Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Hong J, Crawford K, Daly M, Clifton V, da Silva Costa F, Perkins AV, et al.
    Placenta, 2024 Aug 30;156:20-29.
    PMID: 39232442 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.08.016
    INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between placental abnormalities, placental biomarkers, and fetoplacental Dopplers in a cohort of pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). We also ascertained the risk of perinatal mortality, severe neurological morbidity, and severe non-neurological morbidity by type of placental abnormality.

    METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of early vs. late FGR, placental biomarkers and fetoplacental Dopplers on Maternal Vascular Malperfusion (MVM) which was the commonest placental abnormality identified.

    RESULTS: There were 161 (53.5 %) early FGR and 140 (46.5 %) late FGR cases. MVM abnormalities were present in 154 (51.2 %), VUE in 45 (14.6 %), FVM in 16 (5.3 %), DVM in 14 (4.7 %) and CHI in 4 (1.3 %) cases. The odds of MVM were higher in early compared to late FGR cohort (OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.14, 3.14, p = 0.01). Low maternal PlGF levels <100 ng/L (OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.27,4.31, p = 0.01), high sFlt-1 level (OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.35, 3.36, p = 0.001) or elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (OR 3.48, 95%CI 1.36, 8.91, p = 0.01) were all associated with MVM. Increased UA PI > 95th centile (OR 2.91, 95%CI 1.71, 4.95, p=<0.001) and mean UtA PI z-score (OR 1.74, 95%CI 1.15, 2.64, p = 0.01) were associated with higher odds of MVM. Rates of severe non-neurological morbidity were highest in the MVM, FVM, and CHI cohorts (44.8 %, 50 %, and 50 % respectively).

    CONCLUSION: MVM was the commonest placental abnormality in FGR, particularly in early-onset disease. Low maternal PlGF levels, high sFlt-1 levels, elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, and abnormal fetoplacental Dopplers were also significantly associated with MVM. MVM, FVM, and CHI abnormalities were associated with lower median birthweight, higher rates of preterm birth, operative birth for non-reassuring fetal status, and severe neonatal non-neurological morbidity.

  2. Lv Y, Peng X, Lee YY, Xie X, Tan CP, Wang Y, et al.
    Food Res Int, 2024 Oct;194:114900.
    PMID: 39232527 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114900
    Diacylglycerol (DAG) is generally considered one of the precursors of 3-chloropropanol esters (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GEs). This study aimed to evaluate static heating and stir-frying properties of peanut oil (PO) and PO based 58% and 82% DAG oils (PDAG-58 and PDAG-82). Observations revealed that, phytonutrient levels notably diminished during static heating, with PDAG exhibiting reduced oxidative stability, but maintaining a stability profile similar to PO over a short period. During stir-frying, 3-MCPDE content initially increased and then decreased whereas the opposite was observed for GEs. Furthermore, as temperature, and NaCl concentration increased, there was a corresponding increase in the levels of 3-MCPDE and GEs, although remained within safe limits. When used in suitable concentrations, these findings underscore the potential of DAG, as a nutritionally rich and oxidatively stable alternative to conventional cooking oils, promoting the use of DAG edible oil in heat-cooked food systems.
    MeSH terms: alpha-Chlorohydrin; Esters*; Hot Temperature*; Oxidation-Reduction; Phytochemicals/analysis; Phytochemicals/chemistry
  3. Chen LT, Vogel A, Hsu C, Chen MH, Fang W, Pangarsa EA, et al.
    ESMO Open, 2024 Aug;9(8):103647.
    PMID: 39232586 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103647
    The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC), published in late 2022 were adapted in December 2023, according to established standard methodology, to produce the Pan-Asian adapted (PAGA) ESMO consensus guidelines for the management of Asian patients with BTC. The adapted guidelines presented in this manuscript represent the consensus opinions reached by a panel of Asian experts in the treatment of patients with BTC representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), Indonesia (ISHMO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO), co-ordinated by ESMO and the Taiwan Oncology Society (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices, drug access restrictions and reimbursement decisions in the different regions of Asia. Drug access and reimbursement in the different regions of Asia are discussed separately in the manuscript. The aim is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with BTC across the different countries and regions of Asia, drawing on the evidence provided by both Western and Asian trials, whilst respecting the differences in screening practices and molecular profiling, as well as age and stage at presentation. Attention is drawn to the disparity in the drug approvals and reimbursement strategies, between the different countries.
    MeSH terms: Asia/epidemiology; Humans; Medical Oncology/standards; Societies, Medical; Practice Guidelines as Topic
  4. Wilkins JT, Ning H, Allen NB, Zheutlin A, Shah NS, Feinstein MJ, et al.
    J Am Coll Cardiol, 2024 Sep 10;84(11):961-973.
    PMID: 39232632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2024.05.070
    BACKGROUND: The ability of a 1-time measurement of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to predict the cumulative exposure to these lipids during early adulthood (age 18-40 years) and the associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk after age 40 years is not clear.

    OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether a 1-time measurement of non-HDL-C or LDL-C in a young adult can predict cumulative exposure to these lipids during early adulthood, and to quantify the association between cumulative exposure to non-HDL-C or LDL-C during early adulthood and the risk of ASCVD after age 40 years.

    METHODS: We included CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study) participants who were free of cardiovascular disease before age 40 years, were not taking lipid-lowering medications, and had ≥3 measurements of LDL-C and non-HDL-C before age 40 years. First, we assessed the ability of a 1-time measurement of LDL-C or non-HDL-C obtained between age 18 and 30 years to predict the quartile of cumulative lipid exposure from ages 18 to 40 years. Second, we assessed the associations between quartiles of cumulative lipid exposure from ages 18 to 40 years with ASCVD events (fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke) after age 40 years.

    RESULTS: Of 4,104 CARDIA participants who had multiple lipid measurements before and after age 30 years, 3,995 participants met our inclusion criteria and were in the final analysis set. A 1-time measure of non-HDL-C and LDL-C had excellent discrimination for predicting membership in the top or bottom quartiles of cumulative exposure (AUC: 0.93 for the 4 models). The absolute values of non-HDL-C and LDL-C that predicted membership in the top quartiles with the highest simultaneous sensitivity and specificity (highest Youden's Index) were >135 mg/dL for non-HDL-C and >118 mg/dL for LDL-C; the values that predicted membership in the bottom quartiles were <107 mg/dL for non-HDL-C and <96 mg/dL for LDL-C. Individuals in the top quartile of non-HDL-C and LDL-C exposure had demographic-adjusted HRs of 4.6 (95% CI: 2.84-7.29) and 4.0 (95% CI: 2.50-6.33) for ASCVD events after age 40 years, respectively, when compared with each bottom quartile.

    CONCLUSIONS: Single measures of non-HDL-C and LDL-C obtained between ages 18 and 30 years are highly predictive of cumulative exposure before age 40 years, which in turn strongly predicts later-life ASCVD events.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Cholesterol, HDL/blood; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Risk Assessment/methods; Young Adult
  5. Magendiran M, Appannah G, Emi NA, Chin YS, Shariff ZM, Anuar Zaini A, et al.
    Nutr Metab (Lond), 2024 Sep 04;21(1):71.
    PMID: 39232776 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-024-00832-w
    BACKGROUND: Little is known on the prospective associations between an empirically derived dietary pattern (DP) and life satisfaction among adolescents. This PUTRA-Adol follow-up study aimed to assess the prospective associations between the empirically derived DP and life satisfaction during adolescence.

    METHODS: A total of 585 and 262 adolescents participated in the baseline PUTRA-Adol study in 2016 and PUTRA-Adol follow-up study in 2019-2020, respectively. These adolescents were recruited from three southern states in peninsular Malaysia, namely Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. Dietary assessments were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) while a Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS) was used to measure life satisfaction at baseline in 2016 as well as at follow-up in 2019-2020. A DP characterised by foods high in free sugar and energy dense was identified using reduced rank regression (RRR), cross-sectionally at baseline and was reported elsewhere. Similar RRR analysis was used to find a DP that best explained the variation in response variables linked to poorer life satisfaction, including dietary energy density (DED), fiber density, and percentage of energy from total fat and sugar at the PUTRA-Adol follow-up study. Prospective relationship between adherence to the identified DPs and overall life satisfaction scores as well as its domains between 2016 and 2019-2020 were evaluated using generalized estimating equation models (GEE).

    RESULTS: A DP characterized by high intakes of percentage energy from sugar, fibre and low in DED and percentage energy from total fat was identified at the 2019-2020 follow-up. The identified DP explained 11% of total variations in the response variables and was characterized by high intakes of sweets, sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and fruits. Female adolescents [67.6(8.9)] had a mean (SD) of life satisfaction that was higher than male adolescents [67.5(10.8)] p 

  6. Chu K, Ye F, Sereyvatanak KY, Zhang X, Li Q, Lu Y, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2024 Sep 02.
    PMID: 39233071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175997
    Solving the challenges faced during the measurement of the cross-interface transfer of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in lakes is crucial for clarifying environmental behaviours of these chemicals and their efficient governance. This study developed a multimedia fugacity model based on the quantitative water-air-sediment interaction (QWASI) covering abiotic/biotic matrices to investigate the cross-interface transfer and fate of PFAAs in Luoma Lake, a typical PFAA-contaminated shallow lake in eastern China. The accuracy and reliability of the established model were confirmed using Percent bias and Monte Carlo simulation, respectively. Using the QWASI model, the multimedia transfer of the PFAAs and their accumulation and persistence in different sub-compartments were described and measured, and the differences among individual PFAAs were explored. The simulation results showed that the sedimentation and resuspension of PFAAs were the most intense cross-interfacial transfers, and the sediments served as a chemical sink in the long term. A significant negative correlation of NC-F (the number of CF bonds) with the relative outflow flux (TW·out-ct) but a positive correlation with the relative net transfer across the interface between water and aquatic plants (Tp-ct) was detected, indicating that the PFAA migration capacity decreased but the bioaccumulation potential increased with the CF bond number. The persistence in water (Pw) of individual PFAAs ranged from 19.65d (PFOA) to 32.22d (PFOS), with an average of 26.15d; their persistence in sediment (Ps) ranged from 432d (PFBA) to 3216d (PFOS), with an average of 1524d, increasing linearly with an increase in NC-F. The water advection flows into and out of the lake (QW·in and QW·out), the PFAA concentration of water inflow (CW·in), and bioconcentration factor of aquatic plants (BCFp) were the primary parameters sensitive to PFAAs in all sub-compartments, which are essential indexes for exploring promising remediation pathways for lacustrine PFAA contamination based on the fugacity model simulation.
  7. Chan XY, Anthonysamy J, Sivaganabalan R, Tan CH, Safferi RSB, Abdul Rahim R, et al.
    Toxicon, 2024 Sep 02.
    PMID: 39233130 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.108086
    (256 words) OBJECTIVE: There is very limited published experience on mangrove pit viper envenomation in the medical literature. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities and outcomes of patients presenting to Selangor middle zone cluster Hospitals in Malaysia with confirmed mangrove pit viper bites.

    METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study, reviewing medical records of patients treated for mangrove pit viper bites between 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2023. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristic, laboratory findings, treatment modalities and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed.

    RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included in this study. The majority of the patients were male (n=23, 92%) with the mean age of 38.7±17.6 years. Most frequent anatomical region involved is foot (n=12, 48%). Common clinical presentation included localized pain (n=xx, 96%), swelling (n=22, 88%) and fang mark (n=22, 88%). Systemic symptoms were less common, with 1 patient exhibit coagulopathy with clinical bleeding at 28 hours post bite. Antivenom was administered to 68% (n=17) of the patients. The majority of the patients (n=23, 92%) recovered without significant morbidity while 8% (n=2) of the patients developed skin infection that required antibiotic therapy. No fatalities were reported.

    CONCLUSION: Mangrove pit viper envenomation encounter in these regions predominantly causes local symptoms while systemic symptoms were less common. This study provides a glimpse to the clinical characteristics and management of mangrove pit viper envenomation, coagulopathy may be delayed due to characteristic of the snake venom and patient's preexisting illness. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of this snakebite envenomation.

  8. Randis R, Darmadi DB, Gapsari F, Sonief AA, Anam K, Lai CW
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Sep 02;279(Pt 4):135278.
    PMID: 39233157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135278
    Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) create a physical barrier preventing contact with corrosive substances and improving corrosion prevention. Oil palm fronds (OPF), the primary source of underused biomass waste from plantations, were processed into CNF. The OPF-CNF, mixed with hydroxyethyl cellulose as the matrix, forms a nanocomposite. Corrosion analysis using electrochemical methods demonstrated that copper coated with cellulose-rich nanocomposite containing 5 % CNF had a significantly decreased corrosion rate with an efficiency of 97.92 %. This CNF-based coating, combining barrier and passivation mechanisms, enhances performance, providing a competitive, eco-friendly alternative to conventional coatings.
  9. Saha M, Kafy AA, Bakshi A, Nath H, Alsulamy S, Rahaman ZA, et al.
    Environ Pollut, 2024 Sep 02;361:124877.
    PMID: 39233268 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124877
    Air quality degradation presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions where changes in land use/land cover (LULC) can dramatically influence pollution levels. This study investigates the association between LULC changes and air pollution (AP) in the five fastest-growing cities of Bangladesh from 1998 to 2021. Leveraging satellite data from Landsat and Sentinel-5P, the analysis reveals a substantial increase in urban areas and sparse vegetation, with declines in dense vegetation and water bodies over this period. Urban expansion was most pronounced in Sylhet (22-254%), while Khulna experienced the largest increase in sparse vegetation (2-124%). Dense vegetation loss was highest in Dhaka (20-77%) and water bodies (9-59%) over this period. Concentrations of six major air pollutants (APTs) - aerosol index, CO, HCHO, NO2, O3, and SO2 - were quantified, showing alarmingly high levels in densely populated industrial and commercial zones. Pearson's correlation indicates strong positive associations between APTs and urban land indices (R > 0.8), while negative correlations exist with vegetation indices. Geographically weighted regression modeling identifies city centers with dense urban built-up as pollution hotspots, where APTs exhibited stronger impacts on land cover changes (R2 > 0.8) compared to other land classes. The highest daily emissions were observed for O3 (1031 tons) and CO (356 tons) at Chittagong in 2021. In contrast, areas with substantial green cover displayed weaker pollutant-land cover associations. These findings underscore how unplanned urbanization drives AP by replacing natural land cover with emission sources, providing crucial insights to guide sustainable urban planning strategies integrating pollution mitigation and environmental resilience.
  10. Manisekaran T, Wan M Khairul, Foong YD, Tuan Johari SAT, Hashim F, Rahamathullah R, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2024 Sep 02.
    PMID: 39233293 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143220
    The demand for developing bioindicators to assess environmental pollution has increased significantly due to the awareness of potential threats of diseases. Herein, the eukaryotic ubiquitous microorganism Acanthamoeba sp. was used as a bioindicator to explore further the influence of functionalized organic molecules containing -C≡C- and -CH=N- moieties prior application in the potential electronic components. The acetylide and hybrid acetylide-imine derivatives (FYD3A, FYD4B, and FYD4C) were tested for their cytotoxicity potentials based on dose-response analysis, morphological observation, and mode of cell death assessment on Acanthamoeba sp. (environmental-isolate). The biological activities of optimized compounds were evaluated by HOMO-LUMO energy gap and MEP analysis. The determination of the IC50 value through the MTT assay showed functionalized organic molecules of FYD3A, FYD4B, and FYD4C, revealing the inhibition growth of Acanthamoeba sp. with IC50 values in the 3.515 - 3.845 μg/mL range. Morphological observation displayed encystment with cellular agglutination and overall cell shrinkage. AO/PI-stained moieties-treated Acanthamoeba sp. cells appeared with shades of red to orange in necrotic Acanthamoeba cells whilst green to yellow apoptotic Acanthamoeba cells when compared to entirely green fluorescence untreated cells. Moreover, the results of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay demonstrate the integrity and functionality potential of the mitochondrial membrane in cells, where a decrease in the MMP assay is linked to apoptosis. This study confirmed that the functionalized organic molecule featuring acetylide and its designated acetylide-imine moieties exhibit cytotoxicity towards the Acanthamoeba sp. by apoptotic and necrotic mode of cell death. This indicates that seeping these derivatives as electronic components can lead to the leaching of hazardous chemicals and contribute to environmental pollution that negatively affects the ecosystem. This study proposes the selection of efficient systems and elements for functionalized organic molecules that are safe to be released into the environment.
  11. Nagarajan T, Binti Mohd Fekeri NH, Raju G, Shanmugan S, Jeppu G, Walvekar R, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2024 Sep 02;364:143242.
    PMID: 39233300 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143242
    This study investigates the potential of spent coffee ground biochar (SCGB) as a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB), a hazardous dye commonly used in the textile and printing industries. A response surface methodology (RSM) approach with central composite design (CCD) was employed to systematically investigate the effects of key process parameters, including adsorbent dosage, solution pH, contact time and temperature, on MB removal efficiency. The analysis revealed that adsorbent dosage and temperature as critical factors influencing MB removal, with a linear model providing a strong correlation. Optimal conditions for MB removal were determined to be 0.99 g of SCGB, 30 min of contact time, 30 °C temperature, and a solution pH of 7. Under these conditions, MB removal reached 99.99%, with a desirability of 1.000. The experimental results closely matched the predicted values, differing by only 0.02%, thus validating the accuracy of the model. Kinetic studies indicated a rapid adsorption process, well-described by both pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models. Isotherm analysis confirmed the applicability of the Freundlich model, suggesting favorable adsorption with increasing MB concentration. The high adsorption capacity of SCGB is attributed to its carbonaceous and porous structure, highlighting its potential as an effective adsorbent for dye removal in wastewater treatment applications.
  12. Siddik NA, Abd Rahim SNH, Jamaluddin J, Yuhana MY
    Cureus, 2024 Aug;16(8):e66170.
    PMID: 39233937 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66170
    Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) during pregnancy is a rare and often misdiagnosed disease. The clinical manifestations are non-specific, contributing to a high maternal mortality rate. This case report details the presentation of a 31-year-old pregnant woman with high-grade fever initially treated as an infection-related condition. The diagnostic challenge arose from the rarity of HLH, its variable clinical presentation, and the lack of specificity in clinical and laboratory findings. Despite numerous tests and escalation of therapies, the patient, unfortunately, succumbed to HLH associated with T-cell lymphoma. This case report aims to raise awareness of HLH, emphasizing its challenging definition. Malignancy-associated HLH is not uncommon, and early identification and treatment are paramount to prevent progressive tissue damage, organ failure, and mortality. The atypical presentation of HLH as a clinical manifestation of T-cell lymphoma underscores the need for vigilance in diagnosing this potentially fatal syndrome.
  13. Wolor CW, Wibawa EA, Eranza DRD, Nurkhin A, Rababah MA
    Health Psychol Rep, 2024;12(3):238-246.
    PMID: 39234023 DOI: 10.5114/hpr/166427
    BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact that bullying has on the levels of work motivation and job satisfaction experienced by employees. It would be helpful if we could provide both private firms and the government some concrete ideas regarding bullying. According to the findings of this study, bullying does not have an effect on the degree to which workers are satisfied in their jobs or motivated to work.

    PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: Participants in this study are employees in Indonesia who have been bullied while they were on the job. Researchers utilized a non-probability sampling technique using a purposive sampling strategy. The number of samples used in this study was 400 respondents. This research used a technique called purposive sampling, which involved collecting data from a total of 400 different respondents. Quantitative methods are utilized in the processing of the data.

    RESULTS: The findings of this study come as a surprise due to the fact that they contradict the findings of earlier studies, which found that harassed employees do not have a direct impact on the job satisfaction and motivation of their coworkers.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results of this research provide both an academic and a practical perspective that can be used to assist organizations in eliminating bullying issues. This research has implications that regardless of the results of this study, bullying must become a company concern to make strict rules for bullies and education about bullying for all employees.

  14. Singh N, Chaurasia A, Singh AK, Agarwal A, Abd Rahman ANAB, Tiwari R
    Natl J Maxillofac Surg, 2024;15(2):278-282.
    PMID: 39234144 DOI: 10.4103/njms.njms_153_22
    OBJECTIVES: To determine age- and sex-related changes in mastoid air cells volume in orthodontic malocclusions (class 1, class 2, class 3) in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), morphometric analysis, and age prediction on the basis of mastoid air cells.

    METHODS: In total, 150 3D CBCT scans of study subjects having class 1, class 2, and class 3 malocclusions have been analyzed retrospectively for the estimation of volume of mastoid air cells by Dolphin imaging software V11.9, and measurement data of volumes have been recorded and analyzed using SPSS software 24.v.

    RESULTS: The volume of mastoid air cells was highest in age group of 14-28 years which was statistically not significant (P value >.05). The volume of mastoid air cells in the right side of cranium is greater than mastoid air cells in the left side. The mastoid air cell volume was higher in males than females. The volume of mastoid air cells (right side) was highest in class II malocclusion (2404.53 ± 1737.50 mm3) followed by class III and was least in class I malocclusion (1842.09 ± 1263.78 mm3). However, the volume of mastoid air cells in the left side was highest in class III malocclusion (2368.03 ± 1853.00 mm3) followed by class II and was least in class I (1920.52 ± 1285.34 mm3).

    CONCLUSIONS: The volume of mastoid air cells varies in different class of orthodontic malocclusions. The mastoid air cells volume is higher in males than females. On the basis of mastoid air cells volume, we are able to predict the age, sex, and class of orthodontic malocclusion.

  15. Wanchai P, Rujirawan A, Murdoch ML, Aksornneam A, Promnun P, Kaatz A, et al.
    Zookeys, 2024;1210:299-324.
    PMID: 39234151 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1210.127557
    A new species of rock-dwelling Leiolepis is described from the Khorat Plateau in northeastern Thailand. Leiolepisglaurung sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other sexual species of Leiolepis by a combination of having a black gular region with a wide medial yellow stripe, a yellow ventrum with black mottling, bright red to orange subcaudal coloration, having reduced to no expandable flanks, and having only one black transverse bar on the flanks. This is the first rocky habitat-adapted Leiolepis. Leiolepisglaurung sp. nov. demonstrates numerous ecological adaptations to survive in these rocky habitats. Leiolepis are known for their expandable flanks with bright display colors, however Leiolepisglaurung sp. nov. has reduced or no ability to expand its flanks. We hypothesize this is an adaptation to reduce their body diameter to better fit into smaller rocky burrows unlike the larger and deeper burrows constructed in looser soils by other Leiolepis species. This discovery increases the number of Leiolepis species in Thailand to six, and worldwide to 11.
  16. Wong ARK, Ng LTE, Lee MH, Yeow JLH, Lim YJ, Yap KH
    Aging Med (Milton), 2024 Aug;7(4):528-534.
    PMID: 39234199 DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12344
    Dementia is characterized by a progressive decline in cognition, behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), and quality of life (QoL). The lack of curative therapies has led to a psychosocial discourse prioritizing QoL of people thriving with dementia (PTD). Group reminiscence therapy (RT) is a relatively inexpensive intervention, with music prompts being a preferred choice, owing to robust musical memory in the early disease stage. However, a synthesis of current evidence is needed to inform research and clinical use of group music RT in dementia care. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review on PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and APA PsycArticles to critically appraise published randomized controlled trials examining group music RT to improve cognition, BPSD, and QoL in PTD. Of 14,725 articles, two RCTs involving 102 PTD were included. All studies used prerecorded music for group music RT. All studies were deemed of good quality, adhering to intention-to-treat analysis and assessor blinding. Based on the American Academy of Neurology guidelines, we assigned a Level C recommendation for group music RT for cognition and Level B recommendations for BPSD and QoL (ineffective). In conclusion, group music RT may be useful for symptomatic management in PTD. However, heterogeneous study designs, disease severity, dementia subtype, and outcome measures are likely barriers to meaningful clinical translation. Therefore, the rating of recommendations only serves as a point of reference. Future avenues include live performances as prompts for group music RT.
  17. Al-Bayaty FH, Kamaruddin AA, Ismail MA, Al-Obaidi MMJ
    Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J, 2024 Aug;24(3):360-366.
    PMID: 39234330 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.6.2024.030
    OBJECTIVES: This study attempted to develop 2 biodegradable periodontal chips containing Salvadora persica (miswak) or benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) extracts and evaluate their clinical effectiveness in managing periodontitis.

    METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, from September 2010 to April 2012. Periodontal chips were formulated using S. persica, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and chitosan extracts. All patients were treated with full mouth scaling and root planing at baseline. Thereafter, the periodontal pockets (≥5 mm in length) were divided into 4 groups: the control group; group 2 (plain chitosan chip); group 3 (S. persica extract); and group 4 (BITC extract). Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels were recorded at days 0 and 60 only.

    RESULTS: A total of 12 patients participated in this study. Overall, 240 periodontal pockets were evaluated. The study revealed significant improvements in PI, BOP and reduction in periodontal pocket depth in all 4 groups (P <0.05). The improvement in clinical attachment level was significantly higher (P <0.001) among the group that received S. persica chips compared to the control and other chip-treated groups.

    CONCLUSION: Periodontal chips containing S. persica can be used as adjuncts to treat patients with periodontitis.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Dental Scaling/methods; Root Planing/methods; Treatment Outcome; Salvadoraceae*
  18. Darmarini AS, Wardiatno Y, Prartono T, Soewardi K, Iskandar I, Musti'atin, et al.
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):31-49.
    PMID: 39234465 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.2
    Changes in the existence of mangroves will have an impact on changes in food webs in their respective areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the food source of the macrozoobenthos community within the Lubuk Damar mangrove ecosystem. Stable isotopes, carbon and nitrogen were used to describe the food sources for macrozoobenthos in the mangrove ecosystem of the Lubuk Damar Ecosystem, Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia. The stable isotope analysis of 13C and 15N was carried out using Isotopic-Ratio Mass Spectrometry. Potential food sources at the study site based on stable isotope ratios ranged between -29.08‰ to -20.66‰ (δ13C) and 4.07‰ to 5.63‰ (δ15N); macrozoobenthos -25.00‰ to -14.76‰ (δ13C) and 5.59‰ to 7.73‰ (δ15N). The potential food sources tested at the study site consisted of seven sources, but not all food sources in the ecosystem were consumed by the invertebrate community. This study shows that mangrove leaf litter serves as a food source for some invertebrates, such as the bivalves, gastropods, polychaetes, sipunculans, brachiopods and crustaceans. The results of this study evidence that the examined mangrove ecosystem has a function as a provider of food sources in the surrounding waters, therefore its existence is very important supporting diversity of coastal waters.
  19. Tevapawat P, Tungpairojwong N
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):227-247.
    PMID: 39234466 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.11
    Some biological aspects of local bloodworms in Thailand were investigated. In this study, the larvae of one species of bloodworm, identified as Chironomus pallidinubeculosus Tokunaga 1936, were reared in plastic containers at 25°C and fed with fish feed solutions three days per week. The eggs sample were processed by histological and TEM techniques. Yield (g/m2), moisture, ash, crude protein, crude lipid, crude fibre and gross energy (KJ/g) were determined in reared larvae. The results showed that C. pallidinubeculosus larvae could survive and be bred in plastic containers, controlled laboratory conditions, and have four instars. The suitable physico-chemical parameters during rearing were low to moderate dissolved oxygen (1.18 mg/L-5.00 mg/L), electrical conductivity (462 μS-714 μS), and total dissolved solids (249 mg/L-378 mg/L). Moreover, adults had a high average number of eggs per one egg mass from 193.2 ± 49.99 to 331.86 ± 80.23 and an average hatchability of 90.69% to 94.49% during the 1st to 3rd generations, respectively. The life cycle of this study was approximately 19 to 23 days. Polylecithal and centrolecithal eggs were observed. After gelatinous mass removal, the egg was covered by non-regularly exochorionic jelly. The internal morphology of the egg is mainly composed of proteid yolk, lipids and dense granular. Larvae constituted 89.78% water; they had a high 15th day yield (g/m2), and the minimum area of larvae for mass culture was 1.2 cm2. The proximate composition analysis in reared larvae showed that crude protein, crude lipid crude fibre and gross energy were higher than its feed. The biology aspect study of the bloodworms found they were easy to culture; they should be considered a model organism for further ecology, nutrition and toxicology studies.
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