Browse publications by year: 2021

  1. Ghazalli MN, Md Sah MS, Mat M, Awang K, Jaafar MA, Mirad R, et al.
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2021 Mar;32(1):107-117.
    PMID: 33936554 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2021.32.1.7
    Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. or locally known as ketum/daun sebiak/biak-biak belongs to Rubiaceae family and generally occurs in secondary forest or disturbed areas in tropical and subtropical region. This research enumerated the characterisation of Mitragyna speciosa leaf anatomy and micromorphology features which is still not well documented. This medium to large sized tree species characterised with opposite arrangement, ovate-acuminate leaf and with 12-17 pairs of veins. Transverse sections of petioles showed that this species has petiole outlines with slightly convex at the middle of the adaxial part and 'U'-shaped on abaxial side. Results also showed that this species has paracytic and hypostomatic stomata, combination of non-glandular (majority) and glandular trichomes (minority), with observation on the secretory cells present in petiole and midrib parenchyma cells. Cuticle on the abaxial and adaxial epidermal surfaces showed the presence granule and wax films with periclinal and anticlinal walls can be differentiated clearly. The results obtained in this study can be used to providing additional systematics information of Mitragyna speciosa with the documentation of the leaf anatomy and micromorphology characters.
    MeSH terms: Documentation; Trees; Plant Leaves; Rubiaceae; Mitragyna; Trichomes; Forests
  2. Tharek M, Khairuddin D, Najimudin N, Ghazali AH
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2021 Mar;32(1):119-143.
    PMID: 33936555 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2021.32.1.8
    An endophytic Escherichia coli USML2 originally isolated from the inner part of an oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) leaf tissue was inoculated to rice seedlings to investigate its ability in colonising plant inner tissues and promoting growth. Infection of E. coli USML2 was initiated by colonisation on the root surface, invasion of the interior root system followed by endophytic spreading. Inoculation of E. coli USML2 in the rice rhizosphere zone resulted in a significant increase in leaf numbers (33.3%), chlorophyll content (33.3%), shoot height (34.8%) and plant dry weight (90.4%) of 42 days old rice seedlings as compared to the control. These findings also demonstrated the ability of E. coli USML2 to spread endophytically which serves as a beneficial strategy for the bacterium to colonise the host plant and gain protection against adverse soil conditions. The genome of E. coli USML2 had also revealed predicted genes essential for endophytic bacterial colonisation and plant growth promotion which further proven potentials of E. coli USML2 as Plant Growth Promoting Endophyte (PGPE).
  3. Zakaria NN, Malahubban M, Fakurazi S, And WSC, Rajaee AH
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2021 Mar;32(1):145-162.
    PMID: 33936556 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2021.32.1.9
    Mud lobsters are crustaceans from the genus Thalassina which are lesser known and seldom seen but are nevertheless an important organism to the mangrove ecosystem. In Malaysia and Thailand, mud lobsters are eaten by locals as treatment for asthma. It is traditionally believed that they are effective in reducing the number of asthma attacks and severity of asthma symptoms. However, the therapeutic potential of mud lobster extract remains unclear and has not been fully elucidated or reported in any scientific study. The objectives of this study are to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of mud lobster, Thalassina anomala extracts (hexane, chloroform and methanol) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and to identify the potential bioactive compounds involved. An MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of the T. anomala extracts on RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitrite quantification assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted to investigate the ability of the T. anomala extracts to suppress the secretion and expression of nitric oxide (NO), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. GC-MS analysis was done to identify putative metabolites. The hexane extract of T. anomala showed anti-inflammatory activity by significantly inhibiting the LPS-induced production of NO, PGE2, interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in a concentration-dependent manner. Hexane extract treatment with 100 μg/mL has decreased the NO secretion into 37 μM. Meanwhile, hexane extract at concentration of 100 μg/mL able to significantly suppressed PGE2,TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β production into 2015 pg/mL, 2406 pg/mL, 460 pg/mL and 9.6 pg/mL, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract revealed the presence of 19 putative compounds. The identified compounds were reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These results suggest that the hexane extract of T. anomala potentially has anti-inflammatory properties and concentration dependently suppressed NO, PGE2 and proinflammatory cytokines' production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. The findings provide a rational basis of the traditional use of mud lobster for inflammation-associated ailments.
    MeSH terms: Methanol; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antioxidants; Asthma; Chloroform; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Hexanes; Inflammation; Lipopolysaccharides; Nephropidae; Macrophages; Malaysia; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Nitric Oxide; Nitrites; Bodily Secretions; Thailand; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Dinoprostone; Interleukin-6; Cytokines; Ecosystem
  4. Tosin OV, Gabriel SS, Wukatda SS, Simon I, Mhd I, Bolong AA
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2021 Mar;32(1):163-174.
    PMID: 33936557 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2021.32.1.10
    The body characteristics and yield indices of Clarias gariepinus, Bagrus bajad, Synodontis nigrita, Labeo senegalensis and Mormyrus rume from lower Benue River in Nigeria were determined in this study using 60 samples each for the fish species. Length, weight and fillet correlations were also determined during the study. Results obtained showed that M. rume, L. senegalensis and C. gariepinus had the highest percentage of edible parts (≥ 55%) compared to the other species (≤ 39%). Concerning correlations of the fillet with the morphological variables, results obtained suggest that fillet yield is independent of fish size (except for C. gariepinus which was positively correlated). Also, only samples of L. senegalensis showed isometric growth pattern; the other fish species had either positive (C. gariepinus and B. bajad) or negative (S. nigrita and M. rume) allometric growth. While the difference in fillet yield and body characteristics was attributed to the structural anatomy and other biological dynamics of the fishes, this study could not establish a connection between fillet yield and the length-weight relationship. It was concluded that M. rume, L. senegalensis and C. gariepinus would be better export products because of their higher fillet yields.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Catfishes; Cyprinidae; Electric Fish; Nigeria; Rivers
  5. Cheong EV, Ho GF
    Clin Case Rep, 2021 Apr;9(4):2264-2268.
    PMID: 33936677 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4009
    The development of resistance to trastuzumab in HER2-positive gastroesophageal cancer remains a problem. The use of dual HER2 blockade to overcome this is a therapeutic strategy that should be researched more extensively.
  6. Radell ML, Abo Hamza EG, Daghustani WH, Perveen A, Moustafa AA
    Depress Res Treat, 2021;2021:6654503.
    PMID: 33936814 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6654503
    Despite a large amount of research on depression and abuse, there is still a controversy on how abuse is measured and on childhood trauma's effect on the physiological function of adults. Here, we attempt to clarify the relationship between different types of abuse and depression while focusing on childhood abuse. This article, unlike prior research, provides an overview that addresses physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and their psychological impact on the victims. Results show that abuse is a vulnerability factor for a variety of mental and physical health problems and that psychological abuse is strongly associated with depression. More research is needed to understand (a) the role of abuse in the development and maintenance of depression and, in particular, longitudinal studies that also account for the large number of risk and protective factors that influence this relationship and (b) how different types of abuse can influence response to treatment among survivors with depression, in order to provide effective trauma-focused approaches to manage depressive symptoms.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Child; Child Abuse; Depression; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Maintenance; Sex Offenses; Survivors; Protective Factors
  7. Chew C, Wan Hitam WH, Ahmad Tajudin LS
    Cureus, 2021 Mar 31;13(3):e14200.
    PMID: 33936906 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14200
    Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) and optic nerve metastasis are uncommon occurrences in breast cancer. We report a rare case of LC with optic nerve infiltration secondary to breast cancer. A 45-year-old lady who was a known case of treated right breast carcinoma six years ago presented with a blurring of vision in both eyes, floaters, and diplopia for one month. She also had recurrent attacks of seizure-like episodes, headache, and vomiting. Examination revealed high blood pressure with tachycardia. Her right eye visual acuity was counting fingers at two feet and 6/36 in the left eye. She had right abducens nerve palsy. Fundoscopy showed bilateral optic disc swelling with pre-retinal, flame-shaped haemorrhages and macular oedema. CT scan of brain and orbit was normal. She was admitted for further investigations. While in the ward, her vision deteriorated further. Her visual acuity in both eyes was at the level of no perception to light. She also developed bilateral abducens nerve palsy and right facial nerve palsy. Subsequently, she started having bilateral hearing loss. There were few episodes of fluctuations in conscious awareness. MRI brain showed mild hydrocephalus. Both optic nerves were thickened and enhanced on T1-weighted and post-gadolinium. Lumbar puncture was performed. There was high opening pressure. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology showed the presence of malignant cells. Family members opted for palliative care in view of poor prognosis. Unfortunately, she succumbed after a month's stay in hospital. Diagnosis of LC and optic nerve infiltration presents a formidable challenge to clinicians especially in the early stages where neuroimaging appears normal and lumbar puncture has high false negatives. Multiple high-volume taps are advised if clinical suspicion of LC is high.
    MeSH terms: Brain; Breast Neoplasms; Diplopia; Facial Nerve; Family; Female; Gadolinium; Headache; Hearing Loss, Bilateral; Hemorrhage; Hospitals; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Hypertension; Macular Edema; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged; Optic Disk; Optic Nerve; Orbit; Palliative Care; Paralysis; Prognosis; Seizures; Spinal Puncture; Tachycardia; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vision Disorders; Visual Acuity; Vomiting; Abducens Nerve Diseases; Meningeal Carcinomatosis; Neuroimaging
  8. Wan Ab Naim WN, Sun Z, Liew YM, Chan BT, Jansen S, Lei J, et al.
    Quant Imaging Med Surg, 2021 May;11(5):1723-1736.
    PMID: 33936960 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-814
    Background: The study aims to analyze the correlation between the maximal diameter (both axial and orthogonal) and volume changes in the true (TL) and false lumens (FL) after stent-grafting for Stanford type B aortic dissection.

    Method: Computed tomography angiography was performed on 13 type B aortic dissection patients before and after procedure, and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. The lumens were divided into three regions: the stented area (Region 1), distal to the stent graft to the celiac artery (Region 2), and between the celiac artery and the iliac bifurcation (Region 3). Changes in aortic morphology were quantified by the increase or decrease of diametric and volumetric percentages from baseline measurements.

    Results: At Region 1, the TL diameter and volume increased (pre-treatment: volume =51.4±41.9 mL, maximal axial diameter =22.4±6.8 mm, maximal orthogonal diameter =21.6±7.2 mm; follow-up: volume =130.7±69.2 mL, maximal axial diameter =40.1±8.1 mm, maximal orthogonal diameter =31.9+2.6 mm, P<0.05 for all comparisons), while FL decreased (pre-treatment: volume =129.6±150.5 mL; maximal axial diameter =43.0±15.8 mm; maximal orthogonal diameter =28.3±12.6 mm; follow-up: volume =66.6±95.0 mL, maximal axial diameter =24.5±19.9 mm, maximal orthogonal diameter =16.9±13.7, P<0.05 for all comparisons). Due to the uniformity in size throughout the vessel, high concordance was observed between diametric and volumetric measurements in the stented region with 93% and 92% between maximal axial diameter and volume for the true/false lumens, and 90% and 92% between maximal orthogonal diameter and volume for the true/false lumens. Large discrepancies were observed between the different measurement methods at regions distal to the stent graft, with up to 46% differences between maximal orthogonal diameter and volume.

    Conclusions: Volume measurement was shown to be a much more sensitive indicator in identifying lumen expansion/shrinkage at the distal stented region.

    MeSH terms: Aneurysm, Dissecting; Angiography; Celiac Artery; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Stents; Computed Tomography Angiography
  9. Saleh N, Al-Jassabi S, Eid AH, Nau WM
    Front Chem, 2021;9:660927.
    PMID: 33937198 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.660927
    Microcystis aeruginosa is a cyanobacterium that produces a variety of cyclic heptapeptide toxins in freshwater. The protective effects of the macromolecular container cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) were evaluated using mouse models of cyanotoxin-induced liver damage. Biochemical analysis of liver function was performed to gauge the extent of liver damage after exposure to cyanobacterial crude extract [CCE; LD50 = 35 mg/kg body weight; intraperitoneal (i.p.)] in the absence or presence of CB7 (35 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). CCE injection resulted in liver enlargement, potentiated the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), and reduced protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity. CCE-induced liver enlargement, ALT and GST activities, and LPO were significantly reduced when CB7 was coadministered. Moreover, the CCE-induced decline of PP1 activity was also ameliorated in the presence of CB7. Treatment with CB7 alone did not affect liver function, which exhibited a dose tolerance of 100 mg/kg body wt. Overall, our results illustrated that the addition of CB7 significantly reduced CCE-induced hepatotoxicity (P < 0.05).
    MeSH terms: Alanine Transaminase; Cyanobacteria; Animals; Body Weight; Fresh Water; Glutathione Transferase; Lethal Dose 50; Liver Diseases; Lipid Peroxidation; Complex Mixtures; Microcystis; D-Alanine Transaminase; Mice; Protein Phosphatase 1
  10. Koh AE, Subbiah SK, Farhana A, Alam MK, Mok PL
    Front Cell Dev Biol, 2021;9:652065.
    PMID: 33937251 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.652065
    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have shown promise in restoring the vision of patients in clinical trials. However, this therapeutic effect is not observed in every treated patient and is possibly due to the inefficacies of cell delivery and high cell death following transplantation. Utilizing erythropoietin can significantly enhance the regenerative properties of MSCs and hence improve retinal neuron survivability in oxidative stress. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of conditioned medium (CM) obtained from transgenic human erythropoietin-expressing MSCs (MSC EPO ) in protecting human retinal pigment epithelial cells from sodium iodate (NaIO3)-induced cell death. Human MSC and MSC EPO were first cultured to obtain conditioned media (CM). The IC50 of NaIO3 in the ARPE-19 culture was then determined by an MTT assay. After that, the efficacy of both MSC-CM and MSC-CM EPO in ARPE-19 cell survival were compared at 24 and 48 h after NaIO3 treatment with MTT. The treatment effects on mitochondrial membrane potential was then measured by a JC-1 flow cytometric assay. The MTT results indicated a corresponding increase in cell survivability (5-58%) in the ARPE-19 cell cultures. In comparison to MSC-CM, the use of conditioned medium collected from the MSC-CM EPO further enhanced the rate of ARPE-19 survivability at 24 h (P < 0.05) and 48 h (P < 0.05) in the presence of NaIO3. Furthermore, more than 90% were found viable with the JC-1 assay after MSC-CM EPO treatment, showing a positive implication on the mitochondrial dynamics of ARPE-19. The MSC-CM EPO provided an enhanced mitigating effect against NaIO3-induced ARPE-19 cell death over that of MSC-CM alone during the early phase of the treatment, and it may act as a future therapy in treating retinal degenerative diseases.
  11. Lim KP, Zainal NS
    Front Mol Biosci, 2021;8:623475.
    PMID: 33937323 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.623475
    With the regulatory approval of Provenge and Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and advanced melanoma respectively, and other promising clinical trials outcomes, cancer vaccine is gaining prominence as a cancer therapeutic agent. Cancer vaccine works to induce T cell priming, expansion, and infiltration resulting in antigen-specific cytotoxicity. Such an approach that can drive cytotoxicity within the tumor could complement the success of checkpoint inhibitors as tumors shown to have high immune cell infiltration are those that would respond well to these antibodies. With the advancements in cancer vaccine, methods to monitor and understand how cancer vaccines modify the immune milieu is under rapid development. This includes using ELISpot and intracellular staining to detect cytokine secretion by activated T cells; tetramer and CyTOF to quantitate the level of antigen specific T cells; proliferation and cell killing assay to detect the expansion of T cell and specific killing activity. More recently, T cell profiling has provided unprecedented detail on immune cell subsets and providing clues to the mechanism involved in immune activation. Here, we reviewed cancer vaccines currently in clinical trials and highlight available techniques in monitoring the clinical response in patients.
    MeSH terms: Biological Products; Homicide; Humans; Male; Melanoma; Prostatic Neoplasms; Bodily Secretions; Staining and Labeling; T-Lymphocytes; Tissue Extracts; Cytokines; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Cancer Vaccines; Cell Proliferation; Oncolytic Virotherapy
  12. Almoudi MMM, Hussein AS, Abu Hassan MI, Al-Talib H, Khan HBSG, Nazli SAB, et al.
    Eur Oral Res, 2021 Jan 04;55(1):8-15.
    PMID: 33937756 DOI: 10.26650/eor.20210119
    Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of the cholecalciferol vitamin D3 against Streptococcus sobrinus (Strep. sobrinus) and Streptococcus mutans (Strep. mutans) bacteria in vitro that is considered the main causative bacteria in dental caries development.

    Materials and methods: The antimicrobial effects of vitamin D3 were evaluated against Strep. sobrinus and Strep mutans using the agar disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of vitamin D3 were determined using a microdilution method following the guidelines by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphological changes of bacterial cells following exposure to vitamin D3.

    Results: Strep. sobrinus was more sensitive to vitamin D3 compared to Strep. mutans bacteria. The MIC values of vitamin D3 against Strep. sobrinus and Strep. mutans were 60 μg/ mL and 250 μg/mL respectively whereas the MBC values were 120 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, significant changes in the bacterial morphology were observed in treated bacterial cells with vitamin D3 as compared to the untreated control bacteria using SEM.

    Conclusion: These findings suggested that vitamin D3 has excellent antimicrobial effects against Strep. sobrinus and Strep. mutans and may be considered as a promising compound in the prevention of dental caries in the future. Further research is recommended to elucidate the mechanism of vitamin D3 on these bacteria.

    MeSH terms: Agar; Anti-Infective Agents; Cholecalciferol; Dental Caries; Laboratories; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Reference Standards; Spores, Bacterial; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus mutans; Vitamins; Streptococcus sobrinus; Clinical Laboratory Services
  13. Yahaya RSR, Normi YM, Phang LY, Ahmad SA, Abdullah JO, Sabri S
    Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2021 May;105(10):3955-3969.
    PMID: 33937928 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11321-y
    Keratinase is an important enzyme that can degrade recalcitrant keratinous wastes to form beneficial recyclable keratin hydrolysates. Keratinase is not only important as an alternative to reduce environmental pollution caused by chemical treatments of keratinous wastes, but it also has industrial significance. Currently, the bioproduction of keratinase from native keratinolytic host is considered low, and this hampers large-scale usage of the enzyme. Straightforward approaches of cloning and expression of recombinant keratinases from native keratinolytic host are employed to elevate the amount of keratinase produced. However, this is still insufficient to compensate for the lack of its large-scale production to meet the industrial demands. Hence, this review aimed to highlight the various sources of keratinase and the strategies to increase its production in native keratinolytic hosts. Molecular strategies to increase the production of recombinant keratinase such as plasmid selection, promoter engineering, chromosomal integration, signal peptide and propeptide engineering, codon optimization, and glycoengineering were also described. These mentioned strategies have been utilized in heterologous expression hosts, namely, Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp., and Pichia pastoris, as they are most widely used for the heterologous propagations of keratinases to further intensify the production of recombinant keratinases adapted to better suit the large-scale demand for them. KEY POINTS: • Molecular strategies to enhance keratinase production in heterologous hosts. • Construction of a prominent keratinolytic host from a native strain. • Patent analysis of keratinase production shows rapid high interest in molecular field.
    MeSH terms: Bacillus*; Saccharomycetales; Keratins
  14. Nagendrababu V, Murray PE, Ordinola-Zapata R, Peters OA, Rôças IN, Siqueira JF, et al.
    Int Endod J, 2021 Sep;54(9):1482-1490.
    PMID: 33938010 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13542
    Reproducible, skilfully conducted and unbiased laboratory studies provide new knowledge, which can inform clinical research and eventually translate into better patient care. To help researchers improve the quality and reproducibility of their research prior to a publication peer-review, this paper describes the process that was followed during the development of the Preferred Reporting Items for Laboratory studies in Endodontology (PRILE) 2021 guidelines and which used a well-documented consensus-based methodology. A steering committee was created with eight individuals (PM, RO, OP, IR, JS, EP, JJ and SP), plus the project leaders (PD, VN). The steering committee prepared an initial checklist by combining and adapting items from the modified Consolidated Statement of Reporting Trials checklist for reporting in vitro studies of dental materials and the Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications principles as well as adding several new items. The steering committee then formed a PRILE Delphi Group (PDG) and PRILE Online Meeting Group (POMG) to provide expert advice and feedback on the initial draft checklist and flowchart. The members of the PDG participated in an online Delphi process to achieve consensus on the items within the PRILE 2021 checklist and the accompanying flowchart for clarity and suitability. The PRILE checklist and flowchart developed by the online Delphi process were discussed further by the POMG. This online meeting was conducted on 12 February 2021 via the Zoom platform. Following this meeting, the steering committee developed a final version of the PRILE 2021 guidelines and flowchart, which was piloted by several authors when writing up a laboratory study for publication. Authors are encouraged to use the PRILE 2021 guidelines and flowchart to improve the clarity, completeness and quality of reports describing laboratory studies in Endodontology. The PRILE 2021 checklist and flowchart are freely available and downloadable from the Preferred Reporting Items for study Designs in Endodontology website (http://pride-endodonticguidelines.org/prile/).
    MeSH terms: Endodontics*; Humans; Laboratories*; Research Design; Reproducibility of Results; Consensus; Research Report
  15. Chua BS, Cosmas G, Arsat N
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2021 07;33(5):564-570.
    PMID: 33938289 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211012170
    Nurses' preparedness has been very important for them to treat patients effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic and serve the community. Nurses provide a vital role in mitigating the effects of health crises. In order to help nurses better understand their skills, abilities, and knowledge, as well as the actions that they should take to manage care, the research aims of this study are to (1) investigate the level of preparedness, readiness, and anxiety among nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak in Sabah, Malaysia; (2) examine the effects of various differences in preparedness and readiness among nurses; and (3) examine the effect of COVID-19 preparedness on anxiety among nurses. The results revealed that the nurses were moderately competent in managing the COVID-19 care situation. Each of the 3 differentiating characteristics (age, work experience, and previous disaster experience) did not predict how nurses would manage COVID-19 preparedness significantly. Besides, we also found only 2 dimensions of preparedness (familiarity with epidemiology and surveillance and familiarity with psychological issues) significantly predicted nurses' anxiety levels. Familiarity with epidemiology and surveillance predicted nurses' anxiety positively; in contrast, familiarity with psychological issues negatively influenced nurses' anxiety.
  16. Binns C, Low WY
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2021 05;33(4):333-334.
    PMID: 33938291 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211012844
    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Humans; Pacific Islands/epidemiology; Public Health*; Biomedical Research*; Epidemics*
  17. May LW, John J, Seong LG, Abidin ZZ, Ibrahim N, Danaee M, et al.
    J Indian Prosthodont Soc, 2021 5 4;21(2):198-203.
    PMID: 33938871 DOI: 10.4103/jips.jips_41_21
    Aim: To investigate the effect of different cooling methods on denture base adaptation of rapid heat-cured acrylic resin using 3D superimposition technique.

    Setting and Design: In vitro - Comparative study.

    Materials and Methods: Denture base adaptation of two different rapid heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate acrylic resins using five different cooling methods were compared. Forty maxillary edentulous stone cast were prepared to produce the denture bases with standardized thickness. The specimens were divided into five groups (n = 8) according to type of materials and cooling methods. The master stone cast and all forty denture bases were scanned with 3Shape E1 laboratory scanner. The scanned images of each of the denture bases were superimposed over the scanned image of the master cast using Materialize 3-matic software. Three dimensional differences between the two surfaces were calculated and color surface maps were generated for visual qualitative assessment.

    Statistical Analysis Used: Generalized Linear Model Test, Bonferroni Post Hoc Analysis.

    Results: All bench-cooled specimens showed wide green-colored area in the overall palatal surface, while the rapid cooled specimens presented with increased red color areas especially at the palate and post dam area. Generalized Linear Model test followed by Bonferroni post hoc analysis showed significant difference in the root mean square values among the specimen groups.

    Conclusion: Samples that were bench cooled, demonstrated better overall accuracy compared to the rapid cooling groups. Regardless of need for shorter denture processing time, bench cooling of rapid heat-cured PMMA is essential for acceptable denture base adaptation.

    MeSH terms: Acrylic Resins; Denture Bases*; Hot Temperature*; Humans; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Phase Transition
  18. Wan Hassan WN, Makhbul MZM, Yusof ZYM
    J Orofac Orthop, 2021 May 03.
    PMID: 33938957 DOI: 10.1007/s00056-021-00298-y
    PURPOSE: The sociodental model integrates clinical assessment, perceived impacts of malocclusion on quality of life, and behavioural propensity when prioritising orthodontic treatment. This study compares the effect of using different instruments to measure impact-related need on the assessment of orthodontic treatment need based on the sociodental framework.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 206 Malaysian adolescents (age: 11-18 years) were screened in orthodontic clinics to identify those with normative need, oral impacts due to malocclusion, and having high and medium-to-high behavioural propensities. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need classified normative need. The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics (PIDA) questionnaire and the Condition-Specific Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (CS-OIDP) index measured oral impacts. Subjects' behavioural propensities for successful treatment outcome were based on the Basic Periodontal Examination and International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Data were analysed using the McNemar test.

    RESULTS: The response rate was 99.0%. Estimates of normative need (89.7%) were significantly reduced under the sociodental model by 65.7% (p 

    MeSH terms: Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Esthetics, Dental; Health Policy; Humans; Malocclusion; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need
  19. Martinaud C, Scorer T, Lozano M, Miles A, Fitchett G, Ba A, et al.
    Vox Sang, 2021 09;116(8):e44-e70.
    PMID: 33939177 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13102
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