Understanding the Breast Cancer Experience: a Qualitative Study of Malaysian Women

Yusuf, Azlina,Ab Hadi, Imi Sairi,Mahamood, Zainal,Ahmad, Zulkifli,Keng, Soon Lean Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

Breast cancer is the most common and leading cause of cancer mortality among Malaysian women. Despite good survival rates, the diagnosis of cancer still invokes the feeling of stress, fear and uncertainty. Because very little is known about the experiences of Malaysian women with breast cancer, a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experience of newly diagnosed breast cancer. Using a purposive sampling method, 20 Malaysian women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, including Malays (n=10) and Chinese (n=10) were recruited in two main public hospitals in Kelantan. Similarities and divergence in women's experience were identified through thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Three themes emerged from the data: uncertainty experience of the illness, transition process and fatalistic view of breast cancer. In many ways, these findings were parallel with previous studies, suggesting that the experience of breast cancer is to a certain extent similar among women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. This study adds to the sparse literature concerning the experience of illness following breast cancer diagnosis among the Malays and Chinese. More importantly, this study addressed areas that were previously lacking, specifically in depth information on breast cancer experience from a developing country with a multi-ethnic population. The results of this investigation provide preliminary information to healthcare professionals on the impact of illness and cultural influence on survivorship to plan for appropriate education and supportive programme in order to meet the needs of breast cancer women more effectively.

Quality of Life in Malay and Chinese Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Kelantan, Malaysia

Yusuf, Azlina,Hadi, Imi Sairi Ab.,Mahamood, Zainal,Ahmad, Zulkifli,Keng, Soon Lean Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.1

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in Malaysia. A diagnosis is very stressful for women, affecting all aspects of their being and quality of life. As such, there is little information on quality of life of women with breast cancer across the different ethnic groups in Malaysia. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of life in Malay and Chinese women newly diagnosed with breast cancer in Kelantan. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study involved 58 Malays and 15 Chinese women newly diagnosed with breast cancer prior to treatment. Quality of life was measured using the Malay version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its breast-specific module (QLQ-BR23). Socio-demographic and clinical data were also collected. All the data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Most of the women were married with at least a secondary education and were in late stages of breast cancer. The Malay women had lower incomes (p=0.046) and more children (p=0.001) when compared to the Chinese women. Generally, both the Malay and Chinese women had good functioning quality-of-life scores [mean score range: 60.3-84.8 (Malays); 65.0-91.1 (Chinese)] and global quality of life [mean score 60.3, SD 22.2 (Malays); mean score 65.0, SD 26.6 (Chinese)]. The Malay women experienced more symptoms such as nausea and vomiting (p=0.002), dyspnoea (p=0.004), constipation (p<0.001) and breast-specific symptoms (p=0.041) when compared to the Chinese. Conclusions: Quality of life was satisfactory in both Malays and Chinese women newly diagnosed with breast cancer in Kelantan. However, Malay women had a lower quality of life due to high general as well as breast-specific symptoms. This study finding underlined the importance of measuring quality of life in the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, as it will provide a broader picture on how a cancer diagnosis impacts multi-ethnic patients. Once health care professionals understand this, they might then be able to determine how to best support and improve the quality of life of these women during the difficult times of their disease and on-going cancer treatments.

A Study of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Tumour Necrosis Factor α-1031 and Tumour Necrosis Factor β+ 252 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Khairunnisak Misron,Suzina Sheikh Ab Hamid,Azlina Ahmad,Ramiza Ramza Ramli 대한이비인후과학회 2017 Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology Vol.10 No.3

Objectives. This case-controlled study aimed to identify the association of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α-1031 and TNFβ+ 252 gene polymorphisms between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and healthy controls. Another purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of these gene polymorphisms with factors related to CRS. Methods. All deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples were genotyped for TNFα-1031 and TNFβ+252 genes by mean of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). The statistical analysis were carried out using chi-square test or Fisher exact test to determine the associations of these gene polymorphisms in CRS. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations of these gene polymorphisms in CRS and its related risk factors. Results. The genotype and allele frequencies of TNFα-1031 and TNFβ+252 gene did not show any significant associations between CRS and healthy controls. However, a significantly statistical difference of TNFα-1031 was observed in CRS participants with atopy (P-value, 0.045; odds ratio, 3.66) but not in CRS with asthma or aspirin intolerance. Conclusion. Although the presence of TNFα-1031 and TNFβ+252 gene polymorphisms did not render any significant associations between CRS and healthy control, this study suggests that TNFα-1031 gene polymorphisms in CRS patients with atopy may be associated with increase susceptibility towards CRS.

Biological Interaction Between Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Vascular Endothelial Cells for Angiogenesis: A Co-culture Perspective

Nasar Um Min Allah,Zurairah Berahim,Azlina Ahmad,Thirumulu Ponnuraj Kannan 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2017 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.14 No.5

Advancement in cell culture protocols, multidisciplinary research approach, and the need of clinical implication to reconstruct damaged or diseased tissues has led to the establishment of three-dimensional (3D) test systems for regeneration and repair. Regenerative therapies, including dental tissue engineering, have been pursued as a new prospect to repair and rebuild the diseased/lost oral tissues. Interactions between the different cell types, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components involved in angiogenesis are vital in the mechanisms of new vessel formation for tissue regeneration. In vitro pre-vascularization is one of the leading scopes in the tissue-engineering field. Vascularization strategies that are associated with co-culture systems have proved that there is communication between different cell types with mutual beneficial effects in vascularization and tissue regeneration in two-dimensional or 3D cultures. Endothelial cells with different cell populations, including osteoblasts, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts in a co-culture have shown their ability to advocate pre-vascularization. In this review, a co-culture perspective of human gingival fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells is discussed with the main focus on vascularization and future perspective of this model in regeneration and repair.

A Patient with Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN): Treatment with Iron Chelation Therapy

Shen-Yang LIM,Ai Huey Tan,Azlina Ahmad Annuar,Susanne A. Schneider,Ping Chong Bee,Jia Lun Lim,Norlisah Ramli,Mohamad Imran Idris 대한파킨슨병및이상운동질환학회 2018 Journal Of Movement Disorders Vol.11 No.2

We present a case of beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration, a form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. The patient harbored a novel mutation in the WDR45 gene. A detailed video and description of her clinical condition are provided. Her movement disorder phenomenology was characterized primarily by limb stereotypies and gait dyspraxia. The patient’s disability was advanced by the time iron-chelating therapy with deferiprone was initiated, and no clinical response in terms of cognitive function, behavior, speech, or movements were observed after one year of treatment.

Purposeless Groaning in Parkinson's Disease

Shen-Yang LIM,Ai Huey Tan,Jia Lun Lim,Azlina Ahmad Annuar 대한파킨슨병및이상운동질환학회 2018 Journal Of Movement Disorders Vol.11 No.2

Purposeless groaning has been reported in advanced progressive supranuclear palsy. We present a case of purposeless groaning occurring as a primary complaint in a patient with advanced Parkinson's disease. Purposeless groaning is thought to be a manifestation of disinhibition and perseveration, due to frontal-subcortical dysfunction. Proper recognition of this phenomenon will help clinicians to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment. (e.g., prescription of opioid medications).

White mineral trioxide aggregate mixed with calcium chloride dihydrate: chemical analysis and biological properties

Hany Mohamed Aly Ahmed,Norhayati Luddin,Thirumulu Ponnuraj Kannan,Khairani Idah Mokhtar,Azlina Ahmad 대한치과보존학회 2017 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.42 No.3

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and biological properties of fast-set white mineral trioxide aggregate (FS WMTA), which was WMTA combined with calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2·2H2O), compared to that of WMTA. Materials and Methods: Surface morphology, elemental, and phase analysis were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The cytotoxicity and cell attachment properties were evaluated on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) using methyl-thiazol-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay and under SEM after 24 and 72 hours, respectively. Results: Results showed that the addition of CaCl2·2H2O to WMTA affected the surface morphology and chemical composition. Although FS WMTA exhibited a non-cytotoxic profile, the cell viability values of this combination were lesser than WMTA, and the difference was significant in 7 out of 10 concentrations at the 2 time intervals (p < 0.05). HPLFs adhered over the surface of WMTA and at the interface, after 24 hours of incubation. After 72 hours, there were increased numbers of HPLFs with prominent cytoplasmic processes. Similar findings were observed with FS WMTA, but the cells were not as confluent as with WMTA. Conclusions: The addition of CaCl2·2H2O to WMTA affected its chemical properties. The favorable biological profile of FS WMTA towards HPLFs may have a potential impact on its clinical application for repair of perforation defects.

Angiogenic Potential of Extracellular Matrix of Human Amniotic Membrane

Siti Nurnasihah Md Hashim,Muhammad Fuad Hilmi Yusof,Wafa’ Zahari,Khairul Bariah Ahmad Amin Noordin,Thirumulu Ponnuraj Kannan,Suzina Sheikh Abdul Hamid,Khairani Idah Mokhtar,Azlina Ahmad 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2016 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.13 No.3

Combination between tissue engineering and other fields has brought an innovation in the area of regenerative medicine which ultimate aims are to repair, improve, and produce a good tissue construct. The availability of many types of scaffold, both synthetically and naturally have developed into many outstanding end products that have achieved the general objective in tissue engineering. Interestingly, most of this scaffold emulates extracellular matrix (ECM) characteristics. Therefore, ECM component sparks an interest to be explored and manipulated. The ECM featured in human amniotic membrane (HAM) provides a suitable niche for the cells to adhere, grow, proliferate, migrate and differentiate, and could possibly contribute to the production of angiogenic micro-environment indirectly. Previously, HAM scaffold has been widely used to accelerate wound healing, treat bone related and ocular diseases, and involved in cardiovascular repair. Also, it has been used in the angiogenicity study, but with a different technical approach. In addition, both side of HAM could be used in cellularised and decellularised conditions depending on the objectives of a particular research. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to investigate the behavior of ECM components especially on the stromal side of HAM and further explore the angiogenic potential exhibited by this scaffold.

White mineral trioxide aggregate mixed with calcium chloride dihydrate: chemical analysis and biological properties

Ahmed, Hany Mohamed Aly,Luddin, Norhayati,Kannan, Thirumulu Ponnuraj,Mokhtar, Khairani Idah,Ahmad, Azlina The Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry 2017 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.42 No.3

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and biological properties of fast-set white mineral trioxide aggregate (FS WMTA), which was WMTA combined with calcium chloride dihydrate ($CaCl_2{\cdot}2H_2O$), compared to that of WMTA. Materials and Methods: Surface morphology, elemental, and phase analysis were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The cytotoxicity and cell attachment properties were evaluated on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) using methyl-thiazoldiphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay and under SEM after 24 and 72 hours, respectively. Results: Results showed that the addition of $CaCl_2{\cdot}2H_2O$ to WMTA affected the surface morphology and chemical composition. Although FS WMTA exhibited a non-cytotoxic profile, the cell viability values of this combination were lesser than WMTA, and the difference was significant in 7 out of 10 concentrations at the 2 time intervals (p < 0.05). HPLFs adhered over the surface of WMTA and at the interface, after 24 hours of incubation. After 72 hours, there were increased numbers of HPLFs with prominent cytoplasmic processes. Similar findings were observed with FS WMTA, but the cells were not as confluent as with WMTA. Conclusions: The addition of $CaCl_2{\cdot}2H_2O$ to WMTA affected its chemical properties. The favorable biological profile of FS WMTA towards HPLFs may have a potential impact on its clinical application for repair of perforation defects.

A randomized, double-blind study comparing multiple doses of Channa striatus supplementation for knee osteoarthritis

Abdul Kadir Azidah,Abdul Kadir Arifah,A. H. Roslida,Abdul Manan Mat Jais,Julia Omar,Abdul Nawfar Sadagatullah,Azlina Ishak,Norhayati Mohd. Noor,Ahmad Tarmizi Musa 경희대학교 융합한의과학연구소 2017 Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine Vol.17 No.4

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of chronic disability at older age. Channa striatus (CS) is a freshwater fish that is traditionally valued for its medicinal properties in promoting wound healing and reducing post-operative pain. This study evaluate the efficacy of different doses of oral Channa striatus extract on primary knee osteoarthritis patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-arm trial was conducted comparing oral CS extract 1000 mg/day or 500 mg/day and placebo among knee OA patients for a 6-month intervention period. The main outcome measures were Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), analgesic scores and serum cartilage oligomeric matric protein (COMP). Laboratory-based blood tests were used as safety measures. A total of 120 patients were randomized, and 112 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Significant reductions in WOMAC stiffness and function scores were achieved at month 6 in CS 1000 mg/day and CS 500 mg/day compared to placebo groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of analgesic scores, serum COMP and biochemical parameters. No serious adverse events were reported in the study. In conclusion, both doses of CS showed similar efficacy and were more effective than the placebo in treating the symptoms of knee OA.