MyMedR

Displaying all 18 publications

Abstract:

Sort:

Susceptibility of laboratory and field-collected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus to Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis H-14

Lee YW, Zairi J

J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 2006 Mar;22(1):97-101.
PMID: 16646329

Susceptibility levels of a few laboratory-cultured and dengue-endemic area field-collected strains of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus to Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) at different storage ages were studied. The susceptibility of laboratory-cultured World Health Organization (WHO) Bora Bora reference, Vector Control Research Unit (VCRU), and Fumakilla Malaysia Berhad (FMB) strains of Ae. aegypti to Bti was examined. The sensitivity to Bti decreased with storage age. The median lethal concentration (LC50) for Bti increased by 2-3 times after 2 years compared to a fresh sample (3-6 months of storage). However, after the 2-year storage period, Bti still provided very good efficacy against all laboratory-cultured susceptible strains of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The observed 95% lethal concentration values were about 20 times lower than the recommended concentration (6,000 international toxic units (ITU)/liter). Results obtained from the study against the dengue-endemic area field-collected strains of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus confirmed the effectiveness of the Bti after storage for 2 years (18-24 months). For Ae. aegypti, the Ujung Batu strain was the most susceptible to Bti, whereas the Sungai Nibong strain showed the most tolerance. Susceptibility of laboratory-cultured strains varied; the Air Itam strain of Ae. albopictus was the most susceptible to Bti, whereas the Kampung Serani strain was the most tolerant among the field strains. However, the laboratory strain of Ae. albopictus was more susceptible than all the field strains.
Fulltext Field evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 against Aedes mosquitoes

Lee YW, Zairi J

Trop Biomed, 2006 Jun;23(1):37-44.
PMID: 17041550 MyJurnal

Studies were carried out on the residual efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 (water dispersible granule, VectoBac ABG 6511) as direct application in the control of Aedes larvae in the field. Field Aedes sp populations in the earthen and glass jars were predetermined before initiation of the trial. On confirmation of the presence of Aedes species in the designated area, Sungai Nibong Kecil, Penang Island, Malaysia, Bti was introduced in the 55L earthen and 3L glass jars). Two test designs were carried out. The first design had treated water replenished daily with 6L of seasoned water and the second design is without the replenishment of water but evaporated water was replenished. Bti was effective in the field for at least 35 days with more than 80% reduction in the Aedes larvae in the treated containers. For earthen jars with daily replenishment of water, 100% reduction was recorded for the first 3 days, while more than 80% reduction was recorded up to day 40. At day 60, Bti still provided an efficacy of 54.32 +/- 4.61 (%) of reduction. Whilst for earthen jars without daily replenishment of water, 100% reduction was recorded for the first 5 days, while more than 80% of reduction was recorded up to day 40. For the glass jars studied, similar efficacy was observed. In jars with daily replenishment of water a better larval control was observed. Percentage of reduction from day 50 to 60 for replenishment of water was between 50 to 70% compared to without replenishment of water with less than 40%.
Fulltext Laboratory evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 against Aedes aegypti

Lee YW, Zairi J

Trop Biomed, 2005 Jun;22(1):5-10.
PMID: 16880748

Laboratory efficacy and residual activity of a water dispersible granule formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) at the dosages of 3000, 6000 and 15000 ITU/L were conducted in this study. The study was conducted in two different size containers, earthen jar (45 L) and glass jar (3 L) with or without daily replenishment of 6 L and 0.3 L of water in the earthen and glass jars, respectively. Results indicate that for both earthen jar and glass jar evaluations, Bti at the tested dosages, performed effectively against Aedes aegypti, giving a minimum of 42 days effective killing activity. When the dosage was increased from 3000 ITU/L to 6000 ITU/L or 15000 ITU/L, the effective periods of the Bti increased by an additional one to three weeks. The Bti water dispersible granule provided better larvicidal activity with replenishment of water compared with non-replenishment of water especially for the higher dosage (15000 ITU/L).
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in Malaysian children with severe atopic dermatitis

Lee YW, Choon SE, Izham S

Med J Malaysia, 2019 08;74(4):259-265.
PMID: 31424030

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be a determinant of disease severity in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). There is a lack of information on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Malaysian children with AD. The objective of this study was to determine the association of vitamin D deficiency with AD severity, to compare vitamin D deficiency between children with and without AD and to determine prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with AD.
METHODS: A case-control study to examine serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in children with and without AD was done. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level was measured by immunoassay. AD severity was evaluated using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index.
RESULTS: The serum levels of 25(OH)D, measured in 135 children with AD was not statistically different from 65 children without AD [median (IQR): 25.2ng/mL (15.45) vs 25.9ng/mL (15.87), p=0.616]. However, serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in children with severe AD compared to those with mild-to-moderate AD [median (IQR): 16.0ng/mL (19.32) vs 26.3ng/mL (15.56), p=0.021]. The odds of having vitamin D deficiency in children with severe AD was 3.82 times that of children with non-severe AD (95% confidence level: 1.13, 12.87).
CONCLUSION: This study suggests that there is an inverse association between vitamin D level and the severity of AD in Malaysian children.
Indoor thermal fogging against vector mosquitoes with two Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis formulations, Vectobac ABG 6511 water-dispersible granules and Vectobac 12AS liquid

Yap HH, Lee YW, Zairi J

J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 2002 Mar;18(1):52-6.
PMID: 11998931

Bioefficacy of thermal fogging application of 2 Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis formulations, Vectobac ABG 6511 water-dispersible granules (3,000 international toxic unit [ITU]/mg) and Vectobac 12AS liquid (1,200 ITU/mg), was assessed for larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles dirus, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Portable Agrofog AF35 sprayers were used to apply the 2 formulations indoors in residential premises on Penang Island, Malaysia. Vectobac ABG 6511 showed good larvicidal effect against all 4 mosquito species at 3 of the higher doses tested (2.91 x 10(9), 1.45 x 10(9), and 0.71 x 10(9) ITU/ha), with more than 96% mortality at 48 h after spraying. As a comparative formulation, Vectobac 12AS also showed good larvicidal activity against all 4 mosquito species at 2 of the higher doses tested (2.87 x 10(9) and 1.46 x 10(9) ITU/ha), with more than 92.5% mortality at 48 h after spraying. Larvae of An. dirus were significantly more susceptible to both water-based Vectobac formulations when compared to the other 3 mosquito species. Both microbial formulations showed better efficacy at higher doses. However, even at the lowest dose tested, Vectobac ABG 6511 and Vectobac 12AS (both at 0.36 x 10(9) ITU/ha) showed larvicidal properties, with more than 66% mortality at 48 h after spraying. Overall, for this bacterial agent, the water-dispersible granule formulation has better prospects than the liquid formulation for the control of larvae of vector mosquitoes.
Integration of Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 formulations and pyriproxyfen for the control of larvae of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus

Lee YW, Zairi J, Yap HH, Adanan CR

J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 2005 Mar;21(1):84-9.
PMID: 15825767

Studies were carried out on the bioefficacy and residual activity of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis H-14 (Bti) (water-dispersible granules of VectoBac ABG 6511 and liquid formulations of VectoBac 12AS) and pyriproxyfen (insect growth regulator, Sumilarv 0.5%) as direct applications for control of larvae of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Two dosages of each Bti formulation (285 and 570 international toxic units [ITU]/liter) and the integration of both Bti formulations and pyriproxyfen were used for residual tests with 45-liter earthen jars for a period of 4 wk. In 1 test series, the treated water was replenished daily with 6 liters of seasoned untreated water. In the 2nd test series, the water in the jars was topped up to the 40-liter level during evaluation. Neither Bti formulation remained effective for a full week. Water-dispersible Bti granules provided effective initial control activity against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus for both test designs (with replenishment and without replenishment of water). The higher dosage (570 ITU/liter) for both Bti formulations was only partially effective at the end of 1 wk after being diluted. After 1 wk, water-dispersible Bti granules provided greater larval mortality than did liquid Bti formulation against both mosquito species when integrated with pyriproxyfen. Pyriproxyfen (79.5 and 159 mg/liter) on its own showed low larvicidal activity but provided very effective control of adult emergence. In this study, integration of Bti (285 and 570 ITU/liter) with pyriproxyfen (79.5 mg/liter) extended the duration of partial larval control somewhat, but live larvae persisted throughout the 4-wk test. The integration effect was more obvious when water-dispersible Bti granules were integrated with pyriproxyfen than when liquid Bti was used. Integration of Bti with pyriproxyfen had a negative effect on adult emergence, which was completely inhibited by pyriproxyfen after day 1. Daily replenishment of water increased Bti activity and provided slightly better larval control. Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti were both completely susceptible to the higher concentration of Bti and pyriproxyfen in both test designs (with replenishment and without replenishment of water).
Indoor thermal fogging application of pesguard FG 161, a mixture of d-tetramethrin and cyphenothrin, using portable sprayer against vector mosquitoes in the tropical environment

Yap HH, Lee YW, Zairi J, Jahangir K, Adanan CR

J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 2001 Mar;17(1):28-32.
PMID: 11345415

Indoor bioefficacy of the thermal fogging application of Pesguard FG 161, a formulation containing both knockdown and killing agents (active ingredient [AI]: d-tetramethrin 4% [w/w] and cyphenothrin 12% [w/w]) was compared with Resigen5 (AI: s-bioallethrin 0.8% [w/w], permethrin 125/75] 18.7% [w/w], and piperonyl butoxide 16.8% [w/w]), another pyrethroid formulation, as larvicides and adulticides against Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles sinensis, and Culex quinquefasciatus using a portable Agrofog AF35 sprayer indoors in houses on Penang Island, Malaysia. Pesguard FG 161 at the concentrations tested was effective against all 4 mosquito species tested. The water-based Pesguard FG 161 performed far better as a larvicide than the diesel-based formulation. Resigen was also effective as a larvicide and adulticide against all 4 mosquito species tested. Larvae of Ae. aegypti were most susceptible to water-based Pesguard FG 161, followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus, An. sinensis, and Ae. albopictus. Even at the lowest concentrations tested, Pesguard FG 161 showed adequate adulticidal properties. At higher dosages, water-based Pesguard FG 161 proved effective as a larvicide against all 4 mosquito species.
Mosquitocidal activity of a native Bacillus thuringiensis isolate Bt ReX02 from Gunung Jerai Forest, Malaysia against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus

Lakxmy AP, Xavier R, Reenajosephine CM, Lee YW, Marimuthu K, Kathiresan S, et al.

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 2011 Feb;15(2):149-55.
PMID: 21434481

To evaluate the mosquito larvicidal potential of the native Bacillus thuringiensis isolate BtReXO2, which was isolated from a tropical rain forest ecosystem in Malaysia. This study also aimed at determining the phenotypic and biochemical characteristics of the isolate.
One-Year Outcomes of Living Related Kidney Transplant in Patients With Preformed HLA Donor-Specific Antibodies: A Single-Center Experience in Malaysia

Jalalonmuhali M, Ng KP, Mohd Shariff NH, Lee YW, Wong AH, Gan CC, et al.

Transplant Proc, 2020 05 21;52(6):1718-1722.
PMID: 32448671 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.02.140

The shortage of deceased donors led to an increase of living related renal transplant performed in the presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) or ABO incompatibilities. There are various desensitization protocols that have been proposed. Here, we describe the outcome of these sensitized patients. This is a prospective cohort study recruiting all kidney transplant recipients from August 2016 until June 2018. Deceased donations, ABO incompatible patients, and sensitized patients who were not prescribed on our desensitization protocol were excluded. Recipients were screened for the presence of HLA-antibodies 1 month before transplant. Those with positive DSA will undergo flow cytometry (risk stratification). We are using a protocol that consisted of intravenous rituximab 200 mg (day -14), intravenous antithymocyte globulin 5mg/kg (day 0-4), plasma exchange post transplant for patients with mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) < 3000, and negative flow cytometry. Those patients with MFI ≥ 3000 or positive flow cytometry need extra cycles pretransplant. A total of 40 patients were recruited, and 20 were sensitized patients. Among the sensitized group 4 of 20 had flow cytometry crossmatch positive, while all had preformed HLA-DSA. A total of 8 of 20 had class I HLA-DSA, 11 of 20 had class II HLA-DSA, and 1of 20 was positive for both class I and II HLA-DSA. Mean immunodominant MFI was 2133.4 (standard deviation [SD], 4451.24) and 1383.7 (SD, 2979.02) for class I and class II, respectively. At 1 year, mean serum creatinine was 108.90 (SD, 25.95) and 118.42 (SD, 31.68) in sensitized and unsensitized patients, respectively. One of 20 unsensitized patients had Banff 1B rejection at 3 months, and there was no significant rejection in sensitized patients at 6 months and 1 year. There was no difference in the occurrence of de novo HLA-DSA between the groups. Desensitization protocols may help to overcome incompatibility barriers in living donor renal transplant. The combination of low-dose rituximab, antithymocyte globulin, and judicious use of plasma exchange has worked well for our cohort.
Low Immunologic Risk Living Related Renal Transplant Using Very Low-Dose Antithymocyte Globulin as Induction Therapy: A Single Tertiary Hospital Experience

Jalalonmuhali M, Ng KP, Ong CS, Lee YW, Wan Md Adnan WAH, Lim SK

Transplant Proc, 2020 05 21;52(6):1709-1714.
PMID: 32448669 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.02.139

The aim of induction therapy in the management of kidney transplant is to reduce the incidence of acute rejection and delayed graft function after kidney transplant. The agent for induction therapy differs depending on the recipient risks. The regimen can be either polyclonal (rabbit antithymocyte globulin [rATG]) or monoclonal antibody (basiliximab). Basiliximab is commonly used in patients with low immunologic risk. However, to date we know that the use of rATG on T cell depletion is dose dependent and more potent antirejection therapy. Therefore, we would like to look at 1-year graft function of very low-dose rATG in low immunologic risk recipients. All low immunologic risk patients who received low-dose rATG (0.5 mg/kg of body weight daily) during transplant (day 0) and on days 1 and 2 were recruited. Their renal function, HLA donor-specific antibodies, lymphocyte counts, protocol biopsy results, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) polymerase chain reaction were monitored as per clinical practice. All 10 patients had immediate graft function. Low-dose rATG caused lymphocyte counts to deplete immediately on day 0, and the effect lasted about 1 month post-transplant. All the patients had stable graft function without any significance episode of rejection. Only one patient had de novo HLA-DQ antibody. It is good to know that without prophylaxis antiviral in CMV+ donor to CMV+ recipient, the incidence of CMV viremia is considerably low in our cohort. Very low-dose rATG is an effective induction immunosuppression in low immunologic risk patients with acceptable infection risk.
Fulltext Genomic analysis revealed a novel genotype of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a fatal sepsis case in dengue patient

Ngoi ST, Niek WK, Lee YW, AbuBakar S, Teh CSJ

Sci Rep, 2021 03 01;11(1):4228.
PMID: 33649330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83661-8

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing serious health implications in susceptible individuals once it invades the host's protective barriers. Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) often receives lesser attention although it has been frequently associated with serious infections in human. We aim to investigate the genomic features of a highly virulent yet pan susceptible MSSA strain (coded as HS-MSSA) which caused concurrent bacteraemia in a dengue patient, ultimately resulted in sepsis death of the patient. Whole genome sequence analysis was performed. The draft genome of HS-MSSA is approximately 2.78 Mb (GC content = 32.7%) comprising of 2637 predicted coding sequences. In silico genotyping of the HS-MSSA strain revealed a novel combined genotype (t091/ST2990). The HS-MSSA carries a SaPIn1-like pathogenicity island that harbours the staphylococcal enterotoxin and enterotoxin-like genes (sec3 and selL). The strain-specific β-lactamase (blaZ)-bearing plasmid region was identified in HS-MSSA. Core genome phylogeny showed that the HS-MSSA strain shared a common ancestry with the European MRSA clone. We report herein the genomic features of an MSSA lineage with novel genotype previously not reported elsewhere.
Metabolic Changes In Living Kidney Donors After Donation In University Malaya Medical Centre

Goh ET, Gan CC, Lim SK, Wong CM, Lee YW, Jalalonmuhali M

Transplant Proc, 2022 Feb 10.
PMID: 35153058 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.01.006

The short- and long-term outcome of donations from living donors of kidneys (LKDs) remains controversial. Information regarding metabolic changes after donation in Malaysia remains limited despite Malaysia having the highest record prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension in Asia. There were 159 LKDs in our center from 2010 to 2020. We analyzed pre and post donation clinical data and laboratory results from 140 LKDs, retrospectively, from electronic medical records and looked for any metabolic changes. Among these 140 LKDs, 99 were women (70.7%), with a mean age of 47.23 ± 11.67 before donation. The median follow-up was 4 years (range, 2-6 years). Median body mass index increased from 24.35 kg/m2 (range, 22.11-26.93) to 25.56 kg/m2 (range, 22.78-28.57; Z=-3.934, P = .000) after donation. Prevalence of obesity increased from 24.18% to 30.77%. Only 2.8% of LKDs developed proteinuria postnephrectomy (P = .250). Serum creatinine increased from 60 mmol/L (range, 52-74) to 87 mmol/L (range, 74-108) 1 year after donation (P = .000), and the latest results decrease to 83 mmol/L (range, 73-101; P = .000). Systolic blood pressure increased from 127.83 ± 12.25 mm Hg to 131.30 ± 18.16 mm Hg, (t[97] = -2.012; P = .047); and prevalence of hypertension increased from 19.81% to 23.58% (P = .125), with 22.64% requiring treatment. We noted that 22.54% of the LKDs had dyslipidemia before donation, a number that increased to 50% after donation (P = .000). LKDs with hyperuricemia increased significantly from 7.92% to 34.65%, with uric acid level increasing from 311.94 ± 78.51umol/L to 381.87 ± 86.96 umol/L (t[94] = -10.805; P = .000). Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin level recorded no significant changes after donation. Post donation kidney function of LKDs compensated well and stable in short term. We noted statistically significant increment of weight, post donation body mass index, systolic blood pressure, uric acid, and lipids. We suggest prospective studies with longer follow-up and more subjects for clinical correlation.
The Utility of Combined Urine Urea and Creatinine Clearance for Pretransplant Renal Function Assessment

Thye CK, Lee YW, Jalalonmuhali M, Lim SK, Ng KP

Transplant Proc, 2022 Feb 02.
PMID: 35123793 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.12.023

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of donor renal function as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a crucial part of pretransplant workup. Most guidelines recommend measured GFR (mGFR) using exogenous markers with creatinine clearance (CrCl) as an alternative. However, exogenous markers are difficult to obtain and perform, and CrCl may overestimate GFR.
OBJECTIVE: We explore the use of CrCl and combined urea and creatinine clearance as an alternative for GFR assessment.
METHODS: A retrospective study involving 81 kidney donors from 2007 to 2020, with mGFR collected by chromium 51-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA) and CrCl and combined urea and creatinine clearance. We analyzed the performance of CrCl and combined urea and creatinine clearance against 51Cr-EDTA. Adequacy of urine volume was taken into consideration.
RESULTS: A total of 81 candidates with a mean age of 44.80 ± 10.77 years were enrolled. Mean mGFR from 51Cr-EDTA was 123.66 ± 26.91 mL/min/1.73 m2, and combined urea and creatinine clearance and CrCl were 122.13 ± 47.07 and 133.40 ± 36.32 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. CrCl overestimated 51Cr-EDTA. Though combined urea and creatinine clearance had minimal bias, it had a lower correlation coefficient (0.25 vs 0.43), lower precision (49.51 vs 38.10), and slightly lower accuracy within 30% of 51Cr-EDTA (74.07% vs 76.54%).
CONCLUSIONS: Combined urea and creatinine clearance did not improve the performance of CrCl. Nevertheless, it can potentially be used as first-line GFR assessment, followed by mGFR in selected donors, to ascertain threshold of safe kidney donation. A stringent urine collection method is essential to ensure accurate measurement.
Creatinine clearance in selection of living kidney donor among the Malaysian population: is it safe?

Thye CK, Lee YW, Jalalonmuhali M, Lim SK, Ng KP

BMC Nephrol, 2023 Sep 11;24(1):267.
PMID: 37691129 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03057-w

BACKGROUND: Assessment of donor renal function is made by the measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Exogenous markers are preferred over creatinine clearance and are widely used for measuring GFR. However, they are difficult to obtain, costly and laborious. This is a study to look into the safety and accuracy of creatinine clearance for renal assessment among the living kidney donors in the Malaysian population.
METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-centre study comprising 105 living kidney donor candidates from the year 2007 to 2020. By comparing against 51-Chromium ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA), we analysed creatinine clearance for correlation, bias, precision and accuracy.
RESULTS: The study group had a mean age of 45.68 ± 10.97 years with a mean serum creatinine of 64.43 ± 17.68 µmol/L and a urine volume of 2.06 ± 0.83 L. Mean measured GFR from 51Cr-EDTA was 124.37 ± 26.83 ml/min/1.73m2 whereas mean creatinine clearance was 132.35 ± 38.18 ml/min/1.73m2. Creatinine clearance overestimated 51Cr-EDTA significantly with a correlation coefficient of 0.48 (p
Fulltext Synchronous online learning during movement control order in higher education institutions: a systematic review

Lee YW, Dorasamy M, Bin Ahmad AA, Jambulingam M, Yeap PF, Harun S

F1000Res, 2021;10:1056.
PMID: 34950456 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73342.2

Background: Higher education institutions (HEI) are not spared from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The closure of campuses because of the movement control order (MCO) to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 has forced HEIs to adopt online learning, especially synchronous online learning (SOL). Although teaching and learning can be continued via SOL, retaining students' interest and sustaining their engagement have not been sufficiently explored. This study presents a systematic review of the research pertaining to SOL associated with students' interest and engagement in HEIs during the MCO environment. Methods: Five major online databases, i.e., EBSCOhost, Science Direct, Emerald, Scopus and Springer were searched to collect relevant papers published between 1st January 2010 to 15th June 2021 including conference proceedings, peer-reviewed papers and dissertations. Papers written in the English language, based in full-fledged universities, and with these five keywords: (i) synchronous online learning, (ii) engagement, (iii) interest, (iv) MCO/Covid-19 and (v) HEI, were included. Papers focussing on synchronous and asynchronous online learning in schools and colleges were excluded. Each paper was reviewed by two reviewers in order to confirm the eligibility based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: We found 31 papers of which six papers were related to SOL, engagement and interest in HEIs in the MCO environment. Our review presents three major findings: (i) limited research has been conducted on SOL associated with students' engagement and interest, (ii) studies related to the context of HEIs in the MCO environment are limited, and (iii) the understanding of the new phenomena through qualitative research is insufficient. We highlight the SOL alignment with students' engagement, interest, style preference, learner interaction effectiveness, behavior and academic performance. Conclusions: We believe that the findings of this study are timely and require attention from the research community.
Fulltext Incidence and prevalence of psoriasis in multiethnic Johor Bahru, Malaysia: a population-based cohort study using electronic health data routinely captured in the Teleprimary Care (TPC®) clinical information system from 2010 to 2020: Classification: Epidemiology

Choon SE, Wright AK, Griffiths CEM, Tey KE, Wong KW, Lee YW, et al.

Br J Dermatol, 2022 Nov;187(5):713-721.
PMID: 35830199 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.21768

BACKGROUND: There are no population-based epidemiological data on psoriasis in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis over 11 years in multiethnic Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
METHODS: A population-based cohort study was made using the Teleprimary Care database between January 2010 and December 2020. Cases of psoriasis, identified by ICD-10 diagnostic codes, were validated by dermatologists. Annual prevalence and incidence were estimated and stratified by age, sex and ethnicity.
RESULTS: We identified 3932 people with dermatologist-confirmed psoriasis, including 1830 incident cases, among 1 164 724 Malaysians, yielding an 11-year prevalence of 0·34% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·33-0·35] and incidence of 34·2 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 32·6-35·8). Rates were higher in Indian patients; the prevalences were 0·54% (0·50-0·58) in Indian, 0·38% (0·36-0·40) in Chinese and 0·29% (0·28-0·30) in Malay patients, and the respective incidences per 100 000 person-years were 52·5 (47·3-57·7), 38·0 (34·1-41·8) and 30·0 (28·2-31·8). Rates were higher in males; the prevalence was 0·39% (0·37-0·41) in males and 0·29% (0·27-0·30) in females, and the respective incidences per 100 000 person-years were 40·7 (38·2-43·2) and 28·3 (26·4-30·3). Between 2010 and 2020, annual psoriasis prevalence and incidence increased steadily from 0·27% to 0·51% and from 27·8 to 60·9 per 100 000 person-years, respectively. Annual rates were consistently higher in male and Indian patients. Overall, psoriasis was significantly more common in males than females [odds ratio (OR) 1·37, 95% CI 1·29-1·46] and in Indian and Chinese patients vs. Malay (OR 1·85, 1·71-2·01 and OR 1·30, 1·20-1·41, respectively). Prevalence increased with age, with the highest rates in the groups aged 50-59 and 60-69 years at 0·67% and 0·66%, respectively. A modest bimodal trend in age of psoriasis onset was observed, with first and second peaks at 20-29 and 50-59 years. Disease onset was significantly earlier in females than males [mean (SD) 36·8 (17·3) vs. 42·0 (17·2) years, P
The Effects of Different Induction Regimes on Serial Lymphocyte Subsets in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single Tertiary Center Experience

Jalalonmuhali M, Ng KP, Lee YW, Gan CC, Hing Wong A, Wan Md Adnan WAH, et al.

Transplant Proc, 2022 Feb 15.
PMID: 35181166 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.01.004

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive therapy is the backbone of kidney transplantation in preventing acute rejection. T-cell depletion after doses of thymoglobulin is dose-dependent, as are their side effects. At the same time, basiliximab and other maintenance immunosuppressive drugs act at different signals on T lymphocytes. Therefore, studying the pattern of lymphocyte subset depletion depending on the induction regime given at transplantation could be an added tool in managing post-transplant recipients.
METHODOLOGY: This prospective observational study recruited kidney transplant recipients from August 2019 through April 2021 at the University of Malaya Medical Centre. Blood tests for lymphocyte subsets were taken at pre-transplant, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-transplantation. At transplantation, recipients received either basiliximab, low-dose thymoglobulin (cumulative dose: 1.5 mg/kg), or standard-dose thymoglobulin (cumulative dose: 5 mg/kg).
RESULTS: A total of 39 patients were recruited: 38.5% received basiliximab (15 of 39), 15.4% received low-dose thymoglobulin (6 of 39), and 46.2% received standard-dose thymoglobulin (18 of 39). Absolute lymphocyte counts 1 week post-transplantation were 1.5 ± 0.84 × 109/L for basiliximab, 0.7 ± 0.57 × 109/L for low-dose thymoglobulin, and 0.1 ± 0.08 × 109/L for standard-dose thymoglobulin (P < .001). The CD4+ and CD8+ counts were severely depleted in the standard-dose thymoglobulin group, with a statistically significant differenceup to 6 months post-transplantation. In the low-dose thymoglobulin group, the CD4+ and CD8+ counts were depleted at 1 week post-transplantation and recovered at 1 month post-transplantation. There was no difference in allograft function and incidence of allograft rejection across groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The effects on lymphocyte counts, CD4+ and CD8+, vary depending on the type and dose of induction immunosuppression. This could be a guiding tool in managing immunosuppression post-transplantation depending on the patient's immunologic risk.
Fulltext Phylogenomic Analysis of a 55.1-kb 19-Gene Dataset Resolves a Monophyletic Fusarium that Includes the Fusarium solani Species Complex

Geiser DM, Al-Hatmi AMS, Aoki T, Arie T, Balmas V, Barnes I, et al.

Phytopathology, 2021 Jul;111(7):1064-1079.
PMID: 33200960 DOI: 10.1094/PHYTO-08-20-0330-LE

Scientific communication is facilitated by a data-driven, scientifically sound taxonomy that considers the end-user's needs and established successful practice. In 2013, the Fusarium community voiced near unanimous support for a concept of Fusarium that represented a clade comprising all agriculturally and clinically important Fusarium species, including the F. solani species complex (FSSC). Subsequently, this concept was challenged in 2015 by one research group who proposed dividing the genus Fusarium into seven genera, including the FSSC described as members of the genus Neocosmospora, with subsequent justification in 2018 based on claims that the 2013 concept of Fusarium is polyphyletic. Here, we test this claim and provide a phylogeny based on exonic nucleotide sequences of 19 orthologous protein-coding genes that strongly support the monophyly of Fusarium including the FSSC. We reassert the practical and scientific argument in support of a genus Fusarium that includes the FSSC and several other basal lineages, consistent with the longstanding use of this name among plant pathologists, medical mycologists, quarantine officials, regulatory agencies, students, and researchers with a stake in its taxonomy. In recognition of this monophyly, 40 species described as genus Neocosmospora were recombined in genus Fusarium, and nine others were renamed Fusarium. Here the global Fusarium community voices strong support for the inclusion of the FSSC in Fusarium, as it remains the best scientific, nomenclatural, and practical taxonomic option available.

Filters

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

External Links