522 randomly selected women who used ANC was conducted. Data were extracted from individual records. The study examined adherence to essential ANC guidelines using weighted scoring for physical examination, health screening, case management, and health education. GLM Univariate analysis procedure was used to determine the factors associated with ANC content score. Binary logistic regression was used to assess ANC content level and pregnancy outcomes, controlled for ANC utilisation. RESULTS: Around half of the women had \<80% of recommended ANC content documented. Health education had the lowest mean score, at around 35%. The low-risk pregnancies had a higher ANC content score than the high-risk pregnancies (78% vs. 75%; P = 0.002). The smallest clinics had a higher ANC content score than the bigger clinics (78% vs. 74-76%; P\<0.001). ANC content score among the women with "adequate" ANC utilisation, as defined by the modified Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilisation Index, was lower than the women with "adequate-plus" ANC utilisation (75% vs. 78%, P\<0.001). Assessment of symphysis-fundal height, foetal presentation and foetal heart auscultation were initiated earlier than recommended. Inadequate ANC content was associated with higher prevalence of preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate the presence of issues related to delivery of recommended ANC content. We advocate for all pregnant women to be ensured of adherence to the recommended ANC content. We also recommend monitoring the delivery of health advice. Conforming to recommended timing of initiation for ANC practices is essential due to resource implication and possible implication on maternal wellbeing. The association of inadequate ANC content and preterm birth may be due to lesser opportunities to receive some of the care because of lower number of ANC visits among preterm birth; this may also indicate the importance of having adequate ANC content.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15728,

title = {Barriers to early presentation of self-discovered breast cancer in Singapore and Malaysia: a qualitative multicentre study},

author = {J N Lim and B Potrata and L Simonella and C W Ng and T C Aw and M Dahlui and M Hartman and R Mazlan and N A Taib},

doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009863},

issn = {2044-6055},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMJ Open},

volume = {5},

number = {12},

pages = {e009863},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To explore and compare barriers to early presentation of self-discovered breast cancer in Singapore and Malaysia. DESIGN: A qualitative interview study with thematic analysis of transcripts. PARTICIPANTS: 67 patients with self-discovered breast symptoms were included in the analysis. Of these, 36% were of Malay ethnicity, 39% were Chinese and 25% Indian, with an average age of 58 years (range 24-82 years). The number of women diagnosed at early stages of cancer almost equalled those at advanced stages. Approximately three-quarters presented with a painless lump, one-quarter experienced a painful lump and 10% had atypical symptoms. SETTING: University hospital setting in Singapore and Malaysia. RESULTS: Patients revealed barriers to early presentation not previously reported: the poor quality of online website information about breast symptoms, financial issues and the negative influence of relatives in both countries, while perceived poor quality of care and services in state-run hospitals and misdiagnosis by healthcare professionals were reported in Malaysia. The pattern of presentation by ethnicity remained unchanged where more Malay delayed help-seeking and had more advanced cancer compared to Chinese and Indian patients. CONCLUSIONS: There are few differences in the pattern of presentation and in the reported barriers to seek medical care after symptom discovery between Singapore and Malaysia despite their differing economic status. Strategies to reduce delayed presentation are: a need to improve knowledge of disease, symptoms and causes, quality of care and services, and quality of online information; and addressing fear of diagnosis, treatment and hospitalisation, with more effort focused on the Malay ethnic group. Training is needed to avoid missed diagnoses and other factors contributing to delay among health professionals.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14345,

title = {Baseline and lifetime alcohol consumption and risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in the EPIC study},

author = {A Sen and K K Tsilidis and N E Allen and S Rinaldi and P N Appleby and M Almquist and J A Schmidt and C C Dahm and K Overvad and A Tjonneland and A L Rostgaard-Hansen and F Clavel-Chapelon and L Baglietto and M C Boutron-Ruault and T Kuhn and V A Katze and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and C Tsironis and P Lagiou and D Palli and V Pala and S Panico and R Tumino and P Vineis and H A Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and A Hjartaker and E Lund and E Weiderpass and J R Quiros and A Agudo and M J Sanchez and L Arriola and D Gavrila and A B Gurrea and A Tosovic and J Hennings and M Sandstrom and I Romieu and P Ferrari and R Zamora-Ros and K T Khaw and N J Wareham and E Riboli and M Gunter and S Franceschi},

doi = {10.1038/bjc.2015.280},

issn = {0007-0920},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Br J Cancer},

volume = {113},

number = {5},

pages = {840-7},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Results from several cohort and case-control studies suggest a protective association between current alcohol intake and risk of thyroid carcinoma, but the epidemiological evidence is not completely consistent and several questions remain unanswered. METHODS: The association between alcohol consumption at recruitment and over the lifetime and risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma was examined in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Among 477 263 eligible participants (70% women), 556 (90% women) were diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma over a mean follow-up of 11 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Compared with participants consuming 0.1-4.9 g of alcohol per day at recruitment, participants consuming 15 or more grams (approximately 1-1.5 drinks) had a 23% lower risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (HR=0.77; 95% CI=0.60-0.98). These findings did not differ greatly when analyses were conducted for lifetime alcohol consumption, although the risk estimates were attenuated and not statistically significant anymore. Similar results were observed by type of alcoholic beverage, by differentiated thyroid carcinoma histology or according to age, sex, smoking status, body mass index and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides some support to the hypothesis that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with a lower risk of papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14397,

title = {Body composition indices and predicted cardiovascular disease risk profile among urban dwellers in Malaysia},

author = {T T Su and M Amiri and F Mohd Hairi and N Thangiah and M Dahlui and H A Majid},

doi = {10.1155/2015/174821},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Biomed Res Int},

volume = {2015},

pages = {174821},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare various body composition indices and their association with a predicted cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile in an urban population in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2012. Households were selected using a simple random-sampling method, and adult members were invited for medical screening. The Framingham Risk Scoring algorithm was used to predict CVD risk, which was then analyzed in association with body composition measurements, including waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio, body fat percentage, and body mass index. RESULTS: Altogether, 882 individuals were included in our analyses. Indices that included waist-related measurements had the strongest association with CVD risk in both genders. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic variables, waist-related measurements retained the strongest correlations with predicted CVD risk in males. However, body mass index, waist-height ratio, and waist circumference had the strongest correlation with CVD risk in females. CONCLUSIONS: The waist-related indicators of abdominal obesity are important components of CVD risk profiles. As waist-related parameters can quickly and easily be measured, they should be routinely obtained in primary care settings and population health screens in order to assess future CVD risk profiles and design appropriate interventions.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15771,

title = {Body iron status and gastric cancer risk in the EURGAST study},

author = {A Fonseca-Nunes and A Agudo and N Aranda and V Arija and A J Cross and E Molina and M J Sanchez and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P Siersema and E Weiderpass and V Krogh and A Mattiello and R Tumino and C Saieva and A Naccarati and B Ohlsson and K Sjoberg and M C Boutron-Ruault and C Cadeau and G Fagherazzi and H Boeing and A Steffen and T Kuhn and V Katzke and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and K T Khaw and N Wareham and T Key and Y Lu and E Riboli and P H Peeters and D Gavrila and M Dorronsoro and J R Quiros and A Barricarte and M Jenab and R Zamora-Ros and H Freisling and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and C Bamia and P Jakszyn},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29669},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {12},

pages = {2904-14},

abstract = {Although it appears biologically plausible for iron to be associated with gastric carcinogenesis, the evidence is insufficient to lead to any conclusions. To further investigate the relationship between body iron status and gastric cancer risk, we conducted a nested case-control study in the multicentric European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. The study included 456 primary incident gastric adenocarcinoma cases and 900 matched controls that occurred during an average of 11 years of follow-up. We measured prediagnostic serum iron, ferritin, transferrin and C-reactive protein, and further estimated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation (TS). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of gastric cancer by iron metrics were estimated from multivariable conditional logistic regression models. After adjusting for relevant confounders, we observed a statistically significant inverse association between gastric cancer and ferritin and TS indices (ORlog2 = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.72-0.88; OR10%increment = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78-0.97, respectively). These associations appear to be restricted to noncardia gastric cancer (ferritin showed a p for heterogeneity = 0.04 and TS had a p for heterogeneity = 0.02), and no differences were found by histological type. TIBC increased risk of overall gastric cancer (OR50 microg/dl = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.02-1.2) and also with noncardia gastric cancer (p for heterogeneity = 0.04). Additional analysis suggests that time between blood draw and gastric cancer diagnosis could modify these findings. In conclusion, our results showed a decreased risk of gastric cancer related to higher body iron stores as measured by serum iron and ferritin. Further investigation is needed to clarify the role of iron in gastric carcinogenesis.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14355,

title = {Body iron status and gastric cancer risk in the EURGAST study},

author = {A Fonseca-Nunes and A Agudo and N Aranda and V Arija and A J Cross and E Molina and M J Sanchez and B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P Siersema and E Weiderpass and V Krogh and A Mattiello and R Tumino and C Saieva and A Naccarati and B Ohlsson and K Sjoberg and M C Boutron-Ruault and C Cadeau and G Fagherazzi and H Boeing and A Steffen and T Kuhn and V Katzke and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and K T Khaw and N Wareham and T Key and Y Lu and E Riboli and P H Peeters and D Gavrila and M Dorronsoro and J R Quiros and A Barricarte and M Jenab and R Zamora-Ros and H Freisling and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and C Bamia and P Jakszyn},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1002/ijc.29669/asset/ijc29669.pdf?v=1\&t=ilc7cnsn\&s=15da4f882d227c5467496861a5611df32cc835a6},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29669},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

abstract = {Although it appears biologically plausible for iron to be associated with gastric carcinogenesis, the evidence is insufficient to lead to any conclusions. To further investigate the relationship between body iron status and gastric cancer risk, we conducted a nested case-control study in the multicentric European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. The study included 456 primary incident gastric adenocarcinoma cases and 900 matched controls that occurred during an average of 11 years of follow-up. We measured prediagnostic serum iron, ferritin, transferrin and C-reactive protein, and further estimated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation (TS). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of gastric cancer by iron metrics were estimated from multivariable conditional logistic regression models. After adjusting for relevant confounders, we observed a statistically significant inverse association between gastric cancer and ferritin and TS indices (ORlog2 = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.72-0.88; OR10%increment = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78-0.97, respectively). These associations appear to be restricted to noncardia gastric cancer (ferritin showed a p for heterogeneity = 0.04 and TS had a p for heterogeneity = 0.02), and no differences were found by histological type. TIBC increased risk of overall gastric cancer (OR50 microg/dl = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.02-1.2) and also with noncardia gastric cancer (p for heterogeneity = 0.04). Additional analysis suggests that time between blood draw and gastric cancer diagnosis could modify these findings. In conclusion, our results showed a decreased risk of gastric cancer related to higher body iron stores as measured by serum iron and ferritin. Further investigation is needed to clarify the role of iron in gastric carcinogenesis.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14364,

title = {Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with coronary calcium in young and middle-aged asymptomatic adults: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study},

author = {M Cainzos-Achirica and S Rampal and Y Chang and S Ryu and Y Zhang and D Zhao and J Cho and Y Choi and R Pastor-Barriuso and S Y Lim and J Bruguera and R Elosua and J A Lima and H Shin and E Guallar},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0021915015013453/1-s2.0-S0021915015013453-main.pdf?_tid=f3f529ca-e12c-11e5-b077-00000aacb35e\&acdnat=1457002069_d04e396c1e45f1d96fb58fbccf5b5e8f},

doi = {10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.05.031},

issn = {0021-9150},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Atherosclerosis},

volume = {241},

number = {2},

pages = {350-6},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a convenient, non-radiating, readily available measurement of arterial stiffness, and coronary artery calcium (CAC), a reliable marker of coronary atherosclerosis, in a large sample of young and middle-aged asymptomatic adults; and to assess the incremental value of baPWV for detecting prevalent CAC beyond traditional risk factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 15,185 asymptomatic Korean adults who voluntarily underwent a comprehensive health screening program including measurement of baPWV and CAC. BaPWV was measured using an oscillometric method with cuffs placed on both arms and ankles. CAC burden was assessed using a multi-detector CT scan and scored following Agatston's method. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAC \> 0 and CAC \> 100 increased across baPWV quintiles. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for CAC \> 0 comparing baPWV quintiles 2-5 versus quintile 1 were 1.06 (0.87-1.30), 1.24 (1.02-1.50), 1.39 (1.15-1.69) and 1.60 (1.31-1.96), respectively (P trend \< 0.001). Similarly, the relative prevalence ratios for CAC \> 100 were 1.30 (0.74-2.26), 1.59 (0.93-2.71), 1.74 (1.03-2.94) and 2.59 (1.54-4.36), respectively (P trend \< 0.001). For CAC \> 100, the area under the ROC curve for baPWV alone was 0.71 (0.68-0.74), and the addition of baPWV to traditional risk factors significantly improved the discrimination and calibration of models for detecting prevalent CAC \> 0 and CAC \> 100. CONCLUSIONS: BaPWV was independently associated with the presence and severity of CAC in a large sample of young and middle-aged asymptomatic adults. BaPWV may be a valuable tool for identifying apparently low-risk individuals with increased burden of coronary atherosclerosis.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14372,

title = {Cardiometabolic risks profile of normal weight obese and multi-ethnic women in a developing country},

author = {F M Moy and D A Loh},

doi = {10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.04.011},

issn = {0378-5122},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Maturitas},

volume = {81},

number = {3},

pages = {389-93},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of normal weight obesity among multi-ethnic women in Peninsular Malaysia and examine its associations with cardiometabolic risks and lifestyle behaviours. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving women recruited via multi-stage sampling from six states in Malaysia. Anthropometric and body composition analysis were performed. Normal weight obese (NWO) was defined as normal body mass index for Asians and the highest tertile of % body fat (BF). Biochemical measurements included fasting lipid and blood glucose levels. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the Harmonization criteria. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires that included physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake and sleep duration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Body mass index, %BF, cardiometabolic risk factors, lifestyle behaviours. RESULTS: A total of 6854 women were recruited and the prevalence of NWO was 19.8% (95% CI: 17.3-22.5). NWO was more prevalent among the Indians and older women. NWO women had higher odds for abdominal obesity (OR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.73-4.04), hypertriglyceridemia (2.51, 1.47-4.29) and hypertension (1.63, 1.15-2.31) compared to women with lower % body fat after adjusted for age and ethnicity. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among NWO women was 5.4% (95% CI: 3.0-9.8). None of the lifestyle behaviours were significantly associated with NWO. CONCLUSIONS: Women with NWO had cardiometabolic abnormalities including abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia and increased blood pressure. Health promotion efforts should include NWO women who may be oblivious of their deleterious health risks.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14356,

title = {Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Ethnicity Are Independent Factors Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms},

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

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0130820},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {6},

pages = {e0130820},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To determine the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) profile and factors affecting its degree of severity including cardiovascular risk profile, age, ethnicity, education level and prostate volume in a multiethnic Asian setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1021 men aged 40-79 years with no clinical evidence of prostate cancer, prostate surgery or 5alpha-reductase inhibitor treatment of known prostate conditions. The severity of LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Potential factors associated with LUTS including age, ethnicity, education, history of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, height, weight, and prostate volume were evaluated using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: There were 506 (50%) men found to have moderate-to-severe LUTS attaining an IPSS above 7. Overall, nocturia (45.5%) was the most frequently reported symptom. Multivariable analysis showed that age, ethnicity, prostate volume and history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were independent factors associated with severity of LUTS (p \< 0.05). Considering individual lower urinary tract symptoms, we found a strong association of storage symptom with history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Malay men were significantly bothered by post micturition symptom compared to their Chinese and Indian counterparts. Stratified analyses of LUTS demonstrated a mutually exclusive cardiovascular risk factors profile defined by ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Severity of LUTS varies between different ethnicities across all age groups. In addition to age and prostate volume, ethnicity and cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension and hypercholesterolemia may also need to be taken into account in managing men with LUTS.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14392,

title = {Child maltreatment experience among primary school children: a large scale survey in Selangor state, Malaysia},

author = {A Ahmed and C Wan-Yuen and M J Marret and C Guat-Sim and S Othman and K Chinna},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4364765/pdf/pone.0119449.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0119449},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {3},

pages = {e0119449},

abstract = {Official reports of child maltreatment in Malaysia have persistently increased throughout the last decade. However there is a lack of population surveys evaluating the actual burden of child maltreatment, its correlates and its consequences in the country. This cross sectional study employed 2 stage stratified cluster random sampling of public primary schools, to survey 3509 ten to twelve year old school children in Selangor state. It aimed to estimate the prevalence of parental physical and emotional maltreatment, parental neglect and teacher- inflicted physical maltreatment. It further aimed to examine the associations between child maltreatment and important socio-demographic factors; family functioning and symptoms of depression among children. Logistic regression on weighted samples was used to extend results to a population level. Three quarters of 10-12 year olds reported at least one form of maltreatment, with parental physical maltreatment being most common. Males had higher odds of maltreatment in general except for emotional maltreatment. Ethnicity and parental conflict were key factors associated with maltreatment. The study contributes important evidence towards improving public health interventions for child maltreatment prevention in the country.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14407,

title = {Cinderella's lifetime abuse},

author = {R Sooryanarayana},

doi = {10.1111/jgs.13179},

issn = {0002-8614},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {J Am Geriatr Soc},

volume = {63},

number = {1},

pages = {175},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14382,

title = {Circulating prolactin and in situ breast cancer risk in the European EPIC cohort: a case-control study},

author = {K Tikk and D Sookthai and R T Fortner and T Johnson and S Rinaldi and I Romieu and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and K Overvad and F Clavel-Chapelon and L Baglietto and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and D Trichopoulos and G Masala and V Krogh and R Tumino and F Ricceri and A Mattiello and A Agudo and V Menendez and M J Sanchez and P Amiano and M D Chirlaque and A Barricarte and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and E M Monninkhof and N C Onland-Moret and A Andresson and M Sund and E Weiderpass and K T Khaw and T J Key and R C Travis and M A Merritt and E Riboli and L Dossus and R Kaaks},

doi = {10.1186/s13058-015-0563-6},

issn = {1465-5411},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Breast Cancer Res},

volume = {17},

pages = {49},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The relationship between circulating prolactin and invasive breast cancer has been investigated previously, but the association between prolactin levels and in situ breast cancer risk has received less attention. METHODS: We analysed the relationship between pre-diagnostic prolactin levels and the risk of in situ breast cancer overall, and by menopausal status and use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) at blood donation. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess this association in a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, including 307 in situ breast cancer cases and their matched control subjects. RESULTS: We found a significant positive association between higher circulating prolactin levels and risk of in situ breast cancer among all women [pre-and postmenopausal combined},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14402,

title = {Coffee and tea consumption and risk of pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort study},

author = {N Bhoo-Pathy and P H Peeters and C S Uiterwaal and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and A M Bulgiba and B H Bech and K Overvad and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and F Clavel-Chapelon and G Fagherazzi and F Perquier and B Teucher and R Kaaks and M Schutze and H Boeing and P Lagiou and P Orfanos and A Trichopoulou and C Agnoli and A Mattiello and D Palli and R Tumino and C Sacerdote and F J Duijnhoven and T Braaten and E Lund and G Skeie and M L Redondo and G Buckland and M J Perez and M D Chirlaque and E Ardanaz and P Amiano and E Wirfalt and P Wallstrom and I Johansson and L M Nilsson and K T Khaw and N Wareham and N E Allen and T J Key and S Rinaldi and I Romieu and V Gallo and E Riboli and C H Gils},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4349221/pdf/13058_2015_Article_521.pdf},

doi = {10.1186/s13058-015-0521-3},

issn = {1465-5411},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Breast Cancer Res},

volume = {17},

pages = {15},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Specific coffee subtypes and tea may impact risk of pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer differently. We investigated the association between coffee (total, caffeinated, decaffeinated) and tea intake and risk of breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 335,060 women participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Nutrition and Cancer (EPIC) Study, completed a dietary questionnaire from 1992 to 2000, and were followed-up until 2010 for incidence of breast cancer. Hazard ratios (HR) of breast cancer by country-specific, as well as cohort-wide categories of beverage intake were estimated. RESULTS: During an average follow-up of 11 years, 1064 premenopausal, and 9134 postmenopausal breast cancers were diagnosed. Caffeinated coffee intake was associated with lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer: adjusted HR=0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82 to 0.98, for high versus low consumption; Ptrend=0.029. While there was no significant effect modification by hormone receptor status (P=0.711), linear trend for lower risk of breast cancer with increasing caffeinated coffee intake was clearest for estrogen and progesterone receptor negative (ER-PR-), postmenopausal breast cancer (P=0.008). For every 100 ml increase in caffeinated coffee intake, the risk of ER-PR- breast cancer was lower by 4% (adjusted HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.00). Non-consumers of decaffeinated coffee had lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer (adjusted HR=0.89; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.99) compared to low consumers, without evidence of dose-response relationship (Ptrend=0.128). Exclusive decaffeinated coffee consumption was not related to postmenopausal breast cancer risk, compared to any decaffeinated-low caffeinated intake (adjusted HR=0.97; 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.14), or to no intake of any coffee (HR: 0.96; 95%: 0.82 to 1.14). Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee were not associated with premenopausal breast cancer. Tea intake was neither associated with pre- nor post-menopausal breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Higher caffeinated coffee intake may be associated with lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Decaffeinated coffee intake does not seem to be associated with breast cancer.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14205,

title = {Coffee consumption and coronary artery calcium in young and middle-aged asymptomatic adults},

author = {Y Choi and Y Chang and S Ryu and J Cho and S Rampal and Y Zhang and J Ahn and J A Lima and H Shin and E Guallar},

url = {http://heart.bmj.com/content/101/9/686.full.pdf},

doi = {10.1136/heartjnl-2014-306663},

issn = {1355-6037},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Heart},

volume = {101},

number = {9},

pages = {686-91},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between regular coffee consumption and the prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in a large sample of young and middle-aged asymptomatic men and women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 25 138 men and women (mean age 41.3 years) without clinically evident cardiovascular disease who underwent a health screening examination that included a validated food frequency questionnaire and a multidetector CT to determine CAC scores. We used robust Tobit regression analyses to estimate the CAC score ratios associated with different levels of coffee consumption compared with no coffee consumption and adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: The prevalence of detectable CAC (CAC score \>0) was 13.4% (n=3364), including 11.3% prevalence for CAC scores 1-100 (n=2832), and 2.1% prevalence for CAC scores \>100 (n=532). The mean +/-SD consumption of coffee was 1.8+/-1.5 cups/day. The multivariate-adjusted CAC score ratios (95% CIs) comparing coffee drinkers of \<1, 1-\<3, 3-\<5, and \>/=5 cups/day to non-coffee drinkers were 0.77 (0.49 to 1.19), 0.66 (0.43 to 1.02), 0.59 (0.38 to 0.93), and 0.81 (0.46 to 1.43), respectively (p for quadratic trend=0.02). The association was similar in subgroups defined by age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, status of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolaemia. CONCLUSIONS: In this large sample of men and women apparently free of clinically evident cardiovascular disease, moderate coffee consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14357,

title = {Common variation at 2p13.3, 3q29, 7p13 and 17q25.1 associated with susceptibility to pancreatic cancer},

author = {E J Childs and E Mocci and D Campa and P M Bracci and S Gallinger and M Goggins and D Li and R E Neale and S H Olson and G Scelo and L T Amundadottir and W R Bamlet and M F Bijlsma and A Blackford and M Borges and P Brennan and H Brenner and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and F Canzian and G Capurso and G M Cavestro and K G Chaffee and S J Chanock and S P Cleary and M Cotterchio and L Foretova and C Fuchs and N Funel and M Gazouli and M Hassan and J M Herman and I Holcatova and E A Holly and R N Hoover and R J Hung and V Janout and T J Key and J Kupcinskas and R C Kurtz and S Landi and L Lu and E Malecka-Panas and A Mambrini and B Mohelnikova-Duchonova and J P Neoptolemos and A L Oberg and I Orlow and C Pasquali and R Pezzilli and C Rizzato and A Saldia and A Scarpa and R Z Stolzenberg-Solomon and O Strobel and F Tavano and Y K Vashist and P Vodicka and B M Wolpin and H Yu and G M Petersen and H A Risch and A P Klein},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520746/pdf/nihms695333.pdf},

doi = {10.1038/ng.3341},

issn = {1061-4036},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Nat Genet},

volume = {47},

number = {8},

pages = {911-6},

abstract = {Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the developed world. Both inherited high-penetrance mutations in BRCA2 (ref. 2), ATM, PALB2 (ref. 4), BRCA1 (ref. 5), STK11 (ref. 6), CDKN2A and mismatch-repair genes and low-penetrance loci are associated with increased risk. To identify new risk loci, we performed a genome-wide association study on 9,925 pancreatic cancer cases and 11,569 controls, including 4,164 newly genotyped cases and 3,792 controls in 9 studies from North America, Central Europe and Australia. We identified three newly associated regions: 17q25.1 (LINC00673, rs11655237, odds ratio (OR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19-1.34},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15747,

title = {Cost of Dengue Vector Control Activities in Malaysia},

author = {P R Packierisamy and C W Ng and M Dahlui and J Inbaraj and V K Balan and Y A Halasa and D S Shepard},

doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.14-0667},

issn = {0002-9637},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Am J Trop Med Hyg},

volume = {93},

number = {5},

pages = {1020-7},

abstract = {Dengue fever, an arbovirus disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has recently spread rapidly, especially in the tropical countries of the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions. It is endemic in Malaysia, with an annual average of 37,937 reported dengue cases from 2007 to 2012. This study measured the overall economic impact of dengue in Malaysia, and estimated the costs of dengue prevention. In 2010, Malaysia spent US$73.5 million or 0.03% of the country's GDP on its National Dengue Vector Control Program. This spending represented US$1,591 per reported dengue case and US$2.68 per capita population. Most (92.2%) of this spending occurred in districts, primarily for fogging. A previous paper estimated the annual cost of dengue illness in the country at US$102.2 million. Thus, the inclusion of preventive activities increases the substantial estimated cost of dengue to US$175.7 million, or 72% above illness costs alone. If innovative technologies for dengue vector control prove efficacious, and a dengue vaccine was introduced, substantial existing spending could be rechanneled to fund them.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14142,

title = {Cross cultural translation, adaptation and reliability of the Malay version of the Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale (CARIFS)},

author = {A M Nathan and R Zaki and R Rozario and N Dhania and S N Mohd Hamirudin and K P Eg and S Y Kee and C Teh and K A Jabar and C Westerhout and S Thavagnanam and J Bruyne},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4559942/pdf/12955_2015_Article_336.pdf},

doi = {10.1186/s12955-015-0336-z},

issn = {1477-7525},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Health Qual Life Outcomes},

volume = {13},

pages = {139},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale (CARIFS) is a parent-proxy questionnaire that assesses severity of acute respiratory infections in children. The aim was to (a) perform a cross-cultural adaptation and (b) prove that the Malay CARIFS is a reliable tool. FINDINGS: The CARIFS underwent forward and backward translations as recommended by international guidelines. A pilot study was performed on the harmonised version and the final version of the Malay version of CARIFS was produced. A test-retest, 1 h apart, was then performed on parents with children less than 13 years old, admitted with a respiratory tract infection. Parents of children with asthma and who were not eloquent in Malay, were excluded. The data was analysed for consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and reliability (test-retest co-efficient). Thirty-three parents were recruited. Children were aged median (IQR) 6 (2.8, 13.3) months with a male: female ratio of 22:11 and 88% were Malays. Parents were interviewed at median (IQR) 6 (3, 11.5) days of admission. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.70 for all items. The test-retest reliability analysis had a minimum and maximum intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.63 and 0.97 respectively. Clinically, the longer patients were admitted, the lower the severity score (r = -0.35, p \< 0.05), indicating that they were getting better. CONCLUSION: The Malay version of CARIFS is a valid and reliable tool to determine severity of respiratory illness in children. Parent-centred questionnaires are useful and should be an adjunct to other methods, in monitoring response to treatment.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14236,

title = {Cultural adaptation and psychometric assessment of Pain Catastrophizing Scale among young healthy Malay-speaking adults in military settings},

author = {F H Mohd Din and V C Hoe and C K Chan and M A Muslan},

url = {http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/191/art%253A10.1007%252Fs11136-014-0850-1.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs11136-014-0850-1\&token2=exp=1443532370~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F191%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs11136-014-0850-1.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs11136-014-0850-1*~hmac=2b522a4ecc472e8fc150421c05f53a7c866ca428a26d150bc57f82e4e2d31aa2},

doi = {10.1007/s11136-014-0850-1},

issn = {0962-9343},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Qual Life Res},

volume = {24},

number = {5},

pages = {1275-80},

abstract = {PURPOSE: The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is designed to assess negative thoughts in response to pain. It is composed of three domains: helplessness, rumination, and magnification. We report on the translation, adaptation, and validation of scores on a Malay-speaking version of the PCS, the PCS-MY. METHOD: Guidelines for the process of cross-cultural adaptations of assessment measures were implemented. A sample of 303 young military recruits participated in the study. Factor structure, reliability, and validity of scores on the PCS-MY were examined. Convergent validity was investigated with the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Short-form 12 version 2, and Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale. RESULTS: Most participants were men, ranging in age from 19 to 26. The reliability of the PCS-MY scores was adequate (alpha = 0.90; mean inter-item correlation = 0.43). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a modified version of the PCS-MY provided best fit estimates to the sample data. The PCS-MY total score was negatively correlated with mental well-being and positively correlated with negative affect (all ps \< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The PCS-MY was demonstrated to have adequate reliability and validity estimates in the study sample.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15738,

title = {Determinants and Effects of Voice Disorders among Secondary School Teachers in Peninsular Malaysia Using a Validated Malay Version of VHI-10},

author = {F M Moy and V C Hoe and N N Hairi and A H Chu and A Bulgiba and D Koh},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0141963},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {11},

pages = {e0141963},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To establish the prevalence of voice disorder using the Malay-Voice Handicap Index 10 (Malay-VHI-10) and to study the determinants, quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress associated with voice disorder among secondary school teachers in Peninsular Malaysia. METHODS: This study was divided into two phases. Phase I tested the reliability of the Malay-VHI-10 while Phase II was a cross-sectional study with two-stage sampling. In Phase II, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and teaching characteristics, depression, anxiety and stress scale (Malay version of DASS-21); and health-related quality of life (Malay version of SF12-v2). Complex sample analysis was conducted using multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: In Phase I, the Spearman correlation coefficient and Cronbach alpha for total VHI-10 score was 0.72 (p \< 0.001) and 0.77 respectively; showing good correlation and internal consistency. The ICCs ranged from 0.65 to 0.78 showing fair to good reliability and demonstrating the subscales to be reliable and stable. A total of 6039 teachers participated in Phase II. They were primarily Malays, females, married, had completed tertiary education and aged between 30 to 50 years. A total of 10.4% (95% CI 7.1, 14.9) of the teachers had voice disorder (VHI-10 score \> 11). Compared to Malays, a greater proportion of ethnic Chinese teachers reported voice disorder while ethnic Indian teachers were less likely to report this problem. There was a higher prevalence ratio (PR) of voice disorder among single or divorced/widowed teachers. Teachers with voice disorder were more likely to report higher rates of absenteeism (PR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.33, 2.19), lower quality of life with lower SF12-v2 physical (0.98, 95% CI 0.96, 0.99) and mental (0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.98) component summary scales; and higher anxiety levels (1.04, 95% CI 1.02, 1.06). CONCLUSIONS: The Malay-VHI-10 is valid and reliable. Voice disorder was associated with increased absenteeism, marginally associated with reduced health-related quality of life as well as increased anxiety among teachers.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14213,

title = {Development and psychometric properties of a scale assessing the needs of caregivers of children with disabilities},

author = {S H Tan},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S1936657414001927/1-s2.0-S1936657414001927-main.pdf?_tid=cf99c840-66a9-11e5-84b8-00000aacb361\&acdnat=1443531702_58f5b75925ec38297230f764abc879c0},

doi = {10.1016/j.dhjo.2014.11.003},

issn = {1936-6574 (Print)},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Disabil Health J},

volume = {8},

number = {3},

pages = {414-23},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Planning and evaluation of health care services for children with disabilities requires information on their caregivers' needs. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to present the development and psychometric properties of the Caregiver Needs Scale (CNS), a scale assessing the needs of caregivers of children with disabilities aged 0-12 years in Malaysia. METHODS: Development of the scale went through a multistage process of literature review, modification of an existing instrument, input from experts and feedback from service users. Literature review identified content domains and response options. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken to identify subscales of caregiver needs. The internal consistency reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity of the new scale were examined. RESULTS: 273 caregivers of children with disabilities completed the fielded questionnaire. EFA revealed 4 subscales of caregiver needs: need for 'Help getting information and services for the child,' 'Help coping with the child,' 'Help getting child care' and 'Help with finances.' Three items with factor loading \<0.4 were dropped. Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the subscales ranged from 0.813 to 0.903. Total CNS score correlated with number of child's needs and unmet needs. The score was also higher in families with financial and employment problems. CONCLUSION: A new instrument was developed to assess the needs of caregivers of children with disabilities for use in the Malaysian population. The CNS showed satisfactory psychometric properties but further examination is warranted to confirm its validity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14393,

title = {Diabetes and onset of natural menopause: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition},

author = {J S Brand and N C Onland-Moret and M J Eijkemans and A Tjonneland and N Roswall and K Overvad and G Fagherazzi and F Clavel-Chapelon and L Dossus and A Lukanova and V Grote and M M Bergmann and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and M Tzivoglou and D Trichopoulos and S Grioni and A Mattiello and G Masala and R Tumino and P Vineis and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and E Weiderpass and M L Redondo and M J Sanchez and J M Castano and L Arriola and E Ardanaz and E J Duell and O Rolandsson and P W Franks and S Butt and P Nilsson and K T Khaw and N Wareham and R Travis and I Romieu and M J Gunter and E Riboli and Y T Schouw},

url = {http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/30/6/1491.full.pdf},

doi = {10.1093/humrep/dev054},

issn = {0268-1161},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Hum Reprod},

volume = {30},

number = {6},

pages = {1491-8},

abstract = {STUDY QUESTION: Do women who have diabetes before menopause have their menopause at an earlier age compared with women without diabetes? SUMMARY ANSWER: Although there was no overall association between diabetes and age at menopause, our study suggests that early-onset diabetes may accelerate menopause. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Today, more women of childbearing age are being diagnosed with diabetes, but little is known about the impact of diabetes on reproductive health. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We investigated the impact of diabetes on age at natural menopause (ANM) in 258 898 women from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), enrolled between 1992 and 2000. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Determinant and outcome information was obtained through questionnaires. Time-dependent Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the associations of diabetes and age at diabetes diagnosis with ANM, stratified by center and adjusted for age, smoking, reproductive and diabetes risk factors and with age from birth to menopause or censoring as the underlying time scale. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Overall, no association between diabetes and ANM was found (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-1.01). However, women with diabetes before the age of 20 years had an earlier menopause (10-20 years: HR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.02-2.01, \<10 years: HR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.03-2.43) compared with non-diabetic women, whereas women with diabetes at age 50 years and older had a later menopause (HR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.70-0.95). None of the other age groups were associated with ANM. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Strengths of the study include the large sample size and the broad set of potential confounders measured. However, results may have been underestimated due to survival bias. We cannot be sure about the sequence of the events in women with a late age at diabetes, as both events then occur in a short period. We could not distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Based on the literature, an accelerating effect of early-onset diabetes on ANM might be plausible. A delaying effect of late-onset diabetes on ANM has not been reported before, and is not in agreement with recent studies suggesting the opposite association. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The coordination of EPIC is financially supported by the European Commission (DG-SANCO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The national cohorts are supported by Danish Cancer Society (Denmark); Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut Gustave Roussy, Mutuelle Generale de l'Education Nationale, Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM) (France); German Cancer Aid, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMMF) (Germany); Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity, Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Hellenic Health Foundation (Greece); Italian Association for Research on Cancer (AIRC) and National Research Council (Italy); Dutch Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sports (VWS), Netherlands Cancer Registry (NKR), LK Research Funds, Dutch Prevention Funds, Dutch ZON (Zorg Onderzoek Nederland), World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), Statistics Netherlands (The Netherlands); ERC-2009-AdG 232997 and Nordforsk, Nordic Centre of Excellence programme on Food, Nutrition and Health (Norway); Health Research Fund (FIS), Regional Governments of Andalucia, Asturias, Basque Country, Murcia (no. 6236) and Navarra, ISCIII RETIC (RD06/0020) (Spain); Swedish Cancer Society, Swedish Scientific Council and Regional Government of Skane and Vasterbotten (Sweden); Cancer Research UK, Medical Research Council, Stroke Association, British Heart Foundation, Department of Health, Food Standards Agency, and Wellcome Trust (UK). None of the authors reported a conflict of interest.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14168,

title = {Dietary fat, fat subtypes and hepatocellular carcinoma in a large European cohort},

author = {T Duarte-Salles and V Fedirko and M Stepien and K Aleksandrova and C Bamia and P Lagiou and A S Laursen and L Hansen and K Overvad and A Tjonneland and M C Boutron-Ruault and G Fagherazzi and M His and H Boeing and V Katzke and T Kuhn and A Trichopoulou and E Valanou and M Kritikou and G Masala and S Panico and S Sieri and F Ricceri and R Tumino and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and A Hjartaker and G Skeie and E Weiderpass and E Ardanaz and C Bonet and M D Chirlaque and M Dorronsoro and J R Quiros and I Johansson and B Ohlsson and K Sjoberg and M Wennberg and K T Khaw and R C Travis and N Wareham and P Ferrari and H Freisling and I Romieu and A J Cross and M Gunter and Y Lu and M Jenab},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29643/abstract},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29643},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {11},

pages = {2715-28},

abstract = {The role of amount and type of dietary fat consumption in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood, despite suggestive biological plausibility. The associations of total fat, fat subtypes and fat sources with HCC incidence were investigated in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, which includes 191 incident HCC cases diagnosed between 1992 and 2010. Diet was assessed by country-specific, validated dietary questionnaires. A single 24-hr diet recall from a cohort subsample was used for measurement error calibration. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models. Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV/HCV) status and biomarkers of liver function were assessed separately in a nested case-control subset with available blood samples (HCC = 122). In multivariable calibrated models, there was a statistically significant inverse association between total fat intake and risk of HCC (per 10 g/day},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14240,

title = {Dietary intake of acrylamide and epithelial ovarian cancer risk in the european prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort},

author = {M Obon-Santacana and P H Peeters and H Freisling and L Dossus and F Clavel-Chapelon and L Baglietto and H Schock and R T Fortner and H Boeing and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and K Overvad and V Menendez and M J Sanchez and N Larranaga and J M Huerta Castano and A Barricarte and K T Khaw and N Wareham and R C Travis and M A Merritt and A Trichopoulou and D Trichopoulos and P Orfanos and G Masala and S Sieri and R Tumino and P Vineis and A Mattiello and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and N C Onland-Moret and E Wirfalt and T Stocks and A Idahl and E Lundin and G Skeie and I T Gram and E Weiderpass and E Riboli and E J Duell},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295892/pdf/emss-60655.pdf},

doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-0636},

issn = {1055-9965},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev},

volume = {24},

number = {1},

pages = {291-7},

abstract = {Acrylamide, classified in 1994 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as "probably carcinogenic" to humans, was discovered in 2002 in some heat-treated, carbohydrate-rich foods. The association between dietary acrylamide intake and epithelial ovarian cancer risk (EOC) has been previously studied in one case-control and three prospective cohort studies which obtained inconsistent results and could not further examine histologic subtypes other than serous EOC. The present study was carried out in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) subcohort of women (n = 325,006). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between questionnaire-based acrylamide intake and EOC risk. Acrylamide was energy-adjusted using the residual method and was evaluated both as a continuous variable (per 10 mug/d) and in quintiles; when subgroups by histologic EOC subtypes were analyzed, acrylamide intake was evaluated in quartiles. During a mean follow-up of 11 years, 1,191 incident EOC cases were diagnosed. At baseline, the median acrylamide intake in EPIC was 21.3 mug/d. No associations and no evidence for a dose-response were observed between energy-adjusted acrylamide intake and EOC risk (HR10mug/d,1.02; 95% CI, 0.96-1.09; HRQ5vsQ1, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76-1.23). No differences were seen when invasive EOC subtypes (582 serous, 118 endometrioid, and 79 mucinous tumors) were analyzed separately. This study did not provide evidence that acrylamide intake, based on food intake questionnaires, was associated with risk for EOC in EPIC. Additional studies with more reliable estimates of exposure based on biomarkers may be needed.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14177,

title = {Dietary patterns in relation to quality-adjusted life years in the EPIC-NL cohort},

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

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0091743515001735/1-s2.0-S0091743515001735-main.pdf?_tid=3189a2a2-66a8-11e5-84a4-00000aacb360\&acdnat=1443531007_5ad81b689c2d2633082d199f7c1e3bd3},

doi = {10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.05.014},

issn = {0091-7435},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Prev Med},

volume = {77},

pages = {119-24},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dietary patterns have been associated with the incidence or mortality of individual non-communicable diseases, but their association with disease burden has received little attention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to relate dietary patterns to health expectancy using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as outcome parameter. METHODS: Data from the EPIC-NL study were used, a prospective cohort study of 33,066 healthy men and women aged 20-70 years at recruitment. A lifestyle questionnaire and a validated food frequency questionnaire were administered at study entry (1993-1997). Five dietary patterns were studied: three a priori patterns (the modified Mediterranean Diet Score (mMDS), the WHO-based Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) and the Dutch Healthy Diet index (DHD-index)) and two a posteriori data-based patterns. QALYs were used as a summary health measure for healthy life expectancy, combining a person's life expectancy with a weight reflecting loss of quality of life associated with having chronic diseases. RESULTS: The mean QALYs of the participants were 74.9 (standard deviation 4.4). A higher mMDS and HDI were associated with a longer life in good health. Participants who had a high mMDS score (6-9) had 0.17 [95% CI, 0.05; 0.30] more QALYs than participants with a low score (0-3), equivalent to two months longer life in good health. Participants with a high HDI score also had more QALYs (0.15 [95% CI, 0.03; 0.27]) than participants with a low HDI score. CONCLUSION: A Mediterranean-type diet and the Healthy Diet Indicator were associated with approximately 2months longer life in good health.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14374,

title = {Diffusion Tensor Imaging Parameters in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Correlation with Early Neuropsychological Impairment: A Longitudinal Study},

author = {V Veeramuthu and V Narayanan and T L Kuo and L Delano-Wood and K Chinna and M W Bondi and V Waran and D Ganesan and N Ramli},

doi = {10.1089/neu.2014.3750},

issn = {0897-7151},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {J Neurotrauma},

volume = {32},

number = {19},

pages = {1497-509},

abstract = {We explored the prognostic value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters of selected white matter (WM) tracts in predicting neuropsychological outcome, both at baseline and 6 months later, among well-characterized patients diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Sixty-one patients with mTBI (mean age=27.08; standard deviation [SD], 8.55) underwent scanning at an average of 10 h (SD, 4.26) post-trauma along with assessment of their neuropsychological performance at an average of 4.35 h (SD, 7.08) upon full Glasgow Coma Scale recovery. Results were then compared to 19 healthy control participants (mean age=29.05; SD, 5.84), both in the acute stage and 6 months post-trauma. DTI and neuropsychological measures between acute and chronic phases were compared, and significant differences emerged. Specifically, chronic-phase fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity values showed significant group differences in the corona radiata, anterior limb of internal capsule, cingulum, superior longitudinal fasciculus, optic radiation, and genu of corpus callosum. Findings also demonstrated associations between DTI indices and neuropsychological outcome across two time points. Our results provide new evidence for the use of DTI as an imaging biomarker and indicator of WM damage occurring in the context of mTBI, and they underscore the dynamic nature of brain injury and possible biological basis of chronic neurocognitive alterations.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14384,

title = {Disparities in health-related quality of life among healthy adolescents in a developing country - the impact of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and weight status},

author = {D A Loh and F M Moy and N L Zaharan and Z Mohamed},

doi = {10.1111/cch.12252},

issn = {0305-1862},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Child Care Health Dev},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Physical functioning and psychological resilience in adulthood is shaped during adolescence. Self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments during this life phase are important first-hand accounts of their well-being. This study aimed, firstly, to identify differences in HRQoL according to gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and weight status; and secondly, to examine associations between weight status and HRQoL among an urban sample of multi-ethnic adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 652 adolescents (aged 13 years) was conducted in Kuala Lumpur. Weight and height were measured. Body mass index z-scores were categorized according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. HRQoL was assessed using the Malay version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales. Univariate analyses of differences in HRQoL according to gender, ethnicity (Malays, Chinese and Indians), maternal education level and weight status were performed. Complex samples general linear model was used to examine the associations between HRQoL and weight status, adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Female adolescents reported significantly lower emotional functioning scores (mean, 95% confidence interval: 59.25, 57.33-61.17). When the three main ethnic groups were studied, Malay adolescents scored significantly lower emotional functioning scores (59.00, 57.13-60.87) compared with their Chinese peers. Adolescents with tertiary-educated mothers reported lower emotional functioning scores (57.45, 53.85-61.06) compared with those with primary-educated mothers. Obese adolescents reported poorer HRQoL scores with significantly impaired physical and social functioning after controlling for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: These findings detected disparities in HRQoL among the adolescents when gender, ethnicity, maternal education level and weight status were considered. Further studies should address these health inequalities by implementing gender-specific and culturally appropriate measures to attain optimal well-being and avoid potential burden of disease.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15980,

title = {Does change in perception following counseling result in improved quitting outcome among Malaysian smokers?},

author = {S M Yasin and R Masilamani and M F Ming and D Koh},

doi = {10.1177/1010539511426472},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {2},

pages = {Np143-53},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the effects that change in perception about the advantages and disadvantages of smoking and quitting had on quitting outcome among smokers enrolled in a program for smoking cessation. METHODS: A total of 185 smokers from 2 public universities who were interested in quitting received smoking cessation counseling on understanding the risks and benefits of quitting (or smoking) in addition to a course of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). A decisional balance questionnaire (DBQ) was administered at baseline and at 2 months postcounseling to determine and assess changes in smoking perception. RESULTS: After counseling, 72.3% of smokers had reduced their perceptions about the advantages of smoking, and 66.4% had increased perceptions of disadvantages of smoking. At the eighth week, 51 participants (27%) had quit. Smokers who had reduced perceptions of the advantages of smoking had significantly higher quit rates compared with those with no improvement in perception (82.6% vs 17.4%; odds ratio = 2.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-6.10). CONCLUSION: After counseling, smokers did change their perception of the advantages and disadvantages of smoking during the quitting process. These changes are associated with a higher likelihood of smoking cessation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15730,

title = {Effect of microbial cell preparation on renal profile and liver function among type 2 diabetics: a randomized controlled trial},

author = {S Firouzi and B N Mohd-Yusof and H A Majid and A Ismail and N A Kamaruddin},

doi = {10.1186/s12906-015-0952-5},

issn = {1472-6882},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Complement Altern Med},

volume = {15},

pages = {433},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The beneficial effect of probiotics on renal profile and liver function has been reported among patients with chronic kidney disease and fatty liver respectively. However, its effect on renal profile and liver function among type 2 diabetic individuals has not been fully understood. To investigate the effect of microbial cell preparation on renal profile and liver function tests among type 2 diabetic individuals. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, controlled clinical trial was conducted on a total of 136 type 2 diabetics age 30-70 years old in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive microbial cell preparation (N = 68) or a placebo (N = 68) for 12 weeks. The outcomes measured at baseline, week 6, and week 12 and included changes in renal profile (Sodium, Potassium, Urea, Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate), and liver function tests (Albumin, Total Protein, Alkaline Phosphatase, Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase). Intention to treat (ITT) analysis was performed on all the recruited subjects, while per protocol (PP) analysis was conducted on those who completed the trial with good compliance. RESULT: The urea levels significantly declined in the probiotic group. Serum urea levels reduced from 4.26 mmol/L to 4.04 mmol/L in Probiotic Group while it increased in Placebo Group from 4.03 mmol/L to 4.24 mmol/L. These changes were significant between groups in ITT analysis (p = 0.018). Other parameters did not change significantly between groups. CONCLUSION: 12 weeks supplementation with daily dosage of 6 x 10(10) Colony Forming Units of multi-strain microbial cell preparation significantly improved urea levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ( CLINICAL TRIALS: # NCT01752803).},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14172,

title = {Egg consumption and coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic men and women},

author = {Y Choi and Y Chang and J E Lee and S Chun and J Cho and E Sung and B S Suh and S Rampal and D Zhao and Y Zhang and R Pastor-Barriuso and J A Lima and H Shin and S Ryu and E Guallar},

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0021915015013507/1-s2.0-S0021915015013507-main.pdf?_tid=ef114ad8-66a7-11e5-a255-00000aab0f02\&acdnat=1443530896_4de289dffd62a114f24e99f82f25dea7},

doi = {10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.05.036},

issn = {0021-9150},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Atherosclerosis},

volume = {241},

number = {2},

pages = {305-12},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The association of egg consumption with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis remains unknown. Our aim was to examine the association between egg consumption and prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 23,417 asymptomatic adult men and women without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or hypercholesterolemia, who underwent a health screening examination including cardiac computed tomography for CAC scoring and completed a validated food frequency questionnaire at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centers, South Korea (March 2011-April 2013). RESULTS: The prevalence of detectable CAC (CAC score \> 0) was 11.2%. In multivariable-adjusted models, CAC score ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) comparing participants eating \>/= 7 eggs/wk to those eating \< 1 egg/wk was 1.80 (1.14-2.83; P for trend = 0.003). The multivariable CAC score ratio (95% CI) associated with an increase in consumption of 1 egg/day was 1.54 (1.11-2.14). The positive association seemed to be more pronounced among participants with low vegetable intake (P for interaction = 0.02) and those with high BMI (P for interaction = 0.05). The association was attenuated and no longer significant after further adjustment for dietary cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Egg consumption was associated with an increased prevalence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and with a greater degree of coronary calcification in asymptomatic Korean adults, which may be mediated by dietary cholesterol. The association was particularly pronounced among individuals with low vegetable intake and those with high BMI.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14391,

title = {Employability among people with uncontrolled seizures: An interpretative phenomenological approach},

author = {M C Wo and K S Lim and W Y Choo and C T Tan},

doi = {10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.02.016},

issn = {1525-5050},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Epilepsy Behav},

volume = {45},

pages = {21-30},

abstract = {PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore positive and negative factors affecting the employability in patients with uncontrolled seizures. METHOD: Semistructured interviews with 21 patients with uncontrolled seizures were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULT: Eleven (52.4%) of the participants interviewed were employed; 7 were holding full-time position with more than 4years of working experience. The mean age was 34.6years, 71.4% were female, 38% were married, 71.4% had at least 11years of education, 38% had a driving license, 19% received government monetary aid, 66.7% had seizure onset before reaching 17years of age, 66.7% experienced monthly seizures, and 76% were on polytherapy. A total of 6 main themes were found to be affecting the employability among people with uncontrolled seizures: (a) ability to work; (b) intention to work; (c) support and stigma at workplace; (d) family support, overdependence, and protection; (e) life event; and (f) government and welfare support. Subthemes under the main theme ability to work included education, cognitive and physical functions, ability to continue working after seizures, ability to travel to work, self-perceived ability to work, and ability to cope with stress. Many shared the same idea that employment is important, but their intention to work varied. The employed group tended to work for a future goal and self-satisfaction, and the unemployed group tended to have no or lack intention to work. Positive factors were noted in the following themes: ability to work; intention to work; support and stigma at workplace; and family support, overdependence, and protection. CONCLUSION: There were internal and external factors affecting the employability among people with uncontrolled seizures both positively and negatively. Positive internal factors such as ability and intention to work require further exploration.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14342,

title = {Employability in people with epilepsy: A systematic review},

author = {M C Wo and K S Lim and W Y Choo and C T Tan},

doi = {10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2015.06.016},

issn = {0920-1211},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Epilepsy Res},

volume = {116},

pages = {67-78},

abstract = {OBJECTIVES: People with epilepsy were (PWE) reported to have poorer employment rate. However, the methodologies used differ greatly from one study to another, making global comparison difficult. We aimed to determine the employment rate of PWE globally using a unified definition of employment rate and to summarize the reported positive and negative factors affecting employability in PWE, using a systematic review. METHODS: All studies reporting employment rate of PWE were independently assessed. Employment rate was recalculated according to the standard definition by the Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS) of United States and the International Labour Organization i.e. employment rate is the percentage of employed person over the labor force. RESULTS: Of 95 papers reported on employment status of PWE, adjusted employment rate (aER) was shown to be as low as 14% to as high as 89% with a mean adjusted employment rate of 58%. No significant differences in mean of aER was found between continents, or among Asian countries. Employment rate of people with uncontrolled seizures were reported in 16 papers, with a mean adjusted employed rate of 58%. Psychological factors were less frequently reported as compared to clinical and socio-demographical factors, seen in a total of 25 (26%) out of 97 studies. The positive factors leading to successful career in PWE were understudied and needed to be further explored. CONCLUSION: Employability is multifactorial, including clinical, psychological and social factors. The adjusted employment rate of people with uncontrolled seizures is comparable to those with controlled seizures, supporting the need to explore non-clinical factors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14161,

title = {Energy and macronutrient intake and risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study},

author = {R Zamora-Ros and S Rinaldi and K K Tsilidis and E Weiderpass and M C Boutron-Ruault and A L Rostgaard-Hansen and A Tjonneland and F Clavel-Chapelon and S Mesrine and V A Katzke and T Kuhn and J Forster and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and E Klinaki and G Masala and S Sieri and F Ricceri and R Tumino and A Mattiello and P H Peeters and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and D Engeset and G Skeie and M Arguelles and A Agudo and M J Sanchez and M D Chirlaque and A Barricarte and S Chamosa and M Almquist and A Tosovic and J Hennings and M Sandstrom and J A Schmidt and K T Khaw and N J Wareham and A J Cross and N Slimani and G Byrnes and I Romieu and E Riboli and S Franceschi},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29693/abstract},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29693},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

abstract = {Incidence rates of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (TC) have increased in many countries. Adiposity and dietary risk factors may play a role, but little is known on the influence of energy intake and macronutrient composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between TC and the intake of energy, macronutrients, glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. The study included 477,274 middle-age participants (70.2% women) from ten European countries. Dietary data were collected using country-specific validated dietary questionnaires. Total carbohydrates, proteins, fats, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), starch, sugar, and fiber were computed as g/1,000 kcal. Multivariable Cox regression was used to calculate multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) by intake quartile (Q). After a mean follow-up time of 11 years, differentiated TC was diagnosed in 556 participants (90% women). Overall, we found significant associations only with total energy (HRQ4 vs .Q1 , 1.29; 95% CI, 1.00-1.68) and PUFA intakes (HRQ4 vs .Q1 , 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.95). However, the associations with starch and sugar intake and GI were significantly heterogeneous across body mass index (BMI) groups, i.e., positive associations with starch and GI were found in participants with a BMI \>/= 25 and with sugar intake in those with BMI \< 25. Moreover, inverse associations with starch and GI were observed in subjects with BMI \< 25. In conclusion, our results suggest that high total energy and low PUFA intakes may increase the risk of differentiated TC. Positive associations with starch intake and GI in participants with BMI \>/= 25 suggest that those persons may have a greater insulin response to high starch intake and GI than lean people.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15772,

title = {Equitable Distribution of Public Hospitals According to Health Needs in Malaysia: Does It Exist or Not?},

author = {G Saw Chien and C Chee-Khoon and V H Wai and C W Ng},

doi = {10.1177/1010539515591847},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {8 Suppl},

pages = {79s-85s},

abstract = {The goal of ensuring geographic equity of health care can be achieved if the geographic distribution of health care services is according to the health needs. This study aims to examine whether acute Ministry of Health hospital beds are distributed according to population health needs in various states within Peninsular Malaysia. The health needs of each state are indicated by the crude death rate. Comparisons of the share of hospital beds to that of population with differential health needs were assessed using concentration curve and index. In most years between 1995 and 2010, the distribution of hospital beds in Peninsular Malaysia were concentrated among states with higher health needs. This is in line with the principle of vertical equity and could be one advantage of a central federal government that can allocate health care resources to prioritize states with higher health care needs.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14389,

title = {Factors affecting dengue prevention practices: nationwide survey of the Malaysian public},

author = {L P Wong and S M Shakir and N Atefi and S AbuBakar},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0122890},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {4},

pages = {e0122890},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Efforts to stamp dengue in many dengue endemic countries has met little success. There is a need to re-examine and understand how the public at large view the dengue prevention efforts. This study aimed to examine the demographic factors, theoretical constructs of the Health Belief Model and knowledge about dengue and how these influence the practice of dengue prevention. METHODS: A national telephone survey was carried out with 2,512 individuals of the Malaysian public aged 18-60 years. RESULTS: The majority (73%) of the Malaysian public had a total dengue prevention score of 51-100 (of a possible score of 1-100). Multivariate analysis suggests significant correlates of higher dengue prevention practices with demographic background, perception of susceptibility to dengue, perceived density of mosquitoes in the neighbourhood and knowledge about dengue. Households of lower income of which the majority (40.7%) were from the rural areas, were associated with the highest odds [OR = 1.33; 95%CI = 1.09-1.67; p = 0.004] of dengue prevention. Dengue prevention practices were also less likely to be undertaken in neighbourhoods where the responders perceived there is no and/or low density of mosquitoes. Dengue prevention practices are also less likely to be practiced by skilled workers [OR = 0.78; 95%CI = 0.63-0.95; p = 0.029] compared to those unemployed. Higher perceived susceptibility to dengue was associated with higher dengue prevention practices and participants with higher dengue knowledge were found to have a higher level of involvement in dengue prevention practices. CONCLUSION: Results from the study suggest that in formulating approaches to contain dengue, strategies should be developed to cultivate dengue prevention practices among urban population and target areas with low density of mosquitoes where public perceived a less likely chance of getting dengue. Dengue prevention campaigns should focus on messages highlighting the risk of contracting dengue and education to increase knowledge about dengue.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15696,

title = {Factors Associated with Complications and Postoperative Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery; a Study of 1,632 Cases},

author = {T Thanigasalam and S C Reddy and R A Zaki},

doi = {10.4103/2008-322x.158892},

issn = {2008-2010 (Print) 

2008-322x},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {J Ophthalmic Vis Res},

volume = {10},

number = {4},

pages = {375-84},

abstract = {PURPOSE: Cataract surgery is the most common intraocular surgery performed all over the world and has advanced technically in recent years. As in all surgeries, complications are unavoidable. Herein we report factors associated with complications and visual outcomes of cataract surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included data of 1,632 cataract surgeries performed from 2007 to 2010 which was obtained from the cataract registry of the Malaysian National Eye Database. Demographic features, ocular and systemic comorbidites, grade of surgeon expertise and duration of surgery, type of anesthesia, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the type of intraocular lens were recorded. Best corrected visual acuities were compared before and after the operation. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 66.9 years with equal gender distribution. The majority of subjects had age related cataracts. Phacoemulsification was done faster than other surgeries, especially by specialist surgeons. History of prior ocular surgery and operations performed under general anesthesia were associated with greater complications. Phacoemulsification was associated with less complications and better visual outcomes. The age and etiology of cataract did not affect complications. Malays, absence of ocular comorbidities, left eyes and eyes operated under local anesthesia were more likely to experience more visual improvement. Gender, age, cause of cataract, systemic comorbidities and surgeon expertise as well as intra-and postoperative complications did not affect the visual outcomes. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification had good visual outcomes in cataract surgery. Duration of surgery, expertise of the surgeon and complications did not affect the visual outcomes.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14373,

title = {Fiber and prebiotic supplementation in enteral nutrition: A systematic review and meta-analysis},

author = {M Kamarul Zaman and K F Chin and V Rai and H A Majid},

doi = {10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5372},

issn = {1007-9327},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {World J Gastroenterol},

volume = {21},

number = {17},

pages = {5372-81},

abstract = {AIM: To investigate fiber and prebiotic supplementation of enteral nutrition (EN) for diarrhea, fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, and Web of Science databases were searched for human experimental and observational cohort studies conducted between January 1990 and June 2014. The keywords used for the literature search were fiber, prebiotics and enteral nutrition. English language studies with adult patient populations on exclusive EN were selected. Abstracts and/or full texts of selected studies were reviewed and agreed upon by two independent researchers for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Tools used for the quality assessment were Jadad Scale and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Critical Appraisal of the Medical Literature. RESULTS: A total of 456 possible articles were retrieved, and 430 were excluded due to lack of appropriate data. Of the 26 remaining studies, only eight investigated the effects of prebiotics. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that overall, fiber reduces diarrhea in patients receiving EN (OR = 0.47; 95%CI: 0.29-0.77; P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis revealed a positive effect of fiber supplementation in EN towards diarrhea in stable patients (OR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.19-0.51; P \< 0.01), but not in critically ill patients (OR = 0.89; 95%CI: 0.41-1.92; P = 0.77). Prebiotic supplementation in EN does not improve the incidence of diarrhea despite its manipulative effect on bifidobacteria concentrations and SCFA in healthy humans. In addition, the effect of fiber and/or prebiotic supplementation towards fecal microbiota and SCFA remain disputable. CONCLUSION: Fiber helps minimize diarrhea in patients receiving EN, particularly in non-critically ill patients. However, the effect of prebiotics in moderating diarrhea is inconclusive.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14596,

title = {Fine-scale mapping of the 4q24 locus identifies two independent loci associated with breast cancer risk},

author = {X Guo and J Long and C Zeng and K Michailidou and M Ghoussaini and M K Bolla and Q Wang and R L Milne and X O Shu and Q Cai and J Beesley and S P Kar and I L Andrulis and H Anton-Culver and V Arndt and M W Beckmann and A Beeghly-Fadiel and J Benitez and W Blot and N Bogdanova and S E Bojesen and H Brauch and H Brenner and L A Brinton and A Broeks and T Bruning and B Burwinkel and H Cai and S V Canisius and J Chang-Claude and J Y Choi and F J Couch and A Cox and S S Cross and K Czene and H Darabi and P Devilee and A Droit and T Dork and P A Fasching and O Fletcher and H Flyger and F Fostira and V Gaborieau and M Garcia-Closas and G G Giles and M Grip and P Guenel and C A Haiman and U Hamann and M Hartman and A Hollestelle and J L Hopper and C N Hsiung and H Ito and A Jakubowska and N Johnson and M Kabisch and D Kang and S Khan and J A Knight and V M Kosma and D Lambrechts and L Le Marchand and J Li and A Lindblom and A Lophatananon and J Lubinski and A Mannermaa and S Manoukian and S Margolin and F Marme and K Matsuo and C A McLean and A Meindl and K Muir and S L Neuhausen and H Nevanlinna and S Nord and J E Olson and N Orr and P Peterlongo and T Choudary Putti and A Rudolph and S Sangrajrang and E J Sawyer and M K Schmidt and R K Schmutzler and C Y Shen and J Shi and M J Shrubsole and M C Southey and A Swerdlow and S H Teo and B Thienpont and A E Toland and R A Tollenaar and I P Tomlinson and T Truong and C C Tseng and others},

url = {http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2015/09/09/1055-9965.EPI-15-0363 

http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/24/11/1680},

doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.epi-15-0363},

issn = {1055-9965},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: A recent association study identified a common variant (rs9790517) at 4q24 to be associated with breast cancer risk. Independent association signals and potential functional variants in this locus have not been explored. METHODS: We conducted a fine-mapping analysis in 55,540 breast cancer cases and 51,168 controls from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium. RESULTS: Conditional analyses identified two independent association signals among women of European ancestry, represented by rs9790517 (conditional p = 2.51 x 10-4; OR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.07) and rs77928427 (p = 1.86 x 10-4; OR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.07). Functional annotation using data from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project revealed two putative functional variants, rs62331150 and rs73838678 in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs9790517 (r2 \> 0.90) residing in the active promoter or enhancer, respectively, of the nearest gene, TET2. Both variants are located in DNase I hypersensitivity and transcription factor binding sites. Using data from both The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC), we showed that rs62331150 was associated with level of expression of TET2 in breast normal and tumor tissue. CONCLUSION: Our study identified two independent association signals at 4q24 in relation to breast cancer risk and suggested that observed association in this locus may be mediated through the regulation of TET2. IMPACT: Fine-mapping study with large sample size warranted for identification of independent loci for breast cancer risk.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15803,

title = {Frail Elders in an Urban District Setting in Malaysia: Multidimensional Frailty and Its Correlates},

author = {J Sathasivam and S B Kamaruzzaman and F Hairi and C W Ng and K Chinna},

doi = {10.1177/1010539515583332},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {8 Suppl},

pages = {52s-61s},

abstract = {In the past decade, the population in Malaysia has been rapidly ageing. This poses new challenges and issues that threaten the ability of the elderly to independently age in place. A multistage cross-sectional study on 789 community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 60 years and above was conducted in an urban district in Malaysia to assess the geriatric syndrome of frailty. Using a multidimensional frailty index, we detected 67.7% prefrail and 5.7% frail elders. Cognitive status was a significant correlate for frailty status among the respondents as well as those who perceived their health status as very poor or quite poor; but self-rated health was no longer significant when controlled for sociodemographic variables. Lower-body weakness and history of falls were associated with increasing frailty levels, and this association persisted in the multivariate model. This study offers support that physical disability, falls, and cognition are important determinants for frailty. This initial work on frailty among urban elders in Malaysia provides important correlations and identifies potential risk factors that can form the basis of information for targeted preventive measures for this vulnerable group in their prefrail state.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14395,

title = {Fruit and vegetable consumption in relation to hepatocellular carcinoma in a multi-centre, European cohort study},

author = {C Bamia and P Lagiou and M Jenab and K Aleksandrova and V Fedirko and D Trichopoulos and K Overvad and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and F Clavel-Chapelon and M C Boutron-Ruault and M Kvaskoff and V A Katzke and T Kuhn and H Boeing and U Nothlings and D Palli and S Sieri and S Panico and R Tumino and A Naccarati and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and E Weiderpass and G Skeie and J R Quiros and A Agudo and M D Chirlaque and M J Sanchez and E Ardanaz and M Dorronsoro and U Ericson and L M Nilsson and M Wennberg and K T Khaw and N Wareham and T J Key and R C Travis and P Ferrari and M Stepien and T Duarte-Salles and T Norat and N Murphy and E Riboli and A Trichopoulou},

url = {http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v112/n7/pdf/bjc2014654a.pdf},

doi = {10.1038/bjc.2014.654},

issn = {0007-0920},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Br J Cancer},

volume = {112},

number = {7},

pages = {1273-82},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vegetable and/or fruit intakes in association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk have been investigated in case-control studies conducted in specific European countries and cohort studies conducted in Asia, with inconclusive results. No multi-centre European cohort has investigated the indicated associations. METHODS: In 486,799 men/women from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition, we identified 201 HCC cases after 11 years median follow-up. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for HCC incidence for sex-specific quintiles and per 100 g d(-1) increments of vegetable/fruit intakes. RESULTS: Higher vegetable intake was associated with a statistically significant, monotonic reduction of HCC risk: HR (100 g d(-1) increment): 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98. This association was consistent in sensitivity analyses with no apparent heterogeneity across strata of HCC risk factors. Fruit intake was not associated with HCC incidence: HR (100 g d(-1) increment): 1.01; 95% CI: 0.92-1.11. CONCLUSIONS: Vegetable, but not fruit, intake is associated with lower HCC risk with no evidence for heterogeneity of this association in strata of important HCC risk factors. Mechanistic studies should clarify pathways underlying this association. Given that HCC prognosis is poor and that vegetables are practically universally accessible, our results may be important, especially for those at high risk for the disease.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14516,

title = {Gender-dependent association of a beta(2)-adrenergic gene variant with obesity parameters in Malaysian Malays},

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

url = {http://aph.sagepub.com/content/27/2/NP154.full.pdf},

doi = {10.1177/1010539511430250},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {2},

pages = {Np154-65},

abstract = {Recent findings have shown that the rs1042714 (Gln27Glu) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the beta2-adrenoceptor gene may predispose to obesity. The findings from other studies carried on different populations, however, have been inconsistent. The authors investigated the association between the rs1042714 SNP with obesity-related parameters. DNA of 672 Malaysian Malays was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses revealed significant associations between rs1042714 and diastolic blood pressure in the pooled Malaysian Malay subjects under additive and recessive models. After gender stratification, however, a significant association was found between the rs1042714 and triglyceride and the rs1042714 and log-transformed high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Malaysian Malay men. No significant association was found between the SNP and log-transformed body mass index. This polymorphism may have an important role in the development of obesity-related traits in Malaysian Malays. Gender is an effect modifier for the effect of the rs1042714 polymorphism on obesity-related traits in Malaysian Malays.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14405,

title = {General and abdominal obesity and risk of esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition},

author = {A Steffen and J M Huerta and E Weiderpass and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and A M May and P D Siersema and R Kaaks and J Neamat-Allah and V Pala and S Panico and C Saieva and R Tumino and A Naccarati and M Dorronsoro and E Sanchez-Cantalejo and E Ardanaz and J R Quiros and B Ohlsson and M Johansson and B Wallner and K Overvad and J Halkjaer and A Tjonneland and G Fagherazzi and A Racine and F Clavel-Chapelon and T J Key and K T Khaw and N Wareham and P Lagiou and C Bamia and A Trichopoulou and P Ferrari and H Freisling and Y Lu and E Riboli and A J Cross and C A Gonzalez and H Boeing},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29432},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {3},

pages = {646-57},

abstract = {General obesity, as reflected by BMI, is an established risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a suspected risk factor for gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCC) and appears unrelated to gastric non-cardia adenocarcinoma (GNCC). How abdominal obesity, as commonly measured by waist circumference (WC), relates to these cancers remains largely unexplored. Using measured anthropometric data from 391,456 individuals from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study and 11 years of follow-up, we comprehensively assessed the association of anthropometric measures with risk of EAC, GCC and GNCC using multivariable proportional hazards regression. One hundred twenty-four incident EAC, 193 GCC and 224 GNCC were accrued. After mutual adjustment, BMI was unrelated to EAC, while WC showed a strong positive association (highest vs. lowest quintile HR = 1.19; 95% CI, 0.63-2.22 and HR = 3.76; 1.72-8.22, respectively). Hip circumference (HC) was inversely related to EAC after controlling for WC, while WC remained positively associated (HR = 0.35; 0.18-0.68, and HR=4.10; 1.94-8.63, respectively). BMI was not associated with GCC or GNCC. WC was related to higher risks of GCC after adjustment for BMI and more strongly after adjustment for HC (highest vs. lowest quintile HR = 1.91; 1.09-3.37, and HR = 2.23; 1.28-3.90, respectively). Our study demonstrates that abdominal, rather than general, obesity is an indisputable risk factor for EAC and also provides evidence for a protective effect of gluteofemoral (subcutaneous) adipose tissue in EAC. Our study further shows that general obesity is not a risk factor for GCC and GNCC, while the role of abdominal obesity in GCC needs further investigation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15757,

title = {Genome-wide association study of prostate cancer-specific survival},

author = {R Szulkin and R Karlsson and T Whitington and M Aly and H Gronberg and R A Eeles and D F Easton and Z Kote-Jarai and A A Al Olama and S Benlloch and K Muir and G G Giles and M C Southey and L M FitzGerald and B E Henderson and F R Schumacher and C A Haiman and C Sipeky and T L Tammela and B G Nordestgaard and T J Key and R C Travis and D E Neal and J L Donovan and F C Hamdy and P D Pharoah and N Pashayan and K T Khaw and J L Stanford and S N Thibodeau and S K McDonnell and D J Schaid and C Maier and W Vogel and M Luedeke and K Herkommer and A S Kibel and C Cybulski and J Lubinski and W Kluzniak and L Cannon-Albright and H Brenner and V Herrmann and B Holleczek and J Y Park and T A Sellers and H Y Lim and C Slavov and R P Kaneva and V I Mitev and A Spurdle and M R Teixeira and P Paulo and S Maia and H Pandha and A Michael and A Kierzek and J Batra and J A Clements and D Albanes and G L Andriole and S I Berndt and S Chanock and S M Gapstur and E L Giovannucci and D J Hunter and P Kraft and L Le Marchand and J Ma and A M Mondul and K L Penney and M J Stampfer and V L Stevens and S J Weinstein and A Trichopoulou and B H Bueno-de-Mesquita and A Tjonneland and D G Cox and L Maehle and J Schleutker and S Lindstrom and F Wiklund},

doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.Epi-15-0543},

issn = {1055-9965},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev},

volume = {24},

number = {11},

pages = {1796-800},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Unnecessary intervention and overtreatment of indolent disease are common challenges in clinical management of prostate cancer. Improved tools to distinguish lethal from indolent disease are critical. METHODS: We performed a genome-wide survival analysis of cause-specific death in 24,023 prostate cancer patients (3,513 disease-specific deaths) from the PRACTICAL and BPC3 consortia. Top findings were assessed for replication in a Norwegian cohort (CONOR). RESULTS: We observed no significant association between genetic variants and prostate cancer survival. CONCLUSIONS: Common genetic variants with large impact on prostate cancer survival were not observed in this study. IMPACT: Future studies should be designed for identification of rare variants with large effect sizes or common variants with small effect sizes.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14409,

title = {High producing tumor necrosis factor alpha gene alleles in protection against severe manifestations of dengue},

author = {S S Sam and B T Teoh and K Chinna and S AbuBakar},

doi = {10.7150/ijms.8988},

issn = {1449-1907},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Med Sci},

volume = {12},

number = {2},

pages = {177-86},

abstract = {Dengue virus (DENV) infection usually presents with mild self-limiting dengue fever (DF). Few however, would present with the more severe form of the disease, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). In the present study, the association between IL-12B, IL-10 and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms and dengue severity was investigated. METHODS: A case-control study was performed on a total of 120 unrelated controls, 86 DF patients and 196 DHF/DSS patients. The polymorphisms in IL-12B, IL-10 and TNF-alpha genes were genotyped using PCR-RFLP and PCR-sequencing methods. RESULTS: A protective association of TNF-alpha -308A allele and -308GA genotype against DHF/DSS was observed, while TNF-alpha -238A allele and -238GA genotype were associated with DHF/DSS. A combination of TNF-alpha -308GA+AA genotype and IL-10 non-GCC haplotypes, IL-12B pro homozygotes (pro1/pro1, pro2/pro2) and IL-12B 3'UTR AC were significantly correlated with protective effects against DHF/DSS. An association between the cytokine gene polymorphisms and protection against the clinical features of severe dengue including thrombocytopenia and increased liver enzymes was observed in this study. CONCLUSION: The overall findings of the study support the correlation of high-producer TNF-alpha genotypes combined with low-producer IL-10 haplotypes and IL-12B genotypes in reduced risk of DHF/DSS.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15729,

title = {HIV/AIDS Related Stigma and Discrimination against PLWHA in Nigerian Population},

author = {M Dahlui and N Azahar and A Bulgiba and R Zaki and O M Oche and F O Adekunjo and K Chinna},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0143749},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {12},

pages = {e0143749},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS remain a major public health concern in Nigeria. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face not only personal medical problems but also social problems associated with the disease such as stigma and discriminatory attitudes. This study provides an insight into HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination against PLWHA in Nigeria. METHODS: The data for this study was extracted from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the National Population Commission. All men and women aged 15-49 years, permanent residents and visitors of the households were eligible for the interview. Several questionnaires were used in the survey, some covering questions on HIV/AIDS. RESULTS: A total of 56 307 men and women aged 15-49 years participated in this national survey. About half of the population in Nigeria have HIV stigma. Younger persons, men, those without formal education and those within poor wealth index are more likely to have stigma towards PLWHA. In addition, married people are more likely to have stigma on PLWHA and are more likely to blame PLWHA for bringing the disease to the community. Also about half of the population discriminates against PLWHA. However, those with higher levels of education and those from higher wealth index seem to be more compassionate towards PLWHA. About 70% in the population are willing to care for relative with AIDS, even more so among those with higher level of education. CONCLUSION: There is a high level of HIV stigma and discrimination against PLWHA in the Nigerian population. Education seems to play a major role in the society with respect to HIV stigma and discrimination against PLWHA. Educating the population with factual information on HIV/AIDS is needed to reduce stigma and discrimination towards PLWHA in the community.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14376,

title = {Household catastrophic healthcare expenditure and impoverishment due to rotavirus gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization in Malaysia},

author = {T Loganathan and W S Lee and K F Lee and M Jit and C W Ng},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0125878},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {5},

pages = {e0125878},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: While healthcare costs for rotavirus gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization may be burdensome on households in Malaysia, exploration on the distribution and catastrophic impact of these expenses on households are lacking. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the economic burden, levels and distribution of catastrophic healthcare expenditure, the poverty impact on households and inequities related to healthcare payments for acute gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization in Malaysia. METHODS: A two-year prospective, hospital-based study was conducted from 2008 to 2010 in an urban (Kuala Lumpur) and rural (Kuala Terengganu) setting in Malaysia. All children under the age of 5 years admitted for acute gastroenteritis were included. Patients were screened for rotavirus and information on healthcare expenditure was obtained. RESULTS: Of the 658 stool samples collected at both centers, 248 (38%) were positive for rotavirus. Direct and indirect costs incurred were significantly higher in Kuala Lumpur compared with Kuala Terengganu (US$222 Vs. US$45; p\<0.001). The mean direct and indirect costs for rotavirus gastroenteritis consisted 20% of monthly household income in Kuala Lumpur, as compared with only 5% in Kuala Terengganu. Direct medical costs paid out-of-pocket caused 141 (33%) households in Kuala Lumpur to experience catastrophic expenditure and 11 (3%) households to incur poverty. However in Kuala Terengganu, only one household (0.5%) experienced catastrophic healthcare expenditure and none were impoverished. The lowest income quintile in Kuala Lumpur was more likely to experience catastrophic payments compared to the highest quintile (87% vs 8%). The concentration index for out-of-pocket healthcare payments was closer to zero at Kuala Lumpur (0.03) than at Kuala Terengganu (0.24). CONCLUSIONS: While urban households were wealthier, healthcare expenditure due to gastroenteritis had more catastrophic and poverty impact on the urban poor. Universal rotavirus vaccination would reduce both disease burden and health inequities in Malaysia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14380,

title = {Impact of smoking and smoking cessation on cardiovascular events and mortality among older adults: meta-analysis of individual participant data from prospective cohort studies of the CHANCES consortium},

author = {U Mons and A Muezzinler and C Gellert and B Schottker and C C Abnet and M Bobak and L Groot and N D Freedman and E Jansen and F Kee and D Kromhout and K Kuulasmaa and T Laatikainen and M G O'Doherty and B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P Orfanos and A Peters and Y T Schouw and T Wilsgaard and A Wolk and A Trichopoulou and P Boffetta and H Brenner},

doi = {10.1136/bmj.h1551},

issn = {0959-535x},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Bmj},

volume = {350},

pages = {h1551},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of smoking and smoking cessation on cardiovascular mortality, acute coronary events, and stroke events in people aged 60 and older, and to calculate and report risk advancement periods for cardiovascular mortality in addition to traditional epidemiological relative risk measures. DESIGN: Individual participant meta-analysis using data from 25 cohorts participating in the CHANCES consortium. Data were harmonised, analysed separately employing Cox proportional hazard regression models, and combined by meta-analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 503,905 participants aged 60 and older were included in this study, of whom 37,952 died from cardiovascular disease. Random effects meta-analysis of the association of smoking status with cardiovascular mortality yielded a summary hazard ratio of 2.07 (95% CI 1.82 to 2.36) for current smokers and 1.37 (1.25 to 1.49) for former smokers compared with never smokers. Corresponding summary estimates for risk advancement periods were 5.50 years (4.25 to 6.75) for current smokers and 2.16 years (1.38 to 2.39) for former smokers. The excess risk in smokers increased with cigarette consumption in a dose-response manner, and decreased continuously with time since smoking cessation in former smokers. Relative risk estimates for acute coronary events and for stroke events were somewhat lower than for cardiovascular mortality, but patterns were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Our study corroborates and expands evidence from previous studies in showing that smoking is a strong independent risk factor of cardiovascular events and mortality even at older age, advancing cardiovascular mortality by more than five years, and demonstrating that smoking cessation in these age groups is still beneficial in reducing the excess risk.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14385,

title = {Improvement in binge eating in non-diabetic obese individuals after 3 months of treatment with liraglutide - A pilot study},

author = {S A Robert and A G Rohana and S A Shah and K Chinna and W N Wan Mohamud and N A Kamaruddin},

doi = {10.1016/j.orcp.2015.03.005},

issn = {1871-403X (Print) 

1871-403x},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Obes Res Clin Pract},

volume = {9},

number = {3},

pages = {301-4},

abstract = {We examined the effects of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue on appetite and plasma ghrelin in non-diabetic obese participants with subclinical binge eating (BE). Forty-four obese BE participants (mean age: 34+/-9 years, BMI: 35.9+/-4.2kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups for 12 weeks. All participants received standard advice for diet and exercise. Binge eating score, ghrelin levels and other anthropometric variables were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study. Participants who received liraglutide showed significant improvement in binge eating, accompanied by reduction in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose and total cholesterol. Ghrelin levels were significantly increased which may potentially diminish the weight loss effects of liraglutide beyond the intervention.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14387,

title = {Inflammatory Markers and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer by Tumor Subtypes: The EPIC Cohort},

author = {J Ose and H Schock and A Tjonneland and L Hansen and K Overvad and L Dossus and F Clavel-Chapelon and L Baglietto and H Boeing and A Trichopolou and V Benetou and P Lagiou and G Masala and G Tagliabue and R Tumino and C Sacerdote and A Mattiello and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and N C Onland-Moret and E Weiderpass and I T Gram and S Sanchez and M Obon-Santacana and M J Sanchez-Perez and N Larranaga and J M Castano and E Ardanaz and J Brandstedt and E Lundin and A Idahl and R C Travis and K T Khaw and S Rinaldi and I Romieu and M A Merritt and M J Gunter and E Riboli and R Kaaks and R T Fortner},

doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-1279-t},

issn = {1055-9965},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev},

volume = {24},

number = {6},

pages = {951-61},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests an etiologic role for inflammation in ovarian carcinogenesis and heterogeneity between tumor subtypes and anthropometric indices. Prospective studies on circulating inflammatory markers and epithelial invasive ovarian cancer (EOC) have predominantly investigated overall risk; data characterizing risk by tumor characteristics (histology, grade, stage, dualistic model of ovarian carcinogenesis) and anthropometric indices are sparse. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP), IL6, and EOC risk by tumor characteristics. A total of 754 eligible EOC cases were identified; two controls (n = 1,497) were matched per case. We used multivariable conditional logistic regression to assess associations. RESULTS: CRP and IL6 were not associated with overall EOC risk. However, consistent with prior research, CRP \>10 versus CRP \</=1 mg/L was associated with higher overall EOC risk [OR, 1.67 (1.03-2.70)]. We did not observe significant associations or heterogeneity in analyses by tumor characteristics. In analyses stratified by waist circumference, inflammatory markers were associated with higher risk among women with higher waist circumference; no association was observed for women with normal waist circumference [e.g., IL6: waist \</=80: ORlog2, 0.97 (0.81-1.16); waist \>88: ORlog2, 1.78 (1.28-2.48), Pheterogeneity \</= 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that high CRP is associated with increased risk of overall EOC, and that IL6 and CRP may be associated with EOC risk among women with higher adiposity. IMPACT: Our data add to global evidence that ovarian carcinogenesis may be promoted by an inflammatory milieu.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14406,

title = {Insight into elder abuse among urban poor of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-a middle-income developing country},

author = {R Sooryanarayana and W Y Choo and N N Hairi and K Chinna and A Bulgiba},

doi = {10.1111/jgs.13217},

issn = {0002-8614},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {J Am Geriatr Soc},

volume = {63},

number = {1},

pages = {180-2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14359,

title = {Integrating Information and Communication Technology for Health Information System Strengthening: A Policy Analysis},

author = {N Marzuki and S Ismail and N Al-Sadat and F Z Ehsan and C K Chan and C W Ng},

doi = {10.1177/1010539515590180},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

abstract = {Despite the high costs involved and the lack of definitive evidence of sustained effectiveness, many low- and middle-income countries had begun to strengthen their health information system using information and communication technology in the past few decades. Following this international trend, the Malaysian Ministry of Health had been incorporating Telehealth (National Telehealth initiatives) into national health policies since the 1990s. Employing qualitative approaches, including key informant interviews and document review, this study examines the agenda-setting processes of the Telehealth policy using Kingdon's framework. The findings suggested that Telehealth policies emerged through actions of policy entrepreneurs within the Ministry of Health, who took advantage of several simultaneously occurring opportunities-official recognition of problems within the existing health information system, availability of information and communication technology to strengthen health information system and political interests surrounding the national Multimedia Super Corridor initiative being developed at the time. The last was achieved by the inclusion of Telehealth as a component of the Multimedia Super Corridor.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14208,

title = {Investigation of dietary factors and endometrial cancer risk using a nutrient-wide association study approach in the EPIC and Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII},

author = {M A Merritt and I Tzoulaki and S S Tworoger and I De Vivo and S E Hankinson and J Fernandes and K K Tsilidis and E Weiderpass and A Tjonneland and K E Petersen and C C Dahm and K Overvad and L Dossus and M C Boutron-Ruault and G Fagherazzi and R T Fortner and R Kaaks and K Aleksandrova and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and C Bamia and D Trichopoulos and D Palli and S Grioni and R Tumino and C Sacerdote and A Mattiello and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and N C Onland-Moret and P H Peeters and I T Gram and G Skeie and J R Quiros and E J Duell and M J Sanchez and D Salmeron and A Barricarte and S Chamosa and U Ericson and E Sonestedt and L M Nilsson and A Idahl and K T Khaw and N Wareham and R C Travis and S Rinaldi and I Romieu and C J Patel and E Riboli and M J Gunter},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4324546/pdf/nihms646244.pdf},

doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-0970},

issn = {1055-9965},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev},

volume = {24},

number = {2},

pages = {466-71},

abstract = {Data on the role of dietary factors in endometrial cancer development are limited and inconsistent. We applied a "nutrient-wide association study" approach to systematically evaluate dietary risk associations for endometrial cancer while controlling for multiple hypothesis tests using the false discovery rate (FDR) and validating the results in an independent cohort. We evaluated endometrial cancer risk associations for dietary intake of 84 foods and nutrients based on dietary questionnaires in three prospective studies, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC; N = 1,303 cases) followed by validation of nine foods/nutrients (FDR \</= 0.10) in the Nurses' Health Studies (NHS/NHSII; N = 1,531 cases). Cox regression models were used to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In multivariate adjusted comparisons of the extreme categories of intake at baseline, coffee was inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk (EPIC, median intake 750 g/day vs. 8.6; HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.97},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14338,

title = {Metabolomic profiles of hepatocellular carcinoma in a European prospective cohort},

author = {A Fages and T Duarte-Salles and M Stepien and P Ferrari and V Fedirko and C Pontoizeau and A Trichopoulou and K Aleksandrova and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and F Clavel-Chapelon and M C Boutron-Ruault and G Severi and R Kaaks and T Kuhn and A Floegel and H Boeing and P Lagiou and C Bamia and D Trichopoulos and D Palli and V Pala and S Panico and R Tumino and P Vineis and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and E Weiderpass and A Agudo and E Molina-Montes and J M Huerta and E Ardanaz and M Dorronsoro and K Sjoberg and B Ohlsson and K T Khaw and N Wareham and R C Travis and J A Schmidt and A Cross and M Gunter and E Riboli and A Scalbert and I Romieu and B Elena-Herrmann and M Jenab},

url = {http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/828/art%253A10.1186%252Fs12916-015-0462-9.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fbmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com%2Farticle%2F10.1186%2Fs12916-015-0462-9\&token2=exp=1457005171~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F828%2Fart%25253A10.1186%25252Fs12916-015-0462-9.pdf*~hmac=a708504d4ad94862d6c62a1ea1b19e83a66b0c304db4679c93a1bedd31e0aa30},

doi = {10.1186/s12916-015-0462-9},

issn = {1741-7015},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Med},

volume = {13},

number = {1},

pages = {242},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of liver cancer, is difficult to diagnose and has limited treatment options with a low survival rate. Aside from a few key risk factors, such as hepatitis, high alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and diabetes, there is incomplete etiologic understanding of the disease and little progress in identification of early risk biomarkers. METHODS: To address these aspects, an untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic approach was applied to pre-diagnostic serum samples obtained from first incident, primary HCC cases (n = 114) and matched controls (n = 222) identified from amongst the participants of a large European prospective cohort. RESULTS: A metabolic pattern associated with HCC risk comprised of perturbations in fatty acid oxidation and amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism was observed. Sixteen metabolites of either endogenous or exogenous origin were found to be significantly associated with HCC risk. The influence of hepatitis infection and potential liver damage was assessed, and further analyses were made to distinguish patterns of early or later diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our results show clear metabolic alterations from early stages of HCC development with application for better etiologic understanding, prevention, and early detection of this increasingly common cancer.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14383,

title = {MultiComponent Exercise and theRApeutic lifeStyle (CERgAS) intervention to improve physical performance and maintain independent living among urban poor older people--a cluster randomised controlled trial},

author = {D A Loh and N N Hairi and W Y Choo and F Mohd Hairi and D Peramalah and S Kandiben and P L Lee and N Gani and M F Madzlan and M A Abd Hamid and Z Akram and A S Chu and A Bulgiba and R G Cumming},

doi = {10.1186/s12877-015-0002-7},

issn = {1471-2318},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Geriatr},

volume = {15},

pages = {8},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ability of older people to function independently is crucial as physical disability and functional limitation have profound impacts on health. Interventions that either delay the onset of frailty or attenuate its severity potentially have cascading benefits for older people, their families and society. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a multiComponent Exercise and theRApeutic lifeStyle (CERgAS) intervention program targeted at improving physical performance and maintaining independent living as compared to general health education among older people in an urban poor setting in Malaysia. METHODS: This cluster randomised controlled trial will be a 6-week community-based intervention programme for older people aged 60 years and above from urban poor settings. A minimum of 164 eligible participants will be recruited from 8 clusters (low-cost public subsidised flats) and randomised to the intervention and control arm. This study will be underpinned by the Health Belief Model with an emphasis towards self-efficacy. The intervention will comprise multicomponent group exercise sessions, nutrition education, oral care education and on-going support and counselling. These will be complemented with a kit containing practical tips on exercise, nutrition and oral care after each session. Data will be collected over four time points; at baseline, immediately post-intervention, 3-months and 6-months follow-up. DISCUSSION: Findings from this trial will potentially provide valuable evidence to improve physical function and maintain independence among older people from low-resource settings. This will inform health policies and identify locally acceptable strategies to promote healthy aging, prevent and delay functional decline among older Malaysian adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN22749696.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14363,

title = {Perceived Barriers and Facilitators for Return to Work Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Malaysian Healthcare Professionals Experience-A Qualitative Inquiry},

author = {S L Chow and S Y Loh and T T Su},

url = {https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/juoeh/37/2/37_127/_pdf},

doi = {10.7888/juoeh.37.127},

issn = {0387-821X (Print) 

0387-821x},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {J uoeh},

volume = {37},

number = {2},

pages = {127-38},

abstract = {Return to work (RTW) can be a challenging occupational health (OH) issue among previously-employed colorectal cancer survivors. This study aimed to explore the various perceived barriers and facilitators encountered during the RTW process in cancer survivorship, from the perception of healthcare professionals (HCP). Face to face, semistructured interviews were carried out on twelve HCP (government and private sectors) from various disciplines. Data collected were transcribed verbatim and data management was aided by NVivo software 8.0. A new theory from contextual data was generated using open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The HCP shared numerous barriers and facilitators associated with RTW, under four categories. The key barriers were disturbing side effects, psychological barriers (personal factor), compensation (financial factor), poor ability to multitask (work-related factor), long paid medical leaves policy, employer's lackadaisical attitude, lack of knowledge and awareness of RTW (environmental factor). Key facilitators identified were desire to resume working life and to contribute to society (personal factor), financial pressure, maintain organizational health insurance (financial factor), less physically demanding job (work-related factor), supportive workplace and strict organizational policy on medical leaves (environmental factor). While not all HCP were trained in RTW, they all agreed that RTW is important for survivors and workplace. Occupational health doctors have a direct role in helping survivors RTW. Early Intervention on RTW during survivorship should involve occupational health doctors and employers, targeting the modifiable factors (environmental and work-related) to improve RTW after cancer.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15805,

title = {Physical Activity Among Adolescents in an East Malaysian Rural Indigenous Community: Exploring the Influence of Neighborhood Environmental Factors},

author = {R Saimon and W Y Choo and K H Chang and C J Ng and A Bulgiba},

doi = {10.1177/1010539515582220},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {8 Suppl},

pages = {33s-40s},

abstract = {This study explores the rural environmental factors that influence adolescents' participation in physical activities (PA). Thirty-six indigenous adolescents, aged 13 to 17 years from rural communities of East Malaysia were involved in the photovoice procedures: photo-taking, selecting, contextualizing, and codifying themes. Despite being endowed with natural resources such as river, forest, hills, and so on, the adolescents and the community did not capitalize on these rich resources to promote and engage in PA. Poor maintenance of natural resources, the lack of pedestrian infrastructures and road safety, the lack of PA facilities, and negative perception of ancestors' agricultural activities were among factors that constrained adolescents' PA. Although basic amenities such as play spaces and pedestrian infrastructures are necessary to increase adolescents' PA, any intervention should make the most of the natural resources, which are cheaper, environment friendly, and sustainable.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14398,

title = {Plasma elaidic acid level as biomarker of industrial trans fatty acids and risk of weight change: report from the EPIC study},

author = {V Chajes and C Biessy and P Ferrari and I Romieu and H Freisling and I Huybrechts and A Scalbert and B Bueno Mesquita and D Romaguera and M J Gunter and P Vineis and C P Hansen and M U Jakobsen and F Clavel-Chapelon and G Fagherazzi and M C Boutron-Ruault and V Katzke and J Neamat-Allah and H Boeing and U Bachlechner and A Trichopoulou and A Naska and P Orfanos and V Pala and G Masala and A Mattiello and G Skeie and E Weiderpass and A Agudo and J M Huerta and E Ardanaz and M J Sanchez and M Dorronsoro and J R Quiros and I Johansson and A Winkvist and E Sonested and T Key and K T Khaw and N J Wareham and P H Peeters and N Slimani},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4326417/pdf/pone.0118206.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0118206},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {2},

pages = {e0118206},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Few epidemiological studies have examined the association between dietary trans fatty acids and weight gain, and the evidence remains inconsistent. The main objective of the study was to investigate the prospective association between biomarker of industrial trans fatty acids and change in weight within the large study European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. METHODS: Baseline plasma fatty acid concentrations were determined in a representative EPIC sample from the 23 participating EPIC centers. A total of 1,945 individuals were followed for a median of 4.9 years to monitor weight change. The association between elaidic acid level and percent change of weight was investigated using a multinomial logistic regression model, adjusted by length of follow-up, age, energy, alcohol, smoking status, physical activity, and region. RESULTS: In women, doubling elaidic acid was associated with a decreased risk of weight loss (odds ratio (OR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.55-0.88},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15792,

title = {Polymorphisms of the resistin gene and their association with obesity and resistin levels in Malaysian Malays},

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

doi = {10.1007/s10528-015-9678-9},

issn = {0006-2928},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Biochem Genet},

volume = {53},

number = {4-6},

pages = {120-31},

abstract = {Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the resistin gene (RETN) are linked to obesity and resistin levels in various populations. However, results have been inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate association between polymorphisms in the resistin gene with obesity in a homogenous Malaysian Malay population. This study is also aimed to determine association between resistin levels with certain SNPs and haplotypes of RETN. A total of 631 Malaysian Malay subjects were included in this study and genotyping was carried out using Sequenom MassARRAY. There was no significant difference found in both allelic and genotype frequencies of each of the RETN SNPs between the obese and non-obese groups after Bonferroni correction. RETN rs34861192 and rs3219175 SNPs were significantly associated with log-resistin levels. The GG genotype carriers are found to have higher levels of log-resistin compared to A allele carriers. The RETN haplotypes (CAG, CGA and GA) were significantly associated with resistin levels. However, the haplotypes of the RETN gene were not associated with obesity. Resistin levels were not correlated to metabolic parameters such as body weight, waist circumference, body mass index, and lipid parameters. RETN SNPs and haplotypes are of apparent functional importance in the regulation of resistin levels but are not correlated with obesity and related markers.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14348,

title = {Practices of Dengue Fever Prevention and the Associated Factors among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia},

author = {J R Chandren and L P Wong and S AbuBakar},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4534093/pdf/pntd.0003954.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0003954},

issn = {1935-2727},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS Negl Trop Dis},

volume = {9},

number = {8},

pages = {e0003954},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dengue is prevalent among Malaysia's indigenous peoples, known as the Orang Asli, and it poses a serious health threat to them. The study aims to look at the socio-demographic factors, health beliefs, and knowledge about dengue and its association to dengue prevention practices among Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 16 randomly selected Orang Asli villages from eight states in Peninsular Malaysia from April 2012 until February 2013. RESULTS: A total of 560 Orang Asli were interviewed and 505 completed the survey. Slightly above half of the participants (n = 280, 55.4%) had a total dengue prevention score of 51-100 (of a possible score of 0-100). Multivariate analysis findings showed dengue knowledge, perceived barriers to perform dengue prevention, fogging frequency, and perceived susceptibility to dengue fever as significant factors associated to dengue prevention practices. Participants with a lower dengue knowledge score (score 0-18) were less likely (OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.44-0.92 vs. score 19-36},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14375,

title = {Pre-diagnostic concordance with the WCRF/AICR guidelines and survival in European colorectal cancer patients: a cohort study},

author = {D Romaguera and H Ward and P A Wark and A C Vergnaud and P H Peeters and C H Gils and P Ferrari and V Fedirko and M Jenab and M C Boutron-Ruault and L Dossus and L Dartois and C P Hansen and C C Dahm and G Buckland and M J Sanchez and M Dorronsoro and C Navarro and A Barricarte and T J Key and A Trichopoulou and C Tsironis and P Lagiou and G Masala and V Pala and R Tumino and P Vineis and S Panico and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P D Siersema and B Ohlsson and K Jirstrom and M Wennberg and L M Nilsson and E Weiderpass and T Kuhn and V Katzke and K T Khaw and N J Wareham and A Tjonneland and H Boeing and J R Quiros and M J Gunter and E Riboli and T Norat},

doi = {10.1186/s12916-015-0332-5},

issn = {1741-7015},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Med},

volume = {13},

pages = {107},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors are advised to follow lifestyle recommendations on diet, physical activity, and body fatness proposed by the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) for cancer prevention. Previous studies have demonstrated that higher concordance with these recommendations measured using an index score (the WCRF/AICR score) was associated with lower cancer incidence and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between pre-diagnostic concordance with WCRF/AICR recommendations and mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: The association between the WCRF/AICR score (score range 0-6 in men and 0-7 in women; higher scores indicate greater concordance) assessed on average 6.4 years before diagnosis and CRC-specific (n = 872) and overall mortality (n = 1,113) was prospectively examined among 3,292 participants diagnosed with CRC in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort (mean follow-up time after diagnosis 4.2 years). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality. RESULTS: The HRs (95% CIs) for CRC-specific mortality among participants in the second (score range in men/women: 2.25-2.75/3.25-3.75), third (3-3.75/4-4.75), and fourth (4-6/5-7) categories of the score were 0.87 (0.72-1.06), 0.74 (0.61-0.90), and 0.70 (0.56-0.89), respectively (P for trend \<0.0001), compared to participants with the lowest concordance with the recommendations (category 1 of the score: 0-2/0-3). Similar HRs for overall mortality were observed (P for trend 0.004). Meeting the recommendations on body fatness and plant food consumption were associated with improved survival among CRC cases in mutually adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Greater concordance with the WCRF/AICR recommendations on diet, physical activity, and body fatness prior to CRC diagnosis is associated with improved survival among CRC patients.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15740,

title = {Pre-diagnostic polyphenol intake and breast cancer survival: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort},

author = {C Kyro and R Zamora-Ros and A Scalbert and A Tjonneland and L Dossus and C Johansen and P E Bidstrup and E Weiderpass and J Christensen and H Ward and D Aune and E Riboli and M His and F Clavel-Chapelon and L Baglietto and V Katzke and T Kuhn and H Boeing and A Floegel and K Overvad and C Lasheras and N Travier and M J Sanchez and P Amiano and M D Chirlaque and E Ardanaz and K T Khaw and N Wareham and A Perez-Cornago and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and E Vasilopoulou and G Masala and S Grioni and F Berrino and R Tumino and C Sacerdote and A Mattiello and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and C Gils and S Borgquist and S Butt and A Zeleniuch-Jacquotte and M Sund and A Hjartaker and G Skeie and A Olsen and I Romieu},

doi = {10.1007/s10549-015-3595-9},

issn = {0167-6806},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Breast Cancer Res Treat},

volume = {154},

number = {2},

pages = {389-401},

abstract = {The aim was to investigate the association between pre-diagnostic intakes of polyphenol classes (flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and other polyphenols) in relation to breast cancer survival (all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality). We used data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. Pre-diagnostic usual diet was assessed using dietary questionnaires, and polyphenol intakes were estimated using the Phenol-Explorer database. We followed 11,782 breast cancer cases from time of diagnosis until death, end of follow-up or last day of contact. During a median of 6 years, 1482 women died (753 of breast cancer). We related polyphenol intake to all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality using Cox proportional hazard models with time since diagnosis as underlying time and strata for age and country. Among postmenopausal women, an intake of lignans in the highest versus lowest quartile was related to a 28 % lower risk of dying from breast (adjusted model: HR, quartile 4 vs. quartile 1, 0.72, 95 % CI 0.53; 0.98). In contrast, in premenopausal women, a positive association between lignan intake and all-cause mortality was found (adjusted model: HR, quartile 4 vs. quartile 1, 1.63, 95 % CI 1.03; 2.57). We found no association for other polyphenol classes. Intake of lignans before breast cancer diagnosis may be related to improved survival among postmenopausal women, but may on the contrary worsen the survival for premenopausal women. This suggests that the role of phytoestrogens in breast cancer survival is complex and may be dependent of menopausal status.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14390,

title = {Prediction of cardiovascular disease risk among low-income urban dwellers in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia},

author = {T T Su and M Amiri and F Mohd Hairi and N Thangiah and A Bulgiba and H A Majid},

doi = {10.1155/2015/516984},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Biomed Res Int},

volume = {2015},

pages = {516984},

abstract = {We aimed to predict the ten-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among low-income urban dwellers of metropolitan Malaysia. Participants were selected from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Kuala Lumpur. To assess the 10-year CVD risk, we employed the Framingham risk scoring (FRS) models. Significant determinants of the ten-year CVD risk were identified using General Linear Model (GLM). Altogether 882 adults (\>/=30 years old with no CVD history) were randomly selected. The classic FRS model (figures in parentheses are from the modified model) revealed that 20.5% (21.8%) and 38.46% (38.9%) of respondents were at high and moderate risk of CVD. The GLM models identified the importance of education, occupation, and marital status in predicting the future CVD risk. Our study indicated that one out of five low-income urban dwellers has high chance of having CVD within ten years. Health care expenditure, other illness related costs and loss of productivity due to CVD would worsen the current situation of low-income urban population. As such, the public health professionals and policy makers should establish substantial effort to formulate the public health policy and community-based intervention to minimize the upcoming possible high mortality and morbidity due to CVD among the low-income urban dwellers.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15899,

title = {Predictors of handgrip strength among adults of a rural community in Malaysia},

author = {F M Moy and A Darus and N N Hairi},

doi = {10.1177/1010539513510555},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {2},

pages = {176-84},

abstract = {Handgrip strength is useful for screening the nutritional status of adult population as it is strongly associated with physical disabilities and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to determine the predictors of handgrip strength among adults of a rural community in Malaysia using a cross-sectional study design with multistage sampling. All adults aged 30 years and older from 1250 households were invited to our study. Structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, occupation history, lifestyle practices, and measurements, including anthropometry and handgrip strength were taken. There were 2199 respondents with 55.2% females and majority were of Malay ethnicity. Their mean (standard deviation) age was 53.4 (13.2) years. The response rate for handgrip strength was 94.2%. Females had significantly lower handgrip strength than males (P \< .05). In the multiple linear regression models, significant predictors of handgrip strength for males were age, height, job groups, and diabetes, while for females, the significant predictors were age, weight, height, and diabetes.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14615,

title = {Prognostic role of adjuvant radiotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer: A historical cohort study},

author = {N Bhoo-Pathy and H M Verkooijen and F Y Wong and J P Pignol and A Kwong and E Y Tan and N Aishah Taib and W L Nei and G F Ho and B Tan and P Chan and S C Lee and M Hartman and C H Yip and R Dent},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29617/abstract http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1002/ijc.29617/asset/ijc29617.pdf?v=1\&t=j730rpne\&s=349ac5d7a63459f5cd8e0093ba97c6cd884aa768},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29617},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {10},

pages = {2504-12},

abstract = {The value of adjuvant radiotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is currently debated. We assessed the association between adjuvant radiotherapy and survival in a large cohort of Asian women with TNBC. Women diagnosed with TNBC from 2006 to 2011 in five Asian centers (N = 1,138) were included. Survival between patients receiving mastectomy only, breast-conserving therapy (BCT, lumpectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy) and mastectomy with radiotherapy were compared, and adjusted for demography, tumor characteristics and chemotherapy types. Median age at diagnosis was 53 years (range: 23-96 years). Median tumor size at diagnosis was 2.5 cm and most patients had lymph node-negative disease. The majority of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 861, 76%) comprising predominantly anthracycline-based regimes. In 775 women with T1-2, N0-1, M0 TNBCs, 5-year relative survival ratio (RSR) was highest in patients undergoing mastectomy only (94.7%, 95% CI: 88.8-98.8%), followed by BCT (90.8%, 95% CI: 85.0-94.7%), and mastectomy with radiotherapy (82.3%, 95% CI: 73.4-88.1%). The adjusted risks of mortality between the three groups were not significantly different. In 363 patients with T3-4, N2-3, M0 TNBCs, BCT was associated with highest 5-year RSR (94.1%, 95% CI: 81.3-99.4%), followed by mastectomy with radiotherapy (62.7%, 95% CI: 54.3-70.1%), and mastectomy only (58.6%, 95% CI: 43.5-71.6%). Following multivariable adjustment, BCT and mastectomy with radiotherapy remained significantly associated with lower mortality risk compared to mastectomy only. Overall, adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with higher survival in women aged \<40 years, but not in older women. Adjuvant radiotherapy appears to be independently associated with a survival gain in locally advanced as well as in very young TNBC.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14613,

title = {Projections of the current and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infection in Malaysia},

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

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456147/pdf/pone.0128091.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0128091},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {6},

pages = {e0128091},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Malaysia has been estimated at 2.5% of the adult population. Our objective, satisfying one of the directives of the WHO Framework for Global Action on Viral Hepatitis, was to forecast the HCV disease burden in Malaysia using modelling methods. METHODS: An age-structured multi-state Markov model was developed to simulate the natural history of HCV infection. We tested three historical incidence scenarios that would give rise to the estimated prevalence in 2009, and calculated the incidence of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and death, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) under each scenario, to the year 2039. In the baseline scenario, current antiviral treatment levels were extended from 2014 to the end of the simulation period. To estimate the disease burden averted under current sustained virological response rates and treatment levels, the baseline scenario was compared to a counterfactual scenario in which no past or future treatment is assumed. RESULTS: In the baseline scenario, the projected disease burden for the year 2039 is 94,900 DALYs/year (95% credible interval (CrI): 77,100 to 124,500), with 2,002 (95% CrI: 1340 to 3040) and 540 (95% CrI: 251 to 1,030) individuals predicted to develop decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively, in that year. Although current treatment practice is estimated to avert a cumulative total of 2,200 deaths from DC or HCC, a cumulative total of 63,900 HCV-related deaths is projected by 2039. CONCLUSIONS: The HCV-related disease burden is already high and is forecast to rise steeply over the coming decades under current levels of antiviral treatment. Increased governmental resources to improve HCV screening and treatment rates and to reduce transmission are essential to address the high projected HCV disease burden in Malaysia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15722,

title = {Psychometric Properties and Validation of the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) Inventory in an Outpatient Clinical Population in Malaysia},

author = {A Sinniah and T P Oei and K Chinna and S A Shah and T Maniam and P Subramaniam},

doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01934},

issn = {1664-1078 (Print) 

1664-1078},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Front Psychol},

volume = {6},

pages = {1934},

abstract = {The PANSI is a measure designed to assess the risk and protective factors related to suicidal behaviors. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) Inventory in a sample of clinical outpatients at a major hospital in Malaysia. In this study, 283 psychiatric patients and 200 medical (non-psychiatric) patients participated. All the patients completed the PANSI and seven other self-report instruments. Confirmative factor analysis supported the 2-factor oblique model. The internal consistency of the two subscales of PANSI-Negative and the PANSI-Positive were 0.93 and 0.84, respectively. In testing construct validity, PANSI showed sizable correlation with the other seven scales. Criterion validity was supported by scores on PANSI which differentiated psychiatric patients from medical patients. Logistic regression analyses showed PANSI can be used to classify the patients into suicidal or non-suicidal. The PANSI is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the severity of suicidal ideation among clinical outpatients in Malaysia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14469,

title = {Psychometric properties of the self-report Malay version of the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQLTM) 4.0 Generic Core Scales among multiethnic Malaysian adolescents},

author = {H A Ainuddin and S Y Loh and K Chinna and W Y Low and A C Roslani},

url = {http://chc.sagepub.com/content/19/2/229.full.pdf},

doi = {10.1177/1367493513504834},

issn = {1367-4935},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {J Child Health Care},

volume = {19},

number = {2},

pages = {229-38},

abstract = {Adolescence is the potential period for growth and optimal functioning, but developmental issues like time of transition from childhood to adulthood will create stress and affect the adolescent's quality of life (QOL). However, there is a lack of research tool for measuring adolescent's QOL in Malaysia. The aim of the study was to determine the validity and reliability of the self-report Malay version of the pediatric QOL (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales in assessing the QOL of Malaysian adolescents. A cross-sectional study design using the 23-item self-report Malay version of the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales was administered on a convenient cluster sampling (n = 297 adolescent) from a secondary school. The internal consistency reliability had Cronbach's alpha values ranging from .70 to .89. Factor analysis reported a six-factor structure via principal axis factor analysis. In conclusion, the self-report Malay version of the pediatric QOL 4.0 Generic Core Scales is a reliable and valid tool to measure the QOL of multiethnic Malaysian adolescents.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15721,

title = {Psychometric Validation of the Bahasa Malaysia Version of the EORTC QLQ-CR29},

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

issn = {1513-7368},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asian Pac J Cancer Prev},

volume = {16},

number = {18},

pages = {8101-5},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Colorectal Cancer-specific Quality Of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-CR29). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 93 patients recruited from University Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Medical Centers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia using a self-administered method. Tools included QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR29 and Karnofsky Performance Scales (KPS). Statistical analyses included Cronbach's alpha, test-retest correlations, multi-traits scaling and known-groups comparisons. A p value \</= 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The internal consistency coefficients for body image, urinary frequency, blood and mucus and stool frequency scales were acceptable (Cronbach's alpha alpha \>/= 0.65). However, the coefficients were low for the blood and mucus and stool frequency scales in patients with a stoma bag (alpha = 0.46). Test-retest correlation coefficients were moderate to high (range: r = 0.51 to 1.00) for most of the scales except anxiety, urinary frequency, buttock pain, hair loss, stoma care related problems, and dyspareunia (r \</= 0.49). Convergent and discriminant validities were achieved in all scales. Patients with a stoma reported significantly higher symptoms of blood and mucus in the stool, flatulence, faecal incontinence, sore skin, and embarrassment due to the frequent need to change the stoma bag (p \< 0.05) compared to patients without stoma. None of the scales distinguished between patients based on the KPS scores. There were no overlaps between scales in the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 (r \< 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: the BM version of the QLQ-CR29 indicated acceptable psychometric properties in most of the scales similar to original validation study. This questionnaire could be used to complement the QLQ-C30 in assessing HRQOL among BM speaking population with colorectal cancer.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15720,

title = {Psychometric Validation of the Malaysian Chinese Version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in Colorectal Cancer Patients},

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

issn = {1513-7368},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asian Pac J Cancer Prev},

volume = {16},

number = {18},

pages = {8107-12},

abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Malaysia. We aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Malaysian Chinese version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire core (QLQ-C30) in patients with colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Translated versions of the QLQ-C30 were obtained from the EORTC. A cross sectional study design was used to obtain data from patients receiving treatment at two teaching hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Malaysian Chinese version of QLQ-C30 was self-administered in 96 patients while the Karnofsky Performance Scales (KPS) was generated by attending surgeons. Statistical analysis included reliability, convergent, discriminate validity, and known-groups comparisons. Statistical significance was based on p value \</=0.05. RESULTS: The internal consistencies of the Malaysian Chinese version were acceptable [Cronbach's alpha (alpha\>/= 0.70)] in the global health status/overall quality of life (GHS/QOL), functioning scales except cognitive scale (alpha\</=0.32) in all levels of analysis, and social/family functioning scale (alpha=0.63) in patients without a stoma. All questionnaire items fulfilled the criteria for convergent and discriminant validity except question number 5, with correlation with role (r = 0.62) and social/family (r = 0.41) functioning higher than with physical functioning scales (r = 0.34). The test-retest coefficients in the GHS/QOL, functioning scales and in most of the symptoms scales were moderate to high (r = 0.58 to 1.00). Patients with a stoma reported statistically significant lower physical functioning (p=0.015), social/family functioning (p=0.013), and higher constipation (p=0.010) and financial difficulty (p=0.037) compared to patients without stoma. There was no significant difference between patients with high and low KPS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Malaysian Chinese version of the QLQ-C30 is a valid and reliable measure of HRQOL in patients with colorectal cancer.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15746,

title = {Quality of Life in CAM and Non-CAM Users among Breast Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy in Malaysia},

author = {P L Chui and K L Abdullah and L P Wong and N A Taib},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0139952},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {10},

pages = {e0139952},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has become increasingly popular among patients with cancer. The purposes of this study were to compare the QOL in CAM users and non-CAM users and to determine whether CAM use influences QOL among breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two outpatient chemotherapy centers. A total of 546 patients completed the questionnaires on CAM use. QOL was evaluated based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core quality of life (QLQ-C30) and breast cancer-specific quality of life (QLQ-BR23) questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 70.7% of patients were identified as CAM users. There was no significant difference in global health status scores and in all five subscales of the QLQ C30 functional scales between CAM users and non-CAM users. On the QLQ-C30 symptom scales, CAM users (44.96+/-3.89) had significantly (p = 0.01) higher mean scores for financial difficulties than non-CAM users (36.29+/-4.81). On the QLQ-BR23 functional scales, CAM users reported significantly higher mean scores for sexual enjoyment (6.01+/-12.84 vs. 4.64+/-12.76},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15745,

title = {Reading the mind of children in response to food advertising: a cross-sectional study of Malaysian schoolchildren's attitudes towards food and beverages advertising on television},

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

doi = {10.1186/s12889-015-2392-z},

issn = {1471-2458},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Public Health},

volume = {15},

pages = {1047},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Television food advertising (TVFA) is the most dominant medium in the obesogenic environment promoting unhealthy food choices in children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated children's attitudes towards TVFA by examining four well-cited induction factors namely advertisement recognition, favourite advertisement, purchase request, and product preference. Malaysian urban schoolchildren (7 to 12 years) of equal ethnic distribution were voluntarily recruited (n = 402). Questionnaire administration was facilitated using a food album of 24 advertised food products. RESULTS: Majority of children were older (66.2 %), girls (56.7 %) with one-third either overweight or obese. TV viewing time for weekend was greater than weekdays (4.77 +/- 2.60 vs 2.35 +/- 1.40 h/day) and Malay children spent more time watching TV compared to Chinese (p \< 0.001) and Indian (p \< 0.05) children. Chinese children spent significantly more time surfing the internet compared to either Malay or Indian (p \< 0.01). Median score trend was advertisement recognition \> favourite advertisement and product preference \> purchase request, and significantly greater (p \< 0.001) for non-core than core food advertisements. TV viewing time and ethnicity significantly influenced all induction factors for non-core foods. After correcting for all influencing factors, 'favourite advertisement' (IRRfinal adj: 1.06; 95 % CI: 1.04 to 1.08), 'purchase request' (IRRfinal adj: 1.06; 95 % CI: 1.04 to 1.08) and 'product preference' (IRRfinal adj: 1.04; 95 % CI: 1.02 to 1.07) still were significantly associated with TV viewing time. For every additional hour of TV viewing, the incidence rates increased significantly by 1.04 to 1.06 for 'favourite advertisement', 'purchase request' and 'product preference' related to non-core foods amongst Malay and Indian children. However, Chinese children only demonstrated a significant association between TV viewing time and 'favourite advertisement' (IRRadj: 1.06; 95 % CI: 1.01 to 1.10). CONCLUSION: This study highlights TVFA as a powerful medium predisposing the mind of children to non-core foods through appealing TV commercials, promoting purchase request and generating unhealthy food preferences in early childhood.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14169,

title = {Relation of Dietary Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load to Coronary Artery Calcium in Asymptomatic Korean Adults},

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

url = {http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0002914915013296/1-s2.0-S0002914915013296-main.pdf?_tid=fc65512a-66a7-11e5-9aaf-00000aab0f26\&acdnat=1443530918_1573934e4f89455fa9637edba408cdf6},

doi = {10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.05.005},

issn = {0002-9149},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Am J Cardiol},

volume = {116},

number = {4},

pages = {520-6},

abstract = {The relation between glycemic index, glycemic load, and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations between energy-adjusted glycemic index, glycemic load, and coronary artery calcium (CAC). This study was cross-sectional analysis of 28,429 asymptomatic Korean men and women (mean age 41.4 years) without a history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. All participants underwent a health screening examination between March 2011 and April 2013, and dietary intake over the preceding year was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cardiac computed tomography was used for CAC scoring. The prevalence of detectable CAC (CAC score \>0) was 12.4%. In multivariable-adjusted models, the CAC score ratios (95% confidence intervals) comparing the highest to the lowest quintile of glycemic index and glycemic load were 1.74 (1.08 to 2.81; p trend = 0.03) and 3.04 (1.43 to 6.46; p trend = 0.005), respectively. These associations did not differ by clinical subgroups, including the participants at low cardiovascular risk. In conclusion, these findings suggest that high dietary glycemic index and glycemic load were associated with a greater prevalence and degree of CAC, with glycemic load having a stronger association.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15969,

title = {Reliability and validity of the Malay International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-M) among a Malay population in Malaysia},

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

doi = {10.1177/1010539512444120},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {2},

pages = {Np2381-9},

abstract = {The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was developed to assess the physical activity patterns in populations. The authors aim to examine the reliability and validity of the Malay version of IPAQ (IPAQ-M). The IPAQ-M was self-administered twice at a 1-week interval to assess its test-retest reliability. Criterion validity was assessed between the IPAQ-M and a 7-day physical activity log (PA-Log). A total of 81 Malay adults participated in the study. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), kappa (kappa), correlation coefficients (rho), and Bland-Altman plot were used for data analyses. The ICC scores revealed moderate to good correlations (ICC = 0.54-0.92; P \< .001) on items categorized by intensities and domains and a kappa of 0.73 for total activity. Validity results from the PA-Log were statistically significant (P \< .001) across intensities and domains (rho = 0.67-0.98). The IPAQ-M demonstrated good reliability and validity for the evaluation of physical activity among this Malay population.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15827,

title = {Reproductive and hormone-related risk factors for epithelial ovarian cancer by histologic pathways, invasiveness and histologic subtypes: Results from the EPIC cohort},

author = {R T Fortner and J Ose and M A Merritt and H Schock and A Tjonneland and L Hansen and K Overvad and L Dossus and F Clavel-Chapelon and L Baglietto and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and V Benetou and P Lagiou and C Agnoli and A Mattiello and G Masala and R Tumino and C Sacerdote and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and N C Onland-Moret and P H Peeters and E Weiderpass and I Torhild Gram and E J Duell and N Larranaga and E Ardanaz and M J Sanchez and M D Chirlaque and J Brandstedt and A Idahl and E Lundin and K T Khaw and N Wareham and R C Travis and S Rinaldi and I Romieu and M J Gunter and E Riboli and R Kaaks},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29471},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {5},

pages = {1196-208},

abstract = {Whether risk factors for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) differ by subtype (i.e., dualistic pathway of carcinogenesis, histologic subtype) is not well understood; however, data to date suggest risk factor differences. We examined associations between reproductive and hormone-related risk factors for EOC by subtype in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. Among 334,126 women with data on reproductive and hormone-related risk factors (follow-up: 1992-2010), 1,245 incident cases of EOC with known histology and invasiveness were identified. Data on tumor histology, grade, and invasiveness, were available from cancer registries and pathology record review. We observed significant heterogeneity by the dualistic model (i.e., type I [low grade serous or endometrioid, mucinous, clear cell, malignant Brenner] vs. type II [high grade serous or endometrioid]) for full-term pregnancy (phet = 0.02). Full-term pregnancy was more strongly inversely associated with type I than type II tumors (ever vs. never: type I: relative risk (RR) 0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.69]; type II, RR: 0.81 [0.61-1.06]). We observed no significant differences in risk in analyses by major histologic subtypes of invasive EOC (serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell). None of the investigated factors were associated with borderline tumors. Established protective factors, including duration of oral contraceptive use and full term pregnancy, were consistently inversely associated with risk across histologic subtypes (e.g., ever full-term pregnancy: serous, RR: 0.73 [0.58-0.92]; mucinous, RR: 0.53 [0.30-0.95]; endometrioid, RR: 0.65 [0.40-1.06]; clear cell, RR: 0.34 [0.18-0.64]; phet = 0.16). These results suggest limited heterogeneity between reproductive and hormone-related risk factors and EOC subtypes.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15737,

title = {Reproductive factors and epithelial ovarian cancer survival in the EPIC cohort study},

author = {J Besevic and M J Gunter and R T Fortner and K K Tsilidis and E Weiderpass and N C Onland-Moret and L Dossus and A Tjonneland and L Hansen and K Overvad and S Mesrine and L Baglietto and F Clavel-Chapelon and R Kaaks and K Aleksandrova and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and C Bamia and G Masala and C Agnoli and R Tumino and F Ricceri and S Panico and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and M Jareid and J R Quiros and E J Duell and M J Sanchez and N Larranaga and M D Chirlaque and A Barricarte and J A Dias and E Sonestedt and A Idahl and E Lundin and N J Wareham and K T Khaw and R C Travis and S Rinaldi and I Romieu and E Riboli and M A Merritt},

doi = {10.1038/bjc.2015.377},

issn = {0007-0920},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Br J Cancer},

volume = {113},

number = {11},

pages = {1622-31},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Reproductive factors influence the risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but little is known about their association with survival. We tested whether prediagnostic reproductive factors influenced EOC-specific survival among 1025 invasive EOC cases identified in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, which included 521,330 total participants (approximately 370,000 women) aged 25-70 years at recruitment from 1992 to 2000. METHODS: Information on reproductive characteristics was collected at recruitment. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and multivariable models were adjusted for age and year of diagnosis, body mass index, tumour stage, smoking status and stratified by study centre. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 3.6 years (+/-3.2 s.d.) following EOC diagnosis, 511 (49.9%) of the 1025 women died from EOC. We observed a suggestive survival advantage in menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) users (ever vs never use},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15741,

title = {Reproductive factors and risk of mortality in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition; a cohort study},

author = {M A Merritt and E Riboli and N Murphy and M Kadi and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and K Overvad and L Dossus and L Dartois and F Clavel-Chapelon and R T Fortner and V A Katzke and H Boeing and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and D Trichopoulos and D Palli and S Sieri and R Tumino and C Sacerdote and S Panico and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and E Lund and A Nakamura and E Weiderpass and J R Quiros and A Agudo and E Molina-Montes and N Larranaga and M Dorronsoro and L Cirera and A Barricarte and A Olsson and S Butt and A Idahl and E Lundin and N J Wareham and T J Key and P Brennan and P Ferrari and P A Wark and T Norat and A J Cross and M J Gunter},

doi = {10.1186/s12916-015-0484-3},

issn = {1741-7015},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Med},

volume = {13},

pages = {252},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Reproductive events are associated with important physiologic changes, yet little is known about how reproductive factors influence long-term health in women. Our objective was to assess the relation of reproductive characteristics with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk. METHODS: The analysis was performed within the European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition prospective cohort study, which enrolled \>500,000 women and men from 1992 to 2000, who were residing in a given town/geographic area in 10 European countries. The current analysis included 322,972 eligible women aged 25-70 years with 99 % complete follow-up for vital status. We assessed reproductive characteristics reported at the study baseline including parity, age at the first birth, breastfeeding, infertility, oral contraceptive use, age at menarche and menopause, total ovulatory years, and history of oophorectomy/hysterectomy. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for menopausal status, body mass index, physical activity, education level, and smoking status/intensity and duration. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 12.9 years, 14,383 deaths occurred. The HR (95 % CI) for risk of all-cause mortality was lower in parous versus nulliparous women (0.80; 0.76-0.84), in women who had ever versus never breastfed (0.92; 0.87-0.97), in ever versus never users of oral contraceptives (among non-smokers; 0.90; 0.86-0.95), and in women reporting a later age at menarche (\>/=15 years versus \<12; 0.90; 0.85-0.96; P for trend = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Childbirth, breastfeeding, oral contraceptive use, and a later age at menarche were associated with better health outcomes. These findings may contribute to the development of improved strategies to promote better long-term health in women.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14171,

title = {Risk and Protective Factors for Cigarette Use in Young Adolescents in a School Setting: What Could Be Done Better?},

author = {M Dahlui and N K Jahan and H A Majid and M Y Jalaludin and L Murray and M Cantwell and T T Su and N Al-Sadat},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4466253/pdf/pone.0129628.pdf},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0129628},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {6},

pages = {e0129628},

abstract = {Smoking among Malaysian adolescents remains a public health concern despite concerted efforts in tobacco control. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence and determinants of current-smoking status in young adolescents. This cross sectional study used the first round of the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Research Team's prospective cohort study. It was conducted in three States of the Central and Northern regions of Peninsular Malaysia between March and May 2012. The study used the multistage stratified sampling design. A total of 1,342 adolescents of both sexes, aged 12-13 years, were sampled from randomly selected urban and rural national schools. Information on current smoking status and associated factors were collected by a self-administered, pre-tested, validated, structured questionnaire. Seven percent of the samples were current-smokers; the majority (62%) of them started smoking at the age of 11 years or below. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher in males (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.46, 3.84), those who were influenced by smoker friends (OR = 8.35; 95% CI: 4.90, 14.25), who were unaware of the health risks of smoking (OR =1.85; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.36) and who reported a lack of satisfaction about their overall life (OR =3.26; 95% CI: 1.73, 6.12). The study findings provide valuable information to strengthen the existing school-based smoking prevention program through integration of social competence and social influence curricula. The program should empower the young adolescents to refuse tobacco offers, to overcome social influences and to resist peer pressure to avoid starting smoking. Particular focuses to include mental health service to prevent both emotional and behavioural problems are needed.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14401,

title = {Risk of second primary malignancies in women with breast cancer: Results from the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC)},

author = {F Ricceri and F Fasanelli and M T Giraudo and S Sieri and R Tumino and A Mattiello and L Vagliano and G Masala and J R Quiros and N Travier and M J Sanchez and N Larranaga and M D Chirlaque and E Ardanaz and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and K Overvad and J Chang-Claude and R Kaaks and H Boeing and F Clavel-Chapelon and M Kvaskoff and L Dossus and A Trichopoulou and V Benetou and G Adarakis and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and M Sund and A Andersson and S Borgquist and S Butt and E Weiderpass and G Skeie and K T Khaw and R C Travis and S Rinaldi and I Romieu and M Gunter and M Kadi and E Riboli and P Vineis and C Sacerdote},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29462},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {4},

pages = {940-8},

abstract = {Women with a diagnosis of breast cancer are at increased risk of second primary cancers, and the identification of risk factors for the latter may have clinical implications. We have followed-up for 11 years 10,045 women with invasive breast cancer from a European cohort, and identified 492 second primary cancers, including 140 contralateral breast cancers. Expected and observed cases and Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIR) were estimated using Aalen-Johansen Markovian methods. Information on various risk factors was obtained from detailed questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the role of risk factors. Women with breast cancer had a 30% excess risk for second malignancies (95% confidence interval-CI 18-42) after excluding contralateral breast cancers. Risk was particularly elevated for colorectal cancer (SIR, 1.71, 95% CI 1.43-2.00), lymphoma (SIR 1.80, 95% CI 1.31-2.40), melanoma (2.12; 1.63-2.70), endometrium (2.18; 1.75-2.70) and kidney cancers (2.40; 1.57-3.52). Risk of second malignancies was positively associated with age at first cancer, body mass index and smoking status, while it was inversely associated with education, post-menopausal status and a history of full-term pregnancy. We describe in a large cohort of women with breast cancer a 30% excess of second primaries. Among risk factors for breast cancer, a history of full-term pregnancy was inversely associated with the risk of second primary cancer.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14350,

title = {Seroprevalence report on tick-borne encephalitis virus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus among Malaysian's farm workers},

author = {M Mohd Shukri and K Ling Kho and M Ghane Kisomi and R Lani and S Marlina and S F Muhd Radzi and S Tee Tay and L Ping Wong and A B Awang Mahmud and Q N Hassan Nizam and S Abu Bakar and K Zandi},

doi = {10.1186/s12889-015-1901-4},

issn = {1471-2458},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMC Public Health},

volume = {15},

pages = {704},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) are important tick-borne viruses. Despite their wide geographical distribution and ease of acquisition, the prevalence of both viruses in Malaysia is still unknown. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence for TBEV and CCHFV among Malaysian farm workers as a high-risk group within the population. METHODS: We gave questionnaires to 209 farm workers and invited them to participate in the study. Eighty-five agreed to do so. We then collected and tested sera for the presence of anti-TBEV IgG (immunoglobulin G) and anti-CCHFV IgG using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. We also tested seroreactive samples against three other related flaviviruses: dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) using the ELISA method. RESULTS: The preliminary results showed the presence of anti-TBEV IgG in 31 (36.5%) of 85 sera. However, when testing all the anti-TBEV IgG positive sera against the other three antigenically related flaviviruses to exclude possible cross reactivity, only five (4.2%) sera did not show any cross reactivity. Interestingly, most (70.97%) seropositives subjects mentioned tick-bite experience. However, there was no seroreactive sample for CCHFV. CONCLUSIONS: These viruses migrate to neighbouring countries so they should be considered threats for the future, despite the low seroprevalence for TBEV and no serological evidence for CCHFV in this study. Therefore, further investigation involving a large number of human, animal and tick samples that might reveal the viruses' true prevalence is highly recommended.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14381,

title = {Should the threshold for expired-air carbon monoxide concentration as a means of verifying self-reported smoking abstinence be reduced in clinical treatment programmes? Evidence from a Malaysian smokers' clinic},

author = {L H Wee and R West and J Mariapun and C M Chan and A Bulgiba and D Peramalah and S Jit},

doi = {10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.03.021},

issn = {0306-4603},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Addict Behav},

volume = {47},

pages = {74-9},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that the expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) threshold for confirming smoking abstinence in clinical practice be reduced below 10 ppm. Optimal thresholds may vary across regions. Data are needed to assess the impact of such a change on claimed success. METHODS: A total of 253 smokers who attended the Tanglin quit smoking clinic in Malaysia were followed-up 1, 3 and 6 months after the target quit date. All participants received a standard behavioural support programme and were prescribed either varenicline or nicotine replacement therapy. Expired-air CO was measured at every visit. Respondents' smoking status was assessed using a range of different CO thresholds (3, 5 and 10 ppm) and the impact on quit rates was calculated. Predictors of success as defined using the different thresholds were assessed. RESULTS: The 6-month abstinence rates were: 1 month - 54.9% at 10 ppm, 54.9% at 5 ppm and 48.6% at 3 ppm; 3 months - 36.0% at 10 ppm, 35.2% at 5 ppm and 30.4% at 3 ppm; 6 months - 24.1% at 10 ppm, 24.1% at 5 ppm and 20.6% at 3 ppm. Older smokers were more likely to be recorded as abstinent at 6 months regardless of the threshold used. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the threshold for expired-air carbon monoxide concentrations to verify claimed smoking abstinence from 10 ppm to 5 ppm makes minimal difference to documented success rates in Malaysian smoker's clinic patients. Reducing to 3 ppm decreases success rates slightly. Predictors of success at stopping appear to be unaffected by the threshold used.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14340,

title = {Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, and Markers of Subclinical Arterial Disease in Healthy Men and Women},

author = {C W Kim and Y Chang and D Zhao and M Cainzos-Achirica and S Ryu and H S Jung and K E Yun and Y Choi and J Ahn and Y Zhang and S Rampal and Y Baek and J A Lima and H Shin and E Guallar and J Cho and E Sung},

doi = {10.1161/atvbaha.115.306110},

issn = {1079-5642},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol},

volume = {35},

number = {10},

pages = {2238-45},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Short and long sleep duration are associated with increased risk of clinical cardiovascular events, but the association between sleep duration and subclinical cardiovascular disease is not well established. We examined the association between sleep duration and sleep quality with coronary artery calcification (CAC) and with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) in a large sample of young and middle-aged asymptomatic adults. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult men and women who underwent a health checkup examination, including assessment of sleep duration and quality and coupled with either CAC (n=29 203) or brachial-ankle PWV (n=18 106). The multivariate-adjusted CAC score ratios (95% confidence interval) comparing sleep durations of \</=5, 6, 8, and \>/=9 hours with 7 hours of sleep were 1.50 (1.17-1.93), 1.34 (1.10-1.63), 1.37 (0.99-1.89), and 1.72 (0.90-3.28), respectively (P for quadratic trend=0.002). The corresponding average differences in brachial-ankle PWV were 6.7 (0.75-12.6), 2.9 (-1.7 to 7.4), 10.5 (4.5-16.5), and 9.6 (-0.7 to 19.8) cm/s, respectively (P for quadratic trend=0.019). Poor subjective sleep quality was associated with CAC in women but not in men, whereas the association between poor subjective sleep quality and brachial-ankle PWV was stronger in men than in women. CONCLUSIONS: In this large study of apparently healthy men and women, extreme sleep duration and poor subjective sleep quality were associated with increased prevalence of CAC and higher PWV. Our results underscore the importance of an adequate quantity and quality of sleep to maintain cardiovascular health.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15767,

title = {Smoking and All-cause Mortality in Older Adults: Results From the CHANCES Consortium},

author = {A Muezzinler and U Mons and C Gellert and B Schottker and E Jansen and F Kee and M G O'Doherty and K Kuulasmaa and N D Freedman and C C Abnet and A Wolk and N Hakansson and N Orsini and T Wilsgaard and B Bueno-de-Mesquita and Y T Schouw and P H M Peeters and Lcpgm Groot and A Peters and P Orfanos and A Linneberg and C Pisinger and A Tamosiunas and M Baceviciene and D Luksiene and G Bernotiene and P Jousilahti and U Petterson-Kymmer and J H Jansson and S Soderberg and S Eriksson and N Jankovic and M J Sanchez and G Veronesi and S Sans and W Drygas and A Trichopoulou and P Boffetta and H Brenner},

doi = {10.1016/j.amepre.2015.04.004},

issn = {0749-3797},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Am J Prev Med},

volume = {49},

number = {5},

pages = {e53-e63},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Smoking is known to be a major cause of death among middle-aged adults, but evidence on its impact and the benefits of smoking cessation among older adults has remained limited. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the influence of smoking and smoking cessation on all-cause mortality in people aged \>/=60 years. METHODS: Relative mortality and mortality rate advancement periods (RAPs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards models for the population-based prospective cohort studies from Europe and the U.S. (CHANCES [Consortium on Health and Ageing: Network of Cohorts in Europe and the U.S.]), and subsequently pooled by individual participant meta-analysis. Statistical analyses were performed from June 2013 to March 2014. RESULTS: A total of 489,056 participants aged \>/=60 years at baseline from 22 population-based cohort studies were included. Overall, 99,298 deaths were recorded. Current smokers had 2-fold and former smokers had 1.3-fold increased mortality compared with never smokers. These increases in mortality translated to RAPs of 6.4 (95% CI=4.8, 7.9) and 2.4 (95% CI=1.5, 3.4) years, respectively. A clear positive dose-response relationship was observed between number of currently smoked cigarettes and mortality. For former smokers, excess mortality and RAPs decreased with time since cessation, with RAPs of 3.9 (95% CI=3.0, 4.7), 2.7 (95% CI=1.8, 3.6), and 0.7 (95% CI=0.2, 1.1) for those who had quit \<10, 10 to 19, and \>/=20 years ago, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking remains as a strong risk factor for premature mortality in older individuals and cessation remains beneficial even at advanced ages. Efforts to support smoking abstinence at all ages should be a public health priority.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14352,

title = {Smoking and All-cause Mortality in Older Adults: Results From the CHANCES Consortium},

author = {A Muezzinler and U Mons and C Gellert and B Schottker and E Jansen and F Kee and M G O'Doherty and K Kuulasmaa and N D Freedman and C C Abnet and A Wolk and N Hakansson and N Orsini and T Wilsgaard and B Bueno-de-Mesquita and Y T Schouw and P H Peeters and L C Groot and A Peters and P Orfanos and A Linneberg and C Pisinger and A Tamosiunas and M Baceviciene and D Luksiene and G Bernotiene and P Jousilahti and U Petterson-Kymmer and J H Jansson and S Soderberg and S Eriksson and N Jankovic and M J Sanchez and G Veronesi and S Sans and W Drygas and A Trichopoulou and P Boffetta and H Brenner},

doi = {10.1016/j.amepre.2015.04.004},

issn = {0749-3797},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Am J Prev Med},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Smoking is known to be a major cause of death among middle-aged adults, but evidence on its impact and the benefits of smoking cessation among older adults has remained limited. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the influence of smoking and smoking cessation on all-cause mortality in people aged \>/=60 years. METHODS: Relative mortality and mortality rate advancement periods (RAPs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards models for the population-based prospective cohort studies from Europe and the U.S. (CHANCES [Consortium on Health and Ageing: Network of Cohorts in Europe and the U.S.]), and subsequently pooled by individual participant meta-analysis. Statistical analyses were performed from June 2013 to March 2014. RESULTS: A total of 489,056 participants aged \>/=60 years at baseline from 22 population-based cohort studies were included. Overall, 99,298 deaths were recorded. Current smokers had 2-fold and former smokers had 1.3-fold increased mortality compared with never smokers. These increases in mortality translated to RAPs of 6.4 (95% CI=4.8, 7.9) and 2.4 (95% CI=1.5, 3.4) years, respectively. A clear positive dose-response relationship was observed between number of currently smoked cigarettes and mortality. For former smokers, excess mortality and RAPs decreased with time since cessation, with RAPs of 3.9 (95% CI=3.0, 4.7), 2.7 (95% CI=1.8, 3.6), and 0.7 (95% CI=0.2, 1.1) for those who had quit \<10, 10 to 19, and \>/=20 years ago, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking remains as a strong risk factor for premature mortality in older individuals and cessation remains beneficial even at advanced ages. Efforts to support smoking abstinence at all ages should be a public health priority.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14361,

title = {Subtypes of fruit and vegetables, variety in consumption and risk of colon and rectal cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition},

author = {M Leenders and P D Siersema and K Overvad and A Tjonneland and A Olsen and M C Boutron-Ruault and N Bastide and G Fagherazzi and V Katzke and T Kuhn and H Boeing and K Aleksandrova and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and E Klinaki and G Masala and S Grioni and M Santucci De Magistris and R Tumino and F Ricceri and P H Peeters and E Lund and G Skeie and E Weiderpass and J R Quiros and A Agudo and M J Sanchez and M Dorronsoro and C Navarro and E Ardanaz and B Ohlsson and K Jirstrom and B Van Guelpen and M Wennberg and K T Khaw and N Wareham and T J Key and I Romieu and I Huybrechts and A J Cross and N Murphy and E Riboli and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29640},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {11},

pages = {2705-14},

abstract = {Previously, a lower risk of colorectal cancer was observed with fruit and vegetable consumption in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition within a follow-up period of 9 years which was not fully supported by a recent meta-analysis. Therefore, we were interested in the relation with extended follow-up, also focusing on single subtypes and a variety of intake of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed at baseline. After an average of 13 years of follow-up, 3,370 participants were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer. Diet diversity scores were constructed to quantify variety in fruit and vegetable consumption. A lower risk of colon cancer was observed with higher self-reported consumption of fruit and vegetable combined (HR Q4 vs. Q1 0.87, 95% CI 0.75-1.01, p for trend 0.02), but no consistent association was observed for separate consumption of fruits and vegetables. No associations with risk of rectal cancer were observed. The few observed associations for some fruit and vegetable subtypes with colon cancer risk may have been due to chance. Variety in consumption of fruits and vegetables was not associated with a lower risk of colon or rectal cancer. Although a lower risk of colon cancer is suggested with high consumption of fruit and vegetables, this study does not support a clear inverse association between fruit and vegetable consumption and colon or rectal cancer beyond a follow-up of more than 10 years. Attenuation of the risk estimates from dietary changes over time cannot be excluded, but appears unlikely.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14358,

title = {Surveillance of adult Aedes mosquitoes in Selangor, Malaysia},

author = {S M Lau and I Vythilingam and J I Doss and S D Sekaran and T H Chua and W Y Wan Sulaiman and K Chinna and Y A Lim and B Venugopalan},

doi = {10.1111/tmi.12555},

issn = {1360-2276},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Trop Med Int Health},

volume = {20},

number = {10},

pages = {1271-80},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of using sticky traps and the NS1 dengue antigen kit for the surveillance of Aedes mosquitoes for dengue control. METHODS: Apartments were selected in a dengue-endemic area, and sticky traps were set to capture adult Aedes mosquitoes. NS1 dengue antigen kit was used to detect dengue antigen in mosquitoes, and positive mosquitoes were serotyped using real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The sticky traps were effective in capturing Aedes aegypti, and a minimum of three traps per floor was sufficient. Multiple serotypes were found in individual mosquitoes. CONCLUSION: The sticky trap and the NS1 dengue antigen test kit can be used as surveillance tool in dengue control programmes. This proactive method will be better suited for control programmes than current reactive methods.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14377,

title = {TERT gene harbors multiple variants associated with pancreatic cancer susceptibility},

author = {D Campa and C Rizzato and R Stolzenberg-Solomon and P Pacetti and P Vodicka and S P Cleary and G Capurso and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and J Werner and M Gazouli and K Butterbach and A Ivanauskas and N Giese and G M Petersen and P Fogar and Z Wang and C Bassi and M Ryska and G E Theodoropoulos and C Kooperberg and D Li and W Greenhalf and C Pasquali and T Hackert and C S Fuchs and B Mohelnikova-Duchonova and C Sperti and N Funel and A K Dieffenbach and N J Wareham and J Buring and I Holcatova and E Costello and C F Zambon and J Kupcinskas and H A Risch and P Kraft and P M Bracci and R Pezzilli and S H Olson and H D Sesso and P Hartge and O Strobel and E Malecka-Panas and K Visvanathan and A A Arslan and S Pedrazzoli and P Soucek and D Gioffreda and T J Key and R Talar-Wojnarowska and A Scarpa and A Mambrini and E J Jacobs and K Jamroziak and A Klein and F Tavano and F Bambi and S Landi and M A Austin and L Vodickova and H Brenner and S J Chanock and G Delle Fave and A Piepoli and M Cantore and W Zheng and B M Wolpin and L T Amundadottir and F Canzian},

url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29590/abstract},

doi = {10.1002/ijc.29590},

issn = {0020-7136},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Int J Cancer},

volume = {137},

number = {9},

pages = {2175-83},

abstract = {A small number of common susceptibility loci have been identified for pancreatic cancer, one of which is marked by rs401681 in the TERT-CLPTM1L gene region on chromosome 5p15.33. Because this region is characterized by low linkage disequilibrium, we sought to identify whether additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be related to pancreatic cancer risk, independently of rs401681. We performed an in-depth analysis of genetic variability of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and the telomerase RNA component (TERC) genes, in 5,550 subjects with pancreatic cancer and 7,585 controls from the PANcreatic Disease ReseArch (PANDoRA) and the PanScan consortia. We identified a significant association between a variant in TERT and pancreatic cancer risk (rs2853677, odds ratio = 0.85; 95% confidence interval = 0.80-0.90},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14379,

title = {The 11-item Medication Adherence Reasons Scale: reliability and factorial validity among patients with hypertension in Malaysian primary healthcare settings},

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

doi = {10.11622/smedj.2015069},

issn = {0037-5675 (Print) 

0037-5675},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Singapore Med J},

volume = {56},

number = {8},

pages = {460-7},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a modified Malaysian version of the Medication Adherence Reasons Scale (MAR-Scale). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the 15-item MAR-Scale was administered to 665 patients with hypertension who attended one of the four government primary healthcare clinics in the Hulu Langat and Klang districts of Selangor, Malaysia, between early December 2012 and end-March 2013. The construct validity was examined in two phases. Phase I consisted of translation of the MAR-Scale from English to Malay, a content validity check by an expert panel, a face validity check via a small preliminary test among patients with hypertension, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Phase II involved internal consistency reliability calculations and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). RESULTS: EFA verified five existing factors that were previously identified (i.e. issues with medication management, multiple medications, belief in medication, medication availability, and the patient's forgetfulness and convenience), while CFA extracted four factors (medication availability issues were not extracted). The final modified MAR-Scale model, which had 11 items and a four-factor structure, provided good evidence of convergent and discriminant validities. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was \> 0.7, indicating good internal consistency of the items in the construct. The results suggest that the modified MAR-Scale has good internal consistencies and construct validity. CONCLUSION: The validated modified MAR-Scale (Malaysian version) was found to be suitable for use among patients with hypertension receiving treatment in primary healthcare settings. However, the comprehensive measurement of other factors that can also lead to non-adherence requires further exploration.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15748,

title = {The Association between Glyceraldehyde-Derived Advanced Glycation End-Products and Colorectal Cancer Risk},

author = {S Y Kong and M Takeuchi and H Hyogo and G McKeown-Eyssen and S Yamagishi and K Chayama and P J O'Brien and P Ferrari and K Overvad and A Olsen and A Tjonneland and M C Boutron-Ruault and N Bastide and F Carbonnel and T Kuhn and R Kaaks and H Boeing and K Aleksandrova and A Trichopoulou and P Lagiou and E Vasilopoulou and G Masala and V Pala and M Santucci De Magistris and R Tumino and A Naccarati and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and P H Peeters and E Weiderpass and J R Quiros and P Jakszyn and M J Sanchez and M Dorronsoro and D Gavrila and E Ardanaz and M Rutegard and H Nystrom and N J Wareham and K T Khaw and K E Bradbury and I Romieu and H Freisling and F Stavropoulou and M J Gunter and A J Cross and E Riboli and M Jenab and W R Bruce},

doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.Epi-15-0422},

issn = {1055-9965},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev},

volume = {24},

number = {12},

pages = {1855-63},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: A large proportion of colorectal cancers are thought to be associated with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle exposures, particularly energy excess, obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia. It has been suggested that these processes stimulate the production of toxic reactive carbonyls from sugars such as glyceraldehyde. Glyceraldehyde contributes to the production of a group of compounds known as glyceraldehyde-derived advanced glycation end-products (glycer-AGEs), which may promote colorectal cancer through their proinflammatory and pro-oxidative properties. The objective of this study nested within a prospective cohort was to explore the association of circulating glycer-AGEs with risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 1,055 colorectal cancer cases (colon n = 659; rectal n = 396) were matchced (1:1) to control subjects. Circulating glycer-AGEs were measured by a competitive ELISA. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusting for potential confounding factors, including smoking, alcohol, physical activity, body mass index, and diabetes status. RESULTS: Elevated glycer-AGEs levels were not associated with colorectal cancer risk (highest vs. lowest quartile, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.82-1.49). Subgroup analyses showed possible divergence by anatomical subsites (OR for colon cancer, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.57-1.22; OR for rectal cancer, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.14-3.19; Pheterogeneity = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study, circulating glycer-AGEs were not associated with risk of colon cancer, but showed a positive association with the risk of rectal cancer. IMPACT: Further research is needed to clarify the role of toxic products of carbohydrate metabolism and energy excess in colorectal cancer development.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15736,

title = {The association of coffee intake with liver cancer risk is mediated by biomarkers of inflammation and hepatocellular injury: data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition},

author = {K Aleksandrova and C Bamia and D Drogan and P Lagiou and A Trichopoulou and M Jenab and V Fedirko and I Romieu and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and T Pischon and K Tsilidis and K Overvad and A Tjonneland and M C Bouton-Ruault and L Dossus and A Racine and R Kaaks and T Kuhn and C Tsironis and E M Papatesta and G Saitakis and D Palli and S Panico and S Grioni and R Tumino and P Vineis and P H Peeters and E Weiderpass and M Lukic and T Braaten and J R Quiros and L Lujan-Barroso and M J Sanchez and M D Chilarque and E Ardanas and M Dorronsoro and L M Nilsson and M Sund and P Wallstrom and B Ohlsson and K E Bradbury and K T Khaw and N Wareham and M Stepien and T Duarte-Salles and N Assi and N Murphy and M J Gunter and E Riboli and H Boeing and D Trichopoulos},

doi = {10.3945/ajcn.115.116095},

issn = {0002-9165},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Am J Clin Nutr},

volume = {102},

number = {6},

pages = {1498-508},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Higher coffee intake has been purportedly related to a lower risk of liver cancer. However, it remains unclear whether this association may be accounted for by specific biological mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the potential mediating roles of inflammatory, metabolic, liver injury, and iron metabolism biomarkers on the association between coffee intake and the primary form of liver cancer-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DESIGN: We conducted a prospective nested case-control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition among 125 incident HCC cases matched to 250 controls using an incidence-density sampling procedure. The association of coffee intake with HCC risk was evaluated by using multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression that accounted for smoking, alcohol consumption, hepatitis infection, and other established liver cancer risk factors. The mediating effects of 21 biomarkers were evaluated on the basis of percentage changes and associated 95% CIs in the estimated regression coefficients of models with and without adjustment for biomarkers individually and in combination. RESULTS: The multivariable-adjusted RR of having \>/=4 cups (600 mL) coffee/d compared with \<2 cups (300 mL)/d was 0.25 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.62; P-trend = 0.006). A statistically significant attenuation of the association between coffee intake and HCC risk and thereby suspected mediation was confirmed for the inflammatory biomarker IL-6 and for the biomarkers of hepatocellular injury glutamate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and total bilirubin, which-in combination-attenuated the regression coefficients by 72% (95% CI: 7%, 239%). Of the investigated biomarkers, IL-6, AST, and GGT produced the highest change in the regression coefficients: 40%, 56%, and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the inverse association of coffee intake with HCC risk was partly accounted for by biomarkers of inflammation and hepatocellular injury.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15830,

title = {The CD14 C-260T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) modulates monocyte/macrophage activation in treated HIV-infected individuals},

author = {R Rajasuriar and Y Y Kong and R Nadarajah and N K Abdullah and T Spelman and M Y Yuhana and S Ponampalavanar and A Kamarulzaman and S R Lewin},

doi = {10.1186/s12967-015-0391-6},

issn = {1479-5876},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {J Transl Med},

volume = {13},

pages = {30},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: HIV-infected individuals have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). T-allele carriers of the CD14 C-260T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) have reported increased expression of the LPS-binding receptor, CD14 and inflammation in the general population. Our aim was to explore the relationship of this SNP with monocyte/macrophage activation and inflammation and its association with sub-clinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected individuals. METHODS: Patients with no pre-existing CVD risk factors on suppressive antiretroviral therapy were recruited from University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia (n = 84). The CD14 C-260T and TLR4 SNPs, Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile were genotyped and soluble(s) CD14 and sCD163 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP were measured in plasma. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by measuring carotid intima media thickness (cIMT). The association between CD14 C-260T SNP carriage and cIMT was assessed in a multivariable quantile regression model where a p-value of \<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We found the CD14 C-260T T-allele in 56% of the cohort and evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in 27%. TT genotype was associated with higher sCD163 (p = 0.009) but only marginally higher sCD14 (p = 0.209) and no difference in hsCRP (p = 0.296) compared to CC/CT. In multivariable analysis, only Framingham risk score was independently associated with higher cIMT while lower sCD163 was trending towards significance. No association was found in TT-genotype carriers and cIMT measurements. CONCLUSION: The CD14 C-260T SNP was associated with increased monocyte activation but not systemic inflammation or cIMT in this HIV-infected cohort with low CVD risk profile.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14368,

title = {The Cost of Dengue Vector Control Activities in Malaysia by Different Service Providers},

author = {P R Packierisamy and C W Ng and M Dahlui and B Venugopalan and Y A Halasa and D S Shepard},

doi = {10.1177/1010539515589339},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

abstract = {We examined variations in dengue vector control costs and resource consumption between the District Health Departments (DHDs) and Local Authorities (LAs) to assist informed decision making as to the future roles of these agencies in the delivery of dengue vector control services in Malaysia. Data were collected from the vector control units of DHDs and LAs in 8 selected districts. We captured costs and resource consumption in 2010 for premise inspection for mosquito breeding sites, fogging to destroy adult mosquitoes and larviciding of potential breeding sites. Overall, DHDs spent US$5.62 million or US$679 per case and LAs spent US$2.61 million or US$499 per case. The highest expenditure for both agencies was for fogging, 51.0% and 45.8% of costs for DHDs and LAs, respectively. The DHDs had higher resource costs for human personnel, vehicles, pesticides, and equipment. The findings provide some evidence to rationalize delivery of dengue vector control services in Malaysia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14403,

title = {The impact of dyspepsia on symptom severity and quality of life in adults with headache},

author = {M L Tai and N Norhatta and K J Goh and F M Moy and R Sujarita and A A Asraff and Q Z Lee and J H Ng and E C Tan and S Mahadeva},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0115838},

issn = {1932-6203},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {PLoS One},

volume = {10},

number = {1},

pages = {e0115838},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia and headache frequently co-exist, but the clinical implication of this association is uncertain. We planned to examine the prevalence and impact of dyspepsia in adults with headache. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a secondary care setting. Clinical, psychological and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) data were compared between subjects with headache and controls (non-headache subjects). The impact of dyspepsia was analysed further in subjects with headache alone. RESULTS: 280 subjects (93 cases with headache and 187 matched controls) were recruited. The following baseline characteristics of subjects were as follows: mean age 45.0 +/- 17.3 years, 57.0% females and ethnic distribution-Malaysian = 45 (48.4%), Chinese n = 24 (25.8%) and Indians n = 24 (25.8%). Headache sub-types among cases with headache were as follows: tension-type headache (TTH) n = 53 (57.0%) and migraine n = 40 (43.0%). Dyspepsia was more prevalent in cases with headache compared to controls (25.8% vs 12.8%},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15742,

title = {The Malaysian Breast Cancer Survivorship Cohort (MyBCC): a study protocol},

author = {T Islam and N Bhoo-Pathy and T T Su and H A Majid and A M Nahar and C G Ng and M Dahlui and S Hussain and M Cantwell and L Murray and N A Taib},

doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008643},

issn = {2044-6055},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMJ Open},

volume = {5},

number = {10},

pages = {e008643},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Over recent decades, the burden of breast cancer has been increasing at an alarming rate in Asia. Prognostic research findings from Western countries may not readily be adapted to Asia, as the outcome of breast cancer depends on a multitude of factors ranging from genetic, clinical and histological predictors, to lifestyle and social predictors. The primary aim of this study is to determine the impact of lifestyle (eg, nutrition, physical activity), mental and sociocultural condition, on the overall survival and quality of life (QoL) among multiethnic Malaysian women following diagnosis of breast cancer. This study aims to advance the evidence on prognostic factors of breast cancer within the Asian setting. The findings may guide management of patients with breast cancer not only during active treatment but also during the survivorship period. METHODS: This hospital-based prospective cohort study will comprise patients with breast cancer (18 years and above), managed in the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). We aim to recruit 1000 cancer survivors over a 6-year period. Data collection will occur at baseline (within 3 months of diagnosis), 6 months, and 1, 3 and 5 years following diagnosis. The primary outcomes are disease-free survival and overall survival, and secondary outcome is QoL. Factors measured are demographic and socioeconomic factors, lifestyle factors (eg, dietary intake, physical activity), anthropometry measurements (eg, height, weight, waist, hip circumference, body fat analysis), psychosocial aspects, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by the UMMC Ethical Committee in January 2012. All participants are required to provide written informed consent. The findings from our cohort study will be disseminated via scientific publication as well as presentation to stakeholders including the patients, clinicians, the public and policymakers, via appropriate avenues.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14421,

title = {The perceived cancer-related financial hardship among patients and their families: a systematic review},

author = {M Azzani and A C Roslani and T T Su},

url = {http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/229/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00520-014-2474-y.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs00520-014-2474-y\&token2=exp=1449624652~acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F229%2Fart%25253A10.1007%25252Fs00520-014-2474-y.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs00520-014-2474-y*~hmac=e710d95aef075a2a3cf5a33d34bbad28b1ddc6b8a765ef551ea0f24538a64792},

doi = {10.1007/s00520-014-2474-y},

issn = {0941-4355},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Support Care Cancer},

volume = {23},

number = {3},

pages = {889-98},

abstract = {PURPOSE: The escalating health-care spending for cancer management has caused cancer patients to struggle further as a result of financial burden. This systematic review was carried out to investigate the prevalence of perceived financial hardship and associated factors among cancer patients and their families. METHODS: A systematic search for studies concerning the perception of financial burden among cancer patients and their families was conducted. Several electronic resources such as Medline, Elsevier (Science Direct), Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus (SciVerse) were searched. Additionally, manual search through indices citation was also thoroughly utilized. The main outcome of interest was the prevalence of perceived financial hardship among cancer patients and their families. Studies reported only the cost of cancer treatment and qualitative studies were excluded. Our search was limited to articles that were published from 2003 to 2013. RESULT: Ten studies were included in this review and with a majority originating from high-income countries. The prevalence of the financial burden perception was reported between 14.8 and 78.8 %. The most frequent and significant risk factor reported associated with the perception of financial difficulty was the households with low income. Discontinuation of treatment and poverty were conversely the important consequences of financial burden in cancer patients and their families. CONCLUSION: Evidently, cancer is a long-term illness that requires a high financial cost, and a significant number of cancer patients and families struggle with financial difficulty. Identifying such groups with a high risk of facing financial difficulty is a crucial measure to ensure safety nets are readily available for these targeted population.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14618,

title = {The predictive accuracy of PREDICT: a personalized decision-making tool for Southeast Asian women with breast cancer},

author = {H S Wong and S Subramaniam and Z Alias and N A Taib and G F Ho and C H Ng and C H Yip and H M Verkooijen and M Hartman and N Bhoo-Pathy},

url = {http://graphics.tx.ovid.com/ovftpdfs/FPDDNCMCCDLBCB00/fs046/ovft/live/gv025/00005792/00005792-201502040-00019.pdf},

doi = {10.1097/md.0000000000000593},

issn = {0025-7974},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Medicine (Baltimore)},

volume = {94},

number = {8},

pages = {e593},

abstract = {Web-based prognostication tools may provide a simple and economically feasible option to aid prognostication and selection of chemotherapy in early breast cancers. We validated PREDICT, a free online breast cancer prognostication and treatment benefit tool, in a resource-limited setting. All 1480 patients who underwent complete surgical treatment for stages I to III breast cancer from 1998 to 2006 were identified from the prospective breast cancer registry of University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Calibration was evaluated by comparing the model-predicted overall survival (OS) with patients' actual OS. Model discrimination was tested using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 50 years. The median tumor size at presentation was 3 cm and 54% of patients had lymph node-negative disease. About 55% of women had estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Overall, the model-predicted 5 and 10-year OS was 86.3% and 77.5%, respectively, whereas the observed 5 and 10-year OS was 87.6% (difference: -1.3%) and 74.2% (difference: 3.3%), respectively; P values for goodness-of-fit test were 0.18 and 0.12, respectively. The program was accurate in most subgroups of patients, but significantly overestimated survival in patients aged \<40 years, and in those receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. PREDICT performed well in terms of discrimination; areas under ROC curve were 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.81) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68-0.78) for 5 and 10-year OS, respectively. Based on its accurate performance in this study, PREDICT may be clinically useful in prognosticating women with breast cancer and personalizing breast cancer treatment in resource-limited settings.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14413,

title = {The Will Rogers phenomenon in the staging of breast cancer - does it matter?},

author = {G H Tan and N Bhoo-Pathy and N A Taib and M H See and S Jamaris and C H Yip},

doi = {10.1016/j.canep.2014.11.005},

issn = {1877-7821},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Cancer Epidemiol},

volume = {39},

number = {1},

pages = {115-7},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Changes in the American Joint Commission on Cancer staging for breast cancer occurred when the 5th Edition was updated to the 6th Edition. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how these changes affected stage and survival. METHODS: 3127 cases of breast cancer were restaged. RESULTS: Late stages increased from 27.7% to 38.1%. The five-year survival improved in Stage 2 (82.9-86.1%) and Stage 3 (50.6-59%). DISCUSSION: Stage shift leads to an erroneous impression that women are presenting with later stages and stage-specific survival is improving. CONCLUSION: Standardizing cancer staging is important when reporting stage and survival in different time periods.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14353,

title = {Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) among Study Population with Cardiovascular Risk; use and Substitution for Conventional Medicine in Pahang, Malaysia},

author = {Y Kew and Y L Chia and S M Lai and K Y Chong and X L Ho and D W Liew and F M Moy and S Selvarajah},

issn = {0300-5283 (Print) 

0300-5283},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Med J Malaysia},

volume = {70},

number = {2},

pages = {86-92},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia. There is evidence of high traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use among population with cardiovascular risk and there have been anecdotal reports about substitution of conventional medicines with TCM. We investigated the prevalence of TCM use, treatment preference and substitution of conventional medicines in study population with cardiovascular risk factors in Pahang, Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in five districts of Pahang. A total of 1250 households were chosen through proportionate and systematic sampling. Respondents aged 18 years and above were selected. RESULTS: The study population with cardiovascular risk factors who used TCM was higher than the general population (31.7% versus 25.9%). There were no clear preferences in using TCM by gender, age groups, educational level and income even though other bumiputeras showed a slight inclination towards TCM use. Among the study population with cardiovascular risk factors who consumed TCM, 20-30% of them were using TCM as a substitute for their conventional medications. Respondents from the younger age group (18-40 years) (57.1%), highest educational level (43.2%), other bumiputeras (38.4%) and highest income group (31.4%) preferred the combination of both conventional and traditional medicine. CONCLUSION: TCM use among population with cardiovascular risk factors is high. The high preference for combination therapy of TCM and conventional medications among young adults and the use of TCM to substitute conventional medications show that much research is needed to provide proven TCM therapies to avoid self-mismanagement of cardiovascular risk in Malaysia.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15739,

title = {Trends in presentation, management and survival of patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer in a Southeast Asian setting},

author = {N Bhoo-Pathy and H M Verkooijen and E Y Tan and H Miao and N A Taib and J S Brand and R A Dent and M H See and S Subramaniam and P Chan and S C Lee and M Hartman and C H Yip},

doi = {10.1038/srep16252},

issn = {2045-2322},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Sci Rep},

volume = {5},

pages = {16252},

abstract = {Up to 25% of breast cancer patients in Asia present with de novo metastatic disease. We examined the survival trends of Asian patients with metastatic breast cancer over fifteen years. The impact of changes in patient's demography, tumor characteristics, tumor burden, and treatment on survival trend were examined. Patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer from three hospitals in Malaysia and Singapore (N = 856) were grouped by year of diagnosis: 1996-2000, 2001-2005 and 2006-2010. Step-wise multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate the contribution of above-mentioned factors on the survival trend. Proportions of patients presenting with metastatic breast cancer were 10% in 1996-2000, 7% in 2001-2005, and 9% in 2006-2010. Patients in 2006-2010 were significantly older, appeared to have higher disease burden, and received more chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and surgery of primary tumor. The three-year relative survival in the above periods were 20.6% (95% CI: 13.9%-28.2%), 28.8% (95% CI: 23.4%-34.2%), and 33.6% (95% CI: 28.8%-38.5%), respectively. Adjustment for treatment considerably attenuated the relative excess risk of mortality in recent years, compared to other factors. Substantial improvements in survival were observed in patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer in this study.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14614,

title = {Utility of pre-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio as prognostic factors in breast cancer},

author = {C H Koh and N Bhoo-Pathy and K L Ng and R S Jabir and G H Tan and M H See and S Jamaris and N A Taib},

url = {http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v113/n1/pdf/bjc2015183a.pdf},

doi = {10.1038/bjc.2015.183},

issn = {0007-0920},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Br J Cancer},

volume = {113},

number = {1},

pages = {150-8},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood-derived inflammation-based scores such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have recently been proposed as prognostic markers in solid tumours. Although evidence to support these markers as unfavourable prognostic factors is more compelling in gastrointestinal cancers, very little is known of their impact on breast cancer. We investigated the association between the NLR and PLR, and overall survival after breast cancer. METHODS: Data from the University of Malaya Medical Centre Breast Cancer Registry was used. Of 2059 consecutive patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2008, we included 1435 patients with an available pre-treatment differential blood count ( approximately 70%). Patients were stratified into quintiles of the NLR/PLR. Multivariable Cox regression was used to determine the independent prognostic significances of the NLR/PLR. RESULTS: Compared with the first quintile of the NLR, women in quintile 5 were younger, had bigger tumours, nodal involvement, distant metastases and higher tumour grades. Higher NLR quintiles were significantly associated with poorer survival with a 5-year relative survival ratio (RSR) of 76.4% (95% CI: 69.6-82.1%) in quintile 1, 79.4% (95% CI: 74.4-83.7%) in quintile 2, 72.1% (95% CI: 66.3-77.3%) in quintile 3, 65.6% (95% CI: 59.8-70.8%) in quintile 4 and 51.1% (95% CI: 43.3-58.5%) in quintile 5. Following adjustment for demography, tumour characteristics, treatment and the PLR, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for quintile 5 vs quintile 1 was 1.50 (95% CI: 1.08-1.63); Ptrend=0.004. Results were unchanged when the NLR was analysed as a dichotomous variable using different cutoff points. Although patients in PLR quintile 5 had lower survival than in quintile 1 (5-year RSR: 53.2% (95% CI: 46.9-59.2%) vs 77.0% (95% CI: 70.9-82.2%)), this association was not significant after multivariable adjustment. However, a PLR \>185 was significantly associated with poorer survival; adjusted HR: 1.25 (95% CI: 1.04-1.52). CONCLUSIONS: Both the NLR and PLR are independently associated with an increased risk of mortality in breast cancer. Their added value in the prognostication of breast cancer in clinical practice warrants investigation.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14423,

title = {Utilization of the emergency department by older residents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia},

author = {M A Mohd Mokhtar and T M Pin and M I Zakaria and N N Hairi and S B Kamaruzzaman and C A Vyrn and P P Hua},

doi = {10.1111/ggi.12369},

issn = {1447-0594},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Geriatr Gerontol Int},

volume = {15},

number = {8},

pages = {944-50},

abstract = {AIM: To determine the pattern of utilization of emergency department (ED) services by older patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, compared with younger patients in the same setting. METHODS: The sociodemographics, clinical characteristics and resource utilization of consecutive patients attending the adult ED at the University Malaya Medical Center were recorded during a typical week. RESULTS: A total of 1649 patients were included in the study; 422/1649 (25.6%) were aged \>/=60 years and 1077 (74.4%) were aged \<60 years. Older adult patients were more likely to be diagnosed with ischemic heart disease (12.6% vs 2.5%, P \< 0.001), and more likely to require investigations such as electrocardiogram (68.1% vs 16.6%, P \< 0.001) or chest X-rays (67.6% vs 24.0%, P \< 0.001) than their younger counterparts. Logistic regression methods showed that older adults remained an independent predictor of hospital admission (OR 2.75, 95% CI 2.11-3.57). CONCLUSION: The ratio of older adult patients attending our ED over the proportion of older people in the general population was 26:6, which is far higher than reported in previous published studies carried out in other countries. Older ED attenders are also more likely to require investigations, procedures and hospital admissions. With the rapidly aging population in Malaysia, reconfiguration of resources will need to occur at a compatible rate in order to ensure that the healthcare needs of our older adults are met. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 944-950.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14371,

title = {Validation of the Framingham general cardiovascular risk score in a multiethnic Asian population: a retrospective cohort study},

author = {Y C Chia and S Y Gray and S M Ching and H M Lim and K Chinna},

url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4442208/pdf/bmjopen-2014-007324.pdf},

doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007324},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {BMJ Open},

volume = {5},

number = {5},

pages = {e007324},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the validity of the Framingham general cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk chart in a primary care setting. DESIGN: This is a 10-year retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A primary care clinic in a teaching hospital in Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS: 967 patients' records were randomly selected from patients who were attending follow-up in the clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline demographic data, history of diabetes and smoking, blood pressure (BP), and serum lipids were captured from patient records in 1998. Each patient's Framingham CVD score was computed from these parameters. All atherosclerotic CVD events occurring between 1998 and 2007 were counted. RESULTS: In 1998, mean age was 57 years with 33.8% men, 6.1% smokers, 43.3% diabetics and 59.7% hypertensive. Median BP was 140/80 mm Hg and total cholesterol 6.0 mmol/L (1.3). The predicted median Framingham general CVD risk score for the study population was 21.5% (IQR 1.2-30.0) while the actual CVD events that occurred in the 10 years was 13.1% (127/967). The median CVD points for men was 30.0, giving them a CVD risk of more than 30%; for women it is 18.5, a CVD risk of 21.5%. Our study found that the Framingham general CVD risk score to have moderate discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.63. It also discriminates well for Malay (AUC 0.65},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14388,

title = {Validity and reliability of the hausa version of multidimensional scale of perceived social support index},

author = {A H Mohammad and N Al Sadat and S Y Loh and K Chinna},

doi = {10.5812/ircmj.18776},

issn = {2074-1804 (Print) 

2074-1804},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Iran Red Crescent Med J},

volume = {17},

number = {2},

pages = {e18776},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Social support has been identified as one of the key factors for enhancing the quality of life after stroke. However, a scientific tool that is valid for evaluating social support among stroke survivors in Nigeria has not been developed so far. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Hausa translated versions of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and to validate it for future use in clinical research in Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 140 adult stroke survivors attending rehabilitation services at stroke referral centers in Kano, Nigeria. The psychometric analysis of the Hausa-MSPSS involved face, content, criterion and construct validity tests, as well as internal and test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess validity of the three-factor (Family, Friends and Significant others) model for the Hausa-MSPSS. RESULTS: Based on expert panel, clinicians' review and patients' feedback, the 12 item Hausa-MSPSS had sufficient face, content and criterion validity. In reliability analysis, the Cronbach's alpha was 0.781. In test-retest reliability analysis, the minimum kappa value was 0.673. In Confirmatory factor analysis, the three-factor model was not acceptable. An alternative two-factor model with Family and Friends, as the two domain was found to be acceptable (Chi-square/df \< 3, TLI, CFI \> 0.9, RMSEA \< 0.08). The average variances extracted for the two constructs were 0.5 and 0.7, respectively. The R-squared value between the two constructs was 0.397. Cross validity tested using 1000 bootstrap resamples gave satisfactory results (P = 0.079). CONCLUSIONS: The 11 item Hausa-MSPSS index is valid for the assessment of perceived social support among stroke survivors in Nigeria.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN15758,

title = {Violence Against Children in the Asia Pacific Region: The Situation Is Becoming Clearer},

author = {M P Dunne and W Y Choo and B Madrid and R Subrahmanian and L Rumble and S Blight and M C Maternowska},

doi = {10.1177/1010539515602184},

issn = {1010-5395},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Asia Pac J Public Health},

volume = {27},

number = {8 Suppl},

pages = {6s-8s},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RN14341,

title = {WHO guidelines for a healthy diet and mortality from cardiovascular disease in European and American elderly: the CHANCES project},

author = {N Jankovic and A Geelen and M T Streppel and L C Groot and J C Kiefte-de Jong and P Orfanos and C Bamia and A Trichopoulou and P Boffetta and M Bobak and H Pikhart and F Kee and M G O'Doherty and G Buckland and J Woodside and O H Franco and M A Ikram and E A Struijk and A Pajak and S Malyutina and R Kubinova and M Wennberg and Y Park and H B Bueno-de-Mesquita and E Kampman and E J Feskens},

doi = {10.3945/ajcn.114.095117},

issn = {0002-9165},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Am J Clin Nutr},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a leading cause of mortality worldwide, especially in the elderly. Lowering the number of CVD deaths requires preventive strategies targeted on the elderly. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to generate evidence on the association between WHO dietary recommendations and mortality from CVD, coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke in the elderly aged \>/=60 y. DESIGN: We analyzed data from 10 prospective cohort studies from Europe and the United States comprising a total sample of 281,874 men and women free from chronic diseases at baseline. Components of the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) included saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, mono- and disaccharides, protein, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and fruit and vegetables. Cohort-specific HRs adjusted for sex, education, smoking, physical activity, and energy and alcohol intakes were pooled by using a random-effects model. RESULTS: During 3,322,768 person-years of follow-up, 12,492 people died of CVD. An increase of 10 HDI points (complete adherence to an additional WHO guideline) was, on average, not associated with CVD mortality (HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.03), CAD mortality (HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.85, 1.14), or stroke mortality (HR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.03). However, after stratification of the data by geographic region, adherence to the HDI was associated with reduced CVD mortality in the southern European cohorts (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.96; I2 = 0%) and in the US cohort (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.87; I2 = not applicable). CONCLUSION: Overall, greater adherence to the WHO dietary guidelines was not significantly associated with CVD mortality, but the results varied across regions. Clear inverse associations were observed in elderly populations in southern Europe and the United States.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}