Browse publications by year: 2020

  1. Testamenti VA, Surya M, Saepuloh U, Iskandriati D, Tandang MV, Kristina L, et al.
    Vet World, 2020 Nov;13(11):2459-2468.
    PMID: 33363342 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2459-2468
    Background and Aim: Melioidosis is a potentially fatal disease affecting humans and a wide range of animal species; it is often underdiagnosed and underreported in veterinary medicine in Indonesia. This study aimed to characterize morphological and molecular features of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis which caused the death of a Bornean orangutan.

    Materials and Methods: Pulmonary abscess samples were cultured on several types of media, including Ashdown agar, Ashdown broth, and MacConkey agar. Type three secretion system orf 2 real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and latex agglutination tests were performed to identify the bacteria. Morphological characteristics were compared to all previously published morphotypes. Subsequently, the bacteria were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and Yersinia-like flagellum/Burkholderia thailandensis-like flagellum and chemotaxis PCR. The results of the genotyping were afterward compared to all genotypes from Southeast Asia.

    Results: Multiple morphotypes of B. pseudomallei were perceived during the growth on Ashdown agar. Furthermore, it was identified by MLST that the Type I and Type II morphotypes observed in this study were clones of a single ST, ST54, which is predominantly found in humans and the environment in Malaysia and Thailand, although a very limited number of reports was published in association with animals. Moreover, the E-BURST analysis showed that the ST is grouped together with isolates from Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia. ST54 was predicted to be the founding genotype of several STs from those regions.

    Conclusion: B. pseudomallei ST54 that caused the death of a Bornean orangutan has a distant genetic relationship with other STs which were previously reported in Indonesia, implying a vast genetic diversity in Indonesia that has not been discovered yet.

    MeSH terms: Type II Secretion Systems; Agar; Animals; Asia, Southeastern; Cambodia; Chemotaxis; Clone Cells; Flagella; Genotype; Humans; Indonesia; Latex Fixation Tests; Lung Abscess; Malaysia; Melioidosis; Pongo pygmaeus; Bodily Secretions; Singapore; Thailand; Genetic Variation; Yersinia; Burkholderia pseudomallei; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  2. Johan CAC, Zainathan SC
    Vet World, 2020 Nov;13(11):2565-2577.
    PMID: 33363355 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2565-2577
    Iridoviruses, especially megalocytiviruses, are related to severe disease resulting in high economic losses in the aquaculture industry worldwide. The ornamental fish industry has been affected severely due to Megalocytivirus infections. Megalocytivirus is a DNA virus that has three genera; including red sea bream iridovirus, infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus, and turbot reddish body iridovirus. Megalocytivirus causes non-specific clinical signs in ornamental fish. Cell culture, histology, immunofluorescence test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay have been used to diagnose megalocytiviruses. Risk factors such as temperature, transportation (export and import), and life stages of ornamental fish have been reported for the previous cases due to Megalocytivirus infections. In addition, other prevention and control methods also have been practiced in farms to prevent Megalocytivirus outbreaks. This is the first review of megalocytiviruses in ornamental fish since its first detection in 1989. This review discusses the occurrences of Megalocytivirus in ornamental fish, including the history, clinical signs, detection method, risk factors, and prevention measures.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Disease Outbreaks; Flatfishes; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Iridoviridae; Risk Factors; Temperature; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Aquaculture; Iridovirus; Cell Culture Techniques; Sea Bream
  3. Zhou D, Gopinath SCB, Mohamed Saheed MS, Siva Sangu S, Lakshmipriya T
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2020;15:10171-10181.
    PMID: 33363373 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S284752
    Background: In recent years, nanomaterials have justified their dissemination for biosensor application towards the sensitive and selective detections of clinical biomarkers at the lower levels. MXene is a two-dimensional layered transition metal, attractive for biosensing due to its chemical, physical and electrical properties along with the biocompatibility.

    Materials and Methods: This work was focused on diagnosing osteosarcoma (OS), a common bone cancer, on MXene-modified multiple junction triangles by dielectrode sensing. Survivin protein gene is highly correlated with OS, identified on this sensing surface. Capture DNA was immobilized on MXene by using 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane as an amine linker and duplexed by the target DNA sequence.

    Results: The limitation and sensitivity of detection were found as 1 fM with the acceptable regression co-efficient value (y=1.0037⨰ + 0.525; R2=0.978) and the current enhancement was noted when increasing the target DNA concentrations. Moreover, the control sequences of single- and triple-mismatched and noncomplementary to the target DNA sequences failed to hybridize on the capture DNA, confirming the specificity. In addition, different batches were prepared with capture probe immobilized sensing surfaces and proved the efficient reproducibility.

    Conclusion: This microgap device with Mxene-modified multiple junction triangles dielectrode surface is beneficial to quantify the survivin gene at its lower level and diagnosing OS complication levels.

    MeSH terms: Bone Neoplasms/diagnosis*; Bone Neoplasms/pathology; DNA, Neoplasm/metabolism; Electrodes; Humans; Microelectrodes; Osteosarcoma/diagnosis*; Osteosarcoma/pathology; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*; Reproducibility of Results; Biosensing Techniques/methods*; Transition Elements/chemistry*; Cell Line, Tumor; Nanostructures/chemistry; Photoelectron Spectroscopy
  4. Chang CY, Chai CSY, Ong ELC
    Clin Case Rep, 2020 Dec;8(12):2685-2688.
    PMID: 33363805 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3272
    Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is a vascular anomaly that predisposes to complications of paradoxical embolization including stroke and brain abscess. Here, we present a case of brain abscess associated with pulmonary arteriovenous malformation.
  5. Chang CY, Rajappan M, Zaid M, Ong ELC
    Clin Case Rep, 2020 Dec;8(12):3427-3431.
    PMID: 33363946 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3422
    Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare but severe complication of dengue infection which carries a high mortality. This report highlights the importance of early recognition of this condition as prompt appropriate treatment improves outcomes.
  6. Hanafiah M, Johari B, Abdul Kadir RF, Bakar NS, Baharuddin H
    Clin Case Rep, 2020 Dec;8(12):3565-3566.
    PMID: 33363980 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3206
    Cysts are a common finding of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) on imaging. Usually, they are limited in number and size. Tiny and numerous cysts of peribronchovascular distribution are less typical but a recognized appearance in LIP.
  7. Rahim R
    Clin Case Rep, 2020 Dec;8(12):3588-3589.
    PMID: 33363991 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3297
    Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a rare congenital abnormality. Not all MD require resection. MD is resected when it is symptomatic; when it causes perforation, bleeding, or intestinal obstruction; or when malignancy is confirmed or suspected.
  8. Kesu Belani L, Abdullah S, Harun MH, Narin Singh PSG, Sapuan J
    Cureus, 2020 Nov 19;12(11):e11564.
    PMID: 33364091 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11564
    Monteggia fracture is commonly treated with open anatomical reduction and fixation of the ulna fracture. The radial head will be automatically reduced once anatomical fixation of the ulna is achieved. However, it is occasionally associated with an irreducible radial head dislocation requiring an open reduction and reconstruction of the torn annular ligament. We describe a case of traumatic Monteggia fracture which underwent initial plating, however post-operative radiograph denoted an irreducible radial head secondary to a ruptured annular ligament. We reconstructed the annular ligament with a synthetic graft sling around the radial neck with an anchor suture. The radial head was stable in all directions after annular ligament reconstruction. A two-year follow-up shows full range of motion of the elbow joint with osteolysis of the radial head, no other operative morbidity was observed.
    MeSH terms: Elbow Joint; Follow-Up Studies; Ligaments; Monteggia's Fracture; Morbidity; Osteolysis; Radius; Sutures; Ulna; Ulna Fractures; Range of Motion, Articular; Open Fracture Reduction
  9. Lim JL, Yusof NS, Md Tarekh NA, Abdul Rahman R
    Cureus, 2020 Nov 19;12(11):e11580.
    PMID: 33364104 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11580
    Dermatomyositis is often presented as paraneoplastic syndrome. The diagnosis of dermatomyositis can prompt clinicians to further investigate the underlying cause, in particular malignancy. This case report illustrates the association of lung adenocarcinoma and dermatomyositis with antecedent presentation of cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations, one year prior to the diagnosis of carcinoma.
    MeSH terms: Administration, Cutaneous; Dermatomyositis; Lung Neoplasms; Paraneoplastic Syndromes
  10. Loke YL, Chew MT, Ngeow YF, Lim WWD, Peh SC
    PMID: 33364203 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.603086
    Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence increases yearly, and is three to four times higher in developed countries compared to developing countries. The well-known risk factors have been attributed to low physical activity, overweight, obesity, dietary consumption including excessive consumption of red processed meats, alcohol, and low dietary fiber content. There is growing evidence of the interplay between diet and gut microbiota in CRC carcinogenesis. Although there appears to be a direct causal role for gut microbes in the development of CRC in some animal models, the link between diet, gut microbes, and colonic carcinogenesis has been established largely as an association rather than as a cause-and-effect relationship. This is especially true for human studies. As essential dietary factors influence CRC risk, the role of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, and their end products are considered as part of the interplay between diet and gut microbiota. The underlying molecular mechanisms of colon carcinogenesis mediated by gut microbiota are also discussed. Human biological responses such as inflammation, oxidative stress, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage can all influence dysbiosis and consequently CRC carcinogenesis. Dysbiosis could add to CRC risk by shifting the effect of dietary components toward promoting a colonic neoplasm together with interacting with gut microbiota. It follows that dietary intervention and gut microbiota modulation may play a vital role in reducing CRC risk.
    MeSH terms: Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Animals; Colonic Neoplasms; Developing Countries; Diet; Dietary Fiber; DNA; Humans; Inflammation; Meat; Obesity; Risk Factors; Colorectal Neoplasms; Exercise; Incidence; Oxidative Stress; Developed Countries; Models, Animal; Carcinogenesis; Dysbiosis
  11. Salim AA, Yusof AH, Johari J, Yusof MI
    Front Surg, 2020;7:507954.
    PMID: 33364252 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.507954
    Introduction: Endoscopic surgery is one of the methods that achieve the goal of decompression while minimizing collateral tissue damage. Its efficacy and safety have been supported by numerous studies. There is a plethora of studies on lumbar stenosis regarding the outcomes and related issues in endoscopic spine surgery. However, few studies evaluated the outcome of the decompressive lumbar spine surgery. The present study aims to analyze the outcome of a unilateral approach to endoscopic surgery for lumbar stenosis using the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and MacNab's criteria. Methods: This is a retrospective study (level IV) conducted between January 2009 and December 2013 on 60 patients who underwent endoscopic interlaminar decompressive spine surgery (Destandau method) for lumbar degenerative spinal stenosis in the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. The clinical outcome was measured pre-operatively and post-operatively for VAS: for back and leg pain, motor and sensory grading, the ODI, and MacNab's criteria. A paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 60.82 years comprising 23 males (38.3%) and 37 females (61.7%). The mean follow-up period was 30.1 months (range = 17.2-43 months). The mean operation time was 183.6 min (ranging from 124.8 to 242.4 min), and the mean blood loss was 150.18 mL (ranging from 30.82 to 269.54 mL). Post-operatively, mean hospital stay was 2.45 days (ranging from 1.34 to 3.56 days). The most frequently involved level was L4/L5 in 51 patients (52.6%), followed by L3/L4 in 19 patients (19.6%), L5/S1 in 24 patients (24.7%), and L2/L3 in three patients (3.1%). Improvement in the post-operative VAS for back and leg pain and the ODI for pre-operation and post-operation was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conversely, the reduction in neurological status was statistically insignificant. Based on MacNab's criteria, 88.4% showed excellent to good outcomes. Conclusion: To summarize, unilateral percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery to achieve the bilateral decompression in lumbar stenosis provides excellent yet safe and effective outcomes. It improves back and leg pain and patients' function significantly.
    MeSH terms: Biometry; Constriction, Pathologic; Decompression; Endoscopy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Goals; Hospitals; Humans; Leg; Length of Stay; Lumbosacral Region; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Pain; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Stenosis; Spine; Visual Analog Scale
  12. Sabry AH, Shallal AH, Hameed HS, Ker PJ
    Heliyon, 2020 Dec;6(12):e05699.
    PMID: 33364486 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05699
    DC distribution of PV systems has spread back especially in the residential sector as a variety of electronic appliances became locally available in the market. The compatibility of household appliances with the best voltage-level in a DC environment is the field that still in the research phase and has not yet made a practically extensive appearance. This paper mainly discusses this issue by providing a review of the concerning research efforts, identifying the gaps in the existing knowledge. The work explains the electrical diagrams of the recently produced appliances, classifying them to get an understanding of how each one consumes energy. It includes exploiting the recent dependence of the commercial appliances on power electronics to improve the efficiency of the existing DC distribution systems by extrapolating new architectures. The proposed topology has a DC distribution environment with two levels of voltage for all appliances. Appliances performances have been evaluated by calculating the energy transfer efficiency. The outcomes of this work can help in designing more efficient DC power distribution networks with minimal energy converters and establishing standardizations for DC microgrids.
  13. Ng WY, Low CX, Putra ZA, Aviso KB, Promentilla MAB, Tan RR
    Heliyon, 2020 Dec;6(12):e05730.
    PMID: 33364497 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05730
    Existing mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are inadequate to reach the target emission reductions set in the Paris Agreement. Hence, the deployment of negative emission technologies (NETs) is imperative. Given that there are multiple available NETs that need to be evaluated based on multiple criteria, there is a need for a systematic method for ranking and prioritizing them. Furthermore, the uncertainty in estimating the techno-economic performance levels of NETs is a major challenge. In this work, an integrated model of fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and interval-extended Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is proposed to address the multiple criteria, together with data uncertainties. The potential of NETs is assessed through the application of this hybrid decision model. Sensitivity analysis is also conducted to evaluate the robustness of the ranking generated. The result shows Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) as the most optimal alternative for achieving negative emission goals since it performed robustly in the different criteria considered. Meanwhile, energy requirement emerged as the most preferred or critical criterion in the deployment of NETs based on the decision-maker. This paper renders a new research perspective for evaluating the viability of NETs and extends the domains of the fuzzy AHP and interval-extended TOPSIS hybrid model.
    MeSH terms: Carbon; Data Collection; Goals; Paris; Research Design; Uncertainty; Climate Change; Melanthiaceae
  14. Darmawan MA, Muhammad BZ, Harahap AFP, Ramadhan MYA, Sahlan M, Haryuni, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Dec;6(12):e05742.
    PMID: 33364505 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05742
    Tengkawang fat (Shorea stenoptera), from an indigenous plant of the Kalimantan forest, has excellent potential as an alternative source of vegetable fat because it has a high level of fatty acids composition. Activated natural bentonite can be used as a bleaching agent to improve the quality of tengkawang fat. This research aims to reduce the acidity, peroxide number values and identify the physicochemical properties (fatty acid composition, nutrients, and thermal) of tengkawang butter. Initially, tengkawang samples from Nanga Yen and Sintang were pre-treated using the degumming process with 1% phosphoric acid and the neutralization process with a 1 M NaOH 10% w/w solution. The results show that the acidity (mg NaOH/g) of the tengkawang fat samples was reduced from 11.00 to 3.36 when using bentonite activated at 200 °C. The bentonite activated with 0.5 M HCl reduced the acidity to 3.61. The peroxide number (meq O2/kg) of the tengkawang fat samples was reduced from 9.45 to 4.84 and 3.47 by bleaching with thermal-activated and acid-activated bentonites, respectively. Peroxide value correlates with β-carotene content. The smaller of the β-carotene content, the smaller the peroxide value. The acidity, peroxide number, and iodine number values from tengkawang fat after treatment adhere to the SNI 2903: 2016 standard. The main content of fatty acids in tengkawang fat is palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. These results show that both products are suitable for the food industry in terms of the acid and peroxide numbers. The application of this research results will assist local people in increasing the economic value of the product from tengkawang plant, which is an indigenous plant from Kalimantan.
    MeSH terms: Bentonite; Butter; Fatty Acids; Humans; Iodine; Peroxides; Phosphoric Acids; Reference Standards; Sodium Hydroxide; Stearic Acids; Vegetables; beta Carotene; Oleic Acid; Palmitic Acid; Food Industry; Dipterocarpaceae; Bleaching Agents; Forests
  15. Abdullah NR, Sharif F, Azizan NH, Hafidz IFM, Supramani S, Usuldin SRA, et al.
    AIMS Microbiol, 2020;6(4):379-400.
    PMID: 33364534 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2020023
    The pellet morphology and diameter range (DR) of Ganoderma lucidum were observed in a repeated-batch fermentation (RBF) for the trio total production of biomass, exopolysaccharide (EPS) and endopolysaccharide (ENS). Two factors were involved in RBF; broth replacement ratio (BRR: 60%, 75% and 90%) and broth replacement time point (BRTP: log, transition and stationary phase) in days. In RBF, 34.31 g/L of biomass favoured small-compact pellets with DR of 20.67 µm< d < 24.00 µm (75% BRR, day 11 of BRTP). EPS production of 4.34 g/L was prone to ovoid-starburst pellets with DR of 34.33 µm< d <35.67 µm (75% BRR, day 13 of BRTP). Meanwhile, the highest 2.43 g/L of ENS production favoured large-hollow pellets with DR of 34.00 µm< d < 38.67 µm (90% BRR, day 13 of BRTP). In addition, RBF successfully shortened the biomass-EPS-ENS fermentation period (31, 33 and 35 days) from batch to 5 days, in seven consecutive cycles of RBF. In a FTIR detection, β-glucan (BG) from EPS and ENS extracts were associated with β-glycosidic linkages (2925 cm-1, 1635 cm-1, 1077 cm-1, 920 cm-1 and 800 cm-1 wavelengths) with similar 1H NMR spectral behaviour (4.58, 3.87 and 3.81 ppm). Meanwhile, 4 mg/L of BG gave negative cytotoxic effects on normal gingival cell line (hGF) but induced antiproliferation (IC50 = 0.23 mg/mL) against cancerous oral Asian cellosaurus cell line (ORL-48). Together, this study proved that G. lucidum mycelial pellets could withstand seven cycles of long fermentation condition and possessed anti-oral cancer beta-glucan, which suits large-scale natural drug fermentation.
    MeSH terms: Cardiac Glycosides; Cell Cycle; Cell Line; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Fermentation; Glycosides; Mouth Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Biomass; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Reishi; beta-Glucans; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  16. Kaur RJ, Charan J, Dutta S, Sharma P, Bhardwaj P, Sharma P, et al.
    Infect Drug Resist, 2020;13:4427-4438.
    PMID: 33364790 DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S287934
    Background: COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged as an unprecedented challenge to discover effective drugs for its prevention and cure. Hyperinflammation-induced lung damage is one of the poor prognostic indicators causing a higher rate of morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients. Favipiravir, an antiviral drug, is being used for COVID-19 treatment, and we currently have limited information regarding its efficacy and safety. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse drug events (ADEs) reported in the WHO pharmacovigilance database.

    Methods: This study analyzed all suspected ADEs related to favipiravir reported from 2015. The reports were analyzed based on age, gender, and seriousness of ADEs at the System Organ Classification (SOC) level and the individual Preferred Term (PT) level.

    Results: This study is based on 194 ADEs reported from 93 patients. Most frequent ADEs suspected to be caused by the favipiravir included increased hepatic enzymes, nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, and diarrhea. Severe and fatal ADEs occurred more frequently in men and those over the age of 64 years. Blood and lymphatic disorders, cardiac disorders, hepatobiliary disorders, injury poisoning, and procedural complications were more common manifestations of severe ADEs.

    Conclusion: This study revealed that favipiravir appears to be a relatively safe drug. An undiscovered anti-inflammatory activity of favipiravir may explain the improvement in critically ill patients and reduce inflammatory markers. Currently, the data is based on very few patients. A more detailed assessment of the uncommon ADEs needs to be analyzed when more information will be available.

    MeSH terms: Amides; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Diarrhea; Digestive System Diseases; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Heart Diseases; Humans; Lung; Male; Morbidity; Nausea; Prognosis; Pyrazines; Tachycardia; Vomiting; World Health Organization; Critical Illness; Pharmacovigilance; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  17. Al-Mekhlafi HM
    Helminthologia, 2020 Dec;57(4):293-305.
    PMID: 33364898 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2020-0038
    Hymenolepis nana is the most common cestode reported in humans worldwide. It is prevalent among children in the tropics and subtropics, particularly in rural poor communities where sanitation is inadequate or lacking. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and significant risk factors of H. nana infection among children in rural Yemen. Faecal samples were collected from 498 children and screened for intestinal parasites by using wet mount, formalin-ether concentration and Kato-Katz techniques. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect demographic, socioeconomic, housing condition, and personal hygiene information. Overall, 77.5 % (386/498) of the children were found to be infected by at least one intestinal parasite species. The overall prevalence of H. nana was 17.5 % (87/498). Multivariate analysis confirmed that an age of < 6 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.28; 95 % (confidence interval [CI] = 2.04, 8.98), presence of other family members infected with H. nana (AOR = 2.48; 95 % CI = 1.45, 4.24), living in the highlands (AOR = 2.87; 95 % CI = 1.56, 5.26), living in a house without improved toilet facilities (AOR = 2.19; 95 % CI = 1.23, 3.88), not washing vegetables before consumption (AOR = 2.11; 95 % CI = 1.06, 4.19), and not washing hands after defecation (AOR = 1.88; 95 % CI = 1.08, 3.27) were the key factors significantly associated with H. nana infection among the studied children. In conclusion, H. nana is prevalent among children in rural Yemen, particularly among preschool-aged children. Thus, an integrated and effective programme to control intestinal parasitic infections should include preschool-aged children. Such a programme should focus on providing health education on hygienic practices, providing adequate sanitation and improved sources of drinking water, and screening and treating other infected family members.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Defecation; Ether; Family; Formaldehyde; Health Education; Housing; Humans; Hygiene; Parasites; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Sanitation; Socioeconomic Factors; Toilet Facilities; Vegetables; Yemen; Prevalence; Multivariate Analysis; Confidence Intervals; Odds Ratio; Hymenolepis nana; Drinking Water
  18. Zin CS, Taufek NH, Bux SH
    Front Public Health, 2020;8:551328.
    PMID: 33365294 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.551328
    Uncontrolled drug pricing in the private healthcare system in Malaysia leads to high drug prices; however, its impact on employee drug utilization and employer reimbursement coverage is unclear. This study examined patterns of drug pricing and drug utilization among employees covered by employer medical insurance. A drug price control mechanism was also devised for the employer to ensure fair benefits to all parties without compromising the quality of patient care. This retrospective study was conducted among International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) community members who sought outpatient treatment at the IIUM panel of health clinics serviced by general practitioners from January 2016 to September 2019. Prescription data (drug type, dose, quantity, duration, price, and manufacturer), patient characteristics (age, sex, and diagnosis) and total charges were extracted from the claims database of PMCare, the insurance company managing IIUM medical claims. Patterns of commonly prescribed drugs, drug pricing, profit margins, and total charges per clinic visit were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used, and all analyses were performed using Stata v15.1. There were a total of 161,146 prescriptions for 10,150 patients in the IIUM community during the study period (48.85% women, mean ± standard deviation; age: 26.33 ± 17.63 years). The most commonly prescribed drug was paracetamol (25.3%), followed by chlorpheniramine (9.46%), cetirizine (7.3%), diphenhydramine (6.13%), loratadine (4.57%), and diclofenac (4.36%). Generic paracetamol (500 mg), which serves as a prime example for details on drug pricing, is commonly charged between Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 5 and 10 for 10 tablets with a profit between 2,400 and 4,900% according to the average cost price of RM 0.20 per 10 tablets. Most patients were charged within the approved coverage limit of RM 45 per clinic visit, with only 2.41% of patients being charged with costs that exceeded this limit. Uncontrolled drug pricing in the private healthcare system in Malaysia indicates that drug prices differ greatly across private healthcare providers most of the prices were charged with high profit margins. Employers may consider a multilayer capping system to prevent inappropriate drug pricing, which will inevitably benefit patients clinically and economically and provide greater patient access to better drug treatment.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Drug Utilization*; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Primary Health Care; Retrospective Studies; Drug Costs*; Young Adult
  19. Zhang YY, Fan LL, Zheng FY, Zhao T, Rong JD, Chen LG, et al.
    Mitochondrial DNA B Resour, 2020 Feb 06;5(1):306-307.
    PMID: 33366532 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2019.1702484
    Gigantochloa verticillata is produced in Mengla and Jinghong, Yunnan Province, China, and cultivated in Hong Kong. Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia are distributed and cultivated. We determined the complete chloroplast genome sequence for G. verticillata using Illumina sequencing data. The complete chloroplast sequence is 139,489 bp, including large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,062 bp, small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,877 bp, and a pair of invert repeats (IR) regions of 21,775 bp. Plastid genome contain 132 genes, 85 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 23 chloroplast genomes indicates that G. verticillata is closely related to Dendrocalamus latiflorus in Bambusodae.
    MeSH terms: China; Chloroplasts; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Malaysia; Phylogeny; RNA, Transfer; Thailand; Vietnam; Genes, rRNA; Genome, Plastid; Genome, Chloroplast; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  20. Yang MJ, Liu JH, Wan XS, Zhang QL, Fu DY, Wang XB, et al.
    Mitochondrial DNA B Resour, 2020 Oct 27;5(3):3638-3639.
    PMID: 33367040 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2020.1831984
    The black-winged fly, Felderimyia fuscipennis (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an insect pest of bamboo shoot, mainly distributed in Thailand, Malaysia and Yunnan Province and Guangxi Autonomous Region, China. The complete sequence of the mitogenome of F. fuscipennis has been determined in this study. The whole mitogenome sequence is 16,536 bp in length, which totally contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a non-coding region (putative control region, CR). The phylogeny indicates that F. fuscipennis of subfamily Trypetinae was monophyletic and clearly separated from both Dacinae and Tephritinae with high bootstrap value supported.
    MeSH terms: Animals; African Americans; China; Humans; Malaysia; Phylogeny; RNA, Transfer; Simuliidae; Thailand; Genes, rRNA; Tephritidae; Genome, Mitochondrial
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