Journals of Universiti Kuala Lumpur
Not a member yet
952 research outputs found
Sort by
Pharmacokinetic Properties of Amikacin in Asian Neonates and Infants: A Narrative Review.
Full text linkAmikacin (AMK) is among the narrow therapeutic index drugs that are still being used in neonates for early-onset and late-onset sepsis. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs in neonates vary across ages, especially in premature babies. Neonates exhibit differences in body composition and organ function, which can influence drug disposition and response. Although much literature has discussed the pharmacokinetics of AMK in neonates, this review aims to explore the pharmacokinetic properties of AMK in Asian neonates and infants. Seven articles were included in this review, with evaluation conducted on Malaysian, Japanese, Pakistani, Indian, Korean, and Thai neonates. Overall, 702 neonates were included in these studies, consisting of both preterm and term neonates, with one study focusing exclusively on low-birth-weight neonates. This review highlights that a high dose of AMK with once-daily dosing shows a better option for achieving therapeutic concentrations. Nevertheless, variability in pharmacokinetic profiles across neonatal age was observed. Factors affecting these pharmacokinetic changes need to be addressed during the initiation of AMK therapy in neonates to ensure optimal outcomes
Assessment of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions between Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir and Concomitant Drugs among Coronavirus Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital.
Full text linkBackground: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is indicated for the treatment of COVID-19infection. However, potential drug-drug interactions (pDDI) between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and concomitant drugs require further investigation.Objective: To assess the prevalence, management, and risk factors of pDDI between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and concomitant drugs in patients with COVID-19 .Methods: This cross-sectional study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Malaysia. Inclusion criteria were COVID-19 patients aged ≥18 years, treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir between July and September 2022 in a tertiary care hospital in Selangor. Classification and management of pDDI were categorised according to the University of Liverpool COVID-19 Drug Interactions classification. The pDDI management in clinical practice was compared to the recommended classifications and categorised as \u27compliant\u27 or \u27non-compliant. Patient characteristics were analysed descriptively. Binary logistic regression was used to identify pDDI risk factors.Results: The study included 189 patients with a mean age ±SD of 56.76±18.68 years. Comorbidities and polypharmacy were observed in 147 (77.78%) and 73 (38.62%) patients, respectively. A total of 114 patients (60.32%) were reported to have at least one pDDI with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Most concomitant drugs had potential interactions with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (n=152, 77.16%). Compliance with the recommended pDDI management was observed in 174 (88.32%) drug entries. Age (OR 1.04; 1.02-1.06; p=0.001), comorbidities (OR 8.87; 3.17-24.78; p<0.001), and polypharmacy (OR 6.76; 2.74-16.65; p<0.001) were significant risk factors of pDDI with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.Conclusion: Prevalence of pDDI among COVID-19 patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was high and mainly compliant with the recommended pDDI management. Age, comorbidities, and polypharmacy were pDDI risk factors, warranting a case-by-case multidisciplinary approach to optimise treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir
Unveiling The Unseen: Apathetic Hyperthyroidism in Primary Care – A Case Report.
Full text linkThyrotoxicosis is significantly more challenging to diagnose in elderly patients compared to younger individuals. The thyroid disorder may be masked and overlooked, yet its confounding effects may be devastating. The atypical presentation of the elderly thyrotoxic makes the patient\u27s recognition difficult, and if left untreated, the morbidity may be considerable, but once correctly diagnosed, the condition is readily treatable. We report the case of a 67-year-old man with an unknown medical illness who presented with excessive weight loss for the past 4 months. On examination, he was not tachycardic, and his pulse was in regular rhythm and of normal volume. There was no palpable thyroid nodule. His biochemical investigation revealed hyperthyroidism
Knowledge and Perception of Abortion among Klang Valley Population.
Full text linkBackground: Abortion remains a significant public health issue, posing substantial risks to the health and lives of women. Public awareness and understanding of abortion laws in Malaysia are often limited. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and perception toward abortion among the population in the Klang Valley. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a non-probability voluntary sampling technique, involving 391 respondents from Klang Valley. The structured questionnaire included three sections: demographic information, knowledge of abortion, and perception toward abortion. Results: Most of the respondents were aged 20–29 years (5.99%), female (63.17%) and belonged to the B40 income group (monthly household income <RM4,850) (70.09%). Analysis indicated that majority possessed poor knowledge of abortion (64.96%), and 58.06% held poor perceptions. Perception was significantly associated with age, ethnicity, religion, and marital status (p < 0.05), whereas knowledge showed no such sociodemographic correlations. A significant positive association was observed between knowledge level and perception (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 2.03–4.81, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study concludes that deficient knowledge and generally negative perceptions of abortion prevail in the Klang Valley. The demonstrated association between knowledge and perception necessitates evidence-based educational interventions to improve public understanding and foster supportive attitudes toward reproductive health
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Properties of Essential Oil from Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) Peel.
Full text linkGrapefruit (Citrus paradisi), a hybrid fruit from the Rutaceae family formed by crossing sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and pomelo (Citrus maxima), is known for its antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This study aimed to extract essential oil from grapefruit peel powder via hydro-distillation, analyze its proximate composition, perform phytochemical screening, and evaluate its antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. The essential oil was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus at 100 °C for 3 hours, yielding a colourless oil with a sweet fragrance. Proximate analysis of the peel powder revealed 10% total ash, 5% acid-insoluble ash, 28% moisture loss, and 44% water extractives, reflecting its physicochemical quality and stability. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of terpenoids, while alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and phenols were not detected. However, quantitative analysis showed a total phenolic content (TPC) of 6.57 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 179.10 mg QE/g, indicating the presence of antioxidant-related compounds. The DPPH radical scavenging assay showed a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant capacity, with grapefruit peel essential oil achieving a maximum RSA of 22.21% at 200 mg/mL and an IC₅₀ value of 450.25 mg/mL, indicating moderate antioxidant potential compared to ascorbic acid. In conclusion, grapefruit peel essential oil contains bioactive compounds, particularly terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids, contributing to its antioxidant properties. Although its efficacy is lower than synthetic antioxidants like ascorbic acid, it represents a natural, safe alternative with potential applications in food preservation, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical formulations. Further research should explore strategies to enhance its antioxidant efficacy, such as synergistic combinations with other natural antioxidants
A Rare Case of Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
Full text linkPorto-sinusoidal vascular disease is a medical condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the portal vein in the absence of cirrhosis. This condition is considered poorly defined because its exact cause is unknown. It has been reported to be associated with several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome. We report a case of 49-year-old Indian lady with a background history of systemic lupus erythematosus with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome who was found to have esophageal varices from an esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed for iron deficiency anemia. A follow-up ultrasound and computed tomography of the abdomen confirmed the absence of cirrhosis and excluded portal vein thrombosis as a potential etiology for portal hypertension leading to the diagnosis of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease. She started on propranolol as primary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding. The patient remained well during subsequent follow-ups with the absence of new or bleeding varices during annual esophagogastroduodenoscopy surveillance. This case contributes to the further understanding of PVSD in SLE and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of its pathophysiology and to help formulate comprehensive guidelines for the effective management of this condition
Assessing Community Knowledge and Attitudes on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator in Ipoh, Perak
Full text linkIntroduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use are critical interventions for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), significantly improving survival rates. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude towards CPR and AED among the local community in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted from January to February 2024, involving 385 respondents. A self-administered questionnaire, available in English and Malay, collected sociodemographic data and assessed CPR knowledge (12 items) and attitude (10 items). Data were analysed using SPSS version 28. Results: Nearly all respondents (99.0%) had heard of CPR, but only 27.8% knew the correct initial step (call for help immediately). Knowledge was moderate (median score: 58.3%, IQR: 41.7-66.7), with significant associations with age group, education level, and employment status (p<0.05). While 65.5% were willing to perform CPR on family members, willingness decreased to 43.1% for strangers. Most (61%) had never received CPR training, but 76.4% expressed interest. AED awareness was lower (50.4%), and only 22.9% knew that anyone can use an AED. Conclusion: The Ipoh community demonstrates moderate CPR knowledge and attitude, but significant gaps persist, particularly regarding AED. There is a strong need for expanded community-based CPR and AED training, integration into educational curricula, and addressing barriers like legal fears and gender-related concerns to improve bystander intervention in OHCA incidence
Hiking Mobile Application: Enhancing the Experience Modern Outdoor Recreation
Full text linkThis paper presents a research study on developing and enhancing hiking mobile applications, focusing on features like trail search, social media integration, and comprehensive tools for hikers. The study examines how user experience affects the effectiveness and adoption of these apps and includes a comparative analysis of existing apps such as Strava, AllTrails, and Gaia GPS.The research aims to create a new, feature- rich, and user-friendly hiking mobile application that addresses current gaps and enhances the overall hiking experience. By providing insights into user preferences and behaviors and emphasizing user-centered design, the study aims to set new standards for functionality and user experience. The findings and methodologies are intended to guide future developments in mobile applications for outdoor activities, ensuring they are more intuitive, effective, and engaging for users
Smart Scheduler: A Web-based Time Management and Productivity Tool
Full text linkThis research paper presents ”Smart Scheduler,” a web-based task management and productivity tool designed to enhance organizational and individual efficiency by integrating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including Natural Language Processing (NLP) from OpenAI. The tool aims to transform traditional task management by enabling dynamic team interactions and facilitating seamless workflows through intuitive user interfaces and automated processes. ”Smart Sched- uler” leverages AI to assist in writing enhancement, tone ad- justments, idea generation, and task summarization, setting it apart from conventional scheduling tools. The system was developed using the Agile methodology, ensuring adaptability and user-centered design. Evaluation results indicate significant improvements in task management efficiency, user satisfaction, and system usability. This study demonstrates the potential of AI-enhanced tools to revolutionize productivity landscapes in professional and personal settings, providing a blueprint for future advancements in digital task management
Investigating Menopausal Symptoms and Healthcare-Seeking Practices Among Midlife Women in Malaysia.
Full text linkBackground: Menopause is a natural biological process marked by the cessation of menstruation and a decline in oestrogen levels, often accompanied by various physical and psychological symptoms. The experience of menopause can differ across populations due to cultural and dietary factors. However, effective management of menopausal symptoms is crucial for improving quality of life. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms among midlife Malaysian women and to explore their healthcare-seeking practices.Research Method: A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted among 300 Malaysian women aged 40-60, residing in Ipoh, Perak. A non-probability sampling method using combination of purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit the study participants. A structured online questionnaire was used to assess demographic information, severity of menopausal symptoms, and the management approaches adopted. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics via SPSS software. Results: In this study, most respondents (39.0%) reported that their menopausal symptoms caused mild problems, while 35.7% experienced moderate problems, and 13.0% experienced severe to complete problems. The most common symptoms included joint pain (74%), mood swings (72.3%), and forgetfulness (70%). Only 12.7% of respondents reported using any treatment for menopause, with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) being the most common (20 out of 39 respondents). Approximately 34.7% of respondents sought medical consultation for their symptoms. Conclusion: The study highlights that a significant number of Malaysian women experience mild to moderate menopausal symptoms, with physical and psychosocial issues being the most common. Despite the prevalence of symptoms, only a small proportion of women sought treatment. These findings emphasise the need for increased awareness and healthcare support to improve the quality of life for menopausal women. Future research should investigate cultural and societal factors influencing treatment-seeking behaviour