INTRODUCTION: Subclinical changes that occur in the heart at an early age may provide valuable information to outline prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases. Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects regulation of autonomic balance, heart, and vascular tone, which are the determinants of blood pressure. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the difference in heart rate variability (HRV) of Malay male young adult with their BMI and adiposity level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 201 Malay male young adult aged between 19 to 24 years old were screened and their BMI and adiposity level were measured. Three non -invasive tests; Valsalva Manoeuvre, orthostatic response and 30/15 ratio of heart rate were performed. Short term HRV time and frequency domains were recorded. RESULTS: Despite few significant differences in HRV parameters of overweight/obese subjects, the result is inconclusive to conclude any reduced variability. However, those with high adiposity regardless of their BMI reported significantly lower mean of R -R SD in time domain and lower mean of LF/HF ratio in frequency domain. The orthostatic reflex results revealed that high adiposity subjects had significantly lower mean of LF and HF. A decrement of -0.28 ms(2) HF/LF during Valsalva manoeuvre, -0.35 LF ms(2) in orthostatic reflex and 0.33 ms(2) in orthostatic reflex per 1% of body fat percentage were observed. CONCLUSION: HRV parameters were inversely proportional to the adiposity level which was suggestive of modulation of sympathetic function can occur at an early age.

Background and Objectives: Nutrition and physical activity interventions is beneficial in reversing obesity. However far too little attention has been paid to the effect of these interventions on breast tissues. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the effect of a home-based dietary and physical activity intervention (the Her Shape Program) on metabolic parameters, blood biomarkers and adiposity at the breast. Methods and Study Design: A randomized controlled study was conducted on obese women with high breast adiposity (<0.1 Sm-1), aged 40-60 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Subjects were assigned to intervention (n=16) and control group (n=15). Intervention group received a home based health education package with close monitoring weekly, personal diet consultation and physical training in group. Assessment was ascertained at three time points; baseline, weeks 8 and 16. Outcome measures were the energy intake, physical activity, body composition, blood tests, blood biomarkers and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) quantitative values. Analyses were done using 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results and Conclusions: All subjects completed the program without any drop-out. The HSI group had 100% compliance towards the intervention program; their energy intake was reduced for approximately 35% and their activity score was increased for approximately 11%. A significant interaction effect was found in body weight, body mass index (EMI), total cholesterol/HDL, vitamin C intake and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) (p<0.05). Interestingly, their EIT extremum values were also significantly increased indicating a reduction of breast adiposity. The intervention program was successful in improving body composition, physical activities, MMP9 and breast adipose tissue composition.

Body fat percentage is regarded as an important measurement for diagnosis of obesity. The aim of this study is to determine the association of high body fat percentage (BF%) and lifestyle among adult women. The study was conducted on 327 women, aged 40-59 years, recruited during a health screening program. Data on socio-demography, dietary intake and physical activity were collected through validated questionnaires. BF% was measured using InBody 270 Body Impedance analyzer machine. Association between lifestyle factors and body fat percentage were investigated using multiple linear regression, adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI). Intake of protein, calcium and physical activity on household intensity were the predictors of high BF%.

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a potential supplement for mammogram screening. This study aimed to evaluate and feasibility of EIT as opposed to mammography and to determine pain perception with both imaging methods. Women undergoing screening mammography at the Radiology Department of National University of Malaysia Medical Centre were randomly selected for EIT imaging. All women were requested to give a pain score after each imaging session. Two independent raters were chosen to define the image findings of EIT. A total of 164 women in the age range from 40 to 65-year-old participated and were divided into two groups; normal and abnormal. EIT sensitivity and specificity for rater 1 were 69.4% and 63.3, whereas for rater 2 they were 55.3% and 57.0% respectively. The reliability for each rater ranged between good to very good (p < 0.05). Quantitative values of EIT showed there were significant differences in all values between groups (ANCOVA, p < 0.05). Interestingly, EIT scored a median pain score of 1.51 +/- 0.75 whereas mammography scored 4.15 +/- 0.87 ( Mann Whitney U test, p < 0.05). From these quantitative values, EIT has the potential as a health discriminating index. Its ability to replace image findings from mammography needs further investigation.

Broselow tape is a well-established medical equipment to estimate body weight with pre-calculated drug dosages and emergency equipment sizes. The aim of this study is to determine whether weight estimation based on Broselow Tape corresponds to the actual weight of pediatric population in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of BT usage in pediatric population attending the emergency department. A total of 1163 children attended emergency department at green zone were approached to be the sampling frame. BT weight estimation colour code was determined based on the colour which the child's heel fell on the tape. Scatter plot was done to determine the range of actual weight scattered around the range of BT. Bland-Altman plot was used to identify the bias relation between the BT and actual weight measurement. In our population, the BT was an ineffective method to predict weight of pediatric patients with body length of <0.6m and >0.9m. Incorrect estimation of children weight leads toward poor clinical judgment. Therefore, clear indication of the BT limitations should be addressed before using the method as part of emergency department standard operating procedure for management of pediatric patients.