Browse publications by year: 2020

1. Fulltext Smart Logbook as alternative solution for continouos industrial training supervision problem: a purview study on student’s perception

   Sulaiman Mahzan, Siti Fairuz Nurr Sadikan, Mohd Ab Malek Md Shah, Mohd Harun Shahudin, Zaini Saat, Shamsol Shafie

   Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):113-132.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Supervision and monitoring of practical students are among the pertinent components in the management of industrial training among students in institutions of higher learning (IPT) in Malaysia. The easiest way to monitor is by reporting such students’ daily activities in their logbooks. Due to the dispersal of offshore industries, it directly impacts to students, institution and industry such as management costs, wastes supervision time for travel and stresses other factors in managing industry supervision such as ongoing supervision, verification of customization of industry entities regarding needs and reduction of allocation by IPT. Thus, a new mechanism needs to be implemented by considering the advantages and benefits that can be developed throughout the use of information technology (IT). In conjunction with this circumstance, a Smart LogBook prototype has been developed to address the problems encountered in the supervision process of the industry training students as stated. A study of students’ perceptions of the Smart Logbook prototype was also tailored to assess student perception compared to using supervisory methods using the old logbook. The Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology was used in software development while a set of questionnaires was distributed to 65 respondents to obtain their assessment feedback data. The findings show that students have a positive assessment of their perception of the use of this prototype.

   MeSH terms: Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Feedback; Humans; Information Science; Longitudinal Studies; Malaysia; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires; Software; Students
2. Fulltext Development of Organic Insect-Repellent Biodegradable Pot

   Nur Atirah Hasmi, Siti Sarah Azman, Nadia Nisha Musa, Wan Nurul Hidayah Wan Anuar, Nur Nadirah Rodzali

   Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):99-111.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   The potential of natural organic compounds as a repellent in biodegradable organic pot is budding into one of the new agriculture innovation. The use of recyclable materials in the production of the pot can reduce the excessive waste disposal problem and thus prevent pollution problems. The objectives are to recycle old newspapers into biodegradable pot for seedling of plants and to repel plant insect pests using organic compounds (Pandanus sp., Petroselinum crispum and Alium sativum). The production of the biodegradable pot incorporates the use of waste materials such as old newspapers and coconut husk together with natural organic materials such as tapioca flour, Pandanus amaryllifolius (pandan leaf), Petroselinum crispum (parsley) and Alium sativum (garlic). This product is distinguishable among others as it is environmental-friendly since the pot can naturally break over time (biodegradable). The aroma from the Pandanus amaryllifolius, Petroselinum crispum and Alium sativum can repel flying and crawling insect that may attack the crops. The organic insect-repellent biodegradable pot has a potential in replacing plastic polybags since the crops planted in the pot can be directly replanted in the soil without the need of disposing the pot. Root is allowed to grow through the pot where later on, it will be degraded. Apart from that, this pot has high commercial values since it is easy to be handled, low in production cost, eco-friendly where only recyclable and natural organic materials were used, and the most crucial point is it can act as an insect repellent.

   MeSH terms: Agriculture; Animals; Manihot; Cocos; Environmental Pollution; Flour; Garlic; Insect Repellents; Plastics; Soil; Plant Leaves; Crops, Agricultural; Petroselinum; Pandanaceae; Seedlings
3. Fulltext Local Government Reference of Terms

   Suzei Mat Nurudin, Nor Suhaiza Md Khalid, Zarina Mohd Zain

   Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):79-97.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   The local government or also known as the local authority is the last tier and most important unit in the government’s administrative structure in Malaysia after the federal and state governments. Local government is fully responsible for the delivery of services as well as the provision of basic facilities to the local people within its administrative area that has been designated by the state government. The existence of local government acted as a facilitator to the federal government and the state government because the roles and responsibilities held by the local government are very large and essential to the nation’s development. This study discussed students’ understanding of local government where the average between people and students is particularly confused about the concepts that are often used in the local government as well as local government-related jurisdictions. With the creation of these Pocket Dictionary on local Government, Glossary of local government terms and QR Code Mode for Local Government Terms Word Index, it help students and the local people to better understand the local government in Malaysia by knowing the concepts related.

   MeSH terms: Confusion; Group Processes; Humans; Malaysia; Local Government; Social Behavior; State Government; Students; Knowledge; Federal Government
4. Fulltext Improvement of Blue Ribbon certification by including humanistic value (TFI Buddies)

   Siti Munira Yasin, Harizah Mad Hisma, Mazlifah Omar, Nurhuda Ismail, Zahir Izuan Azhar, Zalina Omar, et al.

   Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2020;4(1):61-78.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Cigarette smoke produces more than 4,000 toxic chemicals and 53 of these chemicals can cause cancer. Smoking increases your health risks such as lung cancer, heart attack and stroke. In Malaysia, between 10% and 12% of causes of death are caused by smoking and this results in over 10,000 deaths a year. According to the National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) in 2015, the number of smokers aged 15 and above in Malaysia is estimated to be more than 5 million (22.8%). This alarming amount will lead to increased health costs. Smoking can also lead to a reduction in worker productivity and air pollution and the pollution due to cigarette smoke. Therefore, smokers need to be aware of the effects of smoking habits and the importance of maintaining a tobacco-free environment for the health and well-being of their families, friends and the community around them. To address this, Smoke Busters have created an innovation called Blue Ribbon Star Certification with an additional component of humanization into the TFI Buddies existing Blue Ribbon Certification. The main goal of this innovation is to make University of Technology MARA (UiTM) campuses 100% tobacco free. The first project at the Sungai Buloh Campus resulted in a decrease in the percentage of ‘hotspots’, whereby the number of cigarette butts was found to be greatly reduced. In addition, the percentage of staff with good knowledge and attitude on the effects of cigarettes increased. Feedback from users comprising staff and students also showed a very positive response. The direct impact on faculty and campuses include cost savings in terms of medical expenses and increase in staff productivity. The long-term effects include enhancing UiTM’s image nationally and internationally. From a social point of view, this in addition creates a more caring and responsible generation of colleagues and the environment.

   MeSH terms: Adolescent; Aged; Air Pollution; Cause of Death; Certification; Faculty; Family Characteristics; Feedback; Goals; Heart Neoplasms; Humans; Image Enhancement; Lung; Malaysia; Morbidity; Motivation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Smoke; Smoking; Students; Tobacco; Cost Savings; Health Care Costs; Stroke; Friends; Tobacco Products
5. Fulltext Gliosarcoma of a brain: a challenging diagnosis

   Nornazirah Azizan, Nor Haizura Ab Rani, Ahmad Toha Samsudin, Fadhli Mustaffa, Firdaus Hayati

   Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(3):39-44.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Gliosarcoma is a rare primary malignant tumour of the central nervous system. A 28-year-old radiographer without a history of neurological disorder, malignancy or trauma presented with unprovoked seizures. He was symptom-free for 3 years but developed relapsed. Computed tomography of the brain was consistent with anaplastic convexity meningioma which was identical via intraoperative findings. However, the final histology revealed gliosarcoma of the brain. He recovered well postoperatively without any neurological deficit and had completed adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. He was asymptomatic during follow up with no tumour recurrence. Gliosarcoma with predominant sarcomatous component mimicking a meningioma has prolonged survival as compared to a case with predominant glioblastoma component. Hence, the discordance between clinical, radiological, intraoperative and histopathological findings is a challenge in establishing a diagnosis of gliosarcoma.

   MeSH terms: Astrocytoma; Brain; Central Nervous System; Follow-Up Studies; Glioblastoma; Male; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Seizures; Tomography; Gliosarcoma; Chemoradiotherapy
6. Fulltext SLE/ polymyositis overlap syndrome

   Seng, Wee Cheo, Rosdina Zamrud Ahmad Akbar, Tee, Tat Khoo, Kuo, Zhau Teo, Carwen Siaw, Qin, Jian Low

   Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(3):33-38.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Inflammatory myopathies (IM) is a rare inflammatory muscle disorder, which can be broadly divided into 5 subgroups. The accurate diagnosis of subtype of IM can be challenging due to a diverse presentation of the disease. On the other hand, skeletal muscle complication is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the form of myalgia or myopathy. Inflammatory myopathy is a rare association of SLE and the diagnosis and treatment can be quite challenging. A 43-year-old lady with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), presented with subacute onset progressively worsening muscle weakness involving upper limbs and lower limbs. Neurological examination showed findings consistent with proximal myopathy, with proximal power of 3/5 and distal power of 4/5. She has elevated creatinine kinase, ALT and AST level. Her myositis-specific autoantibodies were positive for anti-Ku antibodies. Her electromyography showed evidence of active myopathy of the upper and lower limb. Here, we would like to report a case of polymyositis in a patient with SLE.

   MeSH terms: Adult; Autoantibodies; Creatinine; Electromyography; Female; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Muscular Diseases; Myositis; Neurologic Examination; Polymyositis; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Weakness; Upper Extremity; Lower Extremity; Myalgia
7. Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice of blood donation: a single-centred experience in Sandakan, Sabah

   Ooi, Cheng Lee, Nazri Abdul Muthalib

   Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(3):13-23.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Many factors contribute to the reluctance towards blood donation, but available studies done in Malaysia involving University students does not reflect the knowledge of the public in general. The objective of this study is to determine knowledge, attitude practice towards blood donation among the Sandakan population. A cross-sectional study was employed using an adapted 29-item structured validated questionnaire available in English and Bahasa, consisting of subject’s demography, questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and perception of blood donation. Convenient random sampling was done within the hospital compound, 79 healthy adults consented, and their data were used for the final data analysis, yielding an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficient = 0.816). Out of all, 74.7% of the respondents had a high level of knowledge, and independent t-tests showed that those who were not married, had tertiary education, donated blood in the past, had a statistically significant higher level of knowledge and 96.2% of respondents have a positive attitude. Some donors (40.6%) donated blood for moral satisfaction, and only a quarter (25%) experienced adverse events. Fear of pain, needle, fainting was the highest reason for reluctance in blood donation (36.2% of non-donors), followed by self-perception of being medically unfit to donate (31.9% of non-donors). Even though the sampled population in Sandakan showed an adequate level of knowledge as well as a positive attitude towards blood donation, blood product shortage is still present. This study may contribute by serving as an educational platform for awareness and education to improve the number of blood donors.

   MeSH terms: Optimism; Adult; Blood Donors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Fear; Hospitals; Humans; Malaysia; Marriage; Morals; Pain; Perception; Personal Satisfaction; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Concept; Students; Syncope; Universities
8. Fulltext COVID-19 healthcare management in Sabah

   Fredie Robinson, Roddy Teo, Muhammad Izuddin Rabbani Mohd Zali

   Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;14(3):1-4.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   The first case of COVID-19 in Malaysia was detected on 24 January 2020.1 As of 10 September 2020, when this editorial article is written, the total cases have increased to 9,628 cases, with active cases of 333 are being isolated and undergoing treatment, while 9,167 cases achieved recovery.2 The number of deaths in Malaysia due to COVID-19 is 128 people. Within the past few months, there has been increased in the number of clusters of infection in some states including Sabah. The number of cases in Sabah is currently at 592 cases.

   MeSH terms: Humans; Malaysia; Writing
9. Fulltext Food, culture, and identity in multicultural societies: Insights from Singapore

   Reddy G, van Dam RM

   Appetite, 2020 06 01;149:104633.

   PMID: 32084519 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104633

   Abstract

   The choice of food practices can be influenced by one's identity in many societies, but has mostly been evaluated in light of the maintenance of cultural identity in migrant populations. This study focused on understanding the influence of identity on food practices among individuals in multicultural societies. We conducted 18 focus group discussions (n = 130) among Indian, Chinese and Malay women in Singapore. Focus group transcripts were analysed using Thematic Analysis both inductively and deductively. Deductive analysis was framed within a Social Representations Approach, a social psychological theory that allows a deeper understanding of the contextual aspects of identity. Participants highlighted the central position of food in social events, cultural celebrations, and persistent traditional beliefs about health (such as 'hot-cold balance'). These beliefs extended to the perception of certain traditional foods possessing medicinal properties. Importantly, the consumption of these traditional foods was accepted as necessary for the maintenance of health by the women. We propose that while cultural food practices are integral to identity preservation and identity continuity for Singaporean women from all three racial groups, this is different to other multicultural societies such as Canada where communities preserve their cultural food practices, in part, due to fear of cultural identity loss. In addition, cross-cultural food practices are readily adopted in participants' daily lives for a number of reasons such as the promotion of health, convenience, and variety. At times, this adoption blurred boundaries between different cultural cuisines. Food practices in multicultural societies like Singapore are thus a reflection of everyday multiculturalism, multicultural social policies, and attitudes towards traditional healthful food practices, and these aspects need to be considered in the development of public health policies and interventions.

   MeSH terms: Adult; China/ethnology; Culture*; Diet/ethnology; Feeding Behavior/ethnology*; Female; Humans; India/ethnology; Malaysia/ethnology; Singapore; Social Identification*; Focus Groups; Cultural Diversity*; Qualitative Research; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/ethnology; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/psychology*
10. Fulltext Correlation between prenatal doppler ultrasound exposure durations and newborn rabbit’s body weight

    Umi Nadrah Amran, Farah Wahida Ahmad Zaiki

    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):115-120.

    MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Introduction: Doppler mode ultrasound is widely used in prenatal scanning and known to produce a higher acoustic
    output which later leads to higher heat energy conversion compared to other ultrasound modes. It has been reported
    that the use of Doppler imaging might increase the temperature of tissues, thus, when Doppler is used in combination with 2D ultrasound, the risks of bioeffects tend to increase more. It is also known that prolonged exposure to
    ultrasound during pregnancy can cause irreversible biological destructions to the fetus. Despite the benefits of using
    Doppler ultrasound, its potential adverse effects have received scant attention in the research literature. Therefore,
    this study aimed to examine a correlation between gestational stages (GS) and newborn rabbit’s body weight at different prenatal Doppler ultrasound exposure durations. Methods: Twelve pregnant New Zealand white rabbits (NZWR)
    were exposed once using three different Doppler ultrasound exposure durations (30, 60, 90 minutes exposure) at
    three different GSs (1st, 2nd, and 3rd GS). After delivery, the mean weights of the 62 newborns were statistically analysed. Results: Strong negative and positive correlation between newborn’s body weight at different GSs and Doppler
    ultrasound exposure durations with a significant result found in 60 minutes exposure (p =

    MeSH terms: Acoustics; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Attention; Body Weight; Diagnostic Imaging; Female; Fetus; Hot Temperature; Pregnancy; Rabbits; Temperature; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonography, Doppler
11. Fulltext The Ethics of the Reuse of Disposable Medical Supplies

    Das AK, Okita T, Enzo A, Asai A

    Asian Bioeth Rev, 2020 Jun;12(2):103-116.

    PMID: 33717332 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-020-00114-6

    Abstract

    The use of single-use items (SUDs) is now ubiquitous in medical practice. Because of the high costs of these items, the practice of reusing them after sterilisation is also widespread especially in resource-poor economies. However, the ethics of reusing disposable items remain unclear. There are several analogous conditions, which could shed light on the ethics of reuse of disposables. These include the use of restored kidney transplantation and the use of generic drugs etc. The ethical issues include the question of patient safety and the possibility of infection. It is also important to understand the role (or otherwise) of informed consent before reuse of disposables. The widespread practice of reuse may bring down high healthcare costs and also reduce the huge amount of hospital waste that is generated. The reuse of disposables can be justified on various grounds including the safety and the cost effectiveness of this practice.

    MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Hospitals; Humans; Informed Consent; Sterilization; Kidney Transplantation; Drugs, Generic; Health Care Costs; Patient Safety
12. Fulltext What Does It Mean for a Case to be 'Local'?: the Importance of Local Relevance and Resonance for Bioethics Education in the Asia-Pacific Region

    Bergstresser SM, Ghias K, Lane S, Lau WM, Hwang ISS, Ngan OMY, et al.

    Asian Bioeth Rev, 2020 Jun;12(2):173-194.

    PMID: 33717336 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-020-00120-8

    Abstract

    Contemporary bioethics education has been developed predominately within Euro-American contexts, and now, other global regions are increasingly joining the field, leading to a richer global understanding. Nevertheless, many standard bioethics curriculum materials retain a narrow geographic focus. The purpose of this article is to use local cases from the Asia-Pacific region as examples for exploring questions such as 'what makes a case or example truly local, and why?', 'what topics have we found to be best explained through local cases or examples?', and 'how does one identify a relevant local case?' Furthermore, we consider the global application of local cases to help extend the possible scope of the discussion, opening new avenues for the development of practical bioethics educational materials. We begin with a background description and discussion of why local cases enhance bioethics education, move to an overview of what is currently available and what is not for the region, and then outline a discussion of what it means to be local using example cases drawn from Hong Kong, Australia, Pakistan, and Malaysia. We are not creating a casebook but rather constructing by example a toolbox for designing active and dynamic learning cases using regional diversity as contextualised cases with generalised principles.

    MeSH terms: Australia; Bioethics; Curriculum; Hong Kong; Learning; Malaysia; Pakistan; Reference Standards; United States
13. Fulltext Respiratory Symptoms Among Domestic Waste Collectors

    Salvaraji L, Jeffree MS, Avoi R, Akhir HM, Rahim SSSA, Lukman KA

    Medeni Med J, 2020;35(4):304-309.

    PMID: 33717622 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.82246

    Abstract

    Objective: Increasing amount of waste concurrently increases the risk of exposure to hazardous materials among waste collectors. Vigorous exertion in the field intensifies the abundance of contaminated inspirable droplets. If left undetected and untreated, it may provoke significant pernicious health effects and redundant burdens to employees and employers. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and their associated factors among domestic waste collectors.

    Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah between January and April 2020. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire which encompasses details about sociodemographic, health status, environment, and employment characteristics.

    Results: A total of 290 waste collectors with a mean age of 40 (±9) years old were participated in the study. Most of them were from Kadazan-Dusun-Murut ethnic origin with educational background till secondary school. The average monthly income of the workers was USD 298.45 (±171.9) per month, and they had been in service for 11 (±9.04) years. Respiratory symptoms were seen in 21% of the workers. The identified significant risk factors were determined as underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.34; 95% CI=1.054, 5.219) and contact with pets (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.004, 3.288).

    Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms are prevalent amidst domestic waste collectors and related to their health and field activities.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Employment; Ethnic Groups; Physical Exertion; Health Status; Humans; Malaysia; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Schools; Hazardous Substances; Prevalence
14. Fulltext A Rare Intraorbital Mass: An Isolated Mucocele

    Che Mat CMH, Mustapha F, Noor RM, Ramli R, Mohamad I

    Medeni Med J, 2020;35(4):344-348.

    PMID: 33717628 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.01057

    Abstract

    Mucocele is a mucous filled benign cystic lesion. It develops due to obstruction of any natural os-tium of the paranasal sinus. Even though being benign, it has capability to erode and cause thinning the adjacent bony structures. Isolated intraorbital mucocele without paranasal sinus disease is a rare condition. We present a 39-year-old female patient with right medial canthal swelling without any nasal symptoms, and normal nasoendoscopic finding. Imaging revealed the lesion as a right ethmoidal mucocele with normal paranasal sinuses. However intraoperatively, it was an isolated intraorbital lesion, lateral to lamina papyracea with thick-yellowish mucin discharge.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Diagnostic Imaging; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Mucins; Mucocele; Paranasal Sinus Diseases; Paranasal Sinuses; Patient Discharge
15. Fulltext Concurrent Double Primary Tumours: Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Cervical Epithelioid Angiosarcoma

    Lum SG, Mahmud N, Isa N, Mat Baki M

    Medeni Med J, 2020;35(4):349-355.

    PMID: 33717629 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.83479

    Abstract

    Angiosarcoma is one of the rarest types of malignant vascular tumours that involved the head and neck region. It predominantly affects the scalp and superficial soft tissues. Angiosarcoma arising from the deep cervical soft tissue is extremely rare. There is a limited literature on neck angiosarcoma that occurred simultaneously with papillary thyroid carcinoma. We report a rare case of concurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma and cervical epithelioid angiosarcoma, and postoperative rapid progression of residual angiosarcoma that mimicked a neck haematoma. The diagnostic challenge and possible etiologies have been discussed here.

    MeSH terms: Hemangiosarcoma; Hematoma; Neck; Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue; Scalp; Thyroid Neoplasms; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid; Vascular Neoplasms
16. Fulltext Performance of dental undergraduate students using international caries detection and assessment system (icdas)

    Sanus,M,A,, Nordin,M,A,, Rusli,M,R,, Mohamed,Z,N,h,

    Compendium of Oral Science, 2020;7(1):13-19.

    MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Abstract
    Objectives: This study aimed to assess intra- and inter-examiner reliability of International Caries Detection
    and Assessment System (ICDAS) and modified epidemiology ICDAS (MOD) code by undergraduate dental
    students with different clinical experiences.
    Methods: A total of 150 dental undergraduate students with varying clinical experiences (0, 1 and 2 years of
    clinical experience) were recruited. Participants received training through a theoretical lecture on ICDAS criteria
    by an experienced National Benchmark Group (NBG) examiner and underwent e-learning program prior to
    ICDAS calibration. Visual examination on extracted permanent teeth (N= 45) with different location and stages
    of caries progression ranging from ICDAS scores 0 to 6, was performed using the ICDAS criteria. The
    assessments were repeated after one hour. The data were analysed to evaluate inter-examiner and
    intra-examiner reliability in the form of kappa scores using SPSS 23 Software.
    Results: Mean kappa values for intra- and inter-examiner reliability for ICDAS code, were between 0.41 to
    0.60, and 0.61 to 0.80 respectively. For MOD code, mean kappa values for intra- and inter-examiner reliability
    were between 0.61 to 0.80. Good intra-examiner agreement (>0.61) was observed in both ICDAS and MOD
    code for all groups.
    Conclusion: All students performed similar agreement, therefore, clinical experience within 2 years does not
    influence the performance of visual inspection in detecting caries using ICDAS. The results of the study shows
    that ICDAS and modified epidemiology ICDAS codes has good reproducibility and is feasible to be used as a
    tool in clinical practice as well as patient education.
    

    MeSH terms: Calibration; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Humans; Patient Education as Topic; Physical Examination; Software; Students; Reproducibility of Results; Dentition, Permanent; Benchmarking
17. Fucoidan Ameliorates Renal Injury-Related Calcium-Phosphorus Metabolic Disorder and Bone Abnormality in the CKD-MBD Model Rats by Targeting FGF23-Klotho Signaling Axis

    Liu BH, Chong FL, Yuan CC, Liu YL, Yang HM, Wang WW, et al.

    Front Pharmacol, 2020;11:586725.

    PMID: 33708111 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.586725

    Abstract

    Background: Recently, chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral and bone disorder (MBD) has become one of common complications occurring in CKD patients. Therefore, development of a new treatment for CKD-MBD is very important in the clinic. In China, Fucoidan (FPS), a natural compound of Laminaria japonica has been frequently used to improve renal dysfunction in CKD. However, it remains elusive whether FPS can ameliorate CKD-MBD. FGF23-Klotho signaling axis is reported to be useful for regulating mineral and bone metabolic disorder in CKD-MBD. This study thereby aimed to clarify therapeutic effects of FPS in the CKD-MBD model rats and its underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro, compared to Calcitriol (CTR). Methods: All male rats were divided into four groups: Sham, CKD-MBD, FPS and CTR. The CKD-MBD rat models were induced by adenine administration and uninephrectomy, and received either FPS or CTR or vehicle after induction of renal injury for 21 days. The changes in parameters related to renal dysfunction and renal tubulointerstitial damage, calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone lesion were analyzed, respectively. Furthermore, at sacrifice, the kidneys and bone were isolated for histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. In vitro, the murine NRK-52E cells were used to investigate regulative actions of FPS or CTR on FGF23-Klotho signaling axis, ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway and Klotho deficiency. Results: Using the modified CKD-MBD rat model and the cultured NRK-52E cells, we indicated that FPS and CTR alleviated renal dysfunction and renal tubulointerstitial damage, improved calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone lesion, and regulated FGF23-Klotho signaling axis and ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway in the kidney. In addition, using the shRNA-Klotho plasmid-transfected cells, we also detected, FPS accurately activated ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway through Klotho loss reversal. Conclusion: In this study, we emphatically demonstrated that FPS, a natural anti-renal dysfunction drug, similar to CTR, improves renal injury-related calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone abnormality in the CKD-MBD model rats. More importantly, we firstly found that beneficial effects in vivo and in vitro of FPS on phosphorus reabsorption are closely associated with regulation of FGF23-Klotho signaling axis and ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway in the kidney. This study provided pharmacological evidences that FPS directly contributes to the treatment of CKD-MBD.

    MeSH terms: Adenine; Animals; Calcitriol; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Glucuronidase; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Kidney; Laminaria; Male; Minerals; Phosphorus; Plasmids; Blotting, Western; MAP Kinase Signaling System; RNA, Small Interfering; Mice; Rats; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
18. Women in Neurosurgery (WIN): Barriers to Progress, World WIN Directory and the Way Forward

    Balasubramanian SC, Palanisamy D, Bakhti S, El Abbadi N, Collange NZ, Karekezi C, et al.

    Asian J Neurosurg, 2020 10 19;15(4):828-832.

    PMID: 33708650 DOI: 10.4103/ajns.AJNS_108_20

    Abstract

    Women in Neurosurgery (WIN) have come a long way and are making inroads in every neurosurgical subspecialty. There has been a worldwide increase in the number of female neurosurgeons both in the training and practice. Although this is a welcome trend, gender equality at work in terms of opportunities, promotions, and pay scales are yet to be attained. This is more apparent in the developing and underdeveloped nations. Barriers for a female neurosurgeon exist in every phase before entering residency, during training, and at workplace. In the neurosurgical specialty, only a few women are in chief academic and leadership positions, and this situation needs to improve. WIN should be motivated to pursue fellowships, sub-specialty training, research, and academic activities. Furthermore, men should come forward to mentor women, only then the gender debates will disappear and true excellence in neurosurgery can be attained. This article reviews the issues that are relevant in the present era focusing on the barriers faced by female neurosurgeons in the developing and underdeveloped countries and the possible solutions to achieve gender equality in neurosurgery. The authors also present the data from the World WIN Directory collected as a part of Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons-WINS project 2019. These numbers are expected to grow as the WIN progress and add value to the neurosurgical community at large.

    MeSH terms: Neurosurgeons; Fellowships and Scholarships; Female; Humans; Internship and Residency; Leadership; Male; Medicine; Mentors; Motivation; Neurosurgery; Workplace; Neurosurgical Procedures
19. Reducing Anxiety through Music Therapy for Regional Anesthesia Cases in Operating Theatre

    Hamid MRBA, Mansor MB, Abidin MFBZ

    Iran J Public Health, 2020 Nov;49(11):2227-2229.

    PMID: 33708747 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v49i11.4745
20. Fulltext An infant with kwashiorkor: the forgotten disease

    Nurjasmine Aida Jaman, Nor Azam Kamaruzaman, Abdul Hadi Said

    Malaysian Family Physician, 2020;15(2):46-49.

    MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Undernutrition remains a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. Despite
    being rich in resources, Malaysia is still home to children sufering from severe undernutrition.
    Tis paper presents the case of a 5-month-old boy with kwashiorkor stemming from improper
    weaning which was overlooked. Tis case highlights the importance of recognizing the early signs of
    kwashiorkor to allow for early referrals for proper management and prevent its possible complications.

    MeSH terms: Child; Developing Countries; Health Resources; Humans; Infant; Kwashiorkor; Malaysia; Male; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Public Health; Referral and Consultation; Weaning; Malnutrition