Browse publications by year: 2019

  1. Yik YI, How AK
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Jun;74(3):231-233.
    PMID: 31256180
    We present a very rare case of jejunal web discovered after a toddler presented with foreign bodies entrapment, following incidental ingestion. This is perhaps the first case reported in the English publication. Expectant management with spontaneous passage of foreign bodies failed. Serial abdominal radiographs failed to determine the site of the foreign bodies accurately. Endoscopic removal was unsuccessful. Surgical removal was warranted with unexpected intra-operative finding of a jejunal web with foreign body entrapment. Although rare, a congenital intestinal web must be considered in a child presents with failure of expectant management following foreign body ingestion as surgical intervention is necessary.
    MeSH terms: Child, Preschool; Endoscopy; Foreign Bodies; Humans; Publications; Radiography, Abdominal
  2. Gunness VRN, Munoz I, González-López P, Alshafai N, Mikalkova A, Spears J
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Jun;74(3):234-236.
    PMID: 31256181
    Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue tumour of uncertain differentiation and low metastatic potential, which occurs predominantly in children and young adults. It occurs mostly within the extremities, trunk, head and neck. We report the case of a 32-year-old female that was operated in our hospital in 2016 and twice in 2017. The patient had headaches and neck pain initially in 2016. We discuss the radiographic and histologic features initially found and the findings that ultimately led to the diagnosis of AFH. The patient had a past history of Hodgkin lymphoma.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Child; Female; Head; Headache; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Neck; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous; Neck Pain; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous; Young Adult
  3. Yurkdes AS, Narasimman S
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Jun;74(3):237-239.
    PMID: 31256182
    Thoracic sarcomas (TS) are rare neoplasms that may present with non-specific pulmonary symptoms. Chest radiographs and computed tomography of the thorax are the investigations of choice, while pre-operative minimally invasive biopsies may not be entirely helpful with the diagnosis. The commonly identified variants of thoracic sarcomas include liposarcomas, leiomyosarcomas and synovial sarcomas. Complete excision of the tumour with clear margins remain the sole definite form of management and there is limited role with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the present case series, we explore our experience with three patients who presented with TS and the management decisions that was made.
    MeSH terms: Biopsy; Humans; Leiomyosarcoma; Liposarcoma; Sarcoma; Sarcoma, Synovial; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  4. Ab Mumin N, Azman RR, Chan WY
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Jun;74(3):240-242.
    PMID: 31256183
    In central venous obstruction, vertebral marrow enhancement (VME) may be seen secondary to collateral venous flow via the vertebral venous plexus.1 There are only sporadic case reports on pseudolesions due to collateral enhancement mimicking sclerotic osseous metastasis. This abnormal vertebral enhancement may lead to erroneous diagnosis of sclerotic metastases or suspicious bone lesion which affect the management and prognosis. We describe a case of brachiocephalic vein obstruction-related vertebral body pseudolesions as identified in contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan.
    MeSH terms: Bone Marrow; Contrast Media; Prognosis; Radionuclide Imaging; Spine; Tomography; Brachiocephalic Veins
  5. Soo WT, Ling JSW, Chuah JS, Siow SL
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Jun;74(3):243-245.
    PMID: 31256184
    Epiphrenic oesophageal diverticulum is a rare disorder affecting the distal oesophagus. Surgical techniques for this condition evolve over time from open transthoracic and trans-abdominal approaches to minimally invasive surgery. We report a case of an 82-year-old male who presented with symptomatic epiphrenic oesophageal diverticulum over the last 1 year. He underwent laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy, myotomy and anterior partial fundoplication and was discharged well. He remains asymptomatic after a follow-up of 6 months.
    MeSH terms: Diverticulum, Esophageal; Esophagus; Follow-Up Studies; Male; Laparoscopy; Fundoplication; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
  6. Liew BS, Ghani AA, You X
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Jun;74(3):246-249.
    PMID: 31256185
    Stroke is uncommon among young adults. However, the incidence of stroke among young women increases with pregnancy during peripartum and postpartum periods. The relative risk of suffering from haemorrhagic stroke was three times higher than ischemic stroke during these periods when compared with antenatal period. Neuroimaging should be prioritized in order to establish diagnosis and to facilitate treatment in a patient with suspected acute stroke. Prophylaxic anticoagulants should be used in high risk patients. Treatments of acute stroke in pregnant women include anti-platelet and thrombolytic agents. Further studies should be carried as there is lack of high level of evidences to formulate clear guideline for the management of stroke during pregnancy.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Anticoagulants; Blood Platelets; Brain Ischemia; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Pregnancy; Risk; Incidence; Intracranial Hemorrhages; Stroke; Postpartum Period; Young Adult; Peripartum Period; Neuroimaging
  7. Wong TH, Tan TH, George UR, Kow KS, Liam CK
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Jun;74(3):250-256.
    PMID: 31256186
    BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Pulmonary nodules are commonly encountered in clinical practice because of the recent implementation of low-dose CT lung screening programme, incidental finding on cardiac CT or CT for nonthoracic related disease. 18F-FDG PET-CT plays an important role in the management of pulmonary nodules.

    METHODS: In this pictorial review, we present six different scenarios of using 18F-FDG PET-CT in the management of suspicious pulmonary nodule or mass. The advantages and limitations of 18F-FDG PET-CT and Herder model are discussed.

    RESULTS: 18F-FDG PET-CT with risk assessment using Herder model provides added value in characterising indeterminate pulmonary nodules. Besides, 18F-FDG PET-CT is valuable to guide the site of biopsy and provide accurate staging of lung cancer.

    CONCLUSION: To further improve its diagnostic accuracy, careful history taking, and CT morphological evaluation should be taken into consideration when interpreting 18FFDG PET-CT findings in patients with these nodules.

    MeSH terms: Biopsy; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Medical History Taking; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Risk Assessment; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Incidental Findings; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  8. Batool R, Sharif A, Islam T, Zaman K, Shoukry AM, Sharkawy MA, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Aug;26(24):25341-25358.
    PMID: 31256396 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05748-0
    It is well documented that carbon emissions can be reduced by replacing conventional energy resources with renewable energy resources; thereby, the role of green technology is essential as it protect natural environment. Given that, the United Nations' agenda of "green is clean" may be achievable by adoption of green technologies. The objective of the study is to examine the link between information and communication technology (ICT), economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the context of South Korean economy, by using a novel Morlet wavelet approach. The study applies continuous wavelet power spectrum, the wavelet coherency, and the partial and the multiple wavelet coherency to the year during 1973-2016. The outcomes reveal that the connections among the stated variables progress over frequency and time domain. From the frequency domain point of view, the current study discovers noteworthy wavelet coherence and robust lead and lag linkages. From the time-domain sight, the results display robust but not consistent associations among the considered variables. From an economic point sight, the wavelet method displays that ICT helps to reduce environmental degradation in a medium and long run in the South Korean economy. This emphasizes the significance of having organized strategies by the policymakers to cope up with 2 to 3 years of the occurrence of the huge environmental degradation in South Korea.
    MeSH terms: Carbon Dioxide/analysis; Conservation of Natural Resources*; Environment; Technology; Republic of Korea; Economic Development*; Renewable Energy/economics
  9. Hasan UA, Mohd Hairon S, Yaacob NM, Daud A, Abdul Hamid A, Hassan N, et al.
    PMID: 31247892 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132251
    BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetic patients are major users of medical sharps in the community. Proper sharp disposal practice among them, however, was reported to be low. The current study was aimed to determine the factors contributing to sharp waste disposal at a health care facility among Type 2 diabetic patients.

    METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, Type 2 diabetic patients who were on insulin therapy attending health clinics were randomly selected and interviewed using a validated questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied.

    RESULTS: Out of 304 respondents, only 11.5% of them brought their used sharps to be disposed at health care facilities. Previous advice on sharp disposal from health care providers, knowledge score, and duration of diabetes were significant contributing factors for sharp waste disposal at health care facilities: (Adj. OR 6.31; 95% CI: 2.63, 15.12; p < 0.001), (Adj. OR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.08; p < 0.001), and (Adj. OR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.06, 5.93; p = 0.036), respectively.

    CONCLUSION: Continuous education and a locally adapted safe sharp disposal option must be available to increase awareness and facilitate diabetic patients adopting proper sharp disposal behavior.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Awareness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology*; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use*; Insulin/therapeutic use*; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Education as Topic/organization & administration; Socioeconomic Factors; Logistic Models; Medical Waste Disposal/methods*; Young Adult
  10. Jesuarockiam N, Jawaid M, Zainudin ES, Thariq Hameed Sultan M, Yahaya R
    Polymers (Basel), 2019 Jun 26;11(7).
    PMID: 31247898 DOI: 10.3390/polym11071085
    The aim of the present research work is to enhance the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of Kevlar/Cocos nucifera sheath (CS)/epoxy composites with graphene nano platelets (GNP). Laminates were fabricated through the hand lay-up method followed by hot pressing. GNP at different wt.% (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) were incorporated with epoxy resin through ultra-sonication. Kevlar/CS composites with different weight ratios (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100) were fabricated while maintaining a fiber/matrix weight ratio at 45/55. Thermal degradation and viscoelastic properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysys (TGA), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis, and a dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA). The obtained results revealed that Kevlar/CS (25/75) hybrid composites at 0.75 wt.% of GNP exhibited similar thermal stability compared to Kevlar/epoxy (100/0) composites at 0 wt.% of GNP. It has been corroborated with DSC observation that GNP act as a thermal barrier. However, DMA results showed that the Kevlar/CS (50/50) hybrid composites at 0.75 wt.% of GNP exhibited almost equal viscoelastic properties compared to Kevlar/epoxy (100/0) composites at 0 wt.% GNP due to effective crosslinking, which improves the stress transfer rate. Hence, this research proved that Kevlar can be efficiently (50%) replaced with CS at an optimal GNP loading for structural applications.
    MeSH terms: Blood Platelets; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Cocos; Epoxy Resins; Graphite; Maintenance; Pressure; Sonication; Thermogravimetry
  11. Cheung ML, Chau KY, Lam MHS, Tse G, Ho KY, Flint SW, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 Jun 26;16(13).
    PMID: 31247962 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132257
    With the advancement of information technology, wearable healthcare technology has emerged as one of the promising technologies to improve the wellbeing of individuals. However, the adoption of wearable healthcare technology has lagged when compared to other well-established durable technology products, such as smartphones and tablets, because of the inadequate knowledge of the antecedents of adoption intention. The aim of this paper is to address an identified gap in the literature by empirically testing a theoretical model for examining the impact of consumers' health beliefs, health information accuracy, and the privacy protection of wearable healthcare technology on perceived usefulness. Importantly, this study also examines the influences of perceived usefulness, consumer innovativeness, and reference group influence on the adoption intention of wearable healthcare technology. The model seeks to enhance understanding of the influential factors in adopting wearable healthcare technology. Finally, suggestions for future research for the empirical investigation of the model are provided.
    MeSH terms: Confidentiality; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Models, Theoretical*; Perception; Intention*
  12. Fu G, Huo D, Shyha I, Pancholi K, Saharudin MS
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2019 Jun 26;9(7).
    PMID: 31247963 DOI: 10.3390/nano9070917
    Efficient machining of the polyester nanocomposite components requires a better understanding of machinability characteristics of such material, which has become an urgent requirement for modern industrial production. In this research, the micro-milling of polyester/halloysite nano-clay (0.1, 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 wt%) nanocomposites were carried out and the outcomes in terms of tool wear, cutting force, the size effect, surface morphology, and surface roughness were compared with those for plain polyester. In order to accomplish the machining of the material in ductile mode, the required feed per tooth was found to be below 0.3 µm. The degree of surface breakage was also found to decrease in ductile mode. A maximum flank wear VB of 0.012 mm after removing 196 mm3 of workpiece material was measured.
    MeSH terms: Polyesters; Tensile Strength; Nanocomposites; Physical Phenomena; Mechanical Phenomena
  13. Mustafa SM, Chua LS, El-Enshasy HA
    Molecules, 2019 Jun 26;24(13).
    PMID: 31247970 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24132357
    The issues of lactose intolerance and vegetarianism have encouraged the introduction of non-dairy fermented food into the market. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of agitation speed on the bioactive compounds and functional characteristics of probioticated pomegranate juice. Pomegranate juice was fermented with Lactobacillus casei at different agitation speeds ranging from 0 (microaerophilic) to 150 rpm at 37 °C. The functional properties of probioticated pomegranate juice were evaluated in terms of growth (biomass), lactic acid production, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and key metabolites using LC-MS/MS. The growth kinetics of fermentation was monitored at the optimal condition using one factor at a time method. High cell growth (3.58 × 1010 cfu/mL or 7.9 gL-1) was observed for L. casei probioticated pomegranate juice agitated at 0 rpm. The findings of this study reveal the potential of pomegranate juice as a medium for L. casei cultivation without nutrient supplementation. The improvement of antioxidant activity in the probioticated juice could be due to the increment of quercetin-3-glucoside. Therefore, L. casei grew well in pomegranate juice with a high cell viability and antioxidant activity at a non-agitated condition. Probioticated pomegranate juice is a potentially functional drink.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants/analysis; Bacteriological Techniques; Fermentation*; Kinetics; Lactobacillus casei/growth & development; Lactobacillus casei/metabolism*; Phenols/analysis; Lythraceae/chemistry*; Phytochemicals/analysis
  14. Ahmad S, Hussain A, Hussain A, Abdullah I, Ali MS, Froeyen M, et al.
    Antioxidants (Basel), 2019 Jun 19;8(6).
    PMID: 31248160 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8060185
    Cisplatin is amongst the most potent chemotherapeutic drugs with applications in more than 50% of cancer treatments, but dose-dependent side effects limit its usefulness. Berberis vulgaris L. (B. vulgaris) has a proven role in several therapeutic applications in the traditional medicinal system. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify berberine, a potent alkaloid in the methanolic root extract of B. vulgaris (BvRE). Berberine chloride in BvRE was found to be 10.29% w/w. To assess the prophylactic and curative protective effects of BvRE on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia, in vivo toxicity trials were carried out on 25 healthy male albino Wistar rats (130-180 g). Both prophylactic and curative trials included a single dose of cisplatin (4 mg/kg, i.p.) and nine doses of BvRE (500 mg/kg/day, orally). An array of marked toxicity effects appeared in response to cisplatin dosage evident by morphological condition, biochemical analysis of serum (urea, creatinine, total protein, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total cholesterol, and triglyceride), and organ tissue homogenates (malondialdehyde and catalase). Statistically-significant (p < 0.05) variations were observed in various parameters. Moreover, histological studies of liver and kidney tissues revealed that the protective effect of BvRE effectively minimized and reversed nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and hyperlipidemic effects caused by cisplatin in both prophylactic and curative groups with relatively promising ameliorative effects in the prophylactic regimen. The in vitro cell viability effect of cisplatin, BvRE, and their combination was determined on HeLa cells using the tetrazolium (MTT) assay. MTT clearly corroborated that HeLa cells appeared to be less sensitive to cisplatin and berberine individually, while the combination of both at the same concentrations resulted in growth inhibition of HeLa cells in a remarkable synergistic way. The present study validated the use of BvRE as a protective agent in combination therapy with cisplatin.
  15. Daud A, Sedek SSHAB, Shahadan SZ
    Enferm Clin, 2019 09;29 Suppl 2:96-100.
    PMID: 31248730 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.04.015
    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the association between the walking time spent and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level to determine the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among obese women.

    METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuantan, Pahang. The purposive sampling method was chosen. 76 obese women aged 18 years old and above were included in the study. Data were collected by using the set of the self-reported questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic and the walking time for the past 7 days. The sample blood test was taken to check for hs-CRP level.

    RESULTS: Walking time spent in minutes was found to be significantly inverse associated with the hs-CRP level (p=0.040) among obese women.

    CONCLUSION: The increase in walking time spent can help reduce the hs-CRP level, therefore reduce the risk for CVD.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; C-Reactive Protein/analysis*; Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology; Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Obesity/blood*; Obesity/complications; Time Factors; Walking*; Risk Assessment; Young Adult
  16. Ng AK, Hairi NN, Jalaludin MY, Majid HA
    BMJ Open, 2019 06 27;9(6):e026275.
    PMID: 31248920 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026275
    OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of dietary intake and physical activity in muscle strength among adolescents.

    DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis.

    SETTING: The Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team (MyHeART) study.

    PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen-year-old secondary school children who have given consent and who participated in the MyHeART study in 2014.

    PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Muscle strength was measured in relation to dietary intake (energy and macronutrients) and physical activity by using a hand grip dynamometer.

    RESULTS: Among the 1012 participants (395 male; 617 female), the hand grip strength of the males was higher than that of the females (27.08 kg vs 18.63 kg; p<0.001). Also, males were more active (2.43vs2.12; p<0.001) and consumed a higher amount of energy (2047 kcal vs 1738 kcal; p<0.001), carbohydrate (280.71 g vs 229.31 g; p<0.001) and protein (1.46 g/kg body weight (BW) vs 1.35 g/kg BW; p<0.168). After controlling for ethnicity, place of residency and body mass index, there was a positive relationship between hand grip strength and the intake of energy (r=0.14; p=0.006), carbohydrate (r=0.153; p=0.002) and fat (r=0.124; p=0.014) and the physical activity score (r=0.170; p=0.001) and a negative relationship between hand grip strength and the intake of protein (r=-0.134; p=0.008), for males. However, this was not observed among females.

    CONCLUSIONS: Energy, carbohydrate and fat intakes and physical activity score were positively correlated with hand grip strength while protein intake was negatively correlated with hand grip strength in males but not in females.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent Health; Adolescent; Energy Intake*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet*; Dietary Carbohydrates/administration & dosage; Dietary Fats/administration & dosage; Dietary Proteins/administration & dosage; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Malaysia; Male; Exercise*; Body Mass Index; Hand Strength*
  17. Kamaruzaman L, Mohd R, Zaki FM, Hod R, Aziz AA
    Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl, 2019 6 30;30(3):587-596.
    PMID: 31249222 DOI: 10.4103/1319-2442.261331
    Estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in renal transplant patients is often assessed by application of creatinine-based equations. The aim was to correlate the estimated GFR (eGFR) using creatinine-based equations [Cockroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), Nankivell] with gold standard 51Cr-EDTA in kidney transplant patients in the Asian population. This is a single-center, cross-sectional study involving adult renal transplant patients. Background demographic data, medications, office blood pressure, and baseline investigations were taken. Correlations between measured GFR and eGFR were analyzed and Pearson's correlation coefficients, bias, and accuracy were assessed. Thirty-seven renal transplant patients with a mean age of 46 ± 13 years were recruited. Majority were Chinese (68%), Malay (24%), and Indian (8%). The median duration of the transplant was 84 (interquartile range 60,132) months. The mean measured GFR was 71 ± 21 mL/min/1.73 m2. Cockroft-Gault and CKD-EPI has the best correlation with 51Cr-EDTA with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.733 (P <0.001) and 0.711 (P < 0.001), respectively. All formulae showed >80% accuracy with eGFR lies between 30% of the measured value. CKD-EPI and MDRD had the greatest accuracy with 89.2% each. Clinician may use any of these three serum creatinine-based equations to estimate GFR in kidney transplant recipients.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Chromium Radioisotopes/administration & dosage; Creatinine/blood; Cross-Sectional Studies; Edetic Acid/administration & dosage; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate*; Humans; Kidney/physiopathology*; Kidney/surgery; Kidney Diseases/diagnosis*; Kidney Diseases/ethnology; Kidney Diseases/physiopathology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Biological*; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Biomarkers/blood; Treatment Outcome; Radiopharmaceuticals/administration & dosage; Asian Continental Ancestry Group
  18. Mohamed Koya SNM
    Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl, 2019 6 30;30(3):670-677.
    PMID: 31249232 DOI: 10.4103/1319-2442.261343
    Studies have shown that the mean or median phosphate levels were related to certain factors although applying this finding into the clinical setting is challenging. In this study, we attempted to determine treatment characteristics for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) having hyperphosphatemia or hypophosphatemia in comparison with those with normal phosphate level. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at HD units of Central Pahang Cluster Hospitals, Malaysia, in April 2017 involving 110 ESRD patients on MHD. About 40% of the study patients had normo-or hyperphosphatemia. As many as 84.5% (n = 93) of our patients were prescribed calcium carbonate (CC); the phosphate level was not affected by phosphate binder (PB) adherence. None of our patients received more than one type of PBs. Although there were no significant differences in any factors between normo- and hyperphosphatemic patients, 64% (n = 28) of the hyperphosphatemic patients did not receive the recommended maximum PB dose. In addition, 42% (n = 30) of patients with normo- and hyperphosphatemia prescribed CC received more than the recommended daily elemental calcium. On the other hand, our hypophosphatemic patients tended to be significantly older and had lower HD duration compared to normophosphatemic patients. No other significant differences were found in medication factors between normo- and hypophos-phatemic patients. There is potential to maximize phosphate control in hyperphosphatemic patients in Malaysia by maximizing PB therapy. On the other hand, proactive supervision is required in caring and prescribing for hypophosphatemic patients, especially the older patients.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Chelating Agents/therapeutic use*; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic/blood; Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications; Kidney Failure, Chronic/diagnosis; Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Phosphates/blood*; Risk Factors; Biomarkers/blood; Treatment Outcome; Hypophosphatemia/blood; Hypophosphatemia/diagnosis; Hypophosphatemia/etiology; Hypophosphatemia/therapy*; Hyperphosphatemia/blood; Hyperphosphatemia/diagnosis; Hyperphosphatemia/etiology; Hyperphosphatemia/therapy*
  19. Yeang HY
    Yale J Biol Med, 2019 06;92(2):213-223.
    PMID: 31249482
    The widely held explanation for photoperiod-controlled flowering in long-day plants is largely embodied in the External Coincidence Hypothesis which posits that flowering is induced when activity of a rhythmic gene that regulates it (a putative "flowering gene") occurs in the presence of light. Nevertheless, re-examination of the Arabidopsis flowering data from non 24-hour cycles of Roden et al. suggests that External Coincidence is not tenable if the circadian rhythm of the "flowering gene" were entrained to sunrise as commonly accepted. On the other hand, the hypothesis is supported if circadian cycling of the gene conforms to a solar rhythm, and its entrainment is to midnight on the solar clock. Data available point to flowering being induced by the gene which peaks in its expression between 16 to 19 h after midnight. In the normal 24 h cycle, that would be between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., regardless of the photoperiod. Such timing of the "flowering gene" expression allows for variable coincidence between gene activity and light, depending on the photoperiod and cycle period. A correlation is found between earliness of flowering and the degree of coincidence of "flowering gene" expression with light (r = 0.88, p<0.01).
    MeSH terms: Circadian Rhythm/genetics*; Time Factors; Arabidopsis/genetics*; Photoperiod*; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/radiation effects; Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics; Flowers/genetics*
  20. Sharif Nia H, Chan YH, Froelicher ES, Pahlevan Sharif S, Yaghoobzadeh A, Jafari A, et al.
    Health Promot Perspect, 2019;9(2):123-130.
    PMID: 31249799 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2019.17
    Background: Meteorological parameters and seasonal changes can play an important role in the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, there is almost no evidence on a national level to suggest the associations between these variables and ACS in Iran. We aim to identify the meteorological parameters and seasonal changes in relationship to ACS. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between 03/19/2015 to 03/18/2016 and used documents and records of patients with ACS in Mazandaran ProvinceHeart Center, Iran. The following definitive diagnostic criteria for ACS were used: (1) existence of cardiac enzymes (CK or CK-MB) above the normal range; (2) Greater than 1 mm ST-segment elevation or depression; (3) abnormal Q waves; and (4) manifestation of troponin enzyme in the blood. Data were collected daily, such as temperature (Celsius) changes, wind speed and its direction, rainfall, daily evaporation rate; number of sunny days, and relative humidity were provided by the Meteorological Organization of Iran. Results: A sample of 2,054 patients with ACS were recruited. The results indicated the highest ACS events from March to May. Generally, wind speed (18 PM) [IRR = 1.051 (95% CI: 1.019 to1.083), P=0.001], daily evaporation [IRR = 1.039 (95% CI: 1.003 to 1.077), P=0.032], daily maximum (P<0.001) and minimum (P=0.003) relative humidity was positively correlated withACS events. Also, negatively correlated variables were daily relative humidity (18 PM) [IRR =0.985 (95% CI: 0.978 to 0.992), P<0.001], and daily minimum temperature [IRR = 0.942 (95%CI: 0.927 to 0.958), P<0.001]. Conclusion: Climate changes were found to be significantly associated with ACS; especially from cold weather to hot weather in March, April and May. Further research is needed to fully understand the specific conditions and cold exposures.
    MeSH terms: Cold Temperature; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Humans; Humidity; Iran; Reference Values; Retrospective Studies; Seasons; Sunlight; Temperature; Troponin; Wind; Creatine Kinase, MB Form; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Meteorology; Climate Change
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