Stool patterns of Malaysian adults with functional constipation: association with diet and physical activity.

Introduction: Diet and lifestyle modification is commonly used in constipation management. As there is a dearth of studies on this topic in Malaysia, we aim to elucidate the relations between stool patterns, dietary intake and physical activity levels among adults with functional constipation.

Methods: From a database collected via surveys at public events, a convenience sample of 100 adults diagnosed with Rome II-defined functional constipation was enrolled in this cross-sectional study.

Factors influencing macrosomia in pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia.

Aim: To identify the risk factors influencing the development of macrosomia among pregnant women and to develop a regression model to predict macrosomia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia involving 2332 pregnant women. The data was retrospectively collected from the obstetrics and gynecology department.

Maternal factors in predicting low birth weight babies.

This study examines the association between maternal factors and low birth weight among newborns at a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study where mothers were followed through from first booking till delivery. There were 666 mothers who delivered from May 2007 to March 2008.

Effects of a probiotic fermented milk on functional constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background And Aim: Evidence suggests that probiotics reduce certain constipation-related symptoms. Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota has never been tested as treatment for functional constipation in otherwise-healthy subjects. To evaluate the efficacy of this probiotic among adults with functional constipation was aimed.

Differential expression of the angiogenesis growth factors in psoriasis vulgaris.

Background: Angiogenesis has been reported to be one of the contributory factors to the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. This study aims to compare the expression of different angiogenesis growth factors namely (1) the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) subfamily: A, B, C, D and placenta growth factor (PlGF); (2) nerve growth factor (NGF) and (3) von Willebrand factor (vWFr) in the skins of patients with psoriasis vulgaris and non-psoriatic volunteers.

Results: Comparative immunohistochemistry study was performed on the paraffin-sectioned psoriatic and healthy skins with the abovementioned markers.

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

Background: 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.

Flavonoid quercetin protects against swimming stress-induced changes in oxidative biomarkers in the hypothalamus of rats.

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid abundant in onions, apples, tea and red wine and one of the most studied flavonoids. Dietary quercetin intake is suggested to be health promoting, but this assumption is mainly based on mechanistic studies performed in vitro. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on stress-induced changes in oxidative biomarkers in the hypothalamus of rats.

Expression of transforming growth factor-beta and determination of apoptotic index in histopathological sections for assessment of the effects of Apigenin (4', 5', 7'- Trihydroxyflavone) on Cyclosporine A induced renal damage.

Cyclosporine A (CsA), a calcineurin inhibitor produced by the fungi Trichoderma polysporum and Cylindrocarpon lucidum, is an immunosuppressant prescribed in organ transplants to prevent rejection. Its adverse effect on renal dysfunction has limited its use in a clinical setting. Apigenin (4',5',7'-Trihydroxyflavone), a herbal extract, with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties, has been investigated for properties to reverse this adverse effect.

Training simulated patients: evaluation of a training approach using self-assessment and peer/tutor feedback to improve performance.

Background: Most medical schools use simulated patients (SPs) for teaching. In this context the authenticity of role play and quality of feedback provided by SPs is of paramount importance. The available literature on SP training mostly addresses instructor led training where the SPs are given direction on their roles.

Formative feedback to students: the mismatch between faculty perceptions and student expectations.

Background: Formative assessments and other learning tools are ineffective in the absence of formative feedback.

Methods: A study was carried out on preclinical students and teachers using mixed methods approach that included questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions and post survey discussions to determine perceptions and expectations of students on feedback and those of teachers.

Results: Students expected formative feedback to be incorporated into all teaching activities from the beginning of the course in medicine to promote self regulated and self directed learning.