Browse publications by year: 2020

  1. Ismail, N., Bashah, F. A. A., Zakaria, F.
    MyJurnal
    Many recent studies focused on the patient’s safety from the administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), their concentration, the dose of administration and their effects on the image quality. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effects of reduced GBCAs (gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine) volume on the image quality by using phantoms. Eight (8) human brain mimicking phantom made of nickel chloride (NiCl2) doped agarose gel were added with 0.00500 ml (100% volume), 0.00350 ml (75% volume), 0.00250 ml (50% volume) and 0.00125 ml (25% volume) of gadobutrol, 0.0100 ml (100% volume), 0.0075 ml (75% volume), 0.0050 ml (50% volume) and 0.0025 ml (25% volume) of gadoterate meglumine. The phantoms were scanned using a 1.5-T and a 3 T-MRI system. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast agents enhancement were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. The 50% volume of gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine at 3 T showed greater enhancement when compared with 50% and 100% volumes of gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine at 1.5 T. It can be concluded that the volume of gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine contrast agents can be reduced when using a higher field system
    MeSH terms: Brain; Contrast Media; Gadolinium; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Meglumine; Nickel; Organometallic Compounds; Sepharose; Signal-To-Noise Ratio
  2. Othman, E. A., Mohamad, M., Abdul Manan, H., Yusoff, A. N.
    MyJurnal
    This study investigated the effects of stochastic facilitation in healthy subjects with normal and low auditory working memory capacity (AWMC). Forty healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. They performed a backward recall task (BRT) in quiet and under four white noise intensity levels: 45, 50, 55, and 60 dB. Brain activations during the task were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The behavioral performance in both groups increased significantly in 50 and 55 dB white noise. The normal AWMC group (mean score = 48.70) demonstrated higher activation in the superior temporal gyrus and prefrontal cortex than the low AWMC group (mean score = 30.85). However, comparisons in the brain activation between groups for all noise levels were not statistically different. The results support previous findings that stochastic facilitation enhances cognitive performance in healthy individuals. The results also proposed that brain activity among healthy subjects is more or less similar, at least in the context of auditory working memory. These findings indicated that there were no differential effects of stochastic facilitation in healthy subjects with different AWMC.
    MeSH terms: Biometry; Cognition; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Memory, Short-Term; Mental Recall; Temporal Lobe; Prefrontal Cortex; Healthy Volunteers
  3. Kamal, I., Salehhon, N., Hashim, S., Musa, Y., Abdul Karim, M. K.
    MyJurnal
    The aimed of this study is to estimate the entrance surface dose (ESD) of routine chest X-ray (CXR) examination and to compare the direct and indirect measurement. This study also extended to relate with the patients body thickness and established lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of the examinations. A total of 101 CXR examinations in posteroanterior (PA) projections were selected
    as subjects and data, such as patient habitus and scanning acquisition parameters were recorded. The mean ESD value obtained from the TLD-100 and the software calculation was 0.31 mGy and 0.17 mGy, respectively. The percentage deviation obtained ranged from 25.5% to 61.3%. In comparison with the national diagnostic reference level (DRL), the mean values of ESD obtained from this study were lower by a factor of 3. Furthermore, it was observed that the mean absorbed dose of the adrenals, kidneys, lungs, oesophagus, and heart walls were lower as compared to the ESD value. The examinations were only associated with very low risk of cancer incidence and mortality. Hence, the results of this study suggested a need for standardisations of the personnel training to perform X-ray examinations according to ALARA principles.
    MeSH terms: Esophagus; Humans; Kidney; Lung; Neoplasms; Physical Examination; Radiography; Radionuclide Imaging; Skull; Software; X-Rays; Incidence
  4. Ibrahim, M. I., Mohd Norsuddin, N., Che Isa, I. N., Azman, N. F., Mohamad Shahimin, M.
    MyJurnal
    The radiographer's role in the imaging field is producing the best image to diagnose. Hence, this study is conducted to justify the ability of radiographers in terms of diagnostic performance and visual search patterns during radiographic image interpretation based on their experience. The musculoskeletal radiographic images were chosen as radiographers are expected to perform image interpretation in the red dot system as one of the expanded and extended roles of the radiographer. Sensitivity and specificity in the detection of abnormality are measured. The gaze plot, fixation count and duration are compared between groups of radiographers by using an eye tracker. 19 radiographic images consist of upper and lower extremities are used as stimuli in this study. The result from this study shows no significant difference in terms of sensitivity and specificity with a p-value of 0.818 and 0.146 respectively. For visual search pattern, two images have significant different in term of fixation count (Image 1, p = 0.017; Image 2, p = 0.042) and two images in fixation duration (Image 1, p = 0.001; Image 15, p = 0.021). The gaze plot is not different from an unstructured pattern and less coverage. In conclusion, the experience did not give an influence on the radiographic image interpretation. This may suggest that specific training in areas appropriate to the development of the radiographer could improve the image interpretation.
    MeSH terms: Allied Health Personnel; Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Lower Extremity
  5. Mohd Zain, N., Ab Malek, N. N. F., Che Mut, N. A. I., Mohd Norsuddin, N., Abdullah Suhaimi, S. A., Ahmad Dahari, M., et al.
    MyJurnal
    Music is one of the suggested interventions that can reduce stress caused by pain from mammography procedures. The different types of music might affect the anxiety level during a mammogram screening. Thus, the study aimed to determine the anxiety level of women who underwent mammogram screening according to different types of music. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 women by using the purposive sampling technique in the radiology department at randomly selected private hospitals in Klang Valley from November 2018 to November 2019. Respondents were randomly divided based on the day of mammogram screening into two groups; namely slow and upbeat music. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the anxiety level for each group and T-test analysis was used to compare the significance of anxiety level between both groups. A total of 60 respondents had participated in this study with a total of 30 (50.0%) respondents allocated in slow music, while another 30 (50.0%) respondents were allocated in upbeat music. Patients who underwent mammography screening while listening to slow music had a high anxiety level (70.0%) as compared to upbeat music group (63.3%). There was no significant effect for music, t (60) = -0.54, p = 0.59, despite slow music (M = 1.70, SD = 0.47) attaining higher anxiety level than the upbeat music (M = 1.63, SD = 0.49). Upbeat music has the potential in reducing the anxiety level of women undergoing mammography screening.
    MeSH terms: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Mammography; Music; Pain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Radiology; Hospitals, Private; Early Detection of Cancer
  6. Zin, H. M.
    MyJurnal
    The Malaysian Association of Medical Physics (MAMP) was set up in the year 2000 to promote and further develop the field that was relatively new in Malaysia. The article briefly summarises key developments in medical physics since the first discovery of x-rays in 1895. The resulted rapid progress in the field was also highlighted and related to the pace of development in Malaysia. Key activities organised by MAMP were also addressed. The international practices related to the field and the profession were highlighted and compared to the current status in Malaysia. Although the field has progressed well in the country, there are several gaps identified to further improve the field and the profession in Malaysia.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Physics; Radiography; X-Rays; Furin
  7. Sangaran PG, Ibrahim ZA, Chik Z, Mohamed Z, Ahmadiani A
    Front Cell Neurosci, 2020;14:598453.
    PMID: 33551748 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.598453
    Lipopolysacharide (LPS) pre-conditioning (PC), has been shown to exert protective effects against cytotoxic effects. Therefore, we hypothesized, the tolerance produced by LPS PC will be resulted by the alterations and modifications in gene and protein expression. With reference to the results of MTT assays, AO/PI staining, and Annexin V-FITC analyses of LPS concentration (0.7815-50 μg/mL) and time-dependent (12-72 h) experiments, the pre-exposure to 3 μg/mL LPS for 12 h protected the differentiated PC12 cells against 0.75 mg/mL LPS apoptotic concentration. LPS-treated cells secreted more inflammatory cytokines like IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α than LPS-PC cells. The production of inflammatory mediators ROS and NO was also higher in the LPS-induced cells compared to LPS-PC cells. Conversely, anti-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-10, IL-13, CNTF, and IL-1Ra) were upregulated in the LPS-PC cells but not in the LPS-induced cells. Meanwhile, the LPS initiated caspase-8 which in turn activates effector caspase 3/7. When the activities of caspases in the LPS-induced cells were inhibited using z-VADfmk and z-DEVDfmk, the expressions of c-MYC and Hsp70 were increased, but p53 was reduced. The potential molecules associated with protective and destructive effect was measured by RT2 Profiler PCR array to elucidate the signaling pathways and suggested inhibition NF-κB/caspase-3 signaling pathway regulates the cytoprotective genes and proto-oncogenes. In conclusion, this study provides a basis for future research to better understand the molecular mechanism underlying LPS pre-conditioning /TLR4 pre-activation and its functional role in offering cytoprotective response in neuronal environment.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-3; Lipopolysaccharides; Proto-Oncogenes; Staining and Labeling; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Signal Transduction; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-6; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Cytokines; NF-kappa B; PC12 Cells; Interleukin-10; Reactive Oxygen Species; Interleukin-13; Inflammation Mediators; Caspases; Interleukin-17; Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Rats; Caspase 3; Caspase 8; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein
  8. Zulkapli MM, Ab Ghani NS, Ting TY, Aizat WM, Goh HH
    Front Plant Sci, 2020;11:625507.
    PMID: 33552113 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.625507
    Nepenthes is a genus comprising carnivorous tropical pitcher plants that have evolved trapping organs at the tip of their leaves for nutrient acquisition from insect trapping. Recent studies have applied proteomics approaches to identify proteins in the pitcher fluids for better understanding the carnivory mechanism, but protein identification is hindered by limited species-specific transcriptomes for Nepenthes. In this study, the proteomics informed by transcriptomics (PIT) approach was utilized to identify and compare proteins in the pitcher fluids of Nepenthes ampullaria, Nepenthes rafflesiana, and their hybrid Nepenthes × hookeriana through PacBio isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) proteomic profiling. We generated full-length transcriptomes from all three species of 80,791 consensus isoforms with an average length of 1,692 bp as a reference for protein identification. The comparative analysis found that transcripts and proteins identified in the hybrid N. × hookeriana were more resembling N. rafflesiana, both of which are insectivorous compared with omnivorous N. ampullaria that can derive nutrients from leaf litters. Previously reported hydrolytic proteins were detected, including proteases, glucanases, chitinases, phosphatases, nucleases, peroxidases, lipid transfer protein, thaumatin-like protein, pathogenesis-related protein, and disease resistance proteins. Many new proteins with diverse predicted functions were also identified, such as amylase, invertase, catalase, kinases, ligases, synthases, esterases, transferases, transporters, and transcription factors. Despite the discovery of a few unique enzymes in N. ampullaria, we found no strong evidence of adaptive evolution to produce endogenous enzymes for the breakdown of leaf litter. A more complete picture of digestive fluid protein composition in this study provides important insights on the molecular physiology of pitchers and carnivory mechanism of Nepenthes species with distinct dietary habits.
    MeSH terms: Amylases; Animals; Catalase; Chromatography, Liquid; Esterases; Ligases; Peptide Hydrolases; Peroxidases; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; Transcription Factors; Transferases; Plant Leaves; Protein Isoforms; Consensus; Proteomics; beta-Fructofuranosidase; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Transcriptome; Carnivory; Disease Resistance
  9. Helmyati S, Kiasaty S, Amalia AW, Sholihah H, Kurnia M, Wigati M, et al.
    J Diabetes Metab Disord, 2020 Dec;19(2):749-757.
    PMID: 33553011 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-020-00555-8
    Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the preference and acceptance of white rice substitution with brown and black rice among young adults in Indonesia to prevent diabetes.

    Methods: This study used a qualitative design. Rice preference deeply explored using focus group discussion as a case-study. 85 informants with an average of ages 20 years old were divided into several groups. Several topics to discuss include the reasons to accept or reject brown and black rice, knowledge, attitude, motivation, and potency to substitute white rice.

    Results: Price was the main barrier to substitute white rice to brown and black rice. The participants have known brown rice from parents, mass media, and friends. Most of them were still unfamiliar with black rice. Culture also affected the preferences of the participants. To motivate people to change their white rice diet, creative packaging and segmentation of the sale were recommended.

    Conclusion: Substituting white to brown and black rice is still a challenge for young adults in Indonesia. Several barriers such as culture, accessibility, and affordability need to be considered. Further efforts are important to manage a program to increase brown and black rice consumption.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Biological Phenomena; Costs and Cost Analysis; Diabetes Mellitus; Diet; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Indonesia; Mass Media; Motivation; Parents; Oryza; Focus Groups; Friends; Young Adult
  10. Cheah FC, Lai CH, Tan GC, Swaminathan A, Wong KK, Wong YP, et al.
    Front Pediatr, 2020;8:593802.
    PMID: 33553066 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.593802
    Background:Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) is most frequently associated with bacterial vaginosis and is the second most common etiology causing intrauterine infection after Ureaplasma urealyticum. Intrauterine GV infection adversely affects pregnancy outcomes, resulting in preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal pneumonia. The knowledge of how GV exerts its effects is limited. We developed an in vivo animal model to study its effects on fetal development. Materials and Methods: A survival mini-laparotomy was conducted on New Zealand rabbits on gestational day 21 (28 weeks of human pregnancy). In each dam, fetuses in the right uterine horn received intra-amniotic 0.5 × 102 colony-forming units of GV injections each, while their littermate controls in the left horn received sterile saline injections. A second laparotomy was performed seven days later. Assessment of the fetal pups, histopathology of the placenta and histomorphometric examination of the fetal lung tissues was done. Results: Three dams with a combined total of 12 fetuses were exposed to intra-amniotic GV, and 9 fetuses were unexposed. The weights of fetuses, placenta, and fetal lung were significantly lower in the GV group than the saline-inoculated control group [mean gross weight, GV (19.8 ± 3.8 g) vs. control (27.9 ± 1.7 g), p < 0.001; mean placenta weight, GV (5.5 ± 1.0 g) vs. control (6.5 ± 0.7 g), p = 0.027; mean fetal lung weight, GV (0.59 ± 0.11 g) vs. control (0.91 ± 0.08 g), p = 0.002. There was a two-fold increase in the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts in the placenta of the GV group than their littermate controls (82.9 ± 14.9 vs. 41.6 ± 13.4, p < 0.001). The mean alveolar septae of GV fetuses was significantly thicker than the control (14.8 ± 2.8 μm vs. 12.4 ± 3.8 μm, p = 0.007). Correspondingly, the proliferative index in the interalveolar septum was 1.8-fold higher in the GV group than controls (24.9 ± 6.6% vs. 14.2 ± 2.9%, p = 0.011). The number of alveoli and alveolar surface area did not vary between groups. Discussion: Low-dose intra-amniotic GV injection induces fetal growth restriction, increased placental multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts and fetal lung re-modeling characterized by alveolar septal hypertrophy with cellular proliferative changes. Conclusion: This intra-amniotic model could be utilized in future studies to elucidate the acute and chronic effects of GV intrauterine infections.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Fetus; Gardnerella vaginalis; Humans; Hypertrophy; Infant, Newborn; Laparotomy; Lung; Placenta; Pneumonia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Rabbits; Stem Cells; Trophoblasts; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Ureaplasma urealyticum; Fetal Weight; Models, Animal; Control Groups; Premature Birth
  11. Foo SC, Khoo KS, Ooi CW, Show PL, Khong NMH, Yusoff FM
    Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 2020;8:546067.
    PMID: 33553111 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.546067
    The ever-expanding human population puts tremendous pressure on global food security. With climate change threats lowering crop productivity and food nutritional quality, it is important to search for alternative and sustainable food sources. Microalgae are a promising carbon-neutral biomass with fast growth rate and do not compete with terrestrial crops for land use. More so, microalgae synthesize exclusive marine carotenoids shown to not only exert antioxidant activities but also anti-cancer properties. Unfortunately, the conventional method for fucoxanthin extraction is mainly based on solvent extraction, which is cheap but less environmentally friendly. With the emergence of greener extraction techniques, the extraction of fucoxanthin could adopt these strategies aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a timely review with a focus on existing fucoxanthin extraction processes, complemented with future outlook on the potential and limitations in alternative fucoxanthin extraction technologies. This review will serve as an important guide to the sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction of fucoxanthin and other carotenoids including but not limited to astaxanthin, lutein or zeaxanthin. This is aligned to the SDGs wherein it is envisaged that this review becomes an antecedent to further research work in extract standardization with the goal of meeting quality control and quality assurance benchmarks for future commercialization purposes.
  12. Aminuddin NA, Sutan R, Mahdy ZA
    Front Med (Lausanne), 2020;7:596405.
    PMID: 33553199 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.596405
    Background: Preeclampsia is a significant cause of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress plays a key role in its pathophysiology, hence antioxidants such as tocotrienol may be preventive against preeclampsia. In 2018, the ISSHP revised the definition of preeclampsia. In accordance with the new definition, we report a secondary data analysis from a clinical trial comparing palm oil vitamin E in the form of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) against placebo, in preventing preeclampsia. Method: A randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted in 2002-2005 to assess the benefits of TRF in preeclampsia prevention. A total of 299 primigravidae were recruited. The intervention group was supplemented with TRF 100 mg daily in super-olein capsules, whereas the placebo group was prescribed super-olein capsules without TRF, beginning from 12 to 16 gestational weeks until delivery. The primary outcome measure was incidence of preeclampsia. Results: The total incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) was 5%, whereas the incidence of preeclampsia was 2.3%. The odds of developing PIH (adjusted OR 0.254; 95% CI: 0.07-0.93; p-value 0.038) and preeclampsia (adjusted OR 0.030; 95% CI: 0.001-0.65; p-value 0.025) were significantly lower in the TRF arm compared to the placebo arm. Conclusion: Antenatal supplementation with palm oil vitamin E in the form of TRF is associated with significant reductions in the incidence of preeclampsia and PIH in a single urban tertiary hospital. Palm oil vitamin E deserves further scrutiny as a potential public health preventive measure against preeclampsia and PIH.
    MeSH terms: Antioxidants; Arm; Capsules; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Public Health; Vitamin E; Incidence; Oxidative Stress; Dietary Supplements; Tocotrienols; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Perinatal Mortality; Tertiary Care Centers
  13. Mat Alewi, N. A., Ibrahim, M., Md Isa, M. L., Abdull Rasad, M. S. B., Abdul Rafa, A. A., Anuar, M. N. N.
    MyJurnal
    The optimum combination of Baccaurea angulata fruit juice (X1: 15 - 85 ratio) and Trigona sp. honey (TH) (X2: 15 - 85 ratio) in developing a high antioxidant soft jelly was investigated based
    on the antioxidant capacity (Y1), phenolic (Y2), and flavonoid (Y3) content. Response surface
    methodology (RSM), via central composite design (CCD), was used to produce optimal combination effects of the two independent variables (B. angulata fruit juice and TH) for highest
    recovery of antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content
    (TFC). The polynomial models generated were satisfactory. The lack-of-fit test were higher
    than p > 0.05 for all three analyses, signifying the suitability of the models in accurately predicting the variations. Predicted values of the analysis agreed with those of the experimental values.
    An optimum combination of B. angulata fruit juice and TH was developed (ratio 40:40). The
    sample also exhibited significant FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Several
    polyphenols were identified for the samples through UHPLC-MS/MS. In conclusion, B. angulata and Trigona sp. honey have high potentials to be used in fortifying the soft jelly samples,
    making them prospective food supplements due to their nutritional and health benefits.
    MeSH terms: Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Animals; Antioxidants; Bees; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Flavonoids; Honey; Phenols; Prospective Studies; Models, Statistical; Dietary Supplements; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Polyphenols
  14. Chai, K. F., Adzahan, N. M., Karim, R., Rukayadi, Y., Ghazali, H. M.
    MyJurnal
    A novel way to reduce rambutan wastage is to ferment the fruit and valorise the seed post-fer- mentation into other food products and ingredients. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of rambutan seed during solid-state fermentation of the fruit. Peeled rambutan fruits were subjected to natural fermentation for ten days at 30°C. The environmental temperature, relative humidity, internal and external temperatures of the fermentation mass were measured daily. After ten days of fermentation, the seeds had higher cut test score (867.5), fermentation index (1.527), and a* value (8.20 for non-dried seeds and
    9.93 for dried seeds), and lower L* (51.90 for non-dried seeds and 49.22 for dried seeds) and b* (30.52 for non-dried seeds and 30.12 for dried seeds) values; as compared to the non-fer- mented seeds (cut test score, 0.0; fermentation index, 0.856; L*, a*, and b* values, 64.52, 2.25, and 42.07 for non-dried seeds, respectively, and 61.03, 3.23 and 36.70 for dried seeds, respectively). During this time, pH, total soluble solids, fructose, glucose, sucrose, citric acid, and tartaric acid contents of the seeds decreased by 46, 44, 59, 61, 100, 85, and 100%, respec- tively, while the titratable acidity, lactic acid, acetic acid, and ascorbic acid contents of the seeds increased by 5.5, 7.8, 6.0, and 2.2-fold, respectively. Results showed that eight days of fermentation are adequate to produce well-fermented rambutan seeds that could be further processed into a cocoa powder-like product by roasting the fermented fruits in a manner similar to that of cocoa bean roasting.
    MeSH terms: Ascorbic Acid; Fermentation; Fructose; Fruit; Glucose; Humidity; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Seeds; Sucrose; Tartrates; Temperature; Acetic Acid; Citric Acid; Lactic Acid; Sapindaceae; Chocolate
  15. Raman J, Jang KY, Oh YL, Oh M, Im JH, Lakshmanan H, et al.
    Mycobiology, 2020 Nov 02;49(1):1-14.
    PMID: 33536808 DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2020.1835142
    Pleurotus species are commercially essential mushrooms and widely cultivated throughout the world. The production of Pleurotus mushrooms alone accounts for around 25% of that total cultivated mushrooms globally. In America and Europe, Pleurotus species are considered specialty mushrooms, whereas, in Korea, their cultivation is economically profitable, and it is one of the highly consumed species. Pleurotus species are predominantly found in tropical forests and often grow on fallen branches, dead and decaying tree stumps, and wet logs. Biographical studies have shown that the Pleurotus genus is among the more conspicuous fungi that induce wood decay in terrestrial ecosystems worldwide due to its formidable lignin-modifying enzymes, including laccase and versatile peroxidases. Pleurotus species can be grown easily due to their fast colonization nature on diversified agro-substrates and their biological efficiency 100%. Pleurotus mushrooms are rich in proteins, dietary fiber, essential amino acids, carbohydrates, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals. These mushrooms are abundant in functional bioactive molecules, though to influence health. Pleurotus mushrooms are finding unique applications as flavoring, aroma, and excellent preservation quality. Apart from its unique applications, Pleurotus mushrooms have a unique status delicacy with high nutritional and medicinal values. The present review provides an insight into the cultivation of Pleurotus spp. using different agro-waste as growth substances paying attention to their effects on the growth and chemical composition.
  16. Koo HW, Ismail J, Yang WW, Syed Zakaria SZ
    Front Pediatr, 2020;8:608242.
    PMID: 33537265 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.608242
    Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a variety of co-morbid medical problems, including sleep disturbances. Prevalence of sleep disorders has been reported to be higher in this group as compared to the general population. Identifying sleep problems in children with ASD may help increase awareness and improve the overall quality of care for them. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep problems and associated factors in a group of Malaysian children aged 6-16 years, with ASD. Method: This is a cross-sectional study at the Child Development Centre of UKM Medical Centre (UKM MC) on ASD children aged 6-16 years. Demographic data was obtained and the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC) questionnaire was completed by the main caregiver. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors related to higher total SDSC scores. Results: A total of 128 patients were recruited (111 boys) with a median age of 8 years 3 months (IQR: 2 years 10 months). Forty-seven (36.7%) of them obtained total SDSC scores in the pathological range with 19 (14.8%) scoring high for overall disturbances and 28 (21.9%) for at least one subtype of sleep disorders: 25 (19.5%) DIMS, 18 (14.1%) SBD, 10 (7.8%) DOES, 5 (3.9%) DOA, 6 (4.7%) SWTD, and 3 (2.3%) SHY. More than half of the children (57.8%) were reported to have sufficient sleep duration of 8-11 h, but longer sleep latency of at least 15 min (82.8%). Half of the ASD children also had co-morbidities in which one-third (34.4%) had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using logistic regression analysis, four factors were significantly associated with higher total SDSC scores; female gender (p = 0.016), older age group (11-16 years old) (p = 0.039), shorter sleep length (p = 0.043), and longer sleep latency (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disturbances is high among Malaysian children with ASD, especially DIMS. Female gender, older age group, shorter sleep length, and longer sleep latency were found to be associated with the sleep disturbances. Evaluation of sleep problems should form part of the comprehensive care of children with ASD.
    MeSH terms: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Adolescent; Aged; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Child; Child Development; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Men; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders; Comorbidity; Prevalence; Logistic Models; Caregivers
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