ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Ageing is commonly linked with physical inactivity. This review was performed to identify the factors associated with participation in physical activity among older adults in Malaysia. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using five databases; Pubmed, Sagepub, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Science Direct. Observational and intervention studies published between January 2010 and December 2020 were included, with Malaysian older adults aged 55 years and older being the main subject. Results: A total of 9 articles were included in the review. Analysis was guided by the Social Ecological Model for Health Promotion. The review had successfully identified gender, age, education level, health reasons, ethnicity and attitude as intrapersonal factors, social support (friend) and marital status as interpersonal factors, and locality as well as availability of facilities as environmental factors. Conclusions: Physical activity participation among Malaysian older adults were mainly determined by intrapersonal factors, particularly gender, health condition and educational level.
ABSTRACT
Background: Wound can be defined as disruption of cellular, anatomical, or functional continuity of living tissues. Nicotine causes damage to the epithelial layer of blood vessel and delays wound healing. It plays an important pathogenic role in impaired wound healing. Although in the last millennium, topical use of nicotine has been reported. It promotes collagen synthesis and, in turn, promotes wound healing. The role of topical nicotine on wound healing is controversial. Therefore, it was planned to evaluate and compare wound healing activity of various doses topical nicotine in rats. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of topical nicotine on wound healing in an excision wound model in rats. Materials and Methods: For evaluation of the wound healing effects of the nicotine, excision wound model was used. Nicotine was applied topically in a dose of 1.5 g%, 3.0 g%, and 6.0 g% petroleum base. Petroleum jelly served as control for topical nicotine. Dressing done by applying topical nicotine until (20 days) complete wound healing was observed. Parameters evaluated were surface area of wound and percentage closure. Results: Findings of this show that, on day 4, nicotine 3.0 g% and 6 g% the wound surface area were more as compared to control. On day 12, nicotine 6.0 g% showed significantly more wound surface area than control (P < 0.05). Percentage wound contraction with topical nicotine (6.0 g%) was less as compared to control on day 4, 8, and 12 (P < 0.001). On day 16, percentage wound contracture with topical nicotine (6.0 g%) contraction was significantly less as compared to control (P < 0.05). Although percentage wound contraction with topical nicotine (all preparations) and control was similar on day 20. Conclusion: Finding shows that topical nicotine impairs wound healing in a dose related pattern during initial stages of healing in an excision wound model. However, there is no delay in wound healing with any dose of topical nicotine.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM)?flap technique on the visual outcome and anatomical recovery for small (<250 ?), medium (<400 ?), and large (>400 ?) macular holes (MHs). Methods: Retrospective study included consecutive idiopathic MH cases operated on using the inverted ILM?flap technique. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic medical records (EMRs), surgical videos, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) machines. Eyes with axial length >25 mm, coexisting macular diseases, and follow?up <6 weeks were excluded. Data included the presence or absence of ILM flap and restoration of External Limiting Membrane (ELM), Ellipsoid Zone (EZ) lines. Mean visual improvement and structural recovery were compared between eyes showing ILM flap and those showing no flap in three MH size groups. Results: Forty eyes of 38 patients with a mean age of 62.7 ± 10.1 years and a mean MH diameter of 348 ± 152 ?m were included. The mean follow?up was 527 ± 478 days with anatomical closure observed in all eyes. Mean best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly from 0.87 ± 0.38 to 0.35 ± 0.26. ILM flap was visible in 29 (72.5%) all MHs, 7 (53.8%) small MHs (n = 13), 8 (61.5%) medium MHs (n = 13), and 14 (100%) large MHs (n = 14). The mean BCVA change was 0.47 ± 0.34, 0.53 ± 0.48, and 0.56 ± 0.20 in large, medium, and small MHs, respectively, and the difference between eyes showing ILM flap versus no flap in each MH size group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, for medium MHs, it was higher in the ILM flap (0.66 ± 0.52) group compared to the no flap (0.32 ± 0.37) group. One eye with small MH developed significant gliosis resulting in reduced BCVA. ELM was restored in all eyes with small and medium MHs. Conclusion: We observed that the ILM flap did not adversely affect anatomical and visual outcomes for MHs <400 ?m. Restoration of ELM suggests minimal interference in structural recovery by an ILM flap.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting more than 64 million people aged 40–80. The best way to manage primary open?angle glaucoma (POAG) is by lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP). Netarsudil is a Rho kinase inhibitor, the only class of antiglaucoma medications that reorganizes the extracellular matrix to improve the aqueous outflow through the trabecular pathway. Methods: An open?label, real?world, multicentric, observation?based 3?month study was performed for assessing the safety and ocular hypotensive efficacy of netarsudil ophthalmic solution (0.02% w/v) in patients with elevated IOP. Patients were given netarsudil ophthalmic solution (0.02% w/v) as a first?line therapy. Diurnal IOP measurements, best?corrected visual acuity, and adverse event assessments were recorded at each of the five visits (Day?1: screening day and first dosing day; subsequent observations were taken at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months). Results: Four hundred and sixty?nine patients from 39 centers throughout India completed the study. The mean IOP at baseline of the affected eyes was 24.84 ± 6.39 mmHg (mean ± standard deviation). After the first dose, the IOP was measured after 2, 4, and 6 weeks, with the final measurement taken at 3 months. The percentage reduction in IOP in glaucoma patients after 3 months of once?daily netarsudil 0.02% w/v solution use was 33.34%. The adverse effects experienced by patients were not severe in the majority of cases. Some adverse effects observed were redness, irritation, itching, and others, but only a small number of patients experienced severe reactions, as reported in a decreasing order: redness > irritation > watering > itching > stinging > blurring. Conclusion: We found that netarsudil 0.02% w/v solution monotherapy when used as the first?line treatment in primary open?angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension was both safe and effective.
ABSTRACT
Nutritional rickets, caused by vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency is by far the most common cause of rickets. In resource-limited settings, it is therefore not uncommon to treat rickets with vitamin D and calcium. If rickets fails to heal and/or if there is a family history of rickets, then refractory rickets should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Chronic low serum phosphate is the pathological hallmark of all forms of rickets as its low concentration in extracellular space leads to the failure of apoptosis of hypertrophic chondrocytes leading to defective mineralisation of the growth plate. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) control serum phosphate concentration by facilitating the excretion of phosphate in the urine through their action on the proximal renal tubules. An increase in PTH, as seen in nutritional rickets and genetic disorders of vitamin D-dependent rickets (VDDRs), leads to chronic low serum phosphate, causing rickets. Genetic conditions leading to an increase in FGF23 concentration cause chronic low serum phosphate concentration and rickets. Genetic conditions and syndromes associated with proximal renal tubulopathies can also lead to chronic low serum phosphate concentration by excess phosphate leak in urine, causing rickets. In this review, authors discuss an approach to the differential diagnosis and management of refractory rickets
ABSTRACT
Background: In country like India, therapy with rosuvastatin recommended dose may cost between Rs. 400.00 and Rs. 800.00/month. The lower and middle income groups of Indian society are rapidly becoming major sufferers of cardiovascular disease, among all non-communicable diseases, the economic burden of rosuvastatin therapy may be substantial for this large section of population. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the cost-effectiveness of rosuvastatin on alternate day versus daily dosing regimen in hyperlipidemia patients. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out at MNR Medical College and Hospital’s department of pharmacology in association with general medicine. According to the inclusion criteria, 50 patients aged 30–60 years of both sexes were included in this prospective open label trial. The research lasted 6 weeks. All the participants were included in study after obtaining the informed consent and approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained before enrolment of participants. All patient data were obtained using a pre-designed proforma and put into an excel spreadsheet. Results: A total of 42 patients are included with 16 females (38%) and 26 men (62%). Cost of daily rosuvastatin for 6 weeks is Rs. 1087.80 (yearly daily dosing expenses 9453.50%) accounting for mean reduction of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) of 33.50% and for alternate day rosuvastatin for 6 weeks is 543.90% (yearly alternate day dosing expense 4713.80%) accounting for mean reduction of LDL-C of 31%. Conclusion: Treatment with alternate day dose of rosuvastatin is comparably cost-effective when compared to currently practicing daily dose rosuvastatin therapy.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: We report clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment outcomes, and prognostic predictors of post?vitrectomy secondary macular holes (MHs). Methods: This was a retrospective observational case series from November 2014 to December 2020. Eyes that developed secondary MH, two weeks and beyond after primary vitrectomy for non?MH indications, were enrolled. Pre? and intraoperative records were screened to exclude pre?existence of MH. Eyes with multiple vitreoretinal surgeries prior to MH detection and tractional myopic maculopathy were excluded. Results: A total of 29 eyes of 29 patients with a mean age of 52 years developed secondary MH post?vitrectomy. The most common indications for primary vitrectomy were rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD, 48.2%) and tractional retinal detachment (TRD, 24.1%). Time to MH detection after primary vitrectomy was 91.5 ± 117.6 days. The mean minimum hole diameter was 530 ± 298 microns. Epi?retinal membrane and cystoid degeneration was noted in 6 (20.7%) and 12 (41.3%) eyes, respectively (p = 0.088). The mean time from MH detection to MH repair was 34 ± 42 days. The surgical intervention included internal limiting membrane peeling with tamponade in 25 eyes. Overall, 80% showed anatomic hole closure, 90.9% versus 57.1% in the RRD and TRD (p = 0.092), respectively. The mean best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the final visit was 0.71 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. Thirteen eyes (52%) had a BCVA of 20/100 or better. Minimal hole diameter (p = 0.029) only predicted final visual acuity. The interval between MH diagnosis and repair did not affect hole closure significantly (p = 0.064). Conclusion: Secondary MH post?vitrectomy closed successfully with limited visual improvement and trails behind idiopathic MH.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are rare disorders and pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians owing to their generalized symptomatology. In this study, we aim to classify LSDs into two broad categories, namely, Gaucher disease (GD) and Niemann–Pick/Niemann–Pick-like diseases (NP/NP-like diseases) based on the morphology of the storage cells in the bone marrow (BM) aspiration smears and trephine biopsy sections. Materials and Method: This retrospective study includes 32 BM specimens morphologically diagnosed as LSDs at our institute, in the last 10 years. Subsequently, they were subclassified into GD and NP/NP-like diseases. Further, we have compared and analyzed the clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters for the two groups of LSDs. Results: Based on BM morphology, 59.4% (n = 19) cases were diagnosed as NP/NP-like diseases and 40.6% (n = 13) cases as GD. Abdominal distension and failure to thrive were the most common clinical manifestations in both groups of LSDs. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were frequently seen in either of the LSDs. On the assessment of metabolic profile, elevated total/direct bilirubin and liver enzymes were more commonly seen in NP/NP-like diseases when compared with GD. Conclusion: We have classified LSDs into GD and NP/NP-like diseases based on the morphology of the storage cells in the BM specimen. The hallmark findings on BM biopsy annexed with the comparative features of the two proposed categories can aid the clinician in clinching the diagnosis. Formulation of such a methodology will prove instrumental for patient care in an underresourced setting.
ABSTRACT
Curcumin is widely known for its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects and has been reported to possess anticancerous activity as well. However, its medical application is limited because of poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism. In this study, we encapsulated curcumin in solid lipid nanoparticles and studied its anticancerous effect in Dalton’s Ascites Lymphoma (DAL) mice model. The physicochemical characteristics of curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (CUR-SLN) were assessed and the anticancer efficacy was determined by in vivo studies. The curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles were synthesized by solvent emulsification evaporation method with particle size less than 100 nm. Antitumor effect of nanocurcumin (50 mg/kg) and curcumin (100 mg/kg) was evaluated in Dalton’s Ascites Lymphoma bearing mice. Pathological and immunohistochemical parameters were studied. Mean survival time and percentage increase in lifespan were assessed. Nanocurcumin group showed more significant influence in reducing tumor volume and weight, inducing apoptosis, reducing angiogenesis and invasion restoring antioxidant parameters and increased mean survival time. Curcumin and nanocurcumin inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-kB), and thereby proved the pathway by which it induced anti-angiogenic and anti-invasive property.
ABSTRACT
Buccal tablets
Diclofenac sodium
Drug release
Mucoadhesion
Mucoadhesive tablets
Release kinetics
ABSTRACT
Methods@#Forty NP tissues were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen (–196°C) immediately before being subjected to proteomic and bioinformatic analyses from five different disk phenotypes (eight each). @*Results@#Tandem mass spectrometric analysis revealed a total of 1,050 proteins in FDs, 1,809 in ND, 1,487 in SD, 1,859 in DH, and 1,538 in the DD group. Of 28 major collagens reported in the human body, this study identified 24 different collagens with 34 subtypes in NP. Fibril-forming collagens (COL-1, 2, and 11A1) and fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helices (COL-9A1, 12A1, and 14A1) were abundantly expressed in FDs, representing their role in the development of NP. Multiplexin (COL-15), a hybrid proteoglycan–collagen molecule, was discovered only in FDs. Degeneration was associated with COL2A1 downregulation and COL-10A1 upregulation. @*Conclusions@#COL10 was discovered to be a new biomarker for disk degeneration. Besides COL-1 and 2, other important COLs (6, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15) with anabolic potential and abundant expression in the fetal phenotype could be investigated for tissue engineering and novel DDD therapy.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE@#Various surgical modalities are available to treat Neer types 2 and 5 unstable fractures of lateral end clavicle but none of them are standardized. Arthroscopic fixation of the displaced lateral end clavicle fractures provides good short-term results but mid- to long-term outcomes are not available. The purpose of this study was to show the mid- to long-term radiological and functional outcomes of these fractures treated arthroscopically by a TightRope device, and to show the complications associated with this procedure.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted over 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015 with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Active patients aged 18-50 years with acute (less than 3 weeks) displaced fracture of lateral end of the clavicle, with a minimum 5-year follow-up were included in the study. Patients with associated fractures of the proximal humerus, glenoid, scapula and acromioclavicular joint injuries were excluded from the study along with open fractures and neurovascular injuries. The outcomes were assessed by objective (complications and radiographic examination) and subjective criteria (quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score, the Constant-Murley score and the visual pain analogue scale). The data were analyzed by SPSS version 21.0.@*RESULTS@#Totally, 42 patients were operated during the study period and 37 were available with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Thirty were male and 7 were female with a mean age of 29.5 years and a mean follow-up of 6.1 years. The mean quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 68.2 ± 4.6 preoperatively and 1.27 ± 2.32 at final follow-up (p < 0.001); the mean visual pain analogue scale score was 6.85 ± 2.2 preoperatively and 0.86 ± 1.60 at final follow-up (p < 0.001). The average Constant-Murley score was 93.38 ± 3.25 at the end of the follow-up. There were 2 fixation failures, with established non-union and 3 patients developed radiographic acromioclavicular joint arthritis.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Arthroscopic TightRope fixation of displaced lateral end clavicular fractures provides good radiological and functional outcomes at mid- to long-term follow-up. With the low complication rates and high patient satisfaction, this technique can be considered as a primary option in the surgical treatment of these fractures.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Follow-Up Studies , Clavicle/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Fractures, Bone/complications , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Fractures, Open , Pain , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
In the modern era, chronic kidney failure due to diabetes has spread across the globe. Prunetin (PRU), a component of herbal medicines, has a broad variety of pharmacological activities; these may help to slow the onset of diabetic kidney disease. The anti-nephropathic effects of PRU have not yet been reported. The present study explored the potential nephroprotective actions of PRU in diabetic rats. For 28 days, nephropathic rats were given oral doses of PRU (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). Body weight, blood urea, creatinine, total protein, lipid profile, liver marker enzymes, carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, C-reactive protein, antioxidants, lipid peroxidative indicators, and the expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2) mRNA genes were all examined. Histological examinations of the kidneys, liver, and pancreas were also performed.The oral treatment of PRU drastically lowered the blood glucose, HbA1c, blood urea, creatinine, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lipid profile, and hexokinase. Meanwhile, the levels of fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase were all elevated, but glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase dropped significantly. Inflammatory marker antioxidants and lipid peroxidative markers were also less persistent due to this administration. PRU upregulated the IRS-1 and GLUT-2 gene expression in the nephropathic group.The possible renoprotective properties of PRU were validated by histopathology of the liver, kidney, and pancreatic tissues. It is therefore proposed that PRU (80 mg/kg) has considerable renoprotective benefits in diabetic nephropathy in rats.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Differences in baseline characteristics and response to treatment in different age groups of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in resource-limited countries have not been extensively studied. We aimed to determine the differences in clinicopathological parameters at diagnosis and response to imatinib in adult CML patients with younger (under 60 years; YCML) and older (60 years and older; OCML) age treated at our institution from March 2001 to March 2021. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive adult CML patients receiving imatinib was performed. Clinicopathological parameters and treatment response were reviewed and analysed using hospital medical records and electronic data reports. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 50 years. OCML patients (n=17) had significantly more comorbidities. The YCML group (n=50) generally had a palpable spleen >5cm from the costal margin, mild anaemia, hyperleukocytosis and thrombocytosis. A starting dose of 400 mg/day was observed in 84% of YCML and in 65% of OCML. Cumulative complete cytogenetic response was 50% in YCML versus 70.6% in OCML, p=0.158. OCML tended to have a higher percentage of major molecular response (MMR) (52.9% versus 32%) and a shorter time to MMR, 22 months (range 5-70) versus 35 months (range 8-53). OCML experienced more haematological and non-haematological treatment-related adverse events after imatinib therapy. Conclusion: Although OCML patients had more comorbidities and treatment intolerances, overall long-term treatment response was comparable to YCML. In OCML, a more personalised approach to initial and subsequent dosing of imatinib may be considered.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Diabetes health literacy and numeracy are health indicators of increasing attention to empower diabetic self-management. This study aimed to explore the predictors of diabetes health literacy and numeracy among urbanized older adults. Methods: A total of 408 older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged 50 years and older were recruited using stratified random sampling from eight health clinics in Petaling district. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to measure knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, self-care behavioral skills, diabetes health literacy and numeracy related to diabetes mellitus, as well as the sociodemographic background. Multivariable linear regression was used to understand and rank the predictors of diabetes health literacy and numeracy among the respondents. Results: The total mean score for diabetes health literacy was 53.74 ± 0.60, which was significantly predicted by age (β = -0.21, p=0.01), secondary (β =12.21, p<0.001) and tertiary (β = 16.37, p<0.001) education levels, non-Malays (β = -5.83, p<0.001), being employed (β = -2.77,p=0.02), have other comorbidities (β = -3.02, p=0.003), diabetes related self-efficacy (β = -0.37, p=0.02) and self-care behavioral skills (β =0.36, p<0.001). Meanwhile, the total mean score for diabetes health numeracy was 1.50 ± 0.13 and was significantly predicted by age (β=-0.15, p<0.001), secondary (β=1.09, p=0.002) and tertiary (β=2.24, p<0.001) education levels, and attitude towards diabetes (β=0.16, p<0.001). Conclusion: Very low diabetic numeracy was observed, which was predicted by increased age, low education and low attitude score towards managing diabetes. Hence promoting diabetic numeracy should be targeted among older adults with identified risks.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Premarital sexual behaviour remains an important sexual and reproductive health issue among adolescents in Malaysia. It is also a prohibited act and considered sinful among the Muslims community. This study aimed to identify the determinants of premarital sexual behaviour among the late adolescents age group in Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: An observational study was conducted among eligible late adolescents, which were recruited using probability sampling method. Only those aged 18 to19 years old, and previously attended the public secondary schools in Malaysia were included, with non-Malaysian, married and those who were absent during the data collection day were excluded. Data was collected using a valid and reliable set of questionnaires measuring the personal (demographic profile, knowledge and attitude), behavioural (premarital sexual behaviour and high-risk activities) and environmental (subjective norms and perceived parental communication) factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the determinants of premarital sexual behaviour. Results: A total of 390 adolescents aged 18 and 19 years old participated in this study, with 82.3% of respondents reported never had premarital sexual behaviour. Multiple logistic regression showed that the male and engagement in high-risk activities had higher odds in premarital sexual behaviour respectively (AOR =11.649, 95% CI: 3.615,37.536, p <0.001; AOR=19.224, 95% CI: 7.820,47.262, p <0.001). Conclusion: Male gender and engagement in high-risk activities remained important risk factors towards the ongoing concern related to premarital sexual behaviour among adolescents in Malaysia. Failure to address this issue should be explored and improve accordingly.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Calreticulin (CALR) mutations are one of the molecular markers that has been incorporated for the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) in the revised 2017 WHO Classification of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tumors. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of CALR mutations in patients with MPN diagnosed in UKMMC and to compare their demographics plus laboratory features with other MPN patients. Methods: A total of 59 MPN patients who tested negative for JAK2V617Fmutation were selected and 21 MPN patients positive for JAK2V617F were included as controls. Screening for CALR exon 9 was done by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing. Results: A total of six JAK2 V617F negative MPN samples were found to be positive for CALR mutations. Out of these six, three patients with CALR mutations were of type I mutation, two were type II while one was a mutation in the stretch III region. None of the twenty one JAK2 V617F positive MPN samples were positive for CALR mutation. Clinical phenotypes for those positive for CALR were restricted to Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) and one case of atypical Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). Conclusion: CALR mutations constituted 10.16% from the MPN patients who were negative for JAK2V617F mutation with no significant differences in platelet counts, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit and white cell counts as compared to MPN patients with JAK2 V617F mutations. Testing for CALR mutations among those who are negative for JAK2V617F within Malaysian population maybe worthwhile and require larger scale studies.
ABSTRACT
Aims@#This study was designed to examine the enzyme activity of selected virulent isolates of Ganoderma boninense against oil palm. In a separate in vitro assessment, the effect of macronutrients on the mycelial growth of four selected Ganoderma spp. was also tested.@*Methodology and results@#The study involved a comparison of ligninolytic enzymes; lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase (Lac) profiling of eight isolates of G. boninense, categorized into three levels of aggressiveness, with two control isolates (G. boninense PER71 and G. tornatum NPG1) using solid-state fermentation (SSF). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the isolates had a significant production of ligninolytic enzymes on day 80. The most aggressive isolate, ET61 had the highest Lac production. As for the macronutrient test, mycelial growth for all the Ganoderma spp. was highly affected by potassium (K).@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The findings of this study elucidated the characteristics of G. boninense in relation to enzyme production for the degradation of oil palm lignin and the identification of essential nutrients involved in the survival and growth of Ganoderma spp. The study provides vital information on the pathogenic characteristics of G. boninense isolates involved in biomass degradation along with the role of nutrient on the growth of Ganoderma spp. that may influence basal stem rot (BSR) management in the field.
Subject(s)
Enzymes , Ganoderma , Palm OilABSTRACT
@#Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the World Health Organization issued provisional guidelines to address considerations for essential oral health services in the pandemic situation. Compliance with the guidelines is essential to curb the potential spread of infection within a dental practice. This study aimed to assess the perception of Malaysian dental practitioners towards exercising the provisional COVID-19 dental practice guideline during the early phase of the pandemic. A self-administered questionnaire of a structured type consisting of demographic information and dentist perceptions of the provisional guidelines of dental care during the COVID-19 outbreak was distributed online from May 2021 until August 2021 through various social networking platforms among dental practitioners working at different healthcare sectors in all states in Malaysia. A total of 468 dental practitioners responded to this study. More than threequarters of the respondents were working in public dental care facilities (76.3%, n=357). The majority of respondents adhered to the provisional guidelines issued during the pandemic outbreak and exhibited a change in standard clinical practice (p<0.001). Dental practitioners working in public sectors perceive that swab tests prior to dental appointments should be mandatory, the reopening of dental clinics increases the risk of spread and the provisional guidelines of COVID-19 in dental practice will be changed in the future compared to private dental practitioners (p<0.001). The majority of dental practitioners in Malaysia have complied with the provisional guidelines imposed by the health bodies. As the COVID-19 virus will persist and become endemic in our communities, it is important to balance the safety issue and patient oral health needs.
ABSTRACT
@#Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant and multisystemic disorder affecting the connective tissues. Patients with MFS may exhibit characteristic oral features including maxillary protrusion, high palate, crowded teeth, and fragility of the temporomandibular joint. Periodontal manifestations may include a higher prevalence of gingivitis and/or periodontitis owing to the high concentration of elastic fibres in the periodontal ligament. This case report describes the management of gingival enlargement associated with MFS. The patient was successfully managed with non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. In patients with oral manifestations of systemic disorders, patient motivation and effective treatment planning are able to achieve the optimum periodontal and oral health outcomes.