ABSTRACT
A preliminary survey of larvae and pupae of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) was conducted in three recreation parks [Templer Recreation Park (TRP), Congkak River Forest Reserve (CRFR) and Ampang Forest Reserve (AFR)] located in Selangor State, which is located 18 to 35 km from Kuala Lumpur city center, Malaysia. This study was initiated to determine the distribution and abundance of filarial vectors, Simulium spp. A total of 12 species of black flies belonging to three subgenera (Gomphostilbia, Simulium and Nevermannia) were collected. Simulium (Simulium) nobile was incriminated as the most dominant species in all recreation parks. This study is a first report on the distribution and abundance of black flies obtained from recreation parks in Malaysia.
ABSTRACT
A preliminary survey of larvae and pupae of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) was conducted in three recreation parks [Templer Recreation Park (TRP), Congkak River Forest Reserve (CRFR) and Ampang Forest Reserve (AFR)] located in Selangor State, which is located 18 to 35 km from Kuala Lumpur city center, Malaysia. This study was initiated to determine the distribution and abundance of filarial vectors, Simulium spp. A total of 12 species of black flies belonging to three subgenera (Gomphostilbia, Simulium and Nevermannia) were collected. Simulium (Simulium) nobile was incriminated as the most dominant species in all recreation parks. This study is a first report on the distribution and abundance of black flies obtained from recreation parks in Malaysia.
ABSTRACT
The resistance status of riceland Culex vishnui against four major groups of insecticides (i.e., organochlorines, carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids) was investigated. Biochemical assays (ESTα, ESTß, MFO and GST) were also conducted to detect the resistance levels. Throughout a 12-month study period, multiple insecticide resistance was observed in both larvae and adult Cx vishnui. Culex vishnui larvae exhibited low resistance against malathion, temephos and permethrin with resistance ratio (RR) values < 5. In adult bioassay, Cx. vishnui were highly resistant against all tested adulticides with 24h post-treatment mortality < 70%. Correlations between permethrin and malathion resistance, as well as between deltamethrin and cyfluthrin resistance were found in Cx. vishnui. The results indicated that mixed function oxidases activity of Cx. vishnui was the highest compared to ESTα, ESTß and GST. Spearman rank-order analysis showed that ESTα, ESTß and GST were involved in multiple resistances in Cx. vishnui. The findings of this study established a baseline of insecticide susceptibility and revealed the effects of agricultural insecticide pressure on the vectors of Japanese encephalitis in Malaysia.
Subject(s)
Culex/drug effects , Insect Vectors , Insecticide Resistance , Insecticides/pharmacology , Animals , Female , Malaysia , Parasitic Sensitivity TestsABSTRACT
Incessant supraventricular tachycardia leading to reversible cardiomyopathy has been reported. Cardiomyopathy usually only develops after prolonged episodes of tachycardia at a significant heart rate. Left ventricular free-wall pathways rarely cause fast and incessant tachycardia. Therefore cardiomyopathy has not been reported with left ventricular free-wall pathway-mediated supraventricular tachycardia. We report on two cases of left ventricular free-wall-mediated supraventricular tachycardia leading to reversible cardiomyopathy after radiofrequency ablation. These cases illustrate the difficulty in diagnosing tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy, as the tachycardia may be clinically silent. In addition, they emphasize the importance of making this diagnosis, as the cardiomyopathy is reversible.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/etiology , Catheter Ablation , Tachycardia, Supraventricular/complications , Tachycardia, Supraventricular/surgery , Adult , Aged , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/physiopathology , Coronary Angiography , Echocardiography , Electrophysiology , Humans , Male , Tachycardia, Supraventricular/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Superior vena cava thrombosis due to pacemaker leads is an uncommon but well-recognized complication. Its pathogenesis remains unclear and it is usually a benign condition. Superior vena cava occlusion can be successfully treated by thrombolysis and anticoagulation if the occlusion is recent, balloon venoplasty and stenting, and surgery. We describe a case of superior vena cava obstruction successfully bypassed using the intact native azygous vein, a technique that has not been described before, with excellent long-term results.
Subject(s)
Pacemaker, Artificial/adverse effects , Superior Vena Cava Syndrome/etiology , Thrombosis/etiology , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Two cases of life-threatening left main stem (LMS) complications during routine cardiac catheterization were successfully treated with intracoronary stenting prior to successful emergency bypass surgery. Intracoronary stenting is of value in stabilising patients before emergency bypass surgery and can save lives in LMS complications.
Subject(s)
Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary/adverse effects , Aortic Dissection/therapy , Cardiac Catheterization/adverse effects , Coronary Disease/therapy , Stents , Aged , Aortic Dissection/etiology , Coronary Disease/etiology , Coronary Vessels , Emergencies , Heart Arrest/etiology , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Non-atherosclerotic isolated coronary artery aneurysm is not common. Two cases of non-atherosclerotic isolated coronary artery aneurysm, with similar presentations but different management strategies were presented. The patients were well four and six years later, respectively. The definition, incidence, causes, presentation, complications, investigations, management, and prognosis of coronary artery aneurysms are discussed. The difficulties of determining pathogenesis and different management strategies are highlighted. An isolated coronary artery aneurysm should be managed on its merits.
Subject(s)
Coronary Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging , Acute Disease , Adult , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Coronary Aneurysm/pathology , Coronary Aneurysm/surgery , Coronary Angiography , Coronary Vessels/pathology , Female , Humans , Internal Mammary-Coronary Artery Anastomosis , Male , Warfarin/therapeutic useABSTRACT
There has been much discussion about the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of migraine. A new in vitro technique using a custom built device called the Haemostatometer measures haemostasis, thrombolysis, and coagulation from non-anticoagulated, undiluted (native) blood. Using this device, data were analysed from blood samples taken from 10 migraineurs between attacks and 10 control subjects. Results showed no difference in haemostasis, spontaneous thrombolysis or coagulation between migraineurs and control subjects.
