Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Alam T, Islam MT, Ullah MA, Rahmatillah R, Aheieva K, Lap CC, et al.
    PLoS One, 2018;13(11):e0205587.
    PMID: 30427842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205587
    A compact UHF antenna has been presented in this paper for nanosatellite space mission. A square ground plane with slotted rectangular radiating element have been used. Coaxial probe feeding is used to excite. The rectangular slot of the radiating patch is responsible for resonating at lower UHF bands. One of the square faces of the nanosatellite structure works as the ground plane for the slotted radiating element. The fabricated prototype of the proposed antenna has achieved an impedance bandwidth (S11< -10dB) of 7.0 MHz (398 MHz- 405 MHz) with small size of 97 mm× 90 mm radiating element. The overall ground plane size is 100 mm × 100 mm × 0.5 mm. The proposed antenna has achieved a gain of 1.18 dB with total efficiency of 62.5%. The proposed antenna addresses two design challenges of nanosatellite antenna, (a) assurance of the placement of solar panel beneath the radiating element; (b) providing about 50% open space for solar irradiance to pass onto the solar panel, enabling the solar panel to achieve up to 93.95% of power under of normal conditions.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Solar Energy*; Space Flight*; Vibration; Nanowires/chemistry*; Wireless Technology/trends*
  2. Norfazilah Ahmad, Siti Norbayah Yusof, Nurmawati Ahmad, Zaleha Md Nor, Juhaida Mohd Noor, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):924-932.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health challenge especially in low- and middle-income countries reflects improper, delayed or missed diagnosis. Contact screening should be utilized both as an efficient and effective targeted approach to intensify TB case finding.
    Methods Through a comprehensive systematic literature review of online database, this paper aims at providing an insight into the current practice of TB contact screening and to provide evidence based practice for formulation of appropriate policies in low- and middle-income countries. There are 24 articles included in this review from studies published from 2005 to 2014.
    Results Findings in literature varies substantially. Generally, contact screening is better intensified with clear operational guidelines, adequate training, include close contact outside household as appropriate and follow up at least for 1 year. Prioritizing high risk close contacts is helpful in resource limited setting. Tuberculin skin test is still of value as screening tool and intensified case finding must be accompanied with effective management protocol. Prophylaxis treatment is recommended especially for children especially less than 5 years old, unvaccinated, malnourished, living with person having HIV and close contact with MDR-TB.
    Conclusions Policy recommendations in improving TB management must incorporate complementary strategies to enhance case finding, effective management protocol for follow up or prophylaxis treatment, training for public health capacity and concerted dedication from various stakeholders
    MeSH terms: Anniversaries and Special Events; Child; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Income; Public Health; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis; Global Health; HIV Infections; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; Evidence-Based Practice
  3. Afifah Idris, Rosnah Ismail
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):885-893.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Married couples often do influence each other’s emotions and behaviors. The
    effect of this interpersonal marriage relationship on emotional job demands
    and job performance toward work-family conflict (WFC) is still under
    research. This article aims to determine the effects of married couple’s job
    factors (emotional job demands and job performance) on wife’s WFC.
    Methods A total of 120 dyads in private sectors were recruited via private invitations
    to social gatherings. Packets of self-administered questionnaires were given
    included emotional domain of Demand-Induced Strain Compensation,
    Spielberger Trait Anger Scale, work-family conflict and job performance
    measures. Dyadic analysis using Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was
    used.
    Results The emotional demand of wife significantly contribute higher effect (ES=
    0.34 (95%CI: 0.23, 0.45); p
  4. Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf, Ahmad Fareed Abdul Rahman Aniza Ismail, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Azimatunnoor Aizuddin
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):950-955.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction The availability of obesity specific quality of life measurement tool is limited. The Malay version of Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite is an obesity specific quality of life questionnaire which has been translated for use in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of this questionnaire to measure quality of life among different body mass index (BMI) groups.
    Methods One hundred and twenty subjects with different BMI categories who attended an outpatient government clinic were recruited for this study. The translated Malay version of IWQOL-Lite was used to assess the impact of weight on quality of life of respondents. Content validity, criterion validity and construct validity were used to assess the questionnaire validity while internal consistencies and test-retest reliability were used to assess the questionnaire reliability.
    Results The Malay version of IWQOL-Lite showed good psychometric properties. The content validity was agreed upon by expert panels. The mean score of all IWQOL-Lite domains were able to discriminate between different BMI groups. Good internal consistency was demonstrated by Cronbach alpha of 0.936. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.828 to 0.932. The physical function score (IWQOL-Lite) correlated positively with Physical Component Summary of Short Form-36 questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis found that the questions loaded on their respective five domains.
    Conclusions The results suggested that the Malay version of IWQOL-Lite is a valid and reliable tool to measure quality of life among obese and overweight subjects in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Body Weight; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Obesity; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Outpatients; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results; Body Mass Index; Overweight
  5. Du YH, Li Y, Wang RL, Wang HF, Su J, Xu BL, et al.
    Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi, 2018 Nov 06;52(11):1164-1167.
    PMID: 30419702 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-9624.2018.11.013
    Objective: To confirm the laboratory diagnosis of dengue bordline cases reported in Henan Province and trace its origin from molecular level in 2017. Methods: The study samples were blood samples (3-5 ml), which came from 8 suspected cases of dengue fever reported in the 2017 direct reporting system of Henan provincial infectious disease monitoring network. Meanwhile, case investigation was conducted according to National dengue fever surveillance programme. Serum were separated from blood samples and tested for Dengue NS1 antigen, IgM & IgG antibodies, and dengue RNA. According to dengue diagnosis criteria, confirmed cases were identified by testing results. Samples carried dengue RNA performed for real-time PCR genotyping and amplification of E gene. Then, the amplicons were sequenced and homological and phylogenetic analyses were constructed. Results: 8 serum samples of suspected dengue cases were collected in Henan Province, 2017. Six of them were diagnosed as dengue confirmed cases. All the dengue confirmed cases belonged to outside imported cases, 5 of them were positive by dengue RNA testing. Genotyping results showed there were 1 DENV1 case, 2 DENV2 cases and 2 DENV3 cases. A DENV2 case and a DENV3 case of this study were traced its origin successfully. The sequence of Pakistan imported DENV2 case belongs to cosmopolitan genotype, which was the most consistent with Pakistan's DENV2 KJ010186 in 2013 (identity 99.0%). The sequence of Malaysia imported DENV3 case belongs to genotype I, which was the most consistent with Singapore's DENV3 KX224276 in 2014(identity 99.0%). Conclusion: The laboratory diagnosis and molecular traceability of dengue cases in Henan Province in 2017 confirmed that all cases were imported and did not cause local epidemics.
    MeSH terms: Dengue/diagnosis*; Dengue Virus/genetics*; Dengue Virus/isolation & purification; Genotype; Humans; Phylogeny; Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  6. Major VJ, Chiew YS, Shaw GM, Chase JG
    Biomed Eng Online, 2018 Nov 12;17(1):169.
    PMID: 30419903 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-018-0599-9
    BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation is an essential therapy to support critically ill respiratory failure patients. Current standards of care consist of generalised approaches, such as the use of positive end expiratory pressure to inspired oxygen fraction (PEEP-FiO2) tables, which fail to account for the inter- and intra-patient variability between and within patients. The benefits of higher or lower tidal volume, PEEP, and other settings are highly debated and no consensus has been reached. Moreover, clinicians implicitly account for patient-specific factors such as disease condition and progression as they manually titrate ventilator settings. Hence, care is highly variable and potentially often non-optimal. These conditions create a situation that could benefit greatly from an engineered approach. The overall goal is a review of ventilation that is accessible to both clinicians and engineers, to bridge the divide between the two fields and enable collaboration to improve patient care and outcomes. This review does not take the form of a typical systematic review. Instead, it defines the standard terminology and introduces key clinical and biomedical measurements before introducing the key clinical studies and their influence in clinical practice which in turn flows into the needs and requirements around how biomedical engineering research can play a role in improving care. Given the significant clinical research to date and its impact on this complex area of care, this review thus provides a tutorial introduction around the review of the state of the art relevant to a biomedical engineering perspective.

    DISCUSSION: This review presents the significant clinical aspects and variables of ventilation management, the potential risks associated with suboptimal ventilation management, and a review of the major recent attempts to improve ventilation in the context of these variables. The unique aspect of this review is a focus on these key elements relevant to engineering new approaches. In particular, the need for ventilation strategies which consider, and directly account for, the significant differences in patient condition, disease etiology, and progression within patients is demonstrated with the subsequent requirement for optimal ventilation strategies to titrate for patient- and time-specific conditions.

    CONCLUSION: Engineered, protective lung strategies that can directly account for and manage inter- and intra-patient variability thus offer great potential to improve both individual care, as well as cohort clinical outcomes.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Biomedical Engineering*; Critical Care*; Humans; Lung; Oscillometry; Oxygen/blood; Oxygen/chemistry; Positive-Pressure Respiration/instrumentation*; Positive-Pressure Respiration/methods; Pressure; Respiration, Artificial/instrumentation*; Respiration, Artificial/methods; Ventilators, Mechanical; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult/therapy; Risk; Tidal Volume; Critical Illness; Lung Injury/etiology
  7. Bates SS, Hubbard KA, Lundholm N, Montresor M, Leaw CP
    Harmful Algae, 2018 11;79:3-43.
    PMID: 30420013 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2018.06.001
    Some diatoms of the genera Pseudo-nitzschia and Nitzschia produce the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA), a compound that caused amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) in humans just over 30 years ago (December 1987) in eastern Canada. This review covers new information since two previous reviews in 2012. Nitzschia bizertensis was subsequently discovered to be toxigenic in Tunisian waters. The known distribution of N. navis-varingica has expanded from Vietnam to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. Furthermore, 15 new species (and one new variety) of Pseudo-nitzschia have been discovered, bringing the total to 52. Seven new species were found to produce DA, bringing the total of toxigenic species to 26. We list all Pseudo-nitzschia species, their ability to produce DA, and show their global distribution. A consequence of the extended distribution and increased number of toxigenic species worldwide is that DA is now found more pervasively in the food web, contaminating new marine organisms (especially marine mammals), affecting their physiology and disrupting ecosystems. Recent findings highlight how zooplankton grazers can induce DA production in Pseudo-nitzschia and how bacteria interact with Pseudo-nitzschia. Since 2012, new discoveries have been reported on physiological controls of Pseudo-nitzschia growth and DA production, its sexual reproduction, and infection by an oomycete parasitoid. Many advances are the result of applying molecular approaches to discovering new species, and to understanding the population genetic structure of Pseudo-nitzschia and mechanisms used to cope with iron limitation. The availability of genomes from three Pseudo-nitzschia species, coupled with a comparative transcriptomic approach, has allowed advances in our understanding of the sexual reproduction of Pseudo-nitzschia, its signaling pathways, its interactions with bacteria, and genes involved in iron and vitamin B12 and B7 metabolism. Although there have been no new confirmed cases of ASP since 1987 because of monitoring efforts, new blooms have occurred. A massive toxic Pseudo-nitzschia bloom affected the entire west coast of North America during 2015-2016, and was linked to a 'warm blob' of ocean water. Other smaller toxic blooms occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and east coast of North America. Knowledge gaps remain, including how and why DA and its isomers are produced, the world distribution of potentially toxigenic Nitzschia species, the prevalence of DA isomers, and molecular markers to discriminate between toxigenic and non-toxigenic species and to discover sexually reproducing populations in the field.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Australia; Humans; Indonesia; Kainic Acid/analogs & derivatives*; Kainic Acid/isolation & purification; Malaysia; North America; Phylogeny; Vietnam; Zooplankton; Diatoms/classification; Diatoms/genetics; Diatoms/chemistry*; Ecosystem; Shellfish Poisoning*; Harmful Algal Bloom*; Gulf of Mexico
  8. Tan TL, Tang YJ, Ching LJ, Abdullah N, Neoh HM
    Sci Rep, 2018 Nov 12;8(1):16698.
    PMID: 30420768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35144-6
    The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the ability of the qSOFA in predicting short- (≤30 days or in-hospital mortality) and long-term (>30 days) mortality among patients outside the intensive care unit setting. Studies reporting on the qSOFA and mortality were searched using MEDLINE and SCOPUS. Studies were included if they involved patients presenting to the ED with suspected infection and usage of qSOFA score for mortality prognostication. Data on qSOFA scores and mortality rates were extracted from 36 studies. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity for the qSOFA were 48% and 86% for short-term mortality and 32% and 92% for long-term mortality, respectively. Studies reporting on short-term mortality were heterogeneous (Odd ratio, OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 4.6-6.8; Higgins's I2 = 94%), while long-term mortality studies were homogenous (OR = 4.7; 95% CI = 3.5-6.1; Higgins's I2 = 0%). There was no publication bias for short-term mortality analysis. The qSOFA score showed poor sensitivity but moderate specificity for both short and long-term mortality, with similar performance in predicting both short- and long- term mortality. Geographical region was shown to have nominal significant (p = 0.05) influence on qSOFA short-term mortality prediction.
    MeSH terms: Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data; Humans; Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data*; Multiple Organ Failure/etiology*; Multiple Organ Failure/pathology*; Prognosis; Hospital Mortality; Sepsis/complications*; Sepsis/pathology*
  9. Othman M, Ariff AB, Kapri MR, Rios-Solis L, Halim M
    Front Microbiol, 2018;9:2554.
    PMID: 30420842 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02554
    Fermentation employing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) often suffers end-product inhibition which reduces the cell growth rate and the production of metabolite. The utility of adsorbent resins for in situ lactic acid removal to enhance the cultivation performance of probiotic, Pediococcus acidilactici was studied. Weak base anion-exchange resin, Amberlite IRA 67 gave the highest maximum uptake capacity of lactic acid based on Langmuir adsorption isotherm (0.996 g lactic acid/g wet resin) compared to the other tested anion-exchange resins (Amberlite IRA 410, Amberlite IRA 400, Duolite A7 and Bowex MSA). The application of Amberlite IRA 67 improved the growth of P. acidilactici about 67 times compared to the control fermentation without resin addition. Nevertheless, the in situ addition of dispersed resin in the culture created shear stress by resins collision and caused direct shear force to the cells. The growth of P. acidilactici in the integrated bioreactor-internal column system containing anion-exchange resin was further improved by 1.4 times over that obtained in the bioreactor containing dispersed resin. The improvement of the P. acidilactici growth indicated that extractive fermentation using solid phase is an effective approach for reducing by-product inhibition and increasing product titer.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Anion Exchange Resins; Anions; Fermentation; Polymers; Resins, Plant; Resins, Synthetic; Bioreactors; Lactic Acid; Probiotics; Lactobacillales; Pediococcus acidilactici
  10. Rahmat F, Kumar Marutha Muthu A, S Raja Gopal N, Jo Han S, Yahaya AS
    Case Rep Endocrinol, 2018;2018:5198297.
    PMID: 30420925 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5198297
    Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common thyroid malignancy and frequently metastasizes to regional lymph nodes. Occasionally, metastatic lymph nodes are palpable without the evidence of primary tumour. Papillary thyroid carcinoma of lateral neck cyst is a rare condition. It may arise from thyroid primary which underwent cystic degeneration or true malignant transformation of ectopic thyroid tissue. Herein, we reported two cases with preoperative diagnosis of benign lateral neck cyst but postoperative histopathological results showed primary papillary thyroid carcinoma. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the neck in both cases showed no significant thyroid lesion. However, the patient in Case  2 was subjected for total thyroidectomy and histopathological results showed the origin of primary tumour. In conclusion, thorough investigations including total thyroidectomy are indicated in cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma of lateral neck cyst. This practice is to ensure that this type of thyroid cancer can be detected earlier because it has a very good prognosis if treated earlier.
  11. Alhajj N, Chee CF, Wong TW, Rahman NA, Abu Kasim NH, Colombo P
    Expert Opin Drug Deliv, 2018 12;15(12):1223-1247.
    PMID: 30422017 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2018.1547280
    INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary drug delivery is organ-specific and benefits local drug action for lung cancer. The use of nanotechnology and targeting ligand enables cellular-specific drug action. Combination approaches increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects of cancer chemotherapeutics that have narrow therapeutic index window and high cytotoxicity levels. The current progress of inhaled cancer chemotherapeutics has not been examined with respect to targeting strategy and clinical application potential.

    AREAS COVERED: This review examines the state of the art in passive (processing and formulation) and active (targeting ligand and receptor binding) technologies in association with the use of nanocarrier to combat lung cancer. It highlights routes to equip nanocarrier with targeting ligands as a function of the chemistry of participating biomolecules and challenges in inhalational nanoproduct development and clinical applications. Both research and review articles were examined using the Scopus, Elsevier, Web of Science, Chemical Abstracts, Medline, CASREACT, CHEMCATS, and CHEMLIST database with the majority of information retrieved between those of 2000-2018.

    EXPERT COMMENTARY: The therapeutic efficacy of targeting ligand-decorated nanocarriers needs to be demonstrated in vivo in the form of finished inhalational products. Their inhalation efficiency and medical responses require further examination. Clinical application of inhaled nanocancer chemotherapeutics is premature.

    MeSH terms: Administration, Inhalation; Drug Carriers/chemistry; Humans; Ligands; Lung/metabolism; Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Drug Delivery Systems*; Nanotechnology/methods*
  12. Kashif Zaheer, Mohd Ismail Abd Aziz, Kashif, Amber Nehan, Syed Muhammad Murshid Raza
    MATEMATIKA, 2018;34(1):125-141.
    MyJurnal
    The selection criteria play an important role in the portfolio optimization
    using any ratio model. In this paper, the authors have considered the mean return as
    profit and variance of return as risk on the asset return as selection criteria, as the first
    stage to optimize the selected portfolio. Furthermore, the sharp ratio (SR) has been
    considered to be the optimization ratio model. In this regard, the historical data taken
    from Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) has been considered. A metaheuristic technique
    has been developed, with financial tool box available in MATLAB and the particle swarm
    optimization (PSO) algorithm. Hence, called as the hybrid particle swarm optimization
    (HPSO) or can also be called as financial tool box particle swarm optimization (FTBPSO).
    In this model, the budgets as constraint, where as two different models i.e. with
    and without short sale, have been considered. The obtained results have been compared
    with the existing literature and the proposed technique is found to be optimum and better
    in terms of profit.
    MeSH terms: Algorithms; China; Publications; Risk; Patient Selection
  13. Adam, M.B., Norazman, N., Mohamad Kasim, M.R.
    MATEMATIKA, 2018;34(1):113-123.
    MyJurnal
    Logging activity is one of the most important activities for tropical countries
    including Malaysia, as it produces quality trees for papers. One of the important tree
    species is the Acacia Mangium which it produces a soft tree for papermaking enterprises.
    The papers are exported to Europe and countries which have high demand for paper
    due to the rapid development of the printing industry. Thus we analyzed the height for
    individual trees. We investigate the maximum height of the trees from 1990 to 2006
    and we fit the data using extreme value model. Some of the data are missing and three
    imputation methods we used to solve this problem.
    MeSH terms: Acacia; Environment; Europe; Industry; Malaysia; Paper; Printing; Trees
  14. Elexson Nillian, Malini Mathialagan, Samuel Lihan, Grace Bebey, Patrick Guda Benjamin
    MyJurnal
    Kaempferia galangal rhizome is one of the traditional medicinal plant species in
    Zingiberaceae family and well known as “cekur” in Borneo. Rapid emergence of
    multidrug resistance of V. cholerae biofilm has increased the failure of antibiotic
    treatment in recent years. This research was designed to demonstrate the
    antimicrobial activity of K. galangal rhizome extract against twenty six (n=26) V. cholera
    biofilm which were isolated from outbreak in Limbang, Sarawak in 2016. K. galangal
    rhizome was analyzed by methanol extraction and tested against biofilm of V. cholerae.
    The susceptibility of V. cholerae towards K. galangal rhizome was evaluated using disk
    diffusion method which showed a maximum zone of inhibition of 12.0 mm at 1000
    mg/mL concentration. As a result, the MBEC50 of V. cholerae was between 125 mg/mL
    to 250 mg/mL while more than 90% biofilm eradication (MBEC90) was achieved by 500
    mg/mL extract concentration. Extract-treated cell showed change in the morphology
    of V. cholerae by destruction of cell wall. K. galangal rhizome extract acts as a potent
    antibiofilm agent with dual actions by preventing and eradicating the biofilm of V.
    cholerae.
  15. Mohammad Rashedi Ismail-Fitry, Safiullah Jauhar, Chong, Gun Hean, Mahmud Ab Rashid NorKhaizura, Wan Zunairah Wan Ibadullah
    MyJurnal
    Recently natural polyphenol compounds (PCs) of plants, gained wide consideration of
    scientists, companies and public people because of its unique pharmaceutical and
    preservative benefits in the physiological system. They can prevent mortal and serious
    diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and Alzheimer. However, defining a suitable
    source of PCs and their proper, economic and efficient extraction method are still a
    challenge. The aim of this study was to review PCs as an important antioxidant, the
    significance of pomegranate as a source of natural PCs and its application in meat and
    meat product. This study also covers different types of PCs extraction methods such as
    solid-liquid extraction (SLE) method as a conventional extraction which using Soxhlet
    apparatus and several solvents and advanced methods such as microwave-assisted
    extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), accelerated solvent extraction
    (ASE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and high hydrostatic pressure extraction
    (HHPE). Simple and developed analytical method of PCs is also reviewed in the study.
    SLE method is an easy and simple method but, it uses lots of chemicals and is not
    suitable for all kinds of PCs extraction. UAE is using for quick extraction PCs, SFE is green
    extraction method uses less solvent and have a good result but it needs high
    technology. ASE method is a proper alternative for Soxhlet extraction method for its
    quick result. MAE method has high extraction result but is not suitable for some
    thermolabile PCs. Several parts of pomegranate showed antioxidant and antimicrobial
    traits for shelf life extension of meat and meat product. Pomegranate peel is the
    strongest antioxidant followed by pomegranate juice and seed. Pomegranate peel
    prolonged chilled chicken meat shelf live up to three weeks.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Antioxidants; Chickens; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Hydrostatic Pressure; Life Expectancy; Meat; Meat Products; Microwaves; Neoplasms; Seeds; Solvents; Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid; Punicaceae; Polyphenols
  16. Xi Loh EY, Fauzi MB, Ng MH, Ng PY, Ng SF, Ariffin H, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2018 Nov 21;10(46):39532-39543.
    PMID: 30372014 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b16645
    The evaluation of the interaction of cells with biomaterials is fundamental to establish the suitability of the biomaterial for a specific application. In this study, the properties of bacterial nanocellulose/acrylic acid (BNC/AA) hydrogels fabricated with varying BNC to AA ratios and electron-beam irradiation doses were determined. The manner these hydrogel properties influence the behavior of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) at the cellular and molecular levels was also investigated, relating it to its application both as a cell carrier and wound dressing material. Swelling, hardness, adhesive force (wet), porosity, and hydrophilicity (dry) of the hydrogels were dependent on the degree of cross-linking and the amount of AA incorporated in the hydrogels. However, water vapor transmission rate, pore size, hydrophilicity (semidry), and topography were similar between all formulations, leading to a similar cell attachment and proliferation profile. At the cellular level, the hydrogel demonstrated rapid cell adhesion, maintained HDFs viability and morphology, restricted cellular migration, and facilitated fast transfer of cells. At the molecular level, the hydrogel affected nine wound-healing genes (IL6, IL10, MMP2, CTSK, FGF7, GM-CSF, TGFB1, COX2, and F3). The findings indicate that the BNC/AA hydrogel is a potential biomaterial that can be employed as a wound-dressing material to incorporate HDFs for the acceleration of wound healing.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Bacteria/metabolism; Biocompatible Materials; Cell Adhesion; Cell Movement; Cell Survival; Cellulose/chemistry*; Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry; Culture Media; Endotoxins/chemistry; Fibroblasts/cytology*; Hardness; Humans; Materials Testing; Sheep; Skin/cytology*; Wound Healing; Porosity; Hydrogels/chemistry*; Guided Tissue Regeneration/methods*; Cell Proliferation; Nanostructures/chemistry*; Rats; Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry
  17. Liang H, Qin X, Tan CP, Li D, Wang Y
    J Agric Food Chem, 2018 Nov 21;66(46):12361-12367.
    PMID: 30394748 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b04804
    Docosahexaenoyl and eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamides (DHEA and EPEA) have physiological functions, including immunomodulation, brain development, and anti-inflammation, but their efficient production is still unresolved. In this study, choline-chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents are used as media to improve the production of DHEA and EPEA. The water content showed a key effect on the reactant conversion. Adding water to choline chloride-glucose (CG, molar ratio of 5:2) led to a significant increase (13.03% for EPEA and 27.95% for DHEA) in the yields after 1 h. The high yields of EPEA (96.84%) and DHEA (90.06%) were obtained under the optimized conditions [fish oil ethyl esters/ethanolamine molar ratio of 1:2, temperature of 60 °C, 1 h, enzyme loading of 2195 units, and CG containing 8.50% water of 43.30% (w/w, relative to total reactants)]. The products could be easily separated using centrifugation. In summary, the research has the potential to produce fatty acyl ethanolamides.
    MeSH terms: Choline/chemistry*; Docosahexaenoic Acids/chemistry; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/chemistry; Lipase/chemistry*; Eicosapentaenoic Acid/chemistry; Ethanolamine/chemistry*; Biocatalysis; Green Chemistry Technology/methods*
  18. Ahmed S, Abd Manaf NH, Islam R
    Int J Health Care Qual Assur, 2018 Oct 08;31(8):973-987.
    PMID: 30415620 DOI: 10.1108/IJHCQA-07-2017-0138
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and workforce management on the quality performance of Malaysian hospitals. This paper also investigates the direct and indirect relationships between top management commitment and quality performance of the healthcare organisations in Malaysia.

    DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This study applied stratified random sampling to collect data from 15 different hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia. The self-administered survey questionnaires were distributed among 673 hospital staff (i.e. doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical laboratory technologists) to obtain 335 useful responses with a 49.47 per cent valid response rate. The research data were analysed based on confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling by using AMOS version 23 software.

    FINDINGS: The research findings indicated that LSS and workforce management have a significant impact on quality performance of the Malaysian hospitals, whereas senior management commitment was found to have an insignificant relationship with quality performance. The research findings indicate that senior management commitment has no direct significant relationship with quality performance, but it has an indirect significant relationship with quality performance through the mediating effects of LSS and workforce management.

    RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This research focussed solely on healthcare organisations in Malaysia and thus the results might not be applicable for other countries as well as other service organisations.

    ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research provides theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions for the LSS approach and the research findings are expected to provide guidelines to enhance the level of quality performance in healthcare organisations in Malaysia as well as other countries.

    MeSH terms: Factor Analysis, Statistical; Humans; Leadership*; Malaysia; Personnel Administration, Hospital/standards*; Personnel, Hospital/psychology; Quality of Health Care/organization & administration*; Quality of Health Care/standards; Organizational Culture; Total Quality Management/organization & administration*; Total Quality Management/standards; Patient Safety
  19. Yusof M, Sahroni MN
    Int J Health Care Qual Assur, 2018 Oct 08;31(8):1014-1029.
    PMID: 30415623 DOI: 10.1108/IJHCQA-07-2017-0125
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to present a review of health information system (HIS)-induced errors and its management. This paper concludes that the occurrence of errors is inevitable but it can be minimised with preventive measures. The review of classifications can be used to evaluate medical errors related to HISs using a socio-technical approach. The evaluation could provide an understanding of errors as a learning process in managing medical errors.

    DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A literature review was performed on issues, sources, management and approaches to HISs-induced errors. A critical review of selected models was performed in order to identify medical error dimensions and elements based on human, process, technology and organisation factors.

    FINDINGS: Various error classifications have resulted in the difficulty to understand the overall error incidents. Most classifications are based on clinical processes and settings. Medical errors are attributed to human, process, technology and organisation factors that influenced and need to be aligned with each other. Although most medical errors are caused by humans, they also originate from other latent factors such as poor system design and training. Existing evaluation models emphasise different aspects of medical errors and could be combined into a comprehensive evaluation model.

    RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Overview of the issues and discourses in HIS-induced errors could divulge its complexity and enable its causal analysis.

    PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This paper helps in understanding various types of HIS-induced errors and promising prevention and management approaches that call for further studies and improvement leading to good practices that help prevent medical errors.

    ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Classification of HIS-induced errors and its management, which incorporates a socio-technical and multi-disciplinary approach, could guide researchers and practitioners to conduct a holistic and systematic evaluation.

    MeSH terms: Clinical Protocols/standards; Environment; Humans; Medication Errors/classification; Medication Errors/statistics & numerical data; Patient Discharge/standards; Patient Discharge/statistics & numerical data; Workload; Models, Organizational; Medical Errors/classification*; Medical Errors/prevention & control; Medical Errors/statistics & numerical data*; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures/standards; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures/statistics & numerical data; Health Information Systems/organization & administration*; Health Information Systems/standards
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