Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 192 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Osman MA, Neoh HM, Ab Mutalib NS, Chin SF, Jamal R
    Front Microbiol, 2018;9:767.
    PMID: 29755427 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00767
    The human gut holds the densest microbiome ecosystem essential in maintaining a healthy host physiology, whereby disruption of this ecosystem has been linked to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies such as the 16S rRNA gene sequencing has enabled characterization of the CRC gut microbiome architecture in an affordable and culture-free approach. Nevertheless, the lack of standardization in handling and storage of biospecimens, nucleic acid extraction, 16S rRNA gene primer selection, length, and depth of sequencing and bioinformatics analyses have contributed to discrepancies found in various published studies of this field. Accurate characterization of the CRC microbiome found in different stages of CRC has the potential to be developed into a screening tool in the clinical setting. This mini review aims to concisely compile all available CRC microbiome studies performed till end of 2016 and to suggest standardized protocols that are crucial in developing a gut microbiome screening panel for CRC.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  2. Islam MT, Ashraf FB, Alam T, Misran N, Mat KB
    Sensors (Basel), 2018 Sep 05;18(9).
    PMID: 30189669 DOI: 10.3390/s18092959
    A compact ultrawideband (UWB) antenna based on a hexagonal split-ring resonator (HSRR) is presented in this paper for sensing the pH factor. The modified HSRR is a new concept regarding the conventional square split-ring resonator (SSRR). Two HSRRs are interconnected with a strip line and a split in one HSRR is introduced to increase the electrical length and coupling effect. The presented UWB antenna consists of three unit cells on top of the radiating patch element. This combination of UWB antenna and HSRR gives double-negative characteristics which increase the sensitivity of the UWB antenna for the pH sensor. The proposed ultrawideband antenna metamaterial sensor was designed and fabricated on FR-4 substrate. The electrical length of the proposed metamaterial antenna sensor is 0.238 × 0.194 × 0.016 λ, where λ is the lowest frequency of 3 GHz. The fractional bandwidth and bandwidth dimension ratio were achieved with the metamaterial-inspired antenna as 146.91% and 3183.05, respectively. The operating frequency of this antenna sensor covers the bandwidth of 17 GHz, starting from 3 to 20 GHz with a realized gain of 3.88 dB. The proposed HSRR-based ultrawideband antenna sensor is found to reach high gain and bandwidth while maintaining the smallest electrical size, a highly desired property for pH-sensing applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  3. Masroor K, Jeoti V, Drieberg M, Cheab S, Rajbhandari S
    Sensors (Basel), 2021 Apr 22;21(9).
    PMID: 33922288 DOI: 10.3390/s21092943
    The bi-directional information transfer in optical body area networks (OBANs) is crucial at all the three tiers of communication, i.e., intra-, inter-, and beyond-BAN communication, which correspond to tier-I, tier-II, and tier-III, respectively. However, the provision of uninterrupted uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) connections at tier II (inter-BAN) are extremely critical, since these links serve as a bridge between tier-I (intra-BAN) and tier-III (beyond-BAN) communication. Any negligence at this level could be life-threatening; therefore, enabling quality-of-service (QoS) remains a fundamental design issue at tier-II. Consequently, to provide QoS, a key parameter is to ensure link reliability and communication quality by maintaining a nearly uniform signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) within the coverage area. Several studies have reported the effects of transceiver related parameters on OBAN link performance, nevertheless the implications of changing transmitter locations on the SNR uniformity and communication quality have not been addressed. In this work, we undertake a DL scenario and analyze how the placement of light-emitting diode (LED) lamps can improve the SNR uniformity, regardless of the receiver position. Subsequently, we show that using the principle of reciprocity (POR) and with transmitter-receiver positions switched, the analysis is also applicable to UL, provided that the optical channel remains linear. Moreover, we propose a generalized optimal placement scheme along with a heuristic design formula to achieve uniform SNR and illuminance for DL using a fixed number of transmitters and compare it with an existing technique. The study reveals that the proposed placement technique reduces the fluctuations in SNR by 54% and improves the illuminance uniformity up to 102% as compared to the traditional approach. Finally, we show that, for very low luminous intensity, the SNR values remain sufficient to maintain a minimum bit error rate (BER) of 10-9 with on-off keying non-return-to-zero (OOK-NRZ) modulation format.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  4. Ong CT, Yap JF, Wai YZ, Ng QX
    Cureus, 2016;8(8):e733.
    PMID: 27630805 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.733
    Clinical photography in the field of oculoplastic surgery has many applications. It is possible for clinicians to obtain standardized clinical photographs without a studio. A clinician photographer has the advantage of knowing exactly what to photograph as well as having immediate access to the images. In order to maintain standardization in the photographs, the photographic settings should remain constant. This article covers essential photographic equipment, camera settings, patient pose, and digital asset management.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  5. Ngen CC, Hassan R
    Int Clin Psychopharmacol, 1990 Jul;5(3):165-71.
    PMID: 2230060
    Zopiclone, a cyclopyrrolone with hypnotic properties was compared with temazepam and placebo in the treatment of insomnia. After a week's washout period, suitable subjects were allocated at random to zopiclone 7.5 mg or temazepam 20 mg or placebo for 2 weeks. Measurements of psychomotor function using the Leed's psychomotor tester and letter cancellation were carried out on day 0, 7 and 14. Sleep latency, duration of sleep and number of times waking during the night were recorded on a sleep diary filled by the subjects nightly. Forty-four subjects completed the trial, 15 taking zopiclone, 16 taking temazepam and 10 taking placebo. Both zopiclone and temazepam had significant hypnotic properties when compared to placebo. Zopiclone increased total sleep time in both weeks of the trial while temazepam increased sleep time in the first week only. There was no significant deterioration in psychomotor performance at the end of both weeks for zopiclone. Critical flicker fusion was significantly increased in subjects on temazepam. There were no abnormalities for both zopiclone and temazepam subjects in the blood picture, renal profile, liver function, urine and ECG before and after the study. Zopiclone is an effective hypnotic comparable to temazepam.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/drug therapy*
  6. Noor ZM, Smith AJ, Smith SS, Nissen LM
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2016 Jul-Sep;8(3):173-80.
    PMID: 27413344 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.171739
    INTRODUCTION: Community pharmacists are in a suitable position to give advice and provide appropriate services related to sleep disorders to individuals who are unable to easily access sleep clinics. An intervention with proper objective measure can be used by the pharmacist to assist in consultation.
    OBJECTIVES: The study objectives are to evaluate: (1) The effectiveness of a community pharmacy-based intervention in managing sleep disorders and (2) the role of actigraph as an objective measure to monitor and follow-up individuals with sleeping disorders.
    METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS: The intervention care group (ICG) completed questionnaires to assess sleep scale scores (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] and Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), wore a wrist actigraph, and completed a sleep diary. Sleep parameters (sleep efficiency in percentage [SE%], total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and number of nocturnal awakenings) from actigraphy sleep report were used for consultation and to validate sleep diary. The usual care group (UCG) completed similar questionnaires but received standard care.
    RESULTS: Pre- and post-mean scores for sleep scales and sleep parameters were compared between and within groups. A significant difference was observed when comparing pre- and post-mean scores for ISI in the ICG, but not for ESS. For SE%, an increase was found in the number of subjects rated as "good sleepers" at post-assessment in the ICG.
    CONCLUSIONS: ISI scores offer insights into the development of a community pharmacy-based intervention for sleeping disorders, particularly in those with symptoms of insomnia. It also demonstrates that actigraph could provide objective sleep/wake data to assist community pharmacists during the consultation.
    KEYWORDS:
    Actigraph; community pharmacy; intervention; pharmacist; sleeping disorders
    Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
  7. Moey SF, Mohamed NC, Lim BC
    AIMS Public Health, 2021;8(1):15-31.
    PMID: 33575404 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2021002
    Background: In Malaysia, breast cancer accounted for 34.1% of all female cancer cases with women presenting breast cancer at late stages. Breast cancer has a higher five-year survival rate if detected early. An increase of approximately 30% in the five-year survival rate is indicated if breast cancer is detected at stage III compared to stage IV. Thus, survival rate of breast cancer can be increased by creating awareness and encouraging breast cancer screening amongst women. Breast self-examination (BSE) is highly recommended for breast cancer screening due to its simplicity with no incurred cost. The Health Belief Model is used in this study to explain and predict the adoptive behavior of BSE amongst women in Kuantan, Pahang.

    Materials and methods: This study employed a multi-stage sampling method using a simple proportion formula at 5% type 1 error, p < 0.05 and absolute error at 2% which resulted in a sample of 520 participants. The data for the study was obtained using a validated bilingual self-constructed questionnaire and the model constructed using Mplus software.

    Results: Perceived severity, benefits and barriers were found to significantly influence the behavioral adoption of BSE. Married women aged from 45 to 55 years and knowledge were found to significantly moderate the relationship between perceived benefits and behavioral adoption of BSE. Further, self-efficacy was found as the core construct that mediates the relationship between married women aged 45 to 55 years and the behavioral adoption of BSE.

    Conclusion: Self-efficacy is found in the study to influence the behavioral adoption of BSE. This is undeniable as self-efficacy can promote confidence in initiating and maintenance of behavioral change if the perceived change is beneficial at an acceptable cost.

    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  8. Deng D, Zhang P, Guo Y, Lim TO
    Ann Rheum Dis, 2017 Aug;76(8):1436-1439.
    PMID: 28478399 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-211073
    OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the efficacy of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN). Previous reports showed hUC-MSC could have dramatic treatment effect.

    METHODS: Eighteen patients with WHO class III or IV LN were randomly assigned to hUC-MSC (dose 2×108 cells) or placebo. All patients received standard immunosuppressive treatment, which consisted of intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide, followed by maintenance oral prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil.

    RESULTS: Remission occurred in 9 of 12 patients (75%) in the hUC-MSC group and 5 of 6 patients (83%) in the placebo group. Remission was defined as stabilisation or improvement in renal function, reduction in urinary red cells and protein. A similar proportion of patients on hUC-MSC and placebo achieved complete remission. Improvements in serum albumin, complement, renal function, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index and British Isles Lupus Assessment Group scores were similar in both groups. One patient on placebo had a stroke and another had ascites. One patient on hUC-MSC had leucopenia, pneumonia and subcutaneous abscess and another died of severe pneumonia. The trial was abandoned after 18 patients were enrolled when it had become obvious it would not demonstrate a positive treatment effect.

    CONCLUSION: hUC-MSC has no apparent additional effect over and above standard immunosuppression.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01539902; Results.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance Chemotherapy
  9. Athirah Othman, Johan Sohaili, Nur Sumaiyyah Supian
    MyJurnal
    This review is aimed to present an in-depth review of several methodologies on magnetic
    water treatment (MWT) that are employed as scale treatment in water pipeline and to
    critically discuss each method in order to determine the best outcome of MWT. The
    magnetically assisted water in pipeline in various applications are presented, argued and
    best variables are listed according to the performance of each MWT. The advantages and
    limitations of MWT are discussed and the main outcome from the review summarize the
    best method in MWT, especially in effectiveness of treating scale in terms of sustained
    environment benefits. Magnetic field application in water treatment has the potential to
    improve the water pipeline performance and lifetime. The application is also significant in
    controlling the growth of scale in upcoming system. Both of these benefits lead to healthier
    water treatment, increasing and maintaining the lifetime and performance of water system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  10. Teh Sin Yin, Ong Ker Hsin, Soh Keng Lin, Khoo Michael Boon Chong, Teoh Wei Li
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:1067-1075.
    The existing optimal design of the fixed sampling interval S2-EWMA control chart to monitor the sample variance of a process is based on the average run length (ARL) criterion. Since the shape of the run length distribution changes with the magnitude of the shift in the variance, the median run length (MRL) gives a more meaningful explanation about the in-control and out-of-control performances of a control chart. This paper proposes the optimal design of the S2-EWMA chart, based on the MRL. The Markov chain technique is employed to compute the MRLs. The performances of the S2-EWMA chart, double sampling (DS) S2 chart and S chart are evaluated and compared. The MRL results indicated that the S2-EWMA chart gives better performance for detecting small and moderate variance shifts, while maintaining almost the same sensitivity as the DS S2 and S charts toward large variance shifts, especially when the sample size increases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  11. Ong YP, Ho LN, Ong SA, Banjuraizah J, Ibrahim AH, Lee SL, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2019 Mar;219:277-285.
    PMID: 30543963 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.004
    Photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) is considered as a sustainable green technology which could degrade organic pollutant and generate electricity simultaneously. A synergistic double-sided ZnO/BaTiO3 loaded carbon plate heterojunction photoanode was fabricated in different ratios by using simple ultrasonication and mixed-annealed method. The double-sided design of photoanode allowed the lights irradiated at both sides of the photoanode. The ferroelectricity fabricated photoanode was applied in a membraneless PFC with platinum-loaded carbon as the cathode. Results revealed that the photoanode with 1:1 ratio of BaTiO3 and ZnO exhibited a superior photocatalytic activity among all the photoanodes prepared in this study. The heterojunction of this photoanode was able to achieve up to a removal efficiency of 93.67% with a maximum power density of 0.5284 μW cm-2 in 10 mg L-1 of Reactive Red 120 (RR120) without any supporting electrolyte. This photoanode was able to maintain at high performance after recycling 3 times. Overloading of ZnO above 50% on BaTiO3 could lead to deterioration of the performance of PFC due to the charge defects and light trapping ability. The interactions, interesting polarizations of the photocatalysts and proposed mechanism of the n-n type heterojunction in the photoanode of ZnO/BaTiO3 was also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  12. Ang KM, Yeo LY, Hung YM, Tan MK
    Nanoscale, 2017 May 18;9(19):6497-6508.
    PMID: 28466906 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr01690e
    We exploit the possibility of enhancing the molecular transport of liquids through graphene films using amplitude modulated surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to demonstrate effective and efficient nanoparticle filtration. The use of the SAW, which is an extremely efficient means for driving microfluidic transport, overcomes the need for the large mechanical pumps required to circumvent the large pressure drops encountered in conventional membranes for nanoparticle filtration. 100% filtration efficiency was obtained for micron-dimension particulates, decreasing to only 95% for the filtration of particles of tens of nanometers in dimension, which is comparable to that achieved with other methods. To circumvent clogging of the film, which is typical with all membrane filters, a backwash operation to flush the nanoparticles is incorporated simply by reversing the SAW-induced flow such that 98% recovery of the initial filtration rate is recovered. Given these efficiencies, together with the low cost and compact size of the chipscale SAW devices, we envisage the possibility of scaling out the process by operating a large number of devices in parallel to achieve typical industrial-scale throughputs with potential benefits in terms of substantially lower capital, operating and maintenance costs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  13. Phirdaous Abbas, Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun Hashim, Hamzah Mohd Salleh, Saripah Salbiah Syed Abdul Azzizz
    MyJurnal
    Uninfected agarwood branch is readily available as raw material in agarwood plantation as new practices of agarwood plantation scheme were opted as substitute to the endangered wild type agarwood. The uninfected branch can be easily obtained during pruning process (one of plantation’s common maintenance procedure), throughout the years before inoculation stage. This current study aimed to investigate the optimal extraction process conditions of agarwood branch using ethanol as solvent system for maximal yield, and assess its cytotoxic effects towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Uninfected branch of Aquilaria subintegra was subjected to One Factor at a Time (OFAT) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-guided ethanolic extraction to achieve maximal yield. The extract was then subjected to cytotoxicity, cell attachment and cell viability assays, respectively. Optimization Run 2 (temperature 45 °C, solid-liquid ratio of 1:30, 16 hours maceration) gave the highest agarwood branch ethanolic extract (ABEE) yield of 44.70 ± 18.9 mg/g dried material (DM). Meanwhile Run 7 (temperature 45 °C, solid-liquid ratio of 1:10, 16 hours of maceration) gave the lowest yield (19.34 ± 14.1 mg/g DM). However, while maintaining the 16 hour-maceration, the model predicted a slightly lower yield of 30.232 ± 0.266 mg/g DM of ABEE with process conditions of 45 °C and solid-liquid ratio of 1:19 when the desirable parameters were factored in namely using (ⅰ) the most suitable temperature (that does not risk the bioactivities of the extract), and (ⅱ) an economical volume of solvent. Crude ABEE obtained from the optimal process conditions resulted in cytotoxicity effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells with IC50 estimate of 3.645 ± 0.099 μg/mL. The extract also affected MCF-7 cell attachment and viability with altered morphology. More work to elucidate the mechanism of actions of the extract are warranted; which could further lead to development of breast cancer natural product-based therapeutics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  14. Mohd Fazli Zakaria, Lanyau, Tonny, Mohamad Fauzi Saad, Ahmad Razali Ismail
    MyJurnal
    Ageing management is one of the important safety factors to be implemented proactively throughout the lifetime of a research reactor. In order to continue the safe operation of a research reactor from the reactor safety standpoint, a systematic and methodical approach should be taken. In practice, ageing management programme is accomplished by integrating the existing programmes including maintenance, periodic testing and inspection and periodic safety reviews. Such approach will be a good platform for the reactor operation
    and maintenance group to utilize data from existing maintenance programme to be incorporate into the ageing maintenance system. This paper will describe the ageing management programme for Reactor TRIGA PUSPATI (RTP).
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  15. Amir Abdullah, M.D., Abdullah, A.H., Leman, A.M.
    MyJurnal
    Indoor air quality has been a major public concern recently. Several health effects are related to this problem.
    Findings from several studies have shown MVAC system as the main contributor for IAQ problem. Good practice of
    maintenance and servicing is important to maintain MVAC system, especially the filter. Good air filtration for MVAC
    system is needed to make sure adequate air is received by the occupants. This paper illustrated a recent study of air
    filtration for MVAC system especially for several industries that used MVAC system in their premises. This paper also
    proposed an air filtration study for a better air quality. Several Acts and Regulations related to Safety and Health were
    identified to create the framework for the proposed study. Air filtration technique was used in this preliminary study
    to set up guidelines to create safe and clean indoor spaces for workers and occupants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  16. Priscilla, D., Hamidin, A., Azhar, M. Z., Noorjan, K. O. N., Salmiah, M. S., Bahariah, K.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The purpose of this study is to access the prevalence of anxiety disorders and quality of life factors among hematological cancer patients in a Malaysian hospital. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional research design. It was conducted at the Ampang Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, a tertiary referral center for hematological cancer. Anxiety disorders were diagnosed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI); quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQC30) questionnaire. Results: A total of 105 hematological cancer patients participated in the study, which constituted a response rate of 83.3%. The prevalence of anxiety disorders in our sample ranged from 1% to 24.8%. Overall, compared to patients without anxiety disorders, hematological cancer patients with anxiety disorders reported impaired quality of life in regards to emotional functioning, cognitive functioning, insomnia, dyspnoea, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss and constipation (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
  17. Yunus RM, Wazid SW, Hairi NN, Choo WY, Hairi FM, Sooryanarayana R, et al.
    PLoS One, 2017;12(7):e0180222.
    PMID: 28686603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180222
    OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between elder abuse and poor sleep using a Malay validated version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
    DESIGN: This study was divided into two phases. Phase I tested the construct validity and reliability of the Malay version of PSQI. Phase II was a population-based, cross-sectional study with a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Home-based interviews were conducted by trained personnel using a structured questionnaire, to determine exposure and outcome.
    SETTING: Kuala Pilah, a district in Negeri Sembilan which is one of the fourteen states in Malaysia.
    PARTICIPANTS: 1648 community-dwelling older Malaysians.
    RESULTS: The Malay version of PSQI had significant test re-test reliability with intra-class correlation coefficients of 0.62. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that one factor PSQI scale with three components (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disturbances) was most suitable. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.60 and composite reliability was 0.63. PSQI scores were highest among neglect (4.11), followed by physical (4.10), psychological (3.96) and financial abuse (3.60). There was a dose-response relationship between clustering of abuse and PSQI scores; 3.41, 3.50 and 3.84 for "no abuse", "1 type of abuse" and "2 types or more". Generalized linear models revealed six variables as significant determinants of sleep quality-abuse, co-morbidities, self-rated health, income, social support and gait speed. Among abuse subtypes, only neglect was significantly associated with poor sleep.
    CONCLUSION: The Malay PSQI was valid and reliable. Abuse was significantly associated with poor sleep. As sleep is essential for health and is a good predictor for mortality among older adults, management of abuse victims should entail sleep assessment. Interventions or treatment modalities which focus on improving sleep quality among abuse victims should be designed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/diagnosis; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychology*
  18. Lim YC, Hoe VCW, Darus A, Bhoo-Pathy N
    Occup Environ Med, 2018 10;75(10):716-723.
    PMID: 30032104 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105104
    OBJECTIVES: Occupational factors, particularly night-shift work, are attracting growing interest as a possible determinant of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to determine the association between night-shift work and MetS, and assess whether sleep quality is a mediating factor.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Malaysian manufacturing workers, aged 40-65 years old. They completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographics, lifestyle and family history, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein levels were measured. Baron and Kenny's method, Sobel test and multiple mediation models with bootstrapping were used to determine whether the PSQI global score or its components mediated the association between night-shift work and MetS.

    RESULTS: Of the 494 participants, 177 (36%) worked night shift and 51% were men. The prevalence of MetS was 37%. Night-shift work was independently associated with a twofold increase in the risk of MetS (adjusted OR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.97). However, the association between night-shift work and MetS did not appear to be modified by sex. Night-shift workers also reported significantly poorer sleep quality, longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration, sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction. Robust mediation analysis nonetheless showed that neither PSQI global score nor its components mediated the association between night-shift work and MetS.

    CONCLUSION: Early screening and management of MetS and the development of programmes to improve sleep quality should be carried out among night-shift workers. Future research should investigate other modifiable mediators linking night-shift work and MetS.

    Matched MeSH terms: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology*
  19. Baharuddin H, Hanafiah M, Aflah SSS, Zim MAM, Ch'Ng SS
    Case Rep Pulmonol, 2021;2021:6693031.
    PMID: 33505755 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6693031
    Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a rare condition, commonly associated with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). We report a 53-year-old woman with an incidental finding of an abnormal chest radiograph. LIP was diagnosed based on high-resolution computed tomography and lung biopsy, but treatment was not initiated. Six years later, she developed cough and dyspnoea, associated with dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthralgia. While being investigated for the respiratory symptoms, she developed cutaneous vasculitis and was treated with 1 mg/kg prednisolone, which resulted in the improvement of her respiratory symptoms. Physical examination revealed fine bibasal crepitations, active vasculitic skin lesions, and a positive Schirmer's test. Investigations revealed a restrictive pattern in the pulmonary function test, stable LIP pattern in HRCT, and positive anti-Ro antibodies. She was treated with prednisolone and azathioprine for 18 months, and within this time, she was hospitalised for flare of LIP, as well as respiratory tract infection on three occasions. During the third flare, when she also developed cutaneous vasculitis, she agreed for prednisolone but refused other second-line agents. To date, she remained well with the maintenance of prednisolone 2.5 mg monotherapy for more than one year. The lessons from this case are (i) patients with LIP can be asymptomatic, (ii) LIP can precede symptoms of SS, and (iii) treatment decision for asymptomatic patients with abnormal imaging or patients with mild severity should be weighed between the risk of immunosuppression and risk of active disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
  20. Cely-Gómez MA, Castillo-Figueroa D, Pérez-Torres J
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2021 Mar;32(1):47-61.
    PMID: 33936550 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2021.32.1.3
    The surge of oil palm production in the Neotropics has become a major concern about the potential impacts on biodiversity. In the Colombian Orinoquia, which has shown a massive landscape transformation due to the growth of oil palm plantations, the effects of oil palm agriculture on bats in this region have not been studied up to date. To understand the impact of habitat conversion on bat diversity, we characterised bat assemblages in secondary forest and palm plantations in the Colombian Llanos foothills (Meta, Colombia). We captured 393 individuals (forest = 81, plantation = 312) of 18 species and 3 families. The forest cover presented three exclusive species while the plantation had five. Species diversity (q1) and evenness (J') were higher in the forest compared to the plantation. These differences derived from the increase in abundances of generalist species (Artibeus sp., Carollia spp.) in the plantation. Despite the habitat simplification caused by oil palm plantations, this monoculture provides a cover that is used by some bats, decreasing their risk of predation and allowing movement between patches of forest habitat as steppingstones. Maintaining forest cover in agricultural landscapes favours diversity by generating a "spillover effect" of the forest towards plantations, which in the case of some bats contributes to the reduction of species isolation and the maintenance of ecosystem services provided by them. It is important to improve management practices of oil palm plantations to minimise negative impacts on biodiversity, considering the expansion of this productive system and the scarcity of protected areas in this region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maintenance
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links