Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Hidajat D, Haq AD, Warnaini C, Kadriyan H
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):50-62.
    PMID: 39247110 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.4
    Although Indonesia is located in an equatorial region with adequate year-round sun exposure, the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) deficiency is as high as 90%. Mothers are especially vulnerable to deficiencies due to changes in their gastrointestinal system. Previous studies have reported a correlation between the 25[OH]D status of mothers with atopic dermatitis (AD) and their offspring. However, studies investigating maternal cord blood 25[OH]D levels and the incidence of AD have yielded controversial results due to its variability. As such, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the correlation between maternal cord blood 25[OH]D levels and the risk for AD. In accordance with Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the PubMed, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant observational studies and a meta-analysis was performed to obtain odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Nine studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, five of which were included in the quantitative synthesis. Meta-analysis revealed that cord blood 25[OH]D levels < 50 nmol/L were associated with a 60% higher risk for the development of AD (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.22; I2 = 0%; P < 0.05). However, qualitative synthesis revealed a variety of cord blood 25[OH]D measurements and different methods of diagnosing AD in each study. Based on the current analysis, maternal cord blood 25[OH]D levels were significantly correlated with the risk for AD. Therefore, studies investigating 25[OH]D supplementation in pregnant women and its efficacy in decreasing the risk for AD are needed, especially in tropical and equatorial countries. This study also serves as a proof of concept that cord blood 25[OH]D levels can be used as a more affordable predictive parameter for AD.
  2. Tarmookh SA, El-Sheikh AA, Motawei KH, Al-Khater KM, Banglore S, Aldahhan RA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):35-49.
    PMID: 39247111 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.3
    Chemotherapeutic drugs have demonstrated effectiveness in treating various neoplastic conditions; however, they can also have detrimental effects on male gonadal function and fertility. Consequently, interest has grown in identifying novel approaches that can mitigate chemotherapy-induced testicular damage. Thymoquinone (TQ), the chief active component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa (NS), has a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. The aim of this systematic review was to identify experimental animal studies that have evaluated the protective effects of TQ against testicular complications associated with chemotherapy. In accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a thorough search was performed across several databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost, Sage and Scopus) to identify experimental studies published from 2010 to May 2022 that focused on rodent models and compared the effects of TQ versus other chemotherapeutic drugs. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, comparing TQ with methotrexate (MTX), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), cyclophosphamide (CPA), bleomycin (BL), doxorubicin (DOX) or busulfan (BUS). The results of these studies consistently demonstrated that TQ significantly improved sperm parameters, the levels of oxidative stress (OS) markers, apoptosis markers, and hormones and testicular histopathology, indicating that TQ has protective effects against chemotherapy-induced damage. TQ mitigated chemotherapy-induced testicular toxicity by decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes within chemotherapy-treated testes. These findings highlight the potential of TQ as a therapeutic agent that can ameliorate testicular complications associated with chemotherapy, thereby providing a basis for further research and potential therapeutic applications.
  3. Raja Soh RSS, Hapidin H, Kasiram MZ
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):63-77.
    PMID: 39247112 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.5
    Cucumis melo L., better known by its popular cultivar cantaloupe, is an economically significant crop in the Cucurbitaceae family. Melon peel and seeds have shown medicinal potential due to their numerous biological qualities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects to treat cardiovascular disease, diabetes and oedema. This scoping review aims to broaden the research scope on the cancer-fighting abilities of melon extract and its half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Three databases which are Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed were used to locate relevant publications utilising the keywords 'melon', 'Cucumis melo', 'inhibitory activity', 'cancer' and 'anti-cancer'. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) framework was used in conducting this study. Out of 904 articles, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used in this analysis. These articles were published in English between 2000 and 2023 with full text accessibility, specifically addressed the fruit cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) or melon and reported on any type of cancer. Cucumis melo extract showed promising anti-cancer action in both in vitro and in vivo investigations on eight different cancer types: cervical, colon, prostate, leukaemia, multiple myeloma, breast, hepatoma and ovarian cancer. A thorough analysis shows that some of the IC50 values were significantly low, especially in cases of colon and prostate cancer, indicating a significant anti-cancer effect. The substantial anti-cancer benefits of Cucumis melo fruit extracts point to the necessity for additional investigation into their potential for cancer therapy on each form of cancer.
  4. Ismail MI, Ang SY, Fitzrol DN, Zakaria Z
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):228-229.
    PMID: 39247113 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.20
  5. Zolkefli Y
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):223-227.
    PMID: 39247114 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.19
    Healthcare disagreements are common, but recognising the causes is essential to reaching a moral consensus. The article describes the challenges associated with resolving the disagreements. Therefore, a systematic and timely team-based discussion, ethics consultation with ethicists and the hospital ethics committee, active participation of all members' discussions, and scheduled debriefings are pragmatic ways to find balance when healthcare professionals disagree. Teams need these attempts to build consensus and make moral decisions. It also fosters harmony, prioritises patient and team interests and, most importantly, keeps the team intact.
  6. Elmi AH, Irekeola AA, Abdullah MA, Mohamed Z
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):101-110.
    PMID: 39247115 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.8
    BACKGROUND: Congenital toxoplasmosis and congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infections are noteworthy in Malaysia and can cause serious health problems in neonates. The prompt and effective detection and treatment related to both illnesses may mitigate the possibility of adverse consequences from both infections.

    METHODS: A total of 219 neonates with suspected clinical indications of congenital toxoplasmosis and/or cCMV infections from January 2022 to December 2022 were enrolled. The first samples for IgM and IgG antibodies were screened by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. For positive results indicative of congenital toxoplasmosis and cCMV infections, second serum samples were requested and tested within a period of 2-4 weeks after testing the first sample.

    RESULTS: From the 219 first serum samples, the overall seroprevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis antibodies in suspected cases was 53%; meanwhile, the overall seroprevalence of cCMV in the suspected cases was 98.6%. The results of the paired serum sample collected for investigating congenital toxoplasmosis cases revealed that 47% of the cases presented no serological evidence of exposure while the remaining 53% of cases might have acquired passive immunity from the mother. For cCMV, the number of cases with no serological evidence of exposure was 1.4%, whereas acute infection was 1.8% and possible passive immunity from the mother represented 96.8%.

    CONCLUSION: This study found a high seroprevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis and cCMV infections, probably because they are suspected cases. This study also indicates that using paired sample analysis in the categorisation of cases can aid in accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment.

  7. Bello KE, Kelechi IJ, David ZA, Omebije AP, Shueb RH, Mustaffa N
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):149-161.
    PMID: 39247116 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.12
    BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global public health concern in Malaysia. It is a potentially life-threatening liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can lead to long-term complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. In managing CHB, nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) have become the preferred treatment due to their ability to suppress viral replication and prevent disease progression. The question of liver-associated comorbidities related to patients with CHB on NAs remains unresolved in Malaysia despite the impending burden of CHB in the country. This study intends to address this and related aspects.

    METHOD: We assessed 136 CHB patients on NAs in one centre, the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Demographic and epidemiological data on the treatment, concomitant disease and monitoring strategies were collected and analysed.

    RESULT: Patients on NAs aged 50 years old-70 years old had the highest proportion of CHB (45.59%), with males representing 61.03% of that age group. There was a statistical significance in CHB acquisition and presence of comorbidities at P > 0.005. Our cohort displayed seven comorbidities (diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid diseases, renal impairment, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hypertension, non-hepatocellular malignancies and carcinoma); hypertension had the highest incidence (69.12%), while renal impairment had the lowest incidence (8.09%). Whole blood count, liver function and creatinine tests were the major monitoring tests used in over 90% of the cohort compared to viral load (6.1%).

    CONCLUSION: Diabetes, hypertension and obesity were independent risk factors for acquiring liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Malaysian CHB patients treated with NAs have several comorbidities that could affect disease outcomes. Therefore, careful monitoring is required.

  8. Vu DM, Huynh AP, Nguyen NNQ, Van Thanh Vo N, Luong AB, Nguyen TC, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):91-100.
    PMID: 39247117 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.7
    BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRs) are emerging targets for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of heart failure (HF). Accumulated evidence showed that microRNA-132 (miR-132) and microRNA-152 (miR-152) play critical roles in the development of multiple pathological processes of the heart. Although their upregulations have been detected in the failing hearts of humans and animal models, little is known about the circulating levels of miR-132 and miR-152 in patients with HF.

    METHODS: Our study was conducted from January 2022 to August 2022 at the Cardiology Department of the University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. During study period, 36 participants were consecutively enrolled, including 18 HF patients and 18 patients who age and sex matched the non-HF controls. Serum samples of study participants were collected on admission and the expression levels of miR-132 and miR-152 were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The comparative cycle threshold method (ΔCt) was applied to calculate the relative expression of miRs.

    RESULTS: The miR concentration in HF group was significantly lower than that in the control group. In contrast, the serum levels of miR-132 and miR-152 were significantly higher in HF patients. Further analyses of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that miR-132 and miR-152 individually had moderate diagnostic potential for HF (with area under curve [AUC] values of 0.713 and 0.698, respectively). A positive correlation between these miRs was also confirmed.

    CONCLUSION: Serum miR-132 and miR-152 were upregulated in Vietnamese patients with HF and may serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnostic purposes.

  9. Alias NA, Kadar M, Wan Yunus F, Cremin K
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):78-90.
    PMID: 39247118 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.6
    Difficulties with self-care skills are frequently observed in children with developmental delays. Given the scarcity of robust evidence backing self-care interventions for this group, this scoping review is designed to aggregate existing literature on the implementation of such interventions. Therefore, this scoping review aims to collate literature on the nature of self-care intervention implementation to increase understanding of the current practice and inform future research directions. This scoping review endeavoured to explore the body of literature concerning the existence of self-care interventions and their implementation strategies in children who have developmental delays. Relevant studies were identified by searching through the following databases: Web of Science (W0S), Scopus, ASEAN Citation Index (ACI), CINAHL EBSCO and PubMed. Six types of interventions using various approaches were identified. Occupational therapists mainly manage intervention providers with multidisciplinary co-facilitator and parents' involvement. Whilst session information varied, some evidence suggests that at least 30 min per session, minimum once per week up to twice per week, ranging from 10 to 23 sessions, may be sufficient. Intervention plans should be tailored to each child's unique needs, taking into account the variety of available interventions. Collaboration among occupational therapists, parents, educators and health professionals in home programmes enhances self-care intervention outcomes. These results are set to inform future research and practice, paving the way for enhanced support and improved outcomes for children with developmental delays.
  10. Albart SA, Yusof Khan AHK, Abdul Rashid A, Wan Zaidi WA, Looi I, Hoo FK
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):195-212.
    PMID: 39247119 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.16
    BACKGROUND: The Stroke e-Learning Module (SEM) is a nationwide initiative to improve stroke care in Malaysia. This study aimed to assess the module's effectiveness in improving knowledge on acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) management among Malaysian doctors.

    METHODS: This was a pre-post study design. Medical officers, specialists and general practitioners from various disciplines who work in healthcare facilities in Malaysia were recruited virtually from those who registered for the SEM on the Docquity platform between 1 February 2021 and 31 January 2022. The Acute Stroke Management Questionnaire (ASMaQ), an existing validated questionnaire, was used to measure the doctors' knowledge of AIS management before and after the SEM. The ASMaQ had three domains: i) general stroke knowledge (GSK), ii) hyperacute stroke management (HSM) and iii) advanced stroke management (ASM). The paired t- and the McNemar-tests were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the module.

    RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-one participants voluntarily responded to the pre- and post-module questionnaires. The paired t-test revealed statistically significant improvement for the ASM knowledge scores (mean difference = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.8, 3.2; P < 0.001). The baseline proportion of participants with good knowledge of GSK, HSM and ASM were 92.4%, 64.9%, and 76%, respectively. The McNemar test showed that approximately 14% of the participants had significant improvement in ASM knowledge (P < 0.001). However, no significant changes were noted for GSK (-0.6%) and HSM (4.1%).

    CONCLUSION: The SEM has been shown to increase Malaysian doctors' knowledge on ASM. However, greater effort should be made to improve GSK and HSM knowledge, particularly in areas related to stroke thrombolysis.

  11. Hassan H, Othman MF, Ashhar ZN, Abdul Razak HR, Ahmad Saad FF
    Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Aug;31(4):213-217.
    PMID: 39247120 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.17
    Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has proven to be an important target for diagnostic imaging in prostate cancer. As PSMA is overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells, numerous targeted PSMA ligands have been developed. The emergence of PSMA targeting based on small molecules, such as the PSMA-11 ligand (or PSMA-HBED-CC), has led to breakthroughs, such as [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11, for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of biochemically recurrent or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In addition, the recent approval of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 for the treatment of adult patients with PSMA-positive mCRPC represents an important milestone in prostate cancer therapy. These advances underscore the growing confidence in the use of PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer patients. PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals have been shown to significantly impact treatment planning and clinical decision-making and facilitate the customisation of treatment regimens.
  12. Muhammed M, Tengku Azizan TRPB, Mohd Noor MH, Abu Hassim H, Che'Amat A, Saleh AB, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Aug 30;10(16):e36185.
    PMID: 39247268 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36185
    Hormonal contraception has been advocated as an alternative population control method for the long-tailed macaque population, which has increased exponentially due to anthropogenic changes and incidental food subsidies from human food waste. Risks of increased zoonosis and conflict are imminent if the population growth of long-tailed macaques is unchecked. However, there's a gap in the literature about the effect of hormonal contraceptives on long-tailed macaque reproductive tissues cell line. The present study aims to investigate the effect of oral contraceptives (Nordette, Noriday, and Ella) on long-tailed macaque ovarian cells. We determine the cell viability and cytotoxicity as well as the morphological changes of the drugs on long-tailed macaque ovarian cells using the MTT assay, Acridine orange/propidium iodide double staining method, morphological examination, and the 4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining method. For the MTT assay, The drugs were dissolved in culture media before use to have a concentration ranging from 0.5 μg/mL, 2.5 μg/mL, 0.125 μg/mL, 0.0625 μg/mL, and 0.0315 μg/mL to have three replicates for each treatment. In contrast, the concentration of 0.0315 μg/mL was used for the morphological and histopathological analysis. The result of the study indicates that human oral contraceptives (Nordette, Noriday, and Ella) inhibit the growth of long-tailed macaque ovarian cells and induce apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (at a concentration of 0.0315 μg/mL and an IC50 lower than 10 μg/mL), With a statistically significant value of ****P 
  13. Apenteng OO, Rasmussen P, Conrady B
    Heliyon, 2024 Aug 30;10(16):e35896.
    PMID: 39247300 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35896
    This study aimed to assess the role of tourism in the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using Malaysian epidemiological data on HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) incidence from 1986 to 2004. A population-level mathematical model was developed with the following compartments: the population susceptible to HIV infection, the clinically confirmed HIV-positive population, the population diagnosed with AIDS, and the tourist population. Additionally, newborns infected with HIV were considered. Sensitivity analyses and variations in fixed parameter values were used to explore the effect of changes to various parameter values on HIV incidence in the model. It was determined that variations in the rate of HIV-positive inbound tourist entries and the rate of foreign tourist exits (i.e., the duration of time tourists spent in Malaysia) significantly impacted the predicted incidence of HIV and AIDS in Malaysia. The model's fit to observed HIV and AIDS incidence was evaluated, resulting in adjusted R2 values of 53.3% and 53.2% for HIV and AIDS, respectively. Furthermore, the reproduction number (R0) was also calculated to quantify the stability of the HIV endemicity in Malaysia. The findings suggest that a steady-state level of HIV in Malaysia is achievable based on the low value of R 0  = 0.0136, and the disease-free equilibrium was stable from the negative eigenvalues obtained, which is encouraging from a public health perspective. The Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient (PRCC) values between the proportion of newborns born HIV-positive, the rate of Malaysian tourist entries returning home after contracting HIV, and the rate of foreign tourist exits have a significant impact on the R 0 . The methods provide a framework for epidemiological modelling of HIV spread through transient population groups. The model results suggest that the role of tourism should not be overlooked within the set of available measures to mitigate the spread of HIV.
  14. Wang G, Mansor ZD, Leong YC
    Heliyon, 2024 Aug 30;10(16):e36026.
    PMID: 39247307 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36026
    BACKGROUND: In the digital era, the role of digital leadership is becoming increasingly prominent. However, the exploration of the alignment between digital leadership and high-involvement human resource management practices (HI-HRMPs) in influencing employee-based resources remains an overlooked research area among current scholars.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the influence of these elements on the digital performance of employees. Based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), this research focuses on Chinese Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and employs purposive sampling to select four representative regions in China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Guizhou, and Anhui). The survey targeted employees within SMEs and was conducted using questionnaire surveys. Structural equation modeling (AMOS) is utilized for analysis.

    RESULTS: The findings indicate that: (1) digital leadership cannot directly influence employee digital performance and employee dynamic capability but can directly influence HI-HRMP; (2) HI-HRMP mediate the influence of digital leadership on employee digital performance, but employee dynamic capability cannot mediate the influence of digital leadership on employee digital performance; (3) HI-HRMP and employee dynamic capability play a chain mediating role between digital leadership and employee digital performance.

    CONCLUSION: In the digital market, digital leadership improves employee digital performance by boosting HI-HRMP and enhancing employee dynamic capabilities. The findings support studies on practical applications and link between digital leadership and employee digital performance. The uniqueness of this study lies in applying HI-HRMP and employee dynamic capabilities as chain mediating variables in the digital market. This approach extends the application of HRMPs and dynamic capability theory, providing theoretical guidance and decision support for the digital operations of SMEs.

  15. Chenrayan V, Shahapurkar K, Manivannan C, Rajeshkumar L, Sivakumar N, Rajesh Sharma R, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Aug 30;10(16):e36087.
    PMID: 39247355 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36087
    The implementation of hard-facing alloy on the existing materials caters the need for high-performance surfaces in terms of wear and high temperatures. The present research explore the effect of Plasma Transferred Arc Welding (PTAW) parameters and powder composition on dilution, microstructure and hardness of the commonly used hard-facing alloy Ni-Cr-Si-B powder. The hard-facing alloy was deposited with three weight proportions of boron (2.5 %, 3 % and 3.5 %). The statistical-based Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) followed by a Machine Learning Algorithm (MLA) was implemented to identify the ideal parameters and degree of significance of each parameter and for the prediction of the responses. The dilution percentage, microstructure analysis, and phase detection were estimated through elemental analysis, Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) respectively. The experimental and modelling results revealed that 400 mm/min of scanning speed, 8 gm/min of powder delivery, 14 mm of stand-off distance, and 120 A of current were the optimal parameters along with 3.5 wt% of boron powder composition to yield a better dilution, microstructure and hardness.
  16. Trisha MR, Deavyndra Gunawan V, Wong JX, Pak Dek MS, Rukayadi Y
    Heliyon, 2024 Aug 30;10(16):e35691.
    PMID: 39247385 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35691
    Gnetum gnemon L. is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Gnetaceae family and is commonly used as a vegetable and medicinal plant among indigenous people. The key goal of this study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic G. gnemon leaf extract (EGLE) against six food-borne pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of EGLE was evaluated using multiple methods, including the well diffusion assay (WDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assay. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to identify active volatile compounds responsible for EGLE's antibacterial activities. Total plate count (TPC) was conducted to measure microbial populations and evaluate the efficacy of EGLE as a natural preservative in raw quail eggs. 100 g of dried and powdered sample yielded an average of 11.58 ± 0.38 % post-extraction. The inhibition zone in WDA ranged from 11.00 ± 0.57-13.50 ± 0.58 mm, MIC ranged from 6.25 to 50.00 mg/mL, and MBC values were between 12.5 and >50 mg/mL. Results from the time-kill study showed that at 4 × MIC Bacillus pumilus and B. megaterium were completely killed in 1 h incubation time and other bacteria were killed within 2-4 h. Findings from TPC demonstrated that at the highest tested concentration of EGLE, there was no significant bacterial growth for a 30-day observation period. Thereby, suggesting that it had the potential to function as a natural preservative for raw quail eggs. EGLE may be a viable alternative to synthetic preservatives in combating food-borne pathogens.
  17. Rosli MAF, Syed Jaafar SN, Azizan KA, Yaakop S, Aizat WM
    PeerJ, 2024;12:e17843.
    PMID: 39247549 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17843
    Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) whitefly (BtWf) is an invasive pest that has already spread worldwide and caused major crop losses. Numerous strategies have been implemented to control their infestation, including the use of insecticides. However, prolonged insecticide exposures have evolved BtWf to resist these chemicals. Such resistance mechanism is known to be regulated at the molecular level and systems biology omics approaches could shed some light on understanding this regulation wholistically. In this review, we discuss the use of various omics techniques (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to unravel the mechanism of insecticide resistance in BtWf. We summarize key genes, enzymes, and metabolic regulation that are associated with the resistance mechanism and review their impact on BtWf resistance. Evidently, key enzymes involved in the detoxification system such as cytochrome P450 (CYP), glutathione S-transferases (GST), carboxylesterases (COE), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT), and ATP binding cassette transporters (ABC) family played key roles in the resistance. These genes/proteins can then serve as the foundation for other targeted techniques, such as gene silencing techniques using RNA interference and CRISPR. In the future, such techniques will be useful to knock down detoxifying genes and crucial neutralizing enzymes involved in the resistance mechanism, which could lead to solutions for coping against BtWf infestation.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Genomics; Proteomics/methods; Metabolomics
  18. Alaga A, Simhan V, Lokeshwaran S, Kumar K S, Chetana Shanmukhappa S
    Respirol Case Rep, 2024 Sep;12(9):e70014.
    PMID: 39247567 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.70014
    Tracheal stenosis is a common complication of endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Bronchoscope interventions have been proposed as a safe alternative for the management of post-intubation post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS). Data for patients diagnosed with PITS across two hospitals, between 2021 and 2022, encompassing demographic, clinical, and procedural details were gathered from electronic medical records, and analysed. Primary outcomes centred on assessing the incidence and severity of PITS through bronchoscope examination and radiological imaging, and the efficacy of bronchoscope interventions, including stenting and the application of mitomycin C. Twelve patients were managed for PITS. Majority of patients were females (9/12) with mean age of 46.41 years. Presenting signs and symptoms were dyspnea, rhonchi and failed extubation, the mean duration of intubation/ tracheostomy is 16.41 days (range: 3-40 days). Most common comorbidity was type 2 diabetes, (5 patients, 41.6%). The lesions mean length was 3.09 cm and Cotton-Meyer Grade II and III. Prompt evaluation is crucial, in these patients. The Cotton-Meyer grade is pivotal in treatment decisions, with intubating times correlating with the severity of stenotic disease. Our case series demonstrates the increasing utility of bronchoscopy in managing these cases.
  19. Zhu HY, Shang YJ, Wei XY, Groenewald M, Robert V, Zhang RP, et al.
    Mycology, 2024;15(3):400-423.
    PMID: 39247897 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2023.2294945
    The arthroconidial yeast-like species currently classified in the asexual genera Geotrichum and Saprochaete and the sexual genera Dipodascus, Galactomyces and Magnusiomyces are frequently associated with dairy and cosmetics production, fruit rot and human infection. However, the taxonomic system of these fungi has not been updated to accommodate the new nomenclature code adopting the "one fungus, one name" principle. Here, we performed phylogenetic analyses of these yeast-like species based on the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit of the rRNA gene. Two monophyletic groups were recognised from these species. One group contained Dipodascus, Galactomyces, and Geotrichum species and the other Magnusiomyces and Saprochaete species. We thus assigned the species in each group into one genus and selected the genus name Geotrichum for the first group and Magnusiomyces for the second one based on the principle of priority of publication. Five new Geotrichum species were identified from arthroconidial yeast strains recently isolated from various sources in China. The new species are described as Ge. dehoogii sp. nov., Ge. fujianense sp. nov., Ge. maricola sp. nov., Ge. smithiae sp. nov., and Ge. sinensis sp. nov.
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