Noise Exposure and Hearing Threshold Profile among Zumba Fitness Regulars in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Recreational noise exposure has become a major threat to the hearing system, and this includes exposure to loud noise during group exercises such as Zumba Fitness, where loud music plays an important role. This study aimed to assess the noise exposure and hearing threshold profile among Zumba Fitness regulars in Kuantan, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Noise exposure and hearing profile threshold were measured during Zumba Fitness sessions at a fitness studio in Kuantan, Malaysia from 24th June 2014 to 12th August 2014. Noise exposure was measured using a noise dosimeter for one hour of Zumba Fitness session with a total of nine sessions run by three different instructors while sound level pressure was taken using a sound level meter during ambient, peak session and during cooling down. Thirty participants answered questionnaires and underwent pure tone diagnostic audiometry test at a local clinic for hearing threshold documentation. RESULTS: Some areas of the hall posed higher risks of causing noise-induced hearing loss especially near the amplifiers. There were periods when the hearing level exceeded 115 dBA. Early abnormal pattern could be observed in the hearing profiles of some of the participants to suggest preliminary hearing problems. CONCLUSION: Zumba Fitness regulars have a risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss and preventive steps should be properly addressed as NIHL is permanent and irreversible

Extraction of cocoa proanthocyanidins and their fractionation by sequential centrifugal partition chromatography and gel permeation chromatography

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch)Cocoa beans contain secondary metabolites ranging from simple alkaloids to complex polyphenols with most of them believed to possess significant health benefits. The increasing interest in these health effects has prompted the need to develop techniques for their extraction, fractionation, separation, and analysis. This work provides an update on analytical procedures with a focus on establishing a gentle extraction technique. Cocoa beans were finely ground to an average particle size of <100 μm, defatted at 20°C using n-hexane, and extracted three times with 50 % aqueous acetone at 50°C. Determination of the total phenolic content was done using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, the concentration of individual polyphenols was analyzed by electrospray ionization high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (ESI-HPLC/MS). Fractions of bioactive compounds were separated by combining sequential centrifugal partition chromatography (SCPC) and gel permeation column chromatography using Sephadex LH-20. For SCPC, a two-phase solvent system consisting of ethyl acetate/n-butanol/water (4:1:5, v/v/v) was successfully applied for the separation of theobromine, caffeine, and representatives of the two main phenolic compound classes flavan-3-ols and flavonols. Gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 using a stepwise elution sequence with aqueous acetone has been shown for effectively separating individual flavan-3-ols. Separation was obtained for (-)-epicatechin, proanthocyanidin dimer B2, trimer C1, and tetramer cinnamtannin A2. The purity of alkaloids and phenolic compounds was determined by HPLC analysis and their chemical identity was confirmed by mass spectrometry

Tea and coffee consumption in relation to vitamin D and calcium levels in Saudi adolescents

Background Coffee and tea consumption was hypothesized to interact with variants of vitamin D-receptor polymorphisms, but limited evidence exists. Here we determine for the first time whether increased coffee and tea consumption affects circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a cohort of Saudi adolescents. Methods A total of 330 randomly selected Saudi adolescents were included. Anthropometrics were recorded and fasting blood samples were analyzed for routine analysis of fasting glucose, lipid levels, calcium, albumin and phosphorous. Frequency of coffee and tea intake was noted. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Improved lipid profiles were observed in both boys and girls, as demonstrated by increased levels of HDL-cholesterol, even after controlling for age and BMI, among those consuming 9–12 cups of coffee/week. Vitamin D levels were significantly highest among those consuming 9–12 cups of tea/week in all subjects (p-value 0.009) independent of age, gender, BMI, physical activity and sun exposure. Conclusion This study suggests a link between tea consumption and vitamin D levels in a cohort of Saudi adolescents, independent of age, BMI, gender, physical activity and sun exposure. These findings should be confirmed prospectively

Caracterización genotípica y nuevos tipos de secuencia multilocus de exoU+ de Pseudomonas aeruginosa presente en diferentes infecciones clínicas y entornos

Introducción: The exoU gene, a marker for highly virulent strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is the major contributor to a wide varietyof healthcare-associated infections. Methods: In this study, the antibiotic susceptibility profile, prevalence and genotyping of exoU+ P.aeruginosa were demonstrated. A total of 101 isolates of P. aeruginosa were analysed from different clinical and environmental sources. Results: The antibiotic susceptibility profile classified these isolates as extensively drug resistant (35.6%), multidrug resistant (40.5%) and non-multidrug resistant (23.7%). The prevalence of exoU gene was screened by PCR and 23 exoU+ genotypes were detected which all were clinical isolates. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of seven loci assigned these exoU+ genotypes to 21 sequence types (STs) from which 16 new STs were identified. The prevalent STs were ST-308 and ST-235. Phylogenetic analysis using the concatenated nucleotide sequences of the seven housekeeping genes, exoU and the ITS region differentiated these exoU+ strains into five main groups. However, distinct evolutionary origins for some new sequence types were also indicated. Conclusions: The studied isolates showed the coexistence of exoU- and exoU+ genotypes of clinical P. aeruginosa in Kurdistan with a majority of MDR and XDR pattern. The prevalent STs found in other hospitals worldwide and at the international level

Current progress on removal of recalcitrance coloured particles from anaerobically treated effluent using coagulation–flocculation

The palm oil industry is the most important agro industries in Malaysia and most of the mills adopt anaerobic digestion as their primary treatment for palm oil mill effluent (POME). Due to the public concern, decolourisation of anaerobically treated POME (AnPOME) is becoming a great concern. Presence of recalcitrant-coloured particles hinders biological processes and coagulation–flocculation may able to remove these coloured particles. Several types of inorganic and polymers-based coagulant/flocculant aids for coagulation–flocculation of AnPOME have been reviewed. Researchers are currently interested in using natural coagulant and flocculant aids. Modification of the properties of natural coagulant and flocculant aids enhanced coagulation–flocculation performance. Modelling and optimization of the coagulation–flocculation process have also been reviewed. Chemical sludge has the potential for plant growth that can be evaluated through pot trials and phytotoxicity test

Adenosine A2A receptors: localization and function

Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside present in all mammalian tissues, that originates from the breakdown of ATP. By binding to its four receptor subtypes (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3), adenosine regulates several important physiological functions at both the central and peripheral levels. Therefore, ligands for the different adenosine receptors are attracting increasing attention as new potential drugs to be used in the treatment of several diseases. This chapter is aimed at providing an overview of adenosine metabolism, adenosine receptors localization and their signal transduction pathways. Particular attention will be paid to the biochemistry and pharmacology of A2A receptors, since antagonists of these receptors have emerged as promising new drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The interactions of A2A receptors with other nonadenosinergic receptors, and the effects of the pharmacological manipulation of A2A receptors on different body organs will be discussed, together with the usefulness of A2A receptor antagonists for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and the potential adverse effects of these drugs

Framework for Implementing a Supplier Kanban System through Action Research Methodology

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a framework for the implementation of a Supplier Kanban System Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted within a factory focusing on the warehousing and supplier-related operations using an action research methodology Findings: The study period spanning over six years was aimed to reduce the inventory and the manpower required to manage this inventory. This initiative led to a substantial average savings of more than 500,000 Malaysian Ringgit annually Research limitations/implications: The focus of the study is on a framework for implementing a Supplier Kanban System in a small or medium-sized company within the automotive industry Practical implications: This framework is designed to be self-sufficient such that the members of the organisation can use it without the help of external experts or consultants Social implications: Reduction in inventory stored in the warehouse, the amount of redundant work carried out by the employees and other non-monetary improvements which are difficult to a monetise resulted in a much better work environment and happier employees Originality/value: The changing in the paradigm of the manufacturing value chain affects the tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers in Malaysia. The lines and value chains posing challenges to the suppliers have brought the idea of the Supplier Kanban system. The Supplier Kanban System adopted the Action Research Cycles and Continuous Learning Cycles, and this process was documented and developed as the Framework for the Implementation of a Supplier Kanban System

Laparoscopy in management of appendicitis in high-, middle-, and low-income countries: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Differences between high- and low-income settings in the availability of laparoscopic appendectomy, alternative management choices, and outcomes are poorly described. The aim was to identify variation in surgical management and outcomes of appendicitis within low-, middle-, and high-Human Development Index (HDI) countries worldwide. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international prospective cohort study. Consecutive sampling of patients undergoing emergency appendectomy over 6 months was conducted. Follow-up lasted 30 days. RESULTS: 4546 patients from 52 countries underwent appendectomy (2499 high-, 1540 middle-, and 507 low-HDI groups). Surgical site infection (SSI) rates were higher in low-HDI (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.33-4.99, p = 0.005) but not middle-HDI countries (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76-2.52, p = 0.291), compared with high-HDI countries after adjustment. A laparoscopic approach was common in high-HDI countries (1693/2499, 67.7%), but infrequent in low-HDI (41/507, 8.1%) and middle-HDI (132/1540, 8.6%) groups. After accounting for case-mix, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71, p < 0.001) and SSIs (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.33, p < 0.001). In propensity-score matched groups within low-/middle-HDI countries, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.23 95% CI 0.11-0.44) and SSI (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.09-0.45). CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach is associated with better outcomes and availability appears to differ by country HDI. Despite the profound clinical, operational, and financial barriers to its widespread introduction, laparoscopy could significantly improve outcomes for patients in low-resource environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02179112

Synthesis, magnetic and optical properties of core/shell Co1-xZnxFe2O4/SiO2 nanoparticles

The optical properties of multi-functionalized cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4), cobalt zinc ferrite (Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4), and zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles have been enhanced by coating them with silica shell using a modified Stöber method. The ferrites nanoparticles were prepared by a modified citrate gel technique. These core/shell ferrites nanoparticles have been fired at temperatures: 400°C, 600°C and 800°C, respectively, for 2 h. The composition, phase, and morphology of the prepared core/shell ferrites nanoparticles were determined by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The diffuse reflectance and magnetic properties of the core/shell ferrites nanoparticles at room temperature were investigated using UV/VIS double-beam spectrophotometer and vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. It was found that, by increasing the firing temperature from 400°C to 800°C, the average crystallite size of the core/shell ferrites nanoparticles increases. The cobalt ferrite nanoparticles fired at temperature 800°C; show the highest saturation magnetization while the zinc ferrite nanoparticles coated with silica shell shows the highest diffuse reflectance. On the other hand, core/shell zinc ferrite/silica nanoparticles fired at 400°C show a ferromagnetic behavior and high diffuse reflectance when compared with all the uncoated or coated ferrites nanoparticles. These characteristics of core/shell zinc ferrite/silica nanostructures make them promising candidates for magneto-optical nanodevice applications