Malaysian Population Research Articles

A comparative study on mandibular premolar root canal morphology employing cone-beam computed tomography and microcomputed tomography imaging

Aim:The present study was to investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in Malaysian population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scanned images.Materials and Methods:Sixty selected mandibular premolars were evaluated in vitro and the root canal morphologies of the samples were categorized based on Vertucci's classification. The position of apical foramen, presence, and location of lateral canal, as well as prevalence of apical delta, were also determined.Results:Invariably, Type I variety (Vertucci's classification) was the most frequent root canal morphology followed by Type V and Type III after micro-CT imaging. CBCT investigation also revealed Type I as the most numerous; however, the second most common configuration was Type III followed closely by others. There was a moderate agreement in Vertucci's classification of root canal configuration and also prevalence of apical delta (kappa: 0.516 and 0.550, respectively). However, only a fair agreement (kappa: 0.289) was observed between CBCT and micro-CT on the prevalence of lateral canal.Conclusion:CBCT should be cautiously used in determining root canal configuration as deficiencies were evident and revealed during micro-CT imaging.

Sex Estimation Using the First Lumbar Vertebra by Geometric Morphometric Analysis of 3D Computed Tomography in the Malaysian Population

Sex Estimation Using the First Lumbar Vertebra by Geometric Morphometric Analysis of 3D Computed Tomography in the Malaysian Population

FATHER ABSENCE AND LIFE HISTORY STRATEGY OUTCOMES AMONG MALAYSIAN WOMEN

Understanding about the life history strategy (LHS) of Malaysian women who experienced father absence (FA) during childhood is limited. This systematic literature review (SLR) pursued a narrative synthesis methodology to investigate the links between FA and six life history (LH) decision-nodes constitutive of an individual’s LHS: pubertal timing, number of offspring, first marriage timing, first birth timing, sexual debut age, and sexual partner count in the Malaysian female population. It investigated if these decision-nodes clustered together to lie predictably on the slow-to-fast continuum. On July 17, 2022, APA PsycARTICLES, ICTRP, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest, CT.gov, Scopus, and Embase were searched for studies published prior to December 2021. One cross-sectional study, involving 567 women was found relevant. The review found that FA at any time in childhood was not linked with pubertal age or number of offspring but only FA experienced during late childhood, not early childhood was associated with a swifter age of getting married and giving birth for the first time. It found that FA did not provoke a grouping of LH decision-nodes that were describable as ‘slow’ and ‘fast’. The review yielded no results on how FA relates to sexual debut age and sexual partner count. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT) examined risk of bias and found the study to be low-risk. These findings have implications for LH decision-making research, fathering research, extant theories on fathers’ influence on daughters’ psychosexuality, LH theory’s postulation of a slow-to-fast continuum, Malaysian family policies, and Malaysian daughters from father-absent homes.

Psychometric Properties of the Malay Version of Peer Pressure Scale Questionnaire-Revised

Background: Adolescence is a critical period of transition from childhood to adulthood and involves changes in a child’s biological, emotional, and social aspects. An adolescent’s behavior and actions are largely impacted by peer pressure. The Peer Pressure Scale Questionnaire-Revised (PPSQ-r) is a tool for assessing the susceptibility of adolescents to peer pressure. Aims: This study aimed to translate and validate PPSQ-r for examining the impact of peer pressure among Malaysian adolescents. Methods: A forward-backward translation was executed in accordance with the established guidelines. The face validity of the questionnaire was assessed by a panel of experts from the relevant fields. 25 items of the questionnaire were tested for principal component analysis (PCA), and internal consistency was appraised via Cronbach’s α. Results: A total of 143 respondents among selected secondary school students were used in this study. The age range of the respondents was 13 to 18 years, with a mean age of 15 (SD = 1.316). One component was extracted via PCA, and one item was removed because of poor factor loading. 24 retained items exhibited excellent reliability with Cronbach’s α value of 0.932. The mean score for the PPSQ-r Malay version was 42.88 (SD = 16.57). Conclusion: PPSQ-r Malay version is reliable and valid as a peer pressure assessment tool among adolescents in Malaysia. However, the development of the norms based on the Malaysian adolescent population is recommended for risk classifications.

Circulating miRNAs in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with and without Albuminuria in Malaysia

Introduction: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Dysregulation of circulating miRNAs has been reported, suggesting their pathological roles in DKD. This study aimed to investigate differentially expressed miRNAs in the sera of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with and without albuminuria in a selected Malaysian population. Method: Forty-one T2DM patients on follow-up at a community clinic were divided into normo-(NA), micro-(MIC), and macroalbuminuria (MAC) groups. Differential levels of miRNAs in 12 samples were determined using the pathway-focused (human fibrosis) miScript miRNA qPCR array and was validated in 33 samples, using the miScript custom qPCR array (CMIHS02742) (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany). Results: Trends of upregulation of 3 miRNAs in the serum, namely, miR-874-3p, miR-101-3p, and miR-145-5p of T2DM patients with MAC compared to those with NA. Statistically significant upregulation of miR-874-3p (p = 0.04) and miR-101-3p (p = 0.01) was seen in validation cohort. Significant negative correlations between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and miR-874-3p (p = 0.05), miR-101-3p (p = 0.03), and miR-145-5p (p = 0.05) as well as positive correlation between miR-874-3p and age (p = 0.03) were shown by Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis. Conclusion: Upregulation of previously known miRNA, namely, miR-145-5p, and possibly novel ones, namely, miR-874-3p and miR-101-3p in the serum of T2DM patients, was found in this study. There was a significant correlation between the eGFR and these miRNAs. The findings of this study have provided encouraging evidence to further investigate the putative roles of these differentially expressed miRNAs in DKD.

Penilaian Pengetahuan, Sikap, Dan Praktik Pelaku Industri Pariwisata Terhadap Covid-19 Di Labuan Bajo

Cases of pneumonia caused by the novel corona virus or 2019-nCoV, known as COVID-19 have spread throughout the world. One of the industries affected by the massive spread of the disease is tourism. This happens because human movement is restricted. West Manggarai Regency, which has Labuan Bajo as a priority tourism destination in Indonesia, is experiencing a loss of local revenue (PAD). Moreover, tourism is the largest passenger of PAD in West Manggarai Regency. In response to the impact of tourism, the government reopened Komodo National Park. A quantitative approach to data collection through surveys is the method used in this study. The sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling technique, where the individuals who were the respondents had certain criteria according to the research needs, such as age and the field of tourism where they worked. There is a measuring tool in this study adapted from a study of the knowledge, attitudes and practices (PSP) of the Malaysian population against COVID-19 in Malaysia and China. Therefore, researchers consider it necessary to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of tourism industry players towards COVID-19 as a basis for assessing the readiness of industry players to open the flow of tourists to Labuan Bajo during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study show that tourism industry players in Labuan Bajo have low knowledge scores about COVID-19, an optimistic attitude that the COVID-19 pandemic will be controlled, and in practice tourism industry players use masks and wash their hands with soap or hand. sanitizer in everyday life, but still visit crowded places even though it's not urgent.

Reference Intervals in Malaysia: A Performance Evaluation and Comparison of Haematological Parameters between Sysmex Xe-5000 and Xn-3000

The Sysmex XN-3000 is a new automated haematology analyser designed to improve the accuracy of cell counts and the specificity of the flagging events of unusual parameters. By comparing the previous full blood count (FBC) reference intervals in Malaysia for Sysmex XE-5000, we determined a reference interval for all parameters measured by the Sysmex XN-3000 for the Malaysian population.

The Relationship of Facial Measurements with the Mesiodistal Width of the Maxillary Anterior TeethWidth of the Maxillary Anterior Teeth

The relationship between facial measurements and the size of the maxillary anterior teeth in the Malaysian population is still a point of contention. Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish a relationship between facial measurements and the mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth (MDW), which could be used to guide the selection of anterior teeth for complete denture construction. Methods: The facial and dental measurements were obtained directly from 170 Malay adults aged between 19 to 35 who had morphologically normal permanent maxillary anterior teeth from canine to canine. The facial dimensions measured were interpupillary distance (IPD), intercanthal distance (ICD) and interalar distance (IAD). The facial dimensions were measured using a digital vernier calliper while the mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth was measured with a flexible ruler. The three facial dimensions were correlated with MDW for both genders. Results: The IPD and IAD were significantly (p>0.001) larger in males (IPD: 68.30±4.24mm; IAD: 39.60±2.54mm) than in females (IPD: 65.93±3.91mm; IAD: 36.96±2.29). There was no significant correlation between any of the facial dimensions and MDW in males or females. Conclusion: For the studied population, the interpupillary, intercanthal, and interalar distances may not be used as reliable guides when determining the size of maxillary anterior teeth in complete denture construction

Genetic variants involved in innate immunity modulate the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases in an understudied Malaysian population.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions comprising two major subtypes: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The incidence of IBD is increasing in Asian countries including Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine whether 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with IBD from genome-wide association studies, performed mainly in Caucasian populations, are associated with IBD in a Malaysian population, correlating these findings with local and systemic inflammation. Selected SNPs were investigated in a Malaysian cohort comprising 36 IBD patients and 75 controls using customized matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight genotyping. Local mRNA and/or systemic protein levels of IL-10, IL-12, IL-22, IL-23, and TNF-α were measured in these same subjects. ATG16L2 rs11235667 and LINC00824 rs6651252 was significantly associated with increased CD risk while IL12B rs56167332 was a significant protective factor. Three SNPs (SBNO2 rs2024092, CARD9 rs10781499, and rs17085007 between GPR12-USP12) were significantly associated with increased UC risk while NKX2-3 rs4409764 was a significant protective factor. After adjusting for age, gender, and ethnicity, SBNO2 rs2024092, ATG16L2 rs11235667, CARD9 rs10781499, and LINC00824 rs6651252 remained associated with IBD. Interestingly, the risk alleles of IL10 rs3024505, CARD9 rs1078149, and IL12 rs6556412 were associated with higher levels of IL-10, IL-22, and IL-23 in these same subjects, respectively. This study identified eight SNPs associated with IBD and/or its subtypes in the Malaysia population, significantly advancing our understanding of the genetic contribution to IBD in this understudied population. Three of these SNPs modulated relevant cytokine levels and thus, may directly contribute to IBD pathogenesis.

Medication Adherence for Haemophilia Patients: Outcome of Prophylaxis Treatment Intervention.

There have been various Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs) set up worldwide with innovative blood factor stewardship programs. Pharmacists have been an extended part of stewardship programs providing daily rounds with haematologists, treatment plan modifications, and dosage adjustment recommendations. The Haemophilia Treatment Centres in Malaysia contain the Haemophilia Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (HMTAC), which recruits adolescent and adult populations. There have not been any adherence studies conducted on pharmacist-steered HMTAC since initiation. The current research generates baseline data to produce treatment plans and intervention measures needed for therapy optimisation in the Malaysian population. This study also explores the relationship between medication adherence, bleeding rate, and comorbidity. This cross-sectional study involved retrospective and prospective data collection using the Validated Haemophilia Regimen Treatment Adherence Scale–Prophylaxis (VERITAS-Pro) in Ampang Hospital. The retrospective data collection included reviewing patients’ medical records, bleeding diaries, and VERITAS-Pro questionnaires pre-enrolment to HMTAC. Meanwhile, the prospective data collection was the VERITAS-Pro questionnaire administration post a minimum of three months after enrolment. The inclusion criteria were patients with severe haemophilia A and B with ages ≥18 years with self-administered prophylactic regimens for a minimum period of three months. There were six (5.8%) nonadherent participants, and 97 (94.2%) adhered to the preventive treatment. The subscale dosing and remembering and the total score of the VERITAS-Pro post-HMTAC showed a significant association with ABR. There was a significant mean reduction in the post-HMTAC compared to the pre-HMTAC score for the total score and subscales timing, remembering, skipping, and communicating. There was a significant association between the post-HMTAC adherence status and ABR. It can be concluded that the HMTAC service pioneered by the pharmacists in the National Referral Centre of Haematology is efficient in significantly improving the VERITAS-Pro scoring and then translating it into a high medication adherence rate. This study also highlights a significant correlation between post-HMTAC scores on their adherence with ABR and comorbidities.

Translation and validation of Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)

Introduction: Food insecurity has a complex and multifaceted concept and definition, thus assessing it has been an ongoing challenge for researchers, health practitioners, and policy makers. Previous studies reported inconsistent findings on the prevalence and severity of food insecurity, depending on the measuring tools used. To overcome this limitation, this study aimed to translate and validate the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) for Malaysians, which has been used as a standard measurement by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Methods: Two forward and backward translations involving experts in food insecurity studies and experts in language were done, as well as the pre-test and cognitive interview stipulated in World Health Organization (WHO) translation guidelines. Content and face validity were conducted as part of the validation process. Content Validity Index (CVI) was done to analyse content validity. Results: The harmonised Malay version of FIES was produced with 1.0 CVI, which was above the 0.8 criteria. Face validity showed good understandability and clarity of FIES. Conclusion: The translated Malay version of FIES had good acceptability, as well as good face validity when tested among the target audience. Thus, a full validation study of the Malay version FIES should be done before it is widely used to measure food insecurity in the population, specifically the Malaysian population.

Clinical presentation, treatment and 2-year prognosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA): A single centre study in Malaysia

Recent studies showed MINOCA patients have comparable clinical outcomes to myocardial infarction with obstructive coronary artery disease (MI-CAD) patients. Data from the Malaysian population is however still lacking.

Utility of dutch lipid clinic network score to estimate prevalence of familial hypercholestrolemia in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is underdiagnosed globally, and in Malaysia. FH is associated with elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C), and predisposes an individual to premature cardiovascular disease, including the life threatening clinical manifestations such as acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients admitted with STEMI in Malaysia are comparatively younger than those admitted in developed countries. The Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria has been proposed to identify patients with FH, and community data in the Malaysian population has been published.

Three-year clinical outcome of fractional flow reserve guided coronary revascularization with monorail pressure microcatheter

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has a Class 1A recommendation for guiding coronary revascularization in stable coronary artery disease. Deferral of revascularization for coronary stenosis of FFR >0.80 has shown favorable long-term outcomes, yet the adoption in real-world practice is limited. To date, there is no study on FFR guided PCI in the Malaysian population.

Real world clinical outcomes of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A Malaysian experience

PARADIGM-HF trial showed the evidence for cardiovascular and mortality benefit of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), over Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (enalapril) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, patients from real world clinical practice may differ from those enrolled into randomized controlled trials and little is known about ARNI use & its impact in local Malaysian population.

Liver Transplantation in Malaysia: Needs, Obstacles, and Opportunities.

Liver Transplantation in Malaysia: Needs, Obstacles, and Opportunities.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Malay Version of Sports Motivation Scale-II.

The 18-item Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-II) is one of the most-utilised scales measuring athletes’ motivation and its psychometric properties. However, we found no Malay version used to examine the Malaysian multi-ethnic population. Thus, the study aimed to translate and validate the SMS-II into the Malay version using confirmatory factor analysis. A total of 436 (16.44 ± 1.22) state athletes were asked to complete the SMS-II Malay version, which utilised the forward–backwards translation method. The results showed an acceptable fit with the data (CFI = 0.906, SRMR = 0.064; RMSEA = 0.056) and internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha value that exceeded 0.50, which supported its usage for the assessment of motivation among the multi-ethnic Malaysian athletes. The Cronbach’s alpha values of all the factors were satisfactory, except for introjected regulation. Thus, further studies are needed to improve the reliability of such factors. Nonetheless, the Malay version of SMS-II was found to be valid and reliable for assessing the level of motivation of the multi-ethnic Malaysian athletes.

Lightning safety awareness level in Malaysia.

Introduction: Malaysia is one of the countries with the highest lightning flash density globally. While sufficiency of lightning protection system is crucial to ensure human safety against lightning strikes, the public awareness towards lightning safety is also equally important in Malaysia. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the current lightning safety awareness level of the Malaysian population. Methods: An online questionnaire survey which consists of 22 scientific statements of lightning was first developed in Malay and English. The questionnaire allows the respondent to also check their own score upon completion of the questionnaire. It was then distributed to the public for data collection. The sample size comprised of both genders, all layers of society from various educational level and social background. Results: Overall, the awareness on lightning safety amongst Malaysian is at moderate level with an average score of slightly above 50%. Urbanites scored marginally better than their rural counterparts. One's education level does not dictate their awareness level of lightning safety. Discussion: In conclusion, the public in Malaysia needs to be better educated on lightning safety. Similar studies should be replicated in other countries experiencing similar levels of lightning activity to better understand the public's perception on lightning.

Separating ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ in Front Pages’ Headlines of Malay-Language Newspapers during Malaysian 14th General Election

The study uses socio-cognitive approach from Van Dijk (2000) to examine main headlines on newspaper front-pages of Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian during the campaigning period of Malaysian’s 14th general election in 2018. For this analysis, 47 news headlines were chosen to highlight the discursive strategies used by the two dailies and how language and power were manipulated within Malaysian population. For many decades, ruling government of Barisan Nasional (BN), controlled the mass media and had justified the act as ensuring the national development and security of the country. These were obvious during general elections when the government expects the Malaysian press to help upholding the state’s influence over the society. The in-depth representational analysis suggests that the headlines were written positively when the news were about 'us' and the headlines were treated in negativity when the reports were about 'them'. Thus, this confirms that the Malay-language newspapers are inclined to serve their political masters’ interests so that they are able to stay in power.

Correlation Study Between Clinical Special Tests for Myelopathy and Static MRI Parameters in Patients of Malaysian Population Treated for Cervical Dysfunction

Introduction: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the imaging modality of choice, but its findings are not completely specific for clinically significant CSM. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the pathoanatomy of CSM in patients and analyze the correlations between clinical key symptoms, myelopathic signs, and MRI findings.Methods: Patients with CSM aged 30 to 80 years old with no previous cervical spine disease or injuries were recruited. Clinical parameters include myelopathic hand signs and other clinical-specific tests. The MRI findings were analyzed for level of compression, underlying degenerative pathology, and parameters for cord compression.Results: Thirty patients were recruited. The most common myelopathic signs observed were positive Hoffmann’s sign and the presence of reverse brachioradialis reflex. All patients had either degenerative or prolapse disc changes on MRI. There was a positive correlation between the clinical key features with MRI parameters for canal and cord diameter. The transverse cord diameter, cord compression ratio, and approximate cord area were the only independent variables related to almost all the positive clinical specific tests. All three have a moderate to strong correlation with the clinical findings.Conclusion: The MRI parameters such as canal and cord size of the cervical spine are an objective reflection of compression on the spinal cord. Correlations observed indicate cord compression that plays a major role in the pathophysiology of CSM. These measurements are sensitive indicators of canal stenosis and play a significant role in predicting the severity and outcome of CSM.