Microscopic Evaluation Of The Natural Coral (Porties spp.) Post-implantation In Sheep Femur.

Bone defects resulting from congenital defects, tumor or trauma are conventionally repaired using bone graft. Allogenic and xenogenic bone grafts are used as alternatives but several problems are generally associated with them such as virus transfer, considerable care, high cost and regular immuna-defensive reaction

Acute effect of low and high glycemic index meals on post- prandial glycemia and insulin responses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction:Post-prandial hyperglycemia is an important independent risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease in diabetes. This randomised cross-over study was conducted to compare the post-prandial glycemic and insulin responses to both high and low glycemic index (GI) meals in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods:A total of 41 patients with established T2DM (16 males, 25 females, Age= 55 + 10 years and BMI= 27 + 4 kg/m2) were randomly given either a High GI or a Low GI meal in a cross-over manner. Both test meals were separated by one week washout periods. The meals contained almost the same amount of energy and macronutrients with the exception of the GI values(High GI=70 vs Low GI= 36). Venous blood was taken through an indwelling catheter periodically at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes respectively. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was used to calculate the post-prandial glycemia and insulin excursion over the 3-hour period. Results: The low GI meal induced lower glycemic responses at times 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes (mean+SE; low GI=8.1+0.4, 9.1+0.4, 8.9+0.4 and 8.5 +0.4mmol/l vs high GI= 9.1+0.4, 10.7+0.4, 11.0+0.5 and 9.7 +0.5 mmol/l) and reduced the insulin levels at time 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes (mean+SE; low GI= 17.1+1.7, 21.1+2.0, 20.4+1.7,18.5+1.8 vs high GI= 25.0+2.5, 31.2+2.9, 29.8 +3.0 and 23.0+2.3 μIU/ml)(p<0.05). The area under the glycemic (mean+SE; low GI= 215.93 + 15.9 mmol.L/minute vs high GI= 419.52 + 32.7 mmol.L/minute) and insulin (mean +SE; low GI= 1439.76 + 226 vs high GI= 2372.76 + 317μ IU.ml/min) curves were lower after the low GI than high GI meal respectively (p<0.05).Conclusion: The low GI meal has the ability to reduce the post-prandial hyperglycemia as well insulin responses in type 2 diabetes patients

Improvement of dietary quality with the aid of a low glycemic index diet in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of low glycemic index (GI) dietary advice on eating patterns and dietary quality in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Asian patients with T2DM (N  =  104) were randomized into 2 groups that received either low GI or conventional carbohydrate exchange (CCE) dietary advice for 12 weeks. Nutritional prescriptions were based on the medical nutrition therapy for T2DM, with the difference being in the GI component of the carbohydrates. Dietary intake and food choices were assessed with the use of a 3-day food record. At week 12, both groups achieved the recommendations for carbohydrate (52 ± 4% and 54 ± 4% of energy) and fat (30 ± 4% and 28 ± 5% of energy) intake. There were no significant differences in the reported macronutrient intake in both groups. With the low GI diet, crude fiber and dietary calcium intake increased, while the dietary GI reduced. Subjects in the lowest dietary glycemic index/glycemic load (GI/GL) quartile consumed more parboiled/basmati rice, pasta, milk/dairy products, fruits, and dough, which are foods from the low GI category. There was a significant reduction in the hemoglobin A(1c) level at week 12 for patients in the lowest GI/GL quartile (Δ  =  -0.7 ± 0.1%) compared with those in the highest GI/GL quartile (Δ  =  -0.1 ± 0.2%). These results demonstrate the ability of low GI dietary advice to improve the dietary quality of Asian patients with T2DM

Association of body weight status and socio-demographic factors with food habits among preschool children in Peninsular Malaysia

Introduction: Changes in children's food habits are largely attributed to changes in the family and social environment. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the association of socio-demographic factors with food habits among preschool children in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A total of 1,933 preschool children aged 4-6 years old participated in the study. Parents or guardians were interviewed on the socio-demographic characteristics and food habits of their children. Height and weight of the preschoolers were measured; BMI-for-age, weight-for-age and height-for-age were determined. Results: The mean monthly household income was RM3,610 with 59.6% of parents having attained secondary education. The prevalence of possible risk of overweight, being overweight and obesity were 3.9%, 7.9% and 8.1%, respectively while the prevalence of underweight and stunting was 8.0% and 8.4%. A majority of the preschoolers consumed breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with the proportion of children skipping their main meals at about 15.0%. Parents' education level and household income were significantly associated with intakes of fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, as well as fast food. However, there was no significant association between children's body weight status and frequency of main meals intake, fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, and fast food intake. Conclusion: The preschoolers demonstrated moderately healthy food habits; nevertheless even at this young age, they were inclined towards fried foods, snacking and fast foods intake. Parents and guardians should play a more significant role in educating and promoting good nutrition and food habits among preschoolers

Haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels in newborn babies born to anaemic Iranian women: A cross-sectional study in an Iranian Hospital

The purpose of this study was to assess the haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels in newborn babies of anaemic mothers and to determine relationship between maternal iron status with neonatal biochemical and anthropometric characteristics. A total of 70 pregnant women aged between 17 and 40 years were divided into two groups based on their pre-delivery Haemoglobin (Hb) and Serum Ferritin (SF) concentrations; anaemic mothers Hb<11 g/dl and SF � 10 ng/ml; normal control group Hb � 11 g/dl and SF � 10 ng/ml. Maternal biochemical assessments were obtained before delivery and neonatal anthropometric and biochemical measurements were obtained immediately after delivery. Mean maternal haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were 11.2±1.16 (g/dl) and 45.8±20.8 (ng/ml), respectively. Incidence of anaemia among Iranian pregnant women in this study was 51.4. Mean neonatal weight, length and head circumference born to anaemic mothers was 2.8±0.23 kg, 47.9±1.0 cm and 31.5±0.9 cm, respectively, while, among neonates born to normal mothers were 3.3±0.1 kg, 49.6±0.8 cm and 33.7±0.6 cm, respectively. No significant correlation were found between neonatal and maternal serum ferritin concentration. Significant differences were found between neonatal haemoglobin levels from normal and anaemic mothers (p<0.001). Maternal Hb level showed significant (p<0.001) positive correlation with neonatal birth weight (r = 0.729), length (r = 0.665) and head circumference (r = 0.762). However, similar positive correlations were not found between maternal serum ferritin concentration and pregnancy outcome. Neonatal haemoglobin levels were positively correlated with that of their mothers' (r = 0.423, p<0.001). In conclusion, this study showed that maternal haemoglobin concentration had strong influence on neonatal parameters. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010

Comparison of breastfeeding practice using deuterium oxide dose to mother technique with maternal recall breastfeeding practice among mothers in Klang Valley

The assessment of exclusive breastfeeding is important to invest the efforts to promote and support breastfeeding practices. Hence this study was carried out to compare breastfeeding practices among mothers using deuterium dose to mother technique with maternal recall breastfeeding practice. A total of 30 mother-infant pairs from a university hospital and government health clinics in Klang Valley participated and completed the study. Mother-infant pairs were recruited into the study when infants were aged 3 months ± 1 week. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference for mother; length and weight for infant) were carried out. Socio-demographic questionnaire was self-administered while breastfeeding practices were interview administered using maternal recall breastfeeding practice questionnaire (MRBF). This was followed by baseline saliva collection of mother-infant pairs before dose and 6 days after mothers were given 30 ± 0.01 g of D2O. The post dose saliva sample of mother-infant pairs were collected 6 times at day 1,2,3,4,13 and 14.The results showed that majority of mothers (57%) were university graduates but majority were stay at home mothers. Meanwhile, mothers had BMI with mean 25 ± 4 kg/m2. The results from MRBF questionnaire showed that all mothers were practicing exclusive breastfeeding and their infant never received any water sources other than their breast milk. However, the deuterium dose to mother technique revealed only 3% of mothers were actually practicing exclusive breastfeeding. From the isotopic data, the calculated mean intake of milk was 721 ± 243 g/day while the mean non-milk oral intake of 122 ± 22 g/ day. In contrast exclusive breastfeeding infants received only 10 g/day non milk oral intake, demonstrating exclusive breastfeeding practice of mothers. There were different breastfeeding practice reported from mother using deuterium oxide dose to mother technique with maternal recall breastfeeding practice

Original Research Improvement of Dietary Quality with the Aid of a Low Glycemic Index Diet in Asian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives: This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of low glycemic index (GI) dietary advice on eating patterns and dietary quality in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods: Asian patients with T2DM (N 5 104) were randomized into 2 groups that received either low GI or conventional carbohydrate exchange (CCE) dietary advice for 12 weeks. Nutritional prescriptions were based on the medical nutrition therapy for T2DM, with the difference being in the GI component of the carbohydrates. Dietary intake and food choices were assessed with the use of a 3-day food record. Results: At week 12, both groups achieved the recommendations for carbohydrate (52 6 4% and 54 6 4% of energy) and fat (30 6 4% and 28 6 5% of energy) intake. There were no significant differences in the reported macronutrient intake in both groups. With the low GI diet, crude fiber and dietary calcium intake increased, while the dietary GI reduced. Subjects in the lowest dietary glycemic index/glycemic load (GI/GL) quartile consumed more parboiled/basmati rice, pasta, milk/dairy products, fruits, and dough, which are foods from the low GI category. There was a significant reduction in the hemoglobin A 1c level at week 12 for patients in the lowest GI/GL quartile (D 5 20.7 6 0.1%) compared with those in the highest GI/GL quartile (D 5 20.1 6 0.2%). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the ability of low GI dietary advice to improve the dietary quality of Asian patients with T2DM

Body mass index (BMI) of adults: findings of the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS)

The Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS) was carried out between October 2002 and July 2003, involving 6,775 men and 3,441 women aged 18 - 59 years. Anthropometric assessment showed that the overall mean body weight and BMI were 62.65 kg (CI: 62.20, 63.09) and 24.37 kg/m2 (CI: 24.21, 24.53) respectively. Based on the WHO (1998) classification of BMI, 12.15% (CI: 11.26, 13.10) were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), and 26.71% (CI: 25.50, 27.96) overweight (BMI > 25-29.9 kg/m2). Significantly, more women were obese [14.66% (CI: 13.37, 16.04)] while significantly more men were overweight [28.55% (CI: 26.77, 30.40)]. Ethnicitywise, prevalence of obesity was highest among the Malays [15.28% (CI: 13.91, 16.77)] while overweight was highest for the Indians [31.01% (CI: 26.64, 35.76)]. Both obesity and overweight were highest among those aged 40-49 years. Obesity was highest for those whose household income was between RM1,500-3,500 while overweight was more prevalent for those whose household income exceeded RM3,500. The prevalence of overweight was highest for those with primary education [31.90% (CI: 29.21, 34.72)]. There was no significant urban-rural differential in both obesity and overweight. The study found 9.02% (CI: 8.82, 10.61) with chronic energy deficiency (CED) (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). The prevalence of CED was relatively higher in the indigenous population (Orang Asli) [14.53% (CI: 5.14, 34.77)], subjects aged 18-19 years [26.24% (CI: 21.12, 32.09)], and with monthly household income of < RM1,500 [10.85% (CI: 9.63, 12.20)]. The prevalence of CED was not significantly different among the geographical zones and educational levels, and between urban/rural areas and sexes. The results call for priority action to address the serious problem of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adults as it poses a grave burden to the country's resources and development

Association of Methylentetraydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) 677 C > T gene polymorphism and homocysteine levels in psoriasis vulgaris patients from Malaysia: a case-control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme catalyzes the reduction of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and methyl donors. The methyl donors are required for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Mutation of MTHFR 677 C > T disrupts its thermostability therefore leads to defective enzyme activities and dysregulation of homocysteine levels.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This case-control study (n = 367) was conducted to investigate the correlation of the MTHFR gene polymorphism [NM_005957] and psoriasis vulgaris amongst the Malaysian population. Overnight fasting blood samples were collected from a subgroup of consented psoriasis vulgaris patients and matched controls (n = 84) for the quantification of homocysteine, vitamin B₁₂and folic acid levels.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was no significant increase of the MTHFR 677 C > T mutation in patients with psoriasis vulgaris compared with controls (<it>χ</it>²= 0.733, p = 0.392). No significant association between homocysteine levels and MTHFR gene polymorphism in cases and controls were observed (F = 0.91, df = 3, 80, p = 0.44). However, homocysteine levels in cases were negatively correlated with vitamin B₁₂(r = -0.173) and folic acid (r = -0.345) levels. Vitamin B₁₂and folic acid levels in cases were also negatively correlated (r = -0.164).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results indicate that there was no significant association between the MTHFR gene polymorphism and psoriasis vulgaris in the Malaysian population. There was no significant increase of the plasma homocysteine level in the psoriasis patients compared to the controls.</p

Wound contraction effects and antibacterial properties of Tualang honey on full-thickness burn wounds in rats in comparison to hydrofibre

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Full-thickness burn wounds require excision and skin grafting. Multiple surgical procedures are inevitable in managing moderate to severe full-thickness burns. Wound bed preparations prior to surgery are necessary in order to prevent wound infection and promote wound healing. Honey can be used to treat burn wounds. However, not all the honey is the same. This study aims to evaluate the wound contraction and antibacterial properties of locally-produced <it>Tualang </it>honey on managing full-thickness burn wounds <it>in vivo</it>.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Thirty-six female <it>Sprague Dawley </it>rats were randomly divided into three groups. Under anaesthesia, three full-thickness burn wounds were created on the dorsum of the rats. The full-thickness burn wounds were inoculated with a specific organism (10⁴), namely <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>(n = 12), <it>Klebsiella pneumoniae </it>(n = 12), or <it>Acinetobacter baumannii </it>(n = 12). The three burn wounds were dressed with <it>Tualang </it>honey, hydrofibre and hydrofibre silver respectively. Swab samples were obtained every 3 days (day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21) for quantitative and semi-quantitative microbiological analyses. Clinical assessments, including observations concerning the appearance and wound size, were measured at the same time.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was a rapid 32.26% reduction in wound size by day 6 (<it>p </it>= 0.008) in the <it>Tualang </it>honey-treated wounds, and 49.27% by day 15 (<it>p </it>= 0.005). The wounds remained smaller by day 18 (<it>p </it>< 0.032). <it>Tualang </it>honey-treated rats demonstrated a reduction in bacterial growth in <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>inoculated wounds (<it>p </it>= 0.005). However, hydrofibre silver and hydrofibre-treated wounds are superior to honey-treated wounds with <it>Acinetobacter baumannii </it>(<it>p </it>= 0.035). There was no statistical significant of antibacterial property in <it>Klebsiella pneumonia </it>inoculated wounds.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p><it>Tualang </it>honey has better results with regards to its control of <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>and its wound contraction effects on full-thickness burn wound <it>in vivo</it>.</p