Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Singh G, Kesharwani P, Srivastava AK
    Curr Drug Deliv, 2018;15(3):312-320.
    PMID: 29165080 DOI: 10.2174/1567201814666171120125916
    BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is an infection and caused by gentle growing bacteria. The Internet provides opportunities for people with tuberculosis (TB) to connect with one another to address these challenges.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to introduce readers to the platforms on which Tuberculosis participants interact, to discuss reasons for and risks associated with TB-related activity, and to review research related to the potential impact of individual participation on TB outcomes.

    METHODS: Research and online content related to Tuberculosis online activity is reviewed, however, the difficulty in accurate prescribing and adhering to these protocols and the emergence of M. tuberculosis strains resistant to multiple drugs and drug-drug interactions that interfere with optimal treatment of Tuberculosis and co-infected patients with the different disease has generated a pressing need for improved Tuberculosis therapies.

    RESULTS: Together with the ominous global burden of Tuberculosis, those shortcomings of current medication have contributed to a renewed interest in the development of improved drugs and protocols for the medication of Tuberculosis. This article features obstacles related with the enhanced utilization of existing drugs and difficulties related with the advancement of enhanced products, concentrating on perspectives characteristic in Tuberculosis drug clinical improvement. The participation includes peer support, advocacy, self-expression, seeking and sharing TB information, improving approaches to Tuberculosis data management, and humour.

    CONCLUSION: This article highlights hurdles related to the optimised use of existing drugs and challenges related to the development of improved products, focusing on aspects inherent in Tuberculosis drug clinical development. Concluding comments offer processes for more efficient development of Tuberculosis therapies and increase the quality of life.

    MeSH terms: Antitubercular Agents/adverse effects; Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use*; Humans; Tuberculosis/drug therapy*; Tuberculosis/etiology; Drug Design; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  2. Ismail I, Gaskin S, Pisaniello D, Edwards JW
    Ind Health, 2018 Apr 07;56(2):166-170.
    PMID: 29199264 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2017-0157
    Elbow length PVC gloves are often recommended for protection against organophosphorus pesticide (OP) exposure in agriculture. However, performance may be reduced due to high temperature, UV exposure and abrasion. We sought to assess these impacts for two OPs under normal use and reasonable worst-case scenarios. Glove permeation tests were conducted using ASTM cells with two PVC glove brands at 23°C and 45°C for up to 8 h. Technical grade dichlorvos and formulated diazinon were used undiluted and at application strength. Breakthough of undiluted dichlorvos occurred at both 23°C and 45°C, but only at 45°C for application strength. Breakthrough of diazinon was not achieved, except when undiluted at 45°C. UV-exposed and abraded gloves showed reduced performance, with the effect being approximately two-fold for dichlorvos. Only small differences were noted between glove brands. Extra precautions should be taken when handling concentrated OPs at high temperature, or when using abraded or sunlight-exposed gloves.
    MeSH terms: Agriculture; Diazinon/chemistry*; Dichlorvos/chemistry*; Insecticides/chemistry*; Materials Testing; Permeability; Polyvinyl Chloride; Temperature; Ultraviolet Rays; Occupational Exposure/prevention & control; Gloves, Protective/standards*
  3. Md Rezali KA, Griffin MJ
    Ergonomics, 2018 Sep;61(9):1246-1258.
    PMID: 29628001 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2018.1462407
    This study investigated effects of applied force on the apparent mass of the hand, the dynamic stiffness of glove materials and the transmission of vibration through gloves to the hand. For 10 subjects, 3 glove materials and 3 contact forces, apparent masses and glove transmissibilities were measured at the palm and at a finger at frequencies in the range 5-300 Hz. The dynamic stiffnesses of the materials were also measured. With increasing force, the dynamic stiffnesses of the materials increased, the apparent mass at the palm increased at frequencies greater than the resonance and the apparent mass at the finger increased at low frequencies. The effects of force on transmissibilities therefore differed between materials and depended on vibration frequency, but changes in apparent mass and dynamic stiffness had predictable effects on material transmissibility. Depending on the glove material, the transmission of vibration through a glove can be increased or decreased when increasing the applied force. Practitioner summary: Increasing the contact force (i.e. push force or grip force) can increase or decrease the transmission of vibration through a glove. The vibration transmissibilities of gloves should be assessed with a range of contact forces to understand their likely influence on the exposure of the hand and fingers to vibration.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Fingers; Gels; Hand/physiology*; Humans; Male; Materials Testing/methods; Vibration*; Gloves, Protective*; Hand Strength; Mechanical Phenomena; Young Adult
  4. Thung WE, Ong SA, Ho LN, Wong YS, Ridwan F, Oon YL, et al.
    J Environ Sci (China), 2018 Apr;66:295-300.
    PMID: 29628097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.010
    This study demonstrated the potential of single chamber up-flow membrane-less microbial fuel cell (UFML-MFC) in wastewater treatment and power generation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and enhance the performance under different operational conditions which affect the chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction and power generation, including the increase of KCl concentration (MFC1) and COD concentration (MFC2). The results showed that the increase of KCl concentration is an important factor in up-flow membrane-less MFC to enhance the ease of electron transfer from anode to cathode. The increase of COD concentration in MFC2 could led to the drop of voltage output due to the prompt of biofilm growth in MFC2 cathode which could increase the internal resistance. It also showed that the COD concentration is a vital issue in up-flow membrane-less MFC. Despite the COD reduction was up to 96%, the power output remained constrained.
    MeSH terms: Bioelectric Energy Sources*; Electrodes; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods*; Biofilms; Bioreactors; Green Chemistry Technology/methods*; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Waste Water
  5. Mehdizadeh S, Glazier PS
    J Biomech, 2018 05 17;73:243-248.
    PMID: 29628131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.03.032
    The aims of this study were to demonstrate "order error" in the calculation of continuous relative phase (CRP) and to suggest two alternative methods-(i) constructing phase-plane portraits by plotting position over velocity; and (ii), the Hilbert transform-to rectify it. Order error is the change of CRP order between two degrees of freedom (e.g., body segments) when using the conventional method of constructing phase-plane portraits (i.e., velocity over position). Both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal simulated signals as well as signals from human movement kinematics were used to investigate order error and the performance of the two alternative methods. Both methods have been shown to lead to correct results for simulated sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal signals. For human movement data, however, the Hilbert transform is superior for calculating CRP.
    MeSH terms: Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Male; Models, Theoretical; Walking/physiology*
  6. Martinez RC, Sathasivam HP, Cosway B, Paleri V, Fellows S, Adams J, et al.
    Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2018 May;56(4):332-337.
    PMID: 29628167 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2018.03.011
    Our aim was to examine the clinicopathological features of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity and oropharynx in a group of young patients who were dignosed during a 15-year period (2000-2014). Patients' clinical details, risk factors, and survival were obtained from medical records. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, tissue was tested for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). The results were compared with those of a matching group of older patients. We identified 91 patients who were younger than 45 years old, and the 50 youngest patients were studied in detail. The male:female ratio was 2:1, with more tumours located in the oral cavity than in the oropharynx (35 compared with 15). HPV-related SCC was restricted to the oropharynx. When matched for site, stage and HPV status, five-year overall survival was similar in young and matched older patients (log-rank test, p=0.515). Our findings suggest that young patients with oral SCC have a disease profile similar to that of older patients with the condition. It is plausible that prognostic information generally available for oral cancers is applicable to young patients with the disease.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/etiology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology*; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Neoplasms/etiology; Mouth Neoplasms/pathology*; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/etiology; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology*; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Papillomavirus Infections/complications; Young Adult
  7. Li KS, Ali MA, Muhammad II, Othman NH, Noor AM
    J Oleo Sci, 2018 May 01;67(5):497-505.
    PMID: 29628486 DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess17203
    The impact of microwave roasting on the thermooxidative degradation of perah seed oil (PSO) was evaluated during heating at a frying temperature (170°C). The roasting resulted significantly lower increment of the values of oxidative indices such as free acidity, peroxide value, p-anisidine, total oxidation (TOTOX), specific extinctions and thiobarbituric acid in oils during heating. The colour L* (lightness) value dropped gradually as the heating time increased up to 12 h, whereas a*(redness) and b* (yellowness) tended to increase. The viscosity and total polar compound in roasted PSO was lower as compared to that in unroasted one at each heating times. The tocol retention was also high in roasted samples throughout the heating period. The relative contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were decreased to 94.42% and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were increased to 110.20% in unroasted sample, after 12 h of heating. On the other hand, in 3 min roasted samples, the relative contents of PUFAs were decreased to 98.08% and of SFAs were increased to 103.41% after 12 h of heating. Outcome from analyses showed that microwave roasting reduced the oxidative deteriorations of PSO during heating.
    MeSH terms: Color; Cooking/methods*; Fatty Acids/analysis; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/analysis; Hot Temperature*; Microwaves*; Oxidation-Reduction*; Plant Oils/chemistry*; Seeds*; Tocopherols
  8. Subhi H, Reza F, Husein A, Nurul AA
    J Conserv Dent, 2018 4 10;21(1):21-25.
    PMID: 29628642 DOI: 10.4103/JCD.JCD_86_17
    Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity effects of experimental gypsum-based biomaterial prepared with various concentrations of chitosan (Gyp-CHT).

    Materials and Methods: The study was performed using cell viability assay for mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), after 1, 2, and 3 days of exposure to the biomaterial extracts of varying concentrations. Differences in mean cell viability values were assessed by one-way analysis of variance, followed by Dunnett T3 post hoc test for multiple comparisons (P < 0.05).

    Results: The cell viability to Gyp-CHT in low extract concentrations was statistically similar to that of the control and different from that of high extract concentrations. Gyp-5% CHT showed the highest percentage of cell viability with 110.92%, 108.56%, and 109.11%. The cell viability showed a tendency toward increment with low extract concentration and no constant effect of CHT on cell viability toward higher or lower.

    Conclusions: Gyp-CHT biomaterial has no cytotoxic effects on the cultured SHED.

    MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Biocompatible Materials; Calcium Sulfate; Cell Survival; Humans; Mitochondria; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidoreductases; Stem Cells; Tooth, Deciduous; Chitosan
  9. Mohamed AM, Wong KH, Lee WJ, Marizan Nor M, Mohd Hussaini H, Rosli TI
    Saudi Dent J, 2018 Apr;30(2):142-150.
    PMID: 29628737 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2017.12.001
    Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of resin infiltration on colour changes and surface roughness of artificial white spot lesions (WSLs) on maxillary and mandibular premolar.

    Materials and methods: Sixty (60) extracted sound Maxilla (Mx) and Mandibular (Mn) premolars were randomly divided into 2 groups (test and control). Artificial WSLs were produced on buccal surface of teeth and were immersed in artificial saliva for 8 weeks. Colour components (L∗, a∗, b∗) and surface roughness (Sa∗) were assessed on 40 teeth using colour difference meter RD-100 and Alicona® Infinite Focus profilometer respectively. The measurements were done at baseline (T1), directly after artificial WSLs (T2), after 24 hours immersed in saliva and application of resin (T3) and immersion in artificial saliva for 1 (T4), 2 (T5), 4 (T6), 6 (T7) and 8 (T8) weeks. SEM images analysis were carried out on 20 teeth in four time points.

    Results: The values of L∗ (lightness), b∗ (yellow/blue) and Sa∗ (surface roughness) are gradually reduced to the baseline value. Whereas, the value of a∗ gradually increased with distinct treatment time to achieve the baseline value. The higher value of L∗ and Sa∗, the whiter the lesion suggesting higher degree of enamel demineralization and surface roughness. Lower L∗ values suggest a masking colour effect.

    Conclusion: The material produced favorable esthetics on colour and the surface roughness of teeth at distinct treatment times. It is recommended to be used to improve WSL post orthodontic treatment.

    MeSH terms: Bicuspid; Color; Dental Arch; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel; Diagnosis, Oral; Esthetics; Maxilla; Resins, Plant; Saliva; Saliva, Artificial
  10. Abu Bakar FI, Abu Bakar MF, Rahmat A, Abdullah N, Sabran SF, Endrini S
    Front Pharmacol, 2018;9:261.
    PMID: 29628890 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00261
    Gout is a type of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in one or more joints. In gout, elevation of uric acid in the blood triggers the formation of crystals, causing joint pain. Malaysia is a mega-biodiversity country that is rich in medicinal plants species. Therefore, its flora might offer promising therapies for gout. This article aims to systematically review the anti-gout potential of Malaysian medicinal plants. Articles on gout published from 2000 to 2017 were identified using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar with the following keyword search terms: "gout," "medicinal plants," "Malaysia," "epidemiology," "in vitro," and "in vivo." In this study, 85 plants were identified as possessing anti-gout activity. These plants had higher percentages of xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity (>85%); specifically, the Momordica charantia, Chrysanthemum indicum, Cinnamomum cassia, Kaempferia galanga, Artemisia vulgaris, and Morinda elliptica had the highest values, due to their diverse natural bioactive compounds, which include flavonoids, phenolics, tannin, coumarins, luteolin, and apigenin. This review summarizes the anti-gout potential of Malaysian medicinal plants but the mechanisms, active compounds, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and safety of the plants still remain to be elucidated.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Plants, Medicinal*; Arthritis, Gouty; Arthralgia
  11. Fauzi NH, Ardini YD, Zainuddin Z, Lestari W
    Jpn Dent Sci Rev, 2018 Feb;54(1):30-36.
    PMID: 29628999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2017.08.001
    Tooth agenesis in the reduction of tooth number which includes hypodontia, oligodontia and anodontia is caused by disturbances and gene mutations that occur during odontogenesis. To date, several genetic mutations that unlock the causes of non-syndromic tooth agenesis are being discovered; these have been associated with certain illnesses because tooth development involves the interaction of several genes for tooth epithelium and mesenchyme odontogenesis. Mutation of candidate genes PAX9 and MSX1 have been identified as the main causes of hypodontia and oligodontia; meanwhile, AXIN2 mutation is associated with anodontia. Previous study using animal models reported that PAX9-deficient knockout mice exhibit missing molars due to an arrest of tooth development at the bud stage. PAX9 frameshift, missense and nonsense mutations are reported to be responsible; however, the most severe condition showed by the phenotype is caused by haploinsufficiency. This suggests that PAX9 is dosage-sensitive. Understanding the mechanism of genetic mutations will benefit clinicians and human geneticists in future alternative treatment investigations.
  12. Pei CS, Appannah G, Sulaiman N
    Nutr Res Pract, 2018 Apr;12(2):135-142.
    PMID: 29629030 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2018.12.2.135
    BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study assessed household food security status and determined its association with diet quality and weight status among indigenous women from the Mah Meri tribe in Peninsular Malaysia.

    SUBJECTS/METHODS: The Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Instrument and the Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (HEI) were used to assess household food security status and diet quality, respectively. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and 24-hour dietary recall data were collected through face-to-face interview, and anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained from 222 women.

    RESULTS: Majority of households (82.9%) experienced different levels of food insecurity: 29.3% household food insecurity, 23.4% individual food insecurity, and 30.2% fell into the child hunger group. The food-secure group had significantly fewer children and smaller household sizes than the food-insecure groups (P < 0.05). The mean household income, income per capita, and food expenditure significantly decreased as food insecurity worsened (P < 0.001). The food-secure group had significantly higher Malaysian HEI scores for grains and cereals (P < 0.01), as well as for meat, poultry, and eggs (P < 0.001), than the food-insecure groups. The child-hunger group had significantly higher fat (P < 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.001) scores than the food-secure and household food-insecure groups. Compared to the individual food-insecure and child-hunger groups, multivariate analysis of covariance showed that the food-secure group was significantly associated with a higher Malaysian HEI score while the household food-insecure group was significantly associated with a higher BMI after controlling for age (P < 0.025).

    CONCLUSIONS: The majority of indigenous households faced food insecurity. Food insecurity at the individual and child levels was associated with lower quality of diet, while food insecurity at the household level was associated with higher body weight. Therefore, a substantial effort by all stakeholders is warranted to improve food insecurity among poorer households. The results suggest a pressing need for nutritional interventions to improve dietary intake among low income households.

    MeSH terms: Animals; Body Weight; Edible Grain; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Demography; Diet; Health Expenditures; Female; Food Supply; Humans; Hunger; Malaysia; Poultry; Sodium; Body Mass Index; Multivariate Analysis; Overweight
  13. Mohamad N, Badrin S, Wan Abdullah WNH
    Korean J Fam Med, 2018 Mar;39(2):126-129.
    PMID: 29629046 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.2018.39.2.126
    Fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis is a differential diagnosis that can be considered in diabetic patients who present with a poorly healing ulcer. Although its prevalence is low, it can occur in patients with immunocompromised status. Here we report a case of a 70-year-old man with diabetes mellitus who presented with a 1-month history of an unhealed ulcer over the tip of his left middle finger. He experienced a cat bite over his left middle finger 1 month prior to the appearance of the lesion. A skin biopsy revealed the presence of Sporothrix schenckii. Oral itraconazole 200 mg twice daily was started empirically and the patient showed marked improvement in the skin lesion after 2 months of therapy.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Biopsy; Diabetes Mellitus; Diagnosis, Differential; Fingers; Humans; Male; Skin; Sporotrichosis; Sporothrix; Thumb; Ulcer; Wound Healing; Prevalence; Itraconazole
  14. Mahdi HJ, Khan NAK, Asmawi MZB, Mahmud R, A/L Murugaiyah V
    Integr Med Res, 2018 Mar;7(1):85-94.
    PMID: 29629295 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2017.11.002
    Background: The medicinal uses of plants are in many cases based exclusively on traditional knowledge without enough scientific evidences. Different parts of Moringa oleifera were traditionally used for the treatment of wide variety of ailments including arthritis and joints pain. The present study had been designed to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive activities of ethanol extract of Moringa leaves, this being the most abundant plant part suitable for commercial mass production of botanical medicinal products.

    Methods: Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats was used as disease model. CFA-induced inflammatory paw edema, body weight, arthritic index, X-ray radiography, hematological parameters, and walk track and locomotion analysis were all evaluated for the assessment of disease progression. In addition to that, anti-nociceptive activity was examined at different dose levels in both normal and arthritic-induced rats using Eddy's hot plate and tail flick thermal analgesia.

    Results: The analysis of various arthritic assessment parameters used in this study revealed that Moringa extract has a considerable effect in preventing development or ameliorate arthritis disease severity. Moreover, the ethanol extract of Moringa leaves revealed significant anti-nociceptive activity at in both normal and CFA-induced arthritis rats in a dose-dependent manner.

    Conclusion: Ethanol extract of Moringa leaves appears to be a really promising as analgesic and arthritis medication, but a larger and more detailed preclinical and clinical studies especially in human is highly recommended.

  15. Kyaw Soe HH, Than NN, Lwin H, Nu Htay MNN, Phyu KL, Abas AL
    PMID: 29629384 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_61_17
    CONTEXT: Scientific research not only promotes health and combats diseases of an individual, but also it can strengthen the effectiveness of health systems. Hence, understanding of scientific methods becomes a crucial component in the medical profession.
    AIMS: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers toward research among undergraduate medical and dental students.
    SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 295 undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students from a private medical college in Malaysia.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We purposively selected 360 students attending the 3rd, 4th, and 5th year in MBBS course and BDS course in September 2015. A total of 295 students who were willing to provide written informed consent were included in this study. We collected data using a validated, self-administered, structured questionnaire which included 20 questions about knowledge toward scientific research, 21 attitude items in regard to scientific research, a list of 10 barriers toward conducting medical research, and 5 questions of confidence to conduct the medical research.
    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.
    RESULTS: Among the students, 56.9% had moderate knowledge while the majority (83.3%) had moderate attitude toward scientific research. The majorly cited barriers were the lack of time (79.9%), lack of knowledge and skills (72.1%), lack of funding (72.0%) and facilities (63.6%), and lack of rewards (55.8%). There was a significant association between age, academic year, and knowledge of research as the older age group, and 4th- and 5th-year students had higher knowledge score. The students of higher attitude score had better-perceived barriers score toward research with regression coefficient 0.095 (95% confidence interval 0.032-0.159).
    CONCLUSIONS: Even though the students had the positive attitudes toward scientific research, a supportive and positive environment is needed to improve skills and knowledge of research and to overcome the barriers toward the conduct of scientific research.
    Study site: Melaka-Manipal Medical College (MMMC), Melaka, Malaysia
    MeSH terms: Adult; Attitude; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Research*; Students, Dental; Students, Medical; Universities; Knowledge
  16. Mohamad N, Ubaidillah, Mazlan SA, Imaduddin F, Choi SB, Yazid IIM
    PLoS One, 2018;13(4):e0191795.
    PMID: 29630595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191795
    In this study, a new magnetorheological (MR) grease was made featuring plate-like carbonyl iron (CI) particles, and its magnetic field-dependent rheological properties were experimentally characterized. The plate-like CI particles were prepared through high-energy ball milling of spherical CI particles. Then, three different ratios of the CI particles in the MR grease, varying from 30 to 70 wt% were mixed by dispersing the plate-like CI particles into the grease medium with a mechanical stirrer. The magnetic field-dependent rheological properties of the plate-like CI particle-based MR grease were then investigated using a rheometer by changing the magnetic field intensity from 0 to 0.7 T at room temperature. The measurement was undertaken at two different modes, namely, a continuous shear mode and oscillation mode. It was shown that both the apparent viscosity and storage modulus of the MR grease were heavily dependent on the magnetic field intensity as well as the CI particle fraction. In addition, the differences in the yield stress and the MR effect between the proposed MR grease featuring the plate-like CI particles and the existing MR grease with the spherical CI particles were investigated and discussed in detail.
    MeSH terms: Engineering; Iron/chemistry*; Rheology*; Magnetic Fields*
  17. Klaus A, Strube C, Röper KM, Radespiel U, Schaarschmidt F, Nathan S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2018;13(4):e0195584.
    PMID: 29630671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195584
    Understanding determinants shaping infection risk of endangered wildlife is a major topic in conservation medicine. The proboscis monkey, Nasalis larvatus, an endemic primate flagship species for conservation in Borneo, is endangered through habitat loss, but can still be found in riparian lowland and mangrove forests, and in some protected areas. To assess socioecological and anthropogenic influence on intestinal helminth infections in N. larvatus, 724 fecal samples of harem and bachelor groups, varying in size and the number of juveniles, were collected between June and October 2012 from two study sites in Malaysian Borneo: 634 samples were obtained from groups inhabiting the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (LKWS), 90 samples were collected from groups of the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary (LBPMS), where monkeys are fed on stationary feeding platforms. Parasite risk was quantified by intestinal helminth prevalence, host parasite species richness (PSR), and eggs per gram feces (epg). Generalized linear mixed effect models were applied to explore whether study site, group type, group size, the number of juveniles per group, and sampling month predict parasite risk. At the LBPMS, prevalence and epg of Trichuris spp., strongylids, and Strongyloides spp. but not Ascaris spp., as well as host PSR were significantly elevated. Only for Strongyloides spp., prevalence showed significant changes between months; at both sites, the beginning rainy season with increased precipitation was linked to higher prevalence, suggesting the external life cycle of Strongyloides spp. to benefit from humidity. Higher prevalence, epgs, and PSR within the LBPMS suggest that anthropogenic factors shape host infection risk more than socioecological factors, most likely via higher re-infection rates and chronic stress. Noninvasive measurement of fecal parasite stages is an important tool for assessing transmission dynamics and infection risks for endangered tropical wildlife. Findings will contribute to healthcare management in nature and in anthropogenically managed environments.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Borneo; Conservation of Natural Resources; Feces/parasitology; Female; Helminthiasis/parasitology; Helminthiasis/transmission; Host-Parasite Interactions; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/transmission; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary; Malaysia; Male; Monkey Diseases/parasitology*; Monkey Diseases/transmission; Risk Factors; Strongyloidiasis/parasitology; Strongyloidiasis/transmission; Strongyloidiasis/veterinary; Trichuriasis/parasitology; Trichuriasis/transmission; Trichuriasis/veterinary; Colobinae/parasitology*; Forests; Rainforest
  18. Alarwali AM, Kutty MG, Al-Haddad AY, Gonzalez MAG
    Am J Dent, 2018 Feb;31(1):39-44.
    PMID: 29630804
    PURPOSE: To evaluate the fracture resistance and failure mode of three different all-ceramic crowns; CEREC Bloc, IPS e.Max Press and Cercon in a simulated clinical situation.

    METHODS: 30 extracted maxillary premolars were prepared and randomly assigned to three groups equally according to the type of crown used. The first was the CEREC group: monolithic feldspathic crowns (CEREC Blocs). The second was the E.Max group: monolithic lithium disilicate crowns (IPS e.Max Press). The third group was the Cercon group: bilayered partially stabilized zirconia crowns (Cercon). All crowns were cemented using dual-cured resin cement (ParaCore). The specimens were then subjected to thermocycling (5-55°C/500 cycles) and loaded to failure at an angle of 45° to the occlusal surface of the crown. Failure data was statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test at α= 0.05. Fractographic analysis was performed to determine the fracture modes of the failed specimens.

    RESULTS: The mean fracture values for CEREC, E.Max and Cercon groups were 387± 60 N, 452 ± 86 N, and 540 ± 171 N, respectively. Significant differences were found between CEREC and Cercon groups (P< 0.05). Catastrophic fracture within the ceramic crown was the major failure mode of the CEREC group. For E.Max and Cercon groups, the major failure mode was exhibiting severe tooth fracture while the ceramic crown remained intact.

    CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CEREC, IPS e.Max Press and Cercon crowns are clinically applicable as they exceeded the normal masticatory forces. However, the CEREC crown is preferred as it maintains the integrity of the natural abutment.

  19. Mottalib A, Salsberg V, Mohd-Yusof BN, Mohamed W, Carolan P, Pober DM, et al.
    Nutr J, 2018 04 07;17(1):42.
    PMID: 29626933 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-018-0351-0
    BACKGROUND: Nutrition Therapy (NT) is essential in type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. Standards of care recommend that each patient engages with a nutritionist (RDN) to develop an individualized eating plan. However, it is unclear if it is the most efficient method of NT. This study evaluates the effects of three different methods of NT on HbA1c and cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight and obese patients with T2D.

    METHODS: We randomized 108 overweight and obese patients with T2D (46 M/62F; age 60 ± 10 years; HbA1c 8.07 ± 1.05%; weight 101.4 ± 21.1 kg and BMI 35.2 ± 7.7 kg/m2) into three groups. Group A met with RDN to develop an individualized eating plan. Group B met with RDN and followed a structured meal plan. Group C did similar to group B and received weekly phone support by RDN.

    RESULTS: After 16 weeks, all three groups had a significant reduction of their energy intake compared to baseline. HbA1c did not change from baseline in group A, but decreased significantly in groups B (- 0.66%, 95% CI -1.03 to - 0.30) and C (- 0.61%, 95% CI -1.0 to - 0.23) (p value for difference among groups over time 

    MeSH terms: Aged; Behavior Therapy; Body Composition; Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology; Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology*; Counseling; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diet therapy; Diet, Reducing; Female; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated/analysis*; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity/complications*; Obesity/diet therapy; Risk Factors; Body Mass Index; Treatment Outcome; Nutrition Therapy*; Overweight/complications*; Overweight/diet therapy; Waist Circumference; Meals; Nutritionists
  20. Lee ZY, Ibrahim NA, Mohd-Yusof BN
    Nutrition, 2018 09;53:26-33.
    PMID: 29627715 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2017.11.014
    OBJECTIVES: Intensive care unit (ICU) enteral nutrition (EN) can involve frequent feeding interruption (FI). The prevalence, causes, and duration of such interruption were investigated.

    METHODS: Reasons for EN FI identified from extensive literature review were prospectively collected in adult mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. Results were reported by descriptive statistics. Baseline and nutritional characteristics between patients who died and those alive at day 60 were compared.

    RESULTS: A total of 148 patients receiving ≥1 day of EN for the full 12-day observational period were included in the analysis. About 332 episodes of EN FI were recorded and contributed to 12.8% (4190 hours) of the total 1367 evaluable nutrition days. For each patient, FI occurred for a median of 3 days and the total duration of FI for the entire ICU stay was 24.5 hours. Median energy and protein deficits per patient due to FI for the entire ICU stay were -1780.23 kcal and -100.58 g, respectively. Duration of FI, days with FI, and the amount of energy and protein deficits due to FI were not different between patients who had died and those who were still alive at day 60 (all P > 0.05). About 72% of the total duration of EN FI was due to procedural-related and potentially avoidable causes (primarily human factors), while only about 20% was due to feeding intolerances.

    CONCLUSIONS: EN FI occurred primarily due to human factors, which may be minimized by adherence to an evidence-based feeding protocol as determined by a nutrition support team.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Enteral Nutrition; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Nutritional Status; Prevalence; Critical Illness; Nutritional Support; Life
External Links