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2.
Med Mycol Case Rep ; 43: 100631, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38318120

ABSTRACT

Sporotrichosis is a rare type of fungal infection caused by Sporothrix fungus. Transmissions are commonly by traumatic inoculation of the fungus through the skin and subcutaneous tissue either from environmental exposure or contact with infected animals. Due to its mode of transmission, it is commonly affecting the upper limbs. Definitive diagnosis can be obtained by fungal culture test on secretion fluids, pus, bloods or tissue biopsy. We report a rare presentation of this disease appearing as a solitary chronic ulcer of the lip which was successfully treated with itraconazole.

3.
Materials (Basel) ; 16(15)2023 Jul 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37569965

ABSTRACT

Using ceramic tile waste as a soil stabiliser in road construction is a potential solution to dispose of the waste material while providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional stabilising agents. The ceramic tile waste, when crushed and mixed with soil, helps to improve the strength and durability of the road base. However, the effectiveness of the ceramic tile waste as a soil stabiliser depends on the type and size of ceramic tiles used and the soil properties being stabilised. This study investigated the effect of ground tile waste on the plasticity, compatibility, and mechanical properties such as the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile test (IDT), flexural test (FS), and microstructural analysis. A range of soil mixtures was prepared by adding the different percentages of fine tile waste (TW): 5% to 40%. Including tile waste in the soil led to a decrease in its water-holding capacity, reducing the optimum moisture content required for optimal compaction. Meanwhile, the maximum dry density increased. The UCS, IDT, and FS improved when the optimum 15% of TW was used in the mixes. However, the strength decreased after 20% of the TW addition. This effect was particularly pronounced in the presence of excessive TW contents in soil samples without a pozzolanic reaction. Reusing tile waste as a soil stabiliser can significantly reduce the costs of purchasing new materials and helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.

4.
Saudi Med J ; 44(5): 463-470, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37182912

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To improve public awareness and the rate of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a novel and exciting approach called fit-CPR that incorporates mass CPR with high-intensity physical activity into the beat of locally favoured music was proposed. This study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of fit-CPR compared to the standard classroom method (CCM). METHODS: Between 30th August to 29th November 2018, 129 participants from Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, were randomized to learn CPR, either through fit-CPR or CCM protocol. All participants underwent pre, post, and 6-month retention tests. Each test had a 10-item questionnaire with CPR performance on a manikin that was assessed using a validated checklist. RESULTS: Sixty-one (47.3%) participants completed the fit-CPR while 68 (52.7%) completed the CCM. There was a significant improvement in knowledge, performance, and quality of CPR from pre, post, and 6-month retention tests (p<0.01) in both groups. On high-quality CPR, the fit-CPR and CCM groups obtained an increased score of 285.0% and 151%, respectively, p=0.014 between pre and immediate post-test. Knowledge scores between fit-CPR and CCM groups showed an increase of 79.5% and 111.2%, respectively, p=0.002. Fit-CPR was completed between 52.5-57.5 minutes, while CCM took 75 minutes. CONCLUSION: The fit-CPR demonstrated a comparable outcome to standard CPR when teaching to the mass public with less time spent.


Subject(s)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation , Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest , Humans , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods , Learning , Manikins , Universities , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
5.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 17(3): e0011170, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36989208

ABSTRACT

Whilst the influence of intestinal microbiota has been shown in many diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, and aging, investigations are still scarce on its role in altering the nature of other infective organisms. Here we studied the association and interaction of Blastocystis sp. and human intestinal microbiota. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiome of Blastocystis sp.-free and Blastocystis sp. ST3-infected individuals who are symptomatic and asymptomatic. We tested if the expression of phenotype and pathogenic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. ST3 was influenced by the alteration of its accompanying microbiota. Blastocystis sp. ST3 infection alters bacterial composition. Its presence in asymptomatic individuals showed a significant effect on microbial richness compared to symptomatic ones. Inferred metagenomic findings suggest that colonization of Blastocystis sp. ST3 could contribute to the alteration of microbial functions. For the first time, we demonstrate the influence of bacteria on Blastocystis sp. pathogenicity. When Blastocystis sp. isolated from a symptomatic individual was co-cultured with bacterial suspension of Blastocystis sp. from an asymptomatic individual, the parasite demonstrated increased growth and reduced potential pathogenic expressions. This study also reveals that Blastocystis sp. infection could influence microbial functions without much effect on the microbiota diversity itself. Our results also demonstrate evidence on the influential role of gut microbiota in altering the characteristics of the parasite, which becomes the basis for the contradictory findings on the parasite's pathogenic role seen across different studies. Our study provides evidence that asymptomatic Blastocystis sp. in a human gut can be triggered to show pathogenic characteristics when influenced by the intestinal microbiota.


Subject(s)
Blastocystis Infections , Blastocystis , Humans , Blastocystis/genetics , Virulence , Feces/parasitology , Blastocystis Infections/parasitology , Bacteria , Phenotype
6.
Int J Mol Sci ; 24(1)2023 Jan 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36614337

ABSTRACT

Soil ecosystems are home to a diverse range of microorganisms, but they are only partially understood because no single-cell sequencing or whole-community sequencing provides a complete picture of these complex communities. Using one of such metagenomics approaches, we succeeded in monitoring the microbial diversity and stress-response gene in the soil samples. This study aims to test whether known differences in taxonomic diversity and composition are reflected in functional gene profiles by implementing whole gene sequencing (WGS) metagenomic analysis of geographically dispersed soils from two distinct pristine forests. The study was commenced by sequencing three rainforest soil samples and three peat swamp soil samples. Soil richness effects were assessed by exploring the changes in specific functional gene abundances to elucidate physiological constraints acting on different soil systems and identify variance in functional pathways relevant to soil biogeochemical cycling. Proteobacteria shows abundances of microbial diversity for 52.15% in Royal Belum Reserved Forest and 48.28% in Raja Musa; 177 out of 1,391,841 and 449 out of 3,586,577 protein coding represent acidic stress-response genes for Royal Belum and Raja Musa, respectively. Raja Musa indicates pH 2.5, which is extremely acidic. The analysis of the taxonomic community showed that Royal Belum soils are dominated by bacteria (98% in Sungai Kooi (SK), 98% in Sungai Papan (SP), and 98% in Sungai Ruok (SR), Archaea (0.9% in SK, 0.9% in SP, and 1% in SR), and the remaining were classed under Eukaryota and viruses. Likewise, the soils of Raja Muda Musa are also dominated by bacteria (95% in Raja Musa 1 (RM1), 98% in Raja Musa 2 (RM2), and 96% in Raja Musa 3 (RM3)), followed by Archaea (4% in RM1, 1% in RM2, and 3% in RM3), and the remaining were classed under Eukaryota and viruses. This study revealed that RBFR (Royal Belum Foresr Reserve) and RMFR (Raja Musa Forest Reserve) metagenomes contained abundant stress-related genes assigned to various stress-response pathways, many of which did not show any difference among samples from both sites. Our findings indicate that the structure and functional potential of the microbial community will be altered by future environmental potential as the first glimpse of both the taxonomic and functional composition of soil microbial communities.


Subject(s)
Microbiota , Musa , Skates, Fish , Animals , Metagenome , Wetlands , Rainforest , Musa/genetics , Skates, Fish/genetics , Soil/chemistry , Microbiota/genetics , Bacteria/metabolism , Archaea/genetics , Forests , Eukaryota/genetics , Soil Microbiology
7.
Int J Infect Dis ; 125: 216-226, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36336246

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study reported SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing results from June 2021 to January 2022 from seven genome sequencing centers in Malaysia as part of the national surveillance program. METHODS: COVID-19 samples that tested positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and with cycle threshold values <30 were obtained throughout Malaysia. Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes was performed using Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, or Ion Torrent platforms. A total of 6163 SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequences were generated over the surveillance period. All sequences were submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database. RESULTS: From June 2021 to January 2022, Malaysia experienced the fourth wave of COVID-19 dominated by the Delta variant of concern, including the original B.1.617.2 lineage and descendant AY lineages. The B.1.617.2 lineage was identified as the early dominant circulating strain throughout the country but over time, was displaced by AY.59 and AY.79 lineages in Peninsular (west) Malaysia, and the AY.23 lineage in east Malaysia. In December 2021, pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia facilitated the introduction and spread of the BA.1 lineage (Omicron variant of concern) in the country. CONCLUSION: The changing trends of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages were identified, with differences observed between west and east Malaysia. This initiative highlighted the importance of leveraging research expertise in the country to facilitate pandemic response and preparedness.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Malaysia/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Genomics , Pandemics
8.
Case Stud Transp Policy ; 10(4): 2244-2250, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36268008

ABSTRACT

The rapid development of e-commerce and the spread of the COVID-19 virus created many new jobs opportunity including food delivery riders known as P-Hailing riders. The number of food delivery riders has increased drastically, especially in Malaysia. Consequently, the number of food delivery riders involved in traffic crashes also increased. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of food delivery riders involved in traffic crashes during delivery and to compare with the characteristics of food delivery riders without any traffic crash history. This paper explores and compares general characteristics, previous experience of working and receiving traffic tickets, and knowledge of road safety. Due to unavailable official records about the number of active food delivery riders in Malaysia, this study focuses on riders who registered as members of the Malaysian P-Hailing Association, PENGHANTAR. A total of 225 food delivery riders participated in the online survey conducted through Google Form. Categorical data analysis techniques were used to examine the different characteristics of food delivery riders with and without traffic crash experiences. Results show that the odds ratio of young and full-time riders are respectively about 2.05 times and 1.79 times higher than being involved in traffic crashes. Other factors that increase the odds of being involved in traffic crashes include having more than two years of experience in delivery, an average distance travelled of>100 km a day, working previously in the food and grocery sector, and without working experience. The findings from this study will help related agencies to design and develop awareness programs targeting this group of riders.

9.
BMC Infect Dis ; 22(1): 697, 2022 Aug 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35982419

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High cost of commercial RNA extraction kits limits the testing efficiency of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we developed a simple nucleic acid extraction method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 directly from nasopharyngeal swab samples. METHODS: A pH sensitive dye was used as the end point detection method. The obvious colour changes between positive and negative reactions eliminates the need of other equipment. RESULTS: Clinical testing using 260 samples showed 92.7% sensitivity (95% CI 87.3-96.3%) and 93.6% specificity (95% CI 87.3-97.4%) of RT-LAMP. CONCLUSIONS: The simple RNA extraction method minimizes the need for any extensive laboratory set-up. We suggest combining this simple nucleic acid extraction method and RT-LAMP technology as the point-of care diagnostic tool.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Testing , COVID-19 , Molecular Diagnostic Techniques , Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/virology , COVID-19 Testing/methods , Humans , Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods , Nasopharynx/virology , Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/methods , Point-of-Care Systems , RNA, Viral/analysis , RNA, Viral/genetics , RNA, Viral/isolation & purification , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Sensitivity and Specificity
10.
Science ; 377(6609): 960-966, 2022 08 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35881005

ABSTRACT

Understanding the circumstances that lead to pandemics is important for their prevention. We analyzed the genomic diversity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We show that SARS-CoV-2 genomic diversity before February 2020 likely comprised only two distinct viral lineages, denoted "A" and "B." Phylodynamic rooting methods, coupled with epidemic simulations, reveal that these lineages were the result of at least two separate cross-species transmission events into humans. The first zoonotic transmission likely involved lineage B viruses around 18 November 2019 (23 October to 8 December), and the separate introduction of lineage A likely occurred within weeks of this event. These findings indicate that it is unlikely that SARS-CoV-2 circulated widely in humans before November 2019 and define the narrow window between when SARS-CoV-2 first jumped into humans and when the first cases of COVID-19 were reported. As with other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 emergence likely resulted from multiple zoonotic events.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Viral Zoonoses , Animals , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/transmission , COVID-19/virology , Computer Simulation , Genetic Variation , Genomics/methods , Humans , Molecular Epidemiology , Phylogeny , SARS-CoV-2/classification , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Viral Zoonoses/epidemiology , Viral Zoonoses/virology
11.
Front Psychol ; 13: 756255, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35865699

ABSTRACT

Human resources management is essential to ensure the success of any organization which is based on the belief that an organization gains competitive advantage by using its people effectively and efficiently. But HR professionals need organizational support to make the employees more committed and passionate about their work. In this study, the researchers aim to examine the moderating effect of organizational support in the relationship between human resource (HR) professionals' competencies, HR professionals' willingness, and HR professionals' effectiveness. HR Professionals' competencies such as credible activist, talent manager, culture and change steward, strategy architect, business ally, and operational executor nurture HR professionals' effectiveness. Besides, HR professionals' willingness is a significant predictor of HR professionals' effectiveness. To test the relationships, the researcher collected data through survey questionnaire from 183 managers from commercial banks of Pakistan. For statistical analysis, Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. The findings reveal the positive and significant impact of HR professionals' competencies and HR professionals' willingness on HR professionals' effectiveness. Additionally, the moderating impact of organizational support was also significant among HR professionals' competencies, HR professionals' willingness, and HR professionals' effectiveness relationship. The study contributes in the literature of HR professionals' effectiveness and organizational support in the banking sector of local context. The study also discusses the implications and future directions. One of them is that the research framework provides guidelines for HR professionals about what competencies are needed to enhance HR professional effectiveness. The present study recommends HR professionals of the banking sector to be involved in strategic planning and implementation in their organization.

12.
Front Psychol ; 13: 774165, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35664196

ABSTRACT

Extant research primarily focuses on the driving factors of human resource (HR) professionals' effectiveness in Telco firms of Pakistan. That is due to the need for HR professionals to be effective has risen in the 21st century for gaining sustainable competitive advantage. This research paper aims to examine the level of HR professionals' effectiveness in Telco firms of Pakistan and explores the strategic functions and their elements, owing to which HR professionals can be effective in fulfilling their tasks and duties. Ten HR executives from five Telco firms were interviewed. The study finds nine key strategic functions along with their forty elements, which indicate the effectiveness of HR professionals. Successful implementation of these strategic functions and their elements offers Telco firms to sustain competitive advantage. Hence, it extends the resource-based view (RBV) theory by accumulating the additional determinants in the context of Pakistan. The research provides the insights for policy makers and practitioners, which explain the key strategic functions and substantial variables through which HR professionals can augment their effectiveness in sustaining competitive advantage.

13.
Front Pharmacol ; 13: 859563, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35462918

ABSTRACT

Globally, millions of people suffer from various substance use disorders (SUD), including mono-and polydrug use of opioids and methamphetamine. Brain regions such as the cingulate cortex, infralimbic cortex, dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens, basolateral and central amygdala have been shown to play important roles in addiction-related behavioral changes. Clinical and pre-clinical studies have characterized these brain regions and their corresponding neurochemical changes in numerous phases of drug dependence such as acute drug use, intoxication, craving, withdrawal, and relapse. At present, many studies have reported the individual effects of opioids and methamphetamine. However, little is known about their combined effects. Co-use of these drugs produces effects greater than either drug alone, where one decreases the side effects of the other, and the combination produces a prolonged intoxication period or a more desirable intoxication effect. An increasing number of studies have associated polydrug abuse with poorer treatment outcomes, drug-related deaths, and more severe psychopathologies. To date, the pharmacological treatment efficacy for polydrug abuse is vague, and still at the experimental stage. This present review discusses the human and animal behavioral, neuroanatomical, and neurochemical changes underlying both morphine and methamphetamine dependence separately, as well as its combination. This narrative review also delineates the recent advances in the pharmacotherapy of mono- and poly drug-use of opioids and methamphetamine at clinical and preclinical stages.

14.
Biotechnol Lett ; 44(3): 513-522, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35122191

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The degradation activity of two bacteriophages UPMK_1 and UPMK_2 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus phages were examined using gel zymography. METHODS: The analysis was done using BLASTP to detect peptides catalytic domains. Many peptides that are related to several phage proteins were revealed. RESULTS: UPMK_1 and UPMK_2 custom sequence database were used for peptide identification. The biofilm-degrading proteins in the bacteriophage UPMK_2 revealed the same lytic activity towards polysaccharide intercellular adhesin-dependent and independent of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm producers in comparison to UPMK_1, which had lytic activity restricted solely to its host. CONCLUSION: Both bacteriophage enzymes were involved in MRSA biofilm degradation during phage infection and they have promising enzybiotics properties against MRSA biofilm formation.


Subject(s)
Bacteriophages , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Bacteriophages/genetics , Biofilms , Proteomics
15.
Int Arch Occup Environ Health ; 95(5): 1113-1127, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35091853

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The implications of work-related stress among manufacturing workers were often unrecognised. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the workplace health promotion (WHP) program in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels, as well as improving the overall quality of life among Malaysian manufacturing workers. METHODS: The study used a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design and included 88 employees from a food and beverage manufacturing factory in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The intervention group received a comprehensive WHP program based on organisational and individual stress management programs that included (i) healthy mental health module, (ii) anxiety management technique, (iii) mindfulness for stress and (iv) stress at work. The module was delivered through the Occupational Stress Management Course and Employee Assistance Program. The control group received no further intervention other than a general brochure on stress. The study period consisted of an intervention period of 3 months followed by a post-intervention period of 3 months. Measurements were recorded at baseline and at 3 month post-intervention. Outcome measures included the self-perceived depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21), participant's quality of life (WHOQOL), coping skills (COPE-28) and job characteristics (JCQ). RESULTS: The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in self-perceived stress, anxiety, and depression scores three months post intervention (p ≤ 0.001). All domains of health-related quality of life and coping skills related to social support and problem-solving were significantly improved in the intervention group following the intervention (p < 0.001). In the control group, no significant changes were observed in all the parameters. CONCLUSION: WHP program shows promising results in improving mental health status, quality of life and coping skills among the manufacturing workers.


Subject(s)
Occupational Stress , Workplace , Anxiety/prevention & control , Depression/prevention & control , Health Promotion , Humans , Malaysia , Occupational Stress/prevention & control , Occupational Stress/psychology , Stress, Psychological/prevention & control , Workplace/psychology
16.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 23661, 2021 12 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34880337

ABSTRACT

Rafflesia is a unique plant species existing as a single flower and produces the largest flower in the world. While Rafflesia buds take up to 21 months to develop, its flowers bloom and wither within about a week. In this study, transcriptome analysis was carried out to shed light on the molecular mechanism of senescence in Rafflesia. A total of 53.3 million high quality reads were obtained from two Rafflesia cantleyi flower developmental stages and assembled to generate 64,152 unigenes. Analysis of this dataset showed that 5,166 unigenes were differentially expressed, in which 1,073 unigenes were identified as genes involved in flower senescence. Results revealed that as the flowers progress to senescence, more genes related to flower senescence were significantly over-represented compared to those related to plant growth and development. Senescence of the R. cantleyi flower activates senescence-associated genes in the transcription activity (members of the transcription factor families MYB, bHLH, NAC, and WRKY), nutrient remobilization (autophagy-related protein and transporter genes), and redox regulation (CATALASE). Most of the senescence-related genes were found to be differentially regulated, perhaps for the fine-tuning of various responses in the senescing R. cantleyi flower. Additionally, pathway analysis showed the activation of genes such as ETHYLENE RECEPTOR, ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE 2, ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE 3, and ETHYLENE-RESPONSIVE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR, indicating the possible involvement of the ethylene hormone response pathway in the regulation of R. cantleyi senescence. Our results provide a model of the molecular mechanism underlying R. cantleyi flower senescence, and contribute essential information towards further understanding the biology of the Rafflesiaceae family.


Subject(s)
Flowers/genetics , Genes, Plant , Malpighiales/physiology , Plant Senescence/genetics , Transcriptome , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Gene Ontology , Malpighiales/genetics
17.
Commun Biol ; 4(1): 1166, 2021 10 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34620991

ABSTRACT

Hyperdiverse tropical rainforests, such as the aseasonal forests in Southeast Asia, are supported by high annual rainfall. Its canopy is dominated by the species-rich tree family of Dipterocarpaceae (Asian dipterocarps), which has both ecological (e.g., supports flora and fauna) and economical (e.g., timber production) importance. Recent ecological studies suggested that rare irregular drought events may be an environmental stress and signal for the tropical trees. We assembled the genome of a widespread but near threatened dipterocarp, Shorea leprosula, and analyzed the transcriptome sequences of ten dipterocarp species representing seven genera. Comparative genomic and molecular dating analyses suggested a whole-genome duplication close to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event followed by the diversification of major dipterocarp lineages (i.e. Dipterocarpoideae). Interestingly, the retained duplicated genes were enriched for genes upregulated by no-irrigation treatment. These findings provide molecular support for the relevance of drought for tropical trees despite the lack of an annual dry season.


Subject(s)
Dipterocarpaceae/genetics , Droughts , Gene Duplication , Genome, Plant , Rainforest , Malaysia , Seasons
18.
Front Surg ; 8: 698774, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34485373

ABSTRACT

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of self-instructional-video (SIV) and classroom training method (CTM) in learning Focus-Assessment with Sonography-in-Trauma (FAST) among house officers (HO). Method: A randomized controlled study involving house officers working in the university hospital in Malaysia was conducted where participants were randomized into SIV group (intervention) and CTM group (control). Each group had to undergo a 4 h hands-on training. The intervention group has undergone self-training using the video material without any facilitation while the control group received lecture and hands-on training with facilitators. Participants' performance was assessed using a validated Objective Structured Clinical Examination checklist for landmark identification and interpretation of images generated. Learning preference and confidence level were also assessed. Result: A total of 33 HO were enrolled in this study. Marks obtained in image acquisition by the intervention and control were 25.3 (SD = 5.3) and 25.6 (SD = 2.3) p > 0.05, respectively. While in image interpretation, the mean score for the intervention and control group was 10.3 (SD 1.7) and 9.8 (SD = 1.7) p > 0.05, respectively. Overall performance assessment, showed the intervention group obtained 35.6 (SD = 5.9) compared to control 35.3 (SD = 3.4), p > 0.05. Based on pre-specified determinant these scores difference falls within the 10% of non-inferiority margin. The absolute difference between both groups was 0.3 (CI = -3.75 to 3.21, p = 0.871), which proves non-inferiority but not superiority. In terms of learning preference and confidence to perform FAST, most of the participants preferred the control group approach. Conclusion: The SIV method is as effective as the CTM for learning FAST among the house officers and served as an alternative to classroom teaching. However, this technique needs improvement in promoting their confidence and preference. Perhaps incorporating a feedback session after going through the SIV would improve the confidence.

19.
Data Brief ; 36: 107124, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34095374

ABSTRACT

Transboundary emissions of smoke-haze from land and forest fires have recurred annually during the dry period (June to October, over the past few decades) in South East Asia. Hazardous air quality has been recorded in Malaysia during these episodes. Agricultural practices such as slash-and-burn of biomass and peat fires particularly in Sumatera and Kalimantan, Indonesia, have been implicated as the major causes of the haze. Past findings have shown that a diversity of microbes can thrive in air including in smoke-haze polluted air. In this study, metagenomic data were generated to reveal the diversity of microorganisms in air during days with and without haze. Air samples were collected during non-haze (2013A01) and two haze (2013A04 and 2013A05) periods in the month of June 2013. DNA was extracted from the samples, subjected to Multiple Displacement Amplification and whole genome sequencing (Next Generation Sequencing) using the HiSeq 2000 Platform. Extensive bio-informatic analyses of the raw sequence data then followed. Raw reads from these six air samples were deposited in the NCBI SRA databases under Bioproject PRJNA662021 with accession numbers SRX9087478, SRX9087479 and SRX9087480.

20.
Heliyon ; 7(2): e06307, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33681499

ABSTRACT

The polychaete Diopatra claparedii Grube, 1878 is among those organisms successfully carrying out full body regeneration, including the whole nervous system. Thus, D. claparedii potentially can be regarded for the nervous system regeneration (NSR) study. However, data on the property of its nervous system and the NSR profile are still lacking. In this study, we investigated the morphology of D. claparedii anterior nervous system (ANS) and examined the cellular and molecular profiles on its early anterior NSR. The nervous system of D. claparedii consists of a symmetry brain with nerves branching off, circumpharyngeal connectives that connect the brain and nerve cord as well as obvious segmental ganglia. Moreover, we identified changes in the cellular condition of the ganglionic cells in the regenerating tissue, such as the accumulation of lysosomes and lipofuscins, elongated mitochondria and multiple nucleoli. Furthermore, mRNA of tissues at two regenerating stages, as well as intact tissue (non-regenerating), were sequenced with Illumina sequencer. We identified from these tissues 37,248 sequences, 18 differential expressed proteins of which upregulated were involved in NSR with noelin-like isoform X2 turned up to be the highest being expressed. Our results highlight the cellular and molecular changes during early phase of NSR, thus providing essential insights on regeneration within Annelida and understanding the neurodegenerative diseases.

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