Ligninolytic enzymes profiling in association with the aggressiveness of Ganoderma boninense isolates

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.

Efficacy and Safety of Azithromycin in Moderate Acne Vulgaris

@#Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis caused by Propionibacterium acnes. Clinicians are constantly attempting to discover the best antibiotic regimes in treating acne vulgaris. This study compares two regimens in terms of efficacy, tolerability, compliance and recurrence rate to make recommendation on which is the best regime. Methods: An open-labelled prospective randomized investigator-blinded interventional study was carried on moderate acne vulgaris patients. Patients were assigned to treatment arm at enrolment followed by follow-up and maintenance visits. Demographic data were collected at enrolment and questionnaire enquiring acne condition, general health and quality of life impairment were filled at every visit followed by blinded dermatologist assessment. Antibiotic tablets were provided based on assigned arm until follow-up 3. Results: 26 mild acne vulgaris patients aged 17 to 29 years were recruited. Physician assessment based on GAGS and photo assessment analysis showed an overall significant change (p<0.05) with decreasing trend indicating that the treatment is statistically effective. However, no significant differences (p>0.05) were found between regimens. Similarly, patient self-perceived assessment and CADI assessment also showed overall significant changes (p<0.05) with increasing trend indicating improvement in acne condition but no significant differences (p<0.05) between regimens. Conclusion: Neither regimen were significantly more efficacious than another. In view of cost, oral azithromycin 500mg daily for consecutive 4 days monthly is suggested as a better option.

Antioxidant status following postprandial challenge of two different doses of tocopherols and tocotrienols / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Tocotrienols (T3s) have been hypothesized to have greater antioxidant capacity than tocopherols (Ts) due to differences in biokinetics that affect their absorption and function. The present trial compares the antioxidant effectiveness following postprandial challenge of two different doses of α-T or palm T3-rich fraction (TRF) treatments and evaluates their dose-response effects on antioxidant status.@*METHODS@#Ten healthy volunteers were given four different doses of vitamin E formulations (268 mg α-T, 537 mg α-T, 263 mg TRF or 526 mg TRF) in a cross-over postprandial trial. Blood was sampled at 0, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 hours after meal consumption and plasma antioxidant status including total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant potential and trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity, was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Supplementation with the different doses of either α-T or TRF did not significantly improve overall antioxidant status. There was no significant difference in overall antioxidant status among treatments at the different doses compared. However, a significant dose-response effect was observed for plasma MDA throughout the 8-hour postprandial period. MDA was significantly lower after the 537 mg α-T treatment, compared to the 268 mg α-T treatment; it was also lower after the 526 mg TRF treatment compared to the 263 mg TRF treatment (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#T3 and α-T demonstrated similar antioxidant capacity, despite markedly lower levels of T3 in blood and lipoproteins, compared to α-T.

Response of green synthesized drug blended silver nanoparticles against periodontal disease triggering pathogenic microbiota

Objective: Evidences for microorganisms to predominate periodontal disease, alteration of human pathogenshifted microbiota by Erythrina fusca, and antimicrobial response potentiation by ecofriendly silvernanoparticles (AgNPs) intended present study to perform green synthesis of AgNPs and evaluate againstperiodontal disease triggering pathogenic microbiota.Material and Methods: Present study involved green synthesis of AgNPs using Erythrina fusca leavesaqueous extract (EFLAE), followed by optimization, characterization, stability, and evaluation of antimicrobialpotential of biosynthetic AgNPs against periodontitis causing pathogenic human microflora (Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus).Results: The AgNPs green synthesis success was based on brown coloration and surface plasmon resonancesignal at 433 nm. UV-Visible spectrometry driven optimization determined 5 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9EFLAE and AgNO3 volumetric ratio, pH 7, 60°C temperature, and 2 hours’ time as parametric requirementsfor AgNPs biosynthesis. Stability studies revealed signal appearance between 415 and 424 nm supportingAgNPs stability. Characterization studies recognized shifted and broadened Fourier transformed infrared bandsof AgNPs revealing silver capping by biochemical moieties of EFLAE; AgNPs size below 32 nm in fieldemission scanning electron microscopic micrograph; X-ray diffraction signals at 38.95, 44.97, 64.92, and78.97 representing 111, 200, 220, and 311 AgNPs silver cubic structure planes; and elemental silver 83.66%,carbon 11.87%, and oxygen 4.47% in energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum. Optimized and characterized biogenicAgNPs, when evaluated against periodontal disease-causing pathogenic microflora using well diffusion method,exhibited maximum inhibitory zone (in mm) against Bacillus cereus (13 and 18), followed by P. aeruginosa (11and 19), E. coli (10 and 18), and S. pyogenes (9 and 15) in 50 and 100 µg/ml administered dose.Conclusion: Present study concludes that biogenic AgNPs synthesized using EFLAE possess high inhibitionpotential against periodontitis triggering pathogens (E. coli, B. cereus, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa) ofmicrobiota, and recommends EFLAE as potential source for AgNPs green synthesis

Progression from tuberculosis to multi drug resistance-TB in revised national tuberculosis control programme: perspectives from health system care givers

Background: The aims and objectives were to study the progression from tuberculosis to multi drug resistance-TB in revised national tuberculosis control programme: perspectives from health system care givers.Methods: The study was carried out in TB Sanatorium ITKI, Sadar Hospital Ranchi and RIMS Ranchi. The interview of various health personnel including SAHIYAs was taken using a semi-structured questionnaire based on programmatic management of multi drug resistant tuberculosis guidelines -2016.Results: Among Doctors knowledge level was good compared to other health personnel which had mean value 7.33 (±2.79), laboratory technician 3.45 (±2.64), STS 4.67 (±1.59), Sahiya 2.1 (±0.73). Regarding capacity enhancement level all health personnel needed refresher trainings in which doctors got 4.67 (±1.58), laboratory technician 3.45±2.64, STS 1.72±0.34, and Sahiya 0.5±0.52. Specially sahiya needs training regarding MDR-TB because they are the connecting link between health system and community. Regarding execution level, Doctors got 1.86 (±0.74), laboratory technician 1.64 (±0.56), STS 1.64 (±0.56) and Sahiya (ASHA) 2.2 (±0.44). Sahiya were better than other health personnel at execution level.Conclusions: Advocacy, communication, and social mobilization are important aspects of TB control, Policy makers and administrators should be sensitized for need of adequate and sustained funding for TB control to ensure quality capacity building. They need to provide continuous and quality training of staff at different levels and retention of trained staff and periodic reviews to identify gaps and take corrective steps.

Artificial Intelligence Model As Predictor For Dengue Outbreaks

@#Dengue is an increasing threat in Malaysia, particularly in the more densely populated regions of the country. We present an Artificial Intelligence driven model in predicting Aedes outbreak, using predictors of weather variables and vector indices sourced from the Ministry of Health. Analysis and predictions to estimate Aedes populations were conducted, with its results being used to infer the possibility of dengue outbreaks at pre-determined localities around the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A Bayesian Network machine learning technique was employed, with the model being trained using predictor variables such as temperature, rainfall, date of onset and notification, and vector indices such as the Ae. albopictus count, Ae. aegypti count and larval count. The interfaces of the system were developed using the C# language for Server-side configuration and programming, and HTML, CSS and JavaScript for the Client Side programming. The model was then used to predict the population of Aedes at periods of 7, 14, and 30 days. Using the Bayesian Network technique utilising the above predictor variables we proposed a finalised model with predictive accuracy ranging from 79%-84%. This model was developed into a Graphical User Interface, which was purposed to assist and educate the general public of regions at risk of developing dengue outbreak. This remains a valuable case-study on the importance of public data in the context of combating a public health risk via the development of models for predicting outbreaks of dengue which will hopefully spur further sharing of data by all parties in combating public health threats.

effectiveness of a voice care program among primary school teachers in Northeastern Malaysia

Objectives: We sought to determine the effectiveness of a voice care program among primary school teachers in a northeastern district in Malaysia

Methods: We conducted a randomized community trial in eight primary schools in a northeastern district in Malaysia. The self-administered and validated Malay-Voice Handicap Index-10 [M-VHI-10] questionnaire was used to assess overall voice handicap scores pre-intervention and eight weeks post-intervention. Teachers with a score of five or more [n = 86] were randomized into intervention [n = 41] and control groups [n = 45]. The intervention group received portable voice amplifiers and vocal hygiene instruction, which was delivered by lectures and a booklet. The control group was not prescribed any intervention

Results: The sociodemographic, lifestyle, and occupational characteristics of the teachers [except maximum number of students per class] were similar between both groups. The baseline M-VHI-10 scores between both groups were also comparable. After the intervention phase, there was a significant effect observed in the total M-VHI-10 scores [p = 0.021, F-stat [df]: 5.33 [1,79]] between both groups after controlling for the maximum number of students per class

Conclusions: Our results support the use of voice amplification in adjunct with vocal hygiene instruction as a prevention and treatment modality to reduce voice handicap among teachers. Our study demonstrated encouraging evidence on the low-cost voice care program as well as the success of group and workplace-based approaches in the school setting

Vision Status: Presbyopic Patient Undergone Corneal Inlay Procedure / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This study reports the vision status of a presbyopic patient who has undergone a corneal inlay procedure. The study hopes to provide optometrists more insight on the procedure and the co-management involved in such a patient. The patient, a 48 years-old Chinese woman with presbyopia underwent the corneal inlay procedure three years ago. She had the inlay implanted in the non-dominant eye to aid near vision i.e. her left eye. The pre and post-operative evaluations include distance and near visual acuity, fundoscopy, tonometry, Schirmer’s test, slit lamp evaluation, corneal topography and corneal pachymetry. Near visual acuity for the left eye improved from N14 to N5 immediately after the procedure. Even after 3 years of post-operative followup, the patient was still able to maintain her near vision. In conclusion, the corneal inlay procedure helped to improve near vision of this presbyopic patient. Optometrist plays a very important role in the co-management of such patients alongside with the ophthalmologist in terms of visual functional assessments pre and post-surgery, counseling of the procedure and managing patients’ expectations.

Evidences of hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of Citrullus colocynthis fruits in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity

The objective of present study was to explore the hepatoprotective and antioxidant profile of Citrullus colocynthis fruits. Hepatoprotective profile of methanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruits [MECCF] was investigated on rats, which were made hepatotoxic using paracetamol. The antioxidant profile of MECCF was evaluated by conducting Catalase, Super oxide Dismutase, Lipid Peroxidation and Diphenyl Picryl Hydrazyl tests. During hepatoprotective investigation, the Paracetamol treated group II showed significant increase in total bilirubin [TB], serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase [SGOT], serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase [SGPT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] level. The results so obtained showed that pretreatment of rats with MECCF 300mg/kg p.o. decreases the elevated TB, SGOT, SGPT and ALP serum levels. Also, MECCF inhibitory profile was found comparable with toxicant group [Paracetamol 2g/kg, p.o.]. The present study concludes that MECCF fruit possess significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity

Retrocaval Ureter: Report of 2 Different Clinical Spectrums

Retrocaval ureter is a relatively rare anomaly where ureteric obstruction may occur as a result of ureter passes behind the inferior vena cava (IVC), hence, compressing it between the IVC and the vertebrae. We report 2 cases of retrocaval ureter with different presentations. One patient was managed surgically with minimally invasive approach and the other was managed conservatively.

"Taking my breath away by keeping stress at bay" - an employee assistance program in the automotive assembly plant

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of individual-focused stress management training namely Deep Breathing Exercise [DBE] on self-perceived occupational stress among male automotive assembly-line workers. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at 2 automotive assembly plants in Malaysia over 9 months, from January 2012 to September 2012. Assembly-line workers from Plant A received DBE training while Plant B acted as a control by receiving pamphlets on stress and its ill-effects. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted among the self-voluntary respondents in Plant A [n=468] and Plant B [n=293]. The level of stress was measured using Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 [DASS-21] stress subscale. Significant favorable intervention effects were found in Plant A [Effect size=0.6] as compared to Plant B [Effect size=0.2] at the end of the study in those receiving DBE. Time and group interaction effects were examined using the repeated measure ANOVA test in which there was a significant group *time interaction effect [F [1, 1] = 272.45, P<0.001]. The improvement in stress levels showed the potential of DBE training as part of Employee Assistance Program in the automotive assembly plant. Future studies should be carried out to assess the long term effects of an on-site relaxation training to provide stronger evidence for the introduction of DBE among assembly-line workers as a coping strategy to alleviate occupational stress

Antioxidative effect of Melastoma Malabathticum L Extract and Determination of its Bioactive Flavonoids from Various Location in Malaysia by RP-HPLC with Diode Array Detection.

A rapid and specific RP-HPLC method with DAD at 30C was developed and validated for the determination of quercetin (QN) and kaempferol (KMP) as marker compounds in the extract of Melastoma malabathrichum leaves. Separation was performed using Hypersil GOLD C8 column with acetonitrile - 0.1% phosphoric acid (40:60v/v) as a mobile phase with DAD detection at 370 nm. The developed method showed satisfactory reproducibility and recovery and the method was successfully applied in the determination of QN and KMP as marker compounds in MM leaves collected from different parts of Malaysia and was found to be simple, rapid and efficient. The antioxidant activity of MM of 3 different solvent extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform) were evaluated using β-carotene bleaching method. A variation in antioxidant activities, ranging from 44.41% to 83.28% was observed and the antioxidative potency of the 3 different solvent extracts was comparable to that of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The results showed that MM extracted by different solvents exhibited varying degree of antioxidant properties.

Simultaneous quantification of flavonoids in blood plasma by a high-performance liquid chromatography method after oral administration of Blumea balsamifera leaf extracts in rats

The leaves of Blumea balsamifera are used as a folk medicine in kidney stone diseases in South-East Asia. Phytochemical investigation revealed leaves contained a number of flavonoids. In view of these, the present work was aimed to quantify and preliminary pharmacokinetic investigation of five flavonoids viz. dihydroquercetin-7,4'-dimethyl ether [I], dihydroquercetin-4'-methyl ether [II], 5,7,3',5'-tetrahydroxyflavanone [III], blumeatin [IV] and quercetin [V] in rat plasma following oral administration [0.5g/Kg] of B. balsamifera leaf extract in rats. Quantification was achieved by using a validated, reproducible high-performance liquid chromatographic method. The mean recoveries of I, II, III, IV and V were 90.6, 93.4, 93.5, 91.2 and 90.3% respectively. The limit of quantification was 25 ng/mL for I and IV, 10 ng/mL for II and III and 100 ng/mL for V respectively. The within day and day-to-day precision for all the compounds were < 10%. The validated HPLC method herein was applied for pharmacokinetic studies and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were: t1/2 [hr] 5.8, 4.3, 2.9, 5.7 and 7.3, C[max] [ng/mL] 594.9, 1542.9 1659.9, 208.9 and 3040.4; T[max] [hr] 4.7, 1.0, 1.0, 3.5 and 2.3; AUC0-infinity [ng hr/mL] 5040, 5893, 9260, 1064 and 27233 for I, II, III, IV and V respectively. The developed method was suitable for pharmacokinetic studies and this preliminary study also revealed significant absorption after oral dosing in rats

Concerns, perceived impact and preparedness in an avian influenza pandemic--a comparative study between healthcare workers in primary and tertiary care

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>With the potential threat of an avian influenza (AI) pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are expected to play important roles, and they encounter significant stress levels from an expected increase in workload. We compared the concerns, perceived impact and preparedness for an AI pandemic between HCWs working in public primary care clinics and a tertiary healthcare setting.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was given to 2459 HCWs working at 18 public polyclinics (PCs) and a tertiary hospital (TH) in Singapore from March to June 2006. The questionnaire assessed work-related and non-work-related concerns, perceived impact on personal life and work as well as workplace preparedness.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We obtained responses from 986 PC and 873 TH HCWs (response rate: 74.6% and 76.7%). The majority in both groups were concerned about the high AI risk from their occupation (82.7%) and falling ill with AI (75.9%). 71.9% accepted the risk but 25.5% felt that they should not be looking after AI patients with 15.0% consider resigning. HCWs also felt that people would avoid them (63.5%) and their families (54.1%) during a pandemic. The majority expected an increased workload and to feel more stressed at work. For preparedness, 74.2% felt personally prepared and 83.7% felt that their workplaces were prepared for an outbreak. TH HCWs were more likely to be involved in infection-control activities but the perception of infection-control preparedness in both groups was high (>80.0%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HCWs in both public primary and tertiary healthcare settings felt prepared, personally and in their workplaces, for a pandemic. Their main concerns were risks of falling ill from exposure and the possibility of social ostracism of themselves and their families. Preparedness levels appeared high in the majority of HCWs. However, concerns of HCWs could affect their overall effectiveness in a pandemic and should be addressed by incorporating strategies to manage them in pandemic planning.</p>

A cross-sectional study of primary-care physicians in Singapore on their concerns and preparedness for an avian influenza outbreak

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>During an avian influenza (AI) pandemic, primary-care physicians (PCPs) are expected to play key roles in the prevention and control of the disease. Different groups of PCPs could have different concerns and preparedness level. We assessed the concerns, perceived impact and preparedness for an outbreak among PCPs in Singapore.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>A cross-sectional survey of PCPs working in private practice (n=200) and public clinics (n=205) from March to June 2006 with an anonymous self-administered questionnaire on concerns (12- items), perceived impact (10 items) and preparedness (10 items) for an outbreak.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two hundred and eighty-five PCPs responded - 149 (response rate: 72.7%) public and 136 (response rate: 67.3%) private. The majority were concerned about risk to their health from their occupation (95.0%) and falling ill with AI (89.7%). Most (82.5%) accepted the risk and only 33 (11.8%) would consider stopping work. For perceived impact, most felt that people would avoid them (69.6%) and their families (54.1%). The majority (81.3%) expected an increased workload and feeling more stressed at work (86.9%). For preparedness, 78.7% felt personally prepared for an outbreak. Public PCPs were more likely to be involved in infection-control activities and felt that their workplaces were prepared.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most PCPs felt personally prepared for an outbreak but were concerned about their exposure to AI and falling ill. Other concerns included social ostracism for themselves and their families. Public PCPs appeared to have a higher level of preparation. Addressing concerns and improving level of preparedness are crucial to strengthen the primary-care response for any AI outbreak.</p>

Tratamiento de lesiones hepáticas tumorales con RENIO188- LIPIODOL. Experiencia en Colombia / Treatment of liver cancer injuries with RENIO188- LIPIODOL. Experience in Colombia

Objetivo: Evaluar pacientes con lesiones tumorales hepáticas, no quirúrgicas, a quienes se les administro Renio 188 -Lipiodol vía transarterial, como alternativa terapéutica.Método: Once pacientes con cáncer de hígado no operable se trataron con dosis entre 170 y 4181 MBq de Renio 188 Lipiodol a través de la arteria hepática. Los pacientes fueron evaluados clínicamente, con test hematológicos, de función hepática y TAC hepático periódicamente.Resultados: El tratamiento con Renio 188 Lipiodol fue bien tolerado . Tres pacientes desarrollaron fiebre leve y un paciente Neumonitis Intersticial que resolvió completamente. En el TAC de control siete pacientes evidenciaron reducción significativa del tamaño de la lesión , 1 sin cambios, 1 progresión y 2 no se han evaluado.Conclusiones: Renio 188 Lipiodol es un tratamiento seguro, la técnica de preparación fácilmente reproducible y se constituye en una alternativa terapéutica para este tipo de pacientes.