Displaying publications 21 - 33 of 33 in total

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  1. Fulltext Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship
    Hamzah NA, Mohd Tamrin SB, Ismail NH
    Int J Occup Environ Health, 2016 07;22(3):224-232.
    PMID: 27392157 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2016.1207040
    BACKGROUND: Metallic dust is a heterogeneous substance with respiratory sensitizing properties. Its long term exposure adversely affected lung function, thus may cause acute or chronic respiratory diseases.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a steel factory in Terengganu, Malaysia to assess the metal dust exposure and its relationship to lung function values among 184 workers. Metal dust concentrations values (Co, Cr, and Ni) for each worker were collected using air personal sampling. Lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC) were determined using spirometer.

    RESULTS: Exposure to cobalt and chromium were 1-3 times higher than permissible exposure limit (PEL) while nickel was not exceeding the PEL. Cumulative of chromium was the predictor to all lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC). Frequency of using mask was positively associated with FVC (Adj b = 0.263, P = 0.011) while past respiratory illnesses were negatively associated with %FEV1/FVC (Adj b = -1.452, P = 0.026). Only few workers (36.4%) were found to wear their masks all times during the working hours.

    CONCLUSIONS: There was an exposure-response relationship of cumulative metal dust exposure with the deterioration of lung function values. Improvement of control measures as well as proper and efficient use or personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of workers.

    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders/etiology*; Respiration Disorders/epidemiology; Respiration Disorders/physiopathology
  2. Fulltext Respiratory symptons prevalence among traffic policemen in Malaysia
    Putri Anis Syahira Mohamad Jamil, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi, Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, Sivasankar Sambasivam, Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad Yusof, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(102):1-5.
    MyJurnal
    Traffic policemen are exposed to polluted air for a long time in high concentrations since they are working outside for most of the time which is bad for their health. Hence, this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among traffic police in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Methods: A pulmonary function test using spirometer was used to measure the pulmonary function of subjects. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms translated version from IUALTD was used. The questionnaire includes background data, occupational and health history. Results: The traffic policemen were determined as having lower lung function parameters; low FVC% predicted (89.6%) and low FEV1% predicted (94%) due to their nature of work and the environment. Coughing was present at the highest (33.6%) among them, whereas wheezing was found the least (15.7%) of the workers. Conclusions: Findings from this study, indicated that there is a development of respiratory diseases and deterioration of lung function among traffic policemen. These baseline data can serve as a reference to the top management of traffic police officers in order to develop an occupational safety and health guideline for police officers as they are not covered by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, Act 514 1994).
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders
  3. In vitro and in vivo mechanism of immunomodulatory and antiviral activity of Edible Bird's Nest (EBN) against influenza A virus (IAV) infection
    Haghani A, Mehrbod P, Safi N, Aminuddin NA, Bahadoran A, Omar AR, et al.
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2016 Jun 5;185:327-40.
    PMID: 26976767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.03.020
    For centuries, Edible Bird Nest (EBN) has been used in treatment of variety of respiratory diseases such as flu and cough as a Chinese natural medicine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders
  4. Review of air pollution and health impacts in Malaysia
    Afroz R, Hassan MN, Ibrahim NA
    Environ Res, 2003 Jun;92(2):71-7.
    PMID: 12854685
    In the early days of abundant resources and minimal development pressures, little attention was paid to growing environmental concerns in Malaysia. The haze episodes in Southeast Asia in 1983, 1984, 1991, 1994, and 1997 imposed threats to the environmental management of Malaysia and increased awareness of the environment. As a consequence, the government established Malaysian Air Quality Guidelines, the Air Pollution Index, and the Haze Action Plan to improve air quality. Air quality monitoring is part of the initial strategy in the pollution prevention program in Malaysia. Review of air pollution in Malaysia is based on the reports of the air quality monitoring in several large cities in Malaysia, which cover air pollutants such as Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM). The results of the monitoring indicate that Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) are the predominant pollutants. Other pollutants such as CO, O(x), SO2, and Pb are also observed in several big cities in Malaysia. The air pollution comes mainly from land transportation, industrial emissions, and open burning sources. Among them, land transportation contributes the most to air pollution. This paper reviews the results of the ambient air quality monitoring and studies related to air pollution and health impacts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders/etiology
  5. Fulltext Pulmonary rehabilitation using mechanical insufflation-exsufflation therapy for spinal cord injury – two case studies in the University Malaya Medical Centre
    Tan, J.H., Aishah A. Fauzi, Hasnan, N.
    JUMMEC, 2017;20(2):31-33.
    MyJurnal
    There is a high incidence of 36% to 83% of respiratory dysfunction in patients with acute cervical spinal cord
    injury. Complications arising from respiratory dysfunction remain one of the most common causes of morbidity
    and mortality in the spinal cord injured population. Specialized pulmonary care and therapy can help individuals
    with tetraplegia to maintain a stable respiratory status allowing active participation in active rehabilitation.
    This would allow them to achieve rehabilitation goals of independent function and community reintegration.
    Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) therapy is an option for secretion management in individuals with
    acute spinal cord injury. In this paper, we present our experience using MIE as an adjunct to management of
    secretions in the spinal cord injured population at the University of Malaya Medical Centre.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders
  6. Fulltext Nanotechnology in drug delivery gaining new perspectives in respiratory diseases
    Dua K, Madan JR, Chellappan DK, Gupta G
    Panminerva Med, 2018 09;60(3):135-136.
    PMID: 30176702 DOI: 10.23736/S0031-0808.18.03442-0
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders/drug therapy*
  7. Fulltext Impact of London's low emission zone on air quality and children's respiratory health: a sequential annual cross-sectional study
    Mudway IS, Dundas I, Wood HE, Marlin N, Jamaludin JB, Bremner SA, et al.
    Lancet Public Health, 2019 Jan;4(1):e28-e40.
    PMID: 30448150 DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(18)30202-0
    BACKGROUND: Low emission zones (LEZ) are an increasingly common, but unevaluated, intervention aimed at improving urban air quality and public health. We investigated the impact of London's LEZ on air quality and children's respiratory health.

    METHODS: We did a sequential annual cross-sectional study of 2164 children aged 8-9 years attending primary schools between 2009-10 and 2013-14 in central London, UK, following the introduction of London's LEZ in February, 2008. We examined the association between modelled pollutant exposures of nitrogen oxides (including nitrogen dioxide [NO2]) and particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2·5 μm (PM2·5) and less than 10 μm (PM10) and lung function: postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, primary outcome), forced vital capacity (FVC), and respiratory or allergic symptoms. We assigned annual exposures by each child's home and school address, as well as spatially resolved estimates for the 3 h (0600-0900 h), 24 h, and 7 days before each child's assessment, to isolate long-term from short-term effects.

    FINDINGS: The percentage of children living at addresses exceeding the EU limit value for annual NO2 (40 μg/m3) fell from 99% (444/450) in 2009 to 34% (150/441) in 2013. Over this period, we identified a reduction in NO2 at both roadside (median -1·35 μg/m3 per year; 95% CI -2·09 to -0·61; p=0·0004) and background locations (-0·97; -1·56 to -0·38; p=0·0013), but not for PM10. The effect on PM2·5 was equivocal. We found no association between postbronchodilator FEV1 and annual residential pollutant attributions. By contrast, FVC was inversely correlated with annual NO2 (-0·0023 L/μg per m3; -0·0044 to -0·0002; p=0·033) and PM10 (-0·0090 L/μg per m3; -0·0175 to -0·0005; p=0·038).

    INTERPRETATION: Within London's LEZ, a smaller lung volume in children was associated with higher annual air pollutant exposures. We found no evidence of a reduction in the proportion of children with small lungs over this period, despite small improvements in air quality in highly polluted urban areas during the implementation of London's LEZ. Interventions that deliver larger reductions in emissions might yield improvements in children's health.

    FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust and King's College London, NHS Hackney, Lee Him donation, and Felicity Wilde Charitable Trust.

    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders/epidemiology*
  8. Combined transnasal and transoral endoscopic approach to a transsphenoidal encephalocele in an infant
    Tan SH, Mun KS, Chandran PA, Manuel AM, Prepageran N, Waran V, et al.
    Childs Nerv Syst, 2015 Jul;31(7):1165-9.
    PMID: 25712744 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-015-2667-9
    This paper reports an unusual case of a transsphenoidal encephalocele and discusses our experience with a minimally invasive management. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a combined endoscopic transnasal and transoral approach to a transsphenoidal encephalocele in an infant.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders/etiology
  9. Impact of long-term exposure wildfire smog on respiratory health outcomes
    Ontawong A, Saokaew S, Jamroendararasame B, Duangjai A
    Expert Rev Respir Med, 2020 05;14(5):527-531.
    PMID: 32156169 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1740089
    Background: Air pollution is a global problem and also linked to respiratory diseases. Wildfire smog is a major cause of air pollution in the upper northern area of Thailand. Thus, in the current study, we examined whether long-term exposure to wildfire smog induces lung function changes in a population from the upper northern area of Thailand.Methods: The lung function of 115 participants with long-term exposure smog was determined using peak flow meter.Results: Long-term smoke exposure participants decreased FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second)/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio (56.49 ± 23.88 in males and 56.29 ± 28.23 in females) compared with general Thai population. Moreover, the reduction of FVC, FEV1, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) values also showed in both male and female subjects. These results suggest that long-term smoke exposure induces obstructive lung abnormality. Moreover, itchy/watery nose, cough, phlegm, and chest pain also reported in these subjects.Conclusion: Wildfire smog could be induced respiratory pathway inflammation and easily collapsible respiratory airways.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders
  10. Targeting eosinophils in respiratory diseases: Biological axis, emerging therapeutics and treatment modalities
    Lee LY, Hew GSY, Mehta M, Shukla SD, Satija S, Khurana N, et al.
    Life Sci, 2021 Feb 15;267:118973.
    PMID: 33400932 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118973
    Eosinophils are bi-lobed, multi-functional innate immune cells with diverse cell surface receptors that regulate local immune and inflammatory responses. Several inflammatory and infectious diseases are triggered with their build up in the blood and tissues. The mobilization of eosinophils into the lungs is regulated by a cascade of processes guided by Th2 cytokine generating T-cells. Recruitment of eosinophils essentially leads to a characteristic immune response followed by airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling, which are hallmarks of chronic respiratory diseases. By analysing the dynamic interactions of eosinophils with their extracellular environment, which also involve signaling molecules and tissues, various therapies have been invented and developed to target respiratory diseases. Having entered clinical testing, several eosinophil targeting therapeutic agents have shown much promise and have further bridged the gap between theory and practice. Moreover, researchers now have a clearer understanding of the roles and mechanisms of eosinophils. These factors have successfully assisted molecular biologists to block specific pathways in the growth, migration and activation of eosinophils. The primary purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the eosinophil biology with a special emphasis on potential pharmacotherapeutic targets. The review also summarizes promising eosinophil-targeting agents, along with their mechanisms and rationale for use, including those in developmental pipeline, in clinical trials, or approved for other respiratory disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders/immunology*; Respiration Disorders/metabolism; Respiration Disorders/physiopathology
  11. Fulltext Asymptomatic Lymphocytic Interstitial Pneumonia with Extensive HRCT Changes Preceding Sjogren's Syndrome
    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: Respiration Disorders
  12. Comparison of morbidities in very low birthweight and normal birthweight infants during the first year of life in a developing country
    Boo NY, Ong LC, Lye MS, Chandran V, Teoh SL, Zamratol S, et al.
    J Paediatr Child Health, 1996 Oct;32(5):439-44.
    PMID: 8933407
    OBJECTIVE: To compare the morbidities in the very low birthweight (VLBW; < 1500 g) and normal birthweight (NBW; > or = 2500 g) Malaysian infants during the first year of life.

    METHODOLOGY: Prospective observational cohort study of consecutive surviving VLBW infants and randomly sampled NBW infants born in the Kuala Lumpur Maternity Hospital between 1 December 1989 and 31 December 1992. Infants were followed up regularly during the first year of life, after correction for prematurity.

    RESULTS: Compared with NBW infants (n = 106), VLBW infants (n = 127) had significantly higher risk of failure to thrive (odds ratio [OR] = 8.0, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.1 to 354.3), wheezing (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6 to 9.3), rehospitalization (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1 to 5.0), cerebral palsy (OR = 8.6, 95% CI: 2.0 to 77.6), neurosensory hearing loss (OR = 12.0, 95% CI: 1.7 to 513.6) and visual loss (7.9 vs 0%, P = 0.002). The mean mental developmental index (MDI) and mean psychomotor developmental index (PDI) at 1 year of age were significantly lower among VLBW infants (MDI 99 [SD = 28], PDI 89 [SD = 25]) than NBW infants (MDI 106 [SD = 18], PDI 101 [SD = 18]) (95% CI for difference between means being MDI: -14.1 to -1.7; and PDI: -17.6 to -6.0). Logistic regression analysis showed that among VLBW infants: (i) male sex, Malay ethnicity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were significant risk factors associated with wheezing; (ii) longer duration of oxygen therapy during the neonatal period, seizures after the post-neonatal period and wheezing were significant risk factors associated with rehospitalization; and (iii) longer duration of oxygen therapy during the neonatal period was a significant risk factor associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome during the first year of life.

    CONCLUSIONS: Compared with NBW infants, VLBW Malaysian infants had significantly higher risks of physical and neuro-developmental morbidities.

    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders/etiology
  13. Fulltext Treatment of multiple-level tracheobronchial stenosis secondary to endobronchial tuberculosis using bronchoscopic balloon dilatation with topical mitomycin-C
    Faisal M, Harun H, Hassan TM, Ban AY, Chotirmall SH, Abdul Rahaman JA
    BMC Pulm Med, 2016;16(1):53.
    PMID: 27080697 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-016-0209-1
    Tracheobronchial stenosis is a known complication of endobronchial tuberculosis. Despite antituberculous and steroid therapy, the development of bronchial stenosis is usually irreversible and requires airway patency to be restored by either bronchoscopic or surgical interventions. We report the use of balloon dilatation and topical mitomycin-C to successful restore airway patency.
    Matched MeSH terms: Respiration Disorders
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