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Desiccation sensitivity and cryopreservation of excised embryonic axes of Citrus suhuiensis cv. limau madu, Citrumelo [Citrus paradisi macf. × Poncirus trifoliata (l.) raf.] and Fortunella polyandra

Al Zoubi OM, Normah MN

Cryo Letters, 2012 May-Jun;33(3):241-51.
PMID: 22825791

Excised embryonic axes from seeds of three taxa, namely, Citrus suhuiensis cv. limau madu, Citrumelo (Citrus paradisi x Poncirus trifoliate) and Fortunella polyandra, were desiccated in a laminar airflow, over silica gel, and ultra-rapidly. Desiccation sensitivity (WC50) was estimated for each taxon using the quantal response model. High desiccation tolerance (WC50 = 0.11 g water per g dry mass. g/gdw) was observed for limau madu embryonic axes desiccated in a laminar airflow and ultra-rapidly (WC50 =0.10 g/gdw). Desiccation tolerance was substantially lower (WC50 = 0.19 g/gdw) for silica gel dehydration. Similarly, high desiccation tolerance (WC50 = 0.15 g/gdw) was associated with F. polyandra embryonic axes when desiccated in a laminar airflow, while a lower desiccation tolerance (WC50 = 0.17 g/gdw) was observed with silica gel dehydration. Ultra-rapid desiccation led to the highest desiccation tolerance (WC50 = 0.14 g/gdw). The dehydration rate, however, had no influence on desiccation tolerance (WC50 ~ 0.14 g/gdw) for Citrumelo embryonic axes. After each desiccation period, embryonic axes were directly immersed in liquid nitrogen (LN) followed by rapid rewarming. Normal seedling recovery of 80 to 83% for excised embryonic axes of limau madu was observed for laminar airflow and ultra-rapid dehydration, but for silica gel dehydration, 57% recovery was obtained. Similarly, for Citrumelo, high recoveries of 100% and 97% were obtained from axes desiccated in a laminar airflow and using ultra-rapid dehydration, respectively, whereas a lower value was associated with silica gel dehydration (80%). For F. polyandra, 50% recovery was obtained both for laminar airflow and ultra-rapid dehydration, while much lower recovery (43%) was associated with silica gel dehydration. Regardless of the drying method employed, axis survival percentages following exposure to LN were commensurate with the desiccation sensitivity pattern.
Fulltext Correction using Halo Gravity Traction for Severe Rigid Neuromuscular Scoliosis: A Report of Three Cases

Mejabi JO, Sergeenko OM, Ryabykh SO

Malays Orthop J, 2019 Mar;13(1):49-53.
PMID: 31001385 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1903.010

Severe rigid neuromuscular scoliosis is a major challenge to the spine surgeon due to the possibilities of neurological sequelae from acute correction of the deformity. Halo gravity traction has been considered as a way of reducing the deformity before correction to prevent neurological complications. Three female patients with severe neuromuscular scoliosis aged seven to 13 years with main coronal Cobb angle of 95°-128° and Kyphotic Cobb of 47°-118° having ≤35% flexibility on traction, had between 18 to 23 days of 16 hour/day of halo gravity traction and night time supine traction with 4kg weight for 7-8 hours. They had 28.9% and 18.5% of main coronal and kyphotic Cobb angle correction post-traction respectively. All had posterior instrumentation and post-operatively, they had correction of main coronal Cobb angle of 29°-58° and kyphotic Cobb angle of 30°-77° with no neurological complication. Halo gravity traction is therefore a viable option for reducing post-operative neurological complication in rigid severe scoliosis.
Serum cholesterol levels in Malays, Indians and Chinese in Malaya

LAU KS, LOPEZ CG, GAN OM

Med J Malaya, 1962 Mar;16:184-92.
PMID: 14462716
Analysis of 1,2(2,3)- and 1,3-positional isomers of diacylglycerols from vegetable oils by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Lo SK, Baharin BS, Tan CP, Lai OM

J Chromatogr Sci, 2004 Mar;42(3):145-54.
PMID: 15023251

Separation of 1,2(2,3)- and 1,3-positional isomers of diacylglycerols (DAG) from vegetable oils by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) is investigated. The method is based on isocratic elution using 100% acetonitrile and UV detection at 205 nm. The following elution order of DAG molecular species is identified: 1,3-dilinolein < 1,2-dilinolein < 1,3-dimyristin < 1-oleoyl-3-linoleoyl-glycerol < 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycerol < 1(2)-oleoyl-2(3)-linoleoyl-glycerol < 1-linolenoyl-3-stearoyl-glycerol < 1(2)-linolenoyl-2(3)-stearoyl-glycerol < 1,3-diolein < 1-palmitoyl-3-oleoyl-glycerol < 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol < 1(2)-palmitoyl-2(3)-oleoyl-glycerol < 1-linoleoyl-3-stearoyl-glycerol < 1,3-dipalmitin < 1(2)-linoleoyl-2(3)-stearoyl-glycerol < 1-oleoyl-3-stearoyl-glycerol < 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac-glycerol < 1-palmitoyl-3-stearoyl-sn-glycerol < 1,3-distearin < 1,2-distearoyl-rac-glycerol. Linearity is observed over three orders of magnitude. Limits of detection and quantitation range 0.2-0.7 microg/mL for 1,3-dilinolein to 0.6-1.9 microg/mL for 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol, respectively. Precision and accuracy of the method are also demonstrated. The method is developed to separate mixtures of DAG molecular species produced from edible oils.
Immunisation issues in patient with mucopolysaccharidosis: A case report

Naur OM, Anggraini A, Indraswari BW, Wandita S, Wibowo T, Haksari EL

Med J Malaysia, 2020 05;75(Suppl 1):51-52.
PMID: 32471969

Young patients, especially infants with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) have increased risk of recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections. A complete schedule of immunisations is crucial to protect children from life-threatening infections. However, in most cases, they often miss scheduled vaccinations due to many factors. This case report describes issues in administering routine immunisations to infants with MPS. It is vital to recognise the indications and contraindications of vaccinations for patients with MPS although all vaccines need detailed study to investigate their safety and immunogenicity. Furthermore, regular educational programs are essential for both parents and health providers.
Fulltext Evaluation of enhanced virgin coconut oil and senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum) as anthelmintics against caprine strongyle nematodes

Basripuzi HB, Sani RA, Ariff OM, Chandrawathani P

Trop Biomed, 2013 Sep;30(3):516-25.
PMID: 24189681 MyJurnal

A study was conducted to evaluate the anthelmintic properties of enhanced virgin coconut oil (EVCO) and senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum) plant against strongyle nematodes in goats. Two preparations of 10% EVCO dissolved in 90% virgin coconut oil and 10% EVCO dissolved in 90% palm oil, were given orally to two groups of mixed breeds goats. The efficacy test indicated that EVCO was insufficiently active as an anthelmintic. Four concentrations of senduduk solution (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg ml(-1)) were compared with a control and albendazole in an in vitro test for larvicidal effect. There was no significant larval mortality using senduduk solution. An in vivo test of senduduk was conducted by comparing three groups of goats, namely control, levamisole and treatment groups that were given a daily oral dose of senduduk crude extract with 1g kg(-1) from Day 0 to Day 12 and 2 g kg(-1) from Day 13 to Day 30. This efficacy test with senduduk also gave negative results. The findings obtained indicated that EVCO and senduduk were ineffective as anthelmintics against caprinestrongyle nematodes at the concentrations used.
Description of the final instar larva of Orthetrum borneense Kimmins, 1936 (Odonata, Libellulidae), using rearing and molecular methods

Steinhoff PO, Butler SG, Dow RA

Zootaxa, 2016 Feb 18;4083(1):99-108.
PMID: 27394221 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4083.1.5

The final instar larva of Orthetrum borneense Kimmins, 1936, is described and figured for the first time based on exuviae from three male and six female larvae collected in Sarawak, Borneo (East Malaysia). It is compared with an early instar larva, which was matched to the adult O. borneense by DNA barcoding, and the known larvae of other species of this genus that occur in the region.
Description of the final instar larva of Acrogomphus jubilaris Lieftinck, 1964 (Odonata, Gomphidae), with information on the distribution of Acrogomphus in Borneo

Butler SG, Steinhoff PO, Dow RA

Zootaxa, 2016 Nov 03;4184(2):367-375.
PMID: 27811645 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4184.2.8

The final instar larva of Acrogomphus jubilaris Lieftinck, 1964, is described and figured for the first time based on exuviae from four male and one female larvae collected in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The adults of A. jubilaris are very rarely encountered. The larvae, however, are surprisingly common in forest streams in Borneo. It is compared with A. malayanus Laidlaw, 1925 and A. walshae Lieftinck, 1935, and notes on behavior, distribution and habitat are included. A map including all known records of A. jubilaris is provided.
Fulltext Physicochemical and sensory analyses of high fibre bread incorporated with corncob powder

Lee, C. M., Gan, Y. L., Chan, Y. L., Yap, K. L., Tang, T. K., Tan, C. P., et al.

International Food Research Journal, 2019;26(5):1609-1616.
MyJurnal

The primary objectives of the present work were to produce corncob powder (CCP) from
corncobs and incorporate the CCP into bread formulation in order to develop high fibre bread,
and to investigate the physicochemical and sensory properties of the produced high fibre
bread (HFB). The corncobs were collected and washed before they underwent the grinding
and drying processes. The obtained CCP was incorporated into the bread formulation in three
different proportions (5, 10 and 20%) to partially substitute bread flour in the formulation. All
three bread samples and the control (0% CCP in the formulation) were analysed to obtain their
physicochemical and sensory properties. The incorporation of CCP significantly affected the
texture, colour and volume attributes of the produced breads. Increasing the content of CCP
in the formulation was found to be responsible for firmer, smaller and darker bread loaves as
compared to the composite bread samples. The bread formulation incorporated with 10% CCP
had the highest mean scores (7.00) of overall acceptability among all the other formulations,
and it was comparable to the commercial breads in the current market.
Studies on diuretic and hypouricemic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus methanol extracts in rats

Arafat OM, Tham SY, Sadikun A, Zhari I, Haughton PJ, Asmawi MZ

J Ethnopharmacol, 2008 Aug 13;118(3):354-60.
PMID: 18602231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.04.015

AIM OF THE STUDY: Orthosiphon stamineus (Labiatae) is a traditional folk medicine widely used in Southeast Asia for the treatment of several kidney disorders, gout and as a diuretic. This study was conducted to examine the diuretic and hypouricemic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diuretic effect of different methanol extracts was examined by treating different groups of Sprague-Dawley rats with single (2g/kg) oral doses of methanol and methanol:water (1:1) extracts. Hydrochlorothiazide (10mg/kg) was used as positive control in acute study. Methanol and methanol water (1:1) extracts at 0.5 g/kg were administered for a period of 7 consecutive days. Cumulative urine volume and electrolytes (Na+ and K+) concentrations at different time intervals were measured. On the other hand, hypouricemic activity of methanol:water extract (1:1) was experimented using different oral single doses (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2g/kg). Allopurinol was used as positive control. Uric acid concentration in serum was analyzed by using RP-HPLC at 280 nm.
RESULTS: Sodium and potassium excretion increased significantly (p<0.05 and <0.01) in the first 8h of treatment with a single dose (2g/kg) of the extracts in a pattern comparable to that of the known diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Meanwhile, repeated administration of 0.5 g/kg methanol:water (1:1) extract showed a significant increase in urine volume (from day 3 to day 7) (p<0.01) and electrolytes excretion (Na+ and K+) from day 2 to day 7 (p<0.05 and <0.01). On the other hand, 0.5, 1 and 2g/kg of methanol:water (1:1) extract and the standard allopurinol reduced the serum urate level in hyperuricemic rats at hour 6.
CONCLUSION: These results provided an evidence of the high tendency of methanol:water (1:1) extract of Orthosiphon stamineus towards diuretic and hypouricemic effects in rats.
Adding biphasic insulin aspart 30 once or twice daily is more efficacious than optimizing oral antidiabetic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes

Bebakar WM, Chow CC, Kadir KA, Suwanwalaikorn S, Vaz JA, Bech OM, et al.

Diabetes Obes Metab, 2007 Sep;9(5):724-32.
PMID: 17593237 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2007.00743.x

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp30; NovoMix 30) to existing oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) vs. optimizing OADs in a subgroup of Western Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on oral monotherapy or oral combination therapy.

Methods: This 26-week, multi-centre, open-labelled, randomized, two-arm parallel trial consisted of a 2-week screening period, followed by 24 weeks of treatment. Subjects randomized to BIAsp30 treatment (n = 129) received BIAsp30 once daily (o.d.) at dinnertime between Week 2 and Week 14, and those not reaching treatment targets were switched to twice daily (b.i.d.) BIAsp30 at Week 14 (n = 50). Subjects randomized to the OAD-only arm (n = 63) continued with their previous OAD treatment and, in an attempt to reach treatment goals, the dose was optimized (but OAD unchanged) in accordance to local treatment practice and labelling.

Results: Significantly greater reductions in HbA(1c) over Weeks 0-13 with BIAsp30 (o.d.) vs. OAD-only treatment (1.16 vs. 0.58%; p < 0.001), and over Weeks 0-26, with BIAsp30 (o.d.) and BIAsp30 (b.i.d.) treatments vs. OAD-only treatment (1.24 vs. 1.34 vs. 0.67%; p < 0.01). Hypoglycaemic episodes were reported in 54% of the patients in BIAsp30 (o.d. and b.i.d. pooled) and 30% of the patients in OAD-only group. All episodes were minor or symptomatic, except for one in each treatment group, which was major.

Conclusions: Initiating BIAsp30 treatment is a safe and more effective way to improve glycaemic control in Western Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral monotherapy or oral combination therapy compared with optimizing oral combination therapy alone. In patients not reaching treatment target on BIAsp30 (o.d.), treatment with BIAsp30 (b.i.d.) should be considered.
Fulltext Bacterial contamination of hospital disinfectants

Keah KC, Jegathesan M, Tan SC, Chan SH, Chee OM, Cheong YM, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 1995 Dec;50(4):291-7.
PMID: 8668045

A study to determine contamination of diluted disinfectants at different points in preparation and use in 6 Malaysian hospitals was done using the in-use test. A growth of > or = 250 organisms/ml was taken as an indication of contamination. A total of 342 (7.9%) of the 4316 freshly diluted samples collected from disinfectant bottles in the pharmacy were found to be contaminated. The bacterial isolates obtained were Pseudomonas spp. (42.4%), Moraxella spp. (22.0%), Flavobacterium spp. (11.6%) and Enterobacter spp. (4.2%). Three hundred and sixty seven out of 2278 ward stock were contaminated. The isolates were Pseudomonas spp. (48.6%), Moraxella spp. (17.8%), Acinetobacter spp. (8.9%) and Flavobacterium spp. (7.0%). Of the 9265 disinfectants in-use, 1519 (16.4%) were contaminated. Among the organisms isolated were Pseudomonas spp. (44.3%), Bacillus spp. (13.0%), Enterobacter spp. (9.5%) and Acinetobacter spp. (7.3%). The results indicated a high level of contamination of diluted disinfectants prepared in the pharmacy, stored and used in the wards. This gave a high index of suspicion that recommendations for cleaning of disinfectant containers before refilling, handling of diluted stock solutions and using of disinfectants were not closely adhered to. Standard disinfection procedures outlined in the disinfection and sterilization policy by the Ministry of Health should therefore be followed.
Disinfection: gaps between recommended and actual practice

Keah KC, Jegathesan M, Tan SC, Chan SH, Chee OM, Cheong YM, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1995 Dec;26(4):795-8.
PMID: 9139397

Basic practices on disinfection was surveyed in 6 hospitals using an observation and interview checklist. Two surveys were done, one pre-(first survey) and one post-intervention (second survey). The disinfection and sterilization policy of the Ministry of Health was not available in 66 (70.2%) and 12 (13%) of the units in the first and second survey respectively. In the second survey, staff in all the units washed disinfectant containers before refilling compared with 41.5% of the units in the first survey. Dilution of disinfectants not recommended was found to be used in the first survey. Storing cleaned and sterile items in disinfectants, using disinfectant as a substitute for sterilization of autoclavable items and not decontaminating spillages were some of the wrong practices observed. Considerable improvements were made in the second survey. Improper usage of disinfectants was also indicated by failure of the in-use test. Rate of failure of disinfectants in-use decreased from 11.6% in the first survey to 5.0% in the second survey. To ensure proper disinfection practices, a comprehensive training program on disinfection is required for nurses and attendants.
Fulltext An evaluation of knowledge and awareness of disinfection and sterilization among health care workers

Keah KC, Jegathesan M, Tan SC, Chan SH, Che OM, Cheong YM, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1995 Mar;26(1):51-6.
PMID: 8525420

Awareness of the disinfection and sterilization policy among hospital staff and their knowledge in basic principles and methods of disinfection and sterilization were studied before and after intervention using a self-administered questionnaire. Survey results showed that awareness (56.2%) before intervention was unsatisfactory. The nurses were more aware of the policy than other groups of medical personnel. Those unaware of the policy perform duties from memory or verbal instructions. A significant increase in awareness to 73.3% was observed after intervention (p < 0.05). Knowledge on methods of decontamination, disinfection and sterilization of equipment varies widely from 28.8% to 90.1%. 23.1% were unaware of the temperature used for sterilization while 72.4% did not know how containers of disinfectant should be refill. Only 14.7% knew the recommended method for washing containers. With education improvement was observed. The average knowledge improved from 44.4% to 57.3%. Our results indicated that continuous in-service education is needed to improve, supplement and update knowledge in this field after basic training. In addition orientation programs for new staff should also be aimed at creating awareness and providing information on guidelines and policies related to their duties.
Anthraquinones production, hydrogen peroxide level and antioxidant vitamins in Morinda elliptica cell suspension cultures from intermediary and production medium strategies

Chong TM, Abdullah MA, Fadzillah NM, Lai OM, Lajis NH

Plant Cell Rep, 2004 Jul;22(12):951-8.
PMID: 15067428

The effects of medium strategies [maintenance (M), intermediary (G), and production (P) medium] on cell growth, anthraquinone (AQ) production, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant vitamins in Morinda elliptica cell suspension cultures were investigated. These were compared with third-stage leaf and 1-month-old callus culture. With P medium strategy, cell growth at 49 g l(-1), intracellular AQ content at 42 mg g(-1) DW, and H2O2 level at 9 micromol g(-1) FW medium were the highest as compared to the others. However, the extent of lipid peroxidation at 40.4 nmol g(-1) FW and total carotenoids at 13.3 mg g(-1) FW for cultures in P medium were comparable to that in the leaf, which had registered sevenfold lower AQ and 2.2-fold lower H2O2 levels. Vitamin C content at 30-120 microg g(-1) FW in all culture systems was almost half the leaf content. On the other hand, vitamin E content was around 400-500 microg g(-1) FW in 7-day-old cultures from all medium strategies and reduced to 50-150 microg g(-1) FW on day 14 and 21; as compared to 60 microg g(-1) FW in callus and 200 microg g(-1) FW in the leaf. This study suggests that medium strategies and cell growth phase in cell culture could influence the competition between primary and secondary metabolism, oxidative stresses and antioxidative measures. When compared with the leaf metabolism, these activities are dynamic depending on the types and availability of antioxidants.
Molecular epidemiology of wild poliovirus type 1 in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent

Mulders MN, Lipskaya GY, van der Avoort HG, Koopmans MP, Kew OM, van Loon AM

J Infect Dis, 1995 Jun;171(6):1399-405.
PMID: 7769273

The genomic relationships of wild poliovirus type 1 strains recently isolated in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent was analyzed by automated amplicon sequencing of the VP1/2A junction region of the genome. Four major genotypes of poliovirus type 1 were found to circulate. Two genotypes were found predominantly in Eastern Europe, one of these in the Caucasian Region and the other in countries bordering the Black Sea. A third genotype circulated mainly in Egypt. The fourth and largest genotype circulated in the largest geographic area. Strains belonging to this genotype could be found in countries as far apart as Malaysia and Ukraine. Considerable genetic variation was observed among strains isolated in Egypt, Pakistan, and India, where poliovirus is endemic. Strains belonging to all four genotypes circulated in Pakistan. Data confirm the extent of poliovirus circulation in certain regions, stressing the need for intensification of vaccination in these regions.
Fulltext Molecular characterization of Leishmania species isolated from cutaneous leishmaniasis in Yemen

Mahdy MA, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Al-Mekhlafi AM, Lim YA, Bin Shuaib NO, Azazy AA, et al.

PLoS One, 2010 Sep 20;5(9).
PMID: 20862227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012879

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease endemic in the tropics and subtropics with a global yearly incidence of 1.5 million. Although CL is the most common form of leishmaniasis, which is responsible for 60% of DALYs lost due to tropical-cluster diseases prevalent in Yemen, available information is very limited.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This study was conducted to determine the molecular characterization of Leishmania species isolated from human cutaneous lesions in Yemen. Dermal scrapes were collected and examined for Leishmania amastigotes using the Giemsa staining technique. Amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1(ITS-1) gene was carried out using nested PCR and subsequent sequencing. The sequences from Leishmania isolates were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods. The trees identified Leishmania tropica from 16 isolates which were represented by two sequence types.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The predominance of the anthroponotic species (i.e. L. tropica) indicates the probability of anthroponotic transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Yemen. These findings will help public health authorities to build an effective control strategy taking into consideration person-to-person transmission as the main dynamic of transmission of CL.
Fulltext Annealing temperature effects on the size and band gap of ZnS quantum dots fabricated by co-precipitation technique without capping agent

Alwany AB, Youssef GM, Samir OM, Algradee MA, A Yahya NA, Swillam MA, et al.

Sci Rep, 2023 Jun 26;13(1):10314.
PMID: 37365289 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37563-6

ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were fabricated using the co-precipitation technique with no capping agent. The effects of different annealing temperatures (non-annealed, 240 °C and 340 °C for 2 h) on the structural and optical characteristics of ZnS QDs are reported. The samples were examined by XRD, TEM, PL, FTIR, and UV-Vis. An increase in annealing temperature led to an increase in the dot size and a lowering of the energy band gap (EG). The average crystallite size, D of ZnS was between 4.4 and 5.6 nm. The ZnS QDs showed a band gap of 3.75, 3.74 and 3.72 eV for non-annealed, 240 °C, and 340 °C annealed samples. The reflection spectra increased in the visible light and decreased in UV region with an increase in annealing temperature. This work showed that the band gap and size of ZnS QDs could be tuned by varying the annealing temperature.
The effects of magnetic separation on cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa motility, viability and cryo-capacitation status

Faezah SS, Zuraina FM, Farah JH, Khairul O, Hilwani NI, Iswadi MI, et al.

Zygote, 2014 Aug;22(3):378-86.
PMID: 23237064 DOI: 10.1017/S0967199412000597

Cryopreservation is a technique used to preserve cells for long-time storage. It is widely used in agriculture to store male gametes in liquid nitrogen. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum thawing temperature and time for samples subjected to annexin V magnetic-activated cell sorting (AnMACS) as the sperm preparation technique. Pooled semen samples from three ejaculates were divided into two groups. The treatment group was subjected both to AnMACS and to being cryopreserved, whilst the control group was cryopreserved directly without MACS. Post-thaw analysis was carried out for samples thawed at either 20°C for 13 s, 37°C for 30 s, 40°C for 7 s, 60°C for 6 s or 80°C for 5 s. Sperm kinematics, viability and capacitation status were determined for samples subjected to all thawing temperatures described. Results showed that thawing at 37°C for 13 s for MACS-processed samples was a superior option compared with other thawing procedures; there was a significant difference in P < 0.05 values for curvilinear velocity (VCL μm/s) and sperm straightness (STR %) when samples were thawed at 40°C for 7 s, with fewer capacitated spermatozoa (P < 0.05) when samples were thawed at 37°C for 30 s, 40°C for 7 s or 60°C for 6 s. Hence, we can speculate that the use of AnMACS as the sperm preparation technique can somehow enhance sperm cryosurvival rate after cryopreservation, however the fertilization potential of these cells has yet to be determined.
Fulltext Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Health Beliefs toward Leptospirosis among Urban and Rural Communities in Northeastern Malaysia

A P, Bd A, Wm Z, S MN, S S, Tj TZ, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2018 11 01;15(11).
PMID: 30388737 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112425

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries such as Malaysia. This study was designed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) toward leptospirosis among the communities in northeastern Malaysia and to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with the KABP toward leptospirosis. A cross-sectional study using a stratified sampling method was conducted among 214 individuals in four locales in northeastern Malaysia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 respondents in northeastern Malaysia using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. The study population was divided into two groups based on geographical locations: urban and rural. All data were entered and analyzed using the IBM Statistics for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 software for Windows (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The continuous variables were presented using mean and standard deviation (SD), whereas the categorical variables were described using frequency and percentage. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the associated factors for good KABP toward leptospirosis among the respondents.
RESULTS: It was found that 52.8% of respondents had good knowledge, 84.6% had positive attitudes, 59.8% had positive beliefs, and 53.7% had satisfactory practices. There were no significant sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge and practice, except for educational status, which was significant in the attitude and belief domains. Those with higher education exhibited better attitudes (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.329; 95% Coefficient Interval (CI): 1.140, 9.723; p = 0.028) and beliefs (OR 3.748; 95% CI: 1.485, 9.459; p = 0.005). The communities in northeastern Malaysia generally have good knowledge and a high level of positive attitude; however, this attitude cannot be transformed into practice as the number of people with satisfactory practice habits is much lower compared to those with positive attitudes. As for the belief domain, the communities must have positive beliefs to perceive the threat of the disease.
CONCLUSIONS: Our current health program on preventing leptospirosis is good in creating awareness and a positive attitude among the communities, but is not sufficient in promoting satisfactory practice habits. In conclusion, more attention needs to be paid to promoting satisfactory practice habits among the communities, as they already possess good knowledge and positive attitudes and beliefs.

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